Page 2 of Darkest Retribution

Or maybe having something to lose is the thing that’s stupid.

Shut up, Jade. This isn’t the time to evaluate your life choices.

Once I’m across the lawn, I climb the perimeter wall with ease—not that it’s that high. It seems like it’s mostly there for looks and a bit of privacy.

When I land, pain shoots through my feet, and I have to hold back a grunt.

“Fuck,” I hiss, leaning against the wall as I wait for the pain to die down. Not that it’ll disappear completely, but walking the mile to my car like this is going to be hell.

Should’ve taken pain meds earlier.

Once I can take a few steps without limping heavily, I stick to the shadows until I can disappear into the woods. Then I break out into a light jog, ignoring the way it makes my body ache. I just want to get home, dammit.

Halfway to my car, I pull out my phone and call my brother. He answers quickly, like he’s been waiting for me.

“This is David.”

“Hey, it’s me. It’s done.”

“Mmm.”

The line goes dead.

I roll my eyes. My older brother has never been supportive—in fact, he’s always been quite the opposite. Give him an inch, and he won’t just take a mile. He’ll devour you whole.

Still, a thank you would be nice. I just killed a man for him, for fuck’s sake.

When I get to my car, I yank off my ski mask and toss it on the passenger seat. Then I let myself sit for a moment, closing my eyes against the ache radiating in my feet and up my legs.

Shit.Tomorrow is going to be miserable.

The less sleep I get tonight, the worse it’ll be, so I pull onto the road. I turn the radio up, letting whatever rock song that’s currently playing drown out my thoughts.

The drive home takes forever—something you just have to get used to when you live near a big city like Philadelphia. By the time I pull into the garage, I’m ready to sleep for a week.

Inside, I pad through the kitchen quietly. Ashley is spread out on the couch, the TV on with the volume down. When she sees me, she gives me a little wave.

“Did they send you home earlyagain?” she asks, sitting up.

I nod, tossing my bag on the ground. Normally, I work a few nights a week at a strip club. It’s best that she thinks I had a crappy shift on nights like these, especially when I’m dealing with a high profile kill.

“Scumbags,” she mutters. Then she grabs the remote and shuts off the TV. “Well, I should get going. Rosie hasn’t woken up at all. I’ll see you tomorrow night?”

“Yeah. Thanks so much.”

“It’s no problem, babe.” She pulls me into a hug, and I give her a quick squeeze and a tired smile.

In another lifetime, I think Ashley and I could’ve been best friends. And my god, do I wish I was in that reality. But I can’t afford any more attachments. It’ll just make it harder when I have to leave.

Besides, I already have one weakness. I can’t afford another.

Once Ashley leaves, I head upstairs, peeking into Rosie’s room. Her nightlight glows in the corner, illuminating her tiny, sleeping form and tangled blonde hair.

That’s going to be a pain to comb out in the morning.

I suppose that’s how things work for seven year olds, though.

It hurts like hell to keep standing while I shower, but I always feel the need to clean myself after a job. I won’t be able to sleep if I don’t.

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