Sharpening His Broken Talon (Living Art Book 2)

by River Mitchell

  The messages got progressively worse after that. I was not the only getting them. Fear was getting hit the hardest; Alfie wasn’t spared her text tirade either. The rest of the guys were so shocked by Hayley’s behavior, they were refusing to enter into any of the back and forth and told her as much. Talon was livid; his sister was hurting, and he blamed Max, John, and Hayley for it. Tristan was just worried about his family. He had confided in me he was scared this would take his new family away. I did my best to reassure him, but I think the fear wasn’t going away anytime soon. Pun intended.

  Talon and I, though, were going strong. We spent all of our time together. If it was not at the shop, it was at the Parker household. He didn’t want to be too far away from his sister.

  My last client for the day had just left and Fear, Alfie, and I were the only ones left in the shop. The nuggets were with Sheridan and Ben and Talon was with Dane, Molly, and Tristan. Meaning none of us had any reason to rush off. We were taking our time to shut everything down, lock up, and enjoy a moment of stress-free silence.

  “How you doing, man?” I asked Fear. He looked so tired and drained I was starting to worry about his health.

  “I’m so over all this shit. Hayley has gone crazy. She’s always been a stubborn shit, but she has never been this mean or hurtful,” he said, looking even more exhausted. `

  “She still being an idiot?” I asked. I knew the answer, but I got the impression he needed to talk, and if me asking questions was going to push him to start, I was going ask.

  “Yep, Alfie thinks this is all about jealousy. I don’t want to think that about my sister, but I just don’t understand her. This whole thing is none of her business. If she believes what that jackass said, fine. But she should just keep her damn opinion to herself. Even John is less in this than she is. John should have never even opened his fucking mouth. It was not his information to share,” he said, shaking his head.

  “I think she feels like the Parkers have come in and are taking away her brother and family. Think about it, she had all of your focus. The only girl in the group. The matriarch as it were. Then, all of a sudden, I arrive with crazy mama in tow. I mean my mother is a force to be reckoned with at the best of times, but thinking about it, she did kind of knock Hayley out of her spot as alpha female. Then before Hayley could get a handle on that development, the Parkers arrived: two brothers, a sister, and a dad. How could she compete with that? They were quickly accepted and added to her already newly changed family. She must have been spinning,” Alfie said, joining the conversation. “So much was happening for all of us at the time, and I think that no one had time to let all the changes to sink in. Her husband away and unsafe, her mother dead, her brother accused and arrested for her murder, she had just given birth and danger seemed to be hitting us all at every turn.”

  “Babe, I hear what you’re saying, and I even agree with a lot of it. But that stuff was happening to all of us. We were all going through shit in one way or another, and none of that excuses how she is acting now,” Fear reasoned.

  “I know, and I’m not saying it’s right. I’m just trying to explain or perhaps give a reason why she is behaving the way she is. I think that once she stops acting out of fear and jealousy, she’ll come around.” Alfie attempted to sound hopeful that things would all work out.

  “You’re right. Hayley will come around. The problem is what she’s going to find waiting for her when she does. She cut us all off and threw her toys out of the playpen. Her actions have consequences. I love her more than anything; she’s my big sister. Molly, though, is my little sister. I’ve only just found her. I’m not going to be made to play the ‘who do you love more’ game. Hayley says she has a right to her opinions and can believe what she wants. Well okay, then so can I. I choose to believe Molly. I know in my heart she’s telling the truth about Max and the baby.”

  “I just hope this shit is sorted before the baby gets here. If Max doesn’t want to claim the baby, okay. He won’t be the first baby daddy to cut and run. I just think we’ve had enough drama to last us all a lifetime. We deserve a little quiet time of nothing but happy for a while,” I said, patting Fear on the shoulder and pulling him in for a hug. I hated seeing him so torn.

  “From your mouth to every single higher power’s ears,” Alfie said while making the sign of the cross. Whispering, “Spectacles, testicles, wallet, and watch,” he continued doing a funny dance with his feet and a big flourish of jerky hand movements.

  “What he is doing?” I asked.

