Running Secrets

Chapter Four

Josephine

The room grew deathly quiet. I knew this question would come, but I didn't expect it so soon. I was hoping we would have dinner, play some games, explore the city and then some rest. But I forgot how upfront, overwhelmingly direct my brother could be. Sometimes his directness, made him a little off-putting. Most can't handle his strong personality; I was the few who could. Mark's gaze began to feel like a laser burning into my face. I cleared my throat, struggling for more time to answer.

"Josephine, cut the crap. Why the hell are you here?" Mark suddenly growled, slamming his fist onto the fireplace mantle.

Crys jumped slightly as Anita rose from her seat. She was the peacemaker and her instincts were speaking to her. I stared my brother in his eyes, deciding to tell the truth.

"I was found." I admitted in a strong clear tone.

Mark stared at me. Then, all hell broke loose.

"WHAT THE FUCK YOU MEAN YOU BEEN FOUND?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" Mark roared.

God, was the sound ear splitting.

"Relax Mar-" Anita began.

"RELAX?! THAT'S YOUR ANSWER ANITA?! SHE SHOWS UP HERE, FOUND AND YOU WANT ME TO RELAX?!" He interrupted her, still yelling.

Anita eyes formed into slits. She was now angry.

"Guys, calm down, we haven't even heard the rest of Jo's story." Crys butted in, defending me.

I gave her a grateful stare.

"Thanks love," I looked over to her.

"BOTH OF YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Mark yelled again.

"Hey! You can be mad at me, but don't you dare be angry with them." I sneered at Mark, looking him in the eyes.

A crossed look planted itself onto his face. The staredown began. He wasn't going to get away with this. Not this time.

"Let's at least hear her out." Crys interjected.

"Yes, hear her out." Anita echoed Crys' words.

Mark continued to stare me down, pissing me off. He was being a bit unreasonable and I hated it.

"Let me explain." I started.

"Explain what? How reckless you are? How stupid you can be? Oh wait, let me guess, how selfish you are? I don't need explanation. I already know you. This story is going to unfold like the rest. You can't seem to grow up or behave. Not to mention, YOU are the reason this is even happening. You are so reckless." Mark spit at me.

Here we go. Classic Mark.

"Oh shut up with the dramatics. You asshole. I was not reckless. Actually, I was more careful than you know." I told him.

"Then how the fuck were you found?" he growled again.

"Be quiet and I will tell you." I retorted.

He growled a little before pipping down. I looked to my sisters for the okay. Anita nodded, so I began.

"After my last incident in New Haven, I decided to learn some tricks. So I began to date this hotshot newbie detective in Atlanta. I stayed in Atlanta for six months, learning everything he could teach me about tracking and other police related work. So when I got to Detroit, I began my work. I set up shop and put my skills to the test. I had found a job, settled into a new apartment and my life began. Until one day, some people in contract with Dimi showed up. They had no clue that I was town. I watched over them for at least three months. I even moved from neighborhood to neighborhood. They began to snoop around after my name came up in a conversation they were having with a business partner. They began to look for me. I stayed lowkey as I continued to watch. They found out my whereabouts and began to plan. While they planned, I planned too. I knew I had a small time frame to leave. Once I figured out it, I waited until the last second. Just as I headed out, they were coming to the place I was staying. So no, they don't know where I am. I came here because I ran out of options." I finished, looking at my family.