“Great. How do you feel about comin’ to a weddin’ reception?”
***
Hours later, Vick awoke to find herself slumped in the same chair. Justice was sound asleep, sprawled a few feet from her. So much for coffee’s alertness powers. Either that or they were both too pooped to resist the pull of sleep.
Bleary-eyed, she peered at the flickering TV screen.
Yeah, I’m still watching. Stop second guessing my life choices, Netflix. She hated the little messages they put up on the screen.
A glance at her cell phone revealed it was four in the morning. Ugh. She had a crick in her neck, and her back ached. Maybe she should’ve stretched out on the sofa instead.
Teasing Jasper earlier had been fun. It hadn’t lasted long though, after a half an hour or so, he’d headed out. He’d actually peeled rubber when he’d driven off, so he must’ve been agitated.
Suddenly, Justice thrashed in the chair.
“No, stop! Take me instead. Do you hear me, goddammit? Take me!” He kicked the footstool away, and it skidded across the floor, hitting the television stand.
Vick jumped out of her chair. This must’ve been what Ace and Justice were talking about.
“The blood—hot, sticky. All over me.” In the dim light, she could see his eyes moving beneath the lids. “Can’t get it off.”
PTSD was common in soldiers. While he seemed intact physically, she wondered if he had some mental battle scars.
“No! Don’t you fuckin’ touch him, you sonofabitch.” The muscles bulged in his forearms, and his breathing came in harsh pants.
She tapped Justice’s arm. “Wake up. You’re havin’ a nightmare.”
No response.
“Justice, you’re in the middle of a bad dream.” Vick squeezed his wrist this time.
Like he’d been hit with a live wire, the biker leaped out of the chair and grabbed his gun in one smooth motion. His eyes opened. They were big and bright, body tense, ready for battle.
Vick gasped.
She wondered if he’d learned how to do that in SEAL training. From what she’d heard they were dropped into some horrific situations. They had to be ready for anything.
And Justice was about to go all Rambo on somebody.
“Hey, it’s me. Take it easy.” Vick held up her hands real slow as to not spook him. “You’re in my livin’ room. Nobody’s after you, for the moment, at least.”
“Vick?” Justice wiped a hand down his face.
“Yeah, I’m Vick, and you’re in Crimson Creek.”
“Right. No worries. I’m fine.” He lowered the gun, but Justice bounced from one foot to the other, filled with nervous energy.
“Wanna talk about it?”
He didn’t answer her.
“Justice?”
“Huh?” He blinked and then shook his head.
Clearly, he needed to talk, so she pressed a little more.
“Where were you stationed? Iraq?”
“Afghanistan.” His lips pressed into a thin line. “And no, I don’t wanna share. It happened a long time ago. I ain’t been in the sandbox since Jesus was a corporal. I’m just fine.”
Yeah, not so much, but denial was going around these days.
“Sure. Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“You weren’t.” Justice rolled his shoulders and rubbed the back of his neck.
“And you’re…. good?”
“Once I get more rack time, I’ll be fine.” Justice set the gun down. “I’m gonna make some more coffee. I shouldn’t have fallen asleep anyway.” He marched into the kitchen. “You want some?”
“Sure.” Vick slumped back in the chair.
Nobody had come after her. Soon, it’d be first light. Doubtful someone would attack early in the morning when they could be seen.
She should be relieved, but Vick was even more worried. What if Simon was planning something big and he needed time to gather resources?
Vick had a feeling the worst was yet to come.
Chapter Seventeen
“Are you still in love with this woman? Because you were stalkin’ another last night.”
Jasper regretted inviting Ten to this shindig. On the ride over, he’d filled him in on the details. Since then, it’d been open season on nosy questions.
“Leslie? Not anymore, and I wasn’t stalkin’ Vick, I was just checkin’ up on her.”
