Destined Mann-er - Part 2

Prapit could not focus on his work; Akat was all that was on his mind. Akat seemed sensible, but he was still just a kid, still innocent. Somehow, Prapit wanted to protect that innocence.

He took out his cigarette box. It reminded him of the conversation with Akat. He smiled to himself. He wasn't really dying to have cancer. He also remembered Akat's expression at the smell of cigarettes. He would quit it. He didn't want Akat feeling nauseous around him.

He called his right-hand man, one of his few trustworthy buddies in this line of business. "Chakri, I want to know who is bullying Akat, of class ten, from Marina Manor High School. Be discreet about it."

"Sure, boss." Chakri seldom asked questions. He was one of the few guys who were in the exact same mental wavelength as Prapit. He was about the same age as Prapit, another school drop out, who had blindly followed Prapit from day one.

Prapit checked his watch. It was seven. He would go home early today. He wanted to talk to Akat about a proposal he had in mind.

"Duran, I'm leaving now. Take care of the shop for me. If any of our brothers decide to drop in, don't hesitate to call," Prapit said to his other aide, grabbing his coat.

Prapit was the head of his gang, Prana. They had started at sixteen, a bunch of street urchins who started with petty thefts. Prapit got attention of the old head of Prana, when he has successfully conned to boss for fun. It was ten years of trust and loyalty from Prapit's end, the old head, before dying, had written off the entire empire in his name. Prana gradually evolved to control downtown Marina. He was smart enouh to make most of his assets white, so it was impossible for anyone to take any legal action against him or his operations.

Prapit owned a few casinos across Marina. They were cover houses where illegal business took place. He himself was not involved in any transaction, but he did meet with politicians and the underground. This was the only way he collected intel and dirt on others.

He thrived on this intel. He abhorred the wealthy, but they were essential for his survival.

He drove straight home. A bit apprehensive, he looked at Uncle Maran and asked, "Where is he?"

Uncle Maran smiled. "Probably in the room you gave him."

He nodded and walked up. Akat was engrossed in his studies. He looked up.

"Do you like to study?" Akat was surprisingly studious.

Akat smiled. "Some subjects."

"What do you want to be?"

"An astrophysicist."

"Astrophysicist? What's that?"

"The theory of everything: stars, stardust, dark matter, and such."

"Sounds intelligent."

Akat's lips twitched. Prapit felt like patting himself on the back. That was twice he had managed to make Akat smile.

Prapit sat on the bed. Akat turned to face him.

"Akat, the bar owner wanted to apologize. He has given a thousand shells as compensation." Prapit took out an envelope and placed it casually on the bed.

A thousand shells was a lot of money; basically, it was his annual school fees. Akat was impressed with Prapit's negotiation skills.

(Note: A shell was a local currency in Marina. A thousand sands made a shell. It took about 200 sands for a meal; one hundred shells a month to rent a studio apartment.)

Akat waited for Prapit to continue.

"I would like you to focus on your studies only and not work in such shady places."

Akat shook his head. "Can't do that. I need to work to pay fees for the remaining two years of school, food, and a place to stay."

"Exactly why I think my proposal will help. Why don't you work for me?" Prapit asked.

Akat replied without batting an eyelid, "I don't want to be a gangster."

"I prefer to be called a businessman."

"A gangster businessman, then."

Prapit chose to ignore that. "Why don't you help Uncle Maran with the housekeeping?"

Akat perked up. That seemed doable.

Prapit asked him, "Can you cook?"

Akat nodded. He could make decent meals.

"Starting tomorrow, you are in charge of dinner. You will cook for Uncle Maran, me, and yourself. If my associates join, I will give you a heads-up in advance."

Akat nodded. He fekt glad he got to do what he could manage.

"I will pay you 50 shells a month."

Akat said nothing. His expression did not change at all.

"You get another 20 shells if you wash my car and bike every weekend."

Seventy shells a month was a lot of money for a kid. He was being indulgent. Atleast that was what Prapit thought. He still did not get any reaction though.

Akat only continued to stare at him.

"Food and lodging are free. You can stay here until you get into college."

Akat did not react to that as well. Prapit felt a bit uncomfortable. Come on! He was paying him way more than what the bartender offered him at any rate! Was it not a fair deal? He felt he was being generous.

"So, what do you say?" Prapit needed an answer. "It seems a fair deal to me."

Akat replied, "I don't really want money."

It was Prapit's turn to stare. His eyes widened as Akat placed the compensation money back into Prapit's hands.

"I will cook and help with cleaning, wash your vehicles. But you need to give me food, a place to stay, and pay my fees. Then we have a deal."

Prapit looked shocked. "Are you sure? My deal is more beneficial to you."

Akat shook his head. "Business is not my forte. When you give me all that I need, why should I be greedy?"

Was this kid an alien or something? Prapit wondered.

"How did you survive this long being so honest?" He asked Akat.

"I met wonderful people like you," Akat replied.

Prapit felt something had he never felt before: warmth.