Eight Years Gone, page 37
Colton looked from Jagger to Grace as he chewed, then put down his half-eaten roast beef sandwich. “I assume you told Jagger about my friends.”
“Grace and I tell each other everything,” Jagger said before Grace could say anything, recognizing Colton’s slightly defensive tone.
“Your mom had mentioned that she was worried about your friend group in Millsdale.” Grace shrugged. “You’re doing really well here. I don’t want that to change.”
“Today was no big deal. They’re just some guys I know. They heard I was living up here and tracked me down to say hello.”
Jagger stared at Colton, not entirely believing him. “A two-hour drive for a quick hello. Those are dedicated friends.”
Colton shrugged. “I worked with them at the car dealership. They were grabbing some auto parts for the garage. We hung out sometimes, but I’m not interested in continuing any sort of friendship. It’ll be fine if I never see them again.”
Jagger picked up the other half of his turkey sandwich, one hundred percent sure Colton was telling the truth. “So, they won’t be regulars here in Preston Valley?”
Colton shook his head. “I like things here just the way they are. I told them I’d come to say hello the next time I was in town, but I didn’t mean it. I don’t see myself heading back to Millsdale anytime soon. Mom’s coming here for Thanksgiving. Then she’s moving to Philly. There’s no real reason to head that way again.”
Jagger exchanged a look with Grace, tossing her a wink and a smile.
She smiled back, clearly relaxing some.
Colton pulled his salad bowl closer as he looked at them. “Amanda might come over for dessert at Aunt Maggie’s if that’s okay. Her parents already said yes.”
Grace smiled at Colton. “We would love to have her.”
Jagger nodded his satisfaction because everything was good, which worked just fine for him. He could do without the stress and worry he remembered Logan bringing to their lives with his constant issues and problems. Colton had had his fair share of crap, but he seemed determined to turn his life around. They couldn’t ask for more than that.
“The more, the merrier,” he said, looking forward to helping Grace and Aunt Mags at the shop tomorrow, then enjoying Thanksgiving Day with his family.
Forty-Seven
Grace sat next to Jagger on the couch in the family room, slightly sleepy and entirely relaxed as she watched Aunt Maggie, Asa, Colton, and Amanda playing Parchisi at the card table that had held dozens of side dishes during the afternoon.
Aunt Maggie and Asa’s old house was mostly quiet now that everyone had left after a loud and busy day. All in all, everything had gone perfectly as family and friends gathered around the massive Thanksgiving table to enjoy a delicious meal.
Jessica had brought Tad, her boyfriend, which had worked out fine. Colton introduced Amanda to the group as they sat down again to enjoy a myriad of different desserts. But the best part of all had been Jagger sitting in the seat next to hers—something he hadn’t done in so long.
She sighed as he hooked his arm tighter around her shoulders, pulling her closer.
He kissed the top of her head. “What are you thinking about?”
She lifted her cheek off his chest, meeting his gaze. “About how lucky I am. About how happy I am that you’re sitting here with me.”
He made a sound in his throat as he nodded. “That’s been my favorite part. Waking up next to you, helping you in the kitchen. Sitting next to you while we enjoyed a hell of a good meal.”
“And things weren’t too awkward with Jessica here.”
Jagger shook his head. “Aunt Mags is a class act. Just like her niece.”
Grace grinned. “I’m glad that you think so.”
“I know so.” Jagger sighed as he crossed his ankles on the coffee table. “You know, we have the next three days off. With Todd and Ruby off to the city with the kids and Aunt Mags closing the shop for a much-deserved break, we can pretty much do anything.”
Grace wrinkled her nose. “Sort of.”
“Inventory,” he said, beating her to it.
She nodded, wrinkling her nose again. “I was thinking about taking care of it tomorrow—just getting it over with so we’ll be ready for business on Monday morning. That way, we can do whatever we want Saturday and Sunday.”
He nodded. “That sounds like a solid plan. I can take care of the groceries and all the other whatnots while you’re counting all of the things.”
She smiled, loving that she had the support of such a wonderful partner. “That would be great. Colton mentioned something about wanting to help when Aunt Maggie and I were talking in the kitchen. Amanda’s doing Black Friday with her mom and aunt in Philly, so his day is free.”
Jagger raised his brow. “I say let him help. It’ll be good for him.”
“I was thinking that, too. Plus, we’ll get done much faster.”
“It sounds like we have a plan. What are you thinking about for Saturday? What should we do?”
She exhaled a breath as she rested back against the cushion again. “I think we should start by lying around in bed all morning.”
He wiggled his brow. “I can get behind that idea.”
She laughed. “Then I was thinking about heading out to take some pictures when it warms up a little.”
He nodded as he captured her hand, playing with her fingers. “It’s been a while since you’ve had a chance to get out your camera.”
“Mm-hmm. We could catch a movie after if you want.”
Sure.” He laced their fingers. “Is the Christmas tree on the agenda?”
“That’s next weekend.” She winced as she shook her head, realizing she sounded bossy. “Or that’s when I usually do it. Typically, after the Thanksgiving rush and Thanksgiving Day, I need a little break before moving on to the next holiday.”
