Chapter 6: New Beginnings, Old Shadows

They strutted around like they owned the place, shameless as ever.

Civilized methods only work on civilized people. Time for something else.

Mark said, "Should I tell your dad to kick them out as the owner?"

He looked ready to call in a SWAT team if I gave the word.

"No, don’t tell my dad." I rubbed my forehead. "Uncivilized people need uncivilized lessons. Don’t you know some..."

Mark grinned, eyes lighting up. "Say no more. I got a guy."

The next day, the family of four was eating lunch in the living room.

The TV blared, plates stacked high. They laughed, clueless about what was coming.

Suddenly, the door was kicked open, the bang rattling the windows.

The bang rattled the windows. Silence fell. "You’ve got some nerve showing up!" The so-called brother opened the door, ready to fight, but wilted instantly.

A crew of burly men stood outside, looking mean as hell.

They filled the doorway, arms crossed, tattoos peeking from under their sleeves. The air sizzled with threat.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Who? Don’t play dumb. Pay back what you owe." The leader grabbed him by the collar, nearly lifting him off the ground.

His voice was gravelly, no-nonsense. The brother’s face drained of color, legs shaking.

"What money? We don’t owe you. Go find whoever does!" Birth mother rushed over. "If you don’t let go, I’ll call the police!"

She tried to sound tough, but her voice quivered. The men just laughed.

"You owe money, you pay up. Call the cops if you want. After they leave, I’ll be back."