POTTER (The Trident Series Book 2)

by Jaime Lewis

  “You think she’s in danger?”

  Potter tapped his index finger against his lips as he thought about it. “I’m not sure. She told me she needed some time once she got home to process and take care of some things. What those ‘things’ are, I don’t know.”

  “Well, I hope you’re planning on keeping an eye on her.”

  Potter nodded. “I am, but I may need you guys’ help as well. I want to respect her wish, but on the other hand, I don’t want anything happening to her.”

  “We understand, Potter. We’re with you on this, man. We’ll all keep an eye on her.”

  “Thanks, guys,” Potter said, looking toward where Tenley was sitting. He had been serious when he told her that he’d do anything for her, and that included keeping her safe.

  Derek made his way toward them, and he didn’t look happy either. Potter knew Derek was concerned just as much as the rest of them. After all, Derek had known Tenley and her mom since Tenley was in Kindergarten and became best friends with Alex. Rumor had it that Derek had a thing for Tenley’s mom, Juliette.

  “You guys are lucky she fell asleep quickly. You weren’t being very inconspicuous as I could hear every word up there,” Derek said, taking a seat in the open chair. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but sitting up there and listening to you guys get all sentimental with each other makes me feel like my dick was replaced with a vagina. Now that we know Tenley will be protected, does anyone want to discuss why she lied to us today about her disappearance?”

  A series of gasps and whats echoed in the cabin.

  “You think Tenley lied about the attack?” Ace asked, just as surprised as the rest of the team.

  Derek held his hand up. “No, I don’t think she lied about the attack; that’s a given with her injuries. But I don’t believe she was in the next town over.”

  Potter was puzzled. “Her story seemed solid. I didn’t notice any holes in it,” He looked at the others. “Did you guys notice anything?”

  With a shake of their heads, they all turned their attention back to Derek.

  He grinned and shook his head. “Now I know why you guys lose all your money to Tenley when she’s playing poker with y’all. Don’t you notice she never wins when I’m playing?” The guys all nodded their heads. “Well, that’s because I can tell when she’s bluffing.”

  “What’d she do?” Skittles asked.

  Dino glanced over at Frost and Stitch. “You two are her best friends. You couldn’t tell she was lying?”

  “No. Tenley’s always been an honest person, even when she was younger.”

  “You mean to tell us that the three of you never did something you weren’t supposed to and lied about it?”

  “Hey, don’t forget about Alex. She seems like the ringleader for the four of you.” Diego stated, making Ace laugh.

  “Seriously, guys, I don’t remember anything we did and tried to lie about it,” Stitch looked at Frost. “Do you?”

  “No. Like Stitch said, Tenley was a girl scout. She was honest and always ended up telling the truth before the three of us could even consider lying.”

  “Really?” Derek asked, looking amused with a sly grin on his face. Potter looked like he was trying hard not to laugh.

  Stitch and Frost said simultaneously, “What?”

  “I seem to recall an incident years ago, where all four of you lied about being involved.”

  Potter couldn’t help but smile as he watched Stitch and Frost look at each other as if trying to figure out what Derek was referring to. He enjoyed hearing stories about the guys’ shenanigans when they were younger, especially when it included Tenley, giving him a glimpse of her adolescent years.

  He took a quick glance toward the front of the plane and wondered if Tenley was comfortable in that little seat as she slept. Then he remembered they weren’t regular airline seats. The seats on this private jet were top of the line, made of soft leather, and reclined fully. Not to mention they were extra wide. The guys' laughter brought him back to their current conversation.

  “I have no idea what you are talking about. How can you even remember something we did, what eighteen years or so ago?” Stitch asked, shaking his head and laughing.

  Derek laughed. “I’ve got one hell of a memory kid, plus this was epic—it’s hard to forget. Let me see if I can refresh your memory, Stitch. Maybe now, since your mom won’t take away your video games for a month, you’ll finally come clean.”

