LINDEN
I’d made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this time, I almost ruined a man’s life, a father to a little boy, because I let my emotions get the best of me.
Maybe a past should be left in the past. And I should have just followed my gut.
“When you’re silent like this, I know there’s a lot going on in your head.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” I kissed her hand. “I almost ruined his life. Even if the court acquits him for the lack of evidence, his name has already been disgraced. I couldn’t help but look back at how my life was simple back then. Sometimes, having this kind of position always puts me in the tough spot, decision-making that involves life, and I don’t wanna make that decision again.”
“Hey. you can’t blame yourself. You always have a blind spot regarding the people you care about. Everyone does.”
“I hated her for years. Then, I began to care because I thought she was a victim. She used it to get my sympathy, to manipulate me. She blindsided me, Estelle. I won’t let it go. I jeopardized your life, our baby, and everyone because I let her into my life.” I cringed and wanted to take an hour of shower to get rid of Skyla’s touch.
“She’s once in your life, Gabriel. She knows your weak spot— family, women, loved ones, and best friends. She knows you’re the type of guy willing to risk your life to help people, and she took advantage of that. And you have a good heart. There’s nothing wrong with that. You just gave your trust to the wrong person.”
“Yeah.” I pulled Estelle close to me, but it felt like it wasn’t enough. “I will never put you in that situation again. I thought I would give us a second chance to be friends, but she betrayed me.”
“Don’t do that. I know how much you’re trying to keep us all safe, but life is full of risk and shits that everyone takes once in a while. What is important now is we find out before it’s too late. You’re not perfect, and people around us know that. Don’t blame yourself for who you are, for having a big heart, for being kind.”
“I can’t believe she’s not afraid of evidence and the case going to the court.”
“Maybe her plan is only to get your attention and protection, and then she won’t pursue the case. I don’t know. She doesn’t think like us.”
“I’m just glad that you’re here with me. I don’t know what to do without you.”
“Live.”
“I don’t wanna live without you.”
“Don’t say that.” She turned and faced me. “I know I won’t go anywhere, but if something—”
“No.” I pressed a finger against her lips. “I don’t wanna talk something like that.”
She took my hand off her lips. “If something happens to me, you will live for our daughter, okay?”
“No. I said, we only talk about good things.”
“Stubborn.” Her smile was pure, reaching her eyes. “What should we name our baby?”
“Maybe Estelle Junior.”
She barked out, laughing. “Really? We couldn’t think of any names other than Estelle.”
“I like your name, Estelle Rae Solace.”
“And you are Gabriel Rembrandt. Maybe Gabrielle Rae Rembrandt Bladwyn Linden.”
I closed my gaping mouth and blinked. “That’s beautiful, baby. I love it.”
***
“Try this one.” My father scooped a scallop ceviche with Aguachile to Estelle’s plate.
She took a small piece with a fork and put it in her mouth. “Gosh. It’s so good. The herbs, lime, and the green chili. Delicious.”
“I love it that you eat everything.”
“It’s food, and I’m already turning into a baby elephant.” She showed her abdomen.
“You’re beautiful, honey, in any size.”
“If I’m still fat and your son left me after birth, I will blame your food.”
“Seriously, Estelle? Do you think it’s going to happen?” I showed her my wedding ring. “This infinite piece is a symbol of our commitment. As long as I haven’t hurt you, I won’t let you go, but if, in any circumstances, I raise my hand on you, I’m afraid I won’t keep you because I won’t tolerate that and myself, and that’s not the man you married.”
“Aw. That’s sweet.” She cupped my face and kissed me in front of my father.
I thought I just blushed. My father couldn’t help but smile.
“You kids will be parents, and it won’t be easy. Just hang on to the vows and your love for each other. The kid is the blessing of your relationship. So trust each other. You will be all right.”
Before I could reply, my phone rang. I didn’t know who the caller was, so I answered, “Linden.”
“Gabe? Gabe, can you hear me?”
“It’s Skyla,” I mouthed to Estelle and gave her a silent sign. Estelle stopped and placed the fork on the table as she watched me with wide eyes.
“Skyla?”
“I’m in trouble. I need your help, Gabe. Please?” There was a tremble in her voice, and she was talking in a rush.
“What happened? Where are you? What do you mean you’re in trouble?” I watched Dad and Estelle as they listened to me. Dad knew everything. I told him. I was expecting him to blame me, but surprisingly, he understood. He said the people around me were my weakness, and women with stories like that always got someone’s sympathy.
“The police came to my apartment and arrested me. I don’t know. It just happened so fast. Emery. He’s alone, Gabe. Please, you have to help me. I need to get out of here. Emery is going to be alone. I need you now, Gabe, more than anything.”
“Where are you?” I hung up the call when she told me where the precinct was held.
“Do you think she knows that we know her secret?”
“I don’t think so.” I was about to dial Sax, but Kye was calling me. “It’s Kye.”
“You heard?”
“No. I was there watching when the cops went to her apartment.”
“Where’s Emery?”
“With the neighbor, but I already called Sax. The kid knows him. How did you know?”
“She called me and asked for my help.”
“What are you gonna do?”
“I’m going to see her. Before I will do anything, I need her confession.”
“Be careful, man. She’s a liar and a manipulative bitch.”
“I know.” I looked at my wife. “Ready?”
“Yup.” She stood up and hugged my father. “Thank you, Pops.”
“Anytime. If he’s starving you, drop by anytime.”
At the police station, the officer recognized me. “You’re a friend of Mykel Creed.”
“Yes, officer.”
“Can I help you—”
“It’s Linden.”
“Mr. Linden.”
“I’m here to see Skyla Davis.”
“Ah, the woman is charged with identity theft and fraud. She will be turned over to the FBI in the morning.”
“Yes, that’s the one.”
“I’ll give you a few minutes with her. She may need a good lawyer.”
“Thank you.” I looked at my wife. “You don’t have to come with me.”
“No, Gabriel. I wanna look her in the eye as she admits her mistakes.”