Page 17 of Baratta's Darkness

I’m just finishing up when I hear someone at the door. Reaching for my gun, I yank the door open.

I must have lost track of time because Fiona stumbles in with her brother right behind her.

“What the Hell! Why didn’t my key work?” Tossing her the new keys I explain everything I’ve done.

“All the doors and windows have new locks. Upstairs and downstairs. There is a security light above your door that is motion activated. If you give me your phone, I’ll download the app to your doorbell so you can see everybody that rings it.” I don’t tell her about the cameras I installed here or in the shop. I also don’t tell her about the newest delivery I’ve hidden away because her brother will flip his lid.

“I have to get ready for work.” Is the only thing she says when she drops her gym bag on the couch while heading to the bedroom to change. As soon as she is out of the room, Blood confronts me.

“Why are you here? Why did you do this for my sister? Where are you staying? When are you leaving?”

“Slow down man, I can only answer one question at a time. Number one, none of your business, number two because she is a woman alone that works late at night, number three and four... none of your fucking business.”

Fiona

I can hear Blood and Baratta’s raised voices through my bedroom door while I’m changing. I know my brother is overprotective of me, but if Baratta is staying they need to get along. I love my brother but my sex life is mine.

As soon as I step out of my bedroom, Blood is right there. “Why is he here?”

“Because I asked him to be.” is the only answer I give him. It’s not the full truth but it is all the truth my brother is going to get.

I take a deep steadying breath because I know Blood is only trying to watch out for me. He always has, always will.

“Blood, I’m twenty four years old. I moved to Seattle for my apprenticeship when I was only nineteen. I’ve lived on my own and made my own decisions for five years now. You have to trust me to live my life. Baratta is staying. Period.”

“You just met him! How can you expect me to trust him with my sister?”

“Blood, Blood” I have to say his name a couple of times before he focuses back on me. “That is not true; I met him two years ago.” My brother looks at me as if I just told him the moon was made of blue cheese.

“Is he the reason you came home?”

“No. I came home because I want to be home. I miss my family. I miss you and if I was not here, I would miss my soon-to-be niece or nephew.”

“If he hurts you I’ll kill him. I don’t care who he works for!”

“Blood, if he hurts me I’ll kill him. You have seen me in the ring; you also taught me how to shoot. I can take care of myself. Please Blood, back off, for me.”

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