Behind the Hood (Behind the Lives)

by Hansen, Marita A.

  She pulled back to look at him again. Now an older version stood over her, an image of Nike as he’d appeared yesterday when he’d visited. His hair was cut shorter and he appeared upset, concerned. Did he still care about her?

  She kissed him again, wanting to ease his tension as well as her own. Her hands moved down his body and gripped onto his arse. He was naked, hard, spreading her legs. He eased himself inside. She moved against him, urging him to come. If he had gotten her pregnant, instead of Tama, she would never have aborted her baby. A tear ran down her cheek. The child would have been three now.

  “Do you still love me?” she said.

  “I will always love you.” He sounded younger, the words an echo of the past.

  She closed her eyes and kissed him. “I will always love you too,” she whispered against his lips.

  “Bullshit! You’re a fuckin’ liar.”

  Leila’s eyes shot open. Jayden glared down at her. She squealed and covered her face with her arms.

  “Leila, wake up.”

  Jayden tried to pull her arms down. She struggled with him, like she should have done before. Her cries for help turned into muffled screams.

  “Leila, calm down. It’s me, Nike.”

  Leila froze. “Nike?”

  “Yes.”

  Her eyes cracked open. Nike stared down at her with a concerned expression. He was dressed in the same black bomber jacket he’d worn when he’d visited her on Sunday.

  “Nike?” She winced. It felt like a shard of glass was being jammed inside her mouth. She touched a finger to her teeth, the memory of the doctor wiring them together returning. Jayden had fractured her jaw.

  “Do ya need a nurse?” Nike asked.

  Yeah, she needed a nurse. She wanted to be pumped full of drugs so she couldn’t feel anything. But if Nike called a nurse he might leave.

  “No.”

  “You sure? You look in pain.”

  She ran a hand gently over her face. It had gone down a little since yesterday, but it still felt badly swollen, and there was now a tube going into her nose that hadn’t been there before.

  She reached for Nike’s hand. He dropped his gaze and took a hold of it. If she could’ve smiled without the lancing pain, she would have. He hadn’t held her hand since they were fourteen. It felt warm in hers ... it felt right.

  “Do ya need anything?” he asked.

  She indicated with her other hand, enacting writing. She frowned as he let go. He passed the pen and pad from the cabinet.

  She wrote, How’s Maia?

  He looked at the pad. “Still hurting, but she’ll be out tomorrow.”

  Where’s Jess?

  “At home.” He looked away.

  What’s wrong? She tapped the pad. When he didn’t answer, she placed a hand on her cheek. “Nike, what’s wrong?”

  He turned to look at her. “I wanna know why the fuck you’re still screwing Tama for? Haven’t you learnt anything?”

  Leila flinched. “I’m sorry,” she said, willing herself not to cry. “I deserve what’s happened—”

  He exhaled loudly. “No, you don’t. No one deserves this.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Stop talkin’ like that.”

  “But it’s true. If I hadn’t cheated on you none of this would’ve happened.”

  “Leila—”

  She talked over him. “If I wuzn’t such a fuckin’ ho we’d be married!” She held her jaw and gave in to her tears.

  “Christ, Leila. You alright? I’ll ring for a nurse.” He reached for the button.

  “Why do you care? You hurt me more than Jayden ever did.”

  He dropped his hand. “I never hit you.”

  “You damn well know what I mean, so don’t act dumb with me.”

  “You have a bloody nerve sayin’ that after what ya did to me.”

  “I apologised a thousand times, tried to make things right, but you still treat me like dirt.”

  “No, I don’t—”

  “Don’t bullshit a bullshitter.”

  Nike exhaled. “How do ya expect me to act when you keep emailin’ me shit even after you got married?”

  “Does it still hurt? Is that why you’re so cruel to me?”

  “I’m not cruel to you. I care enough to be here, don’t I?”

  She tried not to smile. “You still care about me?”

  “I don’t like seeing ya hurt. That’s all.”

  That’s all? She wiped her eyes.

  “Shit, don’t cry,” he said.

  “I need you, Nike.”

  “No, you don’t”

  “Yes, I do!” She cupped her cheek again. “I have no one else now Mum’s gone.”