He nodded. “I get it. Next weekend sounds perfect.”
She smiled, loving that this was her reality. Not even four months ago, she would never have believed that she could have this again—that life could be this good. “Our first Christmas together in such a long time. And now we have Colton with us, too.”
“It’s going to be a great one.”
She nodded because she planned to do it up big. “We can drive to the farm and pick out our tree.”
“Damn right. We’re sawing that thing down ourselves. And we’re introducing Colton to those homemade cider donuts they sell.”
She grinned as she nodded, remembering how they’d always come to Preston Valley to help Aunt Maggie and Asa with the Yuletide festivities—tree choosing, cutting, decorating, music, and treats. Now it was their turn to add to the tradition. “I was thinking of Friday afternoon for the tree. I always volunteer at the Toys for Tots fair, which is next Saturday.”
“Sign me up to join you for both.”
She nodded. “Okay.” She looked toward the table again as everyone laughed at something Colton said, and her smile returned. “This is good, Jagger. Things are good.”
He nodded. “We’re finding our way.”
She closed her eyes for the briefest of seconds, treasuring the feel of Jagger’s tough body settled against hers and the sounds of family in the next room. It had been a rough few months, but things were finally settling down.
She met his gaze again. “I’m looking forward to the next couple of days.”
“Ditto, baby.” He pulled her mouth to his. “Happy Thanksgiving, Gracie.”
She smiled. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
Forty-Eight
Jagger walked toward his car with a bag of Grace’s favorite croissants from Yum, the always-bustling bakery on Seventh Street. He glanced toward the overcast sky as the wind kicked up, smelling the impending snow in the air.
The forecast was calling for one to three inches overnight, which would be great for Grace’s pictures tomorrow afternoon.
Everything was on track for a relaxing next couple of days. The grocery shopping had been done. The laundry had been washed and folded. The bathrooms were clean. And tomorrow’s breakfast was officially taken care of.
He nearly stopped as he stepped off the sidewalk, noting the navy-blue Buick he’d seen twice throughout the day, parked two spaces down from the Stingray as he reached for the door handle on the busy street.
His shoulders automatically tensed in a way that they hadn’t since he’d been overseas—since he’d constantly been on guard. He knew when someone was watching him. His life had depended on it.
He noted a male driver and passenger, both wearing winter hats and jackets, fiddling with their phones as he casually looked around before getting behind the wheel.
Turning over his engine, he quickly backed out in the break in traffic, waiting to see if the LeSabre followed.
The vehicle backed up moments later, staying two car lengths behind him.
“Who the fuck are you?” he muttered, accelerating as he glanced in the rear and side mirrors while he drove through two green lights.
He’d made enemies over the years. As far as he knew, they had no idea who he really was or how to find him. But nothing was impossible.
He slowed, noting that the vehicle pulled into another parking spot on Second Street as he kept driving, checking for any further signs that he had a tail.
When he was certain he was no longer being followed, he took the long way around town to be sure no one picked him up again.
“Nothing,” he said, suddenly wondering if he was being paranoid. He’d relaxed a lot since he’d come home, but he doubted the low-grade need to always look over his shoulder would ever go away. But he also knew when someone was keeping an eye on him.
Eager to make his way back to Main Street to check on Colton and Grace, he eventually found a parallel parking spot halfway down the block from Simplicity.
Waiting another couple of minutes, he constantly checked his mirrors before getting out and crossing the street, scanning the area, not seeing or feeling anything out of the ordinary.
He walked closer to the shop, watching Grace and Colton, both dressed down in jeans and sweatshirts, talking at the front counter as she pointed to whatever she was showing him on her laptop.
Grace glanced up, grinning as their eyes met.
He smiled, tossing up a wave.
Grace moved to the door to unlock it for him. “Hey there, handsome.”
He kissed her as he stepped inside. “Hey.”
She locked the door behind him. “We’re just about finished. We need a few more minutes.”
“Take your time.” He looked at Colton. “Are you bored yet?”
Colton shrugged. “I wouldn’t want to do this every month the way Grace does, but it’s not the worst thing.”
Grace laughed. “I can see that I’ve impressed you with my work.”
Colton jerked his shoulders again. “We’ve spent most of the day counting stuff.”
Grace grinned. “It’s my most dreaded task, but it has to be done.”
Colton stuffed his hands in his pockets. “We should go out for an early dinner since we’re almost finished. Amanda’s mom and dad said that sushi place is good.”
Jagger nodded, liking the idea of letting someone else handle the dinner prep and cleanup for the night. He couldn’t think of a better way to start their relaxing weekend. “I can get behind sushi.”
Grace shrugged this time. “Sure.”
Jagger glanced toward the big window as a movement caught his eye. He did a double take, noting the Buick pulling into the newly empty spot next to Grace’s Sorento as the streetlamps kicked on in the fading outside light.
The tension was back, tightening his shoulders and his stomach. “I’ll be right back,” he said, heading to the processing room, then out the alleyway door.
It was time to figure out what the hell was going on. Someone was following him, but they were sloppy as fuck, which didn’t add up to the sophisticated people he’d dealt with overseas.
