Page 117 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“Alright.”

Out the window of the Escalade, I watched as the city passed me by. Its beauty was undeniable. The peace was unobtainable anywhere else.

“Hmph.”

I kissed the skin of my teeth with a shake of my head. The presence of four Perry motherfuckers had threatened the peace and the beauty of the city. I’d known it since the first mention of them crossing state lines. Boldly and stupidly, after three months in town, they’d set up shop in territory that was claimed.

The Triad of Ara covered every inch of the city, in every direction, in every dimension. No grounds were unclaimed. They’d learned it the hard way. And unfortunately, it would be the last lesson they learned.

Rugger wouldn’t leave a single trace of their existence and would walk away from the warehouse as if nothing had ever happened. Because, to her, nothing would have. She’d return to her lab and obsess over something seemingly insignificant to others but was a key component for her next mission.

Thirty-two minutes and we were through the gates of my father’s home. Upon arrival, I exited the vehicle and climbed the steps where the staff greeted me. Beyond the entryway was Rhea, waiting to usher me down the hallway and into whatever room my father was in.

“Good evening, son.”

“Good evening.”

I pulled her into my arms and released her shortly after. She made a fool of time. Made me wonder if it was even a true concept or if it was truly passing us by. She hadn’t aged more than a few years since I’d met her. She was still flawless.

“Don’t you look fancy. Headed anywhere special?”

“Not exactly. Just left Rather.”

“Is that why you’re still wearing a mug?”

“Am I?”

“You are.”

Suddenly, I could feel the contortion of my face. I relaxed the muscles, hoping I resolved the crinkles and creases that revealed where I was mentally.

“That’s better.”

Because their home was massive, there was a chance he could be in one of fifteen spaces. To narrow my search and save me the headache, Rhea showed me to the great room where he was.

“Wasn’t expecting you so soon.”

“Rather canceled.”

“She’ll have her hands full tonight.”

“That’s why I’m here.”

“Well, then, have a seat. Are you hungry? I can hav?—”

“I’m fine. I’ll have something when I leave.”

My father lifted his glass and pointed in my direction. Veronica rushed to his side to retrieve it. The brown liquid inside was low. I observed closely as she refilled it and poured some into a glass for me. Trust was a word I rarely used and hardly believed. It didn’t matter Veronica had been staffed eight years ago and showed unwavering love toward the family.

At any moment, that could all change. When it did, I didn’t want to be blindsided. That went for her and anyone else around us. She handed us both our glasses and stood off to the side, waiting for more instructions.

“What’s on your mind, Richie?” I sipped, letting the liquid burn my throat as it trickled down.

“I was going to ask you the same. There’s been a notable shift, son. I don’t know if I should be worried, yet, but I’ll let you decide by what you reveal today.”

“A shift?”

“Yes. A disconnect of some kind. One that hasn’t hindered business in any capacity, but I’m more than a mentor and chairman of The Triad. I’m your father. That’s who you’re speaking with right now.”

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