Page 21 of Reclaim

Thankfully Sasha’s mum was supportive and helpful every step of the way. My mum? She told me I wasn’t a man or a father unless I paid for my family’s roof, food, and bills. So, I did whatever I had to do to get the fuck out of her house and show her I was a good man and a good father. There wasn’t room for an accidental pregnancy in my mum’s world, and empathy wasn’t her strong suit.

Hendrix was hurt. Unintentionally, our actions broke his heart. Whether he talks to me or not, there are other ways I can look out for him. And I can’t let him be associated with George or any of his low-life friends. Drix’s safety is still my priority.

“He’ll come around, I promise.”

“I can’t think about it anymore. It hurts too much,” she sighs. “I’m going to have a hot shower.”

“Okay, I’ve got some shit to do, but I’ll see you in the morning.”

Sasha walks into the bathroom, and I swing my bedroom door open. Reality hits me smack bang in the face when I see my bed covered in illegal drugs and weapons. I’m reminded of the job I started before Sasha got home. Scattered all over the bed are bags of pills, sadie’s of cocaine, and three guns.

What the fuck have you agreed to, Jagger?

George came over to remind me I sold myself to the devil, and unless my family and I wanted to be out on the streets, I would hide it all here until he came back for it. It started off as small quantities, but this amount and the guns are more than I bargained for. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I turn my back on my mess and bury my head in my hands. I think of how much money I’ve saved working at The Club, and I tell myself it’s only another six to eight months more.

Sliding the built-in wardrobe door open, I begin to clear out the highest shelf hoping if I bury them far enough, Sasha won’t stumble across them.

I hear my mobile phone ring, and step out, then into the kitchen to grab it. Surprised to see Hendrix’s name flash on the screen, I quickly press answer and hold it to my ear. “Hey.”

“Hey. I just bumped into George down on Queen Street.”

“And?” I try my hardest not to appear skittish or guilty.

“Don’t play fucking dumb, I thought you said he was going to give you a job at The Club, none of this other bullshit I hear him talking about.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You know I’m working down at The Club almost every fucking night.”

“It’s your life, Jagger, but don’t fucking put Sasha and Dakota in danger.”

“What, now you want to give a fuck?” I taunt. “You won’t even look at her.”

“Fuck you.” Anger is the only way you’ll ever get the truth out of Hendrix. “Oh wait, that’s what she did. Had sex with my brother while I was there waiting for her to notice me like a dumb cunt.”

I imagine him biting his fist, annoyed that he even let this much slip.

“You know how that went down.” I steady my voice and try to calm him down.

“Whatever. This isn’t what I called you for. Just be fucking careful. I’ve got a bad feeling about him.”

No sooner than the forewarning leaves his mouth, a penetrating boom bounces throughout the house. The phone drops from my hand, and my legs move at their own volition. My feet pound against the floorboards, racing to find cause of the sound.

In four large strides, I meet Dakota’s wail of pain along with Sasha’s bloodcurdling scream.

“No. No. No. No.” I mutter. Walking further into the room, I drop to my knees next to Dakota’s bloodied body. I watch her wither in pain and am paralysed with fear. Do I touch her? Will I make it worse?

Fists swing into my back as my mind tries to process what the hell just happened.

“What did you do?” Sasha howls. With unparalleled strength she pushes my body to the side, and picks up our baby girl. “How could you let this happen?” she yells.

Walking her out and into the lounge room, I quickly follow. Unable to think, move or make any decisions on my own.

Sasha is hysterical, but I’m frozen.

This is all my fault

“Snap the fuck out of it Jagger! She’s going to bleed out. Call the fucking ambulance!”

I run back to Sasha’s room and grab her mobile now that mine’s broken. I dial triple 0 and wait for a voice to come through.

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