Chapter 6

Things did not always go well. Sometimes when people still are enjoying happiness, bad things come to visit.
I thought that day with Rex would be a secret. However, I was wrong.
One day, Bruno called me out. We met at a park which was far away from the city. That was our first meeting in those three months. And it was the first time we nearly fought.
“How are you doing?” he asked.
“I’m fine.”
“How was your last Wednesday? I mean what about your date?”
I was surprised. Last Wednesday I was with Rex. Did Bruno know anything about that? How did he know?
“What are you talking about?” I asked as calmly as I could.
“Do you want to lie to me? No, you shouldn’t. I am your friend. You should tell me the whole truth. And remember whatever happens I am always your supporter,” he said.
His question was sudden. I didn’t know how to answer. Could I tell him the whole story? I was confused.
“Let me answer the questions in your head. After the last time Rex was in danger at the club, Mr. Thomas asked us for help. Now, police follow him to ensure his safety every day. So, we know all his activities. Of course, including last Wednesday his date with you, my friend.”
His words shocked me. I was not aware that the police had followed us. How careless I was!
“Not only about last Wednesday, I heard the whole story.”
“What do you want to say?” I asked.
“I never doubted you, but that was only before you met Rex. I would like to remind you not forget your responsibility.”
“I know what I am doing now. Don’t worry.”
“Rex is good-looking. However, he is a man and you are too. Don’t forget this, my dear friend.”
I was still. I knew what Bruno meant. I never forgot Rex was a man, but so what? I was just felt comfortable to stay with him, not in love with him. Did anybody care what sex his friend was? I didn’t think there was anything wrong with two men being close friends.
“Forget him. There are a lot of important things wait for you to do. Don’t let him bother your life.”
“I don’t think he will affect me.”
“He’s already affected you. You must break off contact with him.”
“Don’t tell me what to do. I told you I know what I am doing now,” I said a little angrily.
“No, you don’t. If you knew, you would not have saved him twice. If you knew, you would not hang out with him. If you know, you would understand that you are in a dangerous situation now. Since you met him, you have changed. But you haven’t realized it yet.”
I couldn’t say anything in return. No, to save a hostage was not a mafia member’s work. I had no excuse.
“Listen, Lawrence. I won’t let you be in dangerous. I must stop you now.” He put his hands on my shoulders. “You and I both know if Ivan finds out about this, he will be very angry. But we don’t know what he will do if he gets angry with you. You can’t make him angry or all your hard work these three years will be a waste. Do you forget your identity? You’re a cop, in fact. Don’t forget what you promised me three years ago. And also don’t forget my reminder what I told you at that time.”
“Don’t talk about that stupid promise. And remember I am not afraid of danger.” I caught his collar and said.
“Why do you still not understand? You can forget your promise. You can not be afraid of death. But have you forgotten your younger brother? Have you given up looking for him? If you die, who will look for him?”
“I will not die. I will keep my promise. I am tired today, I’m leaving.” I left. I didn’t want to continue that conversation anymore. I was upset. I needed time to deal with all these things.
That night I went to bed early but I couldn’t sleep well. In my dream, I remembered three years before…

I was a policeman that time and Bruno was chief. He was the youngest chief and very skillful. Everybody respected him and I did too. In fact, he was my idol. I hoped one day I would be able to be a perfect man like him.
One day, I met Bruno in the corridor of the station. “Just come with me for a few minutes, please,” he said. He took me into his office and closed the door and curtain.
“Sit down, please,” he said.
I took a seat and asked, “What’s the matter, sir?”
“Lawrence, you’re a brave and skillful policeman, I think,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you, sir.”
“I have some dangerous work for you. Nobody can do it in our team except you.”
“What is the work?” I asked.
“Do you know Ivan Byron?” he asked.
“Yes, of course. Ivan Byron—the most powerful mafia leader in this country.”
“Good. The work is to go undercover in his mafia. It’s a very, very dangerous work. Will you do it for me?”
I was silent for a while. It was dangerous work. If I was careless, I could die anytime. But it was also a good chance to challenge. So I said, “Yes, I’d like to do it.”
“Thank you. It’ll be very dangerous. Nobody can know what you are doing. I’ll be the only one who knows. If anyone else knows, it will be dangerous for you and for anybody who knows too,” he said.
“I see. I’ll keep it a secret.”
“I’ll call you once a week. You should report to me what information you get. If you need any help, call me anytime, day or night. Keep this card, my number is on it,” he said and gave me his name-card.
“When will I start?” I asked.
“Next week. I’ll make a chance for you. Remember one more point. Once you start this job you can’t stop until we arrest Ivan,” he said.
“I’ll do my best. Trust me,” I said.
“Good. Go back and get ready. I’ll call you next week.”
When the next week came, Bruno called me to a churchyard. He asked three men to hit me, but it was just faction. Ivan saved me. Then I started my undercover life. That was three years before.

The next morning, I thought a lot and then called Bruno.
“I am sorry for yesterday. I won’t meet him again. About my work, I will do my best. Please trust me,” I said.
“I always trust you. I am happy to hear that you have changed your mind. Don’t forget you’re doing dangerous work. Be careful.”
“I see. Thank you.” I hung up.


—TBC