Chloe swallowed hard, wiping her eyes. “Thank you.”
“I’m staying here tonight,” Serena said. “Drake is outside, along with about twenty Dark Knights. Tank and Blaine are going to stay until Justin gets back.”
“If he gets back,” Chloe said, tears welling in her eyes again.
“Our attorney is waiting at the station, and he’ll be with Justin at the arraignment in the morning,” Reba explained. “Justin should be out on bail and home by midday tomorrow.”
Arraignment. How did their lives go so wrong? “I should be there, too.”
“No, sweetheart. You’ve been through enough,” Reba said. “Talking with the police and relaying what you’ve gone through is going to take everything out of you. You’re going to need to rest so you’re strong enough to fight this.”
“But Justin—”
“No buts, baby. I promise you, there is nothing he can’t handle. Justin’s only worry is that you and Serena are safe, and seeing you in that courtroom will not help him in the way you think it will. He knows you support him. He knows you love him. But he will be stronger and better able to focus if you’re here, safe. I think you should give him that peace of mind.”
Guilt and worry strangled Chloe, but she managed to nod.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay here tonight, too,” Reba said. “Just in case you girls need anything.”
Chloe and Serena exchanged grateful glances, but there was no holding back the rush of tears for Justin’s family’s love and support. “You’ve already done so much.”
“You girls are family now, and family doesn’t put limits on taking care of one another.” Reba took hold of Chloe’s hand, then reached for Serena’s and said, “We’re all going to get through this. It’s going to be hard, and heart-wrenching, and there might be times when you think you can’t go on. But when your legs give out, I’ll stand for you, and when mine need a break—”
“I’ll stand for you,” Serena said through tears, drawing more sobs from Chloe.
Reba pulled them both into her loving arms and said, “And all those men out there? They’ve got some mighty strong legs for us, too.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
JUSTIN SQUINTED AGAINST the bright sun Tuesday morning as he pushed through the courthouse doors after the arraignment. Preacher and Justice, a tall, sharply dressed black man with serious eyes, a baritone voice, and a no-bullshit attitude, followed him out. Preacher posted bail, and the trial date was set for five weeks from tomorrow. Justin hated being away from Chloe for even one night during this shit storm, and he was thankful Justice had taken on her case.
“Thank you, brother,” Justin said to Justice. “I really appreciate you handling all of this for us.”
“Not a problem. Chloe held up well last night when she filed the police report. She’s strong, and she has a lot of support,” Justice reassured him. “They got Rogers in custody, and we’ve already checked him out. He’s got no priors. The bastard looks squeaky clean.”
“No fucking way,” Justin insisted. “He knew exactly how to handle her, and the looks he gave me? The vibes he gave off? There’s no way this was his first time.”
Preacher crossed his arms and said, “Agreed. She’s worked there a long time, and from what Chloe said, your engagement set him off. He snapped. He might be able to keep that shit under wraps, but my bet is he’s got a well-hidden trail of victims.”
“I said he looks squeaky clean,” Justice clarified. “We are continuing to check him out, and the police are investigating on all fronts. They’ll talk to people at LOCAL to see if anyone there noticed any inappropriate behavior or saw or heard anything the day of the attack. They’ll talk to the person she ran into on her way out of the building, too. I’ve told Chloe that if she has any thoughts on that, she should let me and the police know.” He glanced at Preacher, and Justin recognized the look of a man who already knew what was about to be said. Justice shifted his attention back to Justin and said, “Chloe’s been through a great deal of trauma. Not just the attack, but all this with you. Don’t be surprised if her moods swing.”
“Yeah, I get it.” Justin knew how much worse he’d made the situation for Chloe, and he was determined to take care of her and make this right. He only hoped she could forgive him. “What about that interview with her HR department today? Does she have to go?”
“In light of his arrest, I would imagine HR will have a very different view of the situation,” Justice said confidently. “I’m hoping to arrange a virtual meeting and will call you later this morning with details.”
“What does all of this mean for Chloe? That job is her life, man. What can I do to fix the shit I caused?”
