A Warning
Morgan
I felt hung over when I reluctantly opened my eyes. My head was still hurting, but reality hit me, and I threw the covers back over my head. Waking up to a world without Callie in it ripped my heart out again. I sobbed until Addie’s little face came to mind. That was when I knew I had to shove this heartache down deep and get out of bed. I slept too much and that was apparent when I stood, feeling more tired than ever in my life. I looked down at the nightstand and saw a glass of water and one of my pain pills next to a note. I sat back down on the bed and picked up the note.
Sorry I missed you. You were sleeping peacefully, and I decided not to disturb you. Magnus will take you to run errands and I should be done at the command center by dinner. Please contact me when you learn more about Addie’s situation.
Creed
After laying the note back on my nightstand, I took the pill then made my bed. A shower was more than needed, but did nothing to wake me up and I was sure the pain pill wouldn’t help that fact. I hated sleeping too much. It always made me feel useless the next day. Once I got to my dressing room, I was undecided on what to wear. I was going to the funeral home meeting with a funeral director and to meet with an attorney. Those had to be the two worst people to have to see. Also, did Josh drive a car or did he drive his bike everywhere?
I decided on a pair of black shorts, a white camisole, and a three quarter sleeve light weight gray blazer. After laying my outfit on the bed, I chose a gold watch, gold necklace, and my large Hermés black and gold cabine handbag. I figured the day would involve paperwork, so I needed something large. I then paired it with my classic Kate Red Sole Louboutin black pumps. If Josh showed up on a bike, I’d just have to ask him to take Creeds car. I wanted and needed to look professional in case I somehow got to meet with someone from social services. My hair was pulled up into a bun, and I went light with my makeup, since I knew I’d be crying at some point. That reminded me to throw my black butterfly Bvgari sunglasses into my handbag. It was officially a day of regular clothes for me, if I were in LA and taking a meeting with the studios.
As soon as I opened my bedroom door, I smelled coffee. Thank God since I was dragging and would be all day. When I went to the kitchen I found a blueberry muffin on the counter in front of the coffee machine. I was hungry, surprisingly enough. Just as I reached for a coffee mug, I heard the doorbell and figured it was Josh. I learned I was wrong as soon as I opened the door. Standing there was a very pretty woman with ginger hair and flawless fair skin. She wasn’t much older than me, and stood tall like she had all the confidence of the world. I looked her up and down and noticed she wore a very short skirt, a baby doll shirt, and pair of wedges on her feet. As I looked her up and down for only a second or two, I noticed she did the same to me.
“Can I help you?” I knew she wasn’t there to see me, and suddenly my heart dropped for some reason. She was there to see Creed.
The woman didn’t even return my fake warm smile. “Yes, it’s nice to meet you Miss Rossi, my name is Felicity and I’m the community coordinator. I meet with every new resident, be it a short stay or not, and go over the amenities available to you, the social schedule and most importantly the rules.”
That was Felicity? I was imagining an older woman, not a young bombshell. I couldn’t believe she was the keeper of the whores around there.
“I see, unfortunately my escort for the day is due to arrive shortly. Do you mind if we reschedule for another time?” I asked.
She stepped inside without an invite and walked around me. “Sorry, this cannot wait.” She walked to the kitchen and left me shutting the door then following.
“I’m sorry, but I have several appointments today that cannot be rescheduled.” I already didn’t like her at all. I never had much respect for pushy women like this one. She already reminded me of Nicole Powers.
“This will only take a moment.” She opened a cabinet door and took out a mug then poured herself a cup of coffee. “Creed makes the best coffee in the morning.”
I was sure she knew since she was the community madam. She probably had morning coffee quite often after a night of paid sex with him.
“I only have until Josh arrives. Now, how can I help you?”
She picked up my blueberry muffin and I internally groaned. That probably would have been about the only thing my stomach could have handled. I cringed when she took a bite, and crumbs fell to the counter. How could anyone be so disrespectful in someone else’s home?
