Things were slowly looking better for him. The moment he turned fifteen, he had asked Marco for a job in his carshop. He could make his own money, money that he didn't have to hand over to Vincent. The side jobs continued, but at least now he could save up some cash for a rainy day. Marco had even promised he could get his own place, above the carshop. There was a vacant room where he could bunk if he wanted to. One of the guys was showing him the ropes and it didn't take long before he could strip a car all by himself.

Ray looked up when Darren sauntered into the shop and he wiped his hands on a cloth before approaching his friend.

"Hey man, look at you!" Darren smirked, "almost like a pro." The two shook hands and bumped fists.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ray asked, "almost a pro? Really?"

Daren chuckled. "I'm just messing with ya, man. You know me."

Ray snorted. "So, what are you here for?"

"Got a nice Escalade outside for Marco. Is he in?"

Ray motioned with his head. "In the back with Alec. They're planning somethin' big. I wouldn't bother them right now. Just drive the car in and wait for him here."

Darren sighed and seated himself on the hood of one of the cars. The boys knew to mind their own business.

Ray waved him off. "Don't scratch the car, will you? Marco's gonna kill me. I just polished it. Client's gonna pick it up today."

Darren raised his hands in defense and slid to the floor. "Alright. Keep your cool. So, what's up? Decided to move in here yet?"

Ray sighed. "Thought about it. I ain't sure yet. Marco said he'll deduct the costs from my wages, but I need the money. What I do on the side, I have to give a cut to Vince. You know what he's like."

Darren let out a dry laugh. "Tell me about it. Why don't you consider Alec's offer though? He pays well."

Ray shook his head. "His business is way too shady for my liking. I value my life." He picked up a wrench and turned back to the car he'd been working on.

Darren shrugged. "Suit yourself. I'm gonna bring in the car. Be right back."

Ray waved the wrench in his direction as a greeting. Just another hour and he was off the clock. He wanted to have this car finished by then.

The door in the back of the shop opened and Marco and Alec walked in. They seemed to have come to some sort of agreement, because Marco nodded at Alec and the two parted ways.

Marco walked over to where Ray was working. He inspected the car and nodded content. "Good work, kid. You'll get far. Keep it up and I might have some other jobs for you as well."

Ray nodded his thanks. When he heard the engine of an Escalade, he turned around. Darren drove the car up to where Ray and Marco were standing and grinned. "Well, what do ya think?"

Marco narrowed his eyes. "What did I tell you about bringing cars into this shop during the day? The deal is, you call me when you got something and I tell you when to drop it off."

Darren pouted. "The opportunity presented itself. I couldn't pass it up."

An annoyed sigh escaped Marco's lips. "You're lucky you're good at what you do. At least drive it to the back. Tell the boys to work on it right away. Get rid of the VIN."

Darren smirked. "Already did. Let's talk price."

"We'll talk price once I'm satisfied with it. I told you I don't want you messing with the merchandise." Marco glared at him.

"Yeah, yeah," Daren said and he turned the key again. "Yo, Ray," he said, "there's a woman asking for you at the fence. Has a kid with her." He put the car in reverse and drove it around the back.

Ray blinked confused. A woman? To see him?

Marco scowled. "That punk, really. One of these days Alec's gonna kill him. Little smartass."

"But he's good at what he does," Ray said.

Marco scoffed. "Not as good as he thinks he is. He needs to learn to do as he's told." He looked at Ray. "What's that about a woman and a kid coming here? You know I don't need no trouble here."

"I don't know," Ray frowned, "but I'll handle it."

"Make sure you do," Marco warned him, "I don't want any curious eyes here."

Ray gave a nod and walked outside to find his visitor. He wasn't sure who to expect, but he knew his mother wasn't one of those people. He stopped in front of her and shifted his eyes to the child whose hand she was holding. "Ally!" he gasped.

The girl grinned at him. "Ray!" she cheered, and she pulled free from her mother to hug him.

He scooped her up in his arms and held her close. Then he narrowed his eyes at his mother. "What's going on? What are you doing here? Why do you have Ally?"