  Stitch chuckled, but at the same time, looked a little nervous. “I guess you’ll have to because honestly, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Does Mrs. Ashby ring a bell?”

  For someone so calm and collected, Potter didn’t think he’d ever see the day that Stitch would blush at something his commander said. His face turned as red as a shiny new fire engine. Frost, on the other hand, was trying to cover his laugh with his hand but was failing miserably.

  Derek chuckled along with them. “Well, Stitch, by the color of your face, I’m going on the assumption you know exactly what incident I’m referring to.”

  Stitch just shook his head. “How in the hell did you know that was us? We thought we had gotten away with that one.”

  Derek laughed again. “You four were the only local kids I knew who could pull off something that epic.”

  “Just so we’re clear, it was Alex and Tenley’s idea to begin with. Frost and I just helped with the execution.”

  “Christ, that doesn’t surprise me. Those girls together are double trouble.”

  “Okay, now you’ve got to tell those of us who weren’t involved. What did you guys do to this lady?” Irish asked.

  “She was an elderly lady who was mean to all of the neighborhood kids. She was like the Grinch. Always yelling at us, just an unpleasant woman. Anyways Alex and Tenley thought it would be funny to pull a prank on her. So, one afternoon while Tenley and Alex were volunteering at the local animal shelter, they gathered a bag full of dog shit and brought it home. Frost and I met up with them, and I brought along one of my science experiment kits. Long story short, we emptied the bag of dog shit into a box, and I mean it was enough shit to fill the box. Frost and I used my gadgets from the kit to rig it to detonate remotely. We set the box on her doorstep and rang the doorbell, then ran around the side of her house. When she opened the door and picked up the box, I hit the button, and the box exploded, sending shit flying everywhere. It covered her from head to toe, not to mention the front of her house. God, it smelled awful.”

  Derek was laughing. “She ended up calling the Chief at the police department. He was a buddy of mine. His first call was to me because he knew that prank had your names written all over it. And when us parents finally got the four of you together, it was Tenley who gave you all up. That’s when I first noticed her tell sign when she wasn’t telling the truth.”

  “I don’t understand. If you guys knew, why didn’t you say something or worse, ground us?”

  Derek smiled wide, making his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Because we all thought it was fucking hilarious and that the old hag deserved it.” Everyone laughed.

  Derek’s observation now had Potter wondering what it was that gave Tenley away when she wasn’t telling the truth. “So, what’s Tenley’s tell?” He decided to ask.

  “I’m not telling you because then you guys would know, and I’m not about to lose a game of poker to you when I have an advantage.”

  Once everyone stopped laughing, the conversation turned serious again when Ace spoke up. “So, what is the plan with Tenley once we get home? Do we press her for more information?”

  Derek sighed, and Potter was interested to hear what Derek thought the next course of action was. “For the time being, let’s give her the space she wants. Eventually, we’ll need to confront her on it if she doesn’t come forward on her own. I’ll talk to Alex and Juliette as well and give them a heads up on the situation and ask them to watch for anything. Alex has a knack for getting peopl
e to open up.” Derek looked at Potter. “Do as you said you would and keep a close eye on her. I respect Shelia’s opinion, and if she thinks there’s a possibility that Tenley could have trouble following her, then I believe it.”

  “We all have your back, man. Do what you need to do. Get your woman back and keep her safe.” Irish told Potter.

  “Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”

  Chapter Eight

  Tenley woke up to Brantley Gilbert’s Hell of an Amen blasting through her bluetooth speaker next to her bed. She lifted her head and looked at the clock. She groaned, still feeling a slight headache.

  She stretched her arms and legs before throwing the covers back and rolling out of bed. It was time to get up and face the day she had ahead of her. Being it was only her first full day back, she had a busy day planned. When she and the guys arrived back last night, both Derek and Potter tried to convince her to stay at her mom’s house, but she opted to go back to her place for the night. Yeah, she missed her mom like crazy, but she wanted some peace and quiet in her own bed the first night before everyone started beating down the door.

