by L. Ann Marie
“Yeah. He’s pissed at me for hitting him.” I grab beer and hand him one.
“It won’t last. Mucimi is moving right along here,” he says tuning toward the door. Jeremy laughs. I just nod. ”I’ll be back. I’m not on until seven so I’m going to see the kids. Are you making dinner?”
“I’ll order you a plate.” I watch him walk out. Fuckin’ crazy.
Christian comes in with Nunánuk. He hugs me and pulls Jeremy outside. I hug Nunánuk and kiss her cheek. Mucimi signs ‘grandmother’ making us laugh. She speaks to him in Mohegan. I hear the chopper and know my dad set down at the front of the Compound.
Prez walks in with Uncle Danny. They kiss Nunánuk and talk with her. Mucimi watches and I wonder if he understands Mohegan. My dad walks in the garage door when Jeremy and Christian come in the slider. Jeremy has tears on his face and my father jumps to tackle me. “You didn’t just hit him!” Uncle Danny and Prez catch his arms before he reaches me.
“I did just hit him. If you were here, you would have too.”
“Look at him!” He’s fighting to get his hands on me.
Nunánuk moves me and takes Mucimi outside. I watch her and look back at my father. “He was wrong. He had no coverage and took off after I told him to stay.”
“You don’t put your hands on him. Look at his fuckin’ face! He was shot!”
Christian moves closer to me. “I saw my brothers die today,” he says it so soft and calm my father stops.
Uncle Danny and Prez let him go. “Fuck no.”
“Jeremy was so focused on cups for Mucimi, he didn’t see and I watched him go right through the windshield of the car. He was dead before the car stopped.” His breath catches. “The pussies were laughing.” I look away.
“Stop!” my dad tells him.
“No. When he died Taylor did. He was too late and a truck came from the front and shot him. Because he wanted a cup for Mucimi. I won’t stop until you hear me. I watched my brothers die today!”
I hug Christian. The fuckin’ hell that plays through his head isn’t fair. He pushes me away. “You saved more than Jeremy. Our family fell apart. He needs to stop treating Jeremy like he’s a little kid. He should have waited. He should have seen Taylor, but all he could see was a fuckin’ cup!”
My dad grabs him. “I got it Christian.” He pulls Jeremy to him with his other arm.
I walk out the door. “Nunánuk, I need a minute.” She nods and I keep walking.
On the beach I think about Christian and Jeremy. It’s a fuckin’ curse to see what Christian does without the vision Jeremy has. Jeremy gets so excited or worked up he doesn’t see anything but what he wants. He thinks he’s invincible.
“You were right.”
I spin around. “Dad.” He’s so fuckin’ quiet I didn’t hear him behind me.
He hugs me. “If he doesn’t learn now, he’s going to get himself killed.” When he lets me go he starts walking.
“I was so fuckin’ scared Dad. He didn’t see the car. He wouldn’t stop for me. I almost shot his tire then the truck was on him.”
“Prez showed me your feed. I would have been scared too. You really did save him. I didn’t know you were that good of a shot.” He smiles at me then gets serious. “I see where shielding him puts him in danger, but he’s my son. He’s the special that’s special to everyone. I think in protecting that I didn’t realize how vulnerable I made him. I’m glad you see it. I didn’t get it at the meeting as applying to Jeremy too. I get it now. It’s a good fuckin’ thing you were here today.”
“I was thinking that just a few minutes ago. Christian is the one needing protection Dad. He gets the visions that hurt him deeply. Jeremy has something that shields him, but Christian gets hit with it and has no shield.”
He stops and looks at me. “I got that today too. I’ve always tried to shield Christian, but he doesn’t let me that close. He’s so fuckin’ sensitive, but strong.”
“I think you’re right, but he needs something from us that he’s not getting.”
He looks away. “I want to give him that. I hate seeing him hurt. I never knew being a father came with all this. I was ready to hit you and I wanted to hug you for keeping him safe.”
I laugh. “I’m glad Uncle Danny and Prez were there until you decided.”
