Promises

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute to the strong."

-Gandhi

So that was it, end of story, no more running no more fighting I had failed. I had failed the woman I loved and our child. It's bad enough that she left, no I had forced her out of my life but to force her to die that is unforgivable. She hadn't chosen this she hadn't chosen to leave her son motherless at the age of 4, she hadn't chosen a life with a husband, a father for her son who was never home, who spent more time with his co-workers then his family, whatever she had… she hadn't signed up for it but she took it never-the-less. She took it until that final bullet rang in earsplitting silence. So now I was doing the only thing I could to repay her I was keeping my promise. I flashed back to her words her final words and her final request from me…

"Mommy hug me too tight!" I heard over the phone I could not stop the tears from flowing now.

"I'm sorry" Hailey replied love and tears filling her voice I couldn't stand it I pushed my foot a little harder on the gas peddle.

"Why are you sad?" Jack asked confusion clear in his scrambled up words and high pitched voice.

"I just love you SO much." Now incapable of holding back the pain and fear in her voice she needed him to know that. She knew there was no hope left.

"Mommy I gotta go Im workin da case!" jack insisted he had no clue what was happening and that was for the best.

"Ok." Was all Hailey could muster as I heard Jacks feet trample against the ground. I could only hope he understood. I had to get there I couldn't let this happen they didn't deserve this they didn't even put themselves in this mess…I did but I lost all hope when I herd Foyets voice in the background.

"He's so cute! He's like a little junior G-man." I could hear Hailey's sniffles and low whimpers. "I'll be right up Jackie boy!" Foyet yelled I had to do everything in my power not to break down that would mean he won.

"is he gone?" was all I could say I couldn't let Jack be near this man for any longer and I needed to talk to Hailey.

"Yes." She replied

"You're so strong Hailey, you're stronger then I ever was!" It was true what she was doing was amazing and I needed her to hear that, I was all she had right now.

"You'll hurry right?" Her words brought fresh tears to my eyes I had to keep her calm I had to let her know that she was incredible.

"I know you didn't sign on for this-"I started,

"Neither did you." She finished it pushed me over the edge my vision becoming blurred with tears.

"I'm sorry for everything." That was all I could say I knew I wouldn't get there in time for her and she knew it too, but I'd be damned if I didn't get there for Jack.

"Promise me that you will tell him how we met. How you used to make me laugh,"

"Hailey…"was all I could say.

"He needs to know that you weren't always so serious Aaron." She struggled to get her last words out. "I want him to believe in love because it is the most important thing, but you need to show him, PROMISE ME." She pushed what else could I do I couldn't think anymore I was blank.

"I promise"

Bang