Текст книги "Masterpiece"

Автор книги: Xavier Neal

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Jovi

I don't think anyone handles death well. I'm not even sure there's a good way to handle death. I know there's the whole five stages thing, but in reality, I don't know...even that doesn't sound healthy.

Daniel grabs another beer from the fridge. “No way. That was Ben. I just took the hit for it. I knew better than to fuck with Dad's tools.”

Merrick lets out a light chuckle and pulls a pepperoni off a slice of pizza. “Remember his lucky socket wrench?”

“Oh yeah!” Daniel nudges his arm. “What the fuck ever happened to that?”

“Went to Madden,” Drew replies from the couch beside Destin.

“What'd you do with it?” Merrick tosses his question at his big brother who is leaned back, arm stretched out, with Knox's feet in his lap.

Are they a couple or just being too friendly?

He shrugs. “It's at home.”

“Why don't you ever use it?” Destin questions, having a swig of his beer. “Like I've never seen you use it. You only use the ones Knox buys you.”

“That's because those are the fucking best,” Knox points out.

“Because I don't feel right about using it.”

Merrick pushes, “Why not?”

He clears his throat, “Because I fucked up. Because I keep fucking up.” With a harsh anger in his tone he gripes, “Can we...move past this fucking topic?”

The room gets still and strained.

I swear you'd think he just bitch slapped a kitten.

My eyes glance over just as Daniel leans against the wall beside the fridge. His head falls and I notice so does Merrick's.

It's weird. When they're all lively and happy they definitely look related, but somber like this? They look fucking identical. Like one person in various stages of life. I've never felt like I was missing anything because Hayli is basically my sister, but looking at all of them like this, there's a strange tug I can't explain. A unity with them I've never seen before.  One that can't be broken. Not that I want to break it, but I can see how it looks like my relationship with him might threaten it.

The silence remains as my eyes drink in the old beat up brown couches they're sitting on. The crooked paintings of classic cars intertwined with a few plaques on the wall. There are holes in various walls alongside wobbly furniture.

Our house may look pristine and neat, almost like a model home you can see yourself living in, but this house looks like a home. A place where actual memories were created. Lives actually lived.

Daniel quietly announces, “I'm gonna restore his car.”

Destin lifts his head up. “Are you sure that's a good idea?”

“It's the least I can fucking do,” Daniel replies. “Need to honor his memory in my own way.”

Hayli questions from behind me at the table, “Can I ride in it when you're done?”

With a crooked smirk Daniel lifts his beer to his lips and has a sip. “In it or on me?”

“Oh Daniel,” she sighs standing up. Strutting over to him she taps his chest gently. “Ben couldn't handle me and neither can you.”

Everyone laughs while he shrugs. “Can a guy try?”

Knox tosses her hands in the air. “I swear you McCoys all have Nos attached to your fucking sex drives. You're the only men I know who would ask the nurse for a blow job on your death bed.”

“What the fuck else would you ask for on your death bed?” Daniel asks as if genuinely confused.

You can laugh. I know it's a sad time, but it is a little funny.

The conversation starts to become playful, which is when I turn to Merrick who's still picking pieces off his pizza.

He's only had a couple of nibbles. I want to ask him how much he's had to eat in the last couple of days, but I feel like I know the answer to that. I feel you do too.

“Hey,” I call to him as I get up to sit in his lap.

His hands wrap around my waist and I swear I feel some of the tension subside. “Hey.”

Gently I stroke the back of his neck. “How are you doing?”

He shrugs and holds me closer.

I place a kiss on his cheek and whisper in his ear, “I love you, Merrick. No matter what.”

The declaration seems to erase more anxiety. In a hushed tone he asks, “Even if I can't run away to start our lives together?”

Taken off guard I lift my eyebrows. “Do you mean...you don't wanna marry me?”

“Of course I wanna marry you. I'm gonna marry you. Two days from now,” he insists.

