Page 58 of Wifey
I underwent a lot of gun training over the past several weeks; meeting at different places so no one would have an idea on what was going on. As my pregnancy grew, the nerves in my body also grew.
Cameron and the Administration had been extra careful with me, making sure I don’t make too many pit stops anywhere. I feel trapped but I understand the why. Jackie and the EAC won’t hesitate to kidnap – and kill – a pregnant woman.
It has been quiet for the past several weeks but Cameron said Jackie didn’t like peace for too long. She would engage in one way or another. I didn’t even want to think about what she had in store.
When I arrived home from the shops, Cameron was already home. He was upstairs in our bedroom staring out the window. He was wearing a casual outfit in the form of jeans and regular shirt. He was on the phone with someone and only spoke few words as answers.
The door automatically closed behind me as I watched Cameron in action. He was speaking with someone about a business deal and judging by the fluent Spanish Cameron knew, it was an international call.
I paused by the door, riveted by how powerful Cameron was even when he was dressed down. His voice was calm, and his demeanor reflected his spirit. He was in a good mood, but I didn’t know for how long.
His arms were crossed in a contemplative mood, and yet he sensed my presence and slowly withdrew his business stance. He turned around and winked at me, watching me as I walked to my closet to get undressed.
Once I changed into something more suitable and bigger for my growing tummy, I lay down in bed and Cameron quickly joined me. He grabbed a bottle of oil and began massaging my feet, making love to them with his hands.
He continued his conversation, never missing a step even as he massaged me. He was powerful in so many ways, but the aftercare he’d given to me when I arrived home was a different kind of power. He made sure all of my needs were met.
“Gracias. Toquemos la base mañana por la noche después de que todo estéhecho. Adios.” Cameron removed the headset and kissed my feet. If I wasn’t already pregnant, that move would’ve guaranteed a baby.
“Who was that, baby?” I ask.
“Friends.” Cameron continued to massage my feet. “From Colombia. They just arrived today. They’re going to help with things.”
I didn’t even want to ask what Colombian friends Cameron knew about what things. It’s taken me almost two years but I finally understood to keep my damn mouth shut. “When do you expect all this to go down?”
“I wanted to speak to you about that,” his hands crawl up my legs and massage my calves. “Tomorrow, I want you to go to your old home. Don’t make an announcement or tell anyone at work what you’re doing. In fact, just open up the shops, be there for a little to make sure everything is running smoothly and then head to your dad’s. Just wait there. Gabe will swing byout of concern…” I felt the quotation marks Cameron wanted to use in his voice. “…and then he’ll kidnap you.”
I gasped at the revelation, even more so at how calm Cameron was about everything. “How do you know this?”
“That was the attempt they wanted to do with Laurie and Alicia. Both ladies put up a fight. They were killed in the process.” Cameron’s voice is somber as he continues to massage me. “I’ve had Gabe’s vehicle tracked for awhile. He was the one that donated the money to the benefit on behalf of Fresh Espresso. I know his salary doesn’t pay that much so I knew Jackie gave him that money to throw you off. I don’t doubt he’s working with Jacqueline at all. I just need to know how much.”
It makes me ill knowing how Gabe was for so long, probably longer than I would like t think. The number of times he’d been over to the house and how he’d scoped it out every visit.
The way he acted when I was suspect of Alicia. He knew she had nothing to do with anything but he wanted me to believe she did. I don’t even want to see his face anymore. “How do we know you won’t be killed? Or Que?” I ask. “I know I’m protected but I really don’t want to be a single mother, Cam.”
“You won’t be,” he declares, “you’ll be a married mother.”
I locked eyes with Cameron for a long while as I take in what he said. We talked about marriage, but that was before everything went to hell. “I still stand by what I said, Cam. I won’t marry you until you’re done with the game. Out.”
“And I still stand by what I said.” He brushes his lips over mine. “I’m out tomorrow. Jacqueline will be gone and it’s done. I’m stepping down and Que is going to take over.” He crawls into bed and lies beside me. His hand is on my tummy and he caresses it. “It’s not worth it anymore.”
“What if tomorrow goes spectacularly bad, babe?” I hold his hand on my tummy. “You can plan all you want and you still won’t be able to prevent everything.”
“Yes, I can and I will.” Cameron spoke with an authority, my body naturally shivered. “I hate the idea of leading you into a bear trap, but it’s the only way this plan will work.”
I interlock fingers with Cameron and he nuzzles my earlobe. There’s a peace between us that is natural and steady, as if the outside world didn’t exist and it was just us. “How do you know?”
He kisses my temple and I moan my response. “I just do.”
The next morning, I woke up like I was about to go to my execution. I barely ate and couldn’t stomach my freshly-squeezed orange juice. I went to the shops and opened everything up, focusing my attention on the main one. Everything was normal and the customers were none the wiser.
After a few hours, I went to my dad’s old house. It felt like I was waiting for my execution and I tried not to think about it. I concentrated on old pictures and memories. I still didn’t have the nerve to rent or sell the house. A part of me was in disbelief about everything.
I feel like it’s my last chance to finally right a wrong. Clayton already got his comeuppance but it was time for everyone involved in Daddy’s death to pay; even if it meant killing a longtime family friend.
I tried to stay up a bit longer to see if I would get my surprise visitor but my eyes were heavy and I knew a nap was going to happen eventually. I got comfortable in my old bedroom, covered myself with some extra blankets and fell asleep.
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