#progression 25

“You just haven't been on top of things lately,” Pa says after he explains his decision, the genuine disappointment and questionable concern lacing his tone.

“Business has been good,” Kinn says, “Our stocks and investments are all looking great. We are doing fine-”

“We are plateauing,” Pa cuts in bluntly.

“We’re not,” Kinn tells him, “Just because we aren't currently expanding businesses or taking on new deals and territories, doesn't mean-”

“You and Porsche already decided to step away from the old minor family deals,” Pa continues, “That was enough of a loss. I understand Porsche wanting distance himself from the…less legitimate deals. But they brought in a lot of money that we no longer have.”

Pa being upset about halting their involvement in the weapons trade and the distribution of harder drugs tells him one thing: that Uncle Gun and Vegas had both been telling the truth. That they did the dirtier deals because the major family expected and demanded it. Since Kinn had never demanded it from either of them, he can only assume the demands came from Pa.

“Porsche closed that lucrative deal with the dispensaries,” Kinn tells him, “We are now the sole manufacturers and distributors of marijuana in the country, and it is being sold legally through them.”

That makes him wonder if Pol buys his weed at a dispensary. It would just be easier if he asked Porsche for a bag from the next shipment. It's not something that Kinn should encourage, considering Pol gave a little to Khun at least once, but-

“While that was smart, it is taxed. Products that are available under the law have to be regulated. The products that aren't allow more flexibility because we decide on the regulations. It allows for international trade that is not monitored by the government.”

Kinn purses his lips and looks away, “It also has a history of being more dangerous.”

“We have guards for a reason.”

“And we have lost guards for a reason,” Kinn says, his voice more rough. He doesn't know if pointing that out is a good thing or not. On the one hand, Pa has cared about some of the guards. He has paid for some of their children to go to college, he has let them go with full retirement benefits once they got older, hurt too badly to do everything the job required, or faced psychological repercussions. A few have even been regarded as family by him, Chan being the most recent. He earned a spot in their family plot.

He also ended up in that hole because Pa faked his death and triggered an attack.

“I have actually been meaning to talk to you about the guards,” Pa says, sounding pleasant enough, “I have taken on a couple of my own now that I will be coming out of retirement-”

“Pa, you really don't have to do that,” Kinn says, “Everything is fine and we are safe. We have more money than most do. I don't understand where this is coming from.”

Pa stays silent for a moment and meets his gaze, “You have made questionable decisions. You took three months off-”

“Because Kim was sick, healing, and needed support.”

“And I understand taking those first couple of weeks off to be there for him,” Pa says, his voice gentle, “But you are not his father. I am retired, and Tankhun isn't fit to work. We could have easily handled it without you. I also feel like that amount of time off clouded your ability to effectively do the job. It made you…softer. You lost your edge.”

Kinn doesn't know what to say to that. It just reminds him of that apple analogy Pa gave him when he took that bullet for Porsche. He didn't know what to say back then either.

“The guards don't seem to change their disposition when you walk through a room anymore,” Pa says, “I worried they are losing respect for you.”

“...I don't really think that is it,” Kinn says quietly, “I just think things are…different now. We don't have Uncle Gun coming in and causing tension. Porsche has a good rapport with the guards in both buildings overall, so does Chay-”

“No surprise there,” Pa mutters. Kinn doesn't even know what he means, but he doesn't like Pa’s tone. He lets it go.

“It just…Keeping them safe should be important, especially after what happened,” Kinn says, “We bought the bulletproof vests for everyone despite the lowered risk. But the ones who survived the attack and stayed loyal to us should be reassured that they are valued and cared for.”

“...Sure,” Pa says slowly, “But you have become too casual with a couple of the guards recently. I don't think that's a good idea.”

Kinn swallows and looks away, “I was close with a few guards before what happened to Kim. Before the attack. Big, for instance. We got along really well, and I cared for him.”

Although, not like Big cared for him. Big’s devotion and affection for him was something Kinn purposely never examined too closely. It was only something he really thought about after everything happened and Porsche transitioned into his new role. When it started to bother him and he went to Khun to talk it out, Khun gently but bluntly confirmed his suspicions. He confirmed that Big saved Porsche, all so Kinn wouldn't get his heart shattered again.

While he is so grateful that Big saved Porsche, he wishes it hadn't cost him his life.

They should have had the bulletproof vests before. Why did Pa never provide those for them?

“Your relationship with Big was a lot like my relationship with Chan,” Pa says thoughtfully, “A friendship was present, but the roles were clear. He still served and addressed you formally, as Chan did for me. They both gave their lives for our family’s cause.”

They shouldn’t have had to. But Kinn doesn't say that. He figures Pa probably knows as much anyway, whether he wants to admit it or not.

“However, they have passed, and I am not here to talk about them anyway,” Pa continues, “I was referring to Arm and Pol.”

“What about them?”

“I have heard them refer to you casually recently,” Pa says, “While they have been here for a while, that isn't acceptable. You need to make sure they know that.”

Kinn squirms in his seat, “That would probably be confusing for them, since I told them they could.”

Pa’s expression hardens, “May I ask why?”

“...They're family, Pa,” Kinn says, “They have worked for us for several years, and I knew Arm prior to that. Plus, they are the two guards who actually prefer working for Khun. Previous guards have underminded that position, but not them. They care for him so much and are the closest friends Khun has had in years, considering he struggled with agoraphobia until three years ago. Tay and Time would spend time with him, but-”

“Tay and Time being friends with him is appropriate. Not his guards,” Pa says, “I will admit that his mental health has improved since obtaining Arm and Pol as his guards. I don't think reassigning both is necessary. Pol seems more suited towards a caretaking position, anyway. Having guards such as him is useful if there is an illness in the family, or if you and Porsche decide to have children. Until either occur, I see no need to remove him from your brother’s coverage, and someone experienced with Tankhun’s…challenges should be on his team anyway.”

Kinn breathes out, “Arm is also great with Tankhun. He and Pol make a great team. Pol is good when it comes to empathy and distraction, Arm is good with reasoning and comfort. I think both are suited for him.”

“That may be true, but Arm’s skill set deserves to be utilized elsewhere,” Pa says, “It is very impressive. It was even prior to his recruitment. He should be on one of our teams so it is properly utilized.”

“I disagree,” Kinn says, shaking his head, “I think it's important that he stay with Khun so he is put in less danger. If you were staying retired, then I wouldn't mind the thought of Arm being transferred to your team. But you say you aren't, and he is the guard we should be protecting the most so we don't lose such a valuable employee. Besides, I have offered him a spot on my team in the past. So have you. While he has gone on a lot of missions, provided coverage, and covered plans for security plans and deals, he has declined a permanent spot since he prefers working with Khun.”

“That's why I think the decision needs to be made for him.”

“He is the head guard. We gave him Chan's position. He deserves the first choice on assignments. After everything he has done for us, he deserves to have those choices respected.”

Pa hums, then nods his head thoughtfully, “Maybe under more professional circumstances. But I have a feeling that Arm’s attachment to your brother is not a professional one, nor is your brother’s attachment to him.”

Kinn pauses at that, “What are you talking about?”