“And should I find out you’re lying to me Travis; you will not be alive long enough to fully regret it. But should I learn this is a set up, you will have The Sparrow to answer to.” I give him a tap on his cheek, dismissing him as I send over the information to the other guys.
I was about ready to call over Zoe and Drake for us to head out, but as soon as I started to move a gun fires. My impulse is to run to Zoe, that is until I see she is the one that fired the gun. A lanky man with a name I can’t recall crumples to the ground just before Zoe says, “Nobody. Disrespects my men…Nobody.”
36
(T)
Dean
My least favorite part of my job duties has always been enforcing these dues and collecting. Today, I hate them even more now that Brandon and I have a babysitter— Jessica. She means well, and I respect her for what she’s capable of, but it is insulting that Max thinks we need an extra line of defense doing such basic tasks.
Sure, there is a bigger threat than normal but if anything, Jessica should have tagged along with Max and Zoe for the sake of Zoe’s protection. Not that she needs protection, she has made that extremely clear, but it wouldn’t hurt to have an additional shield for her. After all, she is who this K.H. is after.
“Let me.” Jessica demands as she slips out of the car. I have rushed to scope the areas each time we have arrived at the different businesses today, but I suppose I can let her take this one on. I don’t mean to be an asshole when I scoff, but I’m sure it comes out that way. My frustrations aren’t meant for her, they are meant for Max. Brandon just smiles and nods as usual and smacks my shoulder as a subtle scolding.
“Sure thing, Jessica. Thanks!” Brandon says as he sits back in his seat and waits for her to exit. The door shuts softly behind her, and I study her as she glances at eachrooftop surrounding us as well as the alleyways in between each building. She carries her pistol like a seasoned professional when she walks the perimeter of the vehicle before peeking her head into the café we are about to shake for dues.
“You can try being a little nicer, she’s just doing what she’s paid to do.” Brandon whispers.
“I know. I just don’t enjoy being babysat. We don’t need it.”
Rolling his eyes with a dramatic sigh he adds, “None of usneedto be babysat. Max did this just as a safety net. It does not hurt us to have extra support with such a high threat.”
I choose to ignore him and fix my eyes back on Jessica.
“Really,” Brandon says in a softer tone. “You are more than capable of protecting us. I know that, Max knows that, we all know that. And we appreciate you.” He reaches towards me and pats me on the shoulder. “We just can’t risk losing you, especially to these seedy sex trafficking assholes. You’re too important to us, too important to Zoe.”
His final words strike me in the chest. We don’t always have these heart to hearts, but Brandon is the best when it comes to helping you realize that you’re valued.
“Just give Jessica a chance. It’s her job, and we can trust her. She’s not here as an insult or to replace you. She’s here to help. If you’re busy protecting all of us, who is going to protect you?” Brandon’s hand robs circles on my shoulder, effectively soothing the building anger that was holding me back all day.
“You’re right.” I whisper.
“What’s that?” He shouts. “DidtheDean Karma just admit to being wrong?”
“Shut it.”
“No, no.” He laughs taking out his phone, “Can you say it one more time? The guys won’t ever believe me.”
I roll my eyes and begin to unbuckle my seat while Jessica makes her way back to us. She stops outside my door and gives me a subtle nod while she continues to keep her head on a swivel and her eyes roaming. “Let’s get this over with so we can go get our lunch. I’m starving.”
Brandon lets out a sound of defeat but obliges.
Entering the café there is a quiet hum of pop music coming from the corner speakers and the seating area is empty except for one woman sitting at a table with her apron on. She jumps to her feet and rushes over back behind the counter, “Hey loves, what can I get started for you?” She asks.
Before answering I look around the wide room. The café is new, and this is the first time we’ve been here to introduce ourselves. It’s cozy, in a sense that I think Zoe might like it here. There are rows upon rows of books covering the walls, chairs and couches and bean bags littering the layout making it look like some sort of living room. It smells fantastic, with a scent of dark roast and earl gray tea filling the air, and it’s paired with the smell of fresh pastries. The lighting is low, but the lamps scattered about make it easy to still read in here.
“We are the Karma’s. Your neighbors may have warned you about our appearance.” Brandon chimes in, and I realize I have taken concerningly long to answer the young woman’s question.
“Oh yes.” She gulps. “The Darcy’s next door told me you might be stopping by. I thought I’d have a little longer to prepare.”
“No worries! We are not here to collect today, just to make an introduction.” Brandon holds his hands up in a surrendering motion with his normal ‘panty-dropper’ smirk. At least, that’s what Zoe calls it.
“Oh, thank goodness. I just opened three days ago, and I’ve only sold seven items. There is just no customer flow on this side of town, and I am struggling.” She admits, it is a bit more honest than we expected but I know the flow has been slow because word probably got around that we haven’t made our stop by yet.
“I’m Brandon,” he introduces himself with an extension of his hand. “The refrigerator behind me is Dean.” His insult makes me grumble, “and this young woman is Jessica.”
“Nice to meet you all.” She nods to each of us, with a surprisingly warm smile. Pestering this woman for dues seems so wrong, but I think that Zoe has just softened me. If we don’t collect from her, then word might get around that we have gone soft. “My name is Brandi.”
