Cobra (Blue Angel Security Book 1), page 45
“Sir?” Luca calls to him. “Just a moment, please,” he nods in understanding and steps just a fraction of a foot away from us, affording Luca a bit of privacy.
“Tiger, just like you told me in Texas when I faced my past and closed those doors forever. I’m not leaving your side. I’ll be right here with you. Unlike my ordeal, you won’t have any physical bruises from today’s steps, but you will have emotional wounds that will be splayed wide open. And just like your promise to me, I promise tonight when we’re back in the privacy of our room to mend and stitch your tattered heart back together, because that’s what we do. I love you, baby, and I’m so damn proud of you. Even if what you’re fixing to do is breaking my heart.”
“I love you, too, Whiskey. I couldn’t do this without you,” I say, wiping away a stray tear.
“Okay, let’s do this. The last thing I want is those assholes to think that my girl is anything less than a fucking warrior.” Again, the guard looks at me with a gentle smile.
“Per the warden’s command, the inmates are completely secured. The only thing they can do is talk. No touching will be permitted.”
Warden’s command? Ha. Not likely. More like Gannon reached out in my best interest and made sure I’d have certain liberties when seeing my so-called brother and former brother-in-law.
As the last barriers open, I swallow hard one last time before I raise my head up high and walk straight through the steel doors. All the strength and courage I thought I had vanishes the moment those locks click into place. Suddenly, I stop just feet away from Damon’s chair and my brother.
“Look, D. Even with her muscle power with her one look at us has her cowering. Like I said, this is going to be so much fun,” Bryant heckles me.
“I’m right beside you, Tiger,” Luca whispers in my ear. I nod in return as I finish the few steps until I’m standing directly in front of Bryant.
“Long time, no see, sis,” Bryant laughs as I nervously sit across from him with Luca’s hands resting on my shoulders. “I see you brought your hired muscle with you. Though, from what we heard, he probably never received any actual money in return for protecting you.”
“It’s probably a good thing he didn’t. Otherwise, she got screwed. Oh, wait a minute, she probably did, regardless. I hope he appreciates the artwork that was left on your skin,” Damon taunts me.
“I’m sure he did,” Bryant replies. “Oh, how rude of us, carrying on without even making formal introductions. “I’m the long-lost big brother, and my buddy over there is her dearly departed husband’s twin,” Bryant says to Luca, who squeezes my shoulders.
“That’s okay, I’m well aware of who you two are. In fact, Damon, it’s nice to finally see what Dalton would’ve looked like if his mouth hadn’t been full. For the record, baby, I’m better looking.”
“Most definitely,” I grin, watching my brother.
“He might be better looking, but I doubt Dad would’ve approved of you dating someone… well, someone like him.”
“Someone like him? Oh, you mean someone kind, compassionate, loving, and honorable? Everything you’re not?” I snarkily say. “Not to mention honest. You don’t have an honest bone in your whole fucking body.”
“Don’t act like you’re better than us. Damon and I are model inmates. We haven’t needed all this jewelry,” he raises his arms showing me his cuffs, “in months. But yet, one call from you requesting a visit and here we are bound tighter than your fucking mut.”
“Donald is a sweet man. He’s incredibly overworked. I told him as much. Maybe he’ll finally take his wife on that vacation they’ve always dreamed of. Life is way too short, not to enjoy the finer things.”
“You fucking bitch,” Bryant seethes. “You used our parents’ money to pay off the damn warden. Half of that estate is rightfully mine, and you know it. It doesn’t matter what they say I may have or haven’t done. It’s mine,” he growls, lunging forward at me, only to be stopped by his restraints.
“You are right, Bryant. You are bound tighter than my dog. He has tons of freedom whereas you have virtually none. As for our parents’ estate, you forfeited that the day you went in cahoots with my ex-husband and his worthless fucking brother to kill our family.”
“They were weak. Dad should have given me the company years ago when Dalton and I proposed he retire and let us take over. Dad wanted nothing to do with it. He was just as happy to run his company into the ground while he got fucking old and lost track of what was really important.”
