Wolves In Helfire

C A T C H I N G M Y B R E A T H

We were all heartbroken and exhausted. Driving here, flying there. Dodging bullets from psychopaths with guns every 10 minutes. We were without our parents and with a team of people who none of us knew or could trust. Frankly, we didn’t have much faith in surviving anymore. I know I didn’t.

Everywhere we went there were someone my dad had on his payroll to track and kill me. I’m not a part of any of this and yet, I’m half the main reason this is happening. I felt terrible for wrecking Stacey’s and Karen’s life like this, and there would be nothing I could do to make it up if it were ruined forever.

My mom is on the front line, fighting off those my father has sent to kill her while she protects me the best way she knows how. I never knew she had this fire within her. I never knew about the money or the fact that she was dad’s queen in his crooked empire.

I never knew my dad, nonetheless, he was a maniac trying to kill us because he believes my mom set him up. I can’t believe I never saw any clues leading to where we are today as a dysfunctional family who’s going at each other’s throat. Money isn’t the root to all evil, it’s the love for money. The greed.

Karen’s sobbing quietly with her face pressed against her window. Stacey has her head on my shoulder, probably thinking about her parents as well. A guy walked over to us and ensured us that things were indeed going to be ok.

I started asking him questions, in fear he wouldn’t have the answers. I was wrong.

“Excuse me, sir, where are y’all taking us?”

“To safety.”

“I’m tired of people saying that s**t. No offense, sir, but every time someone has told us that, recently, we’ve ran into problems with the people who’s trying to kill me. Look, I’m tired of running, ducking, and taking cover. I need to know exactly what the hell is going on. Sir.”

He stiffs up.

“Fair enough. Your mom came to us years ago with a problem, and what she believed to be a solution. She told me who she was and her forced roll in an organization we’d already been tracking for weeks at that time. Not only did she want out, but she also wanted full immunity for her and those she trusted within the organization that we had our eyes on. Her plan was to give up the details for one of Ray’s biggest shipments to date, along with hideouts and trading locations, in exchange for his death and future protection if things didn’t go as planned.”

“What happened, why isn’t he dead?”

“He didn’t show up. My team and I tracked down the crew who was originally meeting with him and paid them off, giving us a reason to be there without raising too much suspicion. At the last minute, your mom informed us that Ray couldn’t make it, but the deal was still on. Our goal was to kill everyone there except your mom, take the shipment and vanish back to HQ. So, we followed through. We killed everyone, and shot your mom in the arm, as she requested, in case Ray had questions as to why she was the only survivor. She called me a week later reminding me of my promise of future protection. Last night, she called in that favor.”

“But this doesn’t make sense. If you had eyes on them before, what stopped y’all from finishing him off after the raid?”

“Your mom. After that night, she wanted to be the one to end him. I just hate it took her this long to build up the courage to do it. You’re the reason, son, you are your mom’s flame towards finishing what she now knows only she had the power to do back then. We still would’ve taken him out without her knowing, but he became slippery. Hands off kind of boss. He had his people doing everything he used to so, we lost track. On top of that, he made sure your mom didn’t have access to any information when it came down to the organization, in fear she had something to do with the raid. He only kept her alive because he had no proof of her betrayal.”

“Sir, what about the people you paid off? Were there any communication between them and my dad that would’ve spoiled the surprised?”

He cracked a half smile.

“We thought about that after returning back to HQ. According to them, there was a brief conversation between the two groups, but nothing that would’ve gave the raid away. They claimed Ray contacted them and asked if thing’s we’re still on and they replied with a simple yes.”

“They claimed? Sir, I mean no disrespect to your intelligence when I say it sounds like you and your people got double crossed. Y’all didn’t bother checking phone records or data to prove that they were telling y’all the truth?”

“What are you getting at, son?”

