The Other Brother (The Collision Series)

by Kristen Granata

  “What more could you possibly have left to ask?” Tanner wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “She’s answered all your questions.”

  “I want to make sure I have all the facts straight. I’m sure you double-check a vehicle after you’re done working on it, right?”

  “It’s okay.” I stepped forward. “What do you need to know?”

  Leafing through his notepad, Detective Williams clicked his pen several times. “Your father admitted to getting involved with John’s illegal gambling. When he couldn’t pay them, you said John came to your old bakery and broke your arm?”

  “Tommy was the one who broke my wrist, but yes. They came to the bakery after we’d closed and threatened us.”

  “Then you said John came back at the end of that week and tried to burn the bakery down.”

  “Yes. My father had already gone home for the night. I was in the kitchen when John came in and started dousing it with gasoline.”

  “And where was Tommy when this happened?”

  “I don’t know, sir. I didn’t see him.”

  “But you managed to get out without getting hurt.”

  My chest tightened. “Yes. John slipped on the gasoline, hit his head, and was knocked unconscious. That’s how I was able to escape.”

  The detective nodded as he scribbled on his pad.

  I hated lying to the police, but insurance fraud is illegal. Dad and I could both face jail. I couldn’t let that happen. We’d been through enough.

  “Are these Mafioso pricks going to stay in prison?” Tanner asked. “They tried to kill my girlfriend. Twice.”

  I shuddered at the thought of John and Tommy walking free. Would they come for me again? Would they ever give up?

  “We’ve got them for racketeering and gambling, but they’re being charged with attempted murder. If they plead guilty, it will be an open-and-closed case.”

  “If they don’t plead guilty?”

  “Ms. Thompson and her father will have to testify against them in court.”

  “What are the odds they’ll be found guilty?” I chewed my lip waiting for his response.

  “Pretty high, considering this isn’t their first offense.” He shoved both the pen and pad into his pocket. “Thank you for your time. Sorry to interrupt your night.”

  “That’s it? What happens next?”

  “Ms. Thompson, you have nothing to worry about. Those men won’t hurt you anymore.” He turned and walked to his car.

  Nothing to worry about.

  Tanner held my face and kissed my lips softly. “He’s right, you know. You have nothing to worry about anymore.”

  “What if they plead not guilty? What if it goes to court and I have to testify? What if they don’t believe me? What if—”

  “Easy, baby. Let’s take it one day at a time. We’ll worry about things when it’s time to worry about them. Right now, all I’m worried about is getting you home and getting us something to eat.”

  I mustered a smile as Tanner took my hand in his. I tried to quell the thoughts swarming my mind, though that was an impossible task knowing there was even the slightest chance John and Tommy could go free.

  When will this be over?

  Tanner

  “Mommy! They’re here!”

  I closed the door behind me and braced for the impact of Khloe’s tiny body. She flung herself into my arms and wrapped her legs tightly around me. I felt guilty for moving out of the house. In the matter of months, Khloe went from a family of five to living in a house with only Mom. I felt guilty about leaving Mom, too.

  “Are we going to make pancakes now? I’m starving!”

  “Of course! You’re going to help me, right?” Charlotte asked.

  Khloe dove from my arms into Charlotte’s. “Yes! Let’s go!”

  Charlotte carried Khloe into the kitchen, grinning over her shoulder at me.

  “That kid’s got way too much energy in the morning,” I said as I walked into the living room.

  “You think you were any different when you were her age?” Mom asked, smiling up at me. She was curled under a blanket on Dad’s recliner.

  I took the recliner next to her and leaned over to kiss her head. “How has she been since I moved out?”

  “She’s fine. I told you: you don’t have to worry about it.”

  I opened my mouth to respond but the ringing of Mom’s phone cut me off. Chase was calling.

  “To what do I owe this early-morning call?” She paused and I watched her smile disappear. “What do you mean there was an earthquake?” Mom jumped up to grab the remote off the coffee table. When the TV didn’t turn on, she smacked it against the palm of her hand. “This damn thing never works!”

