His For Five Nights

by Jeannette Winters

  Alex met Brice’s eyes. He saw his own fears and insecurities in them. Then he looked at Dean and saw them there as well. Alex was far from alone in how he felt. Brice was right. They were powerful men who could change the world for good or bad if they stuck together.

  “I’ve spent a long time trying not to be a Henderson. Maybe it’s time to change how people view the name, because it will no longer define me. Hell, how I view the name.”

  “Sounds good. I’m in. What’s the first step?” Dean asked.

  Alex almost laughed. Dean was fearless and ready for any challenge. One day you’ll learn to ask first, then agree. “For me to start being a Henderson.”

  “Didn’t know you weren’t,” Dean said.

  Brice nodded. “I know what you mean. But it’s like any other business, it’s not who you are, just what you do.”

  “What the hell are you talking about, Brice?” Dean asked puzzled.

  Alex shot Brice a look. “All these years, you knew?”

  “I may have seemed not to care, but I was always watching out for you guys. Had to make sure Dad didn’t reel any of you in.”

  “Damn it, Brice. You could’ve told me.”

  “I figured one day you’d tell us.”

  Dean, aggravated with their banter, demanded, “Will one of you tell me what the hell you’re talking about?”

  “We’re talking about what Alex does for a living,” Brice replied.

  “Travel the world and vacation all the time from what I see.” Dean laughed. “Real hard work.”

  “I do travel for business. I’m an author.”

  “No way in hell,” Dean said, shaking his head. “You mean it. You wrote a book.”

  “I’ve written twenty-two books so far.”

  Dean ran his hand through his hair in total bewilderment. “What the fuck is wrong with me? Brice is a scientist. Logan, a neurosurgeon. Shaun, a financial wizard. Zoey, a self-taught pianist and composer. And now you’re a published author. Where the hell is my talent?”

  Both Brice and Alex laughed. “When it comes to business, you know how to build them. None of us thought you could save Poly-Shyn, but you did. Hell, you not only saved it, you surpassed what Dad had been able to do. And legally, too. We all would’ve ditched the company for pennies. That would’ve been a huge mistake.”

  Dean shook his head. “When I get home, I’m going to sit back and think about my talent. Maybe I’m a . . . singer or an actor. Fuck that. I’m a savvy businessman.”

  “Oh, thank God. If you’d decided to become a singer, the Henderson name surely would never recover,” Alex joked.

  It was refreshing to share a few laughs together. Especially after the ordeal they’d been through. Brice was right. None of them were alone. It was time to stop acting like they were. Although he didn’t want to spoil the mood, he needed to get back to why they were meeting in the first place.

  “Getting back to the manager. Did they get anything good out of him when they interrogated him?”

  “He detailed. We found a ledger that held every girl’s name, and also the bastards who paid for them,” Brice said. “We have the names of our mothers, but not their whereabouts. Bennett and Doug are working on that as we speak.”

  Brice handed him the list. He scrolled to the name listed by his. Alex’s heart raced. All this time had passed, and he now had a name. Nikolet Maadi, my mother. He scrolled through all their mothers’ names. Zoey’s popped out at him. Teetta Maadi.

  “Brice, did you—?”

  “Notice the last names? Yeah. And it’s confirmed. Your mother and Zoey’s were sisters.” Brice replied nodding grimly.

  “Guess we know where your artistic genes came from,” Dean added.

  “Dean,” Brice growled. “It also means two sisters were taken from that family. Two. Can you fathom that?” No doubt this was more personal to Brice, given he also was a parent. When he met Brice’s eyes, it was confirmed. His jaw twitched and his fist clenched. Then his focus returned back to his mother and her parents. My grandparents. All their lives were hell. Nothing I ever say or do will change that. Or can ever repay the debt owed. Alex couldn’t stop staring at the list. It was what he’d wanted since he was a small child, old enough to know a piece of him was missing. Now he had the name. He was elated, but something seemed to be missing. Actually, someone. Ziva. I need to share this news with her. Celebrate with her.

