My Life With a Gangster

Chapter 4

Kole and I sent someone off to get groceries of all sorts because knowing Laurena means you know she will absolutely make a huge meal considering its our first family dinner since I've been out of the hospital. I noticed Kole avoided the option of us going to the store together, I know its because of the lingering thought of Pete being out there somewhere but eventually I'm going to need out of the house. Since we have only been here for 2 days I decided not to press the issue for now.

There really wasn't much cleaning that needed to be done so I just randomly lit candles In the open space rooms and get myself together a little more than I was. Kole looked good as always, it only takes men all but 5 minutes to get ready.

I decided to head to Koles office and lounge on the couch in there while he went through some paperwork as we waited.

"I meant to give you this the other day baby" he said catching my attention.

When I got up to grab what was in his hand, I realized it was 2 cards.

"One is a credit card and the other is a debit card to one of our bank accounts. You can use them for whatever and whenever. That way you don't feel like you have to ask me or not be able to do what you want." He finished flashing a smile.

"Thank you, I kind of feel bad that I can't ever offer you anything like this" I replied feeling grateful but a little guilty at the same time.

"Don't ever feel that way. You do for me every day in so many ways. You keep me afloat; I don't know what I would do without you" he said reassuringly.

I gave him a warm smile, knowing I didn't have to say anything else. I slid the cards in my back pocket before taking my seat again.

After a couple of hours of reading while Kole finished his work, we finally heard the front doors opening. We jumped up and met them in the front area. I gave Laurena a big hug and then Koles dad. It's funny because you can tell he's still getting used to that.

"We have missed you guys!" I exclaimed as we made our way to the living room.

"We missed you guys too honey." She said in her warm motherly tone. "It's refreshing to be back home."

"Well what's the news?" Kole asked being his straightforward self.

"Look at you getting right down to business. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" She replied winking at Alaric.

I studied their faces trying to catch any kind of emotion that could be related to the news they had. It was hard to read them most of the time, they had great poker faces. I couldn't help but have a little anxiety bubble up at what they could possibly have to say. Usually when we all sat down for news like this it wasn't the kind that you wanted to hear.

"So Tommy's dad has officially been sentenced by the feds along with multiple people under them. They all got 20 years plus so they will be out of our hair for good." She started.

"Pete is on the FBI's most wanted list for murder to hire and a long list of other charges. Hopefully that can bring you two some relief. Not only does he have to worry about us but also them." Alaric finished for her.

Kole and I shared a look, not with relief but something else. I couldn't put my finger on it but we shared the same feeling.

"Good." Kole replied. I knew that was his way of letting me know we would discuss it later.

It didn't take long for Laurena to do what she does best and start preparing dinner. Of course, she made everyone some tea while we waited. Kole and his dad went into the office and shut the door, I'm sure to discuss work. I sat at the counter making small talk with her. I would offer a helping hand but everyone knows my cooking abilities are of a 5 year old.

"So how are you doing honey?" Laurena asked breaking the comfortable silence between us.

"It's still a challenge but I'm honestly a lot better. In just the day of staying here I feel like a big weight is off my shoulders" I answered honestly.

"Good, you're a strong girl. You remind me of myself when I was your age." She replied.

"Really?" I asked kind of shocked. She was a total bad ass, and such a strong woman and mother. Being anything like her would be an honor.

"Absolutely. You and Kole make me so proud. I can see how much he cares for you"

I didn't realize how hard I was blushing when she said that. Which caused her to raise an eyebrow at me with a small smile.

"Are you guys being safe?" she asked

"Oh yeah, he's always checking the cameras and with security. He's always on edge making sure everything is right." I confirmed.

"That's not what I meant." She said taking a break from the stove and leaning on the counter next to me.

I took me a second to realize what she was talking about. My heart picked up speed and my face got hot paired with wide eyes. She laughed a little before grabbing my hand.

"It's apart of life sweetie. Just make sure you guys are safe about it. If you ever have questions or want to talk you can talk to me. I know it might seem weird because I'm his mom. But I love you just as much." She said warmly before getting back to cooking.

I smiled to myself before thanking her. Of course, I wasn't going to go into details or anything like that but it meant a lot.

KOLE

My dad and I sat in my office together so we could talk. We discussed a meeting we would have to travel about two hours away for tomorrow. He knew how nervous it made me to leave Lexi out of my sight, but I trusted my mom.

"So you really think we don't have nothing to worry about with Pete?" I asked studying his face.

"I can't answer that for certain. I can say that he would be the dumbest man on the planet to show his face again with all the heat on him. Plus, he wasn't the one with the obsession with Lexi, he was just following orders." He replied trying to ease my mind.

"Yeah true." I agreed. I can say that he was right about it. I probably am just being too paranoid after everything that's happened.

I bet the money he was transferring was for him to leave the country if I had to take a guess. He probably never left and has been hiding until he had the resources.

"In other news, your mom and I bought a house down the street so we wont be cramping your style here." He laughed.

"You know you didn't have to do that I made sure there was enough room in here for all of us if you guys wanted to stay." I replied.

"I know son, but your doing good and grown up now. I think its time you and Lexi have a place for yourselves. Your mom made sure we were as close as we could possibly be incase you guys need anything." He said shaking his head with a smirk.

I laughed a little too, knowing how my mom is I can already tell she wasted no time getting that together.

"Foods ready!" I heard my mom yell at us from the kitchen. My phone started ringing so I stayed back to take the call while my dad went ahead.

It was Robby.

"What's up bro?" I answered.

"Remember Lexi's weird ass best friend?" he asked

I rolled my eyes before answering "Yeah"

"I guess the bitch survived that shot to the head and recovered."

"Well as long as she stays in her place good. Even though she's just a regular little girl she's proven to be untrustworthy."

"I know I was just letting you know. Still nothing on Pete too."

"Alright cool. Thanks man"

That was odd. I honestly can't believe she survived all that. But I'm glad she's far away from Lexi, even if she was trying to be a genuine friend I would never trust her around any of us. Once a snake, always a snake.