“Alan didn’t file formal charges with the police against Chloe, which tells them, and us, that he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. As far as what you can do? If Chloe were my daughter, I’d want you to be there for her, focused on what she needs.” Justice was a single father to an adorable three-year-old girl, Patience. “I know you’re angry at the shit that guy pulled, but she doesn’t need to see or feel that anger. It’s just a cruel reminder of all that’s happened. She needs you to be her rock, to help her realize none of this is her fault and to get her back on her feet.”
“Okay. Thanks, man.”
Justice held Justin’s stare and said, “Maverick, I need you to keep your nose clean these next few weeks. I don’t want so much as a speeding ticket on your record. Got it?”
“Yes, sir. Nothing like spending a night behind bars to give a man time to think about his actions.”
Justice shook his hand and tugged him in for a manly slap on the back. “I’ve got your back, brother. Always.” He looked at Preacher and said, “That goes to you, too, old man.”
“Appreciate that.” Preacher gave him the same handshake/pat on the back.
Justice walked away, and Justin and Preacher headed for Preacher’s truck.
“The guys have been calling all morning checking on you.”
Justin stopped by the tailgate of the truck and said, “I know I fucked up, Dad, and I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t fuck up. You did what we taught you to do. You protected the woman you love, no matter what the price.” He cocked a half smile and said, “Should you have done it with one punch instead of several? Probably. But love is a powerful force, son. Much too powerful to be outdone by reason.”
“I hate that I disappointed you and Mom.”
Preacher shook his head and said, “We didn’t raise pansies, Maverick, and we didn’t raise assholes. You didn’t attack a man unprovoked. He provoked you with those smug looks you told us about last night, and with the attack on the woman you love. Remember, son, this isn’t our first time here at the courthouse. Zeke beat you to it. We weren’t disappointed in him, and we sure as hell aren’t disappointed in you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. I’m not sure Chloe will be as forgiving. I really screwed up with her. She hates violence, and she needed me. But I was seeing red, Dad. Something inside me snapped, and I couldn’t breathe until he was dealt with.” His chest constricted and he said, “The part that worries me most is that if I had it to do over, I honestly don’t know if I would do it any differently. The thought of anyone hurting her…” He bit back the acrid taste rising in his throat. “Have you been in this position with Mom? How do you find that balance? How do you turn off the rage?”
Preacher looked him dead in the eyes and said, “I’ve been there many times in protection of others, and twice with regard to people in our family. When we lost Ashley, I wanted to get my hands on the person who gave her the drugs and slaughter them. And when you came into our lives and I learned all that you’d been through, let’s just say your father was lucky he was already in prison. We’re just as lucky that I haven’t had to go there in protection of your mother, because in that situation I’m not sure I would have stopped when you did.” He put a hand on Justin’s shoulder and said, “You’re a good, ho
nest man, son. You’ve got a big heart and a solid head on your shoulders. Chloe knows that or she wouldn’t be with you. She’s right not to condone violence, but you’re also right to have protected her.” His lips curved up and he said, “You’re discovering how complicated love can be. This is just the first of many things you two will have to figure out. It won’t be easy, but when you go home today and look into your future wife’s eyes, I have a feeling it won’t matter how much sage advice you’ve received. You’ll know exactly what to say, because it’ll come from here.” He patted Justin’s chest, over his heart.
Justin embraced him and said, “Thank you, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you, too, son. It’s good that you worry about doing the right thing by Chloe. But give yourself a little grace, because you are a man, and that means you’re going to fuck up. We all do. Everyone knows women are the wiser sex when it comes to relationships. Ask your mother how often she has to set me straight.” Preacher winked and said, “Now, how about we get you home to your girl and put my theory to the test?”
