Elaina

by Jennifer Hanks

  Striker sat up from his casual positon, also putting his elbows to the table. “I was outside of the area back by my truck smoking a cigarette when I saw her stumble out from behind the house and move down the street to a car I was unfamiliar with. My guess, she borrowed one so no one would recognize hers and know she was there. I followed her. After I saw what went down at the house, I went back around, did a little investigation of my own and she’s gone man.”

  “Trey says she’s the one who gave the direct orders to hurt Lanie and he was told by the president to follow those orders.” Cam added.

  “Did she slash her tires too?” I asked, but already knew the answer.

  Cam nodded. “Yeah, my guess is she’s been watching your house and didn’t like what she was seeing. Maybe she thought she was sending a warning.”

  I closed my eyes, anger boiling inside of me. “Why is this guy talking? Don’t they have some code or something?”

  “He was offered a deal; information for reduced charges. He has a lot of priors, one including rape. If prosecuted the way we could, he’d go down for a long time. He doesn’t want that, so he’s singing. We’ve also learned he’s ex-military, his skill set very similar to Brody’s, and he admitted to dismantling her alarm which gave him access to her house. That would mean a breaking and entering charge and he doesn’t want that either.”

  “Why the fuck are you offering him any deals when you know what he’s done, what he’s capable of doing?” I asked, angrily.

  Cam took a deep breath. “We want to take down that MC, starting with the Vice-President. We’re going to have to use whatever we can to do that.”

  I shook my head in disbelief. “Jesus, this shit is like a television show.”

  “You’re not wrong brother.” Luke agreed.

  “So now what?” I asked.

  “You’re out of it now. Concentrate on Lanie. We’ve already issued a warrant for Julie’s arrest and we’re working with the DEA to hopefully disassemble the MC.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank god.” I shook my head. “No offense guys, but why the fuck do you like doing this shit?”

  “Probably for the reasons you don’t. Every case is like putting together a puzzle.” Luke said.

  “Yeah, well I’ll stick with putting a house together.” Cam chuckled at my words. “So, is Lanie safe now?”

  Cam’s expression turned serious. “No, not until we find Julie. Pike’s been put on her full time now. Where she goes, he goes. He’s fine with that. We all feel like Julie will appear sooner rather than later if for no other reason, than to get to you. She’s crazy enough to do that.”

  Luke and Cam shared another glance before Luke spoke up. “Honestly brother, you’re done with all of this. Lanie’s going to need you and something tells me we couldn’t keep you from her if we tried.” He smirked when I nodded my agreement. “Just watch your back, keep your eyes open and leave Braydon with Dad when you’re at work.”

  I moved my eyes to Luke. “You back to work full time?”

  He grinned. “Yep, but I’m still staying with you and Bray for a while. My gut tells me I need to stick around.”

  I nodded and stood from my seat. “I’m going back to the hospital. I left Paige there with Lanie, but hopefully the doctor’s been in and she can leave later today.”

  Cam stood as well. “Sounds good, brother.”

  I started for the door when a thought occurred to me and I turned back to look at Striker. “Could you do a favor for me?”

  Striker’s eyebrows rose, surprise evident on his face. “What’s up?”

  “You’re good at finding people, right?”

  “Right.” He confirmed. “Who you looking for?”

  “Lanie’s mom left her as a baby with a neighbor, an older lady that ended up raising her. She died a while back, so no one can ask her, but all Lanie has is her mother’s name.”

  “You want me to find her mother?”

  “No.” I bit the inside of my lip. “I want you to find her father.”

  “Her father? Why?”

  “Because he left long before Lanie was born and I keep wondering if he ever even knew about her.”

  “What makes you wonder that?”

  “Do you know the silver bracelet she wears, the one she’s always messing with when she’s nervous?”

  He nodded. “I’ve noticed that.”

