sensory deprivation
I met my parents downstairs for dinner, they also needed an update of where my resources were being spent and how. We needed a debrief on the situation and my dad and I had to work on this together.
“father” I announced in the middle of dinner. He knew it meant business with my tone and excused everyone else in the room.
I slid the note across the table and he said nothing then passed it to my mom. When it is just the three of us we don’t hide any emotion but all I could see it a glance of caution and planning across their faces.
“we need to take care of this.” My dad said.
“the man asked about Lance’s foot. I believe he attacked us internationally too.” I stated
“well then we need to take care of this together. I'm coming with you to Stacks.” My dad said, calling his security guards and asking them to bring a car to the house.
An hour later Lance, Anderson, Chase, my dad and I were all sitting in their round tabled room. It was similar to my sitting area but more woodsy and on the right side of entering the room there was an oil painting of the family. Chase would’ve been a teenager when this was taken but it gave a sense of royalty mixed with danger. I recited every bit of information I had found our during the session and everyone hung onto every word I said.
“I found this in my past files from the time I was away at the academy.” I slid the paper in the middle of the room and made eye contact with Chase. And everyone took a turn reading it.
“what is this, who is this guy.” Lance asked
“Charles, fucking great” Chase mummered and the note on the table.
“the Snitch killer gang’s boy?” Lance said
“yeah” I replied, “he’s grown in power due to some leverage he held over the right hand and now he is supposedly third in line to take over the gang.”
“what does he have against you? Some lovers quarrel cannot be the reason for this step.” My dad said
“yeah and why attack us. I mean were in the midst of a deal that benefits them more than us.” Lance said
“he’s had it out for me ever since we broke up.” I rolled my eyes, “but it’s to the extent of sending a spy to our school or showing off at some random parties very kiddish. We’ve engaged in threatening behaviours as well but it has always been in control nothing physical” I said looking at Chase as he gave me a curt nod, which meant don’t talk about the permanent letter scar you gave him when we first met.
“so he did this to us cause Chase just threatened him at some high school party?” Lance asked Chase.
Chase sighed and said, “well there is another factor. If we involve jealousy and heartbreak to the mix”
“Valerie what the actual fuck.” My father said, but Lance was still looking a little confused. Poor thing.
“Valerie and I are” he paused and said “involved” Chase said and his dad gave the deathliest of death glares I have ever seen.
“you got our family almost killed because of your girlfriend?” Lance exclaimed
“we’re not dating” I stated, showing no expression. And Chase mimicked his dad’s expression.
“great, you got us in danger just to have fun with a girl” Lance said
“what were you both thinking, what about our gangs and their futures we have separated for reasons.” My dad said
“A girl Chase, again, seriously?” Lance said and I was the one confused now.
“she is my daughter and very capable for you son Lance so hold your tongue” my dad threatened
“you daughter got my sister attacked cause of some stupid high school romance, which will fizzle out.” Lance retaliated
“you cannot kill this one dad” Chase said with a flash of hurt in his eyes
“no one is killing my heir” my dad said
“he can try” I mocked
“oh little girl you will not be able to run away from a stack bullet.” Lance said to shut me up
“Lance!” my dad yelled, “your wife warned us about this Lance. We didn’t take it seriously, and if you threaten my daughter again we’re going to have serious problems that will end with an early inheritance on your side.” My dad said
“there will be no inheritance if anyone touches a hair on Valerie” Chase yelled over all the commotion. And everyone raised their eyebrows at him.
“you will give up this whole thing for a girl Chase? Are you serious?” Lance said
“I will give it all to her, father.” Chase spat and there was a moment of silence while the two stared at each other.