by KJ Dahlen
Benjy smiled. When she was caught and dragged inside, he considered that a problem. What he didn’t expect was when he got back there and told him about it, Sean had completely lost his mind. He’d broken into Danny’s room and tossed the kid down the steps.
Benjy had run after him out the door but if he hadn’t, he knew that Sean would run without him. Now Sean had told them that unless they wanted to go jail, they, meaning him and Orrin had to take care of Danny and Shayna.
Benjy’s eyes narrowed. He told Sean he would personally take care of Shayna. Bitch thought she was too good for them. She never talked to them unless she had to, never ate any of her meals with them, only her brother. She showed little or no respect at all to her uncle. Yeah, he would take care of the snotty little bitch all right.
Step by step, he crept down the hall. Each room he came to he looked in and took note of the occupants but so far, none of them had been her. Then he came to a room she was in. Looking up, he saw her laying there on the bed.
He studied her for a moment then stepped in the room. She was alone as far as he could see. Although the room was dark, he could still make out her figure on the bed. He stared at her intently as he made his way over to the bed. He slipped the knife out of his pocket and gripped it tightly as he drew closer.
Benjy stopped and stared down at her for a moment. All the hatred he had stored in his body came out then and it was a terrible thing to see.
~* * * *~
Shayna opened her eyes just then and she witnessed this hatred in Benjy’s gaze. She didn’t understand it but she saw it with her own eyes briefly before Bowie lowered the boom on Benjy.
Benjy reached out to stab her about the time Bowie went to slap him away from her.
Benjy stumbled away and fell to the floor from the slap down. He’d somehow retained hold of the knife but Bowie stepped on his hand before he could raise it to defend himself.
Benjy screamed in frustration and tried to fight off the bigger man but he couldn’t wrestle himself away.
Bowie didn’t want to hurt the smaller boy but he held him down tight. He’d also seen the hatred in his eyes. Bowie had been shocked by it and that was why he hesitated for that fraction of a second before he got involved.
Bones rushed inside the room and took over holding down the boy.
Bowie reached for the knife and when he picked it up that’s when he saw the bloodied tip. He snapped his head over at Shana and saw her struggling to sit up.
Then he saw her shirt and the ever growing stain of red covering her side. “Fuck!” he yelled out as her rushed to her side. “What the hell happened? He wasn’t supposed to get you.”
She laughed shortly. “Well, the little bastard just nicked me.” She lifted the shirt up to show him the small wound on her side. Turning her head, she glared at Benjy. “You little prick. You missed. I know Sean taught you better than that.”
Benjy snarled at her. Sam had him tightly held and he couldn’t get away. “You betrayed us you bitch! I saw you this morning. I know what you told them. You put us all in danger because you couldn’t ignore that lust between your legs.”
She looked over at Bowie with fear in her eyes, “Can you check on Danny? They won’t let me near him but can you check on him for me? If Benjy came here after me there could be someone else after my brother.”
Bowie reached for his phone and made a call.
Shayna turned back to Benjy and shook her head. “You are such an idiot Benjy. Sean has you here to take the fall but where is he? He’s long gone and you’re the one going to jail now. You and the others need to wake up.”
“Sean won’t leave us behind!” Benjy shouted at her. “You don’t know him like I do. He’ll come for us.”
A doctor rushed through the door as well as a few of Bowie’s brothers. The doctor went to Shayna’s side and began examining her. He poked and prodded then began to clean the small wound. He had it almost bandaged when one of the officers hauled another boy in handcuffs into her room.
It was Orrin and he wasn’t very happy about being there at all. He glared at Benjy then he turned to Shayna. “You bitch. You may have set us up but you won’t leave this town alive. You and Danny are toast!”
The cop cuffed him upside his head. “Shut up kid, you’re only digging your hole deeper.”
Orrin ducked his head and snarled. “I’m a minor, I’ll go to jail for a year. You don’t scare me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong kid,” the cop corrected him. “Attempted murder gets you sent to adult court. You could be an old man before you get out.”
Orrin looked over at Benjy in shock. Both boys were shocked. Turning back to the cop he said, “I didn’t kill anyone.”
“No but you tried.” The cop glared at Benjy. “You got closer than he did, but you both still tried. I don’t know who gave you your information but he was wrong. Chances are, the DA is going to move this to adult court and charge you as adults.”
Benjy turned his head and snarled. “This is all your fault you traitorous bitch. If you hadn’t betrayed us, none of this would have happened.”
“You all are so quick to judge me.” Shayna shook her head. “I never betrayed you or Sean this morning. As long as he didn’t hurt Danny that was our deal. But when he threw Danny down the stairs the deal was broken. He broke the deal, not me.” Tears streamed down her face. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed. “He hurt Danny and then I didn’t care anymore. He took Danny away from me again and I don’t fucking care what happens to Sean anymore. He can rot in hell for all I care now.” She lifted her head and glared at Benjy and Orrin. “You actually think he’ll come for you, that he’ll rescue you and take you with him when he runs from here? Cuz he will run away and he won’t be there to rescue you.”
“You’re wrong.” Benjy insisted. “He will come for us.”
