I breathe in and blow air out. “That about sums it up.”
He, too, inhales deeply. “And now she wants to pick up where you left off?”
That’s what I got from the phone call. “Seems that way.” Then I add my thoughts. “Or maybe her having a husband to go to helped her to get paroled.”
He gives another little shake of his head at that, then his green eyes pierce me. “You love her?”
If Red hadn’t met the love of his life for a second time only a few months back, I doubt it’s a question I expected my prez would have asked. But he had, and he knows better than anyone that it is possible to reconnect after a long time apart. In my case, though, his question is easy to answer. Whatever feelings I had for Britney were killed years ago, and I doubt they could ever be rekindled.
“I did,” I tell him. “But it’s not an emotion I’ve considered for a very long time.” Love kind of dies when there’s a lack of communication to reinforce it, and when you’ve had more than enough time to do some thinking.
“Shit, Petty.” For once, Red looks lost for words. “I don’t know what to say.” His hands brush back his hair. He looks down at his desk as though he might find some answers there, and then back at me. While still looking sympathetic, his eyes have hardened a little. “We don’t know your wife, and,” he huffs a short laugh, “from the sound of it, neither do you. Seven years is a fuck of a long time.”
I could remind him he hadn’t seen Cher for longer than that, and it hadn’t taken them long to reconnect, but I keep quiet. I’m not sure Britney and I had had the same connection from the start.
Why did I marry her? Well, she was beautiful, soft, petite, had a sharp wit and was funny and affectionate—everything I wanted in a woman. That she wanted me too was something that had taken me by surprise. I’d fallen in love fast, and putting a ring on her finger had been as much to mark her as mine, than me thinking things through, or doing the sensible thing and waiting until I’d really gotten to know her.
Of course, I’d been close to being shipped back overseas. If I hadn’t tied her to me, she might have strayed, and for some reason, having her legally tied to me gave me a sense of security.
Then events caught up with us. She was arrested, and I got her out on bail. She insisted it was all a mistake, that she was going to be cleared. But she was sentenced instead. I was posted back overseas and I’d never seen her again.
So, no, Red’s right. Maybe I don’t know my wife at all.
He’s clearly thinking. “For you, this might turn up to be a blessing in disguise.” A quick half-smile and I know he’s comparing my situation to his and Cher’s. “It could be a chance you didn’t know you were seeking. But old ladies have to be voted in, and that’s after the brothers have had the chance to see who they’ll be inviting into their home.” He pauses and rubs his jaw. “Then again, we have strays staying. Don’t see why she shouldn’t share your room, on a temporary basis, while we see how she fits in.” He’s being magnanimous.
“Yeah, Prez, my room.” As far as I can remember, Britney liked her creature comforts. “I can’t see she’s going to be happy with that. I haven’t even got a bathroom.” Then I remember how she’s lived without those conveniences for years, and it makes me wince. Whatever my feelings for Britney are now, I feel like a failure as a husband if I can’t offer her better than what I have. “And there’s the fact her parole officer wouldn’t be happy with her staying here.”
He grimaces as he acknowledges my statement. Suddenly, his hand slaps down on the desk. “Angel Hair.” I crease my eyes as he mentions the hairdressers we provide security for. He half-smiles when he sees my confusion. “This could work out. Only yesterday, Angie asked for some leeway on her payments as her tenant in the upstairs apartment just vacated. Don’t know what it’s like, but it’s got to be better than a single room, and you’d be doing the club a favour.”
It takes me a moment to realise what I could be doing for the club, but then I catch up. Me paying Angie rent would mean she wouldn’t have to leave us short.
Part of the attraction of living at the club is that I don’t have to pay for accommodation. But hell, I’m an adult. I’ll just have to suck it up. It’s not like any of us are particularly hurting for cash.
It’s a good idea, and better than bringing Britney back to the club. Not only would a proper address satisfy her parole officer, I have a strong feeling that it’s best to keep her separate from the club. I don’t want her fucking shit up for me. “You think it’s still available?” Suddenly I feel more positive.
Red grins. “Way Angie put it was it would be a fuckin’ miracle to get someone fast, so yeah, I think it probably is. I reckon you should get your ass around there and see it. When’s your woman arriving?”
“Tomorrow if she can get a flight.” Which reminds me, I’ll have to get the money to her.
Again he sighs. “Look, I’ll get Cobra to cover your shift with RoseLyn for a couple of days.”
I open my mouth to say he doesn’t have to do that, then I realise how much I’ve got to get organised. I don’t know if the apartment’s furnished or not, and even if it is, I’ll have to move my shit over. I feel I should make some token protest. “I can still work.”
Red’s eyes become slits. “Your job is making sure you’re aware of everything and anything going on around RoseLyn. Any other time, for that I’d say you were one of my best people. But now? Fuck, man, you’ve got too many distractions. Like your wife,” he pauses to snort, “unexpectedly coming back, and all the changes you’re going to have to make to accommodate her in your life.” He levels me with the prez stare he’s perfected over the years. “Can’t risk something happening on your watch, so I’d rather we have you covered.”
“As soon as Britney’s settled, Prez, I’ll take over again.” Under other circumstances, I might be pleased to not have RoseLyn as my responsibility anymore, but I don’t want to be seen as a man who walks away from a commitment.
“I’m sure Cobra will appreciate that.” Red grins, then points to the door. “And you better get out of here if you’re going to get everything squared away before,” he pauses, and huffs, “Britnayarrives.”
CHAPTERFOUR
RoseLyn
I’ve just gotten out of the shower, having come back from the gym when I hear the sound of male voices downstairs. Nothing unusual in that, it just tells me the time. It’s four in the afternoon and must be the shift change.
There is a difference today, though. One of the voices I don’t recognise.
It’s not unusual for me to eavesdrop at this time. I’ve noticed how Petty, taking over for his evening rotation from Roller, is so different when greeting his friend than greeting me. First, I’d hear the loud slaps as they beat each other’s backs, then, often chuckles and laughter. I first started listening to see if they were joking about me, but no, it was always something or other that one of their brothers had done. Then they’d holler to each other as Roller walked out the door.