  “Well the woman that raised her gave it to Lanie when she was sixteen, told her a story about her dad giving it to her mom when they were dating, but she left it behind. The old lady got it from the landlord and decided to hang on to it for Lanie.” I put my hands on my hips. “I guess I figure a man that would give a woman a bracelet like that, one that obviously meant something, might not be a man that would walk away from his own kid.”

  “Might be a stretch Jake.” Striker warned. “Sometimes people aren’t as good as you want them to be.”

  “True,” I nodded. “But sometimes they are.”

  “I’ll look into it. Text me all the information you have on the mom and old lady, address, school Lanie went to, anything’s helpful.”

  “You got it, thanks man.” I looked to the room, scanning over my brother’s faces. “Thanks guys.”

  “Thank you, brother.” Luke said, grinning. “Now go get your girl.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

  LANIE

  “Wanie!” Hearing Braydon’s voice running into the living room at Jake’s house made me smile and not much had all day.

  Bits and pieces were starting to come back from the night before, including Trey being my attacker. I hadn’t told anyone what I was remembering as the pain meds wore off, but it scared me just thinking about it. Jake had picked me up at the hospital and with Paige following us, he brought me to his house. I didn’t complain or question him at all, I didn’t want to go home and I damn well didn’t want to be alone.

  Paige followed us into the house, only leaving for about a half an hour to go with Pike to my house and pick up some clothes and other things I would most likely need. I didn’t ask how much she’d brought for me when she returned and I didn’t care if that made me seem weak. A house that used to be my sanctuary no longer felt that way.

  Sitting on the far corner of the couch, I listened for Bray’s feet to come through the kitchen and into the living room, halting when they finally made it. His eyes grew big and he walked slowly towards me.

  “Hey sweetie.” I said softly.

  He pointed at the bandage on my head. “You hab owie.”

  I nodded, “Yeah, but it’s okay. It doesn’t hurt.”

  He scanned my face and then his eyes looked at my hands, still bandaged in bright white wrap. “More owie.”

  He moved closer until he stood facing me, his chest bumping my knees. “I sit wif you?”

  I patted my hands on my thighs and smiled. “Absolutely.”

  He crawled up on my lap, careful not to touch my hands, plopping down to sit on my thighs. Paige came over, sitting down right beside us, Jake in the chair across from me.

  “Where’s Luke?” Jake’s eyes narrowed when I asked, but I shrugged it off.

  “He’s at work.”

  “He’s back to work? Full-time?” Paige asked.

  Bray, most likely bored with adult conversation, shimmied off my lap, his little feet hitting the ground and running towards his bedroom.

  “Yep.” Jake crossed his arms over his chest and stretched his legs out in front of him.

  “Is he well enough to go back full-time?” I asked.

  Jake’s jaw visible tightened, I could see him clenching his teeth. “Paige could you go check on Bray for me?”

  Paige glanced between the two of us before landing on me. “Do you want me to go?”

  I smiled, that was my friend, no one was getting past her if I didn’t agree. “It’s okay, we should talk, if you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind, but just so you know I’m not leaving. I need to be here for a while.�
��

  “I know.”

  She nodded and stood, sending a warning look in Jake’s direction, but I wasn’t sure he knew what that meant. My eyes followed her until my view was blocked by Jake sitting down right next to me.

  He leaned forward and I leaned back, causing him to narrow his eyes again. “We need to talk.”

  I laid my hands on my thighs, the scrapes burning even with the ointment on. “Okay.” He ran his hand behind his neck and started rubbing. “Is your neck bad again?”

  He pulled his hand from his neck, rubbing his palm over his face, closing his eyes briefly before settling on me. “My neck’s fine. Listen I need to ask you something and I’m not sure I want to know the fucking answer.”

  “What is it?”

  He rolled his lips together and took a deep breath. “Do you have feelings for Luke?”

  “What?” I shook my head. “No, I’m not interested in Luke. He kind of feels like a brother to me.”

