AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I nodded. “Okay, leave it with me,” I said. “In terms of going legal, I have an idea. Let me work out the details, and I’ll call you after the next drop.”
Alex nodded and stood. When I rose, he reached out and wrapped his arms around me in an awkward hug. “Thank you,” he whispered.
I nodded and headed back to the chalet.
The following two weeks were spent in quiet bliss. Sarah and I followed a routine, like a couple that had been together for a long time. We just seemed to work in the small space. It was blissful until the day before the drop. Sarah had been in an increasingly despondent mood, but she went over the edge when I told her how pretty she looked pregnant.
I stormed from the room, angry with her and concerned that the drop wouldn’t go as planned. I strode out to the cabin where Kevin stayed to talk to my friend and confidant.
“I know I’ve asked 500 times. The drop is still a go? The location and time still planned for six am tomorrow?”
“Yes,” said Kevin in frustration. “I’ve told you everything I know. You’re not normally this neurotic. What gives?”
I sighed. “It’s Sarah. The more I’m with her, the less I want to leave her.”
Kevin shrugged. “Then why leave?”
I stared at him. “Our age? Her family? My family? Alex? You know, all of it.”
Kevin stared back at me. “Well, forgive me for noticing, but no one seems to care about your ages exceptyou—and the thing with the family—I believe Alex is going straight. I also don’t think he gives a rat's ass where Sarah is. Has he even mentioned her once? No. All he cares about is getting out before he’s collateral damage. Once he does, you can speak to her dad man to man. He’s wanted out for a long time. His wife is fed up, and he’s getting on in age. He has no boys to pass the business along to and honestly, he’s gotten lazy. Offer him a way out, like you’re offering Alex, and let the chips fall where they may. Obviously, you’ll need to tell Alex about Sarah if he doesn’t already know. You don’t give that man enough credit sometimes. He’s trained by Pauly, but he’s wiser and more of a visionary than Pauly ever was or will be.”
I felt a lightbulb go off in my head. How had I not considered this as an option? Sure, it would cost me more money, but if I planned it right, I could make money as well and be free to be with Sarah. I rose and was about to run back to the chalet to tell her when Kevin stopped me.
“You might want to wait until Pauly is arrested without any police mistakes before you go confess your undying love,” he said.
“Good point. You don’t think they’ll screw up the arrest or investigation a second time, do you? I mean, as much as I wish police brutality on Pauly, I really just want to see him in jail for life.”
“The first charges are still going to court. He just might be able to beat them because of the police error and use of excessive force. Don’t discredit the whole thing yet. And no, I seriously doubt they’ll screw up a second time. The taxpayers would have their heads if they let a violent criminal like your dad go free a second time. I think this time he won’t even make bail.” Kevin said with certainty.
“Yeah,” I said. “You’re probably right.”
I walked back to the chalet feeling calmer than I had in weeks. Just a few more weeks while I set up business proposals, and Sarah and I could be free to be together. I decided to wait to tell her until everything was set up and secured. The last thing I needed was to take us both on a bloody roller coaster while I tried to navigate my way around both of our families.
Chapter Fourteen
Sarah
Iwokeupfrommy nap a few minutes before Warwick returned to the chalet. I dreamt of my mother, and when I opened my eyes and was alone in the massive bed, a sob rose in my chest. My eyes hurt from all of the crying, and my stomach cramped in hunger.
“How am I hungry again?” I grumbled and padded down to the kitchen. I peered in the fridge for a long time, finally settling on a ham and cheese sandwich. I ate it at the table alone and thought about my life.
What was I doing here? I should have never stayed after Warwick rescued me. I should have left, and then I wouldn’t be in this predicament.
No, I’d likely be dead.I feel like I’m dying by inches. How is this better?
Warwick opened the door before my thought process grew more bleak.
“I think there’s a resolution in the works,” Warwick said as he entered.
This should have been great news, but to me, it felt like the bottom fell out in those eight words. Sure, it would be great to see my family if they’d forgiven me—but then I was free to go—away from Warwick and our forced isolation.
Away from Warwick. What would that even be like? Could I even imagine my life without him now? I forced the thoughts out of my mind and tried to listen.
“That’s good,” I said slowly. “Can you tell me?”
“It’s too soon,” Warwick shook his head. “And I still don’t know how it will affect your safety. Alex still doesn’t know you’re with me.”
“Well, why would he have to know?” I asked. “Once I’m free to go, he won’t know I was even here.”
