It wasn't hard getting into the President's phone.
Thanks to Kai being missing and unheard of, I was able to send a phishing text which he clicked on immediately. Unbeknownst to him, it allowed me to remote into his phone and obtain Markus Manor's cell. Even though I did my best to hide our location, I was unsure if my grand scheme was going to work because after that stunt, the NSA would be breathing down my neck in no time.
Once I handed Kai the phone, he dialed Markus. My plan was for a familiar voice to get me to the man of the hour. Once I sat and listened to Kai get through the lackies, he turned to me and passed me the phone. He gave me a weak smile and that alone was enough.
"Kai," Markus' voice was deep, almost mesmerizing: like he could charm a snake, "your father is worried sick! Where are-"
"Kai is safe, Mr. Manor." I stated, unwavering.
"Who...who the fuck is this?"
"My name is Max Ray. I'm Kai's DL, and rumor has it that I'm your son."
Silence ensued, followed by a disdainful laugh.
"I get it," I interrupted him before he could cut me off, "I'm sure that you think I'm trying to gain some kind of favor, but I'm not. I just want to know if the Spanish woman you fell in love with, the one with the red eyes..."
He quieted, his interest was piqued.
"...is my mother. Kai showed me a picture and..."
"Stop."
I looked up at Kai then, seeing his worrisome eyes, as the very mention of evil breathed deeply.
"You have red eyes and think that is enough to mark you as my son? My child is dead. So, either you end this sick joke and return Kai or-"
"My birthday is November 5, 1993."
A pause ensued...light breathing and a gasp. "November 5..."
"Meet me," he finally stated, a new thrill to his tone, "in Linthicum Heights, 455 Cole Road and bring Kai with you."
"Why do you need-"
"Either come as I ask and how I ask, or I'll have my men knocking at your front door. The choice is yours, Mr. Ray."
I didn't do well with threats...but, "Kai will only come if you keep Darian away. I'm not faltering on that and I'm a hard man to bring down, Mr. Manor."
He chuckled. I'm glad he's enjoying this.
"Fine. Tonight, 1800."
Click.
"What...what did he say?" Kai asked, the anticipation eating his face.
"We've got a date tonight."
------------------------------------
I sighed, letting the water flow down my face and body from the overhead shower head. It felt good to feel a glimpse of hope come out of this tragedy. Even though I wasn't sure what I wanted to hear from Markus or even if I wanted Kai's story to be validated, I did want to get rid of Darian. I wanted to end all of the tyrants who made my life hell and this was the one way I could think of doing that.
My mood was too good to be ruined, even when I heard he light footsteps that walked in behind me. I let out a deep sigh, as I felt Kai's hands wrap around my waist. His head lay into my back and his left hand slightly moving up my chest.
"I'm scared, Max."
I didn't answer him, as I combed my hair and let the water fall through. His kiss on my shoulder, feeling his whelps lay into my back...his body was bringing up all of the feelings I wanted to discard.
"It'll be fine. I'll be with you the whole time."
"I know...it's just...I don't want you to go down a road you can't turn back-"
I inhaled, turning to face him. I had half thought about what his aim was, coming in here naked. It was the first time in years I'd seen him this clearly. It was the first time I got to see how vulnerable he truly was...he was visably trembling.
I pulled him to me, moving our bodies under the warm water. We stood in silence, only hearing the water hit the tile beneath our feet. Regardless of how close we were, it still didn't change that I couldn't give my all to him. But my mind was telling me to kiss him to calm his nerves. It was telling me to put him at ease...but I knew if I took that step, here and now, that I'd have to fully live with the consequences.
I felt Kai's heartbeat...it quickened in my embrace.
I knew he loved me. I knew he wanted my affection, desired my time...but...
I let go of Kai, "Hurry up, we don't want to be late."
I left, grabbing a towel on my way out. As the door slammed, I wrapped the towl around my waist, sitting down on a couch. I combed back my wet hair, gazing out into our hideaway.
That's when I realized my heart throbbed against my chest.
"Shit," I sighed.
I put my head in my hands, leaning over in dismay.