His mother wrapped her coat tighter around herself. "They gave her back to me," she said, "cause she belongs with her mother."

"Quit the crap," Ray growled, "no sane person would ever believe you are fit to take care of a child."

His mother narrowed her eyes, but instead of it looking intimidating, it only made her look pitiful. "Don't you blame me for that," she said, "it was your father's fault. He was a bad influence. He dragged me down with him. It wasn't my fault. They know it too now. He's not in my life anymore, Ray. He's in jail. We can be a proper family now."

Ray snorted. He didn't buy into it. He wasn't surprised to hear his father was in prison, but that didn't mean his mother was a perfect housewife now. Blaming his father was easy, but she was just as much to blame. "What do you want then? How do you even know where I work?"

She shifted and nervously scratched her arm. "I asked around. Why are you so cold to me? I am your mother."

"You've never acted like a mother," he growled, "what do you want from me?"

She sighed and shifted again. "I need you to watch my Lyssa-baby for a bit. I have some things to do."

Ray scoffed. "Some mother you are," he spat, "you talk about taking proper care of her. You can't just pawn her off when you feel like it."

His mother sighed and shifted gain. Her hand trembled when she wiped her cheek and then ran through her hair. "I wouldn't ask if I had a choice, Ray. I can't bring a child. They won't like it."

Ray narrowed his eyes as he processed her words. All made sense now. Why she so suddenly showed up here. How long had Ally been living with her since he had last seen her at that foster family's place? "Really now?" he asked, "you're ditching your daughter because you need your fix? I wonder what CPS will say about that."

Now his mother's expression did turn angry. "Don't you dare!" she hissed, "don't you dare call them and let them take my baby again! It's not my fault! I need my medicine! Don't blame me for that!"

"Medicine!" Ray scoffed, "how many times since you have Ally have you taken your 'medicine'? Where did you put her the other times?"

"That's not fair," his mother said, "don't do that to me. I can't help it. I'm sick."

"You're a junkie," Ray spat, "you shouldn't be taking care of Ally."

His mother gritted her teeth and pointed a finger at him. "If CPS finds out, they'll take her away and you'll never see her again. I'll tell 'em to keep you away from her."

Ray held his sister closer to him. He knew his mother's threat wasn't empty. She would follow through. Now that he knew where she was, he couldn't allow her to be shipped off again.

His mother laughed cruelly. "I knew you would understand. Lyssa-baby, your brother will watch you until I get back. Mommy loves you." She turned her back and hurried down the street.

Ray gritted his teeth as he watched her go. For months he had been trying to get a lead on Alyssa's whereabouts and all this time she had been right under his nose. Never would he have believed they would hand her back to his mother.

"Are you angry?" Alyssa asked in a small voice.

He looked at her pale face and noticed the fear in her eyes. "Why do you ask, Ally?" he questioned.

Her lip trembled. "I didn't tell them. I really didn't."

He shook his head confused and brushed a strand of her hair away from her face with his free hand. "Tell them what?"

She sobbed. "You said they'd take me away if I told them. I didn't tell then you came to see me. I really didn't. But they still took me away. It wasn't my fault." Tears started to roll down her cheeks and he brushed them away.

"Hey," he said softly, "don't cry. I know you didn't tell them. It's okay. I'm here now."

"Can I live with you now?" Alyssa begged, "you promised."

Ray sighed. "Not yet, Ally. I'm sorry, but I will visit more often now. And if you want to visit me, you just ask for it, okay?"

"I like Ally better," Alyssa said.

"What?" Ray asked confused.

"She always calls me Lyssa-baby," Alyssa scrunched her nose, "I'm not a baby. I like Ally better."

He chuckled and kissed her temple. "Come, let's go inside. You can see where I work." He just hoped Marco wouldn't kick him out.

By the time he reached the carshop, Darren had returned as well and was grinning widely. Marco was standing next to him with his arms crossed. He did not look so amused. "What's this?" he demanded.

Ray sighed. "This is Alyssa, my little sister. I need to watcher for a bit."

Darren's grin grew wider. "So this is her huh? She's cute. She's nothing like you, Ray."

