On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7)

by Heather D'Agostino

  ooooooooo

  “It’s about fucking time!” I roared when Toni came through the door to the safe house I was currently waiting in.

  “Calm down!” she hissed as she glanced around before leading me into one of the bedrooms.

  “He’s calling us all back tonight,” I growled. “Set it up. He has millions in coke in that warehouse.”

  “I’m working on it.” Toni pulled her phone from her pocket and started texting someone.

  “Work faster.” I began pacing. “I need this to be done, finished, over. He knows someone turned in Michael. He’s gonna figure out it was me. He’s not stupid, detective.” I spat the words out in anger.

  “You watch your tone, officer.” She stepped in front of me and glared up at my face.

  “I’m sorry.” I sighed as I grabbed at my hair. This god damn hair was driving me nuts. I was just as frustrated with it as I was at Vince. The hair would be the first to go as soon as this case was closed.

  ooooooooo

  Jenni

  When I blinked against the morning light, I rolled over to wrap my arm around Evan. I wanted to snuggle into him and sleep the day away. It was Saturday and I didn’t have anything on the agenda. When I didn’t feel him, I sat up and glanced around the room. Had I dreamed last night? My clothes were strewn about the floor proving that I hadn’t, but Evan was nowhere in sight. At first, I thought maybe he had just run to the bathroom, but his things were gone.

  I slowly climbed out of bed and pulled on a pair of pj pants and a tank. I opened my door and crept down the hall. Maybe he was making breakfast and I was ruining the surprise. When I rounded the corner to the living room, I was met with empty space. The pizza box from the night before was still on the counter and the DVD box was still sitting on the coffee table.

  I shuffled into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee, when Mason came in scrubbing his hands down his face. “Morning.” He gruffly acknowledged me before heading to the fridge.

  “Good morning.” I frowned as I stared at the coffee pot willing it to fill faster.

  “Did you have a good night last night?” He lifted the orange juice container to his lips and took a giant gulp.

  “I think so.” I shook my head in confusion. Why would Evan leave without even saying goodbye? Maybe he was just like Nate. He got what he wanted and all the rest was bullshit.

  “Your boyfriend left really early. Said he had to work,” Mason grumbled. “I don’t know what you could possibly do at a bookstore at three in the morning though.”

  “Three?” I pinched my lips together. It made no sense. Maybe he really didn’t want to stay the night and he was just waiting for me to fall asleep. “Thanks,” I muttered as the coffee finished and I fixed myself a cup. “I’ll be in my room if you need me.” I shuffled back down the hall and closed the door.

  “Don’t do this again, Jenni!” Mason shouted. “He’s not worth it and you didn’t do anything wrong.”

  I didn’t answer. Instead, I climbed back into bed, sipped my coffee and spent the better part of the day trying to decide if I should call Evan or not.

  ooooooooo

  Evan

  “You ready for this?” Toni glanced at me as she loaded her service weapon.

  “More than ready.” I watched from the CPD van sitting down the street from the warehouse. The sun had just set and darkness was covering the block. Toni had gotten the team together and tonight Vince would be arrested with enough coke to put him away for life.

  “Do not get out of this van for any reason. Do you understand me? You’ll blow your cover and we need it to stay intact in case something goes wrong.” She narrowed her eyes at me.

  “Got it.” I nodded as SWAT members began filing out of another black van. I watched in satisfaction as Chicago’s finest raided the warehouse that had been home base for me for the better part of six months. I’d worked my ass off on this case and it was paying off. Within minutes, detectives came out with Vince and Dean in cuffs and loaded them into the back of a cruiser.

  Part of me sighed in relief when the cruiser pulled away. I was free. I could be Officer Shaw again and not this made up person who was trying his damnest not to hurt anyone.

  I pulled at my hair and laughed. I’d have to talk to Jenni before I cut it. Jenni. I needed to tell her the truth. She’d be worried when she woke up and I was gone. I can’t believe she didn’t call me today. It was then that I remembered running into Mason. What was he thinking and did he believe my lame excuse? I needed to clear this up and fast before things got worse, but first I needed sleep. I was up most of the night and now that things had gone down, I was starting to crash.

