Page 12 of Jagged Edges

“I told you many months ago when your certainty faltered that it would only take one encounter from a special someone to cut the cords of your operation. A woman. The missing piece to your puzzle. Who is she?”

Brisk. Her name is Brisk and she’s beautiful,I wanted to offer, but settled with, “I don’t know, yet, but I’m hoping to find out so much more sooner much rather than later.”

“And, you shall,” he confirmed, proudly, “You’re a Manson.”

“And, she’s a dream.”

“Then, you should have her. Only the best for my boy,” he assured me, placing an arm over my shoulder and forcing me in the direction of the corner bar in his office.

He no longer indulged, per my mother’s wishes after his cancer diagnosis. However, his stash never fell short of gloriousness. Every type of liquor you could name was chilled and ready to be served at any given moment. The fresh bottle of Hennesey soothed my soul when revealed. With a splash of natural peach lemonade, my father mixed my favorite drink to his liking right before my eyes.

“I have a feeling you’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Prepare to see your mother before the month has ended. I will give you both some time, but don’t leave Channing without this meeting happening or I’ll have your ass.”

“Yes, sir.” I nodded.

“Now, let’s talk about your plans for early retirement. Should I be contacting Niko to make sure he doesn’t want the thunder I’m willing to bring if he doesn’t let you walk?”

“Niko knows. I sent the words this morning after brunch.”

“With Trinity?”

“Yes.” I didn’t bother asking how he knew. He knew it all. I was almost certain that he knew I’d be visiting Channing the minute I booked the flight.

“Good. How was her party?”

“It wasTrinity-like.”

“Enough said. I hope she was gifted well. Your mother and I had some things delivered that she claims to love but… it’s Trinity. You can only hope she’s truthful.”

“You’ll know it because if she loves it, you won’t be able to get her out of it.”

“True.”

“You raised a monster, which is why I laced her account just in case she hated the bag I got her.”

“Smart choice. Money has always been her favorite.”

“Isn’t it everyone’s?”

“Not fools. They say money can’t buy you happiness, but I sure as hell beg the difference.”

“I’m with you on that one,” I agreed, taking a sip of my drink.

“I’m headed home, son. You know the code. Lock up when you leave.”

“You can lock up behind us. I’m leaving now,” I informed him, tossing back the remainder of my drink.

“Are you?” He asked, sarcastically.

“Yeah. I’ll check out the new talent another day. I’m exhausted.”

“Dishonesty was never your thing,” he chuckled.

“Dishonesty?”

“Yeah. You’re far from tired, son. You’re uninterested tonight, but for good reason,” he called my bluff. “Let’s go.”

I hadn’t considered my disinterest in the scene until it was recognized by my father. He’d always read through me like a book and tonight wasn’t much different from any other time he’d done so. However, his spot on revelation was even news to me.

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