Page 2 of Mafia and Gold Digger

The word is a big neon sign flashing in my head.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I can do this. Ihaveto do this. There’s no other option. The money I’m getting from this is enough to prevent homelessness for the next month. And losing our home is not a reality I’m willing to put my siblings through. They deserve so much more, and I’m going to make damn sure I give it to them.

We never stood a chance with a liar for a father. One thing’s for sure; I’llneverfall for a man who lies. I’ve seen firsthand the damage and irreparable fallout that lies cause. They can never serve as a solid foundation for anything good—because lies are nothing but flimsy pillars that’ll always cause the volatile elements in your life to come tumbling down like a collapsing house of cards.

My hand squeezes into a fist around the strap of my bag, and I take another steadying breath before walking again.

Twenty minutes ago in Ronnie’s office, I’d been given the bag, heavy with the weapons inside. Together with an address, a time, and a warning not to get fucking caught.

I lick my lips. I’m two streets away from the location. And then I see a cop car.

Oh God.

Swallowing against the knot in my throat, I try to look nonchalant. I don’t hurry my step despite all the warnings screaming inside my head.

My pulse thrashes against my neck. My grip on the bag tightens, fingers slick with sweat.

The cruiser inches closer. Its tires crunch against the road. And it crawls to a stop beside me.

A shadow moves inside.

Then—whoop! The siren blares.

Every muscle in my body locks.

Please, no…

The cops rush out of their car.

I screw my eyes shut.

“You’re under arrest!”

And I feel thewhooshof cold air as they rush toward me.

Cringing, I wait for their hands to grab me.

And wait some more…

Before cracking one eyelid open a millimeter.

And darting a feverish glance around myself, I see a kid in a dark hoodie a few steps away who’s being cuffed.

My mouth drops open.

I snap it shut again and drop my gaze to the ground just in case they see me gawking and start to get curious.

I’m just an innocent bystander. Okay, maybe not so innocent. But I’m not the one they’re after today.

I yank my hood down quickly to blend in with the other bodies milling about the place. People all on their way to goodness knows where. But as far as the cops are concerned, I’m just another black-haired girl in a sea of ravens, brunettes, and blonds.

As I hurry on, I can’t help my eyes darting back to the officers, my hand tightening on the bag as I hold it to my side. What’s the charge for carrying weapons without a permit? The stolen, illegal kind of guns. I don’t know the answer to that, and I’m sure as hell not about to find out.

Being arrested right now is the last thing I can cope with. My siblings count on me, and spending a night in holding or worse is just not part of the plan. With a shaky breath, I relax my body.Focus, Em.

I arrive at the location. Skidding to a halt, I watch wide-eyed as two more cops stand outside the door I’m supposed to be dropping at.

Crap.

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