Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 348(@300wpm)
It was a good thing we had started texting our plans. We don’t know if there was audio to go along with the visuals on the other end of those videos. I still can’t believe he was recording my life.
Ximena suggested we place the cameras back where we found them. I only packed the essentials, making sure to do so out of sight of the cameras. Placing my things in garbage bags, we then took out the trash and I left out of the apartment as if it was any other night where I was going to meet up with friends.
The song ends and I swipe at my tears. “Cam, I should go. I’m going to have to dump this phone. You won’t be able to reach me on it again. I’ll call you from a burner once I’m settled.”
“What about the security guys?” he chokes out and I can tell he’s been crying on the other end.
“You can hold off on that for now. I don’t want to draw any attention to myself. I should be fine where I’m going.”
I don’t tell him where I’m going or who I’m going to stay with. The less he knows, the better. I don’t really know the people I’ll be with.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Will you promise me something?”
“Anything.”
“Promise me you’ll be safe. Protect yourself, Cam. Learn how to use a gun if you have to. Don’t let him take you from us.”
“I already know how to use a firearm, darlin’. You know about these hands.”
I can’t help the chuckle that comes from my lips as he tries to deliver the last part like a New Yorker through his Texas drawl. My heart aches as I realize how much I’m going to miss him.
“Keep Cal safe too. Nothing can happen to him.”
“Fuck,” he hisses, making my heart race.
“What? What just happened?”
“You’ll see when you watch the draft,” he says.
“Cam, I’ll be traveling. I don’t know if I’ll get to watch.”
“Cal shaved to propose to Nicole. We look exactly alike right now.”
“Shit.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure it out. You just try to watch if you can. I want you to know where our new home will be when this is all over.”
I smile as I cover my stomach and dare to dream of us as a family. Then my smile falls as I begin to feel like a home-wrecker. Kay didn’t ask for this.
“Cam, maybe we shouldn’t. This isn’t fair to Kay,” I whisper.
“Don’t you worry about that. You let me deal with her. I love you, baby. I’ll be with you two soon.”
“Love you.”
I close my eyes as tears continue to spill. The call cuts off, leaving a hole in my soul. I find “Cry For You” on my phone and place it on repeat as I cry myself to sleep.
This hurts so bad.
Cameron
I climb out of the car to head back inside and hand Bernie back his phone. My daddy is on his way out the door as I go to step inside. He freezes and cups the sides of my face.
“Cameron, what’s going on?”
I shake my head. This has turned far more dangerous than I anticipated before. I don’t know if I can keep my family safe all on my own.
“Speak to me, Cam. I’m your daddy. If I can, I’ll make it right. What is it?”
“Not here. I need to get a haircut and make some calls in a private place. Not my place.”
I think of the cameras in Amina’s and don’t feel safe making arrangements there anymore. I’m also going to cut my hair off. Cal and I look too much alike with the long hair.
His is longer, but if you’re not paying attention to the details, you won’t make the distinction right away. I need there to be no doubt that I’m Cameron and he’s Caleb. I need to protect him as much as I need to protect Amina and my unborn child.
“Come on, I have a place. I’ll have my barber come to us. You can explain everything to me on the way there,” Daddy says.
I rush inside to give Bernie the phone. When I return outside, my daddy is waiting for me. I relax a little, knowing I’ll have help with all of this.
“I sent Jerry home. I’ll ride with you.”
I nod and head to Amina’s new truck. I’ll give it to her someday, I’m just hoping it’s someday soon.
***
“Well, damn. I knew there was something special about that little lady,” Daddy says as he sits with his forearms draped over his thighs.
We’re sitting in two leather accent chairs facing each other. My father brought me to one of the bars he owns, and we came down to the basement to have this chat. Most of his places have these private rooms for VIP customers.
The room is soundproof, and you have to have a key card that comes with a private membership to gain access. I’ve just spent an hour filling him in on all that has been happening. Hearing my own words out loud has left me with a plethora of feelings.