Protecting Her(77)

“What do I do about Garret? I was counting on you to help me get him out of his obligation.”

“I’ll keep working behind the scenes to get the rules changed, not just for him, but for all our young men. You’ll need to do the same.” He pauses. “But if we don’t succeed, at least now they’re not making us do the kills. That’s a big change, Pearce. A change for the good. Your son will never have to do the things that you and I did.”

He’s referring to the fact that members are no longer allowed to do kill assignments themselves. Now only freelancers are allowed to do them. The change happened because one of our members was almost caught after shooting someone. The organization punished the man for being careless, but the other members rallied together, saying that this was an example of why we shouldn’t be doing the kills ourselves. It’s too risky. We don’t want our crimes being traced back to us. They could still be traced back to us when using a freelancer, but it’s much riskier if we commit the crime ourselves.

“That change is not going to last,” I say. “They only stopped us from doing it because of that one incident. A few years from now they’ll have forgotten about it and we’ll be back to doing the kills ourselves again.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. But even if things go back to how they used to be, freelancers will still be the first option. Members will only be assigned to do it in emergencies.”

“And yet, I had to do it multiple times in a five year period.”

“Well, you’re the exception to the rule.” He motions to the door. “We need to get back to the party or people will start looking for us. It’s best if we’re not seen together, so I’ll go first.”

I stand there in a state of disbelief. “I can’t believe they’re doing this. There’s no need to. You’re a fellow member. I should be allowed to talk to you.”

“I don’t make the rules, Pearce.”

I nod. “Yes. I know.”

“This might be our goodbye so…” He gives me a hug. “I love ya, kid. I wish you the best.” He steps back, his hand on my shoulder as he looks me in the eye. “Don’t let those bastards intimidate you, especially your father. And don’t ever forget what I told you. You are not defined by what they make you do. You’re a good man, Pearce. Always remember that.” He smiles slightly but it’s strained. “Goodbye, Pearce.” He walks around me and out of the room.

I remain there, feeling like someone just punched the life out of me. I lost Jack. For good. I can’t talk to him. I can’t see him. I feel like I’m mourning his death. I need Jack. He’s the one person I can talk to about Dunamis. He’s the only member I trust. And now he’s gone and I have no one.

I’m sure my father is behind this. He takes away everything I want. Everything I need. Everything that makes me happy. He’s even trying to take Garret from me. But I won’t let him. I’m getting Garret out of this. I don’t know how, but I’m going to do it.

I wish Garret wasn’t here tonight. I don’t want him around these people. I tried to talk Rachel into letting Garret stay with one of our neighbors, but she wanted to take him with us in case we’re out late. But it makes me nervous having him here.

“Pearce.” Royce walks in with a blond woman on his arm. “What are you doing in here?”

“I wasn’t feeling well. I wanted to sit down for a moment.”

He lets go of the woman. “Go wait in the room down the hall. I’ll be there shortly.”

She leaves and Royce closes the door.

“You’re cheating on Victoria in your own house?” I ask.

He shrugs. “She knows I cheat. It isn’t a secret.”

“Yes, but your daughters could catch you.”

“They’re off playing in the children’s room. They’ll never find me.” He walks over to where I’m standing. “Speaking of the children, did you talk to Sadie?”

“No. I haven’t seen her.”

“I’ve been teaching her how to give speeches.” He smiles proudly. “She’s becoming quite the eloquent speaker. She might end up being a politician someday. Just like her father.”

Royce has come to enjoy having daughters, which is good because he now has three of them. He’s more involved in his children’s lives than I ever thought he would be. He takes them on trips and out on his sailboat. Those three little girls really softened him up. Unfortunately, when they’re not around, he’s back to his usual self.