On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7)

by Heather D'Agostino

  “No thanks.” I refused to take it from him. “This won’t work.” I motioned to the coffee cup still in his hand. “Please leave me alone.” I turned and started walking away. The fall breeze was whipping my hair around, causing me to walk faster and I kept tucking my it behind my ears. After a few seconds, I could hear the pounding of Evan’s feet. He caught up to me and kept stride.

  “What are you doing?” I refused to look at him.

  “Getting food.” He motioned to the door as we reached it.

  “No, you’re not.” This time I glared at him and almost dared him to look away.

  “Jenni.” It came out as a sigh. He lifted his hand like he was going to touch me again, but then curled his fingers into his palms. He didn’t look like himself today. His eyes had dark circles under them and looked almost haunted. The usual grin he sported was missing along with all of his hair. He’d shaved it almost bald and it looked as if he was attempting to grow a goatee.

  “Whatever.” I rolled my eyes as I yanked open the door and rushed to get in line. I grabbed a sandwich and a bottled water before rushing over to the register to pay. After swiping my meal plan card, I headed back the way I came. Evan was trying his damnest to keep up with me, but I beat him out the door.

  I glanced over my shoulder as I attempted to weave between students to lose him. My next class wasn’t very far away and if I could make it to the building, I just may escape him.

  I rushed up the steps and yanked open the door only to see Evan sitting on a chair in the lobby area. I skidded to stop and glanced around. You had to be kidding me. How the hell did he know I was coming here?

  “I’m a cop, Jenni. Trailing people is part of the job.” He slowly stood and approached me like you would a scared animal. “I just want to talk to you.”

  I lifted my chin and stuck it out. “Well, I don’t want to talk to you.”

  “You don’t have to. Just listen,” he huffed as he continued to stare at me.

  “I have class.” I started to step around him once again.

  “In an hour.” He side-stepped and moved right in front of me once again.

  “Are you stalking me now?” I scoffed.

  “If I need to, yes.” His head gave a quick nod. “Despite what you think, I meant every word I said to you. I was working and my job has rules. Rules that are there to keep you from getting killed. I was protecting you.” I relaxed and gave in. “Now, can we go somewhere and talk?”

  “Fine.” I rolled my eyes and blew out a breath. “There are study rooms up here, or do you already know that?”

  “Believe it or not, there is a lot that I don’t know. Lead the way.” He motioned for me to walk ahead of him.

  As we climbed the steps, I could feel his stare on my back. It caressed me from the top of my head all the way down to my feet. Heat rose to the surface of my skin and an unwelcomed awareness filled me. I would not give in. He lied to me. We were going to talk and then I was going to tell him to never contact me again.

  I glanced over my shoulder when we reached the top of the steps. “In here.” I motioned to a hallway filled with doors. Behind each door was a small four by four-foot room. It had a small table, with four chairs. It was a quiet space for students to use for studying. Because this was the foreign language building, the study rooms were sound proof. This allowed students to practice orally and would give Evan and I some privacy.

  I opened the door and let him enter first. I wanted to be close to my escape in case I needed it. I lowered myself into a chair and then unwrapped my sandwich. I glanced at my watch before lifting my sandwich to take a bite. “You’re down to forty-five minutes,” I muttered as I chewed.

  “I see you’re making this real easy.” He sighed before sitting across from me. “I’m sorry I lied to you, Jenni. I’m sorry I hurt you, but I want you to know that I meant what I said. I loved you. I still do.”

  Chapter 25

  Jenni

  “If you loved someone, wouldn’t you tell them the truth? I mean, why lie to me?” I slumped back in my chair and crossed my arms over my chest. I’d finished eating at this point and only had a few minutes until I had to be in class.

  “I told you. I was protecting you. Several of my marks were on campus. Why do you think I was here?” He leaned his elbows on the table and rested his chin on his hands. He looked frustrated with me, but I didn’t care. Anger was fueling me.

