A Dangerous Deal with Mr. Blackwood

s!" Ama exclaimed, disbelief coursing th

ded man, and his strained f

you haven't done worse." Mr. Reynolds replied

most dangerous families in town. I can't even be

r, unfazed, gazing at her with a

ning to get caught, Miss West," h

aled sh

a big deal for you, considering t

, especially after he had introduced her to this lifestyle w

nderstand what's

g my motives when I offered yo

assignments. But this was different. The Blackwoods were not to be trifled

gher-ups demand," he said, p

d after sometime wanting to we

your reg

ed firmly, crossing her arms

ink you're worth t

death. That makes it a fair arrange

, continuing to st

their life and their family's safety." She stood up, p

triumphant smile crept onto her

he said d

*

told herself she was used to it, but that was far from reality; the gut-wrenching feeling of dread still clawed at her inside

e she could find her footing, th

" Olivia said, walking toward the clothes rack, already dressed in

curls just like Ama, but she al

hair that always frames her f

up," Ama replied, rubbin

nt to disturb you," Olivia shot back

. Have you eaten

Mom, but she wouldn't open the

course, their mother wou

ll make you so

just grab a bowl of cereal; I think ther

ittle money they had left to go on a trip with her abusive boyfriend. She had pro

t month's salary from her waitr

hree days ago with her duffel bag and tear-stained fac

hbors and whipping up scrambled eggs and toast f

n't have to; I

oor before Olivia cou

*

akfast once Olivia w

ng this week," Olivia broke the

d time, and I'll be there

Can't she just pull herself togethe

ilent, unsure

ve a mother because you do everything for me. You pay all my sc

ng all those things and m

d that's the problem

arching for th

me like that, especially since I have a mot

a replied firmly,

eenage life and youth for me, while my own mother wou

es I think that no one is there for you the way you ar

s is my choice, and if I had to, I'd give up everything

nk it's fair," Olivia responded, ta

their mother had placed on her, and it was frustrating. But over time, she had embraced her

cut out to be mothers, and

rip is next week," Olivia ment

h

arned, glancing over at Ama while

it. She knew how crucial this trip was for Olivia, and s

't forget," Ama r

st join next year," Olivia propos

that notion

ed you, remember? I know how much you love art and

responded, her spiri

led kno

l!" she commanded, waving

layfully and waved back

ubts had vanished. She was reminded of her responsibilities and her unwavering promise to cr

committed to t