“And yet they did,” I said, gulping in air slowly.
“Shut up.” Weeks pressed the blade harder against my skin.
A trickle of warmth slid down my neck. I squeaked, my pulse racing, the buzzing in my head blaring. “Dad, do what he says.” So what if we gave a ledger to a mob guy? It was his after all. I didn’t care if it led him to buried money. Sure, I wanted revenge, but I wanted to get out of this alive. I wanted to get to school. I wanted to play ball later today, and I wanted to impress the hell out of the ASU scout.
With his gaze sharp on Harrison, Dad flung the ledger at him. Harrison fumbled to catch it. When the book soared behind the bar, Weeks loosened his hold on my hair.
I threw my head back, hitting Weeks in the mouth. The knife clanged to the floor.
Dad launched himself at Harrison, and I spun around. Weeks dove for me, and I dove for the knife that lay between us. Weeks’s hand landed on the blade. The sound of grunts and groans peppered the room behind me.
“I enjoyed killing your family,” Weeks said. “I can’t wait to filet you into pieces.” Hunger swam in his eyes.
Fear slithered down my back, but anger cleared it. “You have to catch me first.” I sprinted down the darkened hallway for the back door. Thank God for the smidgen of light from the exit sign.
Heavy boots thudded behind me, cutting through the buzzing in my head. Long, gnarly fingers seized my arm. Turning, I punched and kicked, landing blows to his stomach and groin. On my last punt to his crotch, he drove the knife into my right leg just above my knee. I wailed as the stinging pain shot up my leg. I yanked the knife out, and blood oozed from the wound. Weeks bent over, grasping his balls again. This time his face turned an ugly purple.
Cracks, snaps, groans, and grunts filtered in from the barroom.
Weeks launched his fist into my face. The blow sent me hurtling backwards. My head landed against the door with a loud thwack. The pain ignited a blinding fury. I lunged for Weeks, drove the knife into his abdomen, removed it, and then stabbed him again and again. I couldn’t stop. His eyes bulged out as he staggered backwards, falling to the floor with a heavy whump.
A gust of wind swept in from the back door along with a blinding light and several heavy footsteps.
The knife slid from my bloody hands as my legs wobbled then collapsed under me.
“Lacey?” Kade’s voice trickled into my ears.
I squinted at two men with guns in their hands, but no Kade. Maybe I was hearing things. Then a gurgling came from my right. I swung my attention to Weeks. He sat up, and his hand snaked out toward the knife. His white shirt was slowly turning red. There was so much blood. Blackness crept across my vision. I couldn’t pass out. As I labored for air, Weeks attacked me, the gleam of the blade masking the darkness.
“Lacey!” Dad and Kade both shouted my name before a gunshot echoed.
Weeks crashed to the floor.
I jerked my head to the left to find Kade pushing the men with guns out of the way.
Kade’s warm, strong hands cupped my face. “I’m here, Lace. I’m here, baby. You’re safe now.” His voice was music to my ears.
“My dad. Where’s my dad?” I blinked, once, twice, trying to ward off the darkness that was hell-bent on taking over my vision.
But my body had other plans.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Lacey
I shivered as I woke. Déjà vu blanketed me as beeps and pings echoed from the medical equipment around me.
“Sweet Pea.” Dad jumped out of his chair. Bruises and cuts covered his face. He threw his arms around me. “God, I was so worried.”
“You’re okay?” I hugged him back, but it hurt to move. My body felt like it had been through the rinse cycle several times. “Why am I in the hospital? Where’s Kade? Is Weeks dead? Did Harrison get the ledger?”
“Slow down.” He smoothed a hand over my head. “You passed out. More than likely from a combination of your head injuries, blood loss, and the trauma of the scene.”
I touched the back of my head and found a lump and stitches. “Oh, my God. They shaved my head?” A small bald spot sat at the base just above my hairline. I felt the rest of my hair, making sure they hadn’t cut it off. I sighed heavily when I found I still had long hair. “Did Harrison get the ledger? Is Weeks in jail? He admitted killing Julie and Mom.”
