Inferno Anthology

by Gow, Kailin

  I was lying to myself. Despite the pain, I craved being inside her once more; but there was no way we could do it again and survive. We needed a break. We needed food. “What do you want to eat?” I asked, attempting to distract myself from my thoughts.

  “At this point, anything. I’d be happy with a stick of celery. I’m starving!”

  “I’ll go make us some food. You rest.”

  She snorted. “You did not just pull the ‘rest’ card on me, did you? After every crazy position you’ve had me in? I think we’ve proven I’m fit enough to join the circus as an acrobat.”

  I laughed, remembering some of the very creative moves we’d tried. Damn, she was so limber. One thing I was sure of, I loved making love to a cheerleader! Brooklyn could bend in ways I’d never even thought of. I’d be thinking of them from now on, though. That was for sure.

  Food! I thought, desperately continuing to try to steer my thoughts in a different direction.

  “I just know you’re on the swollen side down there. That’s all I meant.” I winked at her before walking out of the room, into the bathroom. Turning on the shower, I washed up quickly, got out and towel dried off. Slipping on a pair of loose basketball shorts, I made my way into the kitchen and started looking at the food options we had. I heard the shower click on, again, when Brooklyn went into the bathroom.

  Deciding it didn’t matter that it was five o’clock in the afternoon, I thought breakfast sounded delicious. I got out the eggs and sausage, knowing they were good for my high protein diet, briefly realizing I hadn’t been to the gym in days. Hopefully all the cardio I’d put in during the absence would count for something. I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped me at that thought.

  All the great sex aside, I loved just visiting with Brooklyn and sharing stories from our lives and childhood—learning each other’s favorite things to do, to eat, and dreams we both had. True, we’d shared bits and pieces of our past with each other prior to this, but never in such detail. Before, time was always of the essence between us. Now, even though we were basically prisoners here until our current predicament could be helped, I was happy to be locked up with her. I loved getting to spend this time with her.

  Plates were dished up and on the table by the time Brooklyn came out of the bathroom, dressed in a pair of leggings and a t-shirt, looking as sexy as ever drying her hair with a towel.

  “I hope breakfast is okay,” I said, pulling a chair out for her.

  “It smells heavenly!” she replied, sitting down as I scooted her chair in. Picking up her fork, she dug in.

  Grabbing my fork, I was just getting ready to take a bite, when something caught my attention. “What’s that sound?” I asked, listening intently. “Shit! It’s the phone. It must be Dee Dee.” Hurrying into the bedroom, I quickly answered, “Hello?”

  “Hi, Six. I need you two to pack up your things. We’re going to run,” Dee Dee said.

  “Excuse me?” I asked, not following.

  “I’m taking you to Arizona. My brother feels that if you turn yourselves in, there, and tell your story, it’ll give you the opportunity to be heard by a law system that isn’t corrupted by Scott.

  “He’ll testify that you came to him for help, and that will also show you never had any intent to evade the law. Even though you’ll be extradited back to Henderly, your testimonies against Scott will already be on the books in Arizona. My brother has also found a lawyer to represent the two of you here, in Nevada, whom he trusts.”

  “When do we leave?” I asked, staring at Brooklyn who was now standing in the doorway.

  “As soon as it’s dark, so there’s less chance of you being recognized.”

  “We’ll be ready.”

  ***

  Brooklyn was sound asleep, spread out across the back seat we shared, with her head in my lap. I was pretty sure Dee Dee thought I was asleep, as well, since she’d quit talking to me and was, instead, listening to soft music that filled the car.

  The lights of the Phoenix metro area glittered in the distance as we approached the outskirts of the city. Staring down at Brooklyn, I ran my fingers lightly over her hair, brushing a few stray tendrils off her cheek. Passing under the streetlights, I watched as her face briefly lit before falling back into the shadows.

  Attempting to swallow past the knot in my throat, I tried to push my nervous feelings to the side. I couldn’t bear losing her. It would drive me mad if this didn’t go as we planned. I knew we had good people on our side—people who would listen and try to help us—but there were a lot of stories to untangle. Who knew what the future held until it happened? I was putting our fate in the hands of complete strangers, but I didn’t see that we had much of a choice.

  “I never asked you what your brother’s name was.” I spoke softly, staring at the back of Dee Dee’s head in the driver’s seat.

  She jumped slightly. “Oh! I didn’t know you were awake.”

  “Sorry.” I chuckled. She had every right to be a little jumpy, seeing that she was currently aiding and abetting a wanted fugitive.

  “My brother’s name is Marcus Dale. That’s my maiden name, Dale. I kept the Hall after Scott and I divorced since that was Tommy’s last name.” She gave a slight laugh. “When I was growing up, all the kids called me Triple D. I wasn’t real anxious to go back to that nickname, either.”

  I laughed quietly, trying not to disturb Brooklyn. “Yeah, I can see how you might not want that.”

  “Anyway, we should be to my brother’s house in about twenty minutes.”

  “I know I’ve said it before, but again, thank you for all you’re both doing to help us. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.”