  He frowned. “I’m sorry ‘bout your mother.”

  She looked down at her hands. “I’m scared, Nike. Please … will you come see me tomorrow?”

  “I don’t think that’s—”

  “Please. I’m not asking for much. A short pop in is all I need … as a friend.”

  “Okay, I’ll come after work. Just please stop crying.”

  Relief flooded her. She glanced over at the rays of sunlight breaking through the blinds. “What time is it?”

  “Four.”

  She ran a hand over her sore jaw. “How—”

  “Don’t talk.” He picked up the pad and pencil.

  She took it and wrote, How come you’re not at work?

  “I quit today.” His expression darkened. “Got a new job as a chauffeur.”

  Then why aren’t you happy?

  “Don’t have much choice. The courier job pays crap and the new one is more than double the amount.”

  What’s so bad about that?

  “A mate told me not to take it. My new employer is...” He paused and rubbed his forehead. “Not the best person to work for. But I need the money, and Jess...” He stopped again. “Well, I hafta take it.” He checked his watch. “Look, I hafta go. I’ll see ya tomorrow.”

  “Okay,” she said. “Thanks, Nike. I really appreciate you doin’ this for me.”

  He nodded and walked off. She watched him leave the room, happy that at least he’d be back again.

  33

  Nike

  Nike pulled into the medium strip. A steady stream of cars and trucks drove past, heading down Claydon’s main road. As he waited for the traffic to clear, his mind wandered back to Leila. He really didn’t want to see her again tomorrow. But she’d looked so upset that he couldn’t say no. She was so banged up and she had no one else. There was only Tama, and he couldn’t go unless he wanted to end up in jail.

  Nike slammed the dashboard at the thought of Tama. It frustrated the hell out of him that he couldn’t deal with the bastard straight away. He had to take care of Tama before his li’l sis came out of hospital. The poor kid needed to feel safe.

  A horn made him jump in his seat.

  He looked in the rear-view mirror. A candidate for road-rage had his head stuck out of a black sedan, yelling at him to move. Nike wound down the window and gave a one-fingered salute, then cut across the road.

  Rain tapped against the windscreen as he headed down Kea Way, nature’s beat picking up as he turned onto Pleasant Parade. He wished he could just turn around and head in the opposite direction, because he wasn’t looking forward to telling Ash that he couldn’t work for him anymore.

  He parked behind Dante’s Holden and got out, pissed that he had to return the van by the end of the day. Things were going to be difficult without a vehicle. It had taken just over thirty minutes to drive to Craven’s place, and without a car it would take twice as long. Maybe he could borrow Rory’s until he could buy another one? The guy was actually being helpful today and was nice to Maia, bringing her chocolates. He’d even offered to drop Jess back at home. Yeah, he could visit Rory later.

  Wiping the rain off his face, he banged on the front door.

  “Someone get that!” Ash hollered from inside.

  A few seconds later the door swu
ng open and Sledge peered out. His black and blue face dropped. He quickly tried to jam the door shut. Nike shouldered it open and stepped inside.

  “Not here for you,” Nike said, aching to hit the bastard again. “I wanna talk to Ash.”

  “It’s Nike!” Sledge shouted as he backed up.

  Pussy, Nike thought.

  Dante ran into the lounge and pushed his brother behind him. Instead of his normal leather getup, Dante was dressed in faded jeans and a black jumper. Like Sledge, his face was bruised and swollen.

  “Fuck off!” Dante barked.

  Nike smiled at him, happy that Ash has landed some good ones. “Thanks for the job recommendation.”

  Dante’s eyebrows pulled together. “Eh?”

  “I start workin’ for Craven tomorrow.”

  Dante laughed. “You stupid wanker.”

  Ash entered the room, bare-chested and zipping up his fly. “You bloody idiot, Nike. I told ja not to take it. You got a death wish or sumpthin’?”

  Nike’s smile dropped. “Didn’t have much choice, Jess is pregnant.”

  “All the more reason not to take the fuckin’ job.”

  “I’m still takin’ it.”