  “You need to come back to the station with us for debriefing and then you’re free to head home.” Toni climbed back in the van and sat down beside me. “Nice work, Shaw.”

  “Can’t we debrief tomorrow? I’m running on empty.” I groaned.

  “Sorry. We need this by the book so it sticks. You’re coming in tonight.” She patted my thigh and then motioned the driver to go.

  ooooooooo

  It took longer than it should have at the station and when I started to make my way home the sun was beginning to rise. I’d been up for more than twenty-four hours and I felt like I’d been hit by a bus. I’d attempted to take a cat nap in the squad room, but that didn’t work out and now I’m trying to convince myself not to call Jenni. She must be going out of her mind right now, but I’m so tired I might tell her the truth. I need to be with her when that happens. After what she’s been through, I’m scared to death to tell her that I’ve been lying to her since I met her. I’m not who she thinks I am. I do, however, feel the way she thinks I do. I wasn’t playing the other night when I told her I loved her. I meant every word of it; I only wish that I could have been completely honest then.

  Not wanting to chicken out again, I glance at the time before dialing her number.

  “Hello?” Jenni’s sleep-filled voice comes through the line.

  “Hey, baby. I know it’s early. I’m sorry. I just want to tell you how sorry I am about yesterday.” I blew out a breath as the tightening in my chest grew. “I had something really important to take care of and I didn’t want to wake you.”

  “It’s ok.” She yawned. I could tell by her tone that it wasn’t ok, but she was trying to hide it.

  “I wanna make it up to you. Are you free tonight?” I’d reached my apartment at this point, and as I shoved the door open, I sighed in relief. My disaster of a living space had never looked so welcoming.

  “Maybe.” There was smile to her voice. She was testing me. “There’s a band playing at the bar tonight. I’ve really been wanting to see them.”

  “Sold.” I laughed. “I’ll pick you up at eight and I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me.”

  “I’ll be ready.” She giggled as she clicked off the line.

  I turned my ringer off, stripped out of my clothes and flopped across my bed. I needed to sleep and I needed to plan how I was going to do this. Tonight, I would tell Jenni the truth. Tonight, she would either forgive me, or break my heart. Tonight, I was going to have one of the hardest conversations of my life. How the fuck was I going to do this?

  Chapter 22

  Evan

  When I woke up this morning, I had a completely different outlook on the day. My case was closed and I was a free man. I could go where I wanted and not risk being discovered. I stood in the bathroom, staring at my reflection. The bruises I’d sustained on the job were finally gone. I’d decided to dress up a little for my date tonight. Instead of my usual shorts and polo, I’d chosen a nice pair of dark jeans and a white button up shirt. I’d rolled the sleeves up my forearms and combed my hair. I’d wanted to look more like me without scaring Jenni off.

  Jenni saw me as a twenty-year-old college student, when in fact I was twenty-six. I looked young for my age and I grew my hair out. Usually I kept myself almost bald. It was cooler and much easier to maintain. I dressed mysel
f better too. As I slipped my watch on my wrist, I questioned whether she’d think something was up when I picked her up.

  After restocking my wallet with condoms, in case she asked me to stay the night, I took one last glance at myself and left.

  ooooooooo

  The ride to Jenni’s apartment was quick and when I got there, I actually felt nervous. I was going to tell her the truth tonight. The churning in my gut over the prospect of her telling me she never wanted to see me again brought me back to my childhood. I hadn’t been this nervous since I broke my bedroom window and had to tell my mom.

  As I climbed the steps to her door, my badge was burning a hole in my back pocket. Every step caused it to press against my ass and remind me of what I had to do.

  “Hey.” Her door swung open and she grinned at me.

  “Were you watching through the peephole again?” I laughed. She looked beautiful. Her hair was swept up in a high ponytail and she was wearing a pale-yellow sundress this time.