“It sounds like y’all did their dirty work for them. Taking Ray out without doing it themselves would’ve made for a smoother transition when taking over his turf and clients. If they knew y’all had money to pay them off to get Ray out of the picture, then you presented yourselves as another organization they’d be in competition with. They would basically be killing two birds with one stone if they informed Ray of your ambush.”

He thought about it.

“Damn. This would explain why his crew in the city tripled after that night.”

“Do you think my dad and this other crew has joined forces, now that they feel like they have a common enemy?”

“You’ve given me clarity. It’s been a pleasure talking with you, son.”

He left to join the other armed soldiers in conversation. s**t, I really wished I knew what they were saying. Maybe they now know how to help end this crap once and for all. We embraced for landing. I hated this part of flying. At least we’re coming down on our own terms, and not because of electrical problems or engine failure. That’s all I used to think about when flying, falling without wings.

After we touched down, we were escorted to this facility. Before we got in an elevator and went down, this guy gave his assault rifle to a trusted partner, keeping his pistol covered. Karen’s around my left arm and Stacey’s around my right. When the doors opened, we saw kids and teens who I assumed were in similar situations.

This was the craziest thing. It was also refreshing to see people who weren’t armed and trying to kill us. These were regular children in hiding by parents with money to protect them. The guy I spoke with on the jet began showing us around while properly introducing himself to us.

“I’m Casper, your friendly ghost. Where we are is not important, but what is important, is that you know you will be safe here. Your safety is our job upstairs, and we will do everything to keep us safe while keeping you all safer. These kids are all here for different reasons, some similar to yourself. Over here, this is the sleeping area for the young ladies. Over there, the young men. At no time during the night should the young ladies and young men be in either location together.”

Karen interrupted.

“Sir, I’m not leaving my cousin’s side.”

Then Stacey.

“I’m sorry, but me either, sir.”

“Look, I understand your situation has shaken you 3, that’s why I’ve got a special place where you 3 will be resting. I’m just showing you around. Now, moving forward. Down that hallway are the restrooms. 25 showers, 25 toilets. I’m sure you’ll know which room is for your gender once you’ve gone down the hall.”

We went through double doors.

“This room here on my left is the medical center. If there’s any problem you need checking out, the doors are opened 24/7. Down here to my right, another bathroom so the staff won’t have to walk all the way to the front.”

We went through another set of double doors.

“And this is my favorite place down here, the cafeteria. Opens at 5:30 in the morning and closes at 11 at night.”

He continued to show us the game rooms, movie theater and where we will be sleeping while we were here.

“This isn’t much, but you have your own full bath back here. There are only 2 beds, so I’ll let you talk amongst yourselves about how that’s gonna work. TV. A phone, but it only connects you with people upstairs. Yeah, that’s about it. If you need anything more; you know where the phone is. Ask for me directly, if I’m not available, ask for Kimberly. That’s my wife.”

He left us to settle in. All I wanted to do was shower and relax in front of the tv. We took turns. Stacey went first. While she was in the shower, Karen and I got into another argument.

“So, you really blame me for what’s going on, don’t you?”

“No, not anymore. I blame your mother, Justin.”

“She only did what she thought was best for us.”

“HA. And look where that got us. My mom is probably still in the middle of a war if she’s not dead already, all thanks to the decisions your mom made.”

“Aunt Tina is fine, Karen, she…”

“She was f*****g shot, Justin, she’s not fine. If those people think she’s still holding you, what do you think they’re gonna do? They’re going to kill her because she loves us enough to not tell them anything.”

“At least we’re still together. We’re family, Karen. I know how much this is affecting you because my mom is also on the front line, fighting to get back to us.”

“Fighting a war that she started.”

“Stop saying that s**t. She made the right decision to leave, by any means necessary. And don’t act like your mom don’t have a few skeletons in her closet.”

“At least she’s not dragging other people’s lives down with her choices. For f**k’s sake, Aunt Eva is just as bad as your father. Just not as crazy.”

