As I’d requested, she’d gathered all of her things and was waiting for me in the bedroom. There was no missing the worry in her voice as she asked, “Where are we going?”
“Someplace safe.” I took hold of her hand, then told her, “Keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them.”
She nodded, then followed as I led her through the kitchen and out to the garage. “We’re good now. You can open your eyes.”
“Okay.”
She opened her eyes, then watched as I pulled the tarp off of my old, army-green Scout. Once I had it uncovered, we put our things in the back and got inside. Moments later, we were on the road and finally had a moment to catch our breaths. It wasn’t until then that I thought to call Hop. I reached for my phone and dialed his number. As soon as he answered, I told him, “I need a favor.”
“What’s up?”
“I need you to get Tripp and go over to the house. There’s a job that needs to be handled there.”
“A job at your place?”
“Yeah, and I’m gonna need you two to be careful,” I warned. “When you get there, you’ll see why.”
“Damn, Billy. Do you think this has got something to do with the girl?”
“Maybe, but there’s no way to know for sure. Regardless, I need to know you’re gonna take care of it.”
“You can count on me. You know that.”
“Thanks, Hop.”
“Don’t mention it.”
As soon as he hung up, I eased over to the shoulder of the road and pulled up Kiersten’s number. I hated to message her so late, but I didn’t have a choice. I needed to make sure she didn’t go by the house until I’d sorted things with Antonio.
Me:
Hey.
Need you to steer clear of the house for a while.
Kiersten:
Why? What’s going on?”
Me:
Nothing’s going on. I’m just getting some work done.
They’re going to be spraying tomorrow.
Kiersten:
Spraying what?”
Me:
Just don’t go by the house.
Kiersten:
I won’t.
At least, not anytime soon. I’m still in Boston, remember?