The Complete Box Set Demented Revengers MC - Quitman Chapter

by Vera Quinn

  The showdown with Lorraine is inevitable. Better to face it now than two or ten years down the road and having to keep looking over my shoulder wondering when it is going to happen.

  Rebel is more complicated. I know no matter what my feelings could be for him that I do not belong in his world. I don’t understand the ground rules for that kind of life and I don’t think I want to.

  Brody is a good solid man, and he is helping me in more ways than one. He’s guaranteed me he will be by my side no matter what. I believe him, more than that, I trust him, with not only my life but Shelby’s, too.

  It’s going to be late when we get back to Winnsboro, so hopefully, I have one more night before I have to face everyone. Tomorrow I have to see if I can get my job back considering I didn’t give notice. Brody said if not then he has some secretarial work I can do for his business. He’s taking on more men so he can be home more. I just hope it isn’t just to take care of us.

  It’s way after eleven when we pass the city limit sign. The town is quiet as we drive through it to get to home. I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding when I see my driveway is empty. We pass it for Brody’s drive next door. I have at least one more night before I have to face anyone. I have been fooling myself that I have been more worried about Lorraine. I know I can get through that with Brody and Mr. Lemons by my side. I have everything I need on my side now. No, I am more worried about Rebel.

  Shelby’s sleeping in her car seat. I look at Brody, and he reaches over and squeezes my hand. “It’ll be okay, Gracie. Trust me.”

  “I do trust you, Brody. If not, I wouldn’t have let you take on all this responsibility. I just hope you trust me. I’ll never let you down again. I promise.” Brody reaches over and pulls me to him by my hand. I go willingly. He kisses me softly on my lips. This calms my nerves. He’s been doing this a lot since we left Las Vegas. His lips might not leave me feeling breathless, but they leave me wanting more from this man. So much more.

  “Let’s get this angel into the house. I’ll come back out and get everything once you two are safe inside. We can set the portable bed we got her up in my spare room. We can leave a light on in case she wakes up.” I nod my head in agreement.

  “That sounds great Brody. I can probably sleep until noon, but I’ll be happy if Shelby lets me sleep until eight.” I sound hopeful even to my ears.

  “Shelby is an early riser. Has she always been that way?” Only a man with no children would ask that question.

  “I think it’s a kid thing.” I laugh. He gets her out and carries her into the house. He has his keys out and as soon as we get inside he takes care of the alarm. He makes it look easy with one hand while keeping Shelby nestled to him. I can tell Brody packed in a hurry. He has a stack of clothes still left on his sofa.

  He lays Shelby on the sofa. I can’t wait to get back to my house tomorrow. I had cleaned everything before I left so no one would have to clean a mess. I never thought I would miss a house like I did the house I grew up in but I do. This has become my home now. Mr. Lemons told me the sale of my house went through. I have a few papers to sign, but it is a done deal. It’s bittersweet. It’s the last thing I have from my parents, but I know this is now my home. I know my parents would want me to be happy and I will be happy here. I’ll just have to keep my parents alive by making a good life for Shelby and myself and never forgetting all the good memories. I can live with that and knowing that nest egg will be the beginning of a college fund for my baby girl.

  By the time I snap out of my thoughts, Brody has brought everything in, and I see he is headed up the hall to set up the portable crib for Shelby. He’s set Shelby’s bags down, so I go and get busy changing her for bed. By the time he is finished I have her settled back down and ready to tuck her in her bed.

  Brody goes back out to bring in more bags, and I put her down in her crib so she can sleep the rest of the night peacefully. Except for the days of her teething and the part of her not being able to get down to play enough, Shelby has taken everything in stride. To be a child again. I kiss her forehead and leave a small light on for her. I leave the bedroom door partially open, so I can hear her if she wakes up. I walk quietly out and make my way back into the kitchen where Brody is getting something to drink. “Is she back to sleep?” He asks me.

  “Yeah, she is. Hopefully, she’ll sleep a little later tomorrow. It’d be nice to get a full eight hours sleep.” That sounds so good to me.