That was a close one.

“I meant...if it takes a little longer before I can...move away and spend every day with you. Are you cool with that?”

My fingers run through his hair as I tilt my head. “No matter whether you decide to come with me or stay with your family for a bit, that clearly needs you, I love you and support your choice.”

His eyes close. Merrick leans his head against me and whispers, “I love you so fucking much.”

Clutching him closer, I shut my eyes too.

He's going through enough right now without me acting like a brat about him not just up and moving right now. He needs time. Space even. I can give him both. After all, we're going to have a life time together.

             

“Merrick,” Vinnie's voice interrupts the calming moment.

Both of us shoot our eyes open.

“I uh...I know it's not the best time, but we need to talk about something.”

“So talk,” Merrick insists. When Vinnie's eyes cut to me he states, “Anything you need to say, you can say in front of her.”

Vinnie tilts his head to the side as he hesitates.

So I'm cool enough to know some of their business, but not all? Does that sound a little shady to you?

“Okay, fine.” Leaning down, so he's resting his arms on the table beside us, back to the rest of the group he says, “Your favor from yesterday came with some major heat from the red and blues.”

Merrick unexpectedly shifts underneath me. His grip loosens. His jaw seems to lock.

Is he hiding something from me? He wouldn't....He wouldn't do that. He trusts me. He does trust me, right? Wait. Why do you look like now you're hiding something?

My boyfriend clears his throat. “I know. How hot?”

“Hades.”

Merrick grumbles, “Fuck...”

Vinnie gives me a glance and then states, “The good news is the maid came.”

He lets out a long exhale. “Clean sweep? Beds made?”

“Whole house,” Vinnie replies.

Code! They're talking in code! In front of me...He doesn't trust me, does he?

“What was the favor?” I quietly pipe in. “What does clean house mean?”

Immediately Merrick brushes me off. “Not now baby. I'll explain...later.”

I nod and Vinnie adds, “But word is out McCoy. I know who that sexy lady was for....”

His body stiffens again, this time so hard I'm not sure anything short of a jack hammer could get him to move. In a quiet whisper he says, “I'm fucking sorry to put you in that.”

“Fuck that.” Vinnie shakes his head. “If you need another favor, do not hesitate to ask.”

“Appreciate it.”

“Yeah,” he sighs. “I know.”

Curious about the favor, but unsure if I should push again, I try another approach. “Is a sexy lady a car?”

Playfully Vinnie asks, “Are you a car?”

“Were you talking about an actual woman?” I squeak.

“Yes it's a car,” Merrick quickly corrects. “But today's not a good day to explain that and today's not a good day to fuck with Jovi either Vinnie.”

“Sorry,” he sheepishly apologizes. “Thought you could use a small laugh.”

“Well I can't,” Merrick snaps.

He nods and pulls out a tiny Zip-loc bag from his pocket. Using two fingers he slides it across the table. Inside there are two small, circular blue pills, both stamped with the letter R.

Merrick said he didn't use drugs other than CL. You don't think he'll start now, do you? I mean I know grieving does shit to people but...

“A little R&R in case you need it.”

Vinnie doesn't say another word before he walks away from us to grab his girlfriends. While I try to let my eyes follow him as he preps them for an exit, I can't help but notice how Merrick takes the packet and slips it away.

Did he think I wouldn't notice? Does he really think I'm that dumb? First he doesn't trust me about the favor. Now drugs? What's next?

To no surprise Vinnie's exit acts as a good time for Hayli's too. She swiftly says, “I think I'm gonna go too. Jo' you need a ride?”

“Um...” I prepare to deny her when I look down at Merrick who I feel I can't even read any more.

Should I stay? Should I go? I don't even know if he needs me like I thought he did.

“Yeah.”

Merrick questions flatly, “You're leaving?”

Okay, so no clues there. His change of emotions is giving me a headache. I know it's to be expected, but geez.

