<div class="chapter-intro">
<h1 class="chapter-title">Prologue</h1>
<p class="chapter-text">Isn't it a pity?</p>
</div>
Life is strange isn’t it? One day you can enjoying the simplicity of family life, and the next you can be mourning the death of your father. The week after that, you could be shipped off to some shitty little small town with no explanation as to why. I got pulled out of college by my mother who insisted, well she practically demanded, that we had to move right away. I’m sure there was a reason for it. But I just didn’t know.
It’s been a few days since we landed in the small town of Hope. Its surrounding landscape was beautiful, even I couldn’t deny that. But the town itself could have used some work.
I stepped out of the car in front of the city hall where I’d found some temporary work, taking a deep breath of the crisp autumn air. A light breeze rustled the fallen leaves that blanketed the ground. In the distance, the majestic peaks of the surrounding mountains rose above the trees, their snow-capped summits glinting in the afternoon sun.
I grabbed my backpack and headed into the old brick building, my boots crunching on the leaves as I went. Inside, the air was musty and stale. I made my way to the main office where I would be working for the foreseeable future.
Mrs. Rivers, the mayor’s secretary, greeted me with a warm smile as I entered the office. She was an older woman, her gray hair pulled back in a tight bun, her wrinkled face kind.
"Good morning, dear," she said.
“Hi, Mrs. Rivers,” I said back to her with a soft semblance of a smile resting on my face. She was one of the only people I knew in this town, I couldn’t be anything but nice.
“Mayor Barron is waiting for you inside, dear,” she said, following her words with a press of a key, unlocking the Mayor’s door with a click.
I nodded to Mrs. Rivers and stepped through the heavy oak door into Mayor Barron's office. She was seated behind a large mahogany desk, scribbling something on a notepad. She glanced up as I entered, regarding me over her wire-rimmed spectacles.
<img src = "images/0.png">
"Ah, you must be <<textbox "$fn" "Tej">> <<textbox "$ln" "Dhaliwal">>,” she spoke with a British accent. Which caught me by surprise. Why was the Mayor of this small town in North America, British?
I smiled politely and extended my hand in greeting. "Yes, ma’am. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mayor Barron."
She stood and shook my hand firmly, her grip surprisingly strong for such a petite woman. "Likewise. Please, have a seat."
I sat in the antique wooden chair across from Mayor Barron. Her office was dimly lit, with heavy burgundy drapes blocking the afternoon sunlight. As my eyes adjusted, I took in my surroundings. The walls were lined with mahogany bookshelves, packed tightly with leather-bound books. An intricate Persian rug lay beneath our feet, the faded reds and golds weaving intricate graphical tales of a forgotten age. There was an air of old world elegance blanketing the room, a beacon of sophistication in the otherwise rugged mountain town.
<img src = "images/1.jpg">
Mayor Barron returned to her chair, leaning back as she began to speak. "I'm sure you're curious as to why I've asked you here today," she said, her voice even and crisp. "I need your help."
I sat up straighter in my chair, intrigued by her words. Sensing my interest, Mayor Barron elaborated further. "This town’s been struggling to grow since I took office a year ago. No matter what I try, nothing changes.”
I looked at her a bit confused, unsure of my role in what she was speaking of.
"I've brought you here because I have a plan, a rather unconventional one, and I need someone who thinks differently. Someone not bound by this town's ways. And from what I've gathered about you, you are just that person."
I now let the facade drop, and fully looked to her in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“When I heard that one of our expensive lots was being purchased and at quite the asking rate with a quick turn around for moving in, it caused a little red flag to go off in my head. So I did what any good small town mayor does, and looked into who was moving to our little humble abode.”
I remained silent.
“When my contact at the other city got back to me, I was shocked really, by what I found.”
“What did you find?” I asked her, wanting to know now what family secret she could have possibly ever came up with.
She looked into my eyes, as if she was studying me. I couldn’t glean any information from what she was looking for, but when she was satisfied with what she wanted, she spoke again. “Your father, condolences by the way, was a criminal.”
[[Act out in anger.|p1.1]]
[[Be Calm.|p1.2]]
MC
<<set $fn to "Shane">>
<<set $ln to "Dhaliwal">>
<<set $Anger to 0>>
<<set $Stoic to 0>>
<<set $MobBoss to 0>>
<<set $FightingSkill to 0>>
Mom
<<set $MomRel to 0>>
<<set $MomLust to 0>>
<<set $MomRomance to "False">>
<<set $MomSharing to "False">>
Soniya
<<set $SoniyaRel to 0>>
<<set $SoniyaLust to 0>>
<<set $FuckedSoniya to "False">>
House
<<set $HouseUnpacked to "False">>
Louisa
<<set $LouisaRel to 0>>
Lana
<<set $LanaRel to 0>>
<<set $LanaLust to 0>>
<<set $LanaTrainingPartner to 0>>
Siobhan
<<set $FuckedSiobhan to "False">>
Story
<<set $WillingCriminal to "False">>
<<set $BeatUpHoward to "False">>
<<set $DrugMoney to "False">>
<<set $MetSiblings to "False">>The word hung in the air like an accusation, thick, heavy, and sharp as a blade. My heart hammered against my chest. I felt my throat constrict, as if someone was slowly applying pressure around my neck. The shock was so intense that I couldn’t push any words out of my mouth.
"Excuse me!?” I shouted out in anger. My rage slowly building up within me.
Her gaze remained steady, unperturbed by the sudden emotional outburst. "Your father was involved in things, $fn. Dark, illegal things. Things I need now to help this town."
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my skin. "Are you out of your mind?" I finally managed to choke out the words, my voice strangled by disbelief. "My father was a good man. A businessman. He would never be involved in any...any..."
"Criminal activities?" She finished my sentence with a smug smile that made my blood boil even more, if that was even possible. "Speak to your mother. Just because you didn't see it, doesn't mean it didn't exist."
I rose from my chair, the sturdy wood creaking under my weight, a visible manifestation of the tension thickening the air between us. "Fuck you," I spat out the words, my voice low but seething. "You're just a lying bitch, pulling him down with your allegations!"
"No, $fn." Her voice was calm, almost soothing amidst the storm that raged within me. "I'm not here to tarnish anyone's reputation. In fact I need those skills now more than ever.”
Being unable to really listen to what she was saying, I stormed out of the office, and headed towards my car. This wasn’t something I could let go off so easily.
[[Driving to her work place.|p2]]
<<set $Anger to $Anger + 5>>
<<set $LouisaRel to $LouisaRel - 10>>"Excuse me?" I forced the words out, my mind churning in an attempt to process what I had just heard. My father, a criminal? Impossible. "I think there must be some mistake, Mayor Barron. He was a businessman,” I said as calmly as I could. I could feel my voice tremble in some sort of emotion, but I was stowing it away for now.
"No mistake, Mr. $fn $ln," she insisted, her gaze remaining steady. "Your father was indeed a businessman, but the business he was involved in wasn't exactly legal."
I felt my heart pounding in my chest, like a ship caught in a raging storm, tossed and turned by the gales of uncertainty. This was too much to take in, too much to reconcile with the man I had known my entire life. It was like being told the sky was suddenly green when all your life you had seen it as blue.
She saw my disbelief, my struggle to process her revelation. "I think you need to have a chat with your mother, or whoever else in the family would know.”
A silence fell over the room, as heavy and stifling as a summer storm. I stood from the chair, walking to the door, my head held high, a stark contrast to the tumultuous thoughts swirling inside me. My father, a criminal? Every memory I had of him clashed with this revelation. I need to see my mother.
[[Driving to her work place.|p2]]
<<set $Stoic to $Stoic + 5>>
<<set $LouisaRel to $LouisaRel + 10>>As I got to my car, I realized my hands were shaking. I gripped the steering wheel hard, trying to contain the emotions that coursed through me like an untamed river. My father a criminal? It sounded ridiculous. Yet, the way she said it, with such certainty and no hint of deceit, made my head spin. The engine roared to life, yet I couldn't seem to motivate my foot to press down on the gas pedal. I felt too out of sorts to drive. Taking a couple of deep breaths in an attempt to calm myself down, I leaned back against the car seat and tried to think rationally about everything that had been revealed. My mind whirled with thoughts and images of my father, back when he used to come home late from "work". He was always too tired to talk, his hands stained with ink. I thought it was from all the paperwork he had to deal with. But now...
I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to shake off the discomfort settling at the base of my skull. The morning had taken an unexpected turn and, for some reason, I felt as if I was free falling with no safety net in sight.
I started to move the car and took one last glance at the Mayor’s office, before turning out of the parking lot.
My eyes scanned the streets of our new town, each quaint house and tidy front yard a silent testament to the illusion of peace and quiet. Is that why we uprooted the foundations of our established lives in the city? I drove towards my mothers place of work. An office in the heart of town, bustling with activity. The towering structure was the sole anomaly in this anachronistic town, it was too urban, too brash in its contemporary architecture. As I parked my car and made my way inside, I couldn’t help but wonder about the duality of a life that my parents meticulously crafted for themselves. A peaceful facade hiding a criminal past.
I stepped into the reception of her office, the air conditioning hitting my face with an icy touch. It was nice.
It offered a fleeting respite from the turmoil in my mind. The receptionist, a petite woman, acknowledged my presence with a warm smile.
I approached her calmly, before asking. “Do you know where Mrs. $ln’s office is?”
Without skipping a beat, as if she had been doing this for a long time, she spoke out, “Do you have an appointment?”
“No ma’am, I’m her son.” I said back to her.
Her eyes widened at my revelation, and her warm smile seemed to falter just a little before she quickly regained her composure. "Oh, I see. Mrs. $ln's office is on the fifth floor, room 513. You can use the visitor's elevator," she said gesturing towards the far end of the lobby. "Although, I should warn you, she's in a meeting at the moment. I can let her know you are here."
I thanked her and headed towards the elevator, feeling the weight of each step deep within my muscles. The elevator arrived with a soft 'ding', opening up, allowing me to step in. I pressed the button for the fifth floor, and my reflection stared back at me from the polished steel control panel as the elevator began its ascent.
As the elevator rose, so did my fears. Would she be surprised? Angry? Did she even know dad was a criminal?
The elevator's soft hum seemed to underscore the cacophony in my mind. The number on the screen slowly changed from four to five, and the elevator came to a halt with a barely perceptible jerk. It took me a moment even to realize I had arrived at my destination. The doors slid open to reveal a brightly lit corridor, lined with minimalist artwork depicting scenes of cityscapes and abstract designs.
I stepped out of the elevator and began to navigate my way down the corridor. As I passed each office, I could catch glimpses of hurried faces and snippets of hushed conversations seeping out from their interiors. The corporate world in which my mother thrived was so far removed from my own that I felt like an intruder.
I found the door labeled '513' and froze for a moment, gathering my wits for whatever would come next. I raised a hand and knocked hesitantly, the sharp sound echoing off the cool marble walls.
Seconds turned into minutes. It felt as if time had slowed to a crawl, each tick of my wristwatch cutting through the deafening silence. I was about to knock again when I heard the sound of chair legs scraping against hardwood. The noise was followed by the muffled sound of papers being shuffled and the soft click-clack of high-heeled shoes against the floor. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the conversation that was about to ensue.
[["Hey Mom."|p2.1]]
[["Did you know?"|p2.2]]“Hey mom,” I said, as she opened the door with a warm smile.
<img src = "images/2.jpg">
“$fn? Come in.” She said with warmth in her voice. She motioned towards the sofa that she had sitting in her office, and we both headed towards it. “Shouldn’t you be at work?” She asked, raising an eyebrow as we both plopped down onto the sofa.
“I was,” I said back to her. Unsure really of how to broach this topic with her. “I got called into a meeting with the Mayor right away though.” I said to her.
“Oh no, sweetie, were you fired?” She said, raising her hand towards the cheek. I let it rest there.
"No, actually," I sighed, comforted by her touch but worried how she would react to the news. The silence of the room was suddenly full of tension, the hum of computers and distant chatter of voices seeming to quieten in response. "I...I found out something about dad."
Her hand froze mid-caress staring at me with an emotionless face. “What did you find out?” She asked, all the warmth in her voice sucked out, leaving a cold tone.
"I found out that he has been keeping a secret," I said, maintaining eye contact with her, although the hardness in her eyes made it difficult. "And before I tell you, I need to know if you knew."
She closed her eyes for an elongated moment, then opened them again to reveal an expression of anguish. A gust of wind blew in from the open window, rustling the papers on her desk and carrying with it a chill that seemed to permeate the room and mirror the icy fear that had settled in my heart.
"I feared this day would come," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. Her hand fell from my cheek, landing in her own lap. She stared at the floor, her eyes distant, as if gazing into a past full of regret.
“We…” she started, her voice choked with emotion but she swallowed hard and continued, “We should have told you earlier…when you were old enough to understand. But then you went off to college and we just couldn’t find the time.”
The gravity of her words weighed heavily upon the quiet room, her confession hanging in the air like a specter. The pit of my stomach churned with anxious anticipation.
"There was never a right time," she continued, her gaze still fixed on the carpet beneath our feet. "And then when your father fell ill...well, we thought it best to keep it buried. We thought it would die with him. That’s why we moved."
A gusty sigh escaped her lips as she raised her eyes to meet mine, rimmed with moisture that threatened to spill over. "Your father, he...he was a criminal."
The room spun. Her words echoed in my ears over and over again like a sinister melody. Everything felt raw, jagged, like reality had been torn apart and crudely sewn back together. I staggered back, my legs wobbling beneath me. "A... a criminal?" I stuttered, my voice a faint reflection of the vibrant character I used to be.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I managed to sputter out, the sour taste of betrayal clinging to my tongue.
Her face crumpled as if I had inflicted her with a physical blow. "We wanted to preserve your innocence," she whispered, her voice shaking miserably. "To keep you from the shadow that hung over us. When we immigrated here, things were rough. He did what he had to, to ensure that you could go to hockey practice. So you could enjoy karting. He did all of that for you. For us.
"But... why?" My voice was hoarse, belying the confusion and desperation that was starting to claw its way up my chest. "Why all those lies? Why didn't you trust me?"
She reached out to me, her fingers trembling in the dim light. "Because we loved you.”
My heart throbbed painfully against my rib cage as I grappled with the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume me. I shoved her hand away, the force of my action causing her to stumble back. "Love?" I spat, barely recognizing my own voice. "This isn't love, this is deceit."
[["I could have helped."|p2.1.1]]
[["But I understand."|p2.1.2]]
<<set $Stoic to $Stoic + 3>>
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 3>>The door opened slightly, the clicking sound triggering something inside me, I pushed the door wide open and stormed inside, catching my mother off guard. “Did you know!?” I asked, with a loud voice.
<img src = "images/2.jpg">
She looked at me, startled, her usually composed face registering shock. Her eyes—a sharp shade of brown that I had inherited—widened as she took in my disheveled appearance and the anger on my face.
"Did I know...what?" she asked, her voice hesitant, a flicker of concern creeping into her face.
“Don’t play coy Mom. Did you know about Dad?” I asked, well more demanded.
Her face blanched, her cool composure giving away to a more perturbed expression. She drew herself up, poised against the barrage she knew was coming. Her hand gripped the edge of her desk tighter than necessary, betraying an undercurrent of tension.
“About your father…” She hesitated, her eyes flitting away from mine to a picture on her desk. She picked up the photo, tracing the contours of my father's face with a trembling finger.
"I didn't want you to find out like this,” she finally said, her voice choked with emotion. She placed the photograph down carefully and leveled her gaze at me, the flickering fluorescent lights reflecting the unshed tears in her eyes. "I feared this day would come," she finished, her voice barely a whisper
“We…” she started, her voice choked with emotion but she swallowed hard and continued, “We should have told you earlier…when you were old enough to understand. But then you went off to college and we just couldn’t find the time.”
The gravity of her words weighed heavily upon the quiet room, her confession hanging in the air like a specter. The pit of my stomach churned with anxious anticipation.
"There was never a right time," she continued, her gaze still fixed on the carpet beneath our feet. "And then when your father fell ill...well, we thought it best to keep it buried. We thought it would die with him. That’s why we moved."
A gusty sigh escaped her lips as she raised her eyes to meet mine, rimmed with moisture that threatened to spill over. "Your father, he...he was a criminal."
The room spun. Her words echoed in my ears over and over again like a sinister melody. Everything felt raw, jagged, like reality had been torn apart and crudely sewn back together. I staggered back, my legs wobbling beneath me. "A... a criminal?" I stuttered, my voice a faint reflection of the vibrant character I used to be.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I managed to sputter out, the sour taste of betrayal clinging to my tongue.
Her face crumpled as if I had inflicted her with a physical blow. "We wanted to preserve your innocence," she whispered, her voice shaking miserably. "To keep you from the shadow that hung over us. When we immigrated here, things were rough. He did what he had to, to ensure that you could go to hockey practice. So you could enjoy karting. He did all of that for you. For us.
"But... why?" My voice was hoarse, belying the confusion and desperation that was starting to claw its way up my chest. "Why all those lies? Why didn't you trust me?"
She reached out to me, her fingers trembling in the dim light. "Because we loved you.”
My heart throbbed painfully against my rib cage as I grappled with the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume me. I shoved her hand away, the force of my action causing her to stumble back. "Love?" I spat, barely recognizing my own voice. "This isn't love, this is deceit."
[["I could have helped."|p2.1.1]]
[["But I understand."|p2.1.2]]
<<set $Anger to $Anger + 3>>
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel - 3>>I turned on my heel, stalking across the room to the window. Watching the city going about its day as if my world hadn’t just been shattered. My hand trembled as I rested it against the cold glass, the chill seeping into my skin. “I could have helped.” I said.
"Helped? No, this was what we wanted to avoid for you." Her voice was heartbreakingly soft, as though she were trying to reach out to me with her words.
I turned back to face her, my reflection staring back at me in the glass. "I could have known." I said dryly. "I could have prepared myself to take up after him.”
"But you weren't supposed to take up after him," she argued weakly as she cautiously picked herself up from the floor. "You were supposed to be different. Better."
"Better?" I echoed, my voice laced with bitter laughter. "Do you consider ignorance better?"
The room fell quiet, save for the tick of the clock hanging precariously on the wall, its rhythmic pattern punctuating the tension between us. I continued to stare at her, my eyes hardening as I waited for her answer.
She hunched in on herself, her shoulders starting to shake, and for a moment I thought she might break. "Not ignorance... protection," she whispered, her voice choked with unshed tears. "We wanted to protect you from the ugliness of it all."
"We moved to a new town, I have no friends, no future, no idea of what the fuck is going on, and I did it trusting you had a good reason. Your protection has now left me unprepared and vulnerable to whatever made you move us," I countered, my anger flaring at her weak justification. "What kind of protection is that?"
Her eyes met mine then, her gaze cleaving straight through me. And in their depths, I glimpsed a desolation that mirrored my own. "The only kind we could provide legally," she said, her voice barely a whisper. Her hand twisted in the fabric of her skirt, betraying the fear she was too proud to show plainly.
Having had enough, I moved towards the door, before giving her one last look. “I’ll see you at home.”
[[At home.|p3]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel - 20>>My bed was comfy. It was littered with boxes that were still full, but my bed was the one place where I could find some solitude. How do you even react to finding out that your dad was a criminal. Apparently he was good enough that he could feed our family pretty well. I never really noticed how well off we were until now. Whenever I wanted something as a kid, I’d typically get it. I wanted to play hockey so I played hockey. I wanted to race, so my dad bought me a kart and took me racing.
My phone buzzed as I leaned over to pick it up. The notification was an email, sent from the Mayor’s office. After a quick scan, it said that she wanted to meet with me again, to discuss further before I took off.
What does she even want from me? To pick up some criminal empire I didn’t even know existed? Did she want me to call around and see who knew? Why does she even need me for this. She could get anyone, well not anyone, she did mention that she needed an outsider but why the hell does she care? She’s an outsider too.
I can’t help but feel like a pawn.
Holding my phone in my hands, I opened up google, and slowly typed my father’s name in. That was the easy part, hitting search was the hard part. As my thumb hovered indecisively over the virtual button, a series of contradictory thoughts raided my mind. Would I find anything? Did I even want to? The truth was a dangerous thing. It had the power to shatter illusions or cement them, and what if I wasn't ready to face either?
Sighing deeply I decided that I couldn't hide from the truth forever, so I pressed search. The usual list of links popped up - a digital collage of my father's life appeared on the screen before me. There were news articles, blog posts... and something else. Something that seemed a bit out of place. It was a link to an old, archived forum thread titled, "The Hidden Empire of $ln".
My heartbeat quickened as I clicked on the link. It led to a page filled with cryptic discussions about shadowy dealings and covert operations. There were code names, mentions of organized crime, even hints at political connections. Each line I read seemed to pull me deeper into a world I never knew my father was a part of.
One user seemed to know more than the others. 'Shadowmancer72' they called themselves, and they spun tales of massive wealth, ruthless operations, and an iron fist cloaked in suburban normal living. They even mentioned my father by name, labeling him as the "Kingpin" of this operation. I was stunned. This couldn't be true. My father, a criminal mastermind? It seemed too outlandish, too far-fetched. There were other posters claiming that this was just a hoax or some deliberate level of fanfiction that he came up with after finding a random name in a phone book. But I couldn’t help but feel as though he knew something.
With frantic desperation, I began to delve further into the intricate network. I navigated through the forum, clinging onto every detail that was tied to my father's name. The more I read, the more I realized the depth of this dangerous underbelly in which my father may have ruled. The threads painted him as a man of influence, a puppet master. Shadowmancer72 even claimed that my father had connections with international crime syndicates, suggesting his empire spanned beyond borders. This was not the man I remembered growing up with. This was not the man who taught me how to ride a bike, who took me to hockey games and ice-cream parlours, who read me bedtime stories about far-off adventures. This was a man of secrets, a man of deception, a phantom hidden beneath the mask of an everyday suburban dad.
With a sense of overwhelming dread smothering me, I noticed a private messaging option on the forum. I hesitated, my finger hovering over the mouse. Could I actually reach out to Shadowmancer72? Could I uncover the truth about my father? I was torn between the fright of what I could discover and the incessant tug of curiosity.
Taking a deep breath, I clicked on the private messaging option and typed in my message: "Shadowmancer72, I saw your thread "The Hidden Empire of $ln.” That's my father you're talking about. I need to know the truth. Is all this real?"
I put the phone down, and closed my eyes. A little nap never hurt, besides it’d take this guy ages to respond.
I woke up with a start to the piercing sound of my phone's alarm, jolting me. I turned it off, before looking at the time. Mom would be home soon.
I should probably cook dinner.
[[Cook a homemade dinner.|p3.1]]
[[Warmup leftovers.|p3.2]]“I understand,” was all I could muster out.
Her eyes filled with tears, but she didn't crumble. Instead, she straightened her back, took a deep breath, and said, "You're right, $fn. We deceived you. But we did it because we thought it was the lesser of two evils. We didn't want that world to touch you. Your father fought tooth and nail to escape it for you."
Her voice held a bitter edge. "Your father stole, lied, even killed...all so we could leave that life behind. He was never proud of what he did - it haunted him every day. But he felt it was the only way to give you a future. And perhaps...perhaps we made the wrong decision in keeping this from you. It was not our intention to hurt you or shatter your trust."
My thoughts tumbled around chaotically in my head.
"I need time," I said, turning from her, my hands balled into tight fists at my side. It was too much, too quickly. The foundation of my life decimated in a few short moments. “I’ll see you at home.”
She nodded, not saying anything more as I stumbled out of the room.
[[At home.|p3]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 2>>The smell of salmon filled the air, as I busied myself with preparations. I seasoned the fish, chopped the vegetables; a comforting mundane task that overlaid the unnerving reality brewing beneath it all.
As plates clattered and the sizzling sound filled the kitchen, I stole quick glances at my phone, half dreading, half hoping for a reply from Shadowmancer72, anxious as to what he’d say.
Cooking took no time at all, as I set up two dinner plates at the table. One for Mom and one for me.
The sound of her car pulling into the driveway made my heart race. I dished out the salmon, arranging it alongside the vegetables on the plates. Then, as if on instinct, I quickly stashed my phone in the drawer next to the silverware. It suddenly felt like a contraband item. I unstashed it once I realised how dumb that was.
"Is that salmon I smell?" Mom called out as she entered the house, her voice was a little tense from earlier but she dropped her work bag onto the couch before moving towards the kitchen. I managed a half-hearted smile as she stepped into the kitchen. "Thanks for dinner."
"No problem, Mom." I replied.
Her eyes paused on the phone in my hand with a raised eyebrow. "Expecting an important call?"
"Just waiting for a reply." I said, shrugging it off.
She looked at me, her eyes softening momentarily before she moved forward and nudged me gently out of the way, pulling out a bottle of white wine. “If you want to talk more about your father, grab two glasses. I can’t do this sober.”
I paused, the invitation hanging in the air like a weight. I moved to grab two glasses from out of the cupboards, and placed them on the table.
Mom unscrewed the cap of the wine bottle with a slightly shaky hand. "Wild salmon and white wine, huh?" She tried to laugh but it came out more as a sigh. I watched as the clear liquid filled the glasses, the smell mixing with that of cooked salmon and steamed veggies.
"I'll start," she said, taking off her glasses and placing them next to her wine glass. "I never intended for you to find out the way you did." The confession hung in the air, heavier than the dense aroma of our meal.
I raised my eyes to meet hers, the atmosphere in the room thickening. I took a deep breath, acknowledging the gravity of what was about to be discussed.
"I figured as much," I replied, attempting to sound nonchalant but feeling anything but. "I guess there's never really a good time for something like that,” I said, trying to appear sympathetic.
“What do you want to know?” She asked, moving to take a bite out of her salmon.
[["Did you ever talk about me inheriting it?"|p3.1.1]]
[["How much of a criminal was he?"|p3.1.2]]
[["Let's just enjoy a nice dinner."|p3.1.3]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 3>>The smell of leftover noodles filled the air, as I sat on the couch waiting for the microwave to be done.
I stole quick glances at my phone, half dreading, half hoping for a reply from Shadowmancer72, anxious as to what he’d say.
I set up two dinner plates at the table. One for Mom and one for me.
The sound of her car pulling into the driveway made my heart race. I walked to the microwave and plopped down the leftover noodles on both of our plates.
"Are those the leftovers?" Mom called out as she entered the house, her voice was a little tense from earlier but she dropped her work bag onto the couch before moving towards the kitchen. I managed a half-hearted smile as she stepped into the kitchen.
"Yeah." I replied.
Her eyes paused on the phone in my hand with a raised eyebrow. "Expecting an important call?"
"Just waiting for a reply." I said, shrugging it off.
She looked at me, her eyes softening momentarily before she moved forward and nudged me gently out of the way, pulling out a bottle of white wine. “If you want to talk more about your father, grab two glasses. I can’t do this sober.”
I paused, the invitation hanging in the air like a weight. I moved to grab two glasses from out of the cupboards, and placed them on the table.
Mom unscrewed the cap of the wine bottle with a slightly shaky hand. "Leftovers and white wine, huh? What a wild night," She tried to laugh but it came out more as a sigh. I watched as the clear liquid filled the glasses, the smell mixing with that of cooked salmon and steamed veggies.
"I'll start," she said, taking off her glasses and placing them next to her wine glass. "I never intended for you to find out the way you did." The confession hung in the air, heavier than the dense aroma of our meal.
I raised my eyes to meet hers, the atmosphere in the room thickening. I took a deep breath, acknowledging the gravity of what was about to be discussed.
"I figured as much," I replied, attempting to sound nonchalant but feeling anything but. "I guess there's never really a good time for something like that,” I said, trying to appear sympathetic.
“What do you want to know?” She asked, moving to take a bite out of her salmon.
[["Did you ever talk about me inheriting it?"|p3.1.1]]
[["How much of a criminal was he?"|p3.1.2]]
[["Let's just enjoy a nice dinner."|p3.1.3]]
“Did you ever talk about me inheriting it?” I asked.
She paused, her fork midway to her mouth. Her eyes met mine. “Yes,” she answered simply, finally taking the bite and chewing slowly--agonizingly slow. “Your father and I... we both knew it was possible. But never ideal.”
“And you just never told me?” My voice sounded hotter than I had intended it to be
She flinched slightly at my tone, setting her fork down and taking a long sip of her wine. "We quickly realised how foolish that idea was," she murmured, her fingers absently tracing the rim of her glass. "We held onto the hope that you wouldn't...that you would surpass that life."
As she spoke the words, I felt as though my world was spinning. My heart pounded in my chest.
"I…" I began, my voice, “I don’t know what to say.”
The pair of us sat in silence, as we continued to eat and drink the white wine we had.
The clinking of utensils against china echoed in the tense air. "You don't have to say anything," Mom said after a while, her voice barely audible over the hum of the ceiling fan. She looked down at her half-eaten food, her hand rolling the stem of the wineglass idly. "Whatever the mayor wants, tell me. I still have some people who said they’d look after us, after your father died," she swallowed hard, her throat bobbing under the weight of her confession. She looked up at me again, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. She stood up, and took both of our plates and walked into the kitchen without another word.
[[Walking into the Mayor's office, the next day.|p4]]“How big of a criminal was he?” I asked.
She tensed at this, taking a sip of her wine. “Don’t call him that. He was your father first.”
"But he was also a criminal, right?" I responded, deciding not to shy away from the hard truth. Her gaze hardened momentarily, her lips pressing into a thin line.
She sighed heavily, placing her wine glass on the table with a soft clink. Her hands were trembling slightly; she folded them together on her lap to calm her nerves. "Yes," she whispered, the word barely audible against the hum of the refrigerator in the background. "Yes, he was."
“So how big was he?” I asked. Wanting to know the extent of my fathers criminal empire.
"He was... considerable," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not the biggest, but big enough to matter... enough to be dangerous." Her eyes strayed from mine, settling on the half-empty wine bottle. “I ran-”
“You ran?” I cut her off, realising that Mom had a hand in running his empire too. “What parts did you run?” I asked, wanting to know what my mother did under my father.
She hesitated for a moment, then sighed, meeting my gaze again. Her eyes were wet, but she blinked back the threat of tears. “I... I handled the finances, and security,” she admitted, her voice shaking slightly. “I made sure the money flowed where it needed to flow. I was good with numbers, so it made sense. And the security... well, your father trusted nobody more than he trusted me."
Her words hung heavy in the air between us, a new layer of revelation that felt like a punch to the gut. I was left struggling for breath, trying to reconcile this image of my mother as an accomplice in my father's criminal empire. She stared at me, her expression a mix of fear and regret. She was waiting for my response, my judgement perhaps, but I didn't know what to say.
"So you were... you were as involved as he was?" I murmured after a moment, my voice hollow. The room seemed to close in.
“Yeah,” she said. She stood up, and took both of our plates and walked into the kitchen without another word.
[[Walking into the Mayor's office, the next day.|p4]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel - 2>>“You know what Mom, let’s just eat a nice dinner. We can talk about this stuff later.” I said, knowing that Shadowmancer72 would come in clutch for me. Or at least, I’d hope so.
She sighed, a small smile touching her lips. "I appreciate that," she replied softly, opening her napkin and placing it on her lap. We ate in silence for a while, the clinking of our forks against the plates the only sound breaking the quiet.
As I watched her across the table, I noticed the lines of worry etched deep in her face, the shadows under her eyes, telling tales of countless sleepless nights. I wondered how long she had been carrying this burden, this secret about my father. I wonder how long she stressed about me during work. “Are you alright, Mom?” I asked.
She paused, fork suspended halfway to her mouth. Her eyes, as green and fathomless as my own, met mine for a moment. "I've been better," she admitted quietly, managing a small, wistful smile before returning her attention to her plate.
“How’s your new job?” I asked, wanting to help change her mind on to a new topic.
"Well," she began, pushing her salmon around her food with a faraway look in her eyes. "It's challenging. The people there are nice, everyone is so professional and focused. But the work... it's just so different from what I'm used to."
A heavy sigh left her lips. She looked up at me again, her brown eyes shimmering under the dining room's soft lighting. I could see her struggle reflected in them. “How is yours?” She asked me.
“It’s been fine. Just a lot of busy work. Hard to find a job here, not a lot of growth in a small town.” I said with a shrug, trying to downplay my own frustrations. I wasn't ready to admit that, like her, I was struggling too, just with the annoyance of being pulled out of university.
She reached over the table, her hand finding mine. "But you're doing alright?" she asked, a certain softness creeping into her voice. I could see the concern in her eyes, the same worry she wore each day like a second skin.
"Yeah, mom. I'm okay." I replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. But my words felt hollow even to my own ears.
She stood up with a smile, and took both of our plates and walked into the kitchen without another word.
[[Walking into the Mayor's office, the next day.|p4]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 2>>I walked back into the Mayor’s office next morning with as much decorum as I could have managed. I hadn’t learned much about my fathers dealings, still waiting for word from Shadowmancer72, but I did manage to glean something from Mom.
“Just head on in,” Mrs. Rivers said to me. I gave her a polite nod, not really wanting to engage in light conversation today.
“Ah, $fn, please take a seat.” The Mayor said to me, she looked up from whatever book she was writing in, and motioned with her hand towards the empty chair. I obliged and sat right down. “I hope today’s talk will go a bit better,” she said with a smile.
I looked on showing no emotion.
“Perhaps it’s too early for that,” she said with a quick raise of her eyebrow in disbelief before moving some papers out of the way. “So how did talk with mum go?” She asked.
"About as well as expected," I replied, keeping my gaze level with hers. The Mayor's eyes glittered with curiosity, a cat waiting for the mouse to emerge from its hole.
"And your father?" She pressed, her hands folding together on the desk.
"A criminal," I said tersely. He was my father first.
“Excellent, well now you know the truth.” She finished speaking as she leaning back in her chair.
“What do you need from me? I’m clearly not connected to that life.” I wanted to infer further about why she was so adamant on telling me this. Was this why she hired me at the mayor’s office? I don’t have any credentials, couldn’t finish school in time. Yet, I was hired to work in the only government building in the town, that wasn’t a cop.
"Look," she began, "I love this town with every fibre of my being. I just want progress, and some progress can’t happen in office. I need someone who can work in the shadows. Your father has connections that he built, I need you to shine a light on them. Get them working for you, willingly or otherwise," she paused, her gaze turning steely.
I felt a chill run through me at her words. "And if I refuse?"
She leaned forward, steepling her fingers. Her eyes bore into mine, an unspoken challenge. "If you refuse," she began icily, her voice echoing around the large office, "who’s to say your stay here remains a secret.”
I swallowed hard at the thinly veiled threat. I was in over my head and her words left no room for doubt. She wasn't offering me a choice, she was handing me an ultimatum. The atmosphere in the room, once cordial, turned frosty. There was a menace in her voice that shook me.
“You have until tonight to decide. I’ll have Mrs. Rivers send the location.”
With that, she dismissed me from her office. I left feeling a sense of dread and uncertainty. Her words had shaken me to the core and I was unsure of what the future held.
[[Mum's home.|p4.1]]Later that evening, as I sat waiting on the sofa, I heard a set of keys outside of the door, looking over to see Mom walking into the house. She took off her shoes and shrugged off her coat, a weary sigh escaping her lips. Her eyes met mine, looking older and far more worn than I'd ever noticed before.
"Hey, hun." She managed a small smile, her eyes betraying a hint of worry. "You look like you've seen a ghost. What did the mayor say?"
I managed a half-hearted chuckle, not meeting her gaze. My mind was in disarray, a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. "She wants another meeting tonight," I mumbled, my voice barely louder than the ticking clock on the mantelpiece.
“Another meeting?” She asked, her eyebrows raised. “What did she want in the one this morning?”
I took a deep breath and looked at her, "She wants me to take over Dad's...empire, Mom. Wants them to work for me, so I can work for her." The air suddenly seemed thick, heavy with unspoken secrets.
My mother's face paled. She took off her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose, leaning against the kitchen counter for support. Her silence hung heavily in the room, her worried eyes meeting mine.
"I can’t let you do that," she finally said, her voice quivering slightly. "This isn’t your life, it was your fathers."
Her voice trailed off, replaced by the ominous silence of the room. I could see her mind working, wrestling with the dangerous implications of what this meant for me, for us. I wanted to reassure her, offer some sort of comfort, but instead, my own fears echoed back at me in her tired eyes.