Shayna snickered. “He’s left fourteen kids behind already and they were better in the arts he taught them than you will ever be. He left Boston with just me and Danny because he knew as long as he had Danny, I would do what he wanted. As long as he had Danny, he knew I wouldn’t kick up a fuss. He got a new crew in every town we went to. But he left them all behind when we left. He left them in Randolph and Quincy, in Northhampton and Franklin and then again in Lennox and Albany. Fourteen kids in all and they all found out the hard way that he wouldn’t protect them either. Just as he won’t protect you two.”
She turned her head to the officer in the room. “Is Danny ok? Please at least tell me that much? Is my brother ok?”
The cop hesitated then finally nodded. “He’s just fine. This one,” he motioned at Orrin. “He didn’t even get in the room.” He looked up at Bowie. “One of this man’s brothers stopped him cold. We were inside with your brother when he tried to sneak in. His brother was on him before we could. But I swear, he never would have gotten close to him.” Then he looked at her. “I called in backup to take these two downtown. We’ll continue to watch over your brother and everything you just told us will be investigated. If we can find any evidence of what you said it, will be brought up to the judge and his orders might be rescinded.”
Shayna shook her head. “You might find the kids but what you won’t find is any association to my uncle. He’ll have made sure of that.” She nodded. “But thank you for taking care of Danny.”
The doctor stepped into her vision. “Your wound isn’t deep but if it bothers you we can give you painkillers.”
Shayna shook her head. “No thank you. I hate painkillers. I found out I was allergic to many of the ingredients after the accident years ago. They almost killed me then and I don’t want them now.”
The cop urged Benjy and Orrin toward the door. Benjy glared at her as he was pushed out the door.
Shayna just stared at him until she couldn’t see him anymore.
Bowie came over and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m so sorry he got as close to you as he did. I didn’t move in quick enough to save you.”
Shayna looked up at him with a confused look in her eyes. “It’s not your job to save me.”
Bowie smiled slightly. “Yes, it is.”
Shayna started to shake her head then thought about it for a moment. Peeking up at him she asked, “Is this for real?”
Bowie leaned in and crushed her lips with his own. They both felt the spark and Shayna groaned as Bowie deepened the kiss. It wasn’t until someone behind them cleared their throat that Bowie broke away the kiss.
Bowie turned his head and glared at his brothers. They were smiling, and he hated them for a moment. Instead, he turned back to Shayna and leaned his forehead against hers. “This isn’t the time or the place for this. But we will be talking about it. You aren’t go anywhere but with me. You and your brother will be safe. You will find out how much you can mean to someone.”
Shayna blushed deep red at his words and the promise they held. She could only hope at the promise of his words. She’d never felt these feelings before. And she wasn’t sure what to do about them. Sean never let her out of his sight before now, so she wasn’t used to being around men. Just kids.
But now? Now she wanted to see where this would go. She hoped Bowie was right that this would be over and Danny would be safe. To actually have someone that care about the two of them. It blew her mind and part of her was too afraid to believe it.
A few hours later, the lights were low and Shayna was almost asleep. Bowie was lying behind her holding her in his arms. She felt safe right where she was. How odd that she felt like this man had always known her... Like he seemed so familiar, yet that was impossible. She truly didn’t understand how this could have happened. She didn’t understand why but she wasn’t arguing it either.
“You should go to sleep for a while,” he whispered in her ear.
“I know but for some reason, my mind won’t let me,” she whispered back.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. This isn’t over yet and I’m afraid Sean won’t let it go.”
“You got protection now, there’s no way he can get to you.”
She shook her head. “Danny doesn’t. And he’s the one Sean will go after. He knows that’s how to hurt me the worse.”
“Danny is protected too.”
“But I can’t go anywhere near him and Sean also knows that. He made sure of it. He again lied to a judge and the judge believed him.”
Bowie chuckled low. “He won’t have custody in the morning. The guys will take care of that. So will the cops. There were witnesses to what happened here tonight. Benjy and Orrin admitted their part and their own words will be used against your uncle.”
“Then why do I still have a bad feeling?” she asked.
“Because you don’t know about us. Maybe this is all you’ve ever known but we don’t mess around. The moment I claimed you, you came under our protection, both you and Danny. And knowing the Sin’s Bastards they would have protected you anyway. You never have to look back and wonder where your uncle is again. He’s out of your life from this moment.”
Shayna didn’t say anything but she knew deep down in her heart Sean would be back for her. This wasn’t over, not yet.
The door clicked open softly and Shayna came awake immediately. It seemed like only minutes later but she knew it wasn’t. The sun may not have come up yet but she knew who was in the room. She didn’t move a muscle but she was alert. A shadow moved toward her and stopped beside the bed.
Bowie still snored slightly behind her and didn’t move when a voice whispered to her, “I’m here and I won’t stop until I end you and your brother. You may think these bozo’s can protect you but they can’t. I think deep down you know that. I’ll be back when you least expect it. I’ll see you in hell little Shayna.”
Shayna could barely swallow when she heard the door open again and then he was gone. She became breathless as his threat sank down into her consciousness. Her uncle was bold enough to sneak into her room when Bowie was right there beside her, but Sean wasn’t as stupid as he seemed. He knew she was awake and he only stayed long enough to pass along his message.