Ray ignored him and looked at Marco apologetic. "I didn't know my mother would show up like that. I didn't even know Ally was back in her care. I'm off the clock in a bit. Can she please stay here until then? She won't bother anyone."

Darren shifted his eyes from Ray to Marco and pushed away from the car he'd been leaning against. "Ally, why don't you come with uncle Darren? I'll show you a really pretty car. I'll let you sit behind the wheel and when you're big enough, I'll teach you how to drive."

Alyssa glanced at him hesitantly and looked at Ray. He smiled at her. "Go on, Ally. He is a bit of an idiot, but he's nice. I'll be there in a minute." He put her down and handed her over to Darren. "Be careful with her," he warned.

Darren nodded and looked at Alyssa. "Come on, little one, let's have some fun."

Alyssa pouted as she followed him. "I'm not little."

A faint smile passed over Ray's face, but it faded when he turned to Marco. "I'm sorry."

Marco shook his head. "You're a good kid, Ray. Don't make me regret hiring you." He looked at Alyssa, who was on Darren's lap in the front seat of a Lexus, listening patiently to Darren's chatter. "The offer still stands, kid, about the loft. Or did you plan on bringing her to Vince's place?"

Ray sighed. "I didn't plan on anything." He knew Vincent wouldn't be happy if he brought Alyssa over.

Marco snorted. "Don't let it interfere with you job, Ray. I have enough guys waiting for the opportunity to work here. I hired you because I know what you can do. That doesn't mean I won't replace you."

"Yes sir," Ray said, "it won't be a problem."

"Good," Marco nodded, "finish up here. I'll see you again tomorrow." He disappeared to the back to inspect the Escalade Darren had brought in.

Ray sighed and ran a hand across his face. He walked over to the Lexus and leaned against the doorframe. "You like that car, Ally?"

Darren smirked. "She's got good taste. Man, I can't believe it. I have a protégé now."

Ray narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "You ain't teachin' her anything. You'll only get her in trouble."

Daren pouted and leaned his chin on Alyssa's shoulder. "But she likes getting in trouble with uncle Darren, don't you, Alyssa?"

Alyssa tilted her head at Ray. "Is it a bad thing?" she whispered concerned.

Ray sighed heavily. "Great. I leave you alone with her for one minute and you're already a bad influence."

His friend chuckled. "Someone's gotta teach her how to misbehave."

Ray rolled his eyes and looked at Alyssa. "Come, Ally. You're coming with me until your mother picks you up." The mention of his mother left a fowl taste in his mouth. Some mother she proved to be.

"Take care, man," Darren said, "bye Ally."

"Bye," Alyssa waved as she followed Ray out of the building. "Where are we going?"

"To my friend's house," Ray answered, "you've been there before, remember? Denise also lives there. I made you lasagna."

Alysa perked up at that. "Is there lazana now?"

Ray couldn't help but smile. "You like that huh? I don't know. I have to look, but if there ain't lasagna, I'll make you something else." He glanced down at her. "What do you eat at home?"

Alyssa shrugged. "A sandwich. Cookies."

"Nothing warm?" Ray wondered.

She seemed to think on it for a moment. "Fishfingers," she nodded and scrunched her nose, "they weren't very nice."

Ray sighed. He didn't like what he was hearing, but he wasn't surprised. He wasn't even sure his mother knew how to cook at all. "Look," he pointed, "we're here."

When he entered the house, Vincent was sitting on the couch with a beer in his hand, watching a game on the television. When Ray entered, he took one glance at Alyssa and narrowed his eyes. "No," he said.

"It's just for a short bit," Ray defended, "couple hours at most. My mother will pick her up after she's finished with her errand."

Vincent snorted a laugh. "You think she'll remember the kid once the dope wears off?" He pointed a finger at the girl. "I'm not gonna be stuck with her. It's bad for business. The morons from CPS handed her back to your mother. They can deal with it."

"I'll keep her in my room," Ray told him, "you won't even know she's there."

"I better not," Vincent threatened, "children talk. I don't need cops snooping around here."

