Six months later
I parked my car beside Frankie's, excited to see he'd beaten me home. My cousin may have lost the best bookie, but Frankie gained a business partner. He'd kept me close to his side the last six months, but I'd slowly found my independence. I had to assume it was fifty percent fear I'd be kidnapped again and the other portion of him actually excited to be around me. The honeymoon phase wouldn't last forever, but I wanted to soak up every second. I'd given up my life and career in Chicago to be with Frankie, and so far, he'd made it worth it.
I stepped out of the car and hit the key fob to lock it. Frankie always laughed and said I didn't need to do such a thing in Pelican Bay, but I'd never get used to not locking a vehicle, even if it was in the garage. I still grew up
