Make it Rain (The Montclair Brothers)

by Terri Marie

  The engine of his Buick wasn't quite making the sound he wanted. Robert had always dreamed of being behind the wheel of a rumbling race car engine. If he had the money, he'd definitely buy himself a fast little sports car. Maybe he'd get one of those sleek Italian babies. He kicked himself for never taking out a life insurance policy on his wife. "What a waste," he said to himself. He could have lived the high life for once, and had himself a good time. But with all the jogging and running around she did, he figured the bitch would live to be a hundred; a wrinkled freaky mess. Robert giggled uncontrollably as he sped into the left lane, closing in on the van.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Tyler looked into his side view mirror and couldn't believe his eyes. Robert had sped by the security guys and was almost beside the van.

  "Sean! Robert's with us and we don't have an exit!" shouted Tyler.

  "Keep gunning it!" yelled Sean.

  Tyler pushed the pedal all the way down. "If you have a good plan, Renee, now would be the time to tell me what it is!"

  "I saw a hospital sign for the next exit! Can we make it?!" Her face showed nothing but horror.

  "Get down," yelled Brian as he wrapped his arm around Renee and pulled her into his lap.

  Right before Jacob and Emma were able to duck, the glass exploded.

  Chapter 19

  Tyler fought to keep control of the van, as glass rained over everyone.

  "Oh my God!" shrieked Emma. "Is anyone hurt?!"

  Out of the side view mirror, Tyler watched as Eddie gunned his Mustang, moving in front of Robert. He slowed down as David moved up beside the Buick. Robert was boxed in. Tyler was pushing the van to the max, while trying to dodge other vehicles. Traffic was beginning to pick up, which worried him. With the windows blown out, he knew that Robert could easily hit his target if he drove up beside of them again.

  "Tyler!" shouted Sean over the loud wind sweeping through the van. "The hospital is coming up!"

  Tyler kept his eyes on the road in front of him, and prayed that David and Eddie could keep the homicidal maniac contained. Whenever Robert slowed down, so did his security.

  When the exit approached, Tyler knew he had to take it. Hopefully Renee's plan would work, because he was completely out of ideas. He suddenly slowed the van down and put his blinker on, hoping the car behind him wouldn't end up in his back seat. As he turned off, he watched as Robert remained boxed in up the highway. After about a mile, Tyler pulled into the hospital parking lot,

  "Stop here!" yelled Emma, and pointed to a parking spot in the shadows.

  Tyler pulled in, threw the van in park, and quickly helped everyone out. He was grateful that none of them actually needed the emergency services. Jacob and Emma had some cuts on their faces from the glass shards, but none were serious enough to need stitches.

  Once they were all out, they began to run into the building. Once inside, they knew they'd have to blend. Tyler followed the sign, and escorted them through the lobby, and to the elevators. He went down a level towards the busy cafeteria.

  "In here," whispered Renee. "We can't be running around with blood on us. This is a family bathroom."

  As they all filed in, Tyler locked the door. He watched as Renee went into a stall and closed the door. It was easy to hear her sobbing. He wished he could bust down the door and hold her, but for now, he had to keep his mind on keeping everyone safe.

  Tyler took out his phone and tried to call Vincent. He hadn't realized how badly his hands were shaking, until he had to hold his phone still enough to press a button. He felt relief when he heard the familiar voice on the other end.

  "Tyler, are you guys safe? Did you lose Robert?"

  "Yeah, but probably not for long. We'll be meeting you at the lodge in about an hour. We have to leave the van here at hospital." Looking at his brothers, he realized how close they'd come to being shot. He thought he was going to vomit.

  "Hospital?!" Vinnie's voice rose.

  "We're here hiding. Listen, it's a long story. We'll meet you there."

  "I already booked us a room under the name of Winston. I'm still riding there in a cab, as I told the driver to take the back roads to avoid 23. Be safe, Brother."

