by J. A. Coffey
I straighten my shoulders. “That’s why I’m here, Paige. To make it right.”
“Oh? And how do you propose to do that? Going to quit touring? Stop making music?”
“If I have to.” My arms tighten reflexively around the soft, warm weight of my daughter.
“That’s no way to live, Liam. It’s part of what’s crippling Beth. I can’t remember the last time we heard her take up the strings.”
I remember our precious tunes played out in her living room and garage, the sweet notes ringing out between moments of pure heaven. Even though it led my father to her, I remember how the fans loved her video. She has talent and she deserves the chance to let it shine. “She must resent me, huh?”
And now my dream is calling me away again. The shattered clock behind the bar clicks as the minute hand ticks off my last chance. I’m almost out of time.
Paige reaches out to take Cadence from me. “That’s not Beth’s way, and you know it. She loves you, Liam, but she loves her family, too. She shouldn’t have to choose.”
She’s right, of course. I feel as wrecked as the Auld Rogue in this moment. Just an empty, burned out shell. Nothing will be right until I get Beth and Cadence back.
My heart feels like a lead weight. We’re due for the final sound check in less than thirty minutes. I can’t delay any longer without letting Zane and Finn down. “I’ve got to get back, but if you see Beth, can you ask her to come to the concert? I need to see her. I’ll have her name on the list for backstage passes. Cormack’s, too. You all can come if you want, as my guests.”
Anything. I’ll do anything to make this right.
Paige shrugs, and shifts from side to side, her hips swinging like a pendulum, to amuse my daughter. “I don’t think that’s the best place for Cadence, but I’ll pass your message along.”
“Uh, right. Of course. Thanks.” I press ten kisses to my daughter’s head, inhaling the clean, baby scent of her red-brown hair
With a sigh, I head to the door. Back to DeSilva’s sound check and concert of rabid fans.
Back to a life that no longer feels like mine.
I trudge to the car where Trev and Gordon are engaged in an epic battle of rock, paper, scissors like a couple of kids. I glance at the pub, where my child plays in someone else’s arms.
“How’d it go?” Trev asks, his eyes never leaving Gordon’s palms. “You get it sorted, man?”
I don’t answer, just key the ignition to head towards the stadium filled with obligations I no longer cared about.
But before I can pull onto the main road, a ragged figure steps in front of our vehicle.
Adrenaline crashing through me, I slam on the brakes.
“What the—?” Trev curses as his body strikes the front dash. “Ow!”
I peer through the windshield…and meet my father’s eyes.
“What the hell are you doing?” I unbuckle my seatbelt and am out of the car in an instant. “I could’ve hurt someone.” Or killed him.
My father crosses his arms. “We got some unfinished business.”
“The hell we do.” I motion for Trev and Gordon to stay put. “What are you doing here?”
“Thought you might come running back here. You like my handiwork?” My father gestures to the smoking ruin of the Auld Rogue.
My blood goes cold. “What did you do?”
“Figured it would show you I mean business. You were always more concerned with the MacGuires than your own flesh and blood.” He thumps his chest. “Your own father.”
“You were never a father to me.” The words come out before I stop to think.
They’re followed by an even faster left hook that leaves me on the pavement with my jaw aching. Dad sneers. “Don’t you take that tone with me, boy.”
As I pick myself off the pavement, I notice a bicycle cop parking his ride and speaking into his collar. Our eyes meet and he gives me a slow nod. This is about to get very public and I’ve got no time to spare. But I know a way to get my father off the streets, and away from me and Beth, even temporarily. A stay behind bars.
So, for the last time, I’m going to let him.
Trev and Gordon pop out of the car. I wipe the blood off my face.
“Back off,” I tell them. They trade glances and step to the curb, away from us, but not out of reach. “Call Marco. Tell him I’m running late but I’ll be there.”
“Okay.” Gordon reaches uncertainly for his cell, while Trev is hawking my father’s every move in case I need help.
