Page 21 of Whiskey's Redemption

Carli

Kato left me standing like a statue in the middle of the boarding area with the weight of my sisters’ lives in my hands. I was born into this just like them, but I’m firstborn. I know what it means. I know what it means to my life, and how everything I’ve avoided for years will become my new norm. This is not what I had in mind when I started this week. Now I have five days to decide, or leave them to this fate—or lack of fate—dangling by a knife’s edge.

“Miss? Is everything okay?”

I’ve been hiding in the first-class bathroom of the plane for almost three hours. “I’m fine. I’ll be out shortly.” Well, as soon as I fix the runny mascara that’s streaming down my face.

Sniffling slightly, I wipe my dangerous thoughts away, hoping I look at least presentable when I exit the tiny cupboard. Checking my reflection a few more times, the reminder of who I am peeks out under my thin, shoulder cuff shirt. Pulling it back reveals the meticulous design, and I stare. The perfection of it—the flaws of the ink, the intricate loops, lines, and colors—all signs of the position I’m being forced into. The dragon awakens.

When I was young, I knew what the life entailed and what the world around me expected in regimented performance. The traditional requirements of it when I became of age caused me to run. The fight to rebel as I saw the dirtier side of it became a strong component as to why I left my family behind. My sisters. I left Kano and Miori to deal withthis.

There’s a tap on the door again. “Miss, we really need you to exit.”

“Coming,” I say, unlocking the door.

Stepping out, the stewardess’ shocked expression reflects my own. “That bad, huh?”

Closing her mouth, she gives me a tight grin. “It’s that bad a day?”

“Couldn’t get better.” Why am I clearing my soul to an unknown woman?

“How about a couple mini bottles on me?” She hands over two small bottles of whiskey, and unbeknownst to her, she’s brightened my day.

“Thanks, but I’m okay. I’ve already had my fill ofWhiskeytoday.”

She takes them back and pockets them. “Can you get back to your seat then, please, Miss? We’re about to land.”

Nodding, I make my way back to the seat, reveling in the reminder of Mr. Crown and his apt nickname. I really didn’t think the gruff, growly, grouchy Hercules knew how to be such a sweet person. I was amazed and thrilled to see how gentle a person he could be. Watching him eat like a rabbit, his manners were unexpectedly perfect, and there was not one qualm about eating something that wouldn’t fill a toddler.

Plus, he didn’t make a move on me. He wanted to know me, to give him a piece of the one thing I can’t. No one knows me, and it’s in their best interests. I can’t tell them why. I can’t give them what they want, and I hate that I’m so hidden all the time. There are times I want to. Even the governor doesn’t know me. Fake ID, a great backstory that prompts no questions, and no interaction that would be questionable.

“We will be landing shortly. Please, upright all trays and seats. Thank you for flying with us today, and we wish you a lovely day in Indianapolis.” The announcement chimes, pulling me from my musings. Shaking the final touches of my ‘poor me’ attitude away, I attach my seatbelt and prepare for the decent, plastering on that ‘fuck you world’ mask I wear so well.

Jamieson

Plastered on the front page of the paper,Cop A Feelblasts my little sister with horrible publicity once more.Shesaid she could handle the Crown and Anchor fundraiser. She said“No worries. I got this James.”No, she didn’t.

The day before her arraignment and she’s on the front page ofThe Timeswith a cop’s slick hands riding up her leg.Fuck, Doll!

Dialing one of her friends, she picks up on the second ring. “Well hello, gorgeous. How’s the day so far?”

Harlow. Why did I think it was a good idea to call her? “Hi, Harlow. Don’t bullshit me. How is she?”

As the line is quiet for a moment longer than I’d like, she clears her throat. “Not good. Last night was a shit show. CD broke. You’ve seen the paper I assume?”

“Yeah. That about sums it up.” Reading the front page isn’t the worst of what China will have to deal with, but there’s not much I can do to fix something like this for her. I wish I could.

I may not have been around a great deal as she grew up, but I always kept tabs on her and Wyatt through Cassidy and Ciccero. I wasn’t a total heartless creep. I wanted to keep them at a distance as I felt it was best for them, but they’re still my family and they’re important to me.

“Tell me what happened, Har. I’m keeping Wyatt out of it, but I need to know what she’s up against.” Pacing my hotel room, I’m in a state of half-dressed distress. Tossing on a shirt, preparing for the meeting I have in a bit, I listen to her drone on about the whole affair. From her outfit blunder, to the collapse on stage, to the crazy ‘cop a feel’on the front page. I’m blown away by it all. I can’t believe the shit my little sister can find herself in.

Fucking Doll.

“Thanks, Har. Let me know what happens at court, okay?”

“I thought you were coming?” Fuck yeah, I was.

“Sorry, can’t. Wish I could, Har, but…” I don’t want to tell her I have to go see the lawyers at the same damn time. It’ll cause China further stress, and it doesn’t seem like she’s taking stress well. “Take care of her.”

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