  She surprised herself that she had managed to sleep through the night, considering she had slept the entire way home on the plane.

  She took one look in the bathroom mirror and was horrified at the reflection staring back at her. She groaned and ran a hand down her face. She was still exhausted even after all the sleep she’d had. Turning on the faucet, she splashed some cold water on her face hoping that would help to wake up her sleepy self. Yeah, right. Who was she kidding? She wanted to jump back in her comfy bed and shut the world out for another twenty-four hours. That was wishful thinking, because her mom and Alex were due at her house in thirty minutes. They wanted to take her out to lunch, but she wasn’t in the mood for an outing. She’d rather stay in and have something delivered. She smiled to herself. They couldn’t argue if she already ordered it. Laughing, she walked out of the bathroom and picked her cell phone up off the nightstand. She then called her and Alex’s favorite Chinese restaurant and ordered a crapload of food.

  When she placed her phone on the nightstand, she noticed a bottle of water and a smaller bottle of Advil sitting next to her alarm clock. Underneath was a white sheet of paper. She picked it up and grinned as she immediately noticed it was written in Potter’s handwriting:

  Ten,

  I’m sure you woke up with a splitting headache. Take two ibuprofen and drink this water. The whole bottle! You need to stay hydrated. I’m giving you your space as you wish, but as I said, I’m not patient. I’ll be waiting to hear from you. We have a lot to discuss. In the meantime, call or text me if you need anything.

  P-

  She set the note back on the nightstand and laid back in her bed. She thought back to last night when the guys dropped her off. She had been a little groggy, but she remembered it was Potter who had carried her into the house and helped her to bed. She remembered his warm, firm lips kissing her forehead and him whispering to her that he’d wait forever for her. That was right before the exhaustion had pulled her back under.

  She wanted to call him and thank him for caring for her last night. She longed to hear his deep voice. She picked up her phone and pulled up his number. Right before she went to press the call button, she instead opted for the text button. If she heard his voice right now, she’d give in and want to see him, and that couldn’t happen just yet. She asked him to give her some time, and from his note, he was respecting her wish.

  Tenley: TY for the h2o, meds & getting me home safely

  Potter: You’re welcome. Did you drink the whole bottle like I said?

  She shook her head and smiled at his bossiness.

  Tenley: Yes, Sir

  Potter: I like the sound of that ☺

  Tenley: u r a tease. Got 2 go. Mom and Alex will b here soon and I still need 2 shower and get dressed.

  Potter: Now who’s being the tease? I could help you with that shower.

  Tenley: Potter!

  Potter: Tenley….

  She shook her head.

  Tenley: Potter, I really need 2 go

  Potter: LOL…Later Ten

  Tenley: Bye

  She smiled and set the phone on the bed. She walked into her closet and pulled out some clothes. Since they’d be staying in for lunch, she decided on her long red sweater and black leggings.

  She got the shower started, and once the steam started to rise, she stepped under the spray and let out a loud moan when the hot water started to pelt her body. As the water massaged her body, she went over in her head everything she needed to do; call work to let them know she was back so they could schedule her back into the rotation. She needed to go grocery shopping because she had absolutely nothing in her pantry or refrigerator. She had to stop by the post office to collect her mail. She also needed to clean the house. Not that it was dirty per se, but because she hadn’t been home in a month and it hadn’t been aired out and it needed some freshening up. The most important task was finding a good family law attorney. She needed to retain one if she planned on going through with the adoption of Alejandra.

  Just thinking of the little angel brought tears to Tenley’s eyes. Saying goodbye to Alejandra had been the hardest thing to do and had broken her heart. The adorable brown-eyed seven-year-old girl had captured her heart. She smiled, looking down at the purple and white bracelet she wore on her left wrist. Before she and the guys departed from the camp to the airport, Alejandra had given her the bracelet. She told her it was a friendship bracelet, and she had made one for her and one for herself. She said it was their way to stay connected until they could meet again. She told her to touch the bracelet and think about her if she ever felt lonely.

