Empire of Shadows

The smiles faded from the faces of the young crowd, replaced by a mix of complex emotions.  

Some eyes burned with fury, others showed traces of pity, while many simply brimmed with curiosity. Everyone had different levels of involvement in the events leading up to this, shaping their stance, perspective, and thoughts about the impending execution.  

Hiram stepped forward. ”This is my fault. I need to apologize to everyone.”  

This time, Lance allowed him to speak uninterrupted.  

Hiram explained the situation for those who weren’t entirely aware. As illegal immigrants, they had been hired for work but were refused wages and told to get lost under threat.  

Lance had intervened by calling the manager on their behalf. However, the manager not only refused to negotiate but hurled insults over the phone. This led Lance to teach them a lesson.  

The group decided to empty the warehouse of its liquor stock, which was successfully carried out. But one of their own, unwilling to stay loyal, took the money and ran.  

Hearing this, even those initially skeptical about ”executing someone for a mistake” began to lean toward Lance’s side. They realized the severity of the situation and the necessity of upholding order within their group.  

Moreover, when they learned that Lance had paid everyone according to their agreed wages, and Elvin had deposited the surplus funds into the company account, the sentiment of “we are all beneficiaries, and our interests are at stake” started to take hold.  It fostered a sense of unity. They began to view themselves as one with Lance—a family.  

Jason’s actions, taking the money and running, completely extinguished any lingering doubts among the group. Lance was a man of his word, and that was enough for them.  

The matter’s gravity became clearer when they considered the consequences if someone investigated Jason. Should Jason be caught and spill everything, it wouldn’t just be him—it would doom them all.  

By this point, there were no dissenting opinions. Elvin had already returned with the oil drums. Alberto, who provided the materials, hadn’t asked any questions. Oil drums in Jingang City were known for two primary uses: storing gasoline or ”disappearing” bodies in Angel Lake.  

Rumor had it that manufacturers were now coating the drums with waterproof paint, ensuring they would last longer submerged in the corrosive waters near the coast.  

When Lance led the group into the warehouse, Jason, who had been dozing off, jolted awake at the sight of so many people. Panic swept over him as he realized what was happening.  

”Mr. Lance, please, spare me! I don’t want to die!” Jason pleaded desperately.  

”I haven’t done anything to harm you. No one knows you’re behind this. If you let me go, no one will ever find out!”  

”I’m young. I have parents to support. I have so many things left to do. Lance, I beg you—please, let me go!”  

But Lance remained unmoved, and the cold, unyielding gazes of the others bore down on Jason. The pressure of impending death overwhelmed him, and he began to realize begging wouldn’t save him.  

After a brief silence, he lashed out. Though bound, he flailed his legs like a clown.  

”You son of a bh! Who the hell are you to decide if I live or die?” Jason roared.  

”You’re no judge! You’re just a thief, the same as me!  

”Kill me today, but tomorrow someone else will kill you! We’re no different, Lance! I swear, you’ll die a worse death than me! You’ll rot in hell!”  

Hiram leaned in to whisper to Lance, who nodded in approval. With Lance’s consent, Hiram gagged Jason with a strip of cloth and a rag, silencing his tirade.  

Jason, realizing he had no options left, hung limply in resignation.  

Elvin spread a rain tarp over the floor to prevent blood splatter and stepped aside.  

Lance took a pistol and walked toward Jason. ”Jason, I’ll ensure your money is sent to your family in installments. They’ll think you lived well here in the Federation.”   ṝÂ₦ỔBËŜ

”As for your prediction of my death,” Lance continued calmly, ”I won’t deny it.  

”Everyone dies, Jason. But what matters is whether their death has meaning.  

”To die chasing a dream or protecting your family—those deaths have meaning.  

”One day, people will talk about me and say, ‘There was a Lance in Jingang City. He did great things.’  

”Even if I’m just a fleeting meteor in the night sky, I’ll have illuminated this era for a moment!”  

The young people behind Lance, hearing his composed words, felt their blood boil with inspiration.  

Lance raised the pistol and aimed at Jason’s forehead. Jason, who had been swearing just moments before, went slack with fear. His bladder gave way, and urine dripped to the floor.  

”Die like a man and leave us with a better impression,” Lance said. ”And next time, learn to follow the rules.”  

But Jason couldn’t muster any courage. Lance shook his head and pulled the trigger.  

The bullet pierced Jason’s skull, splattering blood. Two of the women in the group screamed, though they quickly stifled their cries.  

Elvin took the gun from Lance, emotionless, and fired a shot into Jason’s chest. Then Ethan, Morris, Ennio, Mello, and even the two women followed suit, each firing a shot into Jason’s lifeless body.  

When it was over, Jason’s corpse was riddled with bullets.  

Lance exhaled heavily. ”We’re family. I’ll fight anyone to protect you.”  

...  

”I think we should pour in some cement first,” Lance said, watching them prepare to stuff Jason’s body into the drum. ”Otherwise, if he’s crushed at the bottom and the drum breaks, some parts might float up.”  

Elvin, wearing a raincoat, paused and nodded. ”You’re right. Ethan, pour in some cement first.”  

Lance placed wooden planks at the bottom of the drum to prevent Jason’s body from sinking too low. Ethan then wheeled over a cart and poured in some cement. Once it settled, they dropped Jason’s body into the drum and filled it with more cement.  

With the heat of summer, the outer layer would harden by morning. The drum’s sturdy, airtight lid, made of rubber and multiple mechanical clamps, would ensure a perfect seal.  

Lance instructed them to hold off sealing it until morning.  

That night, the mood was heavy. For many, the experience had been shocking.  

Sensing the somber atmosphere, Lance decided to lift their spirits.  

”We’ve been talking a lot about the company account. Some of you may not fully understand what it’s for, so let me explain.”  

”For example, the new clothes we’re getting—those are covered by the company account. This will become a tradition.  

”Every year, there will be three spring/summer outfits, two fall/winter outfits, and one winter coat.  

”I also plan to buy more housing. As our numbers grow, we can’t keep living in living rooms and hallways—especially with women among us.  

”Whether it’s renting or buying, the company account will cover these expenses. You won’t have to pay for anything.  

”If any of you get hurt, your medical expenses will also come from the account.”  

”Some of you may think it’s unfair—why should those fighting on the front lines share their benefits with those behind the scenes?  

”But we’re a family. Just as you wouldn’t begrudge your parents for giving more to your siblings, you shouldn’t resent your comrades.  

”While we may not share blood, our hearts beat as one.”  

The next morning, the cement had hardened enough to seal the drum. After locking the lid, they loaded it onto a cart.  

By the time they arrived at Angel Lake, the group’s mood had lightened. The scenic beauty was breathtaking—a vibrant forest surrounding a tranquil, sapphire-blue lake that seemed to merge with the sky.  

As the drum, filled with Jason and their shared resolve, was pushed into the lake, Lance quipped, ”The experts won’t realize it, but we’ve contributed to this year’s rising lake levels.”  

It was a hellish joke that only Jason could fully appreciate.  

Afterward, the group moved on to camping and barbecuing, enjoying generous servings of grilled meat.  

The boys stripped off their shirts to swim in the lake, while the girls, donning swimsuits, rejoined the lively mood.  

Sitting on a small hill, Lance watched the shimmering lake reflect the sunlight and the laughter of his companions.  

By evening, they packed up and left, taking everything with them—except their troubles, which they left behind, sinking deep into the lake alongside Jason.