Beware The Water

To Be Clear

Viper couldn't begin to explain how livid he was. There was a reason why he always emphasized the importance of intel being filtered out, so that way shit like this didn't happen. The guys sat in silence around the table at Chang Dai and waited for Viper to return. They, including Shorter, felt like children who had just gotten scolded by their father. He had the upmost respect for Viper and his way of doing things. Unfortunately, the Kings impatience got in the way of his better judgment.

The door opened and they all raised their heads up. "Alright I did some digging and apparently this Oz kid was in the back room of the shop, helping set up a system for new security cameras. He only heard something about us talking cash that was owed." He explained, "When he was questioned about that, the cops knew it was us collecting the protection tax that the old timer owed. Of course, they can't prove that but it lead to Oz bringing up Lux and her involvement with Shorter, and by association- us." Viper continued, "The cops were afraid that he'd put himself in danger if he tried to contact her. Plus, he wasn't sure if he was seen or not so they put him under witness protection just in case he got confused with the actual eye witness. Which seemed to not matter for shit in the end."

"So he didn't know anything? Didn't see anybody?" Shorter asked, trying to make sense of it all.

"Nope. He was just tryna earn himself $50 bucks by helping the old timer." The boys shared guilty stares and loud silence. "So when are we telling her?" Viper bluntly asked. Sing's eyes darted over to Shorter who hadn't picked his head up from his hands. The guilt was seeping out of him and onto the others. "Imma be real honest with you Boss, I don't give a shit about your relationship right now. All I'm concerned with is if Lux will rat. If she shows any signs of that happening then-" Viper stopped himself before continuing after he saw tears streaming down the Bosses eyes. This was the first time he had ever cried in front of his men.

"I know." Shorter's voice shook. "I'll tell her myself." He swallowed the knot in his throat and dried his eyes with the sleeve of his hoodie. "Just... if she... threatens to tell I'll-" Shorter felt his airways squeeze into each other and began to hyperventilate. He grabbed at his chest, thinking his heart was going to stop any minute. This was one of his worst fears come true. His life, his own actions were going to kill the only girl he loved.

"Shorter?" Sing ran up to his Bosses side and shook him by the shoulder. "C'mon Boss stay with us." The tears continued to pour and his rapid breathing only got faster, making him light headed. His weight caused him to slip from his chair and hit the floor.

"Shit." Viper cursed, "Sunshine, go get Nadia!" He shouted.

When Shorter finally came to, he saw the blurry sight of his sister and gang standing over him. "C'mon boys give him some air." Nadia instructed. "Is everything alright? What happened?"

"He just fainted out of nowhere." Sing lied, sparing Nadia of the reason why this all was happening. "He hasn't eaten much in a few days so that may be the reason."

"You Bozo." Nadia wrapped her arms around her little brother. "I know you're stressed about Hook but you need to take care of yourself."

"I'm fine." Shorter brushed off everyone's concern and stood up, adjusting his hoodie back into place. "I need a minute alone."

"Sure." Nadia nodded. "C'mon boys. I'll fix you all a plate." The guys followed close behind Nadia all except Viper who shut the door. He needed to get a few more words in before allowing Shorter to get his thoughts straight.

"Mind telling me what you were thinking, Boss?" Shorter stayed quiet. "Where'd you get the intel?" No response again. Viper grew irritated and shoved Shorter against the wall to snap him out of this conflicted state of mind. "If you don't tell me, I'll find out myself."