Week 4/43

Liv POV

The American Justice System is as bad as I assumed it to be. I shouldn't be here and I knew that. It was complete bullshit and I was angry. That's pretty much the only emotion I felt since I walked through these doors.

Anger.

I felt degraded, looked down on, and near assaulted being stripped searched, patted down and given a half-assed physical before I was presented with a new "wardrobe" and shown where I'd call home for the next ten months.

"Pope, your physical came back all clear. You'll get another one in six months time if you're lucky."

I gave a nod and kept it moving. Like I said, the system wasn't shit. Four weeks for blood work to be sent back? Thank God I didn't have cancer or something. I internally complained but knew this place was better than others. This Institute wasn't as bad as your average prison that housed both male and female. They offered rehabilitating programs, and really tried to make sure you wouldn't end up back here. I also knew that I had it better than others. My account, or books as they referred to it was stacked full, my calling account was basically unlimited and as of right now I didn't have a roommate.

I peered out of my cell to look at the clock perched near the ceiling on my left. I smiled at the time. The guards should be coming around in five minutes to allow several of us our phone calls. The system they had in place worked well for those that could afford it. There were allotted time slots that you could choose daily for the phones hooked up to our accounts, and there was also a pay phone that could be used any time of day if we were outside of our cells. The pay phones only allowed collect calls that were higher than the usual rate and it was never a guarantee that you would get to it first with the amount of people trying to use it.

I'd lucked out and used it twice since I arrived a month ago. Both times I was near breaking down and needed to hear Fitz's voice before the walls came closing in. The first time was after my first night here. I did my best to stay strong and not cry myself to sleep because I didn't want to be seen as weak. I had no idea how people responded to tears here but every movie I'd ever seen made it clear that you don't cry in prison. The second time was during the first visitation that same week. I wasn't allowed visitors yet because I had to go through the approval process. I had to add names to my list of eighteen allowed visitors then the blank applications had to be mailed to them before they sent it back and waited for approval. I just received word yesterday that he and Huck were approved as visitors and was tremendously excited that he would be able to see me in just three days.

When it was near my call time, I went to the second phone from the right, the one I preferred, and began inputting the calling account number. It was several prompts later that I was able to enter Fitz's cell phone number from memory and waited patiently.

"It's me."

The second I heard him sigh, my heart stopped.

"Livvie?"

"Fitz! Hi."

"Hi. God, it's so good to….Daddy is that Livia? I wanna talk! …..Ceej, just wait a second okay? Remember I get the first two minutes, then you get ten, and the last three are for me."

I heard her protesting die off in the background and I could just picture her watching the clock to make sure she wasn't cheated out of her time.

"How are you baby? Are you safe? Are you hurt?"

"No I'm fine, I'm ok I promise. I'm ready to see you tomorrow."

"Oh you have no idea. I plan to get there early. Everything's all cleared right?."

"Yea, you're good to come. I was able to check in the system to make sure it was all approved. Make sure you just bring your ID. and keys inside. They don't allow anything else and if you have things that aren't allowed they might make you go home."

"I promise Livvie, just my keys and my ID."

I breathed a sigh of relief and smiled into the phone picturing him.

"I'm afraid of you seeing me like this."

"Like what?"

"A prisoner…disheveled. I can't really wash my hair, at least not with the products I need, that my hair is used to…. I'm sure I'll look different."

"You'll look just like my Livvie. I don't care what you look like, as long as I get to see you."

"One of the nice guards is covering visitations tomorrow… I heard they allow one quick hug when visitors arrive and one before they leave sometimes."

"That'll be nice if so but if not then it's still okay. As long as I can see you and tell you face to face that I love you, that's all that matters."

"Yea…"

"Are you eating? You get anything new from the.. the.."

"Commissary. You can just say it. And yes I have somethings from there. We might be able to hold hands on top of the table.. I don't know but.."

"Let's not stress about it, we will see tomorrow okay? My times up, I'll talk to you in a second."

I smiled as I heard shuffling and CJ's small feet stomping up the stairs before it all went silent.

"Hi Livia! I got Freckles with me to talk too! She says hi."

"Hi sweet girl, hi Freckles. How is she doing?"

"Good, she likes to sleep in my bed with me and she likes when we go to sleep in Daddy's bed too but he doesn't like it."

"He doesn't? Why not?"

