by Hargrove, A.
A couple of weeks passed before I brought it up again to Caroline.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Acer, there are lots of avenues. But one that stands out is becoming a sponsor at NA. You’ll have to attend meetings when you leave, and you’ll get to the level where you can become a sponsor. Your experience is different from most in that it wasn’t your choice, but it was equally as hard on you. I think you would bring a lot to the table.”
I agreed, but my thoughts were running along the abuse line. So I told her.
“You mean the trafficking end or just the abuse?”
“I don’t differentiate between the two. In my head I could be helpful to both types of victims.”
“You could work with the police when a victim comes in. Many times they are either unwilling or unable to talk about what happened to them. Think about your own experience. You could be a positive influence on someone.”
“Yes, that’s what I’d like to do. Or are there organizations like NA but ones that deal with trafficking victims. Group therapy for them?”
“You mean informal sessions?”
“Exactly.” Now we were getting somewhere.
“There are dozens. If you ran a search, I’m sure you’d find them. Or better yet, why don’t you start one of your own? Build a simple website, put your information on it, and go from there. I’d caution you on not using your picture or your real name. You don’t want the creeps to come after you.”
I hadn’t given that a thought.
“There are even groups on social media that have discussions.”
“Thanks. You’ve given me a lot of ideas.”
“Acer, I have to say you’ve made great strides in the last couple of weeks. I’m really impressed.”
That brought a laugh out of me. “My wrist did not appreciate it at all.”
“I didn’t think so. But it was worth it, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Absolutely.”
I got up to leave.
“Whoa, not so fast, mister. I want to know what you’re going to do about that woman of yours.”
That stopped me dead in my tracks. My plans had been to write her again, but what would I say? Gee, I was a dumbass and spoke too soon? I take it all back? That would make me look like a bigger idiot than I already was.
“Spit it out, Acer. It’s time to share.”
I told her.
“Why do you think that’s such a stupid idea? It’s what’s in your heart. Be honest and let her know. Tell her what’s happened in the last few weeks and how things are coming around for you. But most importantly, tell her how you feel about her.”
“You don’t think she’ll hate me?”
“If she hated you, it would be because of the first letter, not this one.”
Caroline had a point. I had nothing at all to lose, so I might as well go for it.
“Write it down and review it. If you don’t like the way it sounds, you always have the option of tossing it in the trash.”
“True. Thanks for that.”
Knowing me, I’d rush off and write it, then mail it before I pussied out.
“Anything else I can help you with today?”
“Not that I can think of. Am I free to go?”
“Only to meditation. I want you relaxed before you write that letter.” She grinned.
“Yes, ma’am.” I saluted her and left.
Meditation was a nice break, but to be fair, my mind was on what I was going to say. I came up with a million brilliant ideas, but when I got to my room, they vanished like the morning fog.
The paper sat empty in front of me as I stared blankly at it. I stood, stretched, then the words flooded my brain.
* * *
Dear Isla,
Please don’t think I’m an idiot, but I am. Okay, let me rephrase that. I was an idiot when I sent the first letter. I can wholeheartedly say it was a mistake. When I wrote it, I was in a bad place. Not that I’m currently sitting in paradise, however, I’ve turned the proverbial corner and finally see sunlight.
Yes, my brain is still clouded and will be for quite a while. They say that’s what happens to addicts and it takes a year—yes, a whole year—for the brain chemistry to return to normal. I’m not sure if mine was ever normal to begin with (cue laughter). However, I do see a difference in myself every day.
The darkness has lifted. I won’t say it’s completely gone, but it’s much better. For a while there, I didn’t think it would ever go away. I was assured by all the people I interact with here, that was perfectly normal. Again, it was something I did not believe until it happened.
Since things have gotten more aligned, I realize what a huge mistake I made in telling you to forget about me… us. You have been my reason for striving to get better. I think of you all the time. Your face brings me the greatest joy and I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t had your image to focus on.
If you haven’t expunged me from your heart, your life, your world, I hope with everything I have, that we can be together again one day soon. If not, I understand completely.
Isla, you deserve the best there is and that certainly isn’t me, but if you choose me, I’ll do everything in my power to be the man you want.
I love you and will always love you.
My Heart Is Yours Forever,
Acer
* * *
I reread it twice. Okay, so it wasn’t the best, but it said what I wanted it to. Before I changed my mind, I stuffed it into an envelope, addressed and stamped it, and dropped it in the mailbox in the main lobby.
Then I hit one of the treadmills so I wouldn’t feel foolish. I couldn’t bear the thought of what I’d do if she refused me. I would have to keep moving forward on the path I was on. That was my plan and I’d stick to it.
Later that night, my older brother, Cruze, called. We couldn’t have phones so I had to go up front to take the call.
“Hey Little Guy, how’re you doing?”
“Better, Cruze. What’s up?”
“Raiden and I have been thinking and we want you to come to Denver when you get out.”