“And what was that, Bryant? Because I know damn well, with you, family wasn’t that important,” I say, feeling a calmness settle into my bones.
“Family was important to me. Just not you. I needed Mom and Dad to make me rich. After that, they would have been free to die together.”
“You really are a worthless son of a bitch. Forgive me, Mama, but he is. You were supposed to protect me, not feed me to the sharks. It’s horrible enough that you orchestrated our parents’ deaths, but to let them do the things they wanted to me? You were my brother! You were supposed to protect me,” I say as a tear escapes and they laugh.
“Poor little, Phoebe. All upset because her big brother failed to protect her,” Damon heckles me.
“You can’t fail at something you didn’t try. He not once tried to keep me safe. All this was to the three of you was a fucking game. Well, if that is the case, I’d say I won.”
“You got lucky,” Bryant sneers. “If that fucking bitch of a best friend of yours hadn’t found you when she did—”
“I’d be dead. We all know that, but Dyani was amazing. She not only saved my life, but testified about how she found me. You’re just pissed that no matter what you attempted on my life, it all fell through miserably. I almost feel sorry for you. Almost.”
Suddenly, he throws his head back in a manic laugh. “This is rich,” he says, getting his laughter under control. “You pity me? I was the one they wanted. They planned me. You weren’t supposed to even happen. I was the one they pushed to go to college to take over Dad’s business. The only thing they pushed you into was Dalton’s arms. And he was cheating on you from the night he popped your cherry. They knew I was going places and the only thing you were good for was to watch dance or for his brother to fuck.”
“They probably did think you were going places, but I doubt they meant the state penitentiary. Now you can’t even take a piss without permission. You were a pathetic excuse for a son and if Mom and Dad didn’t know it before they died, they certainly do now. I hate you for what you did to them and to us. We were a happy family before you decided money meant more than family.” I tremble, voicing every truth I’ve kept bottled up for years. It’s not fair what he took from me, from them. I’ve never hated someone more than I do right this second.
“You weren’t any better. You decided to take their money and run, right after throwing your brother and husband to the wolves. You even tried to get me, but the DA was a smart man and knew I wasn’t there. You really must have lost a lot of blood that night to have thought we were both there.”
“I did lose a lot of blood. Though, I didn’t realize I had lost quite that much until I saw the photos. I guess I should thank you for setting me straight. You know, after Dalton told me it was your kind gesture to send me those pictures, I wondered for hours how I could repay you the same compassion. I had almost given up on finding an answer until Dalton literally screamed as he showed me. If I just swallowed my pride like he did, I’d see the answer. So, I guess you should thank your brother for the picture I have for you. Though, unlike you, I’m selfish and I’m taking it back home as my souvenir. I sleep like a baby with that picture tucked safely into my nightstand,” I say as Luca pulls the picture he has concealed between his shirts out and slides it between Bryant and Damon face up.
Instantly, their faces turn a lovely shade of green, right before Damon vomits all over himself and his chair. “You sick bastard.” Damon raises his eyes to Luca. “All we were told is that he was dead. We assumed,” he lowers his eyes back to me, “your fucking goon squad had shot him. Now you’re sitting here and telling me no, and showing me, that this fucker is sicker than we are. No way in hell would I have put my hands on another man’s junk, let alone cut it off.”
“Damon,” I cackle, knowing at last this is finally over. “My goon squad, as you so eloquently put them, did nothing of the such. They didn’t lay a finger on Dalton. Your brother was a worthless, spineless bastard who had me kidnapped and separated from my protection. In the end, it didn’t do him any good.”
“And yet, we’re the ones who got locked up and you got away scot-free with chopping off your husband’s dick?” Bryant glares at me. “How the fuck is that justice?”
