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I was hesitant to trust Charlie, to let her lead the way and tell me what she wants, but after we finished last night, she curled into my arms and slept. She didn’t wake crying or screaming, like Carl said sometimes happens, so maybe this is what she needed. She needed to erase all of those memories of Teddy, even just for a moment.
I look down at her sleeping face snuggled into the bend of my elbow before gently pulling away, hoping I don’t wake her. Slowly I move inch by inch. When I’m finally free, I stand from the bed and look down on her. I’ve always thought Charlie was beautiful, but now she has a certain glow to her. As I’m admiring her sleeping form, I hear the front door open and close.
I never heard Julius leave last night, so immediately my mind goes to an intruder of some sort. I ruffle through my discarded clothes and find my gun, then slip my slacks on before padding to her door stealthily. I crack the door open and let the barrel of my gun lead the way. It’s early morning, so the sun is barely peeking above the horizon, shining little light inside.
A dark figure moves around the kitchen, almost unafraid and like they know the place. I stay close to the wall and move down it until I hit the light switch. I flip it on and raise my gun higher, ready to shoot.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Julius laughs, shielding his eyes from the light.
I lean my head back and roll my shoulders. “Dude, you almost got killed. Why are you sneaking around and shit?”
“I’m not sneaking. I’m being considerate because I assumed you both were still asleep. Just trying to be quiet.” He shrugs.
“What were you doing outside, then? I heard you come through the door.”
He points to the fireplace that is barely glowing. “I was grabbing more firewood. Do you like chilling in a fucking meat locker?”
Before I can come back with a smart remark, low ringing grabs my attention. “Fuck.”
I rush back to Charlie’s room and grab my phone from where my shirt is on the floor and hit the silent button. Before I answer, I look back and make sure she’s sleeping, then walk back out.
“Hello?” I bring the phone to my ear.
“Hale,” Sebastian sounds from the other side. “I have some news.”
I put it on speaker and walk closer to Julius. “What kind of news?”
“Desi will be taken care of by this evening, and a little birdy gave me some info on your cop.”
“Cameron? How did you even know we were looking for him?”
“Did you forget he was related to David? If it weren’t for him, David never would have got tangled up in the mess with all of you to begin with. Now, since I’m doing something for you, I want you to do something for me.”
Julius narrows his eyes at me and waves his hand, telling me to keep the conversation with Sebastian going to see where it goes. “Negotiation time is over, Sebastian. If you wanted more, you should have spoken up. We already have a deal.”
“This will benefit us both, Hale.”
“How so?”
“You want Emil gone, and I want Cameron gone. It shouldn’t be too hard to cover up considering he’s already hiding out. I’m the one taking a real risk here dealing with Emil. So, it’s the least you can do. Get rid of him, and I assure you I’ll get rid of Emil.”
“You’ve already assured me Emil will be handled. But since we share an enemy, don’t think I’m doing this for you. I’m doing this for me. No more negotiations. I’ll do what I have to.”
“Likewise.”
“Send me the info.”
I end the call without a goodbye, then look to Julius. “I thought it was a fucking given Cameron would be taken care of. Why would he even ask?”
He walks to the fireplace and throws another log onto the embers. “Maybe he just really wants him gone.”
My phone pings. I look down and see an address dance across the screen. “You’re joking,” I say flatly.
“What?”
I turn the screen to Julius. “He’s been hiding in plain fucking sight!” I yell, throwing my phone onto the couch.
“That’s why Charlie and Carl saw him that day. Her doctor is in the middle of town, and so is he. Maybe it wasn’t on purpose. It was a coincidence.”
