“I suggest you start tonight. Jump on the computer and see what it takes to apply to the FBI.”
I did and discovered a bachelor’s degree, which I didn’t have, was a requirement.
Reynolds asked, “What about the local police? I’m sure they have a division that deals with this or the county sheriff’s department? Or a U.S. Marshall?”
I checked the U.S. Marshall website and it was the same as far as the degree went. Then I thought about it. But Reynolds was on the same track as I was.
“You know that little contract your parents wanted you to sign?”
“Um, yeah. I’m at the end of the rope there. I have until the end of the month and I have to move out.”
“How much more school do you need to get your degree?”
I scoffed. “At least two years, depending where I go and if my credits transfer. I wasted so much time and their money.”
“Do it. Finish. Then apply to the agency of your choice. In the meantime, volunteer somewhere.”
She may have something. Mom and Dad would be thrilled if I did this. “Where?”
“Where what?”
“Where should I go?”
She clapped her hands. “Here! Atlanta. You could even live with us. We have all this room and half the time, no one’s here. Of course, I’d have to check with Brax, but I’m sure he’d agree.”
This could work out great, if my brother agreed, and if Mom and Dad would pay my tuition. If they didn’t, I’d have to take out student loans.
“What school?”
She rattled off a couple, so I checked. “These two look great and one even has a major in criminal justice. What if Brax says no to me living here?”
A devious expression came over her face. “I have my ways of persuading him.”
Out came my hand again. “Stop. That’s my brother. Spare me the details.”
“Gah, Acer, you really are cute when you blush.”
“Only when I blush?”
She elbowed me in the ribs. “Stop fishing for compliments. Go call your parents and see what they say. I’ll call Brax.”
Mom and Dad were ecstatic after I explained everything.
Dad even went so far as to say, “Son, I’m proud of you for what you did.”
“But Dad, it was Reynolds who told me to call the FBI.”
“Still, you did it, and you’re going to fulfill a goal, which makes your mother and me extremely happy.”
It was the first time in years I’d heard him say anything like that. Of course, I hadn’t deserved those words at all before. I never asked for them but it was sure nice to hear, coming from him. I had great respect for both of my parents but I hadn’t acted like it in the past.
“Mom, Dad, I just want you to know how sorry I am for being such a screwup. Tonight made me realize how lucky I am to have parents like you two. I never let you know how much I appreciated you before but from now on, I will. I was a fool and an idiot. I plan on rectifying that though and making something of my life.”
“Acer, honey, we’ve always loved you. We’re just glad you’re finding your way,” Mom said.
My eyes filled with tears and I swiped them away before they had a chance to escape. “Thanks, Mom, Dad. I love you both more than I can say. I don’t deserve you.”
“Son, stop saying that. We knew you’d come around. We’re happy you finally did,” Dad said.
I told them I was going to apply to the local colleges tomorrow but I’d keep them informed on things.
When I went back to the kitchen, Reynolds was there, grinning. “Hey there, roomie.” Then she held out a fist. I bumped it as she jumped in the air.
“He’s sure about this?”
“Brax is actually happy. He’s glad there’ll be someone here when we’re gone and someone with me when he’s away.”
“Cool! Tomorrow, I fill out the applications, then head back to Mom and Dad’s to pack my stuff.”
“Acer, I bet they were excited.”
My eyes watered again. I blinked several times to stop the overflow so I didn’t look like a big-ass sissy. “Yeah, they were. I hope I can make them proud of me like they are the rest of the family.”
“They will be. They love you, you know.”
“Yeah, but I’ve been a thorn in their sides for too long. That’s ended as of today.”
Reynolds squeezed my arm. “I remember when you were a kid, flying around everywhere. I always thought you’d drive a race car.”
“Hah. That’s where my name came from. My mom was in love with Mario Andretti when she had me. Go figure.”
“Yeah, that’s what Brax said. Well, I’m off to bed. You can have either of the two rooms upstairs. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight.”
I went up to bed and crashed. I had the best night’s sleep I could remember. It was probably because the guilt at feeling so directionless had finally dissipated.
After I showered in the morning, I got on the computer so I could apply to the colleges. Reynolds was up and poured me some coffee. She helped with the applications and I emailed the university I’d attended to request my transcripts. When that was finished, I offered to cook breakfast.
She laughed. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”
“No.”
“It’s getting close to noon already. How about lunch?”
“Fine. I’ll make you a grilled cheese.”
“You’re exactly like your brother.”
“It’s a Kent family specialty. Mom taught us all when we were young because we were always hungry.” As soon as I began heating up the pan, my phone rang. When I answered, it was Agent Sanderson.
“Can you come down to the field office? We have a team in here and we’d like to ask you some questions.”
“Sure. What time?”
“As soon as you can.”
He gave me the address and Reynolds asked if I wanted her to go with me. I told her no, so she quickly made me a sandwich and handed me that plus a drink as I headed out the door.
Chapter Five
ISLA
We followed up on all leads but every one led us nowhere. It was frustrating but whoever did this, knew how to stay completely under the radar. Everything was bogus—the name, the company. The phone was most likely a burner, but we’d find out soon enough. And the ship the women had come in on was listed as one registered in China that had imported computer parts. That was the only information we could find on it.
The sex trafficking team turned out to be part of Homeland Security. I was eager to know more about what they did. Three of them showed up at the office, but one of them, a woman named Anita, told me they had a training program if I was interested. I explained to her I’d prefer to transfer to an FBI unit and what she told me had me even more interested than ever. The statistics on sex trafficking crimes were staggering. They occurred all over the U.S. and were increasing every year. They not only affected women, but also men. I was determined more than ever to get involved because it affected people of all ages, even older adults.
We worked together until right before lunch, when Art called Acer. Admittedly, I was eager to see him again. Was it how he handled the situation last night that put him in such a good light? Or had I really been that attracted to him? I knew Mom was having that dinner get-together tonight for Mimi and I briefly wondered if he would go with Reynolds and Brax.