  “No! I’ll call him—”

  “I decide, not you! I’ve already told Jess, and quit my courier job. I can’t back out now.”

  Ash shook his head.

  “For fuck’s sake,” Nike said. “I’m just gonna be a chauffeur, so lighten up.”

  “Yeah, right.” Dante pushed Sledge out of the room. “I bet Craven’s missus will have plenty for you to do as well.”

  “Eh?” Nike said.

  “You fuckin’ arsehole, Dante. I’m gonna beat the livin’ shit outta ya for this,” Ash hollered.

  Dante laughed. Nike thought it sounded fake, like Dante was purposely trying to piss off his brother. Christ, the guy had balls of steel.

  Ash turned back to Nike and pointed at the couch. “Sit!”

  Nike crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re not getting your way this time.” He took a step back as Ash moved closer.

  “Sit. Now,” Ash said, his voice low.

  Nike sat down.

  “If you need help,” Ash said, standing over him. “I’ll flick a few grand your way and give ya some more work.”

  “That’s temporary. I’ve still got four grand on the credit card owin’, and I’m strugglin’ to pay the bills. With Jess pregnant now, it’s gonna get worse. I need this job. I’m not stupid; I’ll be clean with Craven.”

  “He’s dirty. You’re bound to see things—”

  “Then I’ll turn a blind eye.”

  “I know his last driver. He quit after he saw Craven’s men beat a guy pretty bad. He thinks they killed him.”

  “Is your mate alright?”

  “He wuz fine yesterday when I spoke to him. But he knows not to open his mouth to any coppers or he’s dead.”

  “I know when to keep my trap shut.”

  “Craven provides his drivers with personal cars…”

  Nike sat up and smiled.

  “Don’t look so happy about it. It’s so you can get there when he calls ya up at some God forsaken hour in the morning to clean up his shit…”

  Nike flattened his back against the couch as Ash placed his hands on either side of his head.

  “…You gonna keep your nose clean in the boss’s car? Don’t fuckin’ think so. Craven’s bitch will be onto ya dick in a second, and that won’t be the half—”

  “I wouldn’t cheat on Jess.”

  “Think what you like, but if Craven’s woman doesn’t get ya cock chopped off, the shit you’ll see will do ya in. You’re too soft, Nike. You couldn’t handle it.”

  “I’m not soft.”

  “Have ya seen someone killed?”

  Nike swallowed. “No.”

  “Have ya seen someone bashed to a pulp?”

  “I’ve smacked Tama over before—with a bat.”

  Ash sniffed. “That counts for shit. You’ll be playin’ with the big boys here, not some li’l bitch that picks on girls half his size.”

  “I need the money.”

  “It’s blood money.”

  “And yours ain’t?”

  Ash’s jaw clenched. “You insult me when all I’m doin’ is lookin’ out for ya?”

  Nike flinched. “No, I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “Yes, you did. But unlike you, I never chose to fall into this biz. I’d be out of it in a heartbeat if I could.”

  “I didn’t choose. You were always bugging me to deliver for you.”

  “You said yes, didn’t cha? I never said yes to shit! But people still do what they fuckin’ like!”

  Someone coughed. Nike glanced over at the passage.

  Dante filled the doorway, his concerned expression trained on Ash. “You alright, bro?”

  Ash turned and walked out the front door, slamming it behind him.

  Keeping his eyes locked on Dante, Nike stood up and edged towards the door.

  “What did your father tell ya ‘bout Ash?” Dante asked.

  Nike stopped, unsure whether he should bolt or not.

  Dante closed the passage door behind him. “Tell me quietly, cos if you know what I think ya do, I don’t want Sledge hearing it.”

  “My dad stopped him from committing suicide when he wuz a kid.” Nike paused at the sound of a car engine firing up. “Said Ash wuz raped by your stepdad.”

  “Your father had no right to tell ya that.”

  “He wanted me to understand why Ash wuz like he wuz.”

  “Did your father say what else happened?”

  “Your mother wuz killed in front of Ash.”

  Dante closed his eyes. “Anything else?”

  “That wuz it.”

