Loose Ends - Book One

Levi ~ The Affair

I'm doing 60 in a 40, in July's monster of a Mustang, the remainder fifteen minutes on the GPS counting down like seconds.

            July's reassured both Anabel and I that he can get her car fixed by morning. Where the hell is he taking it? I don't know. Nonetheless, just like I knew him back then, he always finds a way. He taught me most of everything I know. After I talk to Charlotte, we'll get the room at a hotel that Vicky and I planned for in case things went south.

            I haven't said a word since we got into this car. I can't stop thinking about the events that led us here. If not for July, one of us was going to die and it was going to be me. I was okay with that. I couldn't let Mia get taken, and Anabel most definitely was not an option.

            So why did she make herself an option? Why did she run after me and risk getting killed? I don't know if that's something I could recover from. Just the thought of losing her brings such a tightness in my chest that I find myself having to take deep breaths.

            "Are you okay?" Anabel's voice cuts in soft but concerned.

            "Yes."

            "Because you haven't said a word since we pulled off."

            "I know."

            From the corner of my eye, I see her shuffle uncomfortably in her seat. "Are you mad at me for delaying us?"

            "No."

            She gives up on questioning me and we remain silent for the remainder of the car ride. Maybe I am upset with her, but only because she put herself in danger. I'm even more upset with myself, though, because I took her with me. Not that I could have predicted that mess, but I am a walking magnet for trouble. The last thing I want is to bring all of this negativity into her life.

            I shortened our fifteen-minute car ride to eight, and finally made it to Charlotte's. Her house is big and tan, surrounded by a black, steel fence. There's a big magnolia tree that she'd instructed me to park under, instead of the driveway.

            After I park, I unbuckle my seatbelt, then pause when Ana does the same. "What are you doing?"

            She squints at me in confusion. "Taking off my seatbelt."

            "You're staying here."

            "What?!" She leans back against her seat in disbelief. "Why?!"

            "You'll be safe." I state simply.

            "You said there's no one here but Charlotte. I want to come," she protests.

            "I can't risk anything happening to you. I won't be long."

            "Levi, I can take care of myse—"

            "Stay. Here." I enunciate and clench my jaw.

            Ana narrows her eyes at me and crosses her arms. I don't care. I'd rather have a living pain in my ass than a dead one.

            "Fine," she forces through gritted teeth. Then, she dramatically flops back against the seat of the car and exhales.

            I hop out of the mustang and close my door, leaving the car on for Anabel.

            The first room I enter is Charlotte's living room. It's bigger than Vicky's living room and kitchen combined. Pictures of her son are up everywhere; some with her and some with what looks like the father. She has the annoying hardwood floors that creak under almost every step. I also take note of the huge crystal chandelier hanging right above my head like it wants to take me out.