To my right, I can hear Brianna landing one good punch to the woman, who falls on the bed. Brianna turns her around and cuffs her. The woman is out cold. After Brianna finishes, she talks to the old man.
“Sir, you obviously don’t have any idea of who we are and what we are capable of. I know you’ve got a knife, but this girl right here, will take you out before you can even use it. That’s all the warning I’m going to give you. Good luck.” She steps into the hallway to help Colton with the brother.
I look at Traxx and I’m hoping he understands what I need him to do. He barely nods and I reciprocate.
“Mr. Smith, this is your last chance. Let go of the knife. We can talk out this situation and come to an agreement. I’m sure of it.”
“There is nothing to talk about. My daughter is gone… Gone. She was so young… and she was a good girl. Good grades, too. She had her entire life ahead of her and this piece of shit ruined her!”
As the old man is getting more and more upset, he’s putting more pressure on Traxx’s neck. I can’t continue to let him hurt Traxx. I can’t take a chance. If something happens to him, my heart will stop beating as well. I look at Traxx, he’s been attentive and looking at me, waiting for my sign.
“Well, now you can tell your daughter we say goodbye.”
The comment catches Mr. Smith by surprise and he looks at me in shock. Traxx takes advantage of his distraction, leans forward as much as he can and then slams the back of his head onto the guy’s nose, causing him to lose the grip on the knife. When that happens, Traxx throws himself, chair and all, to the floor and I fire the gun. One round in his forehead is all it takes. He’s dead on impact. I don’t ever miss a shot.
Engaging the gun’s safety, I move as fast as I can towards Traxx. I untie him, take the gag off, and help him up.
I’m taking a look at the cut on his throat, and even though it’s bleeding some, it’s still superficial. I take the rag that was gagging him and place it against the cut.
Brianna comes walking in. “Colton’s okay. The guy hit him on the temple and Colton lost his balance, allowing the guy to land a few punches before I could get to him. We need to get comfortable. This is going to be a long night with a lot of explaining on our part. What are we going to say about how we found the address?”
“I think we need to tell them that I thought I lost the van, but I came up to it down the road and that I followed them here.”
Brianna nods. “I’ll tell Colton.” She looks at Traxx. “You okay?”
He smiles at her. “Yeah, I’m fine now. Thanks for coming to my rescue.”
“Don’t get used to it, asswipe. I still want to kick your ass.” She gives him a huge smile and walks back to the hall. Traxx laughs. It’s a beautiful sound.
Traxx
We waited for the police to arrive. Oh, they were pissed. Poor Brianna had to take most of the heat. After the crime unit came and took pictures of everything, Detective Hall told us that we needed to go to the Police Station to give our statements and to be interrogated.
We spent hours at the station. More pictures were taken and they also collected DNA from all of us. We had to write down all the events of the night. We were all in separate rooms. After a while, we were finally released, but were warned not to leave the city. So much for my planned weekend getaway.
When we got back to the apartments, we updated Notso and Keagan on everything. Keagan fixed us something to eat, and after that, I was ready for a shower and to relax with my Nibblet.
After today, I value my life a lot more than I did yesterday. I finally know for sure that I am loved, not only by my friends, but also by this amazing woman who’s resting on my chest. I adjust my arm around her and move her closer to me. I love being with her and I love her. My hand is rubbing up and down her arm and I can’t get over at how happy I feel.
“Traxx?”
“Uh huh…”
“We need to talk about something.” What? Isn’t this soon for a “need to talk” speech?
“What’s going on?”
She moves and rests her elbows on the mattress next to me so we can look at each other while we talk. I have come to learn this is important to her. “It’s time to talk about Step 5.”
“You mean to tell me we are not done with the BTB plan? Because it seems we are doing very well so far.” I give her my best smile.
“Not done. The best is yet to come.” She smiles back at me.
“And what is that?”
“Step 5 – Pay it forward.”
I laugh. “I should’ve known. Go on, tell me about it.”
As she described everything to me, it all made perfect sense. I was happy, loved and now I would finally be able to live my life with purpose. As Ciara continued to talk about what I needed to do, I felt a warmth radiate inside my chest and it was as if the rest of the dismantled pieces of my life slid back in place, and for the first time ever, I was at peace. I finally felt whole.
Epilogue
Ciara (Six months later)
It’s another cold, misty day. This is important for Traxx, so it’s important to me. We are at the cemetery, visiting Marcy one last time. I feel so bad for that family. Not only is Marcy gone, but her father too, at my hands, no less. Her mother and brother were convicted of kidnapping and attempted murder, and are now spending their days locked in a mental institution. After weeks of investigation, the police decided not to press charges against me for taking Mr. Smith’s life. I feel bad to have done it, but I have no regrets.
I stand back to give him some space while he talks to her, but I can still hear him. He has brought her flowers and placed them on the little metal holder next to her headstone.
