Fall: Rise & Fall Duet Book 2 (Shaken 4)

by Grahame Claire

  “I can, and I will for as long as I breathe.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Lincoln

  I understood the urge to kill.

  It was the follow-through I struggled with.

  Because I wanted to kill Donnie Logan.

  And I wasn’t sorry for the dangerous thought. A decent man would be. But he had crossed a line—hell, he’d crossed so many there was no point in them any longer.

  When Lexie had fallen asleep, I’d gone to another bedroom and listened to the messages he’d left. Even the ones she hadn’t made it to. Zegas and Daniel needed to hear them too.

  I had a niggling of guilt about violating her privacy. A lot more over that than I did for thinking of killing her father.

  I was glad she’d stopped when she had. Because the messages had only gotten worse. He’d called her a bitch seventeen times.

  Seventeen.

  I wanted to stab him for every single utterance of the curse.

  I wouldn’t think about the other choice words he’d spoken of her. If I did, my restraint not to follow through on murdering him might fail.

  But he was going back to prison.

  I would make sure of that if it was the last thing I did. Even if I ended up in a cell next to him.

  Lexie deserved to be free of the bastard. His only saving grace was the two beautiful souls he’d brought into this world.

  I’d have to be patient. Plans took time to unfold. And while I wanted him and his wife buried under the jail, I had to have faith it would happen soon. Daniel had the connections to see to that.

  I wasn’t above bending the law, but it appeared he had the means to make it happen within the parameters.

  I tapped my finger on my desk. Lexie had arranged our route so we could make it home for lunch. She insisted we start making use of the ingredients in the kitchen and I wasn’t about to start an argument over that.

  It was her business. She should be able to plan their schedule any way she chose. And if that happened to include a stop at the apartment, I was simply the driver.

  I examined my hands.

  Who was I?

  Not that long ago, I’d been more than willing to insert myself into her business plans. And I still was . . . if that was what she wanted.

  There was a certain pride I took in watching her do it on her own. She’d returned the messages she’d been avoiding. We were taking a sample to one of the people this evening when they were available after work. She and Eric had been so excited, it was contagious.

  They were growing their business one step at a time, and they hadn’t let setbacks keep them down.

  “I should’ve asked permission to be in your room,” I said as Eric wandered into my study—no, his room—with the dogs trailing behind.

  “You can come in whenever you want. I can paint while you work.”

  He had a generosity of spirit that was inspiring.

  “I appreciate that. But if you’d like me to move the desk to another room, I will.”

  “No!” He bent to pet Millie. “I want it to stay just as it is.”

  I was concerned about the bed situation. He couldn’t sleep on a sofa forever despite that he seemed quite content to do so.

  “Then it will.”

  He looked up at me. “Is something wrong with my sis?”

  My heart leapt to my throat. “Not that I’m aware of,” I said carefully.

  “She keeps rubbing her head. Like she has a big headache.”

  I relaxed a fraction. Had she been doing that? I was a jerk for not noticing.

  “She bumped her head the other day but hasn’t complained.” I stood, suddenly needing to examine her myself. “Shall we see if lunch is ready?”

  “It’s not. I just came from the kitchen.” He got to his feet. “But we can go anyway.”

  Eric’s footsteps and the click of dog paws on the floor echoed in the hall. It was still odd to hear any other noise beyond what I made. I no longer craved the quiet.

  Lexie sat on one of the barstools with her head resting on the island. That panicked feeling I’d never grow used to crept to the surface.

  I placed a hand on her back, gently rubbing it. “Lexie? Are you all right?”

  She turned her cheek so I could see her face but kept her head down.

  “I have a monster of a headache.”

  I was surprised she admitted that in front of Eric . . . or me. She was tough and always put forth a brave face. Which meant it must be horrendous. I should call the doctor. Maybe he could see her this afternoon. No. It was Lexie’s decision. Not mine. If she needed to go, she would.

  A timer dinged.

  “Lunch is ready,” she said half-heartedly.

  “I’ll call the physician.”

  She caught my arm. “Make sure the paninis don’t burn. And I’m fine. I just need to lie down a minute.”

  Who cared about the paninis?

  “Do you need aspirin, sis?” Eric patted her shoulder.

  “That would be great.” She sounded like a tired version of herself. An in-pain version. She lifted her head and slid off the stool. “Either eat my sandwich or save it for later.”

  She disappeared, and I followed.

  “Lincoln, turn off the panini press,” she said without looking back.

  “The aspirin are more important.”

  She turned as if to retrace her steps. “It can wait two seconds. I’ll turn it off myself.”

  I caught her by the shoulders and spun her. “I’ll do it. Just rest.”

  The sandwiches only had a slight char when I turned off the appliance and lifted the lid. I put them on a plate and set one on the island for Eric.

  “Have some lunch. I’ll return in a moment.”

  “Okay.”

  My steps were quick as I moved to our bedroom. Lexie’s shoes were kicked off near the door and she was already huddled underneath the covers.

  I rummaged in the cabinet for aspirin and dumped out two when I found them.

