Abandon: The Unloveable Series Book One

by Lowhorn, Michelle

  “You stupid son of a bitch. All you had to do was mind your own fucking business. But you’re so arrogant you just had to get involved. Because of you, Brooklyn has to die now, too,” Sam shouted.

  Clearing the doorway, Brooklyn ducked behind the couch. From her location, she could see Gage on the floor bleeding from his left shoulder. Sam passed the couch as he cautiously approached Gage’s body and she saw Gage pull himself up to a sitting position against the wall.

  “Were you involved in drug trafficking when you ran for office or was it just a perk you inherited when you took over?” Gage asked through gritted teeth. Brooklyn worried he was in terrible pain.

  “Get real. The last sheriff was old as hell and too fucking dumb to think of running a ring like I’ve created. I get a percentage from every illegal operation in this town. The whore’s pay their pimp and he pays me. The gambling going on in the back of the bar has proven to be a lot more lucrative than I thought it would be. But where I make the most of my income is from the drugs. I’ll be damned if I’m not a rich man! And there’s where the problem is. You’re clusterfuck of a brother stole quite a large sum of money from me. Of course I want my money back and thanks to you, I’ll be able to retrieve it once I figure out where the locker is. My men would have gotten the idea I’m weak if I hadn’t made an example of Garret. Even worse, they might have gotten brave enough to try to steal my money if I hadn’t proven my point with your brother. What I did was necessary. If you’d kept your nose out of my business, I wouldn’t have had to kill you or Brooklyn. The good news is I’m the sheriff. No one will question what happens here tonight.”

  Brook’s worst nightmare was coming true right before her eyes. Gage was going to die right there on her family room floor. There was no way she could sit still and let Sam kill the man she loved.

  “You’re as stupid as your brother. Garret couldn’t mind his own business, either. I warned him not to get involved but he wouldn’t listen. I have to give him props for not breaking during the torture. When I realized he wasn’t going to tell me where he’d hidden the money, I put a bullet between his eyes.”

  There was no possible way she could listen to any more of Sam’s boasting. It was time for her to summon every ounce of courage she could muster and shoot Sam before Gage bled to death. She popped up, took aim, and fired. She didn’t think, she just kept pulling the trigger until there were no bullets left and she was dry firing the gun she held. Before his body hit the floor, she’d dropped the gun and ran to Gage. That’s when she noticed the handgun still in his palm. She’d never know whose bullet killed Sam, but it didn’t really matter. Brook she was just glad Garret’s killer was dead.

  There was so much blood pooling on the floor, Brook knew she needed to get Gage help immediately. Dropping to the floor next to him, she applied pressure to his wound attempting to slow the bleeding. “We’ve got to get you to a hospital right now.” When he didn’t open his eyes or make a sound, she quickly pulled the headset from around his head. “Gage is down. Repeat, Gage is down. He needs help right now!” She shouted into the microphone.

  “Please, Gage, don’t abandon me, too. I won’t survive it.” Brook lost control of her emotions and started sobbing into his chest, praying help would make it in time.

  Epilogue

  My dearest Brooklyn, I’d ask for your forgiveness but I know you so well I’ve no doubt you’ve already forgiven me. I never meant to be such a screw-up, everything just seemed to always turn out that way. I’ve been one lucky bastard to find such an amazing wife that gave me three beautiful daughters. I truly wish I could have been a better husband and father. You and the girls deserve the best and that’s why I want you to deliver a message to my brother. Tell him I don’t blame him for falling in love with you that day so many years ago. How could he not love you? You’re the most loving, kind, generous, and beautiful person ever. Tell him it’s okay to step in and be the husband and father I wish I could have been.

  “Brook. Wake up, baby.”

  She could hear his voice but what really pulled her from her dream state was the pain. Oh God, the pain wouldn’t stop. She just wanted to rest for a little while but the pain kept demanding her attention. Brook opened her eyes to see Gage’s worried face hovering inches above her.

  “Can you do this?” As soon as she nodded, his face erupted in the most amazing smile. “Well then, suck it up buttercup. Let’s get this done.”

  “One more good push and your baby will be here,” the doctor said from the foot of the bed.

  “On the count of three, baby. Ready? One, two, three…”

  Gage helped Brook lean forward and push with all her might and with a scream that could probably be heard downtown, Brooklyn Hennessey delivered their baby. As soon as she heard the weak cry, she released her breath and relaxed against the mattress.

  A couple of minutes later, Gage brought the baby swaddled in a soft blanket and laid it on her chest. “I’ll be right back.”

  Gage hadn’t even realized he was crying until he entered the waiting room. Ollie was the first to notice. “What’s wrong, Daddy?”

  “Absolutely nothing. These are tears of joy,” Gage explained as he picked up Sadie. “Mommy is ready to show you the baby. Let’s go,” he announced to the girls and his parents. The group entered the room in a flurry of squeals and running feet.

  “Daddy, put Kynwee on bed.”

  “Me, too. I want to see the baby,” Olivia demanded.

  Sadie was a little less enthused about the new arrival but she wrapped her arms tightly around Gage’s neck as she peeked at the baby anyway.

  “I want everyone to meet Garret Michael Henessy,” Brooklyn announced.

  Gage leaned down, gently kissing his son’s red hair then placed the most endearing kiss on his wife’s soft lips.

  “Thank you for giving me four beautiful children, baby. I love you.”

  The End

  Dear Gage,

  Thank you for coming back home. I had no doubt the only way to ensure you’d come was for vengeance. You’ve been the best older brother a man could ask for, always willing to kick someone’s ass in a minute’s notice if you thought I had been wronged. You’ve given me far more than I’ve deserved. Well it’s time I repay all of my debts including the biggest one I owe to you.

  I couldn’t continue to suffer this existence any longer. I’ve given a great deal of thought to my dilemma. If I just overdose, my death will painlessly end my emotional and physical misery, but it won’t end my families. So I’ve set into motion my well thought out plan.

  I’ve stolen the only thing that would force Sam to kill me, a large sum of money. (Can you believe people actually voted for that douchbag?) I knew my death would bring you home and the money will help Brooklyn pay my debts.

  I’ve enclosed the pawn ticket so you can retrieve Brooklyn’s wedding rings. Someday she want to give them to one of the girls.

  Gage, I’m leaving my family in your hands. Don’t start with that shit about being unlovable! You’re wrong! I know this because Brooklyn has always loved you. She talks in her sleep and when she dreams, it’s always been about you. Even though you’d never admit it, you love her too. Give her the happiness she deserves because God knows I never could.

  Lastly, please make my daughters proud to carry the Hennessey name!

  You’re the best brother ever and I love you.

  Garret

  About the Author

  Michelle Lowhorn and her husband reside in Texas, where they enjoy their two kids and pug. She’s a full time teacher during the day and part time romance author at night. When she’s not working, you can bet she has her nose buried in a romance novel. Becoming an author is a dream come true.

  Don’t miss more of Michelle Lowhorn…

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