Chapter 156: Joining the Fold
After facing the harsh reality, Pinkman had to confront a brutal truth: finding a legitimate job to support himself was virtually impossible.
Frank understood this more than anyone. That's why he insisted Fiona continue her education, urging her not to settle for a teaching certificate but to pursue a high school diploma and then attend college. Even if it wasn't a prestigious university, she needed to get a degree.
Accepting the reality, Pinkman reflected on his skills and realized that drug dealing was the only thing he knew how to do. His former partners were gone, literally dissolved into the soil of New Mexico.
With no other options, Pinkman approached Frank, hoping his previous offer still stood.
"Of course it does, as long as you quit drugs and promise not to relapse. If you start using again..." Frank left the sentence hanging, and Pinkman understood the implication.
"I've already quit," Pinkman replied.
For addicts, quitting is a daunting task, a long-term process fraught with physical withdrawal symptoms and mental cravings.
But Pinkman's case was different. After the traumatic experience of dismembering bodies, the mental pressure overshadowed any physical withdrawal. Every high brought terrifying hallucinations, robbing him of sleep.
This mental anguish made quitting remarkably easy for Pinkman. During his stay at his parents' house, he didn't even think about using.
Even after his parents kicked him out, back at his own place, the thought of drugs repelled him.
By now, Pinkman had gone nearly a month without using, meeting Frank's requirement.
"Welcome aboard," Frank said.
"I've agreed to join, but what about Mr. White? His expertise in drug synthesis is crucial. Without him, we can't do anything," Pinkman pointed out.
"He'll come around soon. In the meantime, take a break and start gathering materials. Get as much as you can," Frank instructed, handing Pinkman some cash.
Pinkman raised an eyebrow but accepted the money without comment.
Frank's phone suddenly rang.
"Marie," he noted the caller ID before answering.
"Don't wait up. I won't be back tonight," Frank said, ending the call and giving Pinkman a quick nod.
Frank drove to Marie's house. Hank was on a stakeout, leading a raid on a drug den, and wouldn't be home.
Unbeknownst to Frank, back home, a storm was brewing.
In the South Side of Chicago, Frank's family carried on as usual.
Although Frank's "death" had cast a shadow, life continued, and the world kept turning.
The kids lived modestly, scraping by with coupons and pilfering toilet paper from store bathrooms.
Despite the substantial inheritance Frank left, they didn't touch it, respecting his wishes that it was for educational purposes, as Fiona managed the funds.
The two houses Frank left were under Fiona's name. During Frank's absence, Fiona and Veronica staged a scene to get a body from the nursing home, passing it off as Ginger's to resolve any legal issues. This solidified their residence under Fiona's ownership, though it also meant the end of Ginger's benefits.
Interestingly, Frank's disability checks still arrived, and the kids collected them just as Frank had with Ginger's benefits.
While many believed Frank was dead, his lack of a body and unclosed records left room for doubt. Declaring someone dead isn't so simple.
The neighboring house they obtained from Jimmy remained untouched due to lack of funds for renovation. However, it served as a secret hideout for the kids, especially Debbie and Carl.
Life went on, with occasional discussions about Frank, reminiscing fondly.
But a truck pulling up disrupted their routine.
Two women emerged, both appearing in their forties.
One was a robust African American woman, as formidable as a bear, barely identifiable as female.
The other was a voluptuous, youthful-looking blonde with a doll-like face and wavy hair.
"Is this where the kids live?" the African American woman asked.
"Yes, yes!" the blonde woman, excited, knocked on the door.
"Who is it... Mom?!" Debbie opened the door and froze, recognizing the blonde, calling out in disbelief.
It was Monica, the kids' mother and Frank's estranged wife.
"Hey, my little bean, you've grown so much!" Monica exclaimed, kneeling with open arms for a hug.
Debbie snapped back to reality, pushing Monica away and running inside.
Monica's smile faded, discomfort evident as she sighed heavily.
Inside, the house buzzed with activity. The kids gathered around the TV with burnt popcorn, watching, with Veronica joining the laughter.
Monica's arrival silenced the room, leaving only the news broadcast as background noise.
"I witnessed young soldiers' deaths, killed by the weapons I meant to protect them with. I realized I'm part of an irresponsible system.
"Thus, I'm shutting down Stark Industries' weapons division, effective immediately," the TV announced.
(End of Chapter)