Concrete Rose (Dave East)

Chapter 40

Rell kissed both Maddison and Layla on the forehead. However before he could move Layla pulled on his shirt. "Where you going so early," she asked groggily.

"We just got some intel on Vizzini," he said rubbing his face. "We need to make the move now."

They had been staying in the safe house for a week now. Layla had to call into work saying she had a family emergency and she needed to leave the state. She didn't disclose to the hospital the true situation. However she knew that Lauren, the charge nurse was lenient.

Layla looked at his attire— all black. "And you were just gonna leave without saying anything," Layla asked in disbelief. "What happened to you letting me know what's going on?"

"This is what I was trying to avoid," he said shaking his head.

Layla stared at him confused. "You're going after a mafia. Who knows what could happen and you were just gonna leave. No note, nothing?"

Rell held her face with his two hands. "I have to do this. But I can't do it with this look of worry on your face. I couldn't wake you this morning because I knew you would try to convince me otherwise."

"But-" she started as he cut her off.

"I love you Layla," he said. "But I can't have us looking over our shoulder constantly. You've sacrificed your job. Enough is enough. I'm ending it right now."

Tears streamed down Layla's face as she nodded. She knew he had to do what he needed to do. But she couldn't believe he was gonna just up and leave.

"Trust me baby, I'm coming back home to you and Maddison."

Layla nodded. "Please be careful. Please."

They hugged each other as Layla cried. "Stop crying baby. Please."

"I'm sorry. We need you. Please come back."

Rell tilted her head back as he connected their lips. He squeezed her neck slightly causing her mouth to open and he slid his tongue in exploring her. Layla held onto his shirt tighter pulling him down more.

Rell laid her back as he intensified the kiss. Layla moaned into his mouth. Rell pulled away as he felt himself losing focus. "I gotta go."

Layla nodded. "Okay. We love you. Be safe."

Rell kissed her forehead once more and then Maddison's who had rolled over.

———————————
Rell jumped into the van where Jace sat already.

"You ready," Jace asked.

Rell nodded as the van pulled off. He had gathered a small group of his trusted workers including his head of security, Vince.

"What do we know so far," Rell asked.

"Keith left his home 3 AM this morning after receiving a call from an unknown number. Since we have his phone lines tapped, we were able to listen in and confirm it was Vizzini," Vince responded.

"What was said in the call?"

"Vizzini said he was ready to finish the deal. They're meeting at on old loading dock. We have eyes on Keith all now."

"We need to move Layla and Maddison to another location just incase. You've been at that safe house for a week don't take your chances you don't know if it been compromised."

Rell nodded in agreement. "The minute you see anything go left. Plan X goes in effect immediately. I already have the PJ on standby and her father is already notified."