Need A Light?

Chapter 4

"You really should tell people where you are going. Your mother just about sent a search and rescue team for you before Emerald ratted you out."

Onyx was riding in the car with him to prevent any further escapades that would raise his mother's blood pressure.

"I don't need to be babied. If I want to go out alone, I have every right to." Peridot says in an angry tone.

"It's for protection, you know that."

Peridot didn't respond. With the police and rival gangs around every corner, he knew that being a part of a mafia put his life at risk. Onyx was just doing his job. Peridot knew that. But, the constant supervision and lack of autonomy made him feel like a puppet. But it was something he couldn't change.
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"The Boss wants to talk with you," Onyx said as he exited the car.

"Of course she does," Peridot murmured, knowing he would get an earful from his mother about being out alone. He went through the safehouse, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers who tried to look busy. Some were playing cards. Others were smoking, and some were sharpening their knives. He had a feeling of trepidation at the prospect of facing his mother. He knew she would have much to say about his recent escapades, and her stern, no-nonsense attitude made him uneasy.

Peridot made it to his mother's office. He took a moment to gain his composure before knocking on the door.

"Come in, Peridot." His mother's sharp voice calling for him only made him more nervous.

"You wanted to see me?" Peridot stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.

"Sit down." She said, her voice stern. "Could you give us a moment, Pearl?"

"Yes, Boss." YP got up from her chair and walked past Peridot, giving him a cold look before exiting the room. YP is his mom's right-hand man or Consigliere in mafia terms.

"Do I have to get a babysitter for you?"

"What?"

"Do I have to get a babysitter for you? Because it seems that even after I tell you repeatedly not to wander off this property by yourself, I turn around, and you are gone."

"I'm not a child, Ma. I don't need a babysitter."

"You sure act like one. This isn't your playhouse, Peridot. You can't go around making rules, Underboss or not. You still take orders from me."

Peridot scowled as his mother spoke, his irritation and frustration building with each word. He hated being treated like a child, especially by his mother. But he knew arguing with her would only make things worse.

"I just don't have any autonomy. I can't go anywhere by myself without having someone with me."

"Well, I'm sorry, Peridot. That is just how it's going to be. I doubt that Lapis would like to see you lying dead on the sidewalk now, would she?"

Peridot's eyes widened slightly after the mention of Lapis' name. His mind raced to try and figure out how his mother knew about her. He had never mentioned her name to anyone, not even Onyx or Topaz.

"How do you know her name?" he asked, his voice sharp. "I never mentioned her to anyone."

His mother only smirked. She pulled a piece of paper from one of her desk drawers and slid it across the table for Peridot to see.

"You dropped this in the garage."

Confusion set in his face as he picked up the paper his mom had slid to him. As he unfolded it, recognition dawned on his face. It was the note Lapis had given him at the bar, with her name on it.