Page 64 of Twisted Lies

“I’ve already read everything there. I’ll wait till you catch up,” I state, pouring myself a glass and moving around the room, trying to get a read on each man. Even when I was young and came to these meetings with my dad, I found it interesting why some men were selected and trusted over others. What was the moment that solidified the bond of trust?

“I’ll need assurance that the product is as high quality as what you say,” Daniel says, glancing at me.

“That won’t be a problem. I’ll be happy to give a demonstration.” My weapons will be the best on the market. If they need to see them to believe it, so be it. That will just mean my price will go up. Today’s meeting was about how we can work together for our end goals now that I’ve returned. These meetings happen once every six months to go over numbers, problems, solutions. Half the time, it’s to resolve issues amongst ourselves. Some son disrespected another family’s daughter, or someone stepped over a line—that sort of thing. I have to wonder if they had a meeting in secret over my father’s death, and once more, I try to cool my temper. All in good time will they suffer.

“Nikola, I want the selling of the cut drugs to stop in my area,” I say coldly.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you do. I know you know who’s selling them, and you’ve done nothing to make an end to it. You may not care that’s it’s killing people in your area, but I don’t want it in mine. End it, or I will.”

“Elijah has a heart of gold now? Why do you care? It’s not like any of them are potential clients of yours.”

“The why should not concern you. What will happen if it doesn’t stop will be of great concern. I want it taken care of,” I respond, leaning back in my chair as if I have not a care in the world. Nikola’s eyes bulge out of his head as he starts to stand.

“Claim heads. Claim heads. It’s Elijah’s territory; if he wants it removed, then so be it. I highly doubt it will cut into your profits. If anything, it may help. More repeat customers,” he laughs. “I’ve only glanced at the numbers, but I’m sure everything is there. Claire, you were always meticulous in your research. After taking a look at the options, I’ll get my orders in and start marketing them to my clients.”

The meeting moves from one family to the next, with some arguing mixed in. I got what I wanted from this meeting and now can take notes and place some seeds where needed. Once the session is over, we all return to our territories. I meet with some shop owners and introduce myself to some while saying hello to some old friends. Time will tell if they will remain friends or prove to be spies. All in time.

“What are you doing the rest of the day?” Claire asks as we pull into the driveway.

“I’m going for a visit. It’s long overdue.”

Claire nods, understanding I mean our father. We’ve not been able to visit the grave since the funeral. “You want me to come?” she asks.

“Not this time.” I need to do this one by myself. I step upstairs to change. A moment later, Lily enters.

“Where are you going?” she asks.

“To visit my father,” I answer honestly. “Do you want to come?” I surprise myself by asking.

“If you want me to.”

I give it another moment to think, and I realize I do want her there. It’s not that I didn’t want Claire there, but Lily would be a different comfort. I nod and we leave for the car.

* * *

LILY

“Tell me about him,” I ask as he bends to drop the flowers in front of the grave.

“He was what you’d expect.” His voice is gruff.

“Really? Tell me about him. I want to know him.”

His fingers trace the letters on the gravestone, and I wonder if he’ll respond or stay silent.

“He was what he was. I’ve never understood how one was supposed to sum up someone’s life and personality in a few sentences,” he states coldly, standing. “He would have liked you.” He kisses me on the forehead. “Thank you for coming. It’s hard for me to discuss him, but I’m glad you’re by my side. I’ve waited for years to return and pay my respects. I swore that when I got everything back, I would come back here.”

“Did the pain go away with the ability to come home?”

“I don’t want it to go away. It reminds me why I do what I do. Everything I’ve done is for the family.”

“Do you have regrets?”

“Of course. Everyone does. Even the monsters that go bump in the night have regrets. They were once humans too,” he answers.

“You’re not a monster,” I respond, placing my hand in his and giving a squeeze.

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