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Nobody knows Big Papa met with Forger a few weeks ago, before he found out about what he did to Camille. One thing Big Papa doesn’t like is men who mess with kids.
He might be the biggest drug runner in this city, a man we never deal with, but if it means ending Forger’s short-lived reign, then he’s all in. We promised him he’d get to liaise with the Irish himself, and they’d agree to let him keep his side of the city if he stayed out of the French Quarter.
“Motherfucker doesn’t usually meet here,” Big Papa says. “But he’s runnin’ out of places to hide. As far as he knows, everyone thinks he left town. I told him I’d spread the word.” He shakes his head. “Also told him the heat was off since you took issue with the Irish and bad blood was brewin’. I only hope he bought it. If not, I’m gonna have to rethink my Christmas card list.”
We smirk. Priest in front, with Big Papa leading the way.
Two large men stand by the door. Both look like fighters, and if I didn’t wanna slit this guy's throat so badly, I might even be impressed by the security here tonight. He’s cautious, but I hope he’s cocky enough to think he’s in the clear.
I know he needs this pay dirt, which is why he’s here.
The guards let us through, and Big Papa spreads his arms wide as he says, “Forger! My man, it’s been too long…”
21
ASPYN
A few hours earlier
“Oh my god!” I clasp my hands over my mouth as Tara appears around the door.
She smiles tentatively as I stand there in shock.
“What are you doing here?”
She drops her bag by the door and says, “Your dad said I could come and keep you company. Oh my god, what have you done to your hair?”
My hands quickly fly to my locks, remembering I’m about ten shades darker than when I saw her last. “It’s a new look, do you like it?”
She gives me a nod. “It makes your eyes look prettier. I like the tan.”
I smile.
My dad left this morning and I’ve had Manny and Deanna here all morning, making a list for the party tonight. It’s fun hanging out with them. They look up from the dining table as I fold into Tara’s arms.
“I can’t believe you’re here!” I declare, giving her another hug. It feels like it’s been so long.
“Well, someone had to come and make sure you’re really okay,” she says, glancing around the apartment. “Nice place.”
“Dad.” I shrug.
“How have you been?” She looks at me with concern.
I nod. “Good. Never better.” She frowns, and that makes me frown too, before quickly adding, “It killed me not being able to tell you where I was.”
She’s still pissed about that, and rightly so. But at the end of the day, my safety is what matters. She knows that. Even if she was questioned by the police.
“I know,” she sniffs. “I was so worried. Thank God your dad called. He said it was safe enough to let me come see you and that you were probably pretty lonely out here with nobody to talk to.” She glances over at my friends at the table, a little accusingly. “He said you seemed a little…different.”
Oh, did he now?
Dad took my little heart-to-heart as me being different. I know it’s baby steps with me and him having that heavy talk, but I thought our conversation was a good one.
“No. I’m just adjusting to life in New Orleans,” I say honestly. “So much has happened. We’ve so much to catch up on.”
She smiles. “We do and now I can keep a closer eye on you. I know you say you’re okay, but I know you, Aspyn.”
I nod. “I’ve had Rock.”
