She shoved the cards back into his wallet but there was something stuck in the way. She wedged her fingers inside the card slot and pulled out a little picture about 2x3 inches. It was a photo of a teenage boy with a smooth brown complexion that matched Randall’s skin tone. He had jet black eyes, deep set in a narrow face and thick curly hair. He was wearing a dark gray NIKE t-shirt, oversized jeans and brown sandals. She flipped the picture over and read the inscription on the back: “Syria, Imad before the last roll-out.”
She glanced at Randall and stared back at the boy’s face for a few minutes, then hurried and put everything back inside the wallet. It’s nothing. She watched him sleeping for a moment, then tapped his leg.
“Yep, it's gonna be great ... hmm,” Randall murmured and wiggled his fingers a few times.
She tapped him again, harder. He turned onto his side and immediately fell back to sleep. She put the wallet and cellphone on the coffee table, stood up and walked across the room. She could still see the boy’s face so clearly, as if he was standing in the room with them. What was she feeling? Was she ready to talk about it? She placed her hand on her stomach and took a deep belly breath, exhaled to the count of ten, then walked upstairs to the nursery where their son was sleeping peacefully.
Traci slumped down in the overstuffed barrel chair next to the crib and looked around the room. She stared at the bamboo wallpaper that she had made Randall exchange from the seafoam green to the mint green, and finally to the pistachio green. When their son arrived seven weeks early, they were not ready. She tried to push away the memory of panic and fear. She lifted Remy gently from his bed and laid him across her chest. She ran her fingers across the soft kangaroo print onesie that Mr. Kinsey had gifted during her baby shower. The fit was almost snug to his body now. His arms and legs were long. He would be tall, the doctor promised. Maybe taller than his father. Time would tell. She held him tight and listened to his breath in little puffs against her neck. No, they weren’t ready to be parents, but he made them ready. The experience made their bond stronger. Strong enough for almost anything.
Chapter Five
Milo
MILO WALKED BACK THROUGH the gate to meet Jules after turning the horses out to pasture. They sat together and held hands. Funny how automatic it was now to reach for each other. Connected. Milo checked his watch. He wanted more time with Jules and hoped that Ebony wouldn’t show up unexpectedly again. He was growing tired of sneaking around.
“My daddy is going to buy me a car when it's all done.” Jules said, sensing his uneasiness.
“That must be nice. I mean it will be.” He wondered if she knew how to drive.
“Yeah, it gives me more motivation to go through with this next surgery.”
“Nice that your father can buy you a car. To have money like that.” She turned away from him. Why did he bring up money? He was about to ruin another conversation. Stop digging, stupid. “I didn't mean to make you feel bad about your family having money.”
“I don't. It's just, I'm not sure how to talk about that.”
“I understand. Sorry.”
“Besides, you have your own car. So, it’s no big deal.”
“Yeah, but I bought it myself. It took forever to save up for it. I don't make that much at the restaurant. Don't get me wrong, Moe pays me good for what I do but, it's not a lot. I don’t see him much anymore since I have my own business on the side now, so ...”
“Why didn't he just buy you the car? He's your dad, right?”
“No, he's not. He's been ... I never knew my real father.” Milo looked at her and wondered. Did his other friends think that Moe was his father? No one had ever asked him that before.
“Oh, I see.”
“As far back as I can remember there was different people taking care of me, but I didn't belong to none of them. After a while, I just went off on my own. Nobody looked for me, so I figured it didn't matter. Then, Miss Rowena found me and well ... After she was killed, me and Moe, we ended up out here at Wyman's and just kinda stuck together.” He looked across the pasture and thought about how much Moe had done for him. “He taught me everything I know about cooking and stuff. I didn't expect to fit in around all the others because they're way older than me, but it's been working out pretty good. I'm sure you wouldn't understand that, though.”
He had never talked about his relationship with Moe to anyone. It felt strange at first, but Jules seemed genuinely interested and made him feel comfortable opening up about it. “It could be a lot worse, just saying.”
“Have you ever wondered about your parents? Your real parents, I mean.”
“Not really.”
“Never? Aren't you curious?” She wrinkled her brow. “Not even a little bit?”
“Well, maybe once or twice.”
“You should try to find them. There's plenty of ways to search for your biological family. I bet you could find them if you tried.”
“I don't know, it might get back to Moe and I don't want to hurt his feelings.”
“He doesn't have to know. I'll help you.” She placed her hand on his leg.
“Umm, I’m not sure,” He really had wanted to ask about his parents. He figured it would just stir up a lot of bad feelings, so he never asked. He was nervous about bringing it up, but if it meant spending more time with Jules, he would risk it. “Okay. How do we start?”
“There's only one person that I know who might be able to help us.”
They smiled at each other and started a video chat with the head librarian at McClendon Library.
“Hi, Ms. McGee,” they shouted in unison.
“Hello my favorite people!” She waved back at them. They laughed because she greeted all the online learners that way but they each believed it was true anyway.
“Milo wants to find his biological family, but we don’t know where to start.” Jules announced. “Will you help us?”
“I know Miss Rowena had a copy of my birth certificate when she got me put back in middle school. So, I know I was born.” Milo laughed trying to hide his nervousness.
