Page 46 of Paradox
“I don’t like the sound of that.”
Krueger might be our national president, but he’s an asshole who loves getting his way. I wouldn’t put it past him to kill Mission once he takes the chair so he can put Gage in it.
“You and me both. That’s why I threw out my own condition: no interference from him. Mission does his time, and if there’s any foul play, I’m out.”
“You think that will stop him?”
“I hope it does. I’m also hoping Mission has a long reign.”
“Shit. For your sake, I hope he does, too. What about your other problems?”
There’s a deep sigh on the other end of the phone.
“Raven made me let them go. Said she didn’t want that on her conscience. If they know what’s good for them, they’ll stay away.”
“So we’re all good?”
“For now, I guess. Who knows what will come up next? My life is one endless shit storm.”
“Next is my wedding, man. I’m not letting anything stop, delay, or affect that in any way.”
“I’m with you, bro. Shorty deserves this.”
“Yeah.”
“And so do you,” he adds. “I told you you’d find her. I just didn’t think it would be my baby sister.”
“Me neither, but… she’s it, Gage.”
“I’m glad. It’s our time, E. Our time to finally be happy.”
“I hear you. It’s been a long time coming.”
“Fuckin’ right.”
We finish our conversation and I climb back into bed with Ellen. Gage is right. It’s time to claim some lasting happiness for ourselves, and I’m doing it with both hands outstretched.
It’smytime.
CHAPTER 11
RAGE
***Raven***
I love my kids to death, but after two months of barely any sleep, Mommy jumped at the chance when Chopper and Ellen offered to babysit them. Gage told me he’d be late and would grab dinner on the road, so thankfully that relieved me of cooking duties. The first thing I did was take a long soak in the tub. Covering my bra and panties with one of his T-shirts, I climb into bed and reach for my neglected tablet, trying to read a bit before my husband gets home.
It’s not long before I hear his footsteps coming up the stairs. Every evening, his first stop is the nursery, so I wait for him to wander in here when he finds it empty. When he walks in and sees I’m alone, his brows draw together in confusion.
“Where are they?”
“Hi, honey, I’m home.” I place my tablet on the nightstand, not holding back my sarcastic tongue. “How was your day?”
“Sorry, babe.” He smiles, coming over to kiss my forehead. “Just surprised is all.”
“Chaos is with Chopper, and Hailey is with Ellen and Dr. E.”
He immediately pulls out his phone, checking on them before undressing.
