Risky Vengeance

by Rhonda Brewer

  “Now lay your head on my chest, and I bet you’ll be asleep in no time.” Trunk kissed her forehead.

  Abbie thought it was impossible to get comfortable, but she couldn’t help the sigh that escaped as he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her tight to his side. She was surprised how comfy the bed suddenly became, and she closed her eyes.

  “Sleep, Abs. I love you,” Trunk whispered against the top of her head.

  “I love you too, Ben,” she murmured as she drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter 25

  Trunk kissed Abbie as he headed