True, he loved Leslie, but in a nostalgic way, it was wrapped up in his teenage memories. They’d had an innocent love, a first love. He cared about her and wished her happiness with his brother, but it wasn’t more than that.
Jasper wanted Vick and watching her with Justice had been a gigantic wake-up call. He didn’t know how he’d approach the situation though. He’d really fucked things up. And didn’t have the slightest clue what was going on, but she was hiding something big.
The purpose of coming to the wedding reception was to sort things out with his family and take his rightful place. There was a large crowd, and they’d sneaked in the back doors without being noticed. Jasper didn’t want to make a scene. He planned on pulling his grandmother aside and having a talk.
“Then what are you doin’ here?”
He scowled. “I told you. I’m gonna work it out with my family.”
“And you don’t belong here anymore. We talked about this the other day.”
“Of course, I do. I should be with them. Why did you come, if you think I’m makin’ a mistake?”
Ten shrugged. “Nothin’ else to do and besides, I thought it’d be friendly.”
“Well, you’re about to be amazed. After they take me back, I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
His relatives were busy greeting guests as they walked into the ballroom. Jasper should be standing in line with them. The wedding colors were red and gold, both symbolized good fortune in the Chinese culture.
So far no one noticed him, except for Grace. She winked at Jasper, and then schooled her features into a pleasant smile. After he spoke with his grandmother, he’d take her for a spin on the dance floor, and then they’d plan an outing, a real one this time. Yeah, he’d take her to Six Flags or something.
Jasper relished the chance to observe everyone. It’d been years since he’d seen all of them together.
His father sported a tuxedo, and his mother wore a red gown. They both looked a bit older, grayer around the temples, more lines on their faces, but they were beaming, clearly full of pride.
At least one of us made them proud.
Thomas had a great big smile, too. Jasper couldn’t remember seeing him so content. And his former fiancée looked peaceful as well. They held hands, seemingly oblivious to everyone else. He’d cynically thought she’d only been interested in the money and position Jasper had, which Thomas could now offer her. It was clear, however, that the two of them were in love.
Jasper was glad he’d stepped aside. While the Tans didn’t see it that way, he’d made the right decision. This life wouldn’t have worked out for him, but his brother appeared to love it.
The reception line broke up, and everyone dispersed to tables within the ballroom.
Jasper elbowed Ten. “Okay, let’s head inside. You grab some food, and I’m gonna hash this out once and for all.”
Ten looked doubtful. “This is a waste of time if you ask me.”
“I didn’t. Trust me, I got this covered.” Jasper headed for his grandmother. “And try the barbecue, you’ll love it. The secret ingredient in the sauce is ginger.”
Grandmother Nuwa stood in the corner speaking with a couple of her friends. Taking a deep breath, Jasper approached her.
“Leave now, before someone sees you.” She didn’t even turn to glance in his direction.
“How did you…?”
“I spotted you ten minutes ago.”
“Grandmother, please, I came here to talk, to plead my case.”
“This isn’t your place, Jasper. Not anymore.”
“At least hear me out.”
&nb
sp; “Very well, if you insist.”
Grandmother turned toward him, her expression grave. She had black hair framed by long silver streaks. There were deep grooves around her mouth and eyes, deep laugh lines. His grandfather died when Jasper was a child, but she’d found joy in her grandchildren and the family business. Despite her advanced age, Nuwa was still a formidable woman.
“Thank you.”
“Let’s speak outside.”
They sat together in the garden courtyard. A fountain stood in the center surrounded by night-blooming jasmine. The hotels were all decorated in the Chinese style, vibrant reds, and black lacquer furnishings.
“Grandmother, I’m far from perfect. And I’ve let all of you down, but I’m still the same man. Let me explain—”
“Nonsense. I’ve never asked you to be flawless. There are only two kinds of perfect men—one is dead, the other unborn.”
“That’s true.” Jasper recognized the Chinese proverb.
“Before you have your say, I’m going to tell you a story.”
