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7. Zane

Chapter seven

Zane

T he clatter of cutlery against china filled the kitchen as Jasmine and I wrapped up our breakfast. I've never enjoyed a breakfast quite like this. It is nice to have some company that doesn't demand anything from me. My sons are independent now, but there is always a sense of obligation to care for them when they pop over. Protecting my boys has become so ingrained into my life, it's hard to turn it off.

Edward and Knox are the only other people who visit, and their company certainly doesn't make for relaxing mealtimes. But Jasmine just enjoyed the food and my presence.

It's a little strange, given that I kidnapped her from her home and brought her here only eight hours ago. Sunlight streamed through the bay window, casting a warm glow on her face and highlighting the freckles that dance across her nose. The scent of coffee lingers in the air, mixing with the fading aroma of buttered toast.

Everything would be perfect if it weren't for the periodic buzzing in my pocket. My phone doesn't seem to know it's my day off, but I can never truly take time away from work. My sons or my boss always need something, and I'm the only one with all the answers.

"Enjoy the house, kitten," I encourage, pushing my chair back and standing up. "I won't be long." There's a hint of mischief in her eyes as she nods, already rising to wander off into the many hallways of the substantial home. I trust her not to leave, but I wouldn't follow her if she did. I'm offering her everything, and if she is stupid enough to walk away with nothing, then more fool her.

My phone buzzes again in my pocket just as Jasmine's footsteps fade away. It's Lenny, his name flashing on the screen like a beacon of impending trouble. Not all my missed calls are from him, with the rest being from my other son. This is clearly a father issue. I draw a deep breath before answering, bracing myself for whatever he has to spill. Getting other people into trouble is his forte, and Marcus usually tries to get his side across before Lenny dobs him in.

"Lenny, what's up?" I ask, my hand instinctively finding the back of a chair for support.

"Hey," his voice comes through, tense and rushed. "We've got a situation. Knox Thayer is missing some high-grade coke, and it's turned into a circus over here."

"Stolen drugs? That's not exactly breaking news, Lenny," I reply, trying to keep my tone light despite the unease curling in my stomach. Missing drugs is a common thing dealt with by the caporegimes, as enforcement of the rules of the system comes down to them. This is now Lenny's mess, and as Marcus is calling, it's probably his too.

"It's not about the drugs being stolen; it's about who took them and the mess it's causing. We've got the thief, but Knox is acting weird. It seems like he might just let her walk because of some pretty boy."

I frown, the words sinking in. Lenny was never one to rattle easily, but his voice has an edge of concern that can't be mistaken.

"Pretty boy?" I echo, though I know better than to probe Knox Thayer's murky decisions. Everyone knows Knox is gay, but I don't give a shit about his preferences. Lenny has the biggest issue about it in my family, mainly around heirs. I'll be dead and gone long before that becomes an issue. "What's your angle, Lenny? Why call me about this?"

"Thought you should know, given all the ties," he says cryptically. A moment of silence passes, and I can picture him running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"So someone stole some drugs, but we have them?"

"Yes. But Knox is getting dirty with the thief's brother."

"Good for him." I'm confused and don't care what Knox gets up to behind closed doors.

"It's not cos it's a guy. I'm calling as he won't let us question the thief because of it."

"Alright, we do nothing for now. Just keep an eye on the situation and keep me posted." I close my eyes with a sigh, the weight of the situation settling onto my shoulders. I glance down the hallway where Jasmine has disappeared, the echo of her earlier laughter now overshadowed by the gravity of Lenny's news.

"It's not just about the thief or Knox. He's-"

"Listen, Lenny," I interrupt, trying to instil a sense of calm into the conversation. "It's nothing. Knox does what Knox wants. We both know that." The porcelain cup in my hand suddenly feels too warm, so I set it down on the kitchen counter with more care than necessary.

"Nothing?" Lenny's voice crackles with a sort of suppressed urgency over the line. "Fine. I gotta go hook up a bimbo from the club with Andrew Green as some reward now anyway. Just keeping you updated."

"Andrew Green?" The name sends a shiver down my spine, an involuntary reaction to the mention of the man whom I delivered alive and slightly maimed to a backwater contact of mine. "Poor girl."

She has no idea how fortunate she is.

"I'll catch you later," Lenny sighs, frustrated with his own task.

"Of course, Lenny," I murmur, though my attention is divided. "I appreciate it."

I end the call but remain motionless, the phone still pressed to my ear, as if the silence can somehow offer guidance. It will be fine. This is why I'm keeping Jasmine here secretly; hiding her until the storm blows over.

What I don't know is why I am doing this for her. A woman I didn't know until after the fact. I'd already decided to help her before we exchanged our first words. Surely it can't be down to her long legs?

The truth is that I'm lonely. Marcus is around here less often, and his son Alexei needs less childcare now he's in school during the day. He isn't a baby anymore; he has a social life, which gives the pair more in common. Apparently, Grand Theft Auto is good training for my grandson, who wants to learn about his dad's job.

Even Lenny doesn't need me so much, thanks to the joys of drinking and gambling. Unfortunately, this doesn't make me worry about him any less. Every day I wait for the phone call telling me I'm going to have to bury my son beside his mother. No matter how often I tell him that he won't reach thirty, he still doesn't care.

I'm helpless to protect him.

Maybe I need to put all my attention into someone who needs and wants my protection.

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