Page 42 of Jeremy
Damn,this is hard. How did the other guys do it? It does give me some comfortknowing they ended up married to those women.
“Landonand Justus aren’t just here to visit. We work together, along with Tucker, andanother friend of mine, Dare.”
“Whatkind of work?”
“Weformed an organization to protect children from child molesters and onlinepredators. We keep track of them, monitor chat sites and the dark web, thensend our reports to police.”
Asoft smile blooms on her face. “That’s amazing. Why would you be afraid to tellme that?”
“Becausesome of what we do is illegal. We hack into wherever we need to get our information,bait people online, pretend to be offenders ourselves, and a lot of otherthings that could get us locked up.”
Herbrow furrows. “But you send reports to the cops?”
“Yes,anonymously. They need the help, so they don’t try too hard to figure out who weare. And we’ve partnered with another group called Striking Back. They run adomestic violence shelter for women and children. The leader, Mason, has tiesto a lot of criminal justice agencies, including the FBI. If we get in over ourheads, or need help, he finds a judge or agents willing to overlook our crimesfor the greater good. It happens more often than you think. Those who fightcrime for a living don’t want to see these guys get away. The system oftenfails and puts predators back on the street.”
She’squiet for a few moments before peeking up at me. “Do you hurt people?”
Thequestion I dreaded most. “To protect a kid who can’t protect himself, yes, wehave. And we may need to again. This is my life, Mel, and it’s not somethingI’m willing to give up. We do too much good. Most of the time, I’m just on thecomputer, luring people and recording responses to send to law enforcement, butif a situation arises where that’s not enough, I can’t promise we won’t takecare of the guy on our own terms.”
Hervoice is small as she asks, “Kill him?”
“Wehave. We made an agreement not to take things to that level anymore, but notbecause of any regrets. They were predators, repeat offenders who were rapingchildren or involved in sex trafficking of children. Putting them on a listdoesn’t solve the problem.”
Hersilence drags on, and I feel like I’m watching it all fall apart in front ofme. All the hope for the family I want to have with her. All the nightssnuggled together watching television, the days playing with our kids, all hangin the balance.
“Mel,”I whisper, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Please don’t be afraid of me. I’mnot violent. I’d never do anything to hurt you or an innocent person. I’m not akiller. I’ve never personally taken a life, but I’ve participated when I knewit was best. I couldn’t just watch a man go back to raping a six-year-old girlbecause her mother won’t kick him out, or watch a twelve-year-old be auctionedoff online because they can’t gather enough evidence to convict the seller.”
Hereyes latch onto mine. “I’m not afraid of you. I’ve known monsters, and youaren’t one of them. There was a time I would’ve done anything to have someonelike you and your friends swoop in to save the day. But.”
Iwant to question her about her monsters, but I have to let it pass for now.Thatbuthangs in the air for too long.
“Ihave to protect my son. I have to know that I’m not putting him in any danger.These people you hunt, have they ever found you?”
“No,we know what we’re doing. Our names can’t be traced back to us. Not even thecops and judges who help us know who we really are or where we live. I know itsounds scary, but our everyday lives are normal. Landon, Dare, Justus, andTucker are married, and Dare has a son. We’d never chance getting our familieshurt.”
Reliefseeps into me when she curls against my side. “How much do their wives know?”
“Everything.We’re one big family.” I grin down at her. “Their wives, Zoe, Ayda, Sadie, andLeah will love you and our son. They’re amazing.”
Herfingers absently play with my shirt sleeve. “Do you think I could talk to them?I’d just like to know what it’s like from their point of view, you know. WhatI’d have to do differently.”
“Absolutely.I think that’s a great idea. I’m sure Zoe and Leah would come. Maybe Sadie too.Ayda is pretty busy with her son.”
Herusual smart, confident, demeanor falters, and she chews on her lip. “Do youthink they’ll like me?”
Ipress my lips to her temple. “They’ll love you, just like I do.”
Herlips part, and her eyes widen as she stares up at me. “You love me?”
“Yes.I’ve never said those words before, Mel. I didn’t know it, but I must’ve beensaving them for you. I love you.”
Herleg swings over me, and she straddles my lap. “I love you too.” She looks me inthe eye. “Is there anything else I need to know?”
“Justthat there will be times when I can’t tell you everything when it comes to mywork. For everyone’s safety.”
Shenods, mulling it over.
“Andthat I eat pussy like a damned champion.”