He laughs and hooks his arm around my neck. “And VP. He had me by the hair.” We start back. “I love all my kids Brantley, but I never got a book about how this would all play out. You’ve always been the most independent and easy kid I have. I hope you know that doesn’t make you loved any less.”
I smile. “I never thought it until I thought you were going to kill me.”
He laughs. “Nope, but next time don’t hit him so hard.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“Love you too, Son.”
When we walk in the house VP, Uncle Danny, Jeremy, Christian and Mucimi are eating. I groan. “He shouldn’t be eating French fries.”
VP looks at me. “Didn’t put vinegar.”
My dad cracks up and sits next to Christian. “Thank you for saving us today. I’m so fuckin’ proud of you and feel bad you get all you do. What can I do for you Christian?”
Christian just looks at him. I pull a container and look at Uncle Danny. “Did you get Holly food?” Christian needs some dad time without us watching.
“Clam and scallop. It’s over there with her name on it.” He points to the counter.
Jeremy hands Mucimi some fish. “I don’t think he’s supposed to eat fish.”
VP gives me a look. “Leave him alone. Tellin’ everyone to stop shieldin’. Stop fuckin’ shieldin’.”
“Seriously, something about the mercury in it.”
Uncle Danny laughs. “Never hurt the other kids.”
I nod. “Okay.”
VP laughs. “That fuckin’ easy.” I roll my eyes at him and give Mucimi a piece of clam cake.
“What’s Holly want big?”
Oh shit. “I don’t know. I’ll ask tonight and the money goes toward the jammer for the daycare.”
VP laughs. “See? Easy.”
***
Holly
I don’t know what happened today, but Jeremy has a black eye and cheek, Christian and Cloud were here with Nunánuk and everyone decided Mucimi should eat table food while drinking coffee milk from his new cup. A little crazier than usual, but they all love each other, and me. I love being part of that.
“Babe?”
“Sorry. What happened to Jeremy’s face?”
“You didn’t hear me ask about when you want to get married? I hit him.”
Myself is having trouble deciding which emotion to feel. Married and he hit him? “Why?”
“Because Uncle Danny will be here for breakfast if I don’t get him the date and what you want big.”
Strange people at breakfast is pretty normal here. I go with the other one. “Why did you hit Jeremy?”
His body stops moving. I watch as only his mouth moves. “He almost got himself killed today. When I caught up with him I hit him.”
“Everyone was here because you hit him?” I’m not happy about it either.
“No. They were here because Christian saw Jeremy die. Me hitting him was to wake him the fuck up so he doesn’t make Christian relive that particular nightmare.”
“Oh my God.” I cover my mouth and feel the tears. He saw his brother die. I just want to hold him and never let him go.
“Fuck. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to throw that at you. I was fuckin’ scared and hit him because he didn’t see he could have been killed. He doesn’t think before he does shit.” His heart is pounding under my cheek. I kiss it. He must have been going crazy trying to find him. Crap, crap, crap! He kisses my head. “I’m sorry Holly.”
“Is Christian okay?”
He watches me. “He’s going to be okay. Before Jeremy left he told me to give Christian his room.”
I nod. “Can we? He needs to know everyone’s okay and
he’s so far away.”
He smiles shaking his head. “I’ll ask him tomorrow, but it may be better to just build him a room like Jacob’s. Thank you my sweet girl.”
“He can stay in Jeremy’s room until it’s done.”
He laughs. “I’ll ask. Now when do you want to get married and what do you want big?”
“Are we all done being in danger?” We should wait until the crazy settles a bit.
“That ends tomorrow. The wedding babe.”
Danger’s done tomorrow? That’s good. “I don’t care and what do you mean big?”
“Every old lady wants a big thing. Some flowers or dancing or party or dress. Something in the wedding is big and means something to the old lady.”
“Oh. Can it be small with just the family and a big clam boil? I liked everyone coming to the clam boil.”
He nods. “Whatever you want, but you have to clarify just family.”
“I don’t have anyone so your family and Princes or MC Brothers. All the people that took me in.”
“I’ll tell Uncle Danny and he’ll give us a date when Pres is free.”
What? “Uncle Danny coordinates the wedding? Doesn’t he do, like, everything else?”
