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She knows now.
I’ve been watching Charlie ever since I saw her at the bank with one of the twins. I never took the time to learn who is who because they aren’t important to me. They’re nothing more than Theodore’s attack dogs. Or were, shall I say, now that he’s gone.
I don’t think I’ve ever rejoiced more in my life than the night I heard the news, but it was short-lived. I’ve wanted Charlie longer than I can even think back. When Theodore died, I thought it would be the perfect time to swoop in and play the hero and comfort her while she cried, but I never got the chance. Those lowlife twins never leave her side. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re fucking her at this very moment. Running their filthy hands through her long brown hair. Kissing her perfectly pale skin with their disgusting lips.
I clench my fists and push the thoughts away. It should be me there with her. It was always supposed to be me.
My thoughts race as I stare out the small round window. After what seems like an eternal flight, I can finally feel the plane beginning to descend.The only people on board are the pilot and me, yet, having all this quiet time to reflect, I can’t help but feel like I have just had an entire conversation with a stranger. When I saw Charlie park in front of that storage unit, I knew it was over. I had been watching her and trying to put together my own leads. I thought I had a lucky break when I figured out her dad had a unit, but that ended abruptly once she found it first.
I’m not sure what he hid inside, but the old man was a fucking prick. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was dirt on me in there. He followed me and David for too long. It’s one of the reasons he was killed, and I couldn’t be happier that I’m one of the people who put that motherfucker in a grave.
The scenery changes as we approach the runway. I can feel the slight bumps from the landing gear as it caresses the asphalt. I gather my things and thank the pilot as I exit the plane. The steps are narrow and steep, but I make my way to the bottom and head for the car waiting on the tarmac.
I’ve always maintained a low profile when it came to my dealings with the cartel, but that’s all about to go out the window. Charlie is in the clutches of the mafia, my number one annoyance and enemy. I don’t care about staying hidden anymore. All I care about is getting her to her rightful spot beside me.
The driver nods as I enter the car. I can hear the monotonous hiss of the tires as they begin to pound the recently rain-washed highway. The car continues to veer down curvy roads and onto beaten paths before it finally slows in front of my final destination. I step out and take in what little scenery exists. A brick walkway leads through a white picket-style fence. Just beyond that, a long and narrow two-story house with wooden-framed windows sits solemn with little decoration. I readjust the Beretta tucked in my waistband as I approach the door at the top of the steps and knock. Let’s hope Sebastian is home.
The door swings open and I’m met with the man himself. The combination of his thick black mustache, stature, and baritone, raspy voice makes him a very intimidating leader. His lip curls up in disgust as he looks at me. “Puto cerdo.” Fucking pig is all he says.
I roll my eyes and stuff my hands in my pockets. “I have information. Do you want it or not?”
He tips his chin. “I don’t need anything from you. I don’t lay in the mud with pigs.”
For years I’ve gone round and round with Sebastian. He hates me because I’m a cop, and I hate him simply for putting my cousin in the crossfire of his shit. What he doesn’t know is my badge means nothing to me. I only took the job to help David, but now he won’t listen.
“You can either listen to what I have to say or find David dead by tomorrow.”
His eyes widen the slightest bit. I knew that would get his attention.
I continue. “The girl who took over Hale’s territory?” He nods, urging me to go on. “She’s the daughter of the man David and I took out. The one who was weaseling his way toward you.”
“The old cop?”
I nod. “That’s the one. And I can tell you from experience, she isn’t what you think. She’s probably worse than all the Hales put together. When she wants something, she doesn’t stop until she has it. I’ve moved shit around, hiding small pieces of evidence about her dad, but I think she’s finally putting it together. Of course, nothing will point to you. It’ll all point to David. So, if you value his work, I suggest you keep listening.”
He bites his lip and crosses his arms. “Keep going.”
“I have a buddy who works for the ATF. He’s willing to come down and find some hard evidence to throw the Hales away. From there, you can handle it how you want behind bars, and I’ll handle the girl.”
He lets out a laugh. “You expect me to depend on another pig?”
“If you want to keep David around, you will.” I level my eyes with him.
“I’ll think about it. Now—” He points to the car waiting at the end of his drive. “—get out of my city.”
I turn and walk back to the car. I am confident Sebastian won’t turn down such an offer, but then again, maybe he will. The cartel doesn’t work with anyone in uniform. David associating with me is already sketchy as fuck to them, but he’s proved his loyalty. He’s done things no one else would do, like killing a cop. He’s earned their trust. I’m only hoping I can do the same. For my cousin’s sake.
Charlie won’t stop until she puts all of the pieces together. I just hope I can get to her before the cartel does. Her vendetta against me just grew by the millions if her dad kept anything on me stashed away, but I’m praying she’ll look past it and see the bigger picture. I did what had to be done to protect my family. It sucks she’s caught in the crossfire of it, but still. I can be so much more for her. I can do so much more for her. She doesn’t belong with criminals like the Hales. She belongs with me.