  As soon as Tyler hung up, he had to keep everyone moving. Brian was able to get Renee out of the stall, and hold her for a moment. If he could have afforded to take the time to be compassionate, he would have. Right now, he had to get cabs for all of them. Even though they were in a hospital, with lots of cops roaming around, he knew that they were still sitting ducks. By now, Robert had probably gotten off at an exit and was doubling back.

  "Come on, we need to get out of here. Stay alert and keep close." Tyler led everyone to an information desk and asked if they could phone a couple of cabs for him. He watched as the older woman took her time looking up the number.

  "We're in a hurry, please," said Emma.

  "Everyone's in a hurry. Have a seat and relax." She shot an evil glare at Emma.

  Emma opened up her purse and pulled out a twenty dollar bill. She handed it to the woman. "Now," Emma said with a golden smile and eyes that could burn holes through steel.

  The woman looked around her, took the twenty dollar bill, and quickly stuffed it in her sweater pocket. She promptly dialed the cab company.

  "They'll be here in ten minutes," the woman said.

  Tyler thanked the lady and turned around.

  "Emma," Tyler whispered in her ear. "You're full of surprises. Just when I thought I knew you so well…"

  "You have no idea what I'm capable of right now." She took his hand and pulled him away from the glass entrance.

  The cabs arrived faster than expected. They all agreed to put Jacob in with Renee and Emma, while Tyler, Sean, and Brian, rode in the other. Just like Vincent, they asked to take the scenic route.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  The sun was setting when Tyler walked into the dirty lobby of the motel to get the room key. When he did, he spotted Vincent getting up from a metal chair to approach him.

  "…So we're going to get eaten alive by bed bugs I take it?" Tyler smiled and threw his arms around his brother.

  "Probably," Vincent laughed and held up the key. Sorry about the cramped accommodations, but we need to stick together."

  "Agreed. The others are outside in the cabs. Let me pay them, and then we can go on up." Tyler walked outside, paid the cab drivers, and then followed Vincent to the room.

  Stepping inside, Tyler closed the curtains, and then turned on the light. The room was dingy and the smell of mildew was strong, but at least there were two double beds. It would be a cluster, but everyone was safe, and Tyler wasn't going to complain.

  Vincent called down to the office to ask for more pillows and blankets, and by the time the light was shut off, there were people strewn all over the room. It was an obstacle course just to get to the bathroom.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Renee could hear Brian tossing and turning. He had insisted on sleeping on the floor, and it was bugging the hell out of her. Everyone was cramped and uncomfortable in their clothes, inside of a room that smelled like rot, but the poor kid had slept on the ground long enough. She quietly got up, and pulled his arm. Emma was sound asleep on the edge of the bed, so Renee scooted over and made room from Brian. When he was covered up, she turned and looked at him. It wasn't chilly in the room at all, but she noticed he'd pulled his hood up. She realized then, it was a security thing for him, sort of like a blanket to a child, not that Brian had ever had one of those.

  "Are you okay?" she whispered to Brian.

  "Yeah, I am now, but that was pretty crazy on the road today. Are you alright?" he asked softly.

  "I'm fine, but you're right. Today has been one heck of a crazy day. Goodnight, Brian." She curled up next to Emma, and waited until she heard Brian fall asleep before she moved again. She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She was responsible for nearly getting everyone killed today. Part of her wanted to hand herself over, so R
obert would call off the hunt. How long can we continue to run? She knew they couldn't stay here forever. Are the guards okay? She rolled back over onto her side and let the tears flow. Renee tried to contain her sobs, but they came out in small gasps. Suddenly, she felt Emma roll over and envelope her in her arms.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Tyler startled awake by the sound of someone crying. When he lifted his head, he heard Emma whispering to Renee. He couldn't make out their words, but he wanted to go over and whisk her away. There wasn't one person in this room who hadn't seen their fair share of hard times, but Renee and Brian had gotten the worst out of life. He had no idea what their next move was going to be, but he'd have to think of something before daylight. They didn't even have transportation.

