“I know.”
“Do you think you are ready to talk to them?”
I nodded. “I think I'm ready.”
We walked out into the night, and in front of me was the display of an ambulance, cop cars, and unmarked vehicles. There was an FBI agent standing next to the ambulance waiting for me. He had his arms crossed, but a calm look on his face. I would have to relive my nightmare of an evening so they could get it down as testimony against the mob. But for now it was over. For now I was safe.
Two Months Later
Classes were done. I was free from college for three whole months. Luckily, I had a place to hang out while I figured out my life. A safe place.
I got out of testifying. They said I wasn't a strong enough witness due to my impaired state. I told them I could identify anyone they wanted me to, but the case was strong enough without me: the entire warehouse full of prescription drugs and over two million in cash. Hudson had given them all of that. And he still had a lot more to tell them. He had been undercover for nearly three years, he hadn’t seen his family at all. He made arrangements to visit with his mother before fleeing the country. His superiors were worried Lenko would have heard some of his thugs were caught and his biggest warehouse destroyed. They didn’t want him following it back to Hudson. For now he was still on the job, just avoiding his fake boss.
“Miss, would you like a refill?” A maid was offering me more lemonade as I sat on a chase lounge overlooking the ocean. I pulled up my floppy hat and down my sunglasses to make eye contact with her. I felt like that was important with the staff. They were people, and I treated them that way.
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” She took my glass, and refilled it, using the pitcher of lemonade I had made earlier in the day.
Hudson was still making deals, but I didn't know anything about it anymore, and my ignorance was complete bliss. I got to stay on the beach all day and read books while overlooking the ocean, instead of worrying about Russian mobsters, and if my boyfriend’s deals were going to go bad. I couldn't help but wonder if every day he wouldn’t come home because he had a bullet in his head.
Slowly he was turning over more information. He had clients and connections on every continent, and he was focusing his efforts on the worst ones. He wasn’t supposed to take down the ring that day, but my involvement had changed all that. Some of the FBI were still unhappy with him. He wasn’t supposed to fall for a girl. He still had another year on the task force. But here we were. He also said it was time to uncover all of the illusions about prescription drugs, and who was using them. So many of his clients were hospice patients; people with big money, but who were not getting what they needed.
The maid put the glass back down, and I took a long sip, allowing the sweet liquid to go down my throat. She walked away with a smile on her face. I watched her carefully from beneath my glasses, and, as I set down my magazine, I felt for the gun underneath my chair. I was a girl who kept a gun now. For protection. Because there were still people out there who would come for me, and I wouldn’t be anyone’s victim ever again.
I had gotten so lucky falling in love with Hudson James. It was a dangerous love, but I couldn't help the way I felt about him. He knew all my secrets, and I finally know his. And I love him for it.
He'll destroy me in the end.
But it will have all been worth it.
It already has.
I hope you enjoyed this story!