Page 5 of Carter's #Undoing

“Why would any of your enemies be after Serenity?”

I sighed. For the first time in years, I didn’t do a slow exhale in the comfort of my solidarity. I actually sighed in front of my brother, figuring he wouldn’t take it as a sign of defeat like some would, but rather, me just gathering my thoughts. “They are after her because I have done some shit I’m not proud of. Too much crap to explain to you tonight. I owe you answers. I owe the family answers. I owe Serenity the most answers of all. But, Caden, this is serious.”

It was the most I’d talked to another person in a while. I wasn’t sure I liked it. It made me feel … normal. And I couldn’t afford normal right now.

“So what are you asking me to do exactly?”

I studied his eyes, grateful that he really seemed to comprehend the enormity of the situation. Still, he hadn’t seen me in so long. What reason did he have to trust me? “I need you to tell Malik and Micah everything I’m about to tell you once I leave. With Malik being a private investigator and Micah owning a security firm, they’ll be able to make sure the family is okay.”

I went under Caden’s bed and pulled out my bag containing some burner phones and handed them to him. “I spoke to Malik and Micah a couple months ago and said it may come to this. Give them these phones so we can communicate.”

His eyes widened. “You talked to them?”

“Yes.”

“So it’s not just Serenity, but the entire family who’s at jeopardy because of some crap you did?”

“Caden, I don’t have time to give you some long ass apology or convince you to do what your heart is already telling you that you need to do. I also won’t let you get in my fucking way if it comes to that. You know I wouldn’t be here if shit wasn’t serious.”

He squinted, observing me like he was trying to decide if I was full of bullshit and should push me on it. “Why didn’t you creep up on Malik and Micah then? Or meet with all of us together about whatever the fuck you’ve gotten yourself into?”

“Because there is only one part they wouldn’t agree with.” I stepped closer to him, my voice clear. “In order to protect Serenity, I’m taking her with me. I can protect her better in my home than anyplace else.”

“Are you crazy?” Caden asked. “We don’t even know where you live. Hell, we don’t know shit about you anymore.”

“You are aware of some things about me,” I reminded him, my tone direct because Caden knew more than he was letting on. “Out of everyone, you know the most.”

Caden pinched the bridge of his nose. “Even if that’s true, you just expect Serenity to willingly go with you to your home? Did you forget she just slapped the shit outta you?”

“She’s out like a light now,” Avery said, coming back to the bedroom. “Come on, and follow me to the living room.” I followed her downstairs with Caden right on my heels. He was saying something, but I wasn’t listening.

“So it worked?” I asked Avery.

She nodded. “Yes. The tea worked.”

“What tea?” Caden asked.

“A tea to make her sleep,” I explained.

“What the fuck?” Caden looked from me to Avery. “And why are y’all talking like you know each other?”

“We do,” Avery stated sheepishly as she looked to Caden. “I never talk about it, but my father worked for the CIA for a while. He said he met Carter before he retired. I only just met Carter a couple months ago though.”

Caden’s eyes darted to the ceiling like he was putting together a couple missing pieces to the puzzle. “Did you meet him when you went home to tell your parents you were pregnant?”

Avery nodded. “Yes, that was the time. I had no idea he was going to be there until I got to my parents’ house.”

Caden looked to me, his eyes full of confusion. “We know you’re in the military, but you telling me you work for the CIA, too?”

I shook my head. “I don’t.”

“Did you used to?” he asked.

“I didn’t.”

“Then how do you know Avery’s father?”

“It’s best if you don’t know.”

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