  “I’ll get up with her in the morning. You can sleep in. I’m going to talk to dad first thing in the morning. Mom will be happy to see her back. I’m sure Ms. Audie will be, too.” The thought of Audie brings Rebel back to mind.

  “It’s okay, Brody. I learned when Shelby was born my times of sleeping in were over. I need to call my supervisor and see if I can get my job back. I have to be able to pay our bills.” I’m hoping for the best.

  “I already told you if you can’t, you’re covered. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to do your work from home? It’d save you in daycare expenses, and it would save me from having to do paperwork.” Brody laughs. It does sound good, but I have never done office work before so I would have to be trained even if I am just doing it from home.

  “Are you sure you want to take the time to train me? I’ve never done any work like that. I can type and file, and I have computer skills but never put them to use. The only jobs I have ever had is as a waitress, the work I’ve done here and taking care of Shelby.” Brody shakes his head.

  “Look, babe, it’s nothing too difficult. You had to have experience dealing with people being a waitress. You’ll be taking phone calls and relaying messages. Can you use a fax machine?” He makes it sound simple.

  “I used the fax machine doing supply orders for Mr. West at the restaurant when Mrs. West was gone.” All pretty easy.

  “The only other thing is making motel reservations when we need them. Maybe some flight reservations. Oh, and bank deposits even though most of our payments are wired directly to the bank. The rest I can teach you in time.” It sounds reasonable.

  “I don’t want to be a charity case. I make my own money and pay my own bills.” He has to understand this from me.

  “We’ve discussed this to death. We know how things are going to work so quit worrying. We’ll do this together. I told you I am here every step of the way.” I don’t know what I did to deserve Brody, but I thank my lucky stars I have him. I just hope he knows what he is getting into. “Let’s get some sleep, so when the shit hits the fan tomorrow, we will be ready.” Oh, joy. I can only imagine.

  “Okay. Sounds like a plan.” We go down the hall to Brody’s room. I am completely comfortable with sleeping next to Brody now. I didn’t think I would feel comfortable being close to Brody every night but I feel safe, and I feel cared for. At first, I argued with myself that it wasn’t right, but Brody has made me see that we are doing nothing wrong. He’s been sleeping in the same bed but on top of the blankets and me under them for the two nights we got a room with two beds. Shelby slept in a bed by herself, and I slept next to Brody tucked in his arms. He’s had patience with me, but he won’t let me run again. He has a strength inside him that draws me to him.

  I get my sleeping clothes out of my bag with my toothbrush and Brody lets me go into the bathroom and get ready first. This is the first night we will be in a room alone. I’m a little nervous, but I hurry with my nightly rituals. A quick shower and brushing my teeth. I hang my towel up and go in search of my brush for my wet hair. Brody is relaxed on the bed waiting his turn. I get my brush out my bag and go and sit on the side of the bed by Brody. “You are so beautiful,” Brody says to me. I’m no beauty, but I appreciate him saying it.

  “Thank you. The bathroom is all yours.” I brush my hair quickly.

  “Why don’t you get under the covers and I will tuck you in. Your eyes say you will probably be asleep when I get out.” I am tired, but I thought tonight with us by ourselves Brody would want more. I guess Brody
reads my face.

  “Babe. it’s been a long week, and tomorrow we face everyone so just get some sleep. You’ll need it. I’m not rushing this thing with us. So get into bed.” I do, and he covers me up. He empties his pockets and puts his phone on the nightstand next to the bed. He gets his clean clothes and goes to take his shower. I’m lying there trying to go to sleep when his phone starts ringing. I reach over and look at it, and it is Jilly’s number, so I answer.

  “Hello,” I answer

  “Have you three made it home?” Jilly asks.

  “Yes. Brody’s in the shower. I was going to call in the morning since it’s so late.” I say sleepily. Something is off in Jilly’s voice, or maybe I am just too sleepy.

  “Have you told everyone you’re back yet?” No, she definitely sounds off. I sit up in the bed so I can talk without nodding off.

