Secrets

*Zeus*

I didn't see the dilemma with the sister, but I watched Jay walk her out. I had been on the phone multiple times. I checked on the girls. Tanya and Takara seem to be becoming friends. I talked to the security out there. They hadn't seen any signs of anyone around there. That eased my worry some. I watched as Jay walked her down the sidewalk to the entrance. She smiled up at him and giggled at something he said. Is Jay charming this crazy woman? I smiled as I entered the house. I heard everything in my comm. I met Jackson a long while ago. I had come here when Hector first took over the territory. He was one of the first. I came and helped as he set things up. Jackson was younger then, much younger. He was eager too, he wanted to impress me. He wanted to get close to Smoke. I was young and jealous. I didn't want that, so I enforced the rule that men stay loyal to their territory. I am older now, and after I heard him speak to Sandra as an equal, something just told me to say what I thought. I walked in the door while I spoke up. Sandra was coming down the hallway. "Where have you been?" she said in a tone that made me laugh. "Well Mom, I have been outside for a while. I made some phone calls. I did some things I was asked to do outside. Where have you been?" I said smiling. She crossed her arms walking towards us in the hallway. "If I was your mom I would kick your ass." She smiled. We both laughed. I looked at Joseph who was smiling at both of us too. A look of pride across his face. I walked up to him and gave him a few signals to let him know my conversation went well. At that time he asked me to go look for Jackson. "It's almost time to head back to the city. I think things have been handled here. Sofia is safe, and we have baited Tomasso to head to the city. Make sure those guys are on guard." He looked towards Hector, "Keep your security high and call me if you need any support here." He shook hands with Hector and his men who had gathered around him. I walked with him and the others towards the door. We were all ready to leave. This place was a brotherhood territory, but it was different somehow. Never really felt like home.

When we all headed to the vehicles, I felt a relief come over me. I thought of asking Joe if I could go to the country house to see Tanya. After the shit before with the guard, we had to talk. I needed to know I hadn't opened myself up to being hurt. I shook off the feeling at helped load up the cars. We didn't come with much so we weren't leaving with much either. Once we were all loaded up I listened to everyone talk, but I didn't speak up. Sandra asked Jay about Celine, and he grinned back at her. She was fishing to see if he decided to get her number, and he wouldn't give her an answer. She pouted for a while. Finally, almost everyone had fallen asleep. I laid back and closed my eyes. It was hard for me to sleep in a vehicle, I was always alert. Afraid someone would attack the car, run it off the road, or crash into it. Most people, especially our enemies, know these SUVs. I looked over to Henry who was snoring away. I would like to have the peace of mind it takes to sleep like that, but I don't. I can't sleep like that. I pulled out my phone to check for messages. I thought for sure I would hear from Tanya by now. Why hadn't she messaged me? I was becoming overwhelmed with frustration from this woman. Wondering why I even put myself in the position to feel this way. I haven't done that, given myself a reason to worry, or wonder. I tried to readjust myself in the seat. I watched out the window, trying to focus on the trees. I tried to focus on the lights and other cars. It was too quiet. My brain was too busy. I looked up to Jay and Jackson sitting in the front of the vehicle. "Hey Jay, did you get her number brother?" I said just blurting out something to get out of my head. He looked back at me through the rearview. "What do you think Zeus?" He asked with a grin. I nodded at him and saluted. "Get it, bro, get it," I said laughing out loud, but quieting down when I saw Sandra stir. Jackson looked back at me as well. "Been a long time Zeus. I appreciate you speaking up for me. I needed a change." I nodded at him and leaned back in my seat.

I must have dozed because when I felt the car come to a stop I jumped awake, ready to fight. "Chill bro, We made it to the city," Henry said placing his hand on my shoulder. "I'm good," I said shaking off the violent feeling I woke up with. We started to unload the vehicles. When we walked inside the city house, it felt more like home. Not like the country house, but it still felt like home. I walked in and headed into the office with the others. Jay showed Jackson to an available room. I walked over to Joseph and asked him for a moment alone with him. He looked at me oddly before nodding and following me to the hall. "What's up Z? Is something wrong?" He asked as soon as we got there. "I wondered if you would be okay with me heading to the country to check on things?" He looked at me shaking his head, I thought for sure he was going to tell me no instantly. "I know why you want to go Z, but I don't know if it's a good idea right now. We have a lot to do, a lot to plan for." he paused for a moment looking off into the distance, "Okay, but I will need you to be back by tomorrow evening. Leave now, it will give you some time to accomplish what you need to accomplish." I smiled at him thanking him. "What is it you think I need to accomplish?" I laughed. "Well, I assume you want to talk to your woman or get your rocks off, either way, I need you to be back by tomorrow evening." He shrugged and chuckled under his breath. "Yes boss, I will be back," I said heading for the door. "Why don't you see if Henry would like to go?" He said calling after me. I never thought of taking Henry, but I assume he would want to see the other girl. He yelled for the chef and he came out. He decided to go with me, which was fine. We were to take the decoy car, the brand new one that was bought to move around without being recognized. When we pulled out we headed straight for the maze we took to go to the country house. I had to pay close attention to make sure no one was following us. When we pulled up to the house, I took a breath of relief. We all do here, it was our home.

When we walked into the house, it smelled like pumpkins and Autumn. I forgot we were headed towards Thanksgiving but Mrs. Jones never does. I walked into the kitchen to see all the normal decor. I hadn't been here since the season change. I looked around the room and smiled. We usually spend Thanksgiving through Christmas out here. We enjoy a meal, we enjoy a Christmas tree and presents. You wouldn't think men like us would, but we do. Mrs. Jones told us years ago that it was important to enjoy life outside of our work. Joseph never took much interest before that, but we have done it since. I know these women will enjoy that. Sandra will for sure. When I walked out of the kitchen the guards nodded at me that were at the door. It was still weird for me not to see Jay standing there. I am glad however that he is in the circle now. He is loyal, and basically a beast. I walked down the hall to the room that I call home. I didn't know if Tanya was inside, she may be where Takara was. When I put in the code and walked in the room was a mess. I don't do messes. I started to pick things up and she walked out of the bathroom. "I'm sorry. I haven't cleaned up." She said smiling at me. "I don't like mess." I said harshly, not intentionally, but simply out of frustration. She shook her head and started to slowly pick things up off of the floor. Her leg had mostly healed, she was not using a crutch but still had a brace. "I'm sorry, I am just tired. It's been a long day." I said reaching into my drawer for some clean clothes. She nodded and smiled walking over towards me. She leaned up and kissed me on the cheek. "I missed you." She said softly. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her hard. I needed to feel her after all the bad I had seen. "Would you like to jump in the shower with me?"