“Oh, hey, Teagan. How you feeling?”
“Tired,” I lie, faking exhaustion. “I guess I’ll have to get through it. I have no other choice.”
“About that…. I don’t normally do this, but I have something that could help you,” she says, stepping closer, almost whispering.
Alarm bells ring in my head. I keep my expression impassive, knowing this is what we’ve been pursuing. If this is what I think it is.
“Oh yeah?” I say, feigning interested.
“Yeah. I just…. You need to keep it to yourself. Can I trust you?”
Who asks someone if they can trust someone? Stupid people, that’s who. I know Maverick will be listening, along with Evan and whoever Officer Barrett and Grant has brought in with them.
“Of course you can. If you can get me out of this funk, I’ll take whatever help you can give me.” I force a smile, hoping she doesn’t see through my lie.
“Good,” she says, glancing down the hall to make sure no one is looking.. “These will give you the pick-me-up you’re after. Take one, no more. I’ll let you have these for free, but if you need more, you’ll have to pay. You can’t tell anyone about this though.”
“What are they?” I whisper, taking the pills from her, my hands shaking.
She opens her mouth to answer, but before she can breathe a word, the hall is storming with uniformed and plainclothes police.
Her eyes widen in horror and fear, glancing to me before hardening. “You stupid bitch. You have no idea what you just did,” she yells, coming for me. She grabs a chunk of my hair and the pills she gave me fall to the floor. I hold her wrist, crying out when I feel strands of hair fall free in her grip.
“Let me go,” I yell, shaking.
“You’ll pay for this. You have no idea what you’ve done. She’ll know,” she whisper-yells in my ear. I look behind me, my hair still in her grip. Her eyes are still wide, full of fear, but in a blink I see a flash of relief.
That can’t be right. Why would she feel relief?
She lets go, pushing me to the floor. I land on my hands and knees before two strong arms come around me.
Maverick.
He stands me up, keeping me tucked into his side. I go willingly, shaken, breathing him in for comfort. His body turns rigid and I look up, finding the source. Holly stands there, her hands behind her back in handcuffs as the police read off her rights.
“How could you?” Maverick says, his voice hard, void of emotion, and cold.
“I had no choice. No fucking choice. You think I wanted to do this? That I wanted people to get hurt? No, I didn’t. The police arresting me had always been a better option for me. Let’s just hope these imbeciles get to my children before they do.”
She’s dead serious in what she’s telling us, but it still doesn’t make up for the fact that she helped kill people. She still sold those drugs and didn’t care about the consequences. She could have gone to Maverick and asked for help, explained everything to him. I’m sure he would have helped her. No, I know he would have.
I can tell from the look on his face that he’s hurt by her betrayal. Anyone who works for him knows he’ll do anything to help any one of them. Hell, just the other day he gave Sophie a gift card for various shops so she could get her kids some much-needed clothes.
“You’re an adult. You know right from wrong,” he bites out before turning away, taking me with him. He stops when we reach Evan. “Check everything out about her. I want to know what she had for breakfast last week. I want to know every single one of her friends, visitors, and family. If the police need anything, tell them to call me tomorrow.”
Evan nods and moves back into the office. I follow Maverick, staying silent. As we reach the back door, Holly’s voice echoes down to us.
“You’re going to pay for this. You’re going to wish you never found out about me,” she screams.
I visibly shake, and the hand Maverick holds becomes clammy. He looks down at me with a soft expression.
“It’s okay.”
“Where are we going?” I ask softly, looking back at all the police in the hallway.
“To see Faith,” he says shortly, his tone clipped.
“Faith?” I ask, dragging him to a stop when we reach outside. “Stop! What’s going on? Are you mad at me?”
He stops, sighing. When he turns to look at me, his eyes are sad, yet a fire burns there. “I can’t believe her. She’s worked here for three years. I don’t get why she would do this. They get a fair wage.”
