Falling Too Deep

Chapter 23

Once I left my dad's office I studied up on this Ted guy. In his profile it said he was a major crook and con-artist. No wonder he owed my father money. Leave it up to my dad to get involved with someone like this guy. Andrea called me during her lunch break that day but I didn't answer. I was in a bad mood and I'm pretty sure my dad hacked our phone calls. Looking at the file he had on Ted made me wonder if he knew all this stuff about Andrea, or Bradley or anyone else I associated myself with.

The subway tickets and ID that Tori gave me came in handy because the next day when I showed up for work my dad had a new task for me.

"Pick out a nice outfit, you're going clubbing tonight."

The word clubbing didn't sound right coming out of my fathers mouth.

"Clubbing?"

He nodded and gestured to Tori.

"And she's your date."

Tori smiled at me and I shook my head. "No way. Not happening."

My dad rubbed his forehead and sighed. "I'm not asking you to marry her! Just hold her hand a bit and smile, okay?"

"Why do we need to do this?"

He stood up and looked out the office window down below at the people walking on the street. He looked at them like they were peasants walking on his turf.

"Ted Johnson will be at club GoGo tonight. He's making a big drug deal and I need you and Tori to go there, confront him, and make my offer."

Tori leaned forward, resting her elbows on his desk. "What if he refuses?"

My dad turned to us and crossed her arms. "I gave you guns for a reason didn't I?"

I shook my head. "I told you I'm not using that gun."

"I never said you had to use it. But, you need it to scare him. He's weak."

I crossed my arms and turned to Tori. "Can you believe him?"

Tori sighed and walked up to me, before leaning close and whispering in my ear. "I don't give a fuck. Once you get your first pay check you won't either."

I didn't respond to that and my dad clapped his hands together turning away from the window. "You two need to be on your best behavior. No blowing your cover!"

I scoffed. "What are we? Detectives now?"

My dad shot me a glare and slammed his fists on the desk, causing Tori to jump. "Shut the hell up and stop with the smart ass comments! If you mess this up I could ruin you. Remember, your life is in my hands now. Now leave my office and get ready for tonight."

Tori left the office first and I followed right on her tail. Once we were out of my father's building Tori pulled me down the street and into the nearest Starbucks.

"Don't make him angry like that."

I looked at Tori in shock. "Who cares? What has he done for me?"

She shook her head and looked behind her like she was being watched. "Your father has connections. I've been working for him for a year. Do you know how many times I've tried to quit!?"

I swallowed and in the pit of my stomach I felt nauseous. Tori continued her speech, glancing around after every pause.

"I'm just saying you shouldn't get on his bad side. I mean, you should know that. You are his son! But, now you're in this and there's no way out of it."

She pulled out a cigarette and I turned my nose up at her. "Why do you smoke those? They're killing you slowly."

She scoffed and lit the stick while puffing slowly. "I wish it would kill me faster."