  Dante opened his eyes. “Understand this. I wuz too young to protect Ash back then, but I can protect my li’l brother now. If you go near Sledge again I’ll tear you apart.”

  “He…” Nike hesitated as Dante took a step forward. “I won’t touch him.”

  “Stop chasin’ trouble and go be with your family. Cos you might not have them tomorrow.”

  Nike’s expression dropped.

  Dante sneered. “I ain’t threatening them, you idiot. Just fuck off!”

  Nike opened the door and headed outside.

  “Yeah, run, pussy!”

  He glanced back at the house. Sledge had his head poked out of a window, giving him the finger.

  Nike got in the van. Yeah, he still wanted to smash the prick up real bad, but that was unlikely to happen now. He knew little about Dante, but he understood where the brother was coming from. They both would do anything for their families.

  He started up the engine, his mind returning to what Ash had said. He hoped Ash was right, because getting a company car would at least solve one of his problems. He stopped backing out and looked across at Sledge as the youngest Rata continued to throw abuse. Nike smiled at him. Sledge stopped yelling and frowned. Nike thrust his tongue against his cheek and moved his fist in front of his mouth. Laughing at Sledge’s reaction, he swung the car around and drove off. As long as the cocksucker didn’t go near his family again he would keep his word to Dante.

  34

  Jess

  “Thanks for the lift.”

  “No probs,” Rory said.

  Jess smiled. Rory was being really nice today, not his usual unhelpful self. For once, he actually looked half decent, and was in a right good mood. He was dressed in smart trousers and a collared shirt. The only time she’d seen him dress up was when he was dating Nike’s mum and on special occasions.

  “You look nice today, Rory. Got sumpthin’ special on?”

  He smiled. “Nope, just felt like wearin’ something different.”

  “Well, it suits you.”

  “Thanks.”

  Jess hopped out of the car. She was also in a good mood. The morning sickness had let up just after lunch, which was promising, and with Nike’s new job
she was no longer stressing over money. She looked at the flat, realising it wouldn’t take long before they could afford to leave the dump. Man, it was a good day.

  She pulled Jake’s car-seat out and closed the door. Rory backed up, beeping the horn in farewell. With a quick wave, she lumbered up the stairs and onto the front porch with her heavy load. She placed Jake’s seat on the deck, and fished in her pocket for her keys.

  Her eyes locked onto the open ranch-slider. “Oh shit,” she muttered.

  Praying that they hadn’t been robbed, she slid the door across and poked her head inside. Relieved that the TV and stereo were still there, she moved Jake’s car seat into the lounge. Maybe Nike had come home and forgotten to lock up like last week?

  She went to the kitchen and pulled out a rolling-pin from a cupboard, then headed down the passage and into her bedroom. The laptop was still in its place. Jake started crying. Ignoring him, she checked her jewellery box, the wardrobe, then the bathroom and laundry. She reached for the doorknob behind Nike’s bike. Still locked. The place was clear. No intruder, nothing missing, but damn she was gonna kick Nike’s butt for not locking up again. Do that every week and it wouldn’t be long before they were screwed over.

  She put the rolling-pin away, then headed into the lounge. Jake’s arms were reaching for his rattle on the floor. She bobbed down and passed it to him. He stopped crying and started smacking the rattle into her forehead as she undid his seatbelt.

  “Jakey, stop that.” She picked him up and put him in his cot.

  Jake pulled himself up and shook the rattle as he leaned against the bars. He wobbled, and fell onto his bottom.

  Jess headed for the bathroom and grabbed the clothes basket, carrying it through to the laundry. She dumped it in front of the washing machine and began separating the items: Towels to one side, colours at her feet, and delicates in the top loader.

  “Yuck! What the hell?” Grimacing, she dropped her knickers into the machine. Something sticky was on them. She wiped her hand on one of the towels, then went to pick up Nike’s jeans. She stopped and looked back at her knickers. They were the fancy pair Nike had bought for her birthday.

  She pulled them back out and held them up. Her eyes went wide. “Oh God,” she gasped. She dropped them and washed her hands, then ran into the lounge and locked the front door. Jake started squealing. She peered out the ranch-slider, her gaze scanning the front yard and road.