AllFreeNovel
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Spence:He is too hard on himself. Kind of like someone else I know.
Spence:Anyway, I’m letting you choose this time. Maybe that will be the good luck we need.
Kota:Really?
Spence:Yes turd, your choice.
Glancing behind me at Aiden’s sullen expression my excitement grows at the idea of pulling him out of his funk. I return my attention to the phone.
Kota:Would you mind offering for Aid to pick? I think he would like to hear from you.
Aiden’s phone dings in the backseat before I even get a reply from Spence.
Spence:Done and done, Kota girl. I miss him too, just so you know. I’ll have to try and find a way to come visit, yeah?
Spence:Oh, and I guess I miss you too.
Kota:You guess? Sheesh, thanks. I can tell how much you love me.
Kota:Kidding, please come visit. We miss you.
Spence:Soon.
I sigh and lean my head back against the seat, I really do fucking miss him. What no one knows, and I mean no one, isthat Spencer Daniels is also my half-brother. We share a father even though he never really got the chance to know Charles. Not that I would consider that a big loss. He was better off not having Charles around.
The one thing my dad didn’t fuck up was allowing me to have a relationship with Spence. We met for the first time when I was nine, but we didn’t really get the chance toknoweach other. Sure, we called and texted as I got older but he was in his twenties and living his life. A little sister wasn’t exactly exciting but he put the effort in.
And then, when everything happened he was right by my side. He took up the post as our initial guard - he helped me through pregnancy, held my hand during birth, and woke up at all hours of the night to help me raise Aiden. Even after he left to go take his slot as Director for WitSec, he made time to visit and call. He’s also the reason I am able to work. He got me my original gig on the Cyber Division's main team, working smaller jobs and helping out. Then as soon as he could, he pulled me into his division and I haven’t ever looked back.
Plus he's the only consistent male figure that Aiden has and I can’t thank him enough. He puts us first at all times, even if no one knows that we are family. But it's safer that way. People knowing that I am his sister would lead to a trail…and that would make it easier for Rodrigo or any of his associates to find us.
“Hey mom, guess what?” Aiden calls out excitedly.
“What’s up, booger?” I ask nonchalantly, glancing into the backseat.
“Unc-uh…Spence texted and said I can give him a few choices for where we head next!” He says excitedly, quickly covering up his use of the word uncle. I hate that for him but again…safety and all that.
I see Lu smile and shoot me a side-eye. He knows that Spencer was going to let me choose and as per usual, he sees right through me. He doesn't say anything though, because, like me, he wants Aiden to be happy.
I turn back and glance at Aiden who is smiling wide for the first time since we abandoned Maine, “What’re you thinking ?”
He looks over at Dave wanting to share his excitement but Dave is passed out and snoring, “I think Colorado. I like the snow.”
I nod, excitement buzzing, “That’s a good choice, booger. I’ve never been.”
He nods at the same time that Lu speaks up, “Oh nice. They have skiing!”
Aiden chuckles and leans back, glances out the window as his shoulders drop slightly. Not from being upset, but because his tension is finally melting away, “Are you gonna teach me, Lu?”
Lu is silent for a moment and I glance over to see him frowning. He puts on a forced smile when he notices me looking and shrugs, “We’ll see kid.”
???
We stop in the middle of nowhere at a motel that seems a little worse for wear. Doesn’t matter though considering we will likely shower, sleep for a few hours, and then get back on the road. Spence hasn’t secured a new place yet, but at least now we have a destination in mind.
I get Aiden and I settled into our room, leaving him with pizza and TV for entertainment before I search for Lu. He’s beenexceptionally glum, and so has Dave. They shared a few silent conversations during the drive that put me on edge.
Dave answers the door after my first knock, a sad smile on his face as he takes me in. Without a word, he shuffles me into the room and has me sit at the cheap rickety table in their room.
