SHADESOFRESOLUTION

DistortionSeries,Book3

ByAimeeMcNeil

SHADESOFRESOLUTION

Copyright©2017byAimeeMcNeil.
Allrightsreserved.
FirstPrintEdition:January2017

LimitlessPublishing,LLC
Kailua,HI96734

www.limitlesspublishing.com

Formatting:LimitlessPublishing

ISBN-13:978-1-68058-955-9
ISBN-10:1-68058-955-5

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced,scanned,ordistributedinanyprintedorelectronicformwithout
permission.Pleasedonotparticipateinorencouragepiracyofcopyrightedmaterialsinviolationofthe
author’srights.Thankyouforrespectingthehardworkofthisauthor.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’s
imaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetolocales,events,businessestablishments,or
actualpersons—livingordead—isentirelycoincidental.

DEDICATION

Thisisforme.

“Why?”youask.

BecauseIwrotethedamnthing…

Fine,itcanbeforyoutoo…

Thisisforyouandme.

TableofContents

CHAPTERONE

CHAPTERTWO

CHAPTERTHREE

CHAPTERFOUR

CHAPTERFIVE

CHAPTERSIX

CHAPTERSEVEN

CHAPTEREIGHT

CHAPTERNINE

CHAPTERTEN

CHAPTERELEVEN

CHAPTERTWELVE

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

CHAPTERNINETEEN

CHAPTERTWENTY

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

CHAPTERTHIRTY

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO

CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN

CHAPTERTHIRTY-EIGHT

CHAPTERTHIRTY-NINE

CHAPTERFORTY

GET(5)FREEREADSEVERYFRIDAY!

CHAPTERONE

Nate

TheroomspunasNatepushedhisexhaustedbodyoutofbed.Hedrughisfeetoverthecoarsecarpet,

supportinghimselfagainstthewallasawaveofvertigohithim.Heleanedhisheadagainsthisarmashe
waitedforthegrippingfeelingtosubside.Theliquoranddrugsinhissystemwerestartingtofadeandthe
beginningofanangryhangoverwasbeginningtoclawathisstomach.Thesmellofthedingywallindire
needofcleaningdidnotdohimanyfavors.

Helookedupwhenthesoundofvoicesbegantoinfiltratethefoginhisheadandhenoticedhe’dleft

thetelevisionon.Foramomentheforgotwherehewasuntilhismemoriesslowlyallowedhimaccess.
OnceStephaniehadbeenclearedatthehospital,theyhadbroughtherbacktothemoteltobewithLexie.

ThethoughtofStephanieandthathorridplacemadehisinsidesturnandheboltedintothewashroom.

Hebarelymadeittothetoiletbeforeheviolentlyexpelledthecontentsofhisstomach.Nateturnedonthe
sinkandsplashedwateronhisface.Hegrabbedthehandtowelanddriedhimselfoffashelookedathis
reflection. His eyes were red and dark circles hung heavy underneath. He looked exactly how he felt.
Whenheturnedoffthewater,thetelevisiongrabbedhisattention.

“…BelhavenisinastateofshockthismorningwhenitwasdiscoveredthatMayorTerenceMasten

hasadarkersidethananyonecouldhaveimagined.ApropertythathasbeenlinkedtoMastenwasfound
tohaveayoungwomanheldprisoner…”

Natepushedhimselfoffthecounterandwalkedintothemainareatoseethebroadcast.Footageofthe

exteriorofthehousewasonthescreen.Crimescenetapewaseverywherebuthedidn’tneedthefootage
toknowhowshockingthescenewas.Hehadseenitforhimselfandtheimagesstillhauntedhim.

“ItisknownthatMastenwasonthepropertyatthetimeauthoritiesarrivedandwasarrested.Thelast

weheardthewomanisbeingtreatedforminorinjuries.Atthistimewedonothaveallthedetails,butwe
doknowthetaledoesnotendthere.Humanremainsfoundinshallowgravesonthepropertyindicatethe
situationisfarmoreterriblethanoriginallybelieved.Thenumberofvictimsisstillundeterminedatthis
time.Asthenumbersclimb,peopleareleftwonderinghowtheydidnotknowtheirbelovedMayorwas
capableofsuchahorrificcrime.”

Natehitthepowerbuttonandstoodstaringattheblackscreenforamoment,frozenwiththereporter’s

words tumbling around in his throbbing head. He shoved the television off the entertainment unit and
watcheditcrashtothefloor.EversincehesawStephanie’stattooandrememberedhearingMastencall
herbyhismother’sname,therealizationcarvedawayathimlikeasharpknife.Hecouldn’tstomachthe
truthofwhatthismeant.

Natespunaroundandwalkedovertohisnightstandwherehisgunwassitting.Hegrabbedthehandle

andstalkedbackintothebathroom.Hepulledtheshowercurtainbackandsteppedintothetub.

Hedroppeddownintothetubandstaredattheguninhishandsbutallhecouldseewasthelakehouse

andthatcageinthebasement.He’dspenthiswholelifehatingthemotherwhoabandonedhimandleft
himtoafatherwhodisownedhimforanewfamilythatwantednothingtodowithhim.Hatredwasso
mucheasiertoswallowthanthepainofwhatwasnowpresentedtohim.Insteadofmourninghisbeautiful
motherlikeheshouldhave,he’dtornhermemorydownuntilhehaderasedhercompletelyfromhislife.

Nate leaned his head back against the tile and wiped the tears from his face with the back of his

shakinghand.Hetookadeepbreathandslidthegunintohismouth.Hedidn’tlethimselfthinkaboutwhat
hewasdoing.Heactednumbly,desperatetoevadethepainashepulledthetrigger.

Thesoundoftheemptyclickbarelyregisteredoverhisheartbeatfillinghisearslikerushingwater.
“Jesus,Nate,”Jacksonblurtedasherushedintothebathroomandpulledthegunfromhishands.“You

didn’tthinkIwouldactuallyleaveyoualonewithaloadedgunafterhowyouactedyesterday.”

Natelookedupathimashedroppedhishandsinhislap.Hecouldn’tevenbringhimselftorespond.

Hismindwasstilldigestingthefactthathewasstillalive.

Jackson grabbed him by the shoulders and hauled him out of the tub. Nate didn’t resist as Jackson

walked him out of the bathroom. “I can’t believe you just did that. Don’t pull that fucking shit again.”
Jacksonledhimtowardthebedandguidedhimtotheedge.

Natesatnumblystaringatthewall.Thesoundofahighpitchedwhistlingfilledhisheadandfogged

hismind.Hisheadfelttoofull,likeitwasreadytoexplode.

“…can you even hear me?” Jackson asked, leaning down in front of him. “Nate?” He slapped him

lightlyonthesideoftheface,whichbroughthimbackfrombeinglostinsidehishead.

“Yeah,” Nate responded lazily as he blinked his eyes and tried to focus. The outlines of his vision

blurred.

“Whatthehellhappenedatthelakehouse?”
“Getmywallet.”Natewavedlanguidlytowardthenightstand.
JacksonlookedoveratthewalletandthenbackatNate.
“Justgetit.There’sapicturetuckedinside.”
Jacksonopeneditupandpulledoutthepicture.HestudieditforamomentbeforelookingupatNate.

“Who’sthis?”Jacksonaskedinconfusion.

“That’smymother.RememberhowItoldyoushefuckingleftmewhenIwasbarelyfiveyearsoldand

nevercameback?”Natesqueezedhiseyesshut.

“Yeah.”
“Thattattooonherneck…Stephanie’s.It’sidenticaltomymother’s,”Nateconfessedashetookadeep

breathandlookedupatJackson.

RealizationdawnedonJackson’sface.“Itcouldjustbeacoincidence.”
“HernamewasRose.That’swhatMastencalledStephanie.”
“Nate…”
“I saw the news about there being other victims.” Nate raked his hand down his face. “I can feel it,

Jackson.IcouldfeelitwhenIwasthere.Ihatedmymothermywholelifeforleavingmeandnowthere
couldbeaveryhorriblereasonwhyshenevercameback.Shedeservedbetterfromme,”Natesobbed.

Jackson dropped on the bed next to Nate without saying a word. Nate wasn’t sure how much time

passedasJacksonjustsatbesidehim.OneofthethingshelikedbestaboutJacksonwasthatheknewthe
valueofsilence.Heclosedhiseyestotakedeep,evenbreathsashecamedownfromhisadrenalinehigh
andpainandexhaustionbegantogriphimagain.

“Youdidn’thateher,Nate,oryouwouldn’thavecarriedheraroundwithyoualltheseyears.”Jackson

heldupthepicturestillinhishand.“I’mnotgonnaletyougiveup,”Jacksonsaidfirmly.

“Whatnow?”Nateasked,searchingJackson’seyes.
“Let’sjuststartwithyoulivinganotherdayandwe’llgofromthere.Youhaveenoughpeopletryingto

killyou.Let’snotmakeittooeasyforthem.”

“Fuck…where’sthatgun?”Natemoaned.
“I’mkeepingitfornow.”Jacksongavehimapatontheshoulderwithapainedsmile.“Getyourself

cleanedup.WeneedtotakethegirlsbacktoFreyview.”

“Youstillwantmetocome?”Nateasked.
“Yeah, we need you.” Jackson tucked the picture back in Nate’s wallet and set it back on the

nightstand.

Nashrubbedhishandsdownhisfaceandfellbackonthebed.“It’ssomucheasiertohate,isn’tit?”
“Don’tIfuckingknowit,”Jacksonsighed.

CHAPTERTWO

Jackson

Lexie and Stephanie were huddled in the backseat and had barely spoken a word during the drive.

OncethedetectiveinchargeoftheMastencasequestionedStephanie,theyleftthehospitalinMillwood
assoonaspossible.Physicallyshewasfinewithonlyminordehydration.Itwaswhattheycouldnotsee,
the toll it had taken on her mentally that had everyone worried. It had become normal for her to stare
blanklyatnothing,tuningtheworldoutaroundher.Jacksondidn’tknowherwell,butonethingwasvery
clear.Stephaniewasnotthesamepersonshewasbeforeshewastaken.Shebarelyspoke,andwhenshe
did,itwasonlytoappeasethequestionsofotherswithlifelesswords.Shewaswithdrawnandclosed
off.Shelookedlikeagirlwhohadaccepteddeathanddidn’tknowhowtostartlivingagain.Jacksonwas
intimatelyfamiliarwiththatfeeling.

Beth’sdeathhadshockedeveryone.IthadalmostbrokenLexie,butthereturnofStephaniepulledher

out of her own grief enough to focus her attention on her friend. The transformation from a state of
complete despondency to doting friend was dramatic and too soon. While Jackson liked seeing Lexie
functioningagain,heknewshewasjustdelayingthegriefsheneededexperiencetomoveonandheal.He
knew eventually she would be worn down to the girl that lost her mother again and she would be
overwhelmedwithsorrow.Whenthishappened,heplannedtobebyhersideandhelpherthroughevery
step.Untilthenheneededtofixthecrumblingworldaroundthem,startingwithbringingEvanhome.

Afterhoursofshiftingthroughthehospital’ssurveillancefootage,Teddywasfinallyabletopindown

theindividualthathadbeeninBeth’sroombeforeherdeath.Jacksonwasn’tsurprisedthatthemanwas
awareofthecameralocationsandavoidedanidentifyingviewofhisface,buttheyallknewwithouta
doubt who it was. As soon as Jackson saw the image of the man his lingering doubt about Rosh’s
involvementdissipated.Hisfather’spartnerhadbetrayedthemallandJacksoncouldn’twaittoshedlight
on him. He could still see the frame frozen on the screen, the only frame with a partial face. It wasn’t
enoughtoaccuseRosh,butitwasenoughtosatisfyJackson.Hetightenedhishandsonthesteeringwheel.

Astheydroveintotown,Jacksonnoticedposterspinnedinstorewindowsandonstreetposts.Pictures

ofLexie,Beth,andStephanieweredisplayedoneachofthem.Thesmalltownhadbeensetintoastateof
panic when three of its own disappeared without explanation. The solemn mood thickened in the car.
Even Teddy, sitting in the passenger’s seat, didn’t dare speak a word as they drove through the quiet
streets.

JacksonhadDanetakeNatetogethimagoodmealandastrongcupofcoffeetogethisfocusback.He

couldn’thaveNatefallingapartonhim.Heneededhimstrongtostaybackandkeepaneyeonthegirls
whiletheywentbacktoBelhaven.Hedidn’ttrusttheofficerswhowouldbeassignedtowatchLexieand
Stephanie.JacksonneededsomeonehecouldrelyontogivehimeyesinFreyviewsohecouldfocuson

whatheneededtodo.Jacksonknewtheywerefarfromoutofthewoods.Theywerestillinthemiddleof
thestormwithoutanysignoflightontheotherside,andJacksonneededtomakesuretheyhadhopethat
anendwouldcomeforalltheirsakes.

When Jackson pulled onto Stephanie’s street, he finally broke the silence. “Remember the story. No

one mentions John Stodden.” Jackson glanced in the rear view mirror to see Lexie staring back at him.
“Thelesspeoplewhoknowabouthisinvolvement,thebetterforus,”Jacksoncontinued.Shenoddedand
pulled Stephanie closer to her side. Jackson brought the car to a stop in front of Stephanie’s house and
turnedofftheignition.

Thefrontdooropenedandamiddle-agedwomanwithsimilarfeaturestoStephaniewalkeddownthe

steps, followed by two men Jackson assumed were her father and boyfriend. Jackson stepped out and
roundedthecartoopenthereardoor.

AssoonasStephaniesteppedoutofthecar,thewomanrushedtoherandthrewherarmsaroundher

neck.“Steph,baby,”thewomancried.“Iwassoworried.I’msogladyou’resafe.”

WhenLexiesteppedoutbehindthem,thewomangatheredherupintheirhug.“I’msosorry,Lexie,”

shesobbed.

The older gentleman approached Jackson and offered his hand. “Thank you for bringing the girls

back,”heofferedgratefully.“Myname’sTom.”HegaveJackson’shandafirmshake.“Hermother,Ruth,
andthisisStephanie’sboyfriend,Mike.”

Jacksongavethemapolitenod,notingthattheboyfriendnarrowedhiseyessuspiciously.Heobviously

had reservations toward Jackson. He didn’t blame him, Jackson was never one to give great first
impressions,andafterwhattheyhadjustbeenthrough,hisdemeanourwaslessthanwelcoming.“There
will be other officers coming shortly who will be posted outside for surveillance. We’ll stay until they
arrive.”

“Isthatnecessary?Arethegirlsstillatrisk?”Tomasked.
“It’smerelyaprecautionforpeaceofmind.Thegirlshavebeenthroughalotandwewantthemtofeel

safe.”JacksonpulledacardoutofhispocketandpassedittoTom.

“Thatsoundslikeagoodidea,”Tomagreed,lookingathiswifeanddaughter.Itwasobviousthestress

thathadbeenplaguingStephanie’sfamilythelastfewweeks.Itwaswrittenallovertheirfacesandhe
knewtheywereeagertobeginthehealingprocess.

“Ifyoudon’tmind,IwouldliketospeakwithLexieprivately,”Jacksonrequested.
TomlookedatLexie,whonoddedtoeasehisconcern.
“Ofcourse,”Tomsaid.HeplacedhishandonLexie’sshoulder.“Goodtoseeyou,sweetheart.Don’t

belong.”

“I’llputonsometea.”RuthsmiledatLexieasshetuckedLexie’shairbehindherear.
Lexie watched Tom as he led Stephanie and her mother toward the house. Mike followed on their

heels,throwingglancesbackatthemlikehewashesitanttoleaveheralonewithhim.

“MikeremindsmeofEvan,”JacksonsaidashewatchedMikeclosethefrontdoor.
“Theyarefriends,”Lexieofferedquietly.
“That explains a lot,” Jackson admitted, eliciting only the smallest of smiles from Lexie, but it was

progress.

“Evan’snotsobad,”Lexiesaidsadly.
“Yeah,maybe,butdon’ttellhimIsaidso,”Jacksonadded.
Teddywasleaningagainstthecar,andfromthesoundofit,hewasplayingagameonhisphone.He

was most likely not paying attention, but Jackson preferred to be out of earshot. He noticed the curtain
moving in the front window of Stephanie’s house, indicating he had more of an audience than he was
comfortablewith.

“Comehere.”JacksontookLexie’shandandwalkedtowardthesideofthehouseforsomeprivacy.He

turnedaroundandlookedintohereyes.Theyweresofullofturmoilitpainedhimtoseeherlikethis.

Jackson wasn’t sure what Lexie needed from him. He didn’t know how to console her and he was

scaredtodothewrongthing.Shelookedsofragile,butheknewhowstrongshereallywas,anditgave
himsomepeaceofmind.

“ThethoughtofleavingyoufeelslikethehardestthingI’veeverhadtodo,”Jacksonconfessed.“ButI

promisedtobringEvanhometoyou,andthat’swhatI’mgoingtodo.”

Lexiesqueezedhishandinresponseandhereyeswatered.
Jacksonpulledhercloserandplacedakissonherforeheadbeforewrappinghisarmsaroundher.
“Iknowhowmuchithurts.Istillthinkofmymothereveryday,”Jacksonsaidsadly.
Lexieslippedherhandsunderneathhisshirtsotheywereagainsthisskin.Thecomfortitbroughthim

wasimmeasurable.Hecouldonlyhopeitgaveherafractionofthesolaceitgavehim.

“Promisemeyou’llcomeback,”Lexiewhisperedagainsthischest.Hecouldfeelhertearssaturatehis

shirt,makinghimsqueezehertighter.

“Ipromise,”Jacksonadmitted.“ThereisnoplaceI’dratherbe.”
Lexie retracted her hands and placed them on the sides of his face. Reaching up on her tip-toes, she

placedherlipsagainsthisinafirm,emotionallydrivenkiss.Whenshepulledback,shesearchedhiseyes
andhehopedshecouldseehowhefelt,becausetherewerenowords.

“Makesurethatyoudo,”Lexiesaidbeforekissedhimoncemore,thistimegentleandquickbeforeshe

spunaroundandheadedtowardthehouse.

ItwasthefirsttimeinhislifethatJacksonactuallyfearedhismortality.Hedidn’twanttopushthrough

lifewithhisheaddown,payingnomindtotherisks.Hewasterrifiedhispastwouldnowpreventhim
from having what he wanted. He no longer desired the dangers he waded through his entire life. He
wantedtospendeveryminutewithLexiewithouthavingtolookoverhisshoulderorfearforhersafety.
Hewasn’tsureifitwasevenpossible,butitdidn’tstophimfromhoping.

Jacksonreturnedtothecarandleanedagainstit,nexttoTeddy.Helookedupatthehousethoughtfully,

thinkingthatTeddywastooconsumedwithhisgametopayhimanymind.Heshouldhaveknownbetter.

“AfewmonthsagoIwouldhavebetmylifethattheworldwouldfreezeoverbeforeJacksonFinley

fellinlove.It’ssotrippyseeingyoulikethis.”Teddylaughed.

“Fuckyou.”JacksonshovedTeddywithhiselbowandknockedhimoffbalance.
“Oh…”Teddysaidashestumbled.“Shit,”hesaidthroughhislaughter.“Ialmostfellonmyass.”
“Thatwasthepoint.”Jacksonshookhisheadandcouldn’thelpthesmilethatformedonhislips.
They both turned when a car pulled onto the street. Jackson instinctively placed his hand on his gun

until it neared enough to see who was behind the wheel. “Fuck me sideways. This is the last thing we
needrightnow,”Jacksoncomplained,pushinghimselftohisfeetasthecarpulledupinfrontoftheirs.

HaffeyswungherdooropenandstormedtowardJacksonwithfireinherdarkbrowneyes.
“Finley!Whatthefuckareyouupto?”Haffeydemanded.Herlonghairwaspulledtightlybackintoa

ponytail,givingherafiercelookthataccentuatedhertemper.

“Hello, Haffey, what are you doing in these parts? A little far from home, aren’t you?” Teddy said

casually.

“Pissoff,Teddy,”Haffeysnapped.
“Sospicy,Ilikeit,”Teddyfedherfervour.
HaffeyrolledhereyesandcametostandinfrontofJacksonwithherhandsonherhipsandleanedinto

hispersonalspace.

“You and I both know those girls were in John Stodden’s possession. When I can place you at that

hotel,Iwillripyourasstoshreds.”

“Iknowyoulikethingskinky,butthat’sevenpushingitforyou,”Jacksontaunted.
“OhmyJesus,fuck.HowinhelldoesGilesputupwithyouassholes?”

“Calmdown,Haffey.Wehaveanaudience,”Jacksonsaid,noddingtowardthewindow.
Haffeyglancedoveranddroppedherhandsoffherhipsandstraightenedherposture.Haffey’spartner

openedhisdoorandclimbedout,tuckinghisphoneintohispocket.

“Jackson,Teddy,”Sieksacknowledgedthem,tryingtokeephisamusedexpressiontohimself.
“Heyman,”Teddygreetedhim.
“Youcan’ttalktothemnow.They’vebeenthroughtoomuch,”Jacksonsaid.
“ThehellIcan’t,”Haffeybitoffassheturnedtowardthehouse.Jacksongrabbedherarmtostopher.

“Getyourhandoffme.”

Jackson released her and raised his hand in surrender. “Stephanie was already questioned by the

officersinvestigatingMastenandLexiejustlosthermother.Theydon’tknowwhereJohnis.Icantellyou
whatyouwanttoknow.”

“Itoldyoutostayawayfromhim,Jackson.”
“Ican’thelpitifhe’stheonecomingafterme.Whatdoyouwantmetodo,justlethimkillme?”
“That’sastart,yeah.”Haffeynoddedherhead.
“It’snotthateasytogetridofme,Haff.”Jacksonclenchedhisjaw.
“Don’tIknowit,”Haffeyagreedwithanexaggeratedsigh.
“You being here only raises flags. No one knows of Stodden’s involvement in this case. It’s best it

staysthatwayfornow,”Jacksoninsisted.

“Andwhyisthat?”Haffeycrossedherarmsandtappedherfoot.
JacksonglancedupatthehouseandsawLexieandMikeinthewindow.“Let’snotdothishere.”He

placedahandonhershoulder.Haffeylookedupatthehouseandnoticedtheirspectators.

Jacksonnoddedtowardthecar.“Let’sgograbacoffeeandtalk,”Jacksonsuggested.
Haffeynarrowedhereyes.“YouaregonnatellmewhatIwanttoknow?”
Jacksonraisedhischin.“Let’sgo.”
“Seiks,youstayhereandwatchthatone,”HaffeypointedatTeddybeforesheroundedhercar.
Teddyraisedhishandsinquestion.“Why?I’mthegoodone.”
“I’llbebacksoon,”JacksontoldTeddy,whowaslookingathimwithraisedbrows.

CHAPTERTHREE

Lexie

“Idon’tlikethoseguys,”Mikesaid,lookingoutthefrontwindowastheywatchedJacksonandTeddy

talktoamanandawomanwhohadjoinedthemonthefrontlawn.Theywerebothdressedinbusiness
attire.The woman wasattractive with fullcurves and apparently afiery temper asshe swung her arms
aroundwhensheaddressedJackson.Themanthathadgottenoutofhercarstoodsilentlyonthesidelines
nearTeddy.

“ThoseguysarethereasonStephanieandmemadeithome,”Lexiesaidirritably.
Lexie could feel Mike’s eyes on her as she watched the heated exchange between Jackson and the

woman.AnuneasyfeelingfilledherstomachasJacksongotinacarwithheranddroveoff.

“Well,itlookslikeyourlittleboyfriendisgonnagetluckynow,”Mikesaidwithasmugsmile.
Lexie turned toward Mike with a heavy scowl. “Why would you say that?” Lexie couldn’t help the

sliverofjealousythatpainedthebackofherthroat.Shetriedtoshovethefeelingasidebutitinsistedon
lingering,whichonlymadeherangerflaretowardMike.

Mikeshrugged.“There’sonlyonereasonawomangetsthatmadataman.They’refucking.”
“Shut your stupid face, Mike.” Lexie shoved him away. He bumped into the side table and almost

knockedoveralamp.Fortunately,Mikehadgoodreflexes.

“Comeon,Lexie.Youcan’tseriouslybeintothatguy?Youbarelyknowhimandhelooksmorelikea

criminalthanacop.Youwereneveronetoloseyourshitoveraprettyface,”Mikesaidwithashakeof
hishead.

“It’snoneofyourbusiness,Mike.”
“Somethingisgoingonhere.You’renottellingthewholetruth.”Mikesquaredhisshoulders.“There’s

so many holes in your fucking story. When things start dying down, people are gonna start asking
questions.

“Icouldn’tcarelesswhatyouthink,Mike.Iknowallabouttheholesinyourstory.YouthinkIdon’t

knowitwasn’tjuststripclubsthatyouweresneakingaroundtogoto.”Lexiecrossedherarms.“Iknow
you’reacheatingpieceofcrap.That’sagoodjuicystoryrightthereforoursmalltown.Noonewillcare
aboutyoursuspicionswhentheyfindoutwhatyou’vebeenupto.”

Mikeclenchedhisjawandnarrowedhiseyes.“Where’sEvan?”
“You already know he checked into a treatment facility. He needed help and you know that.” Lexie

triedtokeephervoicedowndespiteheranger.Itwasthecoverstorytheyweregoingwithtoappease
Evan’sfamilyfornow.Itwastheonlystorythatmadesensewhynoonecouldcontacthim.Unfortunately,
noonecoulddenyitwastheplaceheshouldbe.

LexiecouldhearStephanie’sparentsinthekitchenfixingthemsomefood.RuthhadtakenStephanieup

toherroomtotakeashower,leavingLexiealonewithMike.

“You’relying,”Mikeaccused.
“Leavemealone,”Lexiesaiddefiantly.
“Wasitreallyacarcrashthatkilledyourmother?”Mike’swordswerelikeaslapintheface.
“Leavemealone,”LexieseethedassheleanedinclosetomakesureMikeknewhe’dsteppedoverthe

line.Shehatedtheliesbutsheknewtheywerenecessary.Shedidn’twantpeopletoquestionhermother’s
honorifshewastiedtoJohnStodden.Hermotherkeptthissecretwhileshewasaliveandshewantedto
makesuresherespecteditafter.

Heraisedhishandsandsteppedback.“Okay,I’msorry.Ishouldn’thaveaskedthat.”
Shecouldn’tstandbeinginhiscompany.Shedidn’thavetheenergytothinkabouthimandthefactthat

she hadn’t been able to break the news to Stephanie about what Mike had really been up to. She was
hopingStephaniewasgoingtoendthingswithMikeandshewouldn’thavetobreakherheartworseby
tellingherthathehadsleptaroundonheraswell.Shewantedtospareherfriendtheembarrassment.

ShepausedjustoutsidethekitchenwhensheheardRuthandTomtalkinginhushedvoices.“Thegirls

shouldbehomewithus.Nothere.”

“Stephaniewantstobehereandwehavetorespectherwishes,”Tomresponded.
Ruthstartedcrying.“Mypoorbaby,sheneverspokeaword.Notoneword,Tom.”
“Comehere,”Tomsaid.
“AndLexie,hermotherwasallshehad.”Ruthsniffed.“Howarewegoingtomakethingsright?What

arewegoingtodo?”

“I think all we can do is be here for them. It’s up to them to find their way through this,” Tom said

softly. Lexie had always adored Stephanie’s father. He was always the voice of reason to Ruth’s
emotionaloutburstsanddramaticbehavior.LexiewassurprisedthatRuthwasascalmasshewas.She
imaginedtheywerebothexhaustedfromtheweeksofworrythattheyhadbeenputthrough.

Lexie walked into the kitchen. Both Ruth and Tom looked up and acknowledged her. “Lexie,” Ruth

said,forcingasmileonherfaceandwipingherhairbackfromherface.“Thewaterisalmostboiled.Sit,
darling.”Ruthwavedtothetable.

LexiedroppeddowninthechairandwatchedRuthshufflearoundthekitchen.Tomwalkedovertothe

tableandsatdownacrossfromher.

“Howareyouholdingup,sweetheart?”Tomasked,placinghishandoverhers.
Lexieshrugged,shewasworriedifshetriedtospeakshewouldburstintotears.
“Wecan’tevenbegintoimaginewhatyoubothhavebeenthroughtheselastfewweeks.Whenyou’re

readytotalkaboutit,we’llbehere.”

“Thankyou,Tom.Iappreciateit,”Lexiesaid.
“Here,child,”RuthsaidasshesetacupofteainfrontofLexie.
“Thankyou,”Lexiesaidasshewrappedherfingersaroundthehotcup.
“WhatcanIgetyoutoeat?”Ruthfussed.
“I’m good with just the tea for now,” Lexie responded. The heat from the tea made her realize how

cold she felt. Lexie brought it to her lips and wasn’t surprised by the aroma of chamomile. Ruth had
always told her it made everything better, and in that moment as she breathed it in, she wished it were
true.

Lexietookasmallsipandclosedhereyes,tryingtorememberwhatshefeltlikethelasttimeshehada

cupofRuth’stea.Itfeltlikealifetimeago,beforelifehadtakenadarkerroad.AfterAlexhaddied,Lexie
closedherselfofffromalotofpeopleandbarelyventuredoutintotheworldthathadbetrayedher.Apart
of her regretted pushing so many people away. She had missed Stephanie’s quirky mother and the
comfortingpresenceofherfather,whoalwaysfoundcalmineverysituation.

A bang overhead made them all look up at the ceiling. “I’ll go check on her,” Ruth said, wiping her

handsoffonthedishtowel.

“Ruth?”Lexiecalledoutasshestoodup.
RuthspunaroundandlookedatLexie.
“CanIpleasecheckonher?”Lexieasked.
Ruth paused for a moment before she nodded in understanding. “Oh…of course, dear,” Ruth said,

wiping her hands down the front of her blouse, smoothing out the fabric. “If you could get her to come
downwhenshe’sdone?Youbothshouldeat.”

“Thanks,Ruth,”Lexiesaidassheheadedtowardthestairs.
Lexiepushedherselfupeverystep,shehadsomanywonderfulmemoriesinStephanie’splace,butthe

imageofthosedeadmenlyingonthefloorhauntedher.Ofallthetimesshehadlaughedtothepointof
tears,danced to ridiculousmusic, and atecake for no goodreason with Stephanie,only the tainted and
horriblethingscametomindbecauseshewasinadarkplace.

Lexieclosedhereyes,tookadeepbreath,andfocusedonthepeoplestillleftinherlifeshehelddear.

They were what she cared most about in this world; the people who were still left to encourage her to
wanttoliveandlaughagain.Whenshethoughtabouthappiness,hermother’sfacecametomind;theway
she had always thrown her head back when she laughed. Her mother would spend hours in the garden,
with her bare hands in the soil without any care to the state of her nails because she loved how it felt
againstherskin.Shewouldalsosometimesbringabooktothegardenwithherandjustsitandreadfor
hoursuntilthesmelloftheearthpermeatedherclothes.Thoughtsofhermothermadehereyesstingwith
unshedtears.

Lexiegrabbedholdoftherailingandsqueezedtightly.Sheheldallherfeelingsandshovedthemdeep

inside,turningherattentiontowardStephanie,whoneededher.LexieknockedonStephanie’sdoorbefore
sheturnedtheknobandswungitopen.Stephaniewasstillintheshowerintheattachedwashroom.She
couldhearthewaterrunningbutitdidnotdrownoutthesoundofStephanie’scries.

When she approached the door, she noticed it was open. She knocked and called out to Stephanie

beforesheentered.SheknewStephaniehadheardherbecauseshegrewveryquiet.Shewalkedintothe
steam-filledroomandsatdownontheclosedlidofthetoilet.

Lexie scrambled for something to say that wouldn’t remind them of the pain they were suffering.

“RememberwhenweletTaraMiltondoourmakeupforprom?Wethoughtshewassofantasticbecause
she had graduated the year before and was in beauty school. It was so exciting that she was willing to
giveusthetimeofday,”Lexiesaidthoughtfully.

ThewaterturnedoffbutStephaniedidn’tsayaword.
“We looked like clown meets trashy hookers gone wild,” Lexie continued, knowing Stephanie was

listening. “Good thing Ruth came to the rescue. Although looking back now, my dress could have been
better.WhatwasIthinking?”

Stephaniepulledthecurtainbacktorevealshewassittingdownhuggingherkneestoherchest.She

looked so small and scared, it tore at Lexie’s heart. Stephanie leaned her cheek against her knee and
lookedatLexie.Somuchsadnesscloudedhernormallybrighteyes.

Lexie grabbed her robe off the back of the door and wrapped it around Stephanie’s shoulders. She

couldfeelhershiverthroughthethickterryclothfabricdespitethewarmsteamstillcirculatingtheroom.
Lexiegrabbedatowelofftheshelfanddriedherhairbeforehelpingheroutofthetub.

ShepickedupthecomboffthecounterandbeganuntanglingStephanie’slongcurlsbeforesheturned

thehairdryeron.LexieneededthedistractionfromherthoughtsandStephanieneededtobetakencareof
whileshestruggledtofindherwordsagain.SheranherfingersthroughStephanie’shairgentlyastheheat
ofthedryerbegantodissipateStephanie’schills.

“Alexsaidyouwerethemostbeautifulgirlinthewholeworldthatnight,”StephaniesaidwhenLexie

flicked off the hairdryer and tucked it away in the drawer. Lexie spun around and looked at Stephanie,

whowasstillstaringatherfoldedhandsinherlap.

“Alex also said I looked beautiful in the mornings too,” Lexie said with a smile. “He had a way of

stretching the truth.” Lexie dropped down on the floor in front of Stephanie and grabbed her hands,
lookingintohereyes.“Wearegoingtomakeitthroughthis,Steph.Idon’tknowhow,butwewill.”

“Itfeelslikeahugepartofmewasscoopedoutandsomethingslitheredinandfilledthespace.Idon’t

feellikemeanymore,”Stephaniesaidastearsfilledhereyesandspilledover.

“Lookatme,”Lexiesaid,tiltingupherfacewithagentlenudgeunderherchin.“Istillseeallofyouin

there.Brokenmaybe,butallpiecesareaccountedfor.”

Stephanietookadeep,shakybreathandtwistedaringaroundherfinger.
“What’sthis?”Lexieasked.“Shehadnoticedtheringbeforebutitneverseemedlikeagoodtimeto

ask.”

Stephanieranherfingeroverthesurfaceofit.“Ifounditthere…tuckedinthemattressof…”Stephanie

trailed off when her face twisted in pain as more tears ran down her cheeks. “I think it belonged to
anothergirl,”Stephaniewhisperedasshewipedhertearswiththebackofherotherhand.“Itmademe
feellessalonewhenIwasthere.”

Lexietookherhandinhersandgaveitacomfortingsqueeze.
“IknowthatI’mhomeandhe’sbehindbars,butit’shardtoletgoofthefear.Itfeelslikeitisapartof

menow,”Stephaniesaidsolemnly.

Lexieknewexactlywhatshemeantbecauseitwasreflectedinhereyes.Shecouldonlyimaginewhat

Stephaniehadbeenthrough.Shedidn’twanttopushhertotalkuntilshewasready.

“Let’snotworryaboutanythingotherthaneatingyourmother’sdeliciousfoodandtakingonedayata

time.Itsoundslikeagoodstart,right?”LexiegaveStephanie’skneeagentlesqueeze.

“Yourmom…”Stephaniebegan.
Lexie’seyeswatered.“It’stoohardtothinkaboutrightnow.”
“Iunderstand,”Stephaniesaid,placingherhandoverLexie’s.
“Girls,”RuthcalledfromtheentranceofStephanie’sroom.“Thefoodisready.”
Lexie looked at Stephanie and smiled softly. Ruth always had to cook when she was stressed or

worried.Lexieknewtheywouldbewellfedastheywadedthroughtheirpain.

CHAPTERFOUR

Jackson

“WhenareyougonnatelluswhatyoutoldHaffey?”Teddyaskedfromthepassengerseat.Hepulleda

bottleofwhiskeyoutofapaperbagandbroketheseal.

“Itoldherwhatsheneededtobackoff,”Jacksonadmitted.Thelastthinghewantedtotalkaboutwas

Haffeyrightnow.Thatwomanwasreadytobitehisheadoffbuthemanagedtocalmherdownenoughto
haveareasonableconversation.Whethershelikeditornot,hisinvolvementinhercasewasnolongeran
option.HewasonJohnStodden’sradar,andifHaffeywantedaccesstowhatheknew,thenshewould
havetogiveupsomecontrol.

What he would never admit to them was that when he was sitting down with Haffey, he took the

opportunity to give her the proper apology she deserved. Jackson’s feelings for Lexie had given him a
newperspective. How hehad treated Haffeywas inexcusable and hewished at thetime he could have
seenthedamagehisactionswouldcause,buthecouldn’tseepasthisownveilofpain.Heknewthings
wouldnevergobacktoanythingbuttolerantbetweenthem,butitwasbetterthanbeingdownwindofher
wrath.Atleastnowshewasbeginningtoletgooftheangershewasholdingonto.Itgavehimsomepeace
ofmind.

“Do we have to worry about getting arrested?” Teddy raised his brow as he tipped the bottle to his

lips.Teddywasdisguisedasthecharacterhewasplayingintheirplan.Jacksoncouldn’thelpbutshake
his head. His wig gave him long dark hair that brushed against his shoulders and thick framed glasses,
givinghimamuchdifferentlookthanwhatJacksonwasusedto.ItalsohelpedthatTeddyhadn’tshaved
inthelastfewdays.Hisdisguisewasbelievableenoughtowork.

“Ididn’ttellherthatmuch,”Jacksonassured.
Teddyloweredhiswindowasheswishedtheliquoraroundhismouthandthenspatitout.Wipinghis

mouthwithhisfingers,hethenrubbedthemonhisneckanddownthefrontofhisshirtbeforepassingthe
bottlebacktoDane.

“DoyouthinkitwaswisetoleaveNatewiththegirlsafterwhathappened?”Daneasked.“Heseemed

quiteshakenup.”

“Idon’tknow.I’vebeenaskingmyselfthesamething,butwedidn’thavemuchchoice.He’llkeephis

headwhilewe’regonebecauseheknowsweneedhim.Heseemedinsistentthatwenotworry.”

“Let’shope,”Teddyadded.
Jacksonglancedatthetime.“Areyousurethey’regoingtoshow,Dane?They’relate.”
“Yeah, maybe your girlfriends stood you up. Guess they didn’t like you that much after all,” Teddy

teased.

“Relax,they’llbehere,”Danerepliedconfidently.“Andtechnically,they’dbestandingyouup.”

“Headsup,”Jacksonsaid,noddingtowardtherearviewmirror.Daneturnedaroundandspottedthe

twogirlsfromMax’sapartmentbuildingheadingtowardtheircar.

“It’sgametime,”Teddysaidasheopenedhisdoorandclimbedout.
JacksonstartedtheengineandpulledawayfromthecurbassoonasTeddyshutthedoor.
“Thatshrinkchickcalledme,”Danesaidthoughtfullyfromthebackseat.
JacksonlookedupinhisrearviewmirroratthecreasedbrowDanewore.HehadnoticedthatDane

hadbeenquietlately.

“And?” Jackson encouraged as he glanced at Teddy though the window. Teddy had thrown his arms

overthegirls’shouldersasheledthemdownthesidewalk.Jacksontookadeepbreath.Theirplanwas
beginningtounfold.HeturnedthecornerandleftTeddytodohispart.

“Shewantsmetocomeinforamandatoryassessment,”Danesaid.
“Bythedepartment?”Jacksonasked,wonderingifitwasjustthestandardprotocol.
“Yeah,” Dane replied, rubbing his cheek. “They want to make sure getting shot didn’t mess with my

head.”

“WhathappenedtooldDr.Millie?”
“Sheretiredlastmonth,”Danesaid,shakinghishead.“Iwouldn’tgiveashitifIhadtogoinandtalk

toher.IusedtotelloldMillieabouttheballgamethatwasonthenightbeforeandshewouldjustnodher
head and doodle on her paper. This new woman asks so many questions and it makes me so fucking
uncomfortable.”Daneleanedbackintheseatwithasigh.

“Andshe’shot,”Jacksonadded.
“Whichmakesitworse,”Danesaid,rubbinghishandsdownhisface.
“Well,let’sjustconcentrateongettingEvanoutofthisshitholealiveornoneofitwillmatteranyway,”

Jacksonsaidwithachuckle.

“Yeah,true.”
JacksonpulleduptoanapartmentbuildingaroundthecornerfromShimmyShakersandparkedthecar

inthenearlyfilledlot.Thelocationwasnotdiscreet,butitwouldbequickaccesswhentheylefttheclub.
TheeveninghadsettledinlightandenergeticinthecityofBelhaven.Thewarmairhadmanybodieson
thestreets.Eventherougherpartoftownwasnoexception.

Jackson’sphonelitupintheconsole.HelookedatthescreenandsawTeddy’smessage.
“BlackisintheclubentertainingasmallgroupofmenthatTeddydoesn’trecognize.Hesaidthere’sno

signofFreddieKrueger.”Jacksonsmiledatthenicknamehe’dgivenSlash.

“Let’shopehe’snothere,”Daneadded.
“I don’t think we’ll be that lucky, but if you see the crazy fucker, shoot first and ask questions later.

He’sgotawickedhandthrowingthoseblades,”Jacksonwarnedhim.

“Gotit,”Daneconfirmed.
“Ready?”
“Justasec.”Danereachedintohispocketandpulledouthisbottleofpainmedication.Hepoppedthe

topandtippedthebottleuptohislips,andthenchasedthepillswiththewhiskeyTeddyhadgivenhim.

“How’sthatside,anyway?”
“Much better. I don’t think I’ll need my meds much longer, but I figured its best, considering our

situation.”

“MaybeIshouldtakesomejustincase,”Jacksonjoked.
“Ifanythinghappens,justcoverthatprettyfaceofyourssoyourgirlfriendwillstilllikeyou.”Dane

laughed.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Shelikesmeformyshiningpersonality.”
“Don’tweall,”Danesaidsarcastically.“Let’sgo.”
Jacksonopenedhisdoorandpulledhishatlowtoshieldhisfacefromanyonewhomightrecognize

him.DanewasquietasheclosedhisdoorandfollowedinJackson’sstepsastheymadetheirwaytoward
thebackoftheclub.Otherthanthedistantsoundsofthecity,itwaseerilyquietinthealley.Astraycat
rummagedaroundadumpster.

Jacksonroundedthecornertotherearalleybehindtheclub.Itwasmostlydarkexceptforthesmall

lightovertheemergencyexitofthedoor

A homeless man flipped over on his makeshift cardboard bed when he noticed their approach. He

raisedhisheadandwatchedthemcautiously.“Heythere,whydon’tyougogetyourselfsomethingtoeat,”
Jacksonsuggested,passinghimafoldedbill.

The man’s eyes fell to Jackson’s hand and he got the hint. He pushed himself off the ground and

grabbed the money with a grimy hand. He gave them both a quick nod before he limped off without a
backwardglance.Thatwasamanwhohadlivedonthestreetslongenoughtoknowhowtosurvive.

Jackson walked up the small staircase that led to the steel door. He leaned against the wall and

knocked.Afterashortmomentthedoorwasopenedbyamanwithagunheldagainsthischest.Hiseyes
widenedwhenJacksongrabbedholdofhimandhauledhimoutside.Jacksontwistedtheman’sgunoutof
his hand and tossed him to the ground. Dane grabbed for the door and shoved his knife into the latch
beforeitcouldclose.Hetumbledtothegroundandscrambledtogetbackonhisfeet.Jacksonkickedhim
back down and stepped on the back of his neck. “Black is going to kill y―” the man threatened but
Jacksonpresseddownonhisthroatwithhisbootbeforeheaimedhisgunattheman’shead.Theshotwas
deadenedbythesilencerbutitstillcastadullechofromthesurroundingbrickwalls.

Jackson drug the man’s body off to the side and tossed a few garbage bags on him that were

surrounding the dumpster. He headed back toward the stairs where Dane was waiting. Dane pried the
dooropenandglancedinside.“Clear,”hewhisperedbeforepullingitopentoenter.

With their guns in hand, they headed in. Jackson could feel the vibrations of the music in his feet as

theyquietlywalkeddowntheemptyhall.WhentheynearedtheroomEvanhadbeenheldin,theyslipped
inside.“Shit.Theymovedhim.”JacksonimmediatelynotedtheemptysofawhereEvanhadbeenthelast
timehewashere.Thehandcuffsstilldangledfromthewindowbars.

“You looking for Country?” a woman asked who was looking at them through the reflection of her

vanitymirror.Shewasdabbingmakeuponthedarkcirclesunderhereyes.

“YoumeanEvan?”Jacksonaskedforclarification.
Sheshruggedhershoulders.“IonlyknowhimasCountry.Theytookhimtoanotherroomlastnight.”
“Doyouknowwhere?”
“Nobodytellsmeanything,”shesaidsourlyassheleanedtowardthemirrortoapplyabrightshadeof

redtoherlips.

“Domeafavorandforgetyousawus,”Jacksonrequested.
“Done,” she replied, locking eyes with him in the mirror. He noticed then the dark bruise she was

tryingtocoveronthesideofherface.Jacksonnoddedbeforeheduckedbackoutintothehall.

When they heard approaching voices, Jackson grabbed the handle of the nearest room and they both

duckedinside.Jacksonwasbarelyinsidetheroomwhenhefeltasharp,piercingpaininhisshoulder.

“Watchout,Dane,”Jacksonwarned.“Wehavecompany.”
Daneraisedhisgunashetoonoticedwhothey’dwalkedinon.Theybothlookedacrosstheroomto

seeSlashstandingupfromhischair.Hegrabbedawomanwhowasscramblingtoherfeetandhauledher
against him as a shield. She covered her own mouth like she was terrified she would make a sound as
Slashheldabladetoherneck.Itlookedlikehehadbeenusingitonherclothes,bythestateofheroutfit.

Jackson looked at the small knife embedded in his shoulder. He grabbed the hilt and pulled it out,

clenchinghisteethagainstthepain.Athinlineofbloodbegantorundownthefrontofhisshirt.

“I was just thinking how dull this evening was turning out to be.” Slash’s eyes flickered toward the

womaninhisholdwithadispleasedexpression.“AtleastnowI’llhavealittlefun,”Slashsaid,giving

herasqueezethatelicitedasmallterrifiedwhimper.

“Yeah,wearen’tinterestedinyourtypeoffuckedupfun,”Jacksonsaiddisgustedly.Jacksonlooked

aroundthesmalloffice.ItwasbareexceptfortheolddeskthatSlashsatatotherthanapileofboxesin
thecorner.“Youmustbeupsetthatyougettheshittyoffice.Guessyou’renothisfavoriteanymore.”

“Somethingtellsmeyou’renotheretotakeBlackuponhisoffer,”Slashsaid,pursinghislipsashe

kepthisfacepressedagainstthebackofherneckandoutofaclearshotfromDane’sgun.

“Whatgaveitaway?”Jacksonaskedsarcastically.
“IshouldhaveaimedalittlemoretotheleftthenandIwouldhavesavedBlackthetrouble.”
“Ithoughtyouwerejustlosingyourtouch,”Jacksonbaited.
Slashnarrowedhiseyes.“Pickupmyphone,sweetheart,”Slashcooedinthewoman’sear.
Thewoman’sfranticeyesdartedaroundthesurfaceofthedesk.
“Rightthere,”Slashmovedhishandwiththeblade.
Danetooktheopportunityandfired.Slash’shandexplodedfromimpactashestumbledbackward.The

womanscreamedandtwistedfromhishold.Shedartedacrosstheroomandpressedherselfagainstthe
far wall. She frantically rubbed her hands over herself, trying to confirm she wasn’t hit as she noticed
blood coating her. When she realized it wasn’t her blood, she slowly slid to the floor and grabbed her
knees.

Slashwaslookingathismangledfingerswithasadisticexpressiononhisface.Helookedfascinated

bytheblooddrippingfromwhatremainedofhisfingersashetriedtoflexhishand.

“IforgottointroduceyoutoDane,”Jacksonsaidsmugly.
“There’ssomethingaboutpainthatisratherseductive,istherenot?”Slashsaidashiseyesrolledupin

hishead.HesighedexaggeratedlyashelookedupatDaneandJackson,notevenfazedbythefactthat
thereweretwogunsaimedinhisdirection.Hisuninjuredhandslowlymovedtowardhisback.

“Don’tmove,youcrazymasochistfuck,”Jacksonwarned.“WhereisEvan?”
“Youwon’tleaveherealive,”Slashthreatened.
“It’s you who won’t leave alive,” Jackson replied before he shot Slash in the face. Blood sprayed

against the back wall. The woman began to scream as she watched Slash’s body fall against the desk.
Danequicklysilencedherbyplacinghishandoverhermouth.

“Bequiet.Nooneisgoingtohurtyou,”Daneassuredher.Shestaredupathimwithwide,franticeyes.
JacksonwalkedovertowardSlash’sbodyandpulledthebeltfromhispants.“Wehavetotieherup

andgagher.Wecan’triskhertellingsomeonewe’rehere,”JacksonsaidasherippedapieceofSlash’s
shirtofftobeusedasagag.

“Iwon’tsayanything,Ipromise,”shebegged.
“Considering the company you keep, sweetheart, we’re not inclined to trust you,” Dane said

apologeticallyashetookthebeltfromJackson’shand.

Jacksonwashopingtheirpresencewasstillunheardfromthecoverofthemusic.Theywereprepared

with silencers, but even still the sound would be recognizable if anyone was within hearing distance.
Jackson pulled the door open and glanced down the hall, but from what he could see, everything still
seemedbusinessasusual.

Jackson pulled out his phone to text Teddy that Slash had been dealt with. Teddy’s response was

almostimmediatetolethimknowthatBlackwasstillnonethewisertheywerethere.

The woman seemed to calm considerably despite being tied. “You won’t be here long.” Dane made

sureherchairwasangledawayfromthebloodymessthatSlash’sbodyleft.

“Ready?”JacksonaskedDane.
“Yeah,let’sgo.”

CHAPTERFIVE

Jackson

Withtheirgunsreadied,JacksonandDanemadetheirwaybackoutintothehallway.Evanhadtobein

one of these rooms. He could only hope they found him before things went sideways. A man came out
fromthelastdoorontheleft.IttookhimamomenttorealizeJacksonandDanewereathreat,butbythen
it was too late. Dane had already pulled the trigger and the man’s body dropped to the floor with a
gurglingsound.Unfortunately,hewasnotalone,andanothermanbegansendingbulletsblindlydownthe
hallashehidbehindthecorner.JacksonandDanenarrowlymissedgettinghitastheydoveintoanopen
door.

WhenJacksonheardthemanreloadinghisgun,hedartedtherestofthewaydownthehall,keeping

lowasDanecoveredhim.Droppingtotheground,heangledhisarmaroundthecornerandshottheman
before he was able to ready his gun. Jackson knew they needed to act quickly because someone would
haveheardtheman’scrazedgunfire.

Jacksonpushedoffthegroundandaimedhisgunintotheroomthemenhadexitedbutlowereditwhen

herealizednomoreofBlack’smenwereinside.HewasrelievedtoseeCherrywithherhandsraised,
andEvansprawledoutonthesofa.ShedroppedherhandswhenJacksonloweredhisgunandherspark
flaredbacktolifebehindherheavilypaintedeyes.

Evan was barely conscious, and from what Jackson could see of his half-closed eyes, they were

heavilybloodshot.

“Jacks…”Evanslurred.“Wherehaveyoubeen?”hedrewoutslowly.
“Somuchforkeepinghimclean.”JacksonwavedtowardEvan.
JacksonwatchedCherry’sfierypersonalityerupt.“Ihavetowork.It’snotmyfaultthatmostofthese

dimwitsworkingheredon’tunderstandwhenIsaytowatchhim.”Cherryplacedherhandsonherhips.
“Besides,thepoorchildisatrainwreck.”

“Don’tIknowit,”Jacksonagreed.
“Friendly visit, huh?” Cherry raised her brow as Dane dragged the bodies into the room. “Black is

gonnafliphisshitwhenhefindsoutyoucameintohisplaceandstartedshootingshitup.He’sprobably
gonnashowupanysecond.”

Oncethebodieswereinside,Daneclosedthedoor.“There’snowaythatwentunnoticed,”Danesaid

withashakeofhishead.“Weneedanexitplaninahurry.”Daneaimedhisguntowardthedoor,knowing
theywouldhavecompanyanyminute.

JacksonwalkedovertowardEvan“Getup,”hedemanded.“Weneedtomove.”
Evantriedtopushoffthesofaandstumbled.
“Fuckinggreat,”Jacksoncursedashepulledhisbuzzingphonefromhispocket.

“Getthefuckout!”Teddyyelledontheotherendbeforethelinewentdead.
ThesoundofthedoorcrashingopencausedCherrytodivebehindachair.“Ohshit,”shehollered.
Daneshotthemanwhocamebarrelingthroughthedoorbuthispartnermanagedtogetashotoffthat

grazedJackson’sarmbeforehedroppedtothegroundontopofhisfriend.

“Fuckinggreat.”Jacksonlookeddownatthebloodseepingdownhisarm.
“Sorry,man,hecameinshooting.”
“It’sjustascratch.Weneedtomove.”JacksonturnedtowardCherry“Youlikeworkinghere?”
“Fuckno,”Cherrysaid,crossingherarms.
“Good,IneedyoutogethelpusgetEvanoutofhere.”HetossedCherrythekeys.“Ifthingsgotoshit,

IneedyoutotakehimtotheaddressinFreyviewthat’sintheglovebox.We’reparkedinthelotattheend
oftheblock.We’llcoveryou.Justworryaboutgettinghissorryasstothecar.”

“HowdoyounotknowIwon’tjuststealyourcar?”Cherrysaid,lookingatthekeys.
“Youwon’t,”Jacksonthreatened.“Besides,youreallywanttostayonthissinkingship?”
“Fuck it,” Cherry said as she grabbed Evan’s arm and pulled him to his feet. “Let’s get out of here,

Country.Cherryneedsachangeofscenery,anyway.”

“Jackson,”Danecalledinwarningashelookedtoseeifthehallwasclear.
“Stayclose,”JacksontoldCherrybeforetheyfiledoutoftheroom.JacksonandDanefiredonBlack’s

menastheypouredoutoftheclub.Theywererespondingtothenoisewithoutknowingthethreat,making
iteasytopickthemoff.

“Inhere,”Cherrycalled.“Thewindowisaneasydroptothebackandwecangettotheparkinglot

quicker.” Dane and Jackson backed in behind her as they held cover. As soon as they were inside,
JacksonclosedthedoorandDanepushedthedeskovertobarricadeit.

CherryleanedEvanagainstthewallbeforeshepriedthewindowopen.
“Easydrop,yousay?”Jacksonquestionedtheratherhighaltitudefromthealleybelow.
“Shit,theymovedthedumpster,”Cherrycomplained.
Alargebangontheothersideofthedoorhadthempickingupthepace.“Dane,yougofirst,”Jackson

said,wavinghimtowardtheopenwindow.

“I’ll stay in case they get through this door,” Dane said, just as someone started shooting through it.

Theyallduckedasoneofthebulletscamecleanthroughandlodgedinthewallbesidethem.

“Go,”Jacksondemanded.“IneedyourhelptocatchEvanwhenIpasshimdown.”
Dane tucked his gun in the back of his pants and grabbed the window ledge. “Don’t try any of your

stupid heroics, Jacks. You come down with us,” he warned before lowering himself down. Jackson
duckedasmorebulletsfiredthroughthedoorandsomeonebeganthrowingweightagainstit.“Yeah,yeah,
justgoalready.”

Danedroppeddown,givingamuffledcurseashelanded.JacksonlookeddowntocheckonDane.
“I’mgood,”hesaid,wavingforJacksontolowersomeonedown.
“Let’sgo,”JacksontoldCherry,whowasmorethaneager.Sheliftedherheeladornedfeetthroughthe

window and began to lower herself down as Jackson held onto her hand. “Don’t kill Dane with those
fuckingspikesforshoesyouhaveon.”

