The Ride Of My Life: Chicago

Chapter 31

"Estelle... you're home." dad said, shocked to see me in a while.
I stand awkwardly on the doorstep of my home. The sky is just beginning to lighten before sunrise. Dad looks like he hasn't slept in weeks, maybe longer when I left home.
"Are you... okay?" he asked, looking at me to see any sign if I'm hurt or anything.
"No. We're not okay." I said, and letting him know that I brought company with me.
"We?" he said, confused to know who's with me. Tyler steps forward out of the shadows.
"Morning, detective." Tyler say. Dad immediately tenses, his eyes getting colder. And getting overprotective dad, he is.
"He's with me." I said, trying to calm him
"I can see that." he got that anger looks in his eyes waiting for moment to handcuff him if he step out of line.
"Uh, can we... can we talk?" Dad reluctantly steps back allowing me and Tyler into the house.
Tyler and I follow dad into the kitchen. It's strange being back home. I've been gone less three weeks, but it feels like a lifetime ago. And I'm surprised nothing change yet with him and Kathrine having a baby soon. I thought I see baby stuff every where in the room, unless he storage them in the guest room for now. or should I say the baby room now.
I wanted to asked him about it, but afraid to know what he'll say, so I focus on the task why we're here first then ask later.
Dad stands with his hands on his hips, facing away from me. The quiet seems interminable.
"I'm... glad you're back, Estelle." he said turning around to face me.
"I've missed you so much. I've really been... wanting to see you."
"Oh, Estelle. You could've come to see me."
"After what you said last time, I wasn't sure if you'd let me in." and plus I was hurt for being in the dark, like he doesn't trust me anymore. I'm still kind of am, but I'll try to get over it soon.
"I was sure. If it took thirty years, I'd have waited for you to come home." he said, feeling guilt, and I know it felt mean to say it but he should feel guilt. "I never gave up on you, Estelle. I need you to know that. I was afraid of pushing you away more, but I kept in touch with your teachers. I... even drove by Mack's house a few times, hoping to talk to you... but I didn't have the guts. I didn't think I could bear to see that look in your eyes again."
"Dad..."
"I was there last night too. I was about to walk up, when that limo drove up... and I saw him." Dad gestures angrily at Tyler. "The look on your face when you saw him... I'd never seen you so happy. You never looked that happy around here. I should've guessed he was one of them." now I feel bad, I am happy being here with him, it just he needs to loosen up on me about everything that I sooner going to do and have to do on my own, even if I don't want his help. I'll always love him for caring so, much, but I just want a little more space that's all.
I hesitate, unsure how to introduce him. Tyler steps forward, offering a handshake.
"Tyler." he said, with polite smile. Dad shoves Tyler's hand away like he doesn't want to accept it, meaning he's okay with everything, which I know he not. He still think he's a bad guy and just want his help to get away from all this.
"How dare you show your face in my house! After all you've done! The danger you put her in!" Dad getting mad and giving him a death glare. "I'll have you and that whole crew of yours locked up!"
"Oh yeah? You haven't had much luck so far." Tyler matching his mood. And straiten his stance, to make himself feel the bigger person in the room.
"Try me, kid. With one call, I can have a hundred cops here in a minute!"
"A minute? That long? If I get a ten-second head start, you'd never catch me." Dad steps toward Tyler, but I slide in between them, before anything else happen and have no way of stopping them. Because I can feel the heat of the tenses between them as they're going at it.
Stop! Please!" I said, looking back and forth at them. "Dad... Tyler is here because I love him." at first I didn't mean to say it out loud, but I had to get through to him to listen what I have to say. And I don't to turn to look at Tyler to see he look shock to hear those word from me so soon. Even if he had to leave town. At least he knows.
"Love? Estelle, you don't even know what love is! Don't be ridiculous."
"I know plenty... You and mom made sure of that." and I was going to mention Kathrine too, but I can;t bring myself to say it, so I let it be. "We came to you because... we want to stop the real criminals. I know you, Dad. You've always believed in justice. You've always wanted to make things right. This is our chance to do that."
"Estelle, please, just tell me exactly what's going on."
Tyler and I tell my dad everything, from the very beginning. His face falls further and further, but he doesn't interrupt as we telling him, he stand there listening to what we have to say.
"That son-of-a-bitch... running my own daughter as an informant... all for his own corrupt schemes..."
"And now... well, she's basically told me what will happen to me if I don't do what she says." Dad just sits there at the table, his hands folded, but I can see his knuckles whitening.
"Detective Hart?" Tyler say calming trying to get his attention.
"I knew it... I knew it, and I didn't want to believe it. I kept investigating unofficially, even after I took myself off the case."