I face down the man I no longer consider family. “There’s no way you had a hand in burning down the Rogue.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” He strides towards me. “Saw them party preparations. You and the MacGuires had it all figgerd out didn’t cha? Well, I put a stop to that.”
“I can’t believe you had the brains to pull it off,” I taunt him, bracing myself for the punch I know will follow.
Wham. The world tilts crazily as I spin and strike the front hood. My front lip splits and I taste copper on my tongue.
“Liam!” Trev takes another step towards us, while I hold out a shaking hand to stop him. This is my mess to finish cleaning up. Besides, the cops are closing in, and I want Dad to be the only one getting arrested here.
“I don’t have the brains?” My father laughs. “I waited until that old bird MacGuire was good and toasted out back. She was so drunk that she dropped her lighter. It was nothing to catch hold of the door, set a bar rag on fire, and tuck it into the construction crap.” My father looks supremely proud of himself.
“You weren’t worried about killing anyone?” Pretty low, even for him. But I’m calm. Completely in control of myself and my anger.
He preens. “Crew was gone for the day, and Beth told me herself what time the pub was gonna open. Made sure there wasn’t anyone important around.” Boy, he’d done his homework. He knew the exact schedule of everyone—including Beth’s mother. The only thing he hadn’t counted on was admitting his crimes in front of witnesses and police. “What do you say to that?”
“I’d say you just threw your last punch at me.” I’m balancing on the balls of my feet, but I hold his eyes with a steady gaze. He’s confused that I’m not trying to get away from him. That I’m not scared or fighting back.
“I ain’t never going to be done with you. Not ‘til I’m paid what’s owed.”
“You mean your blackmail? Think again. You’ve taken the last piece of me you’ll ever get.”
But Dad is still belligerent, loud. “Says who? You think I can’t get what I’m owed one way or another?” He balls his hammy fists, preparing to strike me again. Something he will never get the chance to do.
“Says me…and those cops.” I point to the pair stalking up behind him, hands on their batons. “And these two guys who just heard you confess to torching the pub.” I cross my arms so I won’t lash out. No matter what, I am not that man.
“Both of you. Hold it right there.” The officer moves in for an arrest. “Hands where I can see them.” The other begins a monotone of reading of my father’s rights.
He spits. “You can’t touch me.” He tries to take another swing at me, but the officer is on him like a mongoose taking down a cobra. My father no longer has time to strike.
“Sir, your assault means we can.” The cops order him to place his hands on the hood of the car while he checks my father for weapons. They find nothing save for a small, green lighter emblazoned with the Auld Rogue’s logo. Doesn’t prove anything—not without his confession. Still, there’s a decent chance the cops overheard. Trev and Gordon definitely did.
“Well, look at that.” I smile, though it makes my jaw ache. I’ll likely have some nice bruises in time for the concert. Hardcore, right? “The lighter you used to set fire to the pub.”
The cops ask if I need an ambulance, and when I shake my head no, one says, “Follow us back to the station, son. We need you to make a complete
report.”
I didn’t think of the fact I’d have to file a report. I check my watch.
Gordon steps up. “We’ll handle it, Liam. We heard the whole thing.” Quickly, he tells the cops who I am. Me, Liam Hensley, the superstar rocker bleeding from my split lip.
The officer calls it in to his supervisor. After an excruciating several minutes, he responds. “Sorry, son. You’ll have to come downtown to give your statement,” the cop tells me. “We’ll get you out as soon as we can.”
I’m not going to make the concert anytime soon, and I realize that I don’t care. This is the first step towards letting go of my past so that I can have a future—hopefully one with Beth.
I nod to Trev and Gordon. “Tell Marco I’ll be a little later.”
But it’s worth it. It’s so damn worth it, if it means ending the threat of my father. I’ll tell the cops about everything. The beatings. The intimidation. The blackmail. Anything that will keep the guy off the street and away from my true family.
