Blackstone's Heart (Blackout Security Inc. Book 1)

by Michelle Kee

Nick recalled that night and let out a sigh. "That wasn't disappointment son, it was worry. I worried about you going off to war, so did your folks. Ethan, answer me this. Had you not joined the Marines, what would you have done?"

  Ethan thought a moment. "I guess I would have gone to college somewhere. I know I would have eventually married Krista."

  "Okay. What do you want now?"

  "I want to find this asshole and protect Krista. I want her with me Nick."

  "Good. See what I mean. You wanted her then and you still want her. Despite the fourteen years you two were apart. You and Krista still came together. If that's not fate, then I don't know what the hell is." Nick smiled. He finished his scotch then stood. As he passed Ethan he laid his hand on the man's shoulder. "You just take care of my daughter and you'll always have my approval. Good night."

  "Good night, Nick." Ethan nodded.

  Ethan sat in the silence for a long time after Nick left. He thought back to when he and Krista had dated his senior year. Even then he felt she belonged to him, with him. Now he had the opportunity and the means to make that happen. He stood, turned out the light and headed back upstairs. He quietly walked into the room. Through the moonlight filtering in from the window, he could see Krista sound asleep in bed.

  He stripped and slipped into bed beside her. Even in sleep she wanted to be in his arms. She rolled onto her side and snuggled into him. His arms came around her and he smiled, breathing in her wildflower scent that he loved. He softly kissed her forehead. "I love you Krista."

  "Mmmm. Ethan." She mumbled in sleep.

  Holding his life in his arms, Ethan drifted off.

  Chapter 17

  Krista sat between her parents in the front row of the church. One the other side of her mother sat Tessa and Carl. She had to admit, the church looked beautiful and the weather outside was beautiful. A crystal blue sky, the smell of fall in the air, Jerry would have loved it. She dammed near jumped when the preacher called her up to give her eulogy. Taking a deep breath, she stood and moved to the pulpit.

  After clearing her throat, she started to speak. "Jerry was...what can I say about Jerry. He was loving, loyal, fun, giving and most of all he loved life. He was always there when a friend needed him. Quick to laugh, ready to party," she laughed as did the rest of the guests.

  "Jerry was never afraid to take a chance. He used to tell me, 'Kris, life is too dammed short to be scared. All you can do is take a breath and jump.' Well, he jumped and jumped big. He was not just my best friend; he was my brother. Though I will always miss him, I know he wouldn't want any of us to be sad. He would want us to party and celebrate life. So in the illustrious words of Jerry Summerland, 'Why cancel the party for a hurricane? Let's rock and pour me another drink.' " Krista smiled tearfully as the congregation laughed.

  She moved to Jerry's glimmering green coffin. She pulled out the picture of them and her brothers in Miami and tucked it into the coffin. After whispering goodbye, Krista made her way back to her seat. The second she sat, she laid her head on her dad's shoulder as her mother gripped her hand. Behind her she felt Ethan’s hand resting on her shoulder. She knew in that moment that she would get through this and be stronger than ever.

  ***

  Ethan and Grant stood a few feet from the gravesite near Jerry’s parents, Nick Debbie and Krista. On the other side of the grave was Lance, with Tony and Gage was toward the back. All morning Ethan had felt tense. The last time he felt this way was the day of that last mission. It was a feeling his guys used to call his “Spidey” sense. Over the years he had learned to listen to his gut and he truly believed that was the only reason he was still standing.

  "What's wrong?" Grant whispered.

  "I can't explain it, but I feel like..." Ethan sighed.

  "Your “Spidey” sense?" Grant questioned lifting an eyebrow.

  "Yeah." Ethan nodded as he watched the people begin to stand and leave.

  Ethan said no more as he stepped away from Grant and walked straight to Krista. He enveloped her and just held her. He barely registered his boys moving in to escort Nick, Debbie, Tessa and Carl to the waiting car. All he was focused on was Krista.

  "You okay baby?" He asked.

  "I will be. I realized at the church that I will be stronger because of this. Plus, Carl and Tessa are basically throwing a party at the house once we get back." She answered with a soft smile.

  Ethan looked down and cupped her cheek. "Think Jerry would have wanted that."

  Krista nodded. With his arms wrapped around her, Ethan lead her toward the waiting car. He tucked her into the black sedan and then joined his men in the sedan behind them. Ethan slipped into the front seat.

  "How's Krista?" Grant questioned.

  "She's hurting but I think she'll be okay. Today was rough for her." Ethan breathed, resting his head against the seat.

  "We'll get this asshole boss." Gage stated, a lethal edge to his southern boy voice.

  "Gage is right. He's going to screw up and we'll nail him." Lance agreed as Grant steered the car out of the cemetery.

  The rest of the drive back to the Summerland home was silent. The whole time, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling washing over him. It was like being in a crowded room and feeling someone watching you, yet you couldn't see them. It unnerved him. He didn't like it, but he didn't know what to do about it. He climbed out of the car and made his way into the house. Already the house was filling with family and friends.