“Harrison is in the custody of the Federal government. And they confiscated the ledger. Weeks is dead.”
I slapped a hand over my mouth. “Did I kill him?” I remembered stabbing him several times after he’d punched me. I prodded the lump on my left cheek gingerly. I also remembered the men with guns and hearing the gunshot and then Kade practically knocking the men out of the way.
“You did him some damage, but no. The BPD SWAT team actually killed him. Weeks was about to stab you. One of the SWAT guys shot him.”
I couldn’t say I wasn’t relieved. The man had murdered my family. “Where’s Kade?” I would’ve thought he would be in the room with Dad.
“He’s in the waiting room. I didn’t know if you would want to see him,” Dad said, his tone matter-of-fact.
I guessed I couldn’t argue too much with his explanation. “You did tell him I was okay?”
“Of course. Besides, he wouldn’t let go of your hand when you arrived until the ER doctor pried him off you.”
A knock sounded, then the door cracked open. “Can I come in?” Coach Dean asked.
“Oh, my God. Baseball. The scout.” Since there weren’t any windows in the room, I couldn’t tell if it was day or night. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and winced at the soreness in my right leg. Hell, in my entire body. My heart pounded.
Dad guided me back onto the bed. “You’re not going anywhere. The game ended about an hour ago.”
I glanced at Coach. He had an I’m sorry expression painted on his face. My breath halted. Please don’t tell me my dream is gone.
He loped over to my bedside. “How are you?”
“I missed the scout. Didn’t I?” Tears threatened, and my stomach suddenly hurt.
Coach mashed his lips together and nodded. “Your life is definitely more important than any game. I’m relieved that you’re safe and alive.”
“Any chance he’ll come again?” A tear escaped, trickling down my bruised cheek.
“I explained the situation. He’s sorry, but he won’t be returning to Kensington.”
The faucet opened. Tear after tear poured out. Dad and I had moved here so I could do everything possible to get on the ball team for Kensington and work hard to get the baseball scholarship to ASU. I’d accomplished the former, but I wasn’t able to bring home the latter. Losing the chance to play for ASU hurt like I’d lost my one true love, but the end result—I was alive, and my family’s murderer was in custody. Both were worth more to me.
Coach touched me lightly on my shoulder. “I know you had your heart set on ASU, but if I’m not mistaken, what really matters is baseball. UMass Boston and Colby College up in Maine are interested in you. I know they aren’t your first choice, but they’re both great schools. Why are you dead set on ASU?”
I sniffled. “My brother graduated from ASU. And they were interested in me. I guess I feel connected to them. They wanted to give me a second chance after everything I’d gone through with my family’s deaths.” If they hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here, and I certainly wouldn’t have met Kade.
“Now you have more schools interested in you. The other option is you could always attend ASU and see if the coach will take you as a walk-on.”
I’d hadn’t thought of that. A small window of hope opened. “Did we win tonight?”
“We did. Shaun pitched a no-hitter. He and Aaron wanted to be here to share the good news. I told them you needed rest. I better run. You’ll probably be out for two or three games. I’ll let UMass and Colby College know when you’ll be pitching again.”
If I had my way, I’d be pitching at the next game. But some
how I didn’t think the doctor would give me the all clear that soon, considering I had two head injuries and a stab wound.
“I’ll get Kade,” Dad said.
“Wait.”
“You don’t want to see him?” Dad asked as he touched a cut on his cheekbone.
“Yes, but are you disappointed in me about ASU?” I felt along my leg as a memory of me pulling out the knife surfaced.
“You’ve been through hell. You’ve also worked your tail off. Don’t think for one second that I’m upset. I’m proud of you.”
I wasn’t proud of myself. I’d blacked out yet again. I might’ve worked hard to get on a ball team, but I hadn’t worked hard enough to overcome my PTSD. “Do you think I’ll ever get to the point where I don’t pass out?” I desperately longed for the day I wouldn’t freak over a dark house or lots of blood or anything else that reminded me of Julie’s and Mom’s dead bodies.