  Fear answered, not taking his eyes of his crazy other half. “He doesn't want to offend anyone up there,” he said, pointing up to the ceiling. “It’s just to cover all the bases, and if he misses a move, he hopes they will at least appreciate the booty shake he provided. And before you say anything, yes, I’m aware the man is crazy. But all that crazy is mine. You should see it when the nuggets join in,” Fear finished with a soft smile on his face.

  At that moment I could not be more grateful to the crazy man pulling some adventurous moves, which could rival a young John Travolta. Fear was in pain; it was clear. He was also hiding it from everyone, only letting it out when he was so suffocated by it that it leaked unintentionally out through his eyes or voice. Alfie, though, could bring levity to even the direst of situations. It was just what he needed, and if I was being honest it was what I needed, too. I was being strong for everyone, and a smile, no matter how silly, felt good. It was so good that I joined in with Alfie and the pair of us had a dance off right there in the middle of the store. My smile grew bigger when I heard Fear burst out laughing. Yeah, we’d needed this little reprieve.

  18

  Talon

  The last few weeks had been intense. Molly, thankfully, had leveled out. She no longer burst into tears at the drop of a hat and finally believed we were all behind her. Another good thing was I’d finally gotten Molly to leave the house. Shopping, always a winner. The baby needed a lot of stuff, and there was only so much you could get online. Some of the stuff you just had to see and touch for yourself.

  Molly and I were walking through the car seat section of BabyWorld; who knew there were so many different options for a flipping car seat? I should say I was walking. Molly was moving, but it was more of a waddle. It was kind of adorable actually. We had just entered aisle three when it happened. Molly froze in place and grabbed my arm; it was almost comical. I didn’t think anything of it at first, thinking she had seen something else she liked since we were already onto our second cart. But the moment I looked at her properly, I could tell I was wrong. My first reaction was to look around for someone who could help. Of course, there wasn't anyone is sight. Fucking typical, the store was packed a minute ago.

  “T, I think...I think the baby may be coming.” Molly’s voice was freaked but very quiet.

  The baby could not be coming. I was the worst fucking person in the world to be here in this situation. I needed to call someone; I needed someone to be here. I needed someone here who could fucking talk.

  “T, if you don’t stop freaking out, I am going to kick you in your baby maker. Text someone. Text Dad. Anyone. I‘m not moving from this spot. Yeah, yeah, I should stay right here. Maybe if I stay still, the baby will change its mind, decide that it’s better to stay put,” Molly said, her voice cracking with what I was sure was a barrage of emotions.

  I definitely needed to get help. I needed to text Dad. Anyone, everyone.

  Talon: I need help. Molly thinks she’s going into labor and is refusing to move, hoping the baby will change its mind. Someone needs to come and help me NOW!!!!!

  Nothing. Where the fuck was everybody? I tried repeatedly to get Molly to move but she was adamant that staying put meant the baby would, too. I had no idea how pregnancy brain worked, but I was positive that train of thought was only wishful thinking.

  Just when I was about to give up all hope and join Molly down the freak out road, my phone buzzed.

  Alfie: Alfie to the rescue! I�
�m around the corner and on the way. SuperAlfie is a go. Zoom zoom.

  Fear: I am on my way.

  Dad: I’m coming.

  Tristan: I’m leaving school now. Where should I go? Are you still at the store?

  Mama Sheri: On the way.

  Drake: I’m stuck at the shop, but I’m going to close up and find out where you guys are.

  James: I am stuck in traffic. But I am heading your way.

  Carter: I’m coming.

  Tate: I was taking a shit and didn’t hear my phone. Running down the hall now and will get to you as soon as possible,

  “Was that Dad? Is he coming?” Molly asked, breathing heavy. I could see she was struggling to remain standing, so I convinced her to sit on the floor. Sitting was better than standing, right? Oh fuck, hurry up, everyone.

  Dad: How is she?

  Me: I got her to sit down on the floor, but she’s still refusing to move. Are you nearly here?

  Dad: Ten mins out.

  Alfie: Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s SuperAlfie! Where I am I going? I have my undies over my trousers, and I am coming to save the day.

  Me: We are in aisle three with the car seats.