He laughs. “They bet. He gives the money up if he wins. This time it goes toward the jammer that is keeping the daycare/school safe. He tells Kate and she gets the old ladies on setting it up. They can come back and say two days so be prepared.”
Holy crap! “Okay.”
He kisses me then carries me into the room. “So fuckin’ easy.” He sets me down and lifts my dress up. “What the hell?” He turns me around and I wonder what he’s doing.
My bra is unclipped and it falls down to my elbows. Oh shit. “I didn’t know we were talking wedding today. I would have worn sexy lace.”
“These are sexy as fuck and have Wonder Woman. I love them.”
I hold in my laugh and he spins me back around to kiss me then he’s on his knees sliding my panties down. I smile thinking I get to wear them again. Myself scores one for the kryptonite panties.
He spins me putting my hands on the footboard and falls to his knees behind me. It’s never dull with him and I’m breathing heavy without him doing anything but saving my panties so far. He pushes down on my lower back and bites my ass making me moan. I love when he’s rough. When his tongue touches me I arch more trying to get him in the right place. He moans with me hitting just right. “Please don’t move from right there,” I gasp out wanting this to last forever.
He moans and it feels better. Holy shit. My body starts shaking. I move with him and he stops me grabbing my hips hard and growling. I stop and let his tongue work its magic. With my head spinning and body ready to detonate I hold on tight then yell his name as I come. Holy shit! My body sags wanting to fall forward. I breathe trying to clear my head and piece my brain back together.
He moves so fast surprising me. His hands never move from my waist, thank God, as he pounds into me. “Love fuckin Wonder Woman on my beautiful girl.” With his body wrapped around me he has a nipple rolling in his fingers and one on my clit. I’m going to die a happy woman and scream his name as I come again.
I’m still breathing hard when he lifts me up. “Love you my beautiful Holly.”
I don’t get how he’s moving but moan so he knows I got it. He laughs. When he puts me down I roll thinking I still get to wear Wonder Woman again.
Chapter Eighteen
Brantley
Uncle Danny rides with me to Dunkin’ so I can talk to Joey. While he’s eating I tell her what happened yesterday and hold her while she cries. “I’m going to ask Christian to move up here with us. He can stay with me. Uncle Danny said he can put another room on like Jacob’s”
She gives me a sad smile. “I’d like to see him more. Thank you Brantley. Leave it to me and he’ll be here. He misses us, but doesn’t know how to get back. I’ll do it today. Holly is okay with this?”
“She asked and wants him to stay in Jeremy’s room until Uncle Danny is done. She thinks he needs to be with us.”
“Fuckin’ smart old ladies,” Uncle Danny smiles. I tuned him out and forgot he was here.
Joey laughs then stands up. “I have a call to make. Set an extra seat for dinner.”
We laugh watching her walk away. “Aren’t you eating?” he asks as I stand up.
“Jacob made breakfast earlier. We get up early.”
He gives me a look. “I’m coming to your house when I’m here. If I’m not the fuckin’ short order cook, I have to eat out.”
I laugh. “You have to help clean and everyone takes a turn cooking.”
He smiles getting on his bike. “I won’t come on those days.” I shake my head following him out.
In Ops I sit at console one and look through the spreadsheets Jacob added to. Ortiz has two mercs left and is desperate. His logged calls aren’t getting him anything and no one is willing to extend him credit. He’s got a drug lord from Mexico breathing down his neck and no supplier to make quick money.
The SUV is bugged, but they have no one to contact and no conversations are logged except the mercs. They’re nervous about not hearing from the others and talked about jumping out.
Prez comes in with Darren. “Where’s Uncle Danny?”
I look around. “He’s here somewhere. I just sat down.”
Darren walks to the computer on two and pulls the building feed. “He must be in the break room. Food just got here.”
“We went to Dunkin’.”
Prez laughs. “He’d still eat.”
I look at the board. Sure enough he’s eating with Taylor. “Did you see Taylor last night?” He never came over. Prez shakes his head. “He was freaked about Jeremy and never came over to see Nunánuk and Christian.”
Prez looks at the board then Darren. “Talk to him today. I’ll get Dakota to meet up with him somewhere.”