"Ally knows to keep a secret and I won't let her see anything."

Vincent glared at him. "I'm warning you, Scott. Don't mess up."

Ray sighed and took Alyssa's hand. "Come on kid. You can play in my room for a bit. I'll find you somethin' to eat."

Alyssa followed him without protests. She wasn't all that bothered with Vincent's hostility. People yelled at each other. It was a common fact to her. It had been that way all through her young life.

She took a good look around Ray's room. There wasn't much in it. A mattress, a desk, and a rack with clothes. On the desk were a radio, a laptop, three cellphones and a stack of discs. No toys, though she herself didn't have many toys either. She only had crayons and the doll Evelyn had bought her when she lived there.

"Okay," Ray said while pulling back the chair, "come sit here, Ally. You can draw a bit while I make us somethin' to eat, kay?" He placed a sheet of paper and a pencil on the desk. He didn't have colored pencils, so this would have to do.

Alyssa climbed on the chair and took the pencil.

"I'll be right back," Ray said and he headed towards the kitchen.

Alyssa sighed and started drawing. The pencil was grey. Didn't he have any crayons? Her eyes found the desk drawer. Perhaps there were crayons in there.

She pulled it open and searched its contents. Papers, plastic cards, a small box with some strange tweezers and needles, a bag with candy. She took it all out and placed it on the desk.

No crayons.

The girl sighed and pouted. How did Ray make pretty drawings if his only color was grey?

The door opened again and Ray came in carrying a tray. "I just heated up some soup for now, okay? If you're still hungry after that, I'll make somethin' else." He put the tray on the desk and froze. Spread across the desk were his fake ID's, credit cards, his lock picks and a bag of pills.

With one swift motion he turned the desk chair and took Alyssa's face in his hands. Forcing her to look at him he kneeled down to her level. "Did you take any of those, Ally?" he asked with a look of panic in his eyes. He would never forgive himself if she had. He should have known better. He should have locked the drawer. He should have remembered what was in there.

When she didn't answer, he took a firmer hold on her. "Answer me, Ally! Did you take anything from that bag?!"

The girl started to cry. "You're hurting me!"

He flinched and let go of her face. Gently, he scooped her op in his arms and sat down on the mattress. He rocked her gently and stroke her hair. "I'm sorry, Ally. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. It's okay. I ain't angry." He slowly pulled away and looked at her teary face. "I'm sorry I hurt you, Ally. I won't do it again, but it's important you tell me the truth. I promise I won't get angry, but you need to tell me. Did you eat any of the candy in that bag? Please Ally, I won't be angry."

The girl was still silently crying. She shook her head. "I didn't take any, I didn't. Really. I didn't take it."

He nodded his head and sighed in relief. His arms locked tightly around her. "Okay," he whispered, "it's okay. I'm sorry, yeah? Don't be afraid. I'm sorry. It's okay."

Slowly the sobbing stopped.

Ray gently held her away and wiped the tears from her cheeks. He smiled at her kindly. "What were you looking for?"

The girl took a deep breath. "Crayons," she whispered.

He nodded. "I'm sorry. I don't have crayons, but I'll buy 'em for you, okay? So next time you come over, just ask me, kay? Don't go look for things yourself. If you need anything, you come ask me, kay?"

Alyssa nodded meekly. "Okay," she whispered.

"Okay," Ray replied and he placed a kiss on her forehead. "Come, let's eat the soup before it gets cold."

...

His mother didn't show up in the next few hours. He wasn't sure why he'd expected her to. When he noticed Alyssa nodding off, he had tucked her in his bed so she could sleep. Quietly, he asked himself what he should do if his mother abandoned Alyssa all together.

It wouldn't surprise him. Depending on what she had fed her body, her high could last for days. He knew it was hypocritical to judge her for it. He himself was no stranger to illegal substances, but at least he had it under control. Aside from the occasional joint or pill at a party, he knew to stay away from the heavier stuff. The pills in his desk drawer weren't even his. They were only waiting to be picked up by one of Vincent's clients.

Just when he was about to get ready for bed himself, there was a loud knock on the back door.