“You obviously don’t have good taste,” Cherry said under her breath. Once Jackson lowered her as

muchashecould,Daneeasedherdrop.

Jackson grabbed hold of Evan, who was barely able to support his own weight. “Move, shithead,

before you get us both killed,” Jackson ordered. He helped Evan lift his legs and shimmy out of the
windowjustasthedoorbangedloudlyandthedeskscrapedalongthefloor.Evanwasbarelyoutofthe
windowbeforeJacksonfeltthebarrelofagunpressedagainsthisneck.

“Don’tmove.”
“Fuck,” Jackson breathed angrily. He let go of Evan and kicked back as he grabbed for the gun and

twisted it away from the man holding him hostage. When he turned, he noticed the other armed men
enteringtheroomandhissurvivalinstinctkickedinwithafury.Jacksonmanagedtomovefastenoughto
catchhisattackeroffguard.Usinghimasashield,Jacksonusedtheman’sguntoshootthemenfillingthe
room.GunfirerangoutastheyrespondedtoJackson’sattack.Hecouldfeelthemaninhisarmsjerkwith
everybullethereceiveduntilthebodygrewheavyandJacksoncouldnolongerholdhimwithonearm.

WhenthelastmandroppedandthegunJacksonwasfiringranoutofammunition,heheardafamiliar

laughfromthehallway.

“Ishouldhaveknownyouwouldpullsomeshitlikethis,Jackson,”Blackannouncedasheenteredthe

roomwithhisgunaimedathim,unfazedbythedeadmenaroundhisfeet.Jacksontossedtheemptygunto
thefloor.

“It’sapity,Jackson.Ididn’twanttohavetokillyou,”Blacksaidasheraisedhisgun.
JacksonstaredatthebarrelofBlack’sweaponandthefirstthingthatcametomindwastheguttearing

awarenessthathewouldneverseeLexieagain.Thefearofthisfacthadhisheartracingashefacedhis
lastmoment.ItwasnotthefactthatJohnStoddenwasstillalive,orthathisfather’smurdererwasstill
free,buttherealizationthathewasinlovewithLexieWilder.Herveryexistencehadforeverchanged
himandmadehimcapableoflove.Thefactthathewouldneverbeabletotellherhowhefeltwasthe
mostdevastatingthoughtofall.

“Youseemdisappointed,likeyouactuallythoughtyouwouldgetawaywiththis,”Blacksaidwitha

shakeofhishead.

“Idid,”Jacksonconfessedwithafrown.
“Slashwillbesorryhemissedthis.”Aslysmilecurledtheedgesofhisthinlips.
“Slashwon’tbeanythingatall,becausehe’sdead.”Jacksonraisedhisbrow.
Black’seyesnarrowedashestareddownthebarrelofhisgunatJackson.Hewascompletelyunaware

thatthetidewasabouttochange.

“Don’tmove,”TeddysaidashepressedhisgunagainstthebackofBlack’shead.
“It’sabouttime,”Jacksonbreathedoutinrelief.
“Yeah, well, there are a lot of distractions out there. Can you blame a guy?” Teddy pressed the gun

harderagainstBlack’shead.“Dropthegun,”heordered.

“WhythefuckwouldIdothat?”Blackaskedangrily.
“BecauseI’llletyoulive,”Teddyresponded.“AndyouwillletJacksandIwalkoutofhere.”
“Ican’tdothat,”Blackrefused,tighteninghisgriponhisgun.
JacksonwatchedBlack’seyesflickerbacktowardTeddywhenhespoke.Heonlyneededasecondto

grabthegunhe’dnoticednexttohisfootthatoneofthemenhaddropped.

“It’syouronlyoptiontogetoutofthisalive,”Teddyinsisted.
Shoutingandheavyfootstepssoundeddownthehall.Blackducked,bringinghiselbowupintoTeddy’s

side.BlackgrabbedontoTeddy’sgunandwrestledforcontrol.Jacksontooktheopportunitytomakehis
move.Hegrabbedthegunoffthefloorandshotwithouthesitation.

ThesecondsseemedtoslowasJacksonwatchedBlackrealizethathehadbeenshot.Bloodbeganto

pooloutofhisrighteyeandnoseashestaredblanklyatTeddy.HisgripslackenedenoughforTeddyto
wieldhisgunaroundandtakeoutthethreementhatchargedintotheroom.

Black’s body swayed and then collapsed onto his knees and Jackson looked up at Teddy standing

behindhim.

“Thatcouldhavegonealittlebetter.”TeddytiltedhisheadashelookedatBlack’sbody.
“No,it’saboutright.TherewasnowayIwasleavingwhileBlackwasalive,”Jacksonsaid,tucking

theguninthebackofhispants.“Let’sgo.”Jacksonrushedtowardthewindowandkickedhislegsout
beforeshufflingdown.Thejoltofthedropwaswelcomedafteralmostmeetinghisdemiseonlyseconds
before.Hewelcomedthepainthatwasbeginningtoregisterinhisbody.

Teddywasjustsecondsbehindhimashelandedonhisfeet.Thesoundofsirensbegantofilterthrough

theconstanthumofthecity.

“Move,”Daneorderedthemashestartedjoggingaheadofthem.CherryandEvanwerealreadygone.
“You’rebleeding,”TeddynoddedtowardJackson’ssideandshoulder.
“Nothingtoworryabout.”Jacksonwasingoodconditionconsideringthathewasstabbedandgrazed

byafewbullets.Heknewforafacthecouldbemuchworse.

As they came out of the narrow alley Cherry was behind the wheel of Jackson’s car and pulling up

towardthem.“Getin,”sheshoutedasshereachedacrossthepassenger’sseatandopenedthedoorfor
Jackson.DaneandTeddypiledintheback,shovingEvanofftothesidewithagroanofprotest.

Assoonastheirfeetleftthepavement,Cherrythrewthecarindriveandspedoutoftheparkinglot.

“Jesus,wheredidyoulearntodrive?”Jacksonasked,grabbingthedoorhandle.

“Iusedtodragrace.”Cherryflashedasmile.
“You’refullofsecrets,aren’tyou?”Jacksonraisedhisbrows.
“FuckingrightIam,sweetheart.”Cherrylaughed.
Jackson’s ears felt like they were underwater as the sound of rushing waves echoed in his head. He

openedthegloveboxandpulledouthisheadset.Hequicklyunwoundthecordtoplacethebudsinhis
earswhenherealizedthewaveoftormentwasnotcrashinginonhim.Helookeddownattheplayerand
didn’t move. It was the first time he welcomed the silence after bloodshed. Normally he would be
desperate to drown his head in the familiar sounds of the music on his player―instead his heart swam
withrelief.Hishandsshookandhisbodythrummedwithenergy,buttheonlythinghecouldconcentrate
onwasrelief,trueandpure.Hewasgratefultobealive.

CHAPTERSIX

Stephanie

AquietshufflingsoundpulledStephaniefromarestlesssleep.Hermindwastryingtosortbetween

dreamandrealitywhensuddenlyherheartwassentpulsingfrantically.Shecouldn’trememberwhereshe
was.Unabletodetermineifshewasstillbehindthebars,shejoltedup,pushingtheblanketsoffherthat
hadtangledaroundhersweat-soakedbody.Hereyestookamomenttofocusonthesoftcreamcolorof
herwallsandthepalebluepatternofhersheetbeforeshereleasedasignofrelief.Shewashome,but
stillthereprieveonlypenetratedsofar.Shewasstillheavilydrenchedinasickeningfeelingthatrefused
toleave.Shewonderedifhermindwouldevertrulybefreeofthefearthatstillclungtohermemories.

Stephaniepushedtheknotteddarkcurlsfromhereyesandglancedaroundherroom.Thelatemorning

sunwasfilteringinthroughhercurtains.Eventhoughshehadgonetobedrelativelyearly,shestillfelt
exhaustedfromwakingupsooftenthroughthenighttoarestlessmind.Movementinthecornerofhereye
pulledherattention.Ascreamtorethroughherthroatwhenshenoticedsomeonestandingatthefootofher
bed.

It was only a matter of seconds before a rush of footsteps thundered up the steps and Lexie came

barrellingintheroom.

“Steph―”LexiegaspedashereyesfellonStephanieandthenNatestandingatthefootofherbedwith

hishandsraisedinsurrender.

“I’msorry.IneedtotalktoStephanieandthatassholeboyfriendofherswon’tletmeinthehouse,”

Natesaiddefensively.

“Soyoubreakin?”Lexieaskedindisbelief.
“Yeah,”heansweredwithraisedbrows.“HowelsewouldIgetin?”
“Nexttimetrycallingme,Nate.”Lexiepulledherphoneoutofherpocketandwaveditinhisface.

“You’reluckyherparentssteppedoutforabitortheywouldprobablyhaveyouarrested.Whyareyou
evenhere?Aren’tyousupposedtobewithJacksonandthem?”

“Jackswantedmetostaybehindtomakesuretheofficerswerekeepinganeyeonyoutwo.”
“ObviouslynotifyousnuckinSteph’sbedroom.”Lexieplacedherhandsonherhips.
“Hencethereasonhemademestay.”Nateraisedhisbrow.
“Whatthefuck!”MikeholleredashecameintoStephanie’sroom.“Itoldyoutoleave!”Miketriedto

pushpastLexiebutsheheldhergroundasshepushedback.

“Stop,Mike,he’shereprotectingus,”Lexiesaid.
“Thefuckheis.Idon’ttrusthim.”Mikenarrowedhiseyesandpracticallyfrothedatthemouthashe

glaredatNate.“GetthefuckoutofStephanie’sroom.”

“I want to talk to her. It’s important,” Nate said, standing his ground. He was obviously not feeling

guiltyenoughaboutbarginginStephanie’sroomandcausingascenetodrophisattempttospeaktoher.

“Coolit,Mike.”Lexieshovedbackathim.
“Stop,”Stephaniesaidquietly.Herhandwasstillclampedagainstherchest,tryingtocalmherracing

heart. Her voice went unheard over the commotion Mike was making. Stephanie reached down deep
inside her and pulled all the strength she had. “Stop!” She surprised herself how demanding her voice
actuallysounded.

Everyoneturnedtowardher.“Leave,Mike,”Stephaniesaid,quieterthistime.Shedidn’thavetoforce

herwordsnowthateveryone’sattentionwasonher.

“No,I’mnotgoinganywherewhilethisfucktardisinyourroom.”Mikeshookhisheadasheclenched

hisjawangrily.

“Youdon’thaveachoice,”Stephanieanswered.“I’mtellingyoutogocalmdown.Nateisafriendof

Jackson’sandItrusthim.”Stephanielistenedtohisaccentuatedbreathingashetriedtocontainhisanger.
“Go.”Stephanienoddedtowardthedoor.

Mikelookedtakenbackbyherdemandheleaveandthecreaseinhisbrowdeepened.
“I’llberightoutsideifyouneedme,”LexiesaidbeforeshovingMiketowardthedoor.DespiteMike’s

anger,hefinallyletLexieguidehimoutoftheroom,butnotbeforethrowingNateonelastheatedglare.

“Don’ttryanything!”Mikethreatened.StephanieknewMikewasbarelyholdinghimselftogether.He

seemed reeled too tight since she had gotten home and his insecurity about their relationship had her
turningintheotherdirection.Sheknewhewaslookingforsignsthatthingsweregoodwiththem,butshe
didn’thaveitinhertogivehimcomfortwhenshecouldn’tevenconsoleherself.

Mike was never the most considerate of people, and it never really bothered her too much before

because she was never in a situation where she really needed him to be. Right now the fact that he
couldn’tseepasthisownfacemadeabittertasteforminhermouth.Heseemedtohavenoconceptof
whatsheneeded.Shewasseeingthetruthofwhohewaswithouttheveiloflustthathadoncedrawnher
tohim.

Every time he looked at her she could tell he was impatiently searching for the old version of her.

Whathecouldn’tunderstandisthattherewasnogoingback,andshewasn’tsurewhatthatmeantfortheir
relationship.Theonlythingshecouldseewasanend,butshewasn’tstrongenoughrightnowtoshoulder
theweightofabreakup,shejustneededalittlemoretimetofindherfeettostandon.

Lexiecastheragentlesmileasshelefttheroom.SheknewLexiewasbeingstrongforherdespiteher

ownmourning;shecouldseethesadnessinhereyes.Justlikesheknewthat’swhatLexiesawwhenshe
lookedather.Theyclungtoeachotherliketwobrokenpieces,desperatelytryingtomaketheotherfeel
betterwhentheycouldn’tevendoitforthemselves.Theybothhadsomuchtotalkaboutbuttheywere
still dealing with the shock of each other’s pain, so quiet consolation was what they both relied on for
now.

EverytimeshethoughtaboutthefactthatLexie’smotherwasgone,itcarvedawayatwhatwasleftof

her.ShewouldbeLexie’sfamilyandshehadnointentionoflettingherdown.

Stephanie looked up at Nate. His sandy blond hair waved out in different directions. His big brown

eyeslookedbackatherunderhisraisedbrowsthatgavehimayouthfullookdespitebeingaman.Ascar
ran across his jawline that carved through his unshaven face and she was surprised the thought that he
lookedadorabletwistedintohermuddledbrain.

“Whatdoyouwant,Nate?”Stephaniesaid,pushinguptoleanagainsttheheadboard.Shepulledthe

blanketsuptightaroundher.

“CanIsit?”Hepointedtowardtheendofthebed.
“Yes,ofcourse.”
Nate very slowly came around the foot of the bed and sat on the edge like he was terrified she was

madeofglass,andifhemovedtoosuddenlyshewouldbreak.“Yourboyfriendisadouche,”Natesaid,

lookingupather.“Hewasoutonthefrontsteplookingatpornonhisphonewhileyouareinhere…”
Natetrailedoff.“Sorry,it’snotmyplacetofuckin’saynothin’.”

Stephanie sighed. “Is that what you wanted to talk about?” She wasn’t surprised that Nate’s words

didn’telicitanemotionalresponsefromher,reaffirmingthefactthatsheneededtotellMikeitwasover.
Shedidn’twanttheillusionofloveanymore.Sheknewhowpreciouslifewasandsheonlywantedtobe
surroundedbywhatwasreal.Sheneededsomethingsolidtoholdontowhenshewasn’therbest.

“No.” Nate shook his head. He was nervous; she could tell by the way he picked at her bedding. “I

know this isn’t a good time…” Nate trailed off. Now that he was closer she could see he was visibly
upset.

“It’s all right, Nate. I know it’s important, otherwise you wouldn’t have broken into my room.”

Stephanietriedtosmileencouraginglybutitwouldn’tformonherface.Shewonderedifshewouldever
beabletosmileagain.

“ThatnightwhenwefoundyouandyoutoldmethatMastenputthattattooonyou.Doyouknowwhy

hedid?”Natelookedatherwithsomuchpaininhiseyesitmadeherchesthurttolookathim.

Stephanie touched her neck where the rose was. Tears filled her eyes as she looked back at him. “I

don’tknow…whyareyouaskingmethis?”Stephaniewhisperedasthetearsescapedherandrandown
hercheeks.

Natedroppedhisgazeandlookedaroundtheroomashetookadeepbreath.Hegrewtooquietandit

scaredher.

“Whyareyouasking?”Stephaniedemanded,alittleharsherthistime.
Nate reached over his shoulder and pulled his shirt over his head. Stephanie was confused as she

pulledherblanketsuptoherneck.Itwasn’tuntilhestoodupandturnedtowardherthatsheunderstood
whathewasdoing.Natewascoveredintattoosthatextendedthelengthsofhisarmsandthemajorityof
hisback,buthischestwasbareexceptforalonetattoothatwasplacedoverhisheart.Itwastheexact
samerosethatwastattooedonherneck.

Stephaniegaspedandplacedherhandoverhermouth.“Idon’tunderstand.”
Shepushedherblanketsoff,unconcernedbythefactthatsheworeonlyherunderwearandathintank

top.Shewalkeduptohim,staringathischest.Shecouldfeelthescowlofconfusionformuponherbrow
asshetookinthedetails.Itwasnotanewtattoo.Thishadbeenplacedonhisheartforalongtime.

Withoutthinking,shetouchedthepetalsoftheroseandtracedthelines.“Itlooksthesame,”Stephanie

saidindisbelief.

“Itisthesame,”Nateconfirmed.
Stephanielookedupintohisdarkbrowneyes.“Howcanitbe?”shewhispered.
“MymotherwentmissingwhenIwasonlyfiveyearsold.”Natepulledawalletoutofhisbackpocket

andflippeditopen.HepulledoutaphotographandhelditupforStephanietosee.

Withshakyhands,Stephanietookthepicture.Ayoungwomanwassmilingbackatherwiththeexact

sametattooonherneck.“Whatwashername?”

“Rose.”
AsobescapedStephaniebeforeshecouldcoverhermouth.“Ohmygod,”shecried.“Hecalledme

Rose.Youthinkshewasoneoftheothergirls?”

Natenoddedhisheadandbithislipnervously.
“Isthiswhyyouhavebeenactingsostrangearoundme?”Stephanieaskedquietly.
StephanielookedupintoNate’stear-filledeyes.“Ineedtoknowwhathappenedtoher.Ineedtoknow

whatshewentthrough,”hewhispered.

Stephaniepassedbackthephotoandwipedhereyes.Shetookadeep,shakybreathtocollectherself.

“IfsheisthesameRose,thenIthinkinhisowntwistedway,helovedher.Hetoldmehedid.IwishI
couldtellyoushedidn’tsuffer,butIcan’t…Ican’t…”Stephanietrailedoffintears.

She wasn’t expecting Nate to wrap his arms around her, but the feeling of comfort it gave her was

beyondanythingshecouldimagine.Hiswarmbodyandstrongarmsmadeherfeelsafe.

“Wedon’tneedtotalkaboutitanymore.I’msorry,”Natesaid,strokingherhair.
Sheclungtohim,wrappingherarmsaroundhimshepulledhimcloser,seekingallthereliefhecould

giveherasshecriedagainsthischest.

Shewasn’tsurehowmuchtimehadpassedwhenheleaneddownandpickedheruptocarryhertothe

bed.HesetherdowngentlyandStephaniefinallyrelaxedherholdashesteppedback.Shehadn’tknown
Nateverywelluntilnow,butshefeltastrangeconnectiontohimwithhisadmission.Shepattedthespot
besideheronthebed.“Pleasestaywithme,”sherequestedquietly.

Hiseyesdancedaround,shecouldtellhenoticedherstateofdressandwastryingtobepoliteinnot

staring.

“Please,”sheinsisted.Natenoddedhisheadandsatdowntentativelynexttoher.“Wheredidyouget

allthescars?”sheasked,lookingatthemarksthatcoveredhisskin.Hehadalongscarthatcarvedfrom
his shoulder down toward his chest, and small narrow scars on his left side, and a few across his
stomach.

“Igrewuponthestreets.Mostaretokensofmychildhood,sotospeak,andtherestaremebeinginthe

wrongplaceatthewrongtime.”

“Thisonelookslikeitwasbad,”Stephaniewhisperedasshetouchedhisshoulder.Shecouldfeelhim

shakingunderhertouch.“Areyouallright?You’reshaking.”

“Youmakemereallynervous,”Nateconfessed.
“Me?Why?”
“I…canyoupulltheblanketupoveryourself?Ican’tthinkaroundyou.Thisisn’tright…Ishouldn’t

havecome…Ineedtogo.”NatemovedtostandbutStephaniegrabbedhisarm.

“Doyouhaveto?”
“MyheartisracingsofastandIamreallybadatfilteringwhatIsay,Stephanie.Idon’twanttoscare

you.”

“Youdon’tscareme,”Stephanieassuredhim.
“Good.”Natenoddedandtookadeepbreath.“NexttimeIpromisetowaituntilyou’redressedbefore

Idropinonyou,andIdoadmit,Ishouldhaveusedthedoor.”

Stephaniecouldfeelastrangefeelingbubbleupinherchest.Shedidn’trecognizeitfirst.
“What?”Nateaskednervously,noticingherexpression.
A small laugh escaped her and she placed her hand against her chest, savoring the feeling that came

over her. The feeling of warmth penetrated the fog inside enough to warm her slightly. “I’m actually
thinkingIshouldthankyouforbreakingin.”

“Yeah?”Natelookedoverather,hisshouldersvisiblyrelaxing.
“Yeah.”
Nateleanedbackagainstherheadboardandlookedupattheceiling.Hegrewquietforamoment,and

Stephanie could tell he was thinking about his mother. “I keep listening to the news, wondering if they
foundherwithalltheotherwomenheburiedinhisbackyard.”Natewipedhiseyeswiththebackofhis
hand.“Beingherewithyou,knowingyousurvivedhim,makesmefeelbetter.”

Stephanietookadeepbreathbeforeshespoke.“Iheardthenewstoo.Myparentslistentoitwhenthey

thinkI’masleep.Iheardtheyfoundtheremainsoffifteenwomen,anditmakesmethinkabouthowcloseI
becametobeingthesixteenth.”StephanieleanedagainstNate’sshouldertentatively,unsureofwhatwas
acceptablebetweenthem.Atfirsthetensed,butwhenshefelthimbegintorelax,shedidaswell.“Even
thoughhe’sbehindbars,I’mstillterrifiedhe’sgonnacomeafterme.SometimeswhenIwakeup,forthe
firstfewsecondsitfeelslikeI’mstillthere…insidethosebars,”Stephaniewhispered.

“You’renevergoingbackthere,”Nateassuredherasplacedhishandcautiouslyontopofhers.They

both grew quiet, each lost in their own turmoil of thoughts and taking comfort in each other’s presence
untilNatefinallybrokethesilence.

“I still remember the day she disappeared. I don’t remember much else back then, but that day is so

clear.Icanrememberherwakingmeupwithabigsmileonherfaceandshetoldmeshehadasecretthat
shewantedtotellmebeforeanyoneelsefoundout.

“I remember feeling so special and excited as she brought me out to the kitchen to a big plate of

chocolate chip pancakes. They were my favorite. That’s when she told me I was going to be a big
brother.”Natestoppedtalkingandclosedhiseyes.

“I’msosorry.”
“I have never had chocolate chip pancakes since that day,” he confessed sadly. “But I can still

rememberhowgoodtheytasted.”

StephaniewantedtotellhimthatMastenhadmadereferencetothefactthatRosehadbeenpregnant,

butshethoughtitwouldonlymakehispainworse.Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutwhatthatmonsterwould
havedonewithadefenselessbaby.Sheprayeditwasnotsubjectedtohiscruelty.

CHAPTERSEVEN

Lexie

LexiepressedhereartoStephanie’sdoor.ShecouldhearStephanieandNate’smuffledvoicesandit

gave her relief knowing that Stephanie was talking. Lexie knew that every word she spoke would
alleviatesomeofthebuilt-upemotionsshewasstrugglingwith.Stephaniehadbarelyspokensinceshe
returned. Knowing that she felt comfortable with Nate brought Lexie peace of mind. Lexie placed her
handgentlyonthedoorandsmiledsoftlybeforequietlysteppingaway.Shedidn’twanttodisturbthem.

She ran her fingers through her hair and then down the front of the oversized shirt she had found in

Stephanie’s drawer that morning. She recognized it immediately as one of the tie-dyed shirts Stephanie
andshehadmadewhentheywereyounger.

They had made a huge mess with the dyes. The cabinets by the sink had a blue tint for years until it

eventuallyfadedtoadullcastthatcouldbeplayedoffasatrickofthelightfromthewindow.Thethought
of her mother’s face when she walked in on them made her eyes well with tears. They hadn’t exactly
asked permission before beginning the process, but her mother was never a stickler for rules. Lexie
remembered how the look of shock on her mother’s face faded to a big grin before she kicked off her
muddy boots from the garden, turned up the music, and helped them finish the shirts. Their fingernails
were blue for weeks afterward, but Lexie loved her shirt until it had worn so thin it wasn’t wearable
anymore.Luckily,Stephaniepreservedhers,becausewearingitwasexactlywhatsheneededrightnow.

As soon as Lexie started down the steps, she could see Mike standing at the bottom with his arms

crossedandhisjawclenched.Lexieinwardlycringedassheapproachedhim.

“Ifyouhonestlythinksomethinginappropriateishappeninginherroom,youneedtohaveyourhead

examined,”Lexiesaidwithashakeofherhead.

“WhatthefuckamIsupposedtobelievewhenaguycrawlsinherwindow?”Mikeseethed.“I’mthe

onethat’ssupposedtobewithher.”

Lexie rubbed her forehead and sighed. “Listen, Mike, Stephanie has barely eaten. She barely sleeps

withallthenightmares.Justrelax;nothingisgoingtohappenthatshouldcauseyouanyworry.Shehas
beenthroughhellandback.Thelastthingsheneedsrightnowisajealousboyfriend.”

“Whatexactlyhappenedtoher?”
Lexielookedathisroundedshouldersandhisscruffyhairandherangerdissipated.Shehadnorightto

bejudgemental.MikehadbeenheresinceStephaniehadreturned,tryingtobesupportive,eventhoughhe
was focusing on all the wrong things. She had voiced her concerns long ago, but she had to respect
Stephanie’sdecisiontohaveMikeinherlife.

“Idon’tknow,”Lexiesaidhonestly.“Icanonlyassumeatthispoint.”
“Whatdoyoumean,youdon’tknow?Shetellsyoueverything.”Mikenarrowedhiseyesindisbelief.

“She’snotreadytotellme.Maybeshewon’teverbe.I’mjustmakingsurethatI’mhereforher.That’s

allIcandoandsocanyou,”Lexiesaid.

“Ididn’tsleepwithanyoneelse,”Mikeadmittedasheranhishandthroughhishair.
“It’snotmeyouhavetoconvince,Mike.WhenStephanie’sreadytofacetheissuesbetweenthetwoof

you,itwillbeherdecision.”

“Does she think I slept with someone else? Is that why she’s pushing me away?” Mike asked as he

scratchedthebackofhisneck.

“Ididn’ttellherwhatIheard.That’soneofthethingsyoucanbringupwhenit’stimetofaceit.Until

then,youjusthavetobepatientandwaitforhertoletyouknowwhenshe’sready.”

“Whenwillthatbe?”Mikeaskedimpatiently.
Lexie squeezed her eyes shut. “It’s a miracle that she’s home with us. Can you please just get over

yourself?”Lexiebitoff.Shecouldn’tholdhertongueanymore.SheandMikehadalwaysbumpedheads,
butEvanandStephaniehadalwaysbeentheretobufferthesituation.Lexiewasworntoothintodealwith
Mike.Shedidn’twearthesamerose-coloredglassesasherfriendsdidwhentheylookedathim.

“Fuckyou,Lexie.”Mikesteppedcloserandpushedhisfaceclosertohers.“I’mnotjustgonnasithere

whilesomeidiotisinmyfuckingbedroomwithmyfuckinggirlfriend.”

“It’s not your bedroom. She kicked you out long ago, remember?” Lexie leaned in to show that he

couldn’tintimidateher.“Maybeit’sbestifyouleft.”

“Youprobablyhavebeentalkingshitaboutme.”Mikenarrowedhiseyesincontempt.
“Believe me, you didn’t need any help creating a case against yourself,” Lexie seethed. “How much

haveyoudrank?Icansmellitonyourbreath.”

“I don’t know why Evan and Alex ever saw more than just a good fuck when they looked at you.

MaybeEvanwouldstillbealive―”Mike’swordsdroppedoffwhenLexieslappedhimacrosstheface.
Evenhewassmartenoughtoknowthathehadgonetoofar.

Lexiewasn’tsurprisedbywhathehadsaid.Mikewasalwaysonetotakelowblowsandshecouldn’t

denythisonecarveddeepintoherfragileremains.

“Whatthehelliswrongwithyou?”Lexieshovedhim.“Youneedtoleavenow.”Lexiewassurprised

she could keep her voice contained―she was ready to explode. “Leave,” she repeated as she pointed
towardthedoor.

“Lex…I…”Mikestarted.
“Pleasedon’t.”Lexieheldupherhand.Shecouldn’tlistentoonemorewordfromhislips.
Forafewintolerablemomentshecontinuedtostareatherlikehewascontemplatingwhattosay,but

thankfully,hespunaroundandheadedtowardthedoor.

AfterMikeslippedout,shefeltthereliefasitmeltedhertenseshoulders.Shecouldn’tbelieveshejust

hadthatconversationwithMike.Untilnow,shedidn’tthinkshecouldlikehimanylessthanshealready
had, but he had proven her wrong. She could only hope that Stephanie would eventually see his true
colors.

Lexiewalkedintothekitchen,thankfulfortheopportunitytomakeherselfacupofteawithoutRuthor

Tomlookingatherlikeshewasabouttofallapart.Shehadheardthemleaveforchurchearlierwhileshe
wasstillcurledupinbedwithStephanie.

LexiewantedtobeclosetoStephaniewhenshewokeupthroughthenight,terrifiedthatshewasstill

trappedinsidethosedarkcellwalls.Lexiewantedtobetheonetosootheherbacktosleepandremind
herthatshewassafe.Itdidn’tmatterhowmanytimesStephaniewoke,sleepseldomfoundLexie,andshe
wasgratefultohavethedistractionfromherownhauntingthoughts.Theonlythingshewasn’tsureofwas
howsafetheyactuallywerewithJohnStoddenstilloutthere.Lexiedidn’tknowifhewouldstillcome
afterhernowthathermotherwasgone.Shewrappedherhandsaroundherstomachandtriedtoeasethe
achethatpulledatherinsides.

Lexiepickedupthekettleoffthestove.Thesunwasshininginthewindowanditfeltwarmuponher

skinassheturnedonthewater.Sheclosedhereyesandtookadeepbreath.Shewishedshecouldturnher
mindoffandenjoythemoment,butitwasnouse.Allthelittlethingssheusedtotakepleasureinseemed
tobelackinganddull.

Lexielookeddownatherhandsthatshookwithalltheemotionthatfueledherblood.Shepulledher

phoneoutofherpocketandlookeddownatthescreen.ShefoughtagainsttheurgetocallJackson.She
wantedtohearhisvoice.Shewantedhimtotellherthathewascomingbacktoherandhewasbringing
Evan home, but she couldn’t bring herself to dial his number. The worst case scenarios kept circling
throughhermind.Shehadn’theardfromJacksonsincehehadleft.Hehadpromisedhewouldcomeback
withEvanandsheneededtoholdontothat.

Shetuckedherphoneawayandturnedoffthewater.Shepickedupthekettleanditslippedfromher

hand,splashingwateroverthesideofthesink.Sheleanedagainstthecounter,grabbingtheedgeuntilher
fingersturnedwhite.Shewatchedthewaterspreadoutoverthecounter.

Sheshouldhavestayedwithhermotheratthehospital.Sheknewifshehad,thatmanwouldnothave

beenabletoslipintoherroomunnoticed.Sheneededtoacceptthetruththatsatheavyinherstomach.She
wastiredofmakingmistakesthathurttheonessheloved.Shewonderedifshehadbeenawakewhenit
happened, and if she had called out to Lexie to help her. She prayed her mother’s last moments hadn’t
beenfulloffear.

“I’msosorryIwasn’tthere,Mom,”Lexiecriedasshewipedherfacewithherhands.Shecouldn’t

fallapartnow.Sheneededtobestrongasshetookdeep,soothingbreaths.

Lexie noticed an envelope sitting on the kitchen counter and it immediately sobered her from her

emotions.ItwastheenvelopeJohnhadgivenherwithhernamewrittenonthefront.Herstomachsankto
thefloor.Shewalkedovertothetablewhereherpursestillhungonthebackofthechairwhereshehad
leftit.Sheunzippeditandfranticallysearchedinside,whereshehadtuckedit.Anyhopethathermind
wasplayingtricksonhervanished.

She spun around in confusion before she walked back to the envelope and picked it up. She wasn’t

surewhowouldhavegonethroughherpurseandtakenitout.Itdidn’tlooklikeitwastamperedwithas
sheflippeditoverinherhands.

Lexie ran her finger over the seal. She didn’t want to spend the rest of her life staring at it and

wonderingwhatitwouldtellher.Lexiewalkedtowardthetableanddroppedherselfdowninachair.

Lexietookadeepbreathbeforeshetoreopentheenvelopeandpulledoutthepaperinside.Shelooked

atthewordstypedonthepage,tryingtoforceherbraintoregistertheinformation.Thewordsseemedto
blurinfrontofhereyes.

LexieheardthefrontdooropenandTomandRuth’svoicesfloateddownthehallwaytowardher.She

couldn’tbringherselftofacethemrightnow.Holdingthepapertightlyinherhand,shegrabbedherpurse
andwalkedtowardthebackdoor.Sheslippedoutjustassheheardfootstepsapproachthekitchen.

Shecouldn’tforceherselftostayinthosewallsanymoreorshewouldbephysicallysick.Sheneeded

to talk to the one person she knew would listen. She was confident she was leaving Stephanie in good
hands.Ifshewashonestwithherself,sheknewStephaniewassaferwithoutheranyway.Shehadfound
herselfinatemporarylull,butsheknewthatitwasboundtochange.Shehadmadetoobigofasplash
latelynottohavearippleeffect.

Lexietookadeep,calmingbreathoffreshairasshelookedupatStephanie’sbedroomwindowbefore

sheslippedthroughthebrokenfenceinthebackyard.Shecouldn’tshakeoffthesenseofdoomthatnipped
atherheels.Sheprayedthatshewouldbeabletoslipawayunnoticed.Sheneededtobealonerightnow.

CHAPTEREIGHT

Jackson

“Is all this shit actually gonna help?” Jackson complained as Cherry grabbed items off the shelf and

dumpedthemintothesmallgrocerybasketJacksonwasholding.

“Thisisn’tmyfirstrodeo.Thismethodistriedandtrue,baby.”
“Canwejusthurryup?”Jacksonsighed.
Cherry tapped Jackson on the side of the face. “You’re adorable when you’re all stressed out, you

knowthat,Duke?”sheteased.

“Whydoyoukeepcallingmethat?”Jacksonaskedwithascowl.
Cherrytiltedherheadwithamockfrown.“Itsuitsyou.”
Thebasketgotincreasinglyheavywiththewater,grapefruitjuice,andsportsdrinksheadded.
“Isthatit?”Jacksonaskedimpatiently.
“Almost,” Cherry said, pursing her red lips and skimming the aisle with medication. She grabbed a

handfulofboxesofvariousdrugsandtossedtheminontopoftheotherstuff,thengrabbedabagofblack
licorice.“That.”Shepointedatthelicoriceontopofthebasket.“Isforme,”shedeclaredlikeitwasnon-
negotiable.“AndIalsoneedsomeredwine.”

“Yeah,yeah.”Jacksonraisedthebasket.“Arewedonenow?”
“That should cover it,” Cherry said. Jackson followed as Cherry led them toward the cashier of the

conveniencestore.Herheelsclickedloudlyagainstthefloorasshewalkedwithanexaggeratedswayof
herhips.

CherrywasprovingtobeavitalpartingettingEvanbackhomeinonepiece.Cherryhadpackedher

bagsandinsistedonleavingtownwithJackson,knowingthatifanyofBlack’smensurvived,theywould
notbekindtohersinceshewasinvolvedinEvan’sescape.FromwhatJacksoncouldgather,Blackhad
beenholdingsomethingoverherheadandshewasthankfultobefreeofhim.

Jackson was grateful Cherry insisted she come along to Freyview and help Evan work through his

withdrawal. She and Evan had formed a friendship, and she was genuinely concerned for his safety.
Besides,thethreeofthemhadnocluehowtogetEvanbackonhisfeet,andwould’vemostlikelywrung
hisneckbeforetheygothimhome.JacksonknewLexieandStephaniewerecertainlyinnoshapeforthe
task,beingastheywerebarelyholdingtheirheadsupthemselves.

“Whydon’tyouputyoureyesbackinyourheadandringusthrough,”Cherrydemandedwhentheman

behindthecashregisteropenlygawkedatCherry’sover-the-topappearance.

“Whatever,freak,”thecashiermumbledbeforegrabbingthebasketJacksonhadsetonthecounter.He

talliedupthetotalbeforedroppingeverythinginbags.

CherrysteppedbackandwavedJacksonforwardwhenthecashiergavethemthetotal.

“I’mjusthereasaprettyface.You’remistermoneybags,”Cherrydeclared,flickingherwrist.
Thecashierscoffed.
“Ohhoney,don’tgetallfrustratedbecauseImakeyourdickhard.Whowouldblameyou?”
“Fuckyou,”thecashierspatangrily.“Peoplelikeyoumakemesick.”
“Peoplelikeme?”CherrysteppedforwardbutJacksonintervened.
“He’snotworthit,Cherry,”Jacksonwarned.Hethrewsomebillsdownonthecounter.
“Putyourdogonaleash,”thecashiersaidashegrabbedthecashoffthecounterandhitafewnumbers

onhisregister.Heshovedthemoneyinsidethedrawerwhilediscreetlyslidingafewbillsintohispocket
beforegrabbingJackson’schangeandhandingittohim.

Jacksonallowedthecoinstoslipthroughhisfingers.Theyhitthecounterandrolledoff,landingonthe

floornearthecashier’sfeet.

“Ohshit,sorry,man,”Jacksonapologized.Whenthemanleanedovertopickthemup,Jacksonreached

overandgrabbedthemanbythebackoftheheadandsmashedhisfacedownonthecounter.

Themanscreamedinpainasheshuffledback,grabbinghisface.“Whatthefuck!”
Jacksongrabbedthebagsoffthecounterandheadedtowardthedoor.
“I’mcallingthepolice,”heshoutedafterthem.
“Good idea. I’ll be sure to tell them about the money you’re skimming from the register,” Jackson

challenged.

Themanimmediatelyendedhisstringofcursingandquieted,thelookofguiltpaintedonhisfeatures

asheheldhisbloodynose.“Getthefuckoutofhere.”Hepointedtowardthedoor.

“Thoughtso,”Jacksonsaid.
CherryraisedherbrowwhenJacksonmadeeyecontact.Asatisfiedsmileplayedonherlips.
“Look at you, Duke, defending my honor. This is the beginning of a wonderful friendship.” Cherry

pushedthedooropenforthemastheyheadedoutofthestore.

EvanwasfadingfastandJacksonhopedthatCherry’splanwasgoingtoworktocleanhimup.Jackson

wasanxioustogetbacktoFreyview—toLexie.

Theyhadstayedatahotelthenightbefore.Evanwasinneedofashowerandsomethingsubstantialin

hisstomach.Ithadbeenalmostaweekofonehightothenextforhim,andtheeffectsofitwereaboutto
show their true colors. He had already begun to break out in cold sweats. It was only a matter of time
beforehesnowballed,andthistimehewasnotfeedingthehabit.Evanwasgoingcold-turkeythistime
whetherhewantedtoornot.

When they returned to the car, Evan was lying down in the backseat. Teddy and Dane were arguing

aboutsomethingTeddyhaduponhisphone.TheybothstoppedandperkedupwhenJacksonandCherry
neared.

“Gotwhatyouneed?”Teddyasked,pushingoffthefrontofJackson’scar.
“Ifuckinghopeso,”Jacksonsaid.
NoonequestionedhiscalltoallowCherrytoaccompanythemhome.Theyallknewshewouldbeat

riskifshestayedinBelhaven,andtheycouldn’tleaveherbehindknowingshewouldhaveatargetonher
backforwhatshehaddoneforthem.Cherryinsistedonpickinguphercarthatmorningbeforeleaving.
Jackson immediately suspected that Cherry lived between her car and the club by the amount of
belongingsshehadalreadypackedinthetrunk.Hereagernesstofleefilledintherestoftheblanksforhis
suspicions.Itwasonlythedetailsthatwerelefttobediscovered.

“TeddyandDane,youtakeCherry’scar.”Jacksonnoddedtowardherred’69Camaro.
“I’mdriving!”Teddyblurted.
“Oh,comeon,”Danecomplained.
“Areyouserious?”CherryglaredatJackson.“DoyouknowhowmuchmoneyIputintomybaby?That

wasmygrandaddy’scar.Theonepersoninmyentirefamilythatdidn’tdisownme,andyou’rejustgonna

lettheseclownsdriveit.”Cherry’shandswereplacedfirmlyonherhips.

“IneedyoutoridewithmeandhelpEvan,”Jacksoninsisted.
JacksonhadbarelyspokenthewordsbeforeEvanstumbledoutofthebackseatandthrewup,barely

missingCherry’sshoes.

“OhJesusfuck.”Cherrydartedaway.“Givemethosefuckingbags.”CherrywalkedovertoJackson

andgrabbedthebagsfromhishand.Sherummagedaroundinsideandpulledoutabottleofwateranda
box of something she must have thought would help. Evan looked horrible, and Jackson wasn’t looking
forwardtotherestoftheridebacktoFreyview.

CherryslappedthewaterintoEvan’shandsandtoreopentheboxandpoppedoutafewpillsbefore

holdingthemoutforEvan.“Swallowthese,Country,”sheordered.Evandidn’targueashetookthemand
shovedtheminhismouth.

“IfyousomuchasputascratchonmycarIwillclawyoureyesout,Teddy,”Cherrythreatenedasshe

rummagedthroughherpurseandpulledoutherkeys.

“Don’tworry,Ibelieveyou,”Teddyconfirmedasheheldhishandsupforthem.
Cherrylookeddownatherkeyssadlybeforeshetossedthem.“WhydoIgettheoverwhelmingsense

thatsomethingbadisgoingtohappen?”CherryaskedwhenTeddyflashedherasmile.

“Whatcouldpossiblygowrong?”Teddywinked.
“Ohgod.Isheforreal?”CherrylookedatJackson.
“Idon’tknowwhatheis.”Jacksonshookhishead.“Let’sgo.Evan,getyoursickassinthecar.”
Evanmoanedinresponseasheproppedhimselfagainstthecar,clutchinghisstomach.
Jackson slid behind the wheel and waited while Evan crawled pitifully back into the backseat. He

didn’tevenbothertryingtositupashesprawledoutalongtheentirewidthoftheback.Hiscoloringwas
variousshadesofgreyandspokegreatlyofthemiserythatwasbeginningtoclaimhim.Theyallknewhe
wasjuststartingtoscratchthesurfaceofwhatlayahead.

Cherryshutthebackdoorandslippedinthepassenger’sseat.“DoyoumindifIsmoke?Itcalmsme

down.”

Jacksongaveheranodashepulledoutoftheparkinglot.OnceCherrylithercigarette,shesighedin

contentmentandmeltedintoherseat.“Doyouwantone?”sheoffered.

“No,mylifeisatriskenoughasitis.Idon’tneedanythingelsetobuildacaseagainstme,”Jackson

declined.

“Ibelievethat,”Cherrysaidwithasmile.Sheleanedclosertoheropenwindowtocutdownonthe

smokeinthecar.

“You all right?” Jackson asked when he watched Cherry get lost as she watched the scenery go by.

Cherryhadnotbeenquietoncesincehemether,itseemedoutofcharacter.

“I’vebeendealingwithshitheadslikethat…”Cherrynoddedbacktowardthedirectionofthestore,

“…foraslongasIcanremember.Ijustneedamoment.”

“Our world is full of arrogant shitheads,” Jackson said, glancing between Cherry and the road. “I

usuallyjustassumeeveryoneisapieceofshituntiltheyprovemewrong.”

“Lookatyou,Mr.Optimistic.Soundslikeyouhadacolorfulchildhoodtoo.”Cherryfrownedbefore

takingalongdragandtossingtherestofthecigaretteoutthewindow.“Sadly,outofallofthefuckedup
thingsthatpeoplehavesaidtome,myfamilyhassaidworse.”

Jackson could tell Cherry was struggling with inner torment. It was one thing they had in common.

Theybothhadahardoutershellbuttheinsidewasamess.

“HowdidyougetcaughtupwithBlack,anyway?”Jacksonaskedcuriously.
“Mysistercalledmeuponenightoutoftheblue.Ihadn’tspokentoherinoverfiveyearsatthatpoint,

soIknewshewasintrouble.ShehadaskedmetomeetheratherplaceandIwentwithoutthinkingbetter
ofit.WhenIarrived,shewaslonggone,andBlack’smenweretherewaiting.Shehadstolenmoneyfrom

Blackandtookoff.Shehadsetmeuptotakethefallforher.Blackwasalltoohappyformetoworkoff
mysistersdebt.Itwasn’tlongbeforeIfoundoutwhy.BlackhadcertainfetishesthatIwasforcedtoplay
apartin.Mysisterknewandshefuckingthrewmeunderthebus.BlacktookeverythingfrommeandI
never heard from my sister again. I have nothing but my fucking car.” Cherry glanced in the side view
mirroratTeddyandDaneinhercar.

“Ipromiseyourcarwillbefine,”Jacksonassuredher.
Cherrypulledacompactandlipstickoutofherpurse.Shepowderedhernosebeforetouchingupher

lips.“Let’sjustsayI’mnotsorrythatsickfuckisdead.”

“Let’sjustsayI’mnotsorryIkilledhim,”Jacksonsaidwithasmile.
“Thankfuckforthat.”Cherryslappedherthighs.
Jackson’sphonerangandhepickeditupfromtheconsole.Nate’snamelitupthescreen.
“Yeah?”
“Lexie’sgone,”Natesaidinarush.
“Whatthefuckdoyoumean,gone?”Jacksonsaidangrily.Fearcoiledaroundhim.
“Imeanshe’snothere.Shemusthavejustleft.There’snosignthatanyoneelsewashere.Thefucking

copsoutsidesaidtheydidn’tseeanythingandthey’reuselessasfuck.Ijustturnedmybackforasecond,
Jacks.Ididn’tknowshewouldleave.Ialreadycheckedherapartmentandhermother’shouse.”

“Goddammit,”Jacksoncursed.
“Ifoundanopenedenvelopeonthefloorwithhernameonit,butnoletteroranythingelse.Doesthat

meananythingtoyou?”

“Yeah,we’reonourway,”Jacksonsaidbeforedisconnectingthecall.
Evansatupandgrabbedoneofthebagsbyhisfeetanddumpedoutthecontentsbeforehethrewupin

thebag.

“What’swrong?”CherryaskedJacksonafterwrinklinghernoseatEvan.
“Hopefully nothing,” Jackson said, speeding up. “Where would Lexie go if she was upset about

something,Evan?”JacksonhatedthatEvanknewLexiebetterthanhedid.

“Hermother’s?”Evansuggested.“What’sgoingon?”
“She’snotthere.Whereelse?”
Evanwasquietforamomentbeforehespokeup.“Iknowwheresheis.”

CHAPTERNINE

Lexie

Takingadeepbreathoffreshair,Lexielettheheatofthedaysoakintoherskin.Thesunshonebrightly

overhead, broken only by the brief shadow of a passing bird. Being here always gave her a sense of
peace,andnowmorethanever,sheneededit.Hereyesskimmedovertheendlessrowsofheadstones,all
marked with names of people who had come and gone. All of them left their own mark before they
returnedtotheearth.

SheandAlexusedtocomehereonoccasionandwonderwhothepeoplewerethatwerewrittenonthe

intricate memorials. They would take turns coming up with wild and beautiful stories about their lives.
She never imagined how soon he would become one of them and she would be visiting him. When she
sawhisnamecarvedintostone,shedidn’thavetoimagineanything.Shealreadyknewtheexceptional
personhehadbeen.Thefamiliarachefilledherstomachwhenshethoughtofhim.

“Hibabe.”Lexiesmiledsadly.“Iknowit’sbeenawhile.I’mreallysorry.”Lexiedroppedherpurse

andkneltdowninfrontofhismarker.Sheranherfingersoverthelettersinhisnameandtookadeep,
shaky breath. “So much has happened I don’t even know if I understand it all. I really need you right
now.”

Lexiesatdownandleanedbackagainstthecoolstone.Sherubbedherthighsandlookedupatthesky,

suddenlyfeelingachilldespitethesun.“Momdied.”Tearsstartedrunningdownherface.“She’sgone.”
Lexiewipedhercheekswiththebackofherhand.

“I remember when you said everything happens for a reason. I’m trying to hold onto that, but it’s so

hardwhenthepeopleyoulovekeepleaving.”Lexietiltedherheaduptothesky.“I’mstartingtothinkyou
were full of crap,” Lexie said affectionately. “There is no reason good enough to justify both you and
Mom being taken before you were able to grow old and grumpy. Remember when you said you were
goingtogetusatandemwheelchairwhenweweretoooldtowalkeverywhere?Ithoughtyouwereso
ridiculousanditmademefallinlovewithyoumore.”

Lexiereachedinherpurseandpulledouttheletter.“Ihaveahorriblesecret,Alex,”Lexiewhispered.

“One that might have made even you see me differently.” Lexie ran her fingers over the paper, willing
herselfthestrengthtounfoldit.

“I’mgladmymotherneverknewforsure.Iwouldhavebeenterrifiedtoseethelookinhereyeswhen

sherealizedwhatIam.IthinkinherheartshewasconvincedIwasreallythedaughterofthemanshe
loved.IwishIcould’vebeen.”Lexieclosedhereyesandlistenedtothegentlebreezerustlingtheleaves
inthenearbytrees.

“I have another confession to make, as if that one wasn’t enough…I know.” Lexie smiled sadly. She

couldalmosthearAlexnow.Healwaysknewhowtomakehersmileevenwhenshewassad.

“Imetsomeone…Ididn’tmeanto.Iwasscaredatfirst,butitdidn’tchangehowIfeltaboutyou.You

knowIwillalwaysloveyou.Thespaceinhere…”Lexietouchedherheart.“Itjustgotbiggersomehow.I
think I’m falling in love with him. It’s not the same as when I was with you. It’s different, but just as
beautifulinitsownway.Idon’tdeservetofeelthiswayagain.Iknowthat,butIdo,it’swhatIhavebeen
holding onto since Mom died. It’s the only thing that has kept me strong enough for Stephanie.” Lexie
gentlytracedAlex’snameinthecoolstone.

“I’mscaredwhatwillhappenwhenJacksonfindsoutIamapieceofthemanhehates.Howwillhe

notseeJohnStoddenwhenhelooksinmyeyes?Idon’tknowhowtosurviveit.”

Lexielaiddownonthegrass,spreadingherhandouttofeelthesoftbladesthroughherfingersasshe

continued to tell Alex everything that happened without leaving out a single detail. She needed to tell
someonebeforetheweightofeverythingcrushedher.Althoughsomethingswerehardtoputintowords,
sheneededAlextohearitall.Shedidn’twanttokeepanysecretsfromhim.“JohnStoddenisstillout
theresomewhere.MaybeIshouldrunlikemymotherdid.Leaveeverythingbehind.AtleastthenIknow
thepeopleleftinmylifewillbesafe.Idon’tknowwhattodo.”

LyinghereonAlex’sgravewastheclosestshecouldgettohim.“Thankyouforlistening,Alex.Iwish

you could give me some of your great advice. I could really use it right now,” Lexie whispered as she
closed her eyes. She was so incredibly tired, and talking to Alex made her feel like she could breathe
again. It was peaceful here with him, just like it was when he was alive. Lexie wasn’t sure how much
time had passed when she felt something brush her shoulder. She opened her eyes and looked up at the
shadowcastoverher.Shehadn’tevenrealizedshehadfallenasleep.Foronebriefmomentshethought
shewaslookingupatAlexuntilthedifferencesstartedtoregister.

“Heybeautiful,”Evansaid.
“Evan!”Lexiegaspedasshepushedoffthegroundandthrewherselfintohisarms.“Iwassoworried

aboutyou.”

Evanwhimperedasshesqueezedhimtight.“Pleasebegentle.I’mnotfeelingthegreatest.”
“What’swrong?”Lexiesteppedbackandlookedhimover.
Evanhadapainedexpressiononhisface.“Ifuckedup.Iwasdoinggood.Jacksonandtheguyswere

helpingmekickthisand…well,I’mtryingtogetcleanagain,butit’skickingtheshitoutofme.I’llbefine
soon.”

“Imissedyou.I’msohappyyou’reback.”Lexiesqueezedhishand.
“NotashappyasIamtobehome.”
“HowdidyouknowwhereIwas?”Lexieasked.
Evanjusttiltedhisheadindisbelief.
“Silly question, I guess.” Lexie smiled. “Is Jackson mad?” Lexie looked past Evan to see Jackson

standing just off the path with a woman in a very short shirt and towering heels. She couldn’t help the
jealousy that spiked through her stomach at the sight of them standing together, but she immediately
stompedonit.Shehadnoroomforfrivolousemotions.

LookingatJacksonnowsuddenlymadeherfeellikeamessinside.Shedidn’twanttotellhimwhatthe

letter had said because she was terrified what it would mean to him. He had a way of reading her that
suddenlymadeherterrifiedtolookhimintheeye.

“Naw,justworried,”Evaneasedherconcerns.HeheldhishandtohisstomachandLexienotedhis

discomfortandhispalecomplexion.

“Who’sthegirl?”Lexieaskedquietly.
LexielookedoveratEvanwhenhedidn’tanswer.Aslysmilecurleduptheedgesofhisdrylips.“Are

youjealous?”

“No,ofcoursenot,”Lexiesaiddefensively.“Justcurious.”
Evan wrapped his arm around her and leaned on her a little more than he probably intended. “Her

nameisCherry,anddon’tworry,she’snotJackson’stype.ShehelpedusoutandJacksonbroughtherwith
usbecauseitwasn’tsafetoleaveherbehind.”Evanattemptedasmile,butitturnedintomoreofacringe.
“You’lllikeher.”

Lexienoddedandtriedtosmile,butbeingnexttoEvanwasmakingheremotional.
“I’msosorry,Lexie.Ishouldhavebeenwithyou.”Evanrubbedherback.
“Ithurtssobad.Imisshersomuch.”Lexieleanedintohisside.
“Here,”Evansaid,curlinghisarmaroundherandpullinghercloser.Shefeltsomuchreliefknowing

Evanwashome.

“Evan?”Lexiepulledbackwhenshenoticedhisbodytensingup.Shecouldtellhewasn’twell.
“Weneedtogo,Lexie.IwouldfeelbadifIthrewuponsomeone’sgrave.”Evancoveredhismouth

andtookadeep,soothingbreath.

“Sure.Canyoujustgivemeasecond?”Lexierequested.
“Of course,” Evan said. He leaned down and placed his hand on Alex’s gravestone. “I love you,

brother.Imissyoursorryasseveryfuckingday.”

LexiesawhiseyeswaterbeforeheturnedawaytoheadtowardJacksonandCherry.Lexiereachedin

her purse and pulled out one of the bottles of nail polish she still had in her purse. She wrapped her
fingersaroundoneandsqueezedittightlyinherhand.

“I love you forever, Alex,” Lexie whispered before she set the bottle down next to the gravestone.

“AndIwillneverforgetthesacrificeyoumadeforme.”

LexiecaughtuptoEvanandwrappedhisarmoverhershouldertohelpsupporthim.“Ican’tgohome

likethis,Lexie.IwashopingIcouldcrashwithyouatyourapartment.”

“Yeah,ofcourse,butIthinkwewouldbemorecomfortableatMom’splace.”
“Areyousure?”
“Ineedtofeelclosetoherrightnow,”Lexieinsisted.“Andthereisfarmoreroomtherethanmytiny

littleapartment.Youcan’tgohomeanywaybecauseyourparentsthinkyou’reinrehab.”

Evanlookedupatherwitharaisedbrow.
“We needed to tell them something other than you can’t be contacted because you’re being held

prisonerbyacriminalthreateningtokillyou.Itwasthemostbelievablestory,anyway,”Lexiedefended.

Evanjustofferedherasadsmile.
LexielookupintotheintensegazeofJacksonastheyneared.Thosebeautifuldarkeyeswerelocked

onherandtheemotionthattookcenterstagewasshame.Shewantedmorethananythingtowrapherarms
aroundhimandpressherlipstohisbutshedidn’thavetherighttobethatpersonforhimanymore.She
couldn’t pretend because the hope she had held onto by not knowing was gone. She couldn’t carry on
selfishlyanddeceivehim.Sheknewshewouldhavetotellhimbecauseitwouldonlybeamatteroftime
before he discovered it for himself. She feared the moment he looked upon her with hatred. She knew
withoutadoubtitcouldbreakher.

LexielookedatCherrywhensherubbedherhandstogetherexcitedly.“AndIthoughtthislittletown

wasgoingtobeboring,”Cherrysaid.

