Page 8 of Claiming Becca

I scoff. “We all just got shot at,” I state the obvious. Focusing on her pettiness is easier than focusing on what just happened.

“Yeah, well, you’re used to this. I’m not.” I turn on her and glare. She’s a few inches taller than me, but takes a step back.

“You are a horrible person,” I grind out. Her eyes widen. “I promise if Bass winds up walking down the aisle with your sorry ass, I will be the first person to speak up when the minister asks if anyone doesn’t agree with the union.”

She covers her mouth with her hand that’s shaking slightly, but I turn away from her. Looking around, I check to see if anyone is injured. Sirens are close, and I’m getting worried about Connor and Bass. Laura stumbles out of her shop, so I run toward her. When she sees me, relief washes over her face. Other shop owners are beginning to come out to check the damage. I notice Angela catching up, but ignore her.

“I wanted to make sure you were alright,” she says when I get close. “Is everyone else okay?” she asks. I nod, turning to look at her storefront. A whoosh of breath leaves me at seeing the damage. She begins to cry, and I hold her close.

“It’s ruined,” she cries out.

I hold her even tighter. “Connor will fix it,” I promise her. I hear someone running toward us and turn to see Connor and Bass. Connor stops beside us while Bass wraps his arm around Angela.

“Are you alright, Laura?” Connor asks.

She motions to her store. There’s glass everywhere. We glance down the sidewalk and watch as more people gather on the sidewalk. All of them are in shock, and many are as upset as Laura. Connor takes his baseball cap off and runs his hands through his hair.

“I’ll go get supplies and help you all board up the windows for tonight, then I’ll be back tomorrow to help fix everything,” Connor says.

Laura looks at him with hope on her face. “Really?” she asks.

He nods. “Yes. I’m sick of this. He isn’t going to get away with this!” he exclaims.

An older gentleman walks up, looking distraught. “This is my fault,” he whispers.

Laura steps up to him. “What do you mean, Harold? How is this your fault?”

“I’m behind on my payments.” He wrings his hands as his eyes dart around.

“He dropped by earlier this week and told me there would be consequences if I didn’t pay by midnight last night,” he says. My mouth drops open.

“What?” Connor, Bass, and I ask at the same time. I look at Laura, and her mouth is set into a thin line.

“What do you mean you couldn’t pay him?” Connor asks. Harold swallows, looking at Laura.

She sighs and pats his hand. “It’s alright, Harold.” She turns to us. “Donovan owns this block. He makes us pay him five hundred dollars a week. If we don’t, he says he’ll ruin us like he’s ruined every other neighborhood on the outskirts. He says we survive because he only allows criminals to be on certain streets. His doing this today tells us we’re ruined, and the criminals have free rein now,” Laura explains. I cover my mouth with my hand.

“Like hell he does,” Connor replies in a deadly whisper. He looks around at everyone who is now gathered around us.

“Let me tell you, Donovan Castiel only has the power we give him. So, let’s take it back. Let’s rebuild this neighborhood, go into his streets, and take it back. It belonged to us first. He’s an outsider. Let’s show him he’s no longer welcome.” People begin nodding. “I’ll work day and night if I have to, but he’s through!” Connor exclaims. “If anyone needs a job or knows someone who needs a job, send them to me.”

A younger guy who’s been leaning against the building steps forward. “I’ll work for you.” He waves his hand. Connor steps forward and shakes his hand.

Harold steps forward. “Dean—” His voice is full of fear.

Dean shakes his head. “Grandpa, I’m sick of this. We have to do something,” he states. Harold sucks in a shaky breath, but nods. A few other men step forward, all of them about my age.

I stand in awe as Connor begins to explain what needs to be done. He’s a natural-born leader, and I have no doubt he’ll be able to do precisely what he’s set his mind to do.

“If you don’t have experience, I’ll teach you,” he tells them all. It’s amazing how the atmosphere has changed from fear to hope in a span of a few moments. I gaze at Connor in his element. He will change this town, and I will watch him do it.

CHAPTER FOUR

CONNOR

Four Years Ago

I’ve been waiting for this day all year. There’s another name on the ballot besides Ethan Burton for the first time in years. Julian and his partner, Brooks, visited the town to help watch the polls. To help stop Donovan and his men from intimidating people to vote for his guy.

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