Double Or Nothing (Sequel To Double Standards Part 2)

Calling On The Angels

Miri

Sitting at one of the restaurants at the den I was smashing some shrimp scampi. I love this
amazing dish. Looking around it dawned on me that my Pape  runs this underground world. Everyday citizens walk above us 24/7 and have no inkling that some of the world's most dangerous men reside under their feet. It was basically a small city under here. Restaurants, offices, bars, strip clubs, rooms, spa, dry cleaners, state of the arc medical facility.

I was actually born here. Pape refused to risk me being born in a hospital due to lack of security, even though my birth certificate states I was born at Saint Mary's hospital. I was in deep thoughts when I heard a commotion from outside the restaurant. Looking I saw suits rushing in every direction, men yelling. This wasn't good. I started to rise but Artius, my guardian, stilled me.

"Miss Harper, allow me to investigate the situation first".

Nodding I watched as he spoke through his ear piece to someone. Finally he turned to me.

"Miss Harper the men are back. I'll escort you to them".

Forgetting my shrimp scampi I followed Artius. A sinking feeling stirred in the pit of my stomach when I noticed we wasn't headed to my Pape's office but the medical clinic. Stopping in my track's I spoke. "What's happened?"

"I'm not sure Miss, please let's continue".

I allowed Artius to lead me by my arm. Their was a huge crowd gathered outside the clinic. As they saw me approach they parted aside making a path for my entrance with their heads lowered. They wasn't allowed to look at me due to who I was. That was my Pape's rule, none of the men were allowed to speak nor look at me or my mom, unless spoken to.

Finally I made my way inside the clinic and it was pure chaos. Nurses running around with medical supplies speaking in medical codes. Tears ran down my cheek as I looked around for the most important men in my life and so no one. My knees were on the verge of buckling when I caught sight of my Pape's head. His height clearly standing out amongst the confusion. Breaking free from Artius I took off running.

"Pape, Pape". I called. He turned his head just as I pummeled into him wrapping my arms around his broad frame. The stinch of blood attacked my nose as Pape pulled me from him. His suit was marred in blood. Demarco came around the corner just then covered in blood as well. Cole where's Cole I thought.

"Pape?" I whispered horsely. He understood where my concern laid. "Cole is fine babydoll. It's Conner and Cole is with him. Conner took a bullet and it grazed his kidney. Doc did as best as he could but with limited medical technology on the plane it wasn't much he could do. Conner is undergoing another surgery right now".

Before Pape could say more a hysterical ELa came running in. "My husband, where's he at London?"

"In surgery".

"How bad is it?"

My Pape remained silent not knowing what to say to her at this moment.

"God Damn it London" ELa screamed at Pape. "You fucking tell me. This was supposed to be it for him then he was free. You shouldn't have asked him to go".

Ela started pummeling my Pape's chest. "If my husband dies it's your fault, just like it's your fault Laney isn't here. Your a monster and I hope you rot in hell".

Demarco stepped in an wrapped ELa in a hug. "Let me take you to Cole".

I watched as they disappeared then took in my Pape's ragged, tired expression. I knew ELa was just upset and was taking her anger out on my Pape, but he didn't deserve her harsh words especially blaming him on my mom's disappearance. My Pape had suffered enough and I knew that beneath his suit and guns he had a lot of love to give. Taking his hand I gave it a squeeze. I felt his pain. "It's okay Pape. I'll never leave you and if anyone else talks to you that way I'll slit their throat".

Yes, I was more like my Pape than anyone knew. I kept my evil thoughts and killer instincts burried deep, but no one disrespects my family. Yes, I do know that ELa is upset and I sympathize for her, but don't hurt my Pape.

Pape snickered at me at my little confession. "I'm a big boy Mirimosa, I can take it".

As I sat beside my Pape my thoughts lingered to my mom. How could she abandon us like this? Yes, I know what Pape did but why punish us all? Why not at least call us instead of the occasional text. Pape needs her more than ever now. Her best friend ELa needs her also. We all do. I felt anger replace the feeling of missing my mom.

Demarco rejoined us as well. I asked about Cole but I knew now wasn't the time to see him. He needed to be there for his parents. Demarco finally stood. "I'm going to the apartment to shower and rest".

"Take Miri with you".

"No Pape. I'm staying with you".

"Miri I'll keep you updated now go with your brother. Beside I'm going to my private room and shower myself".

"Fine" I huffed out. "But eat and rest to".

Pape smiled" hey I'm the one who's supposed to give the orders".

He bent and kissed my head. "Run along princess and I love you".

"I love you too, and I mean it. Rest".

If mom refused to be a good wife and take care of my Pape I would. I'm so mad at her I can taste it. As Demarco and I stepped off the elevator we was surprised to see Samantha standing in the hall by our apartment. She took one look at Demarco covered in blood and started inching away.

"Sam" I said trying to ease her fear but I had blood on me as well from hugging these men.

"I'll just come back l-later" she stammered.

"Cupcake" Demarco called but Samantha fled.

I watched my brother's head drop as we entered the room. Looking at him I softly asked. "Are we doomed?"

"We've been doomed since the day we was born". He replied dryly and went to shower.

Heading to clean myself up as well I silently whispered to myself. "Fuck you mother for not being here".