As I walked home after a long day of activities, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the city, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. I was lost in thought, my mind replaying the events of the day, when suddenly, a van pulled up beside me.
The side door slid open, and a voice called out, "Get in."
I hesitated for a moment, wondering who was behind this, but the voice was firm and commanding. I had no choice but to comply. I stepped inside, and the door closed behind me with a soft thud.
As I looked around, I saw Liam sitting across from me, his eyes fixed on me with an intense gaze. The van began to move, and I felt a sense of disorientation as we sped through the streets. The interior of the van was sleek and modern, with leather seats and a state-of-the-art sound system. But I wasn't interested in the amenities; I was too busy trying to process what was happening.
Liam leaned forward, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "Jackson, I know you've had some time to think about my offer. Have you reconsidered working for me?"
I hesitated, unsure of my answer. I had been weighing the pros and cons, trying to decide what was best for me. But before I could respond, I asked, "Liam, can I ask you something?"
Liam's expression changed, a hint of curiosity creeping into his eyes. "Of course, what is it?"
I took a deep breath, trying to process my thoughts. "That picture you sent me this morning... who is that?"
Liam's expression changed, a mixture of emotions flashing across his face. He leaned back in his seat, a slow smile spreading across his lips.
"Ah, you're talking about the picture of your son," he said, his voice filled with a sense of satisfaction.
I felt like I had been punched in the gut. "My son?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.
Liam nodded, his eyes locked on mine. "Yes, Jackson. That's your son. You see, your girlfriend back then... she was pregnant with your child when you were jailed. She never got to tell you about it, but I've been keeping an eye on her, and the boy, all these years."
I felt like my world had been turned upside down. I was taken aback, confused, and disoriented. A son? I had a son? The thought sent my mind reeling. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Me, a father? It was a concept I had never considered.
I looked at Liam, trying to process what he was telling me. "Why are you telling me this now?" I asked, my voice shaking with emotion.
Liam leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity. "Because, Jackson, I want you to know that you have something to lose. You have a son, a family, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to protect them. But in return, I need your loyalty, your commitment to work for me."
I felt like I was being pulled in different directions. Part of me wanted to scream, to deny everything, while another part of me wanted to break down and cry. I had a son? The thought sent my mind reeling. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
As the van continued to speed through the streets, I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare. I didn't know what to believe, what to think. All I knew was that my life had just been turned upside down, and I had no idea how to navigate this new reality.
Liam's voice brought me back to the present. "So, Jackson, what's it going to be? Are you going to work for me, or do we need to take more... drastic measures?"
I looked at him, my eyes locked on his. I didn't know what to say, what to do. All I knew was that my life would never be the same again. I felt like I was standing at a crossroads, with no idea which path to take.
The van slowed down, and I saw that we were approaching a stoplight. Liam leaned forward, his eyes fixed on mine. "You have until tomorrow to make your decision, Jackson. After that, things will get... complicated."
The van came to a stop, and the side door slid open. Liam gestured for me to get out. "This is where you get off, Jackson. Think carefully about your decision. Your son's future depends on it."
I stepped out of the van, feeling like I was stepping into a whole new world. The door closed behind me, and the van sped away, leaving me standing alone on the sidewalk. I looked around, trying to get my bearings. I had no idea where I was or what to do, my mind was just blank, and I was totally confused.
I stood on the sidewalk, feeling lost and uncertain about what to do next. The revelation about having a son had left me reeling, and I didn't know how to process it. I looked around, trying to clear my head, and spotted a cab driving down the street. I waved it down, and it pulled over to the curb.
"Hey, can you take me to this address?" I asked the driver, handing him a piece of paper with the address of my halfway house.
The driver nodded, and we set off into the evening traffic. As we drove, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me. I had so many questions, so many doubts. What was I supposed to do now? How was I supposed to wrap my head around the fact that I had a son?
I looked out the window, watching as the city lights blurred by. The driver was silent, focused on navigating the crowded streets. I was grateful for the quiet, needing some time to collect my thoughts.
Just as I was starting to feel like I was getting my bearings, my phone buzzed with an incoming message. I hesitated for a moment before checking it, wondering who it could be. But as soon as I saw the name "Victor Martinez" on the screen, my heart sank.
I opened the message, and my eyes scanned the contents. "Make the delivery in 1 hour. Venue: 3456 Main St. Tell them THE BULL sent you."
I felt a surge of anxiety as I read the message. What was I supposed to deliver? And who was I supposed to meet at this venue? I looked up at the driver, wondering if he knew anything about the message, but he was oblivious to my concerns.
"Hey, can you step on it?" I asked him, feeling a sense of urgency. "I need to get there as soon as possible."
The driver nodded, and the cab accelerated, weaving through the traffic with ease. I sat back, trying to collect my thoughts. What was I getting myself into? What did Victor Martinez have planned for me?
As we approached the halfway house, I felt a sense of trepidation. What was waiting for me at the venue? And what did Victor Martinez have planned for me?
The driver pulled up outside the halfway house, and I handed him a few bills. "Thanks, man," I said, getting out of the cab.
I stood outside the building, taking a deep breath as I tried to calm my nerves. I looked down at the phone, the message from Victor Martinez still on the screen. I knew I had to make the delivery, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. I had to do this. I had to make the delivery and face whatever consequences came with it.
With a sense of determination, I turned and walked away from the halfway house, making my way to the venue. I had no idea what the future held, but I knew I had to take this step.
As I walked, I repeated the phrase to myself, trying to commit it to memory. "THE BULL sent me." I had to remember that. I had to make sure I said it right.
I quickened my pace, my heart pounding in my chest. What was waiting for me at the venue? And what did Victor Martinez have planned for me?
I didn't know, but I was about to find out. I walked for what felt like an eternity, my mind racing with possibilities. Finally, I saw the address up ahead - 3456 Main St. My heart skipped a beat as I approached the building.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I had to do this. I had to make the delivery and face whatever consequences came with it. With a sense of determination, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.