Page 42 of Lane

He was efficient in his measurements, making conversation as he did so. “Alton and Raiden, huh?”

“You’re as subtle as Jordan.” Which was not at all. Jordan didn’t even attempt to be so.

“Why avoid the topic? I’m curious and want to know what’s going on.” At least he was honest.

“We’re together, not seeing anyone else.” The whole living situation was a challenge. It was another way Alton didn’t feel like he belonged, but we’d work it out.

Jordan’s building was the first home I felt comfortable in since… well… forever. Alton’s was even more so, but we couldn’t stay there. Raiden had to be near Jordan in case he needed him. Plus, if I was working for Jordan, I had to be as well.

“You’ll get to where you’re meant to be. For what it’s worth, I’m happy for all of you. Raiden’s smiling more. At least he was until you got shot. Let’s just say I didn’t handle that well and took the brunt of my anger out on Jordan. Not my finest moment, but he took it in stride.” I had to remember I had family who cared about me. Ones who would be upset if I was seriously hurt. With my mom gone, I forgot what that was like.

“I’m sorry. I should have called and told you I was okay. You and Forest.”

“Stop. That’s not why I said it. Jordan kept me updated. I meant I’m happy when those I care about are too.” He smiled up at me as he finished his measurements and stood. “There. All done.”

I reached for him, embracing him tightly. “Thank you for caring.”

His arms came around me. “You don’t have to thank me for that. I’m glad you’re here, Lane. Forest and I both are.”

My eyes became misty, but I did my best to blink the emotion away. They were happy tears.

“Why do I always miss everything?” I heard from behind me.

Turning, I found Forest in the doorway. “You wanted to be here while your brother felt me up?”

“Oh my god! I didn’t do that!” Hartley yelled.

I couldn’t hold in my laugh. “You’re so easy.”

He shoved my shoulder, causing me to stumble back a step. Damn leg.

He gasped. “I’m sorry.” Then he was hugging me again.

I reached my arm out for Forest. “Get in here and hug your uncle.”

Forest came forward, a smile teasing the corner of his lips. He let me pull him into our hug—our family hug. I could get used to this. These men were my blood. Downstairs and in another part of East Dremest were two other men who were filling the space in my chest.

I’d never considered myself a blessed person, quite the opposite. I’d wondered what I did to deserve the hell I’d been put through. It led me to where I currently stood though. My path wasn’t easy and, at times, I didn’t know how I went on. But I came out on top in the end. That was all that mattered.

17

RAIDEN

A week had passed since we returned from spending the weekend with Alton. In that week, Hartley had made two outfits for Lane, with more on the way. He said slacks and a top were easier than a full suit. Jordan didn’t tell him to put a rush on it, but Hartley would always put his partners first.

Lane had spent almost every day shadowing Jordan where it pertained to his illegal endeavors. This was a chance for Jordan to show Lane how he conducted business. There was no one who handled things like Jordan.

This morning, when I showed up to take my post in Jordan’s home and be with him for the day, Vincent was there so I knew right away he either needed both of us, or I was doing something else.

“Have a seat,” Jordan said when I entered his office.

I sat in the chair on the opposite side of his desk, waiting, trying not to fidget. Jordan was intimidating on a good day. I didn’t forget how lethal he was.

“I have a new assignment for you, if you accept it that is,” he began. “Lane is smart, smarter than I gave him credit for. It wasn’t that I thought he couldn’t handle working for me. More like I knew the damage his piece of shit family did to him. Thispast week, he’s picked up a lot quickly. I’ve put him through numerous tests.” He didn’t need to remind me of what they were. I was there for them.

On Tuesday, Jordan went to the home of a buyer who was late on their payment. A few fingers were cut off before half the money was handed over with the promise of the remainder in three days. Lane cut off one of those digits.

Wednesday brought the delivery of a drug dealer who wasn’t from around here but thought there was potential in trying to sell in our city. There was a reason East Dremest didn’t have dealers. Barrett took that asshole to one of the warehouses after a tip he got from a business owner. Jordan questioned him. Lane slowly killed him. Messages had to be sent, or more would come here to attempt to do the same.

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