by Kaci Rose
"Just talk to me. What’s going on with the label you’re starting?"
He talks, until it's time to call Landon, and then the two of them control the situation. I might admit it to Dallas, but never to Landon that I feel so much better, when they take control, that way and I can just clear my mind, and do as they tell me, too.
Again, a tidbit my over controlling brother doesn't need to know. Another fact that might work out great in the bedroom with my sexy-as-hell boyfriend. Such confusing thoughts. I smile at that thought, as I pull into the garage and shut off the car.
The call disconnects, and Dallas is at my door, before I even get a chance to open it. He pulls me into his arms, and everything is okay again.
When I walk inside, Landon is standing there, looking unsure and watching us. Though Dallas has his arm around my waist, he doesn't seem mad, he's just watching. I drop my bag, walking to him and wrapping my arms around Landon, and he holds me just as tight.
"Thank you," I tell him.
"Always. For you, always." His classic line he's been telling me, since we were kids. I know right then things will be okay with us. I just need to make sure they’re okay with Dallas and him, too.
"Let's go sit down and talk," Landon says, as he lets me go, and I follow him into the living room with Dallas right behind me.
I sit on the couch with Dallas beside me, and Landon sits across from me on the love seat just watching us again.
"I'm not sure what Dallas told you," Landon starts. "But my guy was able to track Branden down to his last job and all his info is fake. He says he only sees things like this, when they’re running from the law. He thinks if we can get fingerprints, then we can track him, but we don't have a way to do that."
"Unless I do it," I say, connecting the dots.
"Which is not an option," Dallas growls. "He's getting desperate, and we don't know what he wants. This isn't normal behavior, and if he's running, we don't know what his plans for you were. Again, I repeat, it's not an option."
"I agree," Landon says. "But in the meantime, you’re not to be alone, ever. I want you to limit going out. I won't keep you trapped here, but I don't want you going out more than needed either."
"When you leave, you take Mason with you, even if you are with me or Landon," Dallas says taking my hand, as I nod.
"When we can't be here, Mason will be with you at the house. We are tightening security and having people here around the clock. I did file a police report, but they said there was nothing they could do, because he was on the street not on our property." Landon says.
"If he tries to get in contact with you in any way, you tell us immediately. Phone, text, email, social media, skywriting, or however stupid it might be, tell us no matter what." Dallas says.
"I will." I agree.
"Did you notice anything off, when you were together?" Landon asks.
I think about the short time I'd known Branden.
"Well, his place was bare, but I chalked it up to him being a bachelor, it's not uncommon. We never hung out with his friends, and he only met mine on accident. He never talked about his family, but it never raised a red flag. We didn't date and went to dinner three maybe four times and saw one movie. We didn't talk on the phone or really text, unless it was about getting together. The rest was just. Well." I can’t bring myself to say it was just sex, but they get it, and thankfully, they don't push it.
"Okay, well, let's hope the photos will bring us something. Sorry about that by the way. You guys had your phones off, I tried to call first." Landon looks like he means it.
"You have my password, so I'm not worried about it." I wave my hand at him.
Neither of us says anything for a moment.
"Do you think he's dangerous?" I ask in a low voice. Though, I don't want to admit all this worries me, and all the extra security scares me a bit. I feel like it’s overdone, like there’s something they aren't telling me, but I'm happy to live in my ignorance for now.
I shiver at the thought of what they could be keeping from me, but Dallas is right there, pulling me into his arms, despite my brother being in the room.
"We don't know if he's dangerous, more than likely he's harmless, but you’re the most precious thing in the world to both of us, and we’ll always protect you. That means we’ll we go overboard more times than not, but it will always be with your best interests at heart." Dallas says, rubbing my arms.
"I know," I say, resting my head on his shoulder, as they start planning out their schedules for the next week, and who will be with me when.
The rest of the evening passes almost like normal. Landon makes us dinner, and we sit at the table and talk about the cabin, and the small town we visited, and our hikes to the waterfall.
We watch some TV, and I was able to snuggle up to Dallas's side on the couch. I caught my brother shaking his head a few times, but he never commented on it.
I guess, I started drifting off to sleep, because the next thing I feel is Dallas's chuckling and picking me up to carry me upstairs.
"Come on, baby girl. Let's get you to bed." He says.
"Night," I say to Landon, but don't get a response.
Dallas is a perfect gentleman. He takes me upstairs, helps me get ready for bed, tucks me in, and turns to leave.
"Get in bed," I tell him.
He smiles, "I think it's best we don't push our luck with your brother, don't you?"
"No, we should push all our luck, because I want you in bed with me." I pout.
He chuckles and leans in to bite my lip that I stuck out at him.
"Good night, baby girl."
I watch him walk out the door and close it behind him. I try to sleep, but all I can do is toss and turn, and every time I close my eyes, I see Branden. After over an hour, I give up and sneak across the hallway to Dallas's room.
Even with his lights off, I know my way to his bed, like the back of my hand. The moment my knee hits his mattress, he turns to face me. Then, he pulls me to him and makes sure I’m under the covers.
