Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 99413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99413 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
“This one is tied to him in some way. If we go moving things, it affects him. I will not sacrifice my son for my own life.”
Tasha looks away to keep me from seeing the tears in her eyes. I try to sooth her by running my hands up and down her arms. I’m sure she’s as frustrated as I am.
“This is why you’ve been pacing.” It’s not a question but a statement. “Our hands are tied. I dig for the rat; it puts Sammy at risk, but if I leave it alone, we’re being eaten from the inside out. Our so-called advantage isn’t one at all.”
I snort. “I said the same thing to Sammy. His words to me were wise beyond his years.”
“What did he say?”
“You can have answers, but if your response to them is wrong or out of timing, what’s the point of them? It is better to have patience and understanding,” I repeat my son’s words.
“Wow.”
“You can say that again.”
“So what do we do now?”
“I get the feeling whatever is to come doesn’t need our help. This wedding is important. I don’t know what’s going on in Misha’s head, but I get the feeling he understands what Sammy is up to.”
“What makes you say that?”
“A look between him and Uri. I caught it, but I get this feeling I shouldn’t ask. Besides, there is one thing that has always been true about our son and his mother.”
“What’s that?”
“Their decisions have the same ultimate goal.”
“To make things right.”
“Exactly,” I say and kiss her nose.
Her expression turns thoughtful for moment and then she sighs. “We’re trained not to rush our clients. Give a child room to explore and figure things out.
“As their service provider, we don’t just give them the tools they need; we give them space, and we observe for when they need our help. Then and only then do we step in. That is easier said than done when it comes to Sammy.”
“I will do whatever he needs from me, even when I don’t fully understand. It drives me crazy and places me outside of my comfort zone, but it feels like the right thing to do,” I say.
“Then it’s what we will do. We have trusted him before. He has proved that we can. I will deal with my feelings.”
I release a heavy breath. That we will, but I will still be watching closely because the fact is Sammy is hiding something. I will not allow anything to happen to my son.
CHAPTER 43
Moving the Board
Sammy
Six months later …
I’m moving through the hall to get to my station for today’s event. I’m almost there as Jamie appears with a grim look on his face. I stop and look up at him.
“You’re still sure about this?” he says as he looks me deep in the eyes.
“Yes, this is it. She will make a play. If we do as planned, we will bring this to an end and you’ll get your revenge.
“Don’t worry. It will all work out. Keep this comm with you.
“It’s for us. I promise nothing bad will happen to you guys,” I reply.
Jamie nods at me. “Thanks, Sammy. I don’t know if you understand what this means. Thank you.”
“I understand. That’s why it has to be you guys. This will start the healing.”
He gives me a faint smile and nods. It’s clear he’s still hesitant and I get that, but this is the way. We won’t lose anyone on this path as long as they all do as I say.
“Here, will you give this one to Lovie for me?” I say, holding out another comm.
“Yeah, I got you.”
He takes the comm and turns to leave. I turn to go to my post where the monitors are, not that I will need them. I have done things that will make the grown-ups feel better.
Mom, Dad, Uncle Uri, Auntie Val, Uncle Jamie, and Lovie are the only ones who truly know how my mind works. I will be in my head today, making sure nothing changes. I can’t afford for anything to go wrong.
“My friend, we talk, da?” Uncle Misha appears and says.
“Hey, Uncle Misha. What’s up?”
“I don’t doubt you, Sammy, but I know you well. You cover something. We close now. I can taste.
“Gut tells me you have not told me everything. I want to know now,” he says sternly.
I saw this coming. I’m prepared. Shaking my head at him, I sigh.
“You still don’t see the truth. Your enemy is not your enemy, but a part of you already knows this. Let today play out. Then you will see the whole picture. For now, trust me, Uncle Misha.”
He sighs heavily and stares at me for a long beat. “Da. I will.”
I smile and wave at him before I walk around him to my station. Every detail has been planned to a T. I begin to hum “Money, Power, and Respect” by the Lox.