Quickly, I stand up and declare, “Yeah. You need some time with your family. Definitely some space.”

At the word his face drops to one I'm at least a little more familiar with. With remorse in his voice he says, “I'm sorry I'm shutting you out, baby. I don't mean to.”

I touch the side of his face and whisper back, “I know. It's okay. You...you have every right to cycle through all this and more.”

“Please, don't give up on me.”

“I'm not giving up on you, I swear. I'm just...trying to respect that and your emotions.”

Two mature points for me please. That's not a real thing? Well it should be!

Seeing him relieved by the way his shoulders relax, I softly smile. “Okay?”

“Okay.” Merrick nods. “I love you. I'll see you tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow night.”

Hurt appears in his speech. “Tomorrow night?”

“I have a few things I need to get wrapped up before I get ready to leave and you...” I toss a glance over my shoulder at the McCoys who seem to be sinking back into somberness. Seeing them heartbroken pushes my eyes back into his. “You have some DNA who need you.”

“But I need you,” the words are proceeded with his hands on my sides. “I need you, Jovi.”

“And you'll have me.” Sensing he needs something a little extra I lean down and whisper, “And tomorrow night you can pick me up and have me again...and again...and again...”

A familiar groan crawls out of him as his fingers flex into my flesh. “Fucking tease.”

I wink. “You fucking love it.”

“Damn right I do,” he replies with a smile.

It's the first real smile I've seen in hours.

I need him to keep it.

Instantly, I push my lips against his and drop my tongue into his mouth, offering it up as a sacrifice on the altar of his emotions. Surrendering my tongue for the use of slaving away the pain swirling inside him, I'm thankful when he snatches the gift full force, yanking me back down into his lap. With a hand wrapped around my nape he thrusts his tongue against mine, demanding further submission. Melting into him, I almost forget we're not alone until Hayli's yelling clears the haze.

“I will leave you here,” she snips.

Dragging my lips away from his, I look over my shoulder at her. “I'm just saying goodbye.”

“The French Way,” Daniel teases with a wink.

Merrick flashes his brother his middle finger and delivers another kiss, this one faster than the first but no less intense.

Can we give him a prize for how good he is? What do you mean I am the prize?

Slipping off of his lap, I sigh, “Talk soon.”

He nods and let's Hayli lead me out of the room after I say goodbye to my future in laws.

Oh...that sounds strange. So strange. Also kinda dig it.

After a mildly quiet ride home filled with more Tina Turner than I knew Hayli possessed, she pulls into the driveway.

Preparing to kill the engine she asks, “Want me stay the night? Not sure if you wanna be alone...”

Which really means she needs it, but doesn't wanna admit it.

“If you wanna stay the night you can,” I offer. “I'm okay though. I mean...yeah it's hard to watch Merrick so broken, but there's nothing I can do other than just be there when he needs me, ya know? Ben was his best friend. Ben was his cousin. They were practically twins sometimes.”

“Ben was the better twin.”

I give her a sarcastic look that makes her giggle.

“You know I love blondes.”

“No you don't.”

“Fine. I loved the blonde twin. Ben wore it well.” After I smile again she says, “You know, we're kinda like twins.”

Giggling, I shake my head. “We're nothing like twins.”

“We're really not,” she quickly agrees. “But we're just like them. Best friends. Family. I'm pretty sure I've had more meals cooked by Nadie than my own mother and more lectures from Mr. Carter than my father could ever care to think about.”

The mention of his name causes a little dread on the inside.

I don't feel like finishing that fight any time today. Ever, really.

“True...”

“Well, I guess I'm gonna go home then. Are you sure you're fine?”

“Fine as I can be.”

“Alright, but if you need anything just call me and I'll come over. Got it?”

“Same.” I demand with a point of a finger. “Anything. Just come over.”

“Definitely.”