“Well, that's a good starting point,” Ms. McGee smiled sweetly at them.
“Ms. McGee, we know you can find out anything.” Jules pinched his arm. “Tell her about the other stuff.”
“Milo?” Ms. McGee leaned toward the screen. “What’s on your mind?”
“Yeah, well, I had some ... ideas about ...”
“He has some great ideas about using the empty parts at Wyman's Campgrounds to get more people to come here.”
“Yeah, we could be doing a lot more than just camping and fishing. The stables are almost empty and, if you ask me ...”
“Maybe we should start with finding your family, first.” Ms. McGee said calmly. A gentle nudge to slow down and focus was her signature move and they both fell in line.
“Okay, no problem. Just tell me what to do,” Milo said nodding in agreement. He was getting excited about the idea.
“You never know what you're going to find when you start digging. Are you sure you want to do this, Milo?” Ms. McGee gazed at him over her reading glasses.
He looked at Jules and that crazy energy shot through his belly again. “Yeah. I am.”
“Alright you two, meet me here this weekend and we’ll start the journey.”
“Thank you,” they chorused, then looked at each other and laughed before Jules ended the call.
MILO REGRETTED NOT recommending that Jules wear comfortable shoes, but she seemed to be handling the climb and wasn’t’ complaining. They hiked through the shaded trail that meandered up the ridge to the highest point at Wyman’s campground. There was one lone access road below them and a ranger lookout tower in the distance. They stepped into the bright sunshine and clear air as they reached the peak.
“How did you know about this spot?”
“Me and Josh found it. A group of us went out looking for poachers one night. Ended up finding some kids hanging out and ... messing around. You know.�
�
“I’m glad it wasn’t poachers,” Jules smiled and looked away.
“You can see all three counties from here,” Milo said and pointed toward the western horizon. “One time I saw a bald eagle fly over. There’s a nest somewhere in that line of trees. The Faucier Wildlife Reserve keeps a camera on them. You can watch it on their website. Kinda cool, I think.”
“I like it up here. I’m glad you brought me.” She squeezed his hand. “I wish I had brought my water bottle with me, though.”
“We can check one of the empty cabins and get some. They all got well water. It’s real cold and tastes pretty good. And there’s usually some cups and stuff left behind from the campers.” He helped her back down the trail to one of the adjacent cabins. “Let’s try this one.”
“How do we get in? I’m not climbing down a chimney with you,” she teased.
“I got a master key,” Milo grinned and stuffed his hand in his shirt pocket.
They circled around to the side door of the cabin and noticed a car parked behind a large log pile. Milo thought maybe the place wasn’t abandoned after all. He started to put the key away when Flip exited the vehicle and approached them. Norman followed closely behind.
“Go ahead,” Norman said moving quickly toward them. “Open it.”
"I changed my mind," Milo said.
“Too late for that.”
“You guys better get outta here.” Milo said and put the key back in his pocket.
“Hello, what's your name? Julie, right?” Norman looked around Milo’s shoulder and grinned at Jules.
“Leave her alone.”
Flip snatched the key from Milo’s pocket and tossed it to Norman who unlocked the door and entered the vacant cabin. Milo caught a glimpse of a gun in Flip’s waistband. He reached for Jules and pulled her behind him. “What’s going on?” she whispered.
Flip looked past the couple and shouted to Norman, “Let’s finish this.” Then he shoved them both inside the cabin and slammed the door behind them. Milo stumbled forward then spun around and thrust his elbow into Flip’s neck, reached down and grabbed the gun. Jules swung the cabin door open and started to run when they heard the sound of another vehicle and someone shouting. It was Brad.
“I'm going to advise you all to get moving and ...” He turned off the ATV motor and stepped toward them.
“Who's this old dude?” Norman pushed everyone aside to face Brad as he entered the cabin.
“He’s that handy man I was talking about.” Flip said staggering and trying to catch his breath. He balled up his fist, punched Milo in the stomach and retrieved the gun. Jules wrapped her arms around Milo’s shoulders as he doubled over in pain.
“Oh yeah.” Norman walked up to Brad and looked him over, then turned back around. “We don't need your help, man.”
“Sure, sure. You don't need an old guy like me interfering with whatever you kids got going on. Pardon the interruption,” Brad said but instead of leaving, he stepped in closer.
Norman looked back over his shoulder at him. Brad glanced at Milo from the corner of his eye and a grin slowly appeared across his face. When Milo saw it, he braced his arm in front of Jules to pull her back, but she stepped around him and stomped her heel into Flip’s ankle with all her strength. Flip collapsed to the floor and dropped the gun. Milo tossed it to Brad who shoved Norman against the wall, pressed the barrel against his temple and whispered. “What's the matter big fella? You scared?”
Flip scrambled to his knees, trembling in fear. Brad glanced over his shoulder at him, “What about you? You scared to watch somebody die? It’d probably give you nightmares, wouldn't it? That's the difference between me and you boys. I ain't scared. I seen enough dead bodies in my life, one more ain’t gonna tip the scales one way or the other for me. You know what I'm talking about, don’t you?” Flip rushed into a corner and began vomiting. Milo pulled Jules tight against his side.
