by K. C. Crowne
Hank rose, the chair scraping against the floor like nails on a chalkboard.
“Jack Wiley. We meet, at last,” Hank said, coming from around the desk and shaking my hand. “I expected to see a little more surprise on your face when we finally met. Do you know who I am?”
I shrugged. “Not much surprises me anymore, but should I know who you are?”
I feigned ignorance. I knew my face wouldn’t give away my lack of surprise, but I could act like I had no idea that Hank Gillespie was a powerful politician. That he was known for running on a platform that was harsh against crime and all about family values. That he was eyeing a presidential role in the future. But I knew all that. I just needed him to say it, to give me the proof I needed to take him down.
Hank waved me off, however. “It doesn’t matter who I am, Jack. In fact, I invited you here to talk about you. Have a seat.”
I took a seat across from him. Richard was on one side, and he dropped the bag of cash on the desk. “It’s all there.”
“Good, good. Jack’s always trustworthy, isn’t he? Unlike his dad, of course. It really is a shame about your old man, Jack.”
“Is it? I mean, he wasn’t that good of a person, and he wasn’t loyal.”
“No, he wasn’t loyal, but believe it or not, Jack, your father was once one of my top runners. I knew he would get the job done no matter what.”
I shrugged. I had nothing to really add to that.
“He just liked to run his mouth, didn’t he?” Hank’s lips curled into a snarl.
“I guess so. He never really talked to me, so I wouldn’t know.” That was a lie. He did talk to me. He did run his mouth. That’s why I wasn’t surprised by the man running the operation. Every time Hank Gillespie came on the TV, my dad would go off on how he was a hypocrite, profiting off the very drugs he was pretending to be against. I heard how he bought elections, how he ran on a platform of securing the borders, all while working with cartels.
I knew way more about Hank than I ought to but had to make him believe I didn’t know shit.
Hank leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of his face while studying me. His eyes narrowed, and his face scrunched up as if he was deep in thought.
“I always liked you, Jack,” he began. “Now, I’ve never met you, but your father used to talk about you - what a good kid you were, how you were going to grow up to be just like him, but you were smarter than him. He said you were one hell of a smart kid. Good with bending the truth to your will too, he said. He told me you could fool the cops and lie straight to their face about anything.”
“Did he now?” I feigned a chuckle, running a hand over my beard.
“He did. But I have to say; he was wrong about something.”
The Russian stepped closer to me, as did Richard. They both put their hands on my shoulder. I swallowed a lump in my throat.
Hank let out a deep, dramatic sigh. “You’re not really that good of a liar.”
The Russian yanked me up from the chair, and I wasn’t prepared for it. “On your knees, rat.”
Before I could decide if I wanted to obey or disobey, the Russian kicked the backs of my legs, causing my knees to crumple. He shoved me to the ground, and I scrambled to keep myself upright. I could fight back, but I was outnumbered.
I’d known this was a possibility. I knew I wouldn’t stand a chance if things went badly. But if I died, it would mean Cassie and Owen were safe. I didn’t want to die - I wanted to watch my son grow up - but I wanted to be sure he had the opportunity to grow up as well.
I stayed on my knees, staring at the concrete floor. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I spat.
Richard and the Russian held onto me, making sure I couldn’t move. I could have fought it, but fighting would have been useless. They had guns, and I had none. I’d walked into this knowing it could be a suicide mission, so I was prepared for it.
I was prepared to die to protect my family.
Hank stood up and walked around the desk. He stood in front of me and lifted my face with the butt of a revolver, forcing me to stare into those stone-cold eyes.
“I have too much to lose, Jack. I wanted to trust you, but it’s clear you’re working with someone else. And I can’t have anyone ruin my Senate run,” he stated, staring down his nose at me. “There’s rumors I might be considered for vice president in the future. Why would I risk that on the son of a traitor?”
“I’m not like my dad,” I defended. “I’m no traitor.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. But I’m all about mitigating risks,” he said.
He moved the gun, and my head fell forward. I was once again staring at the concrete. In my head, I was no longer there. I was reliving the night before with Cassie and Owen, cherishing the last moments I’d had with them.
I loved them more than life itself.
And if they were safe, this would be worth it.
Images of Owen kept flashing in my head. I pictured what he would be like growing up. What he might look like. A lump formed in my throat.
“And after we’re done with you, we can go after your sweet sister too. I could have some fun with her,” Hank said coldly.
Those words struck something in me, and my protective instincts kicked in. I yanked free from the Russian’s grasp and was on my feet. I took the big man by surprise, slamming my fist into his face. It was like brick hitting concrete, and his face was smashed in, blood flowing from his nose. With him distracted, I grabbed the gun from his hand.
I didn’t hesitate. I turned and pointed it directly at Hank.
Hank’s face was still deadly serious. Not a single emotion passed through his eyes as he pointed his gun toward me.
In the distance, I heard a door opening. Footsteps coming toward us, but I didn’t dare turn away or look anywhere but at Hank.
Hank’s lips pulled back in a snarl. “If you thought you were outnumbered before, Jack, wait until you meet the rest of my team.”