"I know, Mom," I whispered, my voice laced with a despair that mirrored her own. "But if I don't even try, she said she’d reveal us to whoever dad’s enemies were. And I can't let that happen."
Her eyes softened at my words and she crossed the room to me, her arms reaching out to envelop me in a comforting, maternal embrace. As much as the fear and uncertainty loomed over us like an ominous storm cloud, the warmth of her hug provided a spark of courage in my turbulent heart.
"You're so much like your father," she murmured into my hair, her voice shaking with unshed tears. "Strong-willed, brave... he would be proud of you." She pulled back slightly, taking my face in her hands. Her eyes studied me intently, a mix of fear and fierce determination shining in them. "We'll figure this out together, okay?"
I nodded, fighting the lump in my throat. "Okay," I echoed, squeezing her hand lightly as a silent promise.
[[My phone buzzes.|p4.2]]“Is that her?” Mom asked, as I checked my phone to see an email from Mrs. Rivers.
“Yeah, I got to go Mom,” I said to her, planting a quick kiss on her forehead before grabbing my coat from the rack.
"Believe in yourself, believe in us," she implored, her eyes pleading in the soft glow of the kitchen light.
"I do Mom, nothing can stop us.”
I left the security of my house, the door closing behind me with a soft click. The night air was cool and sharp, biting at my exposed skin as I headed towards the my car. I wanted to feel the harsh chill; it helped clear the haze in my mind, sharpening my resolve.
As I drove down to the address that I had received in my email, I looked into the rearview mirror. Noticing the bags developing under my eyes. That can’t be good. The street lights streaked in through the car windows, casting long, treacherous shadows, as if the darkness itself was trying to claw its way into the car. The sight of myself looked almost alien, a reflection of fear and fatigue. It’d been a wild twenty-four hours, and it was only going to get worse.
I pulled into the address after having to head up a road that went alongside a mountain. Her house was one of few that remained up here, I don’t know who else was here, but they were definitely wealthy.
I turned off the engine and stepped out of the car, closing the door softly behind me. The house loomed before me.
I shuffled my way towards her door, and gave it a few knocks.
The door creaked open after a moment, revealing the figure of Mayor Barron in the dim light. She was wearing silk robes, with her brunette hair cascading down. It’d be a familiar site if I was still in college, MILF hunting. But instead I’m here with heavy bags under my eyes.
"Come in," she beckoned, stepping aside to allow me entrance. She led me down a long, dimly lit hallway adorned with mahogany and ancient family portraits. Their eyes seemed to follow me as we moved further into the depths of the house.
We eventually arrived at a grand living room, overlooking the town below through a massive glass wall. The twinkling lights spread out before us like a cascading sea of stars, each one winking with the secrets they held. It was a breath-taking sight, one that made everything else in the room seem insignificant. Yet the grandeur of the space was undeniable, with ornate chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings, a large stone fireplace portraying intricate carvings, and plush velvet furniture that screamed of affluence.
<img src = "images/3.jpg">
"Please, have a seat," the mayor gestured to one of the opulent chairs. I complied, sinking into the cushions, the luxurious fabric soft beneath me.
"Can I offer you a drink?" she asked, moving towards a well-stocked bar.
"Whiskey, if you have it." I responded, my gaze drifting out to the view beyond the glass.
My request was met with a clink of ice against glass, followed by the delicate pour of amber liquid. She returned with two glasses, handing one to me.
"To our future," she proposed, raising her glass. I clinked my glass against hers, and took a sip. The smooth burn of the whiskey coated my throat, a familiar warmth spreading throughout my body. Nodding in silent agreement, I allowed the silence to settle between us while I took in the spectacle of lights below.
Mayor Barron was scrutinizing me over the rim of her glass, her dark eyes searching for something in my tired features. "I know the answer, but I want to hear it from you.”
[["I will help."|p4.3]]
[["Fuck you."|p4.4]]
“I will help,” I said to her, taking a sip of the whisky that was in my hand.
She broke into a sigh of relief, the tension in her posture untangling like a knotted string. "I knew I could count on you." She downed the remainder of her whisky in one gulp, the lines on her face softening with something akin to hope.
The silence stretched between us again, neither of us breaking the silence.
The soft crackling of the fire in the grand fireplace provided a soothing backdrop to our thoughts. The dancing flames cast a warm golden glow on the room, illuminating Mayor Barron's strong profile and the lines etched on her face by time and responsibilities.
“Would you like another drink?” she asked after a moment, “To celebrate our partnership?”
I considered the offer for a moment. Another glass wouldn't hurt, and there was something about the warmth of the whisky that tied me to that opulent room, simmering down my nerves. "Sure," I replied, extending my empty glass in her direction.
Mayor Barron repeated the earlier ritual; ice cubes clinking as liquid fell into the glass.
“So where do we go from here?” I asked, unsure really of what this new life held for me.
“Have you been down to Howard’s weed store?” Mayor Barron asked, as she handed me a glass of whisky, which I accepted into my hands.
"No," I confessed. "I haven't been there."
She took a contemplative sip from her glass, her gaze focused on the fire crackling in the hearth. "Well, that's where we start."
I raised my brows in intrigue. “What about Howards?”
“Drugs are a big problem in this town, as they are in any small town. Howard’s serves as a central point for all of that. Cannabis is legal, and that’s fine. It’s what he smuggles into the town that hurts us. ”
“Why don’t you inform the police?” I asked, if she had evidence or at least knowledge of the illegal partakings there, why isn’t she acting?
Mayor Barron chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "Have you seen a single police officer patrolling the roads since you’ve been here?" she asked, her gaze now hard and bitter. "They don’t deal with anything less than a murder, even then it depends on who."
I frowned at that revelation, swirling the whisky in my glass. “So what do you suggest?”
“We buy him out, willingly or not.”
“I don’t have that kind of money,” I said. I still had student loans to pay off technically.
Mayor Barron's smile was soft, understanding. "I'm not asking you to buy it," she said, lifting her glass in a mock salute. "That's where I come in."
"But why do you need me?" I asked.
"It's simple," she shrugged her shoulders, the silk robe shimmering in the light. “I want you to continue the operation, just don’t sell local.”
“You want me to become a drug dealer?" My voice rose in disbelief.
Mayor Barron didn't flinch at my reaction. Instead, she took another sip from her glass, her eyes once again focused on the dancing flames of the hearth. "A controlled problem can sometimes be the answer to a wild problem.”
I sighed, finishing the finger of alcohol that was left in the glass. “Very well, where do I pick up the money?”
“My daughter arrives tonight from England. She will pick you up tomorrow with the money and take you to Howards.”
“Your daughter?” I queried, surprised. “She’s in on this?”
Mayor Barron's gaze softened as she thought about her child. “She’s pragmatic. She was honourably discharged from the SAS. Very tough girl, always has been.” As the mayor spoke about her daughter, I noticed a hint of pride in her voice, "Unlike her mother," she continued with a sardonic chuckle, "my daughter prefers action to politics. She knows how to handle herself, and others.” She said with a pointed look towards me.
I gave her a small nod, and stood up. It was time for me to go.
Mayor Barron extended her hand, her grip firm and strong. "I look forward to our partnership," she said, the faint glimmer of excitement dancing in her eyes.
[[The doorbell rings.|p5]]
<<set $MobBoss to $MobBoss + 10>>
<<set $LouisaRel to $LouisaRel + 10>>
<<set $WillingCriminal to "True">>“Fuck you,” I said to her, taking a sip of the whisky that was in my hand.
She tensed up at my words. "I thought you were smarter than this." She downed the remainder of her whisky in one gulp, the lines on her face softening with something akin to anger. “Do you not remember what was at stake for you?”
The silence stretched between us again, neither of us breaking the silence.
The soft crackling of the fire in the grand fireplace provided a soothing backdrop to our thoughts. The dancing flames cast a warm golden glow on the room, illuminating Mayor Barron's strong profile and the lines etched on her face by time and responsibilities.
“Think about this,” she said after a moment, “Use your brain kid.”
I considered the offer again for a moment. Would it be wise to defy her like this? Was this what I wanted, to move to another town in hopes that this same thing doesn’t happen? Well, truthfully what are the odds of this happening again? I don’t know and didn’t really want to find out quite frankly. If I was to do this, I would do it unwillingly. If she was going to make my life miserable, I’d make sure I could return the favour.
“So where do we go from here?” I asked after a very pregnant pause, giving in to her threats.
“Have you been down to Howard’s weed store?” Mayor Barron asked, a soft sigh of relief escaping her lips.
"No," I confessed. "I haven't been there."
She took a contemplative sip from her glass, her gaze focused on the fire crackling in the hearth. "Well, that's where we start."
I sat there without saying a word.
“Drugs are a big problem in this town, as they are in any small town. Howard’s serves as a central point for all of that. Cannabis is legal, and that’s fine. It’s what he smuggles into the town that hurts us. ”
“Why don’t you inform the police?” I asked, if she had evidence or at least knowledge of the illegal partakings there, why isn’t she acting?
Mayor Barron chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "Have you seen a single police officer patrolling the roads since you’ve been here?" she asked, her gaze now hard and bitter. "They don’t deal with anything less than a murder, even then it depends on who."
I frowned at that revelation, swirling the whisky in my glass.
“We buy him out, willingly or not.”
“I don’t have that kind of money,” I said. I still had student loans to pay off technically.
Mayor Barron's spoke with ice in her voice. "I'm not asking you to buy it," she said. "That's where I come in."
"But why do you need me?" I asked.
"It's simple," she shrugged her shoulders, the silk robe shimmering in the light. “I want you to continue the operation, just don’t sell local.”
“You want me to become a drug dealer?" My voice rose in disbelief.
Mayor Barron didn't flinch at my reaction. Instead, she took another sip from her glass, her eyes once again focused on the dancing flames of the hearth. "A controlled problem can sometimes be the answer to a wild problem.”
I sighed, finishing the finger of alcohol that was left in the glass. “Very well, where do I pick up the money?”
“My daughter arrives tonight from England. She will pick you up tomorrow with the money and take you to Howards.”
“Your daughter?” I queried, surprised. “She’s in on this?”
Mayor Barron's gaze softened as she thought about her child. “She’s pragmatic. She was honourably discharged from the SAS. Very tough girl, always has been.” As the mayor spoke about her daughter, I noticed a hint of pride in her voice, "Unlike her mother," she continued with a sardonic chuckle, "my daughter prefers action to politics. She knows how to handle herself, and others.” She said with a pointed look towards me.
I gave her a small nod, and stood up. It was time for me to go.
Mayor Barron extended her hand, her grip firm and strong. "I look forward to our… partnership," she said, the faint glimmer of anger dancing in her eyes.
[[The doorbell rings.|p5]]
<<set $MobBoss to $MobBoss + 2>>
<<set $LouisaRel to $LouisaRel - 10>>
<<set $WillingCriminal to "False">>The doorbell rang one time. I knew what that meant. It was time to go. Mom had already gone off to work early, she wanted a quick a debrief of what the Mayor and I had talked about the night before. She wasn’t happy with any of it, but she understood.
I made my way over to the door and opened it. Before me stood a figure clad in a gray turtleneck, blue jeans, and combat boots. She had a presence as commanding as it was unusual. Her golden hair rested upon her shoulders, glinting like sunlight. She looked strong, and judging her aura, I’m sure she was.
“$fn?” She asked, her accent was as royal as her mothers, but ten times as stern.
"Yeah." I answered, meeting her stern gaze with one of my own.
<img src = "images/4.jpg">
"I'm Lana," she announced, turning her body to allow me to step outside. Outside I noticed her muscle car was sitting in the driveway where Mom had parked. “Let’s go.” She said, basically ordered.
I followed suit without saying anything, and entered her car. In the back seat I noticed a duffle bag, one that I was sure was filled with the money that we needed to buy Howards store. I just hope whoever Howard was, is smart enough to take the money and run.
As we pulled away from my house, the car growled like a sleeping beast awoken. Lana was silent, her eyes tracing the straight road that led out of our sleepy town. "
“Do you know how much we’re offering?” I asked, nodding towards the duffle bag.
"Six hundred thousand." She said, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel. "It's enough, and if it isn’t," she paused looking at me, “Make it enough.”
And so the drive continued in silence, the car cutting through the quiet morning air. The asphalt seemed to end abruptly, giving way to a dusty gravel road. Tall trees formed a canopy on either side, casting long shadows that danced with the rising sun. Lana drove keenly, her eyes never straying from the windscreen.
My concentration, however, wavered between the passing scenery and the enigma that was Lana.
Turning off the 3rd avenue, we headed down commision st. where Howards store was.
Lana pulled into a street parking spot in front of the store, and paused. Looking at me. “You go in, I’ll be watching.”
It seemed as though Mayor Barron sent her here as a way to babysit me.
I nodded, my gaze lingering on Lana's unwavering face. There was a certain intensity in her eyes that added a distinct tone of graveness to the situation. With a resigned sigh, I opened the car door and stepped out.
The chime on the door rang, as I looked over the cashier and noticed an elderly man, as he noticed me. “Welcome, son. How can I help you?”
[["I'm just browsing."|p5.1]]
[["I have a question if you don't mind."|p5.2]]“I’m just browsing,” I said to him as I took a look around the weed store. The old man nodded, his spectacles sliding slightly down his nose as he returned to his newspaper. The scent of weed was distinct but not overpowering, mixed with the earthy smell of old wood. The store had a rustic charm, its shelves brimming with jars of various strains neatly labelled and dated. There was a certain tranquility to the place that contrasted starkly with the task at hand.
Browsing through the shelves, my hand occasionally brushed against a glass jar, feeling its chilled surface. The strains were all familiar but somehow foreign in this context. "Sugar Jack," "Purple Haze," "Cherry Pie." They read out on the labels.
<img src = "images/5.jpg">
“Find anything you like?” Howards voice called out.
"I did have a question, sir," I responded, moving towards the counter.
Howard looked up from his newspaper, placing his spectacles atop his balding head. "Shoot," he said, leaning back in his chair, folding his arms under a plaid vest. His blue eyes twinkled under the dim store lighting, reflecting an intriguing combination of wisdom and mischief.
"Well," I began tentatively, my nerves getting the better of me. “I was wondering, if this store was for sale?”
Howard's heavy brows furrowed at this, a small chuckle escaping his lips before he could suppress it. "Well now, that's a question I wasn't expecting," he said, looking me over once more with newfound interest.
He leaned forward in his chair, the old wood creaking under his weight. "Is that so?" He said, removing his spectacles altogether and cleaning them with a piece of cloth he produced from his pocket. He took his time, looking at me over his glasses every so often, as if trying to decide whether I was joking or not.
"Very much so," I confirmed, meeting his gaze steadily, my heart pounding in my chest. "If you're interested in selling, that is."
A grin spread across Howard's weathered face as he placed the clean spectacles back on his nose. "Well, son," he began, his voice a gravelly hum that mingled with the low jazz notes playing in the background, "never thought I'd see the day that a young lad like you would be interested in buying my little old store."
He turned to gaze at the room around him, taking in each shelf as if he were looking at a beloved family portrait. “This here store is more than a collection of strains and glass jars. It's history, memories, countless hours spent figuring out the perfect balance of each variety." His voice trailed off, replaced by a nostalgic silence that hung in the air.
"I can see why you love it," I said, letting my eyes roam around the room once again, I couldn’t tell if he was going to say no, or yes yet. This could all be a long winded way of saying no without seeming suspicious. “It’s a great place in a small town like this.”
“Thank you, but sorry son, this store isn’t for sale,” Howard said to me, with a saddened look on his face.
[["I can give you six hundred thousand cash right now."|p5.1.1]]
[["Don't make me hurt you."|p5.1.2]]
"I did have a question, sir," I responded, moving towards the counter.
<img src = "images/5.jpg">
Howard looked up from his newspaper, placing his spectacles atop his balding head. "Shoot," he said, leaning back in his chair, folding his arms under a plaid vest. His blue eyes twinkled under the dim store lighting, reflecting an intriguing combination of wisdom and mischief.
"Well," I began tentatively, my nerves getting the better of me. “I was wondering, if this store was for sale?”
Howard's heavy brows furrowed at this, a small chuckle escaping his lips before he could suppress it. "Well now, that's a question I wasn't expecting," he said, looking me over once more with newfound interest.
He leaned forward in his chair, the old wood creaking under his weight. "Is that so?" He said, removing his spectacles altogether and cleaning them with a piece of cloth he produced from his pocket. He took his time, looking at me over his glasses every so often, as if trying to decide whether I was joking or not.
"Very much so," I confirmed, meeting his gaze steadily, my heart pounding in my chest. "If you're interested in selling, that is."
A grin spread across Howard's weathered face as he placed the clean spectacles back on his nose. "Well, son," he began, his voice a gravelly hum that mingled with the low jazz notes playing in the background, "never thought I'd see the day that a young lad like you would be interested in buying my little old store."
He turned to gaze at the room around him, taking in each shelf as if he were looking at a beloved family portrait. “This here store is more than a collection of strains and glass jars. It's history, memories, countless hours spent figuring out the perfect balance of each variety." His voice trailed off, replaced by a nostalgic silence that hung in the air.
"I can see why you love it," I said, letting my eyes roam around the room once again, I couldn’t tell if he was going to say no, or yes yet. This could all be a long winded way of saying no without seeming suspicious. “It’s a great place in a small town like this.”
“Thank you, but sorry son, this store isn’t for sale,” Howard said to me, with a saddened look on his face.
[["I can give you six hundred thousand cash right now."|p5.1.1]]
[["Don't make me hurt you."|p5.1.2]]
"I can give you six hundred thousand cash right now." I blurted out. I knew that if he didn’t sell it to me, I’d have to rough him up. I’m praying he just accepts this deal.
Howard erupted into a hearty laugh, the sound echoing through the quiet store. He slapped his knee jovially as he let out another round of raucous laughter. His eyes twinkled with mirth as he looked at me, gasping for breath.
"Six hundred thousand, you say? For this old place?" He looked at my eyes, I looked at his. His looked tired, as if from old age or what, I could not tell. “You don’t want this store, son.” Howard said to me.
He was trying to protect me, he knew that if I bought this store there’d be a whole heap of trouble. But that sort of trouble was what I needed.
“I do, I want to buy it," I insisted firmly, meeting his gaze.
Howard regarded me with new interest, his initial amusement replaced by a thoughtful scrutiny. "Really now?" He asked, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. "And why must you have this store?”
[[Reveal you know|p5.1.1.1]]
[[Threaten him.|p5.1.1.2]]
<<set $Stoic to $Stoic + 5>>“Don’t make me hurt you,” I said in my best Anakin Skywalker on Mustafar impression. Don’t really know why, but it just came out that way.
Howard's face broke into a wide grin, his heavy brows lifting in surprise at my boldness. "Well, now," he said, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. "Is that a threat?”
His joy at my anger was exactly the last thing that I wanted. I lunged over the counter, and grabbed his collar, pulling him close. "Listen here, old man," I said, my voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I didn't come all the way to this godforsaken place for fun.”
Howard looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and confusion. He swallowed hard, but managed to keep his composure. But it was the slight tremor in his hands that gave him away. He was scared, I could tell. But I also sensed a lingering determination in his gaze that told me he wouldn’t back down so easily.
“Son,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, but steady nonetheless, “You don’t understand what you—”
Before he could finish his sentence, I pulled him over the counter, and slammed him onto the floor. “Wrong answer old man.”
"No! Please!" He gasped, his aged body sprawled out beneath me, the glasses from the counter scattering across the tiled floor with the violent action, some spinning in place like tiny tops before they gradually came to a stop.
[[Hurt him.|p5.1.2.1]]
[[Threaten him.|p5.1.2.2]]
<<set $Anger to $Anger + 5>>
<<set $BeatUpHoward to "True">>“Look, I know you’re trying to protect me from what this store really does. But I’m offering you an out. With a hefty pay day.” I said to him, a firmness coming to my voice.
Howard's gaze turned steely, his joviality evaporating into the cold air of the shop. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the worn wooden counter separating us. His eyes never left mine as he spoke. "This store, as you put it, is more than just a business, son. It's a front. But it seems you already knew that.” He paused a moment, “I’m still unsure as to why you want it?”
"Every empire needs it’s beginning," I retorted with a level of defiance. Howard seemed taken aback, his eyes narrowing further as he pulled back from the counter and crossed his arms again.
"Empire, huh?" He murmured softly, the shadow of a bemused smile playing on the corner of his lips. "And you think this place will be your empire's foundations?"
I nodded, confidently.
Howard's laughter returned, though softer and more tired this
time. He rubbed his temples, sighing wearily. "You remind me of myself when I was younger. Full of ambition and the need to prove something." He looked away, toward the dusty shelves laden with untouched items. "I remember those days well."
He turned back to me, the twinkle in his eyes replaced by a hard, glassy stare. "But I also remember the days when I realized what I'd gotten myself into. The weight of responsibility, the danger, the constant paranoia... You say you want an empire, but do you really understand what that means?"
"Better than anyone else," I asserted, trying to mask whatever feelings that were inside of me.
Howard contemplated my words, his gaze unwavering. "Perhaps you do," he conceded with a noncommittal shrug. "And perhaps that's why you're standing here, trying to negotiate for a drug smuggling front."
The room fell silent then, as Howard immersed himself in deep thought. The silence hung heavy like a fog, making the dilapidated shop seem smaller, its walls closing in. I watched as Howard traced the surface of the counter with a single finger. Suddenly, he looked up, his gaze piercing through me.
"All right," he said, his voice carrying a tone of resignation. "The shop is yours."
I didn't know whether to be thrilled or terrified. Behind the counter, Howard stood up, his posture slightly hunched with age. He walked over to shake my hand before speaking. “Give me a few days to gather what personal things I can, make a few calls, and try to help set you up good. Just leave the money on the counter.”
His grip was firm, the years of hard work etched into his calloused hands.
"Thank you, Howard," I said, my voice softer than I intended. His eyes met mine, a brief flicker of some emotion—was it regret?—flashing through them before they steeled over once again.
"Don't thank me yet," he returned gruffly, releasing my hand and turning to start boxing up the shelves behind him. "I should be thanking you.”
[[Back to the car.|p5.4]]
<<set $BeatUpHoward to "False">>“Because I want it,” I tried to say with as menacing a tone as I could.
"I see," Howard murmured, his gaze piercing into mine. A thoughtful silence fell as he seemed to weigh my desire against the inevitable risks. But then, he sighed heavily, his shoulders drooping as if he’d surrendered to a massive weight.
"You're young," he started slowly, enunciating each word carefully. "You still have a lot of life ahead of you. Perhaps you're looking for a challenge, or a purpose... or perhaps you're simply lost." His eyes, heavy with wisdom and time, took in my youthful face. "But this store...it carries with it a legacy, a responsibility greater than you might realize."
“Don’t patronize me, old man. I know what this store is.” I said back, an unknown anger starting to build up.
Howard raised an eyebrow, seemingly unperturbed by my outburst. "Do you now?" he drawled, a flicker of intrigue sparkling in his gaze.
[[I've had enough.|p5.1.1.2.1]]
[[Talk through it.|p5.1.1.2.2]]
<<set $Anger to $Anger + 5>>“I’ve had enough!” I screamed out, as I lunged over the desk.
His old body recoiled, but his eyes remained firm, unflinching. I felt my hand close around the collar of his worn-out shirt, my heart pounding like a war drum in my chest. The dust-drenched air grew heavy as our breaths tangled in the silence between us.
"Oh, son," Howard chuckled, a low and raspy sound that echoed in the hallowed confines of the store. His eyes never left mine, and in them, I saw a strength that belied his age.
Having had enough of his belittling, I pulled him over the counter.
With a grunt, he fell against me, bearing down with a weight far heavier than his frail frame would suggest. His spectacles fell askew, dangling from one ear, but still his gaze met mine unfaltering.
"You're feisty, aren't you?" he wheezed out, chuckling again.
I flung him back behind the counter, he landed with a thud – a cloud of dust billowing up from the worn wooden floor.
"Enough," I snarled, my voice raw with pent-up frustration. "I'm taking this place, whether you like it or not."
Howard picked himself up slowly, brushing off his shirt and adjusting his spectacles back onto the bridge of his nose. He sighed heavily, looking around the room filled with dusty shelves and age-old trinkets, each object whispering echoes of forgotten stories.
"That's the spirit," he said after a long pause, his tone sobered but not defeated. His ancient eyes suddenly appeared weary, yet they held a profound understanding that belied his facade of resignation. "This is more than the store, isn’t it?”
His unexpected admission seared through the fog of my anger. I stood there, silence hanging heavy around us, and felt the fury drain out of me replaced slowly by a sense of vindication. The room felt still, the only sound being the distant hum of an old radio playing a forgotten tune.
"Yes," I admitted with a sigh, my chest heaving. "It's not about just the store.”
I saw something flicker in Howard's eyes - understanding, perhaps, or was it approval? He nodded slowly, his gaze piercing through mine, as if he was peering into the depths of my soul. I shivered, not from fear, but from the raw intensity of the moment.
"Well then," Howard said, his voice almost a whisper. His old hands ran over the counter, feeling the battered wood. “It’s yours, just leave the money on the counter and I’ll settle up the paperwork.”
[[Back to the car.|p5.4]]
<<set $Anger to $Anger + 5>>
<<set $BeatUpHoward to "True">><<if $BeatUpHoward is "False">>
I made my way to the car where Lana was sat, her eyes went locked onto the store, maybe checking for something? Who knew. Certainly I didn't.
I opened the rear door where the duffel bag was, and Lana turned to face me, "Everything alright?" She asked in a neutral tone.
"Yeah." I said back. "He agreed to sell the store."
"Good," she said, turning to face the front again. I took the bag out of the car and made my way back inside,
The chime on the door rang again, as Howard called out, "Thank you!"
[[At the Mayor's office|p6]]
<</if>>
<<if $BeatUpHoward is "True">>
I made my way to the car where Lana was sat, her eyes went locked onto the store, maybe checking for something? Who knew. Certainly I didn't.
I opened the rear door where the duffel bag was, and Lana turned to face me, "Have fun beating up an old man?" She asked in a neutral tone.
"Yeah, I did" I said back, a bit gruff in my tone. Waiting a moment before speaking "He agreed to sell the store didin't he?"
"At least you weren't a total screw up," she said, turning to face the front again. I took the bag out of the car and made my way back inside,
The chime on the door rang again, as I threw the duffel bag onto the counter.
<<set $LanaRel to $LanaRel - 3>>
[[At the Mayor's office|p6]]
<</if>>
<<if $BeatUpHoward is "Lana">>
We both made our way to the car where Lana was sat to the side allowing me to open the rear door. I noticed in the reflection that her eyes went locked onto the store, maybe checking for something? Who knew. Certainly I didn't.
I heard Lana's voice as she spoke, "Not the most skilled fighter are you?" She asked in a slightly mocking tone.
"Yeah." I said back. "Closest I ever got to right was a few scrums in hockey."
"That's not good," she said, turning to face me, as I pulled the bag from out of the car. "You need training, if you're to continue working for mum." She said to me.
"I'm not working for your mom, this is a partnership." I said back to her, taking a few steps towards the store.
She didn't reply but you could have heard her eyes rolling from here.
The chime on the door rang again, as I threw the duffel bag onto the counter.
<<set $LanaRel to $LanaRel + 3>>
[[At the Mayor's office|p6]]
<</if>>“Look, I know you’re trying to protect me from what this store really does. But I’m offering you an out. With a hefty pay day.” I said to him, a firmness coming to my voice.
Howard's gaze turned steely, his joviality evaporating into the cold air of the shop. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the worn wooden counter separating us. His eyes never left mine as he spoke. "This store, as you put it, is more than just a business, son. It's a front. But it seems you already knew that.” He paused a moment, “I’m still unsure as to why you want it?”
"Every empire needs it’s beginning," I retorted with a level of defiance. Howard seemed taken aback, his eyes narrowing further as he pulled back from the counter and crossed his arms again.
"Empire, huh?" He murmured softly, the shadow of a bemused smile playing on the corner of his lips. "And you think this place will be your empire's foundations?"
I nodded, confidently.
Howard's laughter returned, though softer and more tired this
time. He rubbed his temples, sighing wearily. "You remind me of myself when I was younger. Full of ambition and the need to prove something." He looked away, toward the dusty shelves laden with untouched items. "I remember those days well."
He turned back to me, the twinkle in his eyes replaced by a hard, glassy stare. "But I also remember the days when I realized what I'd gotten myself into. The weight of responsibility, the danger, the constant paranoia... You say you want an empire, but do you really understand what that means?"
"Better than anyone else," I asserted, trying to mask whatever feelings that were inside of me.
Howard contemplated my words, his gaze unwavering. "Perhaps you do," he conceded with a noncommittal shrug. "And perhaps that's why you're standing here, trying to negotiate for a drug smuggling front."
The room fell silent then, as Howard immersed himself in deep thought. The silence hung heavy like a fog, making the dilapidated shop seem smaller, its walls closing in. I watched as Howard traced the surface of the counter with a single finger. Suddenly, he looked up, his gaze piercing through me.
"All right," he said, his voice carrying a tone of resignation. "The shop is yours."
I didn't know whether to be thrilled or terrified. Behind the counter, Howard stood up, his posture slightly hunched with age. He walked over to shake my hand before speaking. “Give me a few days to gather what personal things I can, make a few calls, and try to help set you up good. Just leave the money on the counter.”
His grip was firm, the years of hard work etched into his calloused hands.
"Thank you, Howard," I said, my voice softer than I intended. His eyes met mine, a brief flicker of some emotion—was it regret?—flashing through them before they steeled over once again.
"Don't thank me yet," he returned gruffly, releasing my hand and turning to start boxing up the shelves behind him. "I should be thanking you.”
[[Back to the car.|p5.4]]
<<set $BeatUpHoward to "False">>I threw a fist at his face, but his weathered hand shot up, catching my blow. His grip was surprisingly strong for a man his age.
"Enough," he spat out, grimacing with the effort it took to keep me at bay. The floor groaned under our weight, years of dust and disuse disturbed in our scuffle.
“Give me what I fucking want,” I yelled out.
His steely gaze never left mine as he spat out, "No." He broke my grip, pushing me off him with an unexpected force that sent me tumbling onto the floor.
“You want to fight? Let’s fight grandpa.” I spat at him.
With a sudden burst of energy, Howard rose from the floor. His tall, lean figure straightened and his eyes flashed with a determination I hadn't expected. His grin had vanished, replaced by a stern visage that held no trace of fear.
"I've faced tougher and meaner men than you, son," he retorted dryly, his voice a gravelly echo within the old, desolate space. He wiped the sweat gathering at his brow with an equally aged handkerchief.
I bit back a laugh, rising to my feet once more, dusting off the grit from my jacket. The sheer audacity of this old man was pushing me to my limits. "Alright then," I said, my tone ice-cold as I rolled up the sleeves of my jacket. "If you want it this way, so be it."
Before I could even launch myself at him, Howard moved with a surprising agility. His right hand met my left cheek with an intensity that made me stagger back in disbelief. Fire seared across my face, the force of his punch still thrumming through my skin. I touched my cheek, grimacing as the touch stung a bit too much.
He settled into a defensive stance, his hardened gaze fixed on me. The aged store owner wasn't backing down, that was for sure.
Head buzzing with a mix of anger and respect, I lunged at him again. Howard sidestepped with a grace that belied his age, his fist connecting with my ribs. The impact knocked the wind out of me and I stumbled backwards, gasping for breath.
His face looked stern, eyes focused. That was not the look of an old man anymore, rather, it was the look of a seasoned fighter. "You really didn't think it was going to be that easy, did you?" He threw the question at me with all the scorn he could muster.
My ribs were throbbing in pain but I refused to show it. I spat blood onto the floor and murmured a curse under my breath. “Didn’t say it would be.” I retorted. Before I could stand up, the chime of the door rang.
We both turned to see who it was, as Lana stood in the doorway.
“Can I help you sweetie?” Howard asked, as Lana walked over to him with a martial pace.
Lana moved with lightning speed, wrapping her legs around Howard's and sending the old man crashing to the ground. I stared in shock as she swiftly pinned him down, rendering him immobile despite his struggles.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I asked incredulously. Lana ignored me, keeping her eyes locked onto the old man.
“You can leave with six hundred thousand dollars, or a broken femur. But either way you won’t be leaving with this store.” She said to the tackled store owner.
Howard ceased his struggling against Lana's iron grip, his eyes narrowing as he considered her ultimatum. "The money," He let out a bitter chuckle. "I’ll take the money."
I stood there, still catching my breath
Lana released her hold on Howard and stood up, brushing off her clothes. "We’ll get your money. You have a few days to get out of here before I change my mind about breaking your bones."
[[Back to the car.|p5.4]]
<<set $Anger to $Anger + 5>>
<<set $BeatUpHoward to "Lana">>
“Give me this fucking store!” I demanded from him.
Howard looked up at me from the floor, his eyes wide with terror. But even in his fear, there was a glimmer of defiance. "I can’t," he rasped out, his voice hoarse but resolute. "This store... it's all I have left."
Pressing my knee harder into his chest, I leaned close, my face inches from his. "You think I care about your pathetic little life?" I snarled. "This store is mine now, old man. You can leave six hundred thousand dollars richer, or homeless."
Howard gasped for breath under the weight of my knee as he stared up at me, the whites of his eyes shining bright with fear. But even in his terror, I could see the gears turning in his head, calculating, considering his options.
"Six...six hundred thousand" he wheezed out, “give me the money.” He finally relented.
I eased the pressure off Howard's chest, allowing him to take in a gasping breath. With a smirk of satisfaction. “You’ll have a few days to sign the papers over, I’ll go get your money.”
[[Back to the car.|p5.4]]Lana drove us to the Mayor’s office. Not like it was too far of a journey, it was about two minutes away from the cannabis store that I now owned.
She pulled into the parking lot, and the pair of us exited the car, walking towards the building.
I held the door open for the pair of us, as she hit the button on the elevator. I don’t really know why we came back here, but Lana did say that the Mayor did want to talk to me.
The doors opened and we stepped through to see Mrs. Rivers give us a slight nod, as the door opened for us.
Lana gave it two knocks before entering. A sign that we were here, I suppose.
The Mayor looked up from her desk, where she was writing, always writing. She looked at the pair of us with a smile, and motioned towards the seats that were in front of the desk. “Sit, I'd love a debrief,” Mayor Barron said. We obliged and sat down, Lana had a most more righteous posture than I did, but I also wasn’t in the SAS, so. “How did it go?” She asked, looking at me.
<<if $BeatUpHoward is "False">>
"Fine, nothing that I couldn't handle," I said to her.
"The store is ours?" She asked, her tone indicated that she already knew the answer.
"Yeah," I said back, "Howard's just writing up the sale, and helping the transition.
"Perfect," She said back. "How was he?" She said looking towards Lana.
"Adequate." She said back, a one word response.
“Well then I guess it’s a good thing that you’ll run things together then,” The Mayor said to the pair of us.
I looked at Lana who showcased no emotions, then back at the Mayor, a bit surprised. "Run things together?" I asked.
The Mayor nodded, a slight smile on her face. "Temporarily. I need to know if you’re capable, and if you’re not I need someone to make you capable.”
I sat there stunned for a moment, trying to process what the Mayor had just said. I glanced over at the stoic woman beside me, wondering what she thought of this arrangement. If she had any objections, her face certainly didn't show it.
“Okay…” I said through weighted breath.
“You did good today, $fn. Go home and rest up, you earned it.”
<</if>>
<<if $BeatUpHoward is "True">>
"Fine, nothing that I couldn't handle," I said to her.
"The store is ours?" She asked, her tone indicated that she already knew the answer.
"Yeah," I said back, "Howard's just writing up the sale, and helping the transition.
"Perfect," She said back. "How was he?" She said looking towards Lana.
"Rough." She said back, a one word response.
“Well then I guess it’s a good thing that you’ll run things together then,” The Mayor said to the pair of us.
I looked at Lana who showcased no emotions, then back at the Mayor, a bit surprised. "Run things together?" I asked.
The Mayor nodded, a slight smile on her face. "Temporarily. I need to know if you’re capable, and if you’re not I need someone to make you capable.”
I sat there stunned for a moment, trying to process what the Mayor had just said. I glanced over at the stoic woman beside me, wondering what she thought of this arrangement. If she had any objections, her face certainly didn't show it.
