My secret life

Vince got in the van and so did another guy.1

"Who's this?" asked a girl.2

"This is Jack," said Vince. "He's going to help us on this next case, and he might be part of the crew."3

"Nice," said the girl, not too happy about it.4

"He's not bad so far," said Vince.5

"Right, that's how they all start."6

"Be nice."7

"Yes sir."8

Another guy got in the van.9

"Hey Lenny," said the girl.10

"Hey Jess," said the guy. Jess lit a cigarette. Vince looked at her.11

"What?" said Jess.12

"You know what," said Vince.13

"Whatever," said Jess. She got out of the van to have her smoke. She got back in. She sat by her monitor. She looked at her torn picture of her father. The only thing missing was his head. "When are we going to finish this case?"14

"I'm not sure," said Vince. "Jack you can stay with us, by the way."15

"Ok," said Jack. They waited 15 more minutes and Vince said, "Well there's nothing today. Let's go home."16

They went home and ate. Jess got into her pajamas and was headed upstairs to bed.17

"Jess," said Vince. Jess walked over to him. "You ok."18

"Not really," said Jess.19

"You'll be ok," said Vince. 20

"Yeah," said Jess, with tears running down her cheeks. Vince wrapped his arms around her.21

"Sshh," said Vince. He took her to her room and tucked her in. He came back down.22

"How's she been lately?" asked Lenny.23

"Not so good," said Vince. "I've had to do that for the past few days. And I don't know what's bugging her so much."24

"Vince," said Lenny looking in the direction of the stairs. Vince looked over there and there stood Jess, tear faced. Vince took her back upstairs and waited with her until she fell asleep.25

"What's wrong?" asked Jack.26

"I'm not really sure," said Vince. "Just that lately, she just breaks down."27

"Poor kid," said Lenny. "You don't think she's remembering what happened?"28

"I don't know," said Vince. "I hope not." They all went to bed. The next morning, Vince and everyone else got up. Vince went up to check on Jess. He woke her up and said, "Jess, we got to go to work."29

Jess woke up and sat up.30

"We have to go to work," said Vince. Jess shook her head. Vince kissed her head and left her to get ready. They went to the van. Vince went to get coffee. He came back and handed a cup to Jess.31

"Thanks," she said. She watched her monitor. A couple hours passed and finally something was happening. 32

"We have movement," said Jess. 33

"Let's go," said Vince. Vince and Jess got out and went into the building they were by. They went in with guns drawn and got the crooks. They called the P.D. and handed them over when the P.D. got there. The police assistant chief came up to them and said, "We need you to come with us."34

They went to the Police Department. They had to talk to the police chief. 35

"We are going to put restrictions on your work," he said. "No more stake outs, no monitoring, nothing."36

"What?!" said Jess.37

"Jess," said Vince. 38

"They can't do this to us," said Jess. "Who is it who always get's the guys they need. Us. Who is it who works their asses off while they sit in here? Us. If they didn't have us, they wouldn't have the guys they have to put behind bars." 39

"Jess," said Vince. 40

"Whatever," said Jess. "I'm outta here."41

Jess left and went back to the house. She had a few cigarettes and a few drinks. Vince got back to the house and Jess was in bed. He sighed when he saw the empty bottles of liquor. The next morning, they had to go back to the police department for a new case. The police chief came out to their van to give them the case.42

"This case is very complicated," said Dan, the police chief. "And this is the only case you will be doing for the next 9 months. We cannot let them suspect you're working for us. There is a couple that goes to adopt children and then puts them on the black market. The thing is we can't fake the pregnancy. They want to be there to see the birth."43

They all looked at Jess.44

"What?" said Jess. "Oh, no. I'm not doing that. No way in hell am I doing that."45

"Come on Jess," said Vince.46

"No," said Jess. "What's going to happen to the baby after the case?"47

"It'll be put up for adoption," said Dan.48

"No, I will not be a part of this," said Jess and she got out of the van. Vince went after her. He grabbed her arm.49