  He let out a long breath, his shoulders relaxing. “Okay that’s good.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  He waved his hand in the air. “It doesn’t matter.” He looked around the room nervously so I sat silently. “Listen, I’m shit at this, you know that. I have no fucking clue what to say to you to make what I did okay, have no idea how to explain it.”

  I shrugged. “It’s not hard Jake, just tell the truth.”

  He nodded, holding my stare. “The Monday after the weekend you and I spent together, my brothers’ asked me to do them a favor. It wasn’t one I wanted to do, but I felt like I owed them, so I agreed, hoping it wouldn’t last long and I could explain everything to you when it was over. They didn’t want you to know while it was going on because it wouldn’t seem as believable then.”

  “This all sounds kind of cryptic Jake. Just say what happened.”

  “They wanted me to pretend I was interested in Julie again to try and gain information on Luke’s shooter. I didn’t want to Lanie, I didn’t want to hurt you, but I…” He shrugged, saying no more.

  “I understand why you’d want to help them.”

  “You do?”

  “Yeah, of course.” I smiled softly. “You told me how guilty you felt for what happened, so I get it.”

  “You’re incredible Lanie. The women I’ve had in my life, would have thrown a fit over something like this. I was so afraid you wouldn’t be able to forgive me.”

  “I forgive you for that.”

  “Then we’re good.” He moved closer, reaching up to lay his hand against my face.

  I closed my eyes, absorbing the warmth his touch created before facing him once again. “We’re friends Jake, I think that’s what we’re meant to be.”

  His face fell. “You’re putting me in the friend zone?”

  “I think it’s for the best.”

  He scoffed. “For who? Because it’s not for me.”

  “Then for me Jake. It’s what’s best for me.”

  He stood, running his hands through his hair. “Why are you doing this? I just explained why I did what I did. I didn’t touch her, I sure as hell didn’t fuck her, I just pretended to consider getting back together with her to help my brothers.”

  “You’re an amazing brother. Your family’s amazing and I understand, I really do, but the truth is since I met you, I’ve been on a rollercoaster and I just want off.” I reached up and rubbed my fingertips along my forehead. “You’ve been mean to me, you’ve ignored me, you’ve abandoned me, and then at times you’ve been wonderful and sweet. It’s too much, I can’t keep up. I never know what Jake I’m going to get and I’m constantly worried that you’re going to walk away. I can’t live like that, I don’t want to.”

  I stood up, standing in front of him, tears starting to clog my throat so I knew I needed to escape. “I really appreciate you letting me stay here. I’m not too proud to admit going back to my house right now terrifies me, but if you don’t want me here because of what I’ve said, I understand. Just tell me and I’ll go stay with Paige for a while.”

  “You’re not leaving Lanie. You need to be here where we can keep you safe. They still haven’t found Julie and she’s a real threat, to all of us.”

  “Of course she is.” I mumbled.

  He reached out and ran his hand up my arm, leaning in close. “I need you Lanie.”

  I blinked slowly. “I believe that Jake, I believe you need me, but I want to be wanted, not just needed. My whole life I’ve taken care of myself and I’m tired. I want someone to take care of me, someone who I believe wants to be there, not because they feel obligated, but because they want to be with me.”

  I ran my hand over his arm as I walked by him, moving slowly, maybe hoping he would have the words I needed to hear to make me stop, but he didn’t. As a matter of fact, he didn’t offer any words, he let me go. I made my way to his room where he’d told me I was staying, grabbed my bag from the bed and pulled some ibuprofen out, swallowing a couple without any water, which was hard and gross because they left a funky taste in my mouth.

  I sat on the edge of the bed, lost in my thoughts when I felt the mattress depress beside me. I leaned in and laid my head against Paige’s shoulder.

  “How ya doing?” She asked quietly.

  “Did you hear?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, Bray’s door was open so I heard. He didn’t though, he was making truck noises.”

  I let out a short laugh. “He’s such a great kid.”

  “He really is and he loves you Lanie.”

  “I love him.” I admitted.