“Denver? Why?”
“We want you to work with us.”
“Work with you? Why?”
“Is there an echo on this phone?”
“Echo? I don’t hear one.”
“I’m talking about you, you moron. Every time I say something, you repeat it.”
“Oh.” I chuckled. I guess I had and didn’t realize it. “Sorry. I’ll stop.”
“We are in the hiring process and need someone with your expertise.”
“My expertise?”
“Acer! Stop parroting me.”
“Right. I guess I’m just shocked you want me. Hey, is this a mercy job or something?”
“No. Would you listen to me?”
“Okay.”
“Raiden and I have decided to set up some software to help streamline the search for those who’ve gone missing in human trafficking.”
“How’re you going to do that?”
“That’s where you come in.”
“What can I do?”
“You will take us through, step by step, what happened to you from the time they took you to the time you were found. We know there will be blanks, but we need all the information you can give us. We’re working with a PI in Denver who is sending us more cases like yours. When we have all the data assembled, we’ll put it into a program and then create the software. With all the points that are common to everyone, we can establish things everyone needs to focus on.”
“I would think law enforcement would have that already.”
“They do, but not all in one place. This will help solve that. Most of the bigger traffickers are connected somehow, at least in hubs. Maybe it will begin the tightening of their leash.”
“I’ll do it, but keep in mind I’ll be here for another three months.”
“We know. We’re ju
st getting started. When you get out will be perfect timing and you’ll have a place to live too.”
“Great. Sounds exciting. I also want to set up a website that can help former victims.”
“I can do that for you. It’ll be super secure but keep in mind we can’t use your real name.”
“Right. Hey thanks for this opportunity.”
“I’ll be in touch Little Guy. Love you, dude.”
“Love you too.”
Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. All of a sudden a surge of excitement rushed through me and I wanted to shout for joy. I couldn’t wait for my session with Caroline the next day. Then I thought about Isla. She’d never want to leave Atlanta. Maybe this could be temporary and I could set up an office in Atlanta. I was certainly forward-thinking here. She might not even want me. In that case, Denver would be a great escape.
Chapter Forty
ISLA
Telling the kids about Art had been brutal. Becky bawled so hard I ended up stepping in. Both were silent as they listened. Then Jack got up and moved to a different seat while Allie hugged her mother.
I followed Jack to where he sat, near the back of the plane.
“I’d like to be alone, please.”
“I understand, but before I leave, I want to say something. You and your sister meant the world to your dad.”
“Then why did he have that job? I used to hear Mom asking him to quit before. Why didn’t he do it?”
Huge hazel eyes, so much like Art’s, stared at me as pools of water formed in them.
“I can’t say why, but I can tell you why I do it. There are a lot of people out there who need saving and can’t do it for themselves. The criminals need to be stopped. Maybe your dad thought he could do that and still keep you and the rest of the family safe.”
“Well, he couldn’t. Look what happened,” he said bluntly.
My heart ached for this young man. This was the time a boy needed his father the most. “I know, Jack, and it’s terrible.”
“How would you know? You didn’t lose your dad.”
“Yeah, I did. Only I was a little girl when it happened so I know what it’s like to grow up without a dad. My mom did the best she could and made sure we had everything we ever needed. Your mom will too.”
With the palms of his hands he rubbed his eyes. Then, in a weepy tone, he said, “I’m gonna miss him so much.”
“I know you are. I’m gonna miss him too.”
He covered his face as he sobbed. I patted his trembling shoulder but didn’t want to do much more because I was afraid it would offend his teenage sensibilities. When the tears ebbed, I told him, “Your dad was a super awesome guy. It’s difficult for you now but when you’re older you’ll have great memories of him to look back on.”
“What are we going to do without him? He did so much for us.”
“You’ll have me and your mom to lean on.”
The poor kid almost gave me an eye roll. “I know I’m not a cool guy or anything but maybe when things settle down, I can get you some tickets to one of the football games.”
For a moment, his eyes seemed to smile. “Can I sit on the bench with the players?”
“I can’t make any promises on that, but I can check with my brother.” Before his expression crumbled, I added, “If the bench is a no-go, then we can always sit in the box, which is super cool. You’ll love it, I promise.”
“Okay, it’s a deal.”
“Hey, Jack, have you ever skied?”
“Duh. Atlanta isn’t exactly the place for that.”
“True, but maybe in the winter you all can come back to Denver and we can head up to the mountains and give it a try.”
“Yeah?”
“You bet. I’ve tried a time or two but it was sort of hopeless. Maybe you can learn and then teach me.”
“Can I try snowboarding?” he eagerly asked.
“I don’t see why not.”
“Then it’s a deal.” He held out a fist and I bumped it with mine.
Afterward, he settled into his seat and fell asleep. I wanted to push the hair off his sweet face, but instead, I went to check on Becky.
“How’s Jack?” she asked.