“That’s not fair, Karen…”

“Is any of this fair, Justin? We’re not suffering from the decisions our parents made, we’re suffering from decisions your parents made.”

“You know what, f**k you, Karen. You don’t know what it’s like to just find out all these things about your parents at once and trying to process everything while running from bullets every 10 minutes. Yeah, my mom made a call back then that ended us up here today, but that doesn’t make it a bad call.”

“It may not have been a bad call, but it was a hella painful one.”

“On that, we agree.”

Silence between us. She walked over and gave me a hug.

“I love you, punk.”

“I love you too, cuz.”

We chilled out, surfing through channels on this slightly less impressive television than the cabins. Moments later Stacey exits the restroom. Karen’s turn. Stacey sat on the bed with a worried look on her face.

“Stacey, bae, you good?”

“Yeah, I’m good. I just wish I had some papers so I can re-roll this joint I forgot I had in my sock.”

“Why does that not surprise me?”

She came up to the head of the bed next to me.

“Should we just, smoke it like this?”

“Yes, please. Fire that puppy up.”

She lit it.

“Oh, look at you now. You’re back to being a regular pothead.”

“s**t, after all of this, I’d be lucky if I don’t turn out to be an alcoholic as well.”

“Yeah, thing’s are all messed up right now. You wanna know what I’ve been thinking about? Our moms had to be pregnant around the same time. If they were doing whatever they were doing together all along, then how did we never meet before the other day?”

“Your guess is good as mine. Let me ask you; you never knew anything before the s**t hit the fan? Did you see any clues towards our parents being what they are?”

“Nope. Took me by complete surprise like it did you. I’ve never even seen my mom hold a gun before the other day. But now, I guess I can see a little clearer.”

“What you mean?”

“We moved around a lot as well. Never knew why but dad told me it was because of his new jobs and stuff like that. I didn’t know he worked with your mom doing, whatever.”

“You know, Aunt Tina told me the other night, that your parents were originally working for my dad until my mom went up against him. She said after my mom split, they were amongst the many that left and came to fight with her. They even formed and started organizing their own group. The SPOTTERS, or something.”

“The SPOTTERS? I’ve heard my dad and my mom say that a few times before.”

“You remember what they were saying about it?”

“Something about SPOTTERS JC confirming that EJ is on base. That’s pretty much all I heard them say.”

“When was the last time you heard them say it?”

“The other night. The night, you and your mom, moved, in. s**t, JC is them, Jim and Cassey. And EJ is…”

“Me and my mom, I know.”

“Justin, this s**t is mind boggling. Honestly, it’s giving me a headache just thinking about it all.”

“Then let’s not think about it. Let’s just enjoy our time here at this place, alive, knowing everything will be ok.”

“Sounds like a deal to me, babe. As long as I have you and Karen, I know things will be ok.”

We shared a kiss. Karen came out in time to witness it.

“Nope. Hell no. You 2 are gonna have to find another room if you’re going to be doing all that lubby-dubby, ooh-ahh s**t. Heard enough of that the other night.”

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

“Girl, bye. I’m not deaf. Oh baby, go slower. Ouch, that hurts. Stick it in my butt.”

“Ok, now you’re making s**t up. I never told him to stick it in my butt.”

“See, busted.”

“Ladies, can we please change the subject? Please? And Karen, what the f**k? Were you standing in the door?”

“Justin, the guest room was right beside my bedroom. Like I said, I’m not deaf. What I wanna know is why I smell weed but not high?”

“Here you go. We saved you a puff.”

“Really, just enough for a buzz? Luckily, I keep some in my sock for if I ever get stranded somewhere. I call it my mobile stress-reliever kit.”

“YESSS. Justin, your cousin is awesome.”

“Yeah, a fellow pothead like yourself.”

I left the conversation to hop in the shower. 10 minutes and I was out. The three of us were on the bed watching tv when the phone rang. I answered.

