Page 42 of Broken

I don’t want to tug on that rope. Nero has left me alone since I finished the surveillance job for him.

Phoenix will tell me in his own time. Foregoing the bike, because it’s another hot day, I decide to walk over to Highlandtown to clear my head. The Art District is one of the best places in the city to get creative supplies and I’m running low on charcoal, and can get some sketch pads.

I take my time browsing the shops, picking up more than I intended. A regular client owns one of the local bars, so I dip in and catch up, grabbing a drink with her and her girlfriend. It’s been an age since I did something like this, at my own pace, around people I enjoy catching up with.

Eastern Avenue leads me toward Patterson Park, and I contemplate heading to the Observatory building, but it’s on the opposite side of the park to where I want to be.

My phone buzzes as I wander the outer path of the park, away from the tourists and families enjoying the weather.

Phoenix:

Nero wanted to see me

Garrett:

For what?

Phoenix:

To catch up. You know he doesn’t like leaving his little island

Garrett:

Trouble?

Phoenix:

If you mean Darla, no. Nero kicked her out last week

Garrett:

Good

Phoenix:

Mom was there

Fuck. So that is why he is in a dark mood. And why he made time to go out to Locust Point. But fuck, there is only ever one reason his mom hangs around the clubhouse.

That shit irritates the hell out of me. Why the hell does Nero let her keep coming back? If it’s a way to keep Phoenix tied to the club, it’s downright shitty.

Nero is adamant his baby brother won’t join up, which doesn’t mean he wants him out from under his thumb. Things probably got ugly if Kate was around looking for a guy.

Garrett:

You need to ride?

Phoenix:

Nah, this tattoo straightened shit out. I’m good. Where are you?

Garrett:

Patterson Park

Phoenix:

lol. Enjoying a stroll, old man?

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