AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We symbolically high-five through the pane separating us. Reminding myself my family means well, I sigh. “Get back out front with the others and I’ll let you guys in.” He smiles, not showing the least bit of surprise. He knew I’d cave. I always do with them. With anyone else, I’d stand my ground. With those who love me, I topple like a tower of cards.
Of course, this is all a moot point because by the time I return to my living room, two of the culprits, my mom and aunt, are on my couch and the others are occupying my chairs. Their choices ensure I sit my tush on the throne of inquisition – i.e. the middle sofa cushion they left empty for me.
“Who wants to go first?” My mom graciously asks, or so it seems. For those who know her best, that being all of us in this room, we aren’t fooled. She’s gearing up for a doozy and knows once she gets started, it could be a while before she runs out of steam.
“They took your badge,” Uncle Drew softly says, which means He. Is. Pissed. I open my mouth to speak, but he holds a finger up, telling me to give him a minute. “I know why you didn’t tell me, regardless of how badly I wish you had.”
“Are they still alive?” I squeak out, making everyone chuckle.
“Not sure which answer would make you happiest,” he retorts.
I take my time, like I’m contemplating the pros and cons of both, only to receive a scolding from my mom. “Bristol Renee Foley.”
“They earned it,” Aunt Polly defends me. “They messed with my baby girl,” she goes on to add, getting riled up and bringing mom along with her. “Our baby girl,” Aunt Polly corrects at the glares she receives upon claiming me for herself.
“Do something,” I mutter to Jeremiah. “Mutiny is afoot otherwise.”
“Is there a chance you can get it back?” He asks and I frown at him.
“Not helping,” I mouth, earning a shrug.
“I’m trying.”
Knowing if I don’t respond, Uncle Drew will start poking around, bringing attention to him and perhaps getting himself in trouble, I admit, “Yes. They gave me an assignment.”
“I’m not gonna like this, am I?” Uncle Drew correctly guesses as he gets to his feet and begins to pace.
“No, you aren’t.”
“We’re with you no matter what it is,” mom says, taking my hand and patting it, getting nods of agreement. This is why I love them. Regardless of how overprotective, cough cough nosey, they can be.
“They want dirt on Simon Roanoke and they’re using me to get it.”
Utter silence descends and I nervously wait for the eruption. When it doesn’t come, I look around and realize it isn’t that they don’t have anything to say, merely that they’re trying to figure out where to start.
Boom. Just like the childhood game, my floor is now hot lava and I have to carefully watch my step. Jeremiah takes the first one for me, though. Clearing his throat, he informs me, “I can assist with that. Be your wingman.”
All eyes swing toward him, and it’s nice not to be in the hot seat. “Find yourself with a sudden penchant for a life of crime?” I ask, earning snickers.
Feeling offended, he blusters, “I could be a criminal.”
“Oh please. When we were kids, you once cut a Froot Loop in half because you felt bad you had one more than me.” He points out that was a long time ago, so I start ticking off more recent evidence.
“Fine. I’m a good guy,” he grumbles, acting as if we just insulted him. Dork. “Anyway, you all know Danny and I opened After Hours,” that would be Daniel Mancuso, “together.” We nod, no doubt each of us remembering the trouble Danny has been giving him for the last few years. The bar became very successful, but it wasn’t enough for Jeremiah’s best friend. He wanted more and went above his pay grade, so to speak, to get it. “Danny couldn’t cover his gambling debts, which meant he had two options.” I get this sinking feeling in my gut. Uncle Drew must, too, because I hear him cursing. “Before any of you get your panties in a twist, I have no say over what Danny does,did, with his share. We were equal owners and, for a long time, he was able to keep himself under control.”
“Until he couldn’t,” I mutter.
“Until he couldn’t,” Jeremiah confirms. “The loan sharks came to collect and Danny struck a bargain. Their boss is a smart man and knew he’d easily get back what Danny owed him and more if he accepted.” He doesn’t need to clarify who that is.
“So, now you’re partners with Simon Roanoke.” A nod. “He the silent type?” I inquire, subtly referring to his role in the business.
“Has been so far, though he does make frequent appearances.”
“Which is why you can help me?”
“Could use a waitress,” he explains. After Hours also serves the usual bar food staple. “And you’ve got all this free time now.”
“You’re lucky I love you,” I remind him, but he doesn’t take it as the warning it is.