“Hello?”

It’s Kimberly.

“Hey, Justin, is it? This is Kimberly, Casper’s wife.”

“Yes mam, this is he. Nice to, meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine. Casper wanted me to check in to see how you 3 were holding up?”

“We’re good as we can be at the moment, thanks.”

“That’s good. Listen, we have a few people bringing you all some fresh clothes down, is that ok?”

“It’s perfect, and right on time actually.”

“Great. They’ll be there shortly.”

We hung up.

“Who was that, cousin?”

“Kimberly. She’s sending some people down with us some fresh clothes.”

There’s a knock at the door. 3 women came in with a few bags of clothes each for us to try on.

“Whatever you can’t wear, let us know and we’ll come get them.”

“Ok, cool. Thanks.”

They started to walk out when one of the women looked back to get another look at me. Of course, Stacey didn’t like that too well. She walked up and threw her arm around me while giving the woman an eye that said he’s taken.

I didn’t notice until Stacey and Karen brought it up. I just thought she was being nice. Karen said something first.

“No that witch didn’t. Staring at your man like that.”

“You saw that to, huh?”

“Girl, yes. What’s her problem?”

“What are you 2 even talking about, they were being nice.”

“Cousin, the other 2 were being nice. That other one though…”

Another knock on the door.

“I got it, babe. Move.”

Stacey opened the door. It was the same girl they were talking about.

“You forget something?”

“No. I just wanted to properly introduce myself. I’m Kourtney, and you are?”

“I’m Stacey. That’s my loving husband to be, Justin. Over there is my bestie and Justin’s cousin, Karen.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you 3. I’m just a little curious, are you 3 smoking weed in here? If you are, that’s totally fine, but I was wondering if you had anymore to share?”

Kourtney looked over at me.

“I couldn’t help but notice your eyes were red, and a little droopy. Plus, I smell what smells like some pretty good stuff.”

“We’re fresh out, sorry.”

“Stacey, wait a minute. I think I may have a little bit we could roll in a joint, only if we had rolling papers.”

“Not a problem. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be back. If that’s ok with you all?”

“Yeah, that’s cool.”

“Great. See you in a few.”

Stacey closed the door, then burst out laughing with Karen.

“I don’t think I’ll fully understand you girls. Why did y’all invite her to smoke what little weed we have left, after accusing her of flirting with me?”

Karen spoke up.

“You’re a simple, Justin. She was still flirting with you. She just heard us talking about her and used that lame ass excuse to get to know you better.”

“Karen, really? Where the hell did you see that at?”

“She’s right, babe. Kourtney only wants to get in here to get to know you better. I’m telling you right now, I will put her in her place quickly.”

“But y’all actions doesn’t make sense. If you believe she’s still flirting, why invite her to smoke with us?”

“Dammit, cousin, we need rolling papers. Duh.”

“Devious. Y’all are some devious creatures, you know that?”

I walked over to get on the other bed. They then came over there and started f*****g with me.

KAREN: “So, you like her?”

STACEY: “What are y’all gonna name the baby?”

KAREN: “Ooh, when y’all get married, can I have Stacey?”

STACEY: “Aww, Karen, that is too sweet. I love you, too.”

They erupt with laughter.

“You 2 are the weirdest, and I mean the weirdest f*****g people I’ve ever known.”

They continued their laughter. I go get back on the other bed. Of course, they followed.

“Leave me the hell alone, crazy and crazier. STOP, Y’ALL PLAYING TOO MUCH. Dammit, stop tickling me. Alright, I’m about to start swinging.”

They stopped, and not because of my threats. They knew I’d never hit them. Everything just seems funny to them right now. That’s a good sign, honestly. We’re now laid back on the bed. Minutes later, there’s a knock.

“ENTER.”

Kourtney came inside, smiling.

“Aww, you 3 look so adorable…”

She tossed Karen a small box then had a seat on the other bed. Inside the box contained rolling papers and a few half-blunts. Karen began to roll up.