“Okay…” I said through weighted breath.
“You did good today, beating up an old man must be tiring, $fn. Go home and rest up, you earned it.”
<</if>>
<<if $BeatUpHoward is "Lana">>
"Fine, nothing that we couldn't handle," I said to her.
"The store is ours?" She asked, her tone indicated that she already knew the answer.
"Yeah," I said back, "Howard's just writing up the sale, and helping the transition.
"Perfect," She said back. "How was he?" She said looking towards Lana.
"Weak." She said back, a one word response.
“Well then I guess it’s a good thing that you’ll run things together then,” The Mayor said to the pair of us.
I looked at Lana who showcased no emotions, then back at the Mayor, a bit surprised. "Run things together?" I asked.
The Mayor nodded, a slight smile on her face. "Temporarily. I need to know if you’re capable, and if you’re not I need someone to make you capable. And right now, my daughter says you’re not capable.”
I sat there stunned for a moment, trying to process what the Mayor had just said. I glanced over at the stoic woman beside me, wondering what she thought of this arrangement. If she had any objections, her face certainly didn't show it.
“Okay…” I said through weighted breath.
“Go home and rest up,” The Mayor said as she dismissed me with a wave of her hand.
<</if>>
[[Spending the day with Mom.|p7]]The sun burst through the window, as my body ached to be awake. I leaned over to look at my phone and noticed that it was Saturday. Howard was still working on papers for the store, or cleaning the store, or something. I couldn’t really remember, but whatever he was doing delayed us until at least monday.
I got up out of my bed, and made my way to the bathroom, disrobing from my boxers and stepping into the shower.
The water hit me as the pains of the week washed away. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking.
I stepped out of my room, dressed in joggers, and a shirt. A little workout never hurt anyone. I laced up my sneakers and headed out the door, the crisp morning air filling my lungs as I began to jog down the sidewalk. The neighborhood was quiet, with only a few early risers out walking their dogs or grabbing the newspaper.
As I ran, my mind wandered back to Howard. Where’s he going after this? Will he just find a place in the town and retire peacefully? I can’t be thinking of stuff like that. Especially if I’m going into crime. A conscious will kill me.
I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the rhythmic pounding of my feet against the pavement. The sun was rising higher now, casting a golden glow over the sleepy neighborhood. As I turned the corner, I nearly collided with a woman walking her dog. She gave me a startled look as I mumbled an apology and kept running. The dog, a little terrier, yapped at my heels until I was out of sight.
I picked up the pace, my breath coming in short gasps as I pushed myself harder. The cool morning air burned my lungs, but I welcomed the sensation. It made me feel alive, like I could outrun my troubled thoughts if I just kept moving.
As I rounded another corner, I found myself back home. Checking my watch I realised it’d be thirty minutes. That’d be enough truly. I fiddled with my pocket trying to find my keys before inserting it into the door handle, allowing myself in.
I heard clangs in the kitchen as I took my shoes off. I walked towards the kitchen, curious about the source of the clanging noises. As I entered, I saw Mom standing at the sink drinking a glass of water. She was wearing tight fitting yoga clothes. “Hey Mom,” I said out loud to her.
“Hey sweetie, come back from a workout?” She asked, noticing the sweat on my head.
I gave her a smile, and a nod as I grabbed the half finished water from out of her hands and finished it.
“Idiot,” she said as she refilled the glass after yanking it away from my lips.
I chuckled and leaned against the counter, catching my breath. "What's on the agenda for today?" I asked Mom casually.
She took a sip of water. "First I’m going to the gym, and then unpacking the rest of the house." She explained before pausing as though a thought had hit her. “Can you help or are you busy?”
[["I can help, no problem Mom."|p7.1]]
[["Sorry Mom, I have to check in with the Mayor."|p7.2]]"I can help, no problem Mom." I said, as she leaned it to give my cheek a kiss.
Mom smiled warmly at me. "Thanks, hon. I really appreciate it. I’ll be back in around an hour, why don’t you start with the guest room?"
I nodded and headed upstairs, I was going to help but I knew I stunk so a shower was first. The wooden steps creaking slightly under my feet. The hot shower felt amazing, the water soothing my tired muscles. I stayed under the spray longer than necessary, letting the steam clear my head. Finally, I stepped out and toweled off, slipping into some comfortable clothes.
I made my way to the guest room and surveyed the stacks of cardboard boxes that lived in there.
I grabbed a box cutter from the desk and sliced open the first box. Inside were various knick-knacks and picture frames, remnants of our old life that Mom wanted to preserve in the new house. I carefully unwrapped each item, setting them aside to be arranged later.
As I continued unpacking, I came across an old photo album buried at the bottom of a box. Curious, I sat down on the floor and started flipping through it. The album was filled with pictures of Mom and Dad from before I was born - their wedding day, vacations together, silly candid photos that were fun for the whole family. I flipped through a few more pages of the album when one photo in particular caught my eye. It was a picture of Mom, looking radiant in a sundress, her belly rounded with pregnancy. Dad had his arms wrapped around her from behind, both of them grinning joyfully at the camera. I smiled at the photograph, my finger tracing over their happy expressions. It was strange to think of a time before I existed, when it was just the two of them eagerly awaiting my arrival. I had always been curious about what Mom and Dad were like in those early days.
<img src = "images/6.jpg">
As I turned the page again, I was caught off guard, by a photo of my Mother lounging at the beach in a red bikini. My eyes lingered on the photo, surprised to see this carefree, youthful side of Mom. She looked so relaxed and vibrant, her skin glowing in the sunlight. The red bikini hugged her curves perfectly, showcasing her fit figure.
<<set $HouseUnpacked to "True">> <<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 3>>
[[I found myself stirring.|p7.1.1]]
[[I moved on quickly.|p7.1.2]]I found something stirring in my pants, looking at this photo of Mom. I blinked hard and shut the album abruptly, feeling both unsettled and oddly excited by my reaction to the photo. This was my mother I was looking at, for God's sake. What was wrong with me? I shoved the album back into the box it came from, burying it under the other items as if hiding evidence of a shameful crime. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and confusion. I tried to shake the image from my mind and focus on unpacking, but it lingered there, taunting me.
I stood up hastily, my heart racing from the unexpected surge of arousal. What was happening to me? I had never looked at Mom that way before. She was beautiful, of course, but seeing her young and carefree in that red bikini had awakened something I didn’t know existed.
I felt deeply ashamed and conflicted by my reaction to the photo. Trying to busy myself with unpacking and shake off the lingering image for as long as I can. I robotically went through the motions of arranging items around the guest room.
<img src = "images/7.jpg">
“Hey sweetie,” A voice called out to the door. I turned to see who it was and saw Mom, standing in the doorway as sweat was running off of her face. I froze as Mom stood there in the doorway, her skin glistening with sweat from being out in the sun. She was wearing a sports bra and yoga pants, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Even disheveled from the heat, she looked beautiful, even more now than before.
"How's the unpacking going?” She asked, using a towel to dry herself off.
I quickly averted my eyes, feeling a rush of conflicting emotions - shame, confusion, and a disturbing flicker of desire. "Hey Mom. Unpacking is going fine," I mumbled, busying myself with folding clothes, unable to meet her gaze.
Mom stepped into the room, her eyes scanning the progress I had made unpacking. "Looks like you're unpacking quickly! When the guest room is done, you can help me with the living room. After I shower."
She moved closer, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. I tensed at her touch, my skin tingling where her hand lingered on my shoulder. I nodded stiffly, not trusting myself to speak. The scent of her sweat mingled with her perfume, an intoxicating combination that made my head spin. I tried to focus on the clothes in my hands, but all I could think about was how she looked in that photo.
[[Moving on to the living room.|p7.1.1.2]]
<<set $MomLust to $MomLust + 3>> I put the album down quickly, not wanting to associate myself with it.
[[Cleaning the living room.|p7.1.3]]As I finished in the guest room, I heard a voice call out from the bathroom. “$fn!” It cried out, seems like it was doing more than calling.
“Yeah mom?” I asked, knocking on the door, letting her know I was there.
“Could you grab my towel from my room, I forget it in there,” she said to me, lowering the intensity of the showerhead so her words were clearer.
“Sure Mom,” I said, moving to go to her room. I awkwardly entered Mom's bedroom, feeling like an intruder. My eyes darted around, taking in the cardboard box decor of an unmoved household alongside a lingering scent of her perfume. I spotted the fluffy white towel draped over the end of her bed.
As I picked it up, a pink lacy bra tumbled out onto the floor. My face flushed as I reached down and quickly snatched it up, stuffing it back under the towel. Mom's undergarments were the last thing I wanted to be handling right now, given the circumstances.
My throat felt tight as I made my way back to the bathroom, the fuzzy towel with its hidden lingerie clutched in my hands like a ticking time bomb. I knocked hesitantly on the door. "H-here's your towel, Mom."
The door cracked open, releasing a billowing cloud of fragrant steam. Mom's slender arm emerged, water droplets glistening on her skin as she reached for the towel. "Thanks honey," she said, her fingers grazing mine as she took it from my hands. The brief touch sent shivers up my spine, accidentally I snuck a peek of her wrapping the towel around her body. Her body glistened, dewy and fresh from the shower. As she secured the towel around herself, I couldn't help but notice how it clung to her curves, hinting at the shapely figure beneath.
<img src = "images/8.jpg">
"I appreciate it, $fn," Mom said with a warm smile, closing the door.
I tried to shake the flustered feelings as I walked to the living room to continue unpacking. But the image of Mom wrapped in just that towel, her damp skin and tousled wet hair, kept intruding on my thoughts. I could still feel the tingle from where her fingers had brushed mine.
<<set $MomLust to $MomLust + 3>>
[[Cleaning the living room.|p7.1.3]]The living room had the most boxes out of any of the rooms, as it was the biggest in the house. But knowing that, I knew that we had to start eventually, so I got to it. Mom was still drying herself off from her shower, so I knew that I had to get started.
I started unpacking a box labeled "Living Room Decor" and began placing various knick-knacks and framed photos on the shelves. It was only after about ten minutes I heard footsteps creeping from down the stairs.
I turned around to see Mom making her way downstairs, her footsteps soft on the carpeted steps. She had changed into a pair of comfy lounge shorts and a fitted tank top that hugged her curves. Her damp hair was pulled back in a messy bun, a few stray hairs decorated her face. “Alright, let’s get this done.” She said, opening a box.
As Mom bent over to rummage through the box, her tank top rode up slightly, exposing a tantalizing strip of smooth skin at the small of her back. I quickly averted my gaze, trying to focus on the task at hand, but my mind kept wandering back to the brief glimpse.
Shaking my head free of those thoughts, I went through another box quickly, finishing a lot faster than I thought I would.
“All done?” Mom asked, noticing that I had just finished my last box.
“Looks like it,” I said with a smile back.
I looked at the time and noticed that we had spent the past few hours in silence, just working to unpack the house. It was a nice reprise from a lot of my life right now. Knowing that I had someone who could help make the crazy a bit calming was nice.
The question now was, do I cook dinner with Mom, or do I meet up with Lana?
[[Stay with Mom.|p7.1.3.1]]
[[Go with Lana.|p7.1.3.2]]“I’ll get started on dinner while you finish up,” I said to her. I headed to the kitchen, rummaging through the boxes to find the cookware and utensils I needed. Thankfully, most of the kitchen stuff was already unpacked. I decided on something simple - spaghetti with tomato sauce and garlic bread.
As I filled a pot with water and set it on the stove to boil, I could hear Mom humming softly to herself as she arranged things in the living room. The domesticity of it all was nice. I wonder if this was what life with dad was like, before I was born.
I sprinkled some salt into the boiling water and dumped in the spaghetti noodles, giving them a stir. As I waited for the pasta to cook, I sliced the loaf of Italian bread and spread garlic butter on each piece before arranging them on a baking tray. I popped the garlic bread into the oven, filling the kitchen with the aroma of toasted butter and herbs. The timer on the pasta went off, so I grabbed a colander and drained the al dente noodles. After giving them a quick rinse, I tossed the spaghetti with some olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together. I ladled a generous amount of the homemade tomato sauce I had simmering on the stove over the pasta. The rich aroma of garlic, onions and herbs filled the air.
“That smells nice,” I heard Mom call out from the living room.
Just as I was giving the pasta a final toss and pulling the garlic bread out of the oven, my phone buzzed with a text notification. I turned to look at it with my head and noticed it was from Shadowmancer72, the message was just a google drive link with no further context. My heart skipped a beat in anxiety as my hands started to burn from holding the tray of garlic bread for too long.
Wincing, I set the hot tray down on the stovetop and turned off the burner under the sauce. My hands stung and my mind raced as I stared at the mysterious message on my phone screen. What could Shadowmancer have sent? Part of me was afraid to find out, but right now I had to focus on dinner.
I couldn't let Mom know anything was wrong, so I took a deep breath and called out in what I hoped was a normal voice, "Dinner's ready!"
Mom came into the kitchen, smiling appreciatively at the spread of spaghetti, sauce and garlic bread. "This looks wonderful. Thanks sweetie," Mom said, squeezing my shoulder affectionately before taking a seat at the kitchen table. "You didn't have to go through all this trouble."
"It's no trouble, Mom. I like cooking for you," I replied, trying to keep my tone light despite the anxiety that was building up from the text. “Wine?” I asked, knowing that our unpacking of the house should warrant it.
“It’s like you read my mind,” she said.
I moved towards the cabinet to retrieve two wine glasses, my hands still slightly shaking from the lingering burn and the unsettling text message. As I poured a deep red Cabernet, I couldn't help but glance over at my phone sitting ominously on the counter, the screen now dark.
I handed her a glass of wine, to which she thanked me, and I sat down across from her.
As I settled into my chair, I tried to push the worries about Shadowmancer's cryptic message out of my mind and focus on enjoying this nice dinner with Mom. I twirled some pasta onto my fork and took a bite, savoring the bright notes of tomato and basil from the homemade sauce.
“How is everything?” I asked Mom.
Mom took a sip of her wine and smiled. "Delicious as always, honey. You've really gotten to be quite the chef."
I forced a smile in return, trying not to let my inner turmoil show. "Thanks, Mom. I'm glad you like it."
“How are things at work?” I asked, now knowing that her first official week was over.
Mom swallowed a bite of pasta and nodded. "It's been going really well so far. I think I'm settling into the new role nicely. Outside of one mishap.” She said eyeing you, “The team has been very welcoming."
She took another sip of wine, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. “How have things with… what you’re doing been?”
[[Fine.|p7.1.3.1.1]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 3>>
"Want to grab dinner?" I asked Lana as my fingers shot off a text.
"No." Was all that I had gotten back.
Well shit. Guess it made sense. I am still just some guy.
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel -6>>
[[Stay with Mom.|p7.1.3.1]]“Fine, really.” I said to her, taking a sip of the wine.
<<if $BeatUpHoward is "False">>
"I own the weed store now," I said casually, causing Mom to do a spit take of the wine.
"Shit, sorry." She said, using her napkin to clean up the spill. "What do you mean you own the weed store?"
"It's the first out of many enterprises that the Mayor dreams will exist under our new empire." I said back to her.
"New empire?" She said back to me, her head now resting inbetween her fingertips. "I made a mistake bringing us here." She said.
Looking at how she was treating herself you couldn't help but intervene, "Mom, come on, that's not fair. You couldn't have known this would happen." I said to her.
She gave me a faint smile, before continuing to eat.
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 3>><</if>><<if $BeatUpHoward is "True">>
"I own the weed store now," I said casually, causing Mom to do a spit take of the wine.
"Shit, sorry." She said, using her napkin to clean up the spill. "What do you mean you own the weed store?"
"It's the first out of many enterprises that the Mayor dreams will exist under our new empire." I said back to her.
"New empire?" She said back to me, her head now resting inbetween her fingertips. "I made a mistake bringing us here." She said.
Looking at how she was treating herself you couldn't help but intervene, "Mom, come on, that's not fair. You couldn't have known this would happen." I said to her.
She gave me a faint smile, before continuing to eat. "How'd you get it?"
"Had to beat up the owner," I said casually.
Mom looked at me dissapointendly and continued to eat.
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel - 3>><</if>><<if $BeatUpHoward is "Lana">>
"I own the weed store now," I said casually, causing Mom to do a spit take of the wine.
"Shit, sorry." She said, using her napkin to clean up the spill. "What do you mean you own the weed store?"
"It's the first out of many enterprises that the Mayor dreams will exist under our new empire." I said back to her.
"New empire?" She said back to me, her head now resting inbetween her fingertips. "I made a mistake bringing us here." She said.
Looking at how she was treating herself you couldn't help but intervene, "Mom, come on, that's not fair. You couldn't have known this would happen." I said to her.
She gave me a faint smile, before continuing to eat. "How'd you get it?"
"The owner beat me up," I said casually.
Mom looked at me with wide eyes, "Oh no baby, are you okay?".
"You should see the other guy," I joked to which was met with a death stare.
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 1>><</if>><<set $HouseUnpacked to "True">>
[[Monday rolls around.|p8]]The day started in Mayor’s office, with Mayor Barron, Lana and myself all sitting. The sun was out and the day was nice, the drive here was always one of the highlights of the day, it was actually being here that was a bit crude.
<img src = "images/9.jpg">
“Howard should be done with the sale of his store today, our office processed the sale over the weekend. He just wanted to speak with you one more time,” the Mayor said, looking towards me.
I nodded, turning my attention to the paperwork in front of me. The deed which said that it was now officially my store. I didn’t know the first thing of running a cannabis store.
I glanced up from the deed to meet the Mayor's gaze. "Is this it?" I asked.
Mayor Barron leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "It is the beginning.”
I stood up, knowing her double meaning, and headed towards the door.
As I stepped out of the Mayor's office, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of trepidation and an unforeseen anticipation. Was some part of me excited for this? What would dad think of me now.
I walked towards the parking lot and entered my car, turning it on and quickly pulling out to the street and driving the short distance to the cannabis store.
As I pulled up to the store, I couldn't help but pause for a moment, my hands still gripping the steering wheel. The building looked the same as it always had, but somehow, knowing it was now mine, it felt different. I just don’t know if it was a good different or a bad one.
I exited the car and entered the store, where the chime went off. Inside I saw Howard. «if $BeatUpHoward is “True”» He looked a little worse for wear, but he was hiding whatever pain he was in well.«else» He was wearing the same clothes he wore the first time I saw him, can’t say the fella doesn’t have a distinct sense of style.«/if» «if $BeatUpHoward is “Lana”» He looked a little worse for wear, but he was hiding whatever pain he was in well.«else» He was wearing the same clothes he wore the first time I saw him, can’t say the fella doesn’t have a distinct sense of style.«/if»
Howard looked up as I entered, his eyes widening slightly in recognition. «if $BeatUpHoward is "True"» There was a faint bruise on his cheek, a reminder of our previous encounter. «/if» «if $BeatUpHoward is "Lana"» There was a faint bruise on his cheek, a reminder of his previous encounter with Lana. «/if»
Howard straightened up as I approached the counter. "I’ve left important numbers on the desk in the office, you have another shipment coming in soon so you might want to call soon." He finished speaking as he gave the place another look over. “I hope she serves you well,” he said, before walking past me and off into the street.
I watched Howard leave, a mix of emotions swirling within me. This store, this responsibility, was now mine. I took a deep breath and made my way to the office in the back.
The office was small but tidy. A desk sat in the center, a few filing cabinets lined the walls, and a single window looked out onto the alleyway behind the store. On the desk, just as Howard had said, was a list of phone numbers—suppliers, by the looks of it
I sat down at the desk, picking up the list of numbers. My eyes scanned the names and digits, some were labelled as ‘special’ shipments while others were just regular shipments to keep the weed store front alive. I leaned back in the chair, the weight of this new responsibility settling on my shoulders like a heavy cloak.
[[Call the numbers.|p8.1]]“I really wish I could Mom, but the Mayor said that she needed me for something.” I looked at her face and with it carried a small sentiment of disappointment but also understanding.
“I understand,” she said solemnly. Leaving the kitchen to go to what I could only presume was the gym.
I shot a text over to Lana, not really sure if she really needed the help but, I just didn’t want to clean the house truthfully.
She responded quickly, and affirmed my once made up belief that they did actually need some help. Walking to my room, I put on a dress shirt, and some dress pants and made my way outside towards my car.
As I drove towards City Hall, my mind wandered towards the view that surrounded the town. The mountains that soared over in the distance, their snow-capped peaks glistening in the morning sun, seemed to watch over the quaint little town. The winding road curved through lush green forests, the trees swaying gently in the summer breeze. I rolled down my window, letting the fresh mountain air fill my lungs. There was something so peaceful about this drive, a welcomed escape from the that nasty business with Howard.
I pulled into a parking spot at the city hall, and made my way inside, taking the familiar route that I had grown accustomed to over the week. I gave Mrs. Rivers a nod, as she smiled and let me through the door.
Inside was sitting Mayor Barron, and on one of the seats was her golden haired daughter, Lana. “Please sit,” Mayor Barron said to me, to which I did. Pulling up in the chair that was empty beside Lana.
<img src = "images/9.jpg">
"Thank you for coming on such short notice," Mayor Barron began, her tone serious yet warm. "I have an important task needing to be done." She glanced at Lana before continuing. "I need you both to go to the Ruby Creek Art Gallery, and pick up a few items for me.” She said to the pair of us.
I raised an eyebrow, curious about the nature of this task. "Items? What kind of items are we talking about here?" I asked, leaning forward in my seat.
Mayor Barron smiled enigmatically. "Just a few pieces of art that need to be transported back here discretely. Besides, it’'ll give you two some time to bond.” She said with a smile, indicating that she would be fielding no further questions about this.
I looked over to Lana who sat unphased. Mayor Barron handed us a sealed envelope. "This contains the list of items I need," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
With that, we stood up, and made our way to the car.
[[Driving to Ruby Creek.|p.7.2.1]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel - 5>>
<<set $LouisaRel to $LouisaRel + 3>>
<<set $LanaRel to $LanaRel + 3>>We turned onto the highway, as Lana drove on. Her gaze was focused on the road, leaving an awkward silence hanging in the air. I cleared my throat, attempting to break the silence. "So, any idea what these mysterious items might be?" I asked, glancing over at Lana.
She shrugged, her eyes never leaving the road. "Don’t tell, don’t ask.” She said curtly.
I nodded, respecting her desire for discretion. The drive continued on in silence, the only sound being the hum of the engine as we wound our way through the highway.
After what felt like an eternity, we finally arrived at the Ruby Creek Art Gallery. It was a quaint small town art gallery, but still had enough of a personality.
As we pulled into the parking lot, Lana turned off the engine and faced me. "Listen, whatever is on that list, we retrieve it quickly and quietly. No drawing attention, got it?" Her yellow eyes bore into mine intensely.
I nodded in agreement. "You got it, boss.”I said with a smirk.
Lana rolled her eyes but I caught a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips, and annoyance resting in her eyes. She exited the car swiftly, I followed Lana's lead and exited the car, the envelope with Mayor Barron's list tucked securely in my jacket pocket. We made our way up the steps of the art gallery, passing by a colorful abstract sculpture that seemed to twist and undulate in the afternoon sunlight.
As we entered the gallery, a blast of cool air conditioning hit us, providing a welcome respite from the heat outside. The gallery was quiet, with only a handful of visitors milling about, studying the various paintings and sculptures on display.
Lana scanned the room, her sharp eyes taking in the environment as she gave me the nod to approach the receptionist.
I approached the secretary's desk, putting on my most charming smile. The woman behind the desk looked up, her expression one of polite curiosity.
"Good afternoon," I said smoothly. "We're here to pick up a package for Louisa Barron. She said it would be waiting for her.”
The receptionist smiled warmly. "Ah yes, we've been expecting you. Please follow me."
She led us through a doorway behind her desk and down a narrow hallway. The walls were lined with more abstract art, the colors and shapes seeming to dance and shift as we walked by. The receptionist stopped at a nondescript door at the end of the hallway and punched a code into the keypad. With a soft click, the door swung open, revealing a small storage room. She stepped inside and retrieved a rectangular package wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine.
"All of the items are in there,” she said, handing me the twine closed brown paper.
I took the package, feeling its weight in my hands. It was heavier than I expected. I exchanged a glance with Lana, who gave a subtle nod.
"Thank you," I said to the receptionist, tucking the package under my arm. "We appreciate your help.”
We exited the storage room and made our way back through the gallery, the package securely in my possession. As we stepped outside into the bright sunlight, Lana turned to me with a serious expression.
"Give it to me, I’ll keep it in the trunk," she said, her arm outstretched.
I handed the package to Lana and she walked briskly to her car parked down the block. I followed a few paces behind, scanning the street for any signs of trouble. Lana popped the trunk and carefully placed the package inside, closing it with a firm thud.
"Do you want to fight?” She asked.
I was caught off guard by what she had said, nearly coughing out of surprise. “What?” I said back to her, confused on if I heard that right.
“Train. Have you ever fought before?” She asked, prodding me for an answer.
“A few hockey scrums,” I said back.
With a heavy sigh, Lana looked at me in the eyes before speaking again. “Look, the Mayor wants us to bond, and I don’t have a sparring partner out here.”
I hesitated, unsure if I was really up for sparring with Lana. She seemed like she could handle herself and I didn't want to embarrass myself. But I also knew the Mayor expected us to work closely together on this assignment. <<if $BeatUpHoward is "Lana">>Besides, we all know I could use the help, especially after that Howard thing.<</if>>
[["I could do with a round."|p7.2.1.1]]
[["We should probably hand this back to the Mayor."|p7.2.1.2]]
After a contemplative moment, I looked at the golden haired woman, and nodded, “Sure. Couldn’t hurt.” I said to her, she turned towards a dirt path in the distance, but I swear that there was a faint smile under there. I hope I know what I’m getting into.
“Follow me,” she called out.
The dirt path wound alongside a creek that was very shallow, essentially just a bed of rocks. We followed the dirt path all the way to the top of the creek where there was a little clearing with a wider opening. Presumably where the creek turns into a wider puddle thing. The walk wasn’t too bad, it wasn’t anything worse than I would jog, but it was a good warm up.
As we reached the clearing, Lana dropped her pack on a large flat rock and started rummaging through it. She pulled out two pairs of MMA gloves and tossed one set to me.
"Put those on," she instructed as she strapped on her own pair. "We’re going to practice on the rocks.”
I caught the gloves and looked at them uncertainly. "On the rocks? Isn't that a bit...dangerous?"
Lana gave a small laugh. "That's the point. Out here, fights don't happen on soft mats. You need to learn how to keep on your feet. «if $HowardBeatUp is “Lana”» Besides, we can’t be letting old men beat you up again.”«/if» She looked at me, wearing my dress shirt, and gave a small shake of her head. “Take your shirt off.”
I raised an eyebrow at her instruction but slowly unbuttoned my shirt, feeling suddenly self-conscious. I slipped it off, revealing my lean but defined body. Folding the shirt, I placed it on a nearby boulder.
Lana had stripped down to a sports bra and her jeans.
<img src = "images/10.jpg">
She stretched her lithe body, toned muscles rippling under smooth skin. Her golden hair freeflowing.
I tried not to stare as I pulled on the MMA gloves, cinching the Velcro straps tight. The gloves felt strange and clunky on my hands. I flexed my fingers, trying to get used to the unfamiliar feel of the padding.
Lana finished stretching and turned to face me, settling into a fighting stance with her gloved hands raised. "Okay, let's start with some basic drills. I want you to throw a jab-cross combo at me."
Mimicking Lana's fighting stance, I raised my own gloved hands, feeling awkward and unsure. I took a deep breath and threw a tentative jab followed by a cross, my movements slow and telegraphed.
Lana easily slipped the punches. "Come on, $fn, you can do better than that. Put some speed and power behind it."
I reset my stance and tried again, this time snapping my jabs and crosses out with more authority. Lana blocked and parried my strikes, her hands a blur of motion. She countered with a quick combo of her own, gloved fists thudding against my raised forearms as I barely managed to defend.
"Good!" she praised. "Keep your guard up." Lana circled to my left, light on her feet as we traded blows on the uneven rocky ground. I struggled to maintain my footing while keeping my guard up against her quick strikes.
Lana continued to call out combinations. "Jab, cross, hook! Let's go!"
I did my best to fire off the sequence Lana called for, putting more hip rotation into the hook. She ducked under it smoothly and popped back up grinning. "Better! Now mix it up, don't be predictable."
Nodding, I started mixing up my strikes, throwing in uppercuts and body shots along with the jabs and crosses. I could feel myself starting to get winded as we danced across the rocky ground, sweat dripping down my chest and back. But I was beginning to find a rhythm too, My punches coming faster now with more fluidity. Lana noticed the improvement, giving an approving nod as she slipped and countered my strikes. "Nice combos! Keep your footwork sharp on this terrain."
I circled to my right, trying to be mindful of the uneven terrain as loose rocks shifted under my feet. Lana pressed her attack, throwing a dizzying flurry of punches that forced me back. I felt my rear foot hit a protruding rock and I stumbled slightly, falling backwards.
I stumbled back, off-balance from the uneven footing, and landed on my rear with an "oof!" Lana pressed her advantage, pouncing forward to pin my shoulders down against the rocky ground. She flashed a triumphant grin down at me.
Watching her body to see it relax slightly, I took the advantage and spun her around.
Lana let out a surprised grunt as I hooked my leg around her and flipped our positions. Now I was the one pinning her to the rocky ground, my hands gripping her wrists. She struggled against my hold for a moment before going still, her yellow eyes flashing with a mix of surprise and playful competitiveness as she gazed up at me. "Not good enough." She smirked, then suddenly bucked her hips, destabilizing my balance. In a blur of motion, she deftly reversed our positions once again with a quick twist of her hips and shoulders. I found myself flat on my back against the hard ground, the wind knocked out of me, with Lana straddling my waist and pinning my wrists above my head. Both of our heads lowered, and our breaths heavy on each other.
[[Make a move.|p7.2.1.1.1]]
[[Call it here.|p7.2.1.1.2]]
<<set $LanaRel to $LanaRel + 3>>
<<set $LanaTrainingPartner to $LanaTrainingPartner + 1>>
<<set $FightingSkill to $FightingSkill + 1>>“We shouldn’t, the Mayor will be waiting for us.” I said to Lana, as I took a step towards the car.
Lana shrugged. "Suit yourself. But don't be surprised if those hockey skills aren't enough out here."
She slid into the driver's seat and I climbed in on the passenger side. As we pulled away from the curb.
[[Monday rolls around.|p8]]
<<set $LanaRel to $LanaRel - 5>>My heart raced as Lana hovered over me, our faces inches apart, her lithe, powerful body pressing me into the unforgiving rocks. Her eyes bored into mine with fiery intensity, daring me to make a move. I strained against her grip on my wrists but she was too strong. Not wanting to wait any longer, I leaned up and captured her lips with mine in a searing kiss. Lana made a small noise of surprise before returning the kiss with fervor, her grip on my wrists tightening. As quick as it began, it ended.
<img src = "images/11.jpg">
She let go of my hands, but continued to straddle me with a satisfied gleam in her eyes. "Exactly what I thought," Lana purred, standing up, and walking over to her clothes.
I lay there for a moment, catching my breath and watching Lana saunter over to where her clothes lay in a pile on the rocks. The midday sun glinted off her toned back as she bent to retrieve her shirt. My pulse still raced from our heated sparring session.
“Let’s go, the Mayor is waiting for us,” Lana called out, as she started to walk towards the dirt path that we came in on.
[[Monday rolls around.|p8]]
<<set $LanaRel to $LanaRel + 1>>
<<set $LanaLust to $LanaLust + 5>>My heart raced as Lana hovered over me, our faces inches apart, her lithe, powerful body pressing me into the unforgiving rocks. Her eyes bored into mine with fiery intensity, daring me to make a move. I strained against her grip on my wrists but she was too strong. I leaned back, wanting to avoid some sort of weird romantic entanglement right now. Lana made a small noise of surprise before masking her face of shock.
<img src = "images/11.jpg">
She let go of my hands, but continued to straddle me with a satisfied gleam in her eyes. "Interesting," Lana purred, standing up, and walking over to her clothes.
I lay there for a moment, catching my breath and watching Lana saunter over to where her clothes lay in a pile on the rocks. The midday sun glinted off her toned back as she bent to retrieve her shirt. My pulse still raced from our heated sparring session.
“Let’s go, the Mayor is waiting for us,” Lana called out, as she started to walk towards the dirt path that we came in on.
[[Monday rolls around.|p8]]
<<set $LanaLust to $LanaLust + 10>>
<<set $LanaRel to $LanaRel + 5>>Sighing, I picked up the phone that was in the office, and dialed the first number on the list.
The phone rang once, twice, before a voice answered. "Yeah?"
The rest of the regular shipments calls went about as planned, ensuring that things were continuing to happen normally, getting a new lay of the land. A lot of the owners were surprised that Howard had sold, but once whatever worries they had were qualmed, it was all smooth sailing from there.
I stared at the last number on the list, the one marked 'special shipment'. My finger hovered over the dial pad, a bead of sweat forming on my brow. I knew this call would be different from the others. This was the part of the business that operated in the shadows, but the part of the business that the mayor needed me for.
I took a deep breath and dialed the number. After a few rings, a man’s voice answered, smooth and professional, the opposite of what I expected. "Knox Mountain Mechanics. How may I assist you?"
I paused for a moment, caught off guard by the professional greeting. Clearing my throat, I responded, "This is $fn $ln. I'm calling about a special shipment for Howard's store..."
There was a brief silence on the other end before the man spoke again, his tone shifting to one of guarded curiosity. "Ah, Mr. $ln. We've been expecting your call. Howard mentioned he sold the store and that you were okay with our business."
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk. "Yes, I'm aware of the arrangement. I want to ensure that everything continues smoothly during this transition."
The man chuckled lightly. "Of course, Mr. $ln. We valued our partnership with Howard. Although, we do have a request of you if you don’t mind.”
"A request?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "What kind of request?"
"We would like to meet with you in person," the man replied, his tone even and business-like. "Just to ensure that our partnership remains strong and that we're on the same page moving forward."
I hesitated for a moment, weighing the implications of meeting in person. The man's request seemed reasonable, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than a simple business introduction.
"I understand your concern," I said carefully. "Where and when did you have in mind for this meeting?” I asked.
“The drop site is fine. Moon Shadows RV Park. Midnight.”
I jotted down the details, my pen scratching against the paper. "Moon Shadows RV Park at midnight. Got it."
"We appreciate your cooperation, Mr. $ln," the man said, his voice smooth as silk. "We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership."
[[The Door Chimes.|p8.3]]The chime on the door rang as I set the phone down. I took a few steps towards the door of the office before I heard the Mayor’s voice go off.
"Ah, $fn, there you are," Mayor Louisa Barron called out from the entrance of the store, her musical English accent filling the space. She was a commanding presence, even in what was just a casual encounter. Her chestnut hair was styled in a sleek bob that perfectly framed her sharp features and her tailored suit screamed authority.
"Mayor Barron," I replied, stepping out of the office to greet her. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
She walked around the store, her eyes scanning the shelves critically. Lana walked in behind her, but quickly turned to look at the selection, not acknowledging me. "I thought I'd pop by to see how things are settling in. And it seems you've been busy, sending poor Howard on his way.” She spoke with what could only be described as a devilish smile. “So have you got any news for me?” She asked.
“I have a shipment pickup tonight,” I said to her.
“Tonight? Where?” She asked back, I noticed that Lana’s ears perked up when I mentioned the pickup.
“About an hour north, some RV park,” I said to the Mayor, who looked at me introspectively.
The Mayor's expression sharpened, a faint hint of concern flashing across her otherwise composed visage. "An RV Park?" Her tone was casual, but the underlying tension was palpable.
"Yeah," I confirmed, trying to read her reaction. Lana, who had been seemingly detached, now turned to face us, her interest unmistakably piqued.
“Bit scary, innit?” Lana finally spoke, her accent fully peeking through her voice now, she was holding a few bags of edibles, which I assumed that she was going to take without paying.
Mayor Barron simply waved off Lana's remark with a dismissive flick of her wrist, maintaining her focus on me. "Not necessarily, but it's unusual.” After a brief pause she spoke again. “Do you think you can handle it?”
I nodded, aware of the implications hidden beneath her carefully chosen words. “I’m learning quickly,” I replied, striving to project confidence I scarcely felt.
