A Little Sane

Chapter 10

"Daddy's home!"

Jerome tiredly walked into the kitchen where Mercedes was making dinner. The twins were sitting in their highchairs with a toy. Mercedes turned back around to the stove. Jerome smiled slightly at the stove. Classic grilled cheese made fancy with spices and a pot of soup. Jerome took in a heavy breath and stood behind Mercedes. He laid his chin on her shoulder and sighed. Mercedes turned slightly kissing him on his jaw. She turned back to the sandwiches.

"Why so tired and stressed sounding handsome?"

Jerome wrapped his arms around her waist, watching her cook.

"I'm just tired and I got an offer today.. I don't know if I should take it or not.. I was just ready to come home and talk to you about it.."

Mercedes smiled. She leaned her head against Jerome's.

"I'm listening my love."

Jerome turned his head and started kissing her neck. Mercedes closed her eyes and then started playfully pushing him away.

"Jerome. I have to flip this sanwiches and turn the soup down. I'm gonna burn the food. Don't distract me."

Jerome chuckled and set down at the table. Mercedes made plates and bowl then set down next to him. 

"So I got an offer that would give us a lot of money, but it's risky..."

Mercedes tilted her head. 

"What's that?"

"Selling drugs and weapons for Diablo Cruize.."

Mercedes stared at him and swallowed her bite of grilled cheese. She blinked a few times. Jerome set watching her nervously. Diablo Cruize was not Carmine Falcone, but he was the next in line. Mercedes took a sip of her water and finally spoke.

"So you got asked to work for the second biggest crime lord in Gotham... How?"

Jerome swallowed hard. He set up straight. 

"He set up the meeting himself. He wanted to see me.."

Mercedes set up.

"You actually met him?!"

Jerome nodded.

"I did... and he thinks.. I'd be really good at it... especially since I have you and the kids... that I would definitely want to protect... He said I could think about it, but once I agree..."

Mercedes nodded. She watched Jerome look nervously at his soup. She thought for a second and then smiled.

"How much money are we talking?"

Jerome looked up surprised. He saw Mercedes grinning. He wasn't sure if he should do this with the kids, but Mercedes was seeming convinced. 

"What...? Here..."

Jerome pulled a piece of paper out his pocket.

"The math was done for me..."

Jerome handed her the paper and Mercedes gasped when she looked at it.

"I mean I know we will have to pay him some of this, but holy fuck Jerome.... That's a shit load of money..."

Jerome leaned over and picked up the talking bear that Jessie dropped. He looked at Mercedes confused.

"So what are you saying..?" 

Mercedes looked at her kids and then back at Jerome. 

"Nothing is ever done without a little risk. Let's do it."