“Thanks, you’re a life saver.”

Stacey is still convinced that Kourtney’s only there because of me. She started doing unnecessary s**t to confirm our relationship. While Karen and Kourtney were talking, she was kissing on my neck and whispering in my ear naughty things.

I knew just how to solve this problem.

“Well, ladies, save me a puff. I guess it’s time I go check out the game room. I believe there’s a pool table…”

“Yes, there is. If you want, I could show you, so you won’t get lost?”

“Nope, I’m good, Kourtney. Thanks. You girls have some fun, I’m sure I remember where it is.”

I went into the restroom and changed into a clean outfit before exiting the room. I walked through the facility and to the game room. No one were playing pool, just a girl reading a book Indian style in the far corner. Kinda creepy.

I grabbed a stick and chalked the tip. By this time, the creepy girl had walked over asking if I would like to run a game.

“Sure. Best 2 out of 3?”

She smiled.

“You’re on.”

Long story short, she beat the hell out of me. Then, she had the nerve to tell me I was one of the best ones she has played with here. I didn’t have a chance to do s**t. Letting her break first because she was a girl is the reason I lost. I had 2-balls that went into the pocket, and she knocked them in after hitting hers in first so, the shot was legal.

I found out her name was Emma, and all Emma liked to do was read books and beat people in pool. I hung around after the beatings, picking up tips and pointers. I guess you can say I met another friend. We headed to the cafeteria for a soda and chips, then had a seat at a table.

“I’ve never met someone who could play pool like that. Just how long did it take you to become that good?”

“I’ve been playing since I was 4. I’m 17 now and haven’t missed a day since.”

“s**t. No wonder I wasn’t a match for you.”

“I would still choose you out of everyone here to be on my team. You have the spark inside you.”

“Don’t know how you seen a spark in me, you didn’t even let me get warmed up before crushing me.”

“Out of all the places and activities we have here, you came directly to the pool tables. That tells me you have a growing passion for the sport.”

“If you say so. I mean, I do love to play if I can actually get a chance to play.”

“I also know you’re a respectable gentleman for the simple fact, you let me break first because I’m a girl. Am I right?”

“What the hell are you, Emma, a pool playing detective who love to read novels?”

She laughed.

“Close, but no. I’m just, Emma.”

“Well, Emma, you’re amazing. Don’t ever let anyone tell you different.”

“That actually means more to me than you’ll ever know. Thanks, Justin.”

I looked up and guess who I seen coming into the cafeteria to cure their munchies? Yep, the 3 witches I left in the room. They entered laughing and talking like they’ve been friends forever.

“s**t, here they come.”

“Who are they?”

“Girlfriend. Cousin. Kourtney.”

“They seem pretty thrilled about something. They look happy.”

“Considering all we’ve been through, that’s a good thing.”

They got them a plate of food and walked over to sit with me and Emma. Stacey and Karen sat beside me, and Kourtney sat next to Emma.

“Hey, babe. Did you play pool?”

“Yeah, I tried.”

“What happened, you get lost?”

“Nope. Emma beat the rookie out of me.”

“Who’s Emma? Oh, wait, I’m sorry. Are you Emma? I’m Stacey, Justin’s wife to be. Nice to meet you.”

“You, too.”

“Yeah, Emma, this is Stacey. That’s my mean ass cousin, Karen. And this is their new friend, Kourtney. She works here.”

“Hey to you all. I have to get going. Catch you later, Justin.”

“For sure. Later, Emma.”

She gets up and walked away. She seemed to not like crowds. Knowing how my cousin and Stacey were, I knew I was about to hear some kind of smart remark about me and Emma. Nothing came. I guess they were really stoned because all they wanted to do was eat and laugh at silly things.

I’m just sitting back, enjoying the peace and love in the room. After all that’s going on, I can finally catch my breath.