Page 32 of Sweet Poison

“You look different as well, kiddo,” I said, but she shook her head.

“You look way different. You're wearing a baseball hat. You never wear baseball hats.”

“Well, it's a new life,” I said. Back at the apartment, my walk-in closet was filled with dress shirts, slacks, ties, loafers, and blazers. But now, I was in a flannel shirt, scuffed boots, and washed jeans — I looked like a hillbilly.

Getting on my haunches I touched my daughter’s hair. She was seven, but it felt as if she was growing up too fast. It seemed only a short time ago that her mother and I were picking out everything she wore. Now she was able to put herself together so immaculately.

I adjusted her pink corduroy jacket, the cute flowery tank top within, and her black jeans.

“We match,” I smiled as I noted her brown boots.

“Yes, we do,” she said, smiling, and my heart swelled.

“I loved her so much it hurt. And this alone was all the confidence and confirmation I needed that I was doing the right thing. I needed to protect her with my life and give her a normal childhood. Eventually, I would deal with every single threat that stood in her way. But first, we had to run from immediate danger.

“Alright, we’ll be leaving soon,” I said as I rose to my feet. “Go check to ensure that you didn’t leave anything.”

“Okay,” she said and skipped off.

The phone rang just then. It was my real estate agent returning my call.

“I'm sorry I missed your call, Mr. Rossi. I was stuck in a meeting.”

“No problem. Just wanted to let you know that you can proceed with the sale. Everything in it is for sale.”

“Oh! That’s great news! Thank you for choosing us. You’ll be glad to know we have many people on our books who would line up for a property like yours.”

“Sure,” I replied. “Sell it as quickly as possible and as discussed payment can only be made in Bitcoin.”

“Yes, I can see that in the notes. That’ll be no problem.”

“Are you moving far away?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s time for a change,” was all I gave in response.

“That’s nice. I wish you the best of luck wherever you're going,” she said.

“Thank you. You won’t be able to contact me on this number after this, so deal directly with my solicitor.”

“Yes, we have his contact details.”

“I’m ready,” Anya said, and I wrapped up my call and picked up our luggage.

“Let's go,” I told her. “We’ll get something to eat on the way. You haven’t had lunch yet, have you?”

“No,” she replied.

We hurried out of the building, got into the newly upgraded car, and began our journey together towards our future in Bison Ridge, a tiny town nearly five hours away with a population of less than five thousand people. It was just the perfect place for me and Anya to hide out for a while.

I hated having to uproot her, but needs must.

As I had done all morning, I constantly checked the rearview mirror to ensure we weren’t followed. It was such a huge weight off my chest we finally left the city.

* * *

“Look, Daddy, look, Daddy,” Anya yelled excitedly. “Is that a horse and buggy?”

“Yup.”

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