(JESSE'S POV)
I take a left turn after St Joseph Chapel as indicated on dad's message. I don't know what he had in mind, making me drive for two hours in the desert. There is not a soul in sight and even the chapel is abandoned. These secret 'rendez-vous' are starting to really piss me off.
Do I have a choice though? I need to meet him far away from town cause we share this freaking secret that has kept me awake just too many nights. I am sick and tired of this situation and he doesn't seem to understand the urgency of finding a solution. He just wants me to stay quiet.
The mayor of Cryslake city will be in a really bad position if anyone comes to know what he has been hiding for so long now. And as much as I hate to admit it, I have been his accomplice the whole damn time.
My whole life has come to an halt and I don't feel like dad cares enough about his kids to take the matter in hand. He wants to remain the flawless mayor, dad, husband and businessman to get the votes of all those credulous people who worship him and act like he was an angel sent from above to bless and protect them. As if they haven't seen all these politicians that come and go with their fake promises. A bunch of let-downs.
I drive a few meters and find the house dad chose to meet me after a month of me asking for it. I can't see his car from the dusty road. It must be well hidden so as not to arouse suspicion. He must be in there with at least two bodyguards. He doesn't need them because of his mayor status. He needs them because he is one of the richest men in town and thus an easy prey. He needs constant protection and is fond of the attention too.
This much dust is doing no good to my car. When I think I spent two hours on it yesterday to clean it thoroughly, in and out. Had I known I would be in the desert the next day, I wouldn't have wasted my time on it.
I pull up the driveway and come to a stop when I see Richmond, dad's bodyguard, getting out of the house and heading my way. He must have been keeping an eye on the road for an hour now. I made sure to come here late just to piss daddy off. He has been doing the same with me. I am quite surprised he didn't leave though.
"Hey, Richmond." I greet him as I get out of the car.
"Mr. Hudson is in the living room." He informs as he escorts me to the front door. As expected, he lets me in first, then closes the door behind us and stays by it.
I make my way inside, hearing dad discussing his usual urgent matters over the phone. He clenches his jaw as he sees me walk in but keeps the conversation going. I put the car seat on a couch and stand right next to it.
After a few minutes, he finally hangs up and turns to me, huffing. I know he is mad but I don't care.
"Why have you brought her here?" He asks, trying to stay composed.
"Morning, dad. It's a pleasure to finally meet you after such a long time. I thought you forgot you had a son too." I bat my eyelashes to piss him off even more.
"I always knew there was something wrong with you. You had one job." I can't believe the nerve.
"Yeah, one job that turns out to be your responsibility. Where do you think I could have left her? You tend to forget that I have a life, a real job and so much to do. We can't go on with this masquerade. You asked for a week. It turned into weeks, then months. I am tired, Sir. Please do something about it."
"You're always complaining, Jesse. It's a family matter. You have to play your part." If only Karma could remember your name and address, dad...
"No, dad. It's not a family matter. The matter is that you can't keep your pants zipped up and now I get to pay the price when I've done absolutely nothing. How is that fair to me?" I have said this a thousand times before but he thinks I am complaining. I have to make sure he understands I won't be a part of it anymore. Enough is enough.