Lexie couldn’t help but smile. “Hello, I’m Lexie.” She could feel Jackson’s eyes on her but she

couldn’tbringherselftoacknowledgehim.Thetruthhungheavyoverherheadandshewasnervoushe
couldseeitjustbylookingather.

Cherry was a surprise, to say the least. It wasn’t until she was close that Lexie could see the subtle

indicationsthatCherrywasnotyouraveragegirl.Herunderlyingmasculinequalitieswerediscreet,but
stillverymuchapartofwhoshewas.

“Oh,Iknowwhoyouare.I’mCherry.”Cherryheldoutherhand.“BetweenCountry’slooselipsand

Duke’sbrooding,Iknewtherewasgoingtobeaprettyfacetogowiththisstory.”

Evansprintedawayfromthemtoarowofbushesjustoffthepathandthrewup.Heclutchedhisknees

as he took deep breaths. “I’m good,” he mumbled with a wave before he continued to expel the entire
contentsofhisstomach.

“CountryandDuke?”Lexieaskedwithasmile.
“They earned themselves some nick names along the way,” Cherry responded. “Stories for another

time.”Shewinked.

“It’snicetomeetyou,Cherry,”LexiesaidoverthesoundofEvan’sheaving.“Circumstancescouldbe

better.”

“Nonsense,lifeisfullofuglywithafewbitsofbeautifulthrownin.Ilearnedtorollwithitlongago.

Comeon,doll,JacksoncanhelpCountrytothecar.”

“Lexie?”Jacksonquestioned.
LexielookedupatJackson.Helookeduncertainashewaitedforhertosaysomething.Shefeltbad

givinghimthecoldshoulder.Shefeltaforceinsideherpulltowardhim.Shewasawareofhimonevery
level,anddenyingitseemedtogoagainstnature.Sheneededtofindawaytoputsomedistancebetween
themuntilshecouldthinkproperlyandfigureouthowtoapproachit.“WeshouldgetEvantomymother’s
place.”Itfeltlikethebestoptiontoapproachthisslowly.

CHAPTERTEN

Jackson

Other than stolen glances, Lexie seemed to be avoiding Jackson. She was so quiet on the drive and

Jacksoncouldn’tfindthewordsthatseemedappropriate.Cherrysatbesidehim,throwingcuriousglances
hisway.Heknewshecouldfeelthetensionrollingoffhimandhewasgratefulthatforoncesheremained
quiet.EvanwaslyingdowninthebackseatwithhisheadinLexie’slap.Jacksonglancedbackatherand
noticedshewasrunningherfingersthroughEvan’shair.Jacksonhatedthefactshewastouchinghim.He
hatedhoweasytheywerewitheachother.HewouldneveradmitthefactthathewasjealousofEvan,not
eventohimselfasheshovedtheverythoughtdeepinside.

WhateverwasgoingthroughLexie’sheadthatwaskeepingherdistantfromhim,hewantedhertobe

abletotalktohim.Hecouldn’ttakehersilenceforlongbecauseitwasterrifying.

Jackson pulled up to a stop in front of Lexie’s apartment. “That’s Molly’s car,” she said, sitting up

straighter.Evanpushedhimselfupandleanedagainsttheseatwithamoanofdiscomfort.

“Who’sMolly?”Jacksonasked.
“My mom’s best friend. She works at the diner,” Lexie said sadly as she grabbed the handle of the

door.“I’llbeasquickasIcan.”LexiepattedEvanontheshouldergentlybeforeshesteppedoutofthe
car.

“I’mgonnahelpLexie,”Jacksonsaid,openinghisdoor.
“Umhmm.”Cherryraisedherbrow.
Teddy and Dane pulled up behind Jackson in Cherry’s car. “Lexie is just grabbing some things,”

Jacksoncalledtothem.

He followed Lexie up the stairs toward her apartment. Unbeknownst to Lexie, Jackson had already

beeninherapartmentandknewexactlywhereitwas.Alothadchangedsincethen.Hewouldneverhave
thoughtthingswouldhaveturnedoutthisway.

When they got to the top of the staircase, a woman with fiery red hair was headed toward them.

“Lexie!”shecalledout.“IheardyouwerebackandI’vebeentryingtofindyou.Youweren’tanswering
your phone. I have been out of my mind.” The woman grabbed Lexie up in her arms. She looked up at
Jackson,justnoticinghimforthefirsttime.“Who’sthis?”

LexiebrushedherhairbackfromherfaceasshepulledawayfromMolly’stightembrace.“Molly,this

isJackson,”Lexieintroducednervously.

Jackson looked at Lexie for a moment, trying to read her face. “Her boyfriend. Nice to meet you,

Molly.”

“You as well. I wish it could be under better circumstances, but I’m so glad to see that she has

someonetohelpherthroughthispainfultime,”Mollysaid,takingJackson’shand.

“Sorryaboutnotansweringmyphone,Molly.I’vebeengettingalotofcallsaboutMomandI’mnot

readytofaceitallyet,”Lexieconfessed.Jacksoncouldfeelherpainbecauseitreacheddeepinsidehim
andbecamehisown.

“Letmetakecareofit,sweetheart.Youdon’tworryaboutathing.You’vebeenthroughenough.Your

mother always did so much for me, it’s the least I could do,” Molly said, placing her hand against her
chest. Tears welled in her eyes. “I can make all the arrangements.” Molly gently placed her hands on
Lexie’sshoulders.

“I’mgoingtobestayingatMom’s,”Lexiesaidquietly.
“Okay,dear.”Mollyleanedinandkissedhergentlyonthecheek.“Youcallmeifyouneedanything.

I’llstopbywithsomeofyourfavoritepielater.”

“Take care of her,” Molly said to Jackson as she walked past him. She placed her hand on his arm.

“Sheneedsyourstrength.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jackson said. Molly seemed like a very genuine person and Jackson appreciated the

factthatLexiehadpeoplelikeherinherlife.HecouldtellLexiecaredforher.

Lexie watched Molly disappear down the stairs before she continued to her door. “This is a small

town,Jackson.Youcan’ttellpeoplethingslikethatoritwillbecomefrontpagenews.

“ThatI’myourboyfriend?”
Lexienoddedassheslidthekeyintothelock.
“Areyouworriedpeoplearegonnajudgeyouformovingon?Orisitthatyoudon’twantpeopleto

know?”

Lexiedidn’tanswerassheswungthedooropenandwalkedinsidehesitantly.Jacksonknewitwasthe

first time she had been home since before she had been taken and her mother’s death. Her view of the
worldwasdifferentnowandshewasprobablyrealizinghowdifferentitwouldfeel.

“Iactuallylikethewayitsounds.I’veneverbeensomeone’sboyfriendbefore…”Jacksontrailedoff

whenhenoticedhowterrifiedshelooked.

“Lexie,what’swrong?”
“Ithinksomeonehasbeenhere,”Lexiewhispered.
Jackson looked around the main area and made sure the window were secure. Nothing raised any

flags. He pulled out his gun and kicked the bathroom door open to make sure it was clear before he
walkedintothebedroomLexiehadsetupasastudio.Everythinglookedtobeinordertohim.

“Noone’shere,Lexie.”Jacksontuckedhisgunaway.
“Someofmypictureshavebeenmoved,”Lexiesaid,walkingintothemainlivingarea.Shepickedup

oneoftheframessittingonasmalltablebesidehersofa.

“Thiswasinmystudio,”Lexiesaid,holdingitup.“Andthis…”Lexielookeddownatapictureofher

andhermother.Jacksonwasn’tsureifitwastheaftermathofwhatshehadbeenthroughorifherfears
were legitimate. He would never put it past John to play games with someone’s head. She picked the
pictureupandranherfingerovertheglass.“DoyouthinkJohnwillleavemealonenowthatshe’sgone?”
Lexieaskedsadly.

“I’mgoingtostophim,Lexie,”Jacksonassuredher.
“Ican’tshakethefeelingI’mbeingwatched.”Lexiesetthepicturebackdownonthetable.“Hetold

methatheownsme.”

“Listen, Lexie.” Jackson placed his hand on her shoulder and turned her toward him. “I’m here. I

promisetodowhateverIcantokeepyousafe.”Jacksonleanedhisforeheadagainsthersandpulledher
close.“Johnwillneverownyou.”

“Toomanypeoplehavebeenhurtbecauseofme.”
“BecauseofJohn,notyou.Don’tblameyourselfforanyofthis.Youareinnocent,”Jacksoninsisted.
LexietriedtopullawaybutJacksongrabbedholdofherwaist.“Don’tpushmeaway,please.”

LexieplacedherhandsoneithersideofJackson’sfaceandhecouldfeelhimselfwanttomeltinher

hold.Shegentlypressedherlipsagainsthisandhesavoredthetasteofher,notwantingthemomentto
end.Hewantedmore,hewasdesperateforheraffections,especiallynow,butheknewhehadtofollow
her lead. He had never given someone control over him before and he was not used to feeling
vulnerable…though on some levels he found it empowering to give part of himself to her, becoming
somethingbiggerthanhimself.Hewoulddoanythingtoprotecther.Hehadapurposethatnowgavehim
hope.

“I’llgogetmythings,”shewhisperedasshedroppedherhandsandsteppedback.Shehadbuiltawall

betweenthem.Hecouldfeelitandhewantedtofindawaytoknockitdown.

Lexieonlytookamomenttopackabagandshewasreadytoleave.Shewalkedovertothetableand

pickedupthepictureofherandhermother,tuckingitinsideherpurse.

Hecouldtellshewasanxioustogetoutofherapartment.Shefeltunsettledsinceshewalkedinand

noticedthingsseemeddifferent.Jacksongaveonelastlookaroundbeforeheshutthedoorbehindthem.
Jacksonknewhewoulddowhateverittooktomakeherfeelsafeagain.Nooneshouldfeelfearinthe
placetheycallhome.Heknewtoowellhowdevastatingitcouldbe.

Evanwassittingonthesidewalknexttothecarwhentheyexitedthebuilding.Hisheadwasbetween

hiskneesashetooklong,deepbreaths.“Thankgod,”Cherrysaidwhenshenoticedthem.“Weneedtoget
himsomewheresoon.He’saboutreadytofallapart.”

“Ithoughtthatstuffyougotwasgonnahelp?Hedoesn’tlookanybetterthanwhenweweanedhim,”

Jacksonasked.

“Yeah, when he’s in bed. He can’t be up walking around and shit.” Cherry waved her hands in

exasperation.“Heneedstobesleeping.”

“Let’sgo.”JacksonwavedtowardTeddyandDane.
Jackson’sphonestartedbuzzinginhispocket.Hepulleditoutandnoticedanunknowncaller.
“Hello?”
“Jackson,it’sGiles.I’mcallingfromasecureline.Myphonesweretapped.”
“Shit.”Jacksonrubbedhishanddownhisface.“Rosh.Howmuchdoesheknow?”
“He knows we suspect him of his involvement. Though, the tape is not enough to convict him. Any

judgeisgonnathrowitoutbecausethere’snowaytoproveitwashim.”

“Where’sRoshnow?”Jacksonasked.
“No one has seen him since yesterday. I sent a couple of officers to his place this morning and they

saiditlookedlikeheleftinahurry.I’dsayheknowswhatMaryhadonhimandhe’slyinglowfornow.
AnyideawhereMarywouldhavestashedtheevidence?”

“No.”Jacksonsighed.“I’llcallonthisnumberwhenIhavesomething.”
“Good…Jackson?”
“Yeah.”
“Becarefulhowcloseyougettothatgirl.Thismightnotendwellforanyone,”Gilessaidsolemnly.
“Toolate,Giles.”Jacksonendedthecall.

CHAPTERELEVEN

Lexie

WhenJacksonpulledupinfrontofhermother’shouse,Lexiedidn’tmove.ShesawhergreyHonda

Civic parked in the driveway and remembered when she had parked there. It was just when everything
was beginning to fall out beneath her. Her mother was still alive then. It was the first time being here
knowing that her mother would never be again. It made her body feel heavy and her heart swell with
emotionuntilitfeltasifitwouldburst.Shefeltasifshecouldcryfortherestofherlifeanditwouldnot
lessonthepainofloss.

Jacksonopenedherdoorforherandshelookedupatthegreyskythatreflectedherthoughts.Theair

was heavy with moisture, ready to start falling to the dry earth. Jackson held out his hand and Lexie
lookedupintohisface.Shewishedshecouldthrowherselfintohisarmsandforeverstayinhisembrace
whereshewouldbesafe,butsheneededtostandonherownfeet.Sheneededtofacewhathadbecome
herlife.HidingwouldnotchangethefactthatJohnStoddenwasherfatherorthedoomshefeltinside.
Herlifewasforeverthrownoffcourseandshehadnoideawhatdirectionshewasheaded.

WhenLexieapproachedthedoor,shenoticedyellowtapeacrossitfromwhenthepoliceinvestigated

the break-in. Lexie ripped it off and hastily threw it aside. Walking inside was just as painful as she
imagined it would be. John’s men had torn everything apart. All of her mother’s belongings were
scattered on the floor. Lexie covered her mouth with a gasp as she looked at all the things her mother
lovedstrewnaroundcarelessly.

“Itlooksliketheyreallywantedtofindwhatyourmotherhadhidden,”Jacksonsaiddespondently.
“Shit,sorry,Lexie,”Teddysaid,walkingbehindthem,supportingEvan.
Lexiewalkedovertowardthekitchenisland.Brokendishescrunchedunderhershoesasshesether

purseonthecounter.

“BringEvanintotheguestroom,”Lexiesaid,wavingforTeddytofollowher.Sheheadedtowardthe

hall off the living area to the bedroom. Other than the furniture, the room had mainly been bare, so it
lookedbetterthantherestofthehouse.LexiestraightenedthesheetsforEvantoliedown.Shegrabbed
thebathroomgarbagebinthathadbeenlyinginthehallandsetitbesideEvan’sbed.

Evan collapsed on the bed and Lexie pulled the sheets up over him. He was shaking now as chills

begantorackhisbody.

“Dr. Cherry is coming!” Cherry called out as she came into the room with a bag in her hand. She

smiledbrightlyatLexie.“I’llgethimcomfortableenoughtosleepinnotime.”

“What’sallthis?”LexieaskedwhenCherrybegantakingoutthecontentsofthebagandsettingiton

thenightstand.

“It’sado-it-yourselfweaningkit,doll.It’sgonnagethimthroughthenextcoupleofdayswithouthim

wishinghewasdead.”

“IwishIwasdeadnow,”Evanmumbledintothepillow.
Cherryshrugged.“Well,yougetwhatyoupayfor.”
“Thankyouforyourhelp,Cherry.Evantoldmeyoutookariskhelpingthem.Ijustwantedtoletyou

knowIappreciateit,”Lexiesaidsincerely.ShewalkeduptoCherryandwrappedherarmsaroundher.

“Oh,” Cherry replied. She seemed taken back by Lexie’s show of appreciation. “Of course.” Cherry

pattedherarm.“I’mnotusedtohavingpeoplehugme.MaybeyoucouldthrowinaninsultsoIdon’tthink
theworldisending.”

Lexielaughedandshookherhead.
“Okay,fine,I’lljusttakesomewine.Thisgirlneedsitaftertakingcareofthisbigbaby,”Cherrysaid.
“Sure,I’llseewhatIcanfind,”Lexiesaidwithasmile.
When Lexie walked into the main area, Jackson was sweeping the broken dishes into a pile on the

kitchenfloor.Theonesthathadsurvivedwherepileduponthecounter.Hehadalreadyrightedmostof
thefurnitureinthelivingroomandreplacedthechairsaroundthediningtable.

“Ididn’tknowwherethedishesgo,”Jacksonsaid.“Noneofthedisheslookthesametoputtogether.”
Lexielaughedhalf-heartedly.“Momdidn’tlikesets.Idon’tthinkanythingactuallydoesmatch.”
“That explains it,” Jackson said as he bent down to pick up another plate and set it on the stack he

made.

Lexiereacheddownandpickedupawoodencarvinghermotherhadkeptonthemantleandplacedit

backintoposition.“Thankyou,Jackson,butyoureallydon’thavetocleanup.”

Shecouldhearhimstopmoving.Sheknewhewaswatchingherasshestoodstaringatthepieceof

woodlikeitwouldbringhermotherback.

“Iwanttohelp,”heinsisted.“It’stheleastIcoulddo.”
“WhereareTeddyandDane?”Shelookedupathimandknewhewastryingtoreadher.
“Isentthemtopickupsomefood.”Jacksonsetthebroomagainstthecounterandwalkedtowardher.

Shefoughttheurgetoopenherarmsandseekhiscomfort.Whenhestopped,hewassoclosetoher,she
couldfeeltheheatofhimagainstherback.Shefoundherselfleaningback;wantingtoclosethedistance.

“I’mhereforyou.”JacksonwrappedhisarmsaroundherstomachandLexiedidn’tresistanymore.
Jackson gave her a gentle kiss on the side of the neck and Lexie sighed in contentment. She didn’t

realizehowmuchsheneededthis,butthetruthclawedatherandwouldn’tlethercompletelysubmit.

“Jackson,Ineedtotellyousomething.”Lexieturnedaroundinhisembrace,takinghishandsinhers

andgivingthemagentlesqueezebeforesheletthemgoandlookedupintohisdark,tormentedeyes.He
already knew what she had to say was important; she could see it in his expression. Lexie noticed a
bandagepeekingoutfromunderhissleeve.“Whathappened?”

“It’sjustascratch,”Jacksondismissed.“Whatdoyouwanttotellme?”
“The baby is finally down and Momma needs her wine,” Cherry said as she sauntered down the

hallway,comingtoastandstillwhenshenoticedLexieandJackson’sseriousexpressions.

“Coming right up, Cherry,” Lexie said, forcing a smile. She took the opportunity to flee the difficult

conversationwithJackson.

“Lexie,”Jacksonsaidashereachedforher.Hewasn’tasinclinedtodroptheconversation.
“Icouldreallyuseaglassofwinemyself,”Lexiesaidasshewalkedintothekitchenandstoodonher

tip-toestoopenthecabinetoverthefridge.

“Here,”Jacksonwassuddenlybehindher.Heplacedahandonherlowerbackandhisheatscorched

throughherclothing.Hisheighteasilyallowedhimtoreachoneofthebottles.Heleaneddownsohewas
onlyabreathaway.Hewasonlyinchesawayandhisheadyscentfilledhernoseandmadeherbodyache
forhim.“Thisconversationisnotover,Lexie.Weneedtotalk,”hewhispered.

Lexiecouldonlybringherselftonodassheacceptedthewineheheldoutforher.

LuckilyahalfadozenwineglassesstillremainedintactontheshelfasLexiesetthreeoutandfilled

theglasses.

“It’s already looking a lot better in here. We should have it cleaned up in no time,” Cherry said

optimistically.

LexiepushedaglasstowardJackson.Heseemedreluctantashepickeditupandsmelledthecontents.
“Don’t tell me that you drink whiskey straight but don’t like the taste of wine?” Lexie asked in

disbelief.

“I’venevertriedwinebefore,”Jacksonansweredhonestly.
“He’sabitofabarbarian,”CherrysaidassherolledhereyesandLexielaughed.
LexiesetCherry’sglassinfrontofherbeforejoiningheratthetable.
“I, on the other hand, enjoy the finer things in life.” Cherry raised her glass. “If life gives you shit,

drinkwine.”Cherryraisedherglass.

“Cheerstothat.”LexieclinkedherglasstoCherry’s.
JacksonpulledupthechairnexttoLexie,sittingcloseenoughthattheirlegstouchedunderthetable.

“Cheers,”hesaidbeforetippingtheglasstohislipsanddowninghalftheglass.

“Well?”Cherryasked.
Jacksonshruggedwithafrown.“Iguess.”
Jackson’slackofappreciationforwinehadCherryraisingherbrow.“Well,westillhavetimetofix

you,”shesaid,givinghishandapat.

Itwasn’tlongbeforeTeddyandDanereturnedwitharmloadsofgrocerybags.
“Pop tarts?” Lexie questioned as she picked up a box of strawberry flavored treats with icing and

sprinklesontop.“Dopeopleactuallyeatthese?”

“Yes,ofcourse,”Teddysaiddefensively.Hegrabbedtheboxandcradleditlovinglytohischest.“She

doesn’tknowwhatshe’stalkingabout,baby

“Oh god.” Cherry shook her head. “What the fuck is all this?” Opening the bags, Cherry pulled out

microwavedinners,frozenpizzas,boxesofmacaroniandcheese.“Gummybears?”Sheheldupabagin
disbelief.“Howareyoustillaliveifthisishowyouidiotseat?”

“IliketobelieveI’minvincible,”Teddysaidwithasmirk.
“Deargod,”Cherrysaidwithashakeofherhead.“Weain’teatingthisshit.Babydoll,I’llwhipusup

somethingthatactuallyhassomenutritionalvalue.MayI?”CherrylookedatLexieandwavedtowardthe
kitchen.

“Pleasedo.Whateveryoucanfind,feelfreetouse,”Lexieoffered.
Lexierefilledherglassandreturnedtothemessatherfeet.JacksonandDanetooktoworkaswell

whileCherryandTeddycontinuedtoplayfullyargueinthekitchen.Lexiepickeduphermother’smusic
playerandsetitbackonthehutch.Itlookedtobeundamagedassheturnedthepoweronandhitplay.Her
motherhadn’tchangedherplaylistsinceLexiehadmadeitforherfiveyearsago.

Lexieclosedhereyesandlistenedtothesongstarttoplay,“WonderfulTonight”byEricClapton.She

closedhereyesandtriedtorememberwhenlastshehadheardthissong.Thelasttimeshelistenedtoit
shewasstandinginthekitchenwithhermotherandtheybothhadsungalongastheywasheddishes.She
couldstillhearhermother’sofftunevoicefaintlyinhermemory.

Bythetimewonderfulsmellsbeganfilteringfromthekitchen,themainareahadbeenstraightenedup.

Ithadsustainedthemostdamageofanyareaofthehouseandshewasgratefulitwasbackinorder.Alot
ofhermother’sthingswereunsalvageable,butenoughremainedthatthespacestillfeltthesame.

Lexiestoodbackandobservedtheirhardwork.“Whatwould’veIdonewithoutyouguys?”Lexiesaid

appreciatively.“Thankyou.”

“I’lltakepaymentinkisses,”Teddypipedup.HewastyingthelastofthegarbagebagswhenDane

walkedinthebackdoor.

“Hithimforme,Dane,”Jacksonsaidfromacrosstheroom.
DanebackhandedTeddyonthefaceashegrabbedthegarbagebagfromhishand.
“Heynow,”Teddysaid,placinghishandonhischeek.“Youdidn’tevenknowwhatthereasonwas.”
“DoIneedone?”Danesmirked.
“Apparentlynot,”Teddysulked.
“Supperisready,children,”Cherrycalledfromthekitchen.
With the exception of Evan, who was in a drug-induced sleep, they had a delicious meal thanks to

Cherry, who showcased her talent in the kitchen. Cherry had an ability of making the light shine in the
darkestofplaces.Lexiecouldn’thelpbutbedrawntoher.Shewasn’tsureexactlyhowshegotpulled
intothiswholemess,butLexiewasgratefulshewaswiththem.

The group of them sat down at the table and Lexie couldn’t help but smile as they all carried on.

Nothing about any one of their situations were ideal; they had all dealt with tragedy in one form or
another,butheretheyweresittingdowntoafabulousmeal.

Cherry had rifled through the cabinets, freezer, and her mother’s herb garden, and came up with the

most delicious pasta dish Lexie had ever eaten. Lexie couldn’t remember the last time she laughed so
hard;herfacehurt.

Lexiegrewquietanditdidn’tgounnoticedaseveryone’sattentionwasdrawntoher.“Everythingall

right?”Jacksonasked,bumpinghershoulder.

“Iwasjustthinkinghowmuchmymotherwouldhavelovedtobeheresittingatthistableandgetting

to know all of you. Though, she probably would’ve insisted on cooking and it wouldn’t have been
anythingnearasgoodasthis.Shehadahabitofburningeverything,”Lexiesaidthoughtfully.“Sheloved
peoplewhowereoutsidethebox.”

“Isthatanicewaytosaywe’reweird?”Daneaskedplayfully.
Lexielaughed.“Thereisnothingwrongwithweird.Mymotheralwaysusedtosaynormalisboring.”
“Wellthen,shewouldhavelovedme,”Cherrysaid.“Itdon’tgetmoreoutsidetheboxthanme.Most

people can’t get past the fact that they don’t know what’s between my legs. It boggles their fucking
minds.”

“Whatdoyouhavegoingonthere,anyway?”Teddyaskedcuriously.
“Ha.Haven’tyoufiguredoutbynowthatgirlsliketheirsecrets?Let’sjustsayit’smoreimpressive

thanyours.”Cherrysmiledmischievouslyandeveryonelaughed.

Teddy’sphonebegantoringandtheyallquietedashelookedatthescreen.“It’sGiles,”hesaidbefore

pickingupthecall.“Yeah.”

TheyallremainedquietasTeddyspokeonthephone.
“Gilesneedsmetolookintosomethingforhim.DaneandIaregonnastayatahotelsoIcansetupmy

office.”

“Whydon’tyouusemyapartment?There’sadeskinmystudio.”
“Yousure?”Teddyasked.
“Positive,”Lexieinsisted.
“Natecalledearlier.He’sbringingStephaniehere.Hesaidsheneedsabreakfromherparents.”
“Iwaswonderinghowlongitwouldtake.”Lexiesmiledknowingly.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Jackson

The house was quiet as Jackson ascended the stairs. Stephanie had arrived earlier when they were

wrappingupdinner.Shelookedmuchbetterthanwhenhehadseenherlast.Thedullcasttohereyeshad
beguntodissipate.JacksoncouldseehowdeepthetiesranbetweenLexieandStephaniewhentheywere
together.Theyfoundaperfectbalancebetweeneachotheranditallowedthemtodrawstrengthwhenthey
neededit.

Stephaniejoinedthemforaglassofwinebeforeshecurleduponthesofaandfellasleep.Herparents

hadbeenhoveringtoomuchandsheneededtobeoutfromunderneaththemforalittlewhile.Sheknew
theymeantwell,butshefeltlikeshewasdisappointingthembynotbeingabletostepbackintoherold
shoes.ShehadtoldthemshetriedtoforceitfortheirbenefitbutJacksoncouldtellithadexhaustedher.

WhenEvanwokeup,Cherrysalutedeveryoneandgrabbedanewbottleofwineoffthecounter.She

claimedsheneededittogetthroughthenight,andnooneargued.Thehousewasquietnowotherthanthe
soundoftheshowerrunningupstairs.NatehadleftwithTeddyandDanetoheadtoLexie’sapartment.

JacksonwantedtofinishtheconversationwithLexiefromearlier.Ithadbeenonhismindallnightand

notknowingwasgratingonhim.Hismindhadbeencyclingthroughpossibilitiesbecauseheremembered
thelookinhereyesbeforetheywereinterrupted.Theonlythingheknewforcertainwasthatshedidn’t
thinkhewouldlikewhatshewasgoingtotellhim.

JacksonglancedinthefirstroomoffthestairsandassumeditwasLexie’smother’sroom.Itwasstill

untouchedfromwhenitwaspulledapart,butLexierefusedtoletanyoneenterit.Shewantedtocleanthat
roomherselfwhenshewasready.

WhenJacksonwalkedintotheotherroomhecouldn’thelpbutsmile.Groupingsofpicturescovered

thewalls.HeknewLexiehadtakeneveryonebysimplyglancingatthem.Shehadawayofcapturingthe
worldthatwasuniquelyhers.

The bed was covered in throw pillows, just like the bed in her apartment; all different colors and

patterns. The bed itself looked like a piece of art. He was glad that Lexie’s room didn’t sustain much
damage. He hadn’t seen it before it was straightened, but he imagined it couldn’t have looked much
different.Jacksonsatdownonherbedandleanedbackagainstthepillows.Hetuckedhishandsbehind
his head and looked up at the ceiling. It was covered in what looked a mural made from pieces of
magazinecut-outs.Allofthecolorsorganizedintoabeautifulpictureofoceanwaves,fadingintoastarry
night. It was absolutely breathtaking. Jackson closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The sound of the
runningwaterlulledhimandhetookamomenttoresthistiredeyes.

Jacksonwoketothesoundofshuffling.HeopenedoneeyeandsawLexiestandingnearhim,looking

overthecamerainfrontofherface.“Ididn’tmeantowakeyou,”shewhispered.

“No,it’sgood,”Jacksonsaid,rubbinghishandsdownoverhisface.“Iwaswaitingtotalktoyou.”He

proppedhimselfuponhiselbowsandnoticedthatLexiewasdressedinonlyatowel.Herskinwasstill
dampandglowedfromthelamplight.Herwethairwascombedbackfromherfaceandhungdownher
back.Heneverthoughtshelookedasbeautifulasshedidthen;sorawandcaptivating.Hewantedtobe
hereverythingbecauseshehadbecomehis.

Lexie set her camera down on her nightstand. She walked closer until her leg bumped into his. “It’s

strangeseeingyouonmybed.”

Jackson started to push off the mattress when Lexie stopped him, pressing against his chest until he

submittedanddroppedbackdown.“Don’tgetup,”Lexieinsisted.“Untiltoday,thepartofmylifewith
youinitwasstrangeandunknown.Now,you’reinthehouseIgrewupin.I’mjustsurprisedhownatural
itseems.”

“That’sgood?”Jacksonasked.Thewayshewaslookingathimstartedtoheathisblood.
LexiegrabbedontoJackson’sbeltandpulleditfromtheloopandbegantounfastenit.
Jacksonplacedhishandoverhers.“Weneedtotalkfirst,Lexie.”Jacksontriedtosoundconvincing

butthefireshewasstirringwasbeginningtoroartolife.

“I don’t want to talk and I don’t want to think right now. I just want to be with you.” The tone of

Lexie’svoicewaslikethrowingfuelonafire.Shepulledhispantsdowntoexposehim.Hisbodywas
readyforwhatevershehadinmind.Hecouldfeeleverymusclecoilingtightinanticipation.

Shepulledthetowelfreeofherbodyanddroppeditontheground.Jacksonstoppedbreathingashe

lookedathercurves,thedipsandlinesthatheknewwouldfeellikeheavenunderhisfingers,andpressed
against his body. He didn’t know he could contain so much feeling as it swam through him, full and
demanding.

She dropped to her knees and ran her hands up his legs. His body pulsed in expectation, his heart

thrummedsoloudhecouldhearnothingelse.Shegrabbedholdofhiserectionwithafirmgrasp.Theair
he had been holding onto rushed from him as she began pulling pleasures from deep within him. Her
tongue felt warm as she explored him. It was hard for him to remain still as she pleasured him, his
animalisticnaturethreatenedtobreakfreeofitscage.

Jackson’sheartfeltlikeitwasgoingtoexplodeaspleasurefilledhimlikeflashesoflightning,igniting

his entire body. As her strokes became more frenzied and her mouth moaned greedily, he almost lost
himself.JacksongrabbedforLexie’sshoulderandpulledherupagainsthim.Heconcentratedonslowing
hisbreathingandclearinghismind.

Herbodytensedagainsthisashiserectionthrobbedpainfullyagainstherstomach,angrythathedenied

himselfrelease. “Don’t move,”Jackson whispered ashe clung to her.Her body beganto melt into him
and he couldn’t believe how satisfying it was to have her bare flesh against his. It filled him with
euphoriamorepotentthananydrug.

With her body straddling his he leaned back and brushed the hair from her face. Leaning his head

againsthers,helookedintoherexpectanteyes.“What’swrong?”sheasked.

“I’mtwenty-seven,”Jacksonsaid.
“What?”
“Iwantyoutoknowaboutme,”Jacksonsaidbeforehepressedhislipssoftlytohersandbrushedher

hairbackfromherface.Shenodded,notbreakingtheireyecontact.

“WhenIwasyoung,Icouldn’tunderstandwhymyfathergavehislifeforhisjobandleftmeandmy

mother alone. I hated the fact that my mother didn’t love me. I became a bitter, angry person with no
purpose.IhurtmanypeopleanddidthingsthatIwillneverforgivemyselffor.GileswasthereasonIgot
offthestreetsandputmeonapaththatIcouldfocusallmyhatredonasinglegoal.UntilImeetyou,my
solepurposeinlifewastosolvethecasemyfatherdiedfor;avengehisdeath,andbringdowntheman
thatwasatthehelmofitall,JohnStodden.”Jacksonplacedhishandagainsthercheek.

“Ididn’tthinkIwascapableoffeelinganythingelsebuthatred.Youchangedeverything.AtfirstIwas

angry with you. I hated the distraction, but before I knew it, my world had changed and I was seeing
everythingforthefirsttime.IrealizedIwascapableofmore.”JacksonranhisthumboverLexie’sbottom
lip.“I’minlovewithyou,Lexie.”

Lexie’s eyes watered. The light glistened off them and he pulled her closer, but she began pushing

againsthim.

Sheshookherheadgently.“No,don’tsaythat.”
“Why? It’s the truth,” Jackson asked, releasing his hold on her as she pushed herself off him. She

continued to shake her head as tears ran down her cheeks. She began frantically wiping her face. “You
can’t,”shesaid,hervoicewasbecomingfrantic.“Youcan’tloveme.”

Jacksonstoodupandpulledhispantsbackintoplace.“IcanandIdo,Lexie.”Hetriednottoletanger

slipintohisvoice.“Youdon’tneedtolovemeback.”

“You only think you do. You’ll change your mind when you know the truth,” Lexie confessed as she

turnedherback.Thepainonherfacewasbreakinghim.Hesteppedcloser,wantingtocomforther.He
ranhisfingersdownherarminagentlestroke.

“Whattruth?”
“I’mJohn’sdaughter,”Lexiegaspedandcoveredherface.
“Lexie…” Jackson wrapped his fingers around her arm and turned her toward him. He pulled her

handsfromherfaceandtiltedherchinupsoshecouldlookintohiseyes.“Ihavealwaysbelievedyou
werehisdaughter.FromthefirsttimeIlaideyesonyou.”

“What?”
“Iknowexactlywhoyouare,”Jacksonconfirmed.
“Whydon’tyouhateme?”
“To be honest, I tried that at first, but it was a sad attempt at best. You have become what’s most

importanttome.That’swhyIcan’tbringmyselftoleaveyou.”

“Thendon’t,”Lexiewhispered.
Jacksoncrushedhislipstohers,tastingthesaltofhertearsandthedivineflavorthatwasuniquelyher.

Jacksongrabbedherwaistandliftedheragainsthim.Shewrappedherlegsaroundhimastheydeepened
thekiss.Theiractionsbecameemotionallydrivenastheydesperatelyclungtooneanother.Lexieranher
fingers through his hair and grabbed tight. He moaned in her mouth as she rubbed her body against his.
Thepleasurehefeltwasbeyondhimandhefeltpossessedashelaidheronthebed.

Jackson tossed the mound of pillows onto the floor and shoved his pants down. He wanted nothing

betweenthemasheloweredhimselfagainsther.

“Ineverhadahome,Lexie.IneverfeltlikeIbelongedanywherebutIwanttobelonghere,”Jackson

saidagainstherneckashepressedhimselfagainstherentrance.

“Youdo.”Lexiemadeabeautifulsounddeepinherchestasherubbedagainsther.Herbackarched

offthemattressasshegrabbedhisshirt.Hepushedoffthebedandreachedoverhisshoulderandhauled
itoverhishead;discardingitonthefloor.

Lexiegaspedwhenshelookedathischest.“Whathappened?”
JacksonlookeddownattheinjurieshehadsustainedwhentheyhadrescuedEvan.Hehadbeengrazed

byafewbulletsandwascoveredinscratches.Darkbruisinghadformedonhisribs,buthedidn’tfeel
anypain.Truthbetold;theywererelativelytamecomparedtoinjurieshehadsustainedovertheyears.
Hehadplentyofscarstoproveit.

“Hazardsofthejob,”Jacksonquicklydiscarded.“Theydon’tevenhurt.”
Jacksongrabbedherhandthatwasgentlytouchinghisbruisedribsandbroughtittohislips,kissingit.

“TheonlythingIfeelisyou.”JacksonlookedupatLexiewithaslysmile.“Andyoufeelamazing.”The
worriedcreaseinherbrowquicklymeltedwithhersmile.

Jackson braced himself on either side of her as he looked upon her. He wanted to remember every

detail of this moment when he would make love to her. He slid his length into her until he filled her
completely. He leaned down and kissed her face and she gave a gentle moan of satisfaction. Jackson
movedslowlyatfirst:inandoutinlanguidthrusts.Hewasslowlykneadingherpleasure,buildingituntil
heripeneditenoughjustsothatshewouldfeeltheblissthatcurrentlyblurredtheedgesofhisvisionand
sethisbodyonfire.

Reaching up, Lexie grabbed the bars of her headboard and met each thrust as she demanded him to

movefaster.Herbodywrithedandherbreastsbouncedwitheachpush.Jacksonheldherhipsfirmagainst
himastonotbreaktheirconnection.Heranhishanddownherlegbeforeplacingitoverhisshoulder.
Jacksoncouldnolongerseparatehimselffromthepleasurehefeltashisbodywascompletelyvictimto
it.Hegrabbedontotheedge,refusingtofalluntilLexiejoinedhim.Heusedhisthumbtomilkherwith
each thrust as he rubbed her swollen sex until her body began to jerk against him. He could feel the
tremblingofherlegsasshecameundoneforhim.Abeautifulwhimperleftherlips.Jacksonletgoandit
hithimlikeacrashingwave.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Lexie

Heavydropsfellfromthegreyskyandsplatteredonthewindshield.Itwastheperfectweatherforthe

representation of Lexie’s loss. She ran her finger over the smooth surface of her mother’s urn as she
clutcheditinherlap.Thesmallceramicjarcontainedallthatwasleftofthebeautifulpersonshewas.A
wholelifetimereducedtoashesinaprettyjar.

LexiewassogratefultoMollyfortakingcareofthedetails,shefeltlikeshewasn’tevenincontrolof

herselfasshefloatedthroughtheday.Shehadalwaysknownhermotherwantedtobecremated.Shehad
alwayssaidthatwhenshediedshedidn’twantherbonestobeburiedinthegroundoutoffearthatshe
wouldbeforevertiedtothem.Shewantedtobesetfree.Lexiealwayslaughedathermother’sstrange
belief,butnowshefeltasenseofpeacethatshehadherwish.

Holding the jar now, she didn’t feel her mother’s presence. What was in the jar felt like only ash;

nothingmore.Hermotherwasnolongerboundtotherestrictionsofherlife.Lexielookedoutthewindow
andwonderedwherehermother’ssoulwas.Shehopedthatshewasagentlebreezethatsoftlycaresseda
bedofflowers,absorbingtheiraroma.Driftingfreefromoneplacetothenext,whereverthesunledher;
freeasabird.Thatwaswhatshewishedforhermother,toneverfeelworryorpainagain.

Jacksonreachedoverfromthedriver’ssideofthecarandplacedhishandonherleg.Thetouchwas

so gentle but it offered immense comfort. Lexie placed her hand on top of his. He grabbed hold of her
fingersandgavethemanaffectionatesqueeze.

Whentheypulledupinfrontofthediner,Lexielookedupatthesign.Itlookedexactlythesamebutfelt

sostrange.Shesuddenlyfeltlikeastrangerinherownlife.Lexietookadeep,shakybreathandleaned
back against the seat. Molly decided it was the best place to hold the wake. They had the facilities to
handlethefoodpreparationandtheseating.Lexiethoughtitwasperfectbecausehermotherspentmostof
hertimewithinthewallsofthediner.Shelovedthisplace.Therewasasignplacedoutfrontstatingthat
itwasclosedtothepublicforaprivateservice.

“Do you want me to keep the guys out here? We don’t have to go in if you think its best,” Jackson

offered.“Keepyoufromhavingtoexplaintoeveryonewhoweare.”

“Are you kidding? The only thing that will keep the questions contained is the fact that most people

will be scared to ask with you there.” Lexie grinned softly. “I’m sure the whole town has been talking
aboutyou.”

StephaniereachedupfromthebackseatandplacedherhandonLexie’sshoulder.“Ready?”sheasked.
LexieturnedaroundtoseeStephanieandCherryquietlywatchingher.“Ineedyouallwithme,”Lexie

said.

LexiewatchedJacksonwalkaroundthecarandopenthedoorforher.Shewishedcircumstanceswere

differentsoshecouldappreciatehowstunninghelooked.Hisdarkhairwassweptback,accentuatinghis
pronouncedcheekbonesandajawthatputotherstoshame.Jacksonopenedthedoorandheldouthishand
forher.

Lexielookedatitandupathim,tryingtowillherbodytostandup.
“Takeaslongasyouneed,Lexie,”Jacksonsaid.
LexielookedupandnoticedMollystandingintheopendoor,wavingtowardthem.
“Cherry and I can buy you some time,” Stephanie suggested, grabbing Cherry’s arm as they huddled

underaredpolka-dotumbrella.

“Wehaveitcovered,doll,”Cherryagreedbeforetheybothwalkedoff.Evan,Teddy,Dane,andNate

walkedtowardthem.Theyhadtraveledinadifferentcarandhadjustarrived.

“We’llbeinshortly,”JacksonsaidastheyalllookedatLexie.
“Lexie?”Evanquestioned.Helookedlikeanewpersonaftertheharshfewdayshe’dsuffered.Thanks

toCherry,Evanwaswellenoughtoattendtoday.Hestillhadalongroadaheadofhim,butatleasthe
wasontherightpath.Hefinallybrokethenewstohisparentsthathehadn’tmadeittorehab.Theymade
himpromisehewouldgoandhegladlyaccepted.HewantedtogethislifebackontrackandLexiewas
proudofhim.Themischievoustwinklehadreturnedtohiseyesandhiscolorwasmuchimproved.Now
thatthephysicallytaxingpartoftheprocesshadcometoanend,thehardestpartwouldbedealingwith
the reason he’d become an addict in the first place. This was a part of the process that could not be
handledinamatterofdays.Evan’sroadwaslongbuthewouldnotbealone.

“I’mfine.”Shenodded.“Justneedasecond.”
“Doyouwantmetostaywithyou?”Evanasked.
“No,goahead.Mollysaidshewouldmakeextraapplepie,butitwon’tlastlong.”
EvanglancedbackandforthbetweenJacksonandLexie.“Okay,I’llsaveyouapiece.”
LexiewatchedEvanthrowheronelastlookbeforeheswungthedooropenandwalkedinside.She

knew everyone was waiting for her. She knew they would all have questions about why she and her
motherhadtakenoffwithoutawordandthenweekslaterhermotherendedupinafatalcarcrash.Even
EvanandStephanie’sstorywasalteredtokeeppeopleawayfromthetruth.

Lexiehatedtheliesbutsheknewitwasnecessary.Shewasnervousthatshewouldletsomethingslip

andexposethetruththeywereallcarefullytryingtoremainhidden―atleastfornow.

“Iusedtospendsomuchtimehereasachild,”Lexiesaidthoughtfully,lookingupatthesign.“Iwould

fallasleepinoneoftheboothswhenMomworkedlateandnotevenwakeupwhenshecarriedmetothe
car. It was just me and her for so long. I don’t know how to live without her.” Lexie teared up as she
lookeddownattheurn.

JacksoncroucheddownandtookLexie’shand.“She’llalwaysbewithyou,justinadifferentway.”
“How’d you do it?” Lexie asked. She knew he had lost his mother but he didn’t talk about it much.

“How’dyoudealwiththelossofyourparents?”

“Idon’treallyknowhowtoanswerthatforyou.Eventuallytherawnessofitfadedbutit’sstillabig

partofme.Itchangedme.”

Lexieplacedherhandagainstherheart.“Likeascar?”
“Yeah,”Jacksonagreed.
Lexie sighed and thought about the beautiful scar her mother left on her heart. She grabbed hold of

Jackson’shandandbroughtittoherface,leaningintohistouch.Sheneededthecomfortthatonlyhecould
provide.Jacksonpressedhislipsagainstherforehead.Thesimplegestureseemedsofullofemotionit
reached inside her and filled her heart. She never imagined the seed planted when they had met would
growrootssodeepandintricatelywoven.Shenolongerknewwheresheendedandhebegan.

“Thankyouforstayingwithme,”Lexiesaid.
Jacksonwovehisfingersinhersandhelpedheroutofthecar.“WhereelsewouldIbe?”hereplied

andtheybothbrokeoutinasmile.

“Icanthinkofafewplaces,”Lexiereplied,lookingupintothesky.Theheavydropsfellontoherface

andtheyfeltrefreshing.Shehadalwayslovedtherainandhowitcleansedeverything.Eventheairwas
fresher.Lexieclosedhereyesforamomenttocollectherselfbeforeshehadtofaceallofthepeoplethat
would remind her that her mother was forever gone. When Lexie looked at Jackson, he offered her a
warmsmile.Thelookinhiseyesmadeherwanttomelt.

“Sorry,I’mmakingyoustandhereintherain,”Lexiesaid.
“Iliketherain,”Jacksonassuredher.
“Me too. We should probably get inside, though. Evan’s good intentions always go out the window

whenfoodisinvolved.Icouldreallyuseabigsliceofapplepierightnow.”

“Evanisnotallowedanywherenearyourpie,”Jacksonjoked.
Lexie laughed nervously as they approached the door. “This will be so painful.” Lexie squeezed his

handforstrength.

“Yougotthis,”Jacksonsaidasheswungthedooropen.
Lexie took a deep breath and walked inside, holding her mother’s urn in one hand while clinging to

Jacksonwiththeother.Theinteriorwaspackedwithfamiliarfaces.Everyoneturnedtowardherasshe
entered.ShemanagedasmallsmilebeforeMollygatheredherupinherarms.“SweetLexie,”shesaid,
holdinghertight.

“Don’tmakemecry,Molly,”Lexiewarnedsoftly.
“Iknow,Iknow,I’msorry.”Mollydabbedhereyeswithatissuethathadbeenballedtightlyinher

hand.“Helloagain,Jackson,”Mollyofferedwithagentletouchonhisarm.“Comewithme.There’sa
table set up over here.” Molly led her through the crowd of people that all acknowledged her as she
passed.

The table had a white lace table cloth and was covered with beautiful pictures of her mother

surroundedbywhitecandles.

“Thisisbeautiful,Molly,”Lexiesaid,placingtheurninthecenter.Shepickeduponeofthepictures

ofhermotherandsmiled.Lexierememberedthedayitwastaken.She’dgonetothebeachwithMollyand
hermotherandspentthedaylookingforshells.“Thankyousomuchfordoingthis,”Lexiesaidgratefully.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Your mom deserved the best.” Molly straightened the edge of the

tablecloththoughtfullybeforeturningtowardLexie.“Iknowthisisnottheplaceforbusinesstalkbutsoon
weneedtodiscussthefactthatthis…”Mollywavedaroundthediner,“…isyoursnow.Ihavetoadmit
thatforthemeantimewehavethisplacecovered,butnoneofusarequalifiedtorunthisplacelikeshe
did.”

Lexiehadn’teventhoughtofituntilnow.Shehadbeentoodistractedwiththelossofhermotherto

considerwhatitmeant.“Yes,ofcourse.”

Mollysmiledandtookherhandsinhers.“Shelovedthisplace,didn’tshe?”Mollysaid.
“Yes,shedid.”
“We’reallhereforyou,Lexie,”Mollysaid.
“Thankyou,Molly,Ireallyappreciateit.”
“It’sgoodtoseeStephanieandEvanlookingwell.Thethreeofyouhaveseensomuchpain.”
LexieplacedherhandonMolly’sarm.“Wefindstrengthineachother.”
“Yes,youalwayshave,haven’tyou,”Mollysaidthoughtfully.“Youhaveveryinterestingadditionsto

yourgroup,ifyoudon’tmindmesaying.”

LexielookedoveratJackson,whowaswatchingherfromacrosstheroom,nexttotherestofthem.

Theyreallystoodoutinthecrowd.

“Interestingisagoodwaytodescribethem.”Lexiegrinned.“They’vebecomeveryclosetomyheart.”
“Let’sgetyouallfedbeforeeveryonestartstotalkyourearoff.”

Mollyservedthemupapieceofwarmapplepiewithalargehelpingoficecream.OnceTeddytooka

bite,hewasaskingMollytomarryhim.Mollyturnedasredasherhairandabsolutelylovedtheattention.

Lexielosttrackofhowmanypeopleshehadspokento.Thereweresomanypeopleinthesmalltown

thatstoppedintooffertheircondolencesoverthecourseoftheafternoon.Itwasn’tlongbeforeshewas
emotionallyexhaustedfromtheupsanddownsofrevisitingoldmemories.

Whenthekitchenstaffbecameoverwhelmed,Cherrygrabbedanapronandsteppedin.Nooneknew

quite what to make of her at first as she began directing people around the kitchen to better utilize the
spaceandtheirefforts.Beforelong,thekitchenwasrunningsmoothlyandeveryonewaswarmingupto
Cherry.LexiesoonlearnedthatCherry’stalentforcookingextendedtowardmanagingakitchenaswell.
Shewasanaturalassheworkedherwayaroundthespace.Mollywasgratefulforthehelpwiththeextra
rushofcustomers.Herbigpersonalityseemedverycompatiblewiththeotherstaffandshequicklyearned
theirrespect.Therewereafewignorantcustomersthatmumbledundertheirbreath,butLexieknewtheir
smalltownhaditsbackwardspeoplewhowouldneverchange.

Lexieshookherheadandsmiledwhenafewofthelocalsinglegirlsmovedinonthefreshmeat.Poor

Dane, Teddy, and Jackson didn’t know what they were in for when the women came with their claws
sharpened.Thesmalltownoptionswereslimandtheydidn’trealizethatthesewomendidn’twasteany
timebeforetheywereaboutreadytobrawleachotherforthefrontoftheline.

Thoughshehadtogivetheguyscredit,theycertainlyknewhowtohandlethemselvesaroundwomen.

Jacksonhadthealpha-malepersona,Teddywasthecharmer,Danewasthetorturedsoul,andNatehada
boy-next-doorthinggoingon.Theywerelikearomancenovelcometolife.

Lexiespunaroundinherchairwhenthefrontdoorswungopenandrattledonitshingesfromtheforce.

Mikecamesaunteringinwithhisshirtmis-buttonedandhistiehangingfromhisneck.Hisbloodshoteyes
narrowedwhentheyfellonStephaniesittingbesideNateonthebarstools.

“Ohshit,”Stephaniemumbledunderherbreath.“Thiswon’tbegood.”
Lexie hopped off her stool and approached Mike. Most people noticed his entrance and the sight of

himbroughtmostconversationstoastandstill.

“Mike,”Lexieacknowledgedwhenshecametostandafewfeetfromhim.Shecouldsmelltheliquor

onhisbreath.

“Lexie.”Hetiltedhisheadandrakedhiseyesoverher.“Youlookfuckable.Whatdoyousay?”
JacksontriedtosteparoundLexiebutsheheldherhandup.Jacksonlookedreadytostartswingingand

thiswasthelastplaceshewasgoingtoletafightbreakout.

“It’sbestifyouleave,Mike,”Lexiedemanded.
“Igotthis,honey.”MollyswoopedinandgrabbedMikebythearm.“Let’sgooutsidetotalk,”shesaid

beforewavingtooneoftheotherwaitresses.“PackageupapieceofpieforMikey,willyou,dear?”

Mike didn’t put up much of a fight as Molly led him outside. He looked like he was barely able to

walk in a straight line. Lexie watched through the window as Molly spoke to him. She had a way with
people that made them put their guard down. Lexie was grateful she stepped in because she had no
patienceforMikerightnow.

Luckily he didn’t return inside the diner. One of the men attending offered to take him home and he

went without a scene. Lexie watched him stumble into the truck and then drive away. She felt her
shoulders drop with relief. Mike always had a temper on him that got him into trouble. He was
unpredictable, especially when alcohol was in the mix. He obviously wasn’t taking the break up with
Stephanieverywell.Shehadasinkingsuspicionthatthiswasnottheendofit.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

John

“It’shealingnicely,”Dr.CollinssaidasheremovedthebandageonJohn’sside.
“Good.”Johnwassittingontheedgeofthebed;acigarinonehandandadrinkintheother.Heplaced

thecigarinhismouthandpaidnomindtothefactthatthesmokeseemedtobotherthedoctor.Dr.Collins
wavedthecloudfromhisfacebeforetossingthesoiledbandagesintothegarbagecan.

“How’sthepain?”thedoctorasked,pushinghisglassesuphisnosewithhisforearm.
“Don’tnoticemuch,tobehonest,”Johnansweredwithacasualfrown.
“Well,Isupposetheliquorhelpswiththepainmanagement,”thedoctorsaidwitharaisedbrow.
“Isupposeitdoes,”Johnsaiddefiantlyashetippedtheglasstohislips.Thedoctorhadrecommended

henotdrinkwhileinrecoverybutJohnneverdidpayattentiontothingsthatdidnotsuithisdesires.

Dr.CollinshadbeenJohn’spersonalphysicianforyearsandJohnknewheappreciatedhispaycheck

andwouldnotriskfallingonJohn’sbadside.EveryoneclosetoJohnknewthattheydidn’twanttocross
intosuchwatersorbadfortunewouldfindthem.

Aknockonthedoorcapturedtheirattention.Raynerwalkedin,hisexpressionsubdued.“Roshishere

toseeyou,boss,”hesaid.

“Good.”Johndrainedhisglassbeforesettingitdown.Hestoodupandgrabbedhisshirtfromtheback

ofachair.

“I’mnotdonewithyournewdressings,”Dr.Collinscomplained,throwinghishandsupinfrustration.
Johnignoredthedoctorandstalkedoutoftheroom,followingRayner.Hewasanxiousforwordon

MaryandLexie.Havingtolaylowmeanthewascutofffrommostofhissourcesofinformationforthe
timebeing.Hehatedbeingconfinedandunabletoconductbusinessasusual.

Theclubwascomingalongnicely.Theconstructionhadafewsetbacks,butnowthefinishingtouches

werenearcompletion.Thesmellofpaintfilledtheinteriorastheworkerswerefinishingtheblacktrimin
thehallwaysthatledtotheprivaterooms.Mostofthefurniturehadbeendeliveredandthebarwasbeing
stockedforthesoftopeningforthepreferredcustomers.

Rayner led him down the hallway toward the offices, tucked away from the main area. Rosh was

seatedinoneofthearmchairswhenhewalkedintotheroom.Helookedabitunraveled,indicatingthat
Roshwas about todeliver unwanted news.John nodded for Raynerto leave themin privacy before he
swungthedoorshut.

“Let’shaveit,”Johndemandedwithoutofferinganypleasantries.
“WhereverMaryhadstashedtheinformation,Iknowforcertainithasn’tfallenintothewronghands.

Maybe she had gotten rid of it. If either departments Belhaven or Westford had a lead about the
information,Iwouldknowaboutit.”

Johnnarrowedhiseyessuspiciously.“WhatofMary?”Johnhadbeenangrywithhimselfforinjuring

her.Shootingherhadmerelybeenareflex,onehewishedhehadnotbeenforcedtodo.

Rosh loosened his tie around his neck. “She didn’t make it,” Rosh confessed, clearly uncomfortable

withdeliveringthenews.

Johncouldfeeleverymuscleinhisbodytighten.“Whatdoyoumeanshedidn’tmakeit?”
“Complications,”Roshsaid,unbuttoningthetopofhisshirttoloosenhiscollar.“I’msorry,John.As

soonasIfoundoutwhereshehadbeentaken,Iwenttofindouthercondition.Shewasalreadygonewhen
Iarrived.”

“Leaveme,”Johndemanded.
“We need to talk about Masten. How do we know he won’t say anything? It’s only a matter of time

beforetheconnectionismade.”

“Leave!”JohnwithdrewhisgunandshoveditinRosh’sface.Hewatchedthesheenofsweatbreakout

acrosstheman’sforeheadashepresseditintoRosh’scheek.“Isaidtofuckingleaveme.”

Rosh stumbled backwards and knocked a chair over before he grabbed the door handle. He left

withoutanotherword,leavingJohninmuchneededsolitude.

