His Newfound Obsession

"You will never amount to anything in your life!" my uncle yelled. "You are just some unwanted, f****d up little girl that has been abandoned by parents who never wanted you! Even your brother will abandon you!" he said, laughing in my face. These are the words that have haunted me daily since I could remember. It has been a constant reminder to keep to myself. I was 10 when I watched someone get killed in front of me. My brother killed him. My dead beat uncle. He found my uncle and I in my room upstairs. My uncle had his pants around his knees with my face close to his hip. Tears and snot were running down my face, as I was afraid my uncle would burn me with his cigarette for not listening to him again. Shortly after my uncle yelled those hurtful words at me for the millionth time, my brother took out a gun I didn't know he had in his possession and shot him twice. One to the head and one to the heart. I now know that it was meant to kill him. Those are kill shots of an assassin, but at the time, it was just a shooting of a man who took away my innocence. My uncle dropped down in front of me with his eyes open. I couldn't scream. I could hear my brother trying to get me away, but I wasn't listening to anything. The last words my uncle breathed were still circulating through my young brain. My aunty had called the police because I could hear her screaming, yelling at my brother as to why he killed her husband. My brother ignored her and kept apologizing to me while I was frozen in his arms, staring at the body lying still in front of me. We were separated from each other, my brother was being dragged away from me by uniformed officers reading him his rights, but I couldn't scream or say anything. I wanted to thank my brother for protecting me at the time, but I couldn't. I was scared. The police officers had arrested him for murder, and people at school talked about it for months, giving me weird looks. Some go as far as to stay away from me, scared that bullying me would get them killed or be killed by me. I have kept to myself since then. I ran away from my foster home since my own family disowned my brother and me and, eventually, I found solace in the school's cleaning supplies room until it was shut down due to resources being short. I made myself a room in an abandoned house I found at the edge of town, knowing no one was going there as it looked haunted. Its windows were smashed up, the door was off the hinges, the paintwork faded and chipped off as graffiti was all over both inside and outside the house. Instead of going to high school, I did my schooling online in the public library, earning myself a scholarship to Harvard and, eventually graduating with honors at 24. During my second year of high school online, I met Sharon Reynolds. A 61-year-old lady with tattoos all over her body, but it really suited her. I wasn't disgusted by the look because her skin was tight and not sagging. She had dirt-blonde hair, average build, wearing a motorcycle club leather vest while driving a 2007 gray corolla. It was really odd to see an old lady dressed that way, so I basically ignored her as I do with everyone else I pass or encounter. I was walking alone on the side of the highway, when she 'found' me. She thought it was strange for a young lady to be walking towards the edge of town. She fought with me about going to her home, till I gave up arguing and simply ignored her again. She was very annoying and persistent. I yelled at her to f**k off and find some other orphan who cared. But she never gave up. She followed me to my 'shithole' of a house and stayed with me that night. I felt bad due to her age, but she was adamant about not leaving me alone, so I eventually agreed to go home with her the next morning. I was 15. I wasn't comfortable being in the house in a nicely furbished room, that she ended up agreeing to give me the basement. That's when I met her husband, Gregory. To say I wasn't scared at the time was an understatement. I was absolutely petrified of him. He was a massive guy. Six foot six, with a scar on his left eyebrow, thin lips with an aura that could suck the life out of you if you did something to offend him. After several months, I got used to him and we became close as ever. Close to the point where he announced to Sharon that I was his daughter and anyone who looked at me differently would be killed. Sharon just laughed and called him an i***t. But they both accepted me as their daughter. Sharon and Greg taught me everything I needed to know in life. How to cook and clean, but also how to defend myself. How to shoot, to harm and to kill. She also told me her story. Her parents gave her up when she was 5. She went from foster home to foster home, was very rebellious and was in and out of juvie at the age of 12. She was incarcerated at 17 because her boyfriend at the time, who she thought loved her, used her as a scapegoat. She pleaded guilty and spent 24 years in prison. When she got out, she met Gregory in passing on her way to find a job in town. They both said it was love at first sight but she knew Greg was hiding something from her. Greg then admitted to Sharon that he was the leader of the MC, Hells Children, but Sharon just accepted him and they got married. After 20 years of marriage to Greg, she decided she wanted to lead a simple life. To own a diner that is now called Reynold's Diner. That's when they 'had' me. When I was 16, both Gregory and Sharon officially adopted me. He was ecstatic when the adoption papers were approved. I was now known as Amelia Reign King-Reynolds. I wanted to keep my last name and Sharon and Greg were more than okay with hyphenating my last name. "As long as you have our name, baby. You can do whatever