Jayden, page 24
part #5 of Heroes at Heart Series
His face contorted and he shouted, “Shut up, Granny. I know you gotta have something around here that I can hock.” He waved his gun around, emphasizing his impending threat.
Ruby said, “Kevin, you know the police are going to catch up with you. Why don’t you turn yourself in, and then you can get their protection?”
Emitting a choking sound, he said, “Are you stupid? How long do you think I’d live in jail? The men I owe have long arms, and they can reach even in there.”
“Boy, whatever you want to lug out of this house, you can,” Granny said. “I’m an old woman, and you don’t scare me. But if you ever cared for Ruby at all, you’ll let her walk out of here.”
Her fingers flexed against her grandmother’s hand as she jerked her head toward her. “Granny, no!”
Kevin interrupted and asked, “What have you got that’s worth something?”
Pinning him with her hard stare, Granny said, “There’s a box of real silver in the chest that’s in the dining room. It’s still in there, even after that became my bedroom. I never had much jewelry, but in the upstairs bedroom is a jewelry box with a pearl ring, a diamond ring that belonged to my mother, and some gold earrings that are antique. Other than that, Kevin, you’ve been here enough to know there’s not much else.”
He stood, rubbing his hand over his face, his eyes still darting about. Jerking suddenly, he said, “Money. You’ve got money.”
“Only money I keep in this house is just a little cash for necessities. My purse is on the kitchen counter, and it’s got about forty dollars in it.” Eyes narrowing, Granny added, “You’re welcome to it, but I got a feeling those men you owe aren’t going to take just forty dollars.”
As he paced again, his attention diverted, Granny shared a look with her, and she knew they needed to stall for time. It was going to take a little bit of time for Jayden to notify the police and for them to get to Granny’s house. Oh, Lord, let them get here soon.
32
“My purse is right by the door, Kevin,” Ruby added. “I don’t have as much as I did when I was working for tips, but there’s probably about fifty dollars in there.”
“No, no! Don’t you understand?” he groaned, continuing to pace. “I need a lot more money than that.” Suddenly jerking upright, he pinned them with his stare, “The bank! You both have money in the bank!”
Shaking her head, continuing to keep her voice calm, Ruby said, “Kevin, the bank is going to know something’s wrong if we try to go in and withdraw a lot of money.”
Appearing to not listen, Kevin jerked around, and Ruby feared that he would fire the gun randomly in his agitated state. Uncertain whether to keep talking or to stay silent, she chanced a glance to her grandmother, who appeared equally as uncertain.
His face was showing signs of fatigue, and she wondered about the effects of whatever drugs he had taken. Speaking softly again, she said, “Kevin, why don’t you lay the gun down, and let’s figure out what to do. You’re in trouble, and I’d like to help, but with you waving the gun around, I can’t think.”
He stared at her for a long moment, then lowered his arm while keeping the gun in his hand. He plopped into the chair across from the sofa, facing them, his gaze settling on the floor. Slowly he raised his head and looked at her, and once more she saw the defeated young man she befriended many years ago. Maybe I can reach him…maybe there’s still a chance.
“Kevin? Remember when we were teens, and we used to go to the elementary school playground when all the kids had left? My favorite was the swings because for a few moments it almost felt as though I could fly. You used to say that was silly, but then you’d swing next to me and we’d see how fast we could go.”
His lips curved ever so slightly, and she was encouraged to continue. “You used to come over to my house, and sometimes we’d come over here to Granny’s. We’d sit at the dining room table and do homework.”
He nodded slowly, and she could barely hear his response when he said, “It was a lot nicer than my house.”
“I knew your grandfather,” Granny interjected, immediately drawing his attention over to her. “I also knew your father. They were harsh men, and I always wished better for you.”
Ruby did not take her eyes off of him for fear of his volatile state of mind but watched as he blinked away tears.
Jayden had dashed through a neighbor’s yard, coming up to the back side of Granny’s small lot. Ducking low, he maneuvered his way to the deck, staying out of sight as best he could from anyone watching from the windows. Once there, he could see that the door leading to the kitchen was slightly open and assumed that was how Kevin entered the house.