She held her finger up as she chewed my muffin. Then took a sip of the coffee and swallowed. “You can start by addressing the men appropriately. His name is Magnus, not Josh, and he is not an escort. He is a man following the orders given to him by his commander. There are certain rules you must follow if you want your stay here to be successful.”
I crossed my arms and leaned against the counter. “And who exactly made these rules given to guests?” I doubted she was there under Creed’s order.
“We do not address the men by their first names, it’s far too intimate, and if you use their first names the girls will have no idea who you are speaking about while in conversation.” She took the last bite of my muffin.
“Well, I guess that’s not an issue for me since I have no plans to interact with your girls.” Yes, I could be snobby at times, especially with pushy women that mark their territory.
“This is the best time to learn rule number three. The girls work hard for Creed and deserve to be respected. You are to treat them with the same respect you give the wives. ” She drew that last word out with a hint of distain in her voice.
“Okay, I think your visit is over.” I reached right in front of her face for a coffee mug then picked up the coffee pot to finally pour myself a cup. She moved out of the way a little too dramatically, like I almost pushed her or something. I had way more important things to think about than how to address the girls who lived there for sex.
“Let me give you the quick run down of how this works, Miss Rossi. I am the Community coordinator. I oversee all the amenities and activities available in this community. I am also the adult activities coordinator, and the first person you are to call if you need anything. Your status means nothing here, you will wait just like everyone else when you ask for something. Everything you need should be in the commissary, but if it’s not, you come to me first. Do not order any deliveries of take out food without contacting me first. The dining hall should have what you need. Do not bring visitors, do not speak of this community outside the gates, and no recreational drugs are permitted on the premises. This is not Hollywood, if you do those things then do them outside these gates.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re not telling me anything that’s important to my already bad day.” I took a sip of coffee, and she was right, damn that was the best coffee ever.
“We test monthly for sexually transmitted diseases, and you will be expected to test, just like everyone else. Each man is assigned to a certain group of girls for his choice, and you must not disru…”
I didn’t let her finish that sentence. “I don’t care who fucks who, Miss?” I didn’t know her last name.
“That doesn’t matter.” She said.
Got something to hide or what? “I will not be engaging in whatever nasty sexual escapades happens around here. I am only here long enough for Creed to take care of a few things for me, so this talk is not necessary.” I made myself clear.
She gave out a sarcastic laugh. “Well, it is, actually. Let’s get down to the real reason I’m here today. Creed is off limits. Just because he chose to allow you to stay in this house doesn’t mean he wants anything with you. His current girlfriend would probably appreciate your respect. Dahlia is a very nice girl, and Creed is…well he keeps her very happy. Anything and everything he does behind these gates is top secret, just like he will not discuss Dahlia and anything else beyond these gates.”
Creed had a girlfriend? For some reason that didn’t feel right to hear. It didn’t matter anyway. Creed was rude, overbearing, and not my type. At least that’s what I told myself since meeting him.
“Is that all so I can go on with my day?” I was becoming impatient.
“Let me make myself clear. What Creed does when behind these gates is his business. If you think you’re special, think again. Just because he has a girlfriend, it doesn’t mean he forgets to have fun. He is quite familiar with the girls here and it’s my job to make sure the intimate details of his life are kept under wraps. Do you understand?”
I heard a man clear his throat, so I looked to my right and saw Josh leaning in the doorway with his arms crossed. “What intimate parts could you possibly be referring to, Felicity?”
I looked at her and saw her face turn a light shade of pink.
“I was just going over the rules with Miss Rossi.” She suddenly acted nervous.
Josh stood straight then went to the cabinet for a coffee mug. “The last I knew, you were not the keeper of our sex lives.”
“Creed is an exception because of the contract.” She said.
“If Creed wants his sex life revealed to anyone, that’s his choice. He’s a big boy and can handle his personal life without your help.” He took a sip of coffee then shut his eyes. “Best coffee ever.” He whispered to himself.
