Keeping You Away (Ex-Con Duet 1)

I want to help him, I really do, but this whole thing could cause a shitstorm of problems I don’t want or need. Moving to Alabama was meant to help me get a fresh start away from Vegas and all the terrible things that happened five years ago. Going back would allow all of it back into my life.

“How long do I have to decide?”

“As soon as possible. If you agree to do it, the prosecutor will put you on the witness list, and they’ll schedule your deposition. The defense will cross-examine you as well.”

“Yeah, that’s the part I’m worried about. They’re fucking assholes when it comes to that shit.”

“Trust me, I get it, but I’m done hiding. Victoria needs to pay, even if I have to die trying.”

“Give me some time to think about it, okay? I’ll let you know as soon as I can.”

“Thanks, I really appreciate it, Tyler. I know we didn’t end on good terms, but I’d like to change that. Working for Victoria is the worst decision I ever made, and I wish I could take it all back.”

“I’ll call you soon.”

We hang up just as I arrive home. I’m immediately welcomed by Sassy, who barks at me relentlessly. Deciding I need to call Liam and give him an update, I grab the leash and take Sassy on a walk.

“Hey, man,” Liam answers in an upbeat tone. “How’s it going?”

“Eric left me another voicemail, and I called him back this time.”

“Really? Tell me everything.”

I repeat our conversation and voice my concerns.

“Wow. Just…wow.”

“We knew she was a fucking savage, but what she did to Eric was plain ruthless. She deserves more than just prison time,” I say.

“Honestly, I’d call Serena and get her suggestions. If you decide to do it, I’d have her go as your council, so the defense won’t ask questions that’ll get you in trouble instead.”

“That’s probably a good idea, but I haven’t talked to her in years. I feel bad calling her to ask for a favor.”

“Trust me, she won’t mind. I bet she’d love to hear from you. She actually asked about you before you got out.”

“Send me her number,” I tell him.

“Will do. I’ll text it right now.”

“Thanks, Liam. Appreciate it.”

“I got you. Let me know what she says, okay?”

“I’ll message you as soon as we’re done.”

We say goodbye, and then I call Serena. I’m nervous as hell as the phone rings.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Serena. It’s Tyler Blackwood.”

There’s a beat of silence at first. “Tyler? Oh my God!”

Her ecstatic energy brings a smile to my face. “Yeah, it’s me. Been a while. How are you?”

“I’ve thought about you a lot over the years.”

“Same here.”

Serena was my lawyer and represented me when Victoria planted drugs and illegal guns in my truck. While Serena did everything she could, it wouldn’t have mattered because Victoria had already sabotaged the outcome. I know she felt bad, but there was nothing more she could do.

“So tell me, how’s life? What’s new?”

I chuckle at her eagerness and give a quick update.

“I’m glad, Tyler. You deserve good things.”

“How’s your little guy?” I ask. She was a single mom the last time we talked.

“Not so little anymore! He’s six and going into first grade this year.”

“Wow, time flies, huh?”

“Yes, it does.” She lingers for a moment. “I have a feeling you didn’t call to shoot the shit. What’s going on?”

“It’s Victoria,” I tell her with a rushed breath.

“What the fuck is that bitch up to now? Is she trying to pin something else on you?”

“Not exactly,” I say and pause briefly before telling her about Eric and Amara.

“Oh my God,” she whispers. “That woman is worse than the devil himself.”

“What do you think I should do? Will this somehow backfire on me? Will she know I did a deposition?” Sassy finishes sniffing around a fire hydrant, then we continue down the sidewalk.

“It’s possible. Your name will be on the witness sheet, but whether she sees it or not, I can’t say. More than likely, she’ll use the family money to buy her way out of it.”

“I want to help Eric if I can, and if I can help fuck her life up the same way she did mine, that’d be a nice bonus.”

“I agree, but without specific details, it’s hard to give a green light on this. Can you have him set up a conference call with you, me, and the prosecutor? That way we can ask more questions before you make a decision.”

“Yeah, I’ll ask him as soon as I get home.”

“Great, just text me what he says. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“You were always a great friend even though we hardly knew each other. I really appreciate it, Serena.”

“What you did for Liam and Maddie is admirable, so I was happy to help, even if I feel like I didn’t.” She chuckles.