Since my dad died some of his "employee's" had turned to mum wanting to know who would take over now that he was gone. I sat on the stairs listening in to a conversation between mum and Kane (dads right hand man).
"Abby, she has to. It's what Jake was training her for." I knew exactly what they were talking about, its the same thing mum and dad argued about frequently, it's the one thing they would never agree on.
"She's only eighteen. She's still a child!"
"You weren't there when Jake brought her to her first outing. Or when he was training her to fight. She's one of the best if not THE best."
"I don't want to hear this anymore! I don't want her involved in this life any more than she already is! I've already lost Jake, I don't want to lose Clarke too!" I felt sorry for mum. She hasn't been the same since dad's passing, she's definitely been more withdrawn. I'm lucky to even get two words out of her but she was wrong about this. I went downstairs and made my way into the kitchen.
"I'll do it." My mind was set, I'm going to do this no matter what mum says.
"Clarke!" Mum's eyes were wide but Kane looked like he was expecting my outburst.
"No mum. I'm doing this. I know everything I need to and I've done plenty off the dirty jobs to know when and how things have to be done."
What you need to know about my family is that... well we're a crime family so, think mafia. My dad was in charge and wanted a son to carry on the 'family business' but he got me and he always liked to remind me of the day I was born. He'd always say:
"The day you were born was the happiest day of my life. Granted I wanted a boy, but when I held you in my arms you grabbed my finger so tightly I knew, I just knew that you were going to be tougher, smarter and more stubborn than any son would be; I promised to give you everything and to always be there for you. Then I started training you to fight and you were outstanding, you won every tournament. You were the best fighter we had even at fourteen. I couldn't be prouder. I know your mum always wanted a girly girly and that's something you've never been but she loves you, and if anything happens to me you have to take charge of the business and look after your mum. Just always remember the number one rule: Family comes first, no matter what, through good and bad. And just remember family isn't always blood. Family are the people who are always there for you. They are the ones you can count on, they're the ones who you can trust with anything. Always remember that. Promise me."
I always did. No matter how many times he would repeat this to me. I would always promise that I would always remember, that I'd never forget.
"Mum I know you hate this but they are part of dad's family and family comes first. Always."
"Clarke I'm your mother. What about me?" Tears began to well up in her eyes but I wasn't going to back down.
"Mum I'm doing this to protect us. Don't you see? If people found out that there's no one in charge they'll come after anyone who was close to dad which means you. Us. If I don't take charge then they'll erupt into chaos and we'll all be in danger because we'll look weak and unorganized." I gave her a sympathetic look and kept my voice soft and calm. "Dad hated chaos" I smiled at her and she laughed at me.
"Yes he did." She sighed and buried me into a hug, we stayed there for a few moments before Kane broke the silence.
"Well now that that's sorted I'll meet you at the warehouse after school so we can tell the others what's happening." His voice was low and scratchy and he wore a knowing grin as he watched me pry myself from my mum.
"I'm sure they'll be a few people who'll have a problem with my age... and the fact I'm a female. They won't like it." I held myself the way dad had taught me, straight, head held high and looking like I was ready to take over the world. If you looked like the most powerful person in the room, people will believe that you are.
"Some will expect it. Whether those people have a problem with it or not I don't know. But it wont be anything personal, its just that a couple of them want to be in charge." He sighed and ruffled his dark hair "They did even when your dad was alive so now that he's gone they think the seat of boss is up for grabs, but don't worry, we'll set 'em straight tomorrow." I nodded in response and he took that as his cue to leave.
Got a couple of idea's for this but not sure if its good enough to carry on with so please please please let me know what you think. If you like it, i'll carry on so it entirely in your hands. Please review.