Johnhadconvincedhimselfthatthewoundhadnotbeenfatal.Hehadshotcountlesspeopleoverthe

yearsandknewafatalshotwhenhetookone,butthiscompletelyblindsidedhim.Hewasn’texpecting
RoshtodeliverthenewshisMarywasdead.Rageboiledhotinhisstomach.Hehadonlyjustgottenher
back.Shewassupposedtobeherewithhim.Shewasn’tsupposedtoleavehissideagain.Hehadkilled
her.

Johnhitaboxoffthedeskthatwassittinginthemiddleoftheroom.Thecontentsscatteredoverthe

floor.Avaseshattered,sprayingglassamongstthelitterofpaperandpictureframes.

Itwasn’tenoughtosatisfyhisneedtodestroysomething.Hewantedtoleavenothinguntouched.John

grabbedthedeskchairandswungitatthedesk.Thelargepieceoffurniturescrapedalongthefloorwith
theimpact.Overandoverheswunguntilthechairwasdestroyedandfellapartinhishands.

John looked down at the blood coating his fingers, his outburst had torn his flesh and left his hands

bleedingbuthefeltnopain.Hehadopenedthewoundonhisstomach.Thebloodbegantosoakthrough
hiswhiteshirtandyethefeltnothingbutadeep,darkangerthatconsumedhimfromtheinsideout.

JohnopenedthedoorandnoticedRaynerontheotherside.HesteppedbackasJohnexitedtheroom.

“Sendsomeoneintocleanupthemess,”Johnsaidashewalkedpast.

“Yes,boss.”
Johnheadedbacktohisroom.Thedoctorhadleftwhilehewasgoneandtheroomwasnowempty.

Johnneededtobealone.Heloosenedhistieandpulleditfreebeforeheopenedtheclosetandhungitup
withhisotherties,makingsureitwashangingproperlybeforeheclosedthedoors.Johnglancedatthe
fulllengthmirroranduntuckedhisshirt.Liftingitup,hetookalookathiswound.Thebleedinglooked
likeithadstopped.

The sound of a phone ringing in the bathroom reminded him that Rebecca was here. He heard her

answerherphoneandhershrilllaughterfollowingassheconversedwithwhoeverwasontheotherend
oftheline.

John opened the bathroom door, letting it swing until it hit the wall. He stood in the doorframe and

lookedatRebeccainthetubfilledwithbubbles.Theentireroomsmelledlikeamixtureofflowersfrom
whateverscentedproductshehadfilledthetubwith.

“I’mgonnahavetocallyaback,”Rebeccasaidtowhoevershewastalkingto.Shehitendandsetthe

phone down on the edge of the tub. “Do you need me?” Rebecca asked slowly. She wrapped her arms
aroundherselfasshewaitedforhisanswer.Shehadgrowntofearhimasoflate.Theonlythinghesought
her for was to relieve his frustrations, and this proved to be beyond her limits. Her skin showed his
handiworkassheclungtoherself.Hecouldseethefearinhereyes.

Johndidn’trespondashewalkedintothewashroom,hiseyesneverleavinghers.Everythingabouther

nowremindedhimthathehadputupwithherbecauseshehadbeentheclosestthinghehadtoMary.Then
forabriefmomentintimehehadMaryback,andRebeccafadedintothebackground.Nowhesawher
again.Nowshewasallhecouldsee,andshewasasadsubstituteforwhathereallywanted.

Johnsatdownontheedgeofthetubandgentlyranhisfingersalongtheskinofherarm.
“Whathappenedtoyourhands?”sheaskedhesitantly.
“Shhh…”Johnsaidashedippedhishandunderthesurfaceofthewater.Hewelcomedthestingashis

bloodmixedwiththewaterandswirledonthesurface.Hecontinuedtogentlystrokehertensebodyuntil
hernervousnessbegantomeltawayassheleanedbackandallowedhimtocaressherwetskin,opening
herselftohim.Sheclosedhereyesandbegantopantunderhistouch.

John curled his fingers around her neck with his other hand. He applied gentle pressure as she

continuedtoenjoyhiscaressuntilhereyesopenedinpanic.Hisfingerstighteneduntiltheyburned.

Shetriedtogaspforbreathassheclawedathishand,strugglingagainsthim.Watersplashedwildly

fromthetubasshefranticallytriedtogainleveragetoresisthim.Johnslowlypushedherdownunderthe
water, watching her eyes saturate with fear. She realized this was her last moment and he watched her
facetwistinpanic.

Hecouldfeelthewatersoakhisclothing.Thehotwaterimmediatelybegantocoolagainsthisskinas

hisclothesclungtohim.Rebecca’sthrashingbegantowaneashethoughtaboutwhatsuithewouldwear.
Whenherbodygrewstillhereleasedherandwatchedherbodyfloatlifelesslyinthefrothywater.

John stood up and unbuttoned his shirt. He slid it off his arms and threw it in the garbage can. He

whistledatunethatsuddenlycametomindashedriedhishandsandfaceoffonatowel.Hewastryingto
rememberwherehehadheardthesong.Thenameofiteludedhim.

Johnopenedhisclosetandselectedanewshirtanddarkgreysuit.Oncehewasdressedinclean,dry

clothes,hestraightenedhistieinthemirrorandpickeduphisphone.

Hedialedanumberandwaitedasthephonebegantoring.
“Hello?”afamiliarvoiceanswered.
“Ineedsomehelpontheinside.”Johndidn’twastetimegettingintothethickofit.
“John,IwaswonderingwhenI’dhearfromyou.Whatdoyouneed?”
“I have a problem I need taken care of,” John said bluntly. “I want to make sure Terence Masten

doesn’tdecidetoopenhismouth.”

“I’llletyouknowwhenit’sdone.”
“Good,”Johnsaidbeforehittingendandtuckinghisphoneintohispocket.Runninghishandsdownthe

frontofhissuit,hedoublecheckedhisappearanceinthemirror.Hestraightenedastrayhaironhishead
beforeleavingtheroomwiththemysterioustunestillonhislips.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Lexie

“You’regoingback?”Lexieasked.
Stephaniestaredatherhandsthatwereclenchedtightlyonthetable.“Iknowitseemsstrange,butif

there’s a possibility that something good can come of this whole situation, I need to,” Stephanie
confessed.

Lexie placed her hand on top of Stephanie’s. “What do you think you’ll find by going back to

Belhaven?”

Stephanie’s gaze flickered up toward Nate. He looked a bit uncomfortable as he leaned against the

counter,seeminglyunsurehowthisconversationwasgoingtoplayout.

“Nate was contacted this morning by the managing officer of the case, Jordon Carlton. It was

confirmedthathismotherwasoneofthevictims,”StephaniesaidsadlyassheglancedatNate.

LexieswungaroundtolookatNate.“What?”
Jackson looked over his coffee cup as he sipped the hot liquid and Evan leaned against the table

looking ready to fall asleep. “Why do I seem to be the only one surprised by this?” Lexie asked in
disbelief.

“Ididn’tknow.I’mjusttootiredtoshowanyemotionrightnow,”Evanadmitted.Hesatattheendof

thetablenursinghiscoffeeandaboxofcookies.“Sorrytohear,man.”

“Thanks.”Natenodded.
“Nate’scomingwithme,”Stephaniecontinued.
“SoamI,”Lexieinsisted.
Jacksonsteppedforwardandsethismugonthetable.“Badidea,Lexie.Youwouldbemakingittoo

easyforStoddenifyougowaltzingbacktoBelhaven.”

“Ican’tlethergobackwithoutme.I’mthereasonshegotcaughtupinthisinthefirstplace,”Lexie

saiddefensively.

“It’snotyourfault…”Stephaniestarted.
“Yes,itis,”Lexiejumpedin.“Itismyfault.”
StephaniegrabbedLexie’shand.“IwatchedyousuffersinceAlexdiedbecauseyoublamedyourself

forhisdeath.I’mnotgonnaletyoudoitagain.EverythingthathappenedwasbecauseofJohnStodden.
He’stheonetoblameforalloftheshitthathappenedtome,you,yourmom…notyou.”

Lexie’sfelthershouldersdropatthementionofhermother.
“She’sright,Lexie,”Jacksonagreed.“There’sonlyonepersontoblameforallthisshit.”
Lexie looked up into Jackson’s insistent gaze. Over the last few days they had both searched every

square inch of her mother’s house, trying to find the evidence she claimed to have. Their hours of

searchinggavethemnothing.Therewasnosignthathermotherwashidinganything.Shedidnotowna
safetydepositbox,shehadnothiddenawayamysteriouskey.Herdiarymentionednothinginregardsto
theevidence.Lexiewasatalossandsheknewtimewasrunningout.

As much as she wanted to believe Stodden was done with her, Jackson insisted that he was only

waitingfortherighttimetomakehismove.

“Whatdoyouthinkyou’llaccomplishbygoingback?Idon’tunderstand,”Lexieasked.
“ThisringthatIfound…”Stephanietwisteditaroundherfinger.“Iwanttobeabletoreturnittothe

woman’s family. What if this is a wedding band? I want her husband to have the piece of her she left
behind.”Stephaniewipedhereyesastheyfilledwithtears.“IwanttogivethemtheanswersIcan.”

Lexienoddedherhead.Shecouldn’targueagainstthatwhensheherselfwouldwanttodothesame.

SheknewhowmuchsolacethatringhadgivenStephaniewhensheneededit.

“OfficerCarltonsaidhewouldhelpmefindoutwhotheringbelongsto.”
“I’llkeephersafe,”Nateadded.
Lexie nodded to Nate. “Good.” She trusted him and knew he would keep his word. She spread her

hands on the top of the table and looked at them thoughtfully. She didn’t want to meet Jackson’s gaze
because she knew he wasn’t going to like what she was about to say. “I’ve already decided I’m going
backtoBelhaventoo.Johnwon’tbeexpectingmetogoback.Whatifwecanusethattoouradvantage?”
LexielookedatJackson.“Whycan’twebetheonestomakethefirstmove?Idon’twanttobeasitting
duckanymore.”

Jacksonbeganshakinghishead.“No.”
“IfStoddenknowsI’mthere…”
“Absolutelynot.We’renotusingyouasbait,”Jacksonsaidfirmly.
“Whynot?YousaidnomatterwhereIam,he’llfindme.Idon’twanttodrawthisoutanymore.Iwant

thistobeover.”

“Icangoafterhimmyself.Youdon’tneedtobeinvolved,”Jacksoninsisted.
“Jackson’sright.Heknowswhathe’sdoing,Lexie.Youdon’tneedtobeinvolvedifyoudon’thaveto.

Youjustlostyourmother,”Evanadded.

Lexie narrowed her eyes. “Yes, I did just lose my mother but now I feel like kicking some ass and

takingwhat’sleftofmylifebackfromthatbastard.”LexieturnedherangertowardJackson.“Youshould
understandmorethananyone.”

“Lexie…”Jacksonstarted.
“Don’t.” Lexie held up her hand. “Don’t you dare try to treat me like a delicate flower in need of

protection.Idon’twanttobesheltered.I’mstrongerthanyouthinkIamandIwon’tletanyonetellmeto
sitthisout.”LexiethrewaccusatorylookstowardEvanandJackson.

“No,”Jacksonsaid.HeclenchedhisjawtightlyandlookedLexieintheeye.
“It’smychoice.Ihatehimasmuchasyou.He’sthereasonmymotherisdeadandthereasonStephanie

washurt.”Lexiestoodupandshovedherchairback.

“You’regonnagetyourselfkilled,”Jacksonsaid,refusingtobudge.
“Imaybetheonlyonewhocangetclosetohim.Hewantedmetoknowhe’smyfather.Thathasto

meansomething.WhatifhebelievesIwanttogettoknowhim?”LexiewasdeterminedtomakeJackson
understandthatsheneededtobeapartofthisfight.“Icouldearnhistrust.”

“Isaidno,”Jacksonraisedhisvoice.LexieandJacksonlockedeyes,neitheroneofthemrefusingto

submit.

“Lexie…”Evanstarted.
“Shutup,Evan,”LexiebitoffashereyesremainedonJackson’s.Sherefusedtobethefirsttobreak

eyecontact.Jacksonwasclenchinghisteethsohardshewonderediftheywereabouttocrack.

“Ineedsomethingstrongerthanthisshit.”Jacksonwavedtowardhiscupbeforehewalkedoutofthe

kitchen,openedthefrontdoor,andslammeditbehindhim.

“Well,thatwentwell,”Stephaniesaid,staringatthedoor.
Lexiedroppedbackinherseatwithanexaggeratedsigh.
“He’srightthough,Lexie,youdon’tneedtoputyourselfatriskagain.Jacksonistrainedforthissortof

thing…you’renot,”Stephaniesaidquietly.

Lexie looked at her and then Evan’s displeased expression. “I’m not scared to die for this,” Lexie

admitted.

“OhJesus,”Evansaidinarush.
“Ican’thide.That’swhatmymotherdidandlookwhereitgother,”Lexieadded.
“ThenIguessI’mcomingtoo,”Evansaid.
“Noway,”LexieandStephaniebothsaidinunison.
“You’re going to that rehab facility your parents booked you into. You have your own battles, Evan.

Youhavetostarttakingcareofyourself,”Lexieinsisted.

“HowcanIgo,knowingyou’rethere?”Evanaskedasheshookhishead.
“Youcanandyouwill.Don’tgetmewrong;Ihaveeveryintentionofbeingherewhenyou’rereleased.

When I was being held by John, I promised myself I was done being a victim. I can’t live like that
anymore.ThisissomethingIhavetodo,andIneedyoubothtounderstandthis.”

StephaniethrewherarmsaroundLexie.
“Thereisnogoingbacktobefore,isthere?”Stephaniewhispered.“Iwishwecouldbecarefreeagain.

I would give anything to lie in the grass and look up into the sky like we used to. Talk about the lives
aheadofusliketheyweregoingtobeaperfectfairy-tale.”

“Lifewasperfectthen,Iwillneverforgetit.”Lexiesqueezedherbacktightly.

***

LexielookedoutthefrontwindowasshewatchedStephanieandNatedriveaway.Shegaveonelast

waveastheydroveoutofsight.ShehadsaidhergoodbyesandsheneededtobelieveStephaniewouldbe
all right without her. At first when Stephanie mentioned she wanted to go back to Belhaven, her initial
response was fear, but now that she had time to think about it, she understood how it would help
Stephanie heal. Even though Stephanie was planning to go to Belhaven as well, they were headed in
different directions. Stephanie would still be far from any fallout from what she was attempting to
accomplish.

ItmadeknowingthatshewouldbeconfrontingJohneasierbecausesheknewbothStephanieandEvan

wouldbeoutofharm’sway.

EvanwalkedupbesideLexieandpushedthecurtainsaside.Jacksonwassittingonthefrontstep.He

hadn’tmovedsincehehadwalkedout.Hehadhisearbudsinashestaredoffintothedistance.

“TheonlyreasonJacksonletmetagalongthefirsttimewasbecausehemademepromisethatoncehe

gotyoubackfromJohn,Iwouldkeepyoufarawayfromhim,”Evanconfessedthoughtfully.

“FromJackson?”LexieaskedandEvannodded.
“Iwasmorethanhappytoagree.Ihatedhim.Ithoughthewastheworstpersontobeinyourlife.”

Evan released the curtain and dropped down in the armchair close to him. Lexie glanced at Jackson
beforesheturnedtowardEvan.“NottomentionIwasjealousbecauseofthewayyoulookedathim.”

“Evan…”
“Let me finish,” Evan stopped her. “I don’t think he was expecting you. I don’t think he knew at the

time what you would become to him. I don’t think I could keep you away from him if I tried now. The
moretimeIspendwithhim,Irealizehemightbethebestpersoninyourlife.He’sfierce,heknowshow

tofight,hefearsnothingbutlosingyou.HelooksatyouandIknowthathewouldteardowntheentire
world if he needed to—for you. I can’t believe I’m going to admit this, but I think even Alex would
approve.”Evanranhishandsdownhisface.

Lexieshookherheadwithasmile.“Wow,whathappenedtomyEvan?”
“Idon’tfuckingknow.DidIjusttripyouout?”Evanasked.
“Alittle,”Lexieadmitted.“ButIcouldgetusedtothisnewsideofyou.”
“Youshouldgotalktohim,”Evanencouraged.
“Yeah,Iknow.”
“DoyouknowwhenCherryissupposedtogetback?”Evanasked,rubbinghisstomach.
“Shewasplanningonstayingatthedineruntilafterthesupperrush.She’llbeatleastacouplemore

hours.” Lexie glanced at the clock on the wall. Cherry had taken a liking to the diner and found a very
comfortable place among the employees. Molly was grateful for the help since one of the girls had
recentlyhadtoleavetoattendschoolfulltime.Cherry’smanagementskillswereexactlywhatthediner
needed.Lexiewasgrateful,becauseatthispointinherlifeshecouldn’trunabusiness.Cherrywasmore
thanhappytostepinandhadmorethanenoughexperiencetomakethetransitioneasy.

“Shepromisedtobringmebacksomepie.I’mgonnatakeanaptillshegetsback.”Evanwanderedoff

downthehall.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

TerenceMasten

“ChristinaMayfield,ClaraMontgomery,RachaelClayton,andRoseHolzmanwereallattheObelisk

club within days of their disappearance.” Haffey leaned against the table, spreading pictures of the
womenoutinfrontofMasten.“Iknowthiswasnotacoincidence.I’msureifIkeepdiggingintotherest
ofyourvictims,Iwillalsofindconnections.”Hiseyesweredrawntoeachoneofthem.Heknewthem
allintimately,buttherewasonefacethatstoodoutmorethantherest…RoseHolzman.Hecouldn’tresist
the urge as he raised his shackled wrists and touched the photograph. He could remember every detail
aboutherasheclosedhiseyesandrelishedthememorieshehad.

“IwanttoknowJohnStodden’sinvolvement.Iknowyoudidn’tabductthesewomenwithouthelp.I

wantdetailsandconfirmationandI’msurewecouldfindawaytotakethedeathpenaltyoffthetable.”

TerencelookedupintoDetectiveHaffey’sdarkeyes.“WhatdoIcare?Ihavenothinglefttolivefor.”
“Youhaveawifeandason,”Haffeyoffered.
“My wife can’t the stand the sight of me, and my son, well…let’s just say she made sure he felt the

same.Ican’tevenbegintoimaginewhattheythinkofmenow,”Mastensaidasheranhisfingersalong
theoutlineofRose’sphotograph.

“Itlookslikethemeninheredon’tlikeyoumuch,either,”Haffeypointedtowardhisface.Itwastrue

thatsincehehadarrivedhehadbeentargeted.Thebruisesonhisfaceandthecutonhisbrowconfirmed
it.Hishighprofilecasehadgottenalotofattentionandmanyoftheguardshadverystrongopinionson
thematter.

“Seemsso,”Mastenrepliedflatly.
“Youwerethemayorforyears;don’tyouhavesomesmallpartofyouleftthatwantstodosomething

goodforyourcity?”Haffeypleaded,placingherhandsonthetableinfrontofhim.

Mastenlookedupintothedark,seductiveeyesofthedetective.Shewasdesperate;hecouldsmellit.

ShewantedtofindtheweaklinkinthechaintobringdownJohnStodden.Apartofhimwantedtohand
overthebastardthatallowedthosementotakewhatwashis.HehadfinallyfoundhisRoseagainandshe
wastakenawayfromhim.Johnhadpromisedhimthatnoonewouldcomelookingforthosewomenon
hisdoorstep.

“I’vealwayshatedthisfuckingtown,”Mastenrespondedwithoutfeeling.
DetectiveHaffeyslidapadofpaperandpeninfrontofhim.“Everyonehasaprice,what’syours?”
AknockonthedoorvisiblyirritatedDetectiveHaffey.Shegrabbedthehandleandopenedthedoor

justacrack.Terencecouldn’tseewhoitwas,buthecouldtellshewasn’thappy.

“Isaidnointerruptions,”Haffeysaid,displeased.
Mastencouldn’thearthevoiceontheothersideofthedoorashepickedupthepenandbeganwriting

hisdemandonthepaper.

“Onwhoseauthority?”Haffeyspatangrily.“Goddammit.”
Thedoorswungopenandtwoguardscameintocollecthim.“Let’sgo.”Mastendroppedthepenand

watchedHaffeyleanoverthetableandgrabthenotepad.Shereadhisconditionsbeforeshelookedover
thepaperwithnarrowedeyes.

Terrancechuckledbeforehewasledfromtheroom.“Seeyousoon,”hecalledbackoverhisshoulder.
Hisshacklesrattledashemoved,bothhiswristsandanklesbound.Hewasleddownthelonghallway

of beige painted concrete blocks toward the holding cells. So many scratches and marks had chipped
awayatthepaintfromyearsofabuse.Hecouldheartheriseinvoicesoftheinmatesastheydrewnearer,
like the hum of a beehive. At this time they would all be collected in the common area, waiting to be
herdedoutsideforabriefreprieveinthefreshair.

Masten’smindwasfilledwiththoughtsofRose.Ifhebreathedindeep,hecouldstillsmellhersweet

scentwhenhewouldpresshisfaceagainstherhair.Heknewshewasscaredofthedarkbythewayshe
wouldtremble.Shedidn’tlikebeingheldbehindbarsandshehadpleadedtobefreeofhercell,butit
wastoodangerous―someonemighthaveseenher.Hewonderedifhewouldhavegrantedhertheability
tofeelthesunlightagainstherskin,wouldshehaverunfromhimintheend?

Heknewshehadgrowntolovehimashedidher.Shehadconfessedherfeelingsforhim.Ifhewould

havehadmoretime,maybethingswouldhavebeendifferent.Hewasrobbedoftheonlyhappinesshehad
known.

Now it was only anger that sizzled deep in his stomach. He had nothing else left because it was all

strippedawayfromhim.

Whenhisshackleswereremovedandhewasdirectedtojointheothers,hehungbackfromthecrowd

ofjudgmentaleyesthatfollowedhiseverymovement.Hehadn’tspokenawordtoanyonesincehehad
beenlockedawaywiththem.Theywereallcommonthieves,scumoftheverycityhehadtriedtowean
themfromoverhisstayinoffice.Hewouldnotpretendtobeoneofthem.

Normallyhewaskeptseparatefromtheothers,buttodaywasdifferent.Hedidn’tbothertoquestion

why he was now being herded into the crowd, because he wanted to feel the sun. He hadn’t had the
opportunitytobeoutsidesincehearrived.HewantedtoknowwhatitwouldhavefeltlikeforhisRoseto
havebeenabletohavetheluxuryaftermonthsinthedark.

He hung back, waiting for the others to walk down the hall and through the exit doors until he

approached.Hecouldfeelthewarmthofthesunlongbeforeheactuallysteppedoutthedoor.Longchain
link fences guided them down a path until it opened into a courtyard. Many of the inmates had already
spreadoutoverthegrasswhenhesteppedoutonthegravel.

Thesunfelthotandrevitalizingonhiscooledskin.Hetiltedhisfaceupandsmiled.Heshouldhave

giventhistoher.HeshouldhavebroughtRoseoutintothesunwheretheycouldhaveenjoyedthisglory
together.Heknewshewouldhavesmiled.Hewouldhavelovedtoseeherfaceaglowbythesun.

Terencecontinueddownthepath,avoidingeyecontactwithanyonelingeringalongthefence.Heknew

howdelicatethesesituationscouldbe.Someonebumpedintohimwhilehewalkedpast.

MastenwasannoyedtobedisruptedfromhispeacefulthoughtsofRosebuthekepthismouthshut.He

wasn’tabouttobeginanytrouble.Someoneelsebumpedintohisotherside,butthistimehenoticedaraw
stingfromtheimpact.Terencelookeddownandnoticedbloodonhisshirt.Thebrightredcolorspread
across the fabric as he watched in strange disbelief. His finger caught in a hole in his shirt where the
bloodhadoriginated.Theyhadstabbedhim.Thetwopuncturewoundsbegantothrumwithpainasthe
saturation of blood connected on the front of his shirt. A few men began to gather around him, none of
themwithanymercyupontheirfaces.Hisinitialfleeresponsequicklydissipatedwhenhenoticedhewas
surrounded. Masten realized that this was his final moment. There was no escape from the death that
loomedoverhishead.

Heclosedhiseyesandtiltedhisfaceuptothesun.“I’mcoming,Rose,”hesaidashefeltasharpstab

intohisstomachandanotherinhisneck.Terrancedroppedtohiskneesasweaknesssweptthroughhis
body.Hecouldhearthewhistlesoftheguardsfaintlyinthedistance,buttheyweretoofaraway.Hedid
notfearhisdeathbecauseheknewhislovewaswaitingontheotherside.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Lexie

Lexieopenedthefrontdoorandwalkedoutonthestep.ShenoticedJackson’sshoulderstensedespite

the fact that he had his earbuds in. She couldn’t understand how he could pay attention to anything else
with the music playing so loud as she sat down beside him. Her instinct was to lean into him, but she
wasn’tsureifhewouldaccepthertouch.Heseemedsoangry.

Lexie pressed the pause button on the iPod clenched in his hand. He pulled the ear pieces out and

lookedather.Hiseyeslookedsodarkandstormy;shedidn’tknowhowtobegintocalmtheemotionsthat
shonethrough.

“Willyoucomewithme?Iwanttoshowyousomething.”Lexiestoodupandheldoutherhand.He

lookedatherforamomentbeforeheacceptedit.Lexiewasrelievedwithhersmalltriumph.Sheledhim
towardthegardenshedinthebackyard.

The door was already open as she neared. She hadn’t thought about it until now that the men would

havesearchedit.Sheopenedthedoorandnoticedmostofhermother’sgardeningsuppliesscatteredon
theground.

Lexiepickedupashovelandplaceditbackagainstthewall.“Itwasneaterthanthisbefore…butnot

much,”Lexieadmittedwithasadsmile.“Momlovedtogarden.”

JacksonremainedquietasLexiewatchedhimrightafewpots.
“Comethisway,”Lexiesaidasshewalkedovertowardawoodenladderthatledtoaloftoverhead.

“Thiswasmyplaceuphere,”Lexiesaidasshestartedclimbingup.

“ShouldIbenervous?”Jacksonasked.Hislightermoodmadeherstomachspinhappily.
“Maybe.”She smiled downat him asshe watched him grabthe ladder andstart climbing up behind

her.

IthadbeensolongsinceLexiehadsetfootuphere.Shewasonlyagirlthenandlifewasstillfullof

magic.Thepaintontheslantedceilinghadfadedovertheyearsbutitwasstillthere.Lexieranherfingers
overtheflowersandstarsshehadpaintedtomakethespacemorebeautiful.

“Wow,itlookslikearainbowthrewupinhere,”Jacksonsaidwhenhelookedatthebrightcolors,set

aglow by the small window placed just before the ceiling peaked. The space was not tall enough for
Jacksontostandupin.ItwasalwayssmallbutnowitlookedtinyasJacksoncroucheddown.

Lexiecouldn’thelpbutlaugh.“IusedtohangouthereallthetimewhenIwaslittle.Iforgotthatthe

spacemightbealittlesmallforafullsizedman.”

“SothiswasLexie,thegirl,huh?”Jacksonranhisfingersoverthepaintedboards.
“Yeah, I used to pretend I was a princess with a magic unicorn. Of course there was always the

prince.” Lexie pointed to the corner where a crude drawing of a man and a horse stood in the corner,

standingatotalofthreefeet;theperfectsizeforherlittlecastle.

“White pants, blond hair and a horse. I obviously don’t fit the description of your prince.” Jackson

raisedhisbrow.

“No,youaredefinitelyunexpected,”Lexieconfessed.
“Was this Alex for you?” Jackson asked. His question surprised her but she could understand his

curiosity.

“Thisguy’snamewasCharming,andhewastooperfecttobereal.Hewasthefantasyofalittlegirl

beforesheunderstoodtheworld.IlovedAlex,buthewasjustashumanasmeandyou.”

“Thatmakesmefeelalittlebitbetter,”Jacksonjoked.
“Imuchpreferrealandimperfect,”sheconfessed.
“Thatgoalseemsmuchmoreattainable,”Jacksonresponded.
Lexie grabbed a blanket that had been tossed in the corner. She gentle shook it off and laid it out.

Something heavy tucked inside the blanket made a loud thud when it hit the floor boards. “It’s a little
dusty,”Lexiesaid,wavingherhands.Sheliftedtheblankettoseewhathadmadethenoise.Shewrapped
herfingersaroundtheblackball.

“Iforgotaboutthis.”Lexielookedatthemagiceightballshehadtuckedawaylongago.Lexiegaveit

ashakeandlookedattheanswerthatfloatedintothewindowdisplay.

“Signspointtoyes,”Jacksonreadoverhershoulder.“Whatdidyouask?”
“Ifyouwerestillmadatme,”Lexieconfessed.
Jacksonlookedintohereyes.“I’mnotmad;I’mscaredyou’regoingtogethurt,Lexie.”
“Nothingaboutthissituationissafe,Jackson.Youknowthatbetterthananyone.WhetherIgoorstay,

I’mindanger,”Lexiereasoned.

Jacksontooktheballoutofherhandandshookit.Lexieleanedinandlookedattheanswer—reply

hazy,tryagain.

“Whatdidyouask?”Lexieaskedcuriously.
“Ifyouweregoingtotakeyourshirtoffnow.”Jackson’sfulllipsturnedupandLexiefeltlikemelting.
Sheshookherheadwithalaughbeforelyingdownontheblanketandlookingupattheceilinglikeshe

usedto.“Itdoesn’tlookthesameinhereanymore.Isupposeit’slostsomeofitsmagicaftereverything
thathappened.”

Jacksonclimbeddownbesideher,lookingupattheartwork.“Ilikeit.”
LexieglancedoveratJacksonandwonderedwhatwasgoingoninhisbeautifulhead.Lexieturnedon

hersideandranherfingersalonghisarm.Whenshelookedup,hewaswatchingherquietly.

Jacksonshooktheballagain,thistimemorevigorously.
“What are you doing with that?” Lexie asked, watching as he tilted it toward himself to view the

answer.

“TryingtogettheanswerIwant,”Jacksonansweredwithafrown.Itread—askagainlater.
“That’snothowitworks.Whatdoyouwantananswerfor?”
Jacksondroppedhishandswiththeeightballandhelditagainsthisstomachwithasigh.
“Whenyou’rewithme…doyouwishIwerehim—Alex,”Jacksonaskedthoughtfully.“Iknowyoustill

lovehim.Ijustwanttoknowifyou’rewithmeformeorbecauseyoumisshim?”

Lexie had been so wrapped up in her own feelings she’d never considered how Jackson would feel

aboutherconfessionsofloveforherlateboyfriend.ShelikedthatJacksonwasopeninguptoher.Itmade
herthinkaboutthingsthathadbeenrunningthroughhermindasoflate.Thingsthatsheknewsheneeded
toshedsomelightonforboththeirsakes.

“WhenAlexwasalive,lifewassafeandpredictable.Hislovewasgentle,sweet,andthoughtful,but

there were also the things that I tucked away when he died. I only wanted to remember the good times
withhim.Nothingelsematteredafterthat…untilnow.Withyouthereisdanger,rawness,heat,andfire.

YoumakemyheadspinwithemotionsIdidn’tknowIwascapableof.Despiteallthechaosofwhatisme
and you, I have never liked myself better. There always feels like there is too much space between us,
evenwhenyou’reinsideme,”Lexieconfessed.

Jacksongrabbedholdofherhandandpulledhercloser.Hishandsfeltwarmandhistouchignitedher.
“WhenI’mwithyou,everythingelsefadesawayandIfeelwholeagain.UntilImetyou,Iwouldhave

givenanythingtoturntheclockback,butnow…”LexiepausedandlookedintoJackson’ssearchingeyes.
Hewasdrinkinginhereveryword.“ApartofmyheartwillalwaysloveAlex,butwhenI’mwithyou,
youhaveallofmeandnothingless,Ipromiseyou.”

Jackson tossed the ball aside and placed his arms on either side of Lexie, leaning over her. “Your

answerismuchbetterthanthatstupidball.”

Lexielaughed.“Infairness,thatwouldbealotofwordstofitonasmalltriangle.”
Hissmilecouldhavelittheworld.Jacksonhadsuchstrong,captivatingfeatures.Anyonewholooked

athimcouldseethat,butthemoreshegottoknowwhohewas,themoreshecouldseethebeautyofhis
strengthwithin.Hewasabsolutelybreathtakingineveryway.

Lexieplacedherhandsoneithersideofhisface.“Iwanttomoveforward,butIcan’tuntilIputall

thisbehindme,”Lexieadmittedhonestly.

JacksonbrushedLexie’shairawayfromherface.
“Thisisallsonewtome.ThisisthefirsttimeinmylifethatIrememberbeingscaredsincebeinga

kid.”

“Don’tworry,I’llprotectyou,”Lexiewhisperedasasmiletookoverherface.
Jackson chuckled and shook his head. “You are something else,” he said before pressing his lips

against hers. Lexie grabbed hold of his shoulders and refused to let him go. This was exactly what she
neededrightnow.ShewantedtobelovedbyJackson,tofeelhimclosetoher.

Lexie ran her fingers through his hair, along his shoulders, and down his back as he pleasured her

mouth.Shecouldn’tgetenoughofhim.Shewantedtocompletelypossessthisraw,intenseman.

Jackson’s fingers grazed the sensitive flesh of her stomach as he grabbed her waist and pulled her

closeragainsthisbody.Everynerveendingcamealiveandspunwithdelirium.Itbecameafrenziedrush
toremovetheirclothes.Themomentherbodymouldedagainsthis,fleshtoflesh,shewishedthismoment
couldlastforever.

Every kiss, every caress felt like it was directly linked to her sex, pooling hot and deep inside her.

UnrestrainedmoansandgaspsflowedfromherasJacksonspreadherlegsandmassagedherwetcenter.
Lexie couldn’t feel the floor beneath her. She was combusting from the inside out and her senses went
completelynumbtotheoutsideworldasshewasimmersedinJackson.

His rough chin left a delightful burn against her skin as he kissed her. His mouth devoured her lips,

neck,andbreastsashisfingersplungedinsideher,strokingherinsidesandmilkingherofpleasure.Allof
hernerveendingssetofflikefireworksthroughoutherentirebodyassheexplodedfromhistouch.

Lexiecompletelymeltedintothefloorlikeapuddle,unabletomoveorformacoherentthought.
“Areyoustillwithme?”Jacksonwhisperedagainstherneck.
“Ummm…”Lexiemanaged.
Hiskissesbecamegentleagainashekissedhercheekandherlips,savoringtheskinofherneckashe

ranhisfingersoverthesensitizedfleshofherbreasts.Hisattentiontohernipplesmadeherinnerpool
begintoheatagain.

“Whatareyoudoingtome?”Lexiegasped.Jacksontookhermouth,andwrappinghisarmsaroundher,

heliftedheroffthegroundandintohislapsoshewasstraddlinghiswaist.Jacksonsqueezedhiseyes
shutandheldhisbreathashepushedinsideofher,hishandsholdingherstillforamoment.“Gogentleon
me,baby.Iwantthistolastlongaspossible,”Jacksonsaid,openinghiseyesandlookingdeepintohers.

Lexie ran her hands over her breasts and fondled them as she watched the heavy rise and fall of

Jackson’schest.Hiseyesneverleftherbreastsasshemoldedthemintotautpeaks.Lexietookcontrolof
herpleasure,feelingempoweredbyhisraptattention.Hisentirebodywascoiledtightbeneathherand
sheusedittoheradvantage.

Lexieranherhanddownherstomachandbeganstrokingherpleasurebead,stillswollenandwet.She

began rocking her hips and the sensation of his hard length rubbing her inner walls quickly brought her
backtowardtheclimbtopleasure.Shecouldfeelherwetnessseepingoutofher,drippingheavilywith
desireashewatchedhereverymovement.

Jacksonbeganmatchingherthrustsashegrabbedherhipsandmovedwithher.Lexiecouldfeelher

legstrembleasshenearedthetopofherclimbtorelease.Jacksonpushedoffthefloorandwrappedhis
armsaroundher,flippingheroverontoherback.Hetookherbreastinhismouthashethrusthardand
inside her swollen center, causing heat to rush through her body and push her over the edge. Lexie
screamed out as Jackson forced himself deep inside her. His body trembled as she clung to him. He
buriedhisfaceinherneckandgentlykissedherasLexiewaitedforclaritytofindheragain.Shewanted
tostaylikethis,Jackson’sarmswrappedaroundherandtheirbodiesbothsated.

Jackson rolled onto his back and pulled Lexie against his chest. They were both quiet for a few

moments,savoringwhathadjusttranspiredbetweenthem.

“IthinkImadeyourlittleprinceveryjealous,”Jacksonsaid,placingakissonLexie’sforehead.
Lexiesmiledandraisedherheadenoughtoseeherdrawingonthewall.
“Ithinkyoujustblewhismind.”Lexielaughed.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

John

“Youcan’tkeeppullingthisshit,John,”BrianCrothersargued.“DetectiveHaffeyisalreadycrawling

up my ass trying to find a reason to shut us down. Our clientele will not be happy knowing we have
authoritiessniffingaround.Thiswholebusinessisdependentupondiscretion.Now,wehavetodispose
ofabody.JesusChrist.”

“I’mtakingcareofit,”Johnreplied,lookingatBrianthroughacloudofsmoke.Johnalwaysrespected

Brian’s eye for business and the care he took in his personal appearance. The man reminded him of a
youngerversionofhimself…thoughsometimesBrianneededareminderofwhohewasdealingwith.

“How?”Brianasked,pickingupthedecanterofwhiskeyandpouringhimselfaglassfromthetrayon

theedgeofJohn’sdesk.BrianhadpartneredwithJohnoverayearagotoestablishtheexclusiveclub,
Bitter Sweet. John had learned a long time ago of the fortune to be earned in drugs and tailoring to the
sexualtastesofrichmen.Thiscompanywastogivethemtheplatforminwhichtodistributetoaspecific
clientele.“Thecityisalreadyinanuproarafterwhathappenedwiththemayor.Everyoneisoutforblood.
ThatdetectiveisjustitchingtofindaconnectionbetweenyouandMasten.”

“Ithinkyouneedtocalmthefuckdown,”Johnsaid,placinghiscigarintheashtray.“Leavethisside

ofthebusinessformetohandle.”

BrianranhisfingersthroughhishairandlookedatJohnbeforehedroppedhishands.“It’sahardthing

toignore,John.Thisbusinesscancometoastopbeforeit’sevenopenatthisrate.”

“Yourlackofconfidenceisinsulting,”Johnchallenged.
“I mean no disrespect, but you have to understand my worry,” Brian offered. Brian took a generous

drink.

Johnpursedhislipsthoughtfully.“Aftertonightyouwon’thavetoworryaboutthedetective.”
“Whatdoyouhaveplanned?”Brianaskedsuspiciously.
“LikeIsaid,leavethesethingstometodealwith.Asforthedeadbody,it’sbeingtakencareofaswe

speak.RaynerandJacobsareverydiscreet.Asfarasyou’reconcerned,it’sbusinessasusual.”

“Won’tRebeccabemissed?”Briandrainedhisglasswithanexaggeratedswallowandsetitdownon

thetray.

“She’salreadyforgotten,”Johnassuredhim.
Brian nodded his head. “I have a shitload of things to do to get this place ready. I need you to look

theseover.”BrianslidafileofpapersacrossthedeskinfrontofJohn.“Iwillleavethisinyourcapable
hands.”

“PleasesendinRosh.”Johnwavedhishandtowardthedoor.
Johnlookedaroundhisnewoffice.Nowthatthepaintingswerehungandeverythingwasinitsplace,

hecouldappreciatetheoverallfeelofthespace.Theentireclubofferedanoldworldfeelwithornate
trimanddeep,richcolorsonthewall.Itwastheperfectbackdropfortheatmospheretheywerecreating.
Johnrubbedhisforeheadwhereadullheadacherefusedtosubside.ThoughtsofMaryhadplaguedhim
and kept him awake at night. Knowing she was dead and gone forever made so much anger furl tightly
insidehim.Hefoundhimselfseekingoutexcessivedrinkandreleasewithcountlesswomen,butnothing
alleviatedhismood.Theeffectsofsleeplessnightswerebeginningtowearonhim.

JohnbarelyhadadrinkpouredwhenRoshcameintotheroom.“John,”Roshacknowledged,closing

thedoorbehindhim.Roshhadbeenunderhiswingforyears,butJohnneverputmuchfaithinmenwith
gamblingaddictions.Whenitcamedowntoit,themanwasnotincontrolofhimself,andthereforeJohn
knew that his value had its limits. His respected position among law enforcement had been his saving
gracealltheseyearsbutnowthathasbeentainted.

“Havingyouheredoesnotdoeitherofusanyfavors,”Johnbegan.“Itwillonlybeamatteroftime

beforesomeonerecognizesyou.”

“Giles suspects my involvement with you. It’s best for me to stay away from Westford for the time

beinguntilthingsaredealtwith,”Roshinsisted.

‘I’mnotsuggestingyougobacktoWestford.Ihaveajobforyou.Flinthasnotshownhisfacesincethe

ambush at the hotel. He’s not answering my calls, and from Lexie’s admission, I have a feeling that he
knowsIwillnotlookfavorablyuponhimifhedoesturnup,”Johnsaid.

“Youwantmetotrackhimdown?”Roshasked.
“Yes,andIbelieveyoushouldstartlookinginFreyview.”Johnsethisglassdownonthedesk.“I’m

sendingRaynerandJacobswithyou.”

“Whatdowedowhenwefindhim?”Roshquestioned.
“Flinthasbeenbymysideformanyyears.Ithinkitwouldbebestifhewasbroughtbacksowecan

talkaboutwhathedid.”Theybothknewwhatthismeant.ItwasunderstoodthatJohnwantedtodealwith
Flint’sbetrayalfirsthand.

“IfFlintisafterLexie,thenJacksonwon’tbefar.Whatdoyouwantmetodowithhim?”Roshasked

hesitantly. John knew that Rosh had history with Jackson, being he was his father’s partner. His
knowledgeandabilitytogetclosetoJacksonmightproveuseful.Jackson,likehisfather,wasathornin
hissidethathecouldnotwaittogetridof.

“Iwanthimdead.”
Roshnoddedinunderstanding.HewasalwayswillingtodowhatJohnrequested,hewasamanthat

carriedtheburdenofaddiction,andthismadehimpliable.Rosh’sdebtwasmorethanonemancouldpay
inalifetime,andthismeantthatJohnownedhim.Roshwouldneverbeafreemanagainfortherestofhis
lifetime.

“IwillleaveforFreyviewthen,”Roshsaid,walkingtowardthedoor.
“IwantLexiebroughtbacktome,”Johnadded.“She’stobeunharmed.”
“Ofcourse.”
“Iwillbeexpectingyoutokeepmeinformed.”
When Rosh opened the door, Rogers was standing on the other side. He nodded toward Rosh as he

passedhimandsteppedintotheroom.

“We’rereadyforyou,boss,”Rogerssaid.
“Good,”JohnsaidashefollowedRogersoutoftheroom.
Johnunlockedandpushedopenthedoorleadingtothebasementstairwell.Mostofthestorageitems

werekeptonthislevel,aswellassomeofthehighendliquor.Theypassedafewcratesontheirway
towardthefewroomsthatwerelocatedinthefarcornerofthelowerlevel.Johnopenedthedoorand
walked into the room. This unused area was already proving to be most useful for certain business
exchanges. It even had an exit to the rear of the building, which led to a stairwell into the alleyway,

makingiteasierforJohn’speopletocomeandgowithoutenteringthemainpartoftheclub.

With no windows, the only lighting came from the stark fluorescent bulbs overhead. The room was

anythingbutcomfortable,butitwasperfectforwhatJohn’sintentionswere.

Rogers led him toward the center of the room, where a man was bound to a chair. His head hung

forward,hisdarkhairmattedwithbloodthatdrippeddownhisfaceandsplatteredonhisshirt.Rogers
grabbedthemanbythehairandhauledhisfaceupforJohntoview.

Theman’slefteyewasswollenshutandseveralcutscoveredhisface.Hedidn’trespondtoRogers’

touch.Hewasunconsciousandhisbreathindicatedthestresshisbodywasunder.Johnstudiedhismen’s
handiworkandwaspleasedwiththeresult.

Rayner was standing behind the man, wiping his hands off on a rag. “Find Jacobs and get ready to

leave.Roshwillfillyouinonthedetails,”Johnordered.

“Yessir.”Raynertossedtheragaside,pulledoffhisskimask,andstartedforthedoor.
“Rayner?”Johncalledafterhim.“KeepaneyeonRosh,”hesaidinwarning.
Rayner nodded and closed the door behind him. Rayner was aware that John had his reservations

abouttrustingRosh.

Johnturnedhisattentionbacktotheirprisonerandnarrowedhiseyes.Amixtureofsalivaandblood

drippedfromhismouthashemadeasmallwhimperingsound.

“Ithinkifwedoanymoreyouwillnotbeabletorecognizehim,”Rogersadded.
“No,thisisgood,”Johnconfirmed.Hewalkedovertowardamakeshifttablecreatedfromacoupleof

woodencratesandgrabbedthecamera.Johnturnedonthepowerandlookedthroughthelens.Havingthe
camerainhishandremindedhimofLexie.Hewantedtobringherbacktohim.Shewasallhehadleftof
Marynow.

“ThiswasthemessageIwasgoingfor,”Johnconfirmed.
JohnpassedthecameratoRogersbeforelooseninghistieandpullingitfromhiscollar.Herolledup

hissleeves,pulledonapairofgloves,andpickedupablackskimask.

OnceJohn’s identity wasdisguised, Rogers hitrecord on the camera.John picked upa pair of wire

snipssittingamonganassortmentoftools.Turninghisattentionbacktotheircaptive,hetiltedhischinup
sohisheadfloppedbackward.Alowmoanrumbledfromhischestashestartedtocometo.Johnranthe
snips along his cheek. His victim opened his eyes slightly and started to make a pained sound from the
backofhisthroatthatquicklyturnedintopleas.Johnwatchedateardripfromhiseyeandminglewiththe
blooduponhischeek.

“Please…no…”Theman’svoicewasbarelyrecognizableasheforceditthroughhisswollenthroat,

tearsnowstreameddownhisface.

John shoved a rag into the man’s mouth and placed a piece of duct tape over it to muffle the man’s

screamsthatheknewwouldsoonfollow.Themanwassoweakfromhistorturehecouldn’tresistasJohn
gaggedhim.

John dropped his gaze toward the man’s hand that was taped to the arms of the chairs. His fingers

tightenedtheirhold,turningwhite.Johnpriedhislittlefingeroffthearmrestandplacedthewirecutters
aroundtheflesh,squeezingtightly.

Amuffledscreamtorethroughhisthroatashejerkedsoviolentlythatthechairscrapedalongthefloor.

John didn’t stop until the cutters pushed through the entirety of his finger and severed it from his hand.
Bloodpoureddownthearmofthechairandsplatteredonthefloorasthemancriedoutinagony.

John held up the dismembered finger for the camera before tossing it along with the snips onto the

table.Rogersstoppedrecordingandsetthecameradown.

“Whatdoyouwantmetodowithhimnow?”Rogersaskedoverthecriesthatechoedintheroom.
“Wait till dark and take him to Trent Baker’s place. He can keep him there until anything changes,”

Johnsaid.“Bandageuphishandsohedoesn’tgetbloodeverywhereandcleanthisplaceup.”

Johnturnedtowardhisvictim.“I’msureyoucanunderstandthatwecan’thaveyoursisterstirringup

shit,”Johnsaidashetappedhimonthesideofthecheek.“Sheneedstolearnalessonifsheisgoingto
beadetectiveinthistown.”Johnpulledofftheglovesandthrewthemonthetable.Henoticedbloodon
hisarmandgrabbedtheragoffthetabletowipeitoff.“Keephimgaggeduntilhestopsmakingnoise.”

John took the camera from Rogers and headed back toward his office. He didn’t want to waste any

timegettingthefootageintotherighthands.Johnsmiledtohimself,ithadn’ttakenhimlongtofindwhat
heneededtomakesureDetectiveHaffeywouldnotinterferewithhisbusinessagain.

CHAPTERNINETEEN

Jackson

Openinghiseyes,JacksonstaredupattheceilingofLexie’sdarkbedroom.Hismindracedfromhis

dreamthatdancedtooclosetodanger.Heplacedhishandsoverhisfaceandtookadeepbreath.Heknew
itwasjustadream,buthecouldn’tshakeoffthelingeringemotions.Normallywhiskeyandsleepingpills
wouldensureadreamlessnight,buthecouldn’triskitnow.Heneededaclearmindforwhatlayahead.
FearoffailingtokeepLexiesafeplaguedhimandthereweretoomanyunknownstoputhismindatease.

TherewasareasonStoddenhadsecuredhisposition.Hewasamanwhocalculatedeverymoveand

knewhowtoworktheangle.Jacksonneededtobesmartertostayastepahead.Hehadexhaustedallhis
informantsandheknewthetimewasnearwhereheneededtoactonwhatheknew.Itwasnowhereneara
perfectplanbutJacksonhadgonewithmuchlessbefore.

ThereasonLexie’splanbotheredhimsomuchwasbecauseitwouldhavebeenwhathewouldhave

insisteduponifitwasanyoneelsebuthedidn’twanttoputLexieinthatpositionagain.Hecouldn’tstand
thethoughtofputtingherindanger.StoddenwasunpredictableandhedidnottrustthatLexiewouldbe
safewithhimeventhoughtheysharedthesameblood.Jacksonknewhewaswastingtoomuchtimetrying
tocomeupwithasolution.Theirwindowofadvantagewasalreadyclosing.

He was terrified to loosen his hold on Lexie. He had lost too much in this lifetime that the fear of

losingherwasenoughtobringhimtohisknees.Shehadbecomehiseverything,theveryheartbeatingin
hischest.

JacksonreachedforLexiebutshewasnolongerinbed.Hepushedhimselfupandglancedaroundthe

empty room. The lingering panic from his dream tightened its grip. Jackson soundlessly climbed out of
bedandpulledonhisjeans.Hegrabbedhisgunoffthenightstand;ahabitfromyearsoflivingindanger.

Jacksonsteppedoutintothehall.ThebathroomlightwasnotonandtherewasnosignofLexieashe

headedtowardthestairs.ThedarknessofthehousewasheavyandominousasJacksonkepthisgunin
frontofhim.Hecouldnotshakethefeelingsfromhisdreamthathadplayedasimilarscenario.Hishead
wasreelingwithfear.

WhenhenearedthetopofthestairshenoticedasilhouetteinLexie’smother’sroom.Jacksonlowered

hisgunandcametostandinthedoorway.Lexiewasstandingagainstthewindowwithherhandspressed
againsttheglass.Lexieglancedoverathimwhenshenoticedhim.

“YouscaredmewhenIwokeupandyouweregone,”Jacksonsaidashetuckedtheguninthebackof

hispants.

“Icouldn’tsleep,”Lexiesaidasshelookedbackoutatthedarkproperty.
Jacksonwalkedupbehindherandwrappedhisarmsaroundherwaist.Helovedhowshemeltedinto

hisarms,likesheneededhimasmuchasheneededher.

“IthinkIremembersomething,”Lexiewhisperedasshewrappedherarmsaroundhisandsqueezed

tightly.

Jackson placed a kiss on the top of her head, enjoying the peace of having her in his arms after the

panicofhiswakingwithoutherinbed.“What’sthat?”

“WhenIwasyoung,Irememberwakingupfromabaddreamandcomingintomymother’sroomto

crawlinbedwithher.IdidthatoftenwhenIwaslittle.Shewouldalwayswrapherarmsaroundmeand
holdmeuntilIfeelasleep.”Lexietookadeepbreathbeforeshecontinued.“Shewasn’tinbed.WhenI
lookedoutthewindowIsawherdownthere.”Lexiepointedtowardabedofflowers.“Shewasdigging
inthedirtinthemiddleofthenight.Irememberbeingscared,likeIwasseeingsomethingIshouldn’t,soI
crawledinbedandwaitedforhertocomein.

“Icanstillrememberwhenshefinallycametobed.Shepulledmecloseandwrappedustightlyinthe

covers.ShethoughtIwasasleep,butIwaswaitingforher.Shesmelledlikefreshsoilanditlulledmeto
sleep.

“Thenextmorningwhenshemadebreakfastshetoldmeweweregoingtobuysomeflowersandstart

agarden.Itwasthebeginningofherloveofgardening.”

Jacksonstayedquietasshevisitedthememoryofhermother.“Ithinksheburiedsomethingthere.What

ifit’swhatwe’relookingfor?”Lexiespunaroundinhisarms.“Ithinkweshoulddigitup.”

“I’llgogetashovel,”Jacksonrepliedwithouthesitation.

***

The moon was full as it cast substantial light down upon the ground, making the use of flashlights

unnecessary. Jackson had been digging for the better part of an hour. Lexie couldn’t remember exactly
where her mother had been that night; only the general area. After carefully transplanting some of the
plantsLexiewantedtosalvage,hebegandigging.Lexiewaitedbesidehimwithherarmswrappedaround
herself,feelingthechilldespitetheoversizedsweatershewore.

Jacksoncouldtellshewasonedge,everysoundinthedistancemadehernervous.“IthinkIjustheard

something,”Lexiesaidanxiously.

Jackson stopped moving and listened. The only sounds he heard were the normal sounds one would

hearinnature.“Idon’thearanything,”Jacksonsaid,lookingatLexie.

“Itmightbejustthebreeze,orovermyoveractiveimagination.”Lexiesaid,rubbingherarms.“Isthis

afirstforyou?Digginginthemiddleofthenight?”

Jacksonfrownedforamoment.“Actually,no.It’snotevenmysecond.”Jacksontossedsomedirtup

ontothetopofthegrowingpile.

“ShouldIevenask?”Lexieraisedherbrow.
“Probablybestyoudon’t,”Jacksonadmitted.TheholewasgettinglargerandlargerandJacksoncould

tellLexiewasstartingtogetdisappointed.Hewasnotsoeasilydeterred;iftherewastheslightestchance
theywouldfindtheevidenceLexie’smotherreferredto,hewoulddiguptheentireyard.

WhenJackson’sshovelmetresistance,heimmediatelybegantouncoversomethingthatlookedlikea

box.LexieleaneddowntogetacloserlookasJacksonclearedawaythedirt.

“Ohmygod,”Lexiesaid,lookingatthebox.
Jackson grabbed hold of it and pulled it free. Finding the box was like a weight being lifted off his

shoulders. It was a plastic container about the size of a milk crate and didn’t weigh much. He hoped
whatever was inside would be something that would give them the weight they needed to make John
Stodden’sreigncrumblebeneathhisfeet.

Jackson stepped out of the hole and dropped it in front of Lexie. He pried the cover off and looked

inside.Lexieheldherphoneuptoshinealightinside.Jacksonpickedupthecontentsthatweresealedin
aplasticbagandheavilytaped.ItlookedtobedryandJacksonwashopefulwhateverwasinsidewould
beingoodcondition.

Thesoundofabranchsnappingalertedthemboth.Lexieshovedherphoneinherpockettohidethe

light.TheybothlistenedforanyothernoisebuttheirsurroundingsweresuddenlytooquietandJackson
didnotliketheuneasyfeelingthatsuddenlycrawleduphisspine.

“Let’sgetinside,”JacksonsuggestedashegrabbedLexie’shand.“I’llfixthisinthemorning.”
Once inside, Jackson closed the door and turned the lock. He pushed the curtain aside on the small

windowtomakesureitwasclearbeforehejoinedLexieatthekitchentable.

“Doyouthinksomeoneisoutthere?”Lexieasked,lookingnervouslyatthedoor.
“We’regood.”Jacksontriedtoeaseherconcernbutthetruthwashewasn’tsure.
Lexiegrabbedapairofscissorsfromthekitchenandbegancuttingthetape.Jacksonwalkedupbeside

herandwatchedassheopenedthebagandpulledoutfilesandahandfuloffloppydisks.

