Page 221 of The Fire We Make

“What about this legal issue?” another man asked. “What are we doing about that?”

“I’ll take care of it,” Joy assured them. “You all just make sure your teams are following protocol. My protocol.”

She clapped her hands together and smiled. “Now if there are no more questions, comments, or concerns, you’re all dismissed.”

The board didn’t hesitate to rise, wanting to be out of her presence and crosshairs as quickly as possible.

“One more thing,” she held up a finger, making them all pause. “The last time I sat at this table, y’all voted me out. I haven’t forgotten.” Her gaze traveled slowly from one face to the next. “Consider that your first and only act of disloyalty under my leadership. There won’t be another.”

With inclined heads, they all mumbled their understanding before making their exits.

Joy smiled and stood, making her way to the door behind them. On the other side, Ace waited for her with a grin.

“I heard a gunshot,” he said, pulling her to him.

“Trying to teach some early lessons,” Joy shrugged.

Ace chuckled. “That’s my girl,” he lowered his lips to hers, smiling through the kiss.

She pulled away slightly. “You ready?” she asked, toying with the collar of his shirt, speckled with a few drops of blood.

“Where we going?” he asked, peering down at her.

Joy placed a quick kiss on his lips. “You’re taking me home,” she said against them.

Ace grinned. “Then let’s go home.”

The lot was quiet as they made their way out. Empty, save for the few bodies of fallen guards that had yet to be cleared.

“You killed my men,” Joy observed.

“They need more training,” Ace parroted her, causing them both to stifle chuckles.

He laced his fingers with hers. “They got in my way,” he continued. “Anyone that tries to stand in my way of getting to you is getting put down.”

Joy’s heart fluttered at the words.

When they reached the car, Ray opened the door without a word.

“Good to see you, Ray,” Joy smiled.

Ray gave her a rare smile in return. “Good to see you too Ms. Thibodeaux.”

“Are we gonna wait for Von?” Joy asked as Ray shut the door behind them.

“Nah,” Ace shook his head. “Lil nigga can get home on his own.”

They both laughed as the car rolled away from Thibodeaux Trucking. Joy watched the city roll by her in reverse and smiled. She gripped Ace’s hand, ready to start a new life with him. A new life of her choosing.

When they made it onto the jet, Ray disappeared toward the front with the crew, leaving the cabin to them. Joy stood in the aisle for a moment, taking in the extravagant luxury, before slipping into the bathroom.

When she came out, the last traces of Texas were gone.

No blood.

No ghosts clinging to her skin.

Physically and emotionally, she felt lighter.