I shoved my hands into my pockets to keep them warm as I waited under the broken roof of the abandoned warehouse. While it had become a routine to deliver the product here, I still couldn't get used to the dusty, almost haunted air of the place.

The duffle bag on my shoulder was killing me, and the constant clinking of the vials inside was adding to my agitation. Just as I was about to call the whole thing off, a group of men walked in though the broken door.

Leonardo looked as imposing as he always did, in a white two-piece suit over his blue undershirt. He nodded, and the man next to him moved forward.

I placed the duffle bag containing the product on the ground, and the man slipped it onto his shoulder.

I resisted the urge to sigh and stretch after the bag's weight was taken off my shoulders.

The man returned to his boss without opening the bag to check the contents, a sign of trust I had worked hard to earn.

Leonardo looked at me and smiled." Another deal gone well. Your payment will be given to your guardian."

I felt my mouth dry up, knowing what was coming next. I nodded and turned towards the exit, before finding my path being blocked by his men.

"I hope you have given consideration to the boss's proposal."

I turned to face him, trying to mask the fear on my face. "I have, sir. But matters like this are better discussed with Abe."

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"Your guardian? We both know that the only reason he puts up with you is for the money that you bring him."

I nodded, feeling my sweat drip down my neck.

"Give me another week, sir. I'm sure I can convince him to let me go willingly, so there isn't any bad blood between us."

Leonardo's smile turned into a snarl before he smoothed it into a neutral expression.

"I will expect a favorable answer by next week's delivery. Ask for more time or try to escape, and we will be forced to use more...direct methods."

I nodded again, before shakily moving toward the exit. Four of Leo's men followed me, both for protection and to make sure I didn't double-cross them by dealing with another gang.

As I made my way to my uncle's house, the unease in my stomach blossomed into full-blown panic.

Every week, the boss kept increasing the pressure to force me into joining his gang as an enforcer and supplier. Leonardo was a high ranking member of the gang- a capo of his own crew. Someone like him didn't do collection along with his boys. His very presence was a threat, an olive branch and a sign of favor all in one.

While I was engrossed in my inner monologue, we reached my uncle's house. Calling it a house would be an overstatement. The grass in the lawn had all but died, and a single green patch was fighting a losing war with a sea of yellow. The white fence around the property was broken at places, and the paint was all but gone.

I waved my protection off and jumped over the rotten boards of the stairs, heading into the house.

I saw uncle asleep on the moth-eaten couch, and breathed a sigh of relief at having avoided talking to him.

I ran up the stairs two at a time before rushing into my room and quietly closing the door. My hands reached for the padlock before realizing my uncle had removed it the week before.

I sunk into my bed, and my thoughts overwhelmed me. Thoughts on joining the gang, about leaving this tiny house behind and leaving Abe behind. Thoughts on all the problems slowing forming a noose around my neck.

I plopped my face on my pillow and forced myself to ignore the sheer panic I felt.

I turned on my side, and tried to breathe. Those were problems for tomorrow. So, before my panic overtook my thoughts again, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.