you want with your name." Greg said happily when we were in front of the judge for approval of the papers. Both of them were so overly joyful, they basically had been telling everyone in town about me, including people walking through the doors of the diner. That went on for six weeks. People were starting to get annoyed, but that didn't stop mom and dad from proclaiming to the world they had the best daughter anyone could ask for. Those that knew my story looked shocked and worried about Sharon and Greg and their decision to adopt me because of my history, but my parents said I was just a child at the time. I shouldn't be judged for something that was out of my control. I have been with them for nine years, and three weeks ago, dad was unfortunately shot by a rival club outside in the parking lot. He was moving my new car into my parking spot as a surprise birthday and graduation gift. The shooter got away and we've been looking for them since. I haven't been involved in helping to locate the guy as I was focused on mom and the diner. No one has come forward about the murder. I've blamed myself for what has happened but Sharon and Uncle Mike said, "once your father made up his mind to do something, nothing can get in his way. Since it was for his baby, he didn't want anyone else messing up with the surprise. " Even though my life in the past was horrific, Sharon, Greg and the Hells Children MC accepted me and let me be part of their family. It took a lot for me to accept that I am loved, and when I was 21, I realized that I can open my heart to more people. Mom and dad would tell me I was loved and can love on a daily basis. Dad even made the boys at the MC say it to me as well. It was funny seeing these grown men accept dad's demands even though some thought it was weird. Dad told them what had happened to me and afterwards, the guys were more than willing to tell me, "I love you, princess. Always." The MC is now being led by Gregory's second in command, Big Mike. Everyone in the MC respected our decision to leave since Greg died, but they still come by the diner for mom's homemade cooking. I mean, who wouldn't? Even though we're local, out-of-town customers still come just to have a bite of Lia's Special, as Sharon calls it. A homemade version of honey glazed braised pork with white rice and steamed veges, which also comes with dessert, a homemade strawberry souffle, both recipes I created myself. It was voted as the best dinner and dessert combo menu for 2021 in Food's Thought, a highly recognized magazine in the cuisine world. Since becoming a popular diner, I have been seeing a lot of families coming here to spend time together in a public place, which has me thinking about my brother, more than ever. I decided I needed to look for my brother again two months ago and my parents supported my decision. Even Big Mike still has guys looking into it. Mom asked me why I wouldn't use my skills, but I was afraid that I'd fail like I have countless times in the past, which is why I had to ask Dad and uncle Mike to look into it for me. They were more than happy to do it because they wanted to meet my brother who, even though I haven't seen him in 14 years, I still talk about him. What a life, right? "Sweetheart, I need another three souffles, please?" I hear Sharon yelling while juggling dirty plates on her arm. "On it, mom," I yelled back and started putting ingredients together to whip up some souffles. "Hey princess," I turned to see uncle Mike coming through the back door as usual. I smiled at him, "Hi, uncle Mike!" "Need some help, Mel?" Uncle Mike's daughter and my only friend, Carrie, asked. "Yeah, can you grab the saucepan and chuck the chopped strawberries and sugar in, please?" I smiled at her with her rolling her eyes. I know she only asks because her dad is around. Usually, when he's not, she just sits around and snacks on the foods mom and I make. "So, we have a lead on your brother, princess." Uncle Mike started. I stopped mixing and looked up to see Uncle Mike smiling at me. He only smiles when he knows it's a solid lead, which means we're actually on the right track to finding Brayden. "My sources say he's in California, more specifically, Long Beach, LA." Uncle Mike says, walking up to me. "You need to confirm if this is him, though. They snapped a picture of him, but it seems that's really hard to do, princess." I looked up at him, confused as to why it would be hard to take a picture of my brother. He sighs, "He's Desmond Knight's right-hand man, princess," He looks at me, worried. My brother is involved with the world's most dangerous man? How did that happen? My brother was never mixed up with that. Even though we both knew our parents were part of the mafia world, we were always told to never take part or be involved with them in the future. Knight Industries in the business world was even more prominent, taking the top spot as the world's number one distribution company. Students at the university wanted to take the two spot work placements at Knight Industries as it was harder to get into than get a spot at Harvard. A lot of students even wanted menial positions; warehouse assistant or a cleaner to be connected with Knight Industries. There have been rumors that even passing the first stage of the application process, other businesses will be more than happy to accept you into their company, because the first stage is always the hardest. "Oh...." I replied, thinking of what I would need to do. "So, your parents gave us permission but before we could tell you, Greg was hit." I raised my right eyebrow at him. He was sitting on this information for three weeks? "Before you lose your temper, it was something your dad wanted to tell you that night, the surprise? He