“That’s good to hear,” she said with an approving nod. “I expect you to handle things as smoothly as Howard did. It’s vital for what we are trying to achieve.” Another moment of silence filled the air before I noticed the pair of them heading towards the door.
She gave a slight smile, then exited the store with Lana in tow, Lana was still holding the edibles but I wasn’t going to stop her. I watched through the window as they disappeared into the same car that they entered through.
[[Back Home.|p8.4]]After a few more hours of paperwork, I closed up shop and walked towards my car. I looked at the time, noticing that I still had a few hours of relaxation before I had to travel an hour up north to the RV Park where the transaction would happen. Thinking about it, it was a bit odd that they never specified how much money to bring. They must’ve had some special kind of deal with Howard where the store was used to launder or something, who knows. I certainly don’t. Honestly the whole shtick of doing what I’m doing is so fucking odd. This was something you’d see in the Sopranos or some shitty porn game, nothing like real life.
Not noticing my rambling was longer that I had intended it to be, I noticed that I had already driven home without a care or thought in mind. I noticed that Mom’s car was already in the driveway, which meant that she was home. Thank god, I wouldn’t mind some time just relaxing with her, or even myself honestly. But nonetheless she was always a calming factor in my life.
“Mom, I’m home,” I said entering through the front door.
Mom emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. She smiled warmly at me, her eyes always holding that comforting glint.
"Hey beta, how was your day?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine concern as she approached for a brief hug.
I shrugged nonchalantly, trying to mask the undercurrent of anxiety that had been plaguing me since the phone call. "It was alright. Just handling things at the store.” I said, trying to be vague.
Mom's brow furrowed slightly, always perceptive of the shifts in my tone. "Handling, or is something troubling you?" she pressed gently, her hands now resting on my shoulders as she looked into my eyes, searching for the truth I was hesitant to share.
Deciding to confide in her, I sighed deeply before speaking. "There's a pickup tonight. At an RV park an hour north," I admitted, watching her reaction carefully. Her features tensed momentarily, a clear sign of her concern.
"An RV park? That sounds... unusual," she said after a moment, echoing Mayor Barron's earlier sentiment. She paused, clearly weighing her words carefully. "$fn, you know you can always back out if it feels wrong. I don’t want something to go wrong.”
I nodded, appreciating her concern but also knowing that backing out wasn't as simple as it sounded. The obligations were mounting, and so were the expectations from all sides. "I know, Mom." I tried to reassure her.
Mom sighed, giving me a tight squeeze. "I trust you.” She finished speaking as she let go of me. She turned her head to look at the clock in the living room before turning back to me. “What are you going to do before you leave?”
[[Hang out with Mom.|p8.4.1]]
[[Rest.|p8.4.2]]“I have some time to kill before I leave, do you want to do something?” I asked Mom.
Her face lit up with a soft smile, momentarily pushing the worry to the back of her mind. "I'd love that, beta. Your aunt’s in a new film, want to watch that?"
The idea was appealing; a little bit of escapism could be just what I needed to calm my nerves before the night's obligations. "That sounds perfect, Mom. I'll make the popcorn," I replied, feeling a genuine smile tug at my lips for the first time that day.
As I sat by the microwave, I could feel a slight ease settling over me. The scent of popcorn filled the air, mixing with the familiar aromas of home that always seemed to ground me. Mom fussed around the living room, setting up cushions and blankets on the couch for our movie night.
By the time I returned to the living room with a large bowl of buttery popcorn, Mom had dimmed the lights and queued up the film. We nestled into the couch, the soft fabrics enveloping us comfortably. As the opening credits rolled, I felt her arm sneak around my shoulder, pulling me a bit closer.
“I can’t believe Auntie got cast in an actual bollywood film as one of the two leads,” I said to Mom.
Mom chuckled, her eyes gleaming with pride. "I know, right? She's worked so hard for this. It’s almost surreal seeing her on the big screen.”
We settled deeper into the couch, our attention fixed on the film's vibrant scenes. The conversation shifted away from my impending responsibilities, and for a few hours, I would be able to forget my sorrows.
<img src = "images/12.jpg">
As the film progressed, I found myself deeply engrossed in the story, my aunt's performance captivating me. Mom seemed equally enthralled, her eyes fixed on the screen. Every so often, she would give my shoulder a gentle squeeze, a silent communication of her pride and admiration for her sister's achievements.
As the final scene faded to black and the credits began to roll, I let out a contented sigh, feeling more relaxed than I had all day. Mom mirrored my sentiment, a satisfied smile gracing her features.
I glanced at the clock, realizing it was nearing the time to leave. The momentary peace I had found during the movie was slowly dissipating, replaced by the familiar knot of anxiety in my stomach. I turned to Mom, who seemed to sense the shift in my demeanor.
"Time to go?" she asked softly, her hand giving my shoulder a comforting squeeze.
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Yeah, I should get going. Don't want to be late."
Mom enveloped me in a tight hug, her familiar scent soothing my nerves. "Be careful, beta. Call me as soon as you're done," she said, her voice filled with warmth and concern.
I nodded, returning her embrace. "I will, Mom. Don't worry."
As I pulled away, her hands came up to adjust my collar, her motherly instinct to tidy my appearance kicking in. She gave me a long look, her eyes glistening.
[[The drive to the drop off.|p9]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 3>>"I'm probably just going to rest Mom," I said, looking at her. She looked back at me with a soft smile before turning away towards the kitchen.
[[The drive to the drop off.|p9]]
I was on the highway now, driving towards the RV Park. The sky was dark and traffic was slim. My mind was on the meeting ahead, but my eyes were on the mirror behind.
I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, anxiety rising. Taking deep breaths knowing that this was one meeting that I could not fuck up.
I tried to focus on the road ahead, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Mom, I couldn’t fuck things up, for her. The Mayor too, technically, she knew more about me than even I knew about me. That wasn’t something I wanted revealed to the world. Who knows how many enemies my father had. Or even my mother, I don’t want anyone knocking on our door coming for her. I don’t know what I’d do if that happened.
The RV park soon came into view, a sprawling grid of mobile homes and RVs glinting under the moonlight. I turned off the highway and onto the dusty access road, my headlights cutting through the darkness. As I pulled up to the meeting spot, a nondescript trailer at the end of the row, I killed the lights and engine.
Sitting in silence, I steeled myself for what was to come. Doing something I hadn’t done in a while, I pulled out a cigarette. I lit it with the lighter I always kept in the glove compartment, and made my way over to the nondescript trailer at the end of the row.
I took a long drag on the cigarette, letting the smoke fill my lungs before exhaling slowly. The nicotine helped steady my nerves as I walked up the rickety metal steps and knocked on the trailer door. A gruff voice called out, "It's open."
I entered cautiously, scanning the dim interior. The air was hazy and stale, with a lingering scent of booze and body odor. In the corner sat two men, their faces obscured by shadow. One was massive, with a beer gut that hung over his belt. The other was whip-thin, nervously tapping his feet against the floor.
I took one last drag of my cigarette before flicking it into the dirt and stepping inside the dim trailer. The thin man eyed me suspiciously while the larger man leaned back in his chair, arms behind his head.
"So you're the one who took over from Howard eh?" the big man grunted. His voice was like gravel crunching under tires.
I nodded, sliding my hands into my pockets.
The thin man laughed, a reedy sound like air leaking from a balloon. "Big mistake, kid."
I shook my head slowly, fixing the thin man with an icy stare. "I don't make mistakes."
The big man laughed, a deep bellowing sound that seemed to shake the thin trailer walls. "Cocky. I like it." He leaned forward, meaty hands on his knees. "Here's the deal. Howard moved our product to dealers all across the pacific northwest, we sold to him, he sold to others."
I kept my face neutral, but my mind was racing.
The big man continued, "Howard was reliable. Kept a low profile. We like that." He leaned back again, folding his arms. "So here's the real deal. You keep the store running smooth, keep selling our supply, and we'll keep being your supplier."
The thin man piped up, his reedy voice cutting through the haze of smoke. "But if you get greedy, try to find another supplier or raise prices without talking to us first..." He drew his finger across his neck.
I took a minute to think, really I didn’t have a choice, and this would at least help me get finances for whatever Louisa needed. I nodded, standing up. “Let’s not ruin a good thing,” I said with a small smile.
The thin man extended his hand, his other arm behind his back. I noticed his face had a sheepish grin on it, but I feel like he was just a permanent skeeve.
“To new friends,” he said with his arm extended out. Wanting to be polite I extended my hand and shook his. I noticed that the strength disparity was off when I tried to let go but couldn’t.
My eyes darted to the back towards the burly biker who had a wide grin on his face too.
It wasn’t until I felt another tap on my shoulders that I knew things were wrong.
[["And to new enemies."|p9.1]]“And to new enemies,” Howards voice came out from behind me. I felt the cold steel of the gun barrel press into my back as Howard chuckled behind me. "Sorry kid, but I'm afraid this arrangement is no longer open for negotiation."
My mind raced, evaluating my options. I was outnumbered and outgunned. I had to find a way to get the upper hand.
But before I could think any further, I heard the loud bang of a gunshot, and felt something rip through my skin.
As the bullet tore through my shoulder, a searing pain engulfed me. I stumbled forward, my hand flying to the wound as blood soaked through my shirt. The loud bang of the gunshot was still ringing in my ears as I hit the ground, blinking away the pain-induced tears.
I grimaced against the pain, trying to clear my blurring vision. Rough hands grabbed me, yanking me to my feet. I swayed unsteadily as Howard pressed the cold metal barrel against my temple.
"Truth is kid, the game was rigged from the start." His foul breath washed over me as he leaned in close. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the burly man draw a wicked looking knife.
My mind raced, evaluating options as I stalled for time. "Doesn't have to be this way," I said through gritted teeth. "We can make a deal, work something out."
Howard let out a gruff laugh. “That deal was gone when you decided to work with the Mayor. Oh yeah, we know all about that.”
The burly biker edged closer pulling his hand back as Howard presented me towards him.
My breath quickened as the blade glinted in the low light. I had mere seconds to act before I was gutted like a fish.
But it was too late, the agony that was ripping through my back was too much for me to move as I saw the knife start to move towards me.
I braced myself for the final blow, knowing there was no escape.
I felt the knife enter my stomach and let out a gasp, the pain blinding. I felt the rip of the knife as he pulled up, a cruel finality punctuating the end of the negotiation.
“Leave him here, let him be a lesson.” I heard someone say, as the voices grew fainter.
My consciousness fluttered on the edge of the abyss, teetering precariously between life and death. The world spun around me, the edges blurring into a murky haze. My legs buckled beneath me as the cold glacial spread of numbness overtook my body. I slumped and it was all over.
[[Death can't take me.|p9.2]]
[[Death|p9.3]]“Are you ready to die?” A voice spoke out. It had not presence, yet it was surrounding me. The voice had an ethereal component to it, that I knew wherever I was, it wasn’t heaven or hell.
"No…," I choked out, blood bubbling on my lips. "I can't die...not yet. I... won’t all-" My strength was ebbing fast, the room around me blurring in a kaleidoscope of pain and desperate helplessness. “-ow it.”
Another wave of blackness swept over me then, swallowing my vision in its icy grip. I felt the floor come up to meet me, my body collapsing limply onto the cold, hard ground. The last thing I heard was a cruel chuckle echoing in the room.
Muted voices swirled around me like a torrent of whispers, their words indistinct and distorted. My thoughts were becoming blurry, fragmented pieces of an unrecognizable puzzle.
[[Who are you?|p10]]You've died.
[[Be reborn.|Prologue2]]A white room surrounded me, as I looked around there was nothing but an emptiness that did not sit right with the feeling in my stomach. At least if I could feel my stomach. I know it would not be sitting right with me.
I tried to look around but I could not tell if I was looking around at anything.
Before me stood two doors. One was marking in black, while the other was a soft brown.
Walking towards the soft brown door, I could feel light emanating from it. It felt calm, as though everything would be okay, and that I was where I was supposed to be. It was an odd feeling. Peace. I had not felt it for a long time, and honestly never thought I would entering into what I had.
I moved towards the black door, and before I even stood in front of it, I could already feel the malice and hatred coming off of the door.
Trepidation crawled up my spine as I approached, like tiny insects skittering beneath my skin. But there was also the allure of the unknown, a morbid curiosity that whispered in my ear, urging me towards the ominous door. I moved closer, hesitantly extending a hand towards its surface. It felt cold to the touch, sending a chill down my arm.
I looked back at the soft brown door, its light still warm and inviting.
With a deep breath, I took a step back and looked between the two doors, unsure of which one to enter.
[[Brown door.|p10.1]]
[[Black door.|p10.2]]Choosing the soft brown door over the chilling black one, I moved closer. The guise of calmness was at once soothing and disarming, but it seemed far preferable to whatever awaited me behind the other door.
As I reached forward, there was a whisper of a breeze stirring in the room that hadn't been there before. It tousled my hair gently, a prelude to the harmonious notes that slowly began to play out in the air - soft and melodious, like an unseen piano player heralding my decision to enter.
Turning the doorknob with an anxious grip, the door creaked open slowly. It was a comforting sound, like walking into your house after a long day at school.
As the door swung open, I stepped through and into what appeared to be a small, warmly lit room. It was filled with the heady scent of mixed spices, their aroma wafting through the air. My eyes roamed across the space, taking in the rustic charm of exposed wooden beams and worn-out furniture that seemed plucked right out of a bygone era.
There was a fireplace on one side of the room, its soft glow casting flickering shadows across old photographs framed and hung meticulously on the wall. Each photo captured moments frozen in time – people with warm smiles.
[[The door clicks.|p10.3]]
<<set $Anger to $Anger - 50>>
<<set $Stoic to $Stoic + 50>>Choosing the chilling black door, I turned the handle that was coated with a thin layer of frost. The door creaked open, as I stepped through into what appeared to be the peak of a mountain.
Snow swirled through the air, stinging my bare hands and face. I glanced down to see my feet sinking into the pristine white, the cold seeping through my shoes. Above me, a grey sky brooded ominously, the towering peaks of the mountain range lost in a heavy fog. The wind was a savage beast, howling its fury as it whipped through the jagged rocks and snow-laden trees.
I spun around to go back, but the black door had vanished. Instead, there lay before me an expanse of untouched snow that stretched out as far as the eye could see. Panic surged within me like a wild river.
Taking a few steps forward, each step was a struggle, the snow seeming to claw at my legs, unwilling to release its icy grip. My breaths came out in short gasps, fogging up in front of my face only to be carried away by the brutal wind. I forced myself onwards, squinting against the bitter cold that threatened to blind me.
Suddenly, there was a flicker of light in the distance - a small, solitary glow amidst the white oblivion. A spark of hope ignited within me. With renewed determination, I trudged towards it, fighting against the wind that seemed determined to push me back.
As I neared, the glow became more distant. In frustration, I threw my fist against the ground, where it turned into wood.
Confusion became my primary emotion as anger started to creep up.
It wasn’t until I heard the door handle start to turn did I realise I was not alone.
[[The door clicks.|p10.3]]
<<set $Anger to $Anger + 50>>
<<set $Stoic to $Stoic - 50>>The door clicked as my head turned towards the door knob, noticing that the handle was turning.
The handle turned slowly, almost inaudibly, and there was a soft click as the latch released. My heart pounded with anticipation; or was it trepidation? The door creaked open, a sliver of light broke through the tiny space between the door and its frame.
And then, she entered. She look indigenous at first glance, but with the silhouette of the door, it was hard to tell.
She stepped over the threshold with a grace that seemed almost ethereal, her feet barely making a sound as they brushed against the wooden floor. Her onyx eyes observed me curiously, flickering in the light. “You must rest.”
I looked at her confused before the warmth of my own blood came seeping through my wounds.
I allowed my gaze to dip to the crimson that stained my clothes and the wooden floor beneath me. The ache was now a throbbing agony, a rhythm that beat alongside my heart in a terrible harmony. I hadn't noticed it before. The white room, the doors, her entrance... all had been a distraction from the pain.
I made an attempt to speak, but my voice refused to cooperate, emerging as little more than a strained rasp. Suddenly weakened, I sank down onto one of the worn-out chairs beside a table just as the woman moved towards me, her footsteps whispering against the old wooden floor.
“Shsh...” She hushed me gently, a warm smile reaching her eyes. In them, I saw kindness and understanding that strangely put me at ease despite the throbbing pain. She reached into a small pouch attached to her waist, pulling out what appeared to be a collection of herbs. The scent that wafted from the pouch was comforting.
Gently, she began to apply the mixture on my wounds. The initial sting made me wince, but she continued with a comforting assurance that had me entrusting her. As her deft fingers worked on dressing my wounds, the room fell into a comforting silence as sleep took over.
[[Wake up.|p11]]The sun came bursting through the window as dawn heralded a new day. I blinked and squinted into the morning light, my mind groggy and my body stiff. The woman had gone; I was alone in the room except for the faint scent of her herbs that lingered in the air. I looked down at my wounds, neatly bandaged and strangely calm. No more throbbing agony, just a dull remnant of what once was a furious pain.
I pushed myself off the sofa where I was lying, wincing at the soreness that came with the movement. I looked around the cabin that I seemed to be in, and noticed that it was deep set within the forest.
<img src = "images/14.jpg">
The morning light filtered gently through the old wooden blinds of the cabin's solitary window, casting thin beams across the room and highlighting the dust particles hanging in the air. I tiptoed over to the window, careful not to disturb any objects that might signal my movements. Outside the birds were singing their morning songs, and the forest seemed alive with a symphony of sounds. From the window, I could see small woodland creatures scuttling around in search of food. It was tranquil, as though the harsh reality of last night had never happened.
I moved away from the window and surveyed my surroundings once more, taking note of every detail. The wooden walls were warm with age, their surfaces scratched and worn but still holding a certain rustic charm. The sparse furniture was as old as the cabin itself, smelling of years and years of wood smoke and earthy resin.
In the midst of this primitive setting, there was an unmistakable air of contentment and peace. As I absorbed the serenity of the cabin, I felt an odd sense that I was being watched. Turning quickly to see who it is, I failed to remember the state I was in, and agitated the wound that was in my stomach. “FUCK!” I screamed out in agony.
I heard the exhale of air through someone’s nose, as I perked up again. Looking at what I could only assume was the woman who helped me yesterday.
She was leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest, and an amused smirk playing on her lips. Her face was obscured by the shadows, but I could see the glint in her eyes, reflected by the thin beams of morning light.
"Good morning," she greeted, a note of humor lacing her voice. She moved into the room and her features became clearer. She was younger than I had remembered her silhouette being, Her ebony hair was braided and hung over both shoulders.
"Good morning," I echoed back, my voice rough from sleep and disuse. She smiled at that, a warm, inviting smile that reassured me more than words ever could. Wincing, as I took a seat, I remembered who she was and what she had done for me. “Thank you,” I said to her.
"No need for gratitude," she responded, her tone easy but firm. She moved around the cabin with a familiarity that hinted at years spent here, pausing every now and again to adjust a frame or rearrange a pile of books. It was oddly comforting, watching her.
She returned with a bowl of what smelled like porridge and placed it on the table in front of me. I realized then just how famished I was and didn't hesitate to start eating. As I spooned the warm, comforting food into my mouth, she took a seat across from me at the small wooden table. Her hands were clasped in front of her, her eyes thoughtful as they watched me eat.
"Who did this to you?" she asked, her voice calm but carrying a distinct note of concern. I hesitated for a moment before answering, gazing into the depths of my bowl as if the answers might be written there.
"I uh…" I responded finally, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I can’t tell you."
She scoffed at that. “I saved your life, I think I am owed some answers.” She said, a bit shocked.
"I know," I admitted, swallowing down the last spoonful of porridge. "You're right. You do." I took a pause.
“Are you afraid that I’ll call the cops?” She said to me, a bit aggressively.
"No," I answered swiftly, looking at her square in the eyes. "Not that. It's just...complicated."
She seemed to mull over my response before giving a curt nod, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms. Her gaze was no longer on me; instead, it was focused somewhere past my shoulder, lost in thought.
My fingers tapped nervously against the wooden table, breaking the silence enveloping the cabin. I watched her closely, half expecting an outburst or accusation of some sort. Yet, she remained silent, the morning light casting soft shadows on her face.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she sighed and looked back at me, her eyes softer than before. "Fine," she said, her tone resigned. "I won't push for answers, at least not now. But you can't stay here forever, you know. What will you do?"
"I'm not sure," I admitted, my gaze dropping to the empty porridge bowl in front of me.
[["How long was I out?"|p11.1]]“How long was I out?” I asked, unsure of how much time had passed.
"Two weeks," she responded matter-of-factly, though there was a hint of concern in her voice that hadn't been there before.
"Two weeks," I repeated, the words echoing in my head.
"Damn," was all I managed to say, pressing a hand to my forehead. The dull ache in my side flared at the movement, but it was bearable.
"Are you okay?" she asked, standing up abruptly and moving to stand by me.
"Yeah," I assured her, giving a weak smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Just... just a lot to take in, is all."
She nodded, her eyes never leaving my face as she resumed her seat.
"You're lucky," she said after a moment of silence. “I was in the area visiting cousins when I heard the gunshot.” The two of us paused again, unsure of what to say. “Do you have anyone you can call?” She asked.
"I..." I started, thinking of anyone who could possibly help me out of this mess. It seems options were limited.
[[Call Mom.|p11.1.1]]
[[Call Lana.|p11.1.2]]
[[Call Louisa.|p11.1.3]]"Do you have any family or friends who might be looking for you?" she asked again, her voice soft but insistent.
"I do," I answered finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to call my mom."
A shadow of sympathy crossed her face. "I can imagine she must be worried sick. You should talk to her as soon as you're ready."
"I will," I affirmed, nodding slightly. "Just need some time to figure out what I'm going to say."
She nodded back at me in understanding, standing up to gather the empty bowls. "Sure, take your time." She moved towards the kitchen, her steps echoing softly against the wooden floor.
As she walked to the kitchen area from where we were seated, I found myself lost in thought. Two weeks. Gone just like that. And what had I to show for it? An aching body and a likely price on my head.
“Here, catch.” The woman said, throwing her phone to me. I caught it, and started to punch in the number on the phone.
As I waited for the call to connect, I glanced around the cabin one more time. It was lived in, homely. There were family photos on the mantel, clustered together in a variety of frames. I couldn't help but wonder about her life, about how she ended up here in this remote place, away from city noise and hustle and bustle.
"Hello?" A voice echoed through the phone, a voice I hadn't heard in weeks but one that brought me an immense relief. "Mom," I managed to croak out, my throat suddenly dry.
"Is that you, beta?" Her voice was hesitant, a mix of fear and hope
"Yes, Mom. It's me," I replied, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat. Her sigh of relief was audible even through the weak connection, and I gripped the phone tighter.
"Where have you been?" she cried, her voice trembling with emotion. The question hung in the air like an accusation, and I found myself at a loss for words. I glanced up at the woman who had taken me in, I was silently pleading for guidance. She was observing me from across the room, her expression unreadable as she washed the dishes.
"I...I was shot," I answered vaguely, wincing at how weak it sounded
"Shot?!" My mother's voice climbed several octaves higher, her fear and worry penetrating the poor phone connection. "Oh God... are you okay? Who did this to you?"
"I'm alright, Mom," I hurriedly reassured her, trying to keep my voice steady. "A kind woman found me, she's been taking care of me."
I glanced again at my rescuer. She was still by the sink, her hands submerged in soap suds as she methodically cleaned each bowl. She hadn't looked my way since handing me her phone. Was she giving me privacy or avoiding the consequences of what she had stepped into?
"And where are you now?" my mother's voice persisted, her worry tinged with a new suspicion.
"I..." I blinked, glancing around the room for inspiration. "I don’t really know, Mom."
The silence that followed was heavy and oppressive, broken only by the soft splashes from the sink and the ticking of an old wall clock. When she finally spoke again, her voice was quieter, resigned.
"Alright," she said softly. "Come home, do you need a ride? I can pick you up."
“I’ll let you know, Mom. Love you,” I said to her.
“I love you too $fn.” She said back.
[[The ride home.|p11.2]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 10>>"Do you have any family or friends who might be looking for you?" she asked again, her voice soft but insistent.
"I do," I answered finally, my voice barely above a whisper. I need to call Lana, She’ll know what to do. At least I hope.
"Then it's about time you reach out to them," she advised, her voice gentle. She rose from her seat and disappeared into the adjoining room for a moment before returning with an old corded landline.
I stared at it for a moment, trying to recall Lana's number. The digits seemed blurry, my memory hazy with fatigue and pain. But I knew I had to try; for my sake and hers.
I dialed the number with trembling fingers, each beep echoing uncomfortably in the quiet room. After a few rings, I heard it – Lana's familiar voice on the other end of the line.
"Lana," I choked out, my voice barely a whisper. "I need your help."
Even through the static of the phone line, I could hear the sharp intake of breath on her end.
"Who is this? Where are you?" she questioned, her voice strangely calm in the face of my sudden call.
"It's me," I replied, wincing as a wave of pain washed over me.
A pause followed my words, and then: "What has happened?"
"I was shot." I said hurriedly, glancing at the woman who had saved my life. The worry was apparent in her eyes, but she remained silent, leaning against the door frame and watching me with a guarded look. "I'm safe now, but I need to get out of here."
"Where are you?" Lana asked again, her voice tense.
"I'm not sure, somewhere on the outskirts of town," I responded anxiously.
"Stay put. I'll get you." She said.
“Wait, I’ll let you know. I’m still messed up, I don’t know if I could do a trip.”
“I’ll let mother know. Keep me updated.” She said hanging up the phone.
[[The ride home.|p11.2]]
<<set $LanaRel to $LanaRel + 10>>"Do you have any family or friends who might be looking for you?" she asked again, her voice soft but insistent.
"I do," I answered finally, my voice barely above a whisper. I need to call Louisa, it’s her fault I’m in this mess, she can get me out of it.
"Alright," she said finally, pushing back her chair and standing up, before walking over to a cordless landline and handing it to me.
I grabbed the phone, my hands trembling. I hesitated for a moment, then began to dial the familiar number, the sound of each digit echoing ominously in the quiet cabin. I held my breath as it rang once, twice, thrice.
Finally, there was a click and a familiar voice filled my ear. "Hello?"
"Mayor Barron," I rasped out, my voice sounding foreign to my own ears.
There was a pause on the other end, followed by a sharp intake of breath. "Good God,” she exclaimed. “Where have you been?”
"I was shot," I admitted simply.
There was another pause, longer this time, before Louisa Barron's voice came back on the line, steady and smooth despite the shock her words conveyed. "So the deal is off?" she asked, her tone both accusatory and worried. "What happened? Why are you calling me? Go to the hospital."
I sighed, my grip on the phone tightening as I leaned back in my chair. "Because I need your help," I admitted, swallowing hard against the lump forming in my throat. The sound of Louisa inhaling sharply was loud in the silence of the cabin.
“Do you need a ride back? I can send Lana.” The Mayor asked.
“I’ll let you know.” I said back, hanging up the phone.
[[The ride home.|p11.2]]
<<set $LouisaRel to $LouisaRel - 10>>“Do you want me to give you a ride home?” The woman asked.
I hesitated at her offer, the knot in my stomach tightening. Home was the last place I wanted or could go to. Too many ties, too many people who'd want to hurt me. I sighed heavily. "Sure," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
I missed my Mom. I missed being in my bed. I missed being home.
“Arrow,” The woman said.
“Huh?” I asked back in a state of confusion.
“My name is Arrow.” She repeated. “Since you never asked.”
"Arrow," I echoed, allowing the name to sink in. It fit her, somehow. Strong, steadfast, and unyielding in her resolve.
"Thank you, Arrow," I murmured, my voice strained with gratitude.
She nodded once in acknowledgement, her gaze steady upon me as she rose from her chair. "You should rest more," she suggested, gesturing towards the sofa in the corner of the room. “We’ll leave in a few hours.”
The ensuing silence was comfortable yet still carried a hint of uneasiness. We both knew this was only a temporary solution, that my troubles would follow me wherever I went. Yet, for now, we were content in the quiet stillness of her rustic cabin. I moved as if in a trance towards the sofa she had indicated, my body still weak and my mind clouded with thoughts.
Arrow watched as I settled down on the worn-out cushions, a thoughtful look on her face. She seemed to be unsure of something. Eventually, she returned to her chair by the window, resuming her watchful gaze out at the surrounding landscape, her back turned to me. I watched as her shoulders tensed slightly, her fingers drumming rhythmically against the armrest of her chair in deep thought.
The quiet hum of the rustic cabin offered a soothing ambience, yet my mind was anything but tranquil. Questions and fears whirled around in my head, casting a dark cloud over any semblance of peace that might have been found. The cabin's worn wooden walls seemed to breathe with age and wisdom, offering a strange sense of comfort amidst the tumultuous storm brewing within me.
Arrow broke the silence first.
"Remember," she began, her voice calm, steady. "The storm is only as strong as we allow it to be. We can either let it overpower us, or we can stand tall, embrace it and walk through it. Choosing the latter might not be easy. It might even scare you but remember, at the end of every storm, there's always clear sky."
Her words hung in the air, lingering like the scent of a smouldering fire. I wanted to believe her, to find comfort in her wisdom and strength. But fear was a powerful adversary.
"Bit cliche," I replied after a while. The words were barely audible, hovering on the edge of a whisper. I could hear the uncertainty echoing in my own voice, the fear branching out like a parasite, sapling its roots deep within me.
Her chuckle filled the room, soft and warm, a sound like smooth river stones tumbling over each other. "They wouldn't be cliches if they weren't true,” she replied, turning her gaze to meet mine. My eyes grew heavier as I stared into hers, the deep chasm of sleep finding me.
[[The real ride home.|p11.3]]I woke up already in the moving truck. Arrow's hands were steady on the wheel, her eyes focused on the road ahead. The sun had set some time ago, and the city lights were a cluster of twinkling menagerie in the distant horizon.
"Did I sleep long?" I asked, my voice heavy with remnants of slumber.
"Not too long," she replied, never shifting her gaze from the front. "Got a few hours of rest, though."
A few hours. It felt like an eternity lost in some forgotten dream. I looked around, trying to make sense of our surroundings before realising we were near Hope. I wonder what will happen to Howards.
"Long enough to get hungry?" Arrow's voice echoed through the truck cab, breaking the silence that had set in. Her eyes remained on the road ahead, but a small smile played on her lips. She reached into a paper bag beside her and pulled out a sandwich, offering it to me without looking.
I took the sandwich gratefully, realizing only then how hollow my stomach felt. The taste of ham and cheese was comforting in its simplicity, and I devoured it more eagerly than intended.
"We're close to Hope," Arrow said after a while, her gaze peeking at me from the rear-view mirror. "I got your address from your Mom.”
I felt a pang of worry at the mention of my mother. "You talked to my mother?"
Arrow glanced at me from the corner of her eye. "She called me. She was worried for you, but she's alright," she said, her voice steady and calming.
Hearing her say that brought an odd sense of relief. I had been so preoccupied with my problems that I hadn't even considered how my mother was coping.
"We'll be there soon," Arrow said softly, her voice barely audible above the hum of the engine, her gaze returning to the desolate road stretching ahead. Her brow was furrowed in concentration, hands steady on the wheel as she navigated the winding paths that led towards our destination. A silence settled over us once more, not uncomfortable, but filled with anticipation of what lay ahead.
The rest of the journey was spent in relative silence, broken only by the occasional words exchanged between us. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and fears; yet with each passing minute, Monica's calm presence seemed to soothe them, like a balm against a wound.
[[Arriving home.|p11.4]]I woke up to a shuffle on the end of my bed, my eyes fluttering open to see a familiar mop of hair. My mother was sitting at the foot of my bed, her eyes rimmed with red.
"You're back," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
"I'm back," I confirmed, forcing a smile onto my face. She moved closer, her hand gently stroking my hair in a comforting gesture that took me back to childhood days when I was sick.
We sat like that for some time, basking in the comfort of our reunion. But soon enough, reality snapped me out of this peaceful bubble. The memories of my fateful attempted murder refreshed in my mind; the scent of blood and echoes of my pain seeped back into my body.
The shadows in the room seemed to darken, and a chill ran down my spine. I closed my eyes, willing the images away. When I finally dared to open them again, the room was the same, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun peeking from behind the curtains.
"I need some fresh air," I mumbled, pulling myself out of bed with difficulty. My mother began to protest but stopped herself short when our gazes met. Her deep brown eyes were filled with worry – worry that reflected my own fears.
Without another word, she helped me to my feet and walked with me towards the entrance. We moved slowly, each step taking a bit more effort than the last. But as I stepped onto the porch, a gust of fresh, cool air hit me and brought with it an oddly comforting sense of reality.
Birds were chirping in the nearby trees, and I could see the sun slowly rising above the dense treeline in the distance. The world was waking up, moving on, indifferent to my problems. And somehow, that felt comforting.
Leaning against the railing, I closed my eyes, allowing the morning air to wash over me. I remained still for a few moments until I heard the soft creak of the porch door behind me.
"I made cha," my mother said, handing me a mug.
I took the mug from her and breathed in the spicy aroma of the traditional tea. It was a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless. As I sipped it, I could taste the ginger and cinnamon, reminding me of home.
"Thank you," I said after a long silence. She only nodded and joined me at the railing, her eyes watching the sunrise with an unreadable expression.
"This isn’t the end," she said eventually. "They'll be back."
"I know." The words felt heavy in my mouth.
"What are you going to do?" Her voice asked, firm but gentle.
"Get revenge.”
[[Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]<div class="chapter-intro">
<h1 class="chapter-title">Chapter 1</h1>
<p class="chapter-text">I am Alive.</p>
</div>
“I see being stabbed and shot wasn’t enough to stop you,” The Mayor said as I walked into her office.
<img src = "images/18.jpg">
I ignored her snide remark, and hid a tinge of anger under my face.
A chuckle slipped past her lips, her eyes sparkling with a touch of amusement. "Why have you come? Are you telling me you quit?" Louisa inquired, her royal English accent filling the small office
"No, not this time," I replied, glancing around her office. The rich scent of old wood always had a calming effect on me, but today, it did little to soothe my anxiety. "I’m in. Fully. I want revenge.”
Her laugh echoed through the room, as chilling and calculating as ever. "Revenge is a dangerous game, $fn," she warned, her eyes narrowed and piercing. "And a costly one too."
"I'm past caring about the cost," I retorted, the bitterness seeping into my voice. “You think I’m going to let someone try to kill me?”
A silence stretched between us, seemingly endless. Louisa finally broke it with a sigh as she rose from her desk and walked over to the window, gazing out onto the quiet streets of Hope.
"No, I suppose not," she said softly without turning around. Her voice seemed to blend with the rhythmic tick-tock of the clock on the wall. “I suppose we are tied at the hip now, aren’t we. They seem to know of my involvement, and now I know to be careful.”
Lana spoke, coming out of nowhere. In my tunnel vision I had neglected to acknowledge her appearance. "While you were out for two weeks," she said. Her golden hair glowed under the faint light pouring in through the window. “We continued working. We still own Howard’s, we just need a new supplier.”
“We need more help.” I said to her, knowing that the three of us would not be able to be enough for what it takes to end whatever it is this was going to be.
"Agreed," Louisa chimed in, turning back from the window to face me and Lana.
"I’ve already sent in calls, my ex-SAS squadmates who are looking for work in the private sector,” Lana spoke again. “One should already be at your house, and will be there permanently.”
I nodded, a small light of relief igniting in my chest. Having Lana's ex-SAS squadmates would ensure our safety to an extent. "Good," I murmured, "I think we'll need all the support we can get."
Louisa's gaze softened slightly as she stepped away from the window. “Your mother,” Louisa said, pausing. “We’ll need to fully rope her in too, her experience helping your father run his mob dealings will be crucial.”
"Yeah," I agreed, a knot forming in my stomach at the mention of my mother. I just hope that she would be willing to help. But Louisa was right; we needed her, needed all the help and knowledge she could provide. Maybe even call up some of dad’s old contacts.
"We have a plan," Lana urged with steeled determination. "Rest up for today, tomorrow we start."
Louisa cleared her throat before she spoke again, “Before you go $fn, your home is compromised, I own an abandoned manor that I was planning on fixing for Lana, but I want you to have it. Consider it a show of good faith.”