  “Six, quit thanking me. You’re innocent. And I’ll be repaid when Scott ends up in jail. He took my son from me. There’s no way I’m letting him take Brooklyn, too. She may not be my child, but I love her like she is. She’s Tommy’s sister and he adored her. He treated her better than Scott ever did.”

  “I know he loved her. I could see it whenever he would talk about her. He was proud of her, and very protective, I might add.” I grinned. “If he’d ever found out I liked Brooklyn, he would’ve beat the crap out of me.”

  Dee Dee laughed. “I’m sure you’re right. He was pretty fierce about protecting her.”

  Staring down at Brooklyn, my heart twisted even tighter. “I wish he was still here to beat me up, but I’ll do my best to protect her, now. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”

  “I think even Tommy knows that, now. I’m sure he’s watching over you, both, from wherever he is. You’ve already proven that you put her first. Anyone can see how much you love her.”

  “Hopefully the police will see that, too.”

  “They will. We won’t stop talking until they do.”

  Turning to stare out the window, I watched the buildings pass by, hoping she was right. Silence moved between us once more, staying that way until we pulled up in front of a very beautiful Spanish-style home with immaculate landscaping and lighting. This was actually an encouraging sign to me. Dee Dee’s brother must be a good lawyer if he could afford this place.

  “We’re here,” she said, just as the front door opened and a tall, light haired man in a business suit walked out, which seemed odd at this hour. Dee Dee jumped out of the car and ran to hug him.

  “Brooklyn,” I said, shaking her slightly. “We’re here.”

  Groaning, she stretched and sat up. “Man, I crashed and burned, didn’t I? The last thing I remember is passing through Kingman.”

  “You haven’t had much rest in the last three days.” I smiled. “I’m glad you got some sleep. You needed it.”

  “Did you?” she asked, and I shook my head.

  “No, too many things on my mind. Are you ready to do this?” I held my hand out to her and she slipped hers in mine.

  “I am.”

  Opening the door, I got out and she slid across the seat, after me. Hand-in-hand we moved toward Dee Dee and her broth
er.

  “Marcus, this is Trey Jagger and Brooklyn Hall.”

  Quick to smile, Marcus extended his hand, shaking mine first and then Brooklyn’s. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, both. I’m sorry for the circumstances that have brought it about, though.”

  “Thank you for your help,” I said. “I know it’s a lot to ask.”

  “Nonsense,” he said, shaking his head. “You’re innocent of any wrongdoing. It’s my pleasure to be able to help you get this mess straightened out. Let’s get the proper person put behind bars, shall we?”

  “Sounds great to me,” Brooklyn said.

  “Dee Dee has filled me in on your story. Due to the nature of things and the current manhunt that is going on for you, I think it best that we proceed directly to the police station without any further delays. I know you’re both tired, but in this case, the more time that goes by, the worse things look.” That explained why he looked ready for court.

  “Okay,” I agreed, my apprehension growing.

  “Now, I want to warn you of a couple thing. The police will be following a standard protocol in this, which is to your benefit in the long run. We want things done by the books. You’ll be taken into custody, most likely fingerprinted and separated.” Brooklyn’s hand tightened against mine and I squeezed hers back. “They’re going to want to question both of you individually, so they can check your stories against each other. My advice is to answer every question you’re asked as honestly as possible, so there are no discrepancies.”

  “We have nothing to hide,” I said. “So that won’t be a problem.”

  “Good. Once the Henderly Police Department has been notified, things will be set in motion to extradite you back to Nevada, so you can be questioned, again, by the authorities there.”

  “And how do we know that we are safe back there?” Brooklyn asked. “Dee Dee says my dad could have many people in his pocket.”

  “I’ve already put a bug in someone’s ear regarding that. I have a judge who is a friend there, and I’ve told him there have been allegations of misconduct regarding the Mayor’s office and a possible cover up in the death of my nephew. He’s already started the ball rolling on an in-house investigation. That’s one of the things we’ve been trying to take care of in the last couple days. Also, I have a very trustworthy lawyer friend in Las Vegas. He’s agreed to represent you both in Nevada and has already been briefed on the case. He’ll meet you at the Henderly Police Department when you arrive back there.”

  “I don’t want to see my dad, again,” Brooklyn replied, looking concerned.

  “You won’t have to. All the details of the reports here will be faxed to them. They’re required to protect you from someone who assaulted you. The media is hot all over this and we’ll hold a press conference, too, before you go back. There’s no way anyone is going to be able to dance around this.”

  “All right. Thank you,” she said.

  “There’s one more thing I need to tell you that neither of you are aware of.”

  “What’s that?” I asked, the nervous feelings arising once more.

  “Scott Hall successfully obtained a restraining order against you, Trey, legally separating you from Brooklyn until she’s eighteen years old. It will remain valid unless a judge rescinds the order. From the minute you walk into that police station, there’s a really good chance it will be the last time you’ll see each other for a while.”

  And there was the other shoe I’d been waiting to drop. Only it crushed me like an anvil.

  A choked sound escaped Brooklyn and she threw her arms around my waist, burying her head against my chest.

  “Even if Scott is incarcerated?” I asked, the knot reforming in my throat as my arms went protectively around her.