  “And what was I?” I cocked my head to the side. I was trying to determine whether he was telling me the truth now, but I had a feeling I was failing miserably.

  “You were an unexpected addition. I never planned to talk to you, but I couldn’t make myself stay away. You weren’t part of my assignment.” He rocked back in his chair and smiled at me. “I saw you walking out of Booker one afternoon. You were smiling at something in the sky. You looked so happy. I started watching for you every day. After about a week, I couldn’t make myself stay away any longer. I requested to audit your ethics class along with a few others. When Professor Rice said yes, I had nothing keeping me from talking to you. I thought if I became your friend everything would be fine. I’d tell you who I was once the case was closed, but it took longer than it was supposed to and I fell in love with you. None of this was supposed to hurt you.”

  I pressed my lips together and slowly nodded my head. I wanted to believe him, I was just still so mad. I glanced at my watch and noticed it was time for class. “I have to go.” I stood abruptly and reached for my backpack.

  “Can we finish this later?” Evan stood between me and the door. “I’ll wait for your class to get out and we can go to my place and talk.”

  Did I want that? “Where is that, exactly?” I lifted my backpack onto my shoulder. “I mean, you don’t live in the dorms, do you?” The words left a bitter taste in my mouth. It was another of Evan’s lies.

  “No. I have an apartment not far from yours.” He grimaced.

  “Was the bookstore job even real?” I shifted on my feet.

  “I really had a job there. I don’t any more. I quit once the case closed. I have plenty to do on the force.” He chuckled. “I’ll wait here. I’ll even buy you dinner. Please, Jenni?”

  I tried to reach around him to get the door open. “I really need to go.” Evan sighed as he slowly opened the door and stepped out of the way.

  “I really am sorry that things worked out this way. I hope you can forgive me one day. I’d love to be able to show you that you know the real me,” he mumbled as I stepped past him.

  I slowly stopped moving, letting my shoulders drop in defeat before glancing back at him. “Fine. Meet me out front in an hour.” I pointed at him before rushing to class. I’d be lucky if I got a good seat at this point.

  ooooooooo

  Evan

  Jenni’s French class was the longest hour I’ve ever sat through. If I thought she’d let me, I would have followed her in the room just to make sure that she was actually going to class. When she came around the corner, I sprang from where I was sitting and motioned to the door. It was only about three in the afternoon and it was a beautiful day.

  “This way.” I motioned as I jogged down the steps. The wind blew her hair around her face, causing her to constantly be pushing it out of the way. “I can’t believe how quickly it’s getting cold.” I glanced to the side where she had her arms wrapped around her middle.

  “Yeah. Summer left pretty quickly.” She squinted. “Where are we going? The lot over here requires a special pass.”

  “I know.” I grinned. “I have one.” I pulled my badge from my pocket and handed it to her.

  “You used your badge to stalk me?” Her lips thinned as she attempted to sound unamused.

  “Maybe.” I shrugged as we reached my car. “Hop in.” I motioned to the passenger side door. I watched as Jenni tossed her backpack in the backseat and then slipped in, buckling herself in the process.

  When I climbed into the driver’s seat, her head swung in my direction. “Th
is thing get you a lot of special privileges?” She tossed my badge at me, letting it hit my chest and then fall into my lap.

  “Not the one thing that I really want,” I grumbled. “That’s something that I have no idea how to get.”

  “Try being honest.” Her head rolled to the side as she stared out the window.

  “I’m working on it,” I mumbled as I cranked the car.

  ooooooooo

  Jenni

  It didn’t take long to get to Evan’s place. It was nothing like what I expected. The building was only four stories. Evan lived on the third floor. His apartment was a one bedroom. When you entered it, it was much like mine and Mason’s. You entered in the living room and the kitchen was to the right. Unlike my place, Evan’s was purely a bachelor pad. Mason and I had both decorated our apartment. We had things like a giant TV, but we also had pictures and girlie things.

