CHAPTER 6

The last two months were the best in Cameron’s life. Amanda, Alli, Billy and him were always together, laughing, and playing. William was growing so fast, he was already out of his new born clothes. He was smiling and taking his dad’s fingers in his hand.

Josie was taking him every weekend, and Cameron knew that Gary was gone when the baby was there. He was either going to Felicia’s or to a motel. Last time he saw the baby was in the hospital, before Cameron told him he was taking care of his kid. Josie was losing weight, and was always telling Cameron her marriage was falling apart. He was feeling guilty, for him to be so happy when the mother of his child was going through hell. He tried talking to Gary about it, but his brother said that Josie didn’t love him anymore, and that she didn’t want to admit she was in love with her brother-in-law. Cameron protested, but he knew his brother was right. Josie was depressing to see him with Amanda. She didn’t care about Gary anymore, and she was just trying to cover the appearances. When William was with her, all she did was talk to him about how wonderful his father was.

Amanda knew about the feelings Josie was having for Cameron, but wasn’t jealous. She knew her man was in love with her, not with his once lover. She was sick of the looks Josie was giving Cameron though. Everyone in Bay City knew who she was in love with, and yet, she was still holding on to Gary.

Gary wasn’t mad about it anymore. He just wanted a divorce to get on with his life, but Josie didn’t want to give him one. She was saying they needed to keep up for Billy’s sake. She didn’t want her son to know her mother was a double-timer. Gary was doing like he wanted and went to Cass for him to draw the divorce papers, the clerk would serve them this week.

Cameron was walking down the street, pushing Billy’s stroller, when he saw his brother coming out of a toy store, with a huge bag. When he saw Cameron and the baby, he face lit up and he started walking towards them.

"-Hey little brother, what’s shaking? He said"

Cameron was looking at his brother smiling, and he was wondering what the heck happened to him.

"-I’m good, how about you? He answered.

-I’m good. I just bought this little guy a gift. Hey little man, he said down to the stroller

-Gare, don’t take this the wrong way, but what’s wrong with you? For the last two months you’ve been acting as if Billy and me had the plague, and now you’re buying him gifts?

-Cameron, a guy can change can’t he? I just figured out something. I asked Josie for a divorce and as soon as it’s settle, she won’t be my wife anymore, so you and me won’t need to be at odds. I will no longer be Billy’s step-father, so now I can be his uncle.

-You are getting divorced? Cameron was stunned

-I’m tired to live with a woman who doesn’t love me. I’ve started dating someone, and I want this whole mess behind me. I have a brother and nephew, but I don’t want them out of my life. I’m moving out this week, do you think I can borrow your couch of a couple of nights?

-Of course buddy! I think you turned around mighty fast, but I can’t say I’m not happy about it. You can come whenever you want. Hey, wanna go to Carlino’s for a Coke?

-Why not? I’m buying.

-You better!!!"

They started walking and pushing each other. Cameron was on cloud nine, his brother was back, but a little red light went on his in head. He was too happy, something would come along and screw it up he just knew it. He would enjoy the moment because soon it would be over, he knew it.

Arriving at Carlino’s, Cameron’s smile got even bigger because Amanda and Alli was there. Alli ran and jumped in Cameron’s arms. Amanda walked slowly and kissed him. Gary was already sitting down in a booth, and was looking at them.

"-Hey guys, are you joining us or what? He said."

Alli sat next to Gary, while Cameron let Amanda sit next to the window. Billy was sleeping in his stroller. They started talking about anything, when Josie came in. He saw the happy little family, and ran out. Gary looked at her go, without moving, but Cameron got up and said "I’ll go talk to her.

"-Josie wait.

-Wait for what? To see that I don’t have nothing anymore? She replied.

-That’s not true. You still have Billy. You’ll always have Billy.

-Yeah, that’s why I’m sure he thinks Amanda’s his mother?

-He is still younger, I bet he doesn’t even know who I am.

-That’s not true, he smiles every time you get in a room."

Josie started to cry, and Cameron took her in his arms. He knew she was going through some rough times, and that she needed him to be comprehensive. Which he was. Josie was watching Amanda look at them, so she draw Cameron closer to her. Amanda, jealous, put down the curtain with rage. Josie looked at Cameron and said;

"-What do you say we do something together, just You, me and Billy next week-end?

