Hands In The Stars

29. Fare Collation

The vibration of the powered car engine roared as the couple traveled down the gloomy, dimly lit road. With nothing but the graying hazy sky and the light looming from the old, neglected streetlights to escort them, Emilio sighed deeply as he shifted gears. With a tired look bound over his face, he side-glanced over to his petite wife sitting beside him, a present in hand with a look of delight and enjoyment. Typical Rosa, what else would be expected from the Hunter wife? He couldn't help but smile at the sight, cherishing her charming features in the dark. 
"You know, it's never too late for us to omit this and go out on our own, my flower." Emilio grumbled over the soft radio, before deciding to reach over and turn it off completely. "A modest dinner at home, with solely you and me and a bottle of wine, it doesn't sound so bad, does it?" Emilio uttered in Italian. His words were tender but his tone was bitter. For a moment, Rosa seemed to think about it. She hummed a bit in agreement and smiled. 
"Oh darling, it has been long since we last had a night for only us, isn't that right? But you are not getting out of this that easily." She laughed warmly at his attempt. "Don't you think it will be nice to have some casual time with them? Whenever we meet up, it's always big, intimidating groups and work, work, work." She over-exaggerated her intimidating man impression, then giggled a bit. "For once it will be nice to simply have a dinner. Well, at least I hope, you never know with those isn't that true?"

Emilio couldn't help a smile from forming across his lips, shaking his head as he let out a warm chuckle at his wife's impression, then sighed profoundly. It was true, he'd never trusted those two, particularly not Kuan-Ju. In his eyes, someone who deems themselves honest, competent and loyal, shouldn't serve as the administrator's son's left hand. Then there was the fact that Feng Dongcock, one of the most dreaded men over China, sent shivers down Emilio's spine every time he thought of the mans staggering power over anything he desired. With the snap of his jewel-dressed fingers, he could do anything. But Kuan-Ju? Merely someone Emilio couldn't stand. A man that seemed to have obtained power from simply associating with the powerful mafia son. He didn't hesitate when given orders. Sure, in some cases, Emilio could respect that from a hitman point of view, yet sometimes it depended on being humane. The Taiwanese man lacked in that department.

"You are too kind, my darling Rosa. But please, if he does anything that troubles you, nevertheless affects you, enlighten me. I won't have anyone come close to my dearest flower..." Emilio uttered quietly. His eyes fixated on the big, dark graying house at the end of the street they were pulling up to. Flower-bushes decorated the driveway, walls and porch neatly and elegantly. The once white fence had begun to fade, revealing the old, wooden texture beneath. The pathway leading from the road to the house shone by the reflective, wet stones displayed across the ground in all different colours, shapes, and sizes. Next to the big house was a towering apple tree. Or rather, what was left of it. It was clear, after decades of standing on display in the Lin front garden, it had begun its path to die.

The parked car's engine  switched off and Emilio rose out of the vehicle, into the ice-cold night air. He took in the view of the old, traditional and eerie neighbourhood right next to a subterranean, misty forest. He knew that his affiliate lived in one of the oldest suburbs in Changchun, a community mostly foreigners and immigrants had been ordered down upon during the war, as in a way to shield them out from society. Yet, he couldn't help but find somewhat comfort in the surrounding area. Though he remained sympathetic. The tragic, melancholy aura really hung in the air. With quick steps, Emilio walked around the car and opened up the door as he felt the cool wind brush through his hair.
"My love." The hitman smiled, opening the door for his elegant wife. With a beaming smile, Rosa followed behind her towering husband. She started walking to the front door, all so familiar to her, when she suddenly stopped and turned around with a gaping mouth. 
"How could I almost forget?" She stared at Emilio as if he was meant to know how to read her mind. Rosa hurried back to the car, swung the back seat door open, and retrieved the big, foil covered, triple chocolate cake.