by J. A. Owenby
My head snapped up. Did I hear her correctly? Did she just say she loved me?
Redd rested his gloved hands on her shoulders and stared at her. “Are you still in love with him, or is it residual feelings from high school?”
Her expression grew serious. “I loved him then. I love him now. I’ll love him for eternity.”
Hitting the escape button on my laptop, I switched off the camera and inhaled deeply. Holy shit. She still loved me.
Chapter 17
Dammit. What had I just done? I slammed my laptop closed and massaged my temples, attempting to relieve the sudden rush of guilt. I’d never used a camera for anything other than work, and I’d just listened to a conversation between two of the most important people in my life. On the other hand, with what Sutton had admitted, I wasn’t going to lose sleep over eavesdropping. No matter how hard I fought it, I needed to hear her say she loved me.
ZW and Redd had been right. Gemma had been a distraction from the only woman I’d ever loved. Sutton. But now that I knew how she felt, I had to protect her heart at all costs. Even if it meant we couldn’t be together. Besides, if she knew the reason I’d left her all those years ago, she’d most likely change her mind about loving me anyway.
I leaned back in my chair and replayed the last hour in my head. The second Sutton had mentioned I should hire her, I had to leave. The logical side of me knew she could probably whip all of our asses, but putting her in harm’s way was more than I could handle. She was mine to protect. It curled my insides into knots, the thought of her taking a bullet for someone. I’d failed too many times to ever allow her to put herself in danger, and I wasn’t willing to lose anyone else.
My thoughts spun out a million miles an hour as my brain counted the people who’d died in my life. I couldn’t seem to stop long enough to contain them. A dark ball of emotions lodged itself in my throat. I clenched my fingers into fists, trying to relieve the overwhelming pain of the recent events.
Everything had happened so fast. Dad. Sutton. Claire. My head pounded. And once again, I cursed the Fates that had taken my dad away from me too soon. Why the hell wasn’t he sitting next to me, drinks in our hands, talking through this case? My chest tightened with grief. And for the first time since I’d lost Mom, tears rolled down my cheeks.
My cell rang.
“This is Pierce,” I said, not recognizing the number.
“It’s Brian.”
“Dammit, you’re calling from an unrecognized number, so that means this isn’t good,” I said quietly into my phone.
“I’m calling from work instead of my cell. I’m sorry man, but with the help of our inside guy … He made a positive ID of Claire as well as two additional female students. They were being herded like cattle along with several other women. They were about to be shipped overseas and auctioned off to some rich, sick fucks.”
“Goddammit, why didn’t your guy stop them?” Anger reared up inside me, my chest tightening with the inability to wrap my fingers around someone’s neck.
“He’s only one man, Pierce. There were at least ten armed men. He wouldn’t have had a chance.”
Sinking into my chair again, I thanked God Sutton wasn’t around for me to have to mask my expression. “Who’s behind it? Do you have any ideas?”
“Since you grew up here, I suspect that you’re already familiar with the Sons of Chaos,” Brian said.
I grimaced. “Yeah, I am, but where does the history teacher fit in?” I peered out the window, wishing I was having a different conversation.
“Apparently the professor had several interactions with the motorcycle club gang a few months ago, but we are still looking into it. Maybe he owed them money, and the Sons of Chaos said they’d forget the debt if he delivered Claire. We do know she was already on their radar since she was dating Newton.”
“What’s being done?”
“We’re on it, Pierce.” A pregnant pause filled the line. “I can’t say anything else …”
“Yeah, all right.” I cupped the back of my aching neck. The struggle between guarding Sutton and going after the fuckers who hurt Claire warred inside me, twisting my guts into knots.
“We aren’t giving up, and we have a lead. Hang tight. Protect your client, and I’ll give you what information I can.”
Nausea welled up in my stomach. This couldn’t be happening. There had to be something I could do instead of wait.
“Thanks for the update, man.”
“I know this is close to home for you,” Brian said, “but we’re working on it. And … I’m sorry to hear about your dad. I’ll try to attend the funeral tomorrow if my work schedule allows it. Right now I’m dedicating all my hours to this case.”
I blew out an exasperated breath. “Thanks, I appreciate the support. Funerals suck. Keep me updated on any new developments that you're able to, please.”
“Yeah. Stay safe.”
I tapped the end call button and shoved my phone into my back pocket, my thoughts wrestling between Dad’s burial tomorrow and Sutton. What the hell would I do now? I moved over to the window, placed my hands against it, and watched the city of Portland bustle below me. I squeezed my eyes closed. Dad had always handled this part of the business … telling clients the dark truth and relaying the twisted intentions of other people. But now it was my problem. With Sutton. I tapped my fingers against the glass and swallowed hard.
Glancing at my watch, I realized it was almost six in the evening. That would explain the delicious smells drifting in from the kitchen. I’d wait until we’d eaten dinner to talk to Sutton. It would give me additional time to pull my thoughts together, too. The news would crush her, and I had to stay strong and keep my head clear. Until we understood why Claire was taken, I couldn’t be sure Sutton wasn’t a target as well.
