"Partly. I assume you used to work with pops." I said as he nodded slowly. "Briefly. He was taken out before I could solidify a deal with him." He said with a sigh.
"That's where you come in. I would like for you to work for me." He said as I shook my head. "I don't work in the business." I said causing him to nod slowly.
"What if I could assure safety for you and your family. And of course you'd get a hefty paycheck." He said and turned towards his desk.
"How does that sound?" He asked and grabbed a piece of paper and a pen. "I'd have to think about it. I don't think you can promise full safety." I said as he nodded and wrote something down.
"You're right. I can assure safety from the law but other gangs are harder to control. Most people who work with me don't have an issue." He said then handed me a paper.
"Here's my contact info. Think about it." He said as I nodded. "Will do." I said and looked down at the paper.
"So can I leave or...?" I asked as he nodded. "My driver will drop you off wherever you want to be dropped off." He said as I went to leave the room.
"Please give it a thought. Reach out if you have questions." He said as I nodded and left the room.
I didn't know what to think.
I didn't know if I wanted to get into something so serious, but I liked the idea of the protection.
I liked the idea of working for someone and getting a steady income.
I just didn't know if I liked the idea of being fully back into the crime world.
I just wanted to be safe.
"I understand I'm taking you home?" A man asked as I walked down the hallway. "You're taking me somewhere." I mumbled as he nodded.
"Wherever you want to go." He said and led the way to what I assumed was a garage.
When he opened the door I could see that there were at least ten luxury vehicles to choose from.
"Any car you want." The guy said as I nodded and walked to the black Escalade that was closest to us.
My mind raced as we got in the car. The driver was respectful in the sense that he didn't make any small talk.
I think he knew I was trying to comprehend what exactly just happened.
"Where am I taking you?" He asked after a couple minutes of silence.
"The gas station off of Ventura and 56th." I said as he nodded.
There was no way in hell I was going to let this random man know where I was staying, and I couldn't ensure that we weren't being followed.
"Got it." He said then continued to drive. The rest of the drive was silent and as soon as we got to the gas station I got out.
"You're sure this is where you want to be dropped off?" He asked as I nodded. "Yeah, thank you." I said then got out.
I knew it was probably ten times less safe to walk the ten blocks to the office but I didn't care.
I needed time to think anyways.
I kept my guard up as I walked, trying to focus solely on my surroundings while keeping my hand on my gun. All I could think about was the future though.
Would it be a good idea to involve myself as a crime leader for the literal Governor?
The whole crime world already hated me for killing everyone off. Maybe it just wouldn't matter.
Maybe I could ensure the safety of my brothers, sisters, and my daughter. Maybe we could have an ounce of normalcy.
It was a lot to think about.
When I got to the office I made my way downstairs and felt myself actually physically loosen up.
It had been a long hour and I just wanted to be with Colby and the kids.
I walked down the hallway and was almost to the room we were staying in when a door slammed open and Colby came angrily walking out of Sam's office.
He started to make his way down the hallway but stopped once he saw me, his eyes filling with relief as the anger melted away.
"Jules." Colby said quietly, letting out a sigh of relief. "What happened to you?" He asked and walked over to me, pulling me into his embrace.
"I'm fine." I said quietly and wrapped my arms around him, letting him hold me tightly. "Are you sure you're okay? You're not hurt?" Colby asked and pulled away, looking me up and down and assessing if I was hurt.
"I'm really fine, it wasn't what you think." I said as he sighed and pulled me into him again.
"That scared me." Colby said and rested his cheek on my head. "I know. I promise I'll explain." I said quietly as my mind still raced.
How was I supposed to make the choice for our future? Did I really want to put us all at risk like this?
All I could think about was the protection and money we would get. Maybe this would actually be good for us.
Maybe we would finally have the normalcy I always wanted.
