Barely Hanging On

1 - Now

I rolled my eyes as the boy started squirming, pleading with his eyes.

"I-I'm so sor-"

"Shut up," I said walking over to him and grabbing onto his collar.

I looked him in the eyes with the darkest look I could muster and said, "You better make sure the shipment gets to Luke tomorrow or you won't see your girl again, understood?"

His eyes went wide and he nodded quickly.

"Go"

He got up and ran out of the alley. I felt bad that a young boy like him had to get tangled up in shit like this, but it was his own choice.

I had to maintain my reputation and couldn't just let him off with a warning. That's not how this shit works.

I made sure I was alone before walking in the opposite direction, not letting my mind run otherwise I would be vulnerable.

I'd have time for that later.

Walking on the pavement away from my asual route, I listened for any sounds that could point out that I had company.

Hearing none, but still on edge, I kept walking and saw a sign that said 'Bert's Bar'.

I scoffed, how creative.

I formed a plan and went inside as the bouncer acknowledged me with a nod.

Inside I scanned the room while walking through the crowd, grimacing as sweaty bodies grinded against me to the sound of the bass.

In other circumstances I would've grinned, but I didn't have time for that.

I spotted a hooded man entering the bar, taking off his cap and scanning the room.

I chuckled. Dean's men really were bad at lurking.

I shrugged off my thick grey coat and threw it on a chair, instantly getting annoyed about having to throw away a brand new coat.

I tied my hair and started moving through the bodies to avoid being spotted.

I smirked as a girl looked around, sneakily picked up my coat and went to the bathroom.

I didn't think anyone would steal it so quick, but I was glad she did.

She kind of looked like me from the back and I saw the man at the entrance going after her.

Someone's going to get a surprise.

I took the chance and slipped out of the bar, taking another route home.

Luckily I got home without another dumbass trying to kill me.

I went inside, bolted the door and went to my room.

Taking of my clothes and stepping into the shower I thought back about the boy.

I was around his age when I first came into the business too, but luckily I had Luke as a mentor.

If it weren't for him, I'm sure I'd be just as balls deep in dept as the boy.

I came to this town to clear my mind, but instead Luke took me in, pushed me to my limits and that's what made me the person I am today.

He always said, "I don't like using violence, but I'd rather have a gun in a knife fight, than a knife in a gun fight."

Just as I was stepping out of the shower my burner rang, which must be Luke, because he was the only one who had my number.

I quickly grabbed a towel and ran to my bed, drying off whilst answering the phone.

"I have a job for you"

I faked hurt," What, not even a 'hi, how's it going'? "

"You know I don't have time for bullshit Ava," he sighed.

"It's Kelly again, isn't it?"

"It's back again, this time worse than before," his voice broke and I could hear his sadness.

Kelly, his wife, had overcome breast cancer twice before and it nearly broke Luke.

He had previously sent her to the best doctors money could buy, which was in New York.

Because of the business he couldn't go the last time and I sure as hell was going to make sure that he could go this time.

"Listen to me very good. You are going with her to New York this time and I'll come to HQ and run the business while you're gone."

"But-" he started but I cut him off.

"No, none of that shit. You and me both know I'm more than capable to run this bitch and I'll send someone else to do the job you wanted me to do, okay?"

I picked up the phone and placed it between my ear and shoulder while waking to the cupboard.

"I know, I'm sorry. I'm just so scared that she's not gonna make it."

I'm the only one except Kelly who've seen him like this, most likely because they see me as their adopted daughter.

"Stop thinking like that, she's gonna win it again. You just need to be positive," I said while taking down two duffle bags from the top and putting them on the bed.

"God I hope you're right."

"I am. I've already started packing I'll be there by tommorow morning."

"You don't have to-"

"Well I am, then you'll have enough time to settle in over in New York and I'll have enough time to redecorate your office"

He chuckled, "Allright, drive safe."

I ended the call, threw my phone on my bed and started throwing clothes into the bags. It was still mid-winter and I was definitely not going to get cold, so I packed my fluffy pajamas and my favourite socks with sloths on them.

I also got my purse and threw in my phone, my wallet, my keys and a gun.

Safety first.

I put on some leggings, a baggy t-shirt and sneakers, grabbed my bags and went to my car.

I threw my bags on the back seat of my G Wagon, pulled out of the driveway and started my long ride back to the place I despised the most.

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First chapter is kinda short and very vague, but all will be revealed in due time.

Meanwhile, enjoy reading 😊