No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

The moment I saw Phipps at the parking lot today, something felt off. I hadn't been around for a few days, and the one day I decide to show up, so does Phipps-and bam, trouble is waiting. It was as if someone had orchestrated the whole scenario. I cornered the guy I'd just decked, blocking his car. "Spill it. Who sent you guys to mess with us today?"

The guy's face was a mess, half-covered in blood. A sight like that would've sent the old me running, but somewhere along the way, I'd become as tough as nails.

"I've got no clue what you're talking about," he stammered, eyes wide with fear.

Though I'm not one to promote violence, it sure has a way of getting people to talk. A well-aimed ashtray to his head got him cooperating.

I couldn't help but chuckle as I scanned the area, catching the guy's eyes as he tried to shrink back. "Ms. Hudson, please, don't make this harder on me."

"Just talk, and we won't have a problem," I told him, locking eyes.

"I can't... If I do, I'm dead," he blurted out, desperation clear in his voice.

I knew he was scared of retaliation. I smiled softly. "How about this? You just nod or shake your head to my questions."

"Ms. Hudson..."

"It was the Wagner family, wasn't it?" As soon as the words left my mouth, his body stiffened.

Got him.

brief pause, I

Now he was

if Dustin wanted to test Phipps or me, he'd use someone from his own circle,

you do, I'm a dead man," he pleaded, no longer trying to cover his

I turned to leave. Through the rearview mirror, I saw him frantically dialing a number, probably warning Conrad about

was clearly trying

me he wasn't Ernest and to give up on whatever I was holding onto. The lengths he'd

QUMS

as I was seething with rage at the thought, a car

the darkness, aiming stra

JMS

for me.

and just as I tried to dodge, a strong force pulled

the ground, rolling away

the car's engine sound faded, I finally

The name almost escaped my lips, but I swallowed it

wasn't Ernest. It was

of all