What do I do? What can I do? This isn’t a movie. I can’t just barge in there pulling some crazy, heroic shit and have everything come out my way, no matter how much I want to. I have to ignore every fiber in my being that’s telling me to rip open the screen door and knock the gun out of Andrew’s hand and be the hero of my own story. There’s nothing I can do.

Like always, Aiden somehow notices me even though I’m basically holding my breath, and as if it’s possible, his body goes even more rigid.

Andrew’s going on and on about his political career, and Aiden’s eyes flit back to him to not give me away. He slowly and subtlety starts taking steps to the side, forcing Andrew and Harvey to move too in order to stay directly in front of him. Because of Aiden, now Andrew and Harvey’s backs are to me so they won’t spot me.

I have to do something. I look around the backyard as if something will magically pop out that’ll help me. There’s nothing I can do. I’ve never felt as helpless and out of control as I am in this very moment. It sickens me; makes me want to punch a hole in the wall and scream and scream until my lungs have nothing left to give.

Aiden’s eyes find me quickly, just for a barely there second, just long enough to give me a look; a look I know all too well.

Get the fuck out of here.

But he should know me better by now.

I check my phone to see how long it’s been since I called 911, and then remember the new addition to my phone.

Nothing I can do? Fuck that.

Jason and Jackson are hiding behind Aiden’s back.

Aiden’s eyes dart back to me. He knows what I’m doing now. From behind Aiden, Jason peeks out, his face tear stained. He notices me and his jaw drops, but without turning around, Aiden pushes him back into place behind him.

“Why are you doing this, Kessler?” Aiden’s voice is clear and steady, and he manages to sound like he’s in control of the situation despite not being the one with the gun. “Why are you in my house pointing a gun at your sons?”

Andrew scoffs. “You saw this coming. You’ve been warned countless times. You’re ruining my life. You know my wife, the one from the very, very rich family I married into? She’s threatening to leave me if I don’t get this shit under control. I signed a pre-nup, I’ll get nothing. I’ll be back to where I was when I was stuck here in this godforsaken dump. Plus, I made some deals with some people who don’t like to get screwed over.”

Harvey’s taken a seat at the kitchen table, as if he’s bored of this whole situation already, and Aiden’s laser focused on Andrew now.

“You sent your henchman to kill me and my friend last time.” Aiden tilts his head at Harvey without breaking eye contact with his father. “You’re doing the dirty work yourself this time?”