Chapter 2

I nodded. Didn't speak.

Serena saw I didn't refuse. She left satisfied.

I knew the truth. I'd avoid them forever if I could.

Did she expect me to beg for scraps?

After they left, Tom patted my shoulder. His eyes said everything.

I knew. Things had changed.

Next morning proved it. Tom assigned me the oldest boat. The worst jobs.

"Gideon, it's not that I don't want to help,"

Tom looked uncomfortable.

"After yesterday, and you being fresh out of prison... nobody wants to work with you. You'll have to work alone."

I nodded. Grabbed the nets and headed for that piece of shit boat.

Serena had destroyed my peace. Now she was taking everything else.

A week straight, I worked myself to death for nothing.

Did the hardest jobs for the lowest pay.

Then Tom found me and handed me an envelope.

"This month's wages. You should try somewhere else."

He wouldn't look at me.

"This was Serena's idea, wasn't it?"

My voice was rough. But I already knew.

Tom sighed.

"DA Vance said it's for your own good."

For my own good.

Those words crushed me.

I stood there holding that envelope. My fingers went numb.

I didn't argue.

I packed my stuff and left that town.

Three days of hitting walls. Then my phone rang.

Serena.

"Gideon, I've arranged a clerical position for you at the DA's office. Someone will pick you up. You start in three days."

"DA Vance."

I cut her off.

"Keep it. I don't want your charity."

"Just leave me alone."

"Leave you alone?"

Her voice stayed calm.

"I'm trying to help. You don't need to treat me like the enemy."

"I remember when you were Boston's best. I'm giving you a chance to—"

"Were. Past tense."

I laughed. Bitter.

"Don't forget who made me into this."

Silence. Then her voice came back colder.

"I know you hate me. But you're destroying yourself and I won't allow it."

That command in her tone.

"If you don't want clerical, fine. Be a consultant for Liam. He just made Deputy Chief. He needs help. You're his mentor."

My stomach turned.

"No thanks."

"You don't have a choice, Gideon."

Her voice went soft. Deadly.

"You take this job, or Mom and Dad lose the house. At their age, they’ll end up on the street"

My blood ran cold.

She always knew where to cut.