by WL Knightly
“Come in,” he said, sounding weak and raspy.
Justin walked into the room and breathed a sigh of relief that Brandy wasn’t in the room. “Hey, man. You look better than I thought you would.”
“Thanks, I’d show you my stomach, but you’d lose your breakfast.” He gave a shallow laugh as Justin took a seat near the window. “Brandy’s gone down to find something to eat. I had to force her to leave.”
Jealousy burned in Justin’s hollow chest. He hated that feeling, but he wished that she’d wanted to be at his side instead. “You’re a very lucky man to have someone at your side.”
“I know. I don’t deserve her. She won’t even let me think about giving up.” He was quiet a minute and closed his eyes.
“You okay?”
“Truthfully, no. I’ve been feeling like shit all morning.”
“Have the nurses been in?” Justin asked.
“Yeah, they poke their heads in and check my vitals, but I don’t know how to describe this feeling. I’m weak. My chest isn’t hurting, but it’s a dull ache. I think I just got sore from all the work they’ve done on me.” He stopped talking and closed his eyes again. “I’ve never been so tired.”
“Yeah, I’m sleepy a lot too. I guess it’s because there isn’t shit else to do.” He laughed.
A smile broke out on Corey’s face, but when he seemed to try and laugh, he coughed. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I almost feel like I’m coming down with the flu or something with this cough. Been nagging me all morning.”
“Want me to get you some water?” Justin hated to see the guy was having such a hard time. He got the small pitcher of water and poured him some into a paper cup. “Here, man.”
Corey took the water, but he began coughing so badly that he couldn’t drink it. When he finally did take a sip, he spat it out, along with a mouthful of blood.
“Holy shit,” said Justin.
Corey fell back against his pillows, and Justin knew he needed to push the call button, but he froze up. As Corey writhed, sputtering and jerking about the bed, he didn’t know what to do. He finally realized how scared he was and that he wasn’t helping and ran around the bed to pull the emergency cord. The monitors were going crazy, and as the nurses burst into the room, he backed away, stepping into the beam of sun that warmed his shoulders.
Things moved fast after that, and the room filled up. A nurse walked over to him and pushed him out just ahead of a large machine that others wheeled into the room.
“Corey,” a voice echoed down the hall. He turned and saw Brandy coming his way at full speed. “What happened?”
He held out his arms to catch her. “You can’t go in there. They kicked me out.”
“You were there? What happened?” Her eyes were so full of worry that it broke his heart.
He tried to catch his breath. “He said he was sleepy, that he felt like his muscles were sore, and then he just suddenly started coughing. I gave him a glass of water, but there was blood in his mouth. Then he just laid back and started shaking. I’m not sure what happened.”
Through all the noise and excitement, Justin could hear the sound of the machines, his vitals ticking slower, the beeps getting further and further apart until they were no more. Suddenly, the sound grew longer. Flatline
“I’m sorry,” said a voice. Justin turned around to see one of his nurses. “We did all we could.”
“What the hell happened? He was just fine a few minutes ago.” But he hadn’t been truly fine. He knew he had been weak and feeling bad.
“Most likely a blood clot. It reached his heart before we could do anything. I’m sorry.”
Brandy fell against him, sinking all of her weight against him as she broke down into tears. He had wanted her all to himself but not like this.
Her cries became more strangled, and he was growing weak himself. He started the walk to his room, taking her along with him, her cries echoing off the walls of the hallway.
“It has to be a lie,” she said. “They’ve made a mistake; he’s not really gone. If they’d try harder.”
“He’s gone, baby. I’m so sorry.” He stopped at his door, and he pushed it open to take her inside.
“Mr. Finch,” said a nurse from behind them. “I’m so sorry about your friend, but I need to know what happened.” She carried a clipboard and pen.
“I was there visiting, and he said how weak he’s been.” He stopped and shook his head, then continued to explain how it all went down while Brandy cried. “Could you give us some privacy please?” he asked when he was finished.
“Certainly. I’ll be back later to make arrangements. She may need your support.”
“She’s got it.” He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. He wasn’t ever going to let her go again. It took Corey to realize how much he truly loved her, and if he could win her heart, he wasn’t ever going to let her go.
Guilt seeped in with his thoughts. Corey was barely cold in the next room, and he was already planning on how to move in on Brandy. But then another voice told him, You did have her first.
He was so conflicted. So much that he couldn’t process his emotions. He felt like shedding tears, but none came. He felt like breaking something just to get a release, but the rage burned deep inside him like a volcano lying dormant for years, the burn deep where no one could see it.
Brandy pulled away from him and went to stand by the window. The sun beamed down on her, lighting her golden hair like it had the day he met her. She was like an angel, like the light emanated from her. “What am I going to do, Justin? I had my whole future mapped out with him, and now he’s gone.”
“You’ll go on, baby. We’ll live for him.”
“I don’t want to go back to how I was before. I can’t go back to it.” She shook her head.
He had no idea what she was thinking or feeling inside, and it scared him. He didn’t want her to give up. “You don’t have to go back to anything. Come home with me. We’ll help each other through all of this, okay? I promise, Brandy. I’m not going to ever let anything happen to you.” He walked to the window and put his hand on her shoulder. “You know that, don’t you? I always take care of my girl.”