My heart sank as four men walked into the room. They wore the same masks as the other two men covering the bottom half of their faces.
Four more men. A total of nine people against one.
One of the men lifted his gun, and I prepared for the worst.
But at the last second, he turned the gun toward the Russian and shot him in the arm. One of the others went for Richard. The other two went for the men who stood by Hank.
Hank dropped his hand, seemingly as shocked as I was at the turn of events. I used this to my advantage. I took aim and shot at Hank. He moved just as I took my shot, running toward the back door. I chased him amongst the chaos. He slammed the heavy door behind him, and the handle wouldn’t turn. He’d locked it from the outside somehow.
I turned on my heels and ran for the stairs in the other corner of the basement, figuring there had to be another way out of this house. As I turned, I saw the bloodbath before me. All four of the other men were on the ground, bleeding. It was hard to tell if they were dead or alive. The four new guys blocked my way. They were all as big as me, if not bigger.
“I need to catch him,” I said.
“Jack, we need to talk—”
“Let me pass. I have to catch him.”
“Jack!” one yelled, catching my full attention. “He’s gone already. He had a car right outside. We’re not gonna catch him.”
“You don’t understand. I have to.” I pushed past them, but one of the men grabbed my arm.
“You’re just going to get yourself killed. You have no idea what you’re up against.”
“And you do? I’ve been dealing with these men for most of my life. Who the fuck are you?”
“We’re your brothers,” the man holding my arm said.
With his other free hand, he pulled down his mask.
I stared into a face that looked a lot like my own. Just older. Rougher. He was one of the men who’d followed me, but I’d never had a clear look at him before. Now that I had, it was like looking into
a mirror that showed the future.
“Bullshit. I don’t have any brothers.”
The man cocked an eyebrow. “Well, you do now.”
Cassie
“Come on, Jack,” I muttered to myself, nibbling my fingernail as I paced the room.
Owen was asleep, but I couldn’t sleep without knowing what had happened with Jack. I was expecting a call or a text, anything to let me know he was alright.
But so far, nothing, and it was after midnight.
The meeting should have happened by now. He didn’t give me too many details, just that it was at night and it was out of town. Beyond that, I had nothing.
I collapsed onto the bed, curled up in a fetal position. I’d cried so much, and I wasn’t sure my eyes could produce any more tears. But I was quickly proven wrong. Tears flowed down my cheeks, and I began sobbing into the pillow, not wanting to wake up Owen.
I wished I’d told Jack how I felt about him - that I loved him. That I’d always loved him. In middle school, I’d crushed hard on my best friend’s older brother, and that crush only grew stronger as I grew older and saw how much he cared about Madison and everything he was willing to do for her. I saw a side of him no one else besides Madison got to see. He was a good person with a big heart, and I loved him for it.
I might not ever get a chance to tell him that now.
“Dammit,” I cursed myself. “Why didn’t I tell him earlier?”
Teddy had knocked just as I was about to tell him, but I should have said it anyway. I had been at a loss for words, my emotions getting the best of me.
Please just let him be okay, I prayed.
My phone was sitting next to me on the bed, and even though it was on silent to avoid waking the baby, I heard the faintest buzz. I sat upright instantly, grabbing at the phone. I answered without even looking to see who the call was from. He used so many different burner phones, and it was hard to tell which number he’d call from.
“Jack?”
“Yes, Cassie, it’s me.”
I let out a deep breath now that it felt like I could breathe for the first time in years. “Oh God, Jack. I was so scared.”
“I can’t talk long. Things are bad right now,” he said.
My heart dropped. “What do you mean, bad?”
“Things didn’t go as well as I would have hoped, and there may be a target on my back,” he told me. “We’re working out the details still. Is Teddy home?”
“Yes, he is.”
“Go to him. Don’t tell him too much, but tell him you believe you might be in danger. I trust him.”
In the background, I heard another voice. “Who’s with you?”
“It’s a long story,” he said with a sigh. “And I promise to explain everything when I can. Just talk to Teddy and don’t leave the house, we’ll be together as soon as we can find a way to do it safely.”
“Jack, where are you?”
“I’m about an hour away. We have to make a stop at a cabin for some supplies, and then we’ll be in touch to figure out the next steps.” He paused a moment. “Just stay with Teddy, Cassie. Tell him, but ask him not to go to the department yet.”
The line began to get fuzzy. “Jack—”
“Sorry, there’s no reception out here, I think I’m gonna lose you.”
“Jack…”
“I love you, Cassie,” he said just as the line went dead.
“Jack—” The line was dead, but it didn’t stop me from trying to reach out to him anyway. My hands were shaking, and I nearly dropped my phone.
I scrambled from the bed and was at the door when I realized I didn’t want my son out of my sight for one minute until this nightmare was over. I hurried back to where he was sleeping, looking so peaceful and perfect, and tried to pick him up as gently as I could. I didn’t want to wake him, but I also couldn’t imagine leaving him alone either. As soon as he was safely tucked into my arms, I hurried from the room.