“Hi Marcy. It’s been a long time since you last whispered things in my ear. No, I’m not here to give you a hard time. I’m here to update you on everything that has been going on with me.
“When we first met, we both were in a very dark place. The difference between us was that I was still trying to stay afloat, but unfortunately the darkness had already pulled you under. We were not that much different about the fact that we wanted to be loved for who we were but didn’t know how to go about it the right way.
“After you were gone, the darkness claimed me. That’s were our lives became apparently different. You drowned because you didn’t have anyone to help you. I got lucky, because even though I wanted to go under, my friends and family wouldn’t let me. They stuck around and it meant so much to me, although I didn’t know it at the time. I’m sorry that you didn’t have anyone. I’m sorry that I was so late in trying to take the gun away from you.
“A while back my girlfriend, Ciara, had an excellent idea. She talked me into volunteering with the local suicide crisis center. I spent months in training, to make sure I could communicate in a positive manner and that I would say the right things to whoever was on the other side of that call.
“Today was my graduation day and I needed to come and tell you about it, because everything good that has happened in my life in the past few months has been a direct result of your visit on the night you decided to come and confront me. I needed to stop by and say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
“I know I didn’t do right by you, but I cannot go back in time to fix it. All I can do is to look forward and hopefully make a difference in someone else’s life. I will be saving lives, Marcy, and it’s all thanks to you. I’m pretty sure that if you had not done what you did, I would still be the careless asshole I used to be. Now I have someone who loves me unconditionally and I can love her back. You would have liked her, I think. She’s is full of spunk, greatness and goodness. She is a wonderful example to others, and I love her. She’s the first person that I have given my heart to, and it has been worth it. Now I sit back and wonder why I was so afraid to do this in the first place.”
He stays quiet for a little while, as if he was listening for her to say something. After a few minutes, he gets up and touches her headstone.
/> “Goodbye Marcy. Thank you.”
Tears were rolling down my face and his, too. He reaches for my hand and I happily give it to him. I would happily give him anything. We walk back to the car in silence.
“I’m so glad that you are happy.” I tell him.
“I’m only happy because you are a part of my life. You helped me become a better man, a better human being. Someone that we can all be proud of.”
“You are awesome, Traxx. That’s the bottom line.”
He embraces me, and rubs my back soothingly. I wrap my arms around his waist. Traxx kisses my forehead first and then places a light kiss on my lips.
“Thank you for loving me, Nibblet.”
“I will love you always, Traxx. Always.”
The End
Thank You!
First, I want to thank you for reading my work. The fact that you bought my book and invested time in reading this story doesn’t go unnoticed. I appreciate you. I’m grateful. I would not be able to create stories, if it wasn’t for you, the readers.
If you enjoyed this book, I need to ask you for a huge favor: Please take a few minutes and leave a spoiler free review. It doesn’t have to be long. You don’t need to recount everything that happened inside the pages. Just a couple of sentences will do. As an Indie author, reviews are our most important marketing tool. It’s the truth. A lot of people will not purchase books unless they take a look at the reviews.
Also, as Indies, we have to cover all expenses that go with releasing a book: cover design, promotions, book tours, prizes and giveaways, formatting, editing, the list goes on and on, but I hope you get the idea. We need to sell books so we can publish some more.
Please help me to be able continue writing and publishing books. Your words count.
Until next time,
Yara
Acknowledgements
My family – My husband Scott and my son Sean, who patiently eat hot dogs more times than they care to, and get super excited on those nights I am able to pull away from writing in order to cook a decent meal. Thank you for cleaning the house and doing the laundry. Thank you for waiting on me to be ready so we can watch “Castle” together, even though sometimes may be two weeks after it aired. Thank you for not giving up on me and supporting me on this crazy dream. I love you guys so much! My oldest son, Ricky you may live far, but you are not forgotten. I hope you find your path soon. I love you. My niece Ciara, Thank you for allowing me to use your first name and likeness for one of my favorite characters, and although you two have different personalities, all her good attributes come from you. <3 Cindy & Mike, I could not have asked for a better extended family. Thanks for treating my kids like they were your own.
Janie Thornley – You saved me! This book would not have happen if it wasn’t for you. You are an awesome friend. Thanks for having my back. Thank you for your great editing skills. I promise, next time I will follow the schedule! Love you bunches!
My Book Club – The Crazy Ass Book Bitches – Ashley, Jamie, Karina, Kelsey, Leighton, Natalie, Randi, Sarah, Shannon, and Vanessa – One of the best days of my life was when we decided to branch out on our own. Thank you for all the laughs, opinions, pictures and chats. Sometimes, the best part of my day is catching up with you every evening. I look forward to seeing y’all every month. Love you guys so hard! Especial shout out to Karina and Jamie for being my first guinea pigs when I started this story, for wanting to read pieces of it knowing that I was going to leave you hanging for a while… Thank you for being the best cheerleaders anyone can have.
