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CHAPTER 11: THE VELA BROTHERS
🕑 Added 2025-02-02 14:43:05 +0000 UTCQUICK REMINDER: Remeber that only chapter 11 had its picture AI generated for the reasons I explained in a previous post. Once again, don't worry, I'm not planing on using it again.
After receiving our mission from Bachué and Sugunsua, Ofelia and I are going to the city of Hunza. However, since the road is still long, we made a quick stop in a little town to rest for a couple of days.
“Bertha’s Café”
—munch Mmmmm dhish ish sho goooood! – I say.
—Umm, Lady Chía – says Ofelia –, can sumercé chew and swallow before talking, please?
—munch oh… gulp* sorry. I can’t believe you, humans, have such a delicious food every day! Excuse me, “food man” can I get more scrambled eggs and corn bread, please? And don’t be shy with the coffee!
—Again? This is your third breakfast!
—So what? We still have that unlimited money bag Bachué gave us, right?
—Right, but Lady Bachué said that this bag would continue giving us money as long as we don’t get greedy and use just the amount we need. If we don’t, the bag will stop working.
—Well, yeah, but remember that my stomach was almost destroyed by the Mohan. Gotta make sure I still have it, you know?
—I’m pretty sure you still have it at this point. And in excellent condition, if I must say.
—Pleeeeeease, Ofelia?
—sigh fine, but this is your last breakfast, Lady Chía. And you can order just the corn bread and coffee. The eggs are way too expensive these days.
—Full breakfast and I’ll let you comb my hair for an entire month.
—Deal. And don’t call him “food man”. He’s a waiter.
—Got it! Excuse me, Mr. Waiter, can you bring me another breakfast, please?
While we’re talking, an old lady approaches to our table.
—Well, well, sumercé is quite the food lover, huh? – says the old lady.
—You’re damn right, old one – I reply –. Wanna eat with us? We still have plenty of food!
—No, we don’t, Lady Chía! – yells Ofelia – blushing S-Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t want to sound rude.
The old lady laughs and keeps talking.
—Hahaha! Don’t worry, little girl. I’m the owner of this place. I just came by to see if you were enjoying your food and, by looking at your older sister eating like there’s no tomorrow, I can say that you are. Our cook is the best in the entire town, after all. Hey “food man”, our clients are calling you.
The waiter comes to our table.
—Sure thing! May I help you with anything else? – says the waiter.
—Yes – replies the old lady –. Our clients are delighted with your wife’s food and want to order another breakfast.
—Of course, right away! – The young man kindly smiles and leaves.
—He’s Julio. He and his wife, Licovi, are the only employees I have in my humble café. It may not be the fanciest place in town, but I have a good number of clients thanks to them. They are like my precious kids. Nice to meet you. My name is Bertha.
—Please to meet you. I’m Ofelia.
—And I’m Chía. We appreciate your hospitality.
—You are new in this town, right? I haven’t seen your faces before.
—Yes, we are – I reply –. We’re going to Hunza right now, but we decided to make a little stop here.
—Well, then welcome to Harmony Town. We love receiving tourists and foreigners in here. After all, this town was founded by locals and foreigners years ago, so we appreciate all kind of people.
Old Bertha pauses for a moment and her kind happy face changes into a serious, worried one.
—However, sigh as much as we love having visitors, we also like them to stay as little as possible and leave as soon as they can.
—Huh, really? – I ask – Why?
—Harmony Town may have a pretty name, but this place is rotten to the core thanks to its corrupt leaders: The Vela Brothers. Their family was one of the main founders of the town but, as same as they brought prosperity, their dirty business also brought corruption and undesirable people. We don’t like foreigners to see the fake “Harmony” in here just to get hit by the awful reality. Gods know what could happen if they mess with the wrong people at the wrong moment.
—Huh. Kind of an ominous speech and a lot of exposition for some random people, old lady.
—What can I say? I love talking a lot.
—So, this is the infamous Harmony Town? – adds Ofelia –My parents told me about this place before. They said it wasn’t a proper place for a girl like myself. They said people are so evil in here that they’re worse than demons… no offense, Mrs. Bertha.
—Non-taken, little one. They’re right. But truth be told, not all people are evil in here. Actually, most of us are quite nice. It’s just that the very few that rule the town and some other “Benefactors” give us a bad name.
—Huh… evil people? – I whisper.
—Did you say something, Lady Chía?
—sigh nothing, kiddo… Say, Old Bertha, if your café is so popular, how come is so empty?
—You know? You’re actually right. This place is as empty as a bar without alcohol! where are all my customers?
As soon as Old Bertha ends her sentence, a woman quickly comes to our table yelling for the elder one.
—Mrs. Bertha, Mrs. Bertha!
—Oh, it’s you, Licovi. What’s wrong? You look really pale.
—Th-The radio…! The radio just said…!
—Calm down, Licovi! You’re starting to freaking me out!
