Page 13 of Beautiful Chaos
“Alright, fuck. Let’s do this then,” I ran my hand through my hair in frustration. This isn’t something I am looking forward to.
* * *
When we walked into the restaurant it wasn’t hard to spot the Petrov brothers. They were sitting at a booth in a dimly lit corner of the restaurant, making the rather large booth look overcrowded due to their size.
Each brother was covered in more tattoos than I could count. One man was bald and had tattoos covering his hairline, along with a couple of facial piercings. The other man held back nothing when using the skin on his face as a canvas. He had a distinctive snake tattoo running from his ear to his nose and the rattler was somehow incorporated on the opposite cheek, making it appear as if the snake was wrapped around his head. It was so fucking ridiculous it was hard not to stare at it.
As we walked toward the table, both men watched our every move. They stared, with no facial expression whatsoever. I could feel their eyes under my skin, but if they thought they were here to intimidate me they had another thing coming. I’m not a small man, and though I may wear fancy suits to cover my tattoos, my father trained me well. It’s probably the only thing he ever did for me, but my hands are my greatest weapons.
“Mr. Petrov and Mr. Petrov, pleasure meeting you. I’m Jasper Whitlock with Whitlock and Associates and this is my assistant, Maxwell Reynolds, I believe you all have been in contact.” I stuck my hand out for a proper handshake before sitting on the opposite side of the booth. They took turns shaking my hand with hesitation, indicating that a formal meeting like this was somewhat beyond their comfort zone.
“I’m Malice, and this is my brother Havoc.”
The man with the snake tattoo said.
“No need to drag this out, let’s get straight to the point, shall we?” I said, making it known I was not in the mood to linger.
“What are you two looking for as far as representation goes?” I finished my question and waited for the two of them to answer, but they swapped looks as if they weren’t sure who should speak.
“Look Malice, can I call you Malice?” He nodded in agreement.
“What I can offer, is all the works when it comes to your legal, legitimate businesses and their holdings,” I stated accentuating the legal and legitimate parts. “Anything that isn’t I will not dip my hands in,” I said making it clear that I would not be brought into any of their shit. They swap looks with each other.
After a long pause, Malice leaned in whispering to Havoc, they nodded and looked at me like they were sizing me up.
“You will be on a strictly need-to-know basis, however, if one of our guys needs to be represented…” He paused almost like he wanted me to fill in the blanks.
“I will review the case, and as long as I see fit to represent them and if I feel they aren’t guilty of the crime, I will do my best to see justice is served. However, for this to work, you two,” I said quietly, “you cannot be so verbal about your dealings even if you’re with me. I still have integrity to withhold, I will not bend for anyone.” I stated sternly.
A look of shock passed their faces momentarily. I’d guess they aren’t used to having anyone tell them how it is. They both nodded simultaneously.
“Great, we will be in touch for the legalities and paperwork,” I announced as I raised to leave.
“Pleasure doing business with you both. Enjoy dinner is on us.” I extended my hand to shake theirs again and then signaled the waitress to come over. “Anything these gentlemen order put it on my tab.”
I nodded toward the two of them as Max and I walked away.
“Damn Jas, that went better than I expected,” Max spoke, his voice tinged with shock. I’m not sure why, considering he’s witnessed me deal with far more intimidating individuals; Albeit typically on the other side of the law, which usually ends poorly for them.
“Yeah well, I had to make my point and get the hell out of there.” I snapped.
“Make sure you get the contracts to them ASAP.” I didn’t want to deal with them more than I had to.
We got into the car just as my phone alerted me of a new email. I glanced at my phone just as Harper’s name flashed across the screen.
Chapter 12
HARPER
Sitting at my desk, I sift through the boatloads of redundant emails piled up over the weekend. My eyes blurred from staring at the computer screen for hours.
There was chaos at one of the clubs in downtown Miami, and everyone wanted to tell their side of the story. That happens every time there is a little disturbance somewhere popular. Since we are small time, at the Daily Gazette, we attract those people looking for their fifteen minutes of fame.
I work for a small newspaper Monday through Friday. I don’t get to write anything; I mainly do errands and get my boss coffee, and anything else he screams at me from his office.
Growing up I always wanted to be a writer, it stemmed from my love of literature of all kinds. So, when I saw an opening here, I was quick on my feet to get in for an interview. I was hired on the spot, but even after three years, I still haven’t written a word. Whenever I raise the issue, I’m dismissed as inexperienced, but in my opinion, it’s a clear case of nepotism. The editor’s niece gets to do most of the writing.
I thought about leaving, but it’s not a hard job, and it pays the bills so, until something promising comes along, I’m going to stick to it.