“I’ll take that as a no. You won’t survive that long,” she said with a light laugh when I forgot to answer.

“That’s an affirmative.” I checked my phone at the vibration of a text. A weird sensation filled my chest, something akin to hope, and I tried to remember a time in my life when I’d been hopeful about a woman texting me.

The only moment went back to seventeen years ago, when every time an unknown call had come over my cell, I’d hoped it was Juliette.

Full. Fucking. Circle.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t her. Instead, it was my brothers razzing me about attending a rave. Assholes. I sent them back a Go F Yourself message in the form of a middle finger emoji.

“Let’s just hope we don’t have to stay all night,” I said while pocketing my phone, ignoring the buzz of one of them responding. “I have plans I can’t miss later.”

“You have somewhere to go in the middle of the night?” She scrutinized me, knowing I was off, and I didn’t blame her for worrying.

If this weren’t such an easy op, I’d be bailing. My head was more than just off. It was on another planet orbiting around the truth, around the fact I had a son, and I’d missed out on his life. Even worse, he’d missed out on having a father.

“What is it you’re not telling us?” Izzy stepped forward, coming closer. The light overhead began to flicker like a warning sign of some kind.

I’m still processing myself. “I’ll tell you tomorrow,” was all I could give her for now, which was already too much.

My answer had both of them shooting me questioning looks.

I know, I know. But now wasn’t the time for a breakdown, and I’d more than likely have one if I told them the truth. “Don’t press.”

I sidestepped them both to grab my 9mm from my gun box in the backseat. Thankfully, there were no metal detectors we’d have to avoid getting into the rave. No pat downs, either. Really great security. What’d I expect for a rave where gang members attended?

“Constantine.” She employed her soft voice and gave me her puppy-dog eyes.

Why didn’t I keep my back to her? “I’m not Hudson. You can’t get me to bend to your will that easily,” I lied. Then, I tipped my head to the left as if that was where tomorrow was located, letting her know we’d talk then.

“Tomorrow is in an hour, by the way,” Izzy said as the sole light burned out. She cracked a glowstick, creating a neon hue of green between us. “See, I knew they’d come in handy.”

“Then by all means, sis”—I gestured toward the main street—“lead the way.”

10. Constantine

Chapter 10

Constantine