Exiting Hayli's car, I take the stroll to the front door slowly, cringing with every step. The second I step inside my house, I'm greeted by Nadie who just happens to be leaving the kitchen.

“Hey...” her tone is drenched in sympathy. “You okay?”

I shut the door behind me and shrug.

Am I? It's hard to be there for someone who floats back and forth so easily with letting you in and pushing you out. It's hard to know what to say and when. The worst part of all of this, is knowing there's something he's keeping from me, but won't say what. I thought he trusted me. I thought...I thought we were bonded past the point of needing to speak in riddles and codes. I hate this feeling. I hate it so much.

“That bad?” Nadie interrupts the train of thought.

Unsure of what to say, I start, “I...” When it hits me that I don't know how to finish it, I head for the stairs where I drop down to sit.

Nadie leans against the banister. “Wanna talk about it?”

I shake my head.

“Okay,” she replies slowly. “Then can we talk about the fact your boyfriend is a McCoy?”

Shit. I forgot we would have to deal with that.

Panic ensues, “Did you-”

“Tell your father? No,” she reassures me.

“About any of it?”

“No. However, he had some very harsh, very hurtful choice words for me before he got called away.”

“I'm sorry, Nadie. You didn't deserve that.”

“I didn't, but I've dealt with the temper better known as your father for years. What upsets me Jo' is that you felt you couldn't tell me.”

I knew that it would hurt, but I wasn't expecting it to hurt her this much.

“I'm sorry, Nadie, but what did you expect me to do?”

“For you to be honest. To trust me.”

Okay so I have trust issues with the people I love too. No need to rub that in right now!

“I'm sorry-”

“I don't wanna hear apologies. I wanna fix things. I'm concerned about you and your safety Jovi. Did you know he street races?”

On a deep breath, I nod.

Her hands grip the railing tighter. “Have you been in the car?”

“Not while he races.”

“Have you-”

“Been to the races? Yes.”

“Oh my-”

“It's not like dad thinks it is-”

“But it's still against the law, Jo'!”

I snap loudly, “There are a lot of things wrong with the law, Nadie!”

“Do not raise your voice at me.”

What is wrong with me? Why can't I talk about this calmly?

Nadie runs a hand through her hair. “That may be true. Laws aren't always perfect, but the law is there for a reason Jovi. And it's your father who fights to protect and serve and keep it in place.”

I shake my head slowly. “Doesn't mean he's always right.”

“Hell, it doesn't mean the law is always right either, but that fact is, you follow it or have to deal with the consequences. Whether those consequences are fines or jail time, everyone has to answer for the crimes they committed at some point, especially those involved in the racing world. Your father is relentless about it.”

In a short I whisper I snap, “I know.”

That worries me a little more than I care to confess.

“Now please tell me you've never raced.”

Stop laughing! I can drive!

“No. And I've never asked. Doesn't matter anyway. Merrick may drive a little fast sometimes, but he considers me precious cargo and would never put my life at risk like that,” I coo sweetly, missing him already.

Nadie fights the urge to smile at the comment. “Did you know Ben was involved in criminal activity?”

“No. Well, street racing aside. I had no idea other than what dad mentioned.”

“What about Merrick? Is he involved in anything illegal besides street racing? Drug dealing? Drug using? Stealing? Prost-”

“No!” I bite quickly. “Of course not! God Nadie! Just because he street races doesn't make him some big city criminal!”

Instead of arguing her point, she surrenders a hand.

I am not overreacting.

“How...how is he dealing with Ben's death?”

“I don't know. He's shutting me out.”

“He's just grieving, Jo'.”

“I know,” my voice says faintly. “Doesn't mean it hurts less.”

“I know,” Nadie echoes. “Just...be patient.” When I nod she adds, “And be prepared to fight because now's the time to confess it all, Jovi. You're dad's out for the night I have a feeling, but tomorrow. Tomorrow you're gonna have to come clean. Shiny, Windex clean. You need to face this head on.” Before I have a chance to argue she sighs, “And I suggest you reevaluate everything you wanna say and how you wanna say it because despite how you're feeling right now, I'm here for you. I'm on your side. I'm here to help you get through all this.”