CHLOE LAY ON the bed with one arm around Sampson, watching the minutes change on the digital clock, trying to figure out how to survive the anger and devastation consuming her. Tank had given her news of Justin’s arraignment, bail, and the future court date. She still couldn’t believe what had happened with Alan or with Justin. How had her life been turned upside down so quickly? She had been such a mess after rehashing the day’s events with the police, she hadn’t been able to take her friends’ calls. Serena had spoken to them for her, reassuring their friends that she was okay and apologizing that she had not wanted more company. She’d had all the company she could handle. Madigan and Ginger had shown up with bags of chocolate, macaroni and cheese, and a bottle of tequila, and several of the club members’ wives had brought by food. They’d left the fridge packed to the hilt, but she hadn’t been able to eat a thing. Chloe had never seen so many people come together so fast and remain resolute in standing vigil. When she’d asked Reba why they were there, Reba had said, This is what we do, honey. When you’re hurting, we’re hurting. Nobody goes through hard times alone in this family. Chloe had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
Blaine, Serena, and most of the Dark Knights who had stood guard outside the house last night had left a couple of hours ago, and Chloe was glad for the breathing space. Although she’d had to force her stubborn sister to leave, and Serena only agreed because Chloe promised to try to take a nap. Reba and Tank had made sure she stuck to the deal, forcing her to lie down. Sampson had stuck by her side like glue through it all, as if he felt her sadness and was trying to fill the void Justin had left behind. Her big, loving pooch helped, but nothing could fill that void.
“Knock, knock,” Reba said as she came through the door carrying a tray of food. She set the tray on the nightstand and sat beside Chloe on the bed. “You didn’t sleep a wink, did you?”
Chloe sat up and shook her head. Sampson scooched over, resting his head beside her. “I tried.”
She’d stayed up half the night with Reba, Serena, and Madigan. They had done most of the talking. Despite their efforts to sidetrack her with humor and other topics, Chloe had been too upset to say much. When they’d gone to bed, Chloe had been too restless to sleep and had gone down to Justin’s studio with her Wicked bodyguards in tow. She’d hoped being there might help her feel closer to him. But as she’d admired the pieces Justin was pouring his heart and soul into, she’d remembered all of the struggles and losses he’d overcome to get there, and that had driven the reality of their situation home—Justin could go to prison and lose everything he’d worked so hard for, including the upstanding reputation he’d earned. Blaine and Tank had been there to catch her when she’d collapsed to the studio floor in tears.
“Oh, sweetheart, you must be dead on your feet.” Reba stroked Sampson’s back and said, “But I understand. I didn’t get much more than a couple of hours’ sleep myself. I don’t think Mads did, either. She’s asleep on the couch with her head in Tank’s lap.” She patted Chloe’s hand and said, “You’ll feel better once Justin gets home.”
She hoped so. “Did Tank get any sleep?”
“No, but he’s used to it with the hours at the firehouse and, well, he’s not much of a sleeper anyway. He’s worried about you, honey. We all are.”
Chloe’s eyes filled with tears, and she turned away to wipe them.
“Come here, sweet girl.” Reba put her arms around her, and Chloe cried on her shoulder.
“I’m sorry. I’m not usually a crier.”
“Your world isn’t usually in chaos. You can cry, scream, punch a hole in the wall. Do whatever you need to do because holding it in will only make things worse.” She took Chloe’s face between her hands, the way Justin did, and said, “Listen to me, honey, because Justin is going to be here any minute and you need to hear this. Whatever you’re holding in, you need to let it out. You can do that with me, Justin, Serena, Tank, or Sampson. Just please, baby, you have to tell someone what’s going on in your head.”
“I can’t,” she said shakily. “I’m angry at everything, even Justin, and he doesn’t deserve it. He was just protecting me, but I can’t stop the anger, and I can’t tell him that. I’m embarrassed to admit it to you. It’s so wrong.”
Reba took both of Chloe’s hands in hers and said, “There is no right or wrong way to feel in situations like this. You can, and you must, tell him the truth. Your feelings matter, Chloe.” Reba paused at the sound of the front door opening.
The sound of Justin’s voice made Chloe’s heart race.
“I need you to promise me something, sweetheart,” Reba said quickly. “Promise me that you will not ever—ever—disregard your feelings for Justin or any other man, because if you don’t respect and honor them, no one else ever will.”
