This was not our plan.

ch 23: bumpin that

I took a deep breath as Sergio held his hands out, a piece of paper in one hand and a plastic baggie.. with a phone in his next.

The phone, I had completely forgotten about it.

It disappeared from my purse and I just got too side swept to properly search for it — did Fallon take it? Is that what Kenin meant? Fuck, fuck.

Stay calm, Cleo.

"I don't even know what to say to you Atwood. When Kenin brought it to my attention what he found on your desk.." Sergio scoffed, glancing down at the paper he held.

"I can't believe you." He glared at me. Sergio has always been like a second father to me and even if I never show it, any disapproval from him always hurt me.

Made me feel like a child being scolded.

"I don't.. know what you're talking about." I muttered, keeping my composure and shifting my posture. My arms were crossed and I wore my usual uninterested glare, although my insides were slowly being lit on fire.

"How could you be so sloppy? You're the best CI we have — you'd think you would know how to not get caught." Sergio said as if it pained him.

My eyes widened slightly.

"What're you even talking about Sergio?"

"You killed Madeline Kune! Stop playing dumb. I'm sick of your shit, Atwood. Pack up your stuff and leave your badge on my desk — you're done!" Sergio's tone became unsteady, something I'd never witnessed before.

There it is.

"I didn't.." my voice was feeble, something I couldn't stand to hear. I protected Maddie the best I could for my entire life — and now people think I killed her.

"What, did Kenin tell you this? Did he also tell you that he's been dating a fucking 16 year old?" I sputtered, feeling myself become angry instead of afraid.

Sergio's glare on mine remained.

"I didn't kill my fucking sister Sergio. I swear on everything I love." My voice broke. Sergio's eyes widened.

"Your sister?" He questioned as tears welled in my eyes. I ignored the lump in my throat and blinked the salty water away. I nodded hesistantly.

Maybe it was time to tell the truth.

I laid everything bare, I told Sergio the truth as tears started to flow out of my eyes. My hate for showing vulnerability was surpassed by my need to speak my truth.

I told him about what Jason did to me, about his abuse to Maddie leading up to the murder. I told him about my love for my little sister and the permanent hole that her absence will forever leave in my heart.

At first I could tell he didn't believe me, but when his own tears threatened to spill over as I continued to speak he sighed and placed the things he held down and engulfed me into a hug that broke the dams in my eyes.

"I believe you." Sergio spoke, and it was those three words that made me feel like maybe things would be ok.

"I don't know what to do. Kenin knows, you know. God, I've had poor Fallon wrapped up in this shit for months. It's a burden on her and I feel awful that she has to hold onto it on top of everything else in her life." I wiped my eyes.

"Hold on, Fallon knew?" Sergio pulled back and stared at me. I nodded quietly as he let out a lengthy sigh. Apparently my mouth was in a generous mood as I continued to give information.