[[My new home.|c1.2]]There was a taxi waiting for me once I stepped outside, the driver standing by with the passenger door open.
The ride to the manor was silent. The driver tactfully refrained from making conversation and I was too lost in my thoughts to try. The house appeared suddenly around a bend, its tall dark silhouette looming against the backdrop of the setting sun. It was grander than I’d expected. It was old too. It reminded me of the old Victorian style houses that you’d see in some fancy neighbourhood. At least if fancy was a boarded up house that looked run down. It was extremely unassuming with how empty it looked on the outside. The dilapidated building was going to be nothing but a work in progress.
<<img src="images/15.jpg">>
I couldn’t help but wonder what my Mom would think about all of this, if she was even told about this. Not only that but the fact that I would have my personal security that would follow me wherever I went, that seemed a bit excessive. As if on cue, the pain shot through my body once again, and the staunch reminder that I was almost killed rang through my body. Even my body knows it’s probably a good idea. Fine, whatever, fuck it. I can live with it.
Or die without it.
[[A woman standing outside of my house.|c1.3]]Outside of the gate stood a woman with red hair.
<<img src="images/16.jpg">>
"$fn?" she asked with a thick Irish accent as I stepped out of the car. Her eyes were shrewd, and something about her gaze told me she was far more dangerous than she looked.
"Maybe," I replied, trying to keep the uncertainty out of my voice. "And you are?"
"Siobhan," she answered crisply.
"Lana sent me. You're safe now." Her face was stern, with a distinct air of someone who had been to hell and back, but her eyes held a flicker of warmth.
I studied the Irish woman before me, her fiery red hair pulled back in a practical ponytail, faint scars visible on her skin. The hand she extended to greet me was rough, callused from years of training and hard work.
I found myself obliged to trust this stranger, an ex-SAS operative sent by Lana to ensure my safety.
"Right," I replied, gripping her hand in a firm handshake. "Welcome aboard."
She nodded curtly, looking up at the looming manor. "It's a bit of a fixer-upper, isn't it?" she quipped, her lips curving into a smirk.
"Hell of an understatement," I muttered, running a hand through my hair as I took in the sight of my new hideout.
We spent the next few minutes in silence, Siobhan peering at the building with a critical eye while I tried to imagine what life would be like now. It felt surreal, being here. Only a week ago, I was worrying about inventory and profit margins, not personal safety and revenge plots. But when someone puts a bullet in you and leaves you for dead. Priorities shift.
[[Walking into the house.|c1.4]]Siobhan left to do a quick scan of the surrounding area, but not before informing me that my Mom was already inside.
The house was cold and empty, a stark contrast to the warm, lived-in space of my previous home. As I hesitantly stepped through the doorway, I could feel the weight of history pressing down on me. Despite its dilapidated state, the house still held an eerie grandeur to it. The darkened hallways seemed to stretch out endlessly, their silence swallowed only by the creaking noises of an old, weary structure.
As I ventured deeper into the house, past dust covered objects and draped furniture shrouded in shadows, I heard a noise coming from somewhere upstairs.
I followed the sound up the grand staircase, each step causing the old boards to groan in protest. There, I found my mother standing in what appeared to be an attic, the light dancing eerily across her face.
She turned when she heard me enter, her usually stern face softened by a mix of relief and worry. "$fn," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Mom," I acknowledged with a curt nod. She looked at me for a moment, then embraced me in a tight hug. Her body was rigid and tense against mine.
"Could use some work," she choked out after taking in a brief moment of silence.
I let out a soft chuckle at her words, breaking the tense atmosphere. "That's putting it mildly," I replied, pulling back slightly to look at her. Her brown eyes were filled with concern, but there was a hard edge to them, a determination that I recognized in my own reflection.
"Yes... it is," she said, releasing me from her embrace and stepping back. She swept her gaze around the room, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "But we'll make it work."
"I know we will," I affirmed, looking at her with resolve. "We have to."
Her lips twitched into a small, proud smile. "That's my boy," she said, reaching out to lightly pet my face.
“Have you met Siobhan?” I asked.
“She’s the one who drove me here.” Mom said, as she continued to slowly put things into place.
[[A few hours later.|c1.5]]A few hours later, the bedroom was done as the room was cleaned out from all of the cobwebs and supplemental nasty juices an old house would have were cleared out. Siobhan finished scanning whatever she was scanning and started to help us clear out the rooms, she was a great help, well she kind of had to be if she was living here. We had no beds yet so the three of us decided to just camp out in the attic where it was cleanest and least creepiest. I went to lay down but the pain from the stabbing and gunshot came ripping through my body.
"It seems you have not yet fully recovered," Siobhan said, her voice filled with concern as she watched me double over in pain. Moving swiftly, she helped lower me down onto one of the makeshift bedding we had laid out.
<<img src="images/19.jpg">>
"I'm fine," I gritted out, wincing at the sharp twinge from my stomach.
She regarded me skeptically, her piercing green eyes seeming to see right through my feeble bravado. "You won't be if you keep straining yourself," she retorted bluntly. "Your wounds still need time to heal."
My mother was watching us from the corner of the room, her gaze sharp and alert as a hawk's. Her expression was difficult to read, but the worry in her eyes was palpable. She moved to my side, kneeling down beside me.
"I can call the doctor," she offered, her voice low and soft.
"No need," I replied through clenched teeth. "It'll heal."
"$fn," she pressed, "you're no good to anyone if you're hurt."
"I'll manage," I insisted again, fixing her with a gaze as stubborn as hers.
"We'll see about that," she said, her tone final. She rose, looking over at Siobhan. "Siobhan, would you mind helping me with something."
"I suppose you're not one for arguing," Siobhan said, following my mother out of the attic.
Once they were gone, I was left alone in the dimly lit room with nothing but the echo of my own shallow breaths for company. I laid there in silence, the pain in my stomach a steady pulse reminding me of my recent brush with death. It was then that the enormity of what had happened, and what was still to come, truly hit me. My life had been irrevocably changed. The thought of Howard, that bald fuck striking me down was nothing but fuel for revenge. God I hated that bastard.
Hatred wore me out, as my eyes grew heavy, and the hardwood floor which the makeshift bed was on grew comfier. Closing my eyes, I knew that it was time to say goodnight.
[[Planning for War.|c1.6]]When I awoke, the sun was casting long shadows on the attic's dull wooden floors. The pain in my stomach was a dull throb now, but it still took considerable effort to get up. I lumbered to the lone window in the room, gazing out at what would be our new home – for however long that lasted.
Siobhan and Mom were already up, moving around downstairs. The smell of coffee wafting up through the old house was comforting in its familiarity. I slowly descended the creaky staircase, steeling myself for the day's challenges.
"Sleep well?" Siobhan asked without looking up from her coffee mug when I entered the kitchen. The table was littered with boxes and other random assortment of goods, a sure sign that moving had officially begun.
<<img src="images/20.jpg">>
"Like a log," I grumbled, leaning against the door frame to ease the pressure off my injured torso. Siobhan raised an eyebrow at my response, her gaze lingering on my bandaged abdomen. "Lana called, wanted the three of us at her Mom’s mayor office, when you awoke."
My eyebrow quirked in surprise. "Did she say what for?" I asked, curiously.
Siobhan shrugged nonchalantly. Draining the rest of her coffee before standing up. "We should get ready to leave." Siobhan passed by me on her way to the stairs, her hand touching my shoulder lightly in a silent show of support.
While Siobhan got ready upstairs, my mother and I were left alone in the kitchen. She was standing by the stove, slowly stirring the contents of a pot. The scent of chicken soup filled the room, its homeliness at odds with the tension that hung in the air between us. I moved to join her, leaning against the counter, our shoulders almost touching.
"Mom," I began, not sure exactly what I wanted to say.
She interrupted me before I could continue. "Don't," she said in a taut voice, her eyes never leaving the simmering soup. "I know what you're going to say."
"You do?" I asked, my tone betraying my surprise.
"That you're fine? That you don't need help? $fn, you were gone for two weeks. I thought you-” Her voice got caught in her throat, “I thought you died.”
I was silent, the kitchen noiseless save for the ticking of the clock and the gentle simmering of the soup. Her admittance hung heavy in the air, a tangible weight on both of us.
"I know," I finally said, my voice a mere whisper. "I'm sorry."
She turned to me then, her hand raised and quickly finding itself smashing against my cheek. “No, you don’t know.”
She didn’t retract her hand, instead leaving it on my burning cheek, her eyes wet with unshed tears. “You have no idea how terrified I was, $fn,” she whispered. Fury and sorrow warred in her observant eyes.
“I...” My voice faltered. What could I possibly say? Her fear had been justified; I had almost died. But my thirst for revenge, that was justified too. “I can do this,” I said stubbornly, even as my mother’s incredulous gaze bore into mine.
“Can you?” she asked sharply.
Footsteps came down the stairs as Siobhan spoke out, “Are we ready to go?”
The tension in the kitchen was palpable as we both turned to see Siobhan standing in the doorway. She took in the scene, a spark of understanding flashing in her eyes before she composed her features into a mask of indifference.
"As ready as we'll ever be," I finally responded, the words tasting like ash in my mouth. I pushed past my mother, her hand falling from my cheek, leaving a stinging echo of her touch.
[[Arriving to the Mayor's Office.|c1.7]]We drove to Louisa's office in silence, only broken by my occasional hisses of pain each time the car jostled me. Siobhan shot me worried glances through the rear-view mirror, knowing that taking care of me in my injured state was one of her duties.
Wanting to break the awkward tension in the backseat between Mom and me, I spoke up just to have some noise in the car, “Siobhan, how’d you and Lana meet?”
Siobhan seemed surprised by the question at first. After a pause, she glanced over her shoulder, her green eyes glinting with a mix of nostalgia and something else I couldn't quite put my finger on. "Well," she began, her voice taking on a softer quality. "We were both new recruits in the SAS back then, fresh out of training and eager to prove ourselves."
Her gaze returned to the road, one hand drumming rhythmically on the steering wheel as she spoke. "We were assigned to the same team for a mission... can't say which for security reasons, you understand," she added, shooting me a quick smirk through the rear-view mirror. "But we quickly learned that we had a lot in common, and we've been thick as thieves ever since."
There was a pause. Siobhan's smirk had faded into something softer, something notably tender. "When she left the SAS I worried for her, but I shouldn't have. Lana is a strong girl."
As her voice trailed off, I caught my mother's eye in the mirror. Her expression was unreadable, stoic as ever, but there was a glimmer of understanding there. It seemed women with dangerous pasts were a part of my world these days.
We arrived at the mayor's office just before noon.
As we made our way through the entrance, I saw Louisa standing by the large floor-to-ceiling windows, her back turned towards us. She was looking out over the town - her domain - with an air of calm authority that was both intimidating and reassuring at once.
"$fn," she greeted without turning around, somehow knowing we had arrived even before we crossed her threshold. "And Mrs. $ln, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
"The pleasure is all mine, Mayor Barron," my mother returned the greeting, her voice steady despite the aura of authority that Louisa exuded.
"So, we all know why we are here." Louisa asked, turning at last to face us. Her gaze flicked over our trio. “We need to start making moves now.”
Lana walked into the room with her hands full of maps, laying the maps out on the large table in the center of the room.
Siobhan, Mom, and I moved to join her, my eyes scanning over the intricate details of the city layout.
“First things first, we need to utilise the weed store that was bought.” The Mayor spoke up. “I’ll leave how that is up to you.”
[[Source new suppliers.|c1.7.1]]
[[Keep it legit.|c1.7.2]]“I want to source new suppliers for the drugs that were being sold from there.” I said to the group, trying to speak firmly while the pain in my abdomen surged.
"New suppliers?" Louisa asked, her brows knitting together in thought. "Do you have anyone in mind?"
"I do," Lana replied, as I clutching my side as another wave of pain washed over me. "There's a group operating out of the South-end. They're small, but reliable."
"And you trust them?" Siobhan queried, her green eyes filled with scepticism.
"No," She admitted. "But we won't have to. I plan on taking control of their operation."
“You want me to buy from you?” I asked Lana. Her plan seemed to be a hostile takeover. “I thought this whole thing was for me to run things?” I said looking at the Mayor.
“The end goal remains the same, $fn.” Louisa’s tone held a touch of steel. “A leader doesn’t run everything themselves, they delegate. Lana will be your first Captain.”
“Captain, huh?” I mused aloud, fighting the urge to wince as another wave of pain washed over me. “I think I can handle that.”
Lana gave me a nod of approval, something like respect flashing in her eyes. “You'll need to.”
“When do we meet your suppliers?” I asked.
“Tonight.” She said.
Truthfully, fear took over for a moment. Memories of my last meeting where I was almost killed came rushing into my head. I’m sure the rest of them noticed my body tense up and my eyes lose themselves into nothingness as Lana spoke up.
"Well, you're not going alone this time," Lana interjected, “You’ll have Siobhan, two others who you haven’t met, and myself with you.”
I gave a solemn nod.
"Tonight then," Lana confirmed, a steely determination setting in her gaze.
[[Meeting the team.|c1.7.1.1]]
<<set $DrugMoney to "True">>“Keep it legit,” I said to the women in the room. “It’ll bring in less money, but it is what it is.”
At my words, a surprised silence fell over the room. Lana looked at me, her eyebrows raised in surprise. Mom seemed to be taken aback too.
"$fn," Mom began hesitantly, "are you sure about that?”
Her questioning response caught me off guard for a second, before I managed to quickly compose myself. "Mom," I cut her off gently yet firmly. "The weed store is insignificant. It’s a start sure, but we’re focused on the wrong thing. We need different sources of income, not just income funnelled through one source. We need kick ups."
"Well spoken," Louisa interrupted, her voice cutting through the thick tension that had settled in the room. She nodded approvingly at me, her cold gaze softening slightly. "Good decision."
Lana spoke up again, breaking her silence for that little spat. “I have a list of stores that are ripe for acquisition. They're currently being run into the ground, lack proper management, or are in need of a cash injection."
“Where do we get the cash?” I asked, knowing that we did not have any capital whatsoever considering I was out for two weeks and the weed store was closed.
The room went silent. This money had to have no link to anyone or anything so it had to be fresh capital. And there was only one way I knew how to get that. “We rob a bank,” I said out loud.
The words hung in the air for a moment, heavy and fraught with implication. The expressions on their faces were mixed, ranging from surprise to concern. My mother's face had paled slightly, while Lana was looking at me with her sharp, analytical gaze.
"A bank?" Siobhan finally broke the silence, her voice carrying a note of incredulity. "That's a bit... traditional, isn't it?"
"Risky," my Mom supplied softly, her warm brown eyes filled with worry. "Very risky."
"Risk is the price of progress," I argued, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "Besides, it's not like we have a excess of options here. We need clean money."
“Very well,” Louisa said. “A heist it is.”
[[Planning for the heist.|c1.7.3]]Lana, Siobhan, Mom, and myself all went back towards our old, new house, readying ourselves for the evening's confrontation. The midday sun had started to dip low in the sky, casting long shadows across the sprawling cityscape of our locality.
During the drive home, Lana and Siobhan spoke in hushed tones, I could pick up pieces of conversation but a lot of it was just spent catching up. Mom was quiet, her gaze fixated somewhere on the horizon and I could see the fear hiding behind her stoic expression. She was worried.
As we stepped into the old Victorian house that served as our base, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me at what was to come.
The rest of the day was a blur of activity. Lana and Siobhan disappeared in and out of rooms, helping prepare the house to be moved in while speaking about the plans for tonight. My mother did the same, albeit in a much quieter tone.
A few hours before we were due to leave, Lana walked up the stairs. "You ready?" she asked.
I met her gaze steadily, straightening my back against the burst of pain that flared up in response. "As ready as I'll ever be."
In the dim light filtering through grime-coated windows, she studied me for a moment. Her gaze was searching, gauging the depth of my determination. I could see her weighing my words, judging if I had the mettle to face the danger that awaited us.
Finally her lips twitched in a brief, approving smile. "Good," she said, slapping me lightly on the shoulder before pivoting to leave the room.
As I watched her go, I felt my resolve harden. The memory of being betrayed, the sharp anguish of bullets tearing through my flesh... it all surged within me.
The moment we stepped off our property, the tension was palpable. It seemed to taint the air itself, turning the distant city lights into sinister omens. Mom threw me a sidelong glance, her formidable presence somehow calming my racing thoughts. I cleared my throat, preparing myself for the challenges that would undoubtedly come tonight.
"They are Harper and Tessa," Lana spoke breaking me out of my stupor. I noticed two women smoking a cigarette standing next to a white SUV with suits on. They must be the other squadmates of Lana that were coming to help.
<<img src="images/17.jpg">>
"Harper, Tessa, this is $fn," Lana introduced, gesturing towards me.
Harper was a woman of considerable height and build, her brown hair cut into a short bob. Her hazel eyes held an intensity that immediately commanded respect. Tessa on the other hand was slender and seemed more delicate but had a confident aura emanating from her nonetheless. She had blue dyed hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders, framing her sharp features perfectly.
"Pleasure to meet you, $fn," Harper extended her hand and I gave it a firm shake.
"Likewise," Tessa chimed in, offering a small, reassuring smile. I returned the gesture, nodding in appreciation.
[[The car ride to the dealing.|1.7.1.2]]The journey was a quiet one. Each of us lost in our thoughts. “What’s the plan?” I asked Lana, knowing that she had already had something in mind.
"We'll be meeting the supplier in a warehouse," she replied, her gaze level as she maneuvered through the highway traffic. "You and I will handle the negotiations while Siobhan, Harper, and Tessa keep an eye on the perimeter, just in case things go south." Her voice was steady, betraying no hint of the uncertainty that was surely simmering beneath the surface.
“Who negotiates?” I asked Lana.
"You do," Lana replied, her eyes never leaving the road. "You're the face they'll have to learn to respect. But I'll be there to back you up and intervene when necessary."
I nodded, a tinge of anxiety sinking its roots deep within me. My last negotiation had ended in bloodshed, and the memory of it was still fresh in my mind.
As we neared our destination, the city gave way to a lonesome warehouse which stood alone off on a dirt path not close to the highway.
As we disembarked from the vehicle, Lana tasked both Harper and Tessa with their respective roles. Harper was to guard the main entrance while Tessa would patrol the perimeter. Meanwhile, Siobhan would trail behind us, far enough to not be seen yet close enough to help should things go awry.
The chill of the night seeped into my bones as we made our way towards the decrepit structure, and I shivered involuntarily. The warehouse was an imposing silhouette against the moonlit sky, a dark behemoth that seemed to swallow any light that dared to approach it.
As Lana and I neared the entrance, she gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze before releasing it. "Remember, $fn," she murmured, her tone steady but her eyes filled with a silent warning. "Keep your cool. Negotiations are about power. Show them you're not scared, show them you're in control."
I nodded, swallowing hard against the dry knot that had lodged itself in my throat. As we stepped inside the cavernous warehouse, the echo of our footsteps bounced off the vast, hollow walls. It was eerily cold, and dark as a tomb except for a single spotlight illuminating a table in the middle of the room. Sitting at it was a single man.
[[Time for Negotiations.|1.7.1.3]]His grin spread across his face like a knife wound, "Take a seat, please.”
My heart thrummed against my ribs as I approached the table, pain flaring at the scar on my stomach.
The man who had invited us to sit was surprisingly clean-cut for a supplier; his hair neatly combed back and his suit impeccably tailored. However, the cold glint in his eyes told another story, one of a man who knew the underworld inside out.
His gaze swept over me openly, sizing me up, before shifting to Lana. There was an air of familiarity about the way he looked at her, as if they'd crossed paths before. It was probably just business, but I could see Lana stiffen ever so slightly beside me.
Lana and I took our seats across from him, the warehouse ominously silent save for the distant hum of machinery. The man across from us stared at me for a moment longer before turning towards Lana and clearing his throat. "Nice to meet you. Lana, I presume?" he said, his tone casual though there was an undercurrent of caution in his voice.
Lana nodded curtly, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Same here, Mercer," she returned the greeting stiffly.
Mercer's gaze eventually settled back onto me and he placed his hands on the table, fingers laced together. “So,” he drawled, “you need a supplier.”
"Yes," I replied, meeting his gaze head-on. “And you need a buyer. That's why we're here."
A silence filled the room for a moment as we eyed one another, each waiting for the other to make the first move. Finally, Mercer leaned back in his chair with an amiable smile on his face. "I like your straightforwardness, $fn. Direct and to the point. But it's not just about selling and buying, is it? It's about trust. Trust that you will deliver what you promise and trust that I won’t double cross you."
His words stirred unease within me. They echoed the betrayal that had nearly cost me my life, searing into my memory with renewed intensity. One look at Lana told me she understood.
"Trust is earned," I countered, keeping my tone steady. "And right now Mercer, you have a long way to go. You want us to trust you? Then prove to us that you're different."
He regarded me with interest, leaning forward with a raised brow. "And how would you suggest I do that?"
[["I buy your supply."|1.7.1.3.1]]
[["You give me your supply."|1.7.1.3.2]]“I buy all your supply, all of it. Fuck whoever else you sell to,” after a brief pause I spoke again, “And as a show of good faith I’ll share 5% of sales with you.” I said to him.
Mercer’s eyebrows shot up, surprise flickered across his face before he regained composure. He leaned back in his chair again, eyes still on me but this time, with an assessing gleam. "An interesting proposition. You really aren't like the rest of them, are you?" Silence filled the room once again as he mulled over my offer.
After what seemed like hours, he finally nodded and extended his hand towards me. "I'll take your offer, $fn," he said, his voice echoing throughout the warehouse. "But remember, trust is a two-way street."
"Indeed, it is," I agreed, reaching out to shake his hand. His grip was firm and steady, exuding an air of confidence that matched my own. As we shook hands, solidifying the deal, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph coursing through my veins.
"Good," Mercer drawled, releasing my hand and reclining in his chair again. "That's settled then, you'll get your first delivery tomorrow."
He stood up to leave, but I held up a finger to stop him. "One more thing," I said. His eyebrows rose in curiosity, and he sat back down with a smirk on his face. “First shipment is free,” I said, pausing for dramatic effect. “After all, trust is a two way street.”
Mercer's eyes widened at my words, his smirk fading into a startled expression. "Free?" he echoed, studying me with an unreadable gaze. "Well then, $fn..." He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest as he met my gaze evenly. "You certainly know how to make an impression."
There was silence for a moment as Mercer contemplated my demand. I could see the gears turning in his head. After all, it was a wild proposal. But it could also be the start of a venture that could shift the balance of power within the city.
Finally, Mercer broke the silence with a chuckle “Fuck it,” he said, shaking my hand.
[[Aftermath|1.7.1.3.1.1]]“Give me your supply. Free.” I said to him with as much determination my stomach would allow.
Mercer barked out a laugh, the harsh sound echoing throughout the warehouse. "You've got a nerve, kid. I like that," he said, his smile thinning to a line. "But sunshine, this is business. Nothing comes for free."
"But maybe we can strike a deal," Lana interrupted smoothly, her tone cool yet stern. She turned slightly in her chair to face Mercer, her golden locks catching the feeble light in the room.
"Elaborate," Mercer tilted his head, a wry smile playing at his lips. He folded his hands together, steepling his fingers, clearly intrigued by the unexpected proposition.
"We give you an exclusive distribution deal," Lana began, her gaze unwavering, "but in return, you provide us with a week's supply for free. Consider it... a sign of goodwill."
Mercer studied her for a moment, then turned his gaze towards me. I held my breath, trying to keep my expression as impassive as possible. I could see him weighing the prospect in his mind before settling back into his seat.
After what felt like an eternity, Mercer's thin smile reappeared. "You really know how to drive a hard bargain, Lana," he said, a note of respect in his voice. He drummed his fingers on the table, eyes half-lidded as he contemplated her proposal.
"That's why she's on my team," I interjected before he could respond further. Lana shot me a sidelong glance, one that told me to let her handle this, but I couldn't just sit there like a spectator. This was my empire.
"I see," Mercer chuckled lowly, his eyes flicking back and forth between us. "A week's supply for free, exclusively for you. In return, I get an exclusive distribution deal." He shifted in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. "An interesting proposition."
"We think so," Lana said evenly, maintaining her unwavering gaze. "It also proves that you're willing to invest in a partnership with us, not just a one-time transaction."
"Partnership. I like that word," Mercer mused aloud, the edges of his lips curling into a smirk. "Give me time to consider it."
"No," I cut in, my voice firm. Surprise flashed in Mercer's eyes, but I didn’t relent. “You give us your word now.”
Mercer leaned in, his face flashing a slight aggression before resting into a stoic nothing. “Or what?”
[[I let out a soft whistle|1.7.1.3.2.1]]The four of us sat in the car on the way back towards my home as the highway lights blurred past. The hum of the engine was a comforting purr in the tense aftermath of our meeting with Mercer.
"Well, that went better than expected," Lana finally said, breaking the silence that had enveloped us. Her relief was palpable, mirrored my own feelings.
"Yeah," I agreed, flexing my hand, still feeling the firmness of Mercer's handshake.
Mom will be pleased I’m coming back not stabbed this time at least. I thought, a wry smile inching its way onto my face despite the evening's intensity. A feeling of apprehension still thrummed beneath my skin, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't also somewhat satisfied with how the events had turned out.
[[Coming home.|c1.8]]I got out of the car as we arrived to the house. Siobhan followed as Lana took off with Tessa and Harper, dropping them off to wherever they were staying.
"I don't know about you, but I need a drink," Siobhan announced, once the taillights of Lana's car had disappeared into the distance. She slipped past me and made her way into the house, her boots echoing on the wooden floors.
I stood in silence for a moment, my gaze lingering on the receding headlights as I let the night's events play back in my mind. The strained silence in Mercer's warehouse, the tense standoff, our risky proposition – it all felt surreal.
The sound of a door opening jerked me out of my thoughts and I turned to see Mom standing in the doorway, her face unreadable.
"$fn," she called softly, looking at me with an expression that was equal parts relief and concern. It was a look I had come to know all too well.
"Mother," I replied, moving towards her, my steps echoing on the gravel. As I approached, she reached out a hand towards me. It was trembling slightly, a sign of the worry she had been trying to hide.
"Are you alright?" she asked as I enclosed her hand in mine, offering her a momentary respite from her fear.
"I am," I assured her, squeezing her hand gently. "It went better than expected."
<<img src="images/22.jpg">>
She sighed in relief and pulled me into a tight hug, her body trembling with the orchestrated calmness she was trying to maintain. “I have cha waiting for you,” she said after closing the door behind me.
[[Two days later.|c1.9]]Lana and I were on our way to the big city now. The morning sun was shining beautifully as the pains of yesterday were now gone. Honestly today was more of a relaxed day, and that was all I wanted to do. Lana had to go set up some new accounts with some businesses, and I was just going along so that the crew knew who their boss was. It felt weird, knowing that I had my first captain in Lana. But I guess if I was getting the support of the Mayoral office, then I had to do what I had to do. I wasn’t going to complain.
<<img src="images/23.jpg">>
“How’d you sleep?” I asked, staring out the window into the world.
“Horrible. Barely slept.” She said, staring out the window.
I let the conversation die down there as it was clear that either she was still tired, or wasn’t in the mood for light conversation. It also just is how Lana is, so I could be wrong on both fronts.
We neared the city as its skyline rested in the distance like fingers stretching for the heavens, gleamed back at us in the sun's gentle morning rays. I haven’t been back here since we moved, and man did it feel good to be back. But that also meant that I had to be a bit more careful, knowing that people I know could be around. I didn’t want to get stabbed, or shot again. I was lucky the first time that I had Arrow to help me, but the next time in a city like this where no one really cares, it would be nothing but bad news.
My thoughts drifted as the edge of the city came closer and closer, we followed the edge of the city, skirting alongside the water to find the port where the warehouse that was going to be ours was. Lana, doing her research, gave me possible options for a lot of the ways we could move the money that we now had, a majority of it was spent in buying businesses in Hope. A lot of the money was spent on restaurants, which made the most sense as being able to wash money through cash tips. It’d be a lot easier and would use less overhead than something like a laundromat.
I also had the idea to buy a weed shop there, as there are a lot more people in the city and it would allow us to move shipments between our two locations without rousing any suspicion. That was about most of the capital that we had, spent in all of those different things, but it was now going to be about having a steady stream of income. With Lana focusing on drugs, it would now be crucial to divy up other people to help run certain aspects of this little thing of ours.
[[Arriving at the warehouse.|c1.10]]
I let out a soft whistle, causing Siobhan, Tessa, and Harper to all come out of the shadows with their weapons drawn.
"Or we take it," I said, meeting Mercer's gaze with calm resolution. His eyes flickered to the women standing behind me and he let out a low chuckle.
“$fn, you're full of surprises." Mercer's gaze settled back on me. "I admire your guts, but do you really think you can afford to pass up this deal?”
"We know what we're worth," Lana interjected, her voice calm but layered with an underlying threat. "And we're not going to be pushed into desperation."
After a tense pause, Mercer erupted into a fit of laughter, the echo bouncing off the warehouse walls. "Very well," he said. His smile faded away as he continued, "You have your deal."
I felt a wave of relief flood over me. Perhaps it was premature to celebrate this small victory but I allowed myself a brief moment of satisfaction. Lana's plan had worked.
"Then it's settled," I replied, extending my hand to shake his in agreement.
Mercer looked down at my outstretched hand and then back up at me. His eyes were unreadable as he slowly extended his own hand to accept the gesture. The moment our hands
connected, a spark of tension flared in the air. Slowly, he gripped my hand, completing the handshake. A rare smile formed on his lips as he stood up, nodding towards Lana.
"Very well, $ln. My supplies will be at your disposal starting from tomorrow. And that's a promise." He glanced over his shoulder as he moved towards the exit, his eyes meeting mine one last time before he disappeared into the darkness of the night.
[[Coming home.|c1.8]]To keep the Mayoral office clean, Siobhan, Lana, Mom, and myself all left her office to head back towards our manor. We needed to organise and hit this bank within the next few days.
As we retreated back to our manor, thoughts were buzzing through my head like angry bees.
"Mum," I began as soon as we entered our home. "You must have some information on banks, did Dad ever rob them, or have you look into them?”
Priyanka stiffened at the mention of her late husband. She looked me in the eyes, her gaze hardened. "Your father... was a lot more careful than you are, $fn," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "He picked his battles."
"I'm not my father," I said, “I can’t afford to be picky.”
“We need somewhere far, driving distance.” Lana said.
“What about that town with the weird name, it’s about a three hour drive.” I said back to her. It was an odd named town, Oso something. I could never pronounce it, although it would be funny to hear Siobhan say it.
"Osoyoos," Siobhan pronounced it questionably, her Irish accent giving the word an unfamiliar twist. There's a credit union there, small town, minimal security. Could be a good option."
Her words were met with a moment of contemplation as the group of us looked at each other.
"Osoyoos," Mom repeated, rolling the peculiar word off her tongue. "That could work."
"It's decided then," I said, amid affirmative nods from Siobhan and Lana. "We hit the credit union in Osoyoos."
“I’ll get our other two to start casing the place.” Lana said towards me, to which I nodded.
Thinking of the things we’d need, I started listing them off, “We’ll need weapons, bulletproof vests, masks...and a fast getaway car. All without being suspicious in our purchases.”
Siobhan eyed me dubiously. "Sure, you make it sound so easy. We going to rob a toy store for all that?"
Ignoring her sarcasm, I turned to Lana. "Any ideas?"
“I might,” Mom spoke up surprisingly.
The unexpected interjection from Mom caused all heads to turn her way. A twinkle was in her eye as she said, "Your father and I had contacts, people who could provide what we need. I could try reaching out to them."
I raised an eyebrow at this revelation before giving her a nod.
[[Two days later.|c1.7.4]]
Two days had passed since we planned to plan a heist.
"Alright, let's run through the plan one last time," I said, spreading an intricate blueprint of the credit union on the table. Lana and Siobhan leaned in, their faces serious. Mom, who had made herself a cozy corner of the living room, looked up from her cha, her eyes sharp.
"We go in at 11:00 AM sharp, right after the morning rush, but before the lunch crowd," I started, pointing with my finger along the blueprint. "Lana, and the other two of your friends will take care of crowd control. Keep everyone calm, no unnecessary harm. We don’t need a murder charge."
Lana nodded curtly while Siobhan gave a mock salute, her green eyes flashing with a hint of amusement. "No unnecessary harm. Got it."
"I'll head straight to the teller," I continued, tracing the path with my finger. "We have exactly thirteen minutes for the transaction. Not a second more."
A quick nod from Lana was all I needed to continue before moving onto the next part of the plan. "Mom, this is all hands on deck, you will be our eyes and ears from the outside. Your job is to monitor the police scanner we picked up. Any sign of trouble, you let us know immediately.”
Mom nodded, her calm demeanor contrasting with the gravity of her role. “I’ll keep an ear out. You be careful in there."
"And once we have the cash," I continued, marking our exit route on the blueprint, "we make a quick exit to the car parked in the alleyway where Siobhan will be waiting for us in a car."
"Of course." Siobhan said, smirking as she twirled a set of car keys around her finger. "You can count on my expert driving skills to get us out of there fast."
"And let's remember," Lana chimed in, leaning back and crossing her arms, "We can't afford to leave any evidence behind. Not a hair follicle, not a single fingerprint. Got it?"
There was a collective nod around the table. The plan was solid, but there was no room for error. I gripped the edge of the table, forcing my hand to stop shaking. There was no turning back now.
“Get some rest, we leave at sunrise." I added, looking at each individual in the room.
[[Mom knocks on the door.|c1.7.5]]Footsteps came up the stairs towards the attic where my room was. I saw Mom’s head over the bannister and let myself smile a little. At least with her I knew that there was the chance she was just here to visit her son and not present me with a problem.
She opened the door gently, her brown eyes apprehensive as they took in my face. "How’s the pain? she asked simply, pointing to the healing wound across my stomach, a constant reminder.
"Tolerable," I replied curtly, not wanting to focus on my physical discomfort.
<<img src="images/21.jpg">>
She sighed, her fingers grazing the edges of my bandages with a mother's gentle touch. The pain was momentarily replaced with the warmth of her worry. "We should rewrap these.”
Leaving the room momentarily to go grab, what I could only assume were bandages, gave me a moment to lie down. It only lasted a few seconds as Mom quickly setting her bag on the small table by the bed, she pulled out a fresh roll of bandages and a bottle of antiseptic. "Wince all you want, $fn," she warned gently as she started to work on my wound. "But you need to take care of yourself."
I reluctantly submitted myself, grimacing as she dabbed antiseptic on the raw edges of my wound. Her hands were steady and efficient. As she worked, I found my gaze wandering to the window where the darkness filled the night sky.
Tomorrow's dawn would bring with it the culmination of rushed planning and desperation. I knew that my mother was aware of this too; the worry lines etched on her forehead said it all. She tied off the bandage with a soft sigh.
"Rest, $fn," she said. “I fear you are overexerting yourself.”
"It's not like I have a choice, Mom." I let out a sigh of my own, feeling the tension ebb away as she finished her ministrations. "I just... I can't. Maybe before, but not after this." I said motioning down towards the scar that ran from my pec to my abdomen.
She nodded in understanding, her fingers absently brushing a stray lock of black hair from my forehead. She wore her concern like a hat; it was obvious she wanted to say more, but she held back. Perhaps, for once, understanding that there wasn't much she could offer me in the way of comfort.
[[Meeting the rest of the team.|c1.7.6]]The moment we stepped off our property, the tension was palpable. It seemed to taint the air itself, turning the distant city lights into sinister omens. Mom threw me a sidelong glance, her formidable presence somehow calming my racing thoughts. I cleared my throat, preparing myself for the challenges that would undoubtedly come this morning.
"They are Harper and Tessa," Lana spoke breaking me out of my stupor. I noticed two women smoking a cigarette standing next to a white SUV with suits on. They must be the other squadmates of Lana that were coming to help.
<<img src="images/17.jpg">>
"Harper, Tessa, this is $fn," Lana introduced, gesturing towards me.
Harper was a woman of considerable height and build, her brown hair cut into a short bob. Her hazel eyes held an intensity that immediately commanded respect. Tessa on the other hand was slender and seemed more delicate but had a confident aura emanating from her nonetheless. She had blue dyed hair falling in loose waves over her shoulders, framing her sharp features perfectly.
