He nudges my shoulder playfully. "I know my surf school hasn't taken me away from our regular business. In fact, it's enhanced it.
I roll my eyes, swatting his hand away. "But you use that to access intel from your clients. It's really complementary to the other things we do." I wave a hand vaguely. "I hardly think we're going to change the world through sports bras and yoga pants."
Skyler grins, undeterred. "Hey, you never know."
Angel's musical laugh rings out. "What do you mean? Spandex saves the day?"
Skyler snorts, shaking his head. "No, but you're going to have access to a whole new pool of people. And do you know what people have, Dev? Secrets and information."
He leans in conspiratorially. "Whether you gather it at a surfing lesson or a yoga retreat, information is information."
I raise a skeptical eyebrow, prompting him to continue earnestly.
"And, I don't mean to be sexist, but you get a group of women together at a fitness class, and from what I've seen on television—on those reality shows you watch—that's the prime time to share the juiciest news." He nudges me again. "People really seem to let their guard down in those environments."
I can't help but chuckle. "Come on, Sky...I've walked in and seen you checking out Real Housewives episodes by yourself, when nobody else was in the room. Is that where you learned how women operate in 'those environments'?"
A blush spreads up his neck and across his cheeks. "I was just...keeping up on pop culture so I could wow my clients." He rubs the back of his neck self-consciously. "Anyways, that's neither here nor there."
Rake walks up to us, overhearingSkyler’s excuses. “Just own it, man. I watch it to perfect my table-flipping techniques. Hasn’t come in handy yet, but I’m just waiting for the right time…”
We all smirk. Trust Rake to bring the levity and make Skyler feel better in the moment.
I wave a hand, taking pity on Skyler. "Message received, Sky. I shouldn't worry about this taking me away from our end goal. There's more to life than Tane Brown, and hopefully soon he won't even be part of the equation, and just a distant memory."
Skyler smiles, relief evident on his face. "Exactly."
I take a deep breath as Skyler's words truly start to sink in. He's right—there's more to life than constantly watching over my shoulder for Tane's next move.
Skyler's perspective helps give me hope. He and Angel make a compelling case that now is the time to go on the offensive. That we can still run our regular operations in the background even as we pursue new ventures we're passionate about.
The more I think about it, the more a plan comes into focus. My athleisure line with Angel will provide the perfect cover as we put additional pressure on Tane. And everyone else's new businesses will allow us to gather intel from entirely new networks of people.
I feel a spark of excitement begin to grow within me, replacing the uncertainty I'd felt before. We're going to take Tane down once and for all. And then we'll be free to build the lives we want, spreading our wings beyond the shadows of the past. The future is ours for the taking.
I look between Skyler and Angel, gratitude welling up inside me. "You're absolutely right. Both of you. I was losing perspective but I'm back on track now." I squeeze Angel's hand before pulling Skyler in for a quick hug. "Let's do this. It's time."
I feel myself shine with renewed purpose as I turn to leave the hideout, Skyler and Angel's words still ringing in my ears. This is far from over. But with my found family beside me, I know Tane stands less of a chance than everbefore.
As I step outside into the humid night air, I take a deep breath, feeling it fill my lungs. The neighborhood sounds surround me with distant music, raucous laughter, a police siren wailing. This island is well and truly my home now, these streets course through my veins. And I'll be damned if I let anyone take that away from me.
My boots thump decisively on the pavement as I make my way through the maze of back roads, back toward the heart of the city. I can already envision the next steps—shoring up our existing operations, laying the groundwork for the new businesses, and hitting Tane where it hurts most. My mind whirs, strategizing even as I walk.
There's a lot to do, and nothing is for certain. But I'm back in the fight now, energized and determined.
I won't stop until Tane is nothing but a distant memory.
The future belongs to me and my family.
And I'll reshape it with my own two hands.
Chapter twenty-three
The Next Day
The jungle comes alive with the morning mist. Dewdrops cling to waxy leaves as birdsong fills the air. It's a new day, a chance to leave the past where it belongs.
My feet pound the muddy trail, my breath coming hard. Devon and the boys got me out of the gutter, but some stains don't wash off easy. The things I've done, the people I've hurt...like a lonely relative at Thanksgiving dinner, those ghosts aren't leaving anytime soon.