  "You awake, Ty?" whispered Vincent.

  "Unfortunately, yes," Tyler responded. He checked his phone and looked at the time. "It's three in the morning, Vinnie, try and get some sleep."

  "I can't. Step outside with me so we can talk."

  Tyler quietly put his shoes back on and followed Vincent out to the parking lot.

  "Vin, I'm really sorry about all of this. I'm not sorry for helping Renee out, but I'll understand if you guys want to bail. I'll probably end up in prison anyway, but while I have my freedom, I have to get her to safety."

  "I think Brian will testify, so no, I don't believe you'll go to prison for a second. Don't worry about that."

  "I don't know the full extent of what happened to Brian, but something scared the hell out of him at his house. He doesn't appear to be a drug user. He has manners, and is a pretty good kid. I'll take him along with Renee, to somewhere neither of them has to be afraid anymore." Tyler would hate himself forever if he failed them.

  "We need to figure out where we're going and how we're going to get there. I think we should head out while it's still dark. I spoke with David and Eddie. They're both fine, but they lost Robert in traffic. I'm afraid he's going to kill one of us if he discovers where we are. That was a close call on the highway, Tyler. I know you have good intentions, because your heart is huge, but right now, we have to keep our heads together. Our lives depend on it. As far as us bailing on you, it's never going to happen. Ever." Vincent gave Tyler a long hug.

  "Thanks, Vin, and you're right. We have to figure things out before daybreak. Do you have any ideas?"

  "It's a long drive, but yes. I know we said we'd never go to our house on Castle Lake, but I think it's the safest place for Renee and Brian. As far as we're concerned, we can't stay up there for very long. We have a company to run. Our inheritance pays for the upkeep, so it's in living condition. But we have to decide as a family if that's where we want to go."

  "I know," began Tyler. "We haven't really talked a whole lot about mom and dad, and what happened. I don't think we were ever inside of the Montclair house. If we did go there, it was when we were babies. You made a good point, though. We'll talk to Sean and Jacob and see what they think."

  "Yeah, and the other three have to agree." Vincent reminded him.

  "I'm not letting Emma come out of hiding until Robert is locked up or six feet under. She doesn't have a choice in the matter. She's family." Tyler put his arm around Vincent's shoulders and walked him back towards the room. Hopefully, they could both get a couple more hours of sleep.

  Vincent stopped walking and turned to Tyler. "We need to rent another van. The plates would be traceable to the rental agency and not to us. I doubt if Robert has ties in the police department way up here, but he might know a state trooper. We have to watch our backs. I'm going to make some calls and see what I can get delivered. If we're going to have to wait all day for it, I'll hop in a cab and rent one somewhere. Keeping us separated in different vehicles isn't a smart move."

  Tyler stayed outside with Vincent as he dialed up rental agencies. He was glad that they had a plan now, but he wouldn't allow anyone to step foot in Castle Lake, until everyone agreed to walk into the big Montclair skeleton closet.

  A knock on their motel room door, woke everyone up, and sent them all scrambling. Tyler hurried to the window, and peeked outside. A large, white, custom van sat in the parking lot in front of their room.

  "You'll need to sign for it, Vinnie." Tyler didn't take his eyes off of the guy at the door.

  "Got it," said Vincent, as he stepped in front of Tyler and walked outside.

  As his brother was handling the paperwork, Tyler asked everyone to get their shoes on and be ready to leave in five minutes.

  "Wait, do we have time to shower? I still have some dried blood on me." Emma showed Tyler the cuts on her neck and face.

  Tyler's heart was breaking just looking at the girls. Their hair was in disarray, the small wounds on their skin glared like the sun, and the sad, anxious looks in their eyes were killing him.

  "I'd love to let everyone take hot showers, but we can't waste any time. When Vincent gets squared away with the van, I'll need to step outside with my brothers and have a little chat, and then we'll come back in and—" Tyler was cut off by Vincent coming back inside while holding up the van key.