"Jess," he said.50

"No, Vince," said Jess. "I told you I would never do anything like this."51

Jack got out.52

"There is no way am I going to be a part of a child's horrible life, knowing that I was one of the people to screw it up," said Jess. "I had to go through that hell, and I am in no way going to put another person through that."53

"Jess," said Jack. "I know you don't want to do this, but think of how many other children's lives you're saving from a long hell."54

"What would you know about anything I've been through," said Jess. Jack took out a picture that was torn. It was of him and a blonde woman. Only he was missing his body.55

"Oh my God," said Jess. She took out her picture. It was a perfect fit.56

"Your mother left when you were 1. She took you with. You're not my daughter, but damn close," said Jack.57

"My mother left me in an alley when I was 3," said Jess. "Vince took me in and took care of me. He's been there for me my whole life."58

"I know," said Jack. Dan got out of the van.59

"I need an answer of whether or not you're going to take the case," he said. They looked at Jess. 60

"I don't know Dan," said Jess. I need a couple weeks to think about it."61

"I don't have time to..."62

"You better make time if you want this case done."63

Vince laughed under his breath.64

"I can't Jess," said Dan.65

"Then find someone else," said Jess. Jess, Vince, Jack, and Lenny went back to the house. Jess went out to the garage to work on her car. She worked until dark. Vince went out to the garage to get her.66

"Hey," he said.67

"Hey," said Jess.68

"You going to coming in to eat?" asked Vince.69

"Yeah," said Jess. She put away her things and they went in the house. Vince, Jess, Jack, and Lenny ate and Jess started to clear the table. She was in the kitchen washing dishes. She got done and she started to cry.70

"Jess," said Lenny, walking into the kitchen. He saw Jess. "Hey, what's wrong?"71

He put his arms around her and she cried. Vince came in to see what was going on.72

"Hey baby," he said. "What's wrong?"73

Vince put his arms around her and Lenny left.74

"Please don't let them take me," said Jess.75

"I won't let anyone take you," said Vince. He picked her up and took her to his den. She cried herself to sleep and Vince put her to bed. He came back down.76

"What was that about?" asked Jack.77

"She's remembering what happened," said Vince.78

"Ah, no," said Lenny.79

"Yes," said Vince. "She told me not to let them take her, Lenny."80

"Oh man," said Lenny.81

"Yeah," said Vince. "Everything's gunna start all over again."82

The next day Jess got up and made breakfast. Jack was still working at the P.D. and Jess came to see him. 83

"Hey," said Jack.84

"Hey," said Jess.85

"What are you doing here?" asked Jack.86

"I didn't have anything to do, so I thought I'd come see you," said Jess.87

"Don't you have school?" asked Jack.88

"No," said Jess. "I'm kind of a drop out."89

"Hey Jess," said a man90

"Hey Chase," said Jess.91

"Jess, I have to go," said Jack.92

“‘Kay," said Jess. Jess hung around Chase's desk.93

"So what are you up to lately?" asked Chase.94

"Not much," said Jess. "I’m not what sure the police are going to let us do."95

"Ah," said Chase. They talked some more and Chase took her to lunch. Chase took her home and then went back to work.96

"What was that about?" asked Sam, Chase's partner.97

"What?" asked Chase.98

"You talking to Jess and then taking her to lunch," said Sam.99

"Come on Sam, I told you what that's all about," said Chase. "She's a lovely woman."100

"Ah, gotcha," said Sam.101

That night, Jess was in a very good mood.102

"What are you so happy about?" asked Vince.103

"I'm not really sure," said Jess. "Whatever it is, I like it."104

"That's good," said Vince. Vince walked over to Lenny. "I don't think we'll be having a problem."105

Jess was in a good mood for a couple of weeks. One night, Chase stopped by. He knocked on the door. 106

"I got it," said Jess. She opened the door. "Chase. What are you doing here?"107

"I wanted to talk to you," said Chase. Jess walked out onto the porch, closing the door behind her.108

"About what?" asked Jess. Chase took her hand.109

"About us," he said. Jess looked a bit confused. "Jess, since the first day I saw you, I've been in love with you. I would like to know if you want to go out with me?"110

