I had doubts as the weight of every uncertainty weighs heavily on me. It looked like it was pulling down from being myself. I felt the walls of my destiny were choking me, and they seemed to close in around my doubts. I wanted to know more about June, Rose, her husband, Uncle Jonah, the Martinez Gang, and even Marvin. I could not tell what was happening to me as I suddenly felt that the babies and I were not safe in the ecosystem I found myself.

I reached out to Larry and asked for a meeting. I felt he was the only one who would understand the circumstances I found myself in. I suddenly felt a need for protection for me and the babies. It was only Larry that would be patient to listen to all I had to say even if it was not making sense.

I met Larry at the hotel. It was in the dimly lit corner of the hotel room I poured out my concerns to Larry, who seemed quite interested in what I had to say. He listened to me with every attention and did not interrupt until I had done speaking.“Larry, I think everyone is against me, and somehow I cannot shake the feeling away. It is like I am walking in the shadow of death and any wrong step could lead me to the devil himself. I feel disaster is coming, and it is not very far away.”

Larry looked concerned, yet his calmness was second to none and, over time, had been a source of comfort to me. He was a very calm and high and level headed strategist. After some quietness and studying my troubled expression, he said, “Paranoia can be a dangerous ally, Cassie. But if I know you well enough to sense something is amiss, then you have to think deeply, what is bothering you?”

I could not point to a particular thing or issue. I told Larry about the attack on me and that I was suspicious about June and how she got the information that Ken had been killed. I also told him that June might have been working with Ken to find out where we had met and might also have followed him with some hired men. I was concerned because I did not know who to trust anymore. It looked like someone was after my life and I had no clue.

My distrust for Marvin, who just acted happy when I told him I was with a document that could destroy his entire family. “Larry, it looks like I’m being cornered from all sides,”

“So do you have any plans or anything you would love to do to put back your trust in yourself first?” asked Larry.

“No Larry, that is a thing I don’t, and suddenly I have started feeling I was incapable of protecting myself,” I said.

Larry sat back with his palms rubbing against each other,” Cassie, you are aware that we are in the world of shadows and deception. You of all people know that trust is a rare commodity, so do not trust anyone, and remember I have got your back, and we will get through this together as we always do.” Lary said.

Larry was some sort of comfort to me. I had this relief and lingering unease, and I was [leased I came to see him. “I appreciate that, Larry. But what if this goes deeper? What if there is a threat to my life? What if it’s not just about external threats but a power tussle within the Martinez Gang?”

Larry's gaze sharpened, acknowledging the gravity of my concerns. "Power tussles are nothing new in our world, Cassie. It's the nature of the game. But we've weathered storms before, and we'll weather this one too. I will double-check on the gang again and if there is any threat whatsoever I will let you know."

“You can start right now Larry. I do not like the way I am feeling,” I said.

Larry began outlining a contingency plan. He started putting out a strategy to not only protect me but also to fortify our position within the Martinez Gang. "We need to be prepared for any internal power shifts. Strengthen alliances, keep an eye on potential rivals, and, most importantly, stay two steps ahead."

"I won't let paranoia cripple me, Larry. I'll be vigilant and ready for whatever comes our way. But I want you to check on each table member and, more especially, Sancho," I said.

Larry offered a reassuring smile. "That's the spirit, Cassie. The Martinez Gang is a force to be reckoned with, and as long as we're united, we'll weather any storm."

I felt very awkward though not afraid. It could be the pregnancy that is working on me. Larry also encouraged me to see Doctor Jake about this strange feeling. I did not want to go back to Marvin because of the way I was feeling.

I asked Larry if he had gotten anything on June, but he said he had just started to look in June and would give me a report in a day.

“June is playing a strange card and I do not want to be caught off guard. I want us to be ready so that I can look her in the face to tell her how she failed.”

“I will do as you ask. June might be involved in the assassination attempt on you and Ken. The information within my reach does indicate that she knew where Ken was, but there are no indications that both of them were working together,” Larry said.

"Okay, please do, I will be visiting the doctor as you suggested. Maybe Doctor Jake would have the answer to how I feel. It was not the date I was asked to come but the way I was feeling gave room for that. I was so anxious for him to check the kids. And I thought to myself if I could approach the doctor to give me some drugs so that I could sleep and remove the dizziness I was feeling.