Thank God for that. Nadie really is the best mom I could ask for. I'm not even sure my actual mom would be this understanding. This accommodating to me and dad's attitude. Then again if she hadn't died, I wonder if he would've become this dark and brooding. What if that happens to Merrick? What if I can't save him before he does something crazy or out of control? What if Ben's death is the callous that turns him from the full of life soul consuming creation into something I don't recognize? Something so grim and hopeless he wanders into a void I can't reach him in. Why do I feel like it's already starting?

Merrick

Haven't slept. Haven't ate. Haven't done much more than get trapped in memories of Ben and fucked up what ifs. No. Not just the what ifs you're thinking. Not just the what ifs I've been asking since Madden told me, but what if he were here right now? What if he would've cleaned up his act? What if he would've fell in love some day? Had kids? What if he could've had everything I want? What if...what if he would've came with me to leave all this bullshit behind and start over?

The radio changes to “Bitch Better Have My Money” and instantly my shoulders slump.

It's like he can fucking hear me. Can he? Is it crazy to think that he can?

“Oh Merrick,” Azura sighs as she leans on her arms across from me. “You do know that drowning your sorrows in top shelf tequila isn't going to make you feel any better right?”

Relax. I haven't even had more than a fucking sip, which is fucking pathetic. I've been here for hours. I stopped paying attention after the third hour. No telling how long ago that was. Here's a note you might want to write down though. Watered down tequila is worse than regular tequila. Trust me.

I lift my eyes up slowly from the glass I've been staring into.

“That's bourbon.” Her jokes get s a small grin out of me.

Don't point it out.

“Ben hated bourbon. Said it burned too bad. When Triple D made fun of him for it he said 'Doesn't matter anyway. Tequila makes her clothes come off'.” Another smile briefly flashes on my face. “Fucking Ben...”

She sighs again and pushes up her falling glasses. “He was charming in his own...perverted way.”

Curious my eyebrows rise. “You spent time around Ben?”

“I've spent time around all of you,” she informs.

That can't be fucking true. I barely remember running into her other than that time at the pool party and once before when she was stumbling out of the apartment in the middle of the night.

Seeing my disbelief she explains, “Triple D comes in a lot for pre screwing drinks and Madden comes in for post.”

“I...I didn't know my brothers had drinking routines like that or hell, even at this bar.”

“It's a great spot,” Azura insists. “I'm guessing it was Ben who had mentioned this place?”

Reluctantly I nod. “Did he...Did he have a routine here too?”

We have been tag team partners, but we did have time apart. Especially after I met Jovi. Fuck. Maybe I should've never met her. Maybe he'd still be alive.

“Ben popped in whenever. No rhyme or reason. Just...whenever he felt like it I guess.”

“That was Ben,” I mutter under my breath. “Did whatever the fuck he wanted...when he wanted...”

Azura leans in a little closer.

Don't worry. Not that close.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“No,” I snap. “I'm so tired of people wanting me to fucking talk about it. What the fuck is there to talk about? He fucking died. I'm fucking alive. There. Talk had.”

Azura gives me a short smile, pats the bar in front of me, and walks away.

Fuck. That was....I'm being...Fuck. I know. She didn't deserve that. I'll apologize. Chill. Chill. I swear. I'll apologize.

My eyes search for where she abandoned me to. It only takes a moment for me to spot her refilling an older man's beer at the end of the bar to the left. His beard is salt and pepper like his hair, his clothes are oil stained much like his skin, and his face looks worn out. Tired from the weight of work. Or maybe life.

Is that what I'm going to look like if I don't get out of here? If I stay behind and manage to stay alive that long?