  “Ne na ne na ne na. Dun da da, puppy power. Well, hello there, Miss Molly, what’s this I hear about you moving in here? I have to say it’s got lots of space but not at all homey,” Alfie said, crouching down in front of my now smiling despite herself sister.

  “I am not moving, Alfie. I think if I stay here for a bit longer, I can make it stop,” Molly said with another break in her voice. Since sitting down, she’d gripped my hand tight, and I took comfort in her strength, but I could see that her pain was getting worse.

  “Honey, you don’t have to do anything yet. Are you having contractions?” Alfie asked. That seemed like a good question to ask.

  “If I say yes, will you make me get up.?” Molly asked.

  “No, I just want to know where you’re at,” Alfie explained. Molly didn’t answer right away. She leaned against me and put her head on my shoulder. “Talk to me, honey.” Alfie picked up her free hand.

  “Yeah, I haven’t been timing or anything, but it is starting to really hurt. Alfie, I’m really scared,” Molly finally admitted, still leaning against me with her head on my shoulder.

  “No need to be scared, we got this...” Before Alfie could finish, Fear appeared. He didn’t waste time. He simply picked up our sister and walked out the door to his car and placed her gently in the back seat. I didn’t wait to be told; I jumped in next to her, grabbed her hand again, and held on tight. Everyone else jumped in the car, and we were off. As we were leaving, I saw Dad pulling in. I tapped Fear on the shoulder and pointed him out. Fear honked the horn, and Dad followed us straight to the hospital. I managed to text everyone the location change.

  Once there, everything went into fast-forward and became a blur. I somehow managed to find myself in the room as my sister’s birthing partner. Molly had asked me to be with her, so there I fucking was. I was not going to freak out.

  It was the most magical moment of my life. I was the first person my niece ever laid eyes on, and the moment she was placed into my arms, I was in instant love. That little girl was going to have me wrapped around her little finger. Molly was exhausted and asked me to introduce baby Raven to the rest of the family. Her words made me feel as if I could defeat the world.

  “I can finally sleep now. I have protected her and held her close to keep her safe. But I know there is no safer place for her to be than in her uncle/godfather’s arms and surrounded by our family.”

  I knew she’d hardly slept since the argument with Hayley, and seeing her resting peacefully was enough for me to do anything she asked.

  I carefully walked down the hall toward the waiting room where I knew everyone was waiting. I opened the door and had the eyes of everyone in the room instantly. I pulled out the piece of paper I had already written and handed to my dad.

  He opened it and read aloud. “I would like you to meet Raven Huntley Parker, Molly’s beautiful daughter. Molly is exhausted but really good. She wanted to me to introduce you to the newest member of our family.” Dad had tears in his eyes when he finished reading. “Granddaughter. Can I hold her?” Nodding, I placed Raven in the safety of his arms and went to the place I had been craving. Tate’s arms wrapped around me, and for the first time since Molly had frozen in BabyWorld, I felt safe, calm, and settled.

  That night, when we got home, Tate made love to me for hours. Dad and Tris were still at the hospital with Molly and Raven. Fear and Alfie had gone home to relieve Ben from nugget duty. Sheridan was hogging Raven when Tate and I left so who knew where she’d ended up. The rest of the guys had all left so we could take turns and make sure Molly was never alone. All of which meant, for one night at least, everyone was covered and we could focus solely on each other. It was perfection, every single second of it.

  Two weeks later to the day, our happiness came to a screeching halt. I was at the shop in the back room doing a stock check when a news bulletin caught my attention. Turning up the volume, I stood frozen and listened to the monotone-voiced reporter.

  “I am reporting to you live from the scene of a vicious and brutal attack. A new mother was attacked in the doorway of her family home. A neighbor returning from work alerted the police after finding the victim lying just inside the front door, which had been left wide open. EMTs arrived quickly and transported the injured woman to Angels Memorial Hospital. There is no update as of yet on her condition. However, the news we just received has put a new terrifying twist on this crime. The victim’s newborn daughter, believed to have been in the house with her mother at the time of the attack, cannot be found. The police are canvassing the area in order to find witnesses. We will keep you updated when things change or new information comes in.”

