Page 67 of Creed

Momma bear? Who else smelled bullshit?

Morgan nodded. “I heard you gave a few phone interviews about what happened.” Morgan said, which I hadn’t heard that tidbit.

“Of course I did, sweetheart. You’re like a daughter to me and I had to step in and ask the media to respect your privacy.”

My mother…A tall blond with beautiful eyes that just happened to be the worst of the worst in Hollywood. Proof of that came when she stood by her oldest son and didn’t know him as anything more than a stranger.

“Jonathan couldn’t be here, but he sends all his love.” Nicole continued.

“I would have more to say, Nicole, but there’s an entire line of people behind you that actually knew Callie.” Morgan deadpanned.

That was when I saw a hand grab on to Nicole’s arm with force and no other than Jake Meadows stood behind her. He leaned in to her ear. “What the fuck are you doing here, Nicole? Get the hell out of here, now.” He whispered in a growl.

Nicole rolled her eyes. “Oh, my darling nephew. Always such a ray of sunshine.” She fake giggled.

“Come on, you have no business being here.” Jake pulled her away quietly, trying not to cause a scene, but her eyes met mine and she paused.

“Alis?”

Jake stopped and looked at me, then to Nicole, then to Morgan. “Surprise.” Morgan whispered.

“Oh, my sweet boy!” Nicole lunged at me, but Morgan stopped her.

“Do not touch him. Not now and not here.” Morgan stood tall.

“Oh my God, Alis…you mean my cousin Alis?” Jake asked Morgan.

“Jake, its Creed, and do you mind not now…” She looked at the people around us. “Maybe not here?” She asked.

He gave her a nod as he still had a grip on Nicole’s arm. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. I have some trash to take out.” He gave us both a wink and Nicole gasped. He then looked at me and stuck out his free hand. I reluctantly shook it. “Alis, dude, it’s a fucking pleasure. I will be back.” He let go of my hand and pulled Nicole out of the parlor.

“I have never been treated so poorly. That man is my son!” Nicole protested. She complained until she was out of earshot. Thankfully she wasn’t screaming it for everyone to hear and finally walked away with Jake.

Morgan turned her head and looked up at me. “I am so sorry.”

I bent down and kissed her temple. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just sorry she crashed Callie’s visitation.” I whispered.

“Don’t ever apologize for that woman. You didn’t bring her here.” She leaned her head against my chest and stayed that way for a moment until she had to greet the next person.

Then I saw Kenny and Allison. They knew me the moment they saw me, and Kenny tilted his head in confusion before he even made it to give his respects. Morgan hugged both of them then Kenny shook my hand and patted my arm. “Its good to see you again, nephew. I hope we get a chance to talk later.”

I nodded. “You’re on the guest list for the wake.” They walked away without causing any kind of scene and the next person walked up to greet Morgan.

It wasn’t long when Drakos spoke up in my ear. “Creed, there’s some crazy bitch out here claiming to be your mother.”

I silently groaned and turned away from everyone and spoke softly. “That’s because that crazy bitch is my mother. Tell her to leave and I will contact her tomorrow. If she doesn’t leave now, I will not be calling her at all.”

“No shit? Damn, 10-4.”

I turned back around, and Morgan tilted her head. “Its fine. All is good outside.” It really wasn’t a lie.

Morgan was becoming exhausted. More people came just to meet her than give their respects and she tried to be kind, but I got Mr. Rhys attention and told him we needed to cut it short and start the services. The doors to the outside were locked and everyone inside in the line were allowed to give their respects then exit the building.

Drakos spoke up once again. “Sniper is out here demanding to be allowed inside. He’s causing a scene. What do you want me to do?”

I stiffened. “Let me check with Morgan.”

I pulled Morgan off to the side. “Sniper is outside. We haven’t had much luck finding him, but he showed up here and he wants to pay his respects. I can allow him in alone and have him searched. This might be our last chance to finally arrange a meeting. What do you want me to do? I don’t think he will do anything here.”

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