I watch Azura politely smile at him, the gesture what he seems to need to further relax. Afterward she turns her back to busy herself a good distance from me.

Oh don't say that. I already feel shitty enough.

“Hey,” I call to her. When she glances over her shoulder at me I finish with, “Sorry. I didn't mean to be such a dick.”

Grabbing the glass she had been drying she strolls back towards me. “I know you didn't. I'm not mad.”

Baffled I question, “Really?”

“Really.”

“Most chicks-”

“Contrary to you and Triple D's beliefs, I am not most chicks.”

Do you feel like we missed something?

“Merrick, you're clearly grieving. You probably have a lot going on in that crazy mind of yours. I get that. But why you're trying to numb the pain with tequila a very sweet bartender gave you on the house, instead of your gorgeous girlfriend, is the part I can't figure out.”

Jovi...Beautiful, sweet, understanding, til death do us part Jovi. I should be with her. I wish I was. She spent the morning looking at cars with Nadie and then girl time or some shit this afternoon with Hayli. Packing for her move. I'd be over there if her father wasn't home. At least I think I would be. Should I be?

On a long exhale I shake my head.

“Okay well...you can either talk to me, as a totally unbiased opinion or....I can walk away and pretend to rearrange the liquor again.”

I lift my glass to my lips. “You're surprisingly kinda pushy.”

She shrugs. “It's been a long day.”

“Tell me about it,” I mumble. After a brief pause I cave, needing someone's opinion besides my own. “I'm a McCoy-”

With a wink she interrupts, “Obviously.”

“We party. We race. We...we live on the edge. We're fucking loyal to each other. No matter what. But I don't wanna do it anymore. I want out. I wanna live a different life. In a different place. With...well with...”

“With Jovi.”

“Yeah.” I clear my throat. “And I was going to. No problem. I was gonna tell my brothers, 'fuck this, I'm out' and now...now that Ben's gone I just...I can't. I feel if I ditch them now, I'm not just leaving them, but abandoning them when they need me the most.”

“Almost like they'd be losing another McCoy.”

“Yeah. Exactly. I feel they'd start talking shit about betrayal. Make me feel like I'm turning my back on the people who raised me. Who've saved me. Who've....”

“Who've turned you into the man you are?” Azura fills in.

I nod.

“Don't you think they might be understanding? Or even grateful that they have one less little brother to make sure comes home alive? One more little brother that's not in jail or has a gun to his head?”

Oh...been there.

“Maybe your brothers would be happy that you'd finally be safe and happy.”

Valid points? You really think so?

             

A short hum comes from me before I tilt my head. “Maybe....”

“You haven't told Jovi how you're feeling, have you?”

Quickly I shake my head and have another sip.

She's understanding. Too understanding. So understanding that I don't know if she'd even tell me she really wanted me to come with her. To be with her. To keep our marriage going. No...we're not married yet. Two days to go. Two long fucking days.

“I suggest you tell her. Hell, tell them all. Give them each a chance to accept or deny the thoughts you're going through. Don't decide for them what they think.”

“You've got a point.” I put the glass down at the same time she leans back on the bar. “A girl as smart as you should be more than just Triple D's....well, what day of the week girl are you?”

“I'm not.”

“I thought you were one of Daniel's girls.”

“That's my sister.” Folding her hands together, Azura's mocha face falls. “Everyone forgets I even exist.”

“I don't.”

“Really? You remember me before now?”

“Yeah. The pool party.”

She furrows her eyebrows. “Before that?”

Not sure I want to risk upsetting her twice I say, “I'll definitely remember you now.”

“That's only because I gave you free liquor.”

“Thanks for that by the way.” Swirling the liquid around I ask, “So you've never hooked up with a McCoy?”

“Nope.”

“Why not? Busy on Daniel's free days?”

“Wow. How about because I don't wanna be a day of the week girl, but a tomorrow one?”

Perplexed, I question, “A tomorrow girl?”

