The Employer

Chapter 25

Celeste Peters

Even though Noah and I are only three years apart, I will always see him as my baby brother whom I need to protect at all costs.

Growing up, while he was more than capable of taking care of himself, I couldn't stand the idea of him experiencing any shit in life. That's why when he got bullied in middle school, I did what any sane child did—kicked the bully in the balls and made him cry by calling him a "little poop head bitch". Of course I got suspended, but it was well worth it as Noah was never bullied again.

And then there were the times when we got older, I became (arguably) even more sane, and Mom would work double shifts at the diner. During those nights, I'd find ways to distract Noah through plays we would put on together or new recipes we'd try out. I thought I could do it. I thought I could keep him in a fun little bubble where things like no money and no parents around didn't matter.

But then we grew up.

And then, Noah got in a world of trouble.

I still can't believe it, even after six months since the incident. I will never get used to seeing him behind thick concrete walls and barbed wire. As if the world needs to be protected from him. That notion couldn't be further from the truth.

Every time I visit him, there is a very real, very sobering reminder that I need to keep fighting. It's usually a swirl of determination and elation when I walk out of the prison. I'm determined to save up enough money for the right lawyer and I'm elated with having spent time with him—being able to help him forget where he is, even if it's just for a millisecond.

But today is different. Today, there is something else in the mix with what I'm feeling.

Fear?

Relief?

I have no fuckin' clue.

"Marc was in there," I whisper to Louisa as we head back to the front lobby of the visitor's entrance of the prison to retrieve our belongings. 

"Marc?" She grabs her purse from the guard and slings it over her shoulder, still smiling widely and likely still on cloud nine after having visited Noah. I'm right there with her, but...

"Marc. My boss, Marc." I grab my phone and see a couple of message notifications from Marc staring back at me, causing my insides to quiver.

Louisa gasps and grabs my arm. "Your boss, who you had Sexy-Time with, was in that room?"

I nod. "He left a little after we got in. It looked like he was with a client. I saw him carrying his work tote."

"No wonder you were being a little weird at the start! You barely said two words when we got in."

We step foot outside onto the gravel path. Birds flitter around from tree to tree freely, as if trying to taunt the prisoners inside the compound. My chest tightens as I open Marc's messages.

Marc: I'm going to help with your brother's case. We need to talk about it as soon as possible though. I'm at my office. Here's the address.

My mouth dries right up and tension releases from my shoulders. Marc is putting pieces together...holy shit, I might just combust from gratitude.

But...what will he say? Will he be upset that I didn't tell him sooner? Does he hate me for rejecting his date offer the other day and this is a last ditch effort to get rid of me from his life? My stomach churns.

"What do you mean 'client'? What does he do for work?" Louisa asks, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts and shifting Theo in her arms. My nephew's eyes are starting to droop and there's no doubt he's going to pass out as soon as we put him in his car seat.