  “No. Every house was dark when we got here. I guess we’ll face everyone in the morning. Jilly, what is wrong? Your voice sounds strained. Can I help?” Jilly is always so positive and almost bubbly. She doesn’t sound like herself.

  “I’m coming home. If you don’t mind the company.” That doesn’t sound right. She didn’t say we, she said I.

  “So you and Kevin are coming for a visit? That’s great. I can’t wait to see you.” I wait for her response.

  “No. I’m coming, and it isn’t a visit. I’m moving back.” I hear the tears in her voice. I hear Brody come out of the bathroom. I motion him over. He’s beside me in just a few seconds.

  “Are you okay, Jilly? Why are you coming alone? I don’t understand.” I’m afraid I do, but I hate it for Jilly. “Brody’s out of the shower now. Do you want to talk to him?”

  “I called to talk to you, Gracie. How do you feel about having your friend close? I don’t want to get into it tonight, but Kevin and I have decided to file for a divorce, and I want to move back to Winnsboro and find a job around there. I just needed to know how you felt about it since I leased the house to you.”

  “Of course, Jilly. I owe my life to you. If it hadn’t been for you, I would still be in a bad relationship. I’ll get the house ready tomorrow.” Brody is motioning for the phone. “Jilly, Brody wants to talk to you. I love you, and I can’t wait for you to get here.”

  “Jilly, what the hell is going on? Why are you coming without Kevin?” I can’t hear Jilly’s response anymore, but my heart goes out to her. “We’ll talk more when you get here. Be careful on the drive. Lock your doors.” Brody, always the protector. “I’ll tell her. Can’t wait to have you back home, Jilly. Mom and Dad are going to be over the moon. Have you told Kaden yet? I bet he was happy. Alright girl, try to get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” Brody hangs the phone up. He looks worried.

  “Is she okay?” I know I am not giving him a chance to answer. I am just worried about my friend. I owe her so much.

  “She said that she and Kevin have been going through a rough patch and have decided to get a divorce. They’ve already filed but Jilly didn’t want to burden anyone. It’s more what she didn’t say than what she did. That’s a typical Jilly thing. She wants to ease us into it. There was a sadness in her voice, I’ll get it out of her, the whole story, when she arrives.” Brody says.

  “Is she okay? I feel like I should be doing something to help her. She helped me when I had no one. What time is she going to be here?” My mind is running a mile a minute. I just want to help my friend the way she helped me.

  “She is shaken. You can hear it in her voice, but she is Jilly, and she will bounce back. She started here today, but she didn’t want to make it here before we did so she stopped. When she gets up in the morning, she will drive the rest of the way. She’s in Greenville right now. It’ll only take her a little over an hour to get here in the morning. She may get here before we get up. Kaden is the only one that knows she is coming.”

  Brody looks concerned, but he lies down beside me and pulls me close. I snuggle in as close I can get. His arms have become my favorite place. “Let’s try to get a little sleep anyway. We’ll help Jilly get through this.” He’s right. He gently kisses me, and I kiss him back with enthusiasm. “Babe, I am trying to be good but if you keep that up we may not get any sleep.” I kiss him one more time softly and flip over on my side. With my back to his chest, I wiggle my bottom on him, and I feel exactly how hard he is. I giggle. “Go to sleep you little vixen.” And I do.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Jilly

  I pull up in my childhood home, and for some reason, I feel peace come over me. It’s still early, but I couldn’t sleep so I went ahead and got up and drove home. I think about it, and this is my home. It has always been my home. I was just too busy running from my feelings that I couldn’t understand it. I’m not saying I didn’t love Kevin because I did and a part of me always will but a part of me will always love Antonio and Brody, too.

  Memories. That’s what I have now, good memories. Kevin will not be my husband anymore. It is an amicable divorce. Whoever can say that with a straight face is an idiot or has no understanding of a relationship. He wanted out, and I was not going to stand in his way.

  Brody is my cousin and could never be anything more. I think it was teenage hormones, but I know now him sticking to his morals saved us both a lot of heartaches. He’s just such a good guy and the total opposite of Antonio.

