by Harper Sloan
"Some more audio that could be used to convince a more in-depth investigation on him. But let's face it--they might have him on their radar, but they haven't been looking hard enough. It took me a handful of months dedicated to trailing his every movement, another few months hacking into every system that Dominic might have touched with the smallest fingerprint, and a few unbelievably close calls. In that time, I managed to get a lock on at least six local warehouses that he is using to house his firearm trade. Another four that, best I can tell, are his packaging and distribution centers for his drug empire. Two houses, owned by him or his second-in-command, Pauly, that are keeping up his methamphetamine trade. I've also located close to the same in seven different towns scattered from New York to Miami. All of this has picture evidence, of both the locations and visuals of Dom at each location."
When he stops, I think he's done. My mind is spinning with everything I've just learned--how deep he has managed to coil himself in this vengeance he's seeking. It isn't until his voice breaks the silence that I realize just how close I came to him making this decision alone--and, I fear, without him ever telling anyone what he had planned. I could have lost him, and judging by just how powerful this man is, I doubt I ever would have known what happened to him.
"I've gotten some recent intel from my inside source that there is a meet scheduled for this coming Saturday between Dom and another man from Chicago, Dino, to make the final transaction in one of the largest drug and firearm deals we've seen. I'm talking billions of dollars worth of just guns alone. They're meeting in Chicago, Dino's turf, and from what I can tell from my guy on the inside, this was Dom's way of expressing his loyalties to the cause. Whatever the case."
"Jesus Christ," Maddox spits through clenched teeth.
Greg nods in agreement. "You aren't lying, Mad."
"Let me get this straight. You've been sitting on this for all of this time for what exactly?" Axel asks.
I hold my breath and wait for Asher to continue, knowing that this is the moment when these men will pick sides. They will pick sides and essentially decide my man's fate.
"So that I can avenge my brother's murder."
Chapter 29 - Chelcie
It takes only seconds after Asher hissed out those eight words.
Those eight words that will either be his demise or his salvation.
In that short time, the room explodes with voices of concern, outrage, anger, and understanding. I can't tell with all of their yelling which is winning.
"Excuse me," I try to say over the testosterone fest that is raging within the conference room's four solid walls. They don't even spare me a glance.
Each one of them is speaking over the other, trying to be the lone voice that gains the upper hand and gets to speak first.
Hell. No.
There is no way I'm going to sit back and let them help make the call that would define my future. No way. That would not only be tempting fate with Asher's own life, but if I know anything about these men, it is that they would never let Ash go at this alone--effectively making this a call that will affect all of their futures and those of their families.
"Excuse me," I try again, raising my voice slightly.
When that still doesn't work, I push myself up, the chair wheeling back with a force so strong that it slams against the wall behind me. They still don't even stop to look at me.
Looking around the room for something that will help me gain the upper hand, I see Maddox watching me with a small smirk on his face. He isn't even attempting to stick his voice into the uncontrolled war around us. I'm not sure what compels me to act like a child, but seeing him just sitting there--doing nothing--causes my already rising temper to shoot through the roof.
I place my hands on my hips, cock my head to the side, and stick my tongue out at him.
Well, it seems as if basket case has decided to come and play today.
I see his shoulders move with his silent laughter, and then he pushes up from the table and walks around the short distance to me, all the while going completely unnoticed by the other men in the room. They just keep yelling over each other.
Maddox dips his head low, his face just inches from mine, and I try my hardest not to cower under his intense gaze. He's standing so close that I can feel the heat of his nose against my own. He gives me one sharp nod, shifts to the right, and brings his mouth to my ear.
"You make sure and keep that damn light shining bright on him. You give a broken man like me hope that there might be something to be said about trusting that blaze that fights a man's demons." Then he pulls back just as quickly.
I get one hell of a smile before he places his hands on my hips, turns my body to face the men in the room, and lifts me up. I flail for a second until I realize that he's helping me onto the conference table. He doesn't remove his hands, making sure that I'm safe on my perch.