  I didn’t stop to think about what I was doing. I ran out of the shop to my car, and I was driving in the direction of home. Something inside told me I needed to get home.

  I reached the house in record time, and when I did, my worst fear was confirmed. Our house was surrounded by news vans and police tape.

  Talon: Something has happened to Molly and Raven. I am at the house and the police and news are here. Please come home. I don’t know what to do. I can’t talk to anyone.

  I felt so useless. What the fuck should I do? I should have grabbed someone at the shop before leaving. I was not sure how long I sat there staring out of the windows, watching all the people walking around, but the knock on my window had me jumping almost out of my skin. I had been slowly slipping, and the knock was the jolt I needed to knock myself out of the inner decline. Turning, I saw both Fear and Tate standing just outside my door. I scrambled out of the car, grabbing Tate’s hand and practically dragging him to the where a group of police officers were standing.

  “Officer, this my partner’s house.” Tate addressed all the men who had turned to look at us as we approached.

  “What are your names?” one of the uniformed officers asked.

  “I’m Tate Cartwright. This is Talon Parker and Hunter Williams. Can you tell us what’s going on?”

  “Right this way,” the officer said and led us past the tape and up the steps toward the front porch. I was almost to the door when the officer stopped us and told us to wait. It wasn’t until I looked toward the entryway that I realized why. The entire floor was covered in blood. There was so much. What the fuck happened? I didn’t need to look at Tate or Fear to know they were seeing it, too.

  “Gentlemen, I’m Detective Polpa, and I am lead on this investigation. The officer advised me that this is your house.” The detective’s voice was kind, but at the same time detached and void of any real emotion.

  “Yeah, this is Talon’s family home. He lives here with his younger brother, sister, and dad,” Tate explained

  “And you two?” Polpa asked.

  “I am Tate Cartwright. Talon is my boyfriend and Fear is his eldest brother.”

>   “Talon, can you tell me who was at home this afternoon?”

  “Sorry, Detective, Talon has a medical condition that prevents him from being able to talk. He can write it down for you if you like, but I can tell you that only Molly and Raven were home today. Talon was with Fear and me at the tattoo shop where we all work. Dane, that’s their father, is also at work, and Tristan, the youngest brother, is at school,” Tate explained. I had yet to take my eyes off the ocean of blood on the floor. Fear, who had also remained quiet, seemed to be stuck on the same sight.

  “I see...” but before the Detective could continue, Fear interrupted and asked the question I had been screaming in my head since we’d arrived.

  “Are Molly and Raven okay?”

  “No, Mr. Williams, was it? No, I am afraid they are not,” the detective said with regret in his voice. “Miss Parker, Molly, has been rushed to Angels Memorial but the baby wasn’t here when we arrived. It’s our belief that she was taken at the same time as the attack happened.”

  I wasn’t sure what happened after that, but the next time I became aware, I was at the hospital with everyone, and we were waiting on news of Molly’s condition and the whereabouts of Raven. My dad was upset, as was Tristan. Alfie was clinging to Fear. Sheridan and Ben were taking turns being here with us and staying at home with the nuggets. They didn’t know what happened, but they could feel that it wasn’t good. The guys were all here and hadn’t left since they had arrived hours ago.

  Tate was being my strength, and thank fuck he was. I was not sure how I would have been semi-functional if he wasn’t.

  “Molly Parker’s family?” a tall man in scrubs asked while walking through the door. No one replied, but we all stood and approached the man.

  “She’s hanging in there. I have both good and bad news. The bad news is Molly was brought in with severe head trauma. Not only does did she have bleeding and swelling on the brain, but the entire right side of her face was shattered. When we have everything else in a better position, she will have to undergo several surgeries for reconstruction, but like I said, that is much farther down the road. The good news is that besides a fractured wrist, forearm, and a couple of cracked ribs, the rest of her body was injury free. Our biggest concern is getting the bleeding and swelling under control. We are keeping her in a medically-induced coma to give her body a chance to rest. Unfortunately, right now, it is a waiting game. We will continuously monitor her and keep you updated. I’m sorry, there are no visitors in the surgical ICU. I will be back out as soon as I know more.” With that bombshell dropped, he turned and walked behind the large wooden doors he’d come from.