  Her eyes stung with tears. How she wished she could have brought her home with her. But, she understood the need to follow the law and adopt her legally so there would be no complications later down the road. Donna and Nick told her they didn’t foresee any issues with the adoption process. Especially with the references she had given them, which included Derek, along with some of the doctors she worked with at the hospital. Even if no issues arose during the process, she was still looking at a couple of months before Alejandra would be able to join her.

  Hopefully, that would give her plenty of time to put the whole Chaz issue to bed. Because she sure as hell didn’t want to bring a young child into her life when there was still potential danger.

  Telling her friends and family was going to be another story. She wondered how Potter would take the adoption news. She smiled, thinking back to when Potter walked in the medical room, holding Alejandra’s hand. It was a sight that warmed her heart. It seemed Alejandra had taken a huge liking to Potter and the rest of the guys. While she helped Tenley pack her bags, they were all that she talked about. She chuckled to herself. If Alejandra only knew what those guys were capable of, she probably wouldn’t think they were very nice. At least until she was old enough to understand why they did the things they did.

  She remembered how each team member had given Alejandra a hug and a piece of candy before they piled into the van. What had really made Tenley emotional was the exchange between the little girl and Potter. Remembering how he went on one knee and held both her hands as he spoke to her was a sight to take in. She didn’t know what they spoke about because they were both whispering. It was when Potter leaned forward and kissed Alejandra on her forehead that Tenley became an emotional wreck. She buried her face into Stitch’s shirt who was sitting beside her in the back row of the van. He had wrapped his arm around her shoulders and consoled her. Whatever was said between Potter and Alejandra seemed to affect Potter as well, because when he finally got into the van, he sat in the front passenger seat and didn’t talk to anyone until they were on the plane.

  Minus the last two days, she considered her trip a success and felt proud that she was able to contribute her talent to help those in need. In the four weeks she was there, the organization had assisted thousands of peop
le, but there were still so many more residents who needed medical assistance. The time on her contract was up, and if she was honest with herself, she was ready to be back home and get a handle on the lingering issues that would hopefully put her on a path to a new chapter in her life.

  If she was lucky, her time away had allowed Chaz to find another conquest to bother, even though it didn’t stop his pursuit before. She knew he was shacking up with other women. She still couldn’t figure out why after months apart, he just appeared out of thin air making threats. Something was off with him. She looked at her phone again and noted all the missed calls and texts over the last four weeks he had left her. Again, some were threats, although a couple of texts were the complete opposite as he professed his love for her. Yeah, okay. The guy was totally fucked up in the head.

  Now she had to factor in the ordeal with Miguel. The right thing to do would be to go to Derek and explain everything, but the promise she made to Miguel, that she’d keep their conversation confidential weighed on her conscience. From everyone’s reaction, her story seemed to pacify the guys; however, she wasn’t a hundred percent that she pulled off a performance worthy of an Oscar with Derek. He hadn’t really said all that much, and that kind of worried her. Plus, it was no use to get everyone worked up if it turned out to be nothing and that Miguel was just asking questions. She couldn’t blame him for wanting to know if someone was out to sabotage his business. For now, she let sleeping lions be.

  She washed the conditioner out of her hair, then turned off the water and dried off. She noted the time and grimaced; her mom and Alex would be there in about ten minutes. Quickly she threw on her clothes and semi-dried her hair before saying the hell with styling it and pinned it up in a messy bun. She debated on bothering with make-up. On the one hand, she didn’t like wearing the crap, but on the other hand, some foundation would help conceal the nasty bruise along her cheekbone. Her mom was going to lose her shit when she saw that. Hopefully, Derek gave her a heads up.