Stalking Charlie

Guilt

Devin Bishop

I rolled my car window down and let the air in, savoring its freshness and calming myself. Seeing and speaking with Cassandra had worn me out, like it always does when I try to connect with my kids.

I didn't push away the guilt and fear I felt after I saw Cassandra's bruised face. I need it. I need to remember that it's my fault that she's hurt in the first place, and think of a way of how to get my daughter out of this problem that has been going on for years now.

That little demon of a stalker of hers just won't stop.

Ever since that first incident where Cassandra almost got killed, I haven't stopped pursuing her stalker. I have worked with the authorities, I've hidden her, and he still manage to find her somehow.

So this time, I won't hide her again. I'll leave her be. Provided that she'll stay under the roof of Marco Stone's house. Somehow I feel that she's safe. With him.

Yes, I know Marco Stone. Even before Cassandra became friends with Alex. He had worked for me before, as a bodyguard. And he's damn good at his job. He came highly recommended.

He was the reason I sent my daughter here. I know I can rely on him to step in whenever there's trouble.

And I was right. Keeping Marco Stone as a close acquaintance has proved useful. And I'll give my damn best to keep it that way.

My phone buzzed, and I immediately answered, thinking it might be Cassandra. I know we didn't said goodbye properly, but I'm hoping she'd turn around and demand I go back to her. She's that bipolar sometimes.

"Hey, Dad."

The voice that greeted me were low and rusty, same as mine. I can picture him sitting in his little den, reading books with glasses sliding down his nose.

"Lukas. How you doin', sport?" I asked automatically, a little disappointed that it wasn't Cassandra that called.

"Great." Lukas, my eldest child said, chuckling. "You know you can at least pretend for my sake that you're glad I called, not like you're about to sob it's actually me you're talking to."

I laughed, though a little uneasy. Lukas has always been a perceptive kid.

"That's not true, you know it. I'm just a little preoccupied these days-"

"Let me guess.. Cassandra, huh?"

I hesitated. Lukas is not exactly happy with the fact that he's got a half sister, and he hates Cassandra. They were schoolmates, and he told me she's known as a troublemaker and a bitch's daughter.

Which is quite true. Her mother is a high class prostitute. Until now. She only shows her performance to few and select rich men, which makes her more interesting to other rich men wanting a piece of her.

Only a few people knows of my true relationship with Cassandra.

"I'll be home tonight, Luke." I informed him, thinking it's best to change the topic. "We'll catch up then, alright?"

Lukas just grunted a response then hung up. I really should ask Marco's help about parenting. Because I absolutely suck at it.