-Well, sure! I work Saturday night, but we could do a picnic in the park. Billy would love that I think.

-What about you? Would you love that?

-Sure! It’s a date! I have to get back in, see you Saturday!"

Cameron knew it was a mistake, but didn’t have the heart to say no to her. After all, she was Billy’s mother, and he owed it to her to spend some time together. He knew Amanda would be furious, and he would have to think of a way of making it up to her.

After spending the afternoon with his brother, and helping him move in, he left Billy with him to go talk to Amanda. When he told her about his plans for Saturday she got mad, saying they had plans to take Alli and Billy to the amusement park, but no, he had to run to the help of Mrs.. Problems!

"-I know you are mad Amanda, I can understand, but I have to do that for her. She is alone and she just wants some company. Her husband just moved out, try to understand a little. He said to her

-Understand? The only thing I understand is every time she shows up, there’s trouble between you and me and I’m sick of it!

-It’s just for one afternoon, it’s not the end of the world.

-Cameron, she wants you! How can you be the only one who doesn’t see that?

-She doesn’t want me! She just wants one afternoon of fun.

-Do as you wish I don’t care anymore!

-Amanda!"

She was gone inside, leaving him on the porch. He looked up and saw Alli looking at them. She saw them fight and she looked really sad. After waving at her and waiting until she waved back, he left to go back to his son.

Saturday was there really fast, and Cameron didn’t see Amanda since she got mad at him. He knew she would wait until this day had passed, and after everything would be right between them again. He didn’t see the big deal him spending the afternoon with Josie. Ok, maybe she was in love with him, but he was madly in love with Amanda, shouldn’t that count for something? Amanda acted like he was going to sleep with Josie again but no way, he made that mistake once, he would never do it again. He fought too hard to win Amanda back, he wouldn’t mess it up now.

He picked Josie up and they went to the park. She was holding William, looking really happy for the first time since even before Boca Lynda. Cameron was having a good time too, laughing and playing with his son. William was all smiles. Two ladies passed by them and said "What a nice little family". Josie looked at Cameron, to see his reaction, but he was just smiling. Josie reached out and took his hand. Cameron looked at her, but didn’t know how to react so he stayed that way. After a couple of seconds though he took his hand out of hers and got up, trying to take away this guilty feeling he was having. Josie put the baby up on his back on the blanket, and got up too. She started walking towards Cameron and took him in her arms. Thinking she wanted just a hug Cameron gave her one, but she started kissing him. Cameron pushed her away, but not soon enough. Alli was playing nearby and saw it. She was looking hurt and she started looking away. Cameron, not thinking about how hurt Josie could be, started running towards Alexandra. When she saw he was coming her way she stopped walking and looked at him.

"-Alli, don’t think anything about that. I pushed her away. I knew she was in love with me but I didn’t think she’d make a move on me. He said

-I know Cameron. She replied

-Please don’t say anything to your mom. I’ll tell her that Josie tried to kiss me, but I want her to hear it from me all right?

-Ok. As long as you tell her, and soon.

-Thanks kid, he said while passing his hand on her head"

He went back to Josie, only to see she had been crying. Cameron was starting to have enough of her tears, but he got down and took her in his arms, yet again.

"-Cameron, she said, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see Amanda’s kid there. Is she going to tell her mom?

-No he said, I will. But Josie, don’t ever do that again. Please. I can’t take it. Being your friend is one thing, but going at it with my brother’s soon to be ex-wife is kinda creepy. I love Amanda, with all my heart, and I don’t want to lose her all right? I don’t mean to be rude or insensitive, but that’s how I feel. I’ll go to work now, and I’ll pick Billy up tomorrow after work."

Josie looked at him go, as she said to Billy;

"-Don’t worry William, you dad will be with us soon enough"

CHAPTER 7

A month went by since Cameron and Josie had their picnic. Amanda knew about the kiss and was on edge every time Cameron was going to get Billy from Josie's house. They fought a lot about it, and Amanda kept saying that one day she would lose Cameron to Josie, even if he kept denying it. Alli was watching them fight, and she was scared to lose the only step-father she loved, and her "little brother". Sometimes Cameron would let her baby-sit for a few minutes, when there was someone close-by. She loved Billy like a member of her own family, and didn't want her mom and Cameron to split up. Josie, on the other hand, was happy about the way things were between Cameron and Amanda. The more they fought, the closer Cameron was to be with her. Gary was still living with his brother, not really in a rush to find a place of his own. He loved his little nephew more and more each day.