  “Give it to me before you break it.” I took the remote from her and placed my hand gently on her shoulder.

  When the TV turned on, Mom’s hand flew to her mouth as she saw the images on the screen. “Oh my God, Chase. Are you all right? Where are you?”

  “I’m in the hospital with Merritt. Everything is okay.”

  “Merritt’s with you?” Mom and I asked in unison. I just saw Merritt yesterday. How is she in California?

  Mom put the phone on speaker so I could hear.

  “Merritt arrived last night. She was just in time to get me and a friend out of the bar after the earthquake hit. I was knocked out, and she saved me.”

  “Jesus Christ! I want you both to come home!”

  “We will. I’ll call you after the doctor checks me out.”

  “I love the both of you so much.”

  “We love you, too.”

  Mom ended the call and sat down slowly onto the edge of the coffee table, her eyes still glued to the TV.

  Charlotte stepped into the living room with Khloe not far behind. “Everything okay?”

  I pulled her close to me while Khloe climbed into Mom’s lap. “There was an earthquake in California. Chase just called to say he’ll be coming home.”

  “Oh my God! Is he okay?”

  “Yeah. Apparently, Merritt is with him.”

  Charlotte looked up at me and her face twisted in confusion. “What’s she doing in California?”

  I shrugged. “I guess we’ll find out when they get home.”

  “You get kidnapped. He gets caught in an earthquake.” Mom rubbed her head. “You kids are going to be the death of me.”

  * * *

  Mom cooked a feast for Chase and Merritt’s arrival. They looked bruised and battered, but they were alive. Mom and Khloe were thrilled to have a full house again, and Merritt was equally thrilled to have Chase home. I didn’t want any of them to get their hopes up though. Would Chase stay home for good? Would Merritt want to go back with him? There was too much uncertainty, and Chase had made his priorities clear when he’d left us all in the dust before.

  “Tanner, you got a sec?” Chase motioned for me to follow him into the living room.

  “I’m clearing off the table.”

  Merritt nudged me with her elbow. “Go. I’ve got the dishes.”

  I sighed and followed my brother into the other room. Chase sat on the edge of the couch and waited for me to take a seat.

  “I need to thank you.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “For what?”

  “For taking care of Merritt when she came back.”

  “It was no big deal.”

  “Yes, it was, and you know it. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been here to help her.”

  “I didn’t do anything. It’s TJ you should be thanking.”

  Chase shook his head adamantly. “No. You’re the one who convinced her to go to TJ in the first place. You’re the only one who was able to get through to her.” He looked down at his hands. “She trusts you.”

  For the first time in, well, let’s be honest—ever—Chase was being vulnerable. Real. Something was different about him. I guess almost dying in a natural disaster had changed his perspective on life.

  “She trusts me because
I’m real with her. I don’t tiptoe around her feelings.”

  “Are you saying I tiptoe around her?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know about your relationship. But I know Merritt, and I know she needs you. She needs you to be there for her. She needs you to put her first. Everyone she’s ever loved has left her. You can’t leave her again.”

  Chase looked straight into my eyes. “I’m not.”

  “You’re not going back to California?”

  “No. It’s not worth it. Nothing is worth it. You showed me that.”

  I sat back as if blown back by an explosion. “Me?”

  “You remind me of Dad so much. You always have. You worked your ass off and made this family your top priority. You have this certainty about you. You know exactly what you want, exactly where you belong. You always make the right choices.”

  I laughed once. “I make the right choices? You sure about that? I’m the hotheaded and impulsive one.”

  Chase smiled. “Yeah, you have a temper … but it’s only because you’re so positive in your convictions. You love fiercely and you stand up for what’s right. I look up to you for that.”

  I was absolutely dumbfounded. “You sure the doctor said you didn’t have a head injury?”

