Chapter 113
The room was more of a prison although it was spacious and empty save the chair Kenith was sitting on while he was being tortured and the table a few distances from it.
There were body bags packed at a corner and had dried blood stains on them – It was quite obvious that it had been used to transport some bodies. While on a rack on the corner of the wall hung devices of torture that hadn’t been used on Kenith, yet.
They finally stopped hitting Kenith who inhaled deeply as if trying to catch his breath. If one took a good look at Kenith, they wouldn’t be able to recognize him anymore because his face was swollen and he had a black eye.
His lips were split and blood trailed down his temple. In one word, Kenith didn’t look too good; his appearance was miserable. One of the soldiers reached for the table and picked a rag which he used to wipe his hand free of Kenith’s blood.
Almost immediately, the iron door leading to the cell rattled and Big Joe came in. Although Big Joe was overshadowed by his personal guards due to their massive height, one still couldn’t help but acknowledge his authoritative aura.
Yes, he was short, Big Joe was still the leader of this gang and all leaders are recognized and honored whenever they are. Hence the moment he arrived, even the soldiers, as big and burly as they are, bowed their heads as a sign of respect.
“Boss,”
Kenith lifted his head at that title knowing only one person would be addressed in that manner. The corner of his lips stretched into a smile, here comes the boss.
.....
“You’re finally here,” He said.
Big Joe stopped right in front of him and without even saying a word, the guard beside him immediately set a chair for him to sit on.
The man sat down majestically, throwing his leg over the door. With his arms wrapped across his chest, he took a good glance at Kenith who stared back at him as well.
Unlike the other times when Kenith treated Big Joe with respect, there was nothing but disdain in his gaze. He no longer hid the deep resentment he had for Big Joe. It was even amazing how he was able to last under his leadership for so long when he detested the man.
“How could you do this?” Big Joe said, his voice almost cracking. There was a pained look on his face as he said, “I trusted you, brother,”
Although it has been hours, he still hadn’t gotten over the betrayal. It was hard to forget the scene of his trusted second in command trying to have his way with his woman; the scene kept playing in a loop in his head.
At the mention of the title “brother”, Kenith gulped down a lump in his throat, pressing his toes together. He couldn’t look Big Joe straight in the eyes because of the amount of guilt pressing down on his chest.
They were not just brothers, they were more than brothers. Closer than even blood brothers could ever be. Where did things go wrong?
Although Big Joe was the first to begin this journey, Kenith had joined him not long after and the both of them decided to build this kingdom together. So where did things begin to change?
Was it when Kenith realized his capabilities? That he deserved to be more than just the underdog?
Big Joe might be the one with the resources but Kenith was the one who built this gang from scratch.
The administration and smooth running of the gang were all his doing yet he wasn’t recognized for the handwork and all he could be was second in command to the man who did nothing but contribute resources.
Kenith put his best to grow this gang and all of it, for a man who didn’t deserve the position? He should be the one applauded! He should be the one getting the recognition and not Big Joe! So no, he was not sorry for his plan of rebellion – that Big Joe is yet to know.
“If there has been anyone that I believe would never betray me, that would be you, Kenith! Yet, you do this! Why?!” Big Joe asked, full of emotions.
But Kenith had nothing to say, he was caught red-handed in the act. What then does Big Joe want him to say anyway? To acknowledge his sins and beg for his mercy? Sorry, but he wasn’t in the mood to bow down to someone undeserving.
“Why her? Big Joe went on to ask when he got nothing but silence as an answer. His voice was firm and he was staring at Kenith who raised his head at that question, “You were the one who brought her to me. You could have had her if you were that interested!”
“It’s the devil’s handwork,” Kenith finally spoke up, “Would you forgive me and move on like nothing happened if I said that was the case?”
“In the end, you don’t even have any remorse,” Big Joe shook his head in disappointment. He never knew Kenith could be this kind of person. No wonder, they said there was no brother in the jungle.
“I’m sorry, brother, but your woman acted like a slut and I had no choice but to treat her as one,”
“What do you mean by that?” Big Joe’s eyes narrowed at him suspiciously at that comment.
Kenith smiled, he had thrown the bait and the unsuspecting prey has been hooked.
“Your woman had a scandalous dance with Marcel the night before and I dare not to guess what happened afterward,” He hinted at them surely having sex.
Kenith was pleased with Big Joe’s expression. The man was obviously troubled by his revelation. After all, Arianna was his chosen bride and the video was quite viral, what would his partners think when they saw that?
They would surely think he had a loose bride and his reputation would be smeared. In this line of work, the women were nothing but devices to augment their status. Big Joe’s partners would think he wasn’t man enough to put his wife into submission. Added to the fact he has a high disadvantage with his height.
Arianna thought she won but he, Kenith, has never once lost a battle!