"You did? You never do anything against the rules." I shocked to hear this from him.
"I know, but the crew's actions... nothing about them added up. It was like someone was pulling the strings."
"What did you find?"
"Nothing. But it wasn't what I found. It's what I didn't find. Witnesses that 'skipped town.' Missing evidence. Few arrests. Lots of dead suspects. I started to think Martin was on the take. I was building a case to prove it... but I never suspected he was the damn ringleader." Dad face is a little red from anger but calm down. His face is still a little red but he's calm. "I was so worried about you. When I heard about an incident at your prom, I called you--"
"I've kept my phone off. I... think they've tapped my phone." I kneel down beside Dad and rest my hand on his knee. "Dad... I have a plan to stop them, once and for all." I smiled a little.
"What? No! You'll have no part in this anymore!" he said, worried and then the overprotective parent take over. "I'll report this and we'll--"
"It's our word against theirs. No one will believe us."
"Then I'll take them down myself!"
"You can't do this on your own, by the book. They won't hesitate to kill you." Tyler say, trying to talk to him, get him to listen what them. That they're dangerous then he could think. "Estelle's plan... It'll work. She's smart."
"I know my daughter is smart."
"Dad, believe me. We can do this... if you work with us." I said, pleading him, to just do this once, for me.
"You want me to work with a crew of criminals?" the same ones that stole my child from me?"
"They didn't steal me from you, Dad."
"No? I suppose you always felt this way then? Why didn't you ever ta;l to me? Why didn't you tell me how unhappy you were?"
"Dad--"
"Was I that hard to live with? Did I always make you miserable? You were so perfect... and safe... and now, you're... you're..."
"I'm still your daughter." he looks at me, tears welling in his eyes.
"Not the one I thought I knew." the way he says it hurt more than finding out that he's having a secret relationship with my ex-friend mom and not only that he having a kid with her. But I ignore it and focus on trying to convince him to help us.
"Dad, I can't keep these two sides of me apart anymore. And I don't want to."
"What two sides of you? I really don't understand, Estelle." he said, confused written all over his face.
"I've been hiding a part of myself from you. Because I didn't think you could ever love another me." which it hurt to imagine having him pay attention to them more than me but for now I focus on me for now, as I talk to him. "And I didn't want to make a choice between your Estelle and this side of me that wanted so badly to be independent."
"I thought... I always thought you knew you could talk to me about anything."
"I was afraid of what I wanted. I knew it was wrong. The whole time, I knew what I was doing was so wrong... And I hated myself for wanting it. For loving it. And you, you're so tough and disciplined. I didn't think you could ever understand how I--
"I do. I do understand how you felt. Your mom and I had a whole life before you. And I've been weak before." He reaches over and strokes my hair, holding back tears.
"I wanted everything, Dad... to be able to have my two separate lives. My separate worlds. I see it's not possible now. I don't want to be two different people anymore. I can't. please, Dad... Look at me and tell me you see me." he looks at me, as a tear spills down his cheek. I know he want to believe that I'm not his Estelle, the one he knows before I become this other person. I can see it in his teary eyes. And hope he doesn't fight it and ignore me, for standing up for myself.
For a second I thought he just going to stand there doing nothing. Until, he finally, lunging forward and hugging me tightly in his arms. I miss his hugs so much, especially his bear hugs.
"Oh, Estelle..." I hold onto Dad harder than I ever remembering hugging him.
"Don't let me go this time, all right?" I say, holding back the tears that trying to fight to break through.
"I promise."
"So you'll help us?" Tyler said, after a few seconds later. Giving us a little time before asking. Dad looks over at Tyler, his gaze still cold but the fury has subsided.
"I will help my daughter. I don't give a damn about the rest of you, but... if she needs me, I'll be there." Dad said giving him a glare before going back to normal expression. "I... don't know when I can forgive you, Estelle... but I still trust you. I still believe in you. I can't help it. So what is it you need me to do?" I smiled inside that he's helping.
I hand dad a folded up piece of paper from my pocket.
"I need you to call in the cavalry." dad looks at the paper.
"You want me to bring in the FBI? But they'll--"
"We know." Tyler cut of dad surprised shock on his face.
"Okay, then. But I won't be able to control them. Once I call them... the case is theirs. I won't be able to protect you, Estelle."
"You were never going to be able to protect me forever." I smiled at him, then get up to leave.
"I love you, Estelle."
"I love you, too." Dad grabs me back into a hug and it's a good while before I willing to let go. I kiss him on the cheek and leave with Tyler, the sun clawing its way above the horizon.