  "You okay Ethan?" Debbie asked as she approached.

  "Honestly? No ma'am. I can't explain it but I feel like something's going to happen." Ethan answered.

  Debbie frowned. "You better tell Nick. Hold off on telling Krista until tomorrow. She seems better today than yesterday, but she's still having a hard time." Debbie instructed.

  "I think you're right. Where is he?" Ethan nodded.

  "He's in our room changing." Debbie replied.

  Ethan turned and headed for the second floor where Debbie and Nick were staying. He found Nick just as he exited the room. Nick must have seen something on Ethan's face, because he reopened the bedroom door and led Ethan inside.

  "What is it son?"

  "Nick, I have this feeling that's something is going to happen. My guys call it my “Spidey” sense, but after twelve years in the Corps, I learned to trust it."

  Nick rubbed his chin. "Okay, what do you think is going to happen? You think Jerry's killer is here?"

  Ethan started pacing. "No, I don't but you never know. It's more like...hell, like something is going to be waiting for us when we get back."

  "Alright. Wait till the morning to tell Krista. Tomorrow morning, we can all head back to Austin." Nick said.

  "Yes sir." Ethan agreed.

  The two men left the room and headed back downstairs. Despite the crowd, Krista found Ethan and moved to him. She slipped her arms around his waist. Ethan wrapped his arms around her and pushed the feeling away.

  "Thank you."

  "For what baby?"

  "For coming. You and the guys. I think it made this whole nightmare easier for me. Knowing that you're here, that you guys have my back."

  Ethan lifted her chin and cupped her face. "Krista, I'll always have your back. You hear me? Always."

  Krista gripped his wrists and kissed him sweetly. The couple then headed toward the backyard where the majority of the guests were. Krista had to admit, Jerry would have loved this. The backyard was full of family and friends. There was music, food, and despite the reason they were all gathered here there was an air of celebration.

  "Jerry's probably sitting up there and laughing right now." Krista commented.

  "I think you're right." Ethan grinned a little.

  "He hated funerals. He told me after Jilly's that when it was his time he wanted his wake to be a party. Music, food, friends and family. He wanted to be celebrated not mourned."

  "Well, I think he got his way here babe."

  Krista giggled a little. She looked away from Et
han and found Tessa moving toward them. The older woman pulled Krista into her arms. "Jerry would have loved this Tessa."

  "Yes, yes I think he would too. How are you holding up honey?" Tessa agreed releasing Krista.

  "Taking it one day at a time. I feel better than I did yesterday at the viewing." Krista admitted. “What about you? Are you okay?”

  “I’m doing okay. No, that’s not right, I’m not falling apart. I have lost both my children, something no parent should have to go through.” Tessa sighed.

  “But you have acquired four adopted children in me and my brothers. You know that Tessa.” Krista replied.

  “And five ornery Marines.” Ethan added with a soft smile, slipping an arm around Tessa.

  Tearfully Tessa hugged both of them. "Thank you, both of you.” She wiped her eyes and cleared her throat. I spoke to Stacey; she couldn't stay but she did say the publishing house is going to start a scholarship in Jerry's name at Hamilton that will be available in time for next year's applicants."

  Krista smiled brightly. "That's what he'd want. He loved Hamilton and said he always wanted to give back."

  "Yes. You know, Hamilton was the only college he applied to. He had gone there with a cousin when he was maybe ten or so and fell in love from then on." Tessa laughed.

  "I felt the same way when I went on my school visit." Krista grinned. "Um, when I get back I'll start packing up his condo. Was there anything…"

  Tessa laid her hands on Krista's shoulders and interrupted her, "You don't need to do anything honey. While we were there, Carl and I took care of that. The things we wanted we have already shipped here. The rest has been either donated or given away."

  Krista could only nod. The day before they left Austin, Carl and Tessa had given her several items of Jerry's that they thought she would like. They were currently at her parent’s place until she could find a proper home for them in her house. She leaned in and hugged the older woman.

  ***

  Ethan held Krista as she slept. After everyone had left she had gone to bed early. He could tell she was exhausted after the last two days. The viewing the previous day and then Jerry's funeral today had wiped her mentally and emotionally. He himself was drifting off when his phone buzzed. Careful not to wake her, he grabbed it and slipped from the bed. Once in the hall he answered.

  "Blackstone."

  "How's my baby sister?"

  Ethan grinned a little. "Hey Jax. She's exhausted. I think the last two days zapped her."

  Jax sighed. "I can imagine. I wish I could have been there for her, mom and pop."

  "They know that buddy. How's things in Dallas?"

  "Busy. I'm stuck in court for the next few weeks on a murder trial. Allyssa has her hands full with the girls and school starting up last month. She swears the kids get worse every year. I just tell her that she was the one who wanted to be a principal. That usually earns me a slap to the back of the head."

  Ethan laughed as he entered the living room. "Sounds like I'd like your wife."

  "Screw you, asshole." Jax chuckled. "I'm serious though, how is Krista?"