I grip his face in my hands, leaning up on my toes so I’m somewhat eye level with him. “You couldn’t have known she was going to do this to you. It’s over. It’s stopped.”
“Yeah,” he whispers. He brings his lips down, covering mine, and I sigh, contented.
“Now tell me. Why did you mention Faith?” I ask, kissing him once more.
“She’s at mine. It’s why I texted you earlier to come see me. She was upset at Granddad and Joan’s house this afternoon. She wanted you, so I said she could stay with me. Max has her. I promised her you would tell her goodnight, so we should go.”
I melt, my eyes softening as my lips pull into a smile. “You, Maverick Carter, surprise me.”
“I surprise myself.” He chuckles, picking me up and bringing me closer.
“Take me to my daughter, then.” I wrap my legs around him, holding on tight. I never want to let go. Ever.
Maverick Carter isn’t who he professes to be. He’s more. Much more.
And he’s mine.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
TEAGAN
Why do Mondays always seem to drag? Every Monday is the fecking same. It’s painful, tiring, and the day seems to move slower. I dread the day every Sunday. You know it’s coming, like a killer in a horror movie, and there’s nothing you can do to escape it.
God, the whole weekend seemed to drag for me. After the constant police interviews, them taking my statement and then explaining to the other members of staff why I was there, it’s been exhausting and tiring. Most of them understood my reasons, but Sophie and a few other girls were a little hurt and pissed. They saw what I did as betrayal. Marley surprised me when she spoke up for me, telling them it was about time someone sorted out who was fucking with the club.
“I’ll be off. Are you sure you’re okay to lock up?” Nan asks, bringing me back to the present. She moves around the counter, grabbing her coat and handbag. She picks up the bunch of flowers she’s made up for her friend before turning back to me, a worried expression on her face.
I lean against the counter, rolling my eyes. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be fine on my own for one afternoon, Nan. No one has come in since this morning, so it’s not like we’re rushed off our feet. Go, I know Pat is waiting for you.”
Her free, cold hand cups my cheek. She smiles sadly, shaking her head at what she sees. “I know that, my child. I’m not worried about you being rushed off your feet, but about you. You’ve had a long weekend.” She sighs.
I let out a breath. Since Holly’s arrest, I’ve been a little shaken up by her parting words. They’ve haunted me day and night ever since. It wasn’t as much as the threat but the promise as she said them that has me wary.
I regret telling Nan. I knew she’d only worry but I wanted her to know before she read it somewhere or someone else told her. I told her the real reason why I was there and not the lie about needing some extra cash.
Although she was proud we saved lives and put away a criminal, she’s also disappointed over the fact that I didn’t tell her beforehand and that I put my life at risk doing it.
“I’m fine. I promise. Everything the other day was too much, too fresh, but I’ve had time to process it now. Stop worrying about me.”
She glances at me for a minute or two before seeming satisfied with the truth in my eyes.
I step forward, mindful of the flowers she holds and hug her. I love my nan with all my heart. Without her, I don’t know where I’d be. She
picked me up when I was down and alone, and when I was scared and running from my past. She’s helped me raise Faith and I’ll be forever thankful to her, so knowing she’s worrying over me makes me feel bad. She shouldn’t have to anymore―not that she ever had to.
I’m stronger now. It should be me worrying about her.
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Pat needs me to stay the night with her,” she says, kissing my cheek.
“Tell her to get well soon and that we send our best wishes.” I smile, kissing her cheek before pulling back.
“I will.”
Once she’s gone, I busy myself with idle chores. But after an hour they’re done, so all I have to do is stand around being bored.
I’m walking back out to the front when the bell above the door dings. My head pops up, a smile plastered across my face, but it falls the second I see who’s standing inside the door with two men at her side.
I stagger backwards, blood draining from my face. My mouth opens and closes, stuck on what to say or do. So many emotions are running through me.
Shock.
Despair.
Dismay.
