She drops it on the coffee table and Agent Williams gets out what he needs. I recognize the white-card and ink set. It’s the exact same way they took our prints when we entered the program.
Ethan kneels down at the coffee table near Agent Williams.
“Just relax your hands, Ethan. That’s the best way for me to get a good print without any smudges.”
We all watch as Agent Williams presses Ethan’s fingertips into the ink then rolls them across the card, one by one, making a replica of his prints. Agent Williams drops the card in a plastic bag once it’s dry.
“I’ll be back in the morning. Agent Parker will remain here with you tonight to ensure you don’t have any more unexpected visits.”
Agent Williams stands to leave. He looks tired. And old.
“Sir, why don’t you let me take the journal to Shreveport,” Agent Parker says. “I can ask the local police to watch the house tonight and you could get some rest. I’m not sure if you should drive.”
“No. It’s fine. Sheriff Pippin is picking me up. I already requested a patrol to be parked outside. The state police have offered their helicopter since I’m headed to their facility.”
“Do you want me to come with you, then?” Agent Parker asks.
“No, not enough room. And I’d rather you stay here, just in case.”
I can’t help but ask, “If you’re afraid of this Agent X finding anything out, why are you involving the local police?”
“Good question, Anna. I haven’t given nor will I give the local or state police any details about what is happening here. All I’ve asked for is use of their lab and a squad car to be parked outside for the night.”
A knock on the door makes us all jump. Dad opens it up to find Sheriff Pippin. The sheriff and Agent Williams got to know each other pretty well after everything that happened last month and they greet each other warmly.
“Lock up and I’ll see you all in the morning,” Agent Williams says as he turns to go.
An awkward silence descends on the room once we’re left with Agent Parker. She forces a smile but she doesn’t look thrilled that she is being left behind to babysit.
It’s going to be a long night.
Rules for disappearing
by Witness Protection prisoner #18A7R04M:
Confine yourself to your living space as much as possible, especially at night. Remember, nothing good ever happens after midnight.
New rule by Anna Boyd:
After midnight can sometimes be the best part of the day. Just saying.
the first time in my life, Dad is letting a boy spend the night with me. Well, not “with me” with me, but in my house. Dad talked to Mr. Landry on the phone for a long time, about the break-in here and the possible break-in of Ethan’s truck. It was decided that Ethan would be safer here with Agent Parker and the patrol car outside just in case. There were many rules set down before Dad actually went to bed himself, but Ethan is here, sleeping in my room, while I’m bunking with Teeny.
Dad tried to give my room to Agent Parker, which totally creeped me out, but she declined, saying that she’d set up a spot in the den. I guess she’s like our night guard or something now.
It’s way past midnight and I’ve tossed and turned for the last hour. From the faint squeak I hear coming from the next room, so has Ethan. Inch by inch, I snake my way out of the bed. I creak open the door, listening for any sounds of Agent Parker, and I hear a faint snoring sound coming from the den. I can’t think about how much trouble I’ll be in if I’m caught.
Ethan jumps up in the bed as the door slowly opens. Even in the dim light, the smile that breaks across his face is hard to miss.
“Your dad will kill me if he finds you in here.”
I don’t answer, just tiptoe to the bed and crawl in under the covers. There’s only been one other night we’ve shared a bed, and that was in a questionable Motel 6 outside of Phoenix.
“He won’t come in here.” I hesitate for just a second before cuddling right up next to him. My head goes to his shoulder, his arm wraps around my waist and our legs tangle together.
We fit just right.
Ethan brings me in for a kiss and I lose myself in the safety that I have always found with him.
