Keep Your Enemies Closer Callum
Keep Your Enemies Closer
Callum
Angel: Thank you.
I tuck my phone back into my pocket and picture her with her mom. I think of all the moments that were taken from them, and all the time they have to make up for.
It was always my plan to set Vanessa free. Things just fell into place now instead of later. I’m glad that Scarlett has her back in her life. While I don’t understand the depths of their relationship, I’ll try—for her.
I have to meet with Leo at The Society today. Their downfall must come from within, but we aren’t in a hurry to do so. The Society has killed my family and attempted to bring me down in the process. I need my well thought out revenge, and I’m in it for the long haul, not a quick defeat.
I haven’t fought in a couple weeks, and I’m craving one now more than ever. I need it to tame the darkness. I pull a cigarette out from my pocket and walk into the place I vow to take down. It’s the first time I’ve been back here since that night.
Everything is measured by that day now—the five of us talk about things before that day or after.
Nothing else matters. I light the cigarette and walk into the mansion.
Usually, smoking inside is limited to the parlour, but they’re about to see an unhinged side of me they’ve never thought they’d experience.
I don’t forgive, and I don’t forget. Leo knows my terms.
The once beautifully aged wood floor now looks decrepit and worn. The curtains that hang around the windows seem colourless and dull. They were once a luxurious accessory, but now they are forgotten.
I climb the stairs, ready to face whatever consequences await me.
I can’t rule out the possibility of the other Highers wanting me dead.
I’m not just a threat. I’m a ticking time bomb.
The voices down the hall tell me that Leo isn't alone. I don’t hear Deluca’s voice, but he could be in there as well.
I roll my neck as I get closer to the door frame.
As I walk into the parlour, everyone stops talking. I see Leo, Deluca, Archer, Victor, Chase, and five pledges who recently completed their initiations.
Victor steps forward. “Ah, just the man we were talking about.” His voice sounds sarcastic.
My eyes shift to Leo, he doesn’t nod in reassurance like the others do. Instead, he stares right at me. Something is wrong. My shoulders tense as my guard goes up instantly, but I don’t reach for the gun in the back of my pants concealed by my belt. I want to see how this plays out first.
Victor demands my attention by clearing his throat. He adjusts his cuff links and gives me an ominous look.
“Things change now. There’s a specific hierarchy within The Society, and it will be followed.”
Well, I didn’t expect this. Victor Roberts, District Attorney for the city of Boston, is the new silent leader of The Society.
“We’ve let too many emotions interfere with legacy. This ends now.” His stern voice comes naturally.
“Scarlett is off limits, not because of the shit show you created, but because she’s an extension of my… family. If I hear of any more women being targeted, I will not hesitate to take matters into my own hands. And you.”
He takes a step toward me.
“One wrong move and you’re done. No more killing aimlessly. You do what we say, when we say it. You’re on probation, Mercer. The only reason you’re still here is because you can’t be trusted.”
Keep your friends close.
He left out the part where no one else could do what I do. No one else has such high stakes, and I’ll be damned if he thinks I trust him in a world where Scarlett exists. Extended family… not if I can help it.
Leo briefly closes his eyes. He knows that Victor is saying all the right things to push me close to the edge.
I have to warn Harrison and Stirling of what’s to come. More is at stake now. We need this uprising more than ever. With someone as power hungry as Victor leading the other venomous men, I worry that we might have to eliminate The Society for good.
“You don’t need to worry about Callum. I’ll keep a close eye on him.” Leo’s words seem like a distraction.
“I don’t need a babysitter.” I spit through my teeth.
“No, you need a leash, but that wouldn’t be humane now, would it?” Victor’s words cause a physical reaction, my hands close at my sides and my back straightens.
A tight hand grips my shoulder. I turn and see Harrison. Through his eyes, he tells me to hold it together.
“I can’t stay all day. We’ll set up an official meeting for next week. In the meantime, there’s a new drop site for the East end. I’ll text you the details.” Victor looks at Harrison as he walks out of the room. Deluca, Archer, and Chase follow him.
The atmosphere shifts as soon as they leave the room. A few other pledges walk out, while Leo makes his way toward the window to watch Victor drive off.
“Well, that was unexpected.” Stirling says as he comes in and shuts the door behind him. I can tell that this is going to be hard for him, given his complicated relationship status with Sophia. While they aren’t together, his eyes don’t land on anyone else. She’s the only one he sees.
“I was going to warn you, but I didn’t have time, he wanted to talk about the new drop sites before.” Leo speaks up.
“It’s fine.” My words are sharp.
“We just need to shift our plan a bit. It might take longer, but we can still demand change,” Harrison says.
“We need to be strategic, being on the wrong side of the DA could ruin all of us.” Leo’s always the logical one.
“I don’t know if taking it over is the right move anymore, we may need to dissolve it,” I say.
“But that could mean the end of everyone.” Stirling adds with confusion.
“Not if we do it right. We don’t act until we have everything that we need.” I look at Harrison then back at Stirling. “You’re going to have to pick. Your blood or your brother’s.”
They know what this means. Their dad can’t be trusted. He’s been in the game for too long and has relied on The Society for over twenty years. He rose to the top beside my father and Victor. He won’t betray them now.
I look down at my watch. I should go meet Scarlett.
“Keep me posted with any updates or new information. We’re just getting started, it doesn’t all need to be discussed tonight.” I turn away and walk out, past my chosen family.
I drive to the greenhouse by campus—the only place I feel at ease. I walk into the musty shed and feel the closest thing to home. The sweet smell of roses reminds me of all that I have to live for.
The Society does not control me. Only one person can, and she’s five foot six and relies on sour gummies to calm her down. She also packs a mean right hook. My Angel.