“It’s my job to make sure all drama is completely avoided. She’s staying in his home instead of the apartments, which is strange enough. I’m just trying to avoid a nasty situation. By my best guess, Miss Rossi wasn’t even aware that Creed is off limits. It’s best we avoid any hard feelings when living in such close proximity.”
“Let Creed handle it.” Josh warned her.
Felicity looked around Josh and at me. “If Creed says he’s going to Louisville, then it’s vital you never call him. Instead, you will call Axton with any emergencies.” She spoke but Josh walked over and put his pointer finger over her lips. I giggled, unable to hold it back.
“Shush…it’s okay to stop talking. Creed did not send you, and I’d say it’s in your best interest to just shut up, at least until I finish my coffee.” He removed his finger and took another sip. “Creed makes the rules for his house, not you. I’m also pretty sure you’re not avoiding drama, but creating it.” Josh then looked at me. “Creed has no girlfriend, he’s free to do as he pleases without the permission of anyone. Just ignore everything she just said to you.” He turned around and leaned against the counter then took another sip of his coffee. “So damn good.” He breathed in the aroma.
“Fine, I will go, but when things blow up around here don’t come crying to me. He will break her heart, that’s how things go when women aren’t fully informed.” She stomped off and I heard the door slam shut before I looked at Josh.
“What the hell just happened?”
He shrugged. “That’s just Felicity being Felicity. She can be a little too protective of us.”
I sighed. “And she’s madly in love with Creed?”
He shrugged his shoulders again. “Who knows? I don’t really keep up. Ready to go?” He put his mug in the sink and turned to leave but I cringed.
“Yeah, just a second.” I rinsed all three mugs, put them in the dishwasher then wiped off the counter. “Now I’m ready.” I walked to my handbag, slipped on my sunglasses, then walked through the front door Josh opened for me. I was glad to see he drove his truck instead of the bike.
“I need to get my rental from the motel.” I said as I buckled my seat belt.
“There’s no need. You can’t leave the gates by yourself, so Creed called the rental company and had them pick it up last night.”
I gasped. “Are you fucking kidding me? I have a rental agreement with them! He can’t just snap his fingers and have my contracts ended! It might not be safe for me to drive myself around right now, but this will be over soon, and I want a car!” I was pissed.
“Your mom seems to think you’re looking for real estate and if you’re going for custody of this little girl you’ll need a car of your own anyway. I can always take you car shopping.” He turned the truck around then started down Creeds long driveway.
That was a good point. “I get that, but it’s not the point. I will not be controlled by anyone ever again. That was my call to make, not his. How was he able to do that anyway? It was a rental agreement I signed, not him.”
He shrugged again. “How does Creed do most of the things he does? It’s a mystery to us all, so welcome to the club.”
In those last forty eight hours, I lost my best friend and my freedom. Witnessed something very traumatic, then taken to some cult like community where a slut master tried giving me rules. I had a funeral to plan and a custody battle ahead of me. The last thing I needed was some entitled asshole making decisions on my behalf.
Josh stopped at the gates, and I was confused as to why we were being searched. Yet again, a dog sniffed through his vehicle, we both got felt up, and they scanned the visitors pass I had in my handbag. They told me I had to wear it when inside the gates, but did not tell me that when I arrived. At least, not that I could remember. It was a crazy few days. Once back in the truck, Josh explained there were top secret documents and weaponry that were not meant to ever cross outside the gates. That was why we were searched.
When we arrived at Brett’s office, I was shocked to see Leslie in the waiting room. She was sitting on a chair with a tissue in hand, but stood when she saw me. “Morgan, Thank God you were in town.” She hugged me, which not only felt weird, but she smelled like cigarette smoke and a lifetime of regrets.
“Leslie, I thought we were meeting at the funeral home?” I was confused.
She let go of me then stepped back to blow her nose. “Brett called last night and asked me to come here this morning. I think it’s about Callie’s money.”