“Oh, Lacey. Your illness isn’t something that can be cured overnight.”
I had a sneaking feeling that the memory of stabbing Weeks and him stabbing me had set me back in my recovery.
“One more thing before you get Kade. Are you planning on staying in New England after I graduate?”
Dad sank down onto the bed. “We can talk about this another time, but something in your eyes tells me you’re worried about me. Don’t be. If you want to take a chance as a walk-on at ASU, then go for it. I was planning on asking your opinion. What would you say if I told you I wanted to stay in New England, at least for the foreseeable future?”
“Really? What about Eko Records and Zepplins and Rob?”
“Well, I want to reconnect with Gloria. I’ve been thinking about selling the record label and Zepplins. Rob wanted to tell you himself, but I think this is a good time to let you know. Rob has signed with the Dodgers. They approached him again last week.”
I squealed with delight. “Really?” Rob had given up his dream to play for the Dodgers when Mom and Julie died. “I’m thrilled that you want to stay in New England, and I’m so excited for Rob.” I couldn’t wait to talk to him.
Dad patted my leg, and his mouth curved into a handsome smile that reached his green eyes. “Don’t think too much about colleges or your future right now.”
I had one last question. “Was there anything else in the safe deposit box?”
“There was another letter from my mom that basically said she never gave the ledger to the police because she knew Harrison had friends in high places within the government. And she knew if she did, the trail would lead back to her and eventually me. She couldn’t bear Harrison finding out about me. She didn’t want me to live that kind of life. She went on to say she often thought about burning the ledger, but she wanted to see the Lorenzino family pay for breaking the law. Apparently, Jeremy was right. The ledger detailed exact locations where millions of dollars of stolen cash were hidden. But it’s time to put all this behind us and focus on living again.”
I agreed. One thing was nagging me though. Lorenzino had said he knew Dad had the ledger. I knew it didn’t matter anymore, but I was curious.
A young male orderly in red scrubs came in, carrying a tray of food. He set the tray down on a table next to the bed then wheeled it over to me. The smell of the food wafted through the air.
“I’ll let Kade know he can come in. Why don’t you eat something?” Dad kissed me on the forehead and left the room.
At the mention of Kade’s name, any hunger I’d felt left with the orderly.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Kade
I chomped my nails down to their nubs as I paced a packed waiting area of the hospital. A baby cried. A man kept coughing. A small child scampered around a line of chairs as his mother chased him. My gut twisted as my head shot up every time the double doors to the secure patient area opened.
I’d been waiting all fucking day to see Lacey. The doctor didn’t want a ton of people in her room, and Mr. Robinson thought it would be best to wait until she woke up. Since we weren’t together anymore, he didn’t know if she would want to see me. I’d almost punched him, but he was doing the right thing. I couldn’t bulldoze my way into Lacey’s life, and I didn’t trust myself. I knew if I were in the room with her I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off her. And if she rejected me, I’d definitely lose my shit.
I found an empty seat, sat down, and bounced my knees, watching the same little boy run around the chairs. I chuckled as his mom continued to chase him. He reminded me of when my mom had chased the triplets if we were out somewhere. She’d catch Kelton first and threaten to take away his pet lizard if he didn’t behave. By the time she was finished scolding Kelton, Kross and Kody were in their seats acting like perfect little boys.
I was trying to be perfect. I was trying to keep my emotions in check. Every long, tortuous minute that passed found me thinking that if only I had guarded Lacey myself like I’d wanted to, none of this would have happened. Or wondering whether she would have been kidnapped if Steve, Lacey’s daytime bodyguard, had been on her detail this morning. Wes had told me he would find out exactly what had happened with the steroid twins. I also strained my mind to think how Lorenzino had known Mr. Robinson had the ledger when Mr. Robinson didn’t even know if there was a ledger in the safe deposit box. Not to mention that if Weeks had been watching the Robinsons, then why hadn’t any of Lacey’s bodyguards noticed?