  "Back outside?" asked Vincent when he saw everyone's confused faces.

  "Yeah. Sean and Jacob, come with us." Tyler held the door open. Once they were outside, he motioned them over to a place out of ear shot.

  "As you know," began Tyler. "We're screwed." He smiled, as the men nodded in agreement. "Vinnie and I, have come up with a plan. Sorry we didn't wake you guys up at two in the morning, but we couldn't sleep."

  "Appreciated!" smiled Sean.

  "What's the plan?" asked Jacob.

  "Castle Rock. It's the only place we could think of where Renee, Emma, and Brian, will be safe. We can stay for a few days." Tyler watched as his brother's faces went from calm, to anxious.

  "…A few days. Ty, do you realize that we're targets? If Robert sees our faces, we're as good as dead!" Sean began gesturing with his hands to add impact to what he was saying.

  "He's right," said Jacob. He wasn't as animated as Sean, but close. "We can't just pop back into Southfield and expect Robert to leave us be. He knows we have Renee, and that we're protecting her. None of us are safe right now. As far as Castle Lake…really? You couldn't pick some place different?"

  Tyler could see the panic starting. "Do you have any better ideas? There's no way we can stay together in a motel room like this, and a luxury suite is just going to draw attention to ourselves. Now, we could get two or three rooms further north, but I don't think it's a good idea for us to separate." Tyler hated to see his brothers full of worry. It brought him back to his eighteenth birthday, when he had vowed to keep their family together.

  Vincent thought for a moment before speaking. "The house on the estate is pretty damn big, so we'll all fit in there just fine. It's highly unlikely that Robert is going to find out about Castle Lake, unless he does some serious digging, which I doubt he's capable of. Hell, we didn't even know about the estate until dad died." he said as he looked into his brother's eyes.

  "Do you guys agree?" asked Tyler.

  After the brothers agreed with the plan, they walked back to the room. Tyler opened the door slowly, so he wouldn't scare anyone. Even though he had to keep explaining the plan to Emma and Renee, they eventually agreed that it was the best plan, and Brian didn't object.

  The van was spacious, but of course, not with seven adults crammed inside of it. There was some small chatter, but for the most part, everyone stayed silent. Tyler knew that returning to Castle Lake was weighing heavily on his brothers' minds, but they weren't talking about it. His last memory of his family life with his parents was at the age of sixteen. His siblings were children. They'd always looked up to Tyler, not only as a role model, but as a safe haven. He'd discovered information that he'd never shared with them. Confusing their young minds even more than what they already were, served no purpose. After careful thought, Tyler had chosen to withhold the ugly truth about their parents. It had nearly destroyed him, so he could only i
magine what the disclosure would have done to his brothers.

  As the years went by, Vincent took over the legal handling of the estate. Tyler was tired of keeping up with it. Besides, he felt that since his youngest brother remembered very little about the past, it wouldn't pain him as much. Every time Tyler received mail from the estate, however, it brought back those awful memories, unanswered questions, and the horrifying deaths at Castle Lake.

  Chapter 20

  Emma could see Tyler's eyes from where she was sitting in the van. As they drove further north, while staying on the back roads, his eyes looked tired. She worried about him driving sometimes, and frequently offered to take the wheel. Sean, Jacob, and Vinnie didn't seem to have slept much either. Although they also looked just as tired as their big brother, their attention seemed to be on their surroundings, especially on any black cars they happened to pass.

  The closer they got to Lake Superior; Tyler's expression changed from weary to sad. Emma wished he'd meet her eyes in the mirror, but he never averted them from the road. If she got up to comfort him, she knew he'd explode and make her stay seated. Emma was sure that the nightmare from yesterday was still weighing heavily on him. As bad as their situation was, there was something else weighing on Tyler. She could tell. He'd spoken very little about his life with his parents. Emma knew they were dead and that Tyler had adopted his brothers at eighteen, but she didn't know anything else. None of the Montclair brothers ever talked about it.