Chapter 1: Kill to survive
Chapter 1
"Dad, if you die at work, can I get a dog?"
Ronan Vale nearly choked on his coffee. He turned to his eight-year-old son, Noah, who was casually spooning cereal into his mouth like he hadn't just said something insane.
"Excuse me?"
Noah swallowed, then shrugged. "A dog. You said no 'cause they're too expensive. But if you die, I get your life insurance, right?"
Ronan dropped his head on the table with a groan. "It is too early for this conversation."
"So... is that a no?"
"It's a what-the-hell, Noah!"
Noah grinned. "Just checking."
Ronan sighed, rubbing his temples. He was twenty-nine, broke, and constantly exhausted, working two jobs just to keep food on the table. Noah had inherited way too much of his mother's dark humor, which was great—when it wasn't being used against him.
"Alright," Ronan said, getting up. "I gotta go. Uncle Dean's picking you up after school, okay?"