My father opens his mouth to protest as the police handcuff him. “If you think this is over, just cuz you got some dirt on me, boy…”
“Oh, it’s over.” I stalk back to the car, my jaw still hurting. “It’s more than over.”
I just hope I’m not talking about my future with Beth.
Chapter Thirteen
Beth
“Want to help me sort through stuff when we get back? See what’s salvageable?” Cormack asks as we pull away from the insurance office. The claim is now officially filed. It should make everything seem more real, but it’s been twenty-four hours since the fire and I can’t bring myself to see the accident as anything more than my entire life savings burnt to a crisp.
“Not really.”
He sighs. “Then where do you want to go?”
“I don’t know.” Might as well face the music. Besides, Paige has Cadence. “I guess the Rogue.” But I don’t have the heart to go through things. We pass three billboards about the Wylde Ryder concert on the way back to the pub. My brother watches me out of the corner of his eye, but wisely says nothing.
We get there in time to see two police cars pull up to the curb outside the burnt pub.
“What’s going on here?” Cormack asks, jumping out of the car almost before we’ve stopped. I’m hard on his heels.
One officer starts rolling off yellow tape. “We’ve had a situation,” he begins.
“Yeah, I know, the place burned. It was an accident.” I cross my arms.
“Actually, there’s been a report that it might have been arson.”
“What?” Cormack and I yell at the same time.
“We’ve got a suspect with a confession. He’s in custody for assault and possible arson while his son writes up the complaint.”
“His son?” I ask.
“Yeah.” The officer grimaces. “Poor guy’s some kinda rock star. Delayed his concert tonight. Lotta fans gonna be disappointed.”
Cormack and I exchange looks. “Liam,” he says.
Liam actually delayed his concert to file charges to keep his father away from us? I can hardly believe it, but the importance of it is clear. “Cormack, I’ve made a terrible mistake breaking it off with Liam.”
He eyes me kindly. “I guess some people just aren’t worth hanging onto. The difference is, Liam let his father go so he could hold on to your love.”
“Had. I broke up with him.”
“Doesn’t seem to have changed his feelings towards you.” My brother shrugs.
Or mine towards Liam. “I’ve got to see him, to tell him how wrong I was.”
“Funny you should mention that. He stopped by this afternoon while you were at the insurance company.” Paige comes out the back entrance, balancing my baby on her hip. I lean over to take Cadence, needing her in my arms.
“Liam was here?” My heart is racing. “What did he want?”
“Said your name is on a backstage list for the concert, if you can make it. He wants to see you.”
I check my watch. The concert would’ve started hours ago, but Liam is delayed. If I hurry, maybe I can catch him before he has to get on stage.
Otherwise I’ll wait backstage until it’s over. Because I don’t want it to be over—with Liam.
Cormack looks at me. “What do you want to do, Beth?”
“Do you mind watching Cadence for a little longer?” I don’t want to wait a moment longer than I have to. I need to tell Liam how sorry I am and how much we love him. He deserves to know before he leaves our lives for good. But first, I want to show him that I’m ready. Ready to be his, if he wants me.
Paige slips my diaper bag on her shoulder. Cadence and Lucy start a game of peek-a-boo. “No problem. What’s family for?”
I hand Cadence back and watch as Paige walks her toward her minivan with Lucy. Then I slip the small gray box out of the depths of my purse and fasten the golden triple note necklace under my hair. Hopefully, Liam will understand. “Will you drive me, Cor?”
My brother’s serious face splits into a smile. “I’ll get my keys.”
We race across town, me urging Cormack to drive faster and praying we won’t hit traffic. At last, the venue looms in our front windshield. Cor speeds around the circular drop off lane, threading his tiny sedan through tour buses and security vehicles.
“Do you have a ticket?” Cormack eyes the line of fans still out the door, hoping for a glimpse. The music is rocking loud, even outside. It will be a miracle if Liam even finds out I came until after the show.
