JAMIESON
Watching the act in slow motion, seeing the bullet, seeing the stain on his shirt and the shock on his face when he realized I had more balls than he gave me credit for, that was worth it in the end. Will I have nightmares about it at some point in my life? No. I feel at peace that his life was forfeit when he shot his own family with the intention to kill.
As his body slumped to the floor, I knew it was over. Thankfully, they were now safe. Dropping the gun, I race to Carli’s side, skidding to a stop on the floor. “Carli,” I say, touching her face. She doesn’t move. Feeling for her pulse on her neck, I notice it’s faint. “Miori, go wait for help. I’ve got her.”
“Just keep your hand here,” she says. Placing my hand over the wound, Miori quickly runs off.
Looking at Carli’s pallid color, I talk to her, hoping she hears me. “Hey, Katana. You can’t bug out, lady. Who the fuck is going to give me a hard time? No one. And you can’t train this child to do the same thing if you both die on me. So get your shit together.” Tears threaten the corners of my eyes. I can’t fathom the idea of her gone and taking our best chance at a wonderful future with her.
“You know you have this fucked up way of getting under my skin, tossing my insides into knots and lighting a fire that I can’t bank.” Brushing stray hairs from her face, I kiss her cheek. “I would give up the snow for you. I’d live in stinky warm LA, just so you can have your bullshit quinoa salads and froufrou water systems. I’d even move here and cramp myself into a tiny apartment, being eyeballed as a giant. Just for you, Carli. Just for you.
“You know I haven’t been with anyone since you left me. I couldn’t. I tried to get on with life, but none of the girls compare. You are one fucked up woman, and you messed me up. I’m wrecked, and only you can fix it. So you can’t go. Show me how stubborn you are by living.” Kissing her over and over, telling her stupid shit, speaking about dumb antics I suspect she’ll pull me into in the future, I babble to keep her with me.
When the medics come in, I don’t even notice them until one appears at my side. Ushering me away, I watch in a detached way as they work to save her life and our child. It may sound cruel, but if the baby dies and my Carli lives, I’ll live the rest of my life making it up to her. But she has to live for me to do that.
Once they feel she’s stable, and Kano is situated, the medics move them out. Turning to Miori, they talk in Japanese. I watch, unable to understand. As they head out the door with her two sisters, she nods her approval as they’re whisked away.
“They’re taking them to Osaka General. It’s a great facility. We should go tell your family what’s going on before we head out.”
“Fuck. I forgot they don’t know what’s going on.” Normally, I’m more on top of that stuff.
Rushing down the hall in the opposite direction of the medics, Miori talks somberly. “She’ll be okay. I don’t have to tell you my sister is as stubborn as a mule.”
“You have that right.” I agree.
“She’ll live, because to die would be to give in. Kaori never gives in.”
Moving quickly down the hall, the two of us quickly become silent. There’s no need to talk about her uncle or the other two men dead on the floor. They’re not important. All that matters is that her family is safe. Her sisters are in good hands.
Stepping into the main hall, I find Circe alone at the table. As Miori walks off to deal with a call, I think of how to explain it in a way that we can leave quickly.
“What’s going on?” Our faces must show stress, as her question is teeming with concern.
“Carli and Kano were shot. They’re on their way to the hospital in Osaka. Where is everyone?” I ask. My mind swims with worry for Carli, but there’s nothing more I can do right now except hope for the best.
“Wyatt’s in the room resting, and the other two went to check out the mountain trails.” Stepping up to me, she hugs me with her good arm. “I’ll go wake him up.”
“No, you stay here. Miori and I are going to grab the other chopper. We’ll call you if there’s any change.” I turn to leave. “It’s best you stay away from the other wing of the building for a bit, though, Circe. There’ll be police all over it. And tell that ex-cop of my sisters to stay clear too.”
“Yeah, got it. But don’t think Wyatt and China will stay here long. Expect us to be hot on your heels.”
Coming over to where we are, Miori pockets her phone. “The chopper is ready to go. We need to leave, Jamieson.”
Moving away from Circe, heading out the door as quickly as I can, over my shoulder I yell, “I’ll let you know when I have news, Circe.”
Striding away, Miori leads us out to the chopper pad where the waiting bird is running. Thinking about everything that’s going on, my thoughts are scattered, and yet succinct. I may not have thought through to the end of my life, but I’ve just figured out that Carli is the woman for me.
Without her, I’d still be whoring my way through girls. And very, very alone.
To lose another will absolutely crush me.