  “Do you love his dad?” She gently nudged me with her elbow. “And tell the truth.”

  “I do.” I wiped a tear off my cheek with my exposed fingertips. “I screwed up Paige.”

  She swung her arm around my shoulders. “It’s never a bad thing to love someone.”

  “It is when you know they can’t love you back.”

  “You don’t know that Lanie. I’m not even sure Jake knows how he feels, he’s pretty messed up right now because of that bitch Julie.”

  I nodded, wiping my cheek again, thankful I was a quiet crier and Jake couldn’t hear me.

  “I’m so sorry I brought Trey into your life.” Paige said quietly.

  My head snapped up, staring into her eyes so full of regret, I felt guilty. “Don’t you dare blame yourself for what happened to me, you had no idea who he really was. Besides, Jake told me Julie’s involved in all of this somehow so she was going to get to me one way or another, to make sure I stayed away from Jake.”

  “She’s a crazy bitch.” She laughed and I couldn’t help but join in. “I’ve met some crazies in my life, but honestly she wins the trophy for craziest.”

  We giggled for a minute before the room fell somber again. “I love you, Paige.”

  She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed, pressing her cheek against mine. “You’re my sister and I love you. We’ll get through this, I promise and you’ll be stronger in the end.” She squeezed me again, a little tighter this time. “We’ll get through this Lanie. Together.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

  JAKE

  “Need another man?” Tucker, the bartender at Hanks, asked when he walked by.

  I shook my head as he passed, rolling my fingers around the top of the bottle. I’d been here for a while, having called and asked Pike to come sit at the house with the girls and Bray while I got the hell out of there. I felt two bodies hit the barstools on either side of me and sighed, I’d been found, not like I was hiding all that well, but I was hoping to wallow alone.

  “The usual boys?” Tucker called out to my brothers who I had yet to acknowledge.

  “Yeah man.” Ben called out from his seat on my right.

  “I don’t want to talk.” I muttered.

  “I’ll bet you don’t.” Luke said. “She kick you to the curb or what?”

  I couldn’t even muster any anger because she’d been right to do it. “Yep.”

  “Y
ou know what your problem is?” Ben asked.

  “Didn’t you hear me say, I don’t want to fucking talk?” I snapped.

  He ignored me and continued. “Your problem is you’ve never had to work to get a girl.”

  Luke huffed. “That’s true. They’ve always just come to you. Have you ever even initiated something with a girl or have they done all the work?”

  I picked at the label on my bottle. I didn’t have to answer that, they both knew I’d never initiated, never had to.

  “I don’t know from personal experience, but I’m guessing it fucking sucks to be in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same.”

  I scoffed. “I’m not in love with Lanie.”

  That was a lie, I knew I was in love with her, but I also knew everything she’d said about me was true. She deserved a whole lot more than the shit I’d been throwing at her.

  “Well that’s a relief man. You don’t need another crazy bitch in your life.” Ben said.

  I didn’t think, I just moved before I could even consider what I was doing, I had him by the collar of his shirt, out of his seat, pushed up against the bar, and I was in his face. “Do not call her that.”

  His lips tilted up at the corners in the beginnings of a smile. “Seems like a big reaction from someone who doesn’t love her.”

  I narrowed my eyes, hating I’d been played like that and pushed him into the bar one last time before I sat back down. “It doesn’t matter, she’s done, she was clear.”

  “Alright, I’m going to lay it out there because honestly I’m really fucking tired and just want to go home.”

  I turned my glare to Luke when he spoke, but I didn’t say anything so he continued.

  “You’ve never had to work for it brother, like we said they came to you. But now you’ve found someone worth the effort and you’re walking away.”

  “It’s what she wants.”

  “I don’t believe that.” Luke frowned. “I think she’s scared right now, of a lot of things, and honestly she has every right to feel that way; the Jake she’s known hasn’t been good to her. The thing is though, she doesn’t know the real you. I’d bet my life if she did, she wouldn’t be walking away from you.”