"Pleasure to meet you, $fn," Harper extended her hand and I gave it a firm shake.
"Likewise," Tessa chimed in, offering a small, reassuring smile. I returned the gesture, nodding in appreciation.
[[The Heist Part. I|c1.7.7]]The five of us squeezed into a nondescript SUV, Siobhan was driving as Lana sat in the front with her. Tessa, Harper, and myself were in the back. Mom was on a headpiece that I was wearing so that we would be able to communicate if anything went wrong. In the back were guns and masks. We decided to wear suits as it would allow us to be the most nondescript members in a credit union, until things kicked off.
As we drove, the town lights gradually dimmed until we were navigating through the early dawn. Lana reached over and touched a button on the dashboard, and the GPS sprung to life, casting an eerie blue glow across her face. "Remember," she said, her voice steady despite the circumstances, "Thirteen minutes, in and out. No killing civilians. No heroics."
Siobhan glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "If things go sideways, it won't be because of us," she promised.
Mom's voice came through my earpiece then, a comforting whisper. "Be safe," she said, her words laced with worry.
I looked out the car window, watching as the streets filled with early risers and runners oblivious to what was about to happen.
Siobhan drove past the credit union, as the entire SUV turned their heads to get a good look at what we could from outside. I felt the car slow down a few blocks away, and my heart started pounding.
"We're here," Lana announced, killing the engine.
[[The Heist Part. II|c1.7.8]]The silence hung heavy in the SUV as we processed the enormity of what we were about to do. Pulling off a heist was no small feat, and not without its risks. As I glanced to where Tessa sat, her knuckles white where she clenched the handle of her gun, I couldn’t help but think of the pressure we were all under.
"Right," I spoke, breaking the heavy silence. I was hoping that my voice was steady, "Masks on."
Simultaneously, the four of us reached for the random assortment of masks and pulled them over our heads, the masks fitting snug against our skin. Siobhan punched in a code on her wristwatch, and its screen began to gleam with a countdown. "Thirteen minutes," she repeated ominously, her green eyes reflecting the harsh glow of the watch face. I felt her gaze flicker over us as she looked into the rearview mirror, a steely resolve in their depths. "Let's get this done."
With that, we all piled out of the SUV, our shoes crunching on the gravel as we made our way towards the credit union. The street was now eerily quiet and the sight of the building, bathed in the soft glow of the sun, seemed almost surreal.
Tessa, Harper, and Lana burst through the door of the credit union as I walked in behind them.
The glass doors swished closed behind us, the air inside stale and cold compared to the fresh autumn breeze outside. My heart pounded in my chest as I looked around. The bank was as empty, much to our schock, save for a lone teller behind the counter.
Tessa quickly pulled out her gun and aimed it at the teller. "Hands where I can see them!" she barked, her voice muffled behind her mask. The frightened woman immediately complied, hands shaking as she raised them above her head.
Lana moved towards the counter with practiced ease, working quickly to secure the teller while Harper and I kept watch making sure the door wasn’t bothered.
With Harper's taut body stood as a foreboding sentinel at the entrance, I turned my attention back to Lana and Tessa. Tessa was keeping a trained eye on the terrified teller, her weapon unwavering in her steady grip. Meanwhile, Lana worked adeptly at the security panel, her fingers flying over certain keys. Honestly I had no clue what she was doing.
I turned my attention to the teller, speaking a calm manner, as to not scare her. “How much money is in each of these tills?” I asked.
The teller, a wiry, middle-aged woman with spectacles perched precariously on her nose, glanced up at me with wide, terrified eyes. “I-I don't know," she stammered. "Maybe... Maybe two grand in each?”
"Thank you," I said, nodding appreciatively. “Can you open them for me?” I asked politely.
The woman hesitated, her gaze flicking between me and Tessa's gun. Then, with a shaking hand, she reached under the counter and retrieved a key. She inserted it into the first drawer, her hand trembling so badly she almost dropped it before managing to turn the key. The drawer popped open, revealing stacks of neatly bundled cash.
I put it in my bag as I used her key to open the rest of them as well.
[[“Six minutes left”|c1.7.9]]“Six minutes left,” Mom’s voice came from over the ear piece.
“Six minutes!” I relayed to the team in the bank.
Lana grunted in acknowledgment without looking up from her work. Tessa, eyes still fixed on the teller, gave a small nod. Harper shot me a glance before returning her gaze to the entrance, her fingers twitching ever so slightly by her side.
The seconds ticked by, each heartbeat resonating in my ears. We had a small take from the money in the cash registers up front. But we needed what was hidden behind that passcode.
“Four minutes,” Mom’s voice echoed again, urgency lacing her tone this time. There was a metallic click and I turned to see Lana ejecting a small chip from the security panel.
"No luck?” I asked, trying not to let the disappointment color my voice. She looked up, eyes hard and determined.
"Not yet," she replied curtly, her fingers impatiently drumming against the cold metal box. "We went in blind, we had no idea what was in here. Give me a minute."
"Three minutes," my mother's voice echoed again, a hint of worry creeping into her tone. I glanced at Tessa and Harper, their eyes locked on the entrance of the
"A," Siobhan's voice cut through, a cool, steady contrast to the tense atmosphere. "We've got company."
My heart pounded against my ribs as I turned to her, catching sight of the red and blue lights flashing distantly through the window. Police sirens whined in the distance, growing louder each second. My breath hitched.
"Two minutes," Mom announced, her voice strained.
"Stall them, S!" I ordered, not really knowing what stall them meant, the taste of fear bitter in my mouth. This could not be happening. Not now.
"Stall them how?" Harper hissed through gritted teeth. "I'm not exactly equipped for a magic show, A." Her dark eyes darted to the police vehicles pulling up outside, armed officers piling out behind the cover of their cars. She clenched her fists and took a deep breath.
[[“One minute left”|c1.7.10]]"One minute," Mom's voice was almost a whisper, a whisp of fear curling around the words.
Every muscle in my body screamed at me to run, but I clamped down on the instinct with an iron will. We couldn't afford mistakes. Not now. Lana's gaze met mine, steady and resolute amid the chaos. She nodded, a silent agreement passing between us.
"There's another way," she said abruptly. "But it's dangerous."
"Everything about this is dangerous, L," I replied, keeping my gaze levelled with hers. "Do it."
She huffed a breath and turned away, her fingers flying over the panel once more. There was a thump as Siobhan hit the door lock, bolting it against the incoming threat. Outside, the police were advancing towards our position, their weapons glinting under the streetlights.
"Thirty seconds," Mom's voice crackled over the comms. The urgent note in her voice sent a chill down my spine.
"Harper, be ready to cover us," Tessa commanded, taking position by the door. Harper nodded, her fingers tightly gripping the handle of her pistol.
"Ten seconds," Mom's voice was barely audible over the rising cacophony of sounds.
The countdown hung heavily over them, the weight of each heartbeat mounting with suffocating intensity.
"Five...four...three...two..."
The world seemed to stretch, seconds bleeding into agonizing minutes. Then, just as the last digit hung on Mom’s lips, Lana slammed her palm onto a hidden button. A deafening explosion erupted from the back of the bank, sending a shockwave rippling through the building. The floor buckled and dust filled the air, obscuring vision.
"One!" Mom finished, her voice shaky but determined. The alarm system had been successfully disarmed, but the police were still here.
I was thrust into motion, charging towards the mayhem at the back of the bank. Lana and Tessa were right behind me, moving with a coordination born from years of training. The debris served as both a distraction and a screen, giving us the split-second advantage we needed.
Inside was free cash, alongside locked deposit boxes, I needed to make a choice here. If I took just the loose cash, it might be enough but we’d have a higher chance of leaving. But if I need the money I can smash open the lock boxes, which will take more time and may cause a shootout with the cops.
[["Lana, open every single lockbox."|c1.7.10.1]]
[["Lana, take what you can, and let's go!"|c1.7.10.2]]“We don’t leave until we have every single dollar in this fucking place,” I said to the crew.
The words echoed in the dust-filled room, settling upon everyone. There was a moment's silence, characterized only by shallow breaths and the distant wail of sirens. Then, the silence was shattered by the sound of metal grating on metal.
Lana had been quickest to react, already working her way through a lockbox on the wall. I hadn’t the faintest idea of what to do, so Tessa and I switched positions. I was near the entrance, staring out at the modicum of cops while standing next to Harper.
Looking through one of the narrow window of the bank's entrance, I could see them. The blue uniforms swarming the area, their badges glinting off the harsh sun. “Mounted Police! Surrender now and be treated fairly!” One of the cops said out loud through the loudspeaker that was on their car.
I scoffed, turning to Harper. "Yeah fucking right."
Harper met my gaze, her eyes a hardened mask. Her response was laced with a potent mix of disgust and defiance.
“How much more time?” I yelled out towards the girls in the back who were going through lockboxes.
"Three minutes," Lana called back, her voice straining with concentration. The clatter of metal and the whir of drills filled the tense silence. I could hear Tessa panting from effort, her breaths punctuating the mechanical sounds.
I nodded despite knowing that they couldn't see it, my gaze returning to the window outside.
“How do you plan on getting out?” Harper asked me.
[["We shoot our way out."|c1.7.10.1.1]]
[["We rely on plan Siobhan."|c1.7.10.1.2]]“Take what you can! We leave now!” I said to the crew.
The words echoed in the dust-filled room, settling upon everyone. There was a moment's silence, characterized only by shallow breaths and the distant wail of sirens. Then, the silence was shattered by the sound of metal grating on metal.
Lana had been quickest to react, already working her way through a lockbox on the wall. I hadn’t the faintest idea of what to do, so Tessa and I switched positions. I was near the entrance, staring out at the modicum of cops while standing next to Harper.
Looking through one of the narrow window of the bank's entrance, I could see them. The blue uniforms swarming the area, their badges glinting off the harsh sun. “Mounted Police! Surrender now and be treated fairly!” One of the cops said out loud through the loudspeaker that was on their car.
I scoffed, turning to Harper. "Yeah fucking right."
Harper met my gaze, her eyes a hardened mask. Her response was laced with a potent mix of disgust and defiance.
“Mom, tell Siobhan to get ready!” I yelled out into my comms. Mom acknowledged the message and quickly sprang into action, or at least I’d assume so.
"Thirty seconds," Mom called back. We just needed to hold out for thirty seconds for Siobhan to be ready and for us to start heading out.
I nodded despite knowing that she couldn't see it, my gaze returning to the window outside.
“How do you plan on getting out?” Harper asked me.
[["We rely on plan Siobhan."|c1.7.10.1.2]]“We shoot our way out.” I said looking her in the eye. “These cops shouldn’t hold a candle to four ex-SAS officers.”
Harper didn't flinch, but there was a slight tensing of her shoulders, the only indication of her unease. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that," she muttered, her gaze steady on mine.
A grim silence fell between us, with the tension reaching its zenith.
“Done,” a voice called out from the back.
Harper and I looked at each other, knowing that with the option I chose, this would be an intense way to escape.
"We've got the money; let's go," Lana added, a note of urgency in her voice. Siobhan and Tessa joined us at the entrance, their faces set in grim determination as they lugged bulging bags of cash.
"Mum, we're ready, tell Siobhan to be ready, we’re coming in HOT." I spoke into the radio.
“Be safe.” Was all she said before talking to Siobhan I assume.
“Try not to hit anyone, just covering fire until we’re at the car.” I said to the group.
With a curt nod, we all affirmed our understanding. The door to the bank swung open and instantly, the girls started to rain bullets towards the cops. They pinged off metal and shattered glass, ricocheted with a terrifying whizz.
Harper and I ran out first, hunkering between the parked cars as we returned fire over our shoulders. The acrid smell of gunpowder filled the air, and I could feel the sharp sting of a bullet whizzing past my ear. My heart pounded against my ribcage, adrenaline flooding my veins.
"Move!” Harper yelled out, as she motioned for the pair of us to start firing to cover them. I obliged knowing that the ex-SAS members probably knew more than me when it came to not dying in combat.
Our hail of bullets was the only thing keeping the cops pinned back, creating a perfect chaotic diversion for Lana and Tessa to make their way towards the waiting Siobhan in the getaway car. My fingers clenched around the grip of my gun, pulling the trigger in controlled bursts.
“Siobhan’s right over there,” I said motioning towards an alley where she was parked. “We go one by one, to ensure the most covering fire is happening.” I said to the girls.
“You’re first,” Lana said motioning towards me. Before I even had the chance to object, Lana gave me a soft push, causing me to stumble my first few steps before launching into a sprint.
The ground seemed to fly away beneath me as I rushed toward the alley, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I could hear the screams and shouts behind me, the sharp reports of gunfire and the sinister whine of bullets. But I didn't look back – couldn't afford to.
As I sprinted into the alley, Siobhan gave me a nod, but I knew that my job wasn’t done yet. Knowing that I had to cover the next person, I went to the edge of the alley, and peeked around to notice Tessa running with one of the bags of money.
Seeing her charging towards us, I took aim over her shoulder, shooting towards a uniformed officer who was raising his firearm to target her. I saw the cop move back into cover as the shots whizzed by him.
Tessa reached us panting heavily, but her eyes were as sharp as ever.
"Harper and Lana?" Siobhan yelled out her window, eyes darting back toward the street. The sound of bullets and sirens was deafening.
"Harper first," Tessa reassured, leaning against the wall, out of breath. “Lana last,” she said, moving to cover the last two with me.
"Here comes Harper!" Siobhan declared, pointing a gloved finger towards the silhouette that was charging towards us, the rapid gunfire creating an ominous backlight. Her short black hair was a streak in the chaos, her determined expression set in stone.
Once again, I took aim over the sprinting form of our comrade, my fingers tightening around the handle of the gun. The staccato sound of gunfire echoed back from the surrounding buildings, creating an eerie symphony of sound.
Harper dashed into the alley, dropping low to avoid a hail of bullets. She skidded to a halt next to us, her face a mask of nothingness.
“Last one,” I said to Harper and Tessa, as the three of us took aim to provide covering fire to the retreating Lana.
Just as I finished speaking, Lana shot into view, her golden blonde hair visible amongst the chaos. She was faster than any of us, ducking and diving between the parked cars with agility that was almost supernatural. Despite her speed, she was weighed down by the backpack filled to the brim with stolen cash.
"L, don't you dare get shot now!" Harper shouted over the cacophony of sirens and gunfire, her voice barely audible.
Lana gave a quick, sharp nod that was as good as any verbal confirmation.
All of the girls’ eyes were hard and focused, remnants of their SAS training. I watched as she weaved through the chaos, my own breath hitching as a bullet ricocheted off the car behind her, showering her with sparks. But Lana didn't slow. She sprinted, picked up speed, and then she was with us, in the alley, out of the line of fire.
"Go, go, go!" I shouted, gesturing towards Siobhan and the car.
[[The escape!|c1.7.10.3]]“Siobhan has to thrust herself to the front of the bank so we can pile in.” I said to her.
Harper grunted, shrugging while standing next to the door. "You two ready?"
"We're wrapping up!" Lana called back. The distinct sound of a heavy bag hitting the floor echoed in the vault.
“Mom,” I said through the bluetooth. “Tell Siobhan in about three minutes we need her to ram her way to the front of the bank so we can pile in.”
“What!?” She said through the headset with a voice that I could tell meant that I would probably get a lashing back home.
“Mom, I don’t need you think, I need you to do.” I said back to her, a little frustration coming into my voice.
"Got it, beta," Priyanka's voice crackled in my ear, her voice now steady. A tiny smile cracked my stern facade.
Tessa and Lana pulled up beside us, with two bags full of money. I still wore the one bag filled with the money I took from the cash registers.
“Are we ready to go?” I asked the group of three girls.
The three of them nodded to me as I told them the plan. If they were apprehensive, they didn’t show it on their faces.
“One minute,” I said to them, knowing that Siobhan would be at the front ready to go. We only had a few seconds to really get going as anything more would ruin the surprise, and could risk the chance of us getting shot, or at least shot at.
The countdown was internal as we all watched our watches, waiting for the seconds to die down before it was go time.
The group of us could hear the car come screeching down the road, as a hidden smile took over my face. I knew that our time to be free was soon. Or at least soon is.
Waiting another moment or two, I heard screaming from the cops out in front before I heard a loud bang that rippled throughout the street. We all saw some trash and random assortment of street goodies move quickly past the door as the car pulled up in front.
“Get the fuck in,” Siobhan yelled through her one slightly open window.
The four of us bolted from the front door, bags bouncing against our backs, stray bills fluttering out in our wake from bags that were quickly zipped up. Siobhan gunned the engine once the last person entered, drowning out the sirens wailing by the screeching of her tires.
As we raced through the narrow alleyways of the city, a familiar sense of adrenaline coursed through my veins. Every twist and turn that Siobhan navigated with deftness brought us a few seconds gap between being caught and being free. I always enjoyed Formula One, just never thought I’d experience it like this.
"We clear?" I asked, gritting my teeth as Siobhan took a particularly sharp turn. The bags of money flew about in the backseat despite our best efforts to secure them. Harper and Tessa were hanging on to the overhead handles for dear life, their knuckles white.
"We're clear. For now," Siobhan said, her grip of the steering wheel loosening.
Lana, who’d been focused on the rearview mirror the entire ride, finally allowed a sliver of a smile graze her tense face. “Good job, Shiv. You’ve officially outrun Canada’s finest.”
“Why, thank you, Barron,” Siobhan grinned back at her through the mirror.
[[Coming home.|c1.8]]Siobhan hit the gas and we sped out onto the street. I dug my fingers into the fabric of the backseat, wincing at the sudden acceleration. The pain in my abdomen from my old injury suddenly flared up. Lana glanced at me from the rear-view mirror, her eyes filled with concern.
The car was deathly silent as we wanted to let Siobhan focus on evading the cops.
"Damn, Lana," Tessa murmured from the back seat, breaking the silence. Her eyes darted between the now discarded bag at Lana's feet, and her own. "How much did we bag?"
"Enough," Lana replied curtly, not taking her eyes off the rear-view mirror. There was steely determination in her gaze.
As we sped through the deserted backstreets of Osoyoos, using the narrow alleys to avoid any pattern recognition that the cops had, I felt a strange sense of calm seep into me. The air reeked of burnt rubber and exhaust fumes as we sped through the empty streets, the scent of danger and adrenaline lingering in the car. My eyes drifted towards the bag at Lana's feet, filled to the brim with stolen cash. It was more than enough to expand into the town and start a lucrative enterprise.
“We feckin’ did it!” Siobhan’s accent came out as she finally broke her concentrative silence.
"Yes, we did," I replied, my voice barely a whisper.
Harper let out an involuntary whoop. Her relief was palpable, a contagious joy that swept through the car.
[[Coming home.|c1.8]]We arrived to the warehouse and pull into the parking. The pair of us exited the car and headed towards the opening where we could see trucks being loaded by men. As we approached, the men paused their work to eye us curiously. A burly, bearded man in a flannel shirt detached himself from the rest and approached us.
“You the new owners?” He said attempting to clean his right hand by smacking it against his jeans.
“Yeah,” I said accepting his hand once he extended it.
“The boys are just loading up the last little bit of inventory that was left in there,” he said looking back towards his boys. After a second of pause he spoke again. “What do you guys do?” He asked.
Lana and I looked between each other, before I spoke again. “We deal with waste.” I said, relying on the Sopranos to get me out of this. It’s a cliche sure, but fuck man, I panicked, I didn’t think I’d be talking to anyone. I caught Lana flashing a soft smile under her face.
“Waste, huh?” He said, looking at me standing in my suit. I got to start wearing event appropriate clothing. “Well if you ever need anything, just uh,” he paused, taking out his wallet. “Uh,” he said again, trying to find something. “Here,” He said handing me a business card. “Just give me a call, no questions asked.” He said with a smile.
Guess when I said dealing with waste, he didn’t believe me. What a shocker.
"No questions asked, huh?" Lana queried, stepping forward and taking the card from my hand. She inspected it, her eyes scanning over the information printed on it before she tucked it into the back pocket of her jeans.
"Yeah, no questions asked," the man said, grinning. He seemed to be enjoying this interaction a bit too much. I wonder if people fantasize about this stuff. Surely? “I got to go back to work, but keep that in mind.” He said, walking back towards his truck.
Lana turned to face me. “Waste, huh?”
“Shut up,” I said to her as we continued to walk towards the warehouse.
“Big lot,” I said to her as we walked in.
“Big plans,” she said back to me.
We continued to walk around the warehouse, looking at details. Honestly it was quite boring, but I knew that it was vital to get things going or at least help to get things going. This was a far cry from going to university, I’ll tell you that for free.
Eventually the tour ended, as Lana took a phone call. While she did that I just browsed Twitter, checking out whatever was happening as she came back. “I’m going to take off, I’ve got meetings to run to. I called you an Uber that should take you to our hotel downtown.”
"Pleasure doing business with you, Lana," I quipped, pocketing my phone. She simply nodded, her face a picture of calm efficiency.
[[Walking around downtown.|c1.11]]The Uber ride was fairly short, surprisingly. I had forgotten how close to the harbour that the core of downtown was. On the drive I looked around at the sprawling cityscape as the car sped past towering buildings and bustling streets, the vibrancy of the city a stark contrast to the emptiness of living in a small town. Man I missed this. Small town living was fine, sure. But it couldn’t compare to the bustling attitudes of the city.
We pulled out in front of the Rosewood, a luxury hotel. Honestly a bit surprising that we still had any funds left to book a room. But knowing Lana I’m sure she pulled some weird connection to get us in.
I walked in to the hotel, and made my way directly to the line where there were a few people waiting to check-in. After a few minutes I approached the counter, the hotel clerk, a young woman with warm brown eyes and a practiced smile, looked up from her computer. "Welcome to the Rosewood," she greeted, her voice as polished as the marble countertops. "How may I assist you today?"
"I believe a room's been booked under the name of $fn $ln,” I said to her.
As she tapped into the computer, her eyes flicked up to me periodically from beneath her long, dark eyelashes. "Ah, here it is," she confirmed, tapping a few more keys before pulling out a card. "You're in suite 307, Mr. $ln. Have you been here before?” I shook my head, “It's a beautiful room. You'll have a full view of the city from your balcony." She handed me the card key. "Enjoy your stay."
"Thank you," I returned, pocketing the card and making my way to the elevators.
The room, like the woman at the front desk had said, was beautiful. The decor was elegant and clean. Too clean for me, and not in the dirty way, just too… modern. It’s annoying how stale modernism is. Even looking outside from the window at the skyscrapers, the blandness of them existing next to the visages of the old city and its victorian theme, it’s a shame to witness the loss of beauty.
My stomach, as if wanting me to shut up rumbled as I looked at the clock and noticed it was lunch.
I glanced around the room, taking in its opulence before my gaze landed on the mini bar tucked away in one corner. It was just as extravagant as everything else in this place, with an array of drinks lined up neatly on glass shelves, and a small fridge underneath stocked with gourmet snacks.
I made my way over to the minibar, before realising none of these would fill me up.
I grabbed my coat and left my room going down into the lobby. At least this way I could explore the city and get some food to eat.
[[Eating lunch.|c1.12]]
Navigating the streets I noted how the dappled rays of the noon sun highlighted the age-old bricks and cobblestones of the old buildings, while they shone off glaringly from the skyscrapers. The scent of freshly baked bread and coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sharp tang of motor oil. We also couldn’t forget the lingering smells of shit and piss. Nothing marks the smell of a big city than that. Honestly I wasn’t really sure what kind of food I was in the mood for, I just had to pick a place to eat and pray something on there spoke to me. Or you know what, I could do with a pint. Maybe I’ll get a drink. Fuck this is hard.
Following my body, and not really thinking, I ended up in some pub, sitting at the bar. The pub was a world apart from the sterile elegance of my hotel room, but it matched the aura of the city quiet well. Its worn wood, tarnished brass rails, and smoky air held a charm that no amount of polished marble could replicate.
“What can I get you?” The bartender asked.
“Double rum and coke,” I said back to him. It was instinctual. Honestly I wanted a beer but whatever. It is what it is.
“Food menu?” He asked, to which I nodded.
He slid the menu over to me while he continued pouring my drink.
“I quite like the sockeye salmon,” a feminine voice said next to me.
<<img src="images/24.jpg">>
I turned my head to look at the woman who spoke to me, she looked familiar. Like, real familiar. She was gorgeous, don’t get me wrong, but there was just something about her. “Do I know you?” I asked. “You look extremely familiar.”
“Funny, that’s what I thought when I saw you,” she said, taking a seat next to me.
The bartender looked at me, as I motioned for him to grab her a drink as well.
“Thank you,” she said, as the bartender brough us both of our drinks. I wasn’t as vocal in my thanks instead electing to give him a nod.
I took a sip of my drink, feeling the warmth of the rum as it slid down my throat. The woman beside me smiled as she spoke, "So, are you a local or a tourist?" she asked, glancing up at me with a curious smile.
“Bit of both,” I said. Not really sure how to answer. I was a local sure, but right now I was nothing more than a tourist.
The bartender came back, and asked for my food order. To the woman’s delight I went with the salmon.
“I still can’t figure you out, you look too familiar to not be anybody.” I said, my mind not allowing me to fully enjoy the company of this beautiful woman. “Are you famous?” I asked. It was worth a shot.
She let out a soft giggle, as she shook her head. “No,” she paused a moment before speaking again. “You know, I read something that said if someone feels familiar before you’ve even met them, that’s a good sign.”
“A good sign? For what?” I asked back.
Her eyes looked me up and down, before locking onto my lips and then my eyes before a buzz in her pocket set her straight. “Look, I have to run, but I’ll meet you at Palm Trees, the nightclub?” She said, to which I nodded.
As she stepped towards the door, I realised I never asked for her name. “Wait! What’s your name?” I asked, as she just turned around and gave me a wink.
[[Back to the hotel room.|c1.13]]
I got back to the hotel room, and spent the rest of the day just mucking about. I had a few phone calls to make, specifically to Lana just to check in on her, and to Mom, who with the help of Siobhan, had managed to clean up a majority of the house. Now it was just a matter of furnishing it, but that wouldn’t happen for a while. At least until our enterprises were up and running enough to know that burning through money wasn’t going to be an issue.
My mind raced back to the woman from the bar. I know Lana would probably tell me to rest up, but something about me just had to find out who she was. I looked at the clock and noticed that it was around six, realising there’s no point in going to the club until later, I took a few bits out of the mini bar, and fell asleep on the couch. Relaxing myself temporarily.
When I woke up my eyes were heavy and truthfully, I wouldn’t mind the sleep. Looking between my bed and the door, I knew that I had a choice to make.
[[Go to sleep.|c1.13.1]]
[[Go to the club.|c1.13.2]]
Honestly I was pretty fucking tired. I slowly walked my way to the bed before slowly taking off my clothes and finding myself buried deep within my pillows, knowing that tomorrow would be a long day anyways with the drive back.
[[The morning.|c1.13.1.2]]Fuck it, I thought. I’m only in the city for a little bit, and who knows maybe I’ll get lucky tonight. Putting on a dress shirt and dress pants, I made my way out the door before making sure that I had my hotel key, wallet, and whatever else I needed before going out on the town.
Looking at maps to find the Palm Tree’s club, I saw that it was only about a fifteen minute walk away. Deciding that wasn’t so bad, I quickly lit up a cigarette and started walking towards the direction that the maps told me to go.
Taking one last drag as I found myself outside of the nightclub, I walked towards the back of the line. It wasn’t a deep line, but it was enough to be waiting for at least ten minutes.
The ten minutes quickly went by as I paid my cover and went in. I sauntered my way over to the bar where the bartender had just finished serving a customer. I ordered another double rum and coke and made my way over to the side where I went to gaze over the crowd of people that were here.
There was a decent amount of people here, not as busy as a lot of club around here, but a sizable amount. The lights flashed off of the dance floor as people pounded away at it trying to forget any sort of life they have outside of these walls by dancing their pains away. I might be projecting but I’m rarely wrong so, at least when I’m arguing against myself.
I took a sip of my drink, letting the music and energy of the club wash over me. As I scanned the crowd, I wondered if the woman from the pub would actually show up. I leaned against the bar taking more sips out of my drink, lost in my thoughts, when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
Turning around, I saw her standing there, a playful smile on her lips. She looked even more stunning under the club's dim, pulsating lights. "You made it," she said, her voice barely audible over the thumping bass.
<<img src="images/25.jpg">>
"I did," I replied, trying to play it cool. "You didn't give me much to go on. What's your name?"
She leaned in close, alcohol on her breath, her lips brushing against my ear as she whispered, "No names tonight." She pulled back, her smile widening as she studied my reaction.
I chuckled, feeling the rush of anticipation that her mystery induced. "Alright then, no names," I agreed, raising my glass to her. She clinked her glass against mine and took a sip, her eyes never leaving mine.
[[Time to dance.|c1.13.2.1]]
The music shifted to a slower, more seductive rhythm, and she grabbed my hand, leading me to the dance floor. Her touch was electrifying, sending a jolt of excitement through me.
We danced close, our bodies swaying in sync, the heat between us building with every passing moment. Her hands moved up my arms and around my neck, pulling me closer. I could feel her breath on my skin, and the sensation was intoxicating.
<<img src="images/26.jpg">>
For a moment, I let go of everything—my thoughts, my worries, my questions about who she was. All that mattered was the present, the way her body felt against mine, the rhythm of the music, and the intensity of her gaze. Honestly I did the very thing that I observed about everyone else, I was just trying to forget about the world outside and just focus on what was happening here.
The pair of us danced for a little bit longer, her body intertwined with mine as our foreheads were touching, our breaths in sync with one another, feeling the thumping of the bass help the beat of our hearts.
If I managed to fuck this up now, I’d be very disappointed.
Just when the moment felt like it couldn't get any more intense, she leaned in again, her lips grazing my ear. "Let's get some air," she murmured, her breath warm and inviting. I nodded, barely able to form a coherent thought, and followed her through the throng of dancers to a side exit.
The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the heat of the club. We found ourselves in a dimly lit alleyway, the sounds of the city a distant hum. She leaned against the brick wall, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she looked at me. I leaned beside her, trying to catch my breath, both from the dancing and the heady effect she had on me. “Your place or mine?” She asked.
[["My place."|c1.13.2.2]]"You still want to know who I am?" she asked, her voice a teasing lilt as she leaned on me while we walked back towards my hotel room.
I nodded, feeling a grin spread across my face. "Yeah, I do. But I get the feeling you enjoy the mystery."
She laughed, a soft, melodious sound that echoed off the walls. "Maybe I do. Or maybe it's just fun watching you squirm."
I laughed too, shaking my head. "Alright, keep your secrets for now. But don't think I won't figure you out eventually."
Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I look forward to it," she said, pushing off of my shoulder and pulling closer to me. "But for now, let's just enjoy the night."
With that, she reached up and pulled me into a kiss. It was like everything else faded away again, leaving just the two of us in that alleyway. The kiss was everything I hadn't realized I was craving—intense, passionate, and utterly consuming. It had been a while since I was laid, I guess.
<<img src="images/27.jpg">>
When we finally broke apart, I was breathless, my mind racing with questions and a new kind of excitement. She stepped back, her eyes holding a promise of more to come. “Speed up,” she said, as the pair of us continued to walk.
[[The hotel room.|c1.13.2.3]]
As we made our way through the streets, her hand in mine, the night felt alive with possibility. The city buzzed around us, but it was like we existed in a bubble, separate from the noise and chaos. I glanced over at her, trying to memorize every detail of her face in the dim streetlight.
We reached my hotel, and I fumbled for the key card, my hands shaking slightly from the adrenaline. The elevator ride up to my floor was quiet, but the tension between us crackled like static electricity. Every so often, she would glance at me and smirk, as if she knew exactly what she was doing to me.
When we reached my room, I opened the door and gestured for her to enter first. She stepped inside, her movements fluid and confident. I followed, closing the door behind me, the click of the lock sounding louder than usual in the otherwise silent room.
She turned to face me, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. “Nice place,” she said, her voice low and teasing.
“Thanks,” I replied, not trusting myself to say more without my voice betraying my excitement.
She walked over to the window, looking out at the city lights. I watched her, captivated by the way she moved, the way she seemed so at ease. She turned back to me, her expression softening for a moment. “You know,” she said, “sometimes it's good to just let go.”
<<img src="images/28.jpg">>
I nodded, stepping closer. “I’m starting to see the appeal.”
She smiled and closed the distance between us, her hands resting on my chest. “Good,” she murmured, leaning in for another kiss. This time, it was slower, more deliberate, each movement charged with anticipation.
We moved together towards the bed, our kisses growing more urgent. She pulled away briefly to look at me, her eyes searching mine. “No regrets?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“None,” I replied, meaning every word.
[["Let me show you a good time."|c1.13.2.3.1]]
[[Bring her head down.|c1.13.2.3.2]]
She started to lower herself, while unzipping my pants, but before I let her, I stopped her. My pants were stirring alive as I felt my hardon start to develop. But I didn’t want to just be pleased. I wanted to please her. “Let me please you,” I said to her. She raised an eyebrow and stood back up, placing her wet lips onto mine. I turned her around and pushed her onto the bed gently. She let out a soft moan to that, and I started to get to to work.
I kissed her neck, gently nipping at her sensitive skin. She shivered, her breath coming faster. I trailed my kisses down her collarbone, her chest, her stomach, her thighs. Each touch of her with my lips was electrifying, setting my skin alight. I could feel her desire building, her hips rocking, seeking more.
As I hovered over her panties, I could smell her sweet scent. I kissed the fabric, teasing her, and she let out a frustrated groan. That was enough teasing for me, and I pulled her panties aside, revealing her smooth pussy, glistening with her wetness.
I ran my tongue along her slit, tasting her arousal. She gasped, her hands clutching at the sheets. I continued my exploration, circling her clit with my tongue, savouring every drop. She moaned, her body writhing in pleasure.
<<img src="images/29.jpg">>
I continued licking her, feeling her pleasure build, until I felt her muscles tense and her orgasm wash over her. Her back arched, and she cried out, her fingers tangled in my hair.
After a few moments, she relaxed, her breathing slowing. I crawled back up the bed and laid down beside her, watching as her eyelids fluttered.
"You're really fucking good at that," she said, her eyes staring into mine.
"Thanks," I replied, feeling a smug satisfaction.
"Well, you've definitely earned a reward," she said, her tone playful.
She kissed me again, her lips soft and inviting. My hands wandered down her body, exploring every curve, every inch of her soft, supple skin.
[["What kind of reward?"|c1.13.2.3]]
[["Let me show you what else I'm good at."|c1.13.2.3.1.1]]]]
<<set $SoniyaRel to $SoniyaRel + 3>>
<<set $SoniyaLust to $SoniyaLust + 10>>She started to lower herself, while unzipping my pants letting loose my cock. Under her breath I could hear a whisper, "what a beautiful cock," she said staring at it with hunger.
Slowly she lowered her mouth on to my cock, her tongue dancing around the head.
"Fucking hell," I whispered, enjoying the sensation of her wet, hot mouth on my cock.
I could feel the tension building in me, as she bobbed her head up and down on my cock. I knew it was going to take some time for me to get off, but with her mouth, maybe not.
<<img src="images/30.jpg">>
After a few moments, she pulled her mouth off, her lips glistening with saliva. "How was that?" She asked, her voice husky and full of desire.
"Perfect," I breathed, my cock aching for more, I reached out and politely grabbed the back of her head to suck me off some more.
"Mmm," she moaned, her eyes locked onto mine. "I'm glad you're enjoying it."
She continued to bob her head up and down, the sensation causing my cock to stiffen even more.
"Fuck, I'm getting close," I groaned, as her eyes remained on mine.
She pulled her mouth off, her fingers wrapping around the base of my shaft. "I want you to cum in my mouth," she purred, before lowering her mouth once again. She gave me a few more sucks before she popped my cock out again. "But only if you can last for round two." She said with a wink.
She continued to suck my cock, the feeling of her warm mouth and soft tongue on my dick, I didn't last much longer as I shot a load into her mouth, a loud groan escaping my lips as I did so.
She swallowed, her eyes never leaving mine. "Delicious," she said, before standing up and moving towards the bed.
"So, are you ready for round two?" She asked, her tone playful and seductive.
[["Of course."|c1.13.2.3.1.1]]
[[I'm sorry."|c1.13.2.4]]"Let me show you what I'm good at." I said as I stripped out of my clothes, as she did the same. Her breath was still heavy from when I ate her out earlier.
