Chapter 220: Explanation
Fiona understood how lucrative this business could be. After all, living in the Southside, she'd been exposed to scams, thefts, and all sorts of shady dealings since childhood. But she also knew how dangerous this world was.
The gang kids who sold drugs on the streets changed every few days—most of them didn't survive long.
Frank, in the past, would do anything for money. Of course, he'd sold drugs before too—but it was always on a small scale. Nothing like real street-level dealing. More like alleyway transactions, just enough to buy some booze.
That kind of low-level hustle wasn't too risky. But this time, Frank had brought back over $200,000 in cash. That wasn't pocket change anymore—that was cartel-level money.
If something went wrong, it wouldn't just be the police coming after him. If a rival gang found out, there wouldn't be any mercy or distinction between who's innocent or not. If they wanted to wipe out his entire family, they would.
If that money could bring harm to the kids, Fiona would rather have none of it.
"You have no idea how dangerous this business is. If something happens..." Fiona warned.
"I promise, nothing will happen," Frank assured her.
"Fuck you, Frank!" Fiona snapped, furious that he wouldn't listen.
Neither could convince the other. They both retreated to their rooms in cold silence.
"Nothing's going to happen," Frank told himself as he lay in bed.
They had already decided not to build a street distribution network. They'd only handle production and wholesale. That meant they weren't stepping on anyone's toes. In fact, they could even build cooperative relationships.
The next morning, the kids immediately noticed the tension in the house.
"Hey, Fran," Pinkman said as he arrived, having received a call from Frank—only to be met with a fierce glare from Fiona.
Pinkman had come back with Frank and clearly was involved in the operation. Fiona could guess he was an accomplice.
"We're going," Frank said, taking the confused and slightly scared Pinkman with him as they left the house.
"Fiona! Fiona!" Just as Frank walked out the door, Veronica came rushing over.
"What is it, V?" Fiona asked.
"Did Frank tell you? He said he's putting $50,000 into buying into the bar. Not buying it outright—buying a share. Is that for real?" Veronica said.
Although Frank had repeatedly told Kevin yesterday that he was serious about investing $50,000 into Alibi Room, Kevin hadn't really believed him.
That morning, during breakfast, Kevin brought it up to Veronica in passing, like it was some kind of joke.
Kevin hadn't meant anything by it—but Veronica listened carefully. Unlike Kevin, she took it seriously.
Frank had tried to give Fiona the $200,000 in black money. Fiona refused, but the thought of it lingered—$200,000 was no small sum. She'd never seen that much money in her life.
How did Frank get that much money? Why did it have to be kept secret?
Fiona and Veronica were close, so she confided everything to her. That's how Veronica knew about the $200,000.
So when Kevin mentioned Frank investing $50,000 in the bar, Veronica thought it might actually be true—and came to ask Fiona. But Fiona hadn't heard anything about it.
"Fifty grand? What the hell is he thinking?" Fiona felt a headache coming on.
"Forget it. It's his money. Has nothing to do with us," she muttered, trying to brush it off.
Knock knock knock.
"Who is it?" Fiona opened the door and saw Fat Tommy standing outside.
"Is Frank home?" he asked.
"No, he's not," Fiona replied. As she looked out, she noticed Tommy had brought along a few people—all clearly undocumented Mexican workers.
"If Frank's not home, then you sign. We're starting the renovations," Tommy said, handing her a work order.
"Don't worry, Frank already paid the deposit. Once the job's done, I'll get the rest of the payment from him," Tommy added as Fiona scrutinized the document.
She signed her name and followed the workers next door.
When it came to renovations, someone had to be there to supervise. Frank had paid and just walked away, but Fiona couldn't do that. She had to keep an eye on things.
"Fiona!" Just as she was watching the workers, a car pulled up on the street. Jimmy stepped out.
"I didn't reply to your texts for a reason. Don't come looking for me again. We're over," Fiona said flatly.
Ever since she'd found out that "Steve" was actually Jimmy, she had cursed out his entire family over the phone and cut off all contact.
No matter how many times Jimmy called or texted, she ignored him. She didn't block him—but she didn't answer either.
"I just want to explain," Jimmy said, stepping closer.
"I don't want to hear it. My life is good now, Jimmy," Fiona said, putting emphasis on his real name.
"And just so you know, I'm still Fiona. Got it, Jimmy?" she snapped again, still bitter.
"Fiona, listen—" Jimmy tried to speak.
"To be honest, I was heartbroken when I found out you were married. But when I discovered your whole other identity, I realized I dodged a bullet. I was lucky," Fiona said.
"I wanted to tell you the truth—really—I've been meaning to since last winter," Jimmy said.
"So, you didn't come clean to me, but you told Frank?" Fiona didn't even look at him as she watched the renovations.
"No, I never told Frank. He found out on his own—and then blackmailed me," Jimmy admitted.
"I don't want to hear it." Fiona held up her hand to stop him.
"By the way," she added, "when you said Frank betrayed you and sold you out to Tony—you were wrong. He didn't. He did have Tony look into you, but he didn't know you were stealing cars, let alone that you were Jimmy."
"And he kept your secret. He didn't tell a soul," Fiona said.
"Fiona, that house you're renovating—I bought it. It was supposed to be a gift for you. A place for us to live together. Frank forced me to transfer it to him by threatening me with my identity," Jimmy said urgently.
"That's between you and him. I have nothing to do with it. I'm doing just fine. Please don't bother me again, Jimmy Steve," Fiona said firmly, showing him the door.
"I—" Jimmy opened his mouth but couldn't find the words. He got in his car and drove off.
"Fuck…" Fiona muttered under her breath. Seeing him again left her feeling even more frustrated.
"You didn't even give him a breakup shag? That's a damn shame. I always thought that pretty boy had a tight little ass," Fat Tommy said with a smirk.
(End of Chapter)
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