  “Maybe.” She grinned. “I missed you.” She stepped through the doorway, pulling it shut behind her and flung her arms around my neck.

  “I like this kind of greeting.” I hugged her back. “I really am sorry about the other night, Jen. I didn’t plan for that to happen.”

  “It’s ok.” Her smile fell and at that moment I knew I’d do just about anything to get it back.

  “No, it’s not. I’m gonna tell you all about it, just not right this second. Right now, I want to get to the bar so we can hear this band you’ve been dying to see.” I held out my hand to her and began leading her down the steps.

  “I hope it’s ok, but I told my brother he could meet us there tonight. He wanted to see the band too and he’s off work.” She pressed her lips together as if she thought I’d be mad.

  “Fine with me.” I shrugged as we reached the car. I opened her door and waited for her to climb in before going to my own side.

  ooooooooo

  Jenni

  Something was different tonight. He looked different and the way he’s been touching me says he feels different. I can’t explain it, it’s just different.

  When we reached The Rusty Nail, the line was around the block. Mason had told me just to go to the door and we’d get in. There were quite a few collective groans and boos when we bypassed everyone. The place was packed and as I weaved through the crowd, I began to wonder if coming was a good idea.

  “This place is hopping tonight!” Evan shouted as we headed to the bar.

  “It always is when there’s live music,” I called back.

  “Why don’t you get us a table and I’ll get drinks?” He pointed to an area near the stage that still had some open seats.

  “Ok. I want a hard cider.” I grinned as I released his hand and pushed towards the last few chairs.

  It took forever, or at least it seemed to, before Evan made his way over to where I was sitting. “Thanks.” I smiled as he handed me the cider.

  “You’re welcome.” He lowered himself into the chair beside me. “Who’s the band we’re seeing?”

  “They’re a local cover band. They play a lot of 80s music.” I smirked.

  “Nice.” He nodded as he lifted his beer to his lips.

  “S’up guys?” My brother yanked one of the chairs out and dropped down into it. I hadn’t even seen him come over. I guess I’ve just been too lost in Evan.

  “Nothing.” I grinned as I twirled the mouth of the bottle with my fingers. “Is Dani coming tonight?”

  “Maybe.” Mason shrugged. “She had a late meeting and wasn’t sure when she’d finish. If it’s early enough, she’ll stop by.”

  “Good to see you again.” Evan held out his hand, but Mason didn’t reach to shake it.

  “I’m gonna get a pitcher,” he grumbled as he stood and pushed through the crowd towards the bar.

  “What’s up with that?” Evan ran his hand along his jaw and sighed.

  “He’s just protecting me.” I glanced around.

  “Un huh.” Evan rolled his eyes.

  “He’ll come around. You have to see that he’s worried. He’s all I’ve got and I’m all he had for many years before Dani. We look out for each other.” I shrugged and Evan relaxed.

  Just as Mason got back to the table, the band started taking the stage. The lights dimmed and the sounds of Journey filled the air. I closed my eyes as I let the music engulf me. I’d always loved the 80s bands and this took me back to my parents’ BBQs. They had a big stereo they would set up on our patio and they would blast Journey and Chicago from afternoon until way after dark. I could lie in my room and listen to the music as I fell asleep. It was a good memory and always brought back the happy times.

  “Wanna dance?” Evan nudged my elbow where it was resting on the table.

  “Sure.” I stood, and narrowed my eyes on Mason. I wanted him to get my request to be nice, but he seemed lost in his own thoughts.

  Evan led me up to the dance floor and then spun me into his chest and wrapped his arms around me. We swayed to the music. It wasn’t like the concert in the park though; this was different. Evan wasn’t so careful as to not upset me. He was more deliberate with his touches and movements. It was as if he knew that I’d let him show me how he felt. I wouldn’t bolt this time and he understood it.

  We stayed there for several songs, but the heat in the bar and dancing were making me crave another drink. “This is fun. Thanks for bringing me.” I laughed as I led Evan back to our table. “Maybe I can kick your butt in pool later.”

