Bad Idea, Right? • shameless uk

024. Malakai Maguire wanting to go his own way

THE PHONE BUZZED, In Kodis hand, the shrill ring echoing in the quiet of the kitchen. She flinched, pressing the phone to her ear with a sigh. "Vee?"

Veronica voice shaky. "In Kelly's bag. Right there, in plain sight. Fucking needles, Kodi. I swear."

"I knew it" Kodi said, her voice hardening. "And, of course dad is saying how it's not his Kelly?"

Veronica felt the familiar knot of worry tighten in her stomach. "Yeah, She's just…lost and his not wanting to believe that"

Kodi scoffed. "Lost in a world of smack and needles. And it's gonna take more than a few 'lost' prayers to get her out."

"What am I supposed to do? I can't..." Veronica trailed off, her voice trembling.

"You gotta lock her in the room, Vee," Kodi said, her voice firm, resolute. "Just lock her in the room. No phone, no visitors, nothing. Cold turkey, Vee. It's what you gotta do. It's what I did"

Veronica nodded, her heart heavy. She knew Kodi was right. "I'll do it," Veronica whispered, her voice barely audible.

Kodi let out a long sigh. "You do what you gotta do, Vee. But do it now. Before this whole thing goes to pieces."

"Yeah"

"She's not there for a visit, she needs money.. she doesn't ever visit for the sake of it" Veronica nods, knowing Joe true Kodi words were.

KODI CRADLED, Mikayla in her arms, the baby's soft breathing a soothing rhythm against her chest in the kitchen. Malakai and his father, Paddy, were in the living room, their voices a low rumble, punctuated by the clink of glasses and the occasional curse word. Kodi watched them from the doorway, her brow furrowed.

"Dad, I'll still be in the family business," Malakai said, his voice firm, yet laced with a hint of desperation.

Paddy snorted, taking a swig of his whiskey. "By going your own fucking way? How's that in the family business, son?"

"I won't be going my own way, I'll be part of it. I'll use the Maguire name,  the connections, the business who still be apart of my work, I'll just be doing what I love" Malakai insisted, his eyes pleading with his father.

Paddy tilted his head, studying his son. "And this is what you want?" Malakai nods, "And, a few deals, sell them on the side"

Malakai voice barely above a whisper. "It's what I want more than anything."

Paddy smiled, a slow, knowing smile that spread across his weathered face. "So, you want to be a Maguire, but not truly one of us? You want to play both sides?"

"I want to make us stronger, Dad, I'll grow our business, the world's changing, let me deal with this my own way"  Malakai said, his voice full of conviction.

Paddy sighed, a deep sigh that filled the living room. "You want this that badly? You'll play this game, knowing the risks? What if doesn't go your way and you fuck this up?"

"Trust me, dad" Malakai eyes shining with a mixture of fear and determination.

"Then, go for it, son," Paddy said, his voice softening. "But remember," he said, his eyes piercing, "you're a Maguire. Remember that when you're out there, playing your game. And remember, we'll be watching. And if you fuck our name in anyway, I'll fuck you up"  Kodi watched the exchange, her heart full of a strange mix of emotions. She knew the life they lived, the dangers they faced. The constant threat of the law, the never-ending struggle for power, the whispers and secrets that followed them like shadows

She knew that Malakai was stepping into a world that was both exhilarating and terrifying. But she also knew that he was a Maguire, and that meant loyalty, strength, and a will to survive.. Malakai nodded and embraced his father.

Kodi stepped into the living room, her gaze meeting Paddy's. "Coffee, Paddy?" she asked, her voice soft.

"Thank you, sweetheart," Paddy said, reaching for the cup she offered him.

As Paddy sipped his coffee, turning his head to Kodi. "And what role will you play in all this, Kodi?" Paddy inquired, his curiosity piqued.

A sly smile played upon Kodi's lips. "I'll be Malakai's silent guardian, working behind the scenes to manipulate systems and ensure the safety of his business."

Paddy couldn't suppress a grin. "Welcome to the family, Mrs. Maguire," he declared, raising his mug in her honor.