  “Thank you.” She swallowed them chased by a sip of water. “Can you close the curtains, please? The light.” She pulled the comforter over her head again.

  Was she having a migraine now?

  I pressed a button near the bedside table and the hum of the electric curtains closing began. I sat on the edge of the bed.

  “What can I do?”

  “Just make sure the deliveries are made and Eric is taken care of.”

  But I needed to be here to take care of her too. I was torn. I couldn’t be in two places at once.

  “I’ll be fine,” she mumbled. “Go.”

  “I’m calling Beau to—”

  The comforter flew back. “She is not driving the van.”

  “I was going to say sit with you.”

  She pulled it back in place. “What’s she going to do? Watch me hopefully sleep? I’m fine. I need you to use your charm to land us another customer.”

  I didn’t like this. But she was right. She could rest more easily if I wasn’t hovering. I really wanted to though.

  I kissed her hair. “Call me if you need anything.”

  I found her phone and put it in the bed beside her, reluctantly pulling the door closed as I left. Powerless. That was how I felt. I hated it.

  “You should eat something. We have a jam-packed afternoon.” Eric pointed to my untouched sandwich. He’d made himself at home and poured a glass of milk.

  I was glad to see it.

  I didn’t think I could eat anything but was compelled to try for Eric. I ripped off a bite with my teeth.

  “Good, isn’t it?” he asked as I chewed.

  “Very.” I nodded as I swallowed. “Does this happen often?” It seemed wrong to pump him for information, but I needed to know if this was a regular occurrence or a side effect of the fall she took.

  “No. A few of our customers give her a headache, but I’m not allowed to say that in front of them.” He polished off his sandwich. “Do you have any popsicles?” />
  Honestly, I had no idea. I shrugged. “Take a look in the freezer and see what you can find.”

  Muffy circled under my feet, impatiently waiting for me to drop a crumb . . . or a whole ham.

  Eric poked around in the freezer for a while before he shut it. “I don’t see any. Maybe Miss Adeline will have some.”

  “What’s your favorite kind?”

  “Banana.”

  I’d never had one of those, and truthfully, it didn’t sound too appealing, but he seemed enthusiastic about them.

  I tapped out a text to my brother.

  Banana popsicles please.

  Are you okay?

  I snorted at his response.

  They’re not for me.

  I got a thumbs-up emoji in response and secured my phone in my pocket. Muffy sat on my foot and panted. I dropped a piece of ham into his awaiting mouth. He swallowed it without chewing.

  “Can you stay here with Lexie? Make sure she’s okay.” I was talking to a dog. Out loud. In front of someone else. Muffy wagged his tail. I pointed at Millie. “What about you?” I tossed her a piece of meat too.

  “They’ll snuggle with her.” Eric warmed to the idea.

  I wasn’t sure we could handle all the deliveries and the dogs, especially when I was distracted over Lexie’s condition. Hopefully, they would bring her comfort.

  “Behave,” I said sternly, then motioned for them to go toward the bedroom.

  They took off and I marveled at how well they understood. How smart they were. Too smart.

  “Ready to do this?” I asked, depositing my empty plate into the sink.

  Eric did the same. “Let’s slay this thing.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Lincoln

  I didn’t get nervous.

  But as we approached the front door of the potential new customer, I did. I couldn’t screw this up for Lexie. She was counting on me.

  Eric looked sharp in his blue bow tie, which matched the dress Lexie’d had on earlier. He’d perused our closet until he found one that was similar in color.

  Our.

  I’d begun to think of the apartment not as solely mine any longer, but as our place. I hadn’t realized the transition had taken place in my head.

  That made me less apprehensive than the idea of walking away from this townhouse without an order for dog food.

  Eric pressed the doorbell with all the confidence I did not have. He’d done this before, and his swagger was no different than if we were here to actually deliver an order instead of attempting to get one.

  A woman answered the door, seemingly surprised by the visit.

  “Hi! We’re with Dog Love. We have the sample of dog food you wanted.”

  I needn’t have worried. Eric had the situation completely under control.

  “Oh. Of course. Come on in.” She stepped to the side.

  “We don’t need to. Here’s your sample right here.” Eric presented her with the box. “Your dog will love it.”

  He was a champion. An absolute champion.

  She accepted it hesitantly as if she were waiting for him to tell her there were strings attached.

  “We can make daily deliveries if you need. All of our food is fresh and edible for humans too,” he said.

  “I’ll take your word for it.”

  “Where’s your doggie?” Eric peered around into her home.

  That was a good question. If the doorbell rang at the apartment, Muffy and Millie would be the first ones there.

  “He’s put away.” She waved absently behind her.

  “He’s very quiet.”

  She frowned at Eric’s other astute observation. Our dogs barked every time they heard a noise. I just hoped they didn’t bark while Lexie was sleeping. She needed her rest.

  “Perhaps you’d like to come in and meet her.” Her expression turned pleasant so quickly, I almost doubted it ever wasn’t.

  “We don’t go in people’s homes.”

  The statement wasn’t meant to be rude and was spoken with a finesse only Eric could manage. He and Lexie were survivors and street smart. She’d taught him well.