I could only imagine how much Fitz hated the animal deep down.

"She likes to sleep on Daddy's face when we go to his bed. He hates it!"

I was happy to hear her laugh and it had only been a day.

"How was school today? Did you do your homework already?"

"I did some of it at the library but Daddy said I could finish the rest after we talked."

"Ok.. I miss you CJ and I'm really glad I got to talk to you today. Did you get my letter today?"

"Yes! I can't wait to read it, Livia. Daddy and me put our letters in our mailbox for Mr. Dave to pick them up and mail them to you."

I smiled knowing that they always read my letter before bed in lieu of bedtime stories.

"So tell me where you're going on your field trip next week?"

"It's the botanical gardens. Daddy said he's gonna come on the trip with my class. One day can you come to my field trips too? When you come back?"

I couldn't get her hopes up but I did promise to try and come to a field trip with her one day.

"Hi Livvie."

Hearing his voice sent a shiver through my body and I sighed contently. His voice was home for me.

"I miss you a lot. I'm really ready to see you tomorrow. "

"Me too. Have you been able to get the stuff you need from the… the place.."

"You can say commissary, Fitz, it's ok. And yes I have everything I need. Just the bare necessities they allow us to choose from."

"I wish it was the stuff you really wanted. The stuff you used."

"It's fine. I'm fine I promise, and I won't drink when you see me tomorrow."

I chuckled and listened as the automated operator informed us that we had one minute left until the call ended.

"What are you gonna do once we're done?"

"Probably go shower and wash my hair… I want to look somewhat presentable for you tomorrow so I might braid it so it can be curly. It won't be exactly how you like it, but it'll be ok."

"You could shave your head and look desirable to me, Livvie. I promise."

"I love you. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I love you too. I'll see you tomorrow, Livvie."

CJ POV

I miss Livia sleeping in the bed with us. Dad's bed never had someone else in it before, so it was weird at first when I saw Livia sleeping in his bed one night. I didn't know if I could still sleep in my dad's bed if someone else was already in it but Livia saw me and let me cuddle with her. She always let me cuddle with her when she was in my dad's bed and sometimes I got to cuddle with both of them.

I think my dad missed Livia like I did. He keeps saying her name even though his eyes are closed and he's sleeping. It's making me annoyed because I can't sleep when he's talking next to me.

"Daddy"

I pushed his shoulder but he didn't do anything. He was being lazy like he called me in the morning. I kicked my legs against him a few times before I kicked hard someplace that I don't think he liked.

"Shit! What the… CJ did you kick me?"

"I don't know."

"What did I say about kicking me when I'm asleep? Or kicking period?"

"I don't remember."

He was grouchy and I didn't like it. I had too many thoughts in my head and even in my heart. It was making me that hard word again.

"Why are you up? It's still dark outside Ceej."

"You woke me up!"

I was mad at him now.

"Oh so I get kicked by you but I woke you up?"

"You keep talking and you won't stop! You keep saying her name."

"Who's name?"

"Livia. Why do you keep saying her name? Is she in your dreams too?"

Fitz POV

I turned to face CJ, ignoring the throbbing in my junk that she nailed perfectly. She laid on her stomach and faced me, her little hands folded up under her head.

"I was dreaming of her. Do you dream about her?"

She nodded and I gently moved a lock of short hair behind her ear. She was quiet and I could only hope we could talk until she dozed back off. We both needed more rest.

"Sometimes."

"Do you wanna talk about it? How are you feeling about her being gone? It's been a month now since we've seen her. I know sometimes I get sad because I can't see her."

She nodded before reaching for one of my hands and bringing it to her back.

I smiled and began scratching the way she liked it.

"I miss Livia sleeping with us and her baking with me."

"Me too Ceej. She misses us too and wishes she could be with us."

"Daddy, when Livia comes back is she gonna live with us again?"

I cupped her cheek and rubbed my thumb along her soft skin. She looked like a baby right now and I was melting at how sweet she was being.

"She said she will Bug. I believe her."

"Will it be like before?"

"What do you mean?"

"Will we have to stay in the house when we play because people want to find her?"

She knew too much. Maybe not all of it, but more than I wish she did.

"No Bug, when Livia comes to stay with us we're gonna do it all."

She blinked sleepily several times before responding "like what daddy?"

I increased my scratching knowing she was fading fast and began telling her about everything that both Olivia and I wanted for our future together.

