Jodee

Chapter 23 - Responsibility

She was a sweet, kind, and gentle baby. Her deep brown eyes lit up the room by just being in it, even if they were closed. No one was going to put out that light. Especially not our parents.

And especially not some asshole gang leader who was trying to get back at me.

Cairo was young — older than me, but young — and he's new, a hotshot. He thinks that he's invincible right now and that he has to make the big actions to show that he's top dog. But he's not. What Soltani doesn't understand is that I have controlled this territory for years and that wouldn't be changing any time soon. And if he keeps coming after my family I won't hesitate to show him my teeth as well.

"What, Ace? I've told you everything?" Caleb complained, crumbling into the couch I keep in my office but making sure to keep his ribs straight to avoid the ache.

I shook my head. "They knew us?"

"Yeah, kinda, I don't really know," He responded. "They knew my name. And they thought Jodee was a Chambers for a second — I don't know how,"

My teeth clenched together so hard it left my jaw begging for some air, but I didn't care: "Knew she was my sister?"

Caleb had tried to calm me down millions of times that Cairo wasn't a threat to Jodee because he knew jack-shit about her or my personal life. But what he just said confirmed one of my biggest fears. 

"No ... well," He thought for a moment. "They asked her if she was a Chambers. And then they asked if she was my sister. I wouldn't really think too much about it, man."

I dismissed him, with a wave of my hand. "Let me fuckin' decide that. Soltani knows I have a sister."

"Ace," Caleb suddenly sat up so I was forced to look him dead in the eye. "We've talked about this. I know you want to protect your little sister, but Jodee's safe. Nothing is going to happen to her. We won't let it," He tried to assure me.

I scoffed. "I won't let it,"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Zane and brawl. Under your watch," I spelled out for him.

I was starting to doubt my best friend. First that asshole kid Zane was bullying her and Caleb just sat by and let it happen! And then again today he let a brawl start which could have potentially gotten my baby sister injured. He should have known those guys would have shown up and gotten Jodee and himself out of there right away.

"Don't do this, Ace." He growled, his voice was hard and accusing but there was a hint of helplessness and defeat shown through as well. "I couldn't do anything about that,"

I shrugged. "My sister ... comes first,"

"Don't do this, Ace." Caleb repeated, his hands starting to shake. "Don't take me out of her life!" — he pointed his finger aggressively towards the door — "She's my sister too, Ace. I love that girl. Please, don't do this." Caleb's tone was extremely harsh right now, his body practically shaking in fear and anger.

I didn't respond or even make any indication I had heard his words, turning away to take a sip from a glass of whiskey nonchalantly.

I had to do what was right and best for my sister. No one else. 

"Ace!" Caleb yelled at me, taking a step towards my desk and therefore me.

When I didn't respond a second time Caleb right away shoved against me. My whiskey glass dropped to the floor and shattered while my back hit the wall as his forearm dug its way into my neck and chest in order to keep me blocked up against the wall.