She looked at my body as I looked at hers. She had the perfect body for a model, or an actress. I mean, sure, she wasn’t super busty, but she was thin, and had perfect proportions.
Under a whispered breath I could hear her say, "What a beautiful cock," her hand stroking it up and down. "I can't wait to feel it inside me." That was before she noticed the scar that was sitting on my abdomen. She didn't comment on it, but she did give it a sorrowful look.
She turned me around and pushed me onto the bed, much to my surprise. Before I knew it, she was mounted on top of me, my cock sitting against her stomach. "Look how deep you're going to be in me," she said with a purr.
<<img src="images/31.jpg">>
"Oh, fuck," I breathed.
"Yeah, oh fuck," she replied, a devilish grin on her face.
With one smooth motion, she slid down onto me, enveloping my cock in her wet, tight heat. It was incredible, unlike anything I'd ever experienced. The feeling was indescribable like I'd died and gone to heaven.
<<img src="images/32.jpg">>
We started moving in tandem, her hips rocking against mine, driving me deeper and deeper into her. I could feel her walls clenching around me, her pleasure building as she rode me.
"God, you feel amazing," she moaned, her fingers digging into my chest.
I was getting close, my orgasm building, the pressure inside me threatening to burst.
"Come for me," she breathed, her eyes locked on mine. "Come inside me."
And I did. I exploded, filling her with my hot, sticky release. It was pure ecstasy, like nothing I'd ever felt before.
She came again soon after, her muscles clenching and her cries of pleasure echoing through the room.
We lay there for a while, our breathing heavy, our bodies entwined.
"That was incredible," I said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah," she replied, her voice soft.
"So, what happens now?" I asked, feeling slightly anxious.
"Now," she said, kissing me gently. "We rest."
[[The next day.|c1.13.2.4]]
<<set $FuckedSoniya to "True">>The next morning came, and I woke up, realising that the mystery woman had left. I didn't want to make a big deal of it, but a part of me was hoping that there'd be a note, or some sign that she'd enjoyed herself as much as I did. But maybe that was for the best, after all I needed the practice.
I got out of bed and got dressed, checking my phone to see Lana had sent a message about an hour ago. Fuck, I hope she wasn't mad. Down in the Lobby I noticed the receptionist, the same woman that had greeted me yesterday was giving me the once over, and then looked me up on the computer, ready to check me out of the hotel. "Did you enjoy your stay sir?" She asked.
"I did. Thanks," I replied, not really in the mood for conversation.
She gave a smile, and handed me a business card. "In case you ever want to return," she said.
I walked around to see Lana sitting in the lobby, idling on her phone.
"Morning," I said, sitting down.
"You're alive," she said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
"Sorry," I apologised, "I had a late night."
"I know," Lana said, almost as if she knew what I had gotten up to last night.
"Anyways, let's get going. We have work to do," she said, standing up.
"Of course, boss," I quipped, earning me a glare.
The pair of us got into her car, and headed off back towards Hope. It was about a two hour journey which meant I could catch on some more sleep there.
"So, how was your night?" Lana asked; making small talk was a bit surprising, but I went along with it.
"It was fine," I said, not wanting to say much.
"Fine?" She queried.
"Yeah, I had a good night."
"You didn't do anything stupid?"
"No."
She gave a laugh and looked at me. "I can smell the sex on you, you know. Shower next time."
I blushed and looked away.
Lana smirked and shook her head.
[[Back at home.|c1.14]]Eventually I woke up sitting outside of my house as Lana pulled into the driveway. It was nice to be home, and even nicer knowing that Siobhan had managed to make a decent dent in the cleaning.
"Thanks for the ride," I said, stepping out of the car.
"Don't mention it," she said, leaning over and looking at me. "Here's hoping we can actually get things rolling."
I nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips.
With that, I closed the car door and walked inside, feeling a sense of relief.
"Mom are you home?" I called out, I wasn't really sure if my voice would travel to the top floor, but it wouldn't hurt to try.
"Yeah, I'm in the kitchen!" Mom's voice shouted back, "Just finishing up the cha."
As I made my way into the kitchen, the smell of the cha hit me like a freight train. It smelled like home.
Mom had just finished pouring the milk into the cup and turned around.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Oh, nothing," she replied, giving a coy smile.
"It's clearly not nothing," I pressed seeing her smile.
She sighed and looked at me. "Your aunt called, she's on her way today."
"Oh, fuck," I said, a wave of panic washing over me. That's why I knew that woman.
She was my aunt.
"Language!" Mom reprimanded, hitting me with a dish towel.
"Sorry,"I I said, taking my cha upstairs.
<<if $FuckedSoniya is "True">>
I couldn't believe I'd just slept with my aunt. It was surreal, like some kind of fever dream.
How the fuck was I going to explain this to my Mom? I didn't even know how to explain it to myself.
As I sat on the edge of my bed, sipping my cha, my mind raced. I couldn't believe I'd fucked my aunt, the woman who had taken care of me, who'd loved me, and who'd protected me from the world. And worse, I couldn't believe how much I'd enjoyed it. I saw her film a few days ago how did my mind not remember?
I finished my cha and put the cup on the bedside table. There was no way I could tell anyone about this. No one would understand, no one could. I'd have to keep this a secret, forever.
I just have to hope that she doesn't remember what I looked like.
<<else>>
I'm surprised I couldn't remember who she was. I saw her film a few days ago how did my mind not remember? That makes the flirting in the bar a lot more awkward, I guess. I just have to pray that she doesn't remember I guess.
[[The doorbell rings,|c1.15]]The next morning came, and I woke up, getting out of bed and dressed, checking my phone to see Lana had sent a message about an hour ago. Fuck, I hope she wasn't mad. Down in the Lobby I noticed the receptionist, the same woman that had greeted me yesterday was giving me the once over, and then looked me up on the computer, ready to check me out of the hotel. "Did you enjoy your stay sir?" She asked.
"I did. Thanks," I replied, not really in the mood for conversation.
She gave a smile, and handed me a business card. "In case you ever want to return," she said.
I walked around to see Lana sitting in the lobby, idling on her phone.
"Morning," I said, sitting down.
"You're alive," she said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
"Sorry," I apologised, "I slept-in."
"I can tell," Lana said.
"Anyways, let's get going. We have work to do," she said, standing up.
"Of course, boss," I quipped, earning me a glare.
The pair of us got into her car, and headed off back towards Hope. It was about a two hour journey which meant I could catch on some more sleep there.
<<img src="images/23.jpg">>
"So, how was your night?" Lana asked; making small talk was a bit surprising, but I went along with it.
"It was fine," I said, not wanting to say much.
"Fine?" She queried.
"Yeah, I had a good night."
She gave a laugh and looked at me. "In the city for the first time in a while, and you did nothing?"
I looked away. "I'm getting old."
Lana smirked and shook her head.
[[Back at home.|c1.14]]A few hours and phone calls later, I heard the doorbell ring on the house.
"I'll get it," I said, making my way down the stairs.
<<if $FuckedSoniya is "True">>
As I opened the door, I saw the woman I slept with. I saw my aunt Soniya.
Her eyes widened once she saw me, and her jaw dropped.
<<img src="images/33.jpg">>
"Hello," I said, feeling awkward.
"$fn, it's nice to see you," she said, pulling me in for a hug.
"You too," I replied, the familiar scent of her perfume filling my nose.
"Let's get your bags," I said, moving to grab them.
"Thank you," she replied, her eyes never leaving mine.
Once Mom stepped in to say hi to her sister, Aunt Soniya and I looked at one another. It was clear that both of us had the same thought, and that thought was 'fuck'.
"You're bigger than I remember," Aunt Soniya said before coughing and realising her muck up, "Taller, I mean taller."
"Uh, yeah," I said,
My mom hugged Soniya again, and the pair of them walked off towards the kitchen,.
"Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat," Mom offered.
"Yes, please. It was a long drive," Soniya replied, a tired smile on her face.
"It's so good to see you. How are things back home? We saw your film, we loved it."
"They're good. Business is steady."
I followed them to the kitchen, trying to avoid any eye contact with my aunt.
"Can I help?" I asked, not sure where to fit in.
"No, it's okay. Why don't you go relax? I know you have some things to do," Mom said. Internally being grateful I
walked back up to my room.
<<else>>
As I opened the door, I saw the woman in the bar. I saw my aunt Priyanka.
Her eyes widened once she saw me, and her jaw dropped.
"Hello," I said, feeling awkward.
"$fn, it's nice to see you," she said, pulling me in for a hug.
"You too," I replied, the familiar scent of her perfume filling my nose.
"Let's get your bags," I said, moving to grab them.
"Thank you," she replied, her eyes never leaving mine.
"You're taller than I remember," Aunt Soniya said before coughing and realising her muck up.
"Uh, yeah," I said,
My mom hugged Soniya again, and the pair of them walked off towards the kitchen,
"Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat," Mom offered.
"Yes, please. It was a long drive," Soniya replied, a tired smile on her face.
"It's so good to see you. How are things back home? We saw your film, we loved it."
"They're good. Business is steady."
I followed them to the kitchen, trying to avoid any eye contact with my aunt.
"Can I help?" I asked, not sure where to fit in.
"No, it's okay. Why don't you go relax? I know you have some things to do," Mom said. Internally being grateful I walked back up to my room.
[[After dinner.|c1.16]]After dinner, I was sitting in my room as I heard a knock on my door.
"Yeah," I said, knowing that whoever was on the other side was going to walk in regardless of what I said.
<<if $FuckedSoniya is "True">>
The door creaked open, and my aunt Soniya stepped in. "Uh, hey," she said awkwardly.
"Hey," I replied, feeling equally awkward.
"Listen," she started, sitting down on my bed. "We need to talk about what happened."
"What do you mean?" I asked, playing dumb.
"You know exactly what I mean. Don't play dumb. I should have known it was you from the scar."
"Okay," I sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. "I didn't either," she said, her voice soft. "But it happened, and now we have to deal with it."
"I don't know how to deal with it," I admitted, feeling a wave of shame wash over me.
"Neither do I," she confessed.
"What are we going to do?" I asked, desperate for some kind of solution.
"I don't know. But we have to figure something out."
I nodded, feeling a sense of resignation.
"Well, I'm not going to lie to you. I did enjoy sleeping with you, and your cock is-" she stopped speaking, cutting her self off, "but that's not right," Aunt Soniya said.
"I enjoyed the sex too," I replieda bit smugly, "but we can't tell anyone."
"Definitely not. It's bad enough that we did it, we can't let anyone else find out."
"Okay," I agreed, feeling a sense of relief. At least we were on the same page.
"But we can't do it again," she continued.
"We can't," I echoed.
"And we have to act like it never happened."
"I can do that," I said, nodding.
"Good. Now, get some sleep."
"Okay. Good night."
"Good night, $fn."
As she got up to leave, I felt a knot in my stomach. The reality of what had happened, and what was going to happen set in. It was like the weight of the world was on my shoulders.
<<else>>
The door creaked open, and my aunt Soniya stepped in. "Hey," she said.
"Hey,"I said back. "At least now we both know why we kept thinking the other one looked so familiar." I said to her in a joking tone.
"Yeah," she scoffed.
"So how's Hope?" She asked, taking a seat on my bed.
"Fine, I miss the city but, being out here has its perks." I said to her.
"How's your scar?" She asked, I guess Mom had told her some stuff about what had happened. I wonder if that was the reason she was even out here.
"Fine, it's all recovered now. Just got a marking there."
She got off from the bed and started to make her way towards the stairs, "Well I'll see you again tomorrow, $fn." She said blowing a kiss towards me.
[[A call from Lana.|c1.17]]A few moments after my Aunt had gone, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Taking it out I read the name as Lana, and answered the call.
"Hey," she said, "I need you to come over to the office"
"About?" I asked.
"Not now, just, I need you to be here soon."
"Alright, alright. I'm coming."
With that, I hung up the phone and quickly made my way down the stairs and out the door, hoping to avoid any questions from my mother and my aunt.
It was a cool evening, the wind blowing gently through the trees. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind, walking towards my car. As I did so, I couldn't help but think about how funny the Aunt situation was.
I drove through the dark streets, the city lights blurring together as I passed. The way the lights seemed to dance off of the buildings was a beautiful sight.
As I reached the office, I parked the car and made my way inside. The office was quiet and empty, the only sounds were the faint hum of the computers and the ticking of a clock.
"Hello?" I called out, hoping someone would respond.
"In here," a voice called out.
I followed the voice to the back office, where I saw Lana sitting behind a desk, her face illuminated by the glow of her laptop.
"Hey," she said, barely looking up.
"What's up?" I asked, curious as to what was going on.
"There's something I need you to look at," she said, motioning to the computer.
"What is it?"
"Howard." She said.
Every muscle in my body tensed up and my scar seemed to flare up. A weary feeling took the air, this man should not have this much of a grip on me, and yet he did. Although there was a good reason, I guess. I touched my shirt where the scar was before my mind came back to Lana.
"What about him?" I asked, feeling a sense of dread.
"He's bought a new headquarters for the Knox MC somewhere in the city; he plans to flush us out," she said, looking at the purchase permit on the computer.
"He plans to start a war." I said.
"We need more men," Lana commented, still focused on the computer screen.
"Do we know where this place is?" I asked, my mind already racing with possibilities.
"Yeah," she said, "But we don't know what he's planning, or have the capacity to do anything with lack of funds."
"What do you think we should do?"
She paused, considering her options.
"We have to stop him. He's a liability, and we can't afford to have him running around doing whatever the fuck he wants."
"So we kill him."
"We kill him," she confirmed.
[[Chapter 1 Interlude]]<div class="chapter-intro">
<h1 class="chapter-title">Chapter 1 Interlude</h1>
<p class="chapter-text">A Day Out.</p>
</div>
A couple of days later, I found myself with some free time. Well, a free day actually. There were plans in motion, but as of now there was nothing I could do. Well, at least as relating to mob stuff, which again, felt so weird to say.
I have a whole day to myself, the question was now, what do I do with it? Aunt Soniya leaves tomorrow, which means this will probably be one of the last times that I'll be able to see her, at least for a while. Mom has been stressed out, she's been spending a lot of time with Louisa, helping me fit into the person that I should be to an effective leader. I can't deny that having Siobhan around the house was nice, she was an absolute pleasure so it would be nice to reward her in some way.
I'd ask one of the Barrons, but Lana has been busy starting her own unit under me, while Louisa remains vigilant about anything that Howard is doing.
So my options really were, Siobhan, Aunt Soniya, and Mom.
[[Spend the day with Siobhan.|c1i.1]]
[[Spend the day with Aunt Soniya.|c1i.2]]
[[Spend the day with Mom.|c1i.3]]Truthfully, there was only one answer, and that was to the woman who had given Mom and me some sense of safety ever since I'd been attacked, and that was Siobhan. She had made herself comfortable in one of our guest rooms, and honestly, she'd never once complained, always happy and appreciative that we were even giving her a roof to stay under while she worked for us.
Honestly, I felt bad. Siobhan was technically working for me, well, technically for Louisa, but nonetheless, I had to give her something back. Maybe I'd treat her to a spa day? But then again, I didn't know if she liked that kind of thing. I'd have to find out.
Knocking on her door lightly, it swung open slightly ajar, and the room seemed rather quiet.
"Siobhan?" I poked my head in gently, seeing the soldier doing some pushups on the floor. I assumed that she had gone a bit stir crazy if I were to put money on a bet.
"One sec." she breathed out heavily as she kept up the workout. A couple of minutes of counting pushups later, Siobhan looked a lot fresher than she did before. "$fn, hi." She took in a deep breath as she stared up at me from the floor. "Did you need anything?"
"Kind of. I've got a day free, so I wanted to see if you wanted to do anything?" I gave the ginger a light smile as I watched her get onto her knees, giving her arms a nice stretch as she got up, rising to her full height.
"Really? That'd be a good idea." Siobhan said, continuing to stretch. "I did have a training session at some local boxing gym, I was going to go with Lana," she said taking a pause to eye me up. "But I think you'll do."
[[At the gym.|c1i.1.1]]Truthfully there was only one answer, and that was to the woman who was going to leave soon. I should be a good host. I should be a good nephew.
I knocked on the door, "Aunt Soniya, it's me." I called out to her.
The door opened, a half-dressed Aunt Soniya looked out, her bra exposed.
"Hey, sweetie," she said as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me, "I was wondering when you were coming by."
She kissed my cheek and let me in. I looked around the room, seeing some of the packing that had already been done.
"You're not wasting any time, are you?" I asked.
"You know me," Aunt Soniya said, "I'm always eager to get things moving. Speaking of, I was thinking of having a few drinks tonight, to celebrate my last night here, why don't you join me?"
She took my hands and gently squeezed them.
"It's a date." I said, smiling back.
"That's my boy," Soniya said as she let me go and turned around to continue packing up.
I watched her walk away, watching her ass sway back and forth with every step.
Damn, she's hot.
[[Evening.|c1i.2.1]]Truthfully there was only one answer, and that was to the woman who birthed me. I walked downstairs where Mom stood drinking coffee, staring at the vast backyard that we now owned. She wasn't wearing anything fancy today, she was wearing an old t-shirt, ripped jeans, and her hair was pulled into a ponytail.
"Hey mom," I said, watching her jump slightly.
"Oh, hey beta. I'm sorry, I didn't notice you. What's going on?"
"Well, I have a day off. I figured I'd spend it with you, it's been a while since we've spent some time together."
Her eyes widened, "Aw, baby that's sweet. Come on, let's get out of here. What did you have planned?"
Shit, I didn't really come into this with a plan. I mean we're surrounded by beautiful nature, a hike and picnic doesn't sound bad. It's also a beautiful day, I'm sure the beach would be lovely. Then again, is she the kind of woman who would enjoy being pampered? A spa day? Fuck it, I'm winging this.
[["Picnic, and a hike."|c1i.3.1]]
[["Let's go to the beach."|c1i.3.2]]
[["What about a spa day?"|c1i.3.3]]"Let's go to on a hike, Mom." I said to her.
Mom looked at me and smiled, "That sounds perfect. Let me just go upstairs and change, I'll meet you outside."
I walked to the kitchen and prepared a basket of food for our little adventure. We had a bit of a drive, so we loaded ourselves into the car and drove out to the nearest trail that looked nice. I wasn't an expert by any means, but this one had some really great reviews.
After about an hour and a half, we arrived. I walked over to Mom and helped her out of the car.
"I forgot how much I enjoyed these trips." She said. "How much I enjoyed spending time with you, outside of our work."
"I know, I've missed it too."
Mom grabbed my hand, "You know, this may not be the life I imagined for you, but you're doing amazing. You're such a strong young man, and I couldn't be prouder of you."
"Thanks, Mom. It means a lot coming from you."
"I just wanted you to know that, I know things have been very stressful lately. So I wanted you to know, I love you, no matter what."
"I love you too, Mom."
Mom kissed me on the cheek, "Come on, let's enjoy this day. Lead the way."
The path was just ahead, as the pair of us started the hike. The air was crisp and cool, I could feel my heart starting to pump blood all throughout my body. It was beautiful, and the path was quite nice, a few times I caught myself looking at Mom, her sweat covered body glistening in the sun. She was just as beautiful as ever.
We continued along, the trail itself wasn't very long, so we reached our destination relatively quickly. It was a small clearing, a little ways away from the main trail, but it gave us some peace and quiet. We set up our little picnic, laying down on the blanket and staring up at the sky, it was a gorgeous blue, and there were barely any clouds in sight.
"I wish your father could have seen this," Mom said, taking a bite of her sandwich.
"He would have loved this."
"How did you two meet?" I asked, genuinely curious.
Mom laughed, "He was an asshole. He made a pass at me when I was waiting tables at his parents' restaurant. When I rejected him, he kept trying and trying. Eventually, I said yes, I figured that he'd fuck me, and that would be it. Boy, was I wrong."
"When did you know that he was the one?"
"About two weeks in. He was so caring and thoughtful, he treated me like I was a princess. I was smitten, I never wanted that feeling to end. And now, even though we've been through so much, I still don't want it to end."
[["I can treat you like a Princess, Mom."|c1i.3.1.1]]
[["I miss him."|c1i.3.1.2]]"Let's go to the beach, Mom," I said looking out of the window that she was. "It's a beautiful day and we could use the time to relax." I said.
She smiled and nodded, "Sounds good to me, go get changed, I'll meet you out here in a few."
I smiled back, before running upstairs to change. I quickly threw on a tank top, a pair of shorts and some flip-flops. I took the stairs two at a time, and walked outside to see Mom already sitting in the car, in a new outfit.
"Alright, I'm ready. Where are we going?"
"You don't know what area?"
I shook my head, "I'm sorry, I just wanted to spend some time with you."
She smiled and looked at the GPS, "I'll put in the address, just follow it okay."
"Got it," I said as she told me where to go. I started the car, and drove off towards the beach.
The car ride was quiet, which was nice. I think both of us were too lost in our own thoughts to speak.
I pulled up to the beach and parked the car, "Alright, here we are."
Mom nodded and smiled, before stepping out of the car and inhaling deeply. "I always loved the smell of the sea," she said, with a soft smile on her face.
Hearing the sounds of the beach and seeing my Mom, it reminded me of the photo I saw that Dad had taken of Mom at the beach when they were younger. The thought of it caused my pants to stir, but I forced the feelings down. Now was not the time.
"Come on, Mom. Let's find somewhere to sit."
She nodded and followed me as we started walking trying to find a place to relax.
"So how have you been feeling?" I asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I mean with how everything is right now."
She sighed, "I've been better. I didn't want you to be a part of any of this. But..." She said trailing off. "At least we're doing it together."
"I'm sorry, Mom."
"Don't apologize, $fn. This wasn't your fault."
I nodded and we walked in silence for a little bit longer. Eventually, we found a spot and we set up. It was nice just being able to relax with her. I can't even remember the last time I did something like this with Mom.
[[Watching her change.|c1i.3.2.1]]"What about a spa day?" I said to her.
She raised an eyebrow, "Really? You want to spend your day off getting pampered with me?"
I shrugged, "I'm not picky about what I do, I just want to spend time with you."
"You're so cute," she said, grabbing me and kissing me on the cheek. "I have an idea, I know a place that would be perfect."
I grinned, "Lead the way, mom."
We ended up driving thirty minutes away to another small town, and an even smaller town, honestly, but Mom said she wanted to try out the spa here. We pulled into a parking lot and got out of the car.
The place was called "Nirvana" and when we walked in the first thing I noticed was the smell of jasmine and rose petals. The front desk clerk smiled at us as we approached.
"Welcome to Nirvana, how may I help you?" She was a beautiful woman with long red hair.
Mom stepped forward, "I booked an appointment for two under the name $ln."
"Ah yes, I have you right here. Please follow me."
We were taken through the back into a room with a massage bed.
"Please undress down to your undergarments and then lie face down on the bed." She said, leaving and shutting the door behind her.
I raised an eyebrow, "Why am I taking my clothes off?"
"Well, that's a stupid question. How are they going to give you a massage with clothes on?" Mom asked, pulling her shirt over her head.
"Well, yeah I know that but I didn't think we'd be getting massages at all."
Mom turned around, "Are you embarrassed to take your clothes off in front of me? I gave you birth, you've seen me naked too."
"But it's different!" I said defensively, feeling a blush creeping on my face.
"Fine," Mom said, shimmying out of her pants, "I'll get naked first."
She stood in front of me in a lacy bra and panty set. Her body was fit, and honestly, she looked pretty fucking good. I mean she's always been gorgeous, but the more I looked at her, the more I could see how hot she really was.
Mom caught me staring and smirked, "What? You're not gonna tell me that you haven't checked out your mommy's body before, are you?"
"No!" I said, lying through my teeth.
Mom giggled, "Oh, stop being such a prude, I know you have."
I mean, I can't say that she was wrong. But she didn't have to be so upfront about it.
[[My time to strip|c1i.3.3.1]]
<<set $MetSiblings to "True">>My eyes were distracted by the vast endlessness of the sea for a moment. The calmness of the waves crashing against each other in rhythmic motion was so peaceful. I felt so at ease that it made me want to cry.
I wanted to share my thoughts with my Mother, but when I turned to notice her, she was in the process of taking off her top, revealing her bikini top.
My eyes were locked on the sight. Staring at her breasts and her nipples poking through the fabric caused my mouth to water. I knew I shouldn't be looking, but I couldn't help it. I was so aroused.
I swallowed hard, trying to push down my arousal and forced myself to look at the sea, taking a long swig of the beer that somehow made it into my hand. I noticed my cock was hard, but there wasn't much that I could do about it.
Mom seemed to have no idea what was going through my head because she continued talking, "It's so nice out here. I can't remember the last time I was able to relax like this." She said, letting out a happy sigh as she laid back on the towel.
I nodded, "I agree," I said, looking at her again, taking in her appearance. Her long legs, her thick thighs, and the way that her ass cheeks spilled out of the bottom of her bikini. Fuck, this was wrong. This was so wrong.
I quickly looked away again, trying to think of anything else besides my mother's body.
"Aren't you-" Mom cut her self off. I turned to look at what caused her to do that, and I noticed that she was staring at my erection. I blushed, completely embarrassed and ashamed of my reaction to seeing my mother's body.
"I'm so sorry, Mom," I said, hoping that she would understand that I didn't mean to stare or react this way.
"It's...okay," she said softly, her voice wavering a bit. I could hear that she was embarrassed too. I couldn't blame her, this was awkward for the both of us.
"Mom..." I started, before swallowing hard.
She shushed me putting on a soft smile, "I forget how young boys are, even at the sight of their mother, I guess." She said with a chuckle.
I laughed too awkwardly, "Yeah."
"It's not your fault, it's just nature." She said with a shrug. "Let's just move past it. I'd rather enjoy our day together than let that get in the way."
I nodded, "I'm sorry, Mom."
"I was going to say, aren't you going to take your top off, and join me?" She said, still looking at me.
I blinked, "Um...sure," I said, setting down my drink and pulling off my tank top and tossing it to the side.
I noticed my mothers eyes, watching me. She wasn't staring at me the same way that I had stared at her, but I could still tell that she was looking.
"Do I look as good as you?" I said for some reason. The smart in me wanted to beat up the idiot in me.
She chuckled, "Oh come on, you wish."
[[Some time later.|c1i.3.2.2]]Some time had passed as did the beers between us. At some point I got up to stretch, the beers causing me to sway a little. I looked out over the water again, trying to get my bearings straight.
When I turned around, I noticed that Mom was also sitting up. But she was looking right at me with a thoughtful expression on her face.
"What's going on in your head?" I asked, curious as to what was going through her mind.
She didn't answer my question, instead she asked one of her own. "What do you think about me?"
I was a bit confused by the question, but I answered it anyway, "What do you mean?"
"I mean, do you think that I'm pretty?" She asked.
I knew I shouldn't have, it was probably the alcohol in me, but I decided to tell her the truth. "Of course, you're beautiful, Mom." I said, a bit embarrassed.
She smiled, "Thank you, baby." She said, before looking me up and down. "You've become so big and handsome. I can't believe you're my little boy." She said.
I smiled, "Well, I'll always be your little boy."
"I know," she said with a soft smile. She looked around the beach, making sure no one else was around. When she saw that we were alone, she got up and started walking towards me. "Can I ask you a question?" She asked.
I nodded.
"Have you ever thought about me? About...us?"
I blinked, "W-what do you mean?"
She took another step forward, so she was only inches from me. "Have you ever thought about what it would be like, to be with me?" She whispered. "Have you ever touched yourself thinking about me?"
My throat went dry, as I stared into my mother's eyes. I couldn't bring myself to say anything. I tried to swallow, but nothing came.
[[Kiss her you idiot.|c1i.3.2.2.1]]
[[We're too drunk for this.|c1i.3.2.2.2]]A jolt of alcohol went coursing through my veins as I found myself swaying. Swaying towards the lips delicious lips of my mother. The woman who raised me, the woman I loved and admired. I couldn't help myself. I leaned forward, ready to taste her.
My heart raced faster and faster as our lips got closer and closer. Our eyes locked on one another. I could feel her breath on mine. It carried with the drinks that we had downed earlier.
The moment our lips touched, it felt like electricity sparked between us. A tingling sensation flowed through me, causing a shiver to run down my spine. I leaned into the kiss, wanting more.
I pressed my lips firmly against hers, kissing her deeply. She responded by kissing me back, her tongue slipping into my mouth. I moaned softly as I kissed her, feeling her tongue exploring my mouth. Her tongue danced around mine, teasing me before pulling away.
"Mmm," Mom said, running her hands through my hair, "You taste so good."
I blushed, "You taste great too, Mom."
"I'm glad you think so," she said with a grin, before leaning forward and kissing me again.
I moaned as I kissed her, feeling her breasts pushing against my chest. I reached up and cupped her tits, squeezing them gently.
She pulled back from the kiss, as if remembering what was happening, "$fn...we shouldn't be doing this," She said, even though I could tell she wanted nothing more than to continue.
I stared into her eyes, flashing my cockiest grin, "Why not?"
"Because..." She started.
"What's the worst that could happen?" I asked, placing my hands on her hips. "I know you want this as much as I do," I said, leaning forward and kissing her neck. She let out a soft moan as I kissed her neck.
I looked at her, "I need you, Mom," I whispered, "I need you so bad."
I kissed her neck again, sucking on the skin. I slid my hands down her body, reaching around to cup her ass cheeks.
"Mmm, I can't believe I'm doing this," Mom said, kissing me again.
I smiled, "Me either," I said, kissing her back.
She pulled away from the kiss, "What do you want to do to me?"
[[Try for more.|c1i.3.2.2.1.1]]
[[We're too drunk for this.|c1i.3.2.2.2]]
<<set $MomLust to $MomLust + 10>>In the flash of the moment, another jolt of sobriety hit me, as I saw, truly saw what was happening. "Mom, I can't do this," I said to her.
"Why not?" She said a bit drunkenly.
"Because...you're my mother. I can't." I said, unable to articulate myself.
She stared at me, a look of understanding crossing her face. "I see," she said. "I guess, I've made a fool of myself, haven't I?" She said, looking down, avoiding my gaze.
I wanted to say something, but I didn't know what to say.
She shook her head, "I'm sorry, beta. I don't know what I was thinking." She said. "I guess, I just wanted to be loved."
I sighed, "You are loved, Mom. You are."
She smiled sadly, "I know. I love you too, baby." She said, kissing my cheek before walking away.
I felt awful, I should've done something. I should've...I don't know, kissed her or something. I watched as she walked away. Feeling like an asshole.
I finished packing up the beer and our stuff, before running after her. When I found her, she was sitting on a bench, watching the sun set.
[[Chapter 2]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 10>>I looked into her eyes, "I want to taste you," I said, sliding my hands around to the front of her bikini bottoms, dipping my finger below the fabric.
"Oh god," she said, closing her eyes as I touched her pussy. "Yes, yes," she moaned as I pushed my fingers into her. She arched her back, pressing her breasts against my chest.
I leaned forward and kissed her neck again, sucking on the skin.
"That feels so good," she moaned. "Fuck me," she whimpered, thrusting her hips against my hand.
I slid my fingers in and out of her pussy, feeling her juices coating them. She was so wet.
I pulled my fingers out of her pussy and brought them to my mouth, tasting her juices. "Mmm," I said, licking my fingers clean. "You taste amazing, Mom."
She blushed, "Thank you, baby."
I slid my hands back around to her ass, squeezing it as I kissed her again.
"Fuck me," she moaned, kissing me deeply.
I slid my hands to the front of her bikini bottoms and pulled them down, revealing her beautiful pussy. I leaned down and kissed it, licking her lips.
She moaned as I licked her pussy, "Oh god, yes!" she moaned, grabbing my head and pushing it into her pussy. I slid my tongue inside her, tasting her sweet juices. She tasted so good.
"That's right, baby," she moaned as I ate her pussy.
I slid my tongue in and out of her pussy, fucking her with it. She tasted so good.
"Yes, yes," she moaned, pushing my face deeper into her pussy. I sucked on her clit, teasing it with my tongue. She moaned, bucking her hips against my face.
I kept sucking on her clit, feeling her getting closer to an orgasm.
"Oh god," she moaned, "I'm gonna cum," she said as her body shook. I sucked on her clit, feeling her cum on my face.
She cried out as her body shook, "Oh god! Oh god! Yes!" she cried as her body convulsed with pleasure. I licked her pussy, feeling her juices drip onto my face.
She panted as she came down from her orgasm. "Wow," she said, looking down at me.
I smiled up at her, licking her cum off of my face.
"You're amazing," she said, running her fingers through my hair. "Come here," she said, pulling me up to kiss her. I kissed her deeply, tasting her juices on my lips.
"Mmm," she moaned as she kissed me.
"Now I'm going to show you a mother's love," she said, pushing me back onto the sand.
[[A mother's love.|c1i.3.2.2.1.2]]I laid there in the sand, feeling my cock throbbing in my swim trunks. Mom teased me, using her hands to rub my cock through the fabric.
"Do you want me to take care of this?" She asked, tugging at my shorts.
"Yes, please," I said, nodding my head.
She pulled down my shorts, revealing my cock. She looked down at it, licking her lips.
"You're so big," she said, wrapping her fingers around my shaft. "Much bigger than your father," she said, albeit much quieter. As if I wasn't supposed to hear that.
I moaned as she stroked my cock, feeling her warm skin against mine.
"You like that, don't you?" She asked, stroking me faster.
"Yes," I moaned, feeling my cock throbbing in her hand.
She stroked my cock faster, rubbing her thumb over the tip. I moaned, feeling precum leaking out of my cock. She leaned forward and licked my precum off of my cock.
"Mmm, you taste good," she said, licking the tip of my cock. "Did you like seeing Mommy do that?" She said with a sultry tone. All I could do was nod.
She looked up at me and smiled, "I'm going to make you feel so good, baby," she said before taking my cock into her mouth. She sucked on the tip of my cock, swirling her tongue around it. I moaned, feeling her warm mouth around my cock.
She sucked my cock harder, taking it deeper into her mouth. She bobbed her head up and down, sucking my cock.
"Oh god," I moaned as she sucked my cock. I closed my eyes, feeling the pleasure building up inside me.
She kept sucking my cock, taking it deeper into her mouth. She moaned, feeling my cock hit the back of her throat. I groaned as she deep throated my dick.
She sucked my cock harder, feeling it throbbing in her mouth. I moaned as I felt myself getting closer to an orgasm.
"Fuck, Mom," I groaned. "I'm gonna cum."
She pulled my cock out of her mouth, "Cum for me, baby," she said, stroking my cock. "Cum on my face," she said, stroking my cock faster.
I groaned, feeling my cock throbbing as I shot a thick load of cum all over Mom's face.
"Oh god," she moaned, licking my cum off of her face.
"That was amazing," I said, panting.
"You're amazing, baby," she said, smiling at me.
I smiled back at her, "I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, beta. But we should go," she said, looking up at the night sky.
I gave her a sad nod, as we packed up and called an Uber, leaving our car here until the morning.
[[Chapter 2]]
<<set $MomRomance to "True">><div class="chapter-intro">
<h1 class="chapter-title">End of Content.</h1>
<p class="chapter-text">https://www.patreon.com/sgtpeppergames</p>
</div>"I can treat you like a Princess, Mom." I said to her. Honestly, I felt like a kid when I said it. The words just came out of nowhere.
Mom looked at me, a shocked expression on her face, "I-I know that you can, beta."
"No Mom, I can. I know we've been busy, but I should be taking better care of you, I should be making you feel special."
Mom smiled, "Beta, that's not your job. I'm the mother, I should be doing all of the taking care of."
"I know just how to make you feel special," I said, leaning into the picnic basket, where I had two glasses and a bottle of white wine sitting.
"Oh my god," Mom said, smiling. "You know, we really shouldn't. We have to hike back down."
I opened the bottle and poured her a glass, handing it to her, "Please, Mom. Just take it, you deserve it."
"Okay, okay. You convinced me." She said, taking the glass and sipping on it. "Hmm, this is delicious."
I watched as Mom started to drink her wine, and I laid back down onto the blanket.
"Come here," I said to her, opening my arms wide. Mom smiled and climbed over, laying on top of me and resting her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, and she sighed happily.
"This feels so nice," She whispered.