She leaned against him, and he looked down to see her twisting the ring on her finger. The damned thing was still shining new as their relationship had been. She and Corey hadn’t even been together long enough to grow tired of one another. Everything was still fresh and new, so the sting was going to be so much greater. The could-have-beens were going to always haunt her.
“I’m glad you’re here with me,” she said, taking his hand. Hers was damp from wiping tears. “I’m glad you got to have your visit and that you were there with him.” She sniffled.
“Me too.”
“I’m going to need your help.” She looked up at him with her big blue eyes, which were even bluer from the redness around them.
He was reminded of the time he’d found her in that tent in his store. The first time she told him she needed his help, and although it wasn’t the same situation, it was another death she needed him to help her deal with.
He had gone to that old house and found Lynn, her ex, on the floor in a puddle of curdled blood. Flies and maggots had already begun to feast, and the stench was so bad that he had to put his shirt over his mouth to keep from puking.
This time was going to be so much easier. He wouldn’t have to dismember anyone. In his mind, he could still remember looking at the ceiling as he cut through each piece. First his arms, then his head. They really got to him the most. After that, he just blanked out and went through the motions.
“You know I’ll do anything for you.”
She looked up into his eyes. He’d never told her the details or where he put the body. “I know. You’ve always done so much for me.”
He held her against him, cradling her head as he stroked her hair. “I want to go home,” she whispered. “You were right, Justin. We shouldn’t have come here. Whoever
is after you guys, they killed him. They did it because he wanted their stupid game to end.”
“I know. I’m going to make this right, okay? I’m going to make sure that this killer never hurts us again.”
“They’ll come for you next, Justin, and then what will I have?” He could tell that the thought scared her to death, and in a twisted way, it made him happy that the thought of something happening to him had that effect on her.
“I’m never going to let anyone take me from you, okay? I promise. You know me, Brandy. I’m a survivor. You’ll stay with me, and we’ll work it all out. You don’t have to be alone through any of this.”
She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes. “I want to go see Corey. I need to say goodbye.”
He nodded. “Of course, baby. You do that, and I’ll ask the nurse what comes next.”
She reached up, cupped his face, then wiped away a tear. He hadn’t even realized he’d been crying.
Chapter 10
Bay
Bay was sinking into a bad mood while he finished his lunch, and even though it was delicious, his company made it bland. “If you don’t cheer up soon, I’m going to have to find someone else to make me happy.” Bay couldn’t help feeling his favorite toy was broken.
“I’m sorry. It’s just being shot at has made me see how short life is. I’m missing out on so much.”
“You’ve traveled to six different countries, seen some of the biggest landmarks in the world, and have dined in some of the best restaurants since I’ve known you. I hardly think you’re missing much, sweetheart. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. I’m the one who was shot, and while I appreciate the fact that you’ve been doting over me like a mother hen, I want my sexy little kitten back. The one who is bratty and spends my money.”
“You just want a fuck toy.” She said the words under her breath, and Bay dropped his spoon.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head.
“Don’t let the shoulder fool you, Mia. I’m quite capable of taking you over my knee and tearing that ass up.” He pegged her with a hard stare.
“I’m not a little girl. I’m your sister-in-law. My sister is worried sick about you, and all you can think about is that I might have lost interest.”
“Have you? I’ll be sure and let my bank know you’re no longer interested in spending my money.”
Even though she kept her face down to the table, she turned her eyes up to look at him. “You can’t buy me.” She rolled her eyes.
“Too late for that, sister. And if you roll your eyes at me again, I’ll have Lou dig them out with a spoon and feed them to your sister’s dog.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Is it? Or is it a brother simply teasing his younger sister?” He took a sip of wine and eased back in his chair. “We can play this however you want, Mia. Be whatever you want, but stop pretending you’ve grown a conscience. You’re still the bratty little cunt you’ve always been, and while I’m not sure you’ve ever realized it, but that’s the only fucking reason I was ever interested in you in the first place.” Her sassy attitude had been the biggest turn on of his life.
Confusion dimmed her expression, and she tucked a stray hair behind her ear.
“Oh, did you think I preferred you because you’re prettier than Lila? Sexier?” He laughed, playing on her insecurities. “If that were true, you’d be the one knocked up right now.” He hoped he cut her to the bone, and from the look on his face, he had.
“Fuck you. You know you find me irresistible.” She pushed her chair back as if to get up.
“What I find you, Mia, is easy. Available. And I like that you love to hurt your sister.”
“I don’t want to hurt Lila.”
“Come on, you little slut. You know you like the satisfaction you get from riding my cock in her bed, thankful that it’s you and not her. Having your dirty little secret to feed your spoiled little ego. Perhaps it’s truly time she knows what her sister’s been up to.”
“She will divorce you,” Mia snapped. “She’s been looking for a way out since you got her pregnant.”
Bay laughed and reached for his glass. “Silly girl, there is no way out. Not for you or her.” He snapped his fingers, and her back stiffened.
