by Emma Creed
"I'm about to share a secret with you, something very personal, and I'm expecting your discretion." I push the file that sits in front of me across the table towards him. He’s hesitant to open it but when he does, and his eyes fall onto the photograph that sits on top of all the information, I don’t miss the way they flair.
Seeing the picture again chisels away another piece from my heart, and I watch as he studies her for a moment, his pupils widening as he takes her in. The hazel colored hair that falls on her shoulders and frame her perfect oval face, and how it matches perfectly with her brown eyes. He thinks she’s beautiful, I can tell, and I'll bet there isn’t a single man in this world who wouldn't agree with him.
"She's something, ain't she," I speak, but he doesn't look up, still fixated on her, and it makes me doubt for a moment that this is a good idea. The kid isn’t stupid though, he knows the fucking rules, he just doesn't realize that she’s protected by them yet.
"Who is she?" he asks still staring, his finger spontaneously reaching out and touching at her hair as if he can feel it’s silkiness.
"She's someone I need you to keep an eye on for a while. I need information, more than what's in that folder, personal stuff. I need to know if she needs anything, if she's happy."
He nods seeming to understand what I’ve said.
"Tac tells me you got the brains, just weren't one for discipline. You’re gonna have to work on that."
Nyx tears his eyes off the picture and looks up at me in confusion.
"If you can do this. You’re in," I tell him.
"You mean…"
"Yeah, you pull this off you get your patch kid. No more prospect crap."
"Okay, I'm in," he says without hesitation, then closes the file and tucks it under his arm.
"I'm glad. Enjoy senior year kid. You’re going back to high school."
"You’re fucking with me. Right?" He twitches his lips together with an unimpressed smile.
“I don't fuck around when it comes to something important, and this is fucking important. You can't fuck this up," I warn.
"I was shit at school. How am I ever gonna get back in? It's been years, and I never finished tenth grade. I'm pretty sure you can't rock up whenever you want."
"You can when you’re Nicholas Anderson," I tell him.
"Nic the fucking who?" he asks blankly.
"Jessie's old lady hooked you up. Got you enrolled, you’re even in some of Ella's classes."
"Ella, that's her name?" he asks as if it’s the answer to a question he’d been desperate to ask, and I brush off his all too eager reaction.
"Yeah, that’s her name. So you’re straight on what to do?" I check.
"Sure, make nice with Ella, make sure she's okay. Report back to you. Sounds pretty straightforward."
I laugh at the hint of enthusiasm in his voice, a trait no one would usually associate with the kid.
"Can I ask a question?"
I nod permitting for him to ask.
"What's so special about the girl?” His eyebrows draw together curiously.
"She's all I got left," I tell him, my voice sounding a lot weaker than I’d intended, and causing him to look even more confused. Then I let the realization of my final words settle in, his face falling flat with disappointment.
"And because Ella Jackson’s my daughter.”
* * *
The End
Acknowledgments
Firstly, I’d like to thank you, the reader for coming this far. Not everyone will agree with the outcome of Jessie’s story. Whether you loved it or hated it, I appreciate every single one of you for reading on.
* * *
Sharon, I don’t even know where to start. You were the first person I ever spoke to about this idea I had. You’ve been there for every stage of the journey. I don’t think anyone understands more than you do, what these guys mean to me. Thanks for being such a huge part of their development.
* * *
To my Beautiful beta’s Angela, Karen, Julie, Andrea, Corrine, Aliana, and Sarah. Your input and encouragement have meant the world to me. I am eternally grateful for your support. And to Apryle for loving Jessie as much as I do.
* * *
I need to give a whole heap of credit to Sarah at Sassi's Editing Service for her patience. Working with you has been a pleasure, I can’t wait too (see what I did there,) drive you wild with my punctuation all over again really soon.
* * *
Kerry at Rebel Ink Co for doing such another fabulous job on my cover and formatting.
* * *
And to Linda MILWBIM for reading something completely out of your comfort zone just because I wrote it.
* * *
Finally, I need to thank my own little tribe, Rob, Mikey, Ben, Max, and Layla Lou you are my happily ever after.
Also by Emma Creed
His Captive