For now, I needed to update ZW. I left the study and went to my father’s office. Although it was now mine, it didn’t feel like it. Shutting the door behind me, I settled into the chair at the desk and called ZW.
“Hey, man,” he answered.
“How’s it going?” I asked, propping my feet up on the corner of the desk.
“Boring, but that’s okay. Sutton’s parents are good-hearted and caring.”
“I’m glad to hear it. How’s Murphy doing?”
“He’s a pro. I can see why your dad liked him. He’s able to really connect with others, but a no-nonsense kind of guy when it comes to working.”
“Excellent. I trust Dad’s judgment, but I’m not sure if I’ll keep everyone on at the company. Guess only time will tell.”
“I don’t think I’d worry too much about it yet, ya know? Get your business legs under you, then you can decide what to do.”
“Jaxon Sullivan will be flying in later this week, too.”
“I don’t know him,” ZW said.
“Me either, but Redd insisted I have someone else with me along with Jeffrey.”
“Yeah, I gotta agree with him. I’m sure Jeffrey would be fine, but under the circumstances, until you get situated … your dad’s enemies are now yours. Not to mention you tend to piss people off and make plenty of your own.”
“No kidding,” I said, drumming my fingers against my leg. “Brian called me.” ZW waited for me to continue. “Claire and several other girls were shipped overseas.”
“Motherfucker,” ZW said under his breath.
“Yeah, I’ve gotta tell Sutton. Brian’s assured me they’re on it, but for now we have to hang tight, which isn’t what any of us want to hear. Anyway, can you talk to her parents after I talk to Sutton? I’ll shoot you a text when I’m done.”
“Sure thing. I’ll wait to hear from you, boss.”
Apparently ZW was going to now call me boss as well. I was sure I had Redd to thank for that. “Thanks. Do you guys need anything?” I asked.
“We’re fine. Good luck with Sutton.”
“Thanks.” I was going to need it.
I tapped the end call button and placed the phone
on the desk. This part of the job sucked ass.
Leaning my head against the large office window, I watched as the rain ramped up again. The dark luminous skies reflected my mood. In a few minutes, they’d most likely reflect Sutton’s as well.
A light knock sounded at the door. There was no need to turn around, I already knew it was Sutton.
“Can I come in?” she asked.
I shoved my hands in the front pockets of my jeans and turned toward her.
“Shut the door behind you,” I said, quietly. There was no time like the present to pull the Band-Aid off. Dinner would have to wait. At least we had some privacy, and she wouldn’t feel so vulnerable if Jeffrey and Redd weren’t staring at her.
Her shoulders tensed while she settled into the leather chair on the other side of Dad’s desk.
“You know something, don’t you?” she asked, sitting on her hands.
“Brian called me earlier. We have an update on Claire.”
She stood and approached me by the window. “Just say it, Pierce. Please, don’t beat around the bush.”
I faced her as my heart hammered against my rib cage. There was no easy way to tell her.
“Several months ago, the FBI started investigating a human trafficking ring here in Portland. They have a guy on the inside, and he identified Claire and two more students of Mr. Colbert’s. He’s obviously in on it all. They’ve tracked her along with a group of other girls—overseas.”
Sutton gasped, her hands covering her mouth while her eyes brimmed with tears. “Oh my God.” She shook her head. “No,” she whispered, her legs buckling beneath her.
I caught her before she hit the floor, sat in my chair, and pulled her into my lap.
“They’re working on it. They know she’s alive at this point, so that’s the part we have to hang on to.”
This was worse than I’d imagined. Seeing her shattered like this was ripping me to pieces. “Sutton,” I whispered, “can you look at me?”
She slowly gave me her attention, tears silently streaming down her cheeks.
“Brian’s team is excellent. You can trust him. He has a keen ability to track motherfuckers down in this line of work.”
“What if he can’t bring her home—alive?” She choked on her words, and her body folded into itself. Smoothing her hair, I allowed her to lean against me and cry. There was only one other time in my life I’d felt this helpless. I pushed the thought aside and focused on what she needed from me at this moment.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “Try to remember that it’s not over yet, not by a long shot.”
She nodded against my chest, and after a few more minutes, her body stilled. She seemed all cried out.
“What do you need?” I asked while I rested my chin on the top of her head.
“This.” Her voice cracked from the strain of the news.
“All right. ZW will talk to your parents tonight, so expect a phone call from them later. You should probably go see them tomorrow. I’ll have Redd go with you.”
“Okay. I think I need some different scenery, too. I’m not used to being cooped up in one place.”
“I get it. We’ll get you out more.”
She remained quiet, her fingers playing with the sleeve of my shirt. I rubbed her back in an attempt to comfort her. It had worked when we were younger. Maybe it would help a little bit now.
Eventually, she tipped her chin up and studied me. I brushed the hair out of her face, my heart hammering wildly against my chest. Even terrified and upset, she was beautiful.
“I guess life has a way of bringing shit back around,” she said, a trace of sadness flickering across her expression.
My forehead creased. “What do you mean?” I asked.
“After you left for the Marines,” she paused, inhaling deeply. “I was so grief-stricken, I went and visited your mom.”
