“Anything, Aly. Anything.” I knew he meant it too. His tone was serious and he held my eyes when he spoke, so I knew he’d do anything to make this easier on me.
“I want you to promise if you ever need me or my family, either of you, you’ll call. You’ll find me, no matter where I am or how long it’s been, and you’ll let me do what I can to help you. I promise I’ll come if you call. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, what he’s done, I promise I’ll come and help.”
Staring at me intently Thomas nodded his head, pulled me into his arms and hugged me tight. He made me a promise that day, one I thought he’d forgotten until today. I’d never forgotten, I couldn’t. Because I’d never forgotten the boy who owned my heart. The boy who held so much sadness inside I thought it would consume him. So when I got a call from an unknown number and it turned out to be Thomas asking for my help, I dropped everything to be there for them. It wasn’t until I arrived at the run-down shack he was being held at that my heart finally broke.
I thought my heart had been destroyed when Rob left without a word the day we graduated high school, but I knew right then when I heard Rob say he was in love with another man’s wife that it hadn’t. Destroyed was in fact a relative term. What I’d felt had been heartbreak, not complete and utter destruction like I was feeling now.
It may have been years, but my heart was no less his than it was when we were teenagers. I’d experienced things most people never would. I’d lived a life I made for myself out of the ruins he’d left behind, and I realized that none of it had mattered. Not a single day I’d spent in the Army hiding behind enemy lines to get information imperative to complete our missions, or the helicopter crash that took the lives of my closest friends and teammates could compare to the horrific pain I felt knowing Rob had moved on and forgotten me. That he’d fallen in love with a woman that wasn’t me.
Not that I’d been expecting him to hold a candle for me or anything. We’d grown apart after the conversation I had with Thomas that night. Partially because I started putting space between us, but mostly due to things escalating at home for him. Nothing I did then lessened the blow when he disappeared into thin air, but in saying that, after how he’d lived with his foster parents for so long I understood his need to get away too. I just wished he’d said goodbye before he left. Left me a note, made a call, anything.
Thomas’s phone call couldn’t have come at a more opportune time either. I was already in Blackwater looking into a case my brothers had taken on, and the leads were drying up. That left me with nothing to do besides hide out and remain sight unseen.
Brookes had called me off another project after hearing from our brother Liam that Devil’s Spawn MC were tracking a man very good at staying under the radar. Seeing as my expertise lay in the area of information gathering, covert information gathering at that, I was assigned the leg work portion of the case. My job was simply to collect facts, evidence, leads, any and all of it, and report back to Brookes so that he could have it followed up. I hated this shit, I’d gotten out of the Army in the hopes I wouldn’t have to utilize this skillset anymore, but as soon as I heard why we were looking into it I was on board with the plan one hundred and ten percent.
I’d been living and breathing Elias Walker for a solid month now, and while I’d received a few tips I was far from breaking it wide open. Hopefully tonight that would all change though. A drug dealer I’d approached spotted Elias coming and going from a seedier strip club located on the outskirts of, Boulder for the last three weeks. I’d cased the place, the information was solid, and I’d developed a plan. One I’d be putting into action tonight.
To say Brookes and Brandt were happy about it would be a fucking lie, but after many a phone call describing what I’d do in intimate detail to their manhood’s if they interfered, they relented and agreed to let me call the shots. Basically I’d convinced the owner of Jiggles, (fucking ridiculous name), to let me strip for a week in order to keep an eye on their resident creepazoid. Shorty, the owner of Jiggles, didn’t agree to my plan out of the goodness of his heart. No, this bastard would only consider it for a fee. More like a bribe, payoff, or whatever you want to call it. One Brookes approved and I paid as soon as I locked down the terms.
Elias was a regular visitor to Shorty’s fine establishment, and from the knowledge I’d gathered had been for over a month. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Elias would come in at around nine at night and stay until after midnight if the talent kept him entertained that long. He paid for the occasional lap dance and settled his tab every night, so Shorty had no reason to view him as anything other than the paying patron he was. There were no reports he’d been rough with the girls that had given him the private dances, he followed the no touching policy, and was as close to respectful as any pervert that frequented these places could be. But none of that inspired enough confidence in me that I wouldn’t be going in packing heat, because I would be.
Simply put, I intended to go on shift at eight and stay until half an hour after Elias left for the first two nights, and then the third I would leave at the same time and follow him home. Brookes had begged me to let Liam tag along, promising me he’d stay in the background and not get involved unless he absolutely had to. I declined, told him to go suck himself off, and earned myself an ass kicking when I got back home to Dallas for my trouble, but again Brookes caved and let me play this out the way I wanted.
Needless to say, this little detour to bail Rob’s stupid ass out of a situation he should never have put himself in is the last thing I need, but I made Thomas a promise, and I always kept my promises.
“What,” I barked into the phone. I was in a shitty mood, bored, and couldn’t wait to get out of Blackwater. I’d been here too long, and the last thing I wanted was to be stuck here indefinitely, so excuse me for being extra snappy.