“The one you always promise to see tomorrow and then do,” she explains as she fiddles with her curly hair. “Not sure that'll ever happen, but a girl can dream right?”

Pushing the glass across the bar I say, “Don't give up on it. I never knew I needed a tomorrow girl until she fell into my lap.”

Literally. Remember that? Fuck...seems like a life time ago.

“Yeah well, I hope we can all be so lucky,” Azura coos. “Now go talk to your girl. And your brothers.”

“Yeah.” I stand and pull out of my wallet. “I'm going to.”

She points at me. “Don't even think about tipping me.”

“But-”

“Just...just knowing someone might get a happy ending is enough for me.”

I smile and shrug. “You'll get yours.”

There's a hum out of her but nothing else.

“Hey, you're welcome around us any time by the way.”

“Thanks,” she sighs before waving goodbye.

You know, I like her too. Seems like good people, but do you get the feeling she's longing for one of my brothers? Right. But which one?

The question oscillates in my brain as I walk out with my head down. Not paying attention to where I'm going has me bump hard right into someone.

“Watch it fuck head,” the voice grunts. When my head pops up he sneers, “Fucking McCoy.”

Why couldn't this asshole have been the one to fucking die? Why'd it have to be someone who fucking mattered? What a better world it would be with one less crooked politician's child.

             

“Just can't stay out of my fucking way can you? You or that punk bitch cousin of yours.” Before I have the chance to say anything he smugly smirks. “Oh wait. He's dead now, so I guess it's just you.”

My immediate reaction is to punch him in his fucking face. To drop him where he stands. Bash his brains out the back of his skull.

Jail might be a safer place for me. Then again The Devil has contacts and reaches everywhere.

As my fist clenches to strike, something catches my eye over his shoulder.

Better yet. It might be safer for him.

I step forward and make sure to keep my eyes locked on him, so his have to stay on mine. “Talk all the fucking shit you want about my family, but they'll never be the useless waste of space that is you and yours.” His eyebrows rise and I whisper, “Enjoy your night in jail.”

“What?”

Loudly I shout, “No I don't wanna buy drugs from you!” My voice immediately grabs the police officer's attention that was heading back for his vehicle. “No means no man! I don't!”

Tyler starts to speak when the officer approaches. “Is there a problem here?”

“This man tried to sell me drugs,” I innocently say stepping back from Tyler. “And I told him no.”

The officer has a hand on his weapon. “Did you try to sell this man drugs?”

If he uses it, all I have to say is 'thank you'. Thank you for finally serving and protecting me rather than hunting me.

“No. Fuck no-”

“Watch your language sir,” the officer snips.

“No,” Tyler repeats. “I didn't try to sell him anything.”

The officer glances at me and I give him a pleading look. “Sir, do you have any drugs on you?”

“Of course not,” Tyler sighs. “Search me if you want.”

Taking the invitation he says, “Could you please spread your legs and arms?” Tyler does as he's asked and the officer starts patting him down. It only takes a few before the officer stops at his pockets, and pulls out a small Zip-loc bag with pills inside.

Remind me to thank Vinnie for those.

He barks, “What are these?”

“Those aren't mine!” Tyler screeches. “No fucking way!”

“Sir, please turn around and place your hands behind your back,” the officer instructs tucking the drugs away safely. “You're being placed under arrest for possession of narcotics. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law...”

“Fuck!” Tyler grumbles, following the directions. The officer continues his speech, placing a pair of cuffs tightly around his wrists. “Do you have any idea who my father is? Do you have any idea what he'll do to you for arresting me?”

His words are ignored as the police officer pulls him towards his vehicle. Tyler's tantrum grows louder at the same time he's guided into the back seat.  I turn on my heels and allowing myself to smile proudly at the service I just did.

One more asshole off the streets and out of my face is a service. That felt much fucking better than beating the shit out of him. So much fucking better.