  He was used to being alone. Surely he didn’t need to share this with her. All he needed was to get back to Boston and settle right back into his normal way of living. Just need some time and distance.

  “There’s more that you don’t know,” Dean said.

  Alex wasn’t sure his head could handle anything else. “Make sure it’s good news.”

  “We first thought Logan’s mother had died giving birth to him. The information was incorrect.”

  He’d forgotten all about that. It would’ve been a blow to Logan. He’d always been so damn serious and uptight, but Alex hadn’t been fooled either. Out of all of them, he was driven the most by his emotions. Guess that’s why he’s the doctor and we’re not. You have to save everyone. “Have the others been told what we’re doing here?”

  Brice shook his head. “Not yet. We wanted to get all the facts first. I’d like to ensure the women are still alive before we update them.”

  “No matter what, it’s going to be a shock. I wouldn’t wait too long. I know how I felt being left out of the loop, Brice. Even now I believe there are things you know that you’re not telling us.”

  Brice gave him a blank stare. It wasn’t the answer he wanted. He’d have liked Brice to deny it and say there was nothing left unsaid.

  “Is it about our mothers?” Alex asked.

  “No. And not something anyone needs to worry about.” Brice turned and headed toward the door. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to say goodnight to my wife and kids before it gets too late.”

  Brice didn’t wait for a response and left; Alex and Dean stared at each other. “That was strange.”

  “No. That’s Brice. He’s holding back something he thinks is in our best interest. I say we find out what the hell that is when we get back to Boston.”

  “Alex, I’m all in as long as you don’t put me in one of your books.”

  He laughed. “If I do, I’ll make sure to portray the character as a nice guy so no one will know it’s you.”

  “Can you make me a few inches taller too? I seemed to have also gotten screwed out of the tall gene,” Dean added jokingly.

  “While I’m at it, I’ll make you good-looking.”

  “Since we’re both stuck sitting here with nothing to do, why don’t we grab a beer?”

  “Beer sounds good. I know just the place.”

  It was a place Ziva had taken him on their way back from the prison. It had been the first time either of them had let their guard down.

  They headed out the door when Dean added, “Great, and you can tell me all about you and Ziva.”

  Alex didn’t want to talk about her. Not to Dean or anyone else. “I have a few other topics I think we should discuss instead.”

  Dean laughed. “That bad, huh? Don’t worry. You’ll figure it out. Just takes us Hendersons a bit longer to get it through our thick skulls.”

  “That’s an understatement.” He wasn’t going to argue with Dean. Hendersons were difficult people to love. It took special people to put up with them. At one point I really thought Ziva may have been that person for me. But she’s made it clear we won’t have anything. I wanted solitude. Looks like I’m going to get it.

  Chapter Fourteen

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  She had so many mixed feelings about it all. She wanted to believe this cabin that had once been her safe haven wasn’t needed any longer. That Tabiq would turn around. It was a beautiful dream and one she believed in, yet it was going to take time. A lot of it. Greed is a disease that consumes and can be terminal.

  That was exactly how she looked
at Tabiq right now: it was sick. James Henderson had been a major player in starting the problem, but it was the poverty of the people that made the money more attractive. If something didn’t take its place, she feared the problem would return with a vengeance.

  That didn’t mean she didn’t appreciate Alex and the others for shutting things down temporarily. In less than a day, the word had spread like wildfire. There wasn’t a place you could go without hearing murmurings about Rajani and other notable players being under lock and key. Although people seemed to have relaxed somewhat, she knew they hesitated for the same reason she did.

  With the crooks not in charge, everything started to fall apart quickly. Their so-called police department was no longer in control because they weren’t on anyone’s payroll. So far, an outbreak of mayhem hadn’t taken place. She noticed more people walked the streets. She still hadn’t seen children outside playing or teenage girls come out of hiding. When that happened, she would know things had turned around for good. Until then, everyone would be extremely cautious and watchful.