"You lasted longer than I thought you would." He says.
"I tried, but I'm just too used to sleeping in your arms now."
"Me too, baby girl. Me too." He kisses the top of my head, and I finally feel safe enough to sleep.
Chapter 32
Dallas
It's been a few weeks, since Austin and I got home from the mountain cabin, and there has been nothing from Branden. Landon and I have talked about this a few times, and we agree we don't want to let our guard down. We worry the moment we do that's when something will happen. Austin indulges us, but she’s made it clear she thinks we are either hiding something from her, or even going a little too overboard.
I think we’re both on edge that there’s no information on him, and that he disappeared into thin air, the same way he appeared into Austin's life.
We have seen so many of our musician friends’ deal with crazy fans and stalkers, and it's always been a worry for us with Austin. She tends to stay out of the limelight enough that they have left her alone.
I think she was getting a little stir crazy being home so much, so this last weekend we invited Ivy and Dom over for a BBQ and pool party. Austin was attached to Ivy's side. I think she needed that girl time, so I made a mental note to see if she wanted to do a book club thing with Deanna later this week.
If she needs girl time, I will give it to her, and the safest way is at our house. Landon agreed it's easy to control security there.
I had a talk with him about that. I wanted to pay for half the security bill for Austin and half of the bill for the private investigator. He fought me on it like I knew he would. I said I wanted to help take care of her, and I know he's her brother, but she's my girl, my whole life. I have no plans of going anywhere, and if I have it my way, someday it will be my responsibility to take care of her. That seemed to shut him up, and he finally agreed.
We still haven't talked about our relationship or worked on our friendship. It
's all been about Austin, and that’s what it needs to be for now. It's helping us keep the peace and things are good. So, for now, we focus on Austin.
Today, I’m taking my turn to meet with the private investigator, who has some news for us. For the most part, we have done well at keeping one of us home with her at all times. Only twice did we both have to be out, and Mason stepped right in.
Austin did say the other night how she feels like she’s in a fishbowl. Always someone right there, even when she takes a shower. She knows it's for her own good, but says she missed just being alone.
I step into the private investigator’s office. The waiting room isn't bad, a little older, but the magazines seem to be new, and his receptionist is cleaning, when I walk in.
The first time I walked in, her eyes went big, when she saw me. I knew she recognized me, but she did her best to keep her composure and didn't bother me, so on the way out, I offered her a photo and an autograph as long as she didn't post about running into me at work. She was so excited.
"Mr. McIntyre, Kurt's expecting you. I'll just let him know you're here." She says with a huge smile. I don't have to wait long, thankfully.
"Dallas, come on back." Kurt, the private investigator, says, as he peeks his head out the door.
I follow him back to his office, and I swear it's just like all those old movies. The walls are all brown wood paneling, and it's dark. Everything is brown, the floor, the walls, the furniture, all but a dark green curtain over the window that blocks the only source of natural light. A wall of bookcases takes up one wall, and a row of file cabinets takes up half of another. I'm thankful the only thing missing from those old movies is the smoke smell.
Despite all that, Kurt's office is perfectly organized. It's clean and everything seems to be in place. No massive stacks of paper, and all that’s on his desk, is a folder I assume has all the information on my case.
I also like that Kurt is a straight shooter. No small talk, he just cuts straight to the point.
"So, your buddy Branden wasn't easy to track down. As you know, Branden is not his real name. It took some digging and greasing some of the right people, but I finally got his real name. Jimmy Buckerton."
"Buckerton, as in our manager, Dave?" I ask, because that’s the only time I've heard that last name in my life.
"Exactly. It's his son." Kurt says and pauses, letting me digest it. Dave being shocked she was here, and Branden showing up a few days later, and then Dave going MIA.
"What do you have on Jimmy?" I ask finally.
"Nothing good, I'm afraid. He was pretty heavy into drugs, the nasty shit, too. That led to some petty crimes, mostly theft, I'm guessing to pay for more drugs, before he moved on to a bigger job that got him caught. He did two years in jail, where he went through a forced rehab program, and a month after, he got out just vanished. That lines up with when Branden Lewis shows up, and he beelines right for Austin from what I can tell."
"Any idea why?" I ask, my throat tightening, as I start shifting around in my chair. Staying still doesn't seem possible right now.
He purposely sought Austin out is what it looks like, which doesn't sit well with me. That means he was up to something, and with that quick proposal to Austin, who knows what that would be.
"That I'm not sure about. If he's tied to your manager, I'd start looking at your books. It’s always a safe bet to follow the money. They might be working together. Has anything changed there?" Kurt asks.
"Well, our contract is coming to an end, and we have been talking about starting our own label, instead of renewing the contract. Especially, after how Dave acted towards Austin, when he saw her after the tour."
"I'm guessing you’re one of his biggest clients, so how much money would he be out?" Kurt asks. I know he doesn't expect an answer, he's just making a point.
"A lot," I whisper. I have a rough idea of what the band makes and his cut on it. He'd be out a whole fuck of a lot of money. We assumed the label would move him on to their next big fish, since that's how we met up with him. He's good at what he does, so he won't have trouble getting more clients, especially with our band on his resume.