Later that day, Tyler and I roll up outside an unfamiliar house in the south of Chicago. I look around anxiously, to know what we're doing here. The neighborhood doesn't look great with some of the houses that have boarded up window, or overgrown grass and whatever lies in them.
"You sure we can stay here?" I said, glancing at the neighborhood once more.
"It's the one place I can think of Night Skull won't think to look..."
The roar of a motorcycle interrupt the quiet neighborhood. I see Mateo turn the corner in the rearview mirror, parking right behind my car.
"Unless they hear Mateo announcing our presence to the entire world." Tyler said, bit annoyed by this and a little worried, I can see it in his eyes before he looks away from me.
Mateo saunters over to us.
"Is it done?" I ask him, when over to my window that I rolled down.
"Green light. We're just waiting for a call sometime tonight." Mateo said, leaning down and laying his arm on top of the car as he peer inside the car.
"You're sure?" Tyler said, wanting check everything going through according to plan.
"Yes, I'm sure, you--"
"Guys, we're on the same side remember?" I said, before they go into a heated argument with each other and I have to stop before they get too carried away with it.
"Let's just get inside." Tyler said looking at the house we parked in front of. The house looks decent just needed a new paint job and the grass needs a little trimming.
As Tyler heads up to the house, Mateo takes my hand and hold me back.
"Hey, look... I stopped by the old garage too, to try to find some things. And I found this. I guess my dad kept it from my first car. He had it in his desk." he still hurt from losing his dad just last week. I can see it that he's trying to hold back the tears that are fight to break through at any moment. "And now, well, no place for it on my bike, so... I figure you might as well have it, if you want." Mateo hold out an old dash ornament. It's a cactus wearing a mustache and cowboy hat. It's cute.
I accept the gift and I'm going to take good care of it as long as I have it. "Mateo... thank you."
"It's nothing. Just a trinket, but... maybe it'll bring you some luck."
Mateo and I follow Tyler up to the door. He knocks. After a moment, the door swings open to reveal... Roman.
"Tyler! It's been a minute, cuz." Roman said, surprise to see us all standing at the foot of his door. He steps forward to give Tyler a bro hug, but stop short when he sees his expression.
"What's wrong?" he asked, worried about his friend who he consider family.
"Can we lay low out here for the day?"
"'Course. Come in." Roman leads us inside. He give Tyler and me a look, taking in our formalwear. "You wanna tell me what's going on?"
"The less you know, the better." Tyler said, giving him a look that he doesn't want to know. And it's not to tell him it's risk his lives than he he is by letting us stay here.
"You at least gonna tell me who this dude is?" Roman points to Mateo.
"That's Saul's kid. And you remember Estelle."Tyler answer him.
"Hey, Roman. Sorry for intruding." I said, giving giving him a small smile.
"Nah, it's cool. Get comfy, change outta those threads..."
"Thanks. We've got some planning to do."
"Well, hang on just one second. You can stay here, but I need something in return." he smile. And I should of know he might want something in return for helping us.
"You do?" Tyler said, frowning a little. Like he never aspect his friend to do something like to him.
Roman turns away from both of us, walking to the counter.
"You might be my cousin, but nothing in life is free. You gotta do me a favor." he said, not looking at us but out the kitchen window, staring at something.
"What?"
"You gotta taste test my new dishes for my truck." Roman turn around and stepping aside to show us some of the food that's line up on the counter.
"I think we can manage that just fine." Tyler said, smiling. But for me, I almost have a panic attack thought it'll be something that he wanted, but I'm glad that it this. Because I do enjoy Roman food the last time I had it.
Hours later, the sun sets outside, and our showdown with Night Skull draws nearer, I could feel.
After planning every last detail of tonight, the four of us are passing the half-watching TV in the living room and eating his food that he made us. But some of us don't have the appetite but fake it anyway to not hurt his feeling. And if your wondering who it is, it's me. I can't wait I want this over already but nerve is getting the best of as I glance between the time and looking out the window to see the sun settling down. Tyler and I change out of our formal clothes and into our regular one.
Tyler nudges my shoulder, getting my attention.
"There's nothing we can do but wait." he said, knowing that I can't keep calm. And he also see me looking at the clock every so often.
"I know, I just... I feel like I need to do something now. Get all this anxious energy out so it doesn't distract me later." I said.
"I know how you feel." Mateo join in the conversation, and he's a grumpy-pant. Like a toddler that can't sit still and wait. And he been clenches and unclenches his fist, over and over and over again. Probably imagining a stress ball in his hand, to relief some stress he's feeling.
"You can lie down in my spare room for a bit, Estelle." Roman said, offering his guest room.
