At the next junction, I stopped and scanned my surroundings. There was no one in sight. I quickly unwrapped Jaime and took out the portable traveling box.
I rummaged through my bag and found a big sweater for Jaime to wear. I also took out a pair of socks to keep his feet warm.
It was midday and we still had a long way to go before reaching the next train station.
"Jaime, it will be over soon," I whispered to my baby as I put on the socks, holding one small leg after another.
Jaime cooed happily and I smiled. Despite my fear and terror, I was determined to keep him safe.
Later in the evening, we came across a medium-sized motel. Last night, we had to stay in a hotel. I still had some money left, so it was easy for us to find a place to stay. But in a few more days, it will be more difficult due to the lack of money and other basic needs. It's not easy to travel with a child while evading the cops.
I walked into the reception; constantly looking back to make sure no one was following us. After paying for a room, I rushed to the room and locked the door behind me.
I was relieved to be in the safety of the room, but my heart sank as I saw the rashes again on Jaime's face. I took him into the bathroom and ran a warm bath. My mind was racing, but I talked to Jaime, even though he couldn't understand me. He always brightens my day with his cheerful demeanor, despite our difficult circumstances.
After bathing Jaime, I fed him and he went to sleep. Breastfeeding always reminds me of my drunkard, and the help he provided me. I don't know when I started referring to him as that, but the name had already stuck in my mind.
I've come to the conclusion that he was right about what he said. We will never see each other again, especially now that I'm a thousand miles away from the house he gave me. I silently wished him well wherever he may be.
Tonight, however, Jaime didn't go to sleep right after feeding. Instead, he played with the buttons on my shirt and made meaningless sounds. I took this opportunity to talk to him, even though he couldn't understand. He's the only real thing in my life, and I'll do anything to make sure he survives and never grows up with a man like Ludale McCully.
Xazix Dantes was sound asleep when he heard a male familiar voice speaking with his housekeeper, and then the door of his bedroom opened and his friend, Petra, entered. Xazix had intended to ignore Petra and get some much-needed rest, but his friend wouldn't be ignored.
"Come on, Xax," Petra tossed a pillow at his face.
Despite his initial reluctance, Xazix eventually woke up and grudgingly got out of bed.
"You better have a good reason for this, Petra," Xazix grumbled as he rose.
"Don't worry, I do," Petra reassured him.
In the living room, Xazix slumped onto the couch and took a long sip of his wine. He gazed at Petra, who had just told him something absurd.
"Say that again," Xazix said, staring intently at his wineglass.
"The COO of PetroLion Inc., Ludale McCully, is in need of a professional bounty hunter to find his wife and baby, who had ran away," Petra explained.
"What does that have to do with me?" Xazix arched his brow.
Petra shifted uncomfortably. "You know, Xax. You're a professional bounty hunter. I was never as good as you. You were the top hunter in the colony."
Xazix said nothing, mainly because he knew Petra was right and because he didn't want to talk about his past as a bounty hunter.
Six years ago, Xazix left home and became a professional hunter. If someone had a missing person with a bounty on their head, all they had to do was hire him, and the person was either found or executed. For four years, he never failed a mission, which was why he was the best in the business.
However, two years ago, at the age of twenty-six, Xazix retired from bounty hunting for personal reasons and returned home. Now 28 and ready to become the CEO of Dantes Airlines after private training for it, Xazix still misses his job as a hunter.
Bringing himself back to the present, Xazix asked Petra, "What makes you think I'll take this job?" after several minutes of silence.
His friend faced him with pleading eyes. "You're the only one who can help me, Xax. I really need your help. You know I just opened my security agency, and getting approval won't be easy. But with Billionaire Baron on my side, it would be a huge plus."
"You already have Dantes Airlines on your side," Xazix reminded his friend.
Petra smiled mischievously, "But, the more the merrier, don't you think?"
Xazix couldn't argue that, but he shook his head. "I quit that job two years ago. I can't just pick it up again."
"Even for me?" His friend pouted, looking hurt.