  Ethan knew what his best friend was asking. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "She's being strong. I think she's finally got it through that thick Jamison head of hers that she's not carrying this weight alone anymore. I won't let her. Despite that, she's taking everything day by day. This fucker screwed up when he killed Jerry. Krista wants his blood and I'm going to do everything I can to get him."

  Jax was silent on the other end for several moments. Ethan heard the other man let out a long breath. "I need to know something here, Ethan. Look, you and I go way back and you have a history with my sister. What are your intentions?"

  "Jackson, I love her. I think I always have. When Nick came to me and told me what was going on, fuck my blood froze and boiled at the same time. She and I aren't kids anymore and I'm not saying I love her lightly man. I mean it. I want her with me. By my side, in my house, in my bed, hell I'm even thinking kids! You know me, I never even considered kids. Then I saw Krista again and bam. I don't know how else to lay it out."

  "Then all I can tell you is take care of my baby sister Ethan. That's all I want. As long as you treat her right you and I are good." Jax then laughed. "But you may want to keep the whole wanting Krista in your bed to yourself when you tell this shit to Hayden."

  Ethan frowned. "What do you mean? He was the first one of you guys that knew me and Krista were dating back in the day and he was fine with it."

  "I know that, but since Kathy had Julie he's become the overbearing brother. Which is comical in and of itself."

  "Well that's a switch. Thought that was your job?"

  "It was. Kathy had a rough labor with Julie and the doctors thought we were gonna lose her. Then last year some asshole tried to carjack her while she was getting gas. Julie was asleep in her car seat. Kathy however isn't a woman to mess with. Kathy's a cop and had her weapon on her, so when the fucker pulled out a puny .22 she whipped out her .40 and told him to beat it."

  "Damn. No wonder Hayden's changed. Sounds like Kathy is a good fit for him." Ethan hissed and laughed at the same time.

  "She is. While Hayden was flipping out about it she just rolled her eyes, shoved Julie into his arms and went on making dinner like nothing happened. Then again, she was a Navy MP for four years, joined HPD after her service in the Navy ended. Plus, her parents were both HPD. Not much rattles her, let alone a punk trying to take her car." Jax replied with a chuckle.

  The two friends talked for a little longer before hanging up. Ethan headed back upstairs and slid back into bed with Krista. Holding her close he finally drifted off to sleep himself.

  ***

  Krista looked up from her laptop and saw her dad and Ethan talking in the back of the jet. That morning Ethan had confided in her about his feeling that something was wrong. He also told her he had hoped it was just the whole funeral deal but he had woken up with that feeling still gnawing at his gut. So after breakfast with Tessa and Carl, they had grabbed their bags and were currently headed back to Austin.

  "What is it honey?" Debbie asked, closing her book.

  "Ethan's worried about what's waiting back in Austin. He seems agitated." Krista answered.

  Debbie nodded. "Yes, he told me that yesterday. You're not mad he waited till this morning to tell you are you? Your dad and I both thought it was for the best he waited till after to tell you."

  "No, I'm glad he waited. Yesterday I don't think I would have handled it well. I just wish we had some kind of clue." Krista grumbled. She let out a breath and started nibbling her lip. "Um, mom?"

  "Uh oh. I know that look."

  "When we get home I want you to go stay with Hayden."

  Debbie narrowed her eyes. "Pardon me?"

  Krista sat her laptop aside and moved to sit next to her mother. "Mom, hear me out. Look, this jackass has already killed to try get to me. He went after Jerry. I couldn't stand it if he targeted you and dad."

  "He's already targeting your dad."

  "But he hasn't gone after YOU yet. He's escalating mom. I would never forgive myself if you got caught in the crossfire. Please, go to Hayden's, or better yet go to Jax. I know with his trial and school starting he and Lyssa are busy. Plus, you've been saying how you need to go see them." Krista pleaded.

  Debbie studied her only daughter and saw the one thing she hated seeing on any of her children's faces. Fear. "Will that really put your mind at ease honey?"

  "Yes. If I could I'd get daddy to go with you but he's got court himself and can't leave." Krista nodded.

  "Alright baby, alright. I'll call Jax now and see about going to visit for let's say two weeks. I won't miss your book reveal. Nothing could keep me from that, not even this psycho sonofabitch. Will that work?" Debbie agreed.

  Krista threw her arms around her mom. "Thank you mama. Thank you."

  Debbie hugged her back. "You're welcome, but for the record, I'm doing this under extreme prejudice.
"

  Krista couldn't help but laugh. "Duly noted."

  Krista moved back to her seat while her mom called Jax. Just as she was about to pick up her laptop, her phone rang. She dug it out of her computer bag and saw that it was Cain. "Cain? What's up?"

  "Krista, there's, hell."

  Krista gut clenched and her head jerked up and her eyes locked with Ethan's. "What's wrong Cain? Tell me."

  "You want the easy way in or for me to just spit it out?"

  "I swear Cain Harker, if you don't tell me right now I'm gonna kick your ass when I land in Austin." Krista growled as Ethan knelt beside her.