Walking behind the cars parked along the street, he wasted no time with his approach, yanking open the LeSabre’s back left door. He got in, wrapping the seat belt around the driver’s neck and headrest as he sent the palm of his right hand into the passenger’s throat, making the guy crumple forward, gagging and coughing as he fought to breathe.
“Who the fuck are you?” Jagger said through clenched teeth, directing his attention back to the driver. “Why are you following me?”
“I’m no one,” the driver said.
Jagger tightened the seat belt until the guy coughed and gasped. “That answer’s not going to work for me.”
“Colton.” The guy choked out. “We’re here for Colton.”
He tightened the belt again for good measure as the guy clawed at his neck with fingers tatted up with crossbones and snakes. “Why?”
“Because he owes us a ride,” he fought to say.
“He owes you nothing.” He tightened the seat belt again. “Here’s how things are going to work. You’re going to tell whoever Colton has a debt to that it’s been settled. You’re going to get the hell out of here and not come back. If I see you anywhere near my family again, I swear to God you’re dead.”
Jagger glanced to his right as the passenger inched his left arm toward something to the side of the console.
Jagger quickly stood on his knee in the back seat, using his new leverage to grab the guy by the back of the neck and slam his face into the guy’s knees as he dove farther forward to snatch up the pistol on the passenger side floor.
The passenger moaned as he sat up with blood spurting from his nose. “You fucking broke my nose.”
“Who the fuck are you, man?” the driver said with his hands up as Jagger slid the rack back and held the barrel against the driver’s temple.
“The only thing you need to worry about is getting the hell out of here before I make you both disappear. And I promise I’ll find you if you ever contact Colton again.”
He got out, stepping aside as they peeled out of their spot.
Jagger released the magazine, putting the clip in his pocket as he dismantled the pistol in seconds, letting the pieces drop to the street before he kicked them into the sewer.
He glanced up, realizing that Grace and Colton were staring at him through the picture window. “Damn,” he whispered as he held Grace’s huge blue eyes.
He waited for Grace to let him back inside, staring at her clutching Colton’s hand. “Let’s get home. We obviously have a lot to talk about.”
Grace nodded. “I’ll just—I need to lock up.”
“I’ll follow you and Colton back to the house.”
Grace nodded again. “Sure.” She let her brother go, reaching for her purse and laptop with unsteady hands, then walked out, waiting for them to step out before she secured the lock.
“I’ll be right behind you.”
“Okay,” she said as Colton walked to his pickup parked next to Grace’s Sorento, still not saying anything.
Sushi had been forgotten as Jagger, Grace, and Colton sat around the kitchen table. No one had said much, as Grace made everyone a cup of tea before they took their usual seats.
He’d wanted answers immediately, but he’d watched Grace’s jerky movements as she’d hurried around the kitchen, gathering tea bags and honey, recognizing that she’d needed a few moments to steady out after the troubling developments over the last twenty minutes.
Jagger didn’t touch the steaming drink as his eyes wandered from Grace’s uneasy gaze to Colton’s, eager to get straight to the point. “I think the obvious question here is, what the hell’s going on? And we want the truth this time. All of it.”
Colton nodded. “Those guys, Jimmy and Greg, they do work at the car dealership where I was washing cars.”
“These are the same guys that were here the other day?”
Colton nodded again. “Jimmy, the guy with all the tattoos, does some of Ray’s mechanic work. Greg does other stuff.”
“Why is a mechanic telling me you owe him a ride?”
Colton blew out a long, quiet breath as he fiddled with the paper tab on his tea bag. “Because Ray runs a chop shop in the autobody shop. At night.”
Jagger closed his eyes as he rubbed at the tension knotting the back of his neck. This just kept getting better and better. “And how involved in this chop shop were you?”
“I wasn’t.” Colton looked from Grace to Jagger as he adamantly shook his head. “I had no idea anything was going on when I took the job. I know Jimmy from school. He graduated a couple of years ago. We played basketball at the park sometimes. He put in a good word with Ray when I mentioned that I was looking for more work—something other than just the pizza place.”
Colton slid unsteady fingers through his hair. “Ray’s a fucking pillar of the community. Everyone in Millsdale knows who he is. My mom was glad when I told her I would be washing cars for him. I’d been working there for a couple of months before I started noticing that things seemed off.”
“Like what?” Jagger wanted to know.
“Like I rarely ever saw Jimmy there during a shift, but he’d regularly pull his truck into the garage when the shop closed for the night. I asked him about it once—just giving him a hard time. He told me he was fixing his truck off the clock. I believed him until I started noticing that Ray’s tow truck guy was picking up totaled vehicles and putting them in the fenced-in yard behind the shop. A couple of days later, a car or truck of the same make and model would always be sitting in one of the bays.”
Jagger sighed. “They’re re-vinning them.”
Colton nodded. “Yeah.”
Grace frowned. “I don’t know what that is.”
Jagger looked at her. “The VIN is a vehicle’s identification number.”
She nodded. “I know that part.”
“They’re bringing in totaled vehicles,” he continued to explain. “Then they’re stealing cars of the same make and model. They’re taking the VIN from the totaled car and using it on the stolen vehicle.”