"We're gonna be able to take you to school and pick you up together. You and Olivia can go to the store together and go shopping if you guys want. You can have girl days together and on holidays we can travel together."

Her eyes had been closed for a while but I knew she was still partially there from the small rise of her cheeks as she drifted into dreamland.

"She's gonna be a big part of our lives, Bug."

"…like a mommy.."

I leaned forward and kissed her cheek, letting my lips rest there as I willed back the tears at her whispered words.

"Yea Ceej… like a mommy."

Fitz POV

I arrived early just as promised and locked my doors before stuffing the keys into my pocket.

I made my way through the large parking lot and finally into the front door where multiple security guards were stationed at a metal detector. I threw my keys on the conveyor belt and walked through when instructed before I was told where to sign in. I filled out all the necessary items before the lady behind the desk found my name and approved the visit.

The second I was given a visitors tag, I read the words "Pope Visitor 2" and was confused. Who else was here?

I moved faster down the hall into the waiting area and entered the room that held about fifteen other people. I breathed a sigh of relief when I spotted Huck sitting in the far back of the room alone.

"What's wrong? You never said you'd be here!"

It didn't surprise me that his demeanor didn't match mine. He was always so calm even when things were chaotic around us.

"I only decided to come this morning. Something happened and I need to leave town. Today. I wanted to let you and Liv know."

I looked around knowing that no one was paying attention to us but still cautious.

"What happened and where are you going?"

"My guy has pinpointed Jake and I need to get down there. He needs to flush him out but I have to be there when he does and take care of him for good. I wanted to tell Liv that I was leaving. I won't be in the way for your visit."

"It's fine I understand. Do you know how long you'll be gone?"

"No but once it's over I'll be back."

I nodded and we both sat quietly and waited.

"I umm...CJ has a picture for you. At the house. She made it."

"Why?"

I knew he wasn't expecting it but my daughter who had met the somber man only once had given me a picture days ago that she'd drawn.

"This is for Livia's brother"

"Who?"

"Huck. I think he's her brother cause she said her friend Huck protectors her and my friend said a big brother's job is to protect you. And he can be her brother even though they don't have the same skin cause it doesn't matter."

I hadn't thought she really remembered him nor did I realize Olivia had mentioned him before. He'd only been in the house a couple times when CJ was there but mostly kept out of site. He had once worked quickly on his laptop for all of eight minutes mumbling about a trace that was near completion. The second he lost the signal, he packed up and left.

"Why'd you make him a picture?"

She shrugged before focusing on me again.

"He looks super sad so maybe it'll make him happy a little bit. He probably misses Livia like we do."

"She thinks you're Liv's brother and figures you miss her like we do."

I shrugged and watched as he thought over the words.

"Ok."

Neither of us spoke to one another and all was silent as the room filled with anxious visitors. It seemed like hours had passed by the time an officer instructed us to follow him to the visitation room. Four families or single visitors were let in at a time and I assumed it was for the guards to be able to see everyone and control their exchange. We were the fourth group that went in and I immediately spotted her on the far right corner standing up and fidgeting.

Liv POV

He really came. I knew he said he would but I didn't want to get my hopes up in case he changed his mind. I smiled, a real, joyful smile when my name had been called, verifying that I did in fact have a visitor signed in. They had gone over the rules and the only ones I focused on were the hugs we were allowed for no more than ten seconds at the start and finish of the hour, and the hand holding we were allowed.

When the visitors began to flood in, our names were called as they walked in and we were allowed to stand up but not move from our tables. The second he was getting close, I eyed Guard Curtis, the guard I preferred to be around and she nodded her head knowing that I always double checked with her before anything. I had a real fear of being reprimanded and I surely didn't want anything to happen and Fitz to witness it.

The second Fitz was in front of me, my arms went around his neck and my face was burrowed into him just as quickly. I did my best to savor every millisecond while also counting in my head. His strong body against mine, the way his arms gripped my waist tightly, one diagonal on my back as he cupped the back of my head and neck. He smelled just like I remembered and I so badly wanted to hold him long enough to keep his smell on me even once he left. I felt a quick brush of his lips against my ear as he whispered I love you, and I returned the gesture and words before time was up.

Guard Curtis had cleared her throat and let out a simple "Pope" before I pulled away and mouthed "sorry" in her direction.

