451 Sorting Out Cass

(Jayden)

I take a moment to gather myself, wiping away the lingering traces of tears. The kids are gone. Winona is gone.

"I'm going to miss them."

Cass glances up, her expression softening for a split second before she smirks. "Don't go all sentimental on me now, Jayden." She punches me lightly on the arm, but I grab her wrist before she can pull away.

"Enough," I snap, my tone sharp. Her eyes widen, but I don't let go. "We're going to talk. Now."

"Talk about what?" she mutters, trying to sound defiant, but I can see the cracks in her armor.

"Everything," I say flatly. "Not here. Come on."

I stand and motion for her to follow me. Reluctantly, she gets up, slinging her bag over her shoulder. I lead her out of the lounge and through the quiet airport corridors to the private exit where Viktor waits by the car. He's leaning against the side, his sharp eyes scanning the area like a hawk.

"Cass, meet Viktor," I say, opening the car door.

Her eyes narrow as she looks him up and down. "So, you're the infamous Viktor. Winona mentioned you."

Viktor smirks faintly, but his gaze stays locked on her. "And you're Cass. The one who stirs up trouble wherever she goes."

She bristles instantly. "Excuse me?"

in," I interrupt, stepping between them. "Both of

Viktor gets in

turn to Cass. "Start talking. And don't

her defiance flaring back to life. "What exactly does

again, but Gus said you'd been missing for weeks. Winona was worried. I

But

pay it off. Pills, mostly. It

I had on me," Cass continues, her voice steady but strained. "He got pissed, accused me of holding out on him. Said I was wasting his time." "And were you holding out

shrugs. "I needed

I shake my head.

fists, her knuckles whitening. "He pulled a gun on me, Jayden. Right there in the alley. I

anger bubbles just beneath the

Tried to help me," she pauses, her breath hitching. "The gun fired;

a low whistle. "You're lucky you

blazing. "I don't

unimpressed. "Your business is

and then keeps talking to me. "I had to lay low and by the time I got back to my apartment to grab my passport and ID, the place was torn

anger simmering but contained. "I grabbed what I could and got the hell out. Sold the last of the pills had

my hair. "And you didn't think to call

didn't want to

"And now you're here, dragging your mess across

meeting my eyes. "I told you, I'm

need this

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