  He nodded. “I’m afraid so. Only the judge who ordered it can rescind it. If the judge Scott went to is a friend of his, I don’t see that happening easily. Restraining orders are usually given because a need for protection exists. In this case, Scott was trying to remove you from having sexual contact with his daughter. Since Brooklyn is still a minor, the original valid reason still exists to uphold the separation. According to the order, it remains in effect until midnight on the day of her eighteenth birthday, in July. I need to stress to you how important it is that you both uphold the order. With this case pending, you need to be the perfect law abiding citizens. We don’t want your dad’s lawyers to be able to cast anything about either of you in a bad light. Everything needs to be above board—not even a parking ticket.”

  “I understand.”

  I was going to lose her. All of this, and now I was going to lose her. I could feel it in my bones. Brooklyn knew it, too. Her body was shaking as she cried in my arms.

  “Okay. Let’s get going. We can take my car,” Marcus said. “Dee Dee will be staying here after she provides her statement to the police, so I can bring her back. Let me go open the garage.”

  Marcus disappeared back into the house and Dee Dee followed after him, leaving Brooklyn and me alone on the sidewalk.

  “Hey,” I said, lifting her head and staring into her tear stained eyes. “It’s going to be okay. Everything is going to work out, I promise.”

  “I can’t let you go,” she said. “I can’t.”

  “It’s only for a couple of months, sweetheart. After that, we can be together all we want and no one will be able to stop us.” I was trying to be strong for her, but I was dying inside. This was going to kill me. All of a sudden, those snatched moments we had at lunch seemed like the greatest of treasures. I’d give anything to have them back, just to hold her, see her, and kiss her—something to ease the separation. But those were all lost, now.

  Glancing up at the sky, I saw the bright moon shining overhead. “Look,” I said, nudging her and pointing. “Every night we’re apart, I want you to look at the moon. Every time you see it, I want you to know that I’m looking at the same moon, and I’m thinking of you. Okay? Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, the moon will draw us together.”

  The sound of the garage door opening interrupted the silence, and we both glanced over before turning back to each other.

  “I love you,” she said, tears continuing to roll down her face. “Don’t forget that.”

  I gave a short laugh. “Not possible. And I love you, too. More than you’ll ever know.” Bending down, I kissed her, my tongue dipping into her mouth as I tried to commit everything about her to my memory—the way she felt in my arms, the way she frantically hung onto me, the way she smelled, the way she tasted, the way she made my blood feel like it was laced with fire. I wanted to remember it all.

  “We need to get going,” Dee Dee called to us.

  I wanted to ignore her, but I couldn’t. Breaking away, I stared at Brooklyn. “Time to go,” I said and she nodded, still crying. I couldn’t help it—I kissed her one more time before we walked to the black SUV and climbed inside. Sitting side-by-side, we clutched each other the entire way, arriving at the police station way too quickly.

  Marcus parked directly in front of a door marked “Booking,” and a couple of police officers stepped outside, obviously waiting for us. Marcus and Dee Dee got out and Marcus opened my door. Our time together had run out. Brooklyn was still crying, a wild look of desperation in her eyes.

  “From this moment on, every second that passes is bringing us closer together, again. Don’t forget that.” I pressed my lips hard to hers one last time, releasing her and climbing out of the vehicle. An officer stepped forward and slapped a pair of handcuffs on me. He recited Miranda Rights to me, but my eyes never left Brooklyn, watching as she exited the vehicle and went into Dee Dee’s arms. Dee Dee guided her to the door and the officer opened it. I was happy to see they weren’t going to cuff her. She was the victim in all this, after all. I was the terrible criminal who’d taken her.

  Taking me by the elbow, the officer guided me toward the door and I stepped inside, seeing two metal doors in front of us.

  “You’re going
to booking,” Marcus said pointing to one. “I’ll be right with you as soon as I get Dee Dee and Brooklyn situated.”

  This was it. We were being separated, right now. My heart was pounding like mad. “I love you,” I said, one last time, as the officer pulled me through the door. I craned my neck, continuing looking at her as I walked away.

  “I love you, too,” she replied, her words echoing in the hallway as the door slammed shut behind me.

  She was gone.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Brooklyn

  Standing at the window, I stared at the moon, my thoughts, as always, drifting to Six, wondering where he was and what he was doing. Once all the charges against him had been dropped, he’d disappeared completely. He hadn’t even told Brandon where he was headed, saying it was better that Brandon didn’t know because he didn’t want me to try to coerce the information from him. I knew he was alive, only because Brandon told me Six texted him periodically, asking how I was. He never sent me any messages, through Brandon, because that would be a violation of the restraining order.

  I missed him so badly. I had the feeling Six had asked Brandon to watch out for me because he hardly left my side. He and Bailey invited me to do everything with them, and they regularly came over to visit with my mom and me. Even Bailey’s dad came by, on occasion. I think he felt badly about how things had gone down between my dad and me.

  Despite finding his daughter was sleeping with her boyfriend in the pool house, something he didn’t seem to mind in the least, he’d actually formed quite a rapport with Brandon. He said he appreciated Brandon’s work ethic and how he’d built up his personal training business, even offering to fund him in branding his business.