Alex Gonzales

It's late. Far past midnight. But I don't bother looking at the clock. Time stopped mattering the day I took over after my father.

I've been sitting at my desk for hours, looking through documents left behind by my father. Legal...Illegal, it's all the same to me now. The inheritance my father left behind wasn't wealth or legacy, it's chaos. Deals gone wrong, enemies at every corner, and a list of debts that seems endless.

There's barley time to rest now. It's been like this for a year. I can't even sleep anymore.
I lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair, which is getting longer than I prefer it. But who has time for haircuts these days?

My thoughts drift to the call I received earlier. Another shipment had gone missing. Yet another deal falling apart.

"Dammit father." I mutter under my breath. "Why couldn't you leave things in order."

Every day is a new problem. And every day I go to bed feeling more of a machine than a man. I'm close to breaking. But I can't. If I do, all of this will be handed to Amelia.

This is truly a nightmare. The things I have had to do to people, it's horrible. And worst of all, I'm trapped. There's no way out.

The phone on the table buzzes, breaking the silence.

Amelia.

I press my fingers to my temples for a moment, knowing exactly why she's calling. She worries. She's always worried.

I pick up the phone and answer. "Amelia?"

"How are you holding up brother?" Her voice is soft, but I can hear the concern in her tone.

"I'm fine, kid." I lie smoothly. It's the same answer I've given her for months now. It's easier that way.

There's a pause at the other end of the line. And I can almost hear her frown.

"You don't sound fine. Are you still up working?" She asks.

I don't respond, and that's answer enough.

Amelia has Ezra, a new life. I couldn't be more happy for her. She deserves it. She's managed to escape from all of this, but now, here she is, playing the part of the worried sister, trying to pull me out of this mess too.
But there's no point. There's no escape, at least not for me.

"Listen." She says her voice more serious now. "You're doing everything you can, no one expects you to fix all of this over one night."

I grunt, staring up at the ceiling. I know she means well, but she doesn't understand. She hasn't dealt with this stuff before. "Yeah...I know."

"Good...Oh, and don't forget we're going to a ball on Friday. I told Mia she could go with you." She says. Seriously?

"I don't have time for this, Amelia." I protest. There's no use when it comes to her, she always manages to convince everyone.

I barley have time to breathe, let alone waste an evening at some social event. It's a waste of time.

And Mia?

Amelia's best friend. Someone who's always been around, always laughing and bright. She's nothing like the people in this world. Too warm. Too trusting.

She's everything.

Everything I can't have.

I haven't seen her much, trying to keep my distance. I can't afford distractions, not now. Not ever.

"You need to get out, Alex. You can't burry yourself in work forever. And besides, Mia could use a night out, too." She insists.

"Fine, I'll go, but don't expect me to enjoy it." I say.

Amelia laughs softly, like she already knew I would say yes.
"Perfect. And be nice to her. She's been through a lot lately." She says and I stop myself from asking more.

What has she been through?

It's none of my business anyway.

"Goodnight...and remember I love you." She says as I smile.

"Love you too kid." I say before hanging up.
If it weren't for my little sister I wouldn't have made it this far. Shes done everything for me.

That's why I want to keep her out of all of my mess. She's already been through a lot. I want her to live in peace with her husband.