Page 79 of Alfie: Part One
“Kind oflike tonight,” I corrected. “Even then, Kellan had a new location for us where we could operate safely. A location we won’t return to for months, just to make sure we don’t raise suspicion.”
West processed what I said and sighed, and he tilted his head back to peer up at the ceiling.
Maybe he was asking for strength.
“You seem so sure,” he noted quietly. “But things go wrong all the time…”
Okay, fine, let’s cover this part too. “We have plans for that as well.”
“What do you mean?” He glanced at me again.
I shrugged. “We make sure thatifwe get caught, it’s for a misdemeanor or, at worst, a third-degree felony—and then we have lawyers barelyyoucan afford.”
He raked his teeth over his bottom lip.
“What is it about this lifestyle for you? Why did you choose this? Help me understand.”
For once, it wasn’t frustration or anger coloring his words. It was curiosity.
“Maybe I’m stupid enough,” I offered. “Maybe instead of daddy issues, I have…like, I’m desperate to belong to a world I grew up watching from afar. I don’t know, honestly. I don’t really care either. I’m happy with this one aspect of my life—aside from our kids—so I’mma keep doing it. I love those crazy fuckers. I love getting to know Finn and his wife—the kids are a riot—and Liam and I are more alike than we thought. I feel like I can be myself with them.”
His chin dropped with a heavy nod, and he swallowed. “And you didn’t feel that way with me.”
“Which might’ve been 90% self-inflicted,” I reminded him.
He shook his head. “You didn’t change your behavior for no reason, Alfie. Like I said at the park, I realize now how I played a part in the whole thing. I brought you to places where you either had to face judgment or change in order to avoid it—and I was dumb enough to ignore it.”
“So we’re both dumb.” I smiled a little.
He huffed in rueful amusement and scrubbed a hand over his face.
“What I do know is that I’m too depleted of energy to fight with you,” he murmured. “I can’t do it anymore.”
I sobered. “Same.” I sniffled and cleared my throat for the umpteenth time. “So, um…on the topic of treaties, can we sign a peace treaty in some way?”
“I think we need to.”
“And for that to happen, what do you need from me?”
“Good question.” He blew out a heavy breath and pushed back his chair. “I’m gonna make some coffee. You want a cup?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
He nodded and walked over to the counter.
I took the opportunity to save Colby’s phone number in my work phone, and I sent him a quick message.
Sorry for bailing earlier, kid. You okay? Since it’s so late, we’re definitely sleeping in tomorrow. Text me if you need anything. Otherwise, I suggest breakfast at eleven.
“When do you go to work tomorrow?” I asked. “Am I dropping the kids off at some summer day camp?”
“Oh, I’m not going in tomorrow,” he said. “I have a Zoom meeting at one, and I can do that from here.”
That was good. He’d get some sleep. “Nice.”
Ellie and Trip would likely wake up early, usually between seven and eight, though they tended to entertain themselves until they got hungry at around nine.
I eyed the text, assuming Colby would understand the message was from me. I didn’t use my name, or anyone else’s. I’d give him the protocol and rules tomorrow.