We laid like that for a while, enjoying the view and each other's company. The wind blew lightly, and I could smell the fragrance of her shampoo. It was so nice.
[[Make a move.|c1i.3.1.1.1]]
[[Don't make a move.|c1i.3.1.1.2]]"I miss dad," I said, honestly I sounded a bit like a kid.
"I miss him too. There's not a day that goes by where I don't think about him."
I nodded, not saying anything, just listening to the wind blow around us.
"I know you think that I've been too focused on our family business, spending a lot of time with Louisa," Mom said. "But I've been thinking about us too. What would your father want? What would he do?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I know this isn't what you wanted, but I thought that if you're going to lead our family, then maybe it would be good to have a wife by your side." Mom finished speaking, looking at me.
The words were a bit shocking, to be honest; I didn't really know how to react.
"You father had me to take care of things," Mom added, "And I know that it's a bit soon, but you've grown so much. You're turning into a fine man, and you're going to need a woman who will stand by you. Who will be there for you no matter what."
"Mom, I-"
"I'm sorry if it seems a bit sudden, I just want you to be happy, and I think that having someone there for you would help."
"Let's talk about this later." I said, not wanting to continue this conversation. It was so soon, and I wasn't truly ready to give any of this up. We've only just begun and I can't let someone, especially a woman distract me from something as dangerous as this could be.
"Are you ready to head back down?" Mom asked, looking at the empty plates of food.
I nodded, "Yeah, let's go."
Mom kissed my cheek and the pair of us started walking back. It was quiet, neither of us really talking, we were both in our own thoughts.
[[Chapter 2]] Eventually, I felt something stir down below. I didn't realize what it was, until I heard Mom's sharp intake of breath.
"Beta, are you hard?" She asked quietly.
"I-I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to-"
"No, no. It's okay. I-It's actually kind of flattering."
"Really?"
Mom nodded, "Yeah, really. You're a very attractive young man. I would be surprised if this didn't happen. It's only natural."
"Y-You're also very attractive, Mom." I said to her.
Mom smiled, "You don't need to lie to me."
"No, I mean it. You're really beautiful."
"Oh, well thank you, baby. You're very handsome."
Feeling confident in my newfound compliment from Mom, I made my move.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"What's your type?"
Mom laughed, "I don't really have one. But I suppose I do have some non-negotiables."
"Like what?"
"Well, the first thing is that he has to be caring and thoughtful, but also be able to take charge. And I like a guy with a beard, it makes them look more mature. Oh, and he has to be a great kisser."
"So, if I had all of those things, I could be your ideal type?"
"Well, yeah. I suppose so."
I leaned forward, "Then kiss me, Mom."
Mom looked at me, confused, "W-What?"
"If you want to find out if I'm a good kisser, then kiss me."
"Beta, I can't do that. I'm your mother."
I sat up and pulled Mom with me, looking into her eyes. Her expression was a mixture of confusion and arousal.
"Kiss me, Mom."
Mom's eyes searched mine, trying to determine if this was a joke or not. But when she saw the sincerity, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against mine. I could taste the wine on her mouth as I pushed back, deepening the kiss.
Mom moaned into the kiss, her body trembling slightly as she kissed me back. We continued like this for a few moments, before we broke the kiss, staring at each other in awe.
"Oh my god, beta. That was amazing." She said.
I smiled, "Thank you. It felt nice."
Mom nodded, "It did."
"Would you like to continue?"
"I-I don't think that would be wise. You're still my son."
"So, what's the problem? We're just two consenting adults kissing. There's nothing wrong with that."
Mom stared at me for a moment, before leaning forward and capturing my lips in another kiss. This time it was more aggressive, Mom pushing her tongue into my mouth and dominating me.
[[Give her the Princess treatment.|c1i.3.1.1.1.1]]
[[Get the Prince treatment.|c1i.3.1.1.1.2]]After a while, we decided to start heading back down to the car. Mom was a bit tipsy from the wine, and I didn't mind helping her along the way. We held hands as we walked back down.
"Beta, thank you so much for today," Mom said, leaning against me. "It was so sweet of you to do that."
"You're welcome, Mom."
"It's just... you have so many people in your life right now, I know you have a lot of responsibilities. I just feel like sometimes, I get pushed aside. I'm your mother, but I feel like I have to compete with other women."
"Mom, I would never forget about you. You're my mother, you're always going to be in my life."
Mom sighed, "I know, I know. I just feel like I've failed you."
"Failed me? How?"
"I've let you grow up in this life, I could have tried harder to stop your father from making the decisions he made."
"Mom, this isn't your fault."
"I know, I know. I'm sorry, I'm just feeling a bit emotional, I think it's the alcohol."
"I understand. Come here," I said, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her into a tight hug.
[[Chapter 2]]
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 10>>I broke the kiss, staring into her eyes. "Let me show you how I treat my Princess."
Mom nodded, and I leaned forward, pushing her onto her back. I climbed on top of her and began to kiss her neck, nibbling on it slightly. Mom moaned loudly as I continued, my hands roaming her body, groping her breasts, her ass, and her thighs.
"Oh fuck, beta. You're making me feel so good."
I smirked and pulled off her bikini top, revealing her breasts. I took one of them in my mouth and began to suck on it, teasing it with my tongue. Mom groaned as I continued, her hands running through my hair as I pleasured her.
"You're such a good boy, beta. You know exactly what I need."
I switched to her other breast, giving it the same treatment as I had her other one.
"Mmm, you're making Mommy so wet."
Hearing her call herself Mommy made me even harder.
I pulled off her panties, revealing her glistening pussy. I took a deep breath and plunged my tongue inside of her, tasting her juices. She tasted like honey, and I couldn't get enough.
Mom moaned loudly as I ate her out, her body writhing in pleasure as I continued.
"Oh god, baby. Don't stop. Please don't stop!"
I continued to pleasure her, my tongue exploring every inch of her pussy, making her moan loudly.
"Oh fuck, beta. You're going to make me cum. I'm going to cum all over your face!"
I could tell that she was close, so I pushed my tongue further into her, flicking it against her clit.
Mom cried out in ecstasy, her body tensing up as she came all over my face.
I licked up her juices and crawled on top of her, kissing her deeply.
"Wow, that was amazing." She said, looking up at me.
"I told you, I know how to treat my Princess."
Mom smiled, "And you do it so well." She paused taking a few deep breaths, the post-climax clarity seemed to have hit her as she realised what she had done.
"Oh god, we shouldn't have done this."
[[Chapter 2]]
<<set $MomRomance to "True">>
<<set $MomLust to $MomLust + 10>>
<<set $MomRel to $MomRel + 10>>I broke the kiss, staring into her eyes. "Show me how you treat your Prince."
Mom nodded, moving down my body, trailing kisses down my neck and chest. I could feel my cock straining against my shorts, Mom noticed this, slowly taking them off, freeing my penis.
"Fuck," She whispered, looking at my hard cock. "You're so big."
Mom leaned forward and began kissing the head of my cock, running her tongue over it and teasing me.
"Mom," I moaned, bucking my hips upward. "Please."
Mom looked up at me, smiling wickedly. "Beg for it, baby."
I nodded, "Please Mom, please suck my cock."
Mom smiled, "That's a good boy."
She opened her mouth and took the tip of my cock inside of her warm mouth. She sucked hard, swirling her tongue around the head and driving me wild. I could feel my orgasm building quickly as she worked my cock with her mouth and tongue.
Mom continued to suck my cock, her head bobbing up and down as she sucked and licked my hard shaft. She moaned, the vibrations sending shivers down my spine.
I couldn't hold back any longer, I grabbed the back of her head and thrust my cock deep into her mouth, feeling her throat constrict around me. I moaned loudly as I came, my seed shooting deep into her throat.
Mom swallowed every drop of cum, licking my cock clean as she pulled away. I panted as she looked up at me with a smile on her face.
"That was amazing, Mom." I said to her.
"Mom always knows best," she said with a wink.
After a while, on the hike down, there were moments of clarity where the wine would dissapear and we'd realise what we'd done. But it wasn't until we reach the bottom, did one of us finally speak.
"Oh god, we shouldn't have done this."
[[Chapter 2]]
<<set $MomRomance to "True">>I suppose it was now my time to strip. I pulled off my shirt, revealing my toned chest. I kept my eyes trained on the floor, I felt embarrassed, but I wasn't sure why. I took off my jeans, and when I looked up Mom was staring at the scar that ran across my abdomen.
I looked down at it, "Never get's easier, huh?"
Mom shook her head, "No,"
She stepped forward, placing a hand on my stomach, "Every time I look at it I'm reminded of how much pain you went through. I hate seeing this, but it also reminds me how much you've grown. How strong you've become by being able to stand here."
I smiled, "Thanks, Mom."
She returned the smile, "Alright, let's do this."
We got undressed and laid on the bed. Mom was in front of me, so I had a fantastic view of her ass. I had never noticed before, but she had a great ass. Like a real fucking great ass.
I was shaken out of my thoughts when a man entered the room. He was wearing a masseur outfit and slung a towel over his shoulder.
"Hello," he said, "My name is Jermaine, and I'll be taking care of you today. Now, which of you is Mrs. $ln?"
[[Mom raised her hand, "That would be me."|c1i.3.3.2]]Mom raised her hand, "That would be me."
"And I'll be taking care of Mr. $ln," she said, walking over to me. "My name is London," she said.
"Please let us know if we apply too much pressure or if either of you need anything to be adjusted." London said to the pair of us.
We both nodded in acknowledgement.
"Also, I just wanted to let you know that what happens in this room, stays in this room." Cairo said, "I am bound by confidentiality to not repeat any conversation we have while in this room. I'm sure you understand."
"Of course," I said; it was a bit fucking odd; I mean, it's a massage parlour, not a doctor's office, since when the hell does masseuse-patient confidentiality exist.
He nodded, "Good, I will leave you to it."
They turned on some light music, and I felt London's hands on me. She started at the top, massaging my shoulders and upper back.
I couldn't help but let out a moan, "Fuck that feels good."
London chuckled, "Glad to hear it."
I glanced over at Mom who also had her eyes closed. Cairo's hands were rubbing her shoulders.
"So," London said, "What brings you two in today?"
"I needed to spend some quality time with my mom." I said.
"Ah, that's sweet, and you're a really good son. I'm sure your mom is happy to have a son like you."
"I hope so," I said back.
Mom's eyes were closed, her mouth slightly agape as Cairo dug his fingers into her back, moving them in a circular motion. I felt London's fingers digging into my shoulder, I could feel the knots in my back slowly being worked out.
"So, what do you two do for a living?" She asked.
"We're both in the business world," I said, keeping my answers vague.
"Oh really, that's pretty cool. What business are you in?"
"We both work in real estate." I said.
"Wow, that's so interesting. Do you guys own your own firm?"
"No, we both work for our father's company."
"So, do you get to work together?"
"Sometimes, not often though." I said, I didn't know why she was asking me all of these questions.
"Mmm, that's a shame. You guys seem like you'd work well together." She said, moving her hands down to my mid back, digging her fingers in.
[[A loud moan escapes Mom's mouth.|c1i.3.3.3]]I heard a loud moan come from the other table, and I turned my head to see Mom squirming on the bed. Cairo had moved his hands to her lower back, and was digging his fingers in. Mom moaned again, and I felt myself growing hard.
"Is something the matter?" London asked, moving her hands lower on my back.
"No, no, nothing's the matter." I said.
"Really, because it seems like something is wrong. Are you sure you want me to keep going?" She said, moving her hands to my sides.
"Y-yes, please keep going." I said, I was so fucking hard right now.
London giggled, "As you wish."
Her hands moved down to my hips.
"What about you Mrs. $ln?" Cairo asked. "How does it feel?"
Mom let out another moan, "It feels amazing, you're doing such a good job."
I could feel London's fingers inching closer to my ass. I turned my head to look at her, but she was completely focused on what she was doing.
"Please, continue," I said.
London smiled, "As you wish."
Her hands moved to my inner thigh, slowly moving towards my dick. I felt her fingers brush against my dick, sending shivers down my spine. I moaned as London wrapped her fingers around my shaft, slowly stroking it.
[[I look over and see Cairo and Mom.|c1i.3.3.3.1]]
[[I focus on London.|c1i.3.3.3.2]]I looked over to Mom, only to see that Cairo had moved on to massaging her ass. His hands were moving up and down, spreading her cheeks and squeezing them. Mom moaned as Cairo moved his hands to her inner thighs.
"Ooh, I bet you love seeing your mommy getting all hot and bothered." London said, her hand stroking my dick faster.
"Fuck," I moaned, feeling London's hand tighten around my shaft.
I looked over at Mom again, seeing Cairo move his hands to her pussy. I watched as he inserted a finger, Mom letting out a loud moan.
"Oh yes, oh yes!" She moaned, as Cairo moved his finger in and out of her pussy.
London giggled, "She must be enjoying this if she's moaning that loud."
I didn't say anything, I couldn't, I was too busy watching Cairo fuck my mom with his fingers. Mom's body was writhing on the bed, her hips moving up and down, trying to match the pace of Cairo's fingers.
"She's so wet," Cairo said, pulling his fingers out and sticking them in his mouth. "Mmm, she tastes so good."
"I bet she does," London said, stroking my dick faster.
"Mmm, I can't wait to taste her myself." Cairo said, moving his fingers back to Mom's pussy.
Mom moaned loudly as Cairo inserted two fingers, pumping them in and out of her pussy.
"Oh, oh fuck," she moaned, her hips bucking wildly. "Don't stop, don't stop!"
"Yes, that's it baby, cum for me. Cum on my fingers." Cairo said, his voice low and husky.
"Ahh! Fuck yes!" Mom moaned, her body trembling as she reached her climax.
I couldn't take it anymore, I felt my dick twitch in London's hand and I let out a moan as I came, shooting my load all over her hand.
"Well, well, well. Looks like someone enjoyed the show." She said, licking her hand clean. "Mmm, you taste good."
"Fuck," I moaned, feeling my body go limp.
Cairo chuckled, "Looks like we both enjoyed ourselves."
"That was amazing, thank you so much." Mom said.
"Of course, we aim to please." Cairo said.
[[Chapter 2]]
<<set $MomSharing to "True">>I was getting a massage. It felt nice, but there was something off about this whole situation. The masseuse, London, was asking too many questions. It was almost as if she was trying to gather information about us.
London continued to stroke my dick, while Cairo continued to massage my mom. She let out another loud moan, which made my dick even harder. I glanced over and saw that Cairo had moved to Mom's ass, massaging it with his strong hands.
I could feel myself getting close to orgasm. London's skilled hands were working magic on my dick, and the sight of Mom's ass getting massaged was too much for me to handle. I felt a surge of pleasure run through me as I came, spilling my seed all over London's hand. She continued to stroke me, milking me of every last drop of cum.
The pair of us waited there for a moment, catching our breath.
"Thank you for coming in today," London said, "I hope you enjoyed your experience at Nirvana."
[[Chapter 2]] Evening came, and I was dressed in my finest clothes.
Aunt Soniya walked out of her bedroom, she was wearing a black dress that hugged her curves. A slit ran down her right thigh, showing off a long expanse of flesh.
She smiled at me as she came over and sat beside me.
"What do you think?" She asked.
"I think I'm going to have to fight guys off with a stick," I said, "You're absolutely stunning, Aunt Soniya."
She chuckled, "Flatterer."
The pair of us found ourselves in an Uber on the way to one of the Restaurants in town. I had to pick as Soniya was just a tourist here, so there was a little anxiety about the restaurant choice.
"Hey, relax," Aunt Soniya said as she took my hand, "I'm sure the place you picked is amazing." She said, as if my anxiety was on a loudspeaker for the rest of the world to hear.
"Yeah, but you're a Bollywood star, you're probably used to the best of the best." I said.
"The food is fine, the company is what matters," She said as she kissed my cheek.
"And it was only one movie, idiot." She said with a smile.
We pulled up outside the restaurant. I helped Aunt Soniya out of the car and we made our way inside.
The hostess came over and took our name. The two of us were led to a table in the back where we could talk.
Soniya reached across the table and held my hand.
"Aunt and Nephew," she said pausing. "How long has it been since we've had a day out like this? When you were what, twelve?" She asked.
I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't remember, it was a long time ago."
"It was." Aunt Soniya said, "You've grown up so much, I never thought that we'd be back together, even for a little bit."
"Life's full of surprises." I said.
"You're telling me," she said as she looked up at me, her eyes gleaming.
The waiter came by and took our orders. Aunt Soniya ordered a steak, while I went for a pasta dish.
"So," Soniya began. "Any women?" She asked with a sly smile.
"Not right now," I said.
"Really?" Soniya asked, "That's hard to believe."
I shrugged, "Just not really on my mind." I said.
"Oh," Soniya said, "So you're into men?" She asked.
"What?!" I asked as I almost choked on my water.
Soniya laughed, "I'm kidding." She said.
"That's not funny," I said.
Soniya grinned, "Yes, it is."
Our food came and we both ate. It was nice to catch up with Aunt Soniya. We talked about her life, what she'd been up to and what she was going to be doing when she got back home.
[[A few drinks later.|c1i.2.2]]About an hour had passed as the food was finished being eaten, but the wine was never stopped being drunk.
Soniya sighed contently as she leaned back in her chair.
"Well, this was a lovely dinner, sweetie," she said, "But I'm afraid we can't spend the rest of the night here."
I raised an eyebrow, "And why is that?"
Soniya gave me a knowing smile, "Because we're not done yet." she said.
We both got up and left the restaurant. As we stood outside, Soniya took my hand again and began to lead me down the street.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
Soniya chuckled, "The park." she said.
"The park?" I asked, confused.
"Yes, the park." Soniya repeated, "There's something I want to do, and I need you to go with me on this." she said.
I frowned, "Aunt Soniya, I don't think that's such a good idea." I said, trying to pull my hand out of her grip.
Soniya just smiled, "Trust me." she said.
She led me to the park and sat me down on a bench. She sat down next to me, still holding my hand.
"So, what are we doing here?" I asked.
Soniya looked around the park, "Waiting." she said.
"For what?" I asked, getting slightly annoyed.
Soniya turned to look at me, "For that." she said, nodding her head towards something in the distance.
I turned to look and saw a couple walking towards us. The man had his arm around the woman's waist as they walked.
"Aunt Soniya, what's going on?" I asked.
Soniya just smiled, "Watch." she said.
As the couple got closer, the man suddenly pulled the woman close and kissed her passionately.
I looked over at Soniya, who was watching them with a smile on her face.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Just watch." Soniya repeated.
The couple continued to kiss and then the man put his hands on the woman's ass and began to grope it.
I felt my face flush as I watched the scene unfold before me.
The man and woman started to make out more and more. He was grabbing her breasts, and she was moaning in his ear. It was almost too much for me to handle.
"Aunt Soniya, I think we should go." I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"No, not yet." Soniya said, still smiling. "We have to wait."
I watched as the man started to grind against the woman, pushing his hips into hers.
I swallowed hard as I watched the man and woman start to get more and more intimate.
Soniya leaned over and whispered in my ear, "It turns you on, doesn't it?" she asked.
"Aunt Soniya..." I said, trying to keep my voice from wavering.
Soniya just chuckled, "It's okay, sweetie, I can tell that it does." she said.
I could feel my cock growing harder as I watched the couple continue to get more and more intimate.
The woman reached down and grabbed the man's cock through his pants.
I could feel myself starting to sweat as I watched the scene unfold before me.
The woman started to rub the man's cock through his pants. The man groaned as he pushed his hips against her hand.
"Aunt Soniya, I don't think this is a good idea." I said, my voice cracking.
Soniya just smiled, "Shh, it's okay." she said. "Just keep watching."
I felt my cock growing harder as I watched the couple continue to get more and more intimate.
The man reached down and began to pull the woman's dress up, revealing her bare ass.
I could feel my heart racing as I watched the man and woman start to fuck.
Soniya leaned over and whispered in my ear, "How does it make you feel?" she asked.
"Aunt Soniya..." I said, my voice trembling.
Soniya just smiled, "It's okay, sweetie, you can tell me." she said.
I felt my cock growing harder as I watched the man and woman continue to fuck.
The man began to thrust his hips harder and harder, pushing his cock deeper into the woman.
I felt my cock throbbing as I watched the couple fucking in front of me.
The man reached around and grabbed the woman's ass, pulling her closer to him.
I felt my heart racing as I watched the man and woman continue to get more and more intimate.
Soniya leaned over and whispered in my ear, "You want to fuck me, don't you?" she asked.
I felt my cock throb as I looked over at Soniya. She was looking at me with a mischievous smile on her face.
"Aunt Soniya..." I said, my voice trembling.
[[Yes!|c1i.2.2.1]]
[[No!|c1i.2.2.2]]
Not wanting to waste more breath, I closed the gap between us and kissed her.
She was quick to return the kiss, her mouth opening as her tongue darted out.
Our tongues danced as we continued to kiss.
She tasted like wine and strawberries, and I found myself getting lost in the moment.
The couple fucking in front of us continued to get more and more intense. The man was now fucking the woman hard from behind, and she was moaning loudly.
I felt my cock throbbing as I watched the couple fucking in front of me.
Soniya broke the kiss and looked at me with a smile.
"Let's go." She said, standing up.
I quickly followed her, not wanting to waste another minute.
The pair of us walked to the Uber that we ordered, holding hands.
I helped her into the car and then got in myself.
The driver started the car and began to drive away, back towards our house.
Soniya leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I can't wait to feel your cock inside me." she said. That caused me to almost cum in my pants right there.
Soniya smiled at me, "Oh, you like that, don't you?" she asked.
I swallowed hard as I looked at her. My cock was throbbing, and I could feel precum leaking from the tip.
The driver sped through the town, taking us back to the manor.
We pulled up outside, and I helped Soniya get out of the car. We both walked up the front steps, and I opened the door for her.
The pair of us made sure the house was empty and that Mom wasn't awake to catch us doing this.
We made it into my bedroom in the attic and began kissing again.
Her tongue darted into my mouth as she moaned softly.
I felt my cock growing harder as I kissed her.
She broke the kiss and smiled at me.
"Let's get these clothes off." She said as she began to unbutton my shirt.
I let her take my shirt off, revealing my muscular chest and abs.
She ran her hands over my body, tracing the lines of my muscles.
<<if $FuckedSoniya is "True">>
"Mmm, I forgot how sexy you were." She said as she leaned in and kissed my neck.
<<else>>
"Mmm, you're so sexy." She said as she leaned in and kissed my neck.
[[She pushes me onto the bed|c1i.2.2.1.1]]
"No, what the fuck?" I said to her. Anger in my voice apparent. "What was that all about?"
"I thought you'd like it," Aunt Soniya said.
"Why? Because I'm a guy?" I asked, "That's not okay, Aunt Soniya, that's not okay."
Soniya looked down, "I'm sorry," she said. "I just thought you'd enjoy it."
"No, I didn't," I said. "I felt uncomfortable."
"I'm sorry." Soniya repeated. "I really am, I just wanted to give you a nice night."
"Yeah, well," I said, "I don't think that was the right way to go about it."
I walked away from Soniya, heading back towards the house.
[[Chapter 2]] I could sense that my Aunt wanted to waste no more time, and I was right. She quickly pushed me onto the bed, where I fell with a thud.
"Now let's get these pants off." She said as she began to unbuckle my belt.
I let her take my pants off, revealing my hard cock.
She smiled as she took my cock in her hand and stroked it.
"Mmm, it feels so big." She said as she ran her thumb over the tip.
I groaned as she stroked my cock.
"Do you want me to suck it?" She asked as she looked up at me.
"Yes." I said as I looked into her eyes.
She smiled and leaned down, taking my cock into her mouth.
I moaned as she began to suck my cock. She ran her tongue along the underside of my shaft, causing me to groan in pleasure.
She bobbed her head up and down, taking my cock deeper into her mouth.
She pulled back and looked up at me, "Do you like that?" She asked.
"Yes." I said as I looked into her eyes.
She smiled and took my cock into her mouth again, sucking it hard.
I felt my balls tighten as she sucked my cock.
I groaned as I felt my orgasm approaching.
"I'm going to cum." I said to her, causing her to remove her head from my cock with a loud pop.
"Not yet," She said as she climbed up onto the bed. "I want to feel you inside me first."
I nodded my head and watched as she removed her clothes, revealing her naked body.
[[Fuck her.|c1i.2.2.1.2]]Her breasts were firm, with dark nipples that were hard with arousal. Her pussy was shaved and glistening with moisture.
She smiled as she straddled my waist, her wet pussy hovering above my hard cock.
"Are you ready?" She asked as she looked down at me.
"Yes." I said as I looked into her eyes.
She smiled and lowered herself onto my cock, moaning as she felt my cock stretch her pussy.
I groaned as she slid down my cock, her pussy gripping me tightly.
She began to ride my cock, sliding up and down my shaft.
I grabbed her ass, pulling her down onto my cock.
She moaned as she rode my cock, her pussy gripping me tightly.
"Fuck me." She said as she looked down at me.
I began to thrust my hips upward, meeting her movements.
"That feels so good." She said as she looked down at me.
"You're so tight." I said as I looked up into her eyes.
"So big." She said as she licked her lips.
I groaned as I felt my orgasm approaching. Not wanting this night to end, I picked her up from my position and threw her on the bed, before turning her around so that her ass was facing me.
She gasped as she hit the mattress, but didn't resist as I got behind her and rubbed my cock against her wet pussy.
"Please." She begged as she looked back at me.
I smiled as I slid my cock into her wet pussy, groaning as I felt her warmth envelop me.
"So good." She said as she felt my cock fill her.
"So tight." I said as I began to thrust into her.
"Do you want it harder?" I asked as I thrust into her.
"Y-yes, please." She said as she gripped the sheets.
I grabbed her hips and began to pound into her, causing her to cry out in pleasure.
"That's it, fuck me!" She cried out as she felt my cock stretching her pussy.
"Take it." I growled as I fucked her hard.
"Yes, yes, yes!" She cried out as she felt my cock pounding into her.
"Make me cum." She pleaded as she looked back at me.
"I want to look you in the eyes when I do," I said to her, turning her around again. This time, we were face to face in missionary.
"I'm so close." She said as she felt my cock fucking her.
"Me too." I said as I thrust into her.
She reached down and began to rub her clit, crying out in pleasure.
"You're going to make me cum." She said as she looked up into my eyes.
"Come for me." I said as I thrust into her.
"F-fuck." She stammered as she felt her orgasm approaching.
"Cum on my cock." I said as I pounded into her.
"I'm c-cumming!" She cried out as she felt her pussy contract around my cock.
"Me too!" I said as I felt my balls tighten.
We both cried out in ecstasy as we came together, our bodies shuddering in pleasure.
She collapsed onto the bed, breathing heavily.
I pulled out of her and lay down beside her, panting.
"That was amazing." She said as she looked at me.
"You're telling me." I said, a smile on my face.
"I hope we can do that again." She said.
"Anytime." I said, meaning it.
[[Chapter 2]]
<<set $FuckedSoniya to "True">>We arrived at the gym in good time; it only took us about ten minutes to drive there. Siobhan wanted to run, but I told her that I'd die before we even started doing anything.
It was a nice little gym and a lot bigger than it looked from the outside. We got into the locker room, where there was only one, and it was intergender, which was mostly empty, save for a couple of women and two men, who were getting changed.
Siobhan was wearing a sports bra, which showed off her abs. She had a towel with her and her bag.
"Alright, so you know how to fight right?" Siobhan asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I mean, I've seen a couple of movies, and I've got a good idea of what I'm doing," I said confidently, puffing out my chest.
Siobhan looked at me and shook her head, smiling. "So you know nothing."
"I know... a bit," I said, my voice trailing off at the end.
"It's alright, I'll teach you." Siobhan nodded her head.
We both got into the ring. It was a large room, with a big boxing ring, a bunch of different stations with weights, a few treadmills and rowing machines and a lot of punching bags.
The two guys, a dark-haired man and a lighter-haired man were talking, laughing and joking, they didn't even look at us. The woman and girl, mother and daughter, looked up for a bit but went back to what they were doing.
Siobhan's hair was tied up in a bun, and she had a determined look on her face.
"Okay, so what don't you know?" she asked, getting straight into the lesson.
"Uhhh, everything."
"Okay, first let's start with a couple of punches, show me your stance," Siobhan instructed, watching me attentively.
I stood in a fighting stance.
"Hmm." She circled me, inspecting my body. "You're holding your hands a bit too low, raise them up a bit, like this." Siobhan took my hand and adjusted it so it was level with my chest.
[[The first break.|c1i.1.2]]About half an hour later, we entered into our first break. We both sat down on a couple of benches, with water bottles, and towels. I looked over to Siobhan, she was drenched in sweat, as was I.
"Okay, so tell me a bit about yourself," I said, wiping the sweat off my brow.
"Well, you know what I do, and I'm sure Lana's told you a fair amount, but what else is there to say?" Siobhan said, looking at me confused with sweat beads coming down her face.
"Why did you join the military? How did you meet Lana? Are you really from Ireland?"
"Okay, okay, okay," Siobhan chuckled. "To answer your questions, yes I'm from Ireland, and yes I am really Irish. My dad was in the British Army, and I was following in his footsteps. I joined up and did a bit, before getting recruited into the SAS. That's how I met Lana."
"Ahh, a bit of a mystery then," I said with a smug smirk, wiping the sweat from my forehead.
"Well, if I told you all my secrets, then you wouldn't want to learn more." She winked at me, and a blush rose up my neck.
"So, how about you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I've told you a fair amount about myself. I don't know anything about you."
Not wanting to really talk about myself, I stood back up and hit a small stretch. "So, is this break over?" I asked.
Siobhan looked at me and smirked, a bit of sweat dripping down her face. "You're a bastard. I guess it's time to get back into it," she commanded.
[[The second break.|c1i.1.3]]Another half an hour went by, and we both continued the sparring match; both of us were panting, But I was especially out of breath.
"Right, I think it's time for a break," I said, wiping the sweat from my brow.
"I think you're right," Siobhan said, stretching her arms a bit.
I looked down at the ginger and the way she stretched, showing off her toned, athletic figure. I couldn't help but admire her.
"You're staring," Siobhan said with a coy smile.
"What? No, I'm not."
"I don't mind. I like the attention." She looked up at me with a grin.
"I should stop," I said, looking away, blushing a bit.
"If you want," Siobhan said, putting her hands behind her head. "Do you have any other plans today?" she asked, looking around.
"No, I don't. I was thinking maybe we could go grab a drink?"
"Sure, why not."
"Okay, just let me go get changed."
"Not yet," she said. "Training isn't finished."
[[Finishing Training|c1i.1.4]]We both stood up, my body screaming for me to stop, I was active but boxing was a whole other beast that I couldn't even begin to have the right core for. I was not built for endurance.
"Alright," Siobhan said, turning to face me. "We're going to have a friendly spar."
"Wait, what? Siobhan, you're a vet. I can't compete with you," I said, taking a step back.
"Come on, $fn, where's the fun in that?" Siobhan smirked.
"I don't think-"
Siobhan charged forward, swinging her arm towards my side, aiming for my liver. I just managed to dodge, stepping back and out of the way.
"Good, keep your guard up," she said, circling around me, her gaze fixed on mine.
We were both standing, facing each other. I knew that she was a much better fighter than I was, and I didn't want to hurt her.
Siobhan threw a punch at me, but I stepped to the side and tried to grab her arm, but she moved out of the way.
"Keep moving."
She jabbed me in the ribs.
"Keep your hands up."
Siobhan threw a hook, connecting with my jaw. I stumbled backwards and fell onto the mat.
"Stay down, $fn. This is only the beginning." Siobhan smirked, stepping towards me.
"No, I can keep going." I tried to stand up, but she pushed me back down.
"I didn't tell you to stand. I told you to stay down," she said, looking down at me.
I laid on the mat, my heart beating, my face stinging from where her fist had connected. I couldn't let her get me down like this. Our eyes were locked on, fighting for dominance. It was a bit harder to do so when you were seated from when she hit your jaw and knocked you down, but you know it is what it is.
Siobhan got on top of me, her legs straddling my waist. She grabbed my wrists and pinned them above my head.
"This is where you belong. On the floor. At my feet." Siobhan leaned forward, her face inches from mine. "But don't worry, you'll get a reward for being such a good boy," she whispered in my ear.
Siobhan pressed her lips against mine.
I could taste her, the salt from the sweat mixed with the faint taste of her cherry lip balm. Her lips were soft and full, and her tongue was warm and wet.
[[My reward.|c1i.1.5]]
Siobhan let out a muffled moan, as her mouth parted from mine. She moved her hands to my shirt and began to undo the buttons.
"What are you doing?" I asked, slightly surprised by the sudden move.
"Showing you your reward," she said, her lips moving down my jawline and along my neck, her teeth grazing my skin.
I could feel her hands moving up my stomach, her fingers brushing against my skin. Her nails dug into my chest and left trails of fire behind.
"Siobhan," I moaned, feeling her lips travel further down.
Siobhan kissed the middle of my chest, and her tongue flicked across my nipple. I gasped as she took it into her mouth and sucked on it.
I felt her hands move further south, and I felt my cock growing harder.
"Siobhan," I groaned, feeling her lips move back up to my neck.
Her hand wrapped around my cock, stroking it through my shorts. She was teasing me, her fingers barely grazing the sensitive skin.
"You're already so hard," she murmured, her voice husky with desire. "You want me, don't you?"
"Yes," I breathed, unable to control myself. "I want you, Siobhan. I want you so bad."
She kissed my jaw and nibbled on my earlobe, her breath hot and heavy in my ear.
"You can have me, $fn," she said, her hand moving faster. "But you have to work for it."
I looked down at her hand, still wrapped around my cock, her fingers working magic on my shaft.
"Anything," I gasped, my body shuddering. "I'll do anything."
"Good." Siobhan stood up and pulled down her pants, revealing a black thong that was soaking wet. She turned around, her ass in front of my face.
"Now, be a good boy and lick," she commanded.
I did as I was told and leaned forward, my tongue darting out and lapping at her wetness.
"Fuck, you're so good," she moaned, grinding against my face.
My tongue explored her folds, tasting her sweet juices. My fingers gripped her hips as I devoured her, drinking in her scent and savouring the taste of her.
"Oh god," she cried, her hands gripping my hair.
I couldn't help myself, I needed more of her. My fingers dug into her flesh as I pulled her closer, my tongue plunging into her depths.
"God, you're so fucking good," she moaned, her body shaking with pleasure.
I kept going, not caring if I got a cramp or a stitch. All I cared about was giving her the most intense orgasm she'd ever had.
I felt her tighten around my tongue, and I knew she was close. I increased the speed of my strokes, bringing her closer and closer to the edge.
"Oh fuck, I'm gonna cum," she moaned, her body quivering.
I pulled away, my lips glistening with her juices.
"Why did you stop?" she whined, her body aching with desire.
[["Because I want you to cum on my cock,"|c1i.1.6]]"Because I want you to cum on my cock," I growled, flipping her over so that she was on her back.
She stared up at me, her eyes full of lust.
"Then do it," she purred, spreading her legs wide open.
I didn't need any more encouragement. I stripped off my boxers, exposing my throbbing cock.
"Fuck me," she pleaded, her voice dripping with need.
I grabbed her thighs and thrust into her, filling her up completely.
"Oh god," she moaned, her nails digging into my back.
I fucked her hard and fast, her pussy clenching around my cock.
"Fuck, you're so tight," I groaned, my balls slapping against her skin.
"Yes, yes," she panted, her breath ragged.
We both moved in unison, our bodies writhing with pleasure.
"I'm close," I gasped, my cock pulsing inside her.
"Cum inside me," she begged, her body trembling with anticipation.
I kept fucking her, my hips moving faster and faster.
"I'm cumming," I moaned, my body shaking with ecstasy.
"Oh god," she screamed, her pussy clenching around me.
We both came together, our bodies shuddering with pleasure.
"Fuck, that was incredible," she said, her breathing heavy.
I pulled out of her and rolled onto my back, my body still buzzing from the orgasm.
"That was amazing," I sighed, my body relaxed.
Siobhan sat up and looked down at me, her body still glistening with sweat.
"You're such a good boy," she purred, leaning down and kissing me.
The kiss was passionate, her tongue exploring my mouth, her fingers raking through my hair.
[[Chapter 2]]
<<set $FuckedSiobhan to "True">>