bought four plane tickets for you, Carrie, Sharon and him to go to LA and meet your brother." Uncle Mike said. I remember. Dad was being overly suspicious that night. Very secretive. "You'll love your surprise, princess. I love you. Be ready in 5 minutes and come out," dad said, excitedly holding me close, whispering in my ear because he knew I knew he was hiding something from me. Those were the last words dad had spoken to me and I will keep the memory close to me. I missed him every day and I understand now why uncle and mom kept it away from me. It's so I don't reject the plans dad had made for us. Even though we'd be there to try and see my brother, I also know that dad would have planned family trips, especially to Angels Flight and Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and probably booked us to watch an LA Dodgers game. He'd also take my mom and I to Santa Monica Pier, a place both mom and I wanted to visit together during summer, but dad was always caught up with the MC. "He also planned an entire day for the four of you at the Santa Monica Pier, " my uncle said, sadly. I knew I was emotional, but hearing that my dad planned a family trip to the pier had tears quietly streaming down my face. I didn't want to go anymore, because I wouldn't be with my dad. Even though mom and whoever would be with me, it wouldn't be the same without dad with us. It's strange to still go somewhere when it was planned by a person who is no longer available. "I don't want to go, uncle Mike. I'll stay home with mom and take care of her and the diner. " I said, wiping my tears away from the happy memories I have with dad. "There is no point. If the guys are still in LA, could you please have them try and make contact with them, first? I'm actually not in the right mind at the moment to travel far from mom. " I replied, solemnly. "Sweetheart," I hear my mom coming through the door, "it's okay. I have everyone here with me, you and Carrie can..." mom started but I stopped her. "It's okay, mom. If it really is my brother. He would drop whatever he's doing to come and see me. He will understand once uncle Mike's guys explains to him that I'm unable to come to him personally. I trust that he will come see me. I don't think he would doubt them when they show him a picture of me. I'll also write a little letter to him explaining why I am not in front of him. " My mum smiled sadly at me. "You are my priority mom, other than the MC, you're all I have left. Why would I leave you when I know my brother is physically able to jump on a plane and come to me?" I said, walking over to mom. I hugged her while she cried. "Okay, I'll have my guy try to make contact now, princess. I'll give you a call," Uncle Mike said as he kissed my forehead and put his hand on mom's shoulder, gently squeezing it for reassurance. "Thanks Mike, and thank you sweetheart for not leaving me. I'm sorry for being a bit selfish with you, " mum sobbed in my arms. I smiled and kissed mom's forehead, "You are my mother, of course I want to stay and be with you. Brayden will understand, and if he doesn't, well then, when we're both ready. You and I will take a trip to find Brayden and meet him ourselves, mom. It's not the end of the world. A few more weeks can wait if he decides not to come. " "Oh sweetheart, your father and I don't deserve you," mom cried, softly. "No mom, I don't deserve you and dad. You have both given me everything. You were both by my side during my online high school, and even my college graduation, supporting me for doing everything online. You and dad have never left my side and it's time I did the same for you as well. I'm okay. I miss Brayden, but I'll miss you as well. I miss dad every day, and I don't think I'm ready just yet, to be completely honest. " "Okay, sweetheart. I'll support whatever you decide," mom said, smiling up at me. I smiled back at her. I don't like seeing her cry. When we lost dad, I let her cry and grieve, and while she did that for us, I took over and planned everything for dad's funeral. It was a one of a kind send off but mom loved it. I did everything dad asked me to do. "Ummmm.....Mel?" I looked up to see Carrie awkwardly looking around. I smiled at her and she smiled back. "I've closed up early. It was quiet and people heard aunt Sharon crying, so they said they were okay with us closing up early. But they said, just for today, though. " I chuckled. "Thanks, Care." "All good, I'm going to head off. I've given takeaways for the last three souffles because they were really desperate and don't worry, Carl helped me cook and pack them up." Carl was mom's sou chef, and would take charge when mom and I are unable to help in the kitchen, which seems to be always. He was a good guy, a retired navy officer and father of two sweet boys. He wanted to settle down with his family in a quiet town, so mom hired him and, every now and then, he helped dad with the MC when they needed someone with expertise in weaponry. His wife left him a week after he was honorably discharged, saying she wanted to get her life back and dumped her sons at his door. Before I could thank Carrie and Carl again for their help, uncle Mike rushed through the door with a panicked expression. That expression made my heart stop, expecting the worst. "Princess, I need you to answer this call. Paul has been captured by your brother and his men and David is worried they will kill him." Uncle Mike spewed out, concern written all over his face. "Give the phone to me, " I said, leaving my mom's side to answer the call. Uncle Mike handed me the phone and I put it to my ear to hear someone grunting and moaning. From the sounds, it seems that Paul is reluctant to say anything and is getting beaten by whoever. I cleared my