Jess asked Milo to meet her and Roak at their place. She has some information on Zip.”
Roak is scowling, chewing on a toothpick as he waits for Milo to show up.
“YOU KNEW ABOUT MILO!!!” Jess snaps at Roak.
Milo goes to her. “I can explain…”
“WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME! I THOUGHT YOU TRUST ME! I THOUGHT…..YOU CARED ABOUT MILO!” Tears form in her eyes.
“Jess wait!” Milo tried to get in front of Roak.
"Easy, Milo." Roak set a hand on Milo's shoulder, "You got a right to be angry, Jess, but it wasn't my business to tell. Milo didn't want you to know. I respected his wishes."
“It’s true.” Milo added. “Don’t be angry at him. It’s all my fault. All of this is my fault.” Milo’s eyes were getting watery.
Jess’ body relaxed. “It’s not your fault Milo.”
Hugo stood away, watching.
“If I didn’t agree to Zip’s offer. I wouldn’t be in this…..fuck!” He walks away from Roak and Jess. “I put you all in danger. For my actions. And I’m sorry.”
"It's not your fault, Milo. You were just trying to get by." Roak stepped toward him, and put a hand on his shoulder. "We all fuck up sometimes."
He met Hugo's gaze.
Hugo’s ears drop down when Roak looked at him. Like his guilty with something. He goes up to Milo. “Hey. Look at me.”
Milo does.
“I would watch you come home bruised and fucked up. Every time I ask you would give me some bullshit answer. But look at us! Jess, Roak and I…we set you free. Now you don’t have to stick your ass in the air for money! Unless you want too. I’m not judging! What I’m trying to say is, where family. We are suppose to be there for each other!” He pats Milo’s back. “Now you can write your novel in peace!”
Milo’s eyes brighten. Then a sad sigh. “Now how am I going to make money for my novel?”
“you weren’t making shit under that scum! Now that your free, you can get a better job brother!”
Jess smiles. “And father is a big influence as a scholar! He can help guide you!”
"Way I see it, there's a brothel in need of new ownership." Roak stated, folding his arms across his chest and smiling at Milo. "Call it a promotion."
“What?! No! I can’t run a brothel! Do you know how difficult it is to be in charge of anything! Besides, I want to work on my novel.”
“Then work on your novel brother.” Jess pats his back.
“Thanks. But I also need a new job to afford my novel being published.”
