Crimson Park

Chapter 4

You released the button then turned to Jungkook. "Drop what you're doing and put your jacket back on." You then rounded your desk and pulled out a small revolver. It was tiny and delicate and held two bullets which were basically bismuth pellets, but it was enough in a pinch if something went wrong. You could feel Jungkook's eyes burrowing a hole in your head as he watched you load it, and as he followed you down the hall, after you closed and hid the office door.

"Stay in the foyer and keep quiet," you instructed him when you reached the open living room.

"Are we expecting a problem?" he finally spoke, his voice level but alarmed.

"I don't think so."

"I don't like that you're nervous."

"I'm not," you were curt. The truth was you were nervous, however, but he didn't need to know that. Even though you had never had an issue with Mace in the past, you didn't like uninvited guests in your space – especially ones who have murdered. You learned that lesson the hard way. You didn't know what he was here for, or if he was even here for himself or on behalf of someone else.

"Okay, well... stay in our line of sight, and if something feels off or if you just want him gone, start playing with your watch."

You nodded, then he nodded and turned to walk confidently towards the door, making himself look broad and large. The change in him from placid shit into a domineering reprobate was a shift you didn't expect, and it somehow not only calmed your nerves but turned them into steel. When the knock at the door came, you tilted your chin upwards and crossed your arms under your chest, achieving a look of no-nonsense power. Jungkook opened the door, and stepped to the side, just enough space to let Mace wander in, but not enough to give him the impression that his presence was welcome. Taesub was close behind, and he stepped over the threshold, releasing his grip on Mace's arm then took his position next to the door. Jungkook followed suit.

"I'm sorry, Y/N, but I needed to see you today."

"Then you should have called yesterday for an appointment, instead of showing up at my door."

"You're my last resort. Trust me, I didn't want to come here." He took a step forward, but Taesub coughed loudly, and Mace stopped in his tracks, getting the message he was not to come any closer without an invite. "Can we sit down?"

"Tell me why you're here," you ignored his request. He fidgeted uncomfortably, well aware of the two large men standing at his back. He obviously wanted privacy from everyone else, but when you didn't budge, he began to speak.

"You remember Lacey?"

"I do."

"She's gone."

"And that has what to do with me?"

"She's pregnant. Or at least she says she is. She says it's mine."

"Congratulations," your words were annoyed, rather than celebratory.

"I came back from a job last night, and she had left. She cashed out my vault," you could see the panic in his body rise as he recounted the story, and you then had an idea of where this was all going.

"What was in the vault?"

"A pickup I had made from the night before. From the laundry mat. I was supposed to cash it today."

"How much?"

"A hundred thousand."

"Well, you'll have to replace that money on your own, Mace. Before the meeting if you want to keep your fingers. You make more than enough," although you knew Mace was a big spender, and despite his income, it was likely he didn't have enough saved.