“He’s sleeping now. He’s going to be fine.”
She scoffed. “At least that’s one out of three.”
“Becky, this is the hardest thing, and I can’t imagine how you must be feeling, but your kids need you now. They’re in shock and don’t know what you will all do without Art. Being strong in front of them is the best thing you can do. I know I’m asking the impossible, but can you try?”
“You’re right. Art would want that too. I can always cry in the bathroom or something.”
“You can cry, but let them know you three are a team and will make it through. My mom used to say that to us all the time when times were tough. You’re smart and resourceful. You and the kids will be fine.”
She turned to me and asked, “Do you think they’ll catch whoever did this?”
I glanced over at Drex, who was on the phone and his computer. “See that man over there? He’s the best at what he does. He’s going to make sure they’re caught and prosecuted. So will I.”
She took my hand and squeezed it. “Thank you.”
There was no need to thank me. This was my mission and I told her as much. Art had been like a father to me and my mentor. I wouldn’t rest until this was finished.
We landed in Denver to find two of WI’s employees waiting on us, along with two SUVs. We loaded into the vehicles and were off to the headquarters.
Gemini and I began talking. Becky and the kids were in the other SUV. “Oh, Isla. I’m so sorry about all of this.”
“Thanks. Right now his family is priority one. Hey, I hope it’s okay, but I told Jack that maybe this coming year, we all could head up to the mountains for a ski trip. He wants to try snowboarding.”
“Isla, that’s a great idea,” Gemini said. “Have they ever tried it?”
“No, and I believe it would be something they all might love.”
Once we arrived at the headquarters, Gemini showed Becky and the kids where they’d be staying.
“Whoa, this is cool,” Jack said when he saw the corporate apartment. “Look out here, Allie.” The view was pretty awesome.
“Wow, this is cool,” she agreed with her brother.
“You know what the best thing is?” Gemini asked.
“What?” they both asked.
“First, there’s this.” She showed them the refrigerator, which was filled with snacks and goodies. And then she wiggled her finger, saying, “Come here.”
They followed her to the private elevator that went straight to the parking garage.
“Wow! Mom, come and check this out,” Allie called out.
Becky was soon there when Jack asked, “Can I ride it down?”
“Let’s do it another time. Follow me.” I led them to the living room and showed them how to use the TV. Then I reminded Jack I packed his video games.
He quickly unpacked them and hooked up his gaming system. Becky gave me a thumbs-up.
Drex poked his head in and said, “Isla, can you join us please?”
“I’ll see you all later. Duty calls.”
We went into the large communications room and Huff was already on the computer pulling things up.
“This is what we have. The deputy director is dirty. We have the proof from Art right here. This is the chain he was working with, and it went directly to Agent Murphy, your friend.”
“Former friend,” I reminded him.
Huff was creating a chart and I watched it on the screen. It involved six key figures, but they’d skipped Art because they probably knew he’d never go for it. Thomas was the bottom of the chain. He was most likely responsible for all the dirty work in Atlanta, while I’m sure there were others not listed in different key areas, doing the same thing.
“Now what? How do we bring this thing down?”
Drex fl
ashed a triumphant grin. “I have ways. Art was prepared for this and we have the appropriate documentation to bring these guys down.” He wagged his finger up and down over the names on the screen. “And they’re going down, Isla. Don’t worry.”
“They’re connected. Very connected.”
Huff said, “We know. We’re going to do this systematically. From the bottom up so the deputy director will think he’s safe until close to the end.”
“And the O’Brien brothers? What about them?”
Drex smirked. “We have some ideas if our fed friends don’t do what they should. Let’s see how they handle them first.”
At this time, I was good with that. The important thing was to get rid of the dirty people in the agency and maybe then we could clean up the other mess.
“I want to get whoever was responsible for taking out Art.”
Gemini sighed. “Isla, we understand that but when emotions run high, that may not be the best idea.”
Aiming a piercing stare at her, I said, “I know that, but I owe it to Art. I want to be there even if I don’t actually pull the trigger.”
Her arms went up. “Fine, but don’t do anything foolish.”
“By that if you mean compromising the op, I won’t.”
The rest of the day flew by as plans were made. When the skies began to darken, Drex mentioned dinner. I hadn’t thought about it, but now that I did, my stomach let out an angry growl.
“I guess I have your answer to that,” he said.
“Yeah, I’m starved. I haven’t eaten all day.”
Gemini stood, stretched, and said, “Let’s call it a day. Our guests are settled in. Food was delivered and the kitchen is stocked. Let’s say goodnight and head home.”
“You guys sure you’re fine with me staying with you?”
“Yeah, why?” Gemini asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t know, just asking.”
“The place is huge. Don’t worry,” Drex answered.
“Yeah, let’s get out of here,” Gemini added.
We stopped to pick up dinner on the way and when we arrived, I relaxed. They were right. Their place was huge.
“This is all yours?” I asked.