  Ziva wished she could be oblivious to what controlled Tabiq. It was all about money. She was scared as hell. Who would be the next one to step up? It’s only a matter of time before someone sees us as easy picking. Then we’re the victims of circumstance all over again.

  She didn’t look at it as if it would happen. Ziva thought in terms of when. She wasn’t going anywhere. Tabiq was her home. It needed people like her to fight against every injustice they saw. I might not make a big wave, but a small ripple can still rock a boat. Ziva held her laughter. Or even knock a badass like Rajani out cold.

  She was still shocked she’d raised her hand to someone. She’d always known there was a big boss pulling all the strings. Never in her wildest dreams would she have pictured it being a woman. How could a woman allow this to happen to other women? Her sister? That was what caused her to react in such a manner. It was a combination of utter shock and disgust, and years of tightly controlled emotions. I’d trust a rattlesnake before I’d trust her.

  Rajani was only one person. There were many more like her no one knew about. Learning to trust wasn’t easy before. It was harder now.

  “I don’t understand. You should be happy, yet you’re not,” Myla said to Ziva while they took one last walk through the cabin.

  “I’m happy. But at the same time, I worry about Tabiq’s future. About your future.”

  Myla smiled. “Mr. Henderson said I could go with him to Boston. He’ll pay for my schooling there. I want to be a teacher. Maybe after I graduate I can come back and teach.”

  Ziva smiled. “Myla, that would be wonderful. If you set your mind to it, you can do anything. You’ve already proven that to me.”

  “Thanks. I told Mr. Henderson he should ask you to come too. He said you told him no.”

  That wasn’t exactly how it went, but the answer would’ve been no anyway. Boston wasn’t for her, even if Alex would have asked. But it hadn’t been a long lengthy discussion. She’d cut it off before he had a chance. He was an author, which meant he was a dreamer. She wasn’t. Ziva lived in reality. It wasn’t pretty or easy, but it was how she chose to live. If it was as easy as writing a happily ever after she would, but that wasn’t the case for Tabiq. It required people who would keep others accountable. She was one of those people. Not something I can do from Boston. I’m not sure I can pull it off living here.

  “I belong here, Myla.”

  “Then maybe I should stay with you so you’re not alone.”

  Ziva almost cried at the generous, kind offer. It wasn’t one she’d let Myla do. Alex was her chance to escape and have a normal life. She wanted that for Myla, for all the girls. Tabiqians also spoke English, they’d do well if given the chance. And Alex is that chance. “I’m not alone.”

  “Of course, you are. The man you love will be in Boston. I’ll be in Boston. And the other girls are going home to their families. How much more alone can you be?”

  Well, that’s pretty depressing when you say it like that. “Myla, I have my work. I will be fine. Trust me. And if I get time, I’ll come and visit you in Boston.” Although Ziva knew her so-called job at the police station didn’t exist any longer, that wasn’t the one she’d been referring to. Her job didn’t pay in money but in satisfaction, knowing she was making Tabiq a better place. But somehow, I’ll need to find a job that pays so I can eat.

  “You promise?” Myla asked, not yet convinced.

  Ziva forced a smile and gave her a quick hug. “Believe me, Myla. If I’m in Boston, I’m visiting you.” It was a twist on words, but it covered her enough that it wasn’t a lie.

  “Then I’m leaving with Mr. Henderson tomorrow morning. I don’t know what I should pack. Can you come and help me?”

  Tomorrow?

  So soon?

  Her heart sank. She’d only had one time with him on that small island. It still hurt that he took her there, had sex with her, and then quickly accepted her answer that they didn’t have a future. Why hadn’t he tried to fight for me? It was probably better that way. The quicker, the better, they could both start to heal. It was weird with everything she’d been through emotionally and physically all these years, it was a broken heart that hurt the most.

  “Yes, I’ll help you. I have a few books about Tabiq years ago that I think you might enjoy.”

  “Why would I want to read about this place?”

