Ch. 6: Between Cujo and Lassie
At the building Kaine's gang are living, Stacey is telling them about why she is at the Tenderloins alone.
"High maintenance? They said that to your face?" Jacko asks in an outraged tone.
"Yeah. They also said that without my mom, I would have wound up homeless and alone," Stacey informs.
"I admit picking on Maria was bad, but sending you here alone with a charged cell phone is worse," Jacko opinionated.
"Yeah, and this brother sounds like he has issues of his own," Kaine said in a joking tone.
Stacey giggles to what he said.
"Nothing in your bet said you can't spend the night with someone in the Tenderloin," Kaine said, "How about spending the night here with us?"
"I don't know, Jacko. My mom wouldn't like it if I spend the night with men I just met. I'll spend the night here."
"Terrific, Stacey. Boys, have a room ready for our guest while I tend to her."
As the other Jackals leave to set up Stacey's room, Jacko approaches her.
"If you have any common sense, you'll go home to your mom and brother and admit defeat to your bet," Jacko advises her, "Kaine is more dangerous than you know."
Moments later, Stacey sees a nice princess bed set up in one of the offices as well as royal décor.
"Wow. You guys did all this for me?" Stacey asks.
"Kaine always does what he can to get what he wants," Jacko sighs.
"What do you mean? What does he want with me?"
"He sees potential in you as his alpha female, someone who would be at his side when he starts running San Fran's underworld. You rule your school with an iron fist, so he thinks your perfect for him."
"I-I don't rule that bad, and I only treat people bad because I want my mom to send me to my dad and get back my rich life."
Then, Kaine shows up.
"I can understand that, Stacey my dear," Kaine said, "How about if you could join me on the roof?"
Kaine takes her hand and takes her to the roof. She looks at Jacko with a fearful look in her eyes. Jacko looks on with concern over what Stacey is getting into.
Kaine takes her to the roof and has her look onto the lights of San Fran.
"Look around you, Stacey," he explains, "San Francisco can be your own kingdom. With me around, you can have the life you once had before your parents' divorce, or an even better life. You can be the Queen of San Fran's Underbelly. I'll give you time, even after your bet to think about becoming my girl."
Kaine goes inside to sleep. Stacey looks on at the lights, unable to decide on Kaine's offer.