  Chase laughed and I cracked a smile. “Look, you helped Merritt when I couldn’t, and I’ll never forget that. You took care of this family when I didn’t. I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. I owe you.”

  “Nah. You don’t owe me anything. That’s what family is for.”

  Chase stood and I did the same. He stuck his hand out and looked at me. “Brothers?”

  I put my hand in his and gave it a firm shake.

  “Always.”

  Twenty-six

  Charlotte

  It was finally summer again.

  I’d spent the day basking in the warmth of the sun’s rays at Beverly’s house celebrating Chase’s birthday. Tanner flipped burgers on the barbeque. Khloe splashed in the pool with Chase and Merritt. Everyone was at peace. Everyone was happy.

  John and Tommy agreed to take a plea deal. They even ratted out several other men they worked with in exchange for a lesser sentence. I wouldn’t have to testify. I wouldn’t go to jail. I wouldn’t have to see them again. A weight had been lifted from the shoulders I’d no longer have to look over.

  They’d forget about me after twenty years in prison, right?

  Tonight, I was especially happy because Carla had agreed to visit. I secretly hoped I could convince her to quit her job and move to New York. Part one of my plan was scheduled to unfold. Carla, Tanner, Mallory, and I were on our way to Big Nose Kate’s.

  “Is TJ meeting us there?” Mallory asked.

  “He’ll be there.”

  Mallory turned to Carla beside her in the back seat. “Wait until you see this beef-stick of a man. He is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  Carla chuckled at Mallory’s enthusiasm the same way I did. “Is he single? Why don’t you two hook up?”

  Mallory shook her head vigorously. “He is way out of my league.”

  “Ah, come on, girl! Don’t say that. You’re hot!”

  I turned to look at Mallory. “What she said!”

  “I think TJ’s been a little too preoccupied to notice anyone.” Tanner shook his head. “If he couldn’t crush me with his bare hands, I’d have killed him.”

  “Tanner’s still mad that TJ fell in love with Merritt,” I explained to Carla.

  “And Merritt is your brother’s girlfriend?” Carla asked.

  “Yup. I don’t know what he was thinking.”

  Mallory laughed once. “He spent all his time rolling around in that cage training Merritt. Of course feelings are going to spark. I just can’t believe that girl has two of the hottest guys at her feet. No fair!”

  Tanner rolled his eyes.

  I patted his arm reassuringly. “You’re still the hottest guy to me, babe.”

  “So what’s your story, Carla? Are you single?”

  “I am.” She still had that faraway look about her, and she still wouldn’t tell me what had happened between her and Joe. I didn’t understand why she didn’t want to tell me. We’d always told each other everything.

  Well, except that one time I didn’t tell her I was moving to New York in the middle of the night after burning down my father’s bakery with an evil mobster inside of it.

  Once we were in the bar, Mallory ordered shots. Tanner scanned the room for TJ and I watched him intently until he caught me.

  “What are you smiling about?”

  I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. “I’m smiling about you.”

  “Oh, yeah? Why is that?”

  “Because I love you.”

  Tanner grinned. “If you love me so much, why don’t you move in with me?”

  “I told you why. It’s too soon.”

  “Too soon for what?” Mallory nudged me with a shot glass.

  Tanner gestured to me with his thumb. “She thinks it’s too soon to move in together.”

  Mallory rolled her eyes. “You guys have been through so much shit already, it’s like you’ve been dating for years.” She handed Carla a shot. “Their relationship has been exhausting. Be glad you missed it.”

  Carla raised her glass in the air. “Time means nothing. You could be with someone for years and not truly know them.”

  Tanner clinked his water bottle against Carla’s glass. “Exactly.”

  “You guys are supposed to be on my side.” I tapped my glass against Carla’s before moving to Mallory’s. “That’s messed up.”

  We threw our shots back as TJ appeared beside Tanner.

  Mallory indiscreetly elbowed Carla in the ribs to get her attention. Carla made no facial expression whatsoever. I could never read her.

