Cassie (The Mitchell/Healy Family #7)(27)

Trading my ass. He was stealing. They were all thieves, myself included.

The innocent girl who once left North Carolina was gone. As a package I was a total mess. I had nothing going for me, and now the FBI were on my back for answers I didn’t know how to provide them with.

Brant drank a couple beers while we ate, and much to my surprise left me to be alone with my family. I’d pulled him to the side while doing the dishes to thank him for bringing them to me. He was drying his hands on a towel. I wrapped my arms around the front of him and rested my head on his back. “Thank you, Brant. It means so much to me.”

“I’m glad to see you smiling. I know it’s been tough. It’s almost over, baby. As soon as I get paid we’re out of here.”

He kept saying the same thing to me, but I was beginning to think it wasn’t going to happen, especially since I knew the FBI were investigating the operation. “Brant, when my family leaves I want to talk to you about our future. It’s important to me.”

He spun me around and cupped my face in his hands. “Are you leaving me?”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Okay. It can wait then. I’m headed to bed. Enjoy your night.”

It was hard knowing my secret and keeping my composure. What was more difficult was knowing support was so close, yet too far away to grasp. I’d never felt so afraid and alone before. I needed help, mentally, physically, and most of all with freeing myself from danger. I needed to save Brant from himself before it was too late. The idea of him going to jail, even if we didn’t end up together, weighed heavy on me. I didn’t want him having to live his life in a cell. I couldn’t believe the future we’d dreamed of was further away than it had ever been. The harder we fought to move forward, we seemed to be permanently pulling back.

I wouldn’t give up.

I couldn’t, because I knew what the fate would be if I did.

It was hard remembering a time when I had courage and strength. I wondered what happened to that person, and if I could bring her back.





Chapter 13


Cassie


Two days wasn’t enough time to spend with my family, but with my body losing control from withdrawals, I knew it was best that they go. As soon as they left I became deathly sick. Brant assured me it would only be temporary, but many times I felt like I was dying. I was too ashamed to admit I couldn’t do this alone. I needed help, the professional kind. I think Brant knew it too. Between the vomiting and the lethargy I was left a feeble mess.

Still, it was important we had our talk. He needed to know how dangerous his involvement with Rocky had become. I needed to convince him to walk away. I didn’t care if we had to live on the streets. It was better than being under the same roof as a killer.

I didn’t take it lightly that the person who stayed in our room before us had vanished. Usually when that happened it was a given. He’s been murdered – removed. The problem ceased to exist. My only question was how long until Brant was his next victim. I wasn’t going to pretend Rocky was going to pay us and let us go on our merry way. He probably never planned on forking out a cent. Brant was just another pawn in his operation, and he’d use him until his job was finished.

“I need to tell you something, and I want you to really listen to me.”

“What?”

“I think we should leave. Let’s just get our things and go. We don’t have to tell anyone where we’re going. My family knows were okay now, and Rocky can find someone else to do the job. Please, Brant. Please do this for me.”

“What’s gotten into you, Cassie? I know you’re not happy here, but it’s only for a few more weeks. Don’t ruin this for us. It’s too much money to turn down.”

“I don’t care about the money. I care about you. I’m afraid you’re in trouble. I think Rocky did something to the guy who worked for him before you. I think he killed him,” I said softly in case someone were to be listening in on our conversation. “You’re the one who told me to be careful what I say. I’m scared for you, for us.”

“What? Listen to yourself. You’ve been watching too much television. Rocky may be a thief, but he’s never committed murder. I told you, he also runs a legit company. We’re safe.”

I wished I could tell him about Agent Campbell. Maybe if he knew he’d help me get our things so we could leave as soon as possible. “What if we aren’t?”

“I think the drugs are getting to you, baby.”

“I think you’re too damn blind to see what’s happening in front of you. Maybe you’re too stuck on Tammy to consider I’m right.”

“Are you f*cking kidding me?” I’d definitely got his attention. “That night was all you. I told you several times we didn’t have to go through with it.”

He was right, but I knew he wanted it. What would stopping solve? In my head I’d always know he wanted her. It would never change. As much as I knew he loved me, a part of me would always wonder if I’d be enough for someone like Brant. He hadn’t been raised to respect the person you loved. I didn’t even know if he’d ever loved anyone truly before me. Sure, there was his grandmother who raised him, but she was a hard woman to live with. I’d never seen her be affectionate. Perhaps it’s why Brant struggled with his feelings so much. Maybe he didn’t understand them. “It doesn’t matter. I want out of here, and you’re not going to let me go. Whatever happens is your fault.”