Right behind Licovi, the “food m-‘’ I mean, Julio arrives just as shocked as his wife.
—Mrs. Bertha – says Julio –, the radio just said Iván Vela has been murdered!
—What?! – screams Bertha – are you sure?!
—Yes! – replies Licovi – They found his corpse in an alley near the town’s plaza!
—No wonder why nobody is here! Julio, Licovi. We’re closing now. I’m going to see what the hell just happened.
—We’re going with sumercé! – says Julio.
—No, Julio! You know your history with Iván. If Francisco and his “police” see you there, they will immediately take you and your wife as suspects.
—He will take us as suspects anyway! We need to make sure that Ivan Vela is actually dead!
—Mrs. Bertha, please. – says Licovi with a worried voice.
—… Fine. But avoid any confrontation with Francisco, alright? I can’t protect you forever.
—Yes ma’ am! – both reply.
—And you two. If you’re still planning to stay here for a longer time. The second floor is an inn too. Make yourselves comfortable. We’ll be back.
Bertha and her employees leave so fast that Ofelia and I didn’t even have time to understand what happened.
—Soooo… no breakfast then?
—Lady Chía!
—Ok, ok, I was kidding, kiddo! Better check out as well.
—Yes!
We follow Old Bertha and her friends to the plaza, and once we arrive there, a huge number of people are surrounding the crime scene.
—Mrs. Bertha! – calls Ofelia.
—Oh, it’s you two – replies old Bertha –. What are you doing here? This is no place for foreigners.
—Lady Chía and I just had to deal with a situation involving kidnaping and murders not too long ago. If we can help, we’ll do it.
—Kidnaping and murders?!... Who are you supposed to be, again?
—It doesn’t matter right now – I say –. Besides… sniff… Seems like you’ll need our help anyway… sniff, sniff… it reeks evil energy in here.
—Evil energy? Is it more of your chaos magic, Lady Chía?
—Is not. But if a monster is causing havoc in here, we can’t just ignore it. Wait here, Ofelia. I’m gonna get a little closer.
—Yes, ma´am!
Before I can move, a man, who seems to be the one in charge, shouts to the crowd.
—Everyone, there’s nothing to see here! Mind your own business and let us do our job!
An old man between the crowd interrupts and start yelling.
—No, we’re not! If that man is Iván Vela, we deserve to see his corpse! That bastard and his bank had been ruining us for years! We deserve to see and spit his corrupt body!
The crowd yells approving the old man words. Soon, the voice of the man in charge is silenced by the townspeople screaming. Without time to lose, the one in charge rises his hand, ordering the police to shoot their guns to the air, stopping immediately the protests and leaving the place in dead silence. Looks like the entire town is afraid of this person.
—You, sir – says the man –, are being incredibly cruel… In case you forgot, the man you all want to spit his corpse on is MY BROTHER! WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TALK SHIT ABOUT HIM IN FRONT OF ME?!!
The one in charge walks right to the old man and keeps talking.
—Iván wasn’t perfect, but he was a good man. He deeply loved Harmony Town and its inhabitants and did everything in his hands to bring prosperity for everyone.
—P-Prosperity? – says nervously the old man –He and you other brother, The Mayor, constantly drains our hard-working money with your high taxes. Not to mention they also took our job opportunities just to give them to their useless corrupt allies, forcing us to take out bank loans with ridiculously high interest rates just to survive another month. What kind of “prosperity” is that? Tell us, Francisco Vela.
The one in charge, Francisco, doesn’t answer. Instead, by giving a mere look, he orders one of his officers to hit the old man in the head with the back of his weapon. The angry crowd tries to help the elder, but more shoots to the air stops them.
—Since you’re so eager to interrupt the investigation of a crime scene – says Francisco –, I have no other choice but considering you as a suspect. Take him to the station, maybe we can squish him out some information.
Suddenly, before the officers could arrest the old man, Old Bertha and her employees jump in front of them, protecting him.
—You’re not taking him anywhere! – Says Julio.
—Stop abusing of your power, Francisco! – Says Bertha.
—Well, well, well. But if there is none other than Julio Montoya and his goons.
—Leave him alone, Mr. Francisco – says Licovi –. You know very well a poor old man like him couldn’t do such an atrocity!
—Why? Are you insinuating that you know who did this, Mrs. Licovi? Or was it you, Julio? What about you, Old Bertha? Come to think about it, seeing you all 3 here is actually REALLY suspicious. Arrest them as well. These “purists” are clearly hiding information.
—We’re not going anywhere, Francisco – says Julio –. You have neither the right nor the proof to arrest us. Stop acting like you are over the law and keep doing your job. Your brother needs to be mourned. Or are you, “benefactors”, too good to even do that?
—I had enough with your insolence. If you and your family refuse being arrested, then I’m afraid I have to take more drastic measures. Prepare your weapons! The purists are planning a terrorist attack!
The police aim their guns at Julio and the rest.
—Lady Chía! – Yells Ofelia.