“Howarewesupposedtofindoutwhat’sonthese?”Lexielookedatthestackofdisks.
“Teddy got a bunch of info off some of these my dad had stored away,” Jackson said, turning his

attentiontowardthefiles.

“Idon’tknowwhatanyofthismeans,”Lexieconfessed.
“I do,” Jackson said, taking the file as Lexie passed it to him. “This one is business transactions.”

Jacksonflippedopentheotherfiles.“Contacts;itlookslikeJohnhadbackgroundchecksoneveryonehe
dealt with…bank account information…holy shit, no wonder John wanted these back. It may be only
pieces of the bigger picture and out of date, but there is no way he can avoid prosecution with this
evidencepresentedagainsthim.”Jacksonpickedupthefilewiththecontactsinitandskimmedthrough
thenames.Hedidn’tstopuntilhefoundthenamehewaslookingfor—MarkRosh.

“Son of a bitch,” Jackson cursed. He knew Rosh was guilty, but seeing his name in print was still

painful.Jacksondroppedthefileonthetable.“Whoknowswhat’sonthosedisks,butwhateveritis,it
willonlymakethiscasestronger.IhavetocallHaffey,”Jacksonsaidashetookpicturesofthepapers
withhisphone.

“Thecop?”Lexieaskedwithafrown.
“I promised her I would keep her informed. It was the only way to keep her from reporting me and

usingyouandStephanieaswitnesses.SheknowsIcangetclosertoStoddenthanshecan.Nottomention
that I may have told her we had this…” Jackson waved his hands to the files. “It may have been the
convincingfactor,”Jacksonadmitted.

“Iknowthisisnoneofmybusiness,butwereyouandthisdetectiveeverathing?”Lexieaskedwitha

slightcreaseformingbetweenherbrows.

“Athing?”Jacksonaskedwitharaisedbrow.HecouldseethecolorcrawlingupLexie’sneck.
“I’mjustcurious.Thepastisthepast,butit’sjust…”Lexietrailedoffuncomfortably.“Nevermind.”
“I slept with her, once, before you. It was a mistake, but other than that, our relationship is strictly

business,” Jackson confessed truthfully. He didn’t want to keep any secrets from Lexie. He hoped that
becausesheasked,shewasreadyforthetruth.Hewasn’tquitesurehowshewouldfeelaboutknowing.

Lexieshookherheadandblewoutabreath.“Theidiotwasright.”
“Whatidiot?”Jacksonquestioned.
Jackson barely had the words formed when they both heard a loud bang on the front step. Jackson

pulled his gun out and headed toward the window. “Stay back,” he told Lexie as he pushed the curtain
asidetolookonontotheporch.Hedidn’tseeanyonethere,buttherockingchaironthefrontstepwas
knocked over; it now lay haphazardly against the house. Jackson opened the door and slipped outside.
Holdinguphisgun,hesurveyedthefrontyardforanysignofanyone.

Jacksonsteppedbackinside.“Stayhere,I’mgonnalookaroundoutside.”

Lexiejumpedandgrabbedforthepairofscissorsonthetablewhensheheardthedoorhandleofthe

rear door rattle. Jackson darted into the kitchen. Lexie was gripping the scissors so tightly her fingers
werewhiteashemotionedforhertostepbackintothekitchenandawayfromthedoor.

Jacksonusedthebarrelofhisguntopushthebackdoorcurtainasidetoseewhowasonthebackstep.

Mikewasstandingontheothersideandbeganhittinghisfistagainstthedoor.“Iknowshe’shere,”Mike
calledout.

JacksonopenedthedoorenoughthatMikecouldseehim.“Whatthefuckdoyouwant?”
“IknowStephanie’shere.Shehasn’tbeenhome.She’swithhim,isn’tshe?”Mikesaidaccusingly.
“She’snothere,”Jacksonsaidsternly.HecouldtellMikewasdrunk,hisbloodshoteyeswereglazed

overandhisshirtwastorn.TherewasevendriedbloodonhislipandJacksonsuspectedhehadgotten
intoabarfightbeforewanderingthisway.

“Let him in.” Lexie relaxed her hand with the scissors but still held onto them. “This is the idiot,”

Lexiesaidwithashakeofherhead.

JacksonlookedatMikeandwonderedhowthehellthisdrunkenpieceofworkcameupwiththefact

thathehadsleptwithDetectiveHaffey.HimmentioningittoLexieonlysucceededinmakinghimdislike
himmore.

MikepushedhiswaypastJacksonandstumbledintothekitchen.
“She’snothere,Mike.”Lexiesteppedinfrontofhispath.
“Herparentswentbackhome…saidshewasstayingwithyou,”Mikesaidangrily.“Ineedtotalkto

her.”

“She needed to get away for a while. She’s not here. Go home, Mike.” Lexie raised her hands and

Mikeslappedthemaway.

Jacksongrabbedhimbythebackoftheshirtandhauledhimbackward.“Shesaidtofuckingleave.”

JacksonshovedMikebackagainstthewallandpressedhisgununderhischin.

“Jackson,”Lexiesaid,clearlyuncomfortablewiththesituation.
“Oh Christ, what’s happening here?” Cherry walked out into the main living area as she pulled the

stringsofherrobetighter.

“Mikewasjustleaving,”Jacksoninsisted.
“I’m not leaving until I speak to Stephanie,” Mike bit off. He was clearly too drunk to register the

threat of Jackson’s gun. Mike began to struggle, giving Jackson no option but to knock him out. Lexie
gaspedwhenJacksondeliveredtheblowandMike’sbodycollapsedagainstthewallandsliddownto
thefloor.

“Youjustknockedhimout!”Lexiegaspedinsurprise.
“ShouldIcallthecops?”Cherryaskedwitharaisedbrow.
“No,”Lexieanswered.“Hejustneedstosleepthisoff.Hegetsirrationalwhenhe’sdrunk.Didyou

noticeifEvanwasawake?WemightneedhimtotakeMikehome.”

“Igavehimsomesleepingpills.He’soutlikeababyuntilmorning,”Cherrysaid.
“I’ll take him home,” Jackson suggested. “You two call me if anything―even the wind―sounds

funny.”JacksonwatchedCherrywalkclosertoLexieandwrapherarmaroundher.

“We’llbefine,”Lexieinsisted.“Thanks,Jackson.”
“Takethis.”JacksonheldouthisguntowardLexie.Shewrappedherfingersaroundthehilt.“Don’t

take any chances and don’t open the doors. I won’t be long.” Jackson grabbed Mike’s heavy body and
hauledhimuptohisfeet.Mikewasdeadweightanddifficulttomaneuver,buthemanagedtogethimover
his shoulder and outside. He reeked like stale beer and smoke, and Jackson prayed he could hold his
liquor,becausethelastthinghewantedwastohaveMikelosethecontentsofhisstomachinhiscar.

JacksonopenedhistruckanddroppedMikeinside.Hegaveaslightmoanofcomplaintbuthedidn’t

rouse.Hewasn’ttakingtheriskofhavinghimwakeupwhenhewasdriving.Mikewasobviouslyoutof

control, and the last thing he wanted was to give him the opportunity to do something stupid. Jackson
closedthetrunkandjumpedintothedriver’sseat.Hedidn’twanttobegoneanylongerthannecessary.

CHAPTERTWENTY

Lexie

“ShouldIaskwhyyousmelllikeagardenandlooklikeyouwereplayinginthedirt?Oristhissome

kinkyshityouandDukehavegoingon?”Cherryaskedplayfully.

Lexielookeddownatherhandsandshookherhead.Shehadsoilcakedunderhernailsandherclothes

wereinneedofawash.“WefoundtheevidenceMomhadonStodden.Sheburieditinthegarden.”Lexie
walked back over to the table and began straightening everything into a neat pile. Having the very
evidencethatStoddenwaswillingtokillforspreadoutontopofhertablemadeherverynervous.An
irrationalpartofherwasterrifiedheknewtheyhaditanditwouldonlybeamatteroftimebeforehe
cametocollectit.

“Thisisalltheshitthatmadmanhasbeenafter,huh?”Cherrysaid,pickinguponeofthefloppydisk

andexaminingitwithafrown.

“Yeah.” Lexie walked into the living room and opened a closet her mother used for storage. Lexie

grabbedaboxoffthetopshelfandopeneditup.Itwasmostlyemptyotherthanafewoldphotoalbums.
Settingtheboxonthetable,Lexieremovedthealbumsandplacedthefilesanddisksinsidethebox.

“Lookatyou,”Cherrysaid,openingoneofthealbums.“Youlookedlikecandycometolife.”Cherry

smiledatthephotographsassheflippedthroughthepages.Lexieknewthealbumwell.Shewasfiveand
sixyearsoldinmostofthepictures.

SherememberedtheoutfitCherrywasreferringto,ithadbeenherfavorite.
“Momletmepickoutmyownclothes,”Lexieexplainedthemismatchedcolorsandpatternsthatmade

upherunusualoutfit.

“Ithinkitwasveryfashionforwardofyou,”Cherrymused.
Lexielaughed.“Itwassomething,that’sforsure.”LexietookthealbumfromCherry’shandsandran

herfingersoverthepictureofhersittingonhermother’slap.Theywereattheannualcommunitypicnic.
Shecouldrememberthedayveryclearlyinhermind.

“The other kids told me I looked like a cupcake that day. The name stuck for a while. I was called

“PrincessCupcake”forafewweeksafterthat.Atfirstitmademeangryuntilmymothertoldmeitwas
mysuperheroname.Sheevenmademeacapetogowiththeoutfitandbakedawholebunchofcupcakes
that I decorated with my “magic” sprinkles.” Lexie flipped further into the book until she came to the
pictureofherrunningaroundthefrontyardinthesameoutfitwithabrightpinkcape.”

“You’re mother sounds like she was quite the woman,” Cherry said as she patted Lexie on the

shoulder.

“Shewas,”Lexierespondedasshewipedhereyes.
“I’mgonna make sometea before Ihead back to sleep.Do you wantsome?” Cherry asked, walking

intothekitchentofillupthekettle.

“Iwould,butIhavetogetintheshowerandgetthisdirtoffme,”Lexiesaidasshesetthealbumson

topofthefilesandclosedthebox.Shetuckedtheboxintotheclosetandwalkedbacktowardthetable
whereshehadsetJackson’sgun.

“Takeitwithyou,you’llfeelsafer.Trustme.Ihavesleptwithagunundermypillowforyears.”
Lexienoddedandpickeditup.“Goodnight,Cherry,”
“Goodnight,PrincessCupcake,”CherrycalledafterherasLexiestartedupthestairs.
When Lexie walked into the bathroom, she closed the door and turned the lock. She looked at her

reflectionandtriedtopickoutallthecharacteristicsofherselfthatremindedherofhermother;theshape
of her eyes, her cheekbones, her blonde hair, and her lips. These were the parts of her that she would
cherish.Everytimeshelookedinthemirrorshecouldseethepartofhermotherthatwasstillalivein
her.Lexiedidn’tletherselfthinkaboutwhatshesharedwithherfatherbecauseitterrifiedher.Shewas
scaredtoadmitthatapartofherwasmadeupofevil.Shedesperatelyhopedshewasstrongenoughto
overcomeit.

Lexieturnedontheshowerandwaitedforthesteamtostartfillingtheroom.Nowthattheyhadfound

theevidenceJohnwaslookingfor,shehopeditgavethemthepowertofinishthis.Shewantedtobefree
oftheshacklesJohnhadboundherwith.Shewantedtoleaveeverythingtodowithhiminthepastand
moveon.

Lexieshoweredquickly.ShesuddenlyfeltexhaustedandwantedtocrawlinbedandwaitforJackson

to return. Lexie wrapped herself in her mother’s favorite robe that was still hanging on the back of the
bathroomdoor.ItstillsmelledlikeherasLexieheldthefabrictohernoseandbreathedinthescent.She
toweldriedherhairandranherfingersthroughitbeforeheadingtobed.

Lexie smiled when she walked into her room and saw a hot cup of chamomile tea sitting on the

nightstand next to her bed. “Thank you, Cherry,” she whispered as she picked it up to take a sip of the
warm,comfortingliquid.Lexiepulledonapairofherfavoritesleepingshortsandatanktopandhungher
mother’srobeuponthehooknexttohercloset.Sheranherfingersoverthesilkyfloralmaterial.“Ilove
you,Mom,”Lexiewhispered.

Lexiecheckedherphoneformessagesbeforeshepickedupthegunshehadleftonherdresser.Lexie

slid it under her pillow before crawling into bed. Cherry was right, she did feel better knowing it was
close.Lexiewrappedherfingersaroundthehotmugandsavoredthestillnessaroundher.

Lexielookedaroundherroom.Hermotherhadkeptallofherphotosuponthewalls.Lexie’sroom

wasstillthesameaswhenshelivedhereotherthanthefactthatitdidn’thaveallofherthingscluttering
thesurfacesofthefurniture.Itwasfamiliarandstrangeallinone,likeaghostfromherpast.

Lexie set her tea down and noticed the framed picture on her nightstand looked different. Frowning,

shepickedituptogetacloserlook.Lexiecouldfeelherstomachcurlintoaballofleadasrealization
dawned on her. A picture was tucked inside the frame. It was a still of security camera footage. It was
fromthehotelroomthatStoddenhadkeptherin.Shemusthavemissedoneofthecameraswhenshehad
searched.ThepicturewasofherandFlintthenightshehadtakenhisphone,itmadeherstomachrollwith
nausea.

Lexiecoveredhermouthandthrewthepictureacrosstheroom.Ithitthewallandtheglassshattered.

Lexiegrabbedthegunandstoodupinapanic.Theroomspunasshestumbled,grabbingforthesideof
thebed.Herfeetsuddenlywouldn’tobeyherandsheslidtothefloor.Thegunfeltheavyasshestruggled
toholditup.Lexiewilledherbodytogetupbutitwasnouse.Thefloorfeltunevenandswayedlikeit
wasfluidasshepushedagainstthefloor.

Lexieheardfootstepscomingupthestairsandpanicburnedherthroat.“Cher…”Lexietriedtocallout

buthertonguefeltswollenandtoolargeforhermouth.Shecouldn’tgetherwordstopass.Lexieheard
thefootstepscometoastopattheentranceofherdoor.Shecouldfeelherfearfilltheentireroomuntilit

wassuffocating.

Flintfilledthedoorframe.“Didyoumissme?”Hiscoldvoicecrawledoverherskin.
Lexiemanagedtoraisethegunenoughtoaim.Shepulledthetriggerbutonlyanemptyclicksounded

fromthegun.

“Lookingforthese?”Flintraisedhisfistandopenedhishand.Bulletsdroppedfromhisopenpalmand

scatteredoverthefloor.Lexiegaspedindespair.

Flint shook his head with a click of his tongue. “After what we shared, you’re so quick to pull the

trigger.I’mdisappointed.”

“Don’t…”Lexiemanagedtopushthroughhernumbinglips.
“Don’twhat?”Hetiltedhishead.
Lexiehadnomorestrengthaswhateverdrughehadputintheteatookallherstrengthandherability

tomove.Lexiehadnochoicebuttosubmitasshelaidherheadagainstherbed.Shewatchedinhorroras
Flintkneltdownbesideher.

“You’remuchmoreviciousthanyoulook,Lexie.Sosoft.”Heranhisfingersoverhercheekanddown

herneck.Lexiewantedtoscreamandpullawaybutherbodywasnolongerherown.“Youbetrayedme.
I’mnotamanthatforgiveseasily.”

Lexie wished she could respond to his repulsive words. She wanted to tell him what she thought,

insteadshehadtosubmittothetortureoflettingFlintdowhateverhewished.

“I can see in your eyes that you have so much to say; always such a fighter. It took me a while to

perfectthisconcoction.Don’tworry,you’llstayconscioustheentiretime.Iwouldn’twantyoutomiss
out on any of the fun. There’s something very appealing about being able to do whatever I want with
someonewhiletheywatchhelplesslylockedawayinhere.”Flintpressedhisfingeragainstherforehead.
“I’mlookingforwardtoourtimetogether.”

Lexiewantedtoshovehimawaywhenheleanedintoplaceakissonherlipsbutshecouldn’tmove.

Her hands remained lifelessly in her lap, allowing him to kiss her and dip his tongue into her mouth,
tasting her as he moaned. She still had enough sensation lingering in her skin to feel his touch and she
wantedtoclawhiseyesout.

“YoutellingJohnaboutourtimetogetherwasaverybadthing.Youbetterhopehebelievesmeover

you.Yourfatherisnotamercifulman.Luckyforyou,youfoundmealittlebargainingchipthatwillmake
mypropositionmoreappealing.”Flintwrappedhisfingersaroundherneck.“Ifthatdoesn’twork,Iwant
tomakesureIenjoywhattimeIhaveleft,andthatincludesmakingyousuffer.”Flintpressedhisfaceinto
herneckandtookadeepbreath.“AndIwillenjoyeverymomentofit.”

Shefeltthefloordisappearfromunderneathherashepickedherupandswungheroverhisshoulder.

Lexiecaughtaglimpseofhermother’sopendoorandthenhisblackshoesashedescendedthestairs.She
wantedtoreachoutandgrabtherailingandstruggleagainsthim.Itwassoclosebutherhandswouldn’t
cooperate.

LexietriedtoscreamwhenshesawCherryontheflooratthebottomofthestairs.Shewassostilland

blooddrippeddownherfacefromagashonherhead.Herinnervoicescreamedasfearexplodedinside
her.Shetriedtoallowherangertoburnthroughthefogthatwascallinghertosleep.Sheneededtohelp
Cherry. She wanted to fight Flint and make him stop, but all she could do was be swallowed by the
nightmareofbeingparalyzed.Shewascompletelyhelpless.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-ONE

Jackson

WhenJacksoncametoastopinfrontofMike’sparents’house,therewerenolightson,noranyhouse

on the entire street. It was a quaint little street with white picket fences and well-manicured lawns. It
lookedmorelikeascenefromamoviethantherealitythathehadknownasaneighborhoodgrowingup.
Even the stars seemed to shine brighter over this town. They were all blissfully asleep, and that was
exactlywhatJacksonwishedtobedoingashehauledMikeoutofthetrunk.Lowmoansescapedhimas
Jacksonheavedhimuponhisshoulderandwalkedtowardthefrontsteps.Jacksonnotedtheporchswing
anddecidedtoletMikesleepitoffonthefrontstepratherthandisturbhisparents.

JacksonsetMikedownonthewoodenseatasgracefullyashecouldmanageandheadedbacktoward

hiscar.HewasanxioustogetbacktoLexie.Hedidn’tlikeleavingherwithouthisprotection.Itwaseasy
tofallundertheillusionofsafetywhenthedangerwasnotcurrentlyonyourdoorstep.

TeddyandDanehadtoheadbacktoWestfordtohelpGilesandhewasleftwithoutanotheroptionfor

takingMikehome.Forsomereason,Lexiewantedtosparehimtheembarrassmentofinvolvingthelocal
authorities,andhefeltheshouldrespectthat,despitethefactthathedespisedMike.Heknewexactlythe
typeofmanhewas.TheonlyreasonhefeltcomfortableenoughtoleavewasbecauseheknewStodden
wasstillinBelhaven.HehadbeenintouchwithMax,whohadgivenhimasmuchinformationhecould.
Itwasn’tmuch,butenoughtoallowhimtobelievetheystillhadtime.

BeforeJacksoncouldgrabthehandleofhisdoor,heheardaloudthud.Heturnedaroundandnoticed

Mike was lying face-first on the porch below the swing. It was only a matter of seconds before a light
turned on inside the house. Jackson slid into the car and drove away. He did not want to face Mike’s
parentstoo;hedidn’thavethepatienceforit.

Jacksonwasbarelyoffthestreetwhenhisphonelitupthedarkinteriorofthecar.
“Hello?”Jacksonanswered.
“Jackson,there’sachangeofplans,”Haffeysaid.
Jacksonknewimmediatelythatsomethingterriblehadhappenedbythetoneofhervoice.Shesounded

defeated, something he thought he would never hear from the woman who was an unstoppable spit-fire
fromthemomenttheymet.

“Whathappened?”Jacksonquestioned.
“Stoddenhasmybrother…”Haffeytrailedoff.Hecouldhearhertrytoconcealthefactthatshewas

closetotears.“Ihavenowaytoproveit’shim.IreceivedanuntraceablevideothatshowsCarlosbeing
tortured,”Haffeygaspedintothephone.“Thebastardcuthisfuckingfingeroff.Themaninthevideowas

wearingamaskbutIbetmylifeitwashim.Thethreatisprettyclear.”

“Shit,Haffey.” Jackson said.“Send the videoto Teddy. He’ll tryand pull anythingfrom it. What do

youneedfromme?”

“If I make any move, Stodden will kill him. I have to back off, I don’t have a choice. His men are

watchingmeandit’sprobablybestwedon’ttalkfromhereonout.”

“Understood,”Jacksonconfirmed.HewasfullyawarehowStoddenworked.Haffeywasgettingtoo

closeandthiswashiswaytoextinguishthethreat.“DoyoustillwantStoddenalive?”

“Honestly,Idon’tcarewhatyoudowiththatmotherfuckeraslongashe’sstopped,”Haffeysaid.Her

guard was down and she was desperate, Jackson could tell by the sound of her voice how broken she
was. “Terence Masten was killed before I could get any information out of him. I can’t prove it, but I
knowStoddenwasmakingsurehedidn’thavetheopportunitytotalk.NomatterwhatIdothatgoddamn
motherfuckerisalwaystwostepsaheadofme.”

“Soundsaboutright,”Jacksonagreed.
“Jackson?”Haffeyasked.
“Yeah?”
“Getmybrotherback,”Haffeysaid.
“Iwill,”Jacksonassuredherbeforeheendedthecall.Jacksondroppedhisphoneintheconsoleand

rubbedthesideofhisface.Jacksonshookhishead.Hewasalwaysthecopthateveryonelabeledasthe
“badcop,”butassoonastheshitwentdown,everyonelookedtohimtocleanitup.

JacksonhadjustreceivedthegreenlighttogoafterStodden.Therewerenolongeranylinesdrawnin

thesandthathewasforbiddentocross.Haffeyhadjustreleasedhistiesandunofficiallytoldhimtoburn
Stoddentothegroundandhehadeveryintentiontodoso.

Jackson stepped on the gas. If Stodden now believed he was free of the barriers Haffey had placed

around him, then it wouldn’t be long before he made his move toward Lexie. Jackson tore through the
quietstreets.ItfeltalltooconvenientthatJacksonwasn’twithLexierightnow.Asickfeelingsettledin
hisstomachashedrovelikehislifedependeduponit.

WhenJacksonnearedthestreet,hepassedanunfamiliarcar,ablackMercedes.Jacksontooknoteof

themodelashepulledontoLexie’smother’sstreet.Therewereonlyafewcarsontheroadthistimeof
nightinthesmalltownandnotmanyMercedes,letaloneonthisstreet.Hereadapartialofftheplatebut
thecarturnedbeforehecouldgetagoodlook.

Jackson pulled into the driveway and jumped out of the car. He headed toward the back door and

joggedupthesteps.Hisstomachdroppedandhisfearswerereinforcedwhenhenoticedthedoorwide
open. Jackson barrelled in the door with his gun raised. He noticed Cherry on the floor as soon as he
entered.

“Cherry,”Jacksoncalledtoher.Hescannedtheroomforanyoneelse.“Lexie!”Jacksonholleredashe

droppeddownnexttoCherry’sbodyandfeltforapulse.AssoonasJacksonfeltthesteadybeatofher
heart, he let out a sigh of relief. “Be right back, Cherry,” Jackson said before he bolted up the stairs.
“Lexie!”hehollered.

Jacksonpushedhermother’sdooropenandclearedtheroombeforeheadingtowardLexie’sroom.He

kickedsomethingashenearedherdoorthatrolledacrossthefloor.Jacksonbentdownandpickedupa
bullet,aquickglancearoundandhesawtheentirechamberofroundswerescatteredonthefloor.

WhenJacksonwalkedin,henoticedthegunsittingonthefloor.Jacksonrakedhishandthroughhishair

andkickedthenightstand.Acupofteasittingontoptumbledtothefloorandshattered.Heknewhewas
too late. Jackson ran back down the stairs and into Evan’s room down the hall and slammed the door
againstthewall.Evanjerkedawakefromthenoise,squintinghiseyesgroggily.

“Getthefuckup!”Jacksonhollered,pullingthepillowfrombeneathhisheadandthrowingitacross

theroom.

Evanpushedhimselfupandrubbedhisface.“What…huh?”heyawned.
“LexiewastakenandCherryishurt.Getthefuckoutofbednow!”
Evan tumbled out of bed and rushed to his feet behind Jackson as he returned to Cherry, who still

hadn’tmoved.

Jacksondroppedonhiskneesbesideher.“Cherry,”Jacksonnudgedhershoulder.“Wakeup.”
Cherrymoanedandliftedherhandtoherhead.“Whatthefuck?”shesaidwhenshepulledherhand

awayandnoticedtheblood.“OhJesus.”ShetriedtositupbutJacksonplacedhishandonhershoulder.

“Justgiveyourselfamomentoryou’llpassoutagain.Whathappened?”
Evanranintothekitchenandgrabbedadishtowel.“Here,”hesaid,pressingittoherhead.
Cherrylookedathershakinghandcoveredinblood.Tearsfilledhereyes.“Ididn’tseehimcomein,

Jackson.I,ah…Iturnedaroundafterpouringtea.Ionlygotaglimpseofhimbeforehehitme.Where’s
Lexie?”Shelookedupathimwithfearfuleyes.“Ohgod.Where’sLexie?”

“Hetookher,”Jacksonsaidtightly.Heclenchedhisjawsotighthisjawached.“Tellmeeverything

youknow.”

Cherryclosedhereyes.“Um…heworeashirt…awhiteoneandhehadacloselytrimmedbeardwith

abitofgrey.Ididn’tseehiseyes.”

“Anytattoos?”Jacksonasked.
Cherryshookherheadslightlyandcringed.“Ididn’tseeany,buthehadalongsleevedshirton.”
“Ididn’thearanything,Jackson.I’msofuckingsorry,”Evansaid,completelyterrifiedandconfusedas

heranhishandsthroughhishair.

Jacksonpushedtohisfeet.“Fuck,hemusthavetakenthefilesandshittoo,”Jacksonsaid,notingthe

bare table. Jackson didn’t blame Evan because he had screwed up too. He should never have left her.
NowLexiewasgoneandtheevidencetheyneededagainstStoddenaswell.

“Whatfiles?”Evanasked.
“WefoundtheshitStoddenisafter,”Jacksonanswered,rubbinghisneckinfrustration.
“HowlonghaveIbeenasleep?”Evanblurtedinconfusion.
“Lexie tucked it all away in a box on the top shelf,” Cherry said, pointing toward the closet in the

livingroom.

Jacksonwalkedovertothecloset;thedoorwasswungclosed,butnotlatched.Afewitemsrolledout

whenheopeneditandJacksonknewthetopshelfwouldbeemptybeforeheevenlaideyesonit.Jackson
slammeditclosedwithacurse.Hehadscrewedupworsethanhecouldeverforgivehimselffor.Thetwo
mostimportantthingshehadinhispossessionhe’dfailedtokeepsafe.

Hewasalreadytoofarbehindtotryandtrackdownthecarhepassed.Jacksonpulledhisphoneoutof

hispocketanddialedTeddy’snumber.

“What’sup,man?”Teddyansweredwithayawn.Teddywasusedtoreceivingcallsatallhoursfrom

Jacksonandprobablydidn’tevenconsideriturgent.

“Ineedyoutotrackavehicleformerightnow,”Jacksonsaid,givinghimthedetailsheknew.
“That’s a nice fucking car,” Teddy said, his voice much clearer now. “That was in Freyview? No

wonderyou’resuspicious.”

“Theyhaveher,”Jacksonconfessed.“Ileftforfuckingtwentyminutestopsandhejuststrolledinand

tookher.”

“I’llfindthecar,Jackson.Justgivemeafewminutestotapintothesatellites.”
Jacksoncouldhearrustlingontheotherendoftheline.“I’llcallyouonceIfindit,”Teddysaid.
JacksonhungupandimmediatelydialedGiles.
“IwastalkingtoHaffey,”Gilessaidwhenheanswered.“I’vebeenwaitingforyourcall.”
“He took Lexie and the fucking files we found on him,” Jackson said angrily as he paced back and

forth.EvanhadhelpedCherrytoherfeetandshewasnowsittingonthesofawithabagoffrozenpeas

pressedagainstherforehead.“Wehadjustfoundeverythingwefuckingneededtocrushthatmotherfucker
andhetookit.”Jacksonpracticallygrowledhewassoangry.

“GuessIcan’tbesurprised.Whathappened?”Gilesasked.
“Itdoesn’tmatter.I’mgonnafixit.Itookafewpicturesofthefiles.There’senoughtheretogetwhat

weneedonRosh,butunfortunatelythat’sonlypartofthestoryforStodden…”Jacksontrailedoff.“I’m
sorry,Giles.IhaditallandIlethimwalkawaywithit.”

“Do what you need to do, Jackson. Stodden has our hands tied right now with her brother taken

hostage. Haffey won’t let anyone make a move; not even our precinct. There’s no way of knowing if
Stoddenhasanyoneelseontheinside,soHaffeywon’ttakeanychances.Ican’tevenplaceawarrantfor
Roshbecausehe’stiedtoocloselytoitall.You’llbeonyourown.”

“That’sthewayIlikeit,youknowthat,”Jacksonansweredtruthfully.
“IcansendTeddyandDane.Setyouupwiththeproperequipment.Wemaynotofficiallybeableto

makeamovebutwesureishellaren’tgoingtoletStoddenwin.Callmeifyouneedanything.”

“Thanks,Giles.”
“Sendmewhatyouhave.Ineedtoseeitwithmyowneyes.”
“Iwill,”Jacksonconfirmed.
“You’llbeonyourownuntilHaffey’sbrotherisextracted.”
“Understood.”Jacksonhitend.
JacksonlookedatEvanandCherrybothsittingonthesofa.Theywerestaringathimexpectantly.“I

needyoutotakeCherrytothehospital.She’llneedstitches,”JacksonsaidtoEvan.

“I’mfine,”Cherryinsisted.“How’rewegonnafindLexie?”
“Youaregoingtothehospital.Thebestthingforyoubothtodoisstayhere.I’mwaitingonTeddyto

findmealocationandthenI’mleaving.”

“You’rejustgoingafterheryourself?”Evanasked.“Whydon’tyoucallintheentirepoliceforceto

takeStoddendown?”

“WeneedStoddentothinkwe’replayingbyhisrules.He,unfortunately,stillholdsthewinninghand,”

Jacksonsaid,tappinghisfingeronthesideofhisphone,anxiousforTeddy’scall.“Thisisnotafucking
gameofcopsandrobbers.”

“Just thought that after what happened last time you’d need all the help you can get,” Evan said,

pushingoffthesofa.

“Well,sometimesyouneedtoworkwithwhatyouhave,”Jacksonresponded.
“Whatif―”Evanbegan.
“Don’teven suggest you’recoming. You aregoing to that fuckingrehab place. You’reno good to us

likethis.”Jacksonwavedhishand.“Assoonasyougetwithindistanceofanytypeofdrug,you’lllose
yourfuckingheadandyouknowit.”

EvanclosedhismouthandstaredatJackson.“Ifuckinghatestandingonthesidelinesbeinghelpless.”
“Good,maybe it willbe enough tokeep you clean soyou’re not deadweight,” Jackson spat angrily

andhe immediately regrettedit. Jackson rakedhis hands down hisface. “Fuck, sorry.I’m just angry as
shitrightnow.”

“Don’tapologize.Weallknowit’strue,”Evanconfessed.
JacksonhadtoadmithehadalotofrespectforEvan.Hehadonlyknownhimashortwhileandhehad

gonethroughtworoundsofwithdrawalandstayeddeterminedthroughitalldespitethetorture.Heknew
thestrengthittooktoaccomplishwhathehad.Jacksonhadseenmanymenwasteawayfromdrugs,unable
tofacewhatittooktocurbit.

CherrytookEvan’shandandsqueezedtightly,offeringcomfort.
“Justsayyou’llbringLexiehome,”Evandemanded.
“Iwill,”Jacksonsaid.“Iwillbringherhomeandendthis.Iwon’tletStoddenwin.”

“Good, that’s the one thing I like about you is the fact that you do what you’ll say you’ll do,” Evan

admitted.

“Ihaven’tfiguredoutwhatIlikeaboutyouyet,”Jacksonsaidwithoutconviction.
Evan smirked and shook his head. “You can’t just walk away when this is over anymore, you know

that,right?”Evansaid.

“Iknow,”Jacksonacknowledged.
Jackson’sphonebarelystartedringingbeforeheacceptedthecall.“Whatdoyouhaveforme?”
“Ifoundit,”Teddysaid.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-TWO

Nate

“Areyousureyou’rereadyforthis?Wehavetime,”Nateaskedashepulledtoastopinfrontofthe

address Officer Jordan Carlton had given them. Stephanie had her hands balled in her lap, her fingers
completely white from clasping them so tightly. She stared up at the blue house with white shutters. A
perfectlymanicuredgardenlinedthefrontofthehousewithwhiteandvioletflowers.Alonepinkbicycle
withtrainingwheelswasparkedonthegrass.Thetasselsontheendofthehandlesflutteredinthebreeze.

“Areyousurethisistherightplace?”Stephanieasked,hergazelingeringonthebike.
“Positive,” Nate assured her. “That’s the right house number.” He pointed toward the mailbox at the

endofthedriveway.Nateknewthatseeingthebicyclehadthrownheroff.Inalloftheirtalksleadingup
tothismomenttherehadneverbeenanymentionthattheowneroftheringcouldhavebeenamother.The
ideaofchildrenbeinginvolvedmadetheterriblesituationthatmuchworse.

Stephanietookadeepbreathbutremainedquiet.Natedidn'twanttorushher.Shewasalreadyfragile

from the trauma that was still an open wound. He could see the pain she still suffered every time he
lookedintohersoulfulbrowneyes.Hedidn’tknowthefirstthingaboutconsolingpeople.Hehadspent
hisentirelifetryingtosurviveonedayatatime,onlytrustingaselectfewpeople.

SinceheandStephaniediscoveredtheirconnectionthroughpainandloss,shehadbeguntodesirehis

company. It was the first time in his life that someone turned to him or sought him out for emotional
support.Thefeelingssheinvokedinhimwerealmostpainfulastheyswelledtoobigforhimtocontain.
Heknewpainwell,rejectionandlonelinesswerefamiliartohimfromapastofpeopleturningawayfrom
him.WhenStephaniegrabbedhishandforcomfortandcurledintohisside,thiswasstrange.Hedidn’t
knowthislanguageashedesperatelytriedtonavigatethroughthisunknownterritory.Hewassuddenly
terrifiedaboutlettingherdown.Theonlythingheknewforcertainwashewantedtobesomethingsolid
forhertoholdontowhensheneededhim.

Hedidn’tunderstanditbuteverymomentwithStephaniefeltlikeshewasslowlychippingawayatthe

walls he had built up over the years. He was terrified what would happen when those barriers finally
gave.Hehadnoideawhatwaswaitingontheinside.Hekneweventuallyhewouldhavetofaceit.

“They wouldn’t have said yes to this meeting if they didn’t want you to come. I think knowing that

something good came out of this situation might help them. I know it helped me,” Nate admitted. “You
helpedme.”Itfeltstrangetoadmitit,butheneededherjustasmuchassheneededhim.

Stephanie gave him a sad smile. She reached for his hand, wrapping her fingers around his and

squeezedtightly.Hedidn’tunderstandhowasimpletouchcouldfeellikeitdid,buthehopedshenever

letgo.PeoplelikeStephanienormallydidn’twanttoacknowledgepeoplelikehim.Hehadspenthislife
doingthingsthatterrifiedmostpeople.Itwasthefirsttimehewishedhewassomethingmore.Hewanted
tobebetterforhersohecouldbethepersonsheneededhimtobe.Insteadhefoundhimselfbeingscared
thatshewouldeventuallyseeexactlywhathewasandrunfromhimlikeeveryoneelsedid.Hewasno
morethanacriminalthathadnothingtoshowforhislife.

“Okay,IthinkI’mready,”Stephaniesaidwithanodofherhead.
Natewalkedaroundthecarandopenedherdoor.”
MaybeI’mnotready,”shesaidnervously.Nateheldherdooropenbutsheremainedfrozeninherseat,

twistingtheringaroundherfinger.

Thefrontdoorofthehouseopenedandanoldergentlemanwithwhitehairgavethemasmallwave.
Nateheldouthishand.“Iwon’tleaveyourside,”Natepromised.
Stephanielookedbetweenhimandthemanawaitingthem.“Okay.”Stephanieslidherhandintohisand

steppedoutofthecar.StephanietuckedherselfintoNate’ssideastheybeganwalkingtowardthehouse.
“IthinkI’mgonnathrowup,”Stephaniewhispered.

“Seriously?” Nate questioned, trying to be polite and offer a smile toward the man holding the door

openforthem.Stephaniedartedfromhisarmsbacktowardthecurbandthrewuponthesideoftheroad,
justmissingthecar.

“We’lljustbeamoment,”Natecalledtotheman,whonoddedandclosedthedoorsoftly.
Stephanie was leaning on her knees with her eyes squeezed shut. “I’m so embarrassed,” she

whispered.“Idon’tknowifIcandothis.”

Nate grabbed a few napkins that were tucked in the glovebox of his car. He passed them to her and

placedhishandonherbackgently.“Doyouwantmetogoinandtalktothemforyou?”heoffered.

Stephanieshookherheadandtookalongslowbreath.“No.Iwanttodothis…Ido,”shesaid.
ThedooropenedagainandNateturnedtoseethemanhadreturnedwithaglassofwaterinhishand.

Hewalkeddownthefrontstepsandapproachedthemslowly.

Heworeashortsleevebuttonupshirtwithkhakishorts.Hisgrayhairwasbrushedbackneatlyandhe

hadasenseofpeaceabouthispresence.ThetensionvisiblydrainedfromStephanieasshefacedhim.

“Ithoughtyoucoulduseaglassofwater,”themansaidasheofferedit.Stephanieaccepteditwitha

shakyhand.Themansmiledatthebothofthem.“I’mMark,Brianna’sfather.”Hissmiledidn’treachhis
eyeswhenhementionedhisdaughter.

“Nicetomeetyou,Mark.”Nateshookhishand.
“Yes,nicetomeetyou,”Stephaniesaidasshetookasipofthewater.“I’msosorryabout…”
Themanwavedhishandindismissaltowardthestreet.“Don’tworryaboutit,mydear.Comeinside

andhaveaseat.Wecanmakeyousomecoffeeortea,whicheveryouprefer.”

“Thatwouldbelovely.Thankyou.”
TheyfollowedMarkinside.ThehousewasinanoldersectionofBelhaven,wherethehouseshadlots

ofcharacterfromage.Thisparticularhousewasimpressivelywell-maintained.Thickmoldingsframed
thewallsandrichpaintcolorspairedwithaccentwallpapercomplimenteditsage,butalsobroughtitinto
thepresent.

Markledthemintothemainsittingareajustoffthefoyer.Amaninhisearlyfortiesandawhite-haired

womanstoodinsidetheroom.TheirconversationhushedassoonastheysawNateandStephaniewalkin
behindMark.

Thewoman’sfacelitupimmediately.“Helloandwelcome,”thewomansaid.
“MillieandAlden,thisisStephanieandNate,”Markintroducedeveryone.
“Verynicetomeetyouboth.”MilliesteppedforwardandshookNate’shandbeforeshetookbothof

Stephanie’shandsinhers.“Iknowthestrengthitmusttaketocomehere.Weappreciateit.”Thewoman’s
eyesfilledwithtears.“Briannawasouronlychild…”Thewomancoveredhermouthwithherhandand

thenplaceditonherchestonceshecollectedherself.“Pleaseforgiveme.”SheguidedStephanietoward
thesofa.“Letmegetussomethingtodrink.Doyoupreferteaorcoffee?”Millieasked.

“Teawouldbewonderful.Thankyou,Millie,”Stephaniemanagedquietlyasshesatdown.
“Yes,please,”NateaddedwhenMillielookedtohim.Truthwashedidn’tdrinkeither.Natecouldn’t

evenrecalleverhavingtea,butsincetheoptionofliquorwasn’tsuggested,hewouldtakewhathecould
get.

“Thankyouforcomingtoday,”Aldensaidoncehismother-in-lawslippedoutintothehallwithMark.
Nate’s instincts had immediately perked up when he entered the room and set eyes on Alden. While

Brianna’sparentsweresweetandwelcoming,thismanwassomethingaltogetherdifferent.Natehadlived
among criminals his entire life and could tell when someone was corrupt. He knew the feeling well
becausehewasinfectedwiththesametwisteddisease.Hecouldfeelitinsideofhim,tauntinghimsince
he crossed the line so many years ago. No matter how many times you may wash your hands, you can
neverremovetheblood;itstainedforthedurationofyourlife.

Alden sat down in an armchair facing Stephanie and Nate. “When Officer Carlton contacted me to

informmethatyouwantedtomeet,youcanimaginemysurprise.”Alden’sgazetraveledtoNateandhis
eyesnarrowedjustenoughforNatetopickupon.NateknewthatAldenwastryingtogetareadonhim
becauseit’sexactlywhathewastryingtodotohim.

“Yes,Isupposeitwouldbeabitofashock.Iknowhowpainfulthisisforyou…”Stephaniebegan.
“Onthe contrary, havingyou here mightmean that we finallyhave our answersto what happened to

Brianna.Theofficershavebeenveryvague,”Aldensaidasheleanedbackinhischair.“Untilrecently,
webelievedthatBriannaabandonedus.”

MarkandMilliewalkedintotheroom,catchingtheconversation,andtheirfacesfell.
“Brianna’s behavior became erratic the last few months she was with us. We were still holding out

hopethatshewouldreturn,untilofcourse,whentheofficersshowedupatourdoorafterTerenceMasten
wasarrested.Brianna’sbodywasidentifiedasoneofhisvictims.”Aldenplacedhishandoverhismouth
inashowofemotionaldistress.

NatestudiedAlden,tryingtofindholesinhisstory.
“Thewholethinghasbeenhardtounderstand,”Millieadded.
MarksetthetraydownonthecoffeetableandMilliepickeduptwodaintycupsandpassedthemto

NateandStephaniebeforeshewalkedoverandplacedherhandonAlden’sshoulder.

Nate looked down at the cup. The handle seemed too small for his fingers. The size was more of a

largeshotglassashedecidedtojustsetthebaseintothepalmofhishand.

“Itwastrulyamiraclethatyousurvived.Knowingthatsomegoodhascomeoutofthistragedygives

ussolace,”Marksaid,sittingdowninthechairnexttoAlden’s.

Stephanietookasipofherteaandhelditinherlap.“Iknowthere’snothingIcansaythatwillmake

youfeelbetter.IwishIcouldtellyouwhatyouwanttoknow…”Stephanietrailedoffwhentearsfilled
hereyes.

Milliepassedhersometissues.“SheiswiththeLordnow,”Milliesaid,wipingherowneyes.“She’s

notsufferinganymore.Wehavethatatleast.”

“NomatterhowhardItrytomakesenseofwhathappened,IknowIcanneverunderstand.Iwillcarry

thescarswithmefortherestofmylife.IwishIcouldhaveknownBrianna,butfindingherringmeantso
muchtome.Iwantyoutoknowthat.YourdaughterhelpedmemorethanIcouldeverputintowords.”

Millie sat down on the other side of Stephanie and pulled her into her arms. “Brianna would have

lovedknowingshehelpedyou.Shewassokind-hearted.”

Stephanie wrapped her fingers around the ring on her finger, twisting it one last time before she

slippeditoffherfingerandpassedittoMillie.Millietookitinherhandandranherfingerovertheband.
“Iwantedtoreturnit.That’swhyI’mheretoday,”Stephaniesaid.

“Assoonaswesawthepicturetheofficersentweknewitwashers,”Milliesaidthoughtfully.“She

haditmade.It’soneofakind.”

“Iwantyoutohaveitsoitcanalsobringyoucomfortwhenyouneedit.”
Everyoneturnedtowardthehallwaywhentheyheardshuffling.Asmallgirlappearedinthedoorway

thatlookednomorethanfouryearsold.Herdarkbrownhairwaspulledupinhairtiesandsheworea
bluedresswithtinyflowersscatteredoverthematerial.

“Nanna?”shecalledintotheroom.Shewasholdingadollbyitslegasithungupsidedownfromher

hand.

“Yes,precious.”Milliewalkedovertothegirl.
“I’mhungry,”shesaidasMilliepickedherupinherarms.
“Nannawillgetyousomething.Let’sgotothekitchen.Didyouwanttosayhellotoourcompany?”

Millie spun her around to see Stephanie and Nate. Her tiny hand gave them a small wave before they
headeddownthehallway.

“Brianna’sparentsmovedinnotlongaftershedisappeared.It’simpossibletotakecareofPaigeby

myselfwithmyhecticworkschedule.Theyhavebeenablessing,”Aldensaid.

“We’rehappytohelp,”Marksaidwithasadsmile.“PaigeremindsussomuchofBrianna.”
“Shedoesn’trememberhermother,”Aldensaid.“Paigewasonlyababyatthetimehermotherwas

taken.”

EveryminuteinthecompanyofAlden,madeNatemorerestless.Heseemedtobetheonlyonepicking

uponhisintensitytowardStephanieandhispoorshowofsadness.Thismanwasnotmourninghiswife.
Natewouldbethislifethatthemanbeforehimwasaheartlessmanwithnorealconnectiontothefamily
thatstillremainedbesidehim.NatewantednothingmorethantogetStephaniefarawayfromhim.Hefelt
veryprotectiveofherandrightnowhisinstinctswerescreamingforhimtogetStephanieoutofthere.

“I’msosorry,”Stephaniesaid.
“Yes,butinsomewaysit’sforthebestthatshedoesn’t.”Aldenofferedthemareservedsmile.“Are

youstayingclosebywhileyou’reintown?”Aldenchangedthesubject.

“Yes,weare.We’re―”StephaniebeganbutNatefelttheneedtojumpin.ThelessAldenknewabout

wheretheywerestayingorhowlongtheywouldbeintown,thebetter.

“We should get going, Stephanie. We promised Officer Carlton we would stop by the precinct to go

overafewthings.”

Stephanie looked at him questioningly before nodding. “Yes, I’m sure we’ve taken enough of your

time.”Stephaniesethercuponthetrayandstoodup.

“You’rewelcometostayaslongasyouwish,”Aldenoffered.
“Youaretookind,really,butNateisright…wemustbeheadingoff,”Stephaniesaidkindly.“Itwas

nicetomeetyou,MarkandAlden.PleasetellMillieandPaigegoodbyeforus.”

“Yes,ofcourse.”Markledthemtothedoor.
Nate threw Alden one last glance as he left the room, which only reinforced his feelings toward the

man.Thiswasnofamilyman,heknewhistypewell.

NateusheredStephanieoutthedoorandplacedhisarmonthesmallofherbacktoquickenherstep.
“Doyouwanttotellmewhyyoupracticallyranusoutofthere?”Stephanieaskedastheyapproached

theircar.

“Idon’ttrustAlden.Mybullshitmeterwasgoingfuckinghaywire,”Nateansweredasheroundedthe

carandopenedhisdoor.HelookedovertheroofofthecartoStephanie.

“Whatareyousaying?”Stephanieasked.
NatelookedtowardthefrontwindowofthehousewhereAldenwasstandingintheopencurtainswith

aphonetohisear.HeraisedhishandinastiffwavetowardNate.

“Idon’tknow.Let’sjustgetoutofhere.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-THREE

Lexie

A bright light flooded the room when the curtains were wrenched open. Lexie turned her face away

fromtheoverlybrightglarethatpulledherfromaveryunsettledsleep.Shetriedtomoveherhandsonly
toberemindedthatshewascuffed.Themovementcausedpaintoflareupthelengthsofherarms.

Lexieopenedhereyesandlookedatherrawwriststhatwereboundtotheoldradiatorintheroom.

Shehadsleptonathinmattressthathadbeentossedontheflooroftheoldhouseshehadbeenbroughtto
thenightbefore.

Lexiescannedtheroom.Thewallswerecrackedandstainedinthelightofday.Astalesmellfilled

hernoseasshetookadeepbreath.Afewboxessatinthecorneroftheroom.Thecardboardhadgrown
softandthecontentsroundedthesides.Theentireroomwascoatedindustasifithadn’tbeenusedin
years.

Someone cleared her throat and Lexie turned to see a woman leaning against the wall next to the

window with a severe scowl painted across her face. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail and
harsheyelinercircledhereyes,givingheraveryhardedge.

“Whoareyou?”Lexieasked.Shetriedtopushherselfupintoasittingpositionsoshedidn’tfeelso

vulnerable.HermouthfeltdryandherheadthrobbedfromwhateverFlinthadgivenher.

“I’m the bitch that’s gonna make your life a living hell,” she answered, crossing her arms over her

chest.

“Where’s Flint?” Lexie asked in confusion. She gave up trying to find a comfortable position and

staredatthewomanloomingoverher.Lexiedidn’thavetimetoreactwhenthewomanlungedather.She
grabbed Lexie by the throat and smashed her head into the wall behind her. Lexie gasped as the pain
radiateddownherbackandmadehereyeswater.Lexietensedherbody,unsureofwhatwouldfollowas
shecringedfromthepain.Shewasdefenseless.

Lexiesnappedhereyesopenwhensheheardthewoman’slaughter,herbreathhotonLexie’scheek.
“Mybrothertoldmewhatyoudid.”SheranherfingernaildownLexie’scheek,hardenoughtoleavea

stingingsensationalongherskin.

“Ididn’tdoanything.”Lexiepulledawayandrattledthehandcuffinannoyance.“I’mthevictimhere.”
“Hardly. I know your type. You manipulate to get what you want by batting your pretty little eyes.

You’renotgettingawaywithputtingatargetonmybrother’sback.Youbetterhopehisplanworks.”

“Yourbrotherhasatargetonhisbackbecausehe’scrazy,andapparentlyitrunsinthefamily,”Lexie

spatangrily.

ThewomanwoundupherfistandhitLexieintheface.Thecopperytasteofbloodfilledhermouthand

painthrobbedinherlip.Lexielookeddownandnoticedblooddrippingonhertanktopbutsherefusedto
letthewomanknowhowmuchithurtassheglaredfuriously.Sheneededtostopaggravatingherbecause
shewasunabletodefendherself,butLexiewasangrythatshewasbackinthispositionagain.Shehated
feeling like a caged animal…at least this time her cage seemed more likely to have weak spots. This
woman staring back at her was filled with rage so thick it blackened her eyes. People like this made
mistakes,andLexiewouldbereadytotakeadvantage.

“Sabine,”aman’svoicecalledfromthehallwayoutsidethedoor.
“Inhere,”sheanswered.
The footsteps grew louder until they stopped at the entrance of the room. His shadow darkened the

doorway before he stepped into the room. The man’s dark, curious eyes landed on Sabine before they
swungtoLexie.Hisunkemptblackhairhunglooseagainsthisshoulders.Piercingbrowshungheavyover
eyesthatcarrieddarkshadows.

“So this is Stodden’s girl,” he said as he strolled into the room, his eyes never leaving Lexie as he

drankinherentirepresence.Lexietriednottorecoilfromhiscold,rakingglare.Shedidn’twanttoshow
feardespitethefactthatshedidn’tfeelsocomfortablebeingoutnumberedandataseriousdisadvantage.

HeranhishandthroughhishairandwalkedclosertoSabine.“Whatarewegoingtodowithher?”he

askedinatonethatgaveLexiechills.

“Nothing,fornow.Flintsaidnottotouchherwhilehe’sgone,”Sabinerespondeddespondently.
“Itlookslikeyoudidn’tlisten.”HesmirkedashesteppedclosertoLexie.Shepulledawaywhenhe

reachedforherface.

“Don’ttouchme.”Lexiepulledbackasfarasshecouldmanage.
Hewatchedherlikeshewasafascinatingpieceofartandhewastryingtodetermineitsmeaning.
“Howlongisshestayinghere?”HelookedbackatSabine.
“Godknowswhatmyfoolishbrotherhasinmind.”
ThemanwalkedclosertoSabine.Steppingbehindher,heranhishandaroundherwaistandpulledher

tightertohim.Heleanedintobitehershoulderbeforehecontinuedupthecurveofherneck,caressing
her skin with his lips and teeth. Sabine welcomed the touch as she submitted to him. A satisfied moan
escapedherashishandranuptheinsideofherlegandunderherskirt.“Maybewecanhavealittlefun
withherwhilewewait,”hesuggestedinSabine’sear.

Lexie’seyeswidenedinfearandshepressedherbackintothewallbehindher.Therewasnowayshe

wouldbetakinginpartinwhateverhehadinmind.Adrenalinebeganfuelingherbodyinanticipationof
whatmighttakeplace.

Sabine’s eyes snapped open and looked Lexie straight in the eye. A dark anger swirled beneath the

surfaceasfullanddeepasLexie’shatredforher.Sabineturnedabruptlyandshovedthemanbehindher.
Hestumbledbackwardwithashockedlookonhisface.“Whatthefuck,Sabine?”

“Not her,” Sabine commanded. “You will never touch her and you will not think of her. Do you

understandme?”

HenoddedhisheadashiseyesflashedfromSabineandLexie.
Sabine slapped him across the face with the back of her hand. “Do you understand me?” Sabine

demanded.

“Yes.”Hiseyesflareddark.Lexieonlywatchedindisgustasthesetwodancedsometwistedgameof

foreplay.DespitethefactthatthismanwasphysicallylargerthanSabine,sheexactedallthecontrol.The
harshershebecame,themorewillingandeagerhewastopleaseher.

“Youwanttomakemehappy,don’tyou?”Sabinecooedassheranherfingernailalonghischest.
“Always,”herespondedquickly.
“Then do what I say,” Sabine said as she grabbed his chin roughly. Her nails looked like they were

abouttobreakhisfleshashelookeddownatherwithexaggeratedbreath.Hisgazedroppedtoherlips
beforehebegantoleandowntowardherbutshestoppedhim.

“Notnow.Ineedtothink,”Sabinesaid,pushinghimaway.
ThesoundofadoorclosingonthelowerfloorclaimedSabine’sattention.“Watchher.”Shepointed

hertalon-likenailtowardLexieasshestalkedoutoftheroom.

HiseyesswungtoLexieandasubtlesmilecurledupthecornersofhislips.Lexiedidn’tknowwhat

was worse, Sabine the aggressor, or her well-trained pet. They both gave Lexie the creeps. This entire
situationdid.Theyseemedunpredictableanddancedontheboundaryofinsanity.Thiswasnothinglike
beingwrappedupinthecarefullylaidplansofJohnStodden,whosemoveswerecalculatedandprecise.
Thiswaslikebeingthrownintoapitoffirewhenitwasabouttoraingasoline.

Lexielookedathercuffsandgavethemanothertug.Herskinwasaggravatedfromthechafingmetal.

Sheknewtherewasnowaytobefreeofthemonherterms.Shepressedherheadbackagainstthewall
and let out an exasperated breath. She could still feel the pain lingering from Sabine’s welcoming
embrace.

Every time she closed her eyes, even for a brief moment, she saw Cherry on the floor with blood

smearedacrossherface.Sheprayedwitheverycornerofhersoulthatshewaswell.Lexiewastiredof
thepeopleshelovedbeingcaughtinthecrossfire.

ThistimeLexiewasfilledwithanger.Therewasnofearoftheunknownasshefoundherselfatthe

mercy of these people. She had already been introduced to this dark side of humanity and had lost her
motherbecauseofit.Nowshewantedrevenge.

SheknewJacksonwouldcomeforherthistime…therewasnodoubtinhermind,butpartofherdidn’t

wanthimto.Thatpartofherneededhimtoknowshecouldtakecareofherself,despitetheoddsstacked
againsther.Therewasalsotheveryrealfearthatsomethingwouldhappentohim,andshecouldn’tlose
him.Shecouldn’tloseanyoneelseinherlife.

