Page 14 of Hawk
I hung up the phone and closed my eyes, breathing deeply. The last thing I needed was Callahan using his software and expansive network of cameras and surveillance to draw attention to my location. There could be innocent people hurt if he alerted anyone, on purpose or by accident, to where I was going.
On a hunch, I made one more phone call. It rang twice then I hung up and waited. Within a few minutes, my phone rang from a blocked number, and I picked up.
“It’s been a decade, Hawkins. To what do I owe the pleasure?” The voice sounded the same as the last time I’d spoken with them, and in an instant, I was transported back in time.
“Do you remember that stray I brought to you?”
“Why?” asked the suddenly hardened voice.
“I found a pup that belongs to them. Can you tell me if they’re available?”
“Let me make some calls, but no promises.”
They hung up, and I blew out an exasperated breath. This could all be for nothing if they aren’t willing to help. Just as I went to crank my bike, headed for the last location I knew the ‘maybe Stella’ had been, the phone beeped.
I opened the message and quickly noted the address. The message disappeared a few seconds later and I pushed my phone into my cut, sick of the cloak and dagger bullshit.
At least they were helpful. I had what could be the address or it could be a trap. Either way, I owed it to Hailey and the Death Hounds to find the answers.
I just prayed I made it back to my kids in one piece.
Chapter 5
Stella
Present Day
Most nights, sleepeluded me. I refused to take the medication doctors prescribed, and alcohol made me vulnerable, which I would never be again. So, I laid in bed, staring at the walls, wishing I could catch a few hours of uninterrupted rest. Occasionally, I’d smoke a little herb, but I didn’t like the munchies or the headaches that sometimes accompanied the high.
On the rare night I got sleep, I'd usually end up fighting the monsters from my past while trapped in a dream and I’m unable to escape their grasp. It wasn’t like I could tell my shrink what I’d lived through or what kept me awake. They wouldn’t believe me, or they’d want to contact the authorities. Neither was a good solution, so I stopped going to them shortly after they started pushing medication on me.
Last night was a rare occasion. I fell asleep and had pleasant dreams for the first time in almost a year. I savored those nights, when in my dreams I was holding my baby in my arms and felt nothing but relief that we were both safe. Just remembering the fleeting memories of happy times gave me hope, then the weight of the truth nearly crushed me with guilt and shame.
I never wanted to leave her behind, especially with that vile bitch, but I had no say in the matter. I was set up and sacrificed for others gain and the anger that still resided deep inside me burned bright to this day.
Laying in bed, I watched the first rays of sun begin to peek through the window and I watched as the gray skies turned orange then blue. I should’ve gotten up and started my day, but Zeus was sound asleep next to me, and for the life of me, I didn’t want to disturb him. He snored half the night and farted in his sleep, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world. If it wasn’t for him, I would’ve probably been a crying ball of anxiety, but he gave me strength and encouragement that I could make it through another day. Even when I didn’t want to make it another minute.
