Page 27 of Betrayal (Corrupt Empire 1)

“Precisely. The little maggots can’t be allowed to take advantage of the delicate situation the company is in. A show of strength if you will.”

“Consider it done.”

“I always know I can count on you.”

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. Chuck was so confident in that knowledge, he wouldn’t see it coming when I stabbed him in the back. They all should’ve known better considering what they’d done to me, but I’d been good at deceiving them all. Too good.

“Anything else?”

“No. Just wish I knew where the fuck my niece was. Everything would be easier if we had her to show a unified front. Still, things could always be worse.”

Oh, they could and they would be. Soon. I just had to bide my time and let this play out.

“I’m sure she’ll turn up soon.”

I’d left after that, taking the names he’d given me and paying a few people a visit. It’d taken longer than anticipated. A few of them failed to understand their place. I’d had to show them. With my fists. Just one of the many things I did for Chuck and his sick family business.

I shook myself, staring down at the meal I’d prepared. I hoped it would make her happy. I’d left her some pyjamas outside the bathroom door.

I turned, finding her standing in the kitchen, staring at me with wide eyes.

“I can fix you a drink if you want,” I said.

She came over to me. Her hair was still damp, but she’d tied it up. I’d make sure she dried it before I put her to bed. I snagged a hand around her waist and pulled her into me, resting my chin on the top of her head. She clung to me. Avery needed soft right now. Something tangible to hold onto.

“What kind of drink?”

“What do you like?”

“You’ll say they’re girl drinks.”

I snorted.

“Well, do you drink gin and tonic?”

She nodded against my chest.

“That’s sort of girly, but I’ll let you off.”

She turned her head, looking down at the two plates on the counter.

“That looks good.”

It wasn’t particularly fancy. Sticky sesame chicken with stir fry vegetables and rice. A healthier version than what you might get from a takeaway. I wasn’t one for eating crap.

“We should really eat it before it gets cold.”

She pulled away from me and took the plates to the table whilst I fixed her a drink. I snagged a beer from the fridge and popped the cap off with the bottle opener. Setting the drinks down, I sat with her. She was quiet for the first five minutes. Fiddling with her glass, she looked up at me.

“Aiden… Will you tell me what’s happening in the outside world?”

“What do you want to know?”

“How is… I mean things must be all over the place.”

I took a swig from my beer before setting it down and leaning back.

“They are. It’s all over the news, as are you.”

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