After my father regained his footing, we pulled together and got the boat onto the sand just out of reach of the water. I collapsed onto my back, brea...hing hard, staring up at the blue sky. Where were the clouds that had killed two people I knew and almost my entire family?I rose up on my elbows to see Dad kneeling inside the boat. I clambered to my feet, rotating my sore shoulders, and stared at Dad stroking Mom's face. He shook her shoulder. He whispered to her. She didn't seem to notice. I. You need to get into the city. You’ve got 45 minutes.”“What time is it, Jerry?”“It’s 2:30. You have to be at the IHOP on Commerce at 3:15. This is very sensitive, Jake. If you’re not on time, Caldwell won’t wait for you. He’s putting himself in a dangerous position as it is.”“Is it just us?”“Yes, I had an intermediary set up the meeting, but there’s no reason for him to be there.”“Any last-minute instructions?”“No. Yes. You know what’s at stake, Jake. If he wants to bolt, I’ll find a hole for. Michelle, being shot. Michelle was gone. He tried to shoot to his feet but fell back, gasping in pain. He had to move. He had to get up and get out of here.He looked down at his side, at his shoulder. They were covered in dark red blood. Okay, he wasn't going to be running out of here right this minute. He managed to make it to his knees and using the bed, crawled slowly around to where his phone was on the dresser. He grabbed a hold of the cord, pulling until it fell on the floor. He grabbed. I suppose you have no idea why you have made me so upset.” “No, Sir, I do not,” I respond, take a breath and begin again. “Sir, I don’t recall what I could have possibly done. I had all my chores done. I was to be nowhere today. I only had my playing with myself or having someone else play with me privileges revoked. I did not do any of that. Sweets was the only one that was touched, the only touching she did was kiss me. I was very sure so I would not get in to trouble. I would never….”.