Jess smiled and said, "Yes."111

Chase picked her up in a hug.112

"If Vince ever finds out, he'll kill you," said Jess.113

"I know," said Chase. "So we won't tell him."114

Jess smiled. Jess went back in.115

"Who was that?" asked Vince.116

"Chase, he just needed to ask me a question," said Jess and she went upstairs. She went to bed. A couple days later, Jess snuck out to be with Chase.117

"Hey," said Chase, hugging her.118

"Hey," said Jess. They went out to eat dinner and then saw a movie. The movie ended and they walked to the car. Chase went to Jess's side to open the door for her. Chase looked in to her eyes. He kissed her. She smiled. 119

"I should take you to one of the clubs around here," said Chase. 120

"Vince will kill me," said Jess.121

"Nothing says he needs to know," said Chase. Jess smiled and kissed him.122

"How 'bout tomorrow?" asked Jess.123

"How 'bout tonight," said Chase. Jess smiled and they left to go to one of the clubs. Jess and Chase danced a bit and Jess did some of her own dancing. They left at about eleven-thirty. Jess snuck back in. The next day she got up and made breakfast. Everyone left to work and Jess went out to the garage to work on her car. Jess and Chase continued to date without Vince knowing. 124

One day Vince decided to tell Jess that she should go back to school.125

"Why?" said Jess angry that Vince would even suggest that she go. "Why do I have to go back to school?"126

"So you have an education so you can get a better job," said Vince.127

"I'm happy doing what I'm doing now," said Jess.128

"But how long is that going to last?" asked Vince. "Are you still going to feel that way when you meet some guy that's got a good job and you get married and all his high class co-workers look down at you?"129

"I don't want to go back," said Jess. "You know why I dropped out in the first place."130

"Well you're going today to at least see it," said Vince. "Let's go."131

Jess didn't move.132

"I will drag your ass there, now let's go," said Vince. Jess and Vince left to go to the school. They were talking to the principal who was going to give them a tour. Lenny came.133

"Sorry I'm late," said Lenny.134

"You knew," said Jess.135

"Um..." said Lenny trying not to make her angry.136

"Hey," said Vince, "chill."137

Jess said something in Spanish. Vince said something back.138

"Shall we begin?" said the principal. They walked through the school and Jess got to see what everything was like. "We hope you'll join us here."139

"I get the feeling I won't get a choice," said Jess. Vince smacked the back of her head. They left and went home.140

"I have to go to work," said Vince. "Be good. Lenny will be here."141

"Work?" said Jess.142

"Yes, I got a job," said Vince. "We'll talk about this later. I got to go."143

He kissed her head and left.144

"Everything's all messed up since I wouldn't do that one case," said Jess.145

"You'll find out what's going on soon enough," said Lenny. Jess went out to the garage to work on her car. Vince got home later and so did Jack. Jess had supper made. They sat at the table and ate.146

"Are you going to tell me?" said Jess.147

"After dinner," said Vince. They finished supper and Jess cleaned everything up. They went into the living room. 148

"Jess," said Vince, "I know you're not going to like this, but it has to be. We aren't doing stake outs or anything else. We are going to have a 'normal' life."149

"There's nothing normal about this life, Vince," said Jess.150

"There will be," said Vince. "You're going to go to school, we have jobs, and that's that."151

"Yeah," said Jess. "And I suppose I get no choice in this do I?"152

"No," said Vince. Jess rolled her eyes. "You start tomorrow."153

"Tomorrow?" said Jess. She gave and upset type grunt and went out to the porch. She lit a cigarette. Chase drove up.154

"I thought you were going to quit," said Chase.155

"Don't. I can't take this right now," said Jess.156

"Ok," said Chase. "What's wrong?"157

"I have to go to school 'cause we're going to have a 'normal' life," said Jess.158

"And you're upset?" said Chase confused.159

"Chase, this is all I've known," said Jess. "And I dropped out for a reason."160

"Which was?"161

"I don't want to talk about it."162

The next morning Vince woke her up.163

"Ten more minutes," said Jess putting the pillow over her head.164

"No, let's go," said Vince. Vince pulled out of bed and she fell on the floor. Jess got up and got dressed. She went downstairs and grabbed something to eat. Vince drove her to school.Jess wouldn't get out of the car. "Go, and try not to get into trouble."165

