Who could be calling at this time of night—and this relentlessly too? Initially, you had thought it was some sort of prank call. It wasn't until the third ring you gave in and snatched the phone off the nightstand, pressing it to your ear.

"What—" "Jesus Christ, took you long enough."

A familiar voice buzzed through the receiver. It was Nicholas. The last time you'd seen him was when he had a run in with the cops, the judge giving him an ultimatum: get his ass thrown in a cell, or get it straightened out in the military. He chose the latter, getting condemned to the Marines—more specifically, boot camp in Parris Island. Nicholas had promised he'd find a way to get to you, but you weren't so sure that was a possibility—until now.

"How did you—" "Don't worry 'bout that. Talk to me, babe."