“You did? She never told me.”
“We were both heartbroken that you’d left even though we understood why. We kept each other company, talked about you … She loved you so much. I wish she’d told you she was sick so you could have come home, but she was afraid for you to return. We both were.”
“Wait, you knew she was ill and didn’t reach out to me?” Anger flickered through me.
Sutton sat up and wiped the tears from her face. “I didn’t know for a long time, but when I found out she swore me to secrecy. At first I visited a lot, then they grew further and further apart the longer you were gone. Then, one day, I showed up unannounced. She’d been on my mind, and I wanted to see her as well as get an update on you.” She paused, glancing at me. “When she answered the door …” She shook her head while new tears formed in her eyes. “I should have stopped by more often. If I’d known, I would have gotten word to you.” Her focus drifted to the floor and back to me. “I’m so sorry. I was too late. She only had a few days left.”
My mind spun faster than a tilt-a-whirl. How could Sutton not have told me? At the same time, it was only a matter of days … cancer was a fucking bitch. One minute you thought someone would be okay, and the next they were gone.
“Sutton, you didn’t know.” I attempted to console her and myself, but I wasn’t sure if it was working.
“I didn’t have any idea,” she said, wiping her nose. “I had a few days with her, though. Mostly, she slept, and I held her hand. She was so weak. The chemo had destroyed her body. She was frail, and her hair was gone. She wore your Seahawks knit cap a lot.”
“She did?” A wave of happiness washed over me. I was happy she had a piece of me with her. “I would have come home.”
“I know, and she realized it, too. I’m not sure if you know or not, but … Dominic paid for all her treatment. It was his attempt to make amends for getting her pregnant and not supporting her … or you. He tried to set things straight as much as he could. One chemo session alone ran nearly thirty grand. She almost lost the house, but he paid it off.”
My eyes welled with tears, and I blinked rapidly. “I didn’t know.” An inconsolable longing for my dad welled up inside me, and I hoped Mom had found some peace with him, too.
Sutton sat in silence as I collected myself.
“I know that neither of them was perfect, but they were good people. Your mom’s number one job was to keep you safe, and she took it seriously.”
“She had no idea how much trouble we got into when we were growing up. I don’t think we were safe. Ever.” I glanced at Sutton, my heart heavy.
Sutton’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, isn’t that the truth?”
“It’s a miracle we’re sitting with each other right now.” I continued rubbing her back as the memories came rushing back.
“I know. And I was there for your mom, and now you’re here for me concerning Claire.”
“There’s one significant difference between the scenarios, though.”
“What’s that?”
“We still have a chance of bringing Claire home alive. Mom didn’t have that luxury.” My gut tightened as the words left my mouth. “I never forgave myself for not being with her, but at least I’m here with you now.”
Chapter 18
Everything inside me wanted to hold onto the hope that Claire would come home. But I knew better. Human trafficking was evil and cruel. Women died all the time at the hands of the monsters who bought them. Drug overdoses were also common.
My insides were torn into a million directions. When Sutton shared the memories of Mom, my heart cracked into even more pieces than it was already in. I understood firsthand how helpless she was feeling about Claire. I’d experienced the same when I returned home to find my mom lying in a coffin.
“Did you like the Marines?” Sutton deflected the conversation to a less serious topic. I realized her nerves were frayed to the point of breaking, and it was easier for her to focus on something else than the dire situation with her sister.
“I did. I think I was born for it. With all the martial arts training we did growing up, I
already had a sense of loyalty and sacrifice for my fellow team members embedded in me. Even when we were in high school, and I was under Lionel’s protection …”
Sutton’s mouth gaped slightly at the mention of Lionel’s name. “I didn’t mean to bring him up.”
I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I know you didn’t. Besides, you didn’t bring him up, I did. All I’m saying is that I was hardwired for the military. Who knows, maybe I was born with the mindset of a soldier.”
Sutton nodded. “When we were together, I wasn’t sure if I was more afraid of losing you to the Marines or to Lionel. There was no way to tell which was worse, but I guess the Marines was the best choice since you didn’t come home in a box.”
“I was lucky,” I said. “I saw things no one should ever see when I was deployed.” I kneaded my chest where a sharp pang had suddenly developed. At least for now, I was unwilling to relive those horrors. “Can we talk about something else?”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“It’s fine. There’s a lot of my past I don’t discuss with anyone.”
“Thank you for letting me cry and get snot on you.”
I shrugged it off as she brushed the remaining tears off my black T-shirt. Standing slowly, she peered out the windows. “When I’m up here, looking down, I wonder what other people are living through.” Sutton tucked a stray hair behind her ear and focused on the city below.
“I’ve done the same.” I stood next to her, willing myself not to slip my arm around her waist and pull her into me. “One thing I love about this place is all the windows and the views. There’s something calming about it even though I’m in the midst of Hell again.”
Sutton peered up at me. “Is it all bad? I mean, being back here in Portland?”
I remained silent while thoughts of Sutton and Redd’s earlier gym conversation returned to me. I loved him then. I love him now. I’ll love him for eternity.
