Double Vexation ( A Harper's series. book 11)

Circle Of Predicaments

Well that didn't go over as I had planned. I guess I expected everyone to congratulate me on being the first Harper to break free, the first Harper to leave this life. No, there were no handshakes or claps on the back, no well wishes or encouragement. Instead I received a blow to my face from none other than my Pape. It's right comical now even though my eye is nearly swollen shut. For the first time in my life I saw my father speechless. There were no sarcastic remarks, curse word's or threats. When he did try to say something it came out all jumbled up, broken and unintelligible. I guess the only thing he knew to do was hit me.

Of course when that happened my mom jumped up and begin yelling at him but he gently shoved her away then ordered his men to drag me to my apartment and stand guard by my door. I wasn't to leave this building. I'm assuming this is his plan until he can think of what to do about my announcement. For now I have no other choice but to sit here and wait it out.

Do I think he'll actually kill me? Honestly I don't know. I don't see the family allowing that to happen. Yes, generations ago this action was practiced but not in many decade's. The last to kill their own blood was my great, great grandfather. His only brother betrayed the family by revealing information so he had no choice but to end him. So no, it wasn't unheard of being killed because you betrayed the family of tried to escape the life. The question is, is history about to repeat itself?

I don't mean to cause such friction in the family but I feel this is the only way. Seeing Chelly again and hearing that forgotten message did something to me that I can't explain. No, I can't predict what the future holds but I know that I have to try it I'll never be complete or love properly. I've already have my divorce in the works but Zoe doesn't know it yet. Right now my first priority is to rid Chelly of Preston. He will be my last and final kill but she must not know I'm responsible for his death. After all she's the reason I'm leaving this life.

Chelly is too pure and clean and she wouldn't survive this world of mine. Not only that but she would never accept me being apart of such. Truth is she may never accept me even if I do leave. The damage is done and might not be repairable but I have to try. To think about it is funny. Me, Duel Harper, badass wants to actually give normal life a go, have a decent job, house with the white picket fence and kid's who will never know a day of training to be a murderer. It doesn't sound feasible but it isn't totally out of reach either. As for now I just have to wait it out until I can get out of here.

Hour's trickled by and eventually my Pape appeared. The entire time my mom stood outside the door screaming and crying begging him not to harm me as his men held her back. He sat down across from me at the table and suddenly I felt so small next to his much larger build. I had always been the smallest of the bunch, not in height but in frame. I have muscle but I just can't bulk up like the other's however I'm anything but weak.

For the longest time he just say there silently not saying a thing. I couldn't read his expression either. Eventually he broke the ice. "Explain yourself to me?"

It took me a moment to put together what I would say but I managed to piece it together. "I want something different Pape. I want to at least try and see if I can make it out in the real world. And yes I'm doing this for a girl... A girl that will never accept me like this".

" then she's not worthy of you". He scoffed. "Do you think living a nine to five routine life will make you happy, make her love you then? If she can't love you unconditionally she can't truly love you at all. You know my job is to come in here and either make you change your mind or blow your head off. Honestly I'd rather just fucking shoot the shit out of you because you've always been my hardest child, the one that has pressed on every fucking nerve in my system but if I do that the woman on the other side of that door will blow my ass up and I'm not ready to die so here is what's going to happen" .

He propped his elbows upon the table as he begin to speak again. "I'll give you one month, that's it. During this time you can work a little shit hole job, go after this girl, live your best, normal life... But you do it without us, without family. At the end of the month we will meet again and I expect a decision from you... A decision that you will live with forever. If you decide to stay with the family never again can you request freedom without death. If you decide to go you will be eliminated from any and all Harper inheritance. You will never again set foot in the Den."

I let his word's sink in and I can't lie, it hurt. "You may think I'm being unfair but considering the other option death I think I'm being too good to you. You see, there hasn't been any of us that at least in one point in time have wanted out including me, your grandfather and so on. However our loyalty to the family was stronger and the most important thing to us... And well, we didn't want to die. Do you not think your brother's would like out? Your cousin's? So why should I make it easy for you?"

I nodded my understanding. He was right. I know the other's would like a normal life someday so why should I be given special treatment? In fact I feel right damn selfish. My Pape spoke again. "Allow me to give you some advice on love before you go. She knows exactly who and what you are now so there's a huge chance that she will reject you. However if she is the one and loves you completely it won't matter. She will see the good in you before she sees the bad. She will see the love in you before the fear. She will pray for your soul every night but in the end she will have your back like no one else.... She will kill for you. Now with that said you won't win her back overnight. It will take time. Your mother was terrified of me when she discovered the truth, your grandmother was afraid of your grandfather as well. Trust will have to be rebuilt so I hope your patience can withstand it. Now before you go leave the building and apartment key's on the table along with your car key's , Harper credit cards and your phone. Sorry but you've got to start from scratch. Be wise and safe out there."

I watched my Pape leave and for the second time today I found myself crying. The reality of everything was hitting hard. Finally I did as my Pape asked and after giving my place a last look I gathered my bags. At least I do have a nice nest egg due to my work with Preston so I wasn't broke. I grabbed the door knob and got ready to step out but my phone rung. I decided to answer in just in case. Grabbing it off of the table I saw that it was Preston. "Nope. I'm done" . Is how I greeted him.

He chuckled. "This is a big one that will make you a ton". Was his reply.

Not that I was going to take it I instructed him to tell me. "I need my fiancee and her friend gone immediately. She's becoming a problem. Can I count on you?"

" Yes". I said gravely and arranged a meeting with him.

Do you think Demarco was too harsh on Duel?

Will Duel decide to never come back?

How will he defeat Preston with no help from his family?

Will Duel survive in the real world?