Page 2 of Light in Your Eyes
I don't know the details of Dad's job, but I know for sure that he makes a lot of money. He's the founder of an organization.
Dad rushes downstairs, catching Mom's attention. He's dressed in casual attire and wearing his black jacket, which is a good thing. He usually wears his suit before going to a negotiation, so it means that he's not going to work today.
Mom looks pleased with the sight, a sign that Dad is going to come with us to watch Jaxon's karate match.
"Have you finished your breakfast?" Dad greets me and Inez when he arrives downstairs. His gaze then darts to the TV. "Look there," he speaks to us in a fatherly tone. "Look at those guys over there trafficking drugs. They're the bad guys. Our job is to not become like them. Our job is to put them in their place. Understood?"
Inez and I nod in understanding. While Mom always tries to not contaminate us with all things evil, Dad prefers to show us both sides—the good and the evil—while making sure to guide us to choose the right path.
"Magnus." Fenrir stands up from the couch and strides toward Dad's office. "Can we talk for a while?" he asks in a serious tone.
Dad stays on his spot while Mom shakes her head in disagreement.
"Please not now," Mom begs. "He's waiting."
Judging from the way Fenrir spoke, he and Dad are going to discuss important work. And they always take a long time when they talk about work.
"Magnus," Fenrir calls, already inside Dad's office with the door wide open for him to follow. "It's about the case you asked about yesterday."
Magnus is not Dad's real name, and I heard that Fenrir isn't his real name. I don't know why they use all those fake names.
Dad sighs and gives Mom an apologetic look. "Please give me a moment. It won't take long. I promise."
Mom watches in disbelief as Dad enters his office and closes the door behind him. She sighs in frustration and takes a seat beside Inez. She caresses Inez's hair, telling us to be patient while waiting for Dad to finish the discussion with Fenrir.
Only a minute passes after the door is closed, but the next thing we hear is them shouting at each other. I can't hear the words clearly, but it's obvious that both of them are furious.
I even think that they're going to kill each other because I can hear the sound of the furniture inside the room being toppled and crashed. I just hope that I won't hear any gunshots.
Inez jumps in her seat every time a loud voice reaches her ears.
"Come on," Mom says, helping Inez stand up. Her eyes are telling me to do the same.
I follow suit, heading toward the car, which is already waiting for us in the driveway. Mom opens the door for meand Inez to sit at the back. Our driver, Tristan, is already behind the wheel.
But Mom doesn't get into the car. Instead, she walks a few steps away and pulls out a cigarette with her shaking hand. She always edges away when she's nervous, as though she doesn't want us to see such weakness.
No matter how hard she tries to hide it, I know it when she is scared. I know it when she's feeling sad, when she's in pain.
I shift my attention to Inez, who's shaking beside me. "Will Dad be okay?" she stutters.
I put my palms on her shoulders, trying to calm her. She looks up at me with her big emerald eyes. They're filled with tears and fear.
I hate to see Inez cry. I hate to see Mom cry. I want to learn martial arts like Jaxon does so that I can protect them too when someone tries to harm them.
"Of course, he'll be okay," I say, believing in my own words.
I haven't seen any other man as strong as Dad. That's why he's been the leader of this organization. Fenrir might be his advisor, but Dad is called the destroyer. No one gets in his way.
However, I can see that Inez is still afraid, so I decide to distract her mind.
"Let's play Sticks," I say, starting with one finger out on each of my hands.
Inez stares at me, probably still debating if she wants to play this finger-counting game with me.
"Come on." I smirk.
She sighs, pulling one finger out of each hand.
