Page 13 of Easy Out

“What do you mean no?”

“I don’t want you working there.”

“Well, Dad. That’s too bad. I need the money.“ Our crew needs the money. Doesn’t he realize that? If I can make good money at Ray’s, I can quit teaching at the Academy.

I knew I wouldn’t win. As soon as Killer told me he wasn’t sharing his cut, it was game over. Clearly, he paid off or promised the judges something.

“We aren’t that desperate, Lo. Don’t be stupid. That place isn’t for you.”

Not that desperate? I’m that desperate. I was going to call Ray either way. Textbooks set me back more than I expected. They ate through my savings from summer, making me short of what I’m usually at for the beginning of the semester.

“I’m calling him.” Carter flattens his lips, and his hands curl at his side.

“We can do more battles.” I scoff at his ridiculous suggestion. He can’t be serious.

“Why? So, they can cheat us out of that win too? I earned it tonight, and you know it!” I push a pointed finger into his chest.

“Calm down, Lo.” Carter’s eyes slide to his right as a group of guys walk by.

“Calm down, he says,” I mutter. “I can’t calm down. I’m angry! What are you going to do about Killer?”

“He’s on his own now. He made his choice. Killer made it known he wanted out.”

“And that’s why we can’t battle here. He’s going to keep paying people off. There’s no point. He’s got people in his back pocket somehow. I don’t want to do it anymore. I need to focus on school.”

“And you can do that while you work over at Ray’s place?” He raises a questioning eyebrow at me. I want to smack him. I want to tell him to stop treating me like a kid.

Carter may run the crew, but he doesn’t run me.

“Yes. Don’t worry about me.”

“That’s all I seem to do lately.”

“I didn’t ask you to.”

“You stepped into my world. You should have kept to yourself if you didn’t want me in your business.” Carter’s words make my blood run cold. Keep your eyes on the ground. Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t cause trouble. The words have been drilled into me every day growing up.

“I don’t want to fight with you. I’m tired.” I also need to get out of here and back to the dorms. There are too many people lurking in the parking lot.

It’s an eerie feeling being watched like this.

“Yeah, okay. You still meeting up with Los, Cash, and everybody on Tuesday?” I nod. “I’ll make sure they get there.”

“Thanks.”

“Text me when you get home.” He looks around at the mingling crowd, gives me a slight nod, and walks away between a row of cars.

I reacclimate myself with the parking lot and set a quick pace toward my car. Navigating the parking lot is just as bad as inside the club. You have to deal with clusters of people and dodging cars that are backing out of parking spots.

Behind me, I hear the familiar sound of feet shuffling and a low timber of taunting voices. I don’t dare turn around. That is the beginning of a fight, and I want nothing to do with it.

I slide into the driver’s seat of my Civic and throw my bag into the backseat. I rip my hat off and toss it back there too. After reworking my hair into a top knot, I check my phone before starting the engine. Sydney has already texted me.

SYD

Where are you? Are you okay?

Me

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