Chapter 25
Chapter twenty-five
Sebastian
The date with Daddy was perfect today. We went to my favorite ice-cream shop, then walked along the river, and a little later ate ice-cream cake. We finished the date with more ice cream, of course.
Daddy was perfect. He held my hand, kept himself between me and the road, and even glared at one guy who checked me out. We spoke about ordinary things, little by little, getting to know each other.
I'm still giddy when Ethan calls me into his office before work starts.
Plopping into one of his comfy chairs, I stare expectantly.
"So my head is safe?"
"Why wouldn't it be safe?" I ask, confused.
"Because I gave your address to Ezrah."
"Oh, that. Thanks for giving it to my Daddy."
Ethan is usually a stoic man, but I catch him relaxing a bit. Was he worried I would go after his head? Fair concern if you piss me off. Luckily for him, he'll be keeping his head.
"Is this why you called me here?"
"No. There's something else."
"Well?" I nudge him to continue.
"I may have a job for you," he says cautiously.
Oh, now we're speaking.
"Is that so? And what is this job opportunity?"
"The head of the mafia family in Alston City ordered a hit for someone in our town."
Well, this is interesting. I didn't expect it, and rarely does something surprise me.
"Why? This town is ours."
"He didn't say why, but he requested you since you're…"
"I am what?"
"Little," Ethan says and flinches.
I explode immediately, swearing and cursing this mafia guy and his ass that I'll be sure to beat the crap out of. Being Little is something to be proud of, and this fucker will regret it.
"No." Ethan interrupts me. "He didn't mean little as in the kink sense. You have a small physique and the guy he wants dead won't see it coming."
"Oh. Why didn't you say so? Now tell me more."
"The target is the owner of a strip club in downtown. I don't know what the guy has done, but Kazimir ordered a fast death, no additional fun."
"I was just about to say that I'll get to have fuuuun."
"You still can. It just needs to be done quickly. Are you in?"
I think for a second. Our town is ours. Kazimir didn't try to get past us and deal with this bar owner on his own, even though he has the means. It shows respect.
"I'm in," I say.
"Great. I'll send you the information. It needs to be done by the end of next week."
"Sure thing, boss."
I send Ethan a kiss with my hand and stride out of his office. The day seems full of pleasant surprises.
Sadly, I don't see Daddy because he's on the second floor, making sure everything's running before tonight's opening.
"So," Conrad says beside me.
"What? Do I have something on my face?" I did my makeup tonight, and I'd hate if it's ruined.
"No. No. I wanted to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"Are you and Ezrah dating?"
I narrow my eyes, immediately seizing up the competition. Does Conrad have the hots for my Daddy?
"Hey, man," he says, raising his hands and taking a step back. It won't help him. "I'm happy for you."
"He's mine," I growl.
Conrad's eyes widen.
"He used to be my co-worker, now he's my boss, nothing more. Never."
"So you've never checked my Daddy out, lusted after him, made moves?"
"Hell, no. He isn't my type."
I smile at him. Maybe we can even be friends, who knows?
"Okay. And yes, we're dating."
Conrad chuckles awkwardly and ruffles his hair. "For a second there, I was worried you would stab me with a glass."
I thought about it, but I don't say it out loud.
"I'm happy for you two. Ezrah seems like a good guy, and so do you."
Only if you knew.
"Thank you, Conrad. I hope you find someone just as good as my Ezrah, but that's not possible."
He laughs and shakes his head like what I said isn't true. Whatever.
I have my Daddy and I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
After our shift, Daddy wants me to go back to his place, but I drove here, and tomorrow I'll need my car for field work. So I decide to drive, and Daddy will be following me. On the road, I receive a text message from my Dad.
Dad Killer: Sorry about this, boy. I meant what I said. And you know that actions speak louder than words.
The fuck does he mean?
I don't have to wonder for long.
At a red light, I try to slow down and stop, but the brakes aren't working. Fuck. I swirl the car, trying to do something, anything, but this is my father's handiwork, so it's useless.
In the last second, I decide colliding with a tree is better than risking hitting another car because Daddy is following me and dialing my phone.
I can see him in the rearview mirror, frantically saying something.
I can't risk causing a multi-car crash. Not when my Daddy is right behind me.
So I swerve the car and head straight into a tree.
As I slam into the tree, glass shatters, the airbag pops, and there's a distant crack of branches against metal. Pain doesn't register even though I'm sure it will hurt like a bitch later.
As darkness dances before my eyes, I curse my father, his love for riddles and lessons that require actions that I have to figure out how to deal with.