Jacksonwassupposedtohavebeenasafebet,someonesheknewshewouldn’tfallfor.Sheknewhe

wasdangerous,unstable,andcapableofthingsshecouldonlyimagine.Itwasmerelyscratchingasexual
need,butshehadbeenindenialfromthestart,andsheknewthatnow.Hewaseverythingshethoughtshe
wouldn’t want, and yet now he was the only one she could picture giving herself to. Lexie had always
envisionedherselfwithsomeonesafeandcomfortinglikeAlex,butJacksonhadledhertodiscovermore
aboutherselfthensheeverthoughtpossible.

Jacksonfitherinwayssheneverimagined;onlevelssodeepitpenetratedhercore.Itwasterrifying

andrawtothepointthatsheknewshecouldneverturnback.Hewasstillverymuchaclosedbook,with
darksecretssheknewshouldterrifyher,butapieceofhernowexistedinhim,justlikeapieceofher
wasburiedwithAlex.

Lexielookedupatthemanacrosstheroomashelithiscigarette.Hisdarkeyesneverleftherasshe

wasforcedtoremaininhiscompany.

“What’syourname?”Lexieasked.
“Why?”Henarrowedhiseyesashetookalongpullfromhiscigarette.
“I was just curious if you had a name or if I should just call you Sabine’s little pet,” Lexie said

defiantly.Shewantedtoknowexactlywhoshewasdealingwith,andpushinghisbuttonsseemedlikea
goodplacetostart.

“You should be careful or I’ll show you how not so little I am,” he ground out through his clenched

teeth.“ThenameisNeil.”Heblewoutthesmokeandwatcheditcurlintheairaroundhim.“Remember
it.”Aslysmilecurleduptheedgesofhislips.

“Well,Neil,iskidnappingwomenthenormaroundhere?”Lexieasked.
“Depends,”hesaidwithatiltofhishead.
“AmIatleastallowedtousethewashroom?”Lexieraisedabrow.

NeilglancedtowardthedoorandthenbackatLexie.“Yeah,Iguess.”Hethrewhiscigarettedownon

thefloorandsteppedonitbeforehewalkedovertowardthewindowandgrabbedakeyofftheledge.
Lexie hadn’t even noticed it until he retrieved it. “Don’t try anything stupid. There are armed men
everywhereinthishouseandtheywereorderedtoshootfirstandaskquestionslater.”

“Fair enough.” Lexie had noticed the gun tucked into his pants when he had turned his back. She

neededtobecareful.

“Sowhat’sitliketohaveJohnStoddenasafather?”Neilaskedashegrabbedherwristtounlockthe

cuffs.

“Terrible,”Lexieansweredhonestly.
“Daddyissues?”Neilsmiledmischievously.
“Youhavenoidea.”
“Givemeyourotherhand.”Neilsaid.LexietentativelyheldoutherhandandNeilclosedthecuffover

herotherwrist,securingherhandstogether.“Okay,getup.”Neilsteppedbacktoallowherroomtogetto
herfeet.Hewithdrewhisgunandaimeditather.

Lexietriednottoshowfearashewavedtheguntowardthedoorway.“It’sattheendofthehall.”
Lexiewalkedslowlydownthehall.Theonlythingshecouldthinkaboutwasthegunpointedather

back.Itleftlittleroomforthoughtsofescape.

When Lexie stepped inside the washroom and grabbed the door, she turned around and closed it in

Neil’s face unapologetically. She tried to turn the lock, only to discover it was broken. She could hear
Neil’ssnickerontheothersideofthedoor.

Lexiewalkedovertowardthesinkandturnedthewateron.Watersputteredoutoftheoldtarnished

faucetbeforeitbegantorunsmoothlyoverherhands.Fillingherhandswithwater,shesplashedherface
withthecool,refreshingliquid.SheneededtothinkandthefirstpersonwhocametomindwasJackson.
Hewasthemostresourcefulpersonshehadeverknownandshetriedtothinkaboutwhathewoulddoin
thissituation.

Lexieturnedoffthewaterandgrabbedthetowelhangingonthetowelbar.Itlookedrelativelycleanas

shegrabbedtheendtodryherface.Voicesfloatedupthroughthegrateonthefloorandshebentdownto
listen.SherecognizedFlintandSabine’svoiceimmediately.

“…youdon’tneedhim,Flint.Hewasjustyourpuppeteerforfuckingyears.Let’sgethimtogiveus

somemoneyforhisdaughter.I’msurehe’llpayashitloadforhislittlebitch,”Sabinesaid.

“Hewon’tletmegetawaywiththat.IneedtoconvincehimthatLexiewastellinglies.He’llseeitmy

waywhenIdeliverherandthefilestohim,”Flintresponded.Hisvoiceseemedstrainedasshelistened.

“Why do you want that bastard’s approval?” Sabine was losing her temper as the tone of her voice

rangloudandclear.“Doyouhonestlythinkhevaluesyourloyalty?Webothknowhedoesn’tgiveashit
about anyone but himself. You need to forget about your history with Stodden and think about keeping
yourselfalive.”

“I’masgoodasdeadifIturnmybackonhim.”
“Hecan’tkillyouifhecan’tfindyou.IcanfindabuyereasyforthegirlandtheshitStoddenwants.

Do you know how much people would pay to have that power over him? We can take the money and
disappear.”

A banging on the door startled Lexie and she jumped to her feet. “Just a second.” Lexie flushed the

toiletandbarelyhadtimetoprepareherselfbeforethedoorswungopen.

“Hurryup.Whatdoyouthinkthisis,aluxuryhotel?”Neilcomplained.
“I’mdone,”Lexiesaidasshesteppedoutintothehallway.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

Jackson

Thepizzawasstaleandtastedlikethecardboardboxithadbeensittinginsincethenightbeforeas

Jackson managed to swallow a few bites before tossing it to the pigeons. A large flock of them were
beginningtocollectoutsidethemotelroom.Heleanedagainsttherailingandwatchedthemfightoverthe
scrapsoffood,theirwingsflutteringmadlyastheypeckedatthetoughcrust.

Jackson’s headphones were around his neck. He could barely hear the music, but it was enough to

clearhishead.ForLexie’ssake,heneededasolidplan.Hewouldnotgamblewithherlife.Hisentire
lifehehadbeendivingintodangerheadfirst,andifhewashonestwithhimself,partofhimwishedthat
hewouldneversurfacefromthedangershetempted.Thesituationthatstoodbeforehimwouldhaveonce
madehismouthwaterinanticipation,butnowhewasdeterminednottomakethewrongmove.

Danesighedashesettledbackinoneoftheflimsyplasticchairsthatsatoutsidethemotel.Itgroaned

unpleasantlyandJacksonwassurpriseditdidn’tcollapseunderthestrainofDane’ssize.Danetippeda
bottleofwhiskeytohislipsandtookalonghaul.

“Breakfastofchampions,”Jacksonsaidwithasmirk.
“It’sbetterthanstalepizza,”Danesaid,wipinghislipswiththebackofhishand.
“You might be right. How much are you drinking these days, anyway?” Jackson asked Dane, who’d

been nursing a bottle since he rolled out of bed. Jackson knew his history well enough to know that it
didn’ttakemuchforhimtospiraloutofcontrol.JacksonwasnotmuchofatalkerhimselfbutDanewas
worse. He also had a habit of keeping things bottled deep inside and they slowly carved away at him,
piecebypiece.Itwasonlyamatteroftimeuntilhecouldn’tstanditanymore.Jacksondidn’tfaulthimfor
tryingtoforgetwithabottle.Itwasacopingtechniquetheybothused.

ThistimeofyearwasparticularlyhardonDane,andnormallyabenderwouldcausehimtodisappear

without a word for days, sometimes weeks at a time. Jackson and Teddy never let on, but they always
trackedhiseverymovementontheseoccasions.Theyneededtomakesuretheyweretheretostepinif
Dane got himself into trouble. It only came to that one time and Dane was too inebriated to remember
they’d come to his rescue. Jackson thought it was best he didn’t remember they intervened. There was
something that felt sacred about Dane’s time away from his life, where he sought complete dullness of
mindandlethimselfgetlost.Hewasalwaysanewmanwhenhereturned,likehehadhitresetonthe
tormentthathauntedhim.Andthecyclewouldstartagainuntilthenextyear.

Jackson had known about Dane’s history, but only what he had found on paper when he looked into

Danewhentheyfirstmet.ThetruthaboutDane’sdemonswashiddendeepinsidehim.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?YoudrinkmeandTeddyunderthetable,”Daneargued.
“Iwon’tdenythat,butyouusuallydrinkwhenthesunissetting,notrising.”Jacksonneededhimtobe

with them for this to work. He hoped Dane understood how important he was in pulling this off. Dane
lookeddownatthebottleinhishandthoughtfullybeforehetippeditupandpouredtherestofthecontents
ontheground.

“Ihaveanappointmentwiththatshrink…”Danesaidabsently.
“Just make some shit up like you normally do,” Jackson said dismissively, not really understanding

whathadDanesodistraughtaboutmeetingwiththisnewpsychiatrist.

“Ican’t.She’snotliketheothers.Shecanseethroughmybullshit,andGilessaidifIdidn’tmeether,

he’dtakemybadge.”

“Thentalk.Whatharmcanitdo?Maybeitwillevenhelp,”Jacksonsuggested.
DanenarrowedhiseyesashelookedatJackson.“TellmewhyLexiehasyouallturnedaround.What

isitaboutherthathasgotyouseeingfuckingstars?”

“See,you’llbefine.Yougotthatdeflectionshitdowntoascience.”Jacksonturnedaroundandleaned

bothelbowsbackontherailing.“Justtalkcirclesaroundheruntilyourhourisup.”

“She’saprofessionalandseesrightthroughthatshit,andI’mserious,man.Iwanttoknowwhyyoulet

Lexiein.She’shis daughter and the last person I would have thought could crack your shell. I’ve been
your friend for years and you never let anyone in, and now all of a sudden we’re picking up strays
everywhere,andyou’rethinkingthroughyouractionsandshit.Shechangedyou.”

“Isthatwhatthisisabout?Youhaveacrushonthatshrinkandyou’rescaredshe’llgetinsideandsee

allthedarkshityoucarryaroundwithyou?”

“Fuck,man,talkaboutdeflection.Weareapair,aren’twe?”
“I’mnotgoingsoft,ifthat’swhatyou’reworriedabout,”Jacksonsaiddefensively.
“You can rest assured that no one can ever accuse you of being soft, but if you start sending me

birthdaycardsandshit,Imighthavetoshootyou.”Danechuckled.

“Pleasedo.”
“AfterthisfuckedupconversationI’mstartingtoregretpouringthatgoodwhiskeyout.”Danelooked

downatthewetstainontheground.

“Metoo.”Jacksonfrowned.“I’mfeelinglikeadrinkmyself.”
“Jacks?”Teddycalledfrominsidetheirroom.
JacksonlockedeyeswithDanebeforepushingofftherailing.“Whatdoyouhave?”Hewalkedintothe

roomtoseeTeddyintheexactsameplace,parkedinfrontofhismultiplelaptopsspreadoutonthesmall
round table in the corner of the room. The space was less than ideal, but Teddy never complained. He
knewwhatneededtobedone.Jacksonwasneveronefortechnology,allthescreensthatwereuplooked
likeacompletelydifferentlanguagetohim.

“Justgotatiponaprivatebid;seemswhoevertookLexieistryingtocashin,”Teddysaid,pointing

towardhisscreenwherehetappedintoaprivatemessageboard.

“ThatmeanswecanruleoutthatStoddenhasher.”TheyhadtrackedLexie’slocationtoaresidential

propertyandtookuppositionatthehotelthatwasjustfarenoughtostopandgetahandleonthesituation
beforetheymovedin.SomethingaboutthescenarioseemedofftoJacksonandtheywerenowdiscovering
why.

“I’vetrackedthenameofwhotookthebait.It’samannamedDillanNeumann.”
“Who’sthat?”Jacksonaskedwithafrown.
“Onthesurfacehelookslikeanobody.Hisrecordiscleanasfuck,butIdugalittledeeperandfound

outthathehasconnectionswithMarcelQuintano.”

Jackson’s confusion deepened when he heard the name. Marcel Quintano was a man he had been

introduced to many years ago, even before he earned his badge and learned the man’s criminal history.

HisnamewaspracticallyahouseholdnameinBelhaven.Marcelhadspentmostofhisyouthbehindbars
untilhewiseduptothesystemandmanagedtokeephishandscleanenoughtoevadeprosecution.Hewas
now the president of a bike club that was located just outside Belhaven, the Heathens. Most of the city
feared them with good reason, but fortunately for the police their matters did not interfere with the
wellbeingofthegeneralpopulation.JacksonknewhimbetterthaneitherTeddyorDanerealized.

“WhythefuckwouldQuintanogetinvolvedwithStodden’sshit?”Jacksonrubbedthesideofhisface

thoughtfully, trying to find the connection. Jackson knew for a fact that Quintano made it his personal
missiontostayfarawayfromanythingwithStodden’sprintsonit.Hewantedtoknowwhatchangedthat.
“Findmetheconnection.”

“Alreadyworkingonit,”Teddyreplied.
“WhatarethechancesthatStoddenisalreadyontothislead?”
“Thiswaskeptonthelowinaprivategroup.Weshouldhaveagoodheadstart,”Teddysaid.
“Howdidyoufindit?”Jacksonasked
“Youaren’ttheonlyonewithfriendsindarkplaces,andbesides,I’mtheshit,”Teddyboasted.
“WhoevercrossedStoddenwillhaveprobablyleftatrail,soweshouldmovefast.”Jacksonmentally

begantochecktheboxesofhisplan,makingsureeverythingwaslineduptomaketheirmove.

“No one has left the property, but a car recently arrived,” Teddy said, pointing toward the satellite

viewofthehousewhereLexiewas.

“DaneandIhavetogomakeourpickup.Callmewithanychange.”Jacksonlookedupandnoticed

something on one of his other screens. “What’s this? Is that a hallway in Max’s apartment building?”
Jacksonrecognizedthesadlookinginteriorofthebuilding.

TeddyclosedthescreenonthecomputerinquestionandlookedupatJacksonwithaguiltylookinhis

eye. “What? I’m just making sure that bastard doesn’t sneak into her apartment again and put another
camerainthere.”

“Fuckme.”JacksonshookhisheadindisbeliefashelookedatTeddy.“We’llbebacksoon,Stalker.”

Jacksonsmackedhimonthebackashegrabbedhiskeysofthenightstand.

“I’mjustlookingoutforher.”Teddyraisedhishandsinquestion.“There’ssomethingabouther…”
“Thefactthatshehastits?”Jacksoninterrupted.
“Haha,you’resofunny.I’mlookingoutforherbecausesheseemedscared.”
“Yeah,she’sscaredofyou,andrightfullyso,”Danesaid.
“Fuckyou,guys.”Teddywavedthemoffandbegantypingawayastheyslippedoutthedoor.
Gileshadarrangedforacarepackageforthemandtheyweregoingtoneedit.Thoughtheorderswere

notofficial,Jacksonknewthateveryonewascountingonhim.Stodden’spowerhadgrowntoogreatand
hehadcontaminatedeventhepeoplesworntoprotectit.Jacksonknewhewasthelastresort.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FIVE

Stephanie

Looking down at her bare finger, Stephanie sighed. She missed the ring more than she would ever

admit,butitwasbackwhereitbelonged,andthatwaswhatshewouldfindcomfortinnow.Stephanie
looked up and caught Nate looking at her from the driver’s seat. He had concern in his eyes that she
wishedwasn’tthere.Itonlymadeherfeelguilty.

“I’m fine. Stop looking at me like you have to hide all the sharp objects. Why are we stopped here,

anyway?”Stephanieaskedasshelookedoutthewindshieldtoasmallparkwithquaintwoodenbenches
thatoverlookedasmalllake.Thesunsethighintheskyandtherewaslittlebreezetobreaktheintense
heat.Shewassurprisedtherewasnoonearoundonsuchabeautifulday.

Nateleanedbackinhisseat.“Ijustwanttomakesurewe’renotbeingfollowed.”
“Why would we be followed?” Stephanie turned her head so she could watch the wheels turning

behindhistroubledeyes.

“Therewassomethingwayoffwiththatguy,”heconfessed.
“Alden?Heonlyjustfoundouthiswifewasabductedbyadementedserialkillerthatwasalsovery

recentlythemayorofhiscity,ofcoursetherewouldbesomethingoff,”Stephaniesuggested.

“No,it’snotthat.”Nate’sphonesoundedfromtheconsoleofthecar.Hepickeditupandlookedatthe

screen.Hisfacelookedlikeitpaledashereadthescreen.

“Whoisit?”Stephanieaskednervously.Shegotaquickglanceatthephoneandrecognizedthename

asoneoftheofficersworkingontheMastencase.

“Hello?”Nateaskedinareservedtone.“That’sme.”
Stephaniecouldonlywatchhelplesslyfromthepassenger’sseatasNatelistenedtotheotherendofthe

line.Despitetheheatofthesun,shecouldfeelthetemperaturedroparoundhim.Herimaginationbeganto
runwildasshelistenedtoNate’sbreathing.Theonlythingsheknewforcertainwastheinformationhe
wasreceivingcarveddeepintohimbytherigidnessofhisposture.Stephaniewantedtoofferhimcomfort
butshedidn’tknowhow.Allshecoulddowaswait.

StephanieheldherbreathwhenNateendedthecall.“It’snicetoknowpeoplewithconnections,”Nate

said,tryingtobelight,butitwasunconvincing.

“Whatwasit?”Stephanieblurted.“Whathappened?”
“Theydidn’tfindmymotherburiedwiththeothers,”Natesaidashelockedeyeswithher.
“Oh.”Stephaniecouldtellherconfusionwaswrittenonherface.“ButIthoughttheyalreadyidentified

her?”

“Shewasthere…theyfoundherbodystuffedinafreezerinthebasement.”
Stephaniedidn’tknowhowtorespondasshestaredathimwithaheavyweightinherstomach.
“Hekeptherinthereforalltheseyears…”
Stephanie tentatively placed her hand on his arm, needing to know that she was doing something to

relievesomeofhispain.

“Isawthatfreezerwhenwewereinthatbasement.Whenwecameforyou…doyourememberwhenI

openedthoseotherdoors?Icanrememberseeingitsittinginthecorner.”

Stephaniecoveredhermouth.“Ohgod,”shewhispered.
“Because she was frozen, her remains were better preserved than the others. It looks like she died

fromcomplicationsofchildbirth.”

“Didtheyfindababy?”Thequestionburstfromherwithoutanythought.
Natelookedather,butallhecoulddowasshakehishead.Theybothremainedquiet,lostinthoughtto

whatthismeant;thehorrorofwonderingifaninnocentbabywaskilledorallowingtheslightesthopethat
thechildsurvivedsomehow.Itwassooverwhelmingitwashardtodigest.Stephaniecouldonlywatch
Nateandwonderifthesamethoughtsweregoingthroughhishead.

Natespunaroundinhisseat,startlingStephaniebeforehesuddenlyreachedoverherandopenedhis

glove box. Stephanie watched wide-eyed as he grabbed a handgun. “Get down and stay down,” Nate
ordered.

Stephaniesliddowninherseat,completelyfrozenwithfear.Shewastooterrifiedtoturnaroundand

lookbutsheknewacarhadcometoastopbehindthem.Stephanieheldherbreathasshetriedtomake
herselfassmallaspossible.

Stephanie slapped her hands over her mouth to stop the scream that escaped her when the back

windowoftheircarexplodedasgunshotsrangout.Natehadopenedhisdoorandslippedoutofthecar.
Shehadnoideawherehewasassheheardmoregunshotsandthenthesoundofstruggling.

Something slammed against the side of the car and made her jump. She glanced back to see Nate

fighting with Alden. This was not the same man she had only just met, who had welcomed her into his
home. This man had fire in his eyes and was intent on killing Nate. Stephanie looked inside the open
gloveboxtoseeaknife.Shegrabbedthehandleandtoreoffthecasewithshakyhands.

Takingadeepbreathtocalmhernerves,shecrawledovertheconsoleofthecartothedriver’sseat.

Anotherbangagainstthecarjoltedherandshetumbledoutofthecarontotheground.Herbodytrembled
so badly she didn’t know if she would be able to stand as she looked under the car to see Nate and
Alden’sfeetstillontheotherside.

“Ohgod,ohgod…”Stephaniewhisperedassheduckeddownlowandmovedtowardthebackofthe

car.Shelookedatthethickforestthatwasonlyjustontheoppositesideoftheroad.Sheknewshecould
probablymakeitifsheranandhid.Everypartofherscreamedtorunbutshecouldn’tleaveNate.She
knewshewouldhateherselfforit.Squeezinghereyesshuttight,shedrewinadeepbreathandlookedup
atthesky,prayingforstrength.Sheroundedthecarbutdartedbackasbothmencamebarrelingtoward
her,knockingintothesideofthecar,whichcausedittopainfullydigintoherback.

Nausea raked through her as she cringed from the pain. The men fought for control of the gun and a

bulletshotoffmerefeetfromwhereshewashuddledbehindthecar.Shecriedoutasshepressedherself
backintothecartighter.Adjustinghersweatygripontheknife,sheknewsheneededtoactbeforeAlden
turnedthegunonthem.

Stephaniegrabbedholdofhersurvivalinstinctandacted.Shelungedforwardandjabbedthebladeof

theknifeintoAlden’scalfmuscleasNatepressedhimagainstthecar.

Aldenscreamedoutinpainasbloodstreameddownhisleg.Stephaniescrambledbackward,hereyes

notleavingtheknife.Nateknockedhimbackwardandmanagedtowrestlethegunfromhishand.

Stephanie watched as Nate pulled the trigger and a red hole appeared on Alden’s stomach and his

blood began to spread across his shirt. Alden looked down at his wound and placed his hand over it,
watchingthebloodcoathisfingers.HestaggeredonhisfeetbeforehelookedbackupatNate.

“I know that you gave your wife to that sick bastard, but what I can’t figure out is why?” Nate

narrowed his eyes. “Why the fuck would you send the mother of your child to a man you know would
tortureandultimatelykillher?”

Aldensmiledsadistically.“Fuckyou,”hesaidashespitbloodoutontheground.
Natereleasedanothershot,againintohisleg,andAldencriedoutanddroppeddownonhisknee.
“Tellme!”Natescreamed.
“Shewasacheatingwhore.Shedeservedwhatshegot.Everyfuckingsecondofit,”Aldensaidcold-

heartedly.Eachseconddrewoutlongerthanshethoughtpossibleaseachbulletjoltedhisbodyuntilhe
droppedtotheground.Natehadreleasedtheentireroundintohim.

Stephanie couldn’t take her eyes off him as she just watched his lifeless body. She wondered if this

nightmarewasevergoingtoend.Theworlddidn’tfeelthesame.Theeviloftheworldhadrippedher
veilofhappinessawayandshedidn’tknowwhattothinkofitanymore.

“Thank you, Stephanie,” Nate said, kneeling down beside her after an unidentifiable amount of time

passed.Shefeltlikeshehadbeendriftingforhours.

“Thankyouforwhat?Stabbingsomeone?”Stephaniesaidindisbelief.
“Itwashimorus,”Natesaid,nudginghershoulderwithhis.
“It’snotthatsimple.”Stephanieshookherhead.“Thatlittlegirllosthermotherandnowherfatheris

gone.”

“She has her grandparents. She’ll be fine. Trust me, that little girl is better off not knowing who her

fatherreallywas,”Natesaidwithoutremorse.

“Howdidyouknow?”Stephanieasked.
“Ihadafeeling.Iknowhe’sinvolvedinthisStoddenshitsomehow.Hewasasruthlessastherestof

them.Ijusthavetofindoutthehowpart.”

“Idon’tevenknowwhattosay,”Stephanieconfessedassheleanedbackagainstthecar.
Natestoodupandwalkedaroundtothedriver’ssideofthecarandreturnedafewsecondslaterwith

hisphone.Stephaniewatchednumblyashedialedanumberandplacedthephoneagainsthisear.“Ineed
tospeakwithDetectiveHaffey.”

Stephanie pushed off the car and barely stood up before she threw up all over the ground, barely

missingNate’sfeet.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-SIX

Sabine

“Youalwayswerethesoftone,brother,”Sabinesaidasshepickedupabottleofredwinethatsatnext

toacollectionofemptiesandpulledthecorkout.Shebroughtittohernosebeforeshetippedittoher
lips.

Thekitchenwasaghostofwhatithadbeen.Itwouldhaveoncebeenstandingproudasthecherished

homeofanupperclassfamily.Thefinedetailswerestillpresentunderathicklayerofdustandgrime.It
wasonceatrophyofsuccessbutnowremainedabandonedaftersomethinghorrifictaintedit.Thehome
musthadoncebroughtenvytotheneighborsbutnowitstoodasareminderthatnothingiswhatitseems.

Peoplestayedawayfromthishouse,andthatwasexactlywhySabinedecideditwastheperfectplace.

Therealestateagentjumpedatthechancetorentit,andaftershediscussedterms,heagreedtoletthe
paperwork slide. Sabine smiled to herself how easy it was to convince him to let her stay here
unofficially.

Sexcouldmakeanymanbend,itwasalmosttooeasy.Justlikealltheonesbeforehimitdidn’tmatter

ifheworearing,itdidn’tmatterwhowaswaitingathome.Menwereweakcreatures,andifitdidn’t
servehersowellshewouldbedisgustedbythefactthattheyswayedtooeasilyfromtheirmorals.She
enjoyedsexjustasmuchasthenextperson,butitwouldnevermakeherlosesightofhergoal.

“Areyougonnadrinktherestofthebottle?”Flintcomplained.Hewasstandingwithhisbackagainst

thewallandhisarmsfoldedacrosshischest.

“Imightsaveyouadrop,”Sabineteasedasshewatchedhimwithatiltofherhead.Shetappedher

fingersonthesideofthebottleassherevisitedoldmemories.“Doyourememberallthoserodentsand
disgustinglittleinsectsyouusedtocollectandkeepinboxesinyourroom?”

“Wherethefuckareyougoingwiththis,Sabine?Idon’twanttodragupoldghosts.”Flintrubbedhis

forehead.Thedarkcirclesunderhiseyesshowedhisstress.

“I still remember the look on your face when you came home and saw the pile of boxes in the

backyard. Dad was pouring lighter fluid all over them. You begged him to stop. You were crying and
screaming,” Sabine said thoughtfully. “And then whoosh.” She waved her arms to mimic the fire. “Our
fuckingfatherlitupallthoselittlebastardsyoulovedsomuch.”Sabinewalkedclosertoherbrother.He
staredatherandshecouldfeelhisangerstartingtobubbleunderhisskin.Sabinepointedtotheceiling.
“ThatlittlebitchupstairsisyourpetandStoddenisourfather.It’sacycleyoucan’tseemtobreak.It’s
onlyamatteroftimebeforehedestroysyou.Justlikeourfatherdid.Every.Single.Day.Takemyadvice
nowandwalkaway.Yougivepeopletoomuchpoweroveryou.”

“Iwastenyearsold,”Flintsaidashenarrowedhiseyes.
“What’syourexcusenow?You’vebeentryingtowinStodden’sapprovalforyearsjustlikeyoudid

withFather.It’spathetic.”

“Shutthefuckup,Sabine.Youdon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
“Don’tI?”
Sabinewasn’tsurprisedwhenshefeltthestingofherbrother’shandacrossherface.Shesmiledand

wiped the back of her hand across her lips and saw blood just as she began to taste the copper on her
tongue.

SheheldupthebottleofwineandFlintgrabbeditfromherhand.Hedownedtherestbeforetossing

theemptybottleacrosstheroom.Theybothwatcheditshatteragainstthewallandraindownonthefloor.

“I’mtheonlyonewhoreallycaresaboutyou,Flint.Ifyou’renotgonnadowhatneedstobedone,then

Iwill.JustlikeIalwayshave.”

“Whatdidyoudo?”Flintnarrowedhiseyes.Hiswordssoundedlikepoisonastheydrippedfromhis

lips.

Sabineplacedherhandsonherhipsandgavehimaslysmile.Sheknewitwasonlyamatteroftime

beforeherplanbecameobvious.Thelookonherbrother’sfacewouldbepriceless.“Whatthefuckdid
youdo,Sabine?Answerme,”Flintdemandedashegrabbedforhershoulders.Hisgripdugpainfullyinto
herskin,butshewouldneverlethimknowit.Shewouldnevershowanyoneweakness;noteventoher
brother,theonlypersonshetrulycaredabout.Sabinewatchedhiseyeswidenslightlybeforehishands
slid down her arms, falling to his sides. He looked down at his uncooperative hands, trying to flex his
fingers.

“Sabine…”Flinttriedtoforcethewordsfromhismouthbuthistonguewouldnolongercooperate.He

begantostumbleandSabinecaughthimunderthearmsbeforehedroppedtotheground.

“Itwillbeallright,Flint.”Sabinehelpedguidehimdowntothefloorandthenproppedhimagainst

thewall.“Youwereright,yourlittlescienceexperimentsdocomeinhandy.”Sabinetappedhimonthe
sideoftheface.“Ididn’tknowhowmuchtogiveyou,soImayhavegoneoverboard.Youmighthaveone
hellofaheadachewhenyoucomeoutofthis,brother.”

SabineleanedbackonherheelsandlookedatFlintleaningagainstthewall.Shecouldtellbythelook

inhiseyeshewaslivid.“Youpushedmetoit.Ican’tletyoumakethismistake.”Sabinestoodupandran
herhandsoverherfaceandthenlookeddownatherfingers.“YouknowIcanstillfeelhisbloodonmy
hands.”Astrangledlaughescapedher.

“PartofmehatedyouforconstantlytryingtoimpressFather.Hedidn’tdeserveit.Hedidn’tdeserve

anything.Thatnight…thatnightwhenhefoundoutyouhadscratchedhiscar.Istoppedhim.Iknewhewas
angry.IdidwhatIhadto.Youknowthat,right?ThatIdiditforyou.”Sabinebithertonguehardtostop
any emotion from appearing. “When they released me all those years later I hated the fact that you had
foundanotherbastardtocrawlintheshadowof.Youhavetogetyourshittogether,Flint,soIdon’thave
tokeepcomingtoyourrescue.

“Neil!”Sabinescreamed.Shegrabbedapackofsmokesoffthekitchentableandstalkedtowardthe

stairs. She pulled a smoke from the pack and placed it on her lips and lit it with the lighter that was
shovedinsidethepack.Shepulledthesmokedeepinsideherlungsandletitcalmher.“Neil!”shebelted
againasshestartedupthesteps.

“Yes!Whatthefuck,Sabine?”Neilanswered,comingoutoftheroomtheywerekeepingLexieinas

shenearedthetopofthesteps.

“We’regoingahead,”sheinformedhimasshewalkedintooneoftheotherbedroomsatthetopofthe

stairs.

“How’dyougetFlintonboard?”Neilasked,followingherinside.
Sabinespunaround.“Ididn’t,exactly.”

“Whatdidyoudo?”Neilaskedwithacunningsmileturninguphislips.
“Whatneededtobedone.”Sabinepickeduphercellphoneandbeganscrollingthroughthenumbers

but paused when Neil dropped to his knees in front of her. “What are you up to?” Sabine asked with
narrowedeyes.

Neilranhisfingersuptheinsideofherbareleg.“You’resosexywhenyougetlikethis.Youknow

whatitdoestome,”Neilsaidasheleanedinandkissedherthighbeforehebitherskin,gentlypulling
withhisteeth.

Sabineleanedbackagainstthedeskbehindherandasensualmoanescapedherlipsashepushedup

her skirt. His fingers dug into her flesh as he moved slowly up the inside of her legs. His exploration
tugged directly on her sex. A sensual heat flamed deep in her core as he rubbed her center with rough
fingers.

“Fuck,nopanties.Youareonehellofawoman.”
“YouknowIhatethatfuckingword,”Sabinegaspedasshethrewherheadback.
“Panties.”Hechuckledbeforeslidinghisfingersdeepinsideofheruntilhefilledher.Sabinegrabbed

himbythehairandpulledhisheadback.Shecouldseeexcitementflarewildlyinhiseyes.

“Don’tsaythatfuckingwordorIwillcutyou,”Sabinethreatenedbeforeshovinghisfacebetweenher

legs.“Nowstoptalkingandmakemecome.”

Neil thrust his fingers deep inside her, over and over, his warm mouth and tongue pulling at her

sensitiveflesh.Shecouldfeelthepleasuredrippingfromher,shecouldseeherwetnessonhislipsand
faceasheeagerlygorgedonher.Ittookalittleguidance,butNeilwassopliablethatitdidn’ttakehim
longtoknowexactlyhowsheliketobepleased.

The numbing heat began to flood her legs and soon she felt as if she were floating, completely

unattached to the world for the brief moment until pleasure snapped through her. The haze immediately
began to dissipate. She had always thought a good orgasm was like a reboot to a system. Her thoughts
wereclearerandherbodywasnowrecharged.

Sabineliftedherlegandplacedherfootonhisshoulder,pushinghimback.Hedroppedbackonhis

heels,lookingupatherlikeapuppywaitingforacommand.Herreleasewassmearedacrosshisface.If
shehadmoretimeshewoulddrawthisoutlonger,butsheknewtimewaslimited.Sheneededtogetin
touchwithherbuyerandmakesurethemeetingwasgoingaheadasplanned.

Sabinestoodup,straightenedherskirt,andpickedupherphone.
“Whataboutme?”Neilasked,bitinghislipseductively.Hiserectionwasstrainingagainsthispants.It

wouldn’tfazehertoleavehimunsatisfiedbutshewantedhimtohaveaclearhead.

“Touchyourself,”Sabinedemanded.
Neil hesitated for a moment before he grabbed the buckle of his belt and unfastened his pants. He

shovedhisjeansdownhislegs,releasinghisthrobbingerection.Hewrappedhishandaroundhislength
andslowlyworkedhishandupanddownthelength.Hismouthopenedslightly,showingthepleasurethat
wasreelingthroughhim.

“Faster,”Sabineorderedhim.
Hisstrokesbegantoquickenashiseyesstayedlockedonhers.Sabinegrabbedhischin,shovingher

thumbinhismouthandsqueezed.“Faster.”

Shecouldfeelhisbodytighten,everymuscleconstrictinanticipationasshegazeddeepintohislust-

filled eyes. He clamped his teeth down on her thumb and she could feel the vibration of his moan that
workeditswayupfromhischestashegrowledoutinrelease,hiscumsprayingonthefloorinfrontof
him.

Sabinehitsendonthephoneandranherhanddownthefrontofhershirt,makingsureherclotheswere

inorder.

“Sabine,”thevoiceansweredontheotherendoftheline.“IwaswonderingwhenI’dhearfromyou.”

“7:00p.m.attheabandonedsawmillonCumberland.”
“Ithinkwecanmakethatwork,”heanswered.
“Ifyou’renotthere,thegoodsaregoingtothenextbuyerIhavelinedup,”Sabinesaiddryly.
“Noted.Seeyousoon,Sabine.”
SabinehitendandlookeddownatNeil,stilllazilystrokinghimself.Hisheadhunglowwithhiseyes

closedasherecovered.

“Cleanthatup,”Sabinesaidasshestalkedoutoftheroom.“Weneedtogetreadytoleave.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-SEVEN

Jackson

Theunmarkedcubevanwasparkedjustundertheoverpass,outofsightfromtheoccasionalcarthat

could be heard passing overhead. The driver was slouched down in his seat, the glow from his phone
highlightinghisfeaturesinthedimlight.

Jackson shook his head when he saw who had been sent to meet them. He pulled his car to a stop

behindthetruckandkilledtheengine.

“Fuck.It’sCrisler,”Jacksonmuttered.
“Doyouwantmetohandlehim?”Daneasked.
“Let’sjustgetthisoverwith.”Jacksonswunghisdooropenandsteppedout.Hewalkeduptotheback

ofthetruckandhittheoverheaddoor.Thesoundechoedaroundthemfromtheconcreteenclosureofthe
bridge.HewasnotlookingforwardtodealingwithTomCrisler.ThemanthoughthewasGod’sgifttothe
policeforceandhaditinforJackson.

Jackson knew Crisler was always sniffing around, trying to find anything that indicated he stepped

outsidethelines.TryingtouncoverJackson’sdirtysecretsseemedtohavebecomeanobsessionforthe
man.Littledidheknowthatifhelookedintherightplaces,hewouldfindajackpotofevidencetolock
Jacksonawayforlife.Jacksonknewhewasalreadylivingonborrowedtime.

“Who’dyoublowtogetthislittledelivery?”Crislersaidashecamearoundtheback.Anobnoxious

grinwaspaintedonhisfaceashecrossedhisarmsandleanedagainstthebackofthetruck.

“Why?Youlookingforapromotion?”Jacksonaskedimpatiently.Hewantedtheexchangetobeover

asquicklyaspossible.

“Idon’tswingthatway.Though,IalwaysknewyouandGileshadsometwistedthinggoingon.”
Jackson stepped forward with his fists clenched tight. He could practically taste blood he was so

angry.Danegrabbedhimbythearm,stoppinghim.

“That’stheonlythingthatmakessensewithalltheshityougetawaywith.”Crislercontinuedtothrow

fuelonthefire.

“WhythefuckdidGilessendyou?”Daneasked.
“You should know that Giles hasn’t been in the last few days since you are all so cozy. Glenshaw

wants me to find out what’s going on. We both smell the shit in the situation and want to know what’s
reallygoingonhere.”

“TheonlyshitIsmellisyou.Now,openthefuckingtruck,”Jacksondemanded.
“TellGlenshawnottogethishopesup.Hewon’tbetakingGiles’jobanytimesoon.”Daneshookhis

head.

Crisler’sobnoxioussmilecarveddeeperintohisface.“WhythefuckdidGilessetyoutwoupwitha

shitloadofweapons,anyway?”

“Don’tyouwishyouhadtheauthoritytoknow?Nowopenthefuckingtruck,”Jacksondemanded.
Crislernarrowedhiseyesbeforehepulledakeyoutofhispockettounlockthedoor.“Whenthisall

blows up in your face. I’ll make sure I’m the one that gets the satisfaction of putting your asses behind
bars.”Crislerpushedthedooropen.

“Keep dreaming, Crisler,” Jackson said as he jumped up in the back of the truck to examine the

contents.Hisphonebegantovibrateinhispocket.HepulleditoutandsawTeddy’sfaceonhisscreen.
“Yeah.”

“MarcelQuintano’ssonwasjustarrestedfordrugtrafficking.Theshittheyhaveonhimindicateshe’ll

belockedupuntilhe’safuckingoldman.”

JacksonlookedoveratCrisler,knowinghehadtobecarefulwhathesaidinhispresence.“Istherea

connection?”

“It’sabitunclear,butifIhadtoguess,ChaseQuintanowasascapegoatforStodden.Thesetupforthe

drugswasfarmoreadvancedthanthiskidwitharecordofpettybreak-insandspeedingtickets.Thiswas
a professional job, and every fucking corner was swept clean. Chase was handed to the police with a
prettyfuckingbow,andifyouaskme,weonlyknowonepersoncapableofthat.”

“Goodenoughforme,”Jacksonrepliedasheunzippedoneoftheblackbagssittinginthebackofthe

truck.

“Haffeywasinvolvedinthecase,”Teddyadded.
“It’smyluckyday.”JacksonhungupandpassedthebagtoDane.Jacksonjumpeddownfromtheback

of the truck and grabbed the other bag, swinging it over his shoulder. “We’d invite you to the party,
Crisler,butyouruglyfacescaresallthegirlsaway.”

“Fuckyou,Finley,”Crislerbitoff.

***

“Whatmakesyouthinktheseguyswon’tjustrunusover?’CauseIgottatellyou,Ireallylikemyface

the way it is. I mean, look at me,” Teddy said, rubbing his hand on the side of his face. “I’m fucking
beautiful.”

Jacksoncouldn’thelpbutsmileandshakehishead.“Iftheydon’tstop,yourfaceisthelastthingyou’ll

be worried about.” They were standing in the middle of the old highway, leaning against Jackson’s car
thatwasparkedacrossbothlanes.Itwasmainlyusedbytransporttrucksandwastheroadofchoicefor
theHeathensbecauseitwaslesspatrolledthanthemainroadsthatranthroughBelhaven.Jacksonknew
theywouldusethisroadonthewaytothisparticularmeeting.

“Butseriously,myfaceismyopeningmove,man.Itdrawstheladiesin.IfanythinghappenstoitI’ll

havetostartwithmysecondmove,andsomehowIthinkitwon’tworkaswellwithoutmyfirstmoveto
leadthemintothesituation.”

“What’syoursecondmove?”
“Mydick.It’saproveninfalliblemovetoleadwithmyfaceandthensmoothlymoveintophasetwo,

whichworkseverytime.IfIhavetostartwithmydickhangingout’causemyfaceisallmarredtoshit,
thenIhaveafeelingit’snotgonnahavethesameresult.Theladiestrustthesedimples.Imean,mydickis
pretty awesome, but ladies don’t appreciate it if you whip it out too soon. It’s a science that I’ve
mastered.”

JacksonturnedwhenheheardDanewhistlefromupthehill.Hewantedabettervantagepointtosee

themapproach.Danestartedjoggingtowardtheopentrunkofthecarthatheldallhistoys.Danenever
likedtoenteranysituationwithoutanarsenalathisdisposal.

“Ijusthopeyouknowwhatyou’redoing,Jackson,”Teddysaid,histonegrowingmoreserious.
“Don’tworry,Iwon’tletanythinghappentoyourprettyface.”Jacksonsmiled.
The sound of a low rumble began to grow louder until the earth began to vibrate beneath their feet.

Numerous motorcycles began to appear from around the curve of the road and line up as they slowed
downwhentheynoticedtheunexpectedroadblock.

Jackson raised his hands to show he was unarmed as the bikes came to a stop. One of the men

dismountedhisbike,andpulledhishelmetofftorevealathickheadofgreyhair.Jacksonknewitwas
Marcelimmediately.Theotherssoonfollowedsuit,turningtheirbikesoff.

“Don’tpulloutagun,Dane.Donotshowaweaponunlesstheyshootfirst.Imeanit.Unlesstheypull

thetrigger,donotflashyourpiece.Everyoneofthemisarmedtoshit,”Jacksoninsisted.Danenodded
withaclenchedjaw.

Jacksonbeganwalkingtowardthem,Teddystayedclosetohissideasheapproached.Thegroupof

themwereasroughcutasyou’dexpectagroupofbikerstobe.Theyalllookedliketheroadhadchewed
themupandspitthemout.

“Aren’ttheytheguysfromthatgarageyougotEvan’shitfrom?”Teddyaskedwhentheywereclose

enoughtoseethefacesofthemen.

“Yep.”
Marcel stepped forward and pulled a gun out of his holster and pointed it toward Jackson’s head.

Jacksondidn’tmoveashekepthishandsupintheair.Everyoneofthemenpulledoutaweapon.The
oddsdidnotlookgoodforthemifJacksondidn’ttalkhiswayoutofthis.

“Quintano,”Jacksonacknowledged.
“Finley,”Quintanoreplied.“I’dadviseyoutogetthefuckoutofourway.”
“It’sgoodtoseeyoutoo,”Jacksonrepliedblandly.“Ineedtotalktoyou.”
Quintanonarrowedhiseyesashestaredoverthebarrelofhisgun.“Bang,”hesaidbeforehebroke

outintoagrinandloweredhisgun.“I’vegotnothingtosay,somoveoutofmywaybeforeImakeyou.”

“Ithinkyou’llwanttolisten.ItinvolvesyoursonandStodden.”Jacksonthrewitoutonawhimthat

theyhadcometothecorrectconclusion.

Quintano’stightenedhislipsashestaredatJacksonsuspiciously.
“Whatofmyson?”
“Itinvolveshimgettingoutofthatjailcellandbackonhisbike.”
“Let’sfindabetterplaceforthisconversation,”Quintanosaid,tuckinghisgunawayandheadingback

towardhisbike.“Followus.”

Jackson nodded before turning around and heading back toward their car. Dane hadn’t moved since

theylefthim,hiseyesstillremainedonthemenbehindJacksonandTeddy.

“You have a lot of explaining to do, Jackson,” Teddy said, looking back over his shoulder as he

followedJacksontotheircar.

“Youhavenoidea.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-EIGHT

Stephanie

Thecurtainswerepulledclosedinthehotelroom,givingtheillusionofalatehour.Stephaniesaton

theedgeofthebed,numblyflickingthroughthechannelstofindsomethingtodistractherthoughts.She
pulledherrobetightaroundherandsmoothedherwethairawayfromherface.Sheanxiouslyawaited
Nateasheshowered.Shewasterrifiedtobealone.Everysoundhadheronedge.

They had come back here after they had talked to Detective Haffey about what had happened with

Alden. Nate had filled her in on the connection he believed Alden had with his own wife’s abduction,
Masten,andthefactthatitallledbacktoStodden.Thelineheshowedherwassoclearnoonecould
denyit.

Stephaniecouldn’thelpbutnoticethedarkcirclesunderDetectiveHaffey’seyes.Shelookedfragile

asshejotteddownalltheinformationNatecouldgiveher.Stephaniedidn’tknowherwellbecausemost
ofherdealingswerewithOfficerCarlton,butsherememberedthenormallyfierceDetective.Stephanie
andcouldn’thelpbutwonderwhatthismeant.

Stephaniehadn’tbeenabletogetaholdofLexie,butNateassuredherthatJacksonwaskeepinghim

uptodateandtherewasnothingtoworryabout.Shewantedtobelievehim,buttherewassomethingin
hiseyesthatterrifiedher.

Stephaniedidn’twanttothinkofaboutanyofitbutshedidn’tknowhowtoshutitoff.Ifsheclosedher

eyesshecouldstillseeAlden’sbodylyingonthestreet,surroundedbyblood.Hercheststillfelttootight
assheconcentratedontakingdeepbreaths.

Stephanie’seyesflashedopenwhenafamiliarnamewasspokenonthetelevision.Theremotefellout

ofherhandwhenshesawMasten’spicturedisplayedonthescreen.Thoseeyesboredrightintoherashe
staredbackather.Stephaniepulledherlegsupagainstherchestandwrappedherarmsaroundherself.

“We just got word that Terrance Masten has died today. He was being held at Rosewater

Penitentiarywhileauthoritiespreparedforhissentencing.TheoncebelovedMayorofBelhavenhad
recentlybecomeoneofthemosthatedmeninthecommunitywhenthetruthofhisnaturewasrevealed.
NoofficialstatementshavebeenreleasedfromRosewaterbutrumorhasitthathewasinvolvedinan
altercationwithotherinmates.Moredetailsaretocomeonceweknowmore…”

Stephanieturnedaroundwhensheheardanoisebehindher.Natewasstandinginthedoorwayofthe

washroomwatchingthescreen.Hehadhearditall;shecouldseeitonhisface.

“Iwantedhimdead.IthoughtaboutitsomuchbecauseIthoughtitwouldmakemefeelhappy,butI

don’tknowwhatIfeel.Thereistoomuchmessinsidemetoknowanythinganymore.”Stephaniereached
fortheremoteandturnedthetelevisionoff.

Nate pushed off the doorframe and sat down next to her on the bed, his weight caused her to lean

towardhim.Shedidn’teventrytostopasshecollapsedagainsthim.Hewrappedhisarmaroundherand
heldherclose.Hehadjoggingpantsonbuthischestwasstillbareanddampfromtheshower.Hefelt
safeandwarmandshedidn’twanttoletgo.“Painfromsomethinglikethatnevergoesaway.Itbecomesa
partofyouandyouhavetolearnhowtofindhappinessdespiteit.Itwilltaketime.Atleastyoucanfind
comfortin knowing thathe won’t hurtanyone else.” The vibrationsof his voicethrough his chest were
comfortingandsheclosedhereyes.

“I’msotiredofbeingscared.”
“Youandmeboth,”Nateconfessedwithasadsmile.
“There is so much in my head. I need it all to go away even just for a minute so I can breathe,”

Stephaniewhispered.SheranherhandoverNate’sstomach.Hisentirebodystiffenedassheplacedher
handonhislapandgrabbedholdofhim.Shecouldfeelhimhardeninherhold.

“Don’t,Stephanie.Thisisn’tgoingtohelp.”Nateplacedhishandoverhers.
“Ineedtofeelsomethinggood.”Stephaniepulledherhandfromunderhisandstoodinfrontofhim.

Herkneeswerepressedintohisashewatchedher.

Stephanieuntiedherrobeandletitfallawayuntilshewascompletelyexposed.Nateclosedhiseyes

andtookadeepbreathassheclimbedonhislapandshovedhispantsdown.Hiserectionsprungfreeand
Stephaniegrabbedhimfirmlyandslidhiminsideher.Shewasactingwithoutthoughtandfeltdetached.

ItwasuncomfortableasNateslidinsideherbecauseherbodyrefusedtobecomearoused,refusedto

fill her with need. She could feel the tears begin to surface as she shoved Nate back and pressed his
shouldersintothebed.Shecouldn’tlookhimintheeyeorshewouldfallapart.Shejustneededtoignite
apartofherthatwouldremindhershewasstillalive.

Shethrustherhipshardandfastinsearchofpleasurebutherbodyremainednumbanditterrifiedher.

Thiswasnotnatural,shewasnotnaturalanymore.Shewasfranticforthepleasurethateludedher.This
side of her was a stranger, she didn’t understand this version of herself but she had no will to fight it,
either.

Natetightenedhisgriponherthighs.“Steph?”hesaidinapainedvoice.“Stop.Pleasestop.”
Shelookedintohisconcernedeyes.Thetearssprungtolifeandpouredfromhereyes.Hepulledher

towardhimandsheletherselffallagainsthisbody.Heheldontoherwhileherhottearssoakedhischest.

Stephanie wasn’t sure how much time had passed when he rolled her onto her side and pulled the

blanketoverher.Hestayedwithherandshewassograteful.Shedidn’tevenknowwhattosaytohim.
Shefeltsoexhaustedandembarrassedaboutherbehavior.

TheybothremainedquietforwhatfeltlikehoursasNatebrushedherhairgentlywithhisfingers.He

seemedtobejustaslostinthoughtasshewas.

“I’msorry.”Stephaniefinallybrokethesilencewhenshefoundthestrength.
“Forwhat?Givingmeanenormouscaseofblue-balls?”Nateasked.
Stephaniemoanedandturnedherfaceintohisshoulder.“Ishouldn’thavedonethat.”
Natetookalong,deepbreath.“IwishIcouldmakeyourpaingoaway,Stephanie.Tryingtodrownit

out with sex or anything else doesn’t work. I know better than anyone. It’s what I did for years.” Nate
rubbedhishanddownhisface.Hegrewquietforafewminutes.“Iwasinabadplaceandit’snotfar
enough behind me to risk it. I wanted to give up. I did give up. I put a gun in my mouth and pulled the
trigger.”

“What?”Stephaniegasped.Shestaredathiminthedimlight.
“I wouldn’t be here right now if Jackson hadn’t taken the bullets. I need things in my life to mean

something.I’vespentmywholelifechasingaftermeaninglessthingsinanefforttofindhappiness.Ican’t
dothatanymore.Ican’tbethatforyou,knowingI’mafranticefforttofeelsomethingotherthandespair.It
wouldjustaddtothisgiantmesswe’rein.”

“You’reright.EverythingissuchahugemessandI’mthebiggestofall.”Stephanieplacedherhands

onherface.“Ididn’tmeantohurtyou.Iwasn’tthinking.”

Natereachedforherhandandgaveitagentlesqueeze.Shedidn’twanthimtoeverletgo.“Youdidn’t

hurtme…emotionally,atleast.”

“Ohgod,I’msorry.”
“I’mjustjoking,”Nateassuredher.
“I’msogladJacksonstoppedyou,”Stephanieconfessed.“You’reoneofthebestthingsthathappened

tome.”

“I’mgladhedidtoo,becauseIfeelthesameaboutyou.”
“CanweforgetwhatIdid?”Stephanieasked.
“Notafuckingchance.”Nate’ssmileradiatedthroughhiswords.
Stephaniemoanedinembarrassmentagain.“Atleastdon’ttellanyone.”
“Byanyone,doyoumean…”NatebeganbutStephaniegavehimaplayfulshoveandhebrokeoutinto

laughter.Itwashernewfavoritesound.Inthismomentshecouldn’tthinkofanythingmorebeautiful.

Nate’sphonebegantoringacrosstheroom.Hislaughterdiedawayashepushedhimselfoffthebed.

StephaniewatchedhimcheckthecallerIDbeforeheansweredthecallquickly.

“Jacks,”heanswered.
Stephaniedidn’tmoveasshewatchedhimlisteningonthephone.Panicbubbledupinherthroatasshe

watchedhisfaceforanysignthatsomethinghorriblehappened,buthegavenothingaway.

“I’llbethereassoonasIcan,”NaterepliedbeforeendingthecallandlookingatStephanie.
“Whatisit?IsLexieallright?”Stephaniesatupandpulledtheblanketuptoherneck.
“Jackson needs my help. I need you to stay here. I’m gonna call Officer Carlton and get you some

protection.IwillbebackassoonasIcan,”Natesaid.Hegrabbedhisclothesoffthebackofthechair
andheadedtowardthebathroom.

“Iseverythingokay?”Stephanieasked.
“Defineokay,”Nateaskedwitharaisedbrow.
Stephanieshookherheadsadly.
“Let’sjustsayallplayersarestillaccountedfor,andconsideringthecircumstances,it’sasgoodasit

gets.”Nateshutthedoortothebathroom.Stephaniereleasedherbreathandcollapsedbackonthebed.
ShestaredupattheceilingandsilentlyprayedthatLexiewouldbesafe.Sheprayedtheywouldallbe
safe.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-NINE

Sabine

Themoonhunglazilyinthesky,castinglittlelightonthedarkgroundsoftheabandonedsawmill.It

wassituatedinanolderpartofthecitythatwasleftforMotherNaturetoslowlyreclaim.Thehorrific
accidentthatcausedtheclosingofthecompanytenyearsagostillhauntedthecommunity.Fifteenofits
workersdiedinafire.Ratherthanrebuildthestructure,thecompanyshutitsdoorsandwalkedaway.The
painwascarvedtoodeeptoeverrecover,especiallysincetheownerofthecompanyalsoperishedinthe
fire.

Sabinepulledtheirvantoastopattherearofthebuilding.TheywereearlyforthemeetingbutSabine

wantedtoarriveonthegroundsfirst.Shedidn’ttrusttheHeathenstoanydegree.Thesemenhadspent
moretimebehindbarsthantheyhadbeenfreemen.Shesawthemasbarbarianswithmatchingjacketsand
wasamazedtheirlittlebikeclubwasabletosurviveafteralltheseyearswithsomuchinternaldrama
tearingdowntheirstructureofpower.Itwasonlybyamiracletheywerestandinginhereyes.

TheonlythingSabinecaredaboutwasthefactthattheyseemedtohavemutualfeelingstowardJohn

Stodden,andrightnowthatopportunitywastoogreattopassup.Sheneededcashforherplantogether
andherbrotherawayfromBelhavenandStodden’sshadow.Thistownhadneverbeengoodtoeitherone
ofthem,andshewasdeterminedtomakeherbrotherseeit.

“KeepthegirloutofsightuntilIsay,”SabinesaidtoNeil,whowasinthepassenger’sseat.Hepulled

alongdragfromhiscigarettebeforehesmiledather.

“Whatever you say, boss.” He reached over and squeezed her leg, pushing her skirt up at the same

time.

“Handsoff,”Sabinebarked.Sheopenedthedoorandjumpedoutofthevan.Neilroundedtheother

sideandpulledthedooropenforher.Lexiewasleaningagainstthesideoftheinterior.Herhandsand
feetweretiedandabagplacedoverherhead.“Don’tworry.I’msurethosebikersaregonnatakereal
goodcareofyou.”

“Screwyou.”Lexiekickedherlegsout.
Sabine laughed and grabbed the box of files and slammed the door. She banged her fist against the

rustedmetaldooronthelargebrickbuilding.

ThedooropenedimmediatelyandFranklookedoutather.Hehadsootsmearedacrosshisfaceand

looked a little skittish. “What took you so long? This place gives me the fucking creeps,” Frank
complained.