In between my heart stopping and starting when I pictured Lacey hurt, I continually replayed the scene after Mr. Robinson had gotten the call from Lorenzino. I’d torn out of Pitt’s office like a madman on a mission, only to be stopped by Kross and Mr. Robinson. I’d fought my way through them and gotten on the elevator. Nothing in the world was going to prevent me from saving Lacey, until, just before the doors shut, Mr. Robinson called, “You’ll only get her killed.” At that moment, I’d dug my palms into my head and sworn several times. I couldn’t wake up to a world without Lacey in it. I also couldn’t give up control to someone else or to fate. That wasn’t in my playbook, particularly when it came to someone I loved.
The little boy let out a high-pitched giggle, bringing me back to the present.
I checked the time. I was giving Mr. Robinson five more minutes. If he didn’t give me the green light, I was storming into Lacey’s room. All day my emotions had vacillated like an out-of-control sine wave—fear, rage, desperation, relief, worry. When I had heard her scream, nothing could have stopped me from barging into the club to save my girl. Then when I saw the point of the knife heading for Lacey, my heart had stopped cold. I’d almost ripped the gun from one of the SWAT guys and shot Weeks myself. Thankfully, they’d reacted just in time.
The swooshing sound of the doors drew my attention away from the little boy. Mr. Robinson emerged. His face looked like Kelton’s had after he and Seever went several rounds.
In five strides I met him at the information desk. “Well?”
“You can go in,” he said. “I have to take care of some things at the club. I cleared it with the nurse for you to stay past visiting hours. The doctor wants to keep Lacey overnight for observation. She’s in room two.”
Mr. Robinson was still talking, but I was already striding through the doors into the long cold corridor that seemed like ten miles of nothing but gray walls. My heart thrummed as I thought about what I was going to say to Lacey. I knocked then entered, and I was met with a dazzling smile that overshadowed her swollen cheek, her bloodshot eyes, and her matted hair. Even still, my breath caught in my throat as goosebumps jumped to attention on my arms. I didn’t move. I probably looked like a large buck frozen in the headlights of an eighteen-wheeler.
“Kade?” Her soft voice glided over me like baby oil. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” I was surprised my voice was even. Hell, I was surprised I could talk. I was even more surprised my legs worked as I crossed the short distance to settle in the chair next to her bed.
She swept her gaze over me. Long thick lashes framed
her tired green eyes. Yet a ray of happiness shone through like a beacon on a foggy night. “I’m okay.”
I let out a nervous laugh. “I was so worried.” Man, is that all you’ve got to say to the girl you love?
“I don’t bite.” Her voice was breathy. Her long wavy hair framed her soft features.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. “I know.” I wiped my clammy hands on my jeans. “I don’t know what to do. I want to kiss you. I want to hold you. I want to hug you. But I’m afraid. I’m afraid you’ll reject me. I’m afraid I won’t let go.”
“Please sit with me.” She moved, creating a larger spot next to her as she patted the bed.
I traded the hard chair for the softness of the mattress, and hopefully for her touch. She snaked out her hand and placed it on my leg.
I covered her hand with mine, cold and soft to hot and rough. I licked my dry lips. My pulse slowed then sped up. “I was so fucking scared I’d lost you. I haven’t been the best—”
“Please. Let me talk.” Her eyes were downcast, her smile gone.
My pulse sped up.
“Since Julie and my mom died, I’ve struggled through nightmares, anxiety attacks, blackouts—the list goes on.” Grief marked her tone. “The one constant since I’ve moved here has been you.” She lifted her gaze, her hand trembling underneath mine. “You understand death. You get my illness. I never told you why I got my tattoo or why I got your initials inscribed on the paws. I’m in love with you, Kade. But the tattoo is a symbol of how you’ve helped me through my darkness. I know you try to protect my emotions because of my PTSD. Please don’t.”
Warmth spread through my chest. “Even after I’ve been a complete ass, you’re still in love with me?”
“I’ve never stopped. But I need you to promise me you’ll be honest and open and treat me as an equal, not a person who you think will crumble over bad news.” Her tone was velvety, yet a hint of hardness edged each word.
Dare to Dream: The Maxwell Series Page 22