by Barb Shuler
When the elevator doors opened, we exited and made our way down the hall to the main doors. I came to a stop when I saw two marked police cars and Drew propped up against Dani Lynn’s Jeep out front. My brow rose slightly.
“Come on, baby boy. You are going home and getting a good rest. No work today.” Dani Lynn kept walking to the Jeep. I was already shaking my head.
“No, I have work to do.” I may have been a little more convincing if the yawning hadn’t started then.
“Derek, get in the Jeep,” Drew said, the door pushed open beside him. His face was pulled into a tight mask. He looked worried, almost pissed. Jesus, really?
“No, I have my car here. I’ll go shower, then I have to go in. Anna and I have to finish the filing program. I have things to set up and switch over. Damn,” I cursed remembering I didn’t finish the actual programming on the security system upgrades. I’d have to do that now, too. “No rest for the weary.” I shrugged his scowl off.
I moved to walk up the sidewalk towards the parking lot. I stopped at the end of the walkway and scanned the lot. Where in the hell was my car? I scowled.
“Your car is at the house.” Dani Lynn’s soft voice had me turning to see her not five feet from me. I let out an aggravated sigh. I shook my head.
“I’m not tired.”
“Derek!”
“No! I can’t sleep.” I shook my head, panic filling me at the thought. “I- I have things to do.” I was not going to sleep. I wasn’t. I started walking up the sidewalk towards the main entrance. Where, exactly, I thought I was going - well, I’m not sure. But I didn’t get far. Dani Lynn gripped my arm. Her eyes bore into mine, her voice lowering as she spoke.
“Derek,” she started.
“No. Every time…”
“I know. I see it, too. Every time I close my eyes-” she shuddered, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I see him bleeding, beaten… I thought I was going to lose him. I get it, baby boy, I get it. But you can’t-” She trailed off, dissolving into sobs. I wrapped my arms around her, and as I had earlier, I lost my shit.
Why was this so fucking hard to deal with?
I pulled back from her when Drew stepped up to her side. She fell into him and he stood there, just holding her. I wiped my face free of tears and went to turn away. Jackson grabbed my shoulder, and yeah, I’m a fucking baby today. I gave myself a minute to get it out, then stepped back again. I took in a deep breath and let it out.
“You good?” Jacks asked. I nodded. “Good, get your ass in the Jeep, go home and sleep. If I see you anytime in the next twenty-four hours, I will throw you in a cell, turn the lights off and leave your skinny ass in there until you sleep.”
“For fuck’s sake,” I said, but I went with them back to the Jeep.
I wouldn’t sleep worth shit, but I’d at least try. Anything to not worry Dani Lynn anymore. It was time to be a man and suck it up. I pulled my phone from my pocket and sent Lana a text.
Me: Meet me at the house. I need you.
Lana: OMW ILY
Me: ILY2
Lana: