AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
He seems to think about my offer genuinely, his attention turning back to Pony.
“If you choose not to accept, that’s fine, but don’t be surprised when you lose clients because they’re getting it cheaper in the city.”
Pony and Jaden nod to each other. “You’ve got a deal. We’ll clean up your city, take your clients, and take your guns.” He laughs. “Sounds like a fool’s deal to me.”
I stand with a smile, buttoning my jacket. He may think he’s coming out on top, but he’s not. I was telling the truth when I said I’d rather have our drug clientele go to him and get clean products rather than dirty shit on the street.
To keep my city safe and clean, I have to start by cleaning the streets of dead bodies who’ve overdosed.
Jaden can take over the drug supply, because little does he know, we’ll be supplying guns to those same gangs and dealers that he’ll be taking out of my city.
They can bring war among themselves.
“We’ll be in touch,” I say, then turn to leave, my smile never fading.
One problem down, many fucking more to go.
fifteen
LEE
“Nope. No fucking way!”Rachel shouts, throwing her hands in the air as she paces the living room of her new house.
“Rach, please. It’s so we can help keep her safe in case anything ever happens.”
“I said no. You will not stick a tracking chip in her arm and watch over our every move.” She shakes her head. “I agreed to the outdoor cameras, and that’s already enough of an invasion.”
I open my mouth to speak, but Ace chimes in before I have a chance to respond to her. “Let me install the indoor cameras, then.”
“No fucking way! This is too much. You guys moved us here because you claimed my house wasn’t safe, and now you want to watch our every move and put a tracking chip inside of Olivia like she’s an animal.”
“We’re just trying to keep her safe,” I say with a sigh, plopping myself onto the brand-new sofa Ace unwrapped out of the protective plastic. We brought Rachel and Olivia to their new home last night, but since it was late when we got in, they opted to go straight to sleep.
Ace and I came back this morning with bags of breakfast take-out from the diner up the street, and Olivia is currently in the kitchen eating while the three of us talk in the living room. He already had outdoor cameras installed and had wanted to install indoor cameras so he’d be able to keep an eye on them and ensure nothing happened, but when he asked Rachel about it, she declined.
“You’re not going to watch me like big brother.” She rolls her eyes, sipping coffee from the Styrofoam to-go cup. While Ace set up the furniture, I told Rachel that we wanted to put a tracking chip in Olivia’s arm to keep track of her, should anything happen.
“Please, Rachel. Think about Olivia. It’ll be best for her.” At this point, I’m willing to get on my knees and beg her to say yes and allow us to insert a tracking chip. I’d never be able to live with myself if something were to happen to Olivia when I could’ve done something to protect her.
“I know what’s best for my daughter, and I will protect her.” Her words sting. I don’t have any room to argue with her, and I don’t have the right to choose what happens to Olivia. I have zero say since I gave up that right when she was born. I chose to place her with Rachel and allow her to be Olivia’s mother, and as hard as it may be, I have to respect her decisions for her, even when I know she’s making a mistake.
Standing from the couch, I leave the living room with a huff, joining Olivia in the kitchen.
From where I stand, I can hear Ace say, “Rachel, she’s only trying to keep you and Olivia safe. If anything were to happen to that little girl when there’s a chance she could’ve protected her, she’d never be able to live with herself.” Smiling, I turn my attention to the innocent blonde-haired, blue-eyed child sitting at the table, swinging her legs on her chair.
Her face lights up the moment she sees me. “Hi, Aunty Lee.” She gives me a wide smile, setting her cup of orange juice on the table.
“Hey, sweet girl. How’s your breakfast?” I ask, sitting beside her and stealing a bite of her pancakes.
“You didn’t ask, but since you’re my favorite aunt, I’ll allow you to eat with me,” she says, pushing her plate toward me.
Laughing, I pick up her fork again and cut into the soft pancakes covered with maple syrup. She’s most definitely my kid and has my sweet tooth. The pancake to syrup ratio is exactly how I eat mine as well—more syrup than anything else.
“I’m your only aunt, but thanks.” I lean forward and kiss her forehead, taking another bite of the warm fluffy sweetness before pushing the plate back toward her.
Sometimes, it hurts to look at her. I see so much of myself in her. She’s the spitting image of me when I was her age.
