Chapter 20 The New Normal

After the Sullivans family meeting was wrapped up and after he messed with his baby brother Nolan made his way back too Jake's recovery room, while he was there he was accompanied by his trusted servant Curtis as he told Jake about the families unanimous decision, and all the info that lead too that decision as the man spoke the wider Jakes eyes became he wasn't bothered or surprised…well not at first, he wasn't at all shocked to hear about all those who wanted his death no that was a given, he was surprised too her that not only did his mother work here at this estate as a maid years ago, but he was shocked too know that his father lived her his father a man he never once met a man his mother only would talk about briefly he lived here and not only that his father was one of them a Sullivan. The revelation made Jake nearly vomit it was too much he revived to much info way to fast, the thought of it made his head spin, questions a thousand questions filled his head but he had no desire to ask Nolan or Curtis these questions he felt only his mother could answer them, he had to speak to her he had to get out of this place.

"Are you okay Jake."

Asked Nolan stopping his recount of the meetings events too speak too his, newly realized nephew.

"You look unwell are you sick."

"No."

Jake answered.

"I'm fine just didn't expect all this."

Nolan shook his head in agreement.

"Yes, I would suppose this is a lot to swallow in such a short amount of time, you should have seen your father."

The man said as he smirked.

"He looked sick as a dog when I brought you and your mother up."

The man chuckled but neither Curtis nor Jake joined him.

"So…. since my father is a Sullivan and I'm his son…"

Saying those words sounded idiotic once they left his mouth.

"It means I'm not dead so… can I go home."

Jake looked at the man expectingly, but Nolan let out a Hearty laugh.

"Hoho no no silly boy just because your Bruno's bastard kid doesn't mean you can get off scot free, in the eyes of are family and especially are father you committed a heinous sin, if you weren't Bruno's boy and if you weren't able to do the things you did a few nights ago than just like any sinner you would be punished."

Just like a few days ago when Jake had first spoke to Nolan the tone in the room felt as if it shifted Jake could feel the man was dangerous and lethal but as soon as it came it went away.

"But your no normal sinner you have the grand opportunity to work too repent for your sins."

"Repent how?"

Jake asked.

"Weren't you listening when I was speaking boy, I was saying you're going to be working for us as one of us."

Jake seemed puzzled by what was said but the man didn't stop he continued.

"You're going to work as Sullivan and you're going to help use retrieve all swords that were stolen from are armory, and you will help kill all those involved with the thief as well."

Jakes mind was flashed with the thoughts of Tone Roach Porsche and Coco he thought how he would have to kill them children who were just like him the mere thought turned his stomach.

"And after that is done."

Nolan continued.

"You will forever be under our command your repentance for your sins is eternal it will continue on until the day that you die."

Nolan then stopped standing in silence allowing Jake to absorb all the information he was just given.

"And… what if I... can't do it… what if I... refuse."

Coldly Nolan answered.

"Then you will be killed simple as that and so will your mother."

Jake's eyes went big, as he snapped at Nolan.

"But why she isn't involved, I told you she has nothing to do with this!"

"That doesn't matter your sins are her sins just like her sins are yours, if you are to be punished then so will she."

Jake held on tight too his bed covers out of frustration he thought he could spare his mother, but he couldn't.

"And too be completely honest with you Jake, saying your mother isn't involved is quite frankly a lie you and I both know that."

Jake looked at the man with a look of bewilderment on his face.

"She's sick isn't she very sick I had Curtis confirm it, it was because of her terrible sickness that you made the risky choice you made isn't that correct."

Jake didn't answer but Nolan was right, if Jake's mom hadn't been sick he would have never dared to make such a gamble, but because she was sick and because her son made a drastic choice because of her sickness it made her involved, and if Jake tried to run from this if he tried to refuse any request from this family it could lead to his mother's death, Jake sat there in his bed frozen for an moment he sat there in disbelieve just like Bruno did only a handful of moments ago.

"Listen boy as long as you can wield that sword and do what we ask of you, I promise that you will continue to draw breath from this earth and so will your mother, and as a show of good faith I paid to extend her stay at that ratty little slum hospital so now you don't have to worry about paying her bills."

Jake and Nolan stared at each other for an while Jake never once verbally agreed, but the man knew that he had excepted his proposal and so did Jake he had no other alternative, Nolan then snapped his fingers and that action was an command for the well-dressed man Curtis, he stood behind Nolan and a little too his side and the entire time they were in the room he remained silent but the snap of his master's finger brought him too attention he stepped forward until he was standing side by side with the man, his arms were behind his back but once his was standing next to Nolan he brought them forward so Jake could see what he held, in the man's hands was the katana that Jake pulled out that night of the heist.

"Since only you could unsheathe it."

Nolan said.

"This will be your sword, but you don't yet have the skills to use her in battle your fight with Judas was entertaining but sloppy you only injured him so badly because he was caught off guard by the sword and the sword alone, once the novelty of you using a sword that hasn't been seen in battle in a 100 years wears off you'll be seen as just a child flinging around a stick and we can't have that, so you will be taking the entrance exam at the Gardenia military academy you need to learn how to hold yourself in battle if you are going to be any use and that exam starts in two days so get ready."

Nolan made his way to the door to leave.

"Oh, yea almost forgot something."

He said as he turned his head around.

"The military academies entrance exam is pretty tough those who fail can't try again for another year and as we said we can't have any failures in our family, soooo if you don't get in on your first try than that it for you, you and your mother."

Nolan flashed Jake a devilish smile than left the room but not with a threat but with a promise."