Hunt

I was a new Phoenix.

Now, I had bigger goals.

Real ones, based in logic.

Barely two days after the incident Quin and I had been riding our bikes, searching for a new place for me to lay my head, something off the beaten path, but still close to her. In that journey, I spotted a place. I couldn’t tell anyone why I stopped in front and felt the need to read the sign, but that’s what I did.

And the sign read, “GED testing.”

Never had I considered getting my GED.

However, that day the idea excited me.

I parked and went in.

Quin followed.

The chick at the desk told us the test was free.

Loving free, I told her that I would do it, I just needed a book or something. She suggested I take the test that day to see where I placed.

I did.

Quin did too as a joke.

Several hours later, we walked out with passing scores and a sheet of paper proclaiming that fact. In three months, our GED credentials would be mailed to us.

We gave her Quin’s address.

Life changes so fast.

I was now thinking of new goals like college and maybe getting one of those jobs where people had to wear suits and hold briefcases. I dreamed of jobs that handed out big money checks.

“Damn, baby.” One guy whistled at me. “Come on over here and sit on daddy’s lap. I’ve got some money for a good girl.”

I stifled my groan. “I’ll be back for daddy in a minute.”

“You damn right you will.” He tapped the stacks of cash on the table. “Come shake that ass for these dollars.”

Maybe, I’ll add some vodka to that water and then walk my ass out of this club.

I headed off and pushed my annoyance away.

Nope. Don’t do it. Remember the plan. Save up to pay for some courses.

The very idea of going to Glory Community College scared me. I hadn’t seen a classroom in many years. Passing a GED exam was one thing. Being in a class with smart ass nerds was another.

I felt like an imposter even dreaming about it.

Still, I envisioned the possibilities anyway.

I can do it. I think. . .

Everything was falling into place. There’d been a moment last week when my period was late and I feared I might have been pregnant by Cain. However, my period came and with that a sigh of relief. It had just ended yesterday.

It’s all going to come together.

I stopped at the bar. It was a crimson-wood bar that stretched along both sides of the main floor. Music sounded distant from here. Above the space, flashing neon light signs blinked.

Someone should shoot whoever decorated this place.

The bartender, Mack placed a napkin in front of me. “Another water, Phoenix?”

“Yeah.”

“Calm down, girl. That’s six waters so far.” Mack grinned, showing off dimples in his cheeks. “Will I need to call you a cab later tonight?”

I winked. “I hope not.”

He leaned against the bar. “You sure you don’t want something heavier?”

“Not now. Maybe later.”

He laughed. “You always say that shit.”

“I like to keep a clear head.”

“I never met a chick that could dance in here sober. You should get a bonus for mastering that.” Mack headed off to grab a glass.

I’m not sober by choice, Mack.

I put my back to him and scanned the club like I was head of security, making sure Cain and his brothers were nowhere in sight. Next, I checked the door and then for anything out of place. I’d been working here for a while. They hadn’t come by. There should be no need to worry about Cain or anything else.

My phone vibrated.

I took it out of my bra. The Syndicate recruiter sent their tenth message since being back.

Mason: You left me waiting. Stop avoiding me.

I have to respond. I can’t keep ignoring this.

Cain’s chapel had changed me so much that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be in the Syndicate anymore.

For years, I’d dreamed of being a high-end criminal serving the Syndicate. I pictured my luxury condo in Paradise. Perhaps, I would have a driver and maid too.

Now, I yearned for something more. The only problem was that I didn’t know what that more was. I just knew I should be doing something else.

Pressure built in my chest.

Swallowing down fear, I typed back.

Me: I’m sorry. I was caught up pretty badly and unable to message.

Mason: Are you down for the career change or not?

Yes or no? I can’t put this off anymore.

I typed back.

Me: I’m rethinking my life. I’m sorry, but it will be a no.

I put the phone up. To my shock, it vibrated again. I pulled it back out and checked.

Mason: Is it the price of recruitment?

Me: That too. I don’t have the money anymore.

Mason: Someone grabbed it?

Me: Something like that.

Mason: What if I loaned it to you?

Unease hit me.

Why would he do that?