Cameron was a cool now at Carlino's, and even helped Joe at the police station sometimes. The only thing he didn't like about his life was always fighting with the woman he loved. One day, coming back from work Cameron saw a man standing in front of his apartment. He recognized the man right away. He was his probation agent. Cameron, for the first time in a long time, started to be afraid.

"-Mister Fry, he said nervously

-Hi Mister Sinclair, how are you these days?

-I'm good and you?

-Never better. I'm here on behalf of the American Government. Seems that you haven't complete your full sentence in jail. Am I right?

-Well, no because I got out of jail to help the FBI work on a case, and they said after I'd be free.

-Yeah but they said you didn't get what you got out for, so the deal's off. You still have two years to your sentence. You have to report to the Illinois County jail in 14 days. If you don't, you'll be considered a fugitive and your sentence will only be longer.

-But Mister Fry, said Cameron

-See you there mister Sinclair"

Without saying anything else, the man turned away, leaving Cameron in the hallway, in tears. He couldn't go back to prison, he'd die in there. He helped the Government and that was worse than anything in the slammer. He had his life to live, his son to raise, Amanda to marry. With the weight of the world on his shoulder he opened the door, only to hear Billy's laugh. He had stayed with Gary. When he saw his brother's face, Gary rushed to him. Cameron looked like he was about to faint. He took the baby from his brother's arms, and held him so tight that William started to cry. Gary was asking him questions, but Cameron wasn't hearing anything. The only thing he could think about was going back to prison. He would rather die than go back to that hell hole. He was considering asking Joe the name of a guy that could provide him a new identity for him and his son, then he would leave town. That way, the Government wouldn't find him. When he told that to his brother, Gary was horrified. He couldn't believe his little brother had to go back to jail, not after one year of freedom!

Cameron left the baby with his brother and went to see Joe. While he was walking towards the police station, the only thing he could think about was how he would fail his son, just like his dad failed him and Gary. A life on the run, that's what he would provide for his son, and only if Josie agreed to it. Because if she didn't, there was no reason for running. His only reason for living was Billy and Amanda. Without one, especially his son, why go on?

Joe was horrified to learn Cameron's situation. He was kinda fond of him now, even if that wasn't always true. Joe wanted to call Mister Fry, and tell him he would be held responsible for Cameron's whereabouts, and he would be his watcher, but Cameron didn't want to get him involved. He just needed the name of a good paper-provider, and he would take care of the rest

"-I can't let you do that Cameron, because if you get caught, you will face up 20-something years of prison.

-I'm willing to take the chance Joe, anything not to go back in there and lose my son.

-You'll be losing him a lot more longer if you don't pull that off. And you don't even know if Josie will agree to it, and frankly, I don't think she will. That would mean being separated from her son and if you can't do it, how could she? And where does Amanda fit into your plan?

-I don't know Joe, I just don't want to go back there.

-Between you and me Cameron, did you really killed your father?

-That doesn't matter anymore Joe, he's dead

-it matters if it means you'll lose your son. Come on man, if you didn't kill him, why don't you go back to trial? You could keep your son.

-I can't Joe, don't ask me why, but I can't.

-Then you are the most stupid guy I've ever seen! You are willing to lose your son instead of going back to trial?"

Cameron started pacing the room. How could he tell Joe about the promise he made years ago to his mother, to protect Gary no matter what? He just knew Gary killed their father, and was probably too scared to admit it, and he took the rap for it. He just couldn't break his promise. That would be the last part of his heart to go if he did. So he would rather run than to betray the memory of his mother. But Joe wouldn't understand. Family honor was important to Cameron, more important than his dignity. So as long as Gary didn't come forward and admitted his crime, Cameron would stay silent about it.

"-It's more complicated than that, he said to Joe

-More important than losing you own son?

-You wouldn't understand.

-Try me

-I made a promise long ago and going back to trial would break it.