"Fine," said Jess. She went in and got her things. She got shown to her class.166

"Everyone, this is our new student Jess Simons," said the principal. "Be nice, and if someone would go a little over the top and show her where to go, that would be good."167

"Have a seat Jess," said the English teacher. Jess sat in a desk and they got started with class. The bell rang and they went to their next class. Lunch time came and Jess sat by herself. She dumped her tray and went to sit back at the table. A group of guys came by her. 168

"Can I help you?" said Jess.169

"Maybe," said one of the guys.170

"I'm going to go," said Jess and she got up to leave. The guys got up and surrounded her. One of the guys grabbed her. She twisted his arm. The other guys tried to get her. She dropped them all to the floor. 171

"Leave me alone," said Jess and she walked away. She went to get ready for her next class. She had shop class the whole afternoon. The few other kids that were in the class waited by the door just as she did.172

"You're taking shop?" asked one of the kids.173

"Yeah," said Jess. The guy lifted his eyebrows. "Is it so hard to believe a girl would like this?"174

"No," said the guy.175

"Shut up Jon, you know you can't see her doing this stuff," said another guy. The shop teacher came to unlock the door.176

"I see we have a new student," said the man. "I'm Mr. Glansted."177

"Jess," said Jess.178

"Welcome," said Mr. Glansted. They went in. "Alright. Get started. Jess, come here."179

Jess went over to him.180

"We all have our own projects we work on," said Mr. Glansted. "Jon is working on a car, Ben is working on a book shelf, Jake is working on a lawn mower, and Nick is working on building a car. What are you good at?"181

"What do you want me to be good at?" said Jess. "I can do just about anything you need me too."182

"Well, I would like to see that car of Nick's done soon," said Mr. Glansted. "Nick, is it ok if Jess helps you?"183

"Sure," said the guy. Jess went over to Nick.184

"What do you want me to do?" asked Jess.185

"I can think of a couple things," said Nick.186

"I mean for the car," said Jess. Nick sighed.187

"Umm....start on the engine," said Nick. "All the pieces are over there."188

Jess started to put the engine together. She got a lot of it done in the first hour of class. The bell rang and they took a five minute break.189

"I assume you've worked on things like this before," said Nick.190

"Yeah," said Jess.191

"So why are you taking the class?" asked Nick.192

"I like it, and I don't fit in another place," said Jess. 193

"Where'd you come from before here?"194

"You mean other school?"195

"Yeah."196

"I dropped out for like three or so years."197

"Whoa. Why?"198

"People wouldn't leave me alone. I'd always get into trouble."199

Nick and Jess talked more while they worked. The day ended and Nick, Jess and the other guys were walking out of school. Chase was waiting for Jess.200

"What are you doing here?" asked Jess.201

"Vince told me to pick you up," said Chase.202

"Dude, how do you know Chase?" asked Ben.203

"Does it matter?" asked Jess.204

"He was my parole officer so to speak," said Ben. 205

"I gotta go," said Jess. "See you tomorrow."206

"Later," said Nick. Jess got in the car and they drove away.207

"How was it?" asked Chase.208

"Fine," said Jess. Chase drove her to the house. They went in. Chase took her hand and put a ring on it. Jess looked at him. It was a promise ring. Chase kissed her.209

"I love you Jess," he said. They went to Jess's room. Later they came back down and made supper. Vince and the others got home. They ate and Chase left.210

"How was school?" asked Vince.211

"It was ok," said Jess. "I have shop the whole afternoon. It's awesome. And I think I have a friend."212

"Oh," said Jack.213

"His name is Nick," said Jess. "He's letting me help him with his project for shop."214

"Good," said Jack. The next day, Jess got up and ready for school. She hated all her classes but shop. Finally, the afternoon came. She continued pushing through school.215

A couple weeks later, Jess was out in the yard and Chase had stopped by. Some guys driving by shot Chase. He fell.216