Jasper didn’t interrupt. His grandmother did everything her own way, and it was customary to show respect to one’s elder.
“When our ancestor, Fu Tan, came to this country in the late 1800s, he worked hard.”
Jasper had heard the stories growing up. Fu had joined the Transcontinental Railroad project as a day laborer. He’d only been seventeen years old, and he’d crossed the Pacific Ocean by himself, traveling to a new country to make a better life. Jasper’s branch of the Tan family had never been the same since.
“Yes, Grandmother, I know.”
“But you haven’t heard the whole story, Jasper. Fu labored long hours, doing backbreaking work. He got up at dawn to drive spikes into the ground and worked until dusk. Fu was on his feet for hours, and he only got paid one dollar a day.”
Jasper couldn’t imagine working so hard, for so little.
“And his descendants got the chance for a better life because of his sacrifices. Fu scrimped and saved his money, enough to purchase a general store in Houston, near the end of his life, with his partner, Bai Li. He was the family’s first small business owner, and his prosperity brought us out of poverty.”
“We all owe him a debt.” Jasper had grown up with many privileges.
“Have you heard of a Tong?”
“Yes, I have.” They were a secret society of sorts, which Chinese men joined. Jasper had never belonged to a Tong but, from what he understood, they were similar to the Freemasons. Any place there was a large Chinese community, a Tong sprung up.
“Back in the late 1800s, the Tongs were involved in criminal enterprises. They ran brothels, gambling houses, and opium dens.” Her eyes narrowed. “Does this sound familiar?”
A lump formed in his throat. “Yes, it does.”
“Fu didn’t join one, while Bai did. According to our family legend, he’d started another brothel in town, but didn’t involve the Tong. When the men from the organization came looking for Bai, they found Fu instead.”
Jasper hung his head, as he finally understood the point of this story.
“So, they decided to leave Bai a message and murdered Fu instead, widowing his wife and leaving her to raise three children all by herself.”
“I didn’t know.” He felt sick. Jasper clasped a hand over his mouth.
“Now you do.” Grandmother clasped his hand in hers. “Can you understand why I put some distance between you and us?”
Her fingers were frail and weathered. She’d worked long hours at the hotel since she’d married his grandfather. It must’ve felt like a slap in the face when he’d rejected his position.
“I’ve missed you.”
She squeezed his hand. “And I have missed you.”
“I feel lost sometimes.” Jasper hated feeling alone, as though he didn’t belong anywhere.
“No, you’re trying to walk two paths, and it isn’t possible. We should’ve had this discussion a long time ago.”
He shook his head. “I can’t stay away from all of you.”
“You have to. You’re a good man, Jasper. I know this to be true. You would never do anything to harm this family, but what about the company you keep? Can you guarantee one of the mobsters wouldn’t come looking for you one day? What if they found Thomas instead? Or Grace? What if someone hurt her?”
Even the thought of someone harming Grace revolted him. He doubted any member of the Lone Star Mafia would come after his family, provided he didn’t step out of line, of course. But the outfit had many enemies, and they’d use any means necessary.
“Decisions have consequences. If you ever stop going down this road, you’re welcome back here anytime, but until then…”
“I see.” And now, he did.
Jasper saw it from their perspective. None of the Tans had signed on for this life, and if he kept them in his sphere, they’d always be in danger. Jasper wouldn’t be able to live with himself if any of them paid the price for his decisions.
What the ever lovin’ fuck? Ten had been right all along.
“Perhaps, I don’t belong here anymore.”
“I know you don’t.”
“I’m sorry, Grandmother, and I love you.”
“I love you, too. And I’m going to pray for you, Jasper.” She leaned up to kiss his cheek, and he hugged her tight. “I don’t want you to be alone. You need people who are a part of your world and know its perils.”
Jasper nodded.
He’d already found someone like that.
Chapter Eighteen
Two uneventful nights passed.