Chapter Six
The sun was up and daylight steamed through the window the next time Shayna opened her eyes. She didn’t think she would fall asleep after Sean left but apparently, she had. She startled awake and Bowie groaned behind her.
She turned quickly and caught him in mid yawn. “You’re still here?” she whispered.
Bowie smiled. “And where else would I be?”
She reached out a shaky hand and cupped his jaw. “You’re still here,” she repeated her earlier statement. Then she planted her face in his chest and began sobbing. “You’re still here and I’m still alive. OMG.”
Bowie wrapped his arm around her and frowned. “What do you mean you’re still alive? I don’t understand.”
She wiped her tears away and looked up at him. “Sean came here last night. He told me he wasn’t done with me yet.”
Bowie glared at her. “That bastard came into your room last night?”
Shayna nodded. “You were asleep when he came in.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up?” he demanded.
“Sean never goes anywhere without a blade and I didn’t want you to get hurt. He wouldn’t have thought twice about stabbing you to get away.”
Bowie remained silent for a long moment. His eyes showed rage. He looked like he was trying to get it under control
Shayna watched him. She wondered what he was thinking. Should she fear this man too? Immediately, she threw that out. He was warm and kind. Deep down, she knew this.
He let out a heavy sigh. “It seems that you have never known a safe stable day in your life. Or a time when you felt safe. Your supposed family has a lot of shit to answer for.” He gritted his teeth. “You will know peace and safety someday. I promise you.”
She simply stared at him. Stunned at his words. She didn’t know what to say. No one had ever spoken to her this way. Her family had a lot to answer for? Yeah, that will be the day.
Seeming to change his mood, Bowie slapped her behind gently. “Come on let’s get up and get going. We have a lot to do today.”
Shayna groaned. She didn’t want to leave without Danny but she didn’t know how to avoid it. She showered then found some clean clothes outside her bathroom. She looked over at Bowie and he smiled. She took the clothes back in the bathroom and changed into them.
When she came back out, he was standing there with one of his brothers. Bowie motioned her toward him, wrapping his arm around her shoulder he motioned at the other man. “I don’t recall if we introduced ourselves yesterday but this is my brother Mountain. He’s the oldest of the five of us.”
Shayna glanced at the bigger man and nodded, “Glad to put a name to the face. Mountain...” She smiled a little.” You sure fit your name.”
Mountain nodded.” I’m used to that reaction.” He stared at his brother for a moment then gazed at her. “We’ve had a development already this morning.”
Shayna looked at both of them and asked, “What would that be?”
“Your uncle tried to sneak into Danny’s room about four this morning. When the cops tried to stop him, he insisted he was the boys’ guardian and one of the cops told him he would need a new order from the judge and until that happened he had to leave. Your uncle was not happy and there was a struggle. It all happened so fast that nobody really knows what happened. One of the cops was stabbed and the other was knocked out before any of us could get there.”
Shayna gasped and raised her hands to her mouth. “Danny?” she dared to ask.
Mountain nodded. “Danny is ok. So are the two cops. The stab wound was a minor scratch, but your uncle ran rather than be confronted by anyone else. We just missed getting him.”
Shayna collapsed against the end of the bed. Bowie wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. She glanced at Mountain and whispered, “Sean was here too last night. He came into my room and he tol
d me he wasn’t leaving until he got me and Danny.”
Mountain stared at her for a moment. “Your uncle was in this room last night? With you and he didn’t do anything but make threats? Where was Bowie?”
Shayna hung her head. “He was in bed with me but Sean came in so quiet. He threatened me and I didn’t want anything to happen to Bowie, so I stayed quiet too. Sean would have stabbed him and still walked away. He’s crazy that way.” She laid her head against Bowie’s chest and silent tears ran down her face. After a few minutes, she lifted her head and glanced at Mountain. “Can we go see Danny? I know I can’t be near him but I need to know he’s still ok. I need to see with my own eyes he’s still alive. Please? I won’t cause a fuss, I just need to see him.”
Mountain nodded. “Let’s go see your brother.” Leading the way, they walked down the hall and around the corner. Standing in front of another door were two different police officers and one of the Sin’s Bastards brothers.
Mountain went over to the cops and spoke to them quietly for a moment then he turned to her and nodded.
Shayna walked slowly over to the window of the room. She didn’t try to push the door open she just stared at the boy laying on the bed. She could see his chest rising and falling with each breath he took. His bruises were more prominent today. She shook her head and rested her forehead against the glass of the window. Slowly raising her hand she laid it on the glass and whispered something no one could hear. Then she took a step back and turned taking the few steps to the other side of the hall. Placing her back against the wall, she slid down on her ass to the floor and brought her knees up to her chest. Laying her face on her knees, she wept for a moment.
No one bothered her for a few minutes but Bowie’s heart was breaking.
He knelt beside her, then gently raised her up to her feet. Cupping her chin, he raised her eyes to his. “Mountain said your uncle is now on the police radar and is wanted for the stabbing last night. They are actively looking for him now and if he comes back, they’ll get him.”