She couldn’t believe Reba was telling her to put her own feelings above Justin’s. “He’s your son. Why are you telling me this?”
“Because from what you’ve told me about your mother, she never did, and no matter how many times you tell yourself your feelings matter, sometimes you need to hear it from a mother. I love Justin, and I know he’ll do the right thing, but he can’t do that if you hide the truth. Can you promise me?”
“I promise,” she said, choking back more tears.
“Good, now listen, sweetheart. I’m going to ask you something, and you can be honest with me. There is no judgment here. Did all of this change your love for Justin?”
“What? No,” she said honestly. “It’s just a lot to deal with, and I’m so angry at everything, it’s confusing.”
A smile lifted Reba’s lips. “Love is much stronger than anger and confusion, sweetheart. Honesty and love can conquer anything.”
As she pressed a kiss to Chloe’s forehead, the sound of footsteps approaching sent Sampson leaping off the bed and trotting out of the bedroom. Reba rose to her feet, holding tightly to Chloe’s hand. Chloe stood on shaky legs as Justin came through the open door. His hair was tousled, his clothing rumpled, and the uneasy and apologetic look in his eyes told her that he was just as lost as she was, which made it all that much harder. They stood in awkward silence, looking at each other from opposite sides of the bed. A nest of bees erupted in Chloe’s stomach, and she hated that. She missed her butterflies.
Reba hugged her and said, “I’m going to send everyone home so you two can have some privacy. We’re only a phone call away.”
“Thank you for everything,” Chloe said, trying to calm her racing heart.
Reba walked around the bed and embraced Justin.
“I love you, Mom. I’m sorry.”
Reba caressed his cheek and said, “You save your sorrys for the people who need them. I love you, sweet boy. Nothing will ever change that.”
Reba left the room, and Justin came around the bed with Sampson on his heels. She fought the urge to run to him, to tell him how much she missed him and forget all the rest. He’d been
in jail because of her. Jail. She couldn’t fathom the idea of Justin in a jail cell. It burned inside her, making her feel weak and shaky. Justin stopped inches away. His chest expanded with his ragged breaths. The pain in his eyes was inescapable as he touched his fingers to hers. Emotions clogged her throat, stopping her words from forming. He took her hand and hauled her into his arms, holding her so tight, it was hard to breathe. She clung to him, inhaling his familiar scent, feeling safe and loved and able to breathe for the first time in twenty-four hours. Emotions swamped her, bringing an onslaught of unstoppable tears.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’m so damn sorry.” His words were drenched in sorrow.
He kissed her head, whispering apologies and affirmations of his love as she wept. Her well of tears felt endless, and she gave in to their anguish, and to their relief. He didn’t ask questions or hurry her along. He simply held her, soothing her with his words, his strength, and his love. She didn’t know how long they stood there, but it was long enough that when he pushed his hands into her hair and pressed a tender kiss to her lips, she had no more tears to cry.
He gazed into her eyes and said, “You needed me, and I fucked up. I am so sorry, baby.”
“You didn’t fuck up, but I did need you. I know you did it because you were protecting me, but I hate that you turned to violence, and at the same time, I understand and appreciate it.” She took a step back and said, “It’s all confusing. You risked your future because of me. No one has ever stood up for me, or loved me, like you do. I don’t know how to feel. This is such a mess, Justin, and it’s Alan’s fault.” Her fingers curled into fists and her nails dug into her skin as her voice escalated. “I trusted him, and he did this to us. And I messed up, too, Justin. I disregarded your warnings, and I hate myself for that. I swore I’d never allow anyone to make me feel helpless again, and because I didn’t see him for who he was, I put myself right back in that position.” She was shouting, but she was powerless to stop. “And what about Mike? Your parents will never let him move there after this. Alan’s ruined that, too! I feel like I’m drowning. I have to go into work to meet with human resources, and I don’t know how I’ll face anyone there. I’ve lost everything—my job, you, my self-respect—”
A Little Bit Wicked (The Wickeds Page 38