Page 16 of We The Depraved

His face turns serious. “They are not to be fucked with.”

“I knew Safaryans back in Chicago,” Yasmine interjects.

“And?” I ask her, my mind is already tumbling.

If Gio says they’re not to be messed with then I believe him. He’s Puerto Rican and Russian but most of his family is dead.

“What Gio says,” Yasmine nods, her eyes have gone wide. “Why are you asking about them?”

I shrug.

“Junebug just sold his controlling interest to one.”

Yasmine and Gio look at each other.

“What?”

“Yeah, there’s about to be a new boss in town it seems. Fucking Junebug,” I shake my head.

For a moment, I’m thoughtful.

I could call a meeting, but I decide not to.

“This stays in this room,” I tell them.

They nod, and I can see the wheels turning in each of their brains.

Before I can get another word in, my cellphone rings. I dismiss them and see it is my cousin calling again. Part of me doesn’t want to answer but I remember Mama Iris is not well and I do.

“Hello,” my voice sounds dry even to my ears.

Reese sounds out of breath. I can tell she’s wrangling her children. Eventually she manages to get out what she wants to say.

“Sorry, just got back from grocery shopping. They’re releasing Nana from the hospital in a few days.”

“Okay… thanks. What do you need from me?” I offer.

I don’t want to talk to Reese; I would rather be walking over hot coals.

“Her medicine is going to be astronom….” Reese stops and hollers at her children to behave.

Her voice grates on my nerves as it goes up to octaves that only cats can hear.

“Do you need help with the cost of the medicine?” I just want her off the phone.

She returns to the conversation, “Yes. That’s going to be needed. You know my mom is on a fixed income and so am I.”

Rolling my eyes, I reply. “Just text me the information.”

“Really?”

“Yes, whatever Nana needs, I got her.”

Reese seems to relax then. “Well I’m glad we’ve got that settled. Thank you, Sage.”

I don’t say anything back.

I simply hang up the phone. I want to escape to the wizarding world where a potion can heal anything.