  Antonio, my first love. I don’t know if that boy ever had a chance in this life. His mom is a saint, but his dad was anything but. My sweet Antonio became Rebel. Rebel is a shell of the boy I loved. He fills most men with fear. Rebel is hard and callous. Every once in a while, I see a glimpse of the boy I have loved nearly my whole life. Memories, sweet memories.

  All the way here I have tried to lock down my emotions. I am going to have a million questions to answer. When Brody called and said that he and Gracie were on their way back, I knew it was time to come home. Kevin and I filed for divorce right after Gracie moved here. I never let on to anyone. I thought with all of us arriving back at the same time either they can take some questioning from me or I can take it from them. Call me a chicken. I will cop to it, but I can’t stand the poor Jilly looks I was getting from all my friends. I wouldn’t be able to take it from my family too, and that is what I am coming home to is my family.

  I’ve sat here and gathered my thoughts, but as soon as I step out of my car Ms. Audie is waving from her front porch. I wave back but she is coming over. I see Aunt Gladys on her front porch, and she has a big smile on her face. Apparently, Kaden has not let her in on my coming home. When I talked to Gracie and Brody, I was not surprised that they had no idea but I thought for sure Laura would tell Aunt Gladys.

  There’s no way she would be smiling if she knew, though. Ms. Audie finally reaches me and takes me in for a big Ms. Audie hug. “Jilly, it is so good to see you, sweetie. Your Aunt Gladys didn’t tell me you were coming in. Are you here to check on Gracie? I see they made it in last night.” Ms. Audie is enthusiastic as always, but she keeps looking at Brody’s house. “I’m glad you’re here, Jilly. It’s going to be chaos when Rebel gets here. He is still irate.” I know this is right. The one time I tried talking to Rebel was useless. He is determined that Gracie is his. He’s not going to be happy today.

  “Ms. Audie, it’s so good to see you. I have missed home, and Aunt Gladys didn’t know I was coming. Kaden is the only one I talked to until last night. I talked to Gracie and Brody after they got home.” I see Aunt Gladys come up and after Ms. Audie steps away, she takes me in a hug.

  “Oh my, Jilly, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I see her eyeing all the stuff in my car, and I know she is going to question me, but I am only telling this story once. “Did you bring your kitchen sink in there? My goodness how long are you staying?” I take a breath so I can get this out. I feel weepy all of a sudden.

  “Okay ladies, listen because this is all I am giving you until everyone is here. Kevin and I are getting a divorce, and I am moving home. When everyone is prese
nt, I will tell you most everything, but I am only saying it once and then I am not speaking about it again.”

  I look at both of them, and they are looking at each other. I love these ladies. They are already trying to figure out how to fix this for me, but it can’t be fixed. It is what it is, and I am good with it. “Can I get some coffee now? I got up really early, and I know this is going to be a long day. I know both of you get up early but it’s barely daylight, so I know you’re both just waiting to pounce on Gracie and Brody when you see movement over there. So, let’s go get that coffee, and I’ll help you keep a look out for a light to come on or a shade to open.” They both break out laughing. I so have these two ladies’ numbers.

  “Deal. My house. I have Danish to go with the coffee, and I’m fixing breakfast for everyone. I already sent Brody a text so he’ll know when he gets up. I have missed Gracie and Shelby.” Aunt Gladys says.

  “That’s a good idea because I know Rebel will be here before too long and I want Charlie there in case him and Brody don’t see eye to eye.” Ms. Audie says. She knows Rebel and Brody are more than likely going to come to blows. At least Kaden is on his way, too. It’s his day off, and he wants to try and keep Rebel or Brody, either one, from going to jail.

  “I got a text from Kaden. He’s on his way, too. He’ll keep them from fighting or make them cool their heels in the county pokey.” Aunt Gladys and Ms. Audie both laugh at what dad used to call the county jail.

  Geeze, I miss that man. I lock my SUV up and then I realize I am not in the big city anymore and no one will bother my stuff in this neighborhood. I love small town living. How did I stay away so long?