Straining, he could barely hear voices but could identify both Ruby’s and Granny’s. Jesus, thank God! Not knowing if Kevin had a weapon, he fought the urge to rush inside. Creeping forward, he placed his hand on the door. Able to hear the voices louder now, he could tell they were in the living room. He pushed the door open, ever so slightly, praying it did not make a noise. Providence was with him because the door hinges did not squeak.
Hyper-alert, he squeezed his body through the smallest opening possible, then partially closed the door so that it would be unnoticeable that it had been moved. Glancing down at his heavy work boots, he wished he had taken them off before entering. Damnit, too late now.
Tiptoeing a few feet to the right, he moved into the room Granny was using for a bedroom, keeping him out of sight from anyone in the living room. Able to hear more clearly now, he listened as Ruby attempted to calm Kevin, with Granny joining in.
Uncertain what weapon Kevin might be wielding, he continued to move cautiously. A flash of color at the back door caught his attention, and his eyes widened at the sight of an armed policeman nearby. Jaxon, I hope to hell you let them know I was in here! The policeman saw him and gave a short nod, forcing a sigh of relief from Jayden. Pete may end up being furious, but if he was able to get Ruby and Granny to safety, he did not care about the consequences.
Suddenly, Kevin’s voice rang out loudly, distress evident in his screech, and Jayden’s body tightened, ready to rush into the room, fear for the woman he loved the only thing holding him back.
Kevin’s gaze moved to the window behind the two women, and he leapt to his feet. “Oh, shit, the police are here!”
She and Granny jerked around instinctively, looking out the window also. From the edge of the yard, she could see a police car parked on the street. Her phone vibrated as it lay on the floor near the front door. It had been vibrating ever since she had disconnected with Jayden, and she assumed it was him calling. If the police are here, then Jayden can’t be far behind! Scanning outside the window she did not see his truck or motorcycle but knew in her heart that he was there…somewhere. Swinging her head back toward Kevin, her gaze fell upon the gun now being held firmly in his hand once more. Her heart squeezed at the thought of Jayden trying to rescue her, knowing he could be shot.
Her phone vibrated again, and Kevin growled, “Shut it up!”
She let go of Granny’s hand and snatched the phone up, hitting connect. “Hello?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I didn’t tell you to answer it!” Kevin screamed.
“Ms. Mantle? This is Detective Pete Chambers.”
Staring at Kevin, she said, “It’s the police, Kevin.” She saw that his eyes were once again wild, and fear threatened to choke her. She listened as Pete said, “Can you put Kevin on the phone, Ms. Mantle?”
Holding the phone out toward him with a shaky hand, she prompted, “They want to talk to you. Please, Kevin. Talk to them. They can help us figure a way out of this.”
His head shook back and forth, and he growled again, “They want me dead or in prison.”
While he appeared to battle internally over what his next move should be, Ruby noticed a movement down the hall. In her peripheral vision, she caught a glimpse of someone… Jayden! He came! Her eyes locked onto his, love and fear tangling in the air between them. Giving an imperceptible shake of her head, she forced her eyes away. As glad as she was that he was nearby, the idea of him possibly getting hurt while trying to rescue her sent chills throughout her body, steeling her resolve.
“Kevin, put the gun down. Let me go with you. We’ll go out together, and when the police talk to you, I’ll be there.”
She watched him waver, barely able to stay on his feet as fatigue pulled at him. Whatever substance he had used, it was either starting to leave his system or had simply worn him out.
Granny stood from the sofa, taking a risk but joining in, her voice warm and loving. “Kevin, let’s all go together.”
Ruby watched his face crumple as his gun arm slid down to the side of his leg. He drew in a raspy breath and exhaled on a sob. She hesitated, just until he dropped the gun on the chair next to him, and then rushed to him.
Holding him tightly, she moved with him as he slumped onto his knees, continuing to sob. Murmuring softly, she rubbed his back.