Callie’s money? What money? “Leslie, I don’t think attorney’s call people to their office to discuss money before there’s even a funeral. This is probably about Addie.”
She tilted her head. “Addie? Honey, the social workers said they would meet with me later today, after we meet the funeral director.”
My heart sank. “What are you trying to do about Addie?”
“Well, I’m her grandmother, of course I would get custody of my grandchild.”
Wanting to avoid a dramatic scene, I dropped it. “Alright, let’s just have a seat until Brett comes for us.”
We weren’t sitting for more than a minute when Leslie spoke up again. “There are assets that belong to Addie. I’m sure that’s why he wants to go over my daughter’s will.”
Assets? Callie couldn’t even pay her tab at the general store, so I knew she didn’t have assets that amounted to anything. Shane pawned any expensive gifts I gave Callie, so I knew it wasn’t in the form of jewelry.
“I think it’s just about her last wishes.” How Callie afforded Brett was a question I had since seeing Leslie. I thought we were just meeting for me to hire him, but I realized I must have been wrong as soon as I heard it was Brett that called Leslie.
“The social workers told me yesterday morning there are government benefits Addie would qualify to receive. As her guardian I would need to apply for them. My best guess is that Brett wants to help me file those papers.” Leslie said.
Then why was I there? Leslie did a lot of drugs through her life, and I had a feeling she had no idea how things really worked.
“Morgan Rossi.”
I looked up and saw Brett standing in the open doorway with a smile on his face.
“Brett.” I gave him the best fake smile I could conjure up. It was hard to smile after everything that happened. I stood and he stepped over and gave me a hug.
“Its nice to see you, I just wish it was under better circumstances.”
The door opened as he let go of me and I saw my Uncle Darren. “Hey, what are you doing here?” I asked.
Brett spoke up. “I invited him for this meeting. I don’t imagine this to be easy on anyone. Please, let’s step into my office.”
Brett turned to lead us to his office, but I looked at uncle Darren curiously. He just nodded toward the doorway and gave me no hint as to why he was also meeting with Brett. Josh stayed in the waiting room and there were two chairs in front of Brett’s desk. It wasn’t missed that the two chairs were strategically placed far apart. Leslie and I took a seat while my uncle stood with a folder in the doorway.
“Thank you both for coming. I know this is soon after Callie’s unfortunate death, in fact her death certificate still hasn’t been filed. That’s why I think it’s imperative that we meet now, so everything can be started and as soon as it’s filed Addie will be free from social services. She will remain in the custody of the state until the death certificate is made available.” Brett said.
“So, I need that before I file for Social Security for Addie? How soon does that start after I’m given custody?” Leslie asked.
Brett drew in a long breath and let it out in a sigh, obviously dreading what was coming. “About six months ago, Callie approached me. I agreed to do some work for her Pro Bono. She knew she was in a bad situation when Shane joined the Devil’s Rejects. We put together a few things that I will be sharing with you now. First is her last will and testament, a power of attorney, a letter of intent, and a video explaining her last wishes. Unfortunately, Morgan, we were just finishing up the power of attorney paperwork and had not gotten your signature. That’s okay though, you can sign it now if you’re willing to take responsibility.”
I nodded.
“Good, that clears that up. Let’s go over Callie’s will. As you both know, Callie didn’t have any assets, but she did have debt. She owed on her car, some hospital bills for Shane she took responsibility for paying, a credit card, and a motorcycle loan. There’s no estate to pay these debts.”
I stopped him. “I’m able to pay the debts for her.”
“Thank God.” Leslie sighed in relief.
Brett turned to Leslie. “The debt is the responsibility of the executor or next of kin. Are you aware of what this means?”
Leslie sat forward. “Not really.”
Brett nods. “If you contest this will, you must be willing to take on her debts.”
Leslie tilted her head. “Why would I contest the will?”