“Because you dumb-fuck,” Luca sneers from behind me, “Her ex-husband had her kidnapped, assaulted her, and held her against her will for over twelve fucking hours. He murdered two people in front of her. Hell, one of the bullets only missed her by inches. And then, when that wasn’t enough, he attempted to rape her. For weeks afterwards, she couldn’t even walk outside alone to the mailbox. She was terrified. She jumped at every little noise. Even though her heart knew she was safe, her head didn’t. So yeah, did the state owe her a big fucking free pass? They sure as hell did. And after meeting the two of you, I’m even happier for my girl to finally be free of you two scum bags.”
“You’re forgetting something, Phoebe,” Damon calls over to her. “I can be out in ten years for good behavior. And wheelchair or not, it won’t stop me from—” Suddenly, Luca drops to the bench beside me and leans his chin into his hands.
“I wouldn’t even contemplate doing anything that stupid. Besides, take it from me gentlemen. You’re safer not trying to get out of here. You’ll probably have a longer life if everyone is secure in the knowledge you’re locked up. This is a dangerous place. You never know what accidents could happen.”
“Are you threatening us?” Bryant grins.
“Not at all. Just making an observation,” Luca says, as we hear the door open.
“Ms. Storm? Mr. Quartez? Your time is up. The inmates need to get back to their cells for head count.”
“Of course. We were just about through anyway. Goodbye, Bryant. I hope you live a long and miserable life,” I say, standing to exit the room. With one last glance over my shoulder, I look between Bryant and Damon. I have felt a slew of emotions over our short visit. Fear, anger, pity. But the biggest emotion I’ve felt since walking into this room is the one I’m currently holding onto, relief.
I’ve said my peace.
I’ve confronted my past and I’ve slayed my demons.
I’m free.
After signing our check out forms and retrieving our personal items, Luca and I head for the rental car. I really haven’t said too much to him since leaving. Honestly, I’m afraid with how tightly I’m strung together that if he was to ask me how I’m doing, I break down and bawl. For months, I’ve known the words, you’re safe. But today, I feel them and it’s a beautiful thing.
“Come on, Tiger. Let’s get you out of here. I know exactly what you need.”
One short drive later, I find myself looking at a park that has been abandoned by modernization. It has old wrought iron benches and a cobblestone path that appears to lead out behind some kind of cottage. “In all the years I lived here, I never knew this place existed. It’s beautiful. How did you find this place?” I ask as we sit on one of the benches.
“The older lady who was at the counter this morning at the hotel told me that my young wife might appreciate this place. It was calm, quiet and could be quite the spot for romance,” Luca tells me as I lean my head on his shoulder. My tears slowly drip down my face.
“How are you doing, Tiger? It was a lot today.”
“It was. I’m glad today is over. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel at the end of it. I know I hoped I’d feel some kind of closure, but that’s all it was, a hope. Part of me was afraid that when I saw them, I’d panic and not be able to say a word. That I wouldn’t be able to tell them exactly what they cost me. What they stole from me, from my parents. In the end, due to my own selfish reasons, I chose not to ask those questions. I don’t need to give them any power over me again. Bryant doesn’t have the right to know we have a son. CJ is much better off if he’s never on their radars.”
“Tiger, judging from the fact that they now know you’re the one who single-handedly ended Dalton, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
“Their faces were priceless, weren’t they?”
“They sure were, and the vomit was a nice touch,” Luca says, laughing.
“It was,” I say, closing my eyes.
“Baby, why don’t we head back to the room? I think you could probably use a good soak in the tub and then maybe a nap.”
“With my luck, my nap will turn into an all-night crash. I feel like I haven’t slept in weeks. I’m exhausted.”
“I’m not surprised. I’ll see what I can do to convince our son to let his mommy sleep. If not, I’ll only wake you for his feedings. You’re right, you need some sleep.”
“Morning, Tiger,” Whiskey’s deep morning voice breaks the silence of our room.
“You almost missed the entire morning,” I tease him as I climb back into bed, holding CJ, who’s fast asleep again.
“What time did he wake up this morning?” Luca asks, kissing his head.