She didn’t move.
Bay loved the challenge. He snapped his fingers again and cocked his brow higher, waiting for her to make her move.
But she didn’t.
Knowing Lane was in the house and the others had stepped out, he slammed his hand down on the table, causing Mia to jump. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. But I’d suggest that you think really hard about your next move.” He had treated her too softly. Cared for her too much.
He undid his pants and got to his feet.
Mia quickly got to hers but then slowly made her way over to him. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, barely meeting his eyes.
“It’s okay, love, you lost your way. And I’m afraid I’ve learned a very valuable lesson.” He grabbed her shoulder and turned her around, pushing her face down on the table. Her elbow landed on his plate, and her head spilled what was left of his wine. He pushed her skirt up and was inside her before the sauce that had splattered on her dress soaked in.
He fucked her hard and fast as she wept, and then he pulled away, but only long enough to turn her around. “Let me see those tears, baby.” He moved forward and aimed his cock at her center, pushing inside her, slamming his body so hard, the wine glass rolled off of the table and shattered on the tile at his feet.
“Please,” she begged, meeting his eyes. “Harder, please.” Fresh tears rolled down her mascara-streaked face, and he gave her exactly what she asked for, tearing her little pussy up.
“I’ve been way too easy on you. Is that what why you’ve been straying?”
She met his eyes with a fearful look but didn’t admit anything.
“It’s okay. I forgive you. It’s not your fault I’ve babied you so much. I let myself get wrapped up in my desires for you, and I made it all too easy.” Bay finished with a grunt of triumph.
Carter rushed into the room. “Is everything—Sorry.” He started to turn and leave, but Bay stepped back and put away his cock.
“My apologies, but it’s been days. You’re welcome to be my guest, Pastor Hamilton. I’ve never shared her with anyone willingly, but I think that’s about to change.” He smiled at her and watched the horror as his words registered in her pretty head.
No one had hurt him like she had, and he was going to have to make things tough to show her how good she had it.
“I’m good,” Carter said, his eyes turned in Mia’s direction. Bay saw him swallow hard like he was second-guessing that decision.
Bay glanced down to see what he saw. Mia’s skirt was still pushed up, revealing her perfect snatch. The poor girl knew better than to move. She was breathing loudly, her eyes shining as wild as a cat’s. Bay took her hand and brought her to her feet. She pulled her skirt down and then fell into his arms like a whipped puppy.
“Lane’s in the kitchen,” Carter said. “Said he heard something break in here. Wanted me to check on it.”
“I didn’t know you were here.”
“I just came by on my way out of town. I heard you’re all leaving too.”
“What did you want? To finish the job?”
Carter’s eyes lit with surprise. “I didn’t have anything to do with that.”
“Why are you still in town?” Bay asked.
“I met someone, spent a little time with her.” He lifted his chin as if to let Bay know he was unapologetic.
“Getting tired of fucking the young girls in your congregation?”
“I’m not my father. I prefer them legal. How old are you, sweetheart?” He looked at Mia.
“Mia is nineteen.”
“And your wife’s sister, is she not?” He had an accusing tone.
“She is. What’s the matter, Carter? Did I commit one t
oo many sins for you? Is that why you tried to take us all out?”
“I appreciate you thinking I have that much power. I can assure you I don’t. I didn’t order the hit on our group. I wouldn’t ever do anything like that.”
“You wouldn’t but your congregation might.” He knew he hadn’t called the shot, but it was fun to fuck with him and make him squirm. The cocky, young, and handsome pastor had been on a pedestal for too long. It was time someone pushed him off.
Before they could get into it any further, they heard the front door and voices in the next room. He turned to Mia. “Clean this and yourself up.” He kissed her cheek. “You’re my girl.”
It wasn’t a question, but she nodded. “Always.”
He followed Carter into the next room where Darek and Raven stood with long faces. Darek looked his way. “Bad news from the hospital.”
“What is it?” Carter moved forward, and Lane joined them from the kitchen with a bottle of water in his hands.
“Corey passed away,” said Darek. “They’re pretty sure it was a blood clot.”
Bay’s blood turned cold. He took a deep breath and began pacing the room.
Carter bowed his head and spoke a soft prayer, and Lane walked over to sit on the back of one his sofas as Darek continued. “Brandy is having him cremated, and she and Justin will be going home later. The doctor cleared him for travel. He’s being strong for Brandy, but I can tell he’s upset.”
“Mia!” said Bay. She walked into the room with her head down. “Go pack at once. We’re getting the hell out of this unlucky city.”
She went to the room, and Bay turned to Carter. “If I find out this has anything to do with you or any of your minions, I’ll come for you. You pray about that.”
Lane spoke up. “I know you’ve all got to go home, so I’ll keep in touch with you about the investigation.”
“The police still insist it was an act of random violence,” Darek said.
“In that neighborhood?” Lane asked. “I just don’t buy it. Sorry, but it doesn’t make any sense. I checked out the areas for my restaurant and chose the one with the least violence. No one had died in that area of more than natural causes for two decades. I think we need to consider that whoever is after us is responsible somehow.”