We both moved to sit at the table and it was only then that I noticed Huck was trailing behind him.

"Huck! Hi, I didn't know you would be here."

"Hi Liv. I didn't mean to intrude on your first visit. I'm sorry. I need to tell you something."

His gaze was averted, his eyes barely meeting mine and even though I was afraid of what he'd say, I wanted to smile at the familiarity of it all. I'd missed him too.

He sat down next to Fitz and didn't beat around the bush as usual. He just came right out with it and let us both know he'd have someone he trusted watching the house. Huck never gave us a timeframe for anything but I knew he would be in touch as much as he could. Huck basically was silent from then on, allowing myself and Fitz to speak.

"Is she doing ok? Nothing's changed?"

"Yes she's good. Still keeping her same grades, dragging her feet each morning to school …"

"Eating the same?"

"Still demanding pizza or Chick-fil-A for every meal with orange juice."

I laughed, relieved to hear that CJ was still the same and hadn't been ruined by my leaving. I was silent for a few seconds not wanting to ask my next question but also not able to get it off the tip of my tongue.

"What is it Livvie?"

"Does she miss me?"

Fitz POV

"Is she obsessed with Olsen Twin movies?"

She laughed, producing one of those heart stopping Olivia Pope smiles that made my knees weak.

"Yes she misses you. Tremendously. We read your letters at bedtime each night and I always catch her re-reading them to Freckles as though he understand.."

"He does understand."

"See now you sound like her. She swears the cat listens to her every word. She's tried to get me to call the school and ask her teacher to have a Show and Tell day just so she can show him off to everyone."

"Fitz, you know Freckles is a girl."

"Freckles is a cat."

"She'd be so frustrated with you right now."

"She would." I agreed, squeezing her hands, wanting so badly to kiss them, to kiss her period.

"How are you, Livvie? Are you sleeping more? Eating enough? I know what my thoughts are but don't want to jump to conclusions."

She looked afraid at the sudden change in the air. We weren't talking about CJ anymore. I was inquiring about her well-being in this place. I didn't want to her to close up and not express herself.

"Hey, I can see it. Please talk to me."

Olivia glanced at the guard to our right before grabbing a hold of my hands that were resting on the table. I glanced at the guard, not wanting either of us to get trouble. I realized she was allowing it, and eyed the other tables where loved ones were holding hands atop the table. When I looked back at Olivia, her eyes were glossy and she was biting her bottom lip.

"I miss you."

"I know Livvie, I…"

"No you don't."

She released my hand for just a second, wiping her building tears from her eyes before we were touching again.

"I miss you Fitz. I miss me with you. I miss your kisses and you holding me. I umm.. I miss my family. You and CJ."

I prayed I didn't get kicked out and took it upon myself to wipe the tears that spilled onto her cheeks.

"Baby you have no idea. I wish I could tell you what I'm missing right now but it's highly inappropriate."

I got a chuckle out of her and considered that a win.

For the next thirty minutes we talked. We held hands and did our best to block out the murmurs from everyone surrounding us. Huck paid us no mind, literally facing away from us and looking as though he'd rather be anywhere else. I was able to get her to open up to me now that we were in person and had an hour to spend face to face. She told me what she did everyday and what her daily schedule consisted of. Her favorite thing was being in the library and consuming medical literature every chance she could. She let me know that she'd already read the majority of what they had and it felt like she was back in school again. I knew how much she wanted to be back in a hospital working and hoped I could give that to her one day.

We received a five minute warning from the guards around us and I squeezed her hands tightly against mine.

"Make sure you check the mail when you get home."

"Oh believe me, CJ makes sure we don't miss a single letter you send."

"Yea but this one is for you."

"Me?"

"Well yea, I sent CJ's letter like I always do but I wrote one just for you too."

I'm not sure what it was about the way she suddenly became anxious but it intrigued me. It was a glimpse of my Livvie being coy except she wasn't fully being herself because of our surroundings.

"Don't look at me like that, it's just a letter, Fitz. Will you write back?"

"Of course I will. I'll write you everyday if you want. Knowing CJ couldn't see you I figured I'd let the letters be something for just the two of you but I would love to write you as well."

"That would be nice. I'd re-read them just like I do with CJ's. Can you tell her I have her pictures taped up? Right by my bed."

"Yea"

A loud sound was heard as the guards simultaneously banged on the wall with their guard ticks and let them know time was up.

