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It’s been two weeks since I gave Andrew the paper, and I still haven’t heard from him. I’m getting really sick of waiting on him. I knew I would be taking a risk with him, but I’m out of options. If the Hales put together that he and I are the ones who killed Charlie’s dad, I know it’s only a matter of time before they come for us too.
“He hasn’t said anything?” David asks, lounging on my couch.
“Nothing at all. I’ll call him later and see if he’s found anything yet.”
“He doesn’t seem like much help,” he laughs. “I probably could have figured out more on my own at this point.”
I shake my head with a huff. “The point is to keep you away from everything, not dig you deeper into the hole.”
“I’m not scared, cousin. I’ve dealt with worse than Theodore,” Another laugh escapes his mouth.
“Yeah? But you’ve never dealt with Charlie. She’s always been a determined individual, but those Hales are just putting more shit into her head. At this point I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d killed someone before with how long she’s been with them.”
He stretches his arm across the back of my couch and crosses his ankle over his knee. “Why do you want her, then? Seems like she’s damaged goods at this point.”
I ponder his question before I answer. “I’ve known her a long time. There is just something about her. I can’t explain it.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Wanting this girl will probably kill you, and you can’t even explain why you want her? Cabron!”
I take a seat next to him on the couch with a beer in my hand. “Don’t call me an asshole, asshole.” I smile. “Just wait. Once you see her, you’ll realize why I’ve loved her since I was a kid. She’s different than other girls.”
“Not sure I want to meet the woman I screwed over. We killed her dad, remember? Pretty sure she won’t be too happy about that.”
“She’ll understand the reasons once we tell her. She’s big on family too, and soon enough, she’ll be a part of our family.”
He side-eyes me. “I think you’re being too hopeful, cousin. If she’s anything like you’ve said, I don’t think she’ll be as understanding as you think.”
I play his words over and over in my mind. What if he’s right? What if Charlie only sees the small picture? In reality, yes, I did this for David, but in a way I did it for her too. I know her dad wanted her to have something good. To get away from Northridge Heights and thrive. If he could see her now and know she’s with the Hales, I know he wouldn’t be happy. I just have to make her see everything I’m doing is to please her dad and take care of her. Sure, I helped kill him, but this will be my way to give back.
“Maybe you’re right, but only time will tell. I’m almost positive I can have her eating out of my hand by the time we finish with the Hales. I just have to show her how bad they really are. That’s where Andrew comes in to play. He’ll help me shine a bad light on them.” My words spill out with so much conviction, and at this point, I’m not sure if I’m trying to actually convince David or myself.
“Just wait,” I add. “You’ll see.”
