CRYPTO: Infidelity (Book 1)

CHAPTER 13: HONESTY

"Are you okay?" Uncle Blade asked me.

"Yeah, but I need to tell you something."

"Before you do, I need to know you won't use your power for evil."

"You know I won't."

"Good. What is it you want to tell me? That you killed Rockie's brother? I already heard."

"I... haven't been completely honest with you..." I told him. "You know how I said that I was going to college? Well, I was actually going to a police academy. I graduated a few weeks ago."

My uncle shook his head. "I knew Angelo shouldn't have put that idea in your head."

"Well, that's why those guys were here. I was on duty with my partner and... we had an encounter with two members of the mafia. I shot one of them."

"Oh geez, Crypto. If the boss finds out-"

"He already did."

"No..."

"I didn't realize he was a judge... He let me go on 30 days suspension."

"He probably wants you dead. I'm surprised those four guys didn't try to kill you."

"It didn't seem like he wanted me dead. He said he wants me to work for him, as a police officer."

"Really? He gave you a second chance?"

"I guess so, but... I don't want to do it."

"Well, you have to now."

"I'm gonna leave."

"Leave? Leave the city?"

"Leave the state," I said.
"But... where are you gonna live?"

"I don't know, but I'll figure it out. I have enough money to get a place and I have a car so..."

"Well, I'm definitely gonna miss you, but I think that's a very wise decision. When are you leaving?"

"As soon as I get my things packed."

I started packing right away, only the essentials that I could fit into my car. When I had finished, I went to say goodbye to my uncle.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with?" I asked him.

"It's tempting, but no. There's no life for me out there. I don't have the same potential as you do."

"I think you're selling yourself short."

"I'm a high school dropout. I've never had good grades and trouble seems to follow me wherever I go. I think I'll be happier here, doing what I do best."

"Suit yourself," I said. I handed him a box.

"What's this?"

"I was gonna save it for your birthday, but seeing I won't be here... you can open it now."

Uncle Blade opened the box and took out the fancy lighter I got him.

"I know you like to smoke so..."

My uncle laughed. "I love it! Thank you, Crypto. You know what? Why don't you take my gun with you? For defense only, of course."

"Of course," I said.

My uncle got his gun and brought it to me. "Keep it hidden."

"I will."

"Well, I guess this is the time we part," he said. He put his paw out to give me a handshake.

I shook his paw and then gave him a quick hug and headed out.