Kingston steps out. He walks over to the edge. The two act like they don’t know each other. Their faint voices carry with the wind but the noise of the rustling brush effectively hides their words.
I watch for the passing of money, an envelope, instructions, but for the longest time all they do is chat. The back of the van must carry a whole bunch of illegal drugs ready for Kingston to sell. That must be it. Kingston deals drugs. Does my father know any of this?
My throat is dry. I desperately need more water. I conjure up as much spit as I can and swallow. The combination of dust and dry air is tickling my throat. I panic. I can’t cough. I have no excuse. I don’t even have a good cover as in I’m a scientist studying the habits of a rare bird who nests here. I look like a spy. Dressed in dark clothing. This looks like a stakeout. Fuck. How could I be so stupid?
The guy and Kingston continue to stare out at sea, not looking at each other, but talking in low voices. As the breeze briefly dies down, I hear snippets.
“Fresh crop…”
“Money is waiting…”
“….tomorrow night…utmost caution…”
The wind picks up along with the urge to cough. I hold my breath. I can’t stop it. I let it out.
The guys freeze.
I bite down on my knuckles and swallow as much spit as I can. Kingston pulls a gun and heads in my direction. He kicks up more dust, sending it my way. The guy says something and Kingston hesitates. His eyes glance over my hiding place. I can’t miss the cold gleam as they pass over me. The expression of complete disconnection and lack of compassion. I feel for the guy. His life in some aspects probably mirrors mine.
I hear the familiar rumble and a sigh of relief escapes. A Chevy pulls in. I’m saved by a horny couple.
Kingston curses and conceals his weapon without even acknowledging the other guy, then climbs into his Camaro and drives away. The guy closes up his easel and then peals out.
I roll onto my back. Exhausted. Drained of any capable thought. All I want is a shower, food and my bed. I pull out my phone and text Jimmy to let him know I’m coming just in case he and Andrea have something going on. Then I text Katie with a simple message, Sorry I missed tonight. Talk tomorrow. I’m too tired for anymore. Too many thoughts race through my mind. What the hell have I gotten myself into?
Back at home, it’s close to 9 p.m., but it feels like the middle of the night. After a shower and a whole pizza, I flop down on my bed and fall asleep. It’s not until the next afternoon after sleeping most of the day that I read my texts from Katie and feel like an asshole. I should’ve realized the work for my dad might take longer. I should’ve kept my dates and my work on different days that would’ve prevented this mess. Instead of texting, I call her. Just to hear her voice.
“Hello?” she says.
“Hey there, beautiful.”
“Chad.” Her voice is cold and controlled.
“Sorry about yesterday.”
“What happened?” Her voice softens a bit with a hint of curiosity.
“I got caught up with work…” I have no idea what to say.
Silence.
“I’m sorry.”
“You could’ve texted me earlier. Let me know.”
“You’re right. I’m an asshole.”
“What’re you doing now?” she asks.
“I’m home. Doing nothing. Just lying on my bed. Jimmy’s out.”
“I can come over.” Her words are a question and a statement.
“I might not be very good company.”
“Okay, see you soon.” I can’t even say goodbye before she hangs up.
I don’t even know if I hang up. I should’ve told her not to come. I’ll be terrible company and everything I saw yesterday won’t let go of me. The fact that I could’ve been killed if I’d been caught. I just have a feeling this deal with Kingston is bigger than even my father realizes. He wouldn’t put his son in that kind of danger. I don’t think.
I close my eyes for a few minutes, waiting for Katie.
Seconds or maybe minutes or hours later, I hear movement in my room. I shoot up. Every instinct says they saw me out on the bluff and followed me back, waiting until the dark of evening to pay me a visit. Then I see the outline of Katie’s body and remember our phone call. It feels like a dream.
“Katie?” I whisper.
“I’m here.”
She turns on the light by my bed. My eyes follow the curves in her body and land on her face, her shy smile. The innocence in her eyes. I need to break it off with her. She shouldn’t get involved with me. I don’t want to but I have to.
“I feel terrible about our date.” I can never tell her where I was or what I was doing.