  Evan’s place was all black, chrome and leather. A large leather sectional wrapped around two walls in the living space. An entertainment center housed several game consoles along with a Blu-ray player and a huge flat screen. The kitchen counters were empty except for a countertop grill and a block of knives. I bet he only has beer in his fridge.

  “Have a seat.” He motioned to the couch as he tossed his keys on the counter. “Want a snack? I don’t have much, but I do have chips and dip.”

  “I’m fine.” I lowered myself onto the leather as Evan took off the jacket he was wearing. He came around the couch and sat a few feet away from me. We just stared at one another, both a little too afraid to speak. This was new territory for me. I didn’t know what exactly he wanted and we’d never been to his place before. “Why am I here, Evan?”

  “I want to show you who I am. All those times we talked, it was me. I have a degree in criminal justice, but I have a minor in business. I took all those classes when I went to college the first time. It was easy for me because I wasn’t getting real grades, they were audits. I knew the information though. I like pizza and sappy movies and I really like you. I’d come home every night and lie in bed thinking about you. I was almost taken off the case because of it. They kept me on because of all the time and work I’d put in.” He inched closer to me.

  I swallowed because I was getting ready to ask the question that I didn’t think I wanted the answer to. “Were there other women during this job?”

  “What?” His head snapped back. “Do you mean was I dating someone else too?” His face crumpled as if I’d hurt him.

  “Dating, fucking?” I shrugged. I was past the hurt and moving on to anger at this point.

  “No.” He reached for me, but I slid back out of his reach.

  “Where were you that night you left me?” I glared at him.

  Evan’s face morphed from stoic to pure agony. “Leaving you that night was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.” He inched closer and this time I didn’t back away. “I had a feeling that something was going to happen that night and I couldn’t sleep. My phone started buzzing with texts from my mark. He was into some real bad shit, Jenni. Like stuff people kill for. I had to leave. He was calling me in and I was at a point where I was going to be able to bust him. If I didn’t go, the case could have fallen apart.”

  I nodded as I bit down on my lip. I believed him, but it didn’t make it easier to hear. “And now?” My voice quivered. I was trying so hard to be strong, but I was mad and hurt, and it was all bubbling back up inside me.

  “And now, what?” His brow furrowed.

  “That case is closed, but what about the next one, or the one after that? There’s always gonna be another case, Evan.” I felt the first tear fall and turned away from him. I didn’t want to give him anymore tears. I felt like he’d had enough.

  “I’ve requested a transfer.” He reached up and cupped my cheek. “If it’s approved, I’ll be moving from Narcotics to Homicide.” He shifted closer and smiled at me. “Do you think we could just start over?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t think I could trust you,” I murmured as Evan slowly nodded.

  “I get it, but could we try? I want to try with you, Jenni. I want to take you out and not worry about someone seeing me who knows I’m hiding something. I want to meet you after class. I want to cook dinner for you. I want to help you study. I want to be normal with you.”

  “Weren’t we doing normal things before?” I tipped my head to the side.

  “You only saw what I wanted you to see.” Evan smiled as he leaned in and kissed the tip of my nose.

  “And now?” I leaned back and peered up at him.

  “Now, I’ll show you everything.” He stretched his arms out wide. “Say you’ll try. Please?”

  I inhaled deeply, closed my eyes and then let it out. Could I do this? Did I want to do this? Once a liar, always a liar was what I’ve always been told, but Evan was protecting me. “Fine.” I sighed. “You have to be honest with me about everything from now on. No secrets.” I pointed my finger at him before scanning the room again. It really was comfortable in here.

  “Deal.” Evan grinned as he quickly moved in for a kiss.

  When I pulled back, I laughed. “So tell me.” I tapped my chin. “Was The Best of Me really your favorite movie?”

  Evan’s nose crinkled as he pursed his lips. “Yeah. Why would I lie about that?”

  “Ok.” I shrugged as I stood from the couch.

  “Wait. Where are you going?” He slid forward and reached for me.