Elexis Darden – Thanks for beta reading, all your input, for sharing my books with all the blogs posting teasers and links. I’m so touched that you love my work so much. Your help and ideas are always welcomed and appreciated! Most of all, thank you for listening all those times I just needed to vent and not necessarily about the book. I love and care for you and your family as if I’ve known you for years! Can’t wait to meet you in person!
Paige Boggs – One of the best decisions I’ve made this year was to bring you into the fold. Your help has been invaluable. Thank you for creating all the forms, the teasers, for sharing my books with blogs and for being available to help me anytime I needed you. You are awesome!
My work family – Nick, Amy M., Amy R., Stephany, Lindsay, Cleo, Henry, Norma – Thank you for listening to my crazy ideas, showing interest on my progress, telling people about my book and supporting me during this wild ride. It really means a lot… You guys rock!
Rebecca Berto (Berto Designs) – Thank you for creating my covers, making changes and taking the time to make sure I’m happy with the final product. I look forward to working with you more in the future and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Erin Dawson Photography – Can’t thank you enough for the wonderful pictures! I hope we can work together again in the future!
To all the Book Bloggers – OMG! Thank you! You guys are a vital part of the Indie Book Community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the endless amount of support and enthusiasm you have shown for my stories. I can’t believe how many of you I have interacted in the past year – you guys are amazing! I hope I get to meet you guys during some of the author events I will be attending. So PLEASE drop by my table and I promise I won’t squeeze you too hard! I can’t wait to hear what you think of “Dismantled.” Get in touch with me, I’ll be waiting!
Readers!!!! – You guys make my life a happier place. Even though I don’t write on a full time basis (oh, but I want to!) It’s because of all of you that I am able to chase my writing dreams and create these characters for you to enjoy. You make it possible and I’m delighted and humbled. A little over a year ago, the fact that I wanted to write a book was nothing but a dream. Thanks to you, I can make my dreams come true. I’m so excited about the future and all the stories floating through my mind… I hope you are too, because I cannot wait to share them with you, always!
About the Author
Yara Greathouse likes to write contemporary romance dashed with elements of suspense. She grew up in Dominican Republic, moved to the Unites States at the age of 17 and served in the US Army. Always an animated storyteller, she finally gave into her friends' requests for her to write. Her first series, "Girls On Top" is about strong female lead characters and the sexy alpha males who love them.
She currently resides in Texas, but calls Georgia her "home" state. She lives with her husband, has two boys, a little mutt named Hank and a cat who acts like a spoiled child. Her days are dedicated to a job she loves as a Business Analyst, and during her free time she writes, takes care of her family, and indulges on her love of reading, cooking and travel. She loves to hear from readers, bloggers and other authors. You can find her at:
Website: yaragreathouse.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YaraWrites
Twitter: @yarawrites
Instagram: YaraWrites
Email: [email protected]
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Call 24/7 - 1-800-273-8255
Some of us have passed through some dark times in our life. You are never alone. Talk to someone. I know it feels like the end and you don’t want to face anyone, or you don’t want to make it through the next day. The pain is real. Don’t keep it all to yourself. Share it with someone. Anyone. There are a lot of people who care. I do. I’ve been there. Don’t give up.
Unavoidable
By Yara Greathouse
(Excerpt)
Chapter 1
Brianna
(A little over three years ago)
Some people expect greatness out of life. My only expectation was survival. You can say someone has bad luck when they are able to crawl out of a fire pit after years of torture only to fall into a lion’s den, but I am strong enough to survive both and scared enough to do something crazy in order to get away.
My heart is beating so loud and fast I think
it may give away my location. There’s not much time before they come looking for me. Luckily, it is late in the evening and the bus station is rather empty.
Get a grip, Brianna.
I cannot call attention to myself. Stepping casually into the restroom, the first thing that hits me is the nasty smell of urine. God knows when this restroom was last serviced. Then I notice the pale green walls and the pink sinks. This room has not been touched since the early 80’s - literally. I notice my reflection in the mirror and quickly spring into action and start to remove all traces of my current life. Take the makeup off. The most masculine clothes I have will have to do - Baggy and saggy jeans and an extra-large sweatshirt. Pulling up my long brown hair around my head and fastening it with pins. Then, I put on the wig of short black hair which I took from a new girl before I left. I don’t think she will miss it, after all she had like twenty of them. Putting on the baseball cap, I chance a look in the mirror. Almost done. The finishing touch: brown colored contact lenses I had gotten from the super store’s vision center a while back in order to cover my blue-green eyes. Stepping away from the sink, I stared at the image in the mirror. I just might be able to get away with it.
Snap out of it.
I have to hurry. Opening the black trash bag I brought with me, I take the clothes I took off and placed them in the bag. Placing my trash bag at the bottom of the bin, I put the restroom’s trash filled with discarded paper towels on top of mine. Hopefully if they look inside this trash bin they will only see the paper towels and not realize my clothes are underneath.
Dismantled (Girls on Top #2) Page 20