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***
Carter closed his eyes before using all his strength to stand. Once on his feet he took a minute to brace before dragging himself to the door and stepping outside where he found Brooks with his face buried in his phone.
“Who the fuck you talking to?”
“Nobody.”
“That don’t look like nobody. Give me your damn phone.”
“Are you serious?”
“Do I look like I’m fucking serious?” Brooks stared at Carter for a long minute before he unlocked his phone and handed it over. After scrolling and seeing the only recent communication was a text from some woman requesting Brooks’ time he handed it back to him.
“Told your ass it wasn’t nothing. I don’t know what type of shit you’re on right now.”
“I’m the one with a hole in my shoulder. I don’t know what type of shit anybody is on right now, including you.”
“Yo, bruh, come on. I didn’t have shit to do with this. We’re on the same team.”
“The only team is you and your weapons. How many times do I have to tell you that shit?”
The two men had a stare down before Carter spoke up. “I need a few things. Go to my place on Lockhart. The key is in the glove compartment of my truck.”
No one knew his true residence. There were several in different states because he moved around but he also had multiple holding spots. The place Carter kept nearby wasn’t attached to him and was also temporary. There was nothing personal there. Basic necessities but at the moment he didn’t trust the place hadn’t been compromised. He had been shot tonight and only a few people had details on what his plans were. One was standing there in front of him.
“Wait, you’re staying here? But she ain’t no nurse.”
“Doesn’t matter, what choice do I have right now? I have no fucking clue what happened tonight and I’m not about to head home and bring this shit to my door. This is my best bet. She has no connection to me and you’re the only person who knows I’m here. Go to my place and get me a few things. There’s not much there but bring what you find.”
Brooks looked inside the house before his eyes landed on Carter again. He was new to this life but determined to make it one he could exist in. Carter was the key to his success. At the moment he would follow instructions, keep his mouth shut, and make sure Carter didn’t revisit the idea of him being disloyal.
“What about that?” Brooks motioned to the door with a dip of his chin. “You trust her?”
“No, but she knows I’m not the kind of man she should play with. She’s not going to risk doing anything stupid.”
“You sure because I’ve never known you to put that much faith in anybody. Especially not some chick you don’t know shit about.”
“The fuck is with you questioning me tonight? Just do what the hell I asked,” Carter commanded, causing Brooks’ jaw to flex. He worried for Carter who, over the past year, had become a mentor. Thanks to the man glowering down at him, Brooks had been welcomed into the underworld and found himself accepted into a small circle that would make him a very rich man.
“Aight, I can do that. Anything else?”
“Bring some money.”
“How much?”
“Enough. Call me when you get back. And after you drop that stuff, don’t come here again unless I call for you. I’m not taking any chances. You are the only person who knows where I am at the moment. If anyone, and I do mean anyone, finds me here? I’m blaming you. Understood?”
“I’m not the enemy, Carter. Why would I fuck you over? You’re the only person on my side.”
Carter trusted Brooks as much as he could trust anyone. In his line of work, there was no loyalty. People tended to allow money to dictate their lives and motives.
“There’s a very thin line between ally and enemy; another thing I’ve drilled in you over the past year. Don’t get either confused.”
Brooks nodded stiffly. “Well whatever the case, we need to know what the fuck is going on.”
“Which is your job for now. Stay low but ask around. Don’t bring any attention to yourself or the situation.”
“Gotcha. I’m out. I’ll hit you when I’m on my way back.”