  “So that you will know Tabiq wasn’t always like this. And when you dream of a better Tabiq, you can see it is possible. We once were a lovely place to live and raise a family.” A time before I was born. The times changed when my parents were young. But they remembered. They told me the stories of large families and women who were cherished by the men in their lives. Like my papa cherished my mama.

  “And you really think Tabiq can be that again?” Myla looked around the rundown cabin.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “But how? You never saw it. I never did either. It could just be stories and not true.”

  Ziva reached out and grabbed Myla’s hand. Giving it a pat, she said, “Just have faith, Myla. Believe it is possible. And don’t settle for anything less.” She wanted Myla to go on her next journey in life filled with hope and all the positive energy she could give her. By the look on Myla’s face, it was working.

  “Then I say we better get back and help me pack.” Myla practically danced her way out of the cabin and down the path to the truck.

  Ziva followed at a much slower and somber pace. She loved seeing Myla like this—full of excitement and truly happy. It was a beautiful sight, the way all young girls should be. Ziva knew Myla was one of the lucky ones. She’d been given an opportunity of a lifetime, and Myla was brave enough to take it. It showed her resilience and bravery.

  Ziva refused to be anything but happy for Myla. Although they hadn’t known each other long, they had bonded on many levels. You’re going to do great in Boston, Myla. I wish you all the happiness in the world. You deserve it.

  Because they were in the middle of nowhere, Ziva was used to leaving the keys in the truck. When she got to the vehicle, Myla was already inside with the radio on, singing her heart out to some pop star. She pretended to hold a microphone while belting out the words. Ziva rolled her eyes, climbed into the truck, and off they went. Who can be blue when you’re with Miss Sunshine here?

  Ziva reached over and turned the volume up, then joined Myla in one comical attempt as singers. They were laughing so hard, tears rolled down their cheeks, and their sides hurt.

  Just hope and believe. I know this can be the start of a new Tabiq. Everything will be okay. I’ll be okay. I have to be.

  The day went by too damn quickly. Nothing he needed to accomplish happened. It might have been his hangover from all the beers the night before with Dean. He wasn’t cutting himself any slack. The clock was ticking, and he had to move.

  He was leaving in the morning, and there was no way he could leave so much unresolved. Not ju
st with Tabiq but with Ziva. It was like she was avoiding him. The connection hadn’t been in his head. He still visualized that day they were both rescued. The joy on her face to see him. The way she ran into his arms as if she couldn’t bear to wait another second. He knew she’d felt it too. She was being stubborn, refusing to leave. Why would anyone want to stay? It’s an unstable society. Calm today but it could be right back where it was tomorrow.

  He hated her staying behind. When he saw Myla, he’d planted a seed. Since Ziva wouldn’t listen to him, maybe she’d hear Myla. Pacing the hotel room, he figured that hadn’t worked either.

  Fuck it. I’ll make her see me. Alex grabbed his phone and opened his room door forcefully. He wasn’t expecting to see anyone on the other side, but an older woman stood before him, looking scared. Of me or someone else?

  “Are you okay? Do you need help?”

  She blinked and nodded. “I’m looking for Mr. Henderson.” She choked on his last name.

  Hate saying it myself. “I’m one of them. What can I do for you?”

  Since Rajani had been removed from power, many people had approached him. Mostly for money, some to spit on him for who they believed he was. He had no idea what this woman would want.

  She looked around in the hallway and then turned back to him. She couldn’t seem to face him but asked, “May I come in?”

  Alex looked her over. She didn’t look like she was carrying a weapon or was a threat. Then again, Ziva hadn’t either. The last thing he needed was an angry sister or cousin out to avenge what happened to her relative. Although he could certainly understand why they would.

  “Listen. I don’t know why you’re here, but I can tell you I didn’t do anything to anyone. I’m leaving in the morning and not planning on coming back. Does that satisfy your concerns?”

  The woman finally looked up at him. Her eyes were filling with tears. “Tomorrow? Then please, I must speak to you today. If all I ever have is a moment of your time, it will have to be enough.”