The first thing I do when I sit at my desk is turn on the monitor that will allow me to keep an eye on Autumn. Because, yes, I have a camera watching her. I set it on the nightstand while she was in the shower. I doubt she noticed it before she went to sleep.
I’m thirty-five years old. I’ve known I’m a Daddy Dom since I was about twenty. However, I’ve never had a woman in my home whom I would describe as a Little, with the exception of my coworkers’ girlfriends. Nevertheless, I’ve gradually prepared my apartment for such an occasion. I have everything a Daddy would need already in place. That includes various cameras and monitors to ensure my girl is safe at all times.
Invasive? Yes. Definitely. Especially since I didn’t tell Autumn I would have a camera on her while she slept.
Putting her in my bed was a choice. I had other options. I could have introduced her to the playroom I’ve been slowly filling since I moved into this apartment. Perhaps I got ahead of myself. Some people would probably think I’m a bit cracked for putting the cart before the horse. I don’t care.
For one thing, I call it being prepared. For another thing, I’m not alone. Several of us who work for Black Blade Protection are Daddy Doms. We all have some level of preparedness in place.
I have no idea how Autumn will react when she discovers the room I’ve outfitted with everything a Little girl could want. Inevitably, she will see it. I can’t hide it from her forever. She’s probably wondering why I didn’t put her in a guest room.
The truth is, I do have a regular guest room set up. I could have led her there, but the idea was never under consideration. She belongs in my bed. Doesn’t she? She didn’t balk when I pulled the covers back. Okay, maybe she hesitated, but not for long.
When I glance at the monitor, I see that she’s curled up on her side, sound asleep. The poor girl has to be beyond exhausted. Besides staying awake all night, she did so under immense stress and fear. She probably looked over her shoulder a hundred times, wondering if some madman was going to kill her like they did her father.
I snag the letter addressed to me off the desk and open it. My hands are trembling as I straighten out the trifold piece of paper. It’s typed and professional. It’s even on Burke’s personal letterhead. Burke was prepared.
* * *
Dearest Mace,
If you’re reading this, I am most likely dead. I’m sorry for your grief.
As I type this, my main concern is Autumn. She would have been the one to hand you this letter, so I assume she’s still alive. I know I don’t have to ask you to protect her and keep her from harm. It’s in your nature to protect the innocent, and Autumn is no stranger.
Who killed me? I can’t tell you for certain, but there are several possibilities. I know most people wouldn’t believe this, but I have a list of enemies. I built this reputation while I was stationed overseas on my second tour. You weren’t there. You weren’t even old enough to join the Army at that point.
Bad things happened on that tour that were out of my control. Innocent people died. I had no choice but to eliminate several threats, but I didn’t get them all. There were sleeper cells that remained elusive to me. To this day, they walk the Earth.
I’ve always known my number would come up one day. I pray that Autumn was not home at the time and remained unharmed. I pray that she is with you now.
Please take care of my daughter.
Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you look at her. She hangs the moon for you. And I’m not oblivious enough to not have seen her fawning over you, too. If she brought you this letter, I assume it happened at some point before the two of you admitted your feelings for each other.
I know you are a good man. I’m certain you believed you were doing the right thing by keeping your distance from Autumn. I don’t blame you. She was barely an adult when you met her. You’re thirteen years her senior.
At the time I’m updating this letter and replacing it in the safe, she is almost twenty-two. She’s old enough to know her mind, and you have my blessing to pursue her.
She adores you. She lights up when you visit, unable to hide her emotions, even though she believes I have no idea. Same as you, she can’t hide from an old man like me. I’ve been around the block a few times. I’m no ignorant fool.
There’s a thumb drive in this envelope. It has a list of my known enemies. I haven’t provided it because I want you to hunt anyone down. I’ve done so because I know you will not sleep until my murder is avenged. I’m making it easier for you.
You were always like a son to me, Mace. I trusted you with my life on more than one occasion, and now I’m trusting you with Autumn’s life. I don’t want her to mourn my death for weeks or months. I want her to be happy. I want her to smile.
Do that for me. Do it for yourself. Make my daughter smile for the rest of her life.
Your trusted friend,
James Burke
* * *
I’m shaking when I finish reading this letter. It’s filled with so much shocking information that I have to read it twice more just to be sure I’m not making shit up in my head.
He knew. My friend and mentor knew I lusted after his daughter. He also died thinking she feels the same.
I set the letter on the desk and run a hand down my face. To say I’m stunned is an understatement. I’m so far past shocked.