  “To get my phone. It doesn’t look like you have much to eat and its dinner time. I’m starving.” My stomach grumbled right at that moment, backing me up.

  “How about we go out? I hear there are some pretty good specials going on at the bar and you can give me some billiards lessons.” Evan stood and grabbed his keys.

  “I don’t know about lessons, but I can sure kick your ass.” I lifted one shoulder as Evan opened the door.

  “Yeah, yeah.” He rolled his eyes. “I’ll make you deal. If I win, you come back here tonight and I’ll give you a real apology.”

  “Guess I’m sleeping at home then because you won’t beat me.” I laughed.

  “We’ll see,” he mused as headed for his car. Yep, we would see.

  Chapter 26

  Jenni

  We’ve been at The Rusty Nail for most of the evening. My brother was working the door when we arrived and gave a knowing look when he saw us walk in. It was a weeknight, so it wasn’t as busy as usual. There wasn’t live music and most of the crowd was around the bar.

  Evan and I had talked to a few people before we’d claimed a table in the back. After polishing off an entire order of wings by myself, I was now kicking his butt in pool.

  “You really aren’t going to let me win, are you?” Evan pouted.

  “Why would I do that?” I grinned as I circled the end of the table. I was on a roll and currently looking for my next shot. I only needed to sink two more balls before I went for the eight.

  “I thought maybe you’d want to come back to my place.” He shrugged as he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. It was comical and cute at the same time.

  “I used to be an elite gymnast. I was on track to compete at the college level at one point. I don’t let anyone win. You have to earn it.” I glanced over to see Evan staring back at me in total shock. “What?” I leaned down to take my shot.

  “Jenni, that’s awesome. I didn’t know it was that serious.” He grinned as he moved closer. I’d sunk the ball, but he didn’t seem to care anymore.

  “It’s still my turn.” I furrowed my brow.

  “I know.” He shrugged as he leaned his cue stick against the table. “How come you never told me this?”

  “I don’t tell most people. It kinda slipped out. You do that to me; make me say stuff out loud.” I shook my head and glanced away from him. If I dropped the eight ball in this next shot, I was going to win.

  “You don’t rattle easy, do you?” He stepped up behind me.<
br />
  “Nope.” I leaned to down to take my shot as Evan ran his palm over my ass. He paused right below the cheek and then leaned right next to my ear.

  “I had big plans for later. Too bad I’m gonna lose.” He sighed.

  I could make this shot with my eyes closed. It was that easy. Every instinct I had said to nail it, but Evan made me want to miss. He made me want to do a lot of things I never had before. He made me feel and at the moment I wanted to feel him.

  “I don’t lose,” I muttered as I pulled back my cue and sunk the ball. I stood up and grinned as Evan’s face fell.

  “I thought you might actually miss. You ever thought about becoming a cop? You definitely have the nerves of steel part down.” He shook his head and sighed.

  I threw my head back in laughter. “Join the boys club? I don’t think so. Rematch?” I reached down in the pocket in front of me and began tossing balls back up on the table.

  “Fine. One more game; then I need to stop before you completely humiliate me.” Evan helped me rack the balls and then stepped back. “You break this game. I always break and it always seems to set me up to lose.”

  “Sure. If you really think that’ll help.” I giggled as I moved to the end of the table.

  The game didn’t last long. I won, again, and Evan sulked, again. My brother came over for a few minutes to rub in the fact that I’d won four games. I let him because, let’s face it, Evan deserved it.

  When we left the bar, I asked Evan to take me home. As much as I was enjoying spending time with him, I wasn’t ready to jump back in bed with him. We were starting over and I felt like I needed to take my time. I might be kicking myself later, but right now I needed to remember that I had all the time in the world and Evan wasn’t going anywhere. We’d get to know each other better and then take that next step. Evan seemed to be ok with it, but made me promise to meet him in the morning. We’re going to work out together, something I haven’t really done since high school.