“Er…no. But Liam put our names on the list. That should count for something, right?” If he can get those moviegoers backstage, surely he can do the same for me?
“Definitely.” And I know he’s talking about more than just the concert.
“I had no idea you were rooting for Liam,” I say as I prop the car door open.
“He’s always had a good heart, Beth. You two deserve each other. I’ll head to that 50s diner we passed a few blocks ago. Text or call once you know whether you need a ride.”
“Thanks, Cor.” I swing my legs out the car, but he grabs my hand.
“I’m glad you’re doing this, Beth. You know I want what’s best for you and Cadence, and from what I’ve seen, that means accepting Liam into your life.”
“I just hope he feels the same way.” I gulp, finally ready to admit the truth and hoping I haven’t scared him off forever.
I jump out of the car and slam the door. Cormack gives me a “call me” motion and zooms off.
The concert venue is packed, with fans of all ages. I check a few doors, but the place is locked up tight. I’ve never gone backstage anywhere outside of the Conservatory concert hall and this auditorium is so large I don’t know where to begin. It takes me twenty minutes to thread my way around the stadium, and by now, I can hear the crowd chanting inside. There’s music playing, but it’s not Wylde Ryder, so I can only hope that Liam and the guys haven’t taken the stage before I get a chance to say how wrong I was.
“Hey, you.” A very large black man in a security uniform crosses his bulging arms around a clipboard. “You lost or something?”
“No.” I straighten the simple green dress I’d worn to the insurance adjuster and try to appear as if I fit in. It’s hardly rock concert attire. “I’m trying to find the backstage entrance.”
“You found it.” He gives me an impassive stare. “Name?”
“Uhh, I’m not sure if I’m actually on the list.” I hesitate. What if Liam never got a chance to call it in before the run-in with his father and the police?
“Name?” he repeats as if I’m thick.
“Bethany MacGuire. I’m sure it’s not—”
“Guest of Mr. Hensley.” The guy unfolds his arms and props open the stage door. A blast of loud music pours out. “Enjoy the show.”
Even with all the craziness and bull, Liam managed to put my name on the list.
“
Thanks.” I scoot through before either of us can change our minds.
Seems like half of Seattle is here. Sweat’s pouring off me like water and I can’t stop shaking as I pick my way past the wires, equipment and people backstage to try to get a glimpse of Liam. Finally, I catch sight of the guys in the band, standing in the wings, waiting to go on.
The crowd is frantic, the concert is two hours late, and everyone’s in a fury to get the headlining act on stage, but the minute Liam sees me, he runs over and scoops me in a huge hug that lifts me off my feet.
“Beth! You made it.” His lip is split with dried blood and he’s running on pure adrenaline, practically incandescent under the hot lights. His face is alight with the excitement of the show. Or maybe it’s seeing me. Either way, it’s like being hugged by a live wire.
Zane Ryder glances at us. “Careful, Romeo. We still have a concert to put on.” But there’s amusement in his eyes. “Nice to see you again, Beth.”
“You too.” I nod at Finn who is strapping on his electric guitar.
“Let’s give them a few more minutes, okay?” Finn says, looking to Zane. “We’ll buy you some time.”
Zane nods cautiously back at Finn. Looks like a truce. “Two minutes, Liam.”
The concert is about to begin, and from the way the audience is pounding and chanting, it’s gonna be amazing. Still, I’m grateful that the front man is buying me time to tell Liam what a complete idiot I’ve been. The rest of the band files past us, tossing me and Liam encouraging glances.
Onstage, the crew is busy coiling cords and moving equipment for the first set. But feck, I’m going for it. I don’t care who witnesses my apology.
“Liam, I’m so sorry.” I don’t want to let go of him. “I should never have said those things to you. You were right about your dad. Sometimes you just have to cut the toxic people out of your life so that you can be a better person.”
“No, I’m sorry. You were right about your Ma. I’m glad you and your family are so supportive. I love that about you…and them.” He looks sheepish.