Ace and Justice had taken turns staying with her. This evening, Justice pulled guard duty again. She’d made herself and Justice some supper. Once again, they’d watched television.
And still, nothing had happened.
Vick was getting more worried by the second. It’d be great if Simon decided to back off after she’d shot his tire and ran from him, but she doubted it. The jerk was probably waiting until her guard was down.
Since Jasper had staged a stakeout at her place, she hadn’t seen him. His brother’s wedding had been this weekend. She was dying to call him up and find out how his plan to infiltrate the event and talk some sense into his grandmother had gone.
But his absence was probably a blessing. Knowing Jasper, he’d ask even more probing questions she couldn’t answer.
Things with her brother were still up in the air. According to Brighton Place, he’d never come back. Vick thought he’d probably found some hidey hole to shoot up in. Given her circumstances, she couldn’t run around Hell’s half acre trying to find Jack. Rundown abandoned buildings would be the ideal spot for a kidnapping. She couldn’t risk it until she knew what Simon had in store for her.
“How’s your lady friend?”
Vick couldn’t take the prolonged silence anymore. It was nearly midnight—the witching hour. Lots of scary scenarios were playing on a loop in her head, and she needed a diversion.
“Fine.” Justice didn’t elaborate.
“Come on. You know all about Jasper and me. The least you could do is give me more details.”
“Her name’s Etta May Jameson, and like I said, she’s okay.”
Now we’re getting’ somewhere.
“What’s she like?”
“Honest, selfless, pretty as pie supper.” Justice grinned.
“Sounds like a special girl.”
“She is, and way outta my league.”
“You’re kiddin’, right? The Four Horsemen are known for rushin’ in to save people from sketchy situations. And on top of all of it, you’re a freakin’ war hero.”
“Ain’t no hero. Never have been.” His face went blank once more.
She wondered if he’d learned how to shut down his emotions in the military.
Yet she could still pick up the pain and anger coming from Justice. She didn’t know what happened to him, but it must’ve been awful.
Earlier today, she’d violated
his privacy by hacking into naval intelligence. From his service record, she knew he’d been out of Afghanistan for over a decade, but clearly, Justice hadn’t dealt with his demons yet. The details she’d been able to glean were scant. She wondered if he’d been sent on some “off the books” missions.
“Justice, we just met, but I like you.”
“You do?” He raised a brow.
Vick giggled. “Don’t be so surprised. If you ever wanna talk, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, darlin, I appreciate it, but I’d rather keep my peace.”
“If not me, then maybe Etta May can be your soundin’ board.” She raised a brow.
He huffed a breath. “I’m too fucked up for that.”
“Why?”
“I can’t ever have a relationship with a woman, not like that.”
Why not? What did he mean?
“Now, try to get some shut eye.” He flicked the television off and stood. “I’m gonna walk around the place and check the doors and windows one more time.”
With a sigh, Vick slouched down in her chair and tried to relax.
***
Once again, they both drifted off to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. After he’d checked her townhouse, they’d turned off all the lights and sat in the dark, waiting to be ambushed, but zilch had happened.
And then her eyes snapped open.
Someone’s here.
Vick wasn’t sure how she knew, but something was off. She could feel it, an uneasiness, and a sense that they weren’t alone.
She listened intently to a sound coming from the spare bedroom, a slight creak. Then she heard footfalls on the carpet, slow and deliberate moving down the hall. Bast lay sprawled on her lap, fast asleep and whoever made the noise was much bigger than her cat.
When she glanced at Justice, he was already awake. He pressed a finger to his lips.
Vick nodded.
Justice grabbed his gun. “Get behind me,” he mouthed.
Vick set Bast down and did as she was told. The cat scurried beneath a chair.
Together, she and Justice edged down the hallway in the darkness. The blood roared in Vick’s ears, and her chest tightened. Vick stood right behind him, stepping when he did.
Blood Money (Lone Star Mobster Book 3) Page 15