"Thanks, Roman. I think that'll help." I smile to him.
"We'll get you when it's time." Tyler said. I nod, then head toward the hall. But then pause in the doorway of the guest room, looking back in the living room. Which is giving me a weird feeling that I don't know how to describe. But whatever it is all I know is that I have no idea if this plan will work. Hell, this could be my last night alive...
Tyler feels the weight of my gaze looks up, a questioning look in his eyes.
But if this is the end, I don't want to have any regrets.
"Tyler, will you come with me" I asked, him. And other two probably know what we're doing, but I don't care, I want to remember this moment forever. With Tyler.
"Of course." he said, getting off couch and coming to me.
I lead Tyler down the hall to the bedroom. As soon as the door closes behind me, he takes me in his arms.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm just... anxious to get you alone." Tyler smirks.
"Really?"
"What can I say? You're got me insatiable." I run my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck and pull his lips to mine. "Tyler..."
He wraps his arms around me, deepening the kiss. After a moment, I pull back.
"What is it? Is something wrong?" Tyler have a worried look on him.
"No, I just... want to try something." I said, calming down him, while my heart is beat so loud that he can hear. And feeling nervous, which I should since we done it before, but it's different from when you the two people that in living room then having a hotel room for the two of us.
But I feeling bold, I push Tyler back until he's sitting on the bed, I stand in between his legs.
"What're you up to?" he smile, knowing the answer, but want to hear it.
"You'll see." I smiled in mischievous.
I turn back to him, then throw him a playful wink over my shoulder as I sway my hips back and forth. Tyler puts his hands on my waist, but I step away from him with a grin.
"Ah, ah, ah. Be good." I said, wiggling a finger at him.
"You know me better than to tell me that, Estelle."
"Fine, then I'll make you a deal. You be good, and I'll make it worth you while." Tyler raises an eyebrow at my claim, but leans back on his hands as you reach for the hem of my sweatshirt.
"Deal." I pull my shirt over my head and playfully toss it at him. "I'm liking where this is going so far."
"Wait until you see what I have planned next." I straddle his lap, wrapping an arm around his neck. I pull him in for a searing kiss, and his hands run up and down my back, leaving shiver going down my spine at the feeling of his clothed body pressed against my bare skin.
"You're still dressed. That doesn't seem fair..."
"I can fix that." he smile before giving me another kiss. He quickly undresses as you settle back on the bed with him.
"That's better." Tyler smirks as he joins me, lying next next to me side by side.
"Glad you think so." he pulls me into another kiss, my legs twisting together beneath the sheets.
The next thing I know is that I gasp as Tyler grips mine waist, then pulls me on top of him until I straddle his lap.
"You're incredible, Estelle." he said, taking it all in. For second I wanted to cover up, but then toughen up.
He runs his hands along mine body, his fingers lighting a fire inside of me.
"Tyler... I need you."
"I'm yours."
I sink down on top him, pressing my hips to his... He puts his hands on my hips, guiding my om movements.
"Estelle..." my bodies move faster and faster together until finally, blissfully, I lose myself in the ecstasy of the moment...
Later, I snuggled in Tyler's arms, feeling happy. He absentmindedly plays with a strand of my hair.
"We should probably get ready soon." I said, not wanting to get up and just want to stay here for a little while longer.
"Yeah, it's getting late." he said, giving me a kiss on forehead.
Neither of us move, reluctant to break the moment.
"Hey, Tyler?" I said, tracing my finger on his chest.
"Hmm."
"I love you." Tyler smiles and presses a sweet kiss to my lips.
"I love you too, Estelle."
Just then, there's a knock at the door. And it startle me to death.
"The call came in. Everything's ready. Let's go." Mateo yelled through the door on the other side.
"I'm really startling to hate that guy." Tyler said, laugh by my ear, which made me laugh too. After that we both got up and get dress.
"You're just saying that because you don't want to get out of bed."
"Doesn't mean I don't mean it." Tyler gives me a quick kiss, then pulls on his clothes. "I'll meet you out there."
As Tyler leaves, I stand up and stretch and then gather my clothes and putting them back on.
I meet the guys in the living room. Mateo and Tyler sitting down while Roman is pacing back and forth nervously. They all look up to see me.
"I'm ready." I told all of them Tyler tosses my keys and I catch them out of the air. "Let's go."
I pull out my phone, power it on for the first time in a while, I shut it off after texting Mateo where to meet for no one can trace my phone. After it's power on, I dial a number.
"9-1-1 emergency, what is your location." the 9-1-1 dispatcher said, on the other line.
"My name is Estelle Hart. I want to turn myself in."