Page 76 of Silent Count
“You might not remember, but when you were about eleven, there was a national manhunt. A man had brutally shot and killed his wife, then fled the scene. This man, who was a career criminal, as well as an addict, an alcoholic, and the list goes on—anyway, he was a bad man, and he managed to evade authorities for weeks. They would get leads, then he would be gone. Well, they finally caught him in Arizona. He was onAmerica’s Most Wanted, and it was all over the news. As the FBI was getting closer to catching him, they thought he might be heading to California. I don’t know why, but for some reason, I had a fascination with this guy, so I watched and read every alert that came through to California authorities. As I was researching him, I found out that he and the wife had two young daughters.” He pauses and looks at me.
I do remember that happening, but vaguely because I was so young. I know where he’s going with this, and the pieces of the Chelsea puzzle fall into place. I wave him on to continue.
“Bo, those little girls were in the house when it happened. Do you know what kind of psychological damage that can do to anyone, but specifically a child? And don’t get me wrong; my heart breaks for her and her sister, but, Bo, that was a national manhunt. This will be brought up in the hearings.”
He walks over to me and puts a hand on my shoulder. I pick it up and remove it immediately.
“Respectfully, Dad, I don’t give a fuck about any of that. That’s your life, not mine. You want me to be involved in yourlife? Then you have to accept that Chelsea is part of my life. Because I don’t give a flying fuck about any of this. And, yes, it is absolutely important in her story, but it doesn’t define who she is. You don’t even know her. You don’t know how strong she is, and you telling me all of this makes me admire her even more for everything she’s accomplished. So, no, Dad, I’m not letting her go now or ever.”
I start to walk away, but he stops me with his next words.
“Bo, you have to think about this. Please. If you don’t care about the family, that’s fine. I get it; you love her. But don’t for a second think this won’t affect you too.” He huffs. “You’re on national television every weekend and for the foreseeable future as well. Do you think people won’t find out who she is? Her past? No, she’s not on any of the public records for the case, but, Bo, her father is on her birth certificate, and that is public record. If anyone wants to find out who she is, they can get that information. Do you really think she wants all that aired out on TV? Because my guess is, she doesn’t, and that’s why she hasn’t even told you about it. If you really want to be with her, she needs to tell you the truth about everything, and thenyouneed to lay out a very realistic picture for her of what your life will be like. Because you won’t just be a famous quarterback. You’ll always be my son, and like it or not, you have familial responsibilities. Let her make that choice before you drag her into the spotlight.”
We stand there, staring at each other. My heart pounding in my chest. And I’m angry because he’s not completely wrong. I need to know why she hasn’t told me any of this. Why she’s fed me pieces of information instead of everything. Why she can say she loves me, but doesn’t trust me completely to share this with me. And, maybe worst of all, I need to know if her being with me is going to break the beautiful, carefully guarded heart of the woman I can’t stop falling for.
“I have to go.” I turn and press the button to the elevator, and my dad doesn’t say another word.
CHAPTER
NINETEEN
CHELSEA
I knewsomething was wrong before Bo even went upstairs with his dad. The way his dad had looked at me during the meal, I just knew. He knows who I am. And he’s probably upstairs, telling Bo everything right now.
His mom and sisters are talking, mostly to each other, and I’m smiling and nodding like I should, but dread is brewing in my belly the longer I sit here, waiting for Bo to come back. Honestly, I’m half tempted to just walk out and get an Uber back to my apartment.
I keep glancing over toward the elevators, trying not to be obvious about my growing discomfort. And when his mom asks me a question, I’m so lost in thought that I miss hearing it.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you. The music seems to be getting louder in here.”
“Right? I thought so too. I can barely hear myself.” Caroline giggles.
“I just asked if you were going back to Florida for Christmas.” His mom lays her hand on top of mine. She’s very touchy.
“Oh, I’m not really sure yet. Maybe.” I try to smile, but it probably looks more like a grimace.
I look back at the elevators just as the doors to one slide open and Bo steps out. His jaw is tight, eyes stormy, and the first thing he does is drag a hand through his hair.
He strides toward me, his shoulders rigid, his steps quick and deliberate. I push up from my seat, heart kicking hard against my ribs because I’m not sure if I should stay put … or start running.
“Mom, Sav, Caroline, we have to go. Mom, thank you for lunch. I’m sure I’ll talk to you soon.” He takes my hand and starts to pull me away.
I look over my shoulder at them and wave. “Thank you so much. It was nice to meet y’all.”
They wave back, and I can see their mouths moving, but I can’t hear what they’re saying because we walk right by the loud piano playing. I try to pull my hand from his, but he holds tighter.
When we get outside the hotel, I stop walking and yank my hand out of his hold. “Bo, stop.” My heart is racing. “What is going on?”
I just want him to tell me something. I want to know if I’m right.
He paces for a minute, then turns to look at me, hands on his hips. “I’m sorry. Let’s just go. I’ll tell you about it in the car.”
He holds out his hand to me again, but I walk by and head toward the car.
I can hear him following me, but he doesn’t try to reach for my hand again. I stand outside my door, and he comes up behind me to open it. When I climb into the car, I buckle my seat belt and look up at Bo when he gets into the driver’s side.
He doesn’t look at me. He just buckles in and starts the car.