  Tanner slapped him on the back. “What’s up, dick-face?”

  TJ nodded. “Shit stain.” He turned his attention to me. “How ya doin’, champ?”

  “I’m great. TJ, you remember Mallory.”

  He winked at her and she giggled.

  “This is my best friend Carla.”

  He extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Carla. Glad to see you let your friend come back home.”

  One of her eyebrows arched. “Florida was her home. This is just her new residence.”

  “It’s my new home.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “Maybe it will be your new home, too.”

  “Are you thinking of moving up here?” TJ asked.

  Carla shrugged. “It’s a possibility.”

  “If you move here, I’d get an apartment with you,” Mallory said. “I’m dying to get out of my house.”

  “Why didn’t you ask me to get an apartment with you?” I asked.

  She gestured to Tanner. “You’re moving in with him.”

  “I never said that!”

  She rolled her eyes. “You will eventually, and I can’t carry the rent on my own.”

  “You’re really looking to move out?” Carla asked.

  Mallory’s eyes went wide with excitement. “Hell, yes! Let me know. I’ll start apartment hunting!”

  Tanner snaked his arm around my waist. “See, babe? Your friends are going to live together. We should live together. Everybody wins.”

  “And when you guys start fighting, I can tell you to come stay at my place.” Mallory laughed.

  “Hey, who says we’re going to fight?” Tanner hugged me tighter.

  “Please.” Mallory turned to Carla. “They’ve broken up at least five times since they started dating.”

  I sunk my hand on my hip. “That’s an exaggeration.”

  “Bullshit,” TJ coughed loudly. He and Mallory laughed.

  “Whatever. You’re together now,” Carla said. Then she pointed her finger at Tanner’s nose. “But if you break her heart, I’ll kill you.”

  Tanner held up his right hand to swear on the invisible Bible. “I will never hurt her
.”

  TJ’s eyes sparkled as he laughed. “She’s feisty and beautiful. I like your friend, Charlotte.”

  “Wish I could say the feeling was mutual.” Carla tugged on my elbow. “Come on. Let’s dance.”

  I pulled Mallory with me as we made our way to the dance floor.

  “You know TJ was just being nice,” I shouted over the music.

  “Whatever. I’m not in the mood.”

  Mallory’s eyebrows shot up. “Not in the mood for that?”

  “I just want to forget about men for tonight and enjoy my time with you girls.”

  Mallory looked at me and we exchanged shrugs.

  I caught TJ watching Carla as she danced throughout the night. I didn’t know too much about him, but he seemed like an incredible person. I didn’t expect Carla to swoon over him the way Mallory did, but she was sending out major bitch vibes, which was uncharacteristic of her. I had a feeling it had something to do with her breakup with Joe.

  Mallory kept the drinks coming and by the end of the night, we were giggling and stumbling over to Tanner.

  “Are you ready to go?” He was fighting the smile tugging at his lips.

  “Yes. My feet are killing me. Wait. Where’s Carla?”

  “She said she needed some air,” Mallory said. “She’s probably waiting for us outside.”

  “You’re slurring,” I told her.

  She held her middle finger up. “Your ass is slurring.”

  I burst out laughing.

  Tanner held out each of his elbows for us to take. “All right, ladies. Let’s go.”

  We walked out to the parking lot to look for Carla.

  “I don’t see her.”

  “I do.” Tanner was laughing and shaking his head.

  I looked in the direction of his stare and saw the back of Carla’s head. Two large tattooed arms were wrapped around her waist.

  I squinted in disbelief. “Is that …”

  “Holy shit!” Mallory exclaimed. “Carla’s making out with TJ!”

  “Is she going home with him?”

  Tanner shrugged. “Does she do that sort of thing?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  Mallory sighed. “Lucky bitch.”

  Tanner unlocked his Mustang. “You two get in the car. I’ll go ask.”