Up in Smoke

4.4

"I miss being home," I sighed as I laid on my bed.

"I miss having you around," Dahlia mumbled.

"I finally got my own house with a lot of land and I'm enjoying my life. I'm enjoying my life and it gets fucking ruined."

"It'll all be over soon. Before you know it, you'll be back. You'll be back home with us and your horse."

"I'm getting a dog."

"I'll get one too," she squealed.

I missed being home more than anything. I had a great life going for me. I had a house, a horse, and an almost-boyfriend. It's like I'm back to square one. I'm back in Small Heather wondering when my last day was.

Dahlia and I knocked out after a few more hours of talking. I woke up to the phone ringing. I groaned as I hurried to get it.

"Hello?"

"Hi, it's Oliver."

"Oh, hi. I feel like I haven't heard from you in ages."

"I know, that's my fault. I, uh, wanted to know if you wanted to go out for lunch today?"

"So today won't work. I have to help my brothers with a few things. Does tomorrow sound okay?"

"Yeah. What time do you want me to head over?"

"Noon? Is that alright?"

"That's perfect. I'll see you then."

"See you then." The line went dead.

Dahlia finally pulled herself out of bed a few minutes before I had to leave.

"Oliver called. He's coming over for lunch tomorrow."

"Have you talked to him since the incident?"

"Nope. Maybe he'll explain himself tomorrow."

"He better. He owes it to you."

"Yeah, he does." I glanced at the clock. "I'll be home in a few hours. I have to go to a meeting with the boys then I have a couple of other things to finish. You going back home?"

"Yeah. Someone's gotta take care of your horse."

"Give her a kiss from me?"

"I will. Be careful."

"I will. Make sure to lock the door behind you. I don't want any visitors greeting me," I smiled as I walked out the door.

On my way over to Charlie's yard, I thought about every possible outcome of today's mission. Arthur was going to have lunch with the boy's mom he killed months ago. It was supposed to be his 21st birthday today. She thought it was only right that he came.

We all knew it was a setup. It was a setup that could have multiple outcomes. Arthur could die considering he's going to be in the lion's den. Or one of us could die protecting him. Or some kind of ambush could happen. Or everyone could walk away unharmed. I was hoping it was the last one.

When I finally made it there, everyone was waiting for me. They stood in a small circle around a table.

"Sorry, I'm late. Got a phone call on my way out."

"Phone call? Who's calling you," Arthur teased.

"None of your business," I mumbled as I looked down at the table.

On the table was a small map. We needed to make sure this plan was thoroughly made.

"Alright. At midday, today, Arthur is going to be here. 47 Artillery Square. Like a goat, tied up for the fucking tiger, eh, Arthur?"