Jayden rushed down the hall, pushing Granny behind him as his gaze landed on Ruby and Kevin. Moving quickly, he snatched the gun from away from Kevin’s reach. He turned and took Kevin firmly by the upper arms, not trusting that Kevin would not try to use Ruby as a shield. Pete, who had heard the conversation while on the phone, came through the front door as other policemen charged through the back, guns drawn, with Jaxon and Zander right behind.
Ruby’s eyes stared up at him over Kevin’s shoulder. Tears were streaming down her pale face, and the rage he had been feeling slowly dissipated as he saw that she was unharmed. Softly, he said, “Ruby, honey, let go of him.”
She released her hold of Kevin, and Jayden moved back, allowing a policeman to place handcuffs on him. Kevin appeared disoriented, and Ruby whimpered.
Jayden pulled her gently into his arms as her shaking body bucked with sobs. He stood, keeping her firmly in his arms, never wanting to let her go. Now it was his turn to stroke her back and murmur words of comfort.
As Kevin was being led out of the house, he felt her shift around, and she said, “Kevin. I said I would go with him.”
Pete stepped closer and said, “Ruby, you did a good job keeping him calm, but he needs help right now.”
“Where will he be taken?” Granny asked from the sofa, sitting next to Jaxon, whose arm was around her.
Pete replied, “Because he appears to be under the influence of an unknown substance, we’re going to take him to the hospital. They will evaluate him, both physically and mentally, and while he’s still under arrest, we’ll make sure he’s getting the care he needs.” He swung his head back around to Ruby and promised, “We’ll need to get your statements while he’s being taken away. But I promise I’ll stay in touch with you, and you can see him when the time is right.”
Two hours later, the police had left, but Granny’s house was filled to the brim. Zander had called the others, and they all came with their women, including Rosalie picking up Miss Ethel on the way. The living room was small, but everyone crowded in, and no one appeared to mind the intimacy.
Miss Ethel, Granny, and Jayden sat on the sofa, with Ruby tightly held on his lap. Rosalie, Eleanor, Regina, and Morgan filled the chairs in the room, including a few from the kitchen that had been brought in. Zander, Rafe, Cael, Jaxon, Asher, Zeke, and Cas all managed to settle their large bodies onto the floor.
Ruby and Granny had retold their story several times, but now everyone seemed glad to eat the pizza that had been delivered. Even Miss Ethel, who rarely used paper plates, had brought extra. The mood of the group was neither somber nor elated, but instead, Jayden sensed a calm thankfulness in his extended family as they chatted amongst themselves.
He closed his eyes for a few seconds, the horrendous thought of what could have occurred slamming into him. The touch of a soft, small hand on his face caused his eyes to open. Warmth replaced the cold that was deep inside.
Ruby’s wide blue eyes were staring into his. Worried of what was going through her mind, he whispered, “Babe, you did good today.”
“You came.” Her statement was simple, and he stared, wondering what was going through her mind. She continued, “You came for me.”
Lifting his hand to cup her cheek, he rubbed his thumb over her smooth skin, wanting to erase the trail of tears that had dried on her cheeks from earlier. “Don’t you know, Ruby? I’ll always come for you. I’ll always want to protect you.”
A smile curved her lips, and she leaned in for a kiss. A soft, gentle kiss, full of all of the emotion he could pour. Pulling back slightly, he whispered, “I love you, my little Ruby.”
He watched as exhaustion moved over her, and she laid her head on his shoulder, allowing his strength to seep in.
33
Two Months Later
“You may kiss the bride.”
The large gathering smiled in unison as the groom held his bride closely, bent her over backward, supporting her with his arm, and planted a kiss on her lips that lasted longer than the minister had intended.
As the kiss continued, Jayden leaned forward, catching and holding the eyes of the woman he loved, standing in line with the other bridesmaids. Ruby beamed her smile directly at him and laughed.
Jaxon and Morgan came up from the post-wedding kiss to shouts and claps from the packed church and began their walk down the aisle. Jayden, as best man, stepped to the side, allowing Zander to escort the maid of honor, Rosalie. Cael and Regina came behind, followed by Rafe and Eleanor. Jayden stepped forward, taking the arm of Ruby, his gaze devouring her in the pale pink dress that fit her curves perfectly.