Brad turned back to Norman, flashed a wide grin, then narrowed his eyes. “Of course, it wouldn't make any difference for you either, after this bullet takes your brain clean out your head.”
Brad nodded at Milo to come closer, then said, “Check him.” Milo stared into Norman’s eyes. He was scared, for real. Where’s that juju now? Milo reached in his pockets, checked his boots and patted around his chest and back, then looked at Brad and said, “Nothing.” He rejoined Jules across the room who gripped both her hands on his arm.
Brad took a step back and motioned toward the door. “As I was saying, you all need to leave outta here and stay gone. Do you understand me?”
Flip scrambled out of the cabin, leaving Norman behind still trembling against the wall. Brad looked at him, “You got something to say to me, sweetheart?” Norman shook his head and raced out of the room and caught up with Flip at the car. Milo and Jules followed them outside and watched the car speed off leaving behind a cloud of dry clay.
Milo took Jules by both shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Jules. I know that was scary.” He glanced at Brad who stood off to the side and focused on examining the weapon.
“I’m not afraid. Really, I’m not,” Jules said. “But we better get going.” She took a breath and looked at Brad. “How'd you know we were up here?”
Brad pointed at the cameras mounted in the trees. “I got eyes everywhere now. Mics. Cameras. Drones.” He tipped his ballcap and recited the slogan with his usual dry tone, “Wells Security, we’re there before you need us.” He removed the clip from the Glock 19. “I've had my eyes on those boys for a few weeks. Wasn't sure who or what they've been after.” He turned to Milo. “Apparently, it's you.” He stepped closer to him. “You part of that gang?”
“No, I’ve been done with Empire Row for years. I don't hang with none of those guys.”
“What they got on you?”
“What do you mean?”
Brad cocked his head to one side and narrowed his gaze at Milo. “If we run a check on this gun, what you think the chances are that it’ll come back with a match on one of those guys?”
“Umm ...”
“Slim to none,” Brad lowered his voice. “Listen, if you’re gonna be dealing with that bunch, I’ll give you something to carry. Keep it outta sight until we can get you a permit ...”
“No, I swear. I don’t want nothing to do with them.”
“Milo, we need to go now,” Jules called and cautiously started back down the trail.
“I need to make sure Jules gets home.” Milo started to walk away, then turned back to Brad. “Don't tell anybody about this. Please.”
Brad nodded and headed back to the cabin. Milo caught up with Jules on the trail. He winced at the pain in his abdomen and bit his lip. He couldn’t get over how she had fought back against Flip in the cabin. He wondered if she had ever had to deal with bullies like that before. It made him mad to think about it.
“What was that about?” She asked as he took her hand.
“Just some guys that wanted a free place to stay. That’s all.”
“Are you sure that’s all? I hope you’re right.”
“Yeah, me too,” he murmured and looked across the trail behind them.
Chapter Six
Randall
“HEY THERE. THE PROPERTY manager is considering a new security monitoring system to surveil the parking area on the north side of the building. I need to check a few things from your balcony. Mind if we come in?” Randall lied but it was a safe bet that he wouldn’t be found out.
“We?” Ray Winston said from the entrance of his suite at Proctor Place.
Brad made his way down the hallway and appeared next to Randall.
“Okay but make it quick.” Ray pulled the door open, turned away and walked across the spacious living room.
The brothers stepped inside and started looking around. Randall struggled to keep his jaw from dropping open at the immense layout of the floor plan and embellishments at every turn. The Faucier Homes advertisements did not prepare him for what the penthouse s
uite really looked like inside. It was magnificent. The model units did not capture the luxury that was offered to those who could afford it. If he and Traci sold everything they owned, they couldn’t afford to live one month in a home like this. And, about that. How could this guy afford this place? None of this made sense, but he couldn’t let it distract him from the purpose of their visit. “I'm just going to take a look around,” he said and pretended to examine the ceiling.
Ray nodded, rolled his eyes and gave him a dismissive wave. Brad wandered around the living room. Something caught his eye and he stopped to look at a grouping of photographs on the desk near the broad picture window overlooking City Centre. He dropped his rucksack on the floor in front of him and lingered there.
“While I'm here, I wanted to ask you something,” Randall said and focused on Ray.
“What's that?” Ray said absently as sat down on the sofa and flipped open a copy of the Times Daily newspaper.
“You speak with Milo on a regular basis?” Brad said over his shoulder toward Ray.
Ray raised an eyebrow and tipped his head slightly. “I recall that I did speak with him once while visiting the campgrounds the other day. He asked how people manage a real estate parcel of that size, the acreage, zoning restrictions, building code regulations, laws governing right-of-way, pollution guidelines. All good questions. Does any of that interest you?” He smirked and buried his head in the newspaper. “I doubt it.”
“Really?” Randall stepped closer to Ray and folded his arms.
“Trust me, I was as surprised as you are.” He glanced up at Randall. “We chatted for a while. Is that against the law?” He gave a wry smile. “Oh, sorry, that’s right. You’re not Captain Wells anymore, are you?”
Milo's Journey Page 4