The two friends checked each other for injuries, as soon as they returned to their hotel suite. They were badly bruised; especially Matt, but, other than that, they were in good physical condition. Bruce took a quick shower and stepped out on the balcony, with a bottle of beer in his hands, whereas Matt lay in the couch and turned on the TV, still too tense to go to bed. Finally alone, he had an ideal chance to relax and think about Melissa.

“Hey, sweetheart. It’s me. I cheated death tonight. Damn, that was a close call. But, we did it. I hope what you said in that letter is true. God, I wish you were here. I’d really love it if you were in my arms tonight. Listen to the waves, drink some wine…”

The doorbell snapped him out of his thoughts. It was Julia. As soon as he answered the door, she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you.” She whispered. “That pendant means a lot to me.”

“Well, you should be thanking us.” He remarked. “We almost got killed tonight.”

“What?!” She exclaimed, leaning back.

“Yeah, the Mexicans weren’t happy to see us. Well, one of them at least.” Bruce elaborated. “Care for a drink?”

“No, thanks. I’m good.” Julia smiled. “Where is it?”

“On the balcony. Follow me.” Bruce winked at her. Proud of himself that he had done what she had requested, he smiled to himself, as he picked it up from the small table.

“Here.” He said, handing the box over to her.

“Oh, my God.” She whispered, opening the box. “Thank you so much.”

“I hope your partner’s insurance covers bullet holes.” Bruce laughed. “The driver window is broken, too.”

“Don’t worry about Jeffrey. I’ll talk to him.” Julia stated. “I’m sorry I put you guys in danger. Melissa will cut my head off me if she finds out.”

“Why me, Ms. Heath?” He smirked at her. “You could have asked a local thug to do it. Why didn’t you do that? Would it cost too much?”

Right away, it became clear to Bruce that his questions put her in a difficult position. Her smile was wiped off her face. Julia turned her gaze to the sea and took a few, slow steps towards the edge of the balcony.

“I got priors.” She confessed with a deep, heavy sigh. “I don’t have a PI license. I couldn’t get one. Jeffrey does. Technically…” She paused and turned to him. “I work for him.”

“Priors?” He wondered. “What did you do?”

“I used to be a cat burglar.” Julia spoke in a firm tone. “One of the best in the State. But, I got arrested three years ago. I’m still on parole.”

“I’ll be damned.” Bruce laughed, shaking his head sideways. “Does Melissa know about this?”

“Of course she does.” She replied.

“Why didn’t she say anything about you?” He interjected one more question. “I mean, you said you were close.”

“I had a feeling you’d ask me that.” Julia claimed. “We spent two hours on the phone this morning, talking about you. Bruce, you guys went out for what, three days? Do you really think that she would talk about her outlaw cousin?”

“Why shouldn’t she?” Bruce wouldn’t let up.

“Because she wasn’t thinking about anything else other than you.” She spoke in a calm, steady tone. “I’ve known Melissa all my life. She’s never, ever sounded so happy.”

“Ok, call her.” He urged.

“What?” Her voice got high-pitched.

“I said call her.” Bruce insisted.

“It’s half past midnight!” Julia exclaimed.

“Do it.” He commanded.

“Fine.” She reluctantly agreed. Julia then pulled her cell phone out of her purse and obliged him.

“Yeah?” Melissa answered her phone with a raspy voice.

“Hey, girl. It’s Julia. Sorry to wake you. It looks like your boyfriend doesn’t believe me. Can you talk to him?”

“It’s ok. Bruce is there with you?”

“Yeah.”

Julia approached Bruce and handed her phone over to him. He glanced at her and then at the screen of the device, regretting that he ever doubted her. Bruce squeezed his lips, as he took the cell phone in his hand.

“Melissa? Is that you?”

“Heyyy!” She sang. “How are you? Is everything ok?”

“Yeah. What about you?”

“I miss you, baby.” Her response put a smile on his face.

“I miss you, too. Go back to sleep. I’m sorry about this. Goodnight.”

“Sweet dreams.”

“Damn it.” Bruce hummed. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’d probably do the same.” Julia claimed. “Remember what I said to you this morning?”

“Which part?”

“That Melissa told me everything.” She said. “About you, your MC, your past… Everything. Ok, maybe she shouldn’t have, but you’ve become her favorite topic. I can’t blame her.”

“And?”

“And if you want my opinion…” Julia drew in a deep breath. “You should go get her. She’s not happy. Honestly? I don’t think she ever will be.”

“She asked me to leave!” Bruce cried.

“Yeah, because she wanted to protect you!” She replied. “Look.” She sucked in yet another deep breath. “Just think about it, ok?”

“I’ve been racking my brain to come up with a solution, Julia.” Bruce said with a sigh. “Every possible scenario ends with me getting killed or hurting people. She doesn’t want that. Neither do I.”

“How the hell did you do it?” She asked, stunning him. Bruce had no idea what she was talking about.

“Do what?”

“She’s in love with you. How did you get her to fall in love with you so fast?” Julia wondered.

“I don’t know.” Bruce shrugged his shoulders. “Everything happened really fast.”

“Anyway, thanks again. I should get going.” She said.

“Please don’t go just yet.” He requested. “You said you guys grew up together. I’d like to hear a story. Any story would do.”

“Well, here’s one reason why she fell in love with you.” A big smile spread across her face. “You’re a good talker. Maybe some other time, though? Jeffrey’s on his way over. He’ll be in the parking lot; in case you need anything. Go get some sleep. Goodnight.”

As much as Bruce wanted to hear a story from Melissa’s childhood, he would not press Julia any further. She seemed tired; exhausted even. The adrenaline rush had faded; he could hardly keep his eyes open. Joe Sanders’ plan to rob the three armored trucks the following night flashed through his mind. But not even that was enough to keep him awake. Bruce lay on the couch, as Julia shut the door behind her. With Melissa’s image on his mind, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.