Page 109 of Freed By Fire
Damn it.
How did I go from wanting to take care of the baby to wanting to set an example for them?
How can I even do any of that?
This world—violence, chaos, and blood—is all I know.
I don’t know if there’s a way for me to silence the monster in me for good, or if I even want to.
London might not realize it, but you’re all going to need the monster if you want to stay alive and one step ahead of your enemies. Don’t let her convince you otherwise.
Because while everyone around me is seeing the future through rose-colored glasses, my judgment remains unaffected.
The danger hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s gotten worse.
Over the past week, I’ve racked my brain trying to think of ways to make the world safe for the child who will one day follow in my footsteps.
You won’t even try to give him a better life? What kind of father are you?
I want him to lead a different life, but I’m also realistic.
No one who grows up in this world walks away unscathed, and I want him to be prepared.
It’s my job to make sure he can face whatever is out there.
I tune back to the conversation and realize the mayor is still talking about changes to the docks. He indicates checkpoints and nods to some of the muscled men with buzzcuts who are patrolling the area. Once we’ve done a thorough sweep, we stand on the pier near the water again.
“I like a good challenge, Mr. Payne,” the mayor says. “Why do I have a feeling this was all a test?”
“It wasn’t.”
“I don’t mind having to prove myself, Mr. Payne. It’s a necessary precaution in the world of business, but I appreciate some transparency.”
I turn to face the mayor, who’s studying me intently. “I don’t appreciate the accusation, Mr. Mayor. If there’s something you want to say, it’s better if you say it.”
The mayor smiles. “There’s no need for the formalities, Mason. We are in business together. You can call me Noah Sr.”
I offer him a blank look. “I’d rather not.”
The mayor shrugs. “That’s fine. You’ll warm up to me eventually, and you’ll find me to be a very accommodating ally. Unlike the others.”
Noah Sr. is fishing for something, but for the life of me, I don’t know what it is, and I don’t have the patience to probe.
I’m eager to get back to London.
The baby isn’t even here, and she already has you on a tight leash. So much for keeping a clear head, huh?
I shove the thought away. “I assume the rest of our arrangement stands.”
The mayor nods. “Of course. Our friends at customs were pleased to hear from me.”
“And the air strip?”
The mayor’s eyes move over me intently. “You’re free to honor the rest of your business arrangements, so long as they don’t interfere with our deal.”
“They won’t.”
“I can assure you, Mr. Mayor, our arrangement is our top priority.” Jack Payne steps out of the mist, his coat billowing in the wind. He stops in front of us and smiles, showing off a row of expensive, white teeth. “I can’t tell you how pleased I am that we’re finally in business together.”
