Chapter 3 Den of Thieves

The sound of music was deafening, and the aura of space maddening. Everything seemed to be glittering, from the music box, and speakers, to even the clothes and drinks of people. The electric music arrested my soul, transcending my mood to a state of eccentric euphoria.

Stankovic grabbed me around my midsection and lifted me, "Yes!" he screamed. "We made it!"

"We did?" My voice rose above the noise as he put me down. He held my face, his eyes lighting up as a wild smile spread on his cheeks.

"The world is ours now, mate! Drink and be merry!" His excitement was palpable. I didn't know which was more fulfilling, seeing my friend this happy after many years or the promise of a better life from now on.

"Come on, let us get some drinks," He grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the bar section. We squeezed past several bodies until we reached the counter. He took a seat and I followed suit.

The bartender arrived in no time, clad in a pristine white shirt with a black bow tie and a brown towel hanging on his shoulder. He had a tattoo on his neck, a painting of the Italian flag, and his biceps were large, a testament to his rigorous workout routine.

"Holla boys!" His lips pulled up to one side.

"Yo, mate! What's for dinner?" Stan quacked, and they both burst into laughter. They seemed to be familiar with each other.

"Oh, I got something deadly on the menu. Sadly, it's not for bloody civilians." He teased back!

"Cut it out, Rossi." Stan stretched out his arm for a handshake and the bartender took it with a pleasant smile.

"How is your boy?" He asked.

"That little devil. He is older and wiser," Stan cussed under his breath and they both burst into another round of laughter. Then Stan pulled me closer, holding my shoulder.

"Here, this is my long-lost brother, Caesar!" He introduced me to his friend. "Caesar, Rossi."

I smiled as the bartender passed me a solid gaze, his hands stretched for a handshake. I took it, ensuring that the strength of my stare matched his.

"Ah, looks like a warrior, this one." He commented.

"He is," Stan concurred.

"A recruit?"

"Yes. And guess what? The boss seems to like his ass. He got in, painlessly."

"Damn! Lucky chap," Rossi tapped my shoulder, a glimmer of admiration appearing in his eyes. "Are you Italian like me?" He wondered aloud.

"No way!" I giggled. "I was born and raised here in New Graef City. I am a local."

"Never mind this lad. He studied in America for many years. He is barely a local." Stan cut in.

"In that case, I have a special drink for you!" Rossi winked at me.

"Oh, come on, mate. Not the poison!" Stand protested.

"Take a chill pill, he got some balls, no?" Rossi insisted.

"Don't worry, Stan. I will have the poison." I interjected. One thing I did not want to do here was appear weak. The boss had already let me in without a scratch, so I did not want anyone to think I was not tough.

"Atta boy!"

"Hello miserable people, we would love to welcome a new soldier to La Cherrusia tonight!" A loud feminine voice boomed through the speaker! I swiveled sharply in the direction of the sound, and saw a sleek-shaped female in gothic-style leather clothing, darkened nails, hair, and eyebrows, standing on a lighted platform at the very center of the enclave.

"We just got informed that a certain Caesar has been recruited tonight! And we wanted to welcome him in our special way! Who says no?"

The whole room went into a frenzy! Several hands went up, the music increased in volume, and the light began to search for me. My heartbeat broke into a sprint. I tried to move but Rossi grabbed me from behind.

"Over here!" He screamed. I could hear Stan's loud laughter as well. He was gesturing at everyone, bidding them come to us. I froze as intense bars of white light finally fell on me. The next thing I knew, Rossi handed me a shot, whispering in my ears, "Drink up! It helps with this part."

Before I could even refuse, Stan took the drink from my hand and swallowed it. "Another shot please!" He groaned at Rossi who let go of me and frowned at him.

Then I suddenly caught a glimpse of several figures approaching me with huge glass jugs filled with beer. My eyebrows puckered in confusion. I could barely understand what was going on. The next thing I knew, a shower descended on me. Someone had emptied a jar of beer on me.

"Welcome to the crib, son!" The voice echoed from the speaker, followed by several splashes of beer. Before long, I was drenched and full of hearty laughter. I did not think I had been this happy in a very long time.

Rossi handed me another shot, and without even thinking twice, I gulped it in. The hot sensation that followed, searing through my neck and thorax region, added to my joy!

Then, the floodlights left me and focused on someone else, and the beer squad followed. The girl ran away, and they pursued her. I found myself about to choke with laughter.

"Hey, stranger?" A calming voice swept by me, attracting my attention. I turned, and behold, a stunning damsel sat next to me. Her smile turned my world upside down, making me forget who I was. Glaring into her narrow green eyes, I saw my future.

Clad in a glittering black gown, her curly red hair was a sharp contrast to her silky white skin, but was synchronous with the color of her lips. I tried to speak, but my words formed a lump in my throat. I wiped my face with my wet sleeves. Perhaps I was dreaming. I pinched myself. No, I wasn't.

"Will you be my man, La Cherussian?"