"One hug and step away."

Olivia glanced at Huck and moved to hug him quickly before stepping away and moving into my arms. I counted to five in my head, inhaling her scent and sneaking a kiss against her neck, before she was out of my arms and a foot away from me.

"I love you"

Her voice was only a whisper and I told her that I loved her too before she was lining up behind the rest of the women.

Then she was gone.

Fitz POV

"You sure you wanna go Bug? I think you'll be fine, it if not, it's ok. I'm not making you, okay? It has to be your decision."

My voice carried across the hall and into her bedroom where she was supposed to be getting dressed in her night clothes. I was leaned over her tub cleaning the faint ring around the porcelain. My kid was dirty after playing hard in the backyard and I was ultimately paying for it. She had also taken her precious time and it was nearing forty-five minutes past her bedtime and she was driving me crazy with her snails' pace.

"And you better be getting dressed! There's lotion on your bed for a reason, use it."

"Did Livia tell you to tell me that? I thought only she used lotion?"

I could only roll my eyes at her assumption.

"She made me realize that apparently I've been neglecting your skin care needs so you're using lotion from now on. Hurry up Ceej. And answer me. Do you really wanna go or not?"

"I guess so. I miss Grandma."

I leaned up and cracked my back. Shit that hurt! I ran the cold water and began rinsing the dirt and suds away. Once I was satisfied with my work, I dried my hands and walked into CJ's room.

At least she had on underwear.

"She misses you too but understands if you don't want to go. She just wants you to know that she can't come up and visit for the next two weekends so you either have to go there or wait a couple weeks to see her."

I reached into her bottom drawer and pulled the out the newly washed pajamas I knew she'd want. She had recently only been wearing the set of pajamas that Olivia had picked out for her and I found it a bit endearing. I found myself constantly washing the clothes more than I had in the past.

"Pants, Bug."

She obeyed and dropped the envelope that had her name written in beautiful cursive. I knew she was eager to see Olivia's letter and I was itching to get to mine as well. The first thing I did when I got home was stalk our mailman until he gave up the goods.

"I do wanna go. It's boring here on the weekend."

She struggled to get into the tight fitting top and looked at me for help.

"Yea, yea. Get under the covers so we can start your letter."

She eagerly followed those directions and I moved to lie next to her before opening the letter and helping her read it aloud.

My Sweet Girl CJ,

How are you sweet girl? I hope you're doing well and that you've had a good day at school. I also hoped your dad picked you up on time and wasn't late. If he was, try to go easy on him ok? He's kinda old :) I've had a pretty good day. I was able to go for a walk and read a few books in the library. I read a really good article on a little girl that went to college at the age of thirteen. She was kind of a genius so it was really cool to read all about her.

What kind of books have you been reading? Be sure to tell me when you write back please. Are you excited for your field trip next week? The Botanical Gardens and Zoo sounds like fun. I'm sure it'll be a really long day and I know your dad can't wait to chaperone. He's probably making a face right about now reading this, but he knows it's the truth. He's got a soft spot for penguins so make sure he gets to see them. Don't forget to remind your daddy about the seeds for the peach tree. Make sure the area isn't covered where we planted them and read through the book so he remembers how to take care of them.

How's your grandma? Next time you see her, tell her I said hi and give her a big hug for me. The next time your daddy comes to see me, I'm going to send him back with a hug for you okay? Brace yourself cause it'll be a big one! I really miss you sweet girl and think about you every day. I can't wait until I receive your next letter and picture. Each time you send one, I hang it up next to my bed. I love you CJ.

Livia.

My little girl was all smiles as she turned onto her side and cuddled under the covers next to me. Her eyes were closing every few minutes

"Read it again, Daddy."

These letters were the highlight of my daughter's day. I loved that she wanted to read each letter twice before bed. At least most nights. Sometimes she just wanted me to read it once, then read over it herself. She preferred the sound of my soothing voice reading Olivia's words before she could look over it herself and drift off to sleep.

I did my usual security check that became second nature, including going through the extra security Huck implemented around my home. When everything was secure I took a quick shower before jumping in bed and pulling out my letter from Olivia. If I was able to close my eyes and read at the same time, I'd be able to hear her voice.

My letter was much longer than CJ's. She had many questions for me, a lot of answers to things she knew I wanted to know about how she was doing. She broke down in the letter. Writing words that I knew made her cry, words that broke my heart but were honest.