He backed out of the way as Sabine grabbed the door and wrenched it from his grasp. “Stop

complaining,youfuckingbaby.Didyouclearthewholebuilding?”

“Yeah,we’retheonlyoneshere,butthere’slotsofstrangesounds,”Franksaidnervouslyashiseyes

travelledupwiththesoundofcreakingabovehishead.

“It’sanoldbuildingthatisfallingdown,whatdoyouexpect?”Sabinesaidimpatiently.
“Areyousureit’ssafetobehere?”
“Get out of my face and watch for any approaching vehicles,” Sabine snapped as she grabbed the

flashlight out of his hand. “I don’t have time for your bloody tears.” Sabine couldn’t wait to be rid of
someofhercurrentcompany.Fornowtheywereanecessaryannoyance.

Frankpushedthedooropenandslippedoutsidewithoutanotherword.Sabineheadeddownthehall,

where she could see a dim light stretching eerily down the walls. Most of the damage was in the north
sideofthebuilding.Theloadingareahadvirtuallybeenleftuntouchedbydamage.

Severallightshadbeensetuparoundthelargewarehouse.Twoofherothermenwereleaningagainst

apalletofwoodthatwasleftabandonedwiththeproperty,nevertoserveapurposebuttocollectdust.
Sheplacedtheboxontopofthepileandclenchedherteethinirritation.

“Putthosejointsout.Ineedyoufocusedsoyoudon’tgetusallkilled.Thisisnotsomegoddammeet

andgreet,”Sabinesaidirritablyasshegrabbedthejointoutofthehandofthenearestman,Roman.She
dropped it on the ground and stomped on it. “Do I seriously have to babysit you stupid assholes every
minute?TheHeathenswillbearrivinganytimenow.Ineedyoutobereadytoshootifanyofthemso
muchasreachesfortheirweapons.Doyouhearme?”

Neither Roman nor his brother, Nicolaus, responded as they narrowed their eyes and pushed off the

woodpile.Theyweren’taspliableassomeoftheothersshehadpromisedacutto,butsheneededtheir
ruthlessness. They weren’t fans of being bossed around, and Sabine knew she shouldn’t push her luck.
Patiencewasnotacharacteristicofherpersonalityandshecouldn’tseemtofindtheenergytocareabout
pissingthemoff.

“Ifyouwantyourmoney,makesureweallsurvivelongenough,”Sabineleanedintoaccentuateher

point.

“Loudandclear,honey,”Romansaid.Hehaddark,menacingeyeswithatattoothatcoveredhisneck

andstretchedupontohisrightcheek.Sabineknewthepairofthemwerebrothers.afactshediscovered
whilerunningabackgroundcheckonthem.Sheneverreliedontrustwhenitcametoanything,especially
business.Therewasnothingthesetwodidn’tdoformoneyandthatwasthetypeofmensheneededright
now.

“You’llsoondiscoverthewordhoneydoesnotapplytome.”
Therumbleofbikesinthedistancecaughtherattention.
“Fuck,they’reearly.Opentheoverheaddoorsandhaveyourgunsconcealedbutready.”
Nicolaus grabbed the manual rope to pull the main cargo door open. A loud shrill sound echoed

through the hollow interior but was soon drowned out by the approaching bikes, that sounded like
continuousthundervibratingtheearth.

SabinewasfamiliarenoughwiththeHeathenstoknowwhoMarcelQuintanowas.Shewatchedhim

pullhishelmetoffhisheadandhangitoffhishandlebars.Hehadfourotherriderswithhim.Mostofthem
lookedtobeatleasttwentyyearsyounger,butallwereasroughlookingassheimaginedtheywouldbe.
They all embodied the motorcycle club persona. They were used to intimidating people purely by
appearancealone,butSabinewasn’tsoeasilyfooled.Shehadknowndangerousmenherwholelifeand
theynolongerstirredfearinher.Avanpulledupbehindthebikes,butnoonemadeanymovetoexitthe
vehicle.

SabinecrossedherarmsandwaitedforQuintanotoapproach.Hewalkedintotheinteriorwiththree

ofthebikersbyhisside.Theireyesscannedtheentireperimeter,theywereexpectingdanger.

“DoesStoddenknowyouhavehisshit?”QuintanoaskedashestoppedaboutfifteenfeetfromSabine.

“By the time he finds out I had anything to do with this he won’t be able to find me,” Sabine said

confidently.“Didyoubringthecash?”

Quintanonoddedtothemenathisside.Allthreeofthempulledbagsofftheirbacksanddroppedthem

ontheground.Theykneltdownandunzippedthemtoshowthestacksofcashpackedinside.

“Good.”Sabinegrabbedtheboxanddroppeditatherfeet.Sheplacedherfootontop.“Thiscontains

allthefiles,justaswediscussed.”

“And the girl?” Quintano asked causally, like he was ordering a cup of coffee. Sabine wanted this

exchangetobeoverasquicklyaspossible.SomethingaboutthelookinQuintano’seyebotheredher.

SabinepulledoutherphoneanddialedNeil.“Bringinthegirl.”Sabinetuckedherphonebackinher

pocketandlookedupatthemenstandingbeforeher.Theoneontheendthathadascarrunningdownhis
cheekblewherakiss.Sherolledhereyesandshookherhead.

Sabineturnedaroundwhensheheardfootstepsapproachbehind.Neilwalkedaroundthecornerempty

handed.“Whatthefuck,Neil?”Sabinebitoff.

“I…”Neilstartedbutstumbledforward.ItwasthenthatSabinesawLexiebehindhimholdingagunto

hisback.

“JesusChrist,Neil.”Sabinerubbedhertempleangrily.“Howthefuckdidyoumanagethis?”
Neiljustshookhishead.
“Whatthefuckdoyouplanondoing?”SabineaskedLexieindisbelief.“You’resurroundedbyfucking

guns.”

“Oh,Iwasn’texpectingtogetaway.TherewasjustsomethingIneededtodofirst,”Lexiesaidbefore

sheshovedNeilanddoveforSabine.

Sabine tried to grab her own gun but Lexie collided with her too fast, knocking her off her feet.

BlindingpainradiateddownherfacewiththeimpactofLexie’sfist.“Fuck,”Sabinescreamedoutasshe
scrambledbackward.

“It doesn’t feel so nice, does it?” Lexie yelled as she grabbed Sabine by the neck and slammed her

headdownontheground.SabinemanagedtopullherlegupandkickLexiebackward.Itwasenoughto
twistaroundandgrabhergunthatwastuckedinthebackofherpants.

“Someonegetthisbitchoffme,”SabinescreamedasshetriedtoaimherguntowardLexieasshewas

beingpinnedtotheground.

Lexie grabbed hold of her arm and twisted hard but Sabine refused to loosen her grip as they both

struggled.Sabineknewshecouldn’tshootLexieorthedealwouldbeoffandshewouldn’triskit.She
woundupandforcedtheheelofherhandintoLexie’sjaw,momentarilystunningher.

SabinemanagedtokickoffthegroundandspinLexiearoundtopinherdown.Lexie’skneecameupto

catchSabineinthestomachenoughtoforceherbreathfromher.Lexie’sfistswungacrossSabine’sface
andthestingmadehereyeswater.Thegunwasknockedfromherhandasshestruggledbutshemanaged
to get her hands around Lexie’s neck. “What are you gonna do now, you stupid little bitch?” Sabine
breathedfire.“Neil!”Sabinecalledoverhershoulder.

Sabinelookeddownwhenshefeltsomethinghardpressedfirmlyagainstherstomach.Lexiehadher

gunaimedandreadytofire.Sabinenarrowedhereyes―shewasfuriousshelosttheupperhand.

SomeonegrabbedheraroundthewaistandhauledheroffLexie.Sabinetriedtostruggle,butthescene

unfoldingaroundhermadeherfreeze.TheHeathenswereretreating.Thebagsofcashweregone.Their
enginesroaredtolifeastheirwheelskickeduptheloosedirt,fillingtheairwithacloudofdust.Dread
settled deep in Sabine’s stomach. Her ticket out of this black hole of a town was slipping through her
fingers.

Hermenwerelinedupontheirkneesatgunpointbymenshedidn’trecognize.“Whatthefuckisgoing

onhere?”SabinedemandedasshewastossedtothegroundnexttoNeil.Shetriedtoscrambletoherfeet
butagunwaspointedinherface.

Shelookedupatthebluesteyesshehadeverseenandgroundherteeth.“AreyouStodden’smen?”
Blueeyesraisedabrowashelookeddownather.“Fuckno.”
“Is anyone else here as turned on as I am?” the blond-haired man standing across the room asked.

“Nothinggetsthebloodflowinglikeagoodgirlfight.”

“Shutup,Ted,”thedark-hairedonesaidwithashakeofhisheadashehelpedLexietoherfeet.
“Whothefuckareyouthen?”Sabinedemanded.
HereyestravelledbetweenallthreemenbeforesettlingontheonenexttoLexie.Hishandslingering

onherbody,thereliefinhiseyes,thewaysheleanedtowardhimashewhisperedclosetoherear,itwas
obvioustheywerelovers.Sabineshookherheadindisbeliefandrubbedherhandsoverherface.

The blue-eyed man with the gun pointed at her face reached in his pocket and pulled out a badge.

Sabinelookedatinconfusion.Shewastryingtofileallthepiecesinplace.

“Stodden’sdaughterisfuckingacop?”Sabinelaugheddeepandrich.“Thisispriceless.Whatdoes

goodoldDaddythinkofthat?”

Lexie crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Sabine. “I couldn’t care less about what he

thinks.”

“Well,that’sonethingwecanagreeon,”Sabineadmitted.Shelookedaroundatthesmallgroupthat

had them at gunpoint. “You want Stodden? Is this what this is about? I will gladly tell you everything I
knowaboutthatfuckingpieceofshit…”Sabinetrailedoffwhenshefeltadullsnapagainstherforehead.
Herfocusblurredandstrangewordsfilledhermouthandthenvanished.Shefeltlikeshewassuddenly
tossed into a disturbing dream. She touched her face with a numb hand. Her eyes filled with hot, red
liquid…thentheworldwasswallowedinblackness.

CHAPTERTHIRTY

Lexie

“Get down!” Jackson screamed as he pushed Lexie to the ground. She couldn’t pull her eyes away

fromSabine.Lexiedidn’tknowifshehadactuallyscreamedorifhermouthwastooparalyzedandthe
soundwastrappedinsideherhead.Sabine’sbodycrumpledtotheground.Neilfellnext,hardandfast.
The impact hit him in the chest as he tried to run away from the onslaught of bullets. Lexie’s heartbeat
explodedinafrenzyofpanic,thinkingtheywouldbenext.Herbodythrummedwithenergyasherflee
responsehitoverdrive.Bulletssprayedintothewarehouse,hittingthewallsandstirringupdust.

“Move,” Jackson screamed out as Dane began firing through the overhead doors at a target Lexie

couldn’tsee.Shedidn’twasteanytimeasshescrambledtoherfeetandheadedtowardtheentrancetothe
hallway.Jacksonwasonherheels.Heplacedhishandonherbackandforcedhertokeepmovingwhen
sheglancedbehindher.

WhenLexienearedtheendofthedarknarrowhallshesloweddown.TeddyandDanehadfollowed

behindthem,holdingoffwhoeverwasattacking.

“StayhereuntilItellyouit’sclear,”Jacksonsaidashepassedheragun.Lexietookitfromhimand

nodded.Shecouldn’tfindanywordstospeak.Herheadfeltlikeitwasfilledwithcotton.Jacksonpulled
thedooropenandleanedouttoseewhatwaswaitingoutsidebeforeheslippedout.

“Jackson,” Lexie called but he was gone and she was left grasping at air. Seconds stretched into

minutes as she kept glancing between the door and the hallway where Dane and Teddy were blocking
theirpursuers.

“Youallright,Lex?”Teddyaskedashebumpedhershoulder.
ShetriedtosmilebutshewasterrifiedthatJacksonwouldn’treturn.
“Don’tworryaboutJackson,thatbastardhasprovedoverandoverthathe’sinvincible,”Teddysaid

asheslidanewclipinhisgun.HesteppedbackinlinewithDaneastheyheldposition.

Lexiejumpedwhenthedooropenedunexpectedly.“Let’sgo.”Jacksonwavedthemout.Lexie’sbody

swaminreliefwithhisreturn.Shequicklyslippedthroughthedoor,wantingtogetoutofthebuildingas
quicklyaspossible.TeddyandDanewereclosebehindher.

JacksonpulledalargebarreltowardthedoorandDanehelpedhimpositionitsowhoevermighttryto

followwouldbeblocked.

Lexiespunaroundtolookaroundthem.“Howdoyouknowitssafeouthere?Seemsabitstrangethat

theywouldn’thavethebuildingsurrounded,isn’tit?”

“Theywantedtodriveusoutofthebuildingwhiletheyeliminatedtheothers.Theyhavealltheroad

accessblockedoff.”Jacksonfrownedthoughtfully.“Thiswasplanned.”

“Itsoundsliketheymightwantalittlechat,”Teddysaid,lookingatJacksonandthenLexie.

“Loadup,boys,let’sgofindoutwhattheyhavetosay,”Jacksonsaidashereloadedhisguns.
“WhataboutLexie?”Daneaskedwithanod.
“I’mapartofthistoo…”Lexiebegan.
“You’regoingtohangbackoutofsight,”Jacksoninsisted.
“What?”Lexiefrowned.
“Youhangingbackmightbetheonlyreasontheydon’tshootusdownassoonaswestepfootaround

thebuilding,”Jacksonplacedhishandonherarmandpulledherclosertohim.Itwastoodarktoseethe
lookinhiseyebutsheknewitwell.Itstillreacheddeepinsideherandstirredeverythingup.

Lexiecouldfeelhereyeswideninpanicasshegrabbedholdofhisshirt,ballingthematerialinher

tightfists.Thismomentfeltliketheywereawaitinginevitabledoomthatloomedoverhead,waitingtobe
unleashed.Therewasnowaytoknowtheywouldsurvivewhatwaswaitingforthem.Lexiedidn’tcare
thattheyhadanaudience,shepulledhimcloserandhemeltedagainstherwithoutresistance.

Shewasfueledwithmanyemotions,alldrivinghertowardJackson.Hislipsmethersandherfingers

twistedinhishairandpulledathisshoulders.FearthatthiswasthelasttimeshewouldholdJacksonand
tastehimdrovehertomadness.Shewantedtotakeapieceofhimwherevershewasmeanttogo.

“I’dsaygetaroom,butourcurrentcircumstancesmakethatabitimpossible.”Teddychuckled.
Theyallquietedastheyheardawhistlepiercetheair.Lexiepulledawaytocatchherbreath.Shestill

didnotrelinquishherhold;shewasn’treadytolethimgo.

“Comeout,comeout,whereveryouare,”amalevoicefloatedthroughtheair.Lexiedidn’tknowwho

wasspeaking,buthisvoicesentchillsthroughherblood.

“Itwillbeokay,”Jacksonassuredher.Placinghishandsoneithersideofherface,hegaveheronelast

kiss.“Stayback,Lexie,Imeanit.”

Shenoddedasshewatchedthethreeofthemapproachthesideofthebuildinganddisappeararound

thecorner.Lexiepressedherselfagainstthewallbutshecouldn’tseeanythingfromwhereshewas.She
neededtoknowwhatwashappening,shehatedhidingintheshadows.

Takingadeepbreath,shepushedoffthewallandnearedthebackofadumpsterthatwassituatedon

thesideofthebuilding.Sheduckeddownlowtotryandseewhowaswaitingoutfront.

“Alwaysapleasure,Jackson.”
“Getthefuckonwithit,Rosh,”Jacksonsaidirritably.Theystoodbeforeavanwiththreemen.The

headlights from another vehicle shone upon them, lighting up the area. Two of them looked familiar to
LexiefromhercaptivitywithStodden.Theother,whoJacksoncalledRosh,shedidn’trecognize,butshe
knewthename.Sheknewhewasthemanwhohadbeenatthehospitalthenighthermotherdied.Hewas
thesamemanwhokilledJackson’sfather.

Shecoveredhermouthforamoment,tryingtocalmheremotionsandthinkabouttherightcourseof

action.Sheheldthegunfirmlyinherhand.Lookingdown,shewonderedifshecouldhithimfromwhere
shewasstanding.

Lexieheldthegunoutinfrontofher,peeringoverthebarrelatthefaceofthemannamedRoshashe

spokewithJackson.Herfingershookonthetrigger.Herwholebodythrummedwithemotion.Shedidn’t
knowifshewascapableofpullingthetriggerandendinghislifedespitewhathehaddone.Therewasan
internalstrugglewarringherinsides.

“You know I really didn’t want it to come to this, but you didn’t know when to leave things alone.

You’resomuchlikeyourfather.”

“Maybe,butthere’sahugedifferencebetweenus,”Jacksonrespondedwithvenomdrippingfromhis

words.

“Ohyeah,what’sthat?”Roshpursedhislips.
“Iknowyou’realyingpieceofshit,”Jacksonseethed.
Roshlaughedandshookhishead.“YourfatherknewexactlywhoIwas.Itwashisfaultforthinkinghe

couldchangeme.I’lltellyouwhat,let’smakealittleexchange.”Roshwavedtothedoorofthevan.One
ofthemenstandingwithhimopenedit.Lexiecouldn’tmakeoutwhattheywerelookingat,butshecould
seeJackson’sentirebodystiffen.Amansteppedoutwithagunbeforepullingsomeoneoutbehindhim.
Themanwasboundandgaggedashetumbledtotheground.Themanholdingthegunhauledhimtohis
feetandthat’swhenLexiefinallygotaclearviewofhisface.ItwasGiles.LexieknewthatJacksonwas
beingmadetochoosebetweenherandthemanthatrepresentedtheonlyfamilyhehadafterhisparents
died.

“You look surprised?” Rosh said with a sinister smile. “Hand over the girl and I won’t shoot his

fuckingbrainsout.”RoshhelduptheguntowardGiles’head.

“Don’t…”Gilesbeganbutthemannexttohimhithiminthestomachwiththebuttofhisgun.Giles

doubledoverinpainbeforehewashauledbacktohisfeetandshovedupagainstthevan.

“Lastchance,”Roshannounced.
SomethingcaughtLexie’seye,aslightmovementinthedarkness.Shecouldn’tquitemakeoutwhatit

wasuntilthelightcaughthisfeaturesjustenough.Nateopenedthedoorofoneoftheparkedtrucksand
slippedinside.Sheneededtobuyhimsometimeandcauseadistraction.Shedidn’tknowwhathehad
planned,butshehopeditwasenough.

Notknowingwhatelsetodo,shejumpedup.“I’mhere!”shescreamed,comingoutfromtheshadows

withhergunraised.“Don’thurtanyone!I’llcome.”Sheonlyknewsheneededeveryonetolookinher
directionandhopesheboughtthetimeNateneeded.

“Howmanytimesisshegonnafallforthattrick?”Teddycomplained.
“That’sagoodgirl.I’mgladoneofyouissmartenoughmovethisshitalong,”Roshsaid.
LexielockedeyeswithJackson.
“Whydon’tyouputthatgundownbeforeyouhurtyourself?”Roshraisedabrow.
“Yousaidthiswasanexchange,soletGilesgoandIwillcomewithyou.Wasn’tthatthedeal?”
Rosh narrowed his eyes slightly before a plastic smile curled his lips. “Of course.” Rosh stepped

closertoLexie.“Releasehim.”Roshwavedtowardhismen.

ThemanwhohadbeeninthevanwithGilesshovedhimtowardJackson.Hestumbledandfelltohis

kneesbeforeclimbingbackup.

“Though,asJacksonpointedout…I’maliar.”Roshannouncedsinisterly.
“Lexie!” Jackson called out just as someone knocked the gun from her hand and grabbed her from

behind.Shestruggledagainstherattackerbuthehadtoomuchsizeonher.Shewatchedthegunslidetoa
stopinthedirt,toofaroutofreach.

“Killthemall,”Roshcalledoutoverthecommotion.Lexietriedtoscreambutahandwasclamped

overhermouth.

Anengineroaredtolifeandtiressquealedjustasbulletsbegantotearthroughtheair.ThetruckNate

hadclimbedintocamebarrellingthroughtheactionandslammedintothevanRosh’smenwerestanding
infrontof.Thesoundofmetalscrapingrangoutasthesidecrumpledfromtheimpact.

Lexielosttrackofeveryoneasshetriedtobreakfreefromherassailant.
“Getdown,Lexie!”Jacksoncalledtoher.Lexieimmediatelydroppedherbodyinadeadweightand

the man’s hold was compromised. She could feel herself slip through his fingers. Just as Lexie felt the
ground beneath her fingers, the man’s head whipped backward from the force of a bullet. Lexie
immediatelygrabbedatthegroundandtriedtomoveawayfromhimashisbodybegantofall.Whenhe
hittheground,hebarelymissedherlegs.

Theanglesoftheheadlightsmadeithardtosee,asshetriedtokeeplow.Shehadnoideawhatwas

happening.ShefeltcompletelydisorientedasshespunaroundlookingforJackson.Theshowerofbullets
fadedawayandastrangesilencestartedtosettle.

Lexiegrabbedforhergunthatwassittinginthedirtandbrushedthehairoutofhereyes.Shecouldn’t

seeanyoneinthedarkness.SheheadedinthedirectionsheknewJacksonwaslast.Shecouldmakeouta
shadowandnoticedsomeonewasslumpedonthegroundnearthebuilding.Awaveofpanichitherinthe
chestassheneared.“Jackson?”

She moved closer to see who it was. It was Giles, still bound and gagged. She grabbed for the tie

aroundhismouthandloosenedit.

“Areyouhurt?”Lexieasked,tryingtodoaquickassessmentinthedark.
“Yeah,myside,”hegasped.
Lexiereachedforhissideandfelthiswetshirt.Heflinchedinpain.“Sorry,”Lexieapologized.
Lexiejumpedwhensomeonekneltdownbesideher.Shewenttograbforhergunshehadsetonthe

groundbyherfeet.

“Don’teventhinkaboutshootingme,Lex,”Teddysaidasheplacedhishandonherback.Lexiewas

awashwithreliefandthrewherarmsaroundhim.

“Jackson?”sheaskedquickly.“Where’sJackson?”
“He’s fine.” Teddy pulled out a flashlight and lit up Giles’ side to show his gunshot wound. Lexie

flinchedatthesight.Therewassomuchblood.

“Itcouldbeworse,”Teddysaid,completelyunfazedbythesightofblood.
“Don’t you dare tell me to shake it off, Teddy,” Giles said through clenched teeth. “I’ll fire you. I

swearIwill.”

Teddylaughedashepressedsomethingagainsthisside.Gilesgroanedinpain.“Thisiswhyyousit

behindafancydesk.You’resupposedtoleavethisshittous,”Teddysaidashepulledaknifefromhis
pocketandbegancuttinghisties.

LexiestoodupandglancedaroundforJackson.“Stayhere,Lex,”Teddysaiddistractedly.
“I’mnotgoingfar,”Lexieassuredhim.ShejustneededtolayeyesonJackson.Toseeforherselfthat

hewaswell.Lexieroundedthewreckagefromthevehicles,nervoustherewerestilldangerslurkingin
thecorners.Dustdancedinthelightoftheheadlightsasshepassedthefrontofthecar.

Sheblinkedhereyestoadjustthemasshesteppedoutofthelight.Jacksonwasstandingoveraman

withhisgunaimedathishead.Assheapproachedshecouldmakeouttheconversation.

“…all those years you pretended like you gave a fuck. Did you get a kick out of stringing along my

motherandI?Andallthatshityoutoldme,”Jackson’svoicecrackedashedugthebarrelofhisguninto
thesideofRosh’shead.

Lexielookeddownatsomethingonthegroundasshecontinuedtoapproachslowly.Hereyeswidened

when she realized it was a dead body. She tried to shake it from her thoughts as she circled around it
beforedrawingcloser.DanewasstandingnexttoJacksonwithagunineachhand.Hewaseerilystillas
he stood by Jackson’s side. Lexie was still surprised by the relationship between Jackson, Dane, and
Teddy.Theyhadunspokencommunicationandunderstandingofeachotherthatfascinatedher.Itwasan
energytheyallshared,itwasthickandinvigorating.Shecouldn’thelpbutrespectitwhenshesawthem
inaction.

Jackson’semotionswerepouringoutonthegroundaroundhim.RoshhadleftadeepgashonJackson’s

soulandnowhewasconfrontingthedemon.

“You don’t think I would have wanted things to turn out differently? I cared for you, like a―” Rosh

admitted.

“Don’t. Don’t you fucking say it. Don’t you ever fucking say it! You fucking piece of shit.” Jackson

fired the gun. Lexie couldn’t help but gasp in surprise. Rosh screamed out and grabbed his leg as he
doubledoverwithacurse.

Both Jackson and Dane looked at her. “Get her out of here,” Jackson said to Dane. Jackson was

possessed with rage to the point that it caused goosebumps to break out across her skin. She wasn’t
scared of this version of him. She understood it because that same raged lived deep inside her. If she

couldcontrolit,shewouldletitout,butshewasscaredtofindoutwhatitwascapableof.

“No,”Lexiedemanded.“I’mnotgoinganywhere.”
DanecamecloserbutLexiewasdeterminedtostandherground.“Youdon’twanttoseethis,Lexie.

Trustme,somethingscan’tbeunseen.”

“IhaveseenenoughtoknowwhatI’masking,”LexielookedupintoDane’seyesashetuckedhisgun

awayandplacedhishandonhershoulder.Hegaveheraslightnodbeforewrappinghislargearmaround
hershoulderandpullingherclose.

ShelookedupatJackson,whowaswatchingherquietlybeforeheturnedbacktowardRoshwhenhe

startedpleadingwithJackson.“I’msurewecanworksomethingout.Ihaveinformation…”

Jackson raised his gun and fired. Rosh’s words were stopped immediately as his body fell to the

ground.LexiewatchedJackson’sshouldersdropashestaredatthemanthathadbetrayedhisfather.She
wonderedifhefeltreliefthathehadhisrevenge.Lexiewantedtofeelbetterknowinghewasgone,but
nothing would change the fact that she would never be able to wrap her arms around her mother again.
The weight was still on her shoulders. The only consolation she had was that he could no longer hurt
anyoneelse.

Lexie ran toward Jackson. She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tight. She didn’t

breatheuntilheacceptedherinhisarms.

“Well,wehavethegirl,butthosebastardstookoffwiththeevidence,”Danebrokethesilence.Lexie

lookedupatDane.

“Come on, guys. Have a little faith. You don’t think I would just run a car into a gunfight without a

plan?” Nate said as he limped toward them with a box stuffed under his arm. He dropped the box at
Dane’sfeet.

“Plansarereallyyourstyle,Nate,”Jacksonshookhisheadwithquietrelief.
“Yeah, well, It was actually just dumb luck,” Nate admitted with a laugh. “Let’s get the fuck out of

here.Myankleiskillingme.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-ONE

Flint

Thefloorofthetruckwascoveredinscrapsofmetalandotherdebris.Everybumpoftheunevenroad

causedthesharpobjectstodigintohisskin.Thepainwasbecomingunbearableashelayhelpless,still
undertheinfluenceofthedrug.

When he realized what his sister had done he was beyond furious, trapped in a body that was

completelyimmobilewhilehisbrainracedinanger.HewaslefttostareatthedirtiedfloorwhileSabine
wentagainsthiswishesanddoomedthemboth.Hisscreamsweretrappedinhisheadashetriedtoforce
his body to move. Without knowing how much she had given him, he had no idea how long the effects
wouldlast.

All he could do was wait for what was coming as he sat on the kitchen floor. When the front door

opened and he heard footsteps echo through the empty house, he knew his time was up. Familiar black
shoessteppedintoview.Hiseyesweresodryitwashardtofocusbutheknewexactlywhoitwas.He
couldtastehisowndemiseonhistonguewhenJacobsleaneddowninhislineofsight.

“Tsktsk.”Jacobssmiled.“Thisistooeasy.Whatthefuckiswrongwithyou,anyway?Testingout

yourdrugshitonyourself?”JacobslaughedashesmackedFlintonthesideoftheface.“Let’sgetyou
backtoJohn.”

Jacobshadthrownhiminthebackofhistruck,leavinghimtherefortheextentofthedrive.Flintknew

exactlywhatwaswaitingforhimattheendofthisride.HehadtakentoomanypeoplehimselftoJohnfor
thisexactsamefate.Hewasdesperatetoforcehisbodyintoactionbutnomatterhowhardhetried,he
couldn’tsomuchastwitchafingerormovehisparchedlips.Theonlyhopehehadwasthatfeelingwas
beginningtoreturn.

HeneededtoreasonwithJohntosavehimself.SurelyJohnwouldnotforgettheyearsofloyaltyhe

hadgivenhim.ThereasonhewasinthissituationwasbecauseofLexie.Shehadcursedhimtothisfate.
Johnmustknowhowmuchturmoilthatgirlhadcausedthemsinceshecameintothepicture.Shewasthe
realproblemthatneededtobeeliminated;heneededtoshowJohnthistruth.MaybenowthatMarywas
goneJohn’sobsessionwithherghostwouldsubsideandhewouldrealizethatLexiewasjustareminder
ofsomethinghecouldneverhaveagain.HewouldhavetoremindJohnhowvitalhewastotheoperation.
For years he had thought of John as his family. They understood and trusted each other. He needed to
believeJohnwouldgranthimtheopportunitytoexplainhimself.

FrigidwaterslappedhiminthefaceandFlintgaspedforair.Hehadn’trealizedhehadfallenasleep

untilhisharshawakening.HewastiedtoachairinthedarkinterrogationroominthebasementofBitter

Sweet.Heneverthoughthewouldbetheoneinthechair.Hegrippedthearmrests.Herealizedhewas
regainingcontrolofhisbody.Heranhissluggishtongueoverhislipsandswallowed.

“Thereyouare,”Jacobssaidasheleanedin.“Lookslikeyourdrugiswearingoff.Itwillmakethis

morefunifyousquirm.”Jacobslaughed.

“Whe…”Flinttriedtoforcewordsthroughhisthroat.“Where…”
Jacobsraisedabrowashelookedathim,waitinghimtofinishhiswords.
“John,”Flintfinished.HiswordswerebarelyrecognizablebutheknewJacobswouldunderstand.
“He’sonhisway,buthesaidwecouldstartwithouthim,”Jacobssaidashewalkedovertothetable.

“Oh,andbytheway,youpissedyourself.Ithinkwecanbothagreethisisnotoneofyourfinermoments.”
Jacobsfrownedcasually.

“You…don’tneed…todo…this,”Flintpleaded.
“Oh,butIdo,”Jacobssaidasheranhisfingeralongaknifebladehehadpickedupoffthetable.“Ido

becauseyouknowbetterthananyonewhathappenswhenyoucrossJohn.”

Flint squeezed his eyes shut, desperate to think through the cloud of fear that was muddying his

thoughts.“Iwasbringing…herback.Ihadher,”Flintexplained.

“YouthinkJohnisgoingtobelievethat?”Jacobstookarollofducttapeandpulledthetapefree.The

soundechoedintheroomandasmallwhimpertriedtoescapethebackofFlint’sthroat.Jacobswrapped
thetapearoundhishand,pinningitdownsohecouldnotmovehisfingers.

“Don’t do this,” Flint pleaded as Jacobs positioned the blade against his index fingertip. The sharp

pointofthebladedugintohisskin.HisentirebodyclenchedasJacobshittheendofthehandlewitha
hammer,drivingthebladeintohisfinger.

AscreamtorethroughFlint’sthroatsorawashisentirebodyjoltedinpain.Thechairscrapedalong

the concrete floor as tears streamed down his face. “Stop…stop,” he mumbled as he gasped in pain.
“Please…”Itdidn’tstopJacobsfrommovingtohisnextfingerandthenextuntilhefelthisconsciousness
slippingfromtheassault.

Morewatercoldwaterwasthrowninhisface.Heawokewithagaspandimmediatelyremembered

thehellhewasenduring.Bloodcoveredhismangledfingersanddrippeddowntothefloor.Heforcedhis
headtolookupasthedooropenedandJohnwalkedin.

“John…stopthis,please.It’sme,”Flintwhisperedthroughhisswollenthroat.
“Itisyou,”Johnsaidasheapproachedhim.
“Iwastryingtogetherbackforyou.Ineverintended…”
“Enough!” John demanded he stop. Flint looked up into John’s stone cold gaze. “I’m not a forgiving

man,Flint,butwehaveknowneachotherforalongtime.”

“Yes…yes,”Flintagreed,desperateforhimtoshowmercy.
“Imaybewillingtocometoanagreementifyoudosomethingforme,”Johnsaid.Hiscigarsmoke

madetheroomappearcloudy.

“Anything,”Flintagreed.
JohnpulledhiscigaroutofhismouthandstudieditbeforehiseyesreturnedtoFlint.“Tellmethetruth

andwecanputthisbehindus.Didyoutouchher?”

Flintstaredathim.Hewasn’tsurehowtoanswerthequestion.KnowingJohn,healreadyknewthe

truthandhewastestinghim.“Shetriedtoseduceme…Ihadeveryintentionoftellingyou.Sheplannedit.
Iwouldneverhavefuckedherwithoutyourpermission.”

Johnplacedthecigaragainsthislipsanddrewthesmokeintohismouth.Itslowlyescapedtojointhe

cloudgatheringintheroomthatsmelledofspice.ItmadetheairfeeldrierasFlintbreatheditin.

“Pullhispantsdown,”JohnorderedJacobs.
“What?John?Ididn’tfuckher…”FlintstruggledagainstJacobs,whounbuttonedhispantsandyanked

themdown.Hetriedtoresistbuthewasboundtothechair.“Ididn’tfuckher!”hescreamedashetriedto

loosenhisties.

“Andyouneverwill,”Johnsaidcoldlyasheremovedhisjacketandrolleduphissleeves.
“Don’tdothis,John.Pleasedon’tfuckingdothis!”Flintscreamed.
JohnsteppedtowardhimwiththebloodiedbladeinhishandthatJacobshandedhim.Thewhitehot

painwasblindingasJohnmadethecut.Flintscreamedandfoughtagainstthetiesthatcutintohisflesh
butitwasfutile.Helookeddownattheremainsofhismanhoodbeforehewasswallowedinnothingness.
Hehopedheneverwoke.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-TWO

Lexie

Lexiedidn’trealizeshewasbouncingherkneeuntilJacksonplacedhishandonitandgaveitagentle

squeeze.Shelookedupfromherfoldedhandsinherlapintohisdeepbrowneyes.

“Sorry,I’mnotabigfanofhospitalsanymore,”Lexieadmitted.
“Don’tbesorry,”Jacksonsaidwithasmile.Hetookherhandinhisandwoundtheirfingers.Hisskin

felt so warm against hers and she savored the feel of him. It calmed her despite the chaos in her heart,
knowingshewasinthelastplacehermotherwasalive.Theplaceshelosther.

LexielookedacrossthewaitingroomtoseeDaneasleepwithhisfeetuponthetable,thatdeepline

betweenhisbrowsstillprominentinhissleep.Shewonderedifshewouldevergettoknowwhatwas
beneathallhislayers.Thoseimpossibleblueeyeswerealwayssohaunted.

Teddywascaptivatedbyhisphoneandheclickedawayatwhateverhewasupto.Hesippedonthe

coldcoffeehehadbeennursingforthelasthour.Lexiecouldbarelystomachitwhileitwashot.Hewasa
closed book as well, never letting anyone see deeper than what he presented them. They were both
puzzlesshehopedonedayshewouldunderstand.

BothGilesandNatewereadmittedwhentheyarrived.Natecouldbarelywalkbythetimetheyarrived

atthehospital.Thedoctorsuspectedhebrokesomebonesinhisfootandhewaswhiskedawaytobex-
rayed.

Giles’skinwasafewshadesofgreywhentheyplacedhimonagurney.Hehadstillbeenconscious

and able to laugh at Teddy’s ridiculous antics, but it was obvious he was in extreme pain. The doctor
seemedtobeoptimisticwhenheupdatedthemonhiscondition.Theywantedtoadmithimforafewdays
but said they expected he would make a full recovery. They were lucky it was all the injuries that they
sustained,consideringwhattheyhadbeenthrough.

“Canwegetoutofhereforalittlebit?”Lexieasked.“Ineedsomeair.”
“Sure,”Jacksonsaidbeforehestoodup.“Callmewithanyupdates,”hecalledouttoTeddybeforehe

followedLexie’slead.Sheneededtogetoutofthebuilding,takeadeepbreathoffreshair,andcalmher
nerves.

“Where to?” Jackson asked when they stepped outside the front doors of the hospital. Lexie

immediatelyfeltsomeofthetensionmeltaway.

“Ineedsomecaffeinethatdoesn’ttastelikeitcouldkillme,”Lexieadmittedasshewrappedherarms

aroundherself.

“Ihaveanidea,”Jacksonsaidreassuringlyasheplacedhisarmaroundhershoulderandpulledher

intohisside.

“Good,’causeI’mtooexhaustedtothink.”

***

LexiewrappedherhandsaroundherhotcupofteaasJacksonpulledofftheroad.Shelookedaround,

unsureofwheretheywere.Itwasanoldwindingroadthatappearedtotakethemnowhere.Shehadfallen
into a comfortable silence and hadn’t asked where he was driving, but now that he pulled off the main
roadontoanarrowdirtdrive,hercuriositycouldn’tbecontained.

“Wherearewe?”Lexiesatupfurtherinherseattocheckouttheirsurroundings.
Jackson turned his head and looked at her with a sly smile. “It’s where I used to come when I still

livedhere.ItwaswhereIcametoclearmyhead,”JacksonsaidasthetreesbegantoopenupandJackson
pulledthecartoastop.Lexieopenedherdoortogetabetterlook.Shesteppedoutintothecoolevening
air.Takingadeepbreath,shecouldsmelltheearthandfoliagethatsurroundedthem.Itremindedherof
home.

LexieclosedherdoorandspunaroundbeforestoppingtoseeJacksonwatchingher.
“Comehere.”Heheldhishandoutforhertotake.“Iwantyoutoseesomething.”
Heledhertotheedgewheretheycouldseetheentirecitybelow.ThelightsofBelhavenlookedlikea

workofartfromtheirvantagepoint.

“Wow,it’sbeautiful,”Lexiesaid.“Youcan’tseetheuglyfromhere.”
“No,youcan’t,”Jacksonagreedthoughtfully.“Ispentalotoftimehereaftermymotherdied.Igoton

mybikeonedayandjustkeptpeddling,furtherandfurtherfromthecityuntileventuallyitwastoodarkto
seeanymoreandIwashere.Idon’tevenknowhowIfoundthisplace,butIdid.Isleptrighthereonthe
ground that night, under the stars, wondering why my life was so shitty when the world looked so
beautiful.”

“It’sallanillusion,”Lexiesaid.Theybothlookedatthelightsbelow.
“Ithoughtsotooatfirst,formostofmylife,actually,butallthedarknessiswhatmakesallthelights

looksobright.ThatwaswhenIfoundyou.I’veneverseenalightsobright,anditmademewanttocrawl
outofthedarkness.”

Lexie didn’t know how to respond to that. His words plucked chords deep inside her and she

thrummedwithheat.

Jacksonturnedtowardher.“Toocheesy?”Heraisedhisbrow.
Lexielaughed.“Maybealittle.”Sheheldherfingerstoanimateheranswer.
“I’mtryingmyhardesttogetinyourpants,”Jacksonadmittedlightly.
“All you had to do was ask, but I do appreciate the sweet talk.” Lexie smiled, feeling elation wash

awayalltheheavyemotionsthathadbeenweighingherdown.

Jacksonbroughtherhandsupsotheywerearoundhisneckandliftedherbodyagainsthis.“Youknow

what’sbetterthanathinkingplace?”Jacksonaskedwithamischievoussmileinbetweenkissesalongher
jawandgrazingherlips.Hermindwaslosingtheabilitytoprocessanythingbuthislipsonherskinand
thetinglingheattheystirred.

“What’sthat?”Shegiggledashenippedherneck.
“Amake-outplace,”Jacksonsaidagainstherskin.Goosebumpsflashedoverhersensitizedflesh.
LexiegaspedinsurprisewhenJacksonplacedheronthehoodofhiscar.Heplacedhishandsoneither

side of her, flattening his palms on the car as he looked down at her. Their relationship had been a
beautifuldisastersincethemomentitbegan.Jacksonhadfoundawaytowraphimselfaroundherfragile
heartandsheembracedit.Whenshethoughtofherfuture,hewasineveryscenario.

“I love you, Jackson Finley,” Lexie whispered. He stayed still, completely unmoving to the point

whereitstartedtoscareher.Shewaitedforhisresponsebutitdidn’tcome.“Jackson?”

“Ididn’thearyou,whatdidyousay?”hefinallysaid.
Lexieslappedhisarmplayfully.“Youheardme,youliar.”
“Justsayitagain.Louderthistime,soIknowforsure,”heasked,stillleaningoverher.
Lexie shook her head before she screamed as loud as she could. “I love you, Jackson Finley!” Her

voiceechoedinthedistance.“Didyouhearmethattime?”Lexielaughed.

Jacksonleaneddownandtookherlipsinhis,devouringherashepressedhisbodyagainsthers.Lexie

pulledhimclosertodeepentheirkiss.Shenoticedhischeeksfeltwettothetouch.

“Jackson,what’swrong?”
He pulled back and rubbed his hands down his face. “Nothing, I’m good. I’m better than good.” He

pressedhislipsagainsthers.

“Whythetears?”Lexietookhisfaceinherhandsandheldhimclose.
“Younoticedthat,huh?WouldyoubelieveIhadsomethinginmyeye?”
“Notachance,”Lexiesaidassheranherfingersthroughhishair.
“Youwerethefirstpersontoevertellmethat.Thosewordscomingfromyourlipssoundtoogoodto

betrue.Youaretoogoodtobetrue,LexieWilder,”Jacksonconfessed.

LexiegrabbedhisshirtandpulleditupuntilJacksonreachedoverhisshoulderandpulleditoverhis

head.Hewasjustasquicktoremovehershirt,pullingthematerialawaysotheywouldhavenobarriers.
Thefeelofhavinghisskinagainstherswasintoxicating,shefeltcompletelydrunkonlust.

Lexie felt a sense of freedom now that she admitted her feelings to Jackson. She wanted to explore

theirconnectionineverywayanddiscoverallhissecrets.Fornow,shewouldsettleforthepleasurethey
couldgiveeachotherastheyconnectedonaprimallevel…oneofthethingstheydidverywelltogether.

WhenJacksontossedtherestofherclothesaside,Lexiepushedherselfoffthecar.Placingherhand

against his chest, she pushed him back a few steps before turning around. She rubbed the curve of her
behind against him, eliciting a groan of approval. Jackson wrapped his arms around her, cupping her
breastsasLexieplacedherkneeonthecar.Hishandsliddownhersideandaroundthecurveofherhip
beforehisfingersbegantoteasehersensitiveflesh.Hislipsgrazedhershoulderashiserectionthrobbed
againstherbackside.

The slight chill to the air was invigorating as it seemed to heighten her senses. Standing naked

outdoors,withthebreezecaressinghernipplesandJackson’sexperttouchhadherdeliriouswithwant.
Archingherback,shecouldfeelhisexcitementdrippingonherskin.Hewantedinsideherasmuchasshe
did.

Takinghiminherhand,sheguidedhimtoherentrance.Heslidinpainfullyslowwhilestillmilking

herpleasure.Hisotherhandgrabbedherbreastandsqueezedashefilledher.

“Harder,”Lexiedemanded.
Jacksonslidhimselfoutslowlybeforethrustingbackinhardenoughthatshehadtobraceherselfon

thecar.“Ithoughtgentlewasforlove.Youjustconfessedyourloveforme.Shouldn’twetakethisslow?”

“Godno,I’llgoinsane,”Lexiegasped.“Nowthatweestablishedourfeelings,it’sallinthenameof

love.”

“Good,” Jackson said as he thrust deep into her core. Grasping her breasts, he made sure to pay

attention to all her pleasure points. His deep, hard thrusts were sparking intense bliss that was set to
ignite.Shelostsensationofthegroundbeneathherfeetandthecoolmetalofthecar,asherbodybecame
aslavetothedesireofreleasethatJacksonwasleadinghertoward,fastandfuriously.

Thegaspofpleasureresonatedfromsomewheredeepinsideofherasherreleasespreadlikewildfire

through her entire body. Lexie melted like hot wax as Jackson held her. He followed with a few more
deeppushesbeforepullingherclose.Hisentirebodystiffenedandhegrowledintothecurveofherneck

beforehisteethgrazedthefleshofsheshoulder,makinghershudder.

Jackson wrapped both arms around her and held her tight, placing a kiss on her head. “I love you,

Lex.”

“Metoo.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-THREE

Jackson

“Howlonghasthispizzabeensittinghere?”Stephanieasked,lookingdownattheremainsinthebox.
“Iwouldn’triskit.Let’sjustorderanewone,”Lexiesaidwithalookofdisgust.
“Whywasteperfectlygoodfood?”Daneleanedin,grabbedacoldslice,andtookabigbite.
Stephanieshookherheadandclosedthebox.“Wearedefinitelygettinganewone.Besides,itwould

probablydoyouguyssomegoodtogetonewithvegetablesonit.”

“Whatarevegetables?”Daneaskedashetookanotherbite.
LexieandStephaniebothlookedateachotherandshooktheirheads.AssoonasNatewasreleased

theybroughthimbacktothehotelwhereJacksonhadbeenstaying.Theyallmanagedafewhoursofsleep
beforethesunrose.Theshortrestwouldbealltheycouldmanagebecausetheyneededtoregroupafter
whathappened.Stodden’smenfailedtogettheirhandsoneitherofthethingstheyhadbeensentforand
thatmeanttheywouldbeseeinghimagainsoon.

Jackson drained his glass of whiskey and set it down on the table. He pulled a few bills out of his

walletandheldthemtowardLexie.

“Whydon’tyougograbussomefood?”Jacksonsuggested.
“Notachance.I’llorderin.Iknowwhatyou’redoing.You’retryingtogetmeoutofheresoyoucan

makeplanswithoutme.I’minthis,Jackson.I’mnotgonnawaitarounduntilsomeonetriestokidnapme
again.It’sgettingold.”Lexiecrossedherarmsandnarrowedhereyes.Jacksontriednottonoticehowthe
positionofherarmsaccentuatedhercleavage.Shelookedsobeautifulwithhersternfeaturesandtousled
hair.Heknewhewouldneverhaveenoughofhertosatisfytheneedthatcontinuedtobuildinintensity.
Hisgazelingeredonherfull,pinklipsthathecouldstillfeelagainsthis.Hecouldn’thelpthesmilethat
begantocurvehislips.

Shehadchangedsomuchsinceshefirstcameintohislife.Sheusedtobenervous,terrified,andsad,

butnowshewasstrongandconfident.Shenolongertwistedtheedgeofhershirtbetweenherfingersor
shookinthefaceoffear.Sheamazedhimhowshecametoownwhatlifehadthrownather.Shewasa
survivorlikehim.Hewasthrilledthathewasabletocallherhis.Hewantedtoshoutitouttotheworld
butfirstheneededtomakesureheeliminatedtheonethingthatthreatenedher,thatthreatenedthem,and
couldtakeitallaway.

“Youaresostubborn,”Jacksonsaid,shakinghishead.Hetuckedthemoneyinherpantsandnipped

herbottomlip.

“I’malreadyinenoughpain,don’tmakemewatchyoutwofuckingmake-out,”Nateteased.

“Well,I’msuperfinewithsittingthisoneout.I’vealreadyhadtoomuchexcitement.”Stephanieraised

herhands.“IfIneverseeagunagainitwillbetoosoon.”

Lexieturnedtoherfriendandwrappedherarmsaroundher.“Thiswillbebehindussoon.”
“Ihopeyou’reright,Lex.Imissingboring,”Stephanieconfessed.
Lexiesmiled.“Metoo.”
“Why don’t you pour me a whiskey?” Nate was sitting on one of the two beds, his cast propped up

withpillows.

“Docsaidnodrinkingwithyourpainmeds.Nicetry,though,”Jacksonsaidbeforetossinghimabottle

ofwaterthatwassittingonthetable.

Nate caught it and looked at it with an unamused expression. “Since when do I start doing what I’m

told?”

“Sincenow,”Stephanieadded.“Nowhiskey.”Shepointedathiminwarning.
Natesighedbeforesettingthewateronthenightstand.
JacksonpulledupachairbesideTeddytoseeifhewasmakinganyprogress.Theyknewtheprivate

openingforBitterSweetwasthiseveningandStodden’sattendancewasguaranteed.Hewasneveroneto
misstheopportunitytoflaunthimselftoadmirers.Nowtheyjustneededtofigureoutaplantogetinside
theprivatefunctionundetectedandkillthemanofthehour.

“Givemesomething,Teddy,”Jacksonsaid,runninghishandthroughhishair.
“I’minthecomputerofBrianCrothers.Whileyouguysweresleeping,IlookedintoStodden’spartner.

He’s owned various successful bars in Belhaven in the last twelve years but this is the first time he’s
joinedforceswithariskypartnerlikeStodden.LookslikeStoddenmadehimanofferhecouldn’trefuse.”

“How’dyougetin?”Jacksonasked.HewastryingtokeepupwithalltheinfoTeddywaspullingup

onthescreen.

“His password was his fucking birthday, took me all of two seconds. People are as predictable as

shit.”

“ThisisexactlywhyIstayoffthesethings,”Jacksonreplied.“Whatdidyoufind?”
“Hehasabitofapornaddiction,”Teddydished.
“Don’tweall?”Danejoked.Heshovedtherestofthepieceofpizzainhismouthandleanedbackon

thebed.

“They’repullingallthestopsforsecurity.Ifoundsomecorrespondingemailsabouttakingnochances

whenitcomestosecuringtheproperty.”

“Aretheyusingalegitcompany?”Jacksonaskedwithafrown.
“Fuckno,they’reusingtheirarmedgoons,butitlooksliketheytripledtheirnumbersfortonight,seems

theyhavealotofhighprofileclientsattending.”Teddypulledupalistofnamesonhisscreen.

“Whatthefuck?Someofthesenames…”Jacksonsaid,scanningthelist.Someofthenamesstoodout

asmeninthepubliceye,politicians,therewasevensomebusinessownersthatwerewellknown.“How
doesheexpectsomethesementoshow?”

“Apparentlyeveryoneofthemreceivedamaskwiththeirpersonalinvite.Thewholeeveningistobe

anonymous.Eventhestaffandentertainmentwillbewearingmaskstohidetheiridentitybasedonthese
invoices.Theyevenhaveacarservicepickinguptheinvitesatvariouslocations.Hisplanistowinthese
menover,andapparentlyit’sworking.”

Jacksonrubbedhishandoverhisfacethoughtfully.“Yeah,Iguessthepromiseofsextooldstuffymen

willdothat.I’massumingthesemenwillbeofferedmorethanalittlepeepshow.”

“Yeah, with their invites they were sent blood tests of all the girls to confirm they were all clean. I

imaginealotofshitwillbegoingdown.”

“Wherearethegirlscomingfrom?”Jacksonasked.
“All over, some are local, though.” Teddy pulled up the file with all the profiles of the women they

werebringinginfortonight’sentertainment.

DanesatuptogetabetterlookatthecomputerscreenasTeddyshuffledthroughthedifferentgirls.
“Stop,”Danesaid.“Goback.”
“Whichone?”Teddyasked,flickingbackslowly.
“Thatone,”Danesaid,pointingtowardthescreen.“Iknowher.”
“Ibetyoudo,”Teddyteased.Theprettyblondestaredbackatthemfromthescreen.“CrystalCorr,”

Teddyreadhernameoutloud.Basedonherprofile,shewastwenty-fourandlivedinBelhaven.

“Solet’scomeupwithaplanwithallthisinformationthatwassokindlyprovidedbyCrothers.Pull

uptheblueprintsofthebuilding.”Jacksontriedtogetthembackoncourse.

Teddy turned around in his seat and looked at Lexie before turning back to the picture of Crystal.

JacksonwatchedthewheelsturninginTeddy’shead.

“Whatthefuckareyoudoing,Ted?”
“IthinkIhaveaplanthatwillwork,”Teddylookedupathim.“Butyou’renotgonnalikeit.”
JacksonlookedatthepictureofCrystalandnarrowedhiseyes.“Nofuckingway.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-FOUR

Dane

“It’sagoodfuckingplanandyouknowit,”DanesaidtoJackson.HeturnedhisheadtoseeJackson

fumingbehindthewheelofhiscar.Hestillhadn’tcalmeddownsinceTeddyhadtoldhimtheplan.He
hadbeenreadytoshutitalldownwhenLexiesteppedinandinsistedshewasin.Lexiereachedupfrom
thebackseatandsqueezedJackson’sshoulder.

“Iwanttodothis,Jacks,”Lexieinsisted.
Jacksongrabbedherhandandturnedaroundtolookherintheeye.“Youkeepthatmicrophoneon.If

youfeelthreatenedatall,youjustsaythetriggerwordandI’llpullyououtofthere.”

Lexienodded.“I’mready,”Lexiesaid,lookingupatDane.
Daneopenedhisdoorandsteppedontothesidewalk.“Seeyousoon.”
“Yousurethisgirlisgonnacooperate?”
“It’llwork.Don’tworry.”Daneshutthedoor,grabbedhisbagfromthetrunk,andledLexieintothe

apartmentbuilding.Crystalmayhavebeenaprostitute,butsheknewhowtoworkthesystemtobuilda
verycomfortablelifeforherself.Danehadknownherforyearsandtheirrelationshipextendedbeyond
the typical client would have. She trusted Dane and he knew how hard that was to accomplish. The
apartmentbuildingwasinanupscaleareaofthecity,whichspokeofhersuccess.

“Howwelldoyouknowher?”Lexiewhisperedwhentheelevatordoorsclosed.
Danelookedatherwitharaisedbrow.“AreyouaskingifIpaidherforsex?”
“Justcuriouswhatwe’rewalkinginto,”Lexierespondedwithahintofredstaininghercheeks.
“The answer is yes,” Dane admitted casually. “Trust me when I tell you this is the easy part of the

evening.”

Lexiesighedasthedoorsopened.“Herewego.”
DanesmiledandledherdownthehallwaytowardCrystal’sdoor.Hepulledouthisphone.

Dane:Outsideyourdoor.

“Why don’t you just knock?” Lexie asked with a frown. “We’re standing right here.” Lexie waved

towardthedarkstainedwoodendoor.

“Whenyouworkinherindustry,youdon’tjustopendoorswithoutknowingwho’sbehindthem,”Dane

explainedashetuckedhisphoneaway.HeknewjusthowtroublesomethingshadbeenforCrystalbefore
shehadearnedrespect.Theyweretwopeoplewithtwistedpaststhatfoundcomfortknowingtheywere

notalone.“Trustme,ifIdidn’ttexther,shewouldn’tcometothedoor.”

Daneheardfootstepsapproachthedoorbeforeheheardthechainlockrelease.Thedoorswungopen

and Crystal stood before them in a pink silk robe and curlers in her hair. Her bright red lipstick was
alreadyappliedandglittersurroundedherdark,paintedeyes.

“Dane, come in.” She waved them both in and closed the door, sliding the lock in place. “I was

surprisedtohearfromyoutoday.”Crystalledthemintoherposhapartmentthatwastailoredtoherlavish
taste.Onewouldneverknowstandinginherplacethatshewashomelessfiveyearsago.

Crystal was good at reading people and she used this to her advantage. Her clients were wealthy

businessmenwhodidn’thavetimetodateorhadlostinterestintheirwives.Shegavethemwhatthey
wanted,andinreturnshewasabletoobtainasubstantialfortune.Danedidn’tfallintoherrequirements,
butshehaddevelopedasoftspotforhimalongtheway.Maybebecausehewastheonlyonewhoknew
whoshereallywasbehindthefancyclothes.