  “Not a chance.” Evan chuckled. “I will get you another drink though.”

  “I can get the drinks this time.” I smiled at him.

  “Nonsense. This is a date. I pay when I take you out.” He stabbed his finger into his chest. “You can come with me though. They’ve got some specials tonight. You might want one of those.”

  “Ok.” I bounced on my toes as we stopped at the table. Mason was standing up too.

  “Need a refill.” He lifted the pitcher. “Dani just texted. She’s on her way.”

  “Sweet.” I giggled. I hadn’t talked to her in a while and I wanted to introduce her to Evan. “Let’s get the drinks while the band is on a break. We can get back before they start back up.”

  “You are way too peppy tonight, little sister.” Mason shook his head. I was in a good mood, but I was happy. Things were going great and even though I still had a weird feeling about the other night, I pushed it aside and decided to let it go. I needed to enjoy Evan and stop worrying about him turning into Nate.

  ooooooooo

  When we reached the bar, the crowd was four rows deep. Three bartenders were racing around to keep up, but the lines were moving slow. It took a while to get up to the front of the crowd and once I did, I’d wished that I’d stayed at the table.

  “Hey, Jen.” A voice I hadn’t heard in four years called my name from one of the stools a few people down from where I was standing. My body went ridged. There was no way this was happening. My eyes slowly scanned in the direction I’d heard him and there he was with what looked like two friends. His shoulders were slumped and a beer was sitting between his hands where they were resting on the bar. The same eyes that used to stare into mine in calculus class stared back at me now.

  I watched as he stood up and began to make his way toward me. I stepped back, bumping into Evan’s chest as a tear leaked from my eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” Evan leaned down next me as his hands steadied my shoulders.

  “It’s him.” My voice was barely a whisper as I watched Nate move through the crowd until he was standing next to me. He hadn’t changed at all except now he was more muscular.

  “It’s good to see you.” He smiled at me and if I didn’t know what a lying jerk he was, I might believe he actually meant that. “How have you been?”

  “You’ve got some nerve talking to her!” My brother stepped between Nate and me. “After what you did!” His voice grew louder. I could see the v
ein in his neck pulsing and his jaw started ticking. I remembered his battered hands when he came back to the hospital after he saved me all those years ago. He’d promised that he’d taken care of things. “I taught your sleazebag brother a lesson and I can teach you one too. Now get the fuck out of here!” He stepped closer and shoved Nate back.

  The crowd at the bar had parted slightly as it looked like there were going to be punches thrown. “Mason,” one of the girls behind the bar warned as she rushed away, probably to get Sam or whoever was the manager tonight.

  “Easy, bro.” Evan moved me to the side and reached for Mason’s shoulder. “He isn’t worth it.” He glanced at me, but I was rooted in place. Everything that I’d worked so hard to get past was rushing to the surface. Nate looked honestly confused and kept trying to see around Mason to make eye contact with me. “You need to walk away.” Evan stepped closer and warned Nate.

  “You need to mind your own fucking business,” Nate sneered.

  What was happening here? How did my perfect night turn into this? “I’ve told you once, bro,” Mason growled as he shoved Nate’s chest again, “get the fuck out!”

  I watched as it all happened in slow motion. Nate took a swing at Mason and Evan grabbed his arm and pinned him to the bar. I tried to process it all, but it just didn’t make sense. Mason stepped back and stared at Evan in confusion as the bartender came running back from wherever she’d disappeared to. “The cops are on their way,” she warned.

  “I got it.” Evan nodded as he kept Nate’s arms pinned behind him. “I’m sorry.” He stared at me with pain in his eyes. “I didn’t want to lie to you.” He pulled something from his pocket and flashed it at the bartender. The gold glittered off the lights from the stage and Evan walked Nate outside, leaving me standing there completely lost.

  He was a cop. He lied to me. All the weird things that have happened since we started hanging out finally made sense. He wasn’t different. He was a liar like all the others.