by Jordan Ford
“Where is she?”
“She’s coming. Her father is bringing her out. Everyone is fine. Everyone is happy.”
Maddie scoffs beside me. “I highly doubt that.”
Luisa gives her a tight smile and dodges my mother’s mama bear glare before leaning forward and muttering, “This doesn’t need to be a big deal.”
“I don’t know what the hell goes on back there, but if she even has one scratch, I am making it a big deal.”
“She’s safe, so don’t worry.” Luisa’s voice is cold steel, her eyes flashing me a warning before she pastes her charm back on and waves us a cheerful goodbye.
“Who was that?” Chloe crosses her arms, staring at the woman as she struts back into the club.
“That’s Luisa Garcia. Her brother and husband own this club.”
“I take it she’s in charge of marketing.” Maddie’s voice is dry and unimpressed.
I glance at her fiery expression. Man, she looks like her dad. Those blue eyes are ready to take on a battalion. She’s so confident and ready to speak her mind.
So different from her twin sister.
Max may come across like the tough one, but just because she’s a tomboy doesn’t mean she has Maddie’s strength.
Right now, she’s probably terrified, and all I want to do is wrap her in my arms and protect her.
“There they are.” Maddie jolts away from me, running across to her family.
“I told you to stay in the car!” her dad thunders.
“Yeah, right.” Maddie ignores him and yanks Max into a hug.
Max looks kind of shell-shocked and petrified, her arms slowly linking behind Maddie’s back. Chloe barrels across, wrapping her arms around them both, and they’re soon locked in a group hug I can’t break up.
Dad brushes past me, approaching Chief Barlow to check that everything’s okay.
He gets an icy reception from the taller man, his questions cut short when the police chief turns away and orders his daughters into the car.
I cringe and inch a little closer to Max, hoping to at least catch her eye before she’s hauled away. I wonder where her uncle is.
She spots me, and her blue eyes brim with a mixture of sadness and terror.
Screw only catching her eye.
I walk towards her, pulled by an unseen force that can’t stop me. The second I’m close enough, I run my hand down her back and lean my forehead against hers.
The sisters pull out of the hug, giving me room to embrace her, but my arms don’t even make it the whole way around.
“Get away from her.” Max’s father yanks me back. “You are not to touch my daughter again.”
“Dad—” Max tries to intervene, but her argument evaporates when her father points at her and quietly demands, “You walk to the car and you get in. You don’t talk, you don’t look over your shoulder. You understand me?”
Her eyes skim mine before hitting the ground. With a morose nod, she spins on her heel and shuffles off to the car. Chloe and Maddie instantly flank her, guiding her across the road.
“Please, sir, I—”
Chief Barlow turns on me, his giant body feeling ten times taller as he points a finger in my face. “You stay away from her.”
“But—”
“No,” he cuts me off. “She has been lying to me for weeks. She’s gone behind my back and she nearly got herself killed tonight. None of that would have happened if you hadn’t been a part of her life. So you stay away!”
I gaze up at his irate glare, refusing to flinch away from it, even though my insides are jolting like crazy.
Dad approaches, no doubt stepping in to smooth things over, but Chief Barlow spins and leaves before anything more can be said.
A few seconds later, I’m surrounded, supported, held together as Max is driven away. I feel like someone’s pulled the stuffing out of me and I’m this deflated, hollow shell.
“They’re announcing who got through,” Austin murmurs while sliding the phone back into his pocket.
I don’t move. I’m not even sure how I’m supposed to react right now.
“We’ll go in.” Latifa takes Roman’s hand and shuffles off. Dad follows after a look from Mom. She’s still in mama bear mode and there’s no way she’s going to trust this club again. After tonight, we won’t be coming back here. Hell, she’ll probably tell us the rock festival is off the table.
I don’t even care anymore.
All I can think about is Max and the hell she’s probably going through in the back of her dad’s car.
43
Heavy Chains
MAX
“I can’t believe it,” Dad keeps muttering.
He’s building up. I can feel it.
Maddie takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. I squeeze back, nerves making my grip tight and unrelenting. Maddie doesn’t seem to mind.
I glance at Chloe. She’s gazing out the window, her troubled expression heart-wrenching. She hates yelling. Whenever Mom and Dad or Maddie and Dad got into it, Chloe and I would always go hide in her room, playing music and pretending that everything beyond the door was sweet-smelling roses.
But there’s no room in this car.
No place to hide.
No music.
I swallow.
“You could have been killed, Max!” Dad finally slaps the wheel, his voice bouncing off the car walls and sounding a million times louder.
Maddie and Chloe both flinch, turning to face me for a moment of confusion.
I suck in a ragged breath. “Uncle Conrad came back to help make things right. He gave me a ride to the club, not knowing that the guys he was running from were going to be there.” I sniff and slash at a new onslaught of tears. “Those gambling debts have caught up with him, and now they’ve got him! And they won’t give him back until Dad’s paid the money!”
Maddie gasps, while Chloe goes into silent gaping mode.
