Grey

Part 2

            The night is quiet as I gently roll my car to a stop inside the alley. Shutting off the engine, I open the trunk to grab my gear. The passenger's side door opens and Alexis steps out, somewhat nervously.

            "You'll be fine," I assure, as he clips his own gun to his hip.

            "I know, it's just...I never thought I would have to do this."

            "You're not the only one," I grumble, Alton's face in my mind's eye. We both head to the front of the car, leaning on the hood, still warm from the long drive. I tenderly touch my faintly throbbing cheek, the Advil I had taken earlier beginning to wear off. The bruise is Alton's gladly-given reminder of my place. My brother watches me for a moment, the corner of his lips pulling downward.

            "I'm sorry," he says for the 33rd time. I restrain from rolling my eyes and settle with kneading the top of his head with my knuckles. It's almost a stretch; he's a few inches taller than me. Alexis immediately steps back, glaring at me half-heartedly.

            "Stop apologizing," I assert, checking my watch and stepping forward accordingly, "It wasn't you." Alexis steps forward to stand at my side but I push him to sit on the hood of the car.

            "Stay." A figure emerges from around the corner at the opposite end of the alleyway. I hone in on the small bag in her hand and cheer internally. No killing in front of Alexis. Not tonight. The woman reaches us, her shaking body a familiar sign of withdrawal. Her light, wispy hair reflects her sickly form.

            "H-hello—"

            "Hello, Angela. Now, the money, if you please," I cut her off, extending my hand out. She places it in my grip and I toss it back to Alexis. I reach into the duffel at my feet and toss her the cocaine, nodding at her as she catches it.

            "Alton appreciates your cooperation," I drone, throwing her a cold smile, "Be back here in three weeks. Pleasure doing business." Once Angela scurries off and out of sight, only then do I turn around and wave for Alexis to place the roll of cash in the bag. I hear the quiet but familiar words of "a dead party downtown" and a minute later, Gonzo appears behind my car. I throw the duffel at him and open the trunk from under the driver's seat. Alexis and I slide into our seats as the trunk slams closed and Gonzo sits in the back.

            "Quick and easy like every one-night-stand I've ever had," he grins, and I send him a glare through the rearview mirror. I shake my head at Alexis's sideways stare and back out into the street.

            "Alton will be pleased," Gonzo states, much more seriously. I scoff as I drive toward I-56, taking us away from Clayton.

            "The only reason I give a fuck is for Alexis," I bark, and he throws me a crooked grin.

            "He knows that, Honey."

                                                                                       * * *

            Alexis and I head into our apartment, pulling off our shoes. I place a kiss on his forehead, and send him, what I hope is, a comforting smile, before heading to my room and quietly shutting the door. If Alexis wanted to talk to me about tonight, he would come, I think to myself as I flop onto my bed and snuggle into the cool sheets. I close my eyes, hoping to fall asleep quickly but ten minutes of tossing and turning makes me abandon that wish. I lay on my back, staring up at the ceiling and think back to our short meeting with Alton after returning from Clayton. He had been pleased. He said he had wanted Alexis to do the exchange, but was letting it slide because it was his first. Recalling his next announcement draws my eyebrows together in worry.