{We were, and will remain, waiting for your return. Do not forget this.}
"I don't understand," Hakan said, his voice laced with frustration. "Is trying to kill you both not enough to convince you that this man loathes you? He hates you with every fiber of his being!"
"I know that all too well," Rina replied softly, her voice trembling. "But I don't want him to die in front of us like this."
"If I am to live because of your pity, I would rather die!" Jan spat from the floor.
"I'll be happy to grant that wish, you bastard," Hakan growled, leveling his gaze.
"Please, Hakan! I'm begging you," Rina pleaded. "Didn't you tell me to ask you for anything if I needed it? Well, I'm asking you now to spare him. I'm entreating you."
"Shut up, you worthless girl! I don't want your mercy!" Jan barked.
"You know," Hakan sighed, a cold edge to his tone, "you seem hell-bent on having your brains blown out in this room. But we'll postpone that for a moment. Get up."
Hakan hauled Jan up and shoved him into the bathroom, locking the door firmly behind him.
[Mayar was looking at me with pure terror,] Hakan thought bitterly. [It seems I've shattered her trust in me completely.]
"Rina."
"Yes?"
"I'll tell you one thing," Hakan said solemnly. "Your father will die soon if he doesn't change his ways and drop this arrogance fueled by his badge. Believe me, there are people who would kill him at his own workplace without a shred of mercy."
"I know," she whispered. "It's just... I don't want to see him die before our eyes."
[Is all this because of that cursed woman?] Hakan wondered. [I suppose I'm lucky to have my wife.]
"Go sit in the hall with your sister until she calms down."
"Alright."
[Backup should arrive in minutes... I'll try not to lose my temper again before then.]
Mayar sat with Rina in the hallway, trembling from everything that had transpired.
"Mayar, don't be afraid," Hakan said gently. "I've taken care of the problem. It won't happen again."
"Will he come back?" she whispered, her eyes wide. "Will Father attack us again when you leave, Uncle?"
"Believe me, it won't happen again."
"No... Uncle Kinjin told us we wouldn't see him again, but he came back anyway. I'm scared."
"Calm down," Rina comforted her. "Everything will be fine."
"Are we going to die? Will he kill us when he wakes up?"
"Don't say that. Nothing like that will happen," Rina promised, beginning to cry as she pulled Mayar into a tight embrace. "I swear I won't let him touch you."
[If it were up to me, I would have emptied my clip into every inch of his body,] Hakan thought, watching them. [How much have they suffered with him? It seems she went through more than she ever told me...]
"How about I stay with you until morning?" Hakan offered.
"Don't you have a family to return to?" Rina asked.
"In truth, my wife and son would be upset if I didn't return tonight—I promised them I wouldn't be late as long as I could help it. But I won't be able to sleep if this sweet little girl remains terrified."
"Please stay with us, Uncle Hakan," Mayar pleaded.
"Don't worry, I'm here. I just hope my staying isn't an inconvenience."
"Not at all," Rina said. "On the contrary, we hope it doesn't trouble you to stay the night here."
A sharp knock echoed at the door.
[They're here.]
"Mayar, go to the kitchen with your sister and lock the door. This time, please don't come out until I tell you."
"Okay. Come, Mayar."
Hakan opened the door.
"He's in the bathroom, first door on the right. You know how to handle him."
"Understood," a man replied.
A group of men entered. Some carried Jan—now half-unconscious—out, while the others began cleaning the bloodstains.
"Should we take him now?"
"Yes," Hakan nodded.
They carried him down and placed him in a black car, which sped away until its taillights vanished into the night. Half an hour later, the cleaning was finished, and the rest of the men departed.
[I'm exhausted,] Hakan thought, rubbing his temples. [Violence doesn't suit me anymore.]
"Mayar, Rina, you can come out now."
"Is it over?" Rina asked, stepping out.
"Yes, it's completely finished. Be happy now, Mayar."
"Thank you for protecting us, Uncle Hakan," Mayar said.
"No need for thanks. Kinjin would have done the same. Now, Rina, can I ask you for something?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"I won't overwhelm you with requests. All I want right now..."
"...is a cup of coffee. My head is splitting from all this."