“It’s okay, girls. I’m going to make it right. Uncle Conrad will be safe and sound by eight-oh-three tomorrow night. Believe me.” Dad grips the wheel, his jaw clenching tight as he snorts like a bull. “I’ll get him, and then I’m sending him on his way. I don’t want to see him anywhere near my family again.”
“Dad!” I can’t help a horrified gasp. He can’t just cut his brother off. What about forgiveness? Second chances?
His gaze shoots to the rearview mirror and I wish I hadn’t said anything.
Shrinking back in my seat, I look to the floor, dread building in my stomach as Dad pulls the car over and spins around to face me.
“You got something to say?”
I shake my head.
“You better, Maxine, because hearing that guy threaten your life nearly killed me. So would you please explain why I am not sitting down with the recruiting scout from Ohio University right now after watching my daughter kick ass in baseball? Tell my why we’re not finalizing your future!”
I shrink as Dad’s voice rises from a thunder to a roar.
Closing my eyes, I sniff at my tears and finally manage to murmur, “Because I’d rather play music than baseball.”
“What?” Dad leans between the car seats, getting closer so he can hear what I just said.
I lick my lips and will my eyes to pop open.
Dad’s staring at me, his confusion and wrath making his eyes bright.
“I don’t want to play baseball in college.” My voice is trembling. “I’m sorry. I know that was your dream and I didn’t know how to tell you. I’ve been secretly taking guitar lessons.”
“With Cairo Hale,” he mutters darkly before letting out a harsh scoff. “I thought you were kidding the other day.”
I glance at Maddie, wondering how he knew Cairo was involved.
“Sorry,” she whispers. “We kind of had to tell him everything.”
“It’s okay.” I shake my head and turn back to Dad. “I should have said something weeks ago.”
Dad clenches his jaw then grits out. “You
’ve been sneaking around, lying, dating this guy behind my back. What kind of asshole lets his girlfriend lie to her father?”
“Don’t talk about him that way.” My eyes glisten as I shakily stand up for my man. “He’s been trying to convince me to talk to you, but I haven’t been able to because I was scared!”
“Scared?” Dad’s eyebrows dip into a sharp V.
“All you’ve ever wanted me to do is play ball and be your star athlete, but I don’t want that anymore and I knew you wouldn’t understand. I tried to tell you on Wednesday and you didn’t believe me!”
Dad swallows, his mouth dipping at the corners.
“I had the chance to play with this band, on a stage. And I’m good, Dad. I’m a natural. They never let anyone in, but they made an exception for me. So, we auditioned for this summer rock festival. And we were awesome.” A smile tugs at my lips in spite of the tears. “I’ve never felt more alive and happy. Never.”
His anger and confusion is giving way. It’s buckling and falling apart to allow his wounded betrayal to break through.
“Please,” I whisper, fresh tears spilling free as I crumple beneath the weight of his disappointment. “I’m sorry I didn’t have the courage to tell you the truth.”
Maddie squeezes my hand. I glance at her, noting her pride.
I give her a weak smile but it disappears when I turn back to face Dad. His jaw is jutting out, his fingers gripping the edge of his seat while this stone-cold silence moves around the car like toxic gas.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Dad softly murmurs, “You lied to me. You went behind my back. You threw away your chance at a really good college today.”
“I’m still in. I can still study—”
“With what money, Max?” Dad’s harsh bark makes me flinch.
I slump back into my seat and scratch the side of my head. Now that Dad has to bail Uncle Conrad out, finances will be even tighter than before. I don’t even know how he’s going to get that money and save us from this situation.
Dad spins back, muttering a few curse words under his breath before pulling back into traffic.
I share a pained look with Maddie, then turn to check on Chloe. She’s really quiet. Her sleeves are completely covering her hands now and I know she’s being eaten alive just like the rest of us.
I swipe at my tears while Dad keeps driving in sullen silence.
Once we’ve pulled into the driveway, he clicks off the engine and we all sit there in awkward silence until finally Maddie pops open her door and slips out of the car.
We all follow suit, trudging into the house like we have chains around our ankles.
They’re heavy and depressing, and I don’t know how we’re going to shake them off.
But at least I told the truth tonight.
I stood up for myself and even though Dad hasn’t responded, at least he knows how I feel. At least finally, I’m not living under a lie.
44
One Last Visit
CAIRO
I can’t sleep.
After we got home from the club last night, I sat up with my parents until the early hours of the morning. We drank hot cocoa and dissected every part of the night. I still don’t know exactly what went down behind that black door, but I’m desperate to find out. Max looked terrified.
It was something bad.
My stomach has been swirling with nausea ever since.
We got through. Our audition was a hit and we’re supposed to be playing in Cullington next month. I don’t even care.
Maybe I’ll get excited eventually, but right now, all I can think about is Max.
“Demons” by Imagine Dragons is keeping me company in my room. I should reach for my guitar and play along, but I just can’t make myself move right now.
Instead I reach for my phone and check the last few texts I’ve sent Max. I haven’t heard back from her yet. I even tried calling this morning, but it didn’t even ring.
I tried Maddie’s phone about an hour ago. I asked if Max was okay and if I could come over and check on her.