An hour later, they sat down to the delicious reception given by Morgan’s parents in the country club near where they lived. After the food had been consumed, Jayden stood, and the bridal party clicked on their glasses to quiet the participants.
Hating public speaking, he reached out to hold his champagne glass and cleared his throat.
“I know these speeches are supposed to be funny—or a roasting of the groom—but that’s just not in me today. Instead, I want to honor the man who has always shared my heart. In fact, we shared our mother’s womb at the same time which makes him truly the brother of my blood.” He looked down at Jaxon sitting next to Morgan and noted the shine in his twin’s eyes, but he plunged on.
“Life started out rough for us, bro. But no matter what was thrown at us, where we ended up, we had each other. My life would not be complete without you in it. And we landed easy…our lives changed when we were gifted Miss Ethel.” His eyes shot to the table nearby where she sat, her white hair tucked into a bun and her blue gown with its long, chiffon sleeves fitting her thin body. She peered at him through her wire-framed glasses, and he could see tears shining from where he stood.
“She changed our lives, making sure we not only stayed together, but then gave us more brothers to have in our family. And today, your marriage gives me another sister. Another one to love and cherish. So, from just the two of us, bro…we continue to grow.” He looked down at Ruby, not surprised to see tears trailing down her cheeks. Holding his glass high, he proclaimed, “To Jaxon and Morgan.”
As the cheers rang out, women wiped their eyes, and Jaxon moved to kiss Morgan. Then he stood and embraced Jayden, the two men hanging on to each other for a moment before they back-slapped and separated. Jayden also moved to kiss Morgan on the cheek, then walked back to Ruby. She stood, and as always, fit neatly under his chin, tucked into his chest as he held her tightly.
She leaned back and whispered, “That was beautiful…and perfect, honey.”
He kissed her, whisper soft, and relaxed in her arms now that the speech was over.
Five hours later, the crowd had waved goodbye to Jaxon and Morgan as they drove away to spend the night in a nice hotel near the airport, planning on flying to Aruba the next day. The band was still playing, but as the couple left, most of the guests did as well. Zander, Rosalie, Rafe, and Eleanor needed to get home to their babysitters, so Cael and Regina drove Miss Ethel to her house.
Jayden, as best man, his fingers linked with Ruby’s, checked with the wedding coordinator to make sure there was nothing left that needed his attention. Looking down, he grinned and gave her a twirl, watching as she threw her head back and laughed. Landing against his chest again, he wrapped her in his arms, and they continued to dance slowly as the DJ played one last slow song before packing up.
He caught her looking at her hand and reached up to grasp her left hand, giving it a squeeze. “Like your engagement ring, baby?”
Her lips curved and she replied, “Love it…but then you know I do.”
He was silent for a moment and she reached up to cup his jaw. “What are you thinking?”
Hesitating, he looked around the large reception hall, the workers taking down the tables and cleaning up the bunting that streamed from ceiling to floor. “We haven’t talked about what you want. What kind of wedding and reception, I mean.”
Shaking her head, she said, “Not this.”
He had learned more about weddings in the past few months with Morgan’s parents going all out for their daughter than he had ever cared to know. Zander’s wedding had been simple, but Rafe and Eleanor had gotten married in her mansion. Regina’s brother had wanted to pay for theirs, and so Cael and she married in a church with a lovely reception in a nice restaurant.
“Baby, I want you to have the wedding of your dreams.”
She held his gaze, her blue eyes penetrating. “I don’t need all this, and I don’t want to go into debt to have it. Honestly, this was lovely but not for me. Jayden…just being with you makes all my dreams come true.”
He bent, free now to take her lips the way he wanted to. They were soft and pliant, and he plunged his tongue inside her warmth, tasting the champagne and sweet icing, tempting him to find the nearest accommodating place to take her right then. Pulling back reluctantly, he opened his mouth, but she jumped in first.