-So you prefer losing your song than to break a stupid promise? You are right, I don't understand! Besides, the only guy I know who made papers, he's in jail. So I can't help you unless I call your probation agent or help you go back to trial."

After thanking him, Cameron left the station. The cell there made him nervous. He took the road to Amanda's house, but couldn't face her. Not right now. So he went back to his place, but a part of him was dead.

Gary was waiting for him. He was anxious to know what Joe told him, but Cameron didn't have any answers. Gary was so mad, when Cameron told him he wouldn't go back to trial. His brother was yelling at him, but Cameron didn't respond anything. Gary wasn't thinking about the consequences if Cameron went back to trial. He probably wasn't even thinking that he was the one with blood on his hands. Cameron went into Billy's room, and sat down to watch his son sleeping.

The days went by, and Cameron didn't talk to Amanda about his problem. She knew something was bothering him, but didn't know what. He was distant with her, and she was thinking the worst. He left his work at Carlino's, without even telling Paulina why. Joe was looking at him closing all the loose ends, but couldn't say anything about it. Not even to his wife. Cameron had ask him to keep his secret, until he told Amanda himself. Only a week was separating him from the prison, and he still hadn't found a way out. Gary was pressing him to go back to trial, and Cameron was still refusing without saying why. To shake him out of it, Gary said to him one day;

"-You don't love your son, that's why. That will be a way out of his life without looking like a coward won't it?

-no Gary, I love William, he's the reason I'm still in one piece.

-Then fight for your rights. Damn Cameron, what the hell happened to you? You were a fighter, not a quitter!

-I still am a fighter Gare, but not this time, too much at stakes here.

-Like what? Name one thing that is more important than staying with your son wise guy.

-Your ass that's what!

-What the hell are you talking about man?

-Gary, we both know you wasted the old man, so it's either you or me. If I go back, I'll have two years and then I'm out of there, but if they catch you, you face a long time, first for the murder, and then for letting an innocent man go to jail. So I decided to keep my mouth shut and do the time. Billy won't be that old when I'll get out, I'll still have the time to get to know him.

-CAMERON, I DIDN'T KILL OUR FATHER, he shouted, DO YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD HAVE LET YOU GO TO JAIL FOR 10 YEARS WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING? "

CHAPTER 8

"-What do you mean? Said Cameron

-I mean I didn’t kill Pa. If you didn’t, then go back to trial you idiot! Replied Gary"

Cameron didn’t know what to do. How could he go back to trial? He didn’t have new evidence to his defense, nor did he had a witness to provide him with an alibi. He couldn’t just go to his probation agent and tell him he didn’t want to go back to jail. To have his case re-open, he’d have to have something new to present. Gary was looking at him, and could hear his thoughts.

"-You should go to Joe, he’ll know how to help you."

Cameron left the baby with Gary and went to the police station. Joe wasn’t there, but he asked Josie to tell him he came and he needed his help. Josie wanted to know why, but Cameron wouldn’t tell her. She said she would tell Joe as soon as he comes in, but he was there, coming right in. When he saw Cameron, he told him to go wait for him in his office.

"-What do you want now? A way out of the country? Asked Joe

-I want to know how I can re-open my trial.

-You wanna go back to trial for real?

-Yeah, I won’t let anyone keep me away from Billy. So how do I do it?

-Well, we would need new evidence, and we only have one week to find them. I’ll ask my friend Jake to help us, and Chris Madison too. You better speak to Tyrone as well. We have a big battle in front of us my friend. I hope you have a good baby-sitter. Long hours and lots of coffee should do the trick."

He went out of his office and asked Josie to contact Jake and Chris, and tell them he needed them in his office right away. He asked O’riley to find all he could about Cameron’s case. He needed it yesterday, to be sure he’d do it right now. He called Paulina and asked her to bring lots of coffee into the interrogation room.