“Because Callie’s wishes for Adeline are that Morgan Rossi takes guardianship, and in her letter of intent she asks that Morgan adopts Addie.”
“Wait, that means Morgan gets the assets and my granddaughter?” Her eyebrows draw together and it’s apparent she’s already angry.
“There are no assets, only debts.” Brett explained.
“But what about the government checks?” Leslie asked.
Brett tilted his head. “You mean social security?”
Leslie nodded.
“Social Security is not an asset, and you’re not entitled to it. That’s a government benefit that’s payable to the guardian of the child by the government. If Morgan chooses to adopt Addie as its requested in the letter of intent, nobody will receive those benefits.”
Leslie stood. “That’s my grandchild!” She pointed at me. “She’s not even family!”
Brett sighed and muttered something about being thankful Shane’s father didn’t show up.
“Callie was very clear that she wanted to appoint Morgan as her power of attorney and the guardian of the minor child. This means all the burden is taken off you, Leslie. You are not responsible for her debt or for raising Addie. If you contest the debt becomes yours.”
“Why would my daughter do this to me?” Leslie began crying.
“Well, there’s no better time than now to play Callie’s video. Leslie, please have a seat.”
Leslie sat and Brett turned his laptop around so we could see the screen. As soon as he hit play, I felt every emotion in me hit the surface.
“Hi guys.” Callie appeared on the screen. “This sounds so cliché, but I guess if you’re seeing this it means I’m dead. I’m hoping Morgan is watching this along with you, mom. I feel I need to make this video for everyone to understand my intent upon my death. I’m sorry I don’t have much to leave everyone, so this video is mainly about my daughter, Adeline. I’ll first address my biological mother, Leslie. I’m sure you want to know why I’ve requested Morgan Rossi to become Addie’s mom in the event of my death and not you. Well, it's simple. As a child and while under your care, I was subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.”
My stomach turned on that last one. She never told me about any kind of sexual abuse.
“There is a reason why Jennifer Rossi was more of a mother to me than you. She gave me things you never did, and with that, Morgan became a sister to me. I want Addie to have a better life than you gave me. You knew what Uncle Peter did to me then denied it when the social workers came for me. I spent more time in foster care than under your roof. I’ve anticipated your behavior upon hearing this news, and I have requested that Brett have a police officer there when I say my peace to you. The officer has a folder that contains every police report and documented abuse that happened to me under your care. This is why I want Morgan to adopt Addie. You will have no visitation rights, and neither will Shane or his family. I don’t think Shane will be a problem because I’m sure he will be the one to take my life. Morgan, I need you to know why I came to Brett. I am leaving Shane on my own terms. I know when I leave he will be angry. You probably want to know why I’m not asking for your help. That’s because I don’t want you involved. I need you to stay safe for Addie and I’ve found help in someone else. I won’t go into detail because he doesn’t need lawyers and the cops in his life. The letter of intent Brett will give you, has all of my wishes for Addie listed. You always told me you would take Addie if anything ever happened to me and Shane, so I have no doubt you’ll follow my wishes. Please adopt Addie, give her a new name, and a better life than my mother or his parents could ever give her. Don’t let my life be repeated by my daughter. I would like you to take care of my final arrangements, make all the decisions for Addie and fight Shane if that’s necessary. I should have left a long time ago, you were always right. That’s why I believe you will make all the right decisions for my daughter.”
Uncle Darren walked over to Leslie and handed her the folder he had in his hand. Leslie pushed it away and everything flew out, even photos of a very hurt and scared little girl. There were bruises all over Callie’s little body. Brett paused the video, and we waited while Leslie had her meltdown.
“Its all lies!” Leslie cried as we all looked down at the horrible image on the floor. It wasn’t something new to me since I saw bruises on Callie, but it was still shocking to see.
“I will remind you again, Leslie. There’s fifty six thousand in debts.” Brett said.
“Fuck all of you!” Leslie stormed out and Uncle Darren shut the door behind her.