throat. "Hello?" I said, hoping to God that it was my brother at the other end of the line. "You have 10 seconds to reveal who you are before I slice your friend's tongue out and send it to his family. Then I would..." "That's not necessary, " I rolled my eyes, cutting him off. Why do people talk like that? It's disgusting and disrespectful. I guess he didn't like to be interrupted because he yelled, "Who the f**k are you and why are you following B?" I kept my cool even though I knew I was close to erupting because of the disrespectful manner this guy was speaking to me. It seems I am my father's daughter, as Sharon and Uncle Mike like to say, since my father and I have a really short fuse. "If by B, you mean Brayden, then I won't be your concern. He'll be yours. Plus, when are you going to give up the disrespect because all you've done is disrespect me when I'm trying to maintain a cordial conversation with you? There is no need for you to lose your anger, sir. So I suggest you calmly reply..." I heard a gun shot ring out and a shout of pain which made me silent. Okay, you wanna play that game. I motioned for Carrie to bring my laptop and opened it up and turned it around so I could do my thing. I traced the call from the number on my phone, and accessed the security feed in the building and showed it to Uncle Mike and mom, while I ran facial recognition on everyone present in the building, including those sitting in the office that was surprisingly watching Paul get beaten and listening to the call. It took two minutes to run everyone's names and it came up with everyone, including Brayden, which made my heart jump, but I didn't want to show it because they were still hurting Paul. The guy on the phone, however, didn't know I now had his information in front of me. "You have 3 seconds..." the guy on the phone started but I once again interrupted him. "Mikael Lee Russells, born on the 27 of October, 1986. Son of Martha and Brian Russells. Grew up on 112 Loma Ave, Long Beach for 18 years before being incarcerated on drug distribution charges. You have an adorable daughter, Issabella, with your long-time girl, Tina McKinley. Shall I go on?" It was quiet. So, I decided to taunt them as my dad would have, "Standing next to my friend on the right is Killa, also known as Trey Jones, 24 years of age. No daddy but he has a strong woman of a mother named Tracey Jones. On the left we have, Mr. Mitchell Leigh, who is 30 years of age and has a son named Michael Jones Leigh to a woman he married three years ago, Stacey Kinley. I can also see we have Wyatt Leigh, who is Mitch's brother, and the infamous Colton Reigns, there with you. You've got, all together in the building, 80 people. One of them is the man I've been looking for. His best friend is the world's wealthiest man, Desmond Knight, and another friend of Brayden's, Desmond's hacker brother, Jamie. Who has been trying to locate my location but is unable to. " I said with a sarcastic voice. I know I shouldn't have done that, but I hate it when people are watching other people get beaten. For what? Some twisted pleasure? Even though my brother was one of them, it still made me sick that he was okay to watch people get beaten and sit by and do nothing. "Who are you? " A voice said. It was a male voice. Deep, low and definitely a voice I could listen to forever. I looked on the screen to see who asked that question. Mr. Desmond Knight. Hmmm, interesting. I had used a voice change app on my phone to talk to Mikael, but it seems that Jamie and Xavier decided to intercept the call so that I was now talking to them. I turned it off and took a deep breath before replying, "It's nice to finally see a glimpse of my big brother, " I said. My brother, Xavier and Jamie stood frozen in shock. "Lia, is that you?" Brayden asked, hesistantly. You can tell they didn't believe it was me. So I said something that only Brayden and I would know. "Protect each other, family always. Never leave each other alone. If you do separate, look for each other. Never give up. Brayden, your sister, is only 5 years old. You need to protect her from this life. We love you both. Always and forever. " Our mom said this to us as people were trying to shoot at my family. It has been the real reason for living. "LIA! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!?" My brother shouted angrily, knowing that it was really me on the phone. Xavier and Jamie were both trying hard to pin my location but it kept bouncing to other countries. "Brayden, you need to tell your friends not to track me and to release Paul. He will bring you to me. I can't be there right now and I will explain it all when you get here, if you decide to follow Paul, that is, " I said somberly. "Are you kidding me? Yeah, of course. I'll go wherever you need me to go." He responded. During that time, Xavier had his men release Paul and bandage him up. "Okay, Paul will have all the information you need. I'll see you soon. Please be safe," I said and hung up. We kept watching the security footage with Brayden and Xavier arguing about whether or not it was safe and if it was really me. Brayden responded that what I said was something our mom said to us word for word, before she died. Xavier then had Paul go into the office where Paul told them a little bit about me. They tried to get more information out of him but Paul pointed at the cameras saying I was still watching. I closed the laptop and sent a text to Jamie's phone with the flight information. I leaned back and mom and uncle came to me. "It looks like we have a family reunion on our hands, princess," Uncle Mike, smiled at me. "Yeah, it seems so," I replied. I finally got to be up close and personal with my brother. I really hope he doesn't reject me.