"EXCUSE ME!" I scream.
The room falls silent and all four of the grown toddlers fighting over the last cookie turn to look at me with shock.
Greg's and Beck's eyes go wide. Axel roars with laughter. But Asher's face turns hard as he looks at Maddox with nothing short of bared vehemence.
"I suggest you get your fucking hands off my woman," he fumes.
Maddox doesn't move. He keeps his hold on my hips, and I see Asher's eye twitch.
"I'll fucking kill you," he vows.
"Oh be quiet, you overgrown ape!" I scream down at him.
His blue eyes are alight with anger, but I can see the shock starting to hit him with my tone.
"That's right. All of you just shut up for a second. Sitting here and pissing all over each other isn't going to accomplish anything, but I have something to say and you're damn well going to listen to me." Maddox's fingers flex against my hips in encouragement. "I will agree with Asher that this asshole, this vile excuse for a human, needs to pay for what he did and every crime he's committed since Coop's death. I firmly believe that he needs one hell of a kick in the ass. He needs to suffer, and he needs to suffer for a long time. That being said, going off half-cocked to seek some vigilante type of justice? News flash--you boys are not invincible and there are a lot of people who love you, who don't want to see something terrible happen to you."
I look around the room while I gauge the best way to express myself. "Tell me this. Would Coop, for one second, want you all to be putting your lives on the line just so that you can avenge him? Well, I'll tell you this much--he damn sure wouldn't. I might not have known him as long or as well as you all did, but I knew a man who lived each day as if it were his last. He laughed often. He loved fiercely. He was strong, brave, and courageous. He was a man who knew right down to the last second what he was giving up by stepping in front of that bullet." Maddox's hands clench so tight that I have to bite my cheek to keep from crying out in pain. "He assessed the situation and he decided that he would be the hero he was meant to be. He would be sick if he knew that any one of you were willing to follow him into the grave just to punish the man responsible."
I look down at Asher, his earlier anger washed away, and he's looking up at me with something close to shocked pride.
"His memory will never be anything short of miraculous. Asher, baby, he doesn't need this vengeance in the way that you have planned. You don't need to kill another man to make this wrong right. Make him pay, suffer, and spend the rest of his days locked in a cell with no hope of ever seeing the outside again. I'm begging you, baby. I don't want our son to lose another father. We need you," I stress.
I pat Maddox's hands, letting him know that I'm ready to get down. He easily lifts me off the table and gently places my feet on the floor. I turn, give him a brief hug, and turn back to Asher. I walk as close as I can, or as close as my belly will allow, placing both of my palms on his chest and looking up into his sad face.
"I would never be able to give you up without a fight, Asher. I told you a long time ago that I'm with you every step of the way, but I need you to understa
nd me and why I feel the way I do about this. This is about so much more than giving your brother peace. You need to look at the bigger picture. If you go through with this, you're not only risking your life, but each one of these men who stand with you. Whether they agree with you or not, you know they would follow you into the depths of hell. And if that happens, there are a lot more people than just me who stand to lose their persons." His eyes flash, comprehension finally dawning within. "I need you, they need you, Zac needs you. And as much as it pains me to say this, whatever you decide, I will do my best to be the strength you need to ensure that you have everything needed to make it happen. You and me, baby. It's you and me."
I can hear the others moving around us. Their chairs are rolling back to the table and they're sitting back. The energy that was going wild just moments before is now sober. I continue to hold Asher's gaze, pouring all my love into this look. He closes his eyes, drops his forehead to mine, and lets out a rushed breath.
"I hear you, Sunshine." He turns back to the room, moving his chair back to the table and taking a seat. He pulls me into his lap and places his hand on my belly before addressing the men silently waiting. "We call Robert with the ATF, get with Mitchell over with DEA, and I'll call Stan with the FBI. Let's make sure Dominic Murphy goes down...and pays for a long fucking time."
