Kingpin's Gambit: Shadows of the Syndicate

The weeks that followed were horror for Kiera after she saw the encrypted text on her phone.

‘Tread with caution, the things you say and do. For it may likely cost you your life or that of your loved one’, the text read.

“What’s going on with mummy? She’s been cranky for a long time” Tessa looked up at her father who was scribbling words on a text.

James wondered too but he was hesitant to check her phone, it would be an easy thing to do only that she was never known to be secretive ever since he married her.

He decided to give her time to come clean, or maybe, he was scared of what he might be faced with.

Fidgeting, checking her phone and looking over her phone was something she never thought she would do in her entire life. Not even when she was always on the screen.

James and Tessa looked at her in worry as she was looking thin with fear.

“I really don’t know love. I’m worried as well, I’ve tried to ask her many times but she’s out of my reach” he mumbled, a little less audible to Tessa’s hearing.

Tessa stood up and ran towards her mother hugging her tightly. At first fear gripped Kiera, then she felt warmth beneath her. She turned to look at Tessa and smiled sadly.

“What’s going on mummy? You are always scared and worried? Is it because of what happened that day? Daddy has assured us that we are now safe”

Kiera looked at her husband in the distance and looked back to Tessa and shook her head lightly, tears streaming down her face.

How was she going to explain to her lovely daughter that things would never be the same again between her and her husband.

“I will be fine sweetheart. Although I’m scared, I’m still relieved that daddy saved us”

“Don’t worry mummy. You will be fine” Tessa consoled, buying the story.

Aside the threat text, Kiera also heard other disturbing talks and conversation her husband had over the phone. She had secretly told her mum of her findings as a text and her mother had in turn advised she keep it to herself until they confirm their suspicion.

She had even followed James to most of his meetings; more like stalked him. What she heard made her sick to the bones with fear.

She made a mental note to visit her mom to conclude whatever they had been suspecting.

The hours dragged on. She kept brooding, keeping to herself and ignoring James. Finally, a new day arrived and Kiera drove to see her mother.

**************************************************************************

“I’m sorry baby. You really did not have to witness all of this” Mary, Kiera’s mother spoke as soon as Kiera was seated in her living room.

“It’s my home mom” Kiera sighed sadly.

“No, no darling. I didn’t say you should leave him, I’m proud of every action you took since the incident”

“Never in my life did I think James would be involved in such” Kiera whimpered and rested her head on her mother’s lap.

“I think you have to confront him. You know, he might have the bad eggs among his partners” Mary suggested.

“I have done that mom. He assured me he wasn’t part of anything, but his action proves otherwise” she protested.

“Ah! Kiera the inquisitive one. When would you learn to trust someone even if they do otherwise? Right now, you have endangered your life and that of Tessa’s own” her mother scolded.

“But I need to let my conscience be free and clean. That incident has shaken me to my core, why does it have to be my husband? If anyone should find out, I can’t hold my head up high again”

“I understand why you want to live a pure life, but others have chosen their path. Let them be, iron things with him and tread with caution”

“It is most likely that his gang is responsible for the unfortunate events happening in the city. I have to do the right thing and make an official report; my influence would make it easier” Kiera insisted, raising her head promptly.

“Don’t be stupid!” Mary bellowed. “You mean you would report your husband all for the sake of what?! How do you think Tessa would see you? Lie low for the sake of peace!”

Kiera thought otherwise. The whole city might be suffering just because of her husband, why not sacrifice one man to save millions? Besides his sentence might not be as harsh as it should be since he had accomplices and didn’t do the dirty work.

Kiera was about to protest when a voice interrupted.

“Good day madams” the voice greeted. Kiera turned, she wasn’t familiar with the face but she was sure the person had come for the issue at hand.

“You are welcome Mr. Kendra. Thank you for honoring my invitation” Mary greeted cordially.

“It’s my pleasure”

“Let’s get down to business then, shall we?” she pointed to a couch, while Kendra the tech guy sat down and arranged his gadgets.

He began his job, requesting Kiera’s phone, he plugged it in and began his search. Deep down, Kiera wished James wouldn’t be involved in this; all she could do is pray and wish.

After what seemed like hours, Kendra shot up his head and looked at Mary. She immediately gave him a sign. He got the clue and straightening himself, he cleared his throat. Kiera shot her attention back to him immediately, eagerly waiting for the dreaded result.

“At the moment, there are no results of your husband being involved in any mafia organization” he stated.

“Then where is the text coming from?” Kiera asked impatiently.

“Patient child” Mary rubbed Kiera’s shoulders gently

.

“It is coming from the biggest mafia group in the country if not the world. The name of this group is the shadow organization, there is no other specific information I could draw from them” he explained.

“Little wonder they are called the shadow” he muttered.

Kiera felt disappointed but also, relief washed over her. She just imagine her own husband a part of a mafia group but she was half a mile from the truth.

“Mr. Kendra, can I see you in private?” Mary requested. “I think you should go home darling, take off any doubt from your heart and live happily. The truth will surely come out one day, I don’t just want your life to be the price to get it” she said to Kiera.

“I’ve heard you mom, I’ll be on my way now” Kiera turned to leave after hugging her mom.

“That’s alright. Greet my lovely granddaughter, I’ve missed so much”

Kiera went into her car and pretended to drive home. Luckily for her, her mom had a road track at the back that no one visited. She parked her car at a safe distance and walked back to the house, but instead of entering inside, she tiptoed to the window of the room her mother had led Kendra to.

Her stubborn determination to find the truth and clear her conscience was going to be the death of her. But she was willing to risk everything for the truth.

Her heart sunk when she heard her husbands’ name.