509 Gus’s Return

(Jayden)

Gus steps out, his posture as straight as ever, his piercing eyes scanning the surroundings like he's still in charge of the world. He looks older-more weathered-but there's still that unmistakable aura about him. The one that tells you he's better off as your friend than your enemy.

I climb out of the car, my leather boots crunching against the gravel as I approach him. Viktor lingers by the driver's side, watching, his face as stoic as ever. Not even a hint of a smile. "Jayden," Gus greets me, his voice steady, calm, as if he's walking out of a board meeting instead of a federal prison. "I didn't expect you."

"Gus," I reply, my tone neutral. I'm not playing doting son. There's too much history, too much unresolved. "How was the hospitality?"

A ghost of a smile tugs at his lips. "Let's just say I've had better accommodations."

Viktor steps forward, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "Let's not linger."

"Very well." Gus moves towards the car.

I follow and get into the back with Gus.

Viktor gets us on the road quickly.

I glance at Gus. He's staring out the window, his expression relaxed. For someone who's just walked out of prison for treason, he doesn't seem rattled.

"So," I say, breaking the silence. "What's next for you, Gus?"

He turns his head slightly, his sharp eyes meeting mine. "One step at a time. First, I need a shower and to get into some new clothes."

"You know I want to know how... involved in all of the smuggling stuff you're going to be? You have a chance to walk away from it for good. Let the feds take it over."

"I didn't come out of prison to start playing it safe, Jayden. There's work to

is about Alejandro and his network, I want no part of it. I've got enough

measured. "I'm not here to pull you into anything. I'll handle Alejandro. You focus

yours. Take it back. I never wanted it in the first

Jayden. It's yours. And it's going to stay that

demand. "You built it. You ran it.

made it something bigger,

Gus. It's about you not being able to let go. You've been chasing Don Alejandro for decades. When does it end?" "When it's finished," he replies simply. "When he pays for what he's

As if the system is ever going to bring him down. Who the hell do

eyes are cold and

his voice cutting

the penthouse's

the elevator. "Make yourself at home. I spend my evenings with the kids at the farmhouse. The penthouse is

doors open and we

wing is down the hall," I say, gesturing toward the guest suite. "Sorry, it's no

lately. I appreciate your hospitality," Gus says, his

suite. I pour myself a stiff drink. No doubt they have secret spy business to catch up

back, he doesn't sit. "You

I look okay?" I hold my glass up, then immediately regret taking my mood out on Viktor. "Sorry.

can handle himself. You're

say quietly. "But

It's Nexus. It's Winona. Losing the baby. It's... everything." I stop short of saying my best friend having sex with my wife shooting

gets I mean that

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