I didn't sleep the rest of the night. Under the circumstances, there was no way I could rest. Knowing that there might be people out there who were keeping a watch on the apartment! I didn't want to give them any opportunity to catch me by surprise.
My phone was blowing up with messages and calls from my dad. I had it on silent so that they didn't disturb Kennedy's sleep. According to his texts, he wanted to speak with me. He said he wanted to listen to the plan I'd suggested. He even went so far as to say that he didn't want to lose his son. He wanted to be a part of his grandchild's life.
It was too late now.
I needed to get Kennedy out of the country before I could even think of solving the mess we were in. I hadn't decided yet if I wanted to help my father get out of the problems he'd created for himself. Even if I did, I would have to do it remotely. There was no way I was putting my woman and my child's life at risk in the meantime.
At three in the morning, I looked through all the windows to make sure there was no surveillance on us. Then I spent the next half hour packing. I didn't bother with much of my own stuff. Instead, I filled up two bags with things I thought Kennedy might need and stuff she'd bought for the baby.
Then, tiptoeing over to her bedside, I kissed her cheek to wake her.
Kennedy moved and purred. She'd had trouble falling asleep herself, but I held her and spoke to her till she finally drifted away. She needed at least five hours of rest if we were going to make this journey. I was going to keep her healthy and strong, at least for the sake of our child.
"What's going on?" she whispered, rubbing her eyes sleepily. I'd kept all the lights off in the apartment.
"I've packed two bags for us, all you have to do is change and we'll be ready to go," I said to her.
She looked over at the clock on her bed-side.
"It's not even four!" she exclaimed and slowly sat up.
"I know, which is why we should leave now. I'll drive to the airport. I've booked us tickets," I said and stroked her back.
Kennedy gulped and shook her head.
"When you said morning, I thought in the day. I have to call my parents, I have to see Ava again before we leave," she argued.
It hurt me to put her through this. I knew she was trying to be brave for my sake, but inside, she was still hurting. In one day, less than twenty-four hours; her whole life and the world she knew was turned upside down.
"Kennedy, you can't. We can't risk you seeing Ava again. We have to leave now," I insisted and crouched down on the floor beside her.
"What about my parents? I need to call them. They'll be so worried if I just disappear!" she exclaimed and her face was pinched with worry.
"You should text your parents on the way to the airport. Tell them you're going into witness protection and that you'll get in touch with them when the coast is clear. After that, we destroy our phones before we get to the airport," I told her. I'd decided on this plan some time ago. I just never thought I'd be putting it into action.
Kennedy seemed horrified as she listened to me.
"Witness protection? When will I see them again?" she asked.
I helped her out of the bed. I needed her to hurry.
"Can I text Ava too? What if my parents contact the police? Do you think Ava will be safe?" she was full of questions as I pushed her gently towards the bathroom.
"Kennedy, listen to me, calm down," I grabbed her shoulders and peered into her eyes. "Are you listening to me?"
She nodded her head.
"Give me some time and I'll fix this. I promise you, we'll visit Seattle for Christmas next year. You have my word on that. You're not going to live your life without seeing your family and friends again. Our baby will not grow up clueless about its grandparents," I tried to be as firm as possible. I was making her a promise that I didn't know if I could keep. All I knew was that I would try my best to fulfill it.
I would just have to find a way to fix the problem. It was decided. I was going to have to help my father.
My words seemed to relieve Kennedy a little. She nodded her head and then went into the bathroom.
I waited for her at the door and she emerged a few moments later. She'd already changed into the clothes she was wearing the previous day. Other than washing her face, brushing and running her fingers through her long red hair—she'd not wasted time on anything else.
"I'm ready to leave," she said in a meek voice. I watched her as she placed a hand on her belly protectively. I knew what she was thinking. That if she stepped out of the apartment—she was exposing herself to a host of dangers.
Until we got to Rome, we wouldn't really be safe.
I grabbed her hand and picked up the bags from the floor. The next few hours were going to be crucial. It would be a test of our strength and our relationship, but I was optimistic that we would get through it.
Then our life in Italy could start afresh.
We left the apartment and on our way down the stairs, Kennedy stopped to look back up.
"Goodbye Seattle," she said, to nobody or nothing inparticular. I could feel my heart breaking. I didn't know if she would ever behappy again.