Ray hurried to answer it, but Vincent beat him to it. He pulled open the door and glared at the disheveled woman with bloodshot eyes. "Beat it, woman."

She narrowed her eyes. "Don't you talk to me like that, Vincent Burke. I ain't here for you. I came to pick up my daughter." She looked past him at Ray. "Give her to me."

Ray narrowed his eyes and walked up to her. "Do you even know what time it is? She is sleeping."

His mother pointed her finger at him angrily. "Don't you start with me," she hissed, "I told you I was busy. Now give me back my child!"

Vincent glared at Ray. "Give her the brat. I don't want a scene here. Get rid of her." He pushed past Ray back into the house.

Ray turned to his mother. "I ain't waking her up now. Come back tomorrow."

"She needs to come with me," his mother insisted, "what if CPS visits tomorrow and she ain't there? They'll take her away again."

Ray narrowed his eyes. "What if they had come today while you were sticking needles in your arm?"

"I didn't do it at home," she hissed, "I'm not allowed to have that in the house with Lyssa there."

"You're missing the point," Ray growled at her, "why don't you just tell 'em she's staying the night with me? She's better off here anyway."

His mother let out a mocking laugh. "Better off? Wait until I tell CPS what kind of people visit this place. You'll never see her again."

"Don't you dare," Ray hissed. She had threatened his with the same thing earlier today and he knew she would do it. His mother was selfish like that.

"Then give her to me," his mother said, "and you can watch her as many times as you like. Maybe then you'll know how much work it is to take care of a child! You make sure she has clothes, you make sure she cleans herself and brushes her teeth! You feed her! She doesn't like anything I make her anyway. Always whining about lazana. You know how much work it is?! How much money she costs me?!"

Ray narrowed his eyes. "It's called responsibility. That's what it means to be a parent. But I ain't expectin' you to understand that."

His mother gritted her teeth. "Give me my daughter!" She brushed past him into the house. "Lyssa! Lyssa-baby! Where are you?! Lyssa!" She marched through the house with Ray on her heels.

"Will you be quiet?" Ray hissed, "she's in here. She's sleeping. Lower your voice." Reluctantly he guided his mother towards his room where Alyssa was still sound asleep.

The moment his mother noticed her, she rushed towards the bed and lifted the girl in her arms. "There you are, Lyssa-baby. Mommy is here. It's okay. We're going home now."

The woman's shrill voice woke her up. Alyssa stirred and started to squirm in her mother's arms. "I don't wanna go," she muttered drowsily, "I wanna stay with Ray."

"Don't be silly, Lyssa-baby," her mother cooed, "you're going with mommy. You can't stay here."

"No, no," Alyssa protested. She squirmed even more now. "I wanna stay with Ray."

"Alyssa!" her mother shouted, "don't shout at me! I am your mother! You will listen to me, you hear me?" She shook the girl, making the girl cry. "Be quiet!"

"Hey!" Ray interfered and he took Alysa from her mother's arms and comforted her. "Shh. Don't cry Ally. It's okay. Listen to me. Remember what I said? You can come over any time. I'll visit tomorrow and I'll tell you how to get here from your house, okay? But now you have to go with your mother. Be a good girl, yeah?"

Alyssa sniffed and wiped her eyes. "Promise?"

"I promise," Ray nodded.

"Are we done now?" his mother asked impatiently. She took Alyssa's hand and pulled the girl with her. "Walk, Lyssa. Mommy is tired."

Ray followed her toward the door. "I'm dropping by tomorrow," he reminded his mother.

"You said that already," his mother answered, "if you insist on coming over then bring some money. Or come back home. Your father is gone."

Ray shook his head. "I ain't comin' home. I have a place, but I will make sure my sister is safe."

His mother sighed tiredly. "I'm not a bad person, Ray, I'm just on a rough patch. I'm trying here. CPS knows I'm a good mother. Why don't you?"

Ray sighed. The answer to that was simple. He knew better than to believe in fairytales. Things might go well for now, but it was only a matter of time for things to go downhill again.

He looked at his mother. "We'll see."