I let the tension leave my body, and the mammoth amount of fear, anxiety and pain washes out in one big rush. I collapse back on Asher, his arms tightening around me, and I say a silent prayer that everything is going to be okay.
I look over at Maddox moments before my eyes close and the stress of the situation bleeds from my body. He meets my gaze, gives me a nod and a warm smile.
His approval that I did the right thing.
Yes, everything is going to be just fine.
I close my eyes, my head resting against Asher's chest, his heartbeat thumping against my ear. The voices around me--making plans and finalizing decisions--lull me into a deep sleep.
Chapter 30 - Chelcie
Things started rolling quickly after that. When they made the calls they needed to make--and showed the heavy evidence that Asher had collected against Dominic--it was a whirlwind of crazy. It seemed like hundreds of men ascended on our small town.
Asher and all of the guys seem to live in the office. I overheard Izzy telling Dee that Maddox has even been sleeping a few nights there between his computer searching. Asher makes a point to come home each night; I think he needs it just as much as I do. But either way, I'm happy that his arms are wrapped tight around me when I drift off.
Sway called an emergency meeting today, so I've been waiting for Dee to swing by and pick me up before we head over to the salon. It's the Thursday before the big meet is supposed to happen, and the guys are spending a few more hours in the office going over last-minute business. I know Asher is struggling with his decision, but I also know that he's made the right one, and I'll do my best to help him come to terms with that.
"How are you today, Ms. Avery?" Joe asks when I step into the lobby. Dee just called saying that she was ten minutes away and to "be ready so we don't miss the show."
"I'm doing well, Joe. Thank you for asking. How are you doing? Anything exciting happening in the building?"
"Oh, just the same old same old. We got a few new renters--one right on your floor and some on the lower floors. Had a dog steal Mrs. Marks's wig right off her head the other day. Never thought I would see the day that woman ran after something," he laughs.
"I bet that was a sight to see. Did she run with her walker?"
Mrs. Marks is a mean old lady who is pushing ninety-five. I don't think I've ever seen her move quicker than shuffle speed. The thought of her running after a dog has uncontrollable giggles escaping. By the time Dee walks into the lobby, Joe and I are in peals of laughter, the sound booming through the otherwise quiet lobby.
"Hey, Joe!" Dee sings.
"Well, hello there, Ms. Dee! What a pleasure it is to see you. I hope everything is going well with that man of yours."
"Hey, how come you never call me Ms. Chelcie?"
He looks confused for a second before a smirk curls his winkled lips. "Ms. Avery, you've never asked me to," he jests.
"Oh, well...please do."
Both Dee and Joe laugh at my embarrassment.
"He's amazing, Joe. We're getting married soon. Can you believe it?"
"Yes, Ms. Dee, I can believe it." He looks over at me and I know it's coming before he opens his mouth. "And I hear there's a congratulations in order for you and Mr. Cooper as well?"
I hear Dee gasp, and before I can answer Joe, she snatches my hand in hers. "Holy shit," she mumbles. "Holy shit! You didn't tell me?"
"Thanks, Joe. I'm extremely happy."
He gives me a nod and I make quick work of saying our goodbyes. Dee doesn't let go of my hand the entire time.
We climb into her car--after she was kind enough to let go of my hand--and she gives me a second to buckle my seatbelt before turning on me, the questions flying rapidly out of her mouth.
"How did he ask? Ohmigod! When did it happen? Were you shocked? I bet you cried. Have you set a date? We should go look at dresses this weekend. Well, maybe we should wait until after the baby comes before we do that," she giggles. "Holy shit, Chelcie. Everyone is going to freak out! I can't believe you didn't tell me."
"Jesus, Dee, take a breather. We didn't tell anyone. There hasn't been a chance. We were planning on telling you guys after everything settled down some more."
"I'm so happy for you, for both of you. You deserve this happiness. All three of you do."
"Thank you. I'm unbelievably happy."
"Sway is going to freak!"