It's not as bad during the day but at night when I get into bed I feel the walls closing in. I feel like I hyperventilate every night. It's no bigger than your bathroom and I feel like I'm suffocating when the lights go out. Sometimes I can't sleep because I can hear what I call the sounds of the night. Some whisper to each other, one sings. A lady about seven cells down cries each night but everyone can hear her because she's so loud. The woman next to me breaks my heart the most. She has night terrors and screams out each night. She's yelling for help in her nightmares and all I can do it pray that she stops. Pray that I'm able to sleep through it all and make it another day.

I hate it here Fitz. They tell me when to wake up, when to sleep. When to eat, what to eat. They dictate everything and I feel like I might go crazy from doing this day in and day out.

I miss you Fitz. I miss being home.

She felt like a prisoner, controlled and less than and I hated it for her. There wasn't anything I could do to make it better and I hated it.

The next page was lighter. Certain things she wrote made me laugh. Some of the jokes she told were extremely corny and I laughed out loud because they were so her. The remainder of that page was light but when I reached the next page the tone completely shifted gears.

I paused on several words she'd written, not able to convince myself to move on after such open words.

She missed me.

I mean I knew she missed me, she said it on the previous page…. But now she was saying that she missed me. She was spelling it out.

All I can think of most nights is the first night you made love to me with your mouth. I dreamed about it yesterday and woke up sweating. At first I thought I might have been moaning out loud but no one seemed to hear me. I'm shocked because I could feel you. I turned over and imagined you were up close behind me. I miss the way you'd bite my shoulder and my neck. The last time we made love you felt so good. So big. God you were so big. I hate how much I miss having you inside me. The way you squeeze me and pull me closer onto you. God it's so good. It's almost suffocating in the best way. I miss you Fitz. I wish I could feel your….

SHIT!

Without thinking I was rummaging through my top drawer searching for something of hers. Anything. Something that felt like my Livvie. Seconds later I was locked in the bathroom with a pair of her panties, fisting myself. Her letter made me hard and as I read it only got worse. Knowing that she was missing us, missing me, paired with the soft lace in my hand,had pre-cum moistening my palm. I ran on auto pilot, reaching for a squirt of lotion before closing my eyes and working myself over. I could hear her voice in my ear just as clearly as I had the last time we made love. The last time she rode me like it was her life's mission. Her smooth thighs were wrapped around me again, trembling before stilling as she did her best to squeeze me to eruption. I struggled to brace myself against the counter as I came hard, grunting her name as I spilled down my fingers.

I was slow to clean up. I had been a while since I took care of myself that way and I needed to catch my breath. As soon as I caught my breathe, I cleaned up quickly, anxious to actually finish my letter. I wondered if Olivia knew I'd take a deliberate break from reading. If she knew the impact her words would have on me. I continued reading, being sure to pause and re-read certain sentences that touched me. She thanked me countless times for believing in her and not giving up on her. She didn't mention the appeal that we were waiting to hear back on but I knew she was referring to that. I wouldn't stop fighting for her freedom.

She told me to expect letters from now on when CJ's arrived and hoped that was okay. She ended her letter by telling me how much she loved me and as crazy as it sounded, I felt it.

I felt all of her love.

Now I was tired, completely spent from my long day but it didn't matter because I had a one track mind now. I climbed out of bed and moved blindly down the hall and into my office, switching the desk light on.

I needed to write my Livvie back.

My Sweet, Sweet Livvie,

You are in so much trouble...

Four Days Later

Liv POV

He didn't answer. I turned to see the clock behind me, making sure I wasn't going crazy. It was three-fifteen, our normal call time but he didn't answer. I looked at the guard and hung up knowing I only had one more attempt before I'd be sent back to my cell. I took my time dialing the memorized numbers and silently prayed as the phone rang.

And rang.

And rang.

"Livvie?"

My heart raced, wondering if I had imagined his voice or if it was actually him.

"Fitz?"

"I'm here. I'm sorry I didn't answer… I umm.. I'm sorry. I was on the other line."

Something was wrong. He didn't sound like himself and CJ wasn't fighting him for the phone which meant she wasn't there.

Something was off.

"What's going on? Who were you on the phone with? Is CJ okay?"

"It was Huck…he found Jake."