Life

POV: Cameron

It had been over two weeks since the hotel shooting. I attended the funeral with Jared because there was a time when I thought I loved her, but now I know that I just never really knew what love was. It was a small intimate service with very few people because she kept herself from getting close to anyone.

My views on life changed forever and I knew that I was very lucky to still be here. Jared and I actually became good friends, and he offered me a job writing for the travel section of the magazine. Didn’t think I would settle down in one place after I made all of that money off of an inherited resort from my murder of a father.

I made some smart moves thanks to Martin who helped me see the value in stocks and crypto. Jenny was lucky to have a guy like that. The shooting helped us all realize that life is too short.

My mom cut a deal with the Feds to keep her out of jail, she just has to testify against Uncle Coop when he goes to trial. Jared helped me see the value in family, so I gave her the opportunity to explain my life to me. It turns out that she loved my real mother like a sister and was the only one who offered to take me in when my mother was murdered.

She had been through a lot, and I hate that she’ll never be able to connect with Adrian again. At least she was able to see the man he had grown up to be. I had no doubt that she had been tucking away money in an offshore account, so this won’t be the last we see of her.

Uncle Coop is still recovering but under lock and key. He has round-the-clock officers who guard his door at all times. I know I am supposed to hate him, but I just don’t see him in the same light as everyone else.

He did lead the Feds to a chest in my mom’s house. The old rusty key went to a trunk that was tucked away in the attic. It’s crazy to think that each of his visits aligned with a criminal deal, and even crazier to think about him climbing into the attic.

Overall, I can’t complain too much about what my life has become… I mean I can, but it won’t do me any good.

**********

POV: Jared

The last few weeks have been quiet and odd. It’s strange to think back to when my life was filled with complete chaos. All of the drama occurred because one woman wanted revenge on her father.

Made me think about the choices I have made with women. I don't want to bring that kind of drama around Amelia, so dating is off the table for me right now. As awful as it sounds, I am glad Leah isn't here to cloud my judgment anymore.

I felt lucky, lucky enough to reach out and reconnect with my father. He was a good man and raised me the best he could. I never truly thanked him for everything that he had done for me.

He had tried to warn me that things with Leah would turn for the worst. I didn’t believe him, so I waited until she graduated, and we ran off to the city without telling anyone. My father tried to warn me that one of us would end up getting hurt because we didn’t really live or know how to love.

We spent all of our time together, avoiding clubs and friends. Every spare moment we had was spent together and that never gave each of us time to grow up. We were living in our own bubble and were slowly losing air to breathe until one of us broke out.

The city changed us and showed us how naïve we could be. I truly thought that I loved Leah, but it was a hero complex that I nourished each time I saved Leah from her own heartache. I didn't really love Leah the way she loved me, I loved that I was the hero and the feeling I got from saving her.

I was running in a hamster wheel until the day I couldn't save her anymore. It was then that I realized my attachment to her was blinding. I never let her live out her trauma, so she was never able to grow as an individual.

Spending my whole life as her protector and safe place fulfilled me at the moment, but now I needed to find out what really fulfilled me. I had Amelia and I lived for her, but I am more than just a father. I am a man, and I am finding myself until I am finally ready to accept love and give all that I can.

Moving to this sinful city turned my passion into anger and resentment, the very thing my father warned me of. Had it not been for Leah and this tragic incident, I may not have found the path I was meant to be on. It was interesting to look in the mirror and watch me become my father.

Life was going well, except for always pulling Cameron out of the clouds. I guess that’s what happens when you finally find a best friend. I was thankful something good came from that night.

**********

POV: Adrian

Tossing and turning every night reliving the shooting. I had been in a dozen shootouts, but none had ever affected me in this way. It was hard to get any sleep around this place.

Cold and sterile was the only way to describe this asylum. All of the years I spent chasing my mother’s justice had come to an end and I wasn’t sure where to go from here. The tainted money and resources were drained, so I was living off an honest man’s wage again.

It was hard to accept the case was over. Each week they arrested more criminals and set hostages free. I should be feeling elated, but I can’t believe she is gone. It was all my fault and I hated myself for letting things get that far away from me.

Leah came into my life, and I lost all sense of purpose. I was slipping at work, mixing signals, and falling short of every standard I had set for myself. That chapter of my life was closed, and I should be able to move on... but death and hate still linger in a dark cloud above my head.

I was glad to be out of New York, that wicked city can turn any honest man into a criminal. Washington was a better place to live and work. Everything was better, even the quality of people you meet. Once I can get back to work, I have every intention of holding down a desk job for a few years until I decided my next move.

Being so young and busting one of the largest criminal organizations set me up for a large promotion. It just didn't feel right accepting it because I couldn’t have done it without my team. Wherever I go with my career, I can only hope that I would be able to take them with me.

Thankful for the role my mother played in the bust. Knowing that she chose to stay in that life when she had the chance to come home hurt me. I don’t know what kind of relationship we will have moving forward.

After Cooper had regained consciousness, he was able to lead my mother the ledger in her attic. The old man said he was tired of running, but I honestly think Monica had gotten to him. She had scared him and made him realize what he had given up to lead the life he did.

It was nice to hear that Cameron finally heard the story of his life. He deserved that and I was thankful that he stopped calling me big brother, but I do miss it. I was oddly surprised that he and Jared kicked off a bromance.

Two men divided by a woman came together in the end for each other. Cameron lived with Jared and his daughter since he spent a lot of time traveling for his new job. It was bittersweet that Cameron had taken the job that was meant for Leah, but I think he needed it after what happened.

I winced in pain as I turned to the side to put on my shirt.

*Knock Knock*

“Come in.”, I shouted from the bed.

"How are you feeling?", she asked.

"Like a new man about to take his first steps toward freedom.", I smiled.

"Well, don't overdo it.", she chuckled as she grabbed a wheelchair.

"Really? That metal chariot? Can't I just walk?", I pleaded.

“Your ride is here and this is the only way that the big man is going to let me take you down.”, she stated.

“Okay okay, I wouldn't want you to get in any trouble. Thank you.”, I replied.

It was hard to believe that this day has come. I have been looking forward to this day since I woke up, but nothing can prepare you for life and how it changes even if you aren't ready. I never imagine this would be my life if you asked me a few months ago, but I have to accept it.

-To be continued-