A noise from behind me gains my attention. I turn, looking to the back entrance. Two more men step inside, sneers on their faces. My heart beats wildly against my chest.
“Teagan, it’s been too long,” she says in a sickeningly sweet voice.
My body recoils, flinching at the sound. I look at the woman who tried selling my body, my virginity, with narrowed eyes. She’s still the cold, heartless bitch I remember from long ago. The years haven’t been good to her by the looks of it, although she seems healthier in some aspects.
Lynn was my uncle’s girlfriend… or a friend with benefits. Either way, she was his toy. She was a snake, a witch, and I hated her with a fiery passion.
“Lynn,” I mutter, glancing behind me nervously.
The four men she has with her aren’t like the usual pack of morons who do her bidding. Instead of the skinny, greasy-haired imbeciles willing to do anything for their next fix, these are sturdy, muscled and clearly know what they’re doing.
“You’ve cost me, child,” she says in a cringeworthy tone before turning around and flipping the door sign to Closed.
“As I recall, I stole from Travis, not you,” I bite out. And the only reason I stole the money was because of this vile, evil woman. I needed to get as far away as possible from them. They were―are―toxic to anyone they come into contact with.
She’s put on a little weight but her skin still looks worn, wrinkled and old. Before, she was skin and bone, looking fragile all the time. She reminded me a lot of the Wicked Witch of the West―but ready to break if you even blew on her.
She also seems to be doing well, if her appearance is anything to go by. Instead of the trashy-looking clothes she wore, she’s wearing a pair of decent jeans, and a nice top.
She laughs at my remark. “You think that’s why I’m here? Because of Travis?”
“Then why?” I ask, glancing at the two men standing behind me once again. I hate that I can’t keep an eye on them without taking my eyes off the two in front of me. It’s making me nervous.
“Well, as much as Travis would love to know where his darling niece is, I’m actually here because you took something from me, and you’re going to replace it.”
“How did I?”
I step to the side. I’m now able to get a clear view of both parties, but I’ve also pushed myself into a corner, the wall behind me.
“You see, Holly was working for me. She was my main distributor and you got her arrested. Now you, my darling, are going to fill her position. I need someone inside and my sources tell me you already work for Carter. I’m told you two are very close,” she says, her lip curling.
Oh my God!
It’s her!
“Why would I work for you?” I ask. She’s crazy if she thinks I’m doing anything for her. I narrow my eyes, shaking my head. “Your drugs are killing people. Why on earth would I be a part of that?”
Her expression turns cold, her own eyes narrowing. She takes a step forward and before I can move, her hand connects with my face. I cry out, my eyes watering.
“You will. You will do as you’re fucking told. You wouldn’t want me to cut up your pretty little face, now would you? Maybe let my boys here see if you’re still that sweet virgin? Maybe I’ll get them to mess Carter up, the one you’re so fond of,” she sneers.
I grit my teeth, holding my stinging cheek. “I’ll never work for you. Ever.”
“Oh, you will. You won’t like the consequences if you don’t. I’ve lost money because of you, so to make it up to me you’ll take a night’s take from the club. I know their take for one night is a lot. You’ll get it and bring it to me. In good faith, I won’t set my boys on you.”
I look to the men with her, all wearing blank expressions. From the way they looked at me when they first walked in, I knew they’d do anything without a care in the world or a backwards glance.
I force a laugh, trying to come across as brave when I’m no such thing. “I’ll do no such thing.”
She tilts her head to the side, regarding me. “You’d risk your life? Your lover’s?”
“I’m not risking anything. I don’t owe you anything. I’m not doing it, so go back from whatever gutter you came from,” I snap.
She smirks, seeming amused and smug at the same time. “Very well. I’m due to speak to your uncle soon. I bet he’ll love to know I’ve seen you.”
I gulp, knowing if she tells him where I am, he’ll come. There’s no doubt about it; no one steals from him and lives to tell the tale. But if he comes, it’ll be the end of me. I dread to think of what he’ll do. I’ve watched him cut a man’s finger off for digging into his stash of weed.