Cameron was stunned by the speed Joe took the matter into his own hands. Half and hour later, Jake, Chris and Tyrone were there and they were all examining the paper-s about Cameron’s trial, trying to find a way of having it re-opened. Cameron had pleaded guilty, had no witness in his defense, and his lawyer didn’t even cross-examined the prosecution’s witnesses. Cameron was looking the names of the people, and didn’t recognize either one of them. They were probably friends of his dad’s, saying he was a good man and all. Cameron was reliving the whole nightmare in his head, trying to remember if he was with someone before he found his father dead in his bed. That was the only thing he couldn’t remember, because he was drunk. He had just received a scholarship to go to the University of Illinois, but his dad told him he wasn’t going, but that he would keep the money. Out of desperation, Cameron went out and got drunk. But between him leaving the house, and coming back to find his father dead, he couldn’t remember who he was with, but he knew he wasn’t alone.

They worked far into the night, and they finished when everyone was crawling from fatigue. Cameron went back to his place. Billy was sleeping, but Gary was waiting f-or him. Cameron told his brother who was helping him and what they were doing. First thing tomorrow he was going back and would continue the search. He would take Billy to Vicky’s, so his brother could come and help.

Cameron was dreaming, when a sound took him out. When he woke up, he realized it was the phone ringing off the hook. He answered, glad the ringing didn’t wake the baby. It was Amanda. Paulina had told her she saw Cameron at the police station, in the interrogation room, and that Joe wanted lots of coffee. She wanted to know in what kind of trouble he was in now. Cameron sighed, knowing it was time to tell her the truth.

"-I’m not in any new troubles Amanda, just my past that caught up with me. He said

-What do you mean the past caught up with you?

-I mean I have to go back to prison to finish my sentence.

-WHAT? They can’t send you back to prison can they?

-Tyrone says they can, but now, Joe, Jake, Chris, Tyrone, Gary and I are looking for a reason to re-open my case.

-Have you found one yet? And when do you have to go back in there?

-6 days. I’ve known for 8 days now.

-AND YOU DIDN’T TELL ME?

-I was hoping to find a way out of this without having to hurt you again.

-You should’ve come to me with this Cameron, I would’ve helped you. Is there anything I can do?

-Could you watch Billy for me? I don’t want to ask Vicky again, and Gary is coming with me to the station.

-Sure, bring the little tyke over, I’ll watch him.

-Thanks, I’ll get him dressed and I’ll be right over. Oh, and Amanda?

-Yes?

-I love you

-I love you too"

Cameron got up, and went to find William. The baby was cooing in his crib, and when he saw Cameron, he smiled. The father took his son up, and started talking to him. He explained to his son the why he was always gone. Cameron told William he was fighting for the right to stay with him. William was looking at his dad, smiling. While he was dressing him, Cameron talked about Amanda. How much he loved her, and how much he wanted them to be a family. Billy was cooing and playing with his hands. Cameron envied his "not a care in the world" look. Because when you are an adult, you have all the world on your shoulder at each minute.

On his way to the Cory’s, he thought about bringing Amanda something, to show her he cared. But the usual flowers were not enough for him. He took one of the biggest decision of his life.

He arrived at the Cory house. Alli opened the door, and jumped into Cameron’s arms. He put the teenager down and asked for her mother. Amanda was in the living, reading a book. When she saw Cameron, a big smile took possession of her face. Cameron was smiling too, although he was really nervous. Amanda got up, and kissed him passionately. After a while he gently pushed her away, telling her he had to talk to her.

"-What’s wrong? She asked nervously

-Well, I got something really important to ask you.

-Ask away. Is it serious?

-I think so"

He took her hands into his, looked deep into her eyes and said;

"-I’m not good at this. Here it goes. Marry me Amanda. Right now.

-Today? She said, in shock

-Tomorrow. We can go to a justice of the peace. We would be married before I go back to prison. Please say yes.

-Is this a way out? Why are you asking me this all of a sudden? I can’t help but being suspicious a little.

-Call me selfish, but I want to be sure you’ll be there for me when I get out of the slammer. And because I love you , and I want to show you."

Amanda took Billy from his stroller and looked at Cameron.

"-How about Josie? She asked

-What about her?

-What will she say?

-I don’t care. Amanda, you want to marry me or not? I realize this is not really romantic, and that I seem like I’m looking for a way out, but please put me out of my misery by saying yes or no!"

Without answering, she went to him and kissed him, with all the love she had inside her. Cameron responded a little at first, but with more and more passion. Billy was between

them and he started playing with Amanda’s hearing.

"-So is that a yes?

-Call the justice of the peace, and you better not stand me up Sinclair!"

CONTINUE