"Sounds like motive to me. I don't have proof, but I've seen it more times than not. Like I said, I'd have someone look at your books. I'm guessing this isn't his only way to attack you guys. I will keep an eye out for him and see what else I can find. Want me to dig into your manager, too?" Kurt says.
"Yes," I say without hesitation.
"Okay, tell me what you know about him."
I give him what I know about Dave, and everyone who works with him. Kurt takes notes and asks a few questions here and there.
"This gives me plenty to go on. I’ll get started on this, and call you, when I have something." Kurt says, as he stands.
"Okay, thanks," I say and mindlessly walk to my car. My first thought is to call Landon and talk it out, since he stayed home with Austin today. Knowing she’s okay will steady me, and then I can focus.
"Hey, what's wrong? I'm getting ready to head into a meeting," Landon says, and I hear people talking in the background.
"What meeting? You're supposed to be home with Austin. I had the meeting with the private investigator today."
"I'm meeting with the lawyer for the label contract, your meeting was tomorrow." He says, as I get a sinking feeling.
"No, it was today. Did you call Mason, before you left?" I ask.
"No, I assumed you were home with Austin, since she was still in bed, when I left. Shit." He says, as he realizes Austin is now home alone. "I'm packing up now, but I'm an hour out."
"I'm on my way now. Depending on traffic, I might make it back just before you, but Landon, what the private investigator found? It's not good."
"How not good?"
"Branden's real name is Jimmy Buckerton. He's Dave's son." I say and let it soak in.
"Son of a bitch!" He yells, and I hear his car door slam, as he starts up the car, and I get switched to the blue tooth.
"Give me all of it." He says.
I tell him about the drugs, the jail time, and what Kurt said about checking our books.
"I think we should take his advice and have someone else not connected to the label look over our books," I tell him.
"I agree. I’ll take care of it, as soon as we know Austin is safe."
"Also, I have him looking into Dave, and everyone who works with him. My gut says whatever Branden is involved in that Dave is connected to it as well. I think it's why he was so shocked to see Austin that day at the label, and it wasn't a coincidence Branden showed up at the house a few days later."
"Want to bet that Dave is how Branden got the address? Remember Austin was trying to figure out how he found her?" Landon says.
"Shit, I bet you're right." I agree.
"Call me as soon as you get home and let me know she's okay." He says, before we hang up.
I send up a silent prayer that she is and press down on the gas pedal, speeding ticket be damned.
Chapter 33
Austin
Finally! I’m alone for the first time in weeks. Weeks! No one is watching my every move, timing my bathroom breaks, giving me weird looks, and making notes of every little thing I eat. I love those guys, but they can be too much! I didn't think I’d mind it, until they were always right there.
I hit my limit, when I went to take a bath to get a break from my brother, and he knocked on the door and threatened to barge in, because I had been in there too long. Seriously, I had only rewarmed the bathwater once!
I know they’re trying by inviting Ivy and Dom over, so I can have some much needed girl time. I didn't leave Ivy's side, and she had a good laugh at how protective they were being. Glad she thought it was funny, but what I need even more is to soak in the bathtub without someone waiting for me in the next room, which is exactly what I'm doing right now.
The hot water soothes most of my nerves, and the wine takes care of the rest. I don't care that it's not even lun
chtime yet. This wine is hard earned. I'm reading one of the books Deanna recommended and not paying much attention to the time, until the water gets cold. After the third time of rewarming the water, I bite the bullet and get out of the bath.
I dress in sweats and one of Dallas's shirts and keep my hair in the messy bun I had it in from the bath. I head downstairs and crank up the stereo in the living room and have a dance party for one, complete with all the crazy, stupid dance moves you wouldn't dare do in front of anyone. It's a good workout though, and after half an hour, I'm sweating and muscles I didn't know I had hurt.
I debate on letting my little girl out and running upstairs to jump on the bed and hide things in the guy’s rooms to drive them crazy. But settle for grabbing a water from the mini fridge, and then sitting down to watch the shows I’m way behind on, because the guys refused to watch them.
There’s nothing like the guilty pleasure of reality TV shows. I don't care how many times the guys try to tell me it's scripted and not real, it's still fun as hell to watch. After a few episodes, I'm starving, and I think I hear the guys coming in from the garage, so I head to the kitchen to get lunch going for us.
Only it's not the guys I find in the kitchen, it's Branden. He's standing in the kitchen, but this isn't the Branden I remember. This one looks like he hasn't slept in days, his clothes are wrinkled, he's dirty, he smells, and his eyes are red-rimmed and glassy.
My best guess is he's on drugs. I've seen people on tour look like this after a night out of heavy partying with drugs and alcohol. I know they can be unpredictable, so I have no idea what my next move is.
"Took long enough to get you alone." He sneers.
I suddenly realize no matter how annoying Dallas and Landon have been the last few weeks, they were right. Now, I have to wonder, why am I alone? Why didn't they call Mason? Why aren't the extra guards around the house? How did Branden get on to the property, much less inside?