“Iknewhowmuchyouweremissingme,”Danesaid,straight-faced.
Crystalshookherheadandherredlipsturnedupintoafullgrin.“OfcourseImissedyou.”Sheleaned

uponhertoesandplantedakissonhischeek.

Daneimmediatelywipedhisface.“Didyougetthatredshitonme?”
“Youloveit.”Crystallaughed.“Andwhomightyoube?”Crystalheldoutherhand.
“I’m―”LexiebeganbutDanecutheroff.
“She’sgoingtobeyoufortherestoftheevening,”Danedidn’teventrytobreakthenewskindly.He

thoughtitwasbesttojumprightintothethickofit.Timewasnotaluxurytheyhad.

Crystal’s hand fell to her side “What the fuck?” She raised her eyebrows at Dane, looking for an

explanation.“Pleasedon’ttellmeyou’redraggingmeintooneofyourinsaneschemes?”

“Trustme,you’llthankmelater,”Daneinsisted.“AndI’mnotdraggingyouintoitbecauseyou’renot

going.”

“I’mgettingpaidalotofmoneytogotothatopening.”Crystalnarrowedhereyes.
“Considering we’re planning to kill the man that’s gonna sign your paycheck, it’s safe to say you’re

nevergoingtoreceiveit.”DanewatchedCrystal’seyeswiden.

“Well,thisisfuckinggreat.Ijusthadoneofmybiggestclientstellmehecannolongerdobusiness

withmebecausehe’sgonnaworkonhisshitmarriage,andnowthis,”Crystalsaiddramatically.“Ineeda
drink,andifyou’regoingtobeme,thenyouneedonetoo.”CrystalgrabbedLexiebythearmandledher
intothekitchen.

“Adrinksoundsreallygoodrightnow.I’mLexie,bytheway.”
“Nicetomeetyou,Lexie,”Crystalsaid.
Dane followed the girls into the kitchen, where Crystal poured two glasses of red wine from her

impressivecollection.

“Sohowisthisgonnahappen?”CrystaleyedDaneandLexieovertherimofherglass.
“I’massumingyoureceivedacostumefortonight’smaskedtheme?”Daneaskedasheleanedagainst

thecounter.

“Oh,thatIdid,Iwasactuallylookingforwardtoslippingthatlittlenumberon.Whatapity.”Crystal

frowned.

Danedroppedhisbagonthecounterandclappedhishandstogether.“Well,consideringwhattimeit

is,IneedyoutomakeLexielooklikeyousowecangetthisshowontheroad.”

“What’sthat?”Crystalasked,eyeingthebag.
“ToysthatTeddygaveustopullthisoff.”
AnunamusedexpressioncrossedCrystal’sface.“Youaregonnaowemebigtime,”shewarnedDane.

Shedrainedherglassandsetitdownonthecounter.

“I’veheardthatbefore,”Danesaid,unconcerned.

“Atleastyoukeepmylifeinteresting.”CrystalturnedtowardLexie.“He’sreallysomething,isn’the?”
“Ihaven’tquitefiguredhimoutyet.”Lexietiltedherhead.“Dane’sabitofamystery.”
Crystal threw her head back and laughed. “Honey, you’ve figured out as much as I have and I’ve

known him for a long time. Let’s get you ready. I was planning on leaving in an hour.” Crystal ushered
Lexieoutofthekitchen.Sheturnedbackaroundbeforedisappearingdownthehall.“Youbetternotget
meintrouble,Dane.IknowwhoStoddenis,andifyoudon’tsucceedinthislittleplan,Iwanttomake
surehedoesn’tcomeafterme.”

“You’llbesafe,Ipromise.”
Crystalshookherheadwithasighbeforecontinuingdownthehall.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-FIVE

Lexie

“Take a deep breath, Lexie. In and out,” Teddy’s voice soothed her from the tiny communicator that

wastuckedinherear.Lexiesqueezedthesteeringwheelsotightherhandsbegantohurtasshelooked
throughthewindshieldatthelargeblackbuildingthatfilledherentirewindshield.Shewasparkedinthe
back, where Crystal informed her she was instructed to when she arrived for the evening. She didn’t
realizehownervousshewasuntilshedroppedoffDane.

Lexie was terrified she would be recognized despite the mask that covered the majority of her face.

Sheangledtherearviewmirrorsoshecouldseeherreflection.Whensheconfirmedeverythingwasasit
shouldbe,shepulledadeepbreathintohertightchest.“Ican’tbelieveyouguysdothisforaliving.Ifeel
likemyheartisabouttoexplode.”

“Well,wedon’tactuallydowhatyou’reabouttodo.Although,I’msureDanewouldlookhilariousin

sparklylingerie,”Teddyjoked.

“YouknowwhatImean,”Lexiesaidwithasmallsemblanceofalaugh.
“Wewon’tbefarbehindyou.OnceyougetalocationonStodden,we’llmovein.Justlooklikeyou

knowwhatyou’redoingandyoushouldbeabletobuyenoughtime.”

“Idon’tseeyouguys.”Lexielookedaroundtheparkinglot.
“That’sthepoint.Theimportantthingisthatwecanseeyou,andyoureallyneedtomovethatpretty

buttbeforeyoustarttolooksuspicious,”Teddysaidcalmly.

“Yeah,yeah.”Lexietookanotherdeepbreath.“Please,god,letthethinstrapsofthisridiculouslysmall

outfithold.”

Teddy laughter erupted in the earpiece. “I think everyone will be praying for the opposite. Shit.

Jackson…Iwasfuckingjoking…givethatback.”Teddysoundedlikehewasstruggling.“Thathurt.”

“Don’t listen to that piece of fuck. Be safe, baby. I’ll be in there before you know it,” Jackson said

reassuringly.Justthesoundofhisvoiceinstantlycalmedherdown.“Doyouhavethepieceforthedoor?”

“Yeah.”Lexiereachedintothecupholderandpulledoutthesmalldevicethatshewasinstructedtofit

ontothedoorlatch.Shewrappedherfingersaroundittightly.

“Yep,I’mheadingin.I’llseeyousoon,”Lexiesaid,openingherdoor,knowingfromhereoninshe

couldn’ttalkanymorebutlisteningtohimwouldhelpkeepherfocused.Thedistractionfromherracing
heartandsweatingpalmswasmuchneeded.

“Bewithyousoon,”Jacksonreplied.“Keepthetargetinmind.”
Lexielookedaroundasshewalkedtowardthebackdoor.

“Relax,youdon’twanttolookguilty,babe,”Jacksonsuggested.
Lexiegrabbedholdoftherailingandwalkedupthesteps.Sheknockedlikeshewasinstructedtodo

andthedoorimmediatelyswungopen.Abald-headedmanthatLexierecognizedfromwhenStoddenheld
hercaptivestoodbeforeher,andforamomentsheforgotshewaswearingamask.

“Well,getthefuckinhere.You’relate,”themanbarkedather.
“Sorry…”Lexiebegan.
“Don’tapologize.Justtellhimtofuckoff,”Jacksonsaidinherear.
“…butI’mherenow.”Lexietriedtoforcearroganceinhervoice.
Heclenchedhisjawandwavedimpatientlyforhertoenter.Lexiegrabbedtheedgeofthedoorand

pulled it out of his grasp, making sure she kept his eyes distracted as she tried to pull off a dramatic
display.“Youtrytofitintothislittleoutfitandbeontime,”Lexiesaid,pullingopenthetieofherjacket.
His eyes wandered down the length of her body as Lexie shoved the device over the door latch. She
hoped she placed it correctly, because she couldn’t watch what she was doing without drawing his
attention.Sheknewitwashowtheywereplanningongettingintothebuilding.Thisstepwasimportant
andshecouldn’tmessitup.

She stepped inside the hallway and tried to focus on what she needed to do. She ran through the

checklistCrystalhaddrilledintoherheadbeforeleaving.SheneededtocheckinwithRonnie,whohad
initiallyinterviewedallthewomenwhowereentertainingthisevening.

Lexiewalkeduptothethirddoordownthehallway,pretendingshewasfamiliarwiththebuildingand

knew exactly where she was going. Luckily, most of the bodies that were passing her seemed
preoccupied.

Lexieknockedonthewoodendoorwhileplacingherotherhandagainstthewall.Sheneededtofeela

solidwallagainsthershakinghand.

“Comein,”amalevoicecalledoutfromtheotherside.
Lexieopenedthedoor.Amanwassittingbehindthedeskwithpapersspreadoutinaclutteredmess.

Helookedupatherandshookhishead.“ThemasksmakeitimpossibletoknowwhoI’mfuckingtalking
toallevening.”

“CrystalCorr,”Lexieoffered.Sheplacedherhandsonherhipsandtriedtoexudethesameconfidence

shenotedinCrystal.

Hegaveheroutfitaonceoverbeforehiseyescamebacktohers.“Iwasstartingtowonderaboutyou.

You’re late.” Ronnie raised an unamused brow. Ronnie held up a key for her and waved toward the
hallway.“HeadtothedressingroomwiththeothergirlswhileIdealwiththislastminuteshit.Thiskeyis
foryourlocker.Theguestsshouldstartarrivingsoon.I’llbethereinafewminutestogiveeveryonethe
lowdown.”

Lexie nodded and headed out of the room, closing the door behind her. She had no idea where the

dressingroomwas.Shestarteddownthehall,glancinginthedifferentroomsalongtheway.

“Lastontheleft,”Jacksonwhispered.“Justheadstraightthere.”
Shepickedupherpaceandpassedtheshadylookingcharactersstandinginthehallhavingahushed

conversation.Theypausedandglaredatherasshepassed.Shetriednottolookaffectedasshecontinued
at her pace, averting her eyes. She wanted to pull her coat closer around her but she knew that would
makeherlooknervous.

“Just keep going,” Jackson encouraged. “Ignore them.” The interior of the building still smelled of

freshpaintandLexiewasimpressedbytheartdisplayedonthewalls.Alotofthoughtwasputintothe
décor.ItwasdefinitelynotthetypicalstripbarfromwhatLexiecouldtell.Thisremindedherofanold
worldbuildingwithornatemoldingsandrichcolors.

Shewasrelievedwhenshesteppedintothedressingroom.Itwasfilledwithwomenallindifferent

outfits, all just as flashy and tiny as the others. Lexie placed her hand against her chest. Her heart was

refusingtoslowdown.

“Becarefulofthecamera,Lex,”Jacksonsaidquietly.
Shepulledherhandawayandlookeddownattheflowersthatwerecoveringthecupofherbra-like

top.Shehadforgottenforamomentaboutthelittletrinketthatwassosmallitcouldbeconcealedonher
clothes.

Lexieslippedherjacketoffandopenedthelockerthatwasmarkedwiththesamenumberasherkey.

Tucking it inside, she turned around and looked down at her outfit, wondering where the hell she was
goingtostickthekey.

“There’sasmall,concealedpocketinsideyourbratoputyourkey,”oneofthegirlsmentionedwhen

shenoticedLexie’sdilemma.

Lexielookeduptoseethegirlsittingonachairbesideher.Shehadafriendlysmilethatwaspainted

withmagentalipstick.Herbleachedblondehairwascurledandpiledonthetopofherhead.Shehada
veryrelaxeddemeanourasshesippedaglassofwine.

“Oh, thank you. I didn’t notice it when I got dressed.” Lexie tried to delicately look for it without

disruptingthecamera.

“You have to take it off to find it. I’ll show you,” she offered as she set her wine glass down. She

reachedbehindherandunsnappedhertop,slidingitoffhershoulders.

“Yesss…”ShecouldhearTeddy’svoiceinthebackground.“Thisisfuckingawesome.”
Lexietriedtoignorehimassheplacedherhandoverwheresheknewthecamerawas.Theydidnot

needtospyonthewomentodotheirjob.

“Oh come on,” Teddy complained. She ignored Teddy’s pleas as she watched the girl show her the

smallpockettuckedinsidethebottomofthecup.Thiswomanwascompletelyunfazedbybeingnudein
publicasshestoodinfrontofLexiewithoutreturninghershirt.

“Justdon’tthrowyourbrawhenyoutakeifofforyoumightloseit.I’mSarah,”sheintroducedherself.
“HiSarah.I’mCrystal.”Lexiesmiledwarmly.
“CrystalCorr?”Sarahaskedwithatwistofhermouth.
“Yeah.”Lexie’sheartbeatstartingthrummingagain.Crystaldidn’tsaysheknewanyofthegirlshere.
“I’veheardaboutyou.Ithoughtyou’dbeabitch,nooffense,”Sarahsaid.
“None taken,” Lexie assured her. Sarah’s eyes raked Lexie’s entire body. Lexie resisted the urge to

narrowhereyesasthiswoman’sjudgingeyessizedherup.

Sarahsatbackdowninherseatandgrabbedherglassofwine.Shewasinnohurrytoputhertopback

on.“Helpyourselftothewine.It’sgoodshit.”

“Thanks,Iwill,”Lexiesaidassheheadedtowardtheservingcartthatheldrowsofwineglassesand

severalbottlesofwine.Shediscreetlytuckedherkeyunderherbra.Shewascomfortabletakingoffher
clothes in the comfort of her home and delightfully in front of Jackson, but she had no plans to reveal
anythingmorethanshealreadywasinthisplace.

Lexiehopedshelookedconfidentasshestruttedaroundhalf-naked,becausemanyeyesfollowedher

aroundtheroom.SuddenlyLexiefeltlikeshewasinsomecompetition.Lexiedidn’thavetheheadspace
forthemindgames.Thesewereallbeautifulwomenthatswallowedawholelotofugly.Itdrippedfrom
theirpaintedlipsandshecouldn’tstandtheenergyoftheroomastheywhisperedandglared.

The heels were already beginning to hurt her feet. The wine was something she would not pass on

becausesheneededtoforgetaboutherthrobbingfeet.Shepouredaglassanddownedtheentirecontents
justasRonniewalkedintotheroom.

“Okay ladies, let’s get this show started. Some of you have been assigned certain guests for the

evening, while others will be on stage. Just line up in front of me and I will direct you. Dancers first
please,andthenwe’llfigureoutwheretherestofyouneedtobe.”Ronnielookeddownathisclipboard
asthegirlsallfiledinline.Lexiesetherglassdownreluctantlyandheadedtowardthebackoftheline.

Thedancersweretakentoanotherroomtogetreadyfortheirperformance,leavingalittlemorethan

halftobeassigned.Lexiewasgladshewasinthebackofthelinebecauseitmeantshehadmoretimeto
mentallyprepareherself.

“You’redoinggreat,Lex.”LexieresistedtouchingherearinanefforttofeelclosertoJackson.Instead

shegraspedherhandsinfrontofher.ShesteppeduptoRonnieasthegirlinfrontofherheadedoutofthe
room.

Ronnie looked up from his list and smiled. “Ah, yes, Miss Corr,” Ronnie said with a creepy smile.

“You,mydear,cancomewithme.”Ronniesmiledasheheldoutanarmforherandtuckedtheclipboard
undertheother.

“MayIaskwhatmyassignmentis?”Lexieaskedcuriously.Alltheotherwomenweretoldbeforethey

werewhiskedaway,whileshewaslefttolookatRonnie’sbigsmilethatwashidingtheinformationshe
wanted.Lexieslidherarmthroughhis.

“There’sareasonwhyJohnispayingyouthebigmoney.You’rethestaroftheshowtonight,”Ronnie

announced.

“Whatthefuckdoesthatmean,Dane?”sheheardJacksonask.
“She didn’t say anything about it. They didn’t tell her anything about what she was doing,” Dane

respondedinamuffledvoice.

Lexie’sthroatsqueezedtightlikearopewasjustpulledtautaroundit.Shehadnoideawhatthatmeant

andshewasterrifiedtofindout.Hisarmtightenedhisholdonherlikehehadreadherthoughts.

“AnysignoftroubleandI’mheadingin,”Jacksonsaid.Shewasn’tsureifhewastalkingtoherorthe

guys,butitsoundedgoodtoher.

LexieallowedRonnietoleadherdownthehallway.ShehopedJacksonwasgettingalltheinformation

he needed. From what she could tell, there was an alarming number of security guards. Ronnie led her
downanotherhallwayandthroughasetofdoubledoorsthatledintoverydramaticlighting.

Themusicplayingwasveryenchantingandsetaveryseductivepacethatplayedintotheatmosphere.

Manywinecoloredboothswhereclusteredthroughoutthearea,mostangledtowardthevariousstages.
Theseatingwasdesignedforcomfortasshenoticedthecustomerslookingrelaxedandalreadysippingon
theirdrinksandtakingadvantageofthecocainethatwaspresentedinthemiddleofthetables.

Thedresscodeofformalattireandmasksaddedtothegrandnessoftheevent.Thesemencouldhave

been anything at all in the public eye but here they were free to submit to their desires without
prosecution.Stoddenwasgoingoutofhiswaytowinoverthesepowerfulmenanditwasscaryhoweasy
itseemedtobe.

Themenwerealreadygrowingcomfortablewiththewomen.ShespottedSarahsittingonaman’slap

ashefondledherandshelaughedplayfully.Lexiedidn’twanttothinkaboutwhatthegirlswouldendure
thisevening.Sheonlyhopedtheyknewwhattheysignedupfor.LexiehadwitnessedStodden’sparties
beforeandsheknewwherethiswasleading.Heronlyshredofhopewasthatthesewerenotthecriminals
thatnormallyattendedStodden’sfunctions,theseweremenofstature.Surelytheyhadthedecencytobe
respectful.

ShestayedclosetoRonnie’ssideasheledhertowardawindingstaircasethatleduptoabalcony.

Theareawasdressedtoentertainasmallgroup.Twosmalldanceareaswithbrasspolesflankedthree
largeboothsthatwerepositionedinalargehalfcirclesettooverlooktheentirebarbelow.Twowomen
weredancingagainstthepoles,tryingtoseducethemenwiththeirplayfulsmilesandalluringflesh.Six
mensatintheoversizedseats,allwearingmasks,butsheknewimmediatelywhoStoddenwas.Notonly
washismaskmoreornatethantheothers,butshecouldtellstrictlybyhismannerisms,thewayhetapped
hisglasswithhisfingerandobservedtheroom.Angerboiledhotinherstomachbutsherefusedtoletit
show.Shewouldnotgivehimareasontosuspecther.

“Gothim,”Jacksonsaidinherear.“We’recoming.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-SIX

Jackson

“How’dyougetthemaskssofast?”Daneasked,adjustinghisonhisface.
“Sent an email from Crothers’ computer saying they needed a rush order for a few defective masks.

Theywereveryaccommodatingandseemedterrified.Ialsogavehiscomputeralittlevirus.I’dloveto
seehisfacenexttimeheturnsonhiscomputer.”

“Thecamera’stakencareof?”Jacksonaskedimpatientlyashetappedhisfingersonthedoor.
“Justasecond…now,”Teddyannounced.“Let’sgo.”
Jackson swung the back of the van open and jumped out onto the pavement. He headed for the rear

door.Heknewtherewerethreemenstandingontheothersideofthedoorthatwouldneedtobetaken
careofdiscreetly.Heknockedandleanedcasuallyagainstthewall.

The door swung open and the security guard looked at all three of them dressed in suits and masks.

“Whythefuckareyououthere?”

“We…ah…westartedthepartyabitearlyandmissedourcarservice.”Jacksonstumbledbackwards

downthestepsandbumpedintoTeddy.

“Hey,whatthefuck,man?”TeddyshovedhimintoDane.
“Fuckyou,”Daneholleredastheybegantothrowpunches.Thesecurityofficerwavedtheothersto

joinhimoutsideandtheypulledouttheirguns.

“That’senough,”theonewhoopenedthedoorholleredwithhisgundrawn.“Therewillbenotrouble

here.”

“Goodtoknow,”Jacksonsaidashegrabbedthegunandtwistedtheman’sarms,causinghimtolose

griponhisweapon.Hebroughthiselbowupintotheman’sneck,knockinghimbackintothewall.Dane
and Teddy addressed the other two that threw themselves into the fight. Jackson pulled out his gun and
aimed for the man’s head just as he pushed off the wall and dove for his own gun. Jackson pulled the
triggerandthemandroppedinstantly,landingathisfeet.

Teddykickedabodyofoneofthemenasideandpulledouthisphone.Jacksongrabbedholdofthe

doorhandleandwaitedforTeddy’snod.Hecouldheartheclickasthelockreleased.Hepulledthedoor
openandwalkedinsidewithTeddyandDanebehindhim,gunsdrawn.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-SEVEN

Lexie

“Whatamagnificentcreature,”themansittingclosetoStoddensaidasheobservedLexielikeshewas

abottleofwinebeingserved.

“Tonightisaboutpleasure,Roman.Thisismygifttoyou.”StoddenwavedtowardLexie.
“Gositnexttoourguest,”Ronniewhisperedinherear.“Makesurehe’shappy.”Lexiewalkedslowly

towardhim.ShecouldfeelStodden’seyesonherassheapproachedbutshedidn’tonceglancehisway.
Shenearedthemanashepattedtheseatbesidehim.Hertinyoutfitseemedevensmallernowthatshewas
on display. She wanted to keep her distance but she had no choice. She knew she was surrounded by
ruthlessmen.

Lexie sat down on the edge of the seat and smiled at the man named Roman. She could tell by his

mouthhewasayoungerman,buthisfeatureswereobscuredbyhismask.Hisnamewasn’tfamiliar,nor
wastheslightaccentthathestillcarriedwithhiswords.

“You’reashyone,”Romansaidslyly.Lexieletoutasurprisedgaspwhenhegrabbedherandpulled

hercloser.“Ilikeit.”

HeranhisfingersalongtheswellofherbreastsandLexiehadtoconsciouslyworkatnotsquirmingin

discomfort.Ittookeverythingshehadtokeepthesmileuponherlips.

“TakeoffyourmasksoIcangetabetterlookatyou,”hesaidashetiltedherchinup.
Lexie leaned in closer so John wouldn’t be able to recognize her voice. “I thought tonight was all

aboutsecrets,”shewhisperedagainsthisear.

“Yes,butIwanttoknowyoursecrets,”Romansaidasheplacedhisfingeruponherlipandpressedit

intohermouth.Lexiehadnochoicebuttoplayalongwithhislead.Shegentlysuckedasheslowlypulled
hisfingerout.Hegrabbedherhandandplaceditonhiserectionstrainingagainsthispants.Hispulledon
thestrapholdinghertopandshepanicked.Lexieimmediatelypulledaway.Sheknewsheblewhercover
buttherewasnowayshewasgoingthatfar.

Roman grabbed her by the neck and pulled her closer. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” he

growled.Shedidn’thavetimetostophimbeforeherippedthemaskfromherface.

HereyesflashedtowardStodden,whowaslookingatherwithadarkexpression.Therewasnoway

she was getting out of this situation. She grabbed for Roman’s gun, tucked inside his jacket, and she
managedtopullitfree.

She aimed it in Stodden’s direction and pulled the trigger without hesitation. She didn’t know if she

wouldeverhaveachanceagain.Stoddenjoltedfromtheimpactofthebullet.Lexiewasinshockthatshe

actuallypulledthetriggerasshestareddownattheweaponinherhands.

Threemenreachedthetopofthestairswiththeirgunsdrawn.Ittookheramomenttorealizeitwas

Jackson,Teddy,andDaneindisguise.Thedancerswerescreamingandtryingtofindaplacetohide.

RomanknockedintoLexie,shovingherintotherailing.Asharppainradiatedthroughherhipfromthe

impact.

“Don’tmove,”JacksonshoutedatRomaninwarningbutRomanthrewhimselfovertherailing.Lexie

watchedhimlandonatablebelow.GunfirewasgoingoffaroundherasshespunbacktolookatJohn,
whowasnolongerinhisseat.Hehauledoneofthewomenoffthefloorandheldhisguntoherhead.The
womanhadmascaramixedtearsstreamingdownherfaceassheshookinhishold.

“Pleaseletmego,”shebegged.
“Dropthegun,Stodden,andletthegirlgo,”Jacksondemanded.
“AndwhywouldIdothat?”Stoddenasked,pullingthegirltighteragainsthim.
TeddyandDanewereholdingoffthemenonthestairs.Bodieslitteredthegroundaroundthem,shot

down just as quickly as they came to Stodden’s rescue, but no one was managing to get through their
defenses.

Lexie noticed John shirt under his jacket was stained red. She looked down and noticed that it was

beginningtodriponthefloorbyhisfeet.Shejustneededtostallhimlongenoughforhimtoweaken.The
amountofbloodshewasseeinghadtomeantheinjurywasgrave.

“Whydidyoukillmymother?”Lexiedemanded,stillholdingthegun.
“Itwasanaccident,”Johninsisted.Hepulledthemaskoffhisface.
“WasitanaccidentwhenyousentRoshtofinishheroff?”Lexieaskedangrily.
“I assure you I didn’t send anyone to finish her off.” Stodden looked surprised by her accusation. It

was not the reaction she was expecting. She could see beads of sweat form on his forehead and his
normallyhardedgewasblurredwithalookofexhaustion.

“ThenmaybeyoushouldaskMarkRoshwhyhedid…ohright,youcan’tbecausehe’sdead,” Lexie

confessed.

“ThenIshouldthankyou,”Stoddenreplied.“IassureyouIwould’vemadehimsuffer,hadIknown.”
“The person who deserves to suffer is you,” Lexie demanded. She could feel herself fraying at the

edges.

“So much anger, dear Lexie. Are you sure you’re directing it at the right person? Did you know

Jacksonsetfiretoahomeandkilledthreeinnocentyoungchildren?”Stoddenheldtighttothedistraught
woman, whose eyes pleaded with someone to save her. The gun pressed into the side of her head. “At
leastIhaveneverhurtachild.”

“Shut the fuck up, Stodden,” Jackson screamed. Lexie looked over at Jackson, who looked visibly

shaken.

“And you think I’m the monster.” Stodden smiled sinisterly as he watched Jackson. He turned his

attentionbacktowardLexie.“I’myourownfleshandblood,Lexie.Doyoureallywanttokillme?”

“No.”Lexieloweredhergun.“Ican’tdenythatI’malivebecauseofyouandnowI’llspareyoursto

makeuseven,”Lexiesaid.

“Lexie?”Jacksonaskedinconfusion.
“Whatthefuckisgoingonhere?”TeddyaskedashisgazeflickeredtoLexie.
Stoddenlookedconfusedbyhersurrenderwhenshehadtheupperhandinthesituation.
“ButJacksonowesyounothing.”Lexieraisedherbrow.“Andyoukilledhisfatheranddestroyedhis

family.”StoddenmadeamovetoraisehisguntowardJacksonbutDanewastooquick.Hisbulletlodged
inStodden’srightshoulder,causinghimtodrophisgun.

“Fuck,”Stoddenholleredashegrabbedatthetableforsupport.Thegirlranscreamingfromhimand

stumbleddownthestairs.Thebloodsaturatinghisshirtwasinplainsightasheswayedonhisfeet.

“Jacobs…Rayner…”Stoddencalledforhismen.Hehadlostbutherefusedtosubmit.
“Sorry,Stodden,butyourmenaredead,”Jacksonannounced.“TellmewhereHaffey’sbrotheris.”
“I’lltellyouifyouloweryourgun,”Stoddendemandedwithhisonelastremainingbargainingchip.

“YouletmewalkoutofhereandIwillgiveyoutheinformationyouneed.”Stoddengrimacedthroughthe
pain.Lexiesearchedforanysignofhumanityinhiseyes,buttheonlythingshesawwhenshelookedat
himwasamonster.

“Nah, I don’t think so. Besides, I bet your little buddy knows where he is.” Jackson nodded toward

BrianCrothers,whowascoweringagainstthewallasDaneheldhimatgunpoint.Hismaskwaspulled
downaroundhisneckandalookofdesperationwaspaintedonhisfeatures.

“Whereishe?Daneasked,pushinghisgunintoCrothers’cheek.
“Don’tfuckingtalk,Brian,”Stoddendemanded,butthethreatofthegunapparentlytookprecedence.
“I’m sorry…don’t kill me. He’s…he’s being kept at um…” Crothers’ glanced over at Stodden but

Dane twisted the barrel of the gun harder into his flesh. “Okay, okay, as far as I know he’s at a man’s
housenamedTrentBaker,”Crothersconfessed.

“NowthatIhavethatlittlepieceofinformationIdon’tneedyourpieceofshitass.”
“Thinkaboutwhatyou’redoing,Jackson.ItwasRoshthatkilledyourfatherandyouknowit.I’mjust

afellowmanwhodoesn’tliketopassupongoodopportunities.Nothingmore.”

“Fuckyou,Stodden,”Jacksonseethed.
LexieknewJacksonhadbeenenvisioningthismomenthisentirelife.
“Yousentencedmyfathertodeathandthisismyretribution,”Jacksonragedashepulledthetrigger.

The bullet hit Stodden in the other shoulder, causing him to stumble backward. Stodden lunged toward
Lexieinonlastdesperateattempt.Henevermadeittoherbecausethesprayofbulletsstoppedhiminhis
tracks.OnebyonehisbodyjerkedwiththeimpactashebackedintotherailingnexttoLexie.Shewas
frozeninplaceashegaveheralastfleetinglook,reachingforherwithabloodiedhand.Lexiecovered
hermouthwithagasp.

Themomentumofhisfallcausedhimtotoppleovertherailing,hislifelessbodydroppedtotheground

belowwithasickeningthud.LexielookedatStodden’sdeadbodywithwide-eyes.Itwasover.Itwasall
over.ShelookedupandmetJackson’sgaze.Shewaswaitingforthefeelingofjoytowashoverherbut
instead tears filled her eyes. She wasn’t sure what she was feeling, she was too high on adrenaline to
registerwhatemotionwasfightingforcenterstage.Jacksonwrappedhisjacketaroundherandgathered
herinhisarms.

“Everyoneclearedoutinahurry,”Teddysaid,lookingattheemptyclub.
“Bulletsdothat,”Daneanswered.
“AndIwouldimaginefromtheguestlistitwouldbebadforthosementobeherewhenthecopspull

in,”Teddyadded.

Jacksonheldheragainsthisside,placingakissonherforehead.Shecouldfeelhisbodyshakingnext

tohers,ormaybeitwasherown,shecouldn’ttell.

“CallHaffeyandgiveherthegoodnews,”Jacksonsaid.
“Onit,”Teddysaid,pullingouthisphone.
DanestillhadBrianCrothersagainstthewallatgunpoint.“WhatshouldIdowithhim?”Daneasked

asthemanwhimpered.ApparentlyStodden’spartnerdidn’thaveastomachforviolence.

“Lockhiminoneoftheofficesdownstairs.Haffeycandealwithhim.Let’sgetoutofhere,”Jackson

saidtoLexieasheguidedhertowardthestairs.Lexiewrappedherarmaroundhiswaistandfeltawarm,
wetheat.

“Jackson?”Lexiepulledherhandawayandsawthebloodonherfingers.“You’rehurt!”
“I’mfine,”JacksontriedtodismissherbutLexiewouldn’tletitgo.Shepulleduphisshirttolookfor

thewound.“Ilikewherethisisgoing.”

Lexie looked up at him from under her lashes. “You’re impossible,” Lexie said with a shake of her

head.“Dane?”Lexiecalledtohim.

Dane looked at Crothers’ for a moment before he hit him with the butt of his gun and he dropped

unconscious on the floor. “I couldn’t leave him. I don’t trust the bastard after seeing the shit on his
computer.”

“I’llbefine,”Jacksoninsisted.“Thebulletjustgrazedme.”
“Let’ssee,”Danesaidexaminingthewound.“Fuck,thatlookslikeithurts.We’llgetyoufixedup,”

Daneassuredhim.

“That’salotofbloodforagraze.”
“He’llbeallright.He’sbeenshotmorethananyofus,”Danesaiddismissively.
“Thatdoesn’tmakemefeelanybetter.”Lexiesighed.“Let’sjustgetoutofhere.”
Bythetimetheymadeitoutsidethesoundofsirenscouldbeheardinthedistanceanditwasmusicto

herears.Shehadneverfeltsogoodtowalkthroughadoorinherentirelife.Sheneverwantedtostep
backintothatplaceagain.

“Icoulduseadrinkrightnow,”Jacksonsaid.
“Metoo,butlet’sholdoffthecelebrationuntilwegetyoustitchedup,”Lexieinsisted.Jacksongave

herasmileandleanedinclose.

“AboutwhatStoddensaid…”
“Don’tworryaboutthatrightnow.Let’sjusthavethismoment.”Lexiegrabbedhischeeksandpressed

herlipsagainsthis.“It’sover,”shewhisperedagainsthislips.

“It’sover,”herepeatedwitharelievedsmile.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-EIGHT

Haffey

Thestreetwasquietinthelatenighthourastheydrovebytherowsofhouses,allsimilarinsizeand

style.ThestreetlookedveryunassumingandtheverylastplaceHaffeywouldhaveconsideredlooking
forherbrother.Though,shewasnotsurprised.Stoddenhadfoundawaytopenetrateeverylayerofthe
city.

TrentBakerwasatypicalfamilyman.Heownedandoperatedhisownautopaintingcompanyforthe

lasttwentyyears.Hewasalsoknowntotakeonoddjobswhenbusinesswasdown.Hehadawifeand
twochildreninhighschool;hisoldestsettograduateinthespring.Nothingonpaperstoodoutaboutthis
manthatwouldraiseanyflags.Haffeydidn’tthinkaboutitmuch,sheknewthedotscouldbeconnected
later.Theonlythingthatdroveherwasfindingherbrother,andtimewasoftheessence.

Whentheynearedtheaddresslocatedattheendofthestreet,theypulledontoalongdrivewaywitha

signindicating,Baker’sAutoPainting.Thehousewassetofftheroadinaclusteroftrees.Theheadlights
illuminatedthedarkhouseastheypulledtoastop.Thelargegaragebehindthehousewascastaglowin
light that streamed through the windows along the side of the building. Music could be heard radiating
fromtheinteriorastheypulledtoastop.

ThethreecruisersbehindHaffey’svehiclepulledin,blockingoffthedriveway.Theofficersfiledout

oftheircarswiththeirweaponsreadied,awaitingherorders.

“Peters and Sanchez,” Haffey motioned toward the dark house. “Clear the house. The rest of you

followme.”

HaffeyglancedatSieks,whoclosedinbyhersideastheyheadedtowardthegarage.Themusicwas

the perfect cover to keep their approach quiet as she neared the side door. She could hear someone
makingnoisefrominside.Haffeymotionedtowardtheotherstoreadythemselvesassheapproachedthe
door. They had no idea what to expect upon entry of the building. Haffey leaned away from the glass
upperportionofthedoortostayoutofviewfromtheinteriorandgrabbedthehandle.Itwasn’tlocked.

He nodded toward Sieks as she pushed the door in. She and Sieks stepped in with their weapons

raised.ShecouldseeBakeracrosstheshop,hewaswearingwhiteoverallscoveredinpaint,withamask
coveringmostofhisface,butsheknewitwashim.“Putyourhandsup,TrentBaker.”

The man looked terrified as she stayed frozen in place, watching the men file in his shop with guns

pointedtowardhim.

“Putyourhandsup!”Haffeydemanded.
Bakerdroppedhisspraygunandmadeagrabforsomethingonhisworkbench.“Don’tfuckingmove!”

Sieksscreamed,circlingthecarthatsatinthecenteroftheroom.Theroomreekedofpaintfumesandit
madeHaffeylightheaded.

Haffeynoticedwhathewasgrabbingfor.Apistolwassittingamonghistools.“Puttheweapondown,

Mr.Baker.Surrenderandyouwon’tgethurt.”

HepulledthemaskoffhisfaceandlookedatHaffey.“I’msorry,”hemumbledbeforeliftingthegunto

hishead.Haffeymadealungeforhimbutshewasn’tquickenough.Hepulledthetriggerandshewatched
thesideofhisheadexplode.

“No!”Haffeyscreamedbutitwastoolate.Bloodsprayedalloverthefreshlypaintedcar.“Ohgod.”

Shecoveredhermouthasshetookinthehorrificscene.Shepulledherhandawayandnoticedsomeof
thebloodsplatterhadgottenonherface.Shefranticallywipeditaway.

Siekswalkedupbesideherandplacedhishandonhershoulder.“Here.”Hepassedheraclothtohelp

cleantheblood.

Sieksaddressedtheothersstillintheroom.“Searchthepropertyandseeifwecanfindanysignof

Haffey’sbrother.”

Sieksguidedherawayfromthesceneandledheroutofthegarage.“Takeamoment,”hesaidwhen

theywerealone.

“I don’t need a moment. I need to find my brother,” She passed Sieks back the bloodied cloth. She

knew she needed to focus on finding her brother. That was the most important thing. She would worry
aboutTrentBakerlater.

They searched the house from top to bottom, leaving nothing untouched, and Haffey was growing

increasinglyrestless.Hehadtobehere,theywereoutofoptions.

“Ifoundsomething!”oneoftheofficerscalledfromthedoorwayofthegarage.Haffeyimmediatelyran

intothebuilding.Sheignoredthebloodymessasshepassedbyintotheofficespace,offthebackofthe
garage.Thematwaspulledupoffthefloorandalatchwasopenedtorevealadescendingstaircase.

Haffey used her phone as a flashlight and pulled out her gun as she started down the steep stairway

withouthesitation.Siekswasquicktofollowher;shecouldfeelhimagainstherback.

“There’s a light,” Sieks said, pointing to a chain hanging down from the ceiling at the bottom of the

stairs.Shepulleditandthesmallenclosedspacewasilluminated.Theywerelookingatawoodenwall
anddoorthatledintoanotherarea.

Haffey grabbed the door latch and slowly pulled it open. Holding her gun, she stepped inside. She

could make out wooden crates piled up against the wall. She heard a small sound from inside, but the
soundoffootstepscomingdownbehindherdrownedoutanyothernoise.

“Bequiet,”Haffeywhispered.Sieksturnedaroundandmotionedforthemtostopmakingnoise.She

frozeinplace,listening.Itwasasoftmoaningsoundcomingfrominsidethedarkroom.

“Carlos?”Haffeycalledoutasshesteppedinside.
Themoaningstoppedandsheheardmovement,abucketbeingknockedover,andthesoundofachain

rattling.

“Carlos?”shecalledoutagain,thistimelouder.
“Belisa.”Hernamebroughtarushofexcitement.Herbrotherwasstillalive.Herworstfearwaslifted

fromhershouldersandshegaspedwithrelief.

“I’m coming,” she said as she shone her light up and walked further. The boxes opened up into an

emptyareawhereshecouldseeherbrotherchainedinthecornerofthebasement.Hewasbadlyinjured
fromwhatshecouldtellinthedimlight.Thesightofhimbroughttearstohereyes,bothofhorrorand
relief.

Haffeydroppedtoherkneesandthrewherarmsaroundhimbeforeplacingherhandsoneithersideof

his face. The light from Sieks’ flashlight illuminated his swollen features but she could see her brother
behindthedamage.

“Get something to cut these chains,” she called out to no one in particular. She wanted to get her

brotheroutofthishorribleplaceandbringhimhome.

***

HaffeypulledtheblankettighteraroundCarlos’shouldersashesatinthebackoftheambulance.The

paramedicwasexamininghimandbandaginghisopenwounds.

HaffeylookedupandsawSieksandanotherofficerapproach.Sieksnoddedforhertojointhem.
“I’llbebackinasecond,Carlos,”Haffeysaid,givinghisshoulderagentlepat.
He nodded quietly. She could see the tortured look in his eyes and knew that he was suffering more

thanphysicalwounds.

Haffeyjumpedoutofthebackofthevehicle.“What’sgoingon?”sheasked.
“Petersspokewithsomeoftheneighbors.Theysaidthataaboutaweekagohiswifeandkidspacked

up and left late one night. It took everyone by surprise because the family looked like they were doing
wellbeforethingstookaturn.DarleneBakerwasdrivingabrandnewBMWandlotsofdeliverytrucks
hadbeenarrivingthelastfewmonths.Bythelooksoftheinteriorofthehouse,theyboughtawholelotof
brandnewshitlately.”

“Alittleunlikelyforasmallautopaintingcompanytomakethatmuchprofitinashortperiodoftime.”

Haffeypursedherlips.

“MaybeDarlenefoundoutwherethemoneywascomingfromandtookoff,”Petersadded.
“Seems likely. Track her down and call me as soon as you do. I’m heading to the hospital with

Carlos,”Haffeyinformedthem.

“Surething,”Siekssaid.HelookedatCarlos,whowasstillbeingexamined.“I’llbebythehospitalas

soonasIcleanthingsuphere.”

“Thanks,Sieks.”Haffeyofferedasmallsmile.
“Ofcourse.Nowgotakecareofyourbrotherandleavetheresttome.”
“Idon’tdeserveyou,”Haffeysaidasshewalkedbackwardtowardtheambulance.
“You’reright.”Siekswinkedather.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-NINE

Jackson

“Nogunslingingforafewweeks.”ThedoctorsecuredthebandageonJackson’sside.“Althoughby

thelookofthatshoulder,I’dsayyoudon’tlistenwell.”Thedoctorexaminedtherecentlyhealedwound.
Jacksonhadforgottenabout.

“Yeah,I’veneverbeenmuchofalistener,”Jacksonconfirmedwithafrown.
“Well,surprisingly,it’shealingnicely,”thedoctorsaidashepulledoffhisglovesandtossedtheminto

thegarbagecanbythedoor.“I’vehadthepleasureofmeetingthatlovelyyoungladywaitingoutsideyour
door,andifyouhaveanysenseatall,I’dsayyou’dbetterstart,”thedoctorsaidwithanamusedshakeof
hishead.

“Thanks,Doc,”Jacksonsaid.
“Ofcourse.”Thedoctorgavehimanodasheslippedthroughthedoor.
“He’sallyours,”JacksonheardhimannouncetoLexieashewalkedoutintothehall.
Lexie’s beautiful face appeared in the doorway and Jackson felt the smile immediately capture his

mouth.Everytimehelookedatheritwaslikeseeingtherisingsunafteralong,coldnight.

Jacksongrabbedhisshirtofftheexaminationtable.
“Ivoteforleavingyourshirtoff,”Lexiesaidplayfullyassheapproachedhim.
“Come here.” Jackson held his hand out for her. She placed hers in his and he pulled her into him,

wrappinghisarmsaroundher.Italwaysfeltsowonderfultoholdontoher.Herfingerstracedtheedgeof
thebandageassheleanedintohim.

“Doesithurt?”sheasked,pullingawaytolookupathim.
“Nah.”Jacksonbrushedthehairfromherfaceandpressedhislipstohers.Hefeltlikehewashome.

Thehauntedpartofhimthatcouldn’trestuntilStoddenwasstoppedwasfinallyquiet.Allthenoiseinhis
headwassuddenlymutedandhewasleftstaringintothemostbeautifuleyesinworld.Hewasneverone
to believe in luck, but in this moment it was hard not to. Though, his momentary bliss was short lived
whenreality started toshake its uglyhead. Stodden’s words echoedin the backof his mind, reminding
himofhistruecolors.

“Whereiseveryone?”Jacksonasked.
“WaitingforyouinGiles’room.”
“Let’sgoseetheoldman,”Jacksonsaid,takingLexie’shand.
Natewas leaning onhis crutches nextto Teddy as theylooked over papersthat were scattered over

Giles’feetashelayinhisbed.Stephaniewassittinginthechairtuckedinthecornerwithacupofcoffee

in her hand. She looked completely enthralled in the conversation between Teddy and Nate. Dane was
standingagainstthewallswithhisarmscrossed,watchingovertheentireroom.

“Thereheis,”DanesaidwhenhenoticedJackson.
EveryoneturnedaroundtoseeJacksonandLexiewalkintotheroom.
“Soyoumadeit.TeddyandDanewerearguingwhoshouldgetyourjobifyoudidn’t,”Gilesjoked.

Hewaslookingmuchbettersincethelasttimehehadseenhim.Jacksonwalkeduptothesideofhisbed.
“It’sgoodtoseeyou,Jackson,”Gilessaid.

“Youtoo,”Jacksonreplied.
“Gilesisjustbeingnice.WhatwewereactuallyarguingaboutwaswhogetstoconsoleLexie,”Teddy

teased.

Jackson just shook his head in disbelief. “You are unbelievable.” He smiled. “What’s all this?”

Jacksonpointedtowardthefiles.

“Natehadmelookintosomethingforhim,”Teddyexplained.
“Mymotherwaspregnantwhenshewastakenandtheautopsyrevealedthatshehadgivenbirthjust

beforeherdeath,”Natesaidinarush.

“I’msorry,man.”JacksonplacedhishandonNate’sshoulder.
“Ithinkmybrotherisstillalive,Jackson,”Nateconfessed.
JacksonlookedintoNate’shopefulexpression.
“Brother?What’dyoufind?”Jacksonasked,glancingbetweenNateandTeddy.
“SixmonthsafterNate’smotherwastaken,theMastensadoptedababyboy,”Teddyinformedhim.
“Whatmakesyouthinkhe’sNate’sbrother?”Jacksonasked.
Teddy picked up a photograph of Terence Masten and his wife next to their son on his graduation.

“Thispictureisafewyearsold,butitspeaksforitself.”HepassedittoJackson.

Jacksonlookedattheyoungmaninthepicture.“Holyfuck.”HelookedupatNate.Theresemblance

wasremarkable.

“It’senoughtoconvincemetolookintoit,”Natesaidwithanodofhishead.
JacksongrabbedNatebythebackoftheneckandpulledhiminforahug.“Youletmeknowifyou

needmyhelp.”Jacksonpattedhimontheback.

“Thanks,man,”Natesaid.
“Ihavesomemoregoodnews,”Gilessaid.“ThedoctorssaidI’mfreetoleavethisplace,sooneof

youistakingmehome.”

“DaneandIwilltakeyou.We’reheadingbacktoWestfordanyway,”Teddyoffered.
Jackson wrapped his arm around Lexie’s shoulder. “We’re heading out, ladies,” Jackson teased.

“We’regoingbacktothehoteltograbafewhoursofsleepandthenIneedtogetthisgirlhome.”

“Areyoucoming,Stephanie?”Lexieasked.
“No, I’m gonna stay with Nate. I already broke the news to my parents, so I might as well wait out

theirwrath,”StephaniesaidasshewalkedaroundthebedtogiveLexieapartinghug.

“Mike’smomcalledme.He’sbeenmissingforafewdays.Doyouthinkweshouldbeworried?”A

linecreasedStephanie’sbrows.

“He’llshowupeventually.It’snotthefirsttime.Didtheychecktheclubs?”Lexieaskeddismissively.
“Yeah, no sign of him. He was so angry. You don’t think he would do anything stupid, do you?”

Stephanieaskedworriedly.

“It’sMikewe’retalkingabout.”
“Ohshit.”Stephanielookedwide-eyedatLexie.
“Listen, Steph. Stay here and help Nate. When I get home I’ll track him down. He’s been known to

disappearonoccasion.”

“Okay,you’reright.I’llbehomesoon.We’llfigureitout,anddon’tforgetwehavelotsofboringto

catchupon.”Stephaniesmiled.

“Yeswedo.”

CHAPTERFORTY

Lexie

WhenLexieopenedthedoortohermother’shouseshewasmetwithCherry’sbeamingface.
“There’smybeauty,”CherrygushedandthrewherarmsaroundLexiebeforesheevenmadeitthrough

thedoor.ItfeltsogoodtobehomeasshesqueezedCherryback.

“Youlookwell,darling.”Cherrysteppedbacktogetagoodlookather.
“Iam,”Lexiesaid.“Howareyou?”
“Fantastic, now that you’re back. All this worrying you guys were making me do was threatening to

givemewrinkles.”Cherrypattedtheskinbeneathhereyesinadramaticdisplay.

Lexielaughedasshewalkedintothekitchen.“Imissedyou,Cherry.”Shetookadeepbreath,dropped

herpurseonthekitchentable,andcollapsedintothechair.

“Where’syourhotpieceofassboyfriend?”Cherryasked,settingawineglassinfrontofLexie.
“Hewasmakingaphonecall.He’llbeinanyminute,”Lexiesaidasshesatherchininherhandsand

leanedonthetable.“IfeellikeIcouldsleepfordays.”

“I’d join you for a glass but I have to get this hot butt to the diner. They can’t survive without me,”

Cherrysaidwithawink.“Ireallylikethissmalltown.Everyonelovesmytwistonthefamouspiesand
youknowmymysterymeatreallyfascinatesthelocals.”

“I bet it does,” Lexie said, grabbing Cherry’s hand and giving it a squeeze. “Thanks for holding the

fort.”

“Anytime,”Cherrysaid.“Ilovethatlittlediner.”
“DidyouhearfromEvan?”Lexieaskedhopefully.
“Notsinceheleft,buthesaidassoonashewasallowedvisitorshewoulddemandweallcome.”
“Good,hebetter,”Lexiereplied.
“Sogladyou’reback.”Cherrykissedherontheforeheadandgrabbedherkeysoffthetable.
“Cherry?”Lexiecalledafterher.
“Yeah,sweetness?”
“I’msogladyou’rehere.”Lexiesmiled.“Youknow,wemightneverletyouleave.”
“Ihopenot.”Cherryblewherakissbeforeopeningthedoorandslippingoutside.
Lexie took a sip of her wine and noticed the bottle of nail polish in her bag. She picked it up and

lookedatitwithasadsmile.

Shepushedherselftoherfeetandwalkedintothelivingroom,towardthefireplace.Hermotherhada

collectionofsomeofherfavoritethingslineduponthemantle.Lexielookedathermother’sfavoritetea
cup,pictures,books,candles,andthequirkylittlewoodcarving.Allthememoriesofhermotherwashed
overherwithfull-bodiedemotionasshefelttearsrundownhercheeks.Shemissedhermothersomuch

andthepainwasstillsofresh.

ThedooropenedandJacksonwalkedin.“Cherryjustslappedmyass,”Jacksonsaid,shakinghishead.
Lexietriedtosmilebutshecouldn’thidethesadnessthatwasradiatingfromher.Jackson’sfacefell

whenhenoticed.“What’swrong?”

JacksonlookedupattheframedpictureofLexieandhermotherandunderstandingdawnedoverhis

face.Hewrappedhisarmaroundherandrubbedhershoulder.

“I’mallright.Ijustmissher.Iwillalwaysmissher,”Lexieadmitted.“Andjustgladtobehome.”
“IwishIcouldtellyouthepaingoesaway,”Jacksonsaidsadly.
“I know. It helps if I think about the good things. Like you. I’m glad you’re here with me,” Lexie

confessed,leaningintohim.

JacksondroppedhisarmfromLexie,sheimmediatelymissedhistouch.“Ihavetotellyousomething.”

Jacksonseemed nervous ashe scratched hischin. “It’s about whatStodden said aboutthe fire. He was
tellingthetruth,”Jacksonadmitted.

“Iknow,”Lexiesaid,meetinghisgaze.“Isawthelookonyourfacewhenhesaidit.”
“I’vedonealotofbadshitinmylife,Lexie.AlotofshitIcan’tundo,andthatstillhauntsme.That

nightisoneofmany.”

“You can tell me when you’re ready,” Lexie suggested, knowing how difficult this conversation was

forhim.

“No,Ineedtotellyou.YoudeservetoknowwhatI’vedone.”JacksonsearchedhereyesandLexie

offeredhimencouragement.

“ItwasthedaybeforeIwasarrestedforthefinaltime.Gilespulledmeoffthestreetthenextday,but

itwasn’tsoonenough.IwasstillworkingforBlackatthetimeashisfuckingpuppet.Hetoldmewhatto
doandIdidit,noquestionsasked.Hesentustoburndownahouse.Ididn’tthinkmuchaboutit.Black
hadalwaysusedextrememeasurestosendamessagetoanyonewhodidn’tobeyhim.Hetoldusnoone
washome.”Jacksonpausedtotakeadeep,calmingbreath.“Isatinmycarandwatchedtheguyspour
gasolineallaroundthehouseanddousethefrontstep.IthoughtIsawmovementinthewindowupstairs.I
watcheditforamomentbutbelieveditwasjustmyimagination.”LexiecouldseeJackson’seyesglisten
ashelookedatnothinginparticular.Hewaslostinthehauntingmemory.“Istillcanstillseethematch
lightandthentheflamescompletelyengulfthehouse.IcanstillfeeltheheatonmyfaceasIwatchedit
burn.”Jacksonclosedhiseyes.“Ididn’tknowtherewasafamilyinthereuntilIreadthefuckingpaperin
thepolicestationafewdayslater.“Ithatemyselfforit.IhatemyselfforalltheterribleshitI’vedone.I
shouldhavecheckedthehouse.”JacksonopenedhiseyesagainandwhatLexiesawscaredher.

“Jackson,lookatme.”Lexiegrabbedhisarmandturnedhimtowardher.“ThosedeathsareonBlack.

Ifyouweren’ttherethatnight,hewouldhavesentsomeoneelse.Itwasahorriblethingthathappened,but
youdidn’tknow.Youdidn’tknowinglyhurtthem.”

“Imightaswellhave,”Jacksonconfessed.
“No,youcan’tthinklikethat.Itwilldestroyyou,”Lexieinsisted.“Weneedtolearnfromourmistakes

andmakebetterdecisions.You’renotthatpersonanymore.”

“WhenStoddenwasstillaliveitwaseasytoconvincemyselftostay,buteversincewewalkedoutof

thatclub,thereasonsthatIshouldgoarepilingup,”Jacksonadmitted.“IfIwalkawayyoucanhavea
freshstartwithouttheremindersoftheterriblethingsthathavehappened.Withmeyouwillnevertrulybe
safe.Myjobputsmeindangereveryday.”

“Stopit,Jackson.Don’tyoudaresayanotherword,”Lexiedemanded.“Iwasstuckinthepastbefore

allthishappened.Ididn’treallyhaveafuturebecauseIcouldn’tstoplookingbehindme.”Lexieheldup
the nail polish. “Alex bought this color for me. He painted it on my toes the morning before he was
killed.” Lexie looked into Jackson’s eyes. He was quiet as he waited for her to continue. “After it
happened,Iwouldpaintmytoeswheneverthecolorwouldbegintochipaway,becauseinsomewaythat

madeitseemlikehewasstillwithme.Ilivedinthisbubble,survivingonedaytothenextuntilthebottle
ran out. I was terrified what it meant. I just wanted to stay close to him the only way I knew how. I
searched everywhere for that color until I found it that day with you.” Lexie paused to take a deep,
calmingbreath.“ButIhaven’tbeenabletobringmyselftoputitonbecauseIknowIdon’twanttolivein
thepastanymore.Iwanttoremember,butnowIwantafuture.Youmademerealizethereismoreforme
in the world than what I have already lived. I’m not scared of danger, Jackson. I’m not scared of what
you’vedone.TheonlythingI’mscaredofwasthegirlIwas.Youarepartofmylifenowwhetheryou
agreewithitornot.Iwillnotletyouwalkawayfromme.I’lltakeyouhoweveryoucomebecauseI’min
lovewithyou.”

“Remember when you asked me if beautiful things can come from horrible beginnings?” Jackson

asked.

“Yeah.”
“Theycan,”Jacksonsaid.Hissmilefeltsowarmandbrightitmeltedawayallthesadness.
Lexie set the nail polish on the mantle and ran her fingers over it. “To remembering those we have

lovedandlost,andalsotoremindusthatweoweittothemtolive.”

JacksonreachedinhisjacketpocketandpulledouttheWalkmanhestillcarriedwithhim.Helooked

atitforamomentthoughtfullybeforeplacingitbesidethenailpolish.

“Yourfatherwouldbeproudofyou,Jackson.”
“He would’ve loved you,” Jackson confessed. She could feel the tension draining from him as he

placedhishandsoneithersideofherfaceandleanedinclose.“God,IknowIdo,”Jacksonwhispered
againsthermouthbeforeclaimingit.

Lexiemoanedinappreciation“Mmm…I’mlookingforwardtothefuturebecauseittastesabsolutely

delicious,”Lexiesaiddelightfully.

Jacksonpulledawaywithadeviousglimmerinhiseye.“Delicious,yousay?”
Lexiescreamedashegrabbedherandthrewheroverhisshoulder.“Becareful!You’reinjured.”
“You’renottheonlyonethatlikesalittlepainwiththeirpleasure,baby.”

Tobecontinued…

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