—On it! – I reply.
Before I could make my move, a strong voice stops the police.
—Stop it, right now!
The police quickly stop, withdrawing their weapons. Francisco, as soon as he sees who gave the order, gets scared and hides behind his officers, who look ever more afraid.
—B-Brother! – says the terrified man.
The man Francisco and the police are afraid of, moves slowly to the multitude, which quickly step aside in horror. He looks like a nice, peaceful elder man. However, by looking at everyone’s reaction, I can say that he is anything but. He looks fragile and weak. Even The Mohan at his weakest could kill him easily… but still, why am I starting to feel worried as well? Who is this guy?
—Move your men back, Francisco – says his brother –. You’re not here to harm the citizens. You’re just here to take Iván’s corpse and looking for clues.
—B-But, Brother Antonio – replies Francisco –, this scum dared to insult…!
—It’s Mr. Mayor to you, Francisco! – interrupts Antonio –. We’re at the line of duty right now and you, if I may add, are doing a horrible job! Who gave you the order to threaten the citizens?! Who told you to make assumptions and take suspects based just on your bias?! You’re abusing of your power right now and I won’t tolerate it, you hear me?!
—Y-Yes bro… I mean, Mr. Mayor.
—Go back to the ally and continue your investigation, Francisco. I’ll handle this situation.
—Yes, Mr. Mayor… Let’s go.
Francisco and his officers return to the alley, leaving the mayor and the citizens alone… This man… I feel so uneasy with his presence, and I’m obviously not the only one. I can feel people’s fear, hell I can even taste it. Ofelia is so terrified that she grabs my hand without noticing it. She’s trembling. Her hand is cold and sweaty.
—Nanny Bertha, Mr. and Mrs. Montoya, I deeply apologize for my brother’s reaction. Are you alright?
—… We’re fine, Mr. Mayor – replies Bertha.
—And you, sir – says Antonio while helping the old man getting up –. Are you hurt?
—…I’m fine – mumbles the old man.
—I apologize for my brother’s overreaction. That was inexcusable. But I’m afraid I have to give him a point. We just lost our youngest brother. Despite we know his attitude could had been… controversial, sometimes, he still was a good person. Having a recently deceased relative being insulted could make anybody angry, don’t you think?
The old man doesn’t answer. He can’t even look the mayor to the eyes.
—That is a pretty bad injury – continues Antonio –. Allow me to take you to the health center.
—I’m fine. Don’t worry.
—I’m afraid I insist, sir. Despite of what you said earlier, it’s my duty as Mayor of Harmony Town to make sure that all of my inhabitants are happy and healthy.
Old Bertha and her friends put in front of the mayor.
—Then we can take care of him, Mr. Mayor – says old Bertha.
—This man’s injury is not that severe. He doesn’t need to go to the health center – continues Julio.
—Besides, Mrs. Bertha knows medicine too – adds Licovi.
—Nanny Bertha – replies Antonio –, I know very well what are you capable of, but I insist. This man is injured and it’s my obligation as a mayor to take care of him.
—And I just said we can do it. And don’t call me “Nanny”, Mr. Mayor. I prefer to leave the past behind.
—… I see, so am I supposed to take this as an act of rebellion against the mayor?
—Take it as a whatever the heck you want, Antonio – boldly replies Old Bertha.
The mayor softly waves his hand and some police officers come right away. The multitude, in fear, moves back leaving Old Bertha and the others at their own. The situation is getting worse. Ofelia and I are ready to intervene, but suddenly, the old man moves Bertha and her friends aside.
—Mrs. Bertha, please – says the elder –. Don’t risk your lives. I appreciate your help, but I knew what I was getting into.
—B-But, sir…! – protests Julio.
—There, there, young one – Interrupts the old man –. Don’t worry about this old, decrepit body. Take care of you and your wife. You still have a lot to live for.
The old man goes with the officers.
—Thank you, Mr. Mayor… I guess you’re right. My head still hurts.
—Don’t worry, sir – replies Antonio –. By tomorrow you’ll be good as new.
The officers take the old man to the health center.
—The rest of you, please, go back to your daily routine. Let Francisco and the officers do their job. We promise you that once we know who are the responsible of Iván’s murder, we’ll let you know.
In absolute silence, the crowd abandons the crime scene, leaving only Antonio and us.
—You don’t look to be from here – says Antonio.
—We’re just visitors, Mr. Mayor – I reply.
—Oh, I see. Sorry that you came at the worst moment possible. Still, welcome to Harmony Town. I hope that, despite everything, you can feel comfortable in here.
—T-Thank you, Mr. Mayor – replies Ofelia.
—Nanny Bertha, Mr. and Mrs. Montoya, sorry for the inconveniences and have a good day.
Antonio leaves.
—I guess there’s nothing more we can do here – says Old Bertha –. Let’s go back to the café.
After that day, the old man they took to the hospital was never seen again.
TO BE CONTINUED…