“Early. Kylee says he gave you two a run for your money last night. She finally crashed a couple of hours ago. She told me to make sure I woke her up by three so she could shower before we head back to the airport tonight.”
“So, she plans on spending the day in bed sleeping while we do what?” he asks while covering me and CJ up.
“I was thinking,” I release a heavy breath. “I’d like to go visit my parents. I’ve never been to their graves. Just once I’d like to—”
“Baby, if you want to fly down here once a year, twice a year, hell, even once a month to visit with your parents, then that’s what we’ll do. Give me a few minutes to wash up and then we’ll be on our way.”
“Okay, I just changed CJ before he drifted off to sleep, so he should be good. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Luca wasn’t kidding when he said we’d be out the door in a few minutes, because before I realize it, we’re transferring CJ from his car seat to his baby wrap that I usually carry him in. Though, today, it’s Luca who’s carrying him.
“Any idea where we’re heading, Tiger? I know you said you haven’t ever been here, but surely someone told you which area they were buried in, right?”
“Vaguely. I know they’re on the south end. That’s it.”
“Well, that could be this area. It’s still pretty good sized, but at least it’s a start,” he says, stepping onto the path beside me.
“What do I know, even though I never saw their graves after the funerals, is I ordered a double heart marker for them. They loved each other so completely in life that I couldn’t imagine that changing in the afterlife. I had a picture of them placed on their headstone as well as an engraving.” I lower my voice slightly. I wonder if he will think it’s as dumb as my handler thought. I hope not. That thought hurts just to think about.
“Tiger?”
“Huh? I’m sorry, I was just thinking.”
“About? Although, considering where we’re at, I bet I can imagine. So, I’ll ask again, what did you engrave on their stone?”
“I had the stone engraved with Married in love, Buried in love. It was the last thing I could ever do for my—”
“That’s beautiful. I wish I could’ve done something like that for my mother and David. Hey, there’s a double heart stone,” Luca calls out as I turn my head to the side of the path. “It’s the only one in this area, so it might be.”
“I see it. There’s a woman near it. Let’s head up in that direction. If it’s my parents’, I’ll recognize the picture.”
We walk around the bend and back up another path to get to where we saw the double-hearted stone marker. The closer we get, the more the woman’s features come into sight. As we step closer, my heart begins to race. Surely this can’t be, not after all this time. Sweat trickles down my forehead as Luca grips my hand, clearly anticipating something huge, might be in store for me. Abruptly, the woman leans forward, and her hair falls to either side of neck, leaving one spot exposed. A spot we were supposed to tattoo together, but I was too afraid after everything had happened to have anything else permanent on my skin. And yet, she had done it.
I freeze, unable to move as I slam my hand over my mouth in shock. Tears slide down my face and I tremble. A tsunami of thoughts threatening to drown me. What will she think seeing me after all these years? Does she hate me? What happened after I left?
Suddenly, CJ whimpers and the woman turns her head seeing us. Her eyes widen in shock as we both stare at each other, completely unable to move. Finally, Luca squeezes my hand.
“Baby,” he says, leaning over to me. “Breathe. One, two, three, four. Breathe, baby. One, two, three, four,” he says again as my breathing evens back out. There you go, that’s better. Now go say hi to Dyani. She’s been waiting a long time to see her best friend.”
“H-how did you know that’s who—”
“Because she’s all you’ve talked about for nearly two years. I can’t imagine anyone in this state making you react like that except her. Am I wrong?”
“No, it’s her,” I say as Dyani stands. Most likely waiting to see what I’ll do.
Slowly, I kiss CJ’s head and then Luca, before finishing the trail on my own. By the time I make it to her, we’re both in tears. And just like years ago, no words are necessary as we fall into each other’s arms. Time stands still as we cling to each other, sobbing.
“I c-can’t believe it’s you. It’s really you…” she cries, pushing my hair out of my face. “You’re really here? I’m not dreaming again, am I?”