“How can I help?”
Prez looks at me and thinks about that. “Get Christian here. He’s going to be a help.”
I nod. “Joey said to set him a plate for dinner. She’s getting him here today. Uncle Danny will make him a room like Jacob’s.”
“Holly okay with this?” Darren asks.
“Yeah. She asked and told me he could stay in Jeremy’s room until Uncle Danny was done.”
I look at Prez waiting for what is going on with Taylor. “There’s times when you have to let things happen. We need to do that Brantley. If Tess were here she’d say it all works out.”
Fuck. I hate that fuckin’ phrase. It always means bad shit’s about to happen. I think about the pain Mucimi feels. It’s less now, but I thought it was going to kill me to hear him cry. I need to let Taylor feel the pain too I guess.
“You do Brother.”
I look at him. “Yeah.”
“Are we working today?” I look toward the door. Uncle Danny looks at each one of us and something passes to Prez.
He nods. “Yeah, we have watch on Ortiz while Baxters news hits. He’s in a hotel in Mystic. He found out his ship isn’t sailing and VP said he’s on edge.”
“Taylor’s a little under the weather. I need someone that can keep up. Since I’m here for Jessie, he’s out. Who do you have?”
I look at the board. “Aaron’s on the afternoon. What’s up with Taylor?”
He looks at Prez. “Hangover.”
Fuck. Prez’s hands go in his hair. He puts a tie in and looks at Darren. “Brantley,” Darren says, like that’s an option. Prez doesn’t laugh.
“What?” He’s fuckin’ crazy. “I can’t replace Taylor.”
He sits and types then watches the board. “Fuckin’ dead eye and can ride.”
I look at Prez. “He’s out of his mind. I’m not even HS.”
Darren gives me a look. “You are HS. You’re just not on the boards. Your ride and shoot is one-thirty-five.”
“Prez, I can’t do this. I’ve never been on Ops. I’ve never even been Security. I need Securi
ty to go anywhere. I’m just a geek.”
Uncle Danny laughs. I look at him. He’s the craziest fuckin’ Brother we have. He’s watching the board. “I’ll take him. He’s like Digs.” He smiles like it will be fun. He’s fuckin’ nuts.
“No! I’m not fuckin’ anywhere close to Digs. I’m just a geek.”
He gives me a look. “One shot. Four pussies and you hit everyone with one shot. You’re riding with me.”
“Sonofabitch! He’ll shoot me! I’m not trained for Ops. Prez?”
He looks from Uncle Danny to me. He’s got to see this is a bad idea. He wouldn’t let him kill me. “We have shit happening later. Ortiz needs to be watched. VP was adamant we have Uncle Danny there this morning. You not only caught Jeremy, but you did it riding and shooting as if you were born on a bike with a gun in your hand.” I’m shaking my head no. “I need you riding with Uncle Danny. You would protect him just like you did Jeremy.”
My jaw clenches and I throw everything running in my head out. I don’t have a choice. If Prez says I’m going, I’m going. “I have no HS gear.”
Darren smiles and pulls me up. “Let’s get you readied.”
I stop him from pulling me through the door. “I want to go on record saying you’re all fuckin’ crazy and someone better take care of my family.” They laugh. “I’m coming back to haunt the fuck out of every one of you.” They laugh more.
Darren pulls me out. “You’re not gonna die Brother. It’s just a babysitting job.”
“Then why does Uncle Danny have to do it?”
“Fuck you’re smart. We don’t have time. You’ll be fine.”
There’s no point in arguing. I’m going to die and Mucimi will have my brothers to raise him. At least there’s four of them and Joey can help Holly. Jeremy will pop in too. That’s something.
I’m dressed and can’t tell you when it happened. I stuff shit in my pockets as Darren hands it to me. I’m not saying a word. I pull my guns and the harness feels good on both sides. I get a new lid and they bring me a bike. It’s like mine, but a tricked out HS version. I ride the lot and reach in the jacket to pull my gun. When I reach for the other it isn’t so easy. I move it to my thigh pocket and try again while riding. That’s easier so I leave it and pull up to the building.