  He cocked his head. “I thought your dog was a he?”

  The woman had referred to her pet as a he and then a she. I tried to keep my face pleasant because Lexie wouldn’t approve of Mr. Stoic making an appearance, but he was getting very close.

  “Did I say she?” She shook her head in a silly me gesture. “It’s been a long day.”

  “That’s okay. We have to go now,” he said.

  We were almost back to the van when she called out. “How do I get in touch with you if I’d like to order?”

  He slapped his pocket. “I forgot to give you a business card.”

  He raced back to the door and held out the card. She grabbed him by the wrist and twisted him in a headlock so fast I barely had time to react.

  “Oww!” he screamed.

  I sprinted toward them. What was she doing? And why had I let him go back alone?

  “You should stop where you are.” She pointed a gun at me and when that didn’t keep me from surging forward, she turned it on Eric.

  No. No. No.

  I skidded to a halt and she smiled the most evil smile I’d ever seen.

  “That’s better. Now you’re going to get in the van and drive away.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  She pressed the gun harder into Eric’s temple. He writhed in pain.

  “That’s why.” She did it again for emphasis. “And don’t bother calling the cops. They can’t keep me from seeing my son.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Lexie

  They should’ve been home by now.

  It was after seven. Maybe they’d stayed at Grey Paws a little longer so they could visit with Teague, Pepper, and Miss Adeline.

  Or maybe they’d gone by the kitchen to attempt to make tomorrow’s food. Lincoln would do something like that, even if it took him all night.

  I leaned into the pillows.

  He was so thoughtful it blew my mind. And to think I’d almost let my parents ruin it.

  I rubbed my forehead. Where had that headache come from? It was so strong and so fast, I’d hardly been able to finish preparing lunch.

  It had subsided a bit and was no longer crippling. I’d slept most of the afternoon with the dogs beside me. They’d been good at watching over me.

  I picked up my phone.

  Just call him. It’s not like you don’t live with him or anything.

  But it was strange to contact him on a whim. Part of me felt like we needed a pre-set warning that I’d be calling him.

  You’re overthinking, Lexie.

  He wouldn’t mind. I knew that. I also didn’t want to be a nag.

  The dogs sat up and barked. After listening for a moment, they leapt off the bed and raced down the hall. I hadn’t heard anything, but it was a long way to the front door.

  I tossed the blankets away and slid out of bed.

  I made it to the bedroom door when I caught sight of Lincoln in the hallway. He looked haggard. More so than the morning I’d found him by my hospital bed. Delivering the dog food was hard, especially for someone who wasn’t used to it.

  He would hardly meet my gaze. Didn’t speak, though that wasn’t all that unusual.

  The dogs caught up to him, then ran back toward the door as if looking for something. They rushed back and jumped around him. He didn’t correct them or even acknowledge their presence.

  “Lincoln?”

  He flinched at the sound of his name.

  I leaned over, trying to see around him. “Where’s Eric?”

  He stopped moving. Fear and pain stared back at me so potently I could feel it myself.

  “Lincoln?” I rushed forward and pushed his chest. “Where’s Eric?”

  His throat worked as he swallowed hard. “I tried. I need you to know that.”

  My heart galloped so hard I thought it would explode. “Tried what?”
I heard myself speak, but it sounded far away as the worst-case scenarios flooded my brain.

  He opened his mouth, and I held my breath. He closed it, and I completely stopped taking in air. I shook him, yet it didn’t move him.

  “Your mother,” he said hoarsely. “She took him at gunpoint.”

  My legs gave way. He caught me and carried me to the living room. Once he’d arranged me on the sofa, the dogs jumped up and both put their heads in my lap.

  “Is he . . .” I couldn’t say or even think the word.

  “He was the last time I saw him.” Lincoln hung his head and leaned against the bar for support.

  “How long ago was that?” How was I talking? Thinking? I needed to get up. To find my brother.

  “One hour and thirty-six minutes ago.”

  “And you didn’t call me?” I cried. It was my fault this had happened. I should’ve sucked it up and went with them this afternoon. If I’d been there, she never would’ve come close to him.

  “I’m so very sorry, Lexie. I phoned the authorities. And Daniel. And Zegas. I waited to see if your mother left with Eric so I could follow.” He smashed his knuckles against the stone countertop. “I must have missed them.”

  “Are the police looking for them?”

  “Everyone I know is. I just came by to tell you, then I’m headed back out.”

  “Not without me.” I stood too quickly and lost my balance, but used the sofa arm to keep steady.

  “You’re in no condition—”

  “I’ll be damned if I’ll sit here while she has my brother and do nothing,” I said, my voice reaching a crescendo. “If she has him locked in a closet—”

  It’s so dark in here, sis. It’s so, so dark. But we have each other now. I’m not alone now, sis.

  Everything in me shattered.

  I had one responsibility. Keeping my brother safe. And I’d failed.

  Tears blinded me as I fumbled my way down the hall.

  “You should sit.” Lincoln slid an arm around my waist.