Page 24 of Fight or Flight

This is just another proof that I need to get out of this place and far from Saint as soon as I have enough cash stored to buy myself out because you can’t just leave a gang.

A part of me doesn’t want to do that, doesn’t want to give it up because Saint is my only family, and I know I’ll be on my own. Yet, I think everyone is right when they say I’m too soft for this life.

I listen as Wallace mocks the guy and rumbles some sick shit about his daughter, and I’m sick to my stomach. This isn’t about the gang. This is some personal vendetta shit. And now I’m part of it.

My feet start to back away on their own accord, and I’m almost at the door when Wallace barks some command that I’m too distracted to get, and everyone starts to clear out after me.

An arm encircles my neck before Saint forcefully tugs me down to meet his eye.

“Proud of you, Aidy. But the work is not done. Don’t think I didn’t see you there, trying to sneak out. There’s more to do. We have to make it look like another gang’s work.”

“Make what looks like another’s gang work?” I ask slowly, scared to get the answer.

A dark look crosses over Saint’s features. “Do I have to spell it out for you, brother?”

“Yeah, please, do,” I untangle myself from his hold forcefully. “Because this shit is not just some petty dealing stuff, Santiago. It gives fucking live-in-prison vibes rather than the 'we’re going to be on top' speeches you fed me with.”

“Glad to see your balls dropped ultimately, but think again before going against me,” my brother rasps as the other guys pass by us with canisters stinking of fuel.

I point my finger at them and start to back away. “I don’t care. This is too much. Dealing guns and drugs is miles away from a straight-up murder.”

“Is it, though?” Saint crosses his arms, his stance wide. “Good thing that no gun or drug ever killed a man before ain’t that right?” He questions, his voice heavy with sarcasm.

“It’s different,” I reply quietly, and we stare at each other in silence as if we truly saw each other for the first time.

Then my brother sniffles. “Fine. Go home, Aidan. You did your part.”

I don’t hesitate and turn on my heel right away. The whole way home, I try to convince myself that I didn’t just play a part in getting a man slaughtered.

CHAPTER IX

CLAIRE – PRESENT

I’m not sure how did I end up at my house, but I’m glad when the place appears to be empty. There’s no way I could look my father in the eye after he warned me about this exact thing happening not even a month earlier. I know he’s going to learn everything from the town rumor chain soon enough, but fortunately, I won’t be here to face the shame and the pitiful looks of everyone around me.

Poor, stupid, freaky Claire. She actually thought someone loved her. A handsome boy looking at her like she’s God’s gift. Laughable.