I heard Madison and Teddy talking in the living room down the hall. It was late, but Madison was a night owl, and Teddy usually didn’t sleep much. I was thankful for that now. I rushed into the room, and it must have been the look on my face. Madison jumped up from the sofa, her face as white as a sheet.
“What? What’s wrong? Is it Owen?” She rushed to my side and began checking on my son.
“No, no, it’s Jack, actually.” Tears rolled down my cheeks.
“What’s wrong with Jack?” Madison asked me.
“He’s in trouble, and he thinks we’re all in trouble too. He thinks someone might come after us,” I said, my voice shaking.
Teddy was up on his feet and next to me in a second. “What’s going on, Cassie?”
“I don’t know all the details, and he said to tell you, but asks that you don’t go to the department just yet. He’ll be in touch as soon as he can,” I listed breathlessly. “But I don’t really know anything else.”
Madison wrapped her arms over my shoulder and shot a look to Teddy. “Get Zoey.”
She led me to the couch and sat down next to me. Teddy was gone and back in a flash, their sleeping daughter in his arms, her head resting against her daddy’s chest.
“Tell us everything you know, Cass,” Madison said.
“Jack was trying to find evidence against the head guy of the crime ring that killed your father and—”
“We caught all of them,” Teddy said, shaking his head. “They’re either in prison or dead.”
“Apparently, you only caught some of them,” I told him. “The big guy is harder to catch, and Jack was determined to get evidence that would put him away for good. He said we weren’t safe as long as the boss was alive and free.”
“You knew about this?” Teddy asked, his voice tinged with anger.
“I knew very little,” I promised. “I still don’t know much.”
Teddy placed Zoey in Madison’s arms and paced the room. He was stewing - likely over us not telling him sooner - but also plotting. I could see the wheels in his head working.
“So is he coming here? Now?”
“I don’t know. I think so, but he said they had to grab some supplies first.”
“I need to call this in—” Teddy muttered.
“No,” Madison and I said at the same time.
Teddy stared at us with raised eyebrows. “The police need to handle this.”
“If this gets out, if even one of your men is working with these people, it could put us all in danger, Teddy. It could put Jack in more danger too.”
“I trust my men.”
Madison gave Teddy a look. “All of them?”
The fact that Teddy hesitated told me all I needed to know. There was at least one person on his team he wasn’t sure about. He sighed and ran a hand over his face. Teddy was a by-the-book kind of man, so this surprised me.
Madison filled in the details for me. “There’s a new guy at work. He transferred in a month ago, and he’s been in law enforcement for almost as long as Teddy has been alive. He’s causing some problems within the department, and Teddy and I aren’t sure he’s not connected to something bad, but without proof…”
“Exactly what Jack was dealing with,” I said, turning to Teddy. “You have to understand how fragile this is right now, Teddy. Jack and I trust you, only you. Let’s just see what Jack has to say first.”
Teddy looked conflicted, but his eyes fell on his sleeping daughter. Zoey was sucking on her thumb, curled up in her mother’s lap. Teddy’s face softened.
“I’ll do anything to protect my family,” he said with a sigh. “And you’re right. I don’t trust Dave. Something isn’t right about him. But if this gets bad, I’ll have no choice. I trust everyone else in the department with my life.”
“I know you do, sweetie,” Madison soothed. “And I trust most of them. But right now, I trust Jack more.”
I was surprised that Teddy agreed with her. He sat down on the floor next to Madison, stroking his daughter’s hair as she slept.
> One day, I want that, I thought to myself.
One day when all this shit is over.
Jack
“We’re home,” Graham announced as he pulled into the driveway of a cabin at the end of a very long dirt road. We were an hour outside Liberty, in the middle of nowhere, and I had no idea who these guys were except they kept claiming to be my brothers.
Graham had introduced himself first and was the one who broke the news to me. He was the oldest, but only by a few minutes. His twin brother, Samuel, was the spitting image of him. Almost hard to tell them apart, except Graham did more talking. Samuel didn’t say much.
Mason was the middle child while Elijah was the youngest – or was the youngest until they learned about me.
We got out of the truck and hurried inside the cabin. The place was nice - really nice, in fact. They’d kept calling it a cabin, but it was the nicest, largest cabin I’d ever seen.
“We’re only renting this place until we can find a place to settle in Liberty,” Graham said. “We’re looking at building our own place, maybe several homes on a plot of land closer to Liberty.” Graham had a sharp, southern twang. He and his brothers were from Tennessee.
“Why do you want to move to Liberty?” I asked.
“Why not?” Graham said with a shrug of the shoulders. “We’d like to get to know our family here, and besides our mama, there’s not much for us in Tennessee after granddad died last year. I think our father would want us to get to know you better, Jack.”
Graham opened the door to the cabin, and we stepped inside.
“Are you sure you have the right person?” I asked. “Because my dad - Glen Wiley - wouldn’t have cared less about any of this.”
“I hate to break it to you, but Glen wasn’t your father,” Mason piped up from behind us.
The four of them got to work gathering supplies - guns, knives, even rope. I stood and watched, dumbfounded, and wondering if I was dreaming. This couldn’t be real. I didn’t have brothers.
“My parents had been together since they were children, essentially. It doesn’t make sense.”