The soft chuckle that came through the line had me almost hyperventilating. It had been years since I’d heard his voice, and he was close to the last person I’d ever expect to hear from. Rob being the last in case you hadn’t guessed that one.
“Good morning to you too, Buttercup. What’s got your panties in a twist?”
Like he didn’t know. A bit like he knew how much I hated when he called me Buttercup and still did it anyway. The dick.
“Sorry, what should I have said? Nice to hear from you after so long, or good morning my little ray of sunshine. Fuck that. I haven’t heard from you in forever, Thomas, what do you want?”
Hmm, so maybe I was a little angrier about their departure than I’d originally let on, but whatever. He wasn’t calling me to catch up, so why not just cut to the chase.
“You’re pissed, I get that. I would be too after the people I cared about fucked off with no word. But you know how it was, and you know we both needed to get the fuck out of there so give me a break, yeah?”
Uh-huh, because it’s that easy I muse rolling my eyes.
“Sure, a break, sounds good. Now what do you want? I’ve got important shit like painting my nails and washing my hair to do.”
That earns me another chuckle, but this one sounds more forced than the last. Like he’s trying too hard. Clearing his throat Thomas remind me of my words from years ago.
“You remember when you made me that promise? The one where you said you’d be there if I ever called and told you I needed you? Well, I fucking need you now, Buttercup. Rob needs you now.”
My heart thuds in my chest and I have to focus on slowing my rapid breathing so I don’t give away my fear at hearing Rob needs help. Taking a second, I get myself under control before asking,
“Yeah, I remember. What do you need?”
“Rob fucked up. He got attached to the wrong woman, and now the husband has got him holed up in some shit shack safe house just south of Blackwater, ready to do fuck knows what with him if I can’t get him out,” Thomas replies raggedly.
“The husband wouldn’t happen to be a member of Devil’s Spawn MC would he? You kno
w, the club would’ve found yourself a member of for the last what, ten, twelve years,” I snap.
This would be the time I confess to keeping tabs on Thomas. Well, as soon as I knew he was there thanks to Liam prospecting with the MC that is. And yes, I figured that where Thomas was Rob would be sure to follow, eventually, and I was right.
“How the fuck do you know that?”
Now it’s my turn to chuckle.
“Not really the point now is it? What do you actually need me to do, Thomas? Spell it out, because seriously, I have shit to do and it’s time sensitive.”
He sighs saying,
“I need to know if you’ve got any sway with the club. You know, with Liam being patched in recently, and the dealings the clubs had with your brothers. I need to know if you can pull any strings so we can get this dealt with, quietly if possible.”
Hearing the catch in his voice I prompt him further.
“But that’s not all is it? You need more than that don’t you?”
“Yeah, Buttercup. Yeah, I do.” He’s hesitant to ask me for more, I know that, so I let him take the time he needs to gather his courage. “I need you to stash him somewhere after you get him out as well. Rob can’t stay in town after he’s set free, and I’ve got ties here so it can’t be me who does it. I’ve got a woman, babies, and a life here. I can’t just take off with him until the shit fight he’s created dies down. I need your help, Aly. Please.”
So, with that one word, please, I agree to help the colossal dick that is Rob and cash in the favor I promised Thomas all those years ago. I didn’t however disclose the nature of my dealings with the MC, and I wouldn’t be if I could help it. But nevertheless, I told him I’d be there within the hour, seeing as I was close and all, to help his ‘poor misunderstood’, his words not mine, friend out.
I made a few calls to secure a month-to-month apartment central to Jiggle and three exits out of town before showing up to rescue Rob. I couldn’t have him going back to my place in Blackwater after all this. It was a small two bedroom place, furnished, and the landlord was happy for me to move in with no notice, so that was the direction we were heading now. I can’t say I’m not happy about the move either. It’s closer to Jiggles, and seeing as I’m due to start there in less than five hours, the timing couldn’t be better.
Looking over at my sullen passenger I sigh keeping my eyes on the road.
“Long time no see, Robert. Other than coveting thy neighbor’s wife, what have you been doing with yourself?” That may have come out a little harsher than I’d intended it to but nothing about today has gone to plan, so what the hell, add some more fuel to the fire I say.
He’s glaring at me, I can tell. His eyes are boring into the side of my face making me feel hot all over. He used to do this back in high school too. It was one of the ways I knew he was close.
“Fuck you, Alysia. You don’t know shit about it, so keep your fucking nose out of my business.”
Ungrateful asshole.
“Sure, I’ll get right on that. Right after I save your ass from the fire, and then hide you somewhere safe so you don’t get killed for being a dumbass.” A grunt is my only reply, but I didn’t need him to add anything to the conversation so that will do just fine. “Here’s how this is going to work. I’ve got a case to finish up, and you need to say out of sight. You’ll stay with me for however long it takes for me to finish up the job I’m in town to do, and then we’ll go our separate ways. I’ve organized somewhere for us to stay, you’ve got your own room, and we won’t have to converse, see each other, or play nice if you don’t want to. Actually, I’d prefer you do your thing and I do mine. Do what you want, when you want, but do it smart. Try to blend in and stay invisible. Aside from that, I’m not your minder and I’m not going to bail your ass out if you fuck up again. This was a favor to Thomas, and after this he can consider me paid in full.”