I lay my head back and prepare myself for the frenzy I'm sure this day will turn into.
"Hey, Beck mentioned something to me when he got back the other day--you know when you guys had that meeting at CS?" I nod, questioning where she is going with this. "He mentioned the name Zac. Is that what you decided to name the baby?"
I turn and look at her, wondering when I let Zac's name slip. It makes sense that I would have. Emotionally, the stakes were so high in that conference room that I used every tool I had to get Asher to listen. If he wouldn't have for me, I know he would have for Zac. We hadn't wanted to tell anyone what we were having, so I'm kind of upset that not only is his gender known, but also his name.
"Yeah, we decided to name him Zac," I speak softly.
It doesn't really matter if they know, and we can still share the meaning behind his nickname when he's born. I mentally remind myself to fill Asher in on everyone knowing.
"I'm sorry. Did I say something wrong?" she hesitantly asks while merging into traffic.
"No, nothing's wrong. I just didn't realize that I had said Zac's name. We had planned on waiting until he was born to announce it."
"I'm sorry, Chelcie. If it makes you feel better, I think I'm the only one who knows. Beck just asked me if I had heard anything about it."
"There's nothing to be sorry about. I've got a healthy baby boy, a great fiance, and...and I just sent my book off to my editor, Mickey. Trust me, Dee. It's okay."
"Holy shit, Chelc! That's amazing. Congratulations."
"Thank you. I'm still terrified, but I figure I would regret it if I never tried."
"I agree. I can't wait to read it."
I smile at her and we continue to make small talk before we pull into the parking lot where Sway's salon is located as well as Dee's small insurance company and the Corps Security offices.
Dee loops her arm through mine and we take off across the parking lot. I have to struggle to keep up with her. Her ever-present heels are eating up the pace quicker than I can waddle after her. I've turned into a damn teeter-totter the last few days. The only things that have grown on my body are my boobs and belly, but it still feels like I have an extra hundred pounds to carry around.
"Slow down, you crazy woman," I hiss when I almost fall on my face.
"Hey, you just need to figure out how to get that watermelon to sway with you," she giggles.
"Whoa, this belly doesn't sway. I haven't swayed in way too long. I just kind of march, heavy and with a weird side step to keep my hips from grinding."
She shudders. "That sounds terrible."
I laugh. "It really isn't that bad. I think the positives by far outweigh the pain I might be feeling for a few more weeks."
I try to keep it positive, but truth be told, I'm miserable. I just want to be done being pregnant and hold my son in my arms. Unfortunately, I still have some time. My last doctor's appointment confirmed that Zac is measuring well past his gestational age. Dr. Sosa laughed and told me politely that the baby must take after his linebacker father. I don't ever correct her when she assumes that Asher is the father. To us, he will be, and the detail of Zac's conception isn't anyone else's business but our own.
"I guess you're right," she says reverently. "Maybe one day, but for now, we're having too much fun practicing." She winks at me and pushes the door to the salon open wide. "Hey, everyone! Guess who's engaged!" she screams at the top of her voice.
My face instantly heats, but I laugh right along with her when every one of our friends pounces. My hand is pulled in a million directions. Congratulations are squealed and screamed. By the time all the girls have stopped gawking at my beautiful ring, I look up and see Sway--hands on his hips and his eyebrow raised.
"You better get that fine ass over here, mama!" he sasses.
I excuse myself from his receptionist's grasp and walk over to where he's standing. Like normal, he's dressed loudly.
"You look good, Sway. How much weight have you lost now?" I implore, hoping that he won't make a big deal about this.
"Don't you try and distract me now, honey. I know I look good. Between Davey helping me work out at the gym and at home, oh Lordy Lou, you would think I would have those sexy six-pack abs all of you girls' fine men have. But enough about me and how fabulous I am." He moves one heavily braceleted arm to his hip, sticking his other hand in my direction and waving it as if I'm supposed to magically know what he's demanding. "Don't make me wait all day, you vixen. Give me that hand!"