crooked~ h.s.

two

Mickey said that it was best that we keep our conversation private for now. He didn't want to throw more wood into the fire of a potentially catastrophic situation.

I tucked the necklace inside the neckline of my sweater. I still couldn't believe what had just happened. He promised me that after this dispute with the Rooney's was over, he'd make the official announcement. For now, I was just his shadow. Learning anything and everything I could from him. He said it was the best way for me to learn his ways.

I barely slept that night. Mickey sent me to bed around midnight, saying I should get my beauty sleep for the cameras waiting for me at home. I was the only grandchild who had a bed at the Malone house. If by the off-chance Carter or Irene came, they were expected to sleep on cots or couches. But it had been years since either one of them had stepped inside this house.

Despite the softness of the mattress, I laid awake. Having the family handed over to me on a normal Thursday evening was the absolute last thing I was expecting. I was twenty-one, barely legal to drink. And now my grandfather was looking at me to lead us in the near future. I had no doubts I could do it, I was Mickey Malone's grand-daughter for crying out loud. I had never been given this amount of responsibility before. It was both flattering and terrifying.

Around five thirty I decided that I might as well arise and begin my day. The house was empty besides Mickey and me. Mickey lived here all alone. Despite his cool demeanor, I knew he secretly wanted to be wanted in the same way I did. These moments in the morning would be the quietest the house would be all day.

After dropping their kids off at school, Alex and May would arrive. She would cook breakfast for whoever had spent the night before, while Alex had his morning briefing with Mickey. Fortunately for me, no one was awake yet, which meant I got some peace and quiet in my favorite place.

The detached garage in the Malone house was transformed into a range years before my birth. During the last war, Mickey knew it was best to stay within the walls of his home. During my years in school, I would come over to the Malone's and finish my homework. The reward for finishing early was one-on-one shooting lessons with my grandfather. Despite the activity and subject matter, I reveled in the attention I received. Being the oldest of three children meant I was often ignored. With Mickey, it was like I was the center of his world.

Because of security reasons, I couldn't keep my gun at home. Mickey built me a shelf to store all the ammo needed for Clove. And resting right in her place, was my girl. Clove was short for Clover, and she was my twenty-first birthday present. It was nearly impossible to own a gun in D.C., but Mickey pulled some strings and she was mine. He said a pistol was more my style anyways.

I picked up the holster and looped it through my jeans. The targets were still up from yesterday's session. I quickly replaced them and loaded Clove. Sliding the safety glasses over my eyes, I inhaled and shot. Dead center. Another breath, another shot. With every shot I felt myself become lighter. With every shot I reminded myself who I was. Fearless.

After half an hour, I decided I was calmed down enough to see my family. I lifted the ring up to my lips and kissed it. When I walked back to the house, I smelled coffee and heard Mickey on the phone. I found him in the kitchen, his thick wool robe tied tight around his frame. He brought the mug up to his lips and nodded to whatever was being said to him on the other end of the phone. I grabbed another mug from the cabinet and poured myself a cup. Black. It's the only way the Malone's drank their coffee. Unless it was evening, and then you might find some Bailey's in there too.

Mickey saw me and nodded. I smiled and headed back upstairs to my room. I checked my phone and despite the early morning I already had several texts. One from my mother specifically asking me to wear green since it brought out my eyes. I rolled my eyes but did as my mother asked. I found an emerald green turtleneck and some dark jeans and brown boots. After throwing on my clothes I went to the bathroom to begin the long process of becoming Alice Banks.