I stay silent, straightening my stance as I stare at her. Lynn seems to read my thoughts, a smug smirk forming on her lips.
“I see I’ve gotten your attention for once,” she states calmly. “I’ll be in touch in three days. You better have a night’s take by then.” She walks towards the door, but as she touches the handle, she stops, looking back at me over her shoulder. “Oh, and I shouldn’t have to warn you to keep your mouth shut. If you go to the police, your nan will be arranging your funeral, or vice versa. I haven’t decided.”
I stay silent, frozen in place as Lynn leaves with her four goons. I’m shaking like a leaf, my body cold from her threat.
Tears fall before I even realise I’m crying. Then my brain unfreezes and I snap to attention. Rushing into the back, I grab my coat, bag, phone and keys.
I need Maverick.
I need to warn him.
I need to make sure he understands everything―who I am, who she is and how evil she is. I’ll have to tell him the darkest time of my life. I just hope he can still care for me once he knows about my past, and the reason his club was in trouble in the first place. I don’t think Lynn being at his club is a coincidence. I honestly believe it’s because of me.
*** *** ***
I tried to call him but he didn’t answer his phone, so I rush through MC5, ignoring the staff who try to stop me when I run into the back, using the staff entrance to V.I.P.
There are only a few staff members around when I storm in. They all look up from what they’re doing to see what the ruckus is about.
Bet they think I’ve gone crazy.
Shouts from the MC5 staff can still be heard echoing down the hall behind me, but I carry on and ignore them. One of the girls from V.I.P looks up, confusion apparent before she glances behind me. When she sees the staff members, it must click what they’re doing because she stands. I rush past her and I hear her tell the other members of staff that I work there, even though she knows I don’t any longer. I’ll have to remember to thank her later.
Maverick’s office door is closed, but I don’t let that deter me. I know he’s working today, he told me he’d be stuck in his office doing paperwork.
I barge in una
pologetically and he looks up from his desk. At first he seems annoyed, but when he sees it’s me, his expression turns to one of concern and worry.
“Teagan? What’s wrong? Are you okay? Where’s Faith?” he asks, standing up and looking behind me, most likely for some kind of threat he can beat with his fists.
I struggle to catch my breath, but somehow I manage to push through, my words rushed.
“They want me to sell drugs. Rob from you. Kill innocent people. She’s going to tell him where I am. She threatened to hurt you and Nan if I don’t do as she asked.”
More tears fall, blurring my vision. My voice is beyond hysterical and I find it hard to catch my breath once again. I jump, startled when a figure stands beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder. I hadn’t even seen Evan when I arrived, I had been that frantic.
“Teagan, slow down. What happened?” he asks.
“Lynn….”
“Okay, who is Lynn?” Evan asks, looking alert.
“She was my uncle’s girlfriend. I―” I start, but stop, choking on my words. My eyes fill with more tears, my throat tightening with emotion.
“You can tell us anything,” Maverick whispers, pulling me into his arms.
He leads me over to the sofa, sitting me down and keeping me close. I let him, needing him right now. I didn’t know how much I needed to feel his arms around me, comforting me, until I feel them come around me.
“Did I tell you my parents died?” I ask, forgetting everything we’ve ever talked about before. All I can think of is her promise to tell my uncle where I am.
“Yeah,” he answers, looking confused.
“Well, I went to live with my uncle. He wasn’t pleasant. He lashed out, liked using his fists, but he never did anything past that. Then Lynn came to live with us and he changed from worse to unbelievable. He could only think about money, sex, money, drugs, and more money.
“I overheard them one night talking about me. Lynn was organising a way to sell my body, my virginity, to the highest bidder,” I choke out.
I watch as his jaw begins to tick, his hands clenching into fists. He takes a minute or two to calm himself down. It’s not him who replies though, but Evan.
Maverick (Carter Brothers Book 5) Page 16