Chapter 15

"So," Ivan looked at Henko then at the buyer. "If you plan to still buy this place, you will have to make that payment in full and of course…" Ivan used his thumb to point behind him. "…whatever this man wants to get for this place." Ivan glared at the George. His eyes were telling the man to forget about the bar and leave. George took a step back.

"You're crazy. Like I have that kind of money to pay for the debt and then on top what he wants. I'm not going to do that at all. Find another buyer if you can." He was feeling intimidated by Ivan, and Henko could tell as well. Ivan had not only won the fight with Henko about wanting to sale the place, but also the fight against the buyer. The man left grumbling.

"Why, why would you do that to me?" Henko asked after the man left.

"I told you, you are not going to sell this place. You are not going to run away." Ivan said to Henko when he turned his entire body to face the other man.

"What I do is none of your business." Henko gritted his teeth and squeezed his hands into a fist. "I actually don't owe you anything. You came barging into my bar demanding for a protection fee. And you even had your men destroy my bar." Tears were forming into his eyes. He was so frustrated. He couldn't help but let them fall. "How can I make money when I have gangsters come into my shop demanding money, and scaring away my customers? I had to let all my girls go because I don't feel this place is safe. I would think you want me out because of all the harassment you have put me through. Yet you won't let me leave. Do you just want to make my life a living hell?" Henko yelled out. Tears were falling down his face. He tried to wipe them away but more would fall. Ivan didn't say a word. "If you want me to leave because I'm gay and you don't want a fag in your territory then let me leave. Or do you want to break me?" Henko was trembling. He couldn't stand this anymore. He crouched down, tears falling into his hands.

"I told you. If you want to leave, you have to come to me first." Footsteps were heard as they walked away from the counter. The sound of the door opening and shutting was the sign that Ivan had left. Henko wailed out. He didn't know what to do anymore. He couldn't sale the place, but he wouldn't be able to make any money to pay that man.

Henko was slowly walking down the sidewalk. His mind was going over the events that happened today. He was excited that he finally had a buyer that was interested in the store. However, he never expected Ivan to show up and actually stop the transaction from even happening. He now knew that he could never sale the shop. Since Ivan found out about it. Henko had a feeling that the man would be watching him closely from now on. When the painters had come back from lunch, they began to question what had happened since they were gone. Of course, Henko just brushed it off as if he was sad to sale the shop he had for some time. The painters told him to cheer up and that he would have better looking bar than it was before. Henko laughed with them and tried his best to smile. However, on the inside, he didn't feel like smiling. Excusing himself away from the workers. Henko went to the bathroom and fixed his makeup. He was embarrassed that he even shown off that look in front of those people. In front of Ivan.

The rest of the day went on with no issues. Everything was coming along. The walls were looking so much better than they did before. It was almost as if the shooting never happened. He was excited for the new fresh look.

Once it started to get late, the painters had left. Their job was completed for the day. Henko looked around and thought to himself. If he had to. He could try to get the bar back up and running. Yet, he still didn't know how he would be able to pay Ivan the money he was requesting. Henko slapped himself in the face. He needed to not worry about that at the time. What he needed to do was go home and rest. No. What he wanted to do was drink. His day was shit today. He wanted to drink until he passed out.

Henko made his way to the same convenience store to buy the normal snacks, and beer before leaving. He wanted to get home a soon as possible and crack open one of the beers. Walking down the sidewalk, he noticed a figure standing in front of his building. Getting closer, he realized who it was. Henko's heart stopped when their eyes met. Ivan had a cigarette in his mouth and smirked at Henko. Thinking of what happened, his eyes turned to the ground. He saw the buds that were around his feet.

How long has he been here to have them pile up like that? Henko thought to himself.

"Bout time you got home." Ivan spoke out. Henko looked up at the man and glared at him. He was the last person he wanted to see today. Ignoring the man, he brushed passed him wanting to just get into the building and leave the other man behind. However, he was stopped when Ivan grabbed Henko's arm and spoke again. His voice low and stern. "You're going to let me in." Henko stared at the man and Ivan just grinned back at him.