I got a swift reply:
No. Coming here will just make things worse for her.
I texted back trying to find out why, but she hasn’t responded.
Shit. I dump my phone back on the nightstand, wondering if I should ignore Maddie’s warning and just turn up anyway.
“Cairo!” Mom calls. “Can you come here, please?”
I huff, tempted to shout out that I’m busy, but my body moves first and I shuffle out to the kitchen with my hands shoved in my pockets.
As soon as I round the corner, I spot Max standing by the counter and my heart jumps into my throat.
I can’t even whisper her name as she surges towards me. Catching her in a tight embrace, I hold her against me, never wanting to let go. Her fingers clutch my hoody as she sniffs against my shoulder.
Her body is quaking like she’s already started crying.
I share a quick look with Mom who’s watching us with glistening eyes and a sad smile.
“I don’t have long,” Max finally mumbles and pulls free.
It hurts to let her go, so when she steps back, I rest my hands on her wet cheeks and brush the tears away with my thumbs.
She gives me a quivering smile. “Maddie’s covering for me while Dad’s…” She glances at the floor and crosses her arms. “But he’ll be back soon and then my life will be over.”
“What’s going on?” I whisper, guiding her to one of the bar stools so she can take a seat and tell us.
Mom places a glass of water on the counter for her.
Max gives her a twitchy smile. “Thanks.”
“You can tell us anything, sweetie. We’re just here to help and listen.”
“I know.” Fresh tears spill free and she swipes them away. “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to stop crying.”
“It’s okay.” I nestle up against her so she can lean into my side.
She rests her head on my chest. “They kept Uncle Conrad. Dad has to pay for his release. The exchange is happening at eight o’clock and then he’s driving Uncle Rad to the airport. I won’t even get to say goodbye.” My face bunches with torment. “He’s been booked into a rehab center in Florida. It’s like three thousand miles away, but he needs it. And I don’t know when I’m going to see him again.”
“Cairo mentioned that he stole some things.” Mom gives her a kind smile. “Sounds like your family is doing everything they can to help him.”
“Yeah.” Max sucks in a ragged breath. “He, um, got addicted to gambling and the people at that club last night, they… He owes them money.”
“Whoa,” I murmur, bulging my eyes at Mom while holding Max a little tighter.
Mom’s dark eyebrows dip together before she can smooth out her expression. “But isn’t your dad the police? Can’t he stop these people?”
“It’s always more complicated than that. This guy is scary and untouchable. Everything he said, he… His threats.” She lets out a shaky sob.
My heart is cracking as I stand there rubbing her back.
Mom cringes. “He wouldn’t risk hurting your family, though, would he?”
“The guy seemed confident and very unafraid of my father.”
“Wow.” Mom starts playing with her necklace, running the amber bead up and down the chain.
I swallow, willing my voice back into action. My brain is reeling as I try to absorb this stuff. “So, uh…” I lick my lips. “Can your dad get the money?”
“Yep.” Max bobs her head. “I don’t know how he got it, but my parents have been up all night and on the phone most of today.”
“You poor thing,” Mom murmurs. “You must be terrified.”
“They won’t hurt Dad.” Max shakes her head. “They won’t kill a cop. They’re not stupid, and once the money’s paid, everyone will be safe again.”
“Yes, well we’re going to make sure of that. Cairo is certainly not going anywhere near Brazenwood ag
ain.” Mom gives me a firm look before glancing back at my girlfriend. “I’m so sorry it’s come to this. You guys were amazing on stage last night. I was so proud and happy watching you. And not to be flippant, because I know you probably feel like you’re going through hell right now, but I don’t want you guys to ever forget how epic it was before it all fell apart. Those are the memories I want you to keep from last night.” Her dark eyes glimmer as she smiles at us.
Max sits up with a sniff. We share a quick smile before she glances at her watch.
Her face crumples with disappointment. “I have to go. If Mom knows I snuck out, the punishment will only be worse.”
“Punishment?” Mom frowns.
“They haven’t decided yet. Dad wanted time to think about it. So yeah, I’m pretty sure my life isn’t going to be very happy for the next little while. They’ve already taken my phone and I don’t know what else is going to happen.”
Irritation spurts through me.
“I’ll find out tonight when Dad gets home, but that’s why I had to come. I just…” She rests her hand on my chest and gazes at me with a heartbreaking smile. “I just had to see you and let you know that…” Her voice dies as fresh tears line her lashes.
Cradling her face, I lean in and plant my lips on hers.
I don’t care that Mom is right there watching and Max doesn’t seem to either, because she kisses me back like it’s the last one we’ll ever have before suddenly ripping her lips off mine and choking out a painful goodbye.
“I’m sorry. I have to go. I have to go.”
She presses the back of her hand against her mouth before racing for the door.
As it slams shut behind her, I feel myself crumple on the inside. Mom’s there beside me before I can flop into the chair. She wraps her arms around me and holds me tight, stroking the back of my head and murmuring, “It’s okay. It’s okay. We’ll make this right. It’ll be all right.”
I hug her like I’m five again. I have no idea how long we stand there, but I’m once again grateful for my amazing parents.