Page 22 of Shadow

Camilla tightened her grip on the phone. “That’s why I reached out to you. We need to talk,” she said, determined to make him understand.

Camilla wasn’t going to make any promises yet, but she wanted to set things straight from the beginning. She had no desire to return to her old life, and she would make Fernando understand and respect her decision to stay in Hanging Grove with Shadow.

“There’s no need to send Jake or your men here. I’ll come to you,” she said firmly.

“No, I cannot risk losing you again,” Fernando said, his tone resolute.

He sounded hoarse, unlike his usual arrogant self. Maybe her disappearance had affected him, and for that she felt a pang of guilt for not immediately telling him she was alive.

“Jake will pick you up at the entrance of town,” Fernando said firmly.

“Pick anyone but Jake,” she said.

“Why?”

“Because he twisted what should have been a simple complication,” Camilla said. “I’ll go with anyone but him.”

Fernando let out a tired sigh. “Very well, Camilla. I’ll indulge you for now because these are special circumstances, but once you’re back home, you’ll need to adjust your attitude.”

Just like that, her sympathy for her brother faded. Camilla ended the call without warning.

Fernando always treated her more like a burden than a family member. Still, she had to do this.

Camilla found a piece of paper and wrote Shadow a quick note. As she finished, a stab of guilt hit her. She could picture herself in his shoes, reading her farewell note and feeling completely betrayed.

“This isn’t a farewell,” she whispered, setting the note down.

Camilla then slipped out of his room before he could return. She needed to grab some stuff from her apartment and text her boss that she’d have to take a few personal days.

Camilla didn’t anticipate she’d be away long because she had every intention of returning to Hanging Grove and to Shadow.

It didn’t take long for Camilla to pack a small bag and give her manager a call. She checked her watch and realized she should get going. Fernando’s lackey was going to pick her up in fifteen minutes.

Camilla took a final look around her small studio apartment, memories flooding her mind. This place had become her haven away from the rigidness of her past life. She remembered the countless moments spent cooking in the kitchen with Shadow, sharing how their day went over simple meals.

The living room held memories of quiet evenings spent cuddled up with Shadow on the couch, their attention focused more on each other than the movie playing on TV.

And at night, lying next to him, feeling the warmth of his body against hers, she had felt a sense of completeness and happiness she had never known before.

But now, it was time to leave it all behind, at least temporarily. Camilla quickly checked her bag to ensure she had everything she needed, then grabbed her phone and keys.

With one last wistful glance around the apartment, she turned off the lights and headed out the door.

****

Shadow closed the door to Breaker’s office behind him. Damn it, but he needed a drink after that conversation.

Camilla was probably still sleeping, so she wouldn’t mind if he snuck downstairs and had a pint or two. Shadow headed to the bar, surprised to find Rooster there.

“Judging by the expression on your face, that meeting didn’t go well,” Rooster said after they ordered beers.

“No, it didn’t,” Shadow said with a grimace.

“Talk to me, Shadow,” Rooster urged.

Since they’d been friends for a long time and always had each other’s back, Shadow did.

Rooster whistled after he was done. “Wow,” he said. “You knew your girl had ties to the cartel.”

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