The room was heavy with tension. The moment Jafari's older brother, Abasi, walked in, it felt like a ghost from the past had returned to haunt Ochieng.
Abasi was taller, more built, and his face carried the scars of battles long fought. His eyes were sharp, his expression unreadable—but Ochieng could see the storm brewing behind them.
"Ochieng," Abasi greeted, his voice deep and unwavering. "It's been a long time."
Ochieng leaned back, keeping his posture relaxed, but inside, he was calculating. This wasn't just a coincidence.
"Abasi," he said evenly. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Abasi chuckled darkly. "Of course not. After all, I'm here for the same reason everyone else is—to discuss the future of this country's underworld. But unlike the others, I have a personal score to settle."
Ochieng's fingers twitched. He already knew what this was about.
"You killed my brother," Abasi said bluntly.
The room fell even quieter. All eyes were on them now.
Natasha was smirking from her seat, enjoying the drama, but Ochieng knew this was no joke.
"I didn't kill Jafari," Ochieng replied, his tone calm but firm. "He made his choices. His greed, his betrayal—it led him to his own end."
Abasi's jaw tightened. "So that's what you tell yourself to sleep at night?"
Ochieng didn't blink. "No. That's just the truth."
---
Abasi exhaled sharply, rolling his neck as if shaking off the past. "I don't care about excuses. The only reason I haven't killed you yet is because this meeting is bigger than personal revenge. But when this is over, Ochieng, I will come for you."
Elaine's fingers curled near her knife. Veronica remained still but watchful.
Ochieng smirked slightly. "You're welcome to try."
Natasha clapped her hands suddenly. "Alright, gentlemen, let's not turn this into a funeral just yet. We have business to discuss, remember?"
Abasi held Ochieng's gaze for a few more seconds before finally stepping back. He turned away, taking a seat across the table.
But the message was clear.
This wasn't over.
Not even close.
---
The leaders of different criminal syndicates sat around the massive conference table. There were billionaires in expensive suits, cartel bosses draped in gold, and warlords with deadly reputations.
Natasha stood at the front, a glass of wine in hand. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's get straight to the point. The world is changing, and the underworld needs to change with it. There's a new opportunity rising, one that could make us untouchable—if we play it right."
The crowd murmured, intrigued.
Abasi leaned forward. "What opportunity?"
Natasha's eyes gleamed. "International expansion. Smuggling routes through Asia, arms deals with Eastern Europe, controlling the economy from the shadows."
Ochieng remained silent, watching.
Natasha was a dangerous woman, but she was also a visionary.
Veronica whispered to him, "She's up to something."
He nodded slightly. "I know."
Natasha continued, "To make this work, we need a leader—someone strong enough to command respect and feared enough to keep everyone in line."
A murmur of agreement spread through the room.
"And who do you suggest?" a cartel boss asked.
Natasha smiled. "That's what we're here to decide."
---
Ochieng leaned forward. "Let me guess—you already have a candidate in mind?"
Natasha met his gaze. "Perhaps. But let's not rush things. We should let the strongest prove themselves."
Abasi smirked. "Are you suggesting a test?"
Natasha shrugged. "Call it a… competition."
Ochieng's blood ran hot. A competition in the underworld wasn't just business—it was war.
And he knew that by the end of this, only one of them would be left standing.
---