I hate that it has to be like this. That we can’t try and regain some of the friendship we’d had before, but this man isn’t the same man I fell for years ago. He’s harder, angrier, and a lot less likeable. It’ll be best for the both of us to treat each other like strangers, and get this over and done with as fast as humanly possible.
With a grunt Rob goes back to staring out the passengers’ side window muttering,
“Fucking fine by me.”
Hardening my heart toward him even further, I turn off the memories of Rob as a teenager and focus on my job. It won’t be easy, but I’m determined not to pine for a man that is more unattainable than any I’ve ever met.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Tobias
“Never go to bed angry.
Stay awake and plot your revenge.”
- Rotten eCard
“Why the fuck did Alysia Patricks’ just trade in a marker worth a fuck ton more than your piece of shit friend’s life in order to save his ass? And how the fuck do you know her so well?” I demand.
When Alysia strutted her gorgeous ass, and yes, I may be married and I love the shit out of my wife, but even I’m man enough to appreciate all that woman has to offer, I all but died on the spot. Not only because she’s fucking stunning, but because Alysia has built up a reputation unrivalled by anyone. Especially in regards to Devil’s Spawn and what she’s doing for us. And her trading in her marker is a big fucking deal.
Liam might be our man on the ground, our eyes and ears when it comes to anything technical, but more than a few times he’s called his sister to do some extra digging or work on the side. None of us would’ve known he used her if the idiot hadn’t had her on speaker phone once when he was researching a prospective business associate. Priest wasn’t pissed but he did have Alysia checked out before he decided whether or not to kick Liam’s ass. And what we learned was shocking and awe inspiring to say the least.
Apparently the woman is a super spy or something similar. She’s had offers from the CIA, FBI, DEA, Secret Service, hell, pretty much every alphabet agency in the business has been knocking on her door since she got out of the Military trying to get her to work with them. According to Priest the offers would have been hard to turn down if she’d been anyone else, but Alysia Patricks’ knocked every last one back claiming to be happy doing the grunt work she was for her brothers’ private security company, EyeSee.
Alysia followed her brothers’ lead joining the Army at eighteen, almost giving her single mom of eight a stroke at her plans, and worked her ass off to become a covert counter intelligence specialist within the space of four years. She trained, studied, and busted her ass as hard, if not harder, than all the men in her unit, landing her the position of second in charge of a twelve man unit at the tender age of twenty-three. Not to mention the title of the first woman to rise that high inside the Armed services, ever. When she was discharged, honorably no less, she was the commanding officer of over thirty men, all of which were highly trained Spec Ops soldiers.
The only information we learned about why she declined to re-sign with the Army when her contract was up came from Liam, and he was hesitant to share to say the least. From what little he gave us, Alysia had been on a mission that went from bad to a clusterfuck in a hot minute, ending in a helicopter crash where most of her team perished, and she was left with horrific burns covering a large section of her leg and part of her torso. Liam wouldn’t go into any more detail than that, and we didn’t push him for it. I do know Tank took him aside and talked to him for a few hours, at which time a broken looking Liam emerged followed by a dumbfounded Tank. Later he told us Liam had confided in him the rest of what he knew, and it was one of the worst horror stories he’d heard. And he’d heard plenty from his time spent in the sandbox from hell.
The club as a whole have only met with Alysia once, and that was just recently. Priest engaged the services of EyeSee after we’d been searching for three weeks and gotten nothing on Demon’s location. Brookes had been less than happy with sending his little sister out our way to deal with a sick motherfucker that prayed
on women, but with everyone else already on high profile cases or bodyguard duties he didn’t have much of a choice. Alysia was just as skilled as any of her brothers, probably more so if Brookes would ever admit it, but that didn’t stop him from being the over protective big brother he’d been all her life.
After threats of consequences worse than death, which I had no doubt he’d carry out for every last member and their family’s if one hair on her gorgeous head was harmed, Brookes begrudgingly agreed to loan us her services. Mind you, no one thought to clue us into the existing relationship she had with Glock, or the asshole that was far too attached to my wife for that matter. Not even Glock, who should have known better than to hide this shit from us, said a word, hence my questions now.
“It was a long time ago, Saint. Another world, another lifetime, I didn’t think it mattered. She’s fucking good at her job, and has gotten more information in a couple of weeks than we’d got on our own in nearly two months. What does it matter if I knew her years ago or not? I don’t know her now, and it’s not going to interfere with her finding this prick so just let it go, yeah?” He urges impatiently.
“You sure she’s going to get that asshole out of town and away from my wife? Because I’ve gotta say, I’m not going to hold back if I see him hanging around anywhere he’s not wanted again, brother.” And it’s true, I won’t. If I find him anywhere near Tilly again I’ll put him to ground without a second thought.
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