Page 95 of Rhet

“I made him. A mother knows.” She sips the coffee.

I stay silent because what exactly am I supposed to say? Oh really? Yay because even though he’s the devil reincarnate somedays; I like him too. I may be betraying him for my family, but yes, I like him a lot.

Nope. My lips are sealed.

She takes up the spoon and stirs her coffee. She looks down into the blackness as she talks. “They’re hard men to love. Banner men take and take and take. Until you have nothing left.”

She raises her head and stares at me. “Don’t let him do that to you. It will leave you empty and bitter.”

I nod, because what the hell else am I supposed to do?

“Well, all Banner men except Trent. He was the best of us.” She takes in a breath as if she’s trying to stead herself. “Not like his dad.”

“A racist and a bigot?” I bite my cheek because I call her husband out. Snap, I’m about to be fired. I really need a filter.

Instead, she laughs. “Yes, you will do.”

“Well, Rhet is very kind. I’m thinking he got that from you,” I say hoping to provide some comfort.

“I would hope so. When crossed he’s mean.” Her lips tighten. “This lifestyle. Is not all glam, you know? The people who make the most sacrifices are the women they chose.”

Did I know? No, I feel like I’m only seeing the tip of the iceberg.

RHET

“I hate to say this, but I told you to get rid of both Barrett and that snake Joe,” my father grumbles as he pours my aged whiskey into a crystal glass.

“I don’t need the media or police attention on me right now. I want this to go as smoothly as possible, Dad.”

He chuckles. “You’re a foolish man if you think those two are going to let that happen. Make them both disappear.”

“Like how, Dad? I’m going to Harry Porter their asses? Avada fucking Kedarva and they are gone.” I want to scream. “Think of the consequences. You can be sent to jail. I can be sent to jail. You have enemies in jail. More than on the outside, Dad.”

“And so, what? This is the way,” my father shouts.

I press my elbows to the top of my walnut desk. Trying to control my temper.

“This life we chose, is one of risk. We take care of our families, we go to jail, we die.”

I know he’s right, but I wish there was another way.

“You know this life we live. Blood is in our business. It’s our way. Blood above all.”

My temper rises. I feel like everyone wants me to continue being the demon. I don’t want to become like my father. I don’t want it, not right now at least.

“If I kill Joe, this can cause a war between the families. Do we want that right now? Car bombs and threats. I don’t give a damn who dies, but I don’t need the attention.”

My father looks at me like I’m not understanding.

“If your forefathers thought like this, we wouldn’t be the family we are now.”

Sometimes, I want to take pride in this life, but I say nothing and let him ramble on.

He pauses as he speaks of power and money. My father looks the same as he did in his thirties, expect for the gray in his hair. I most likely put them there.

“Get rid of them, before they get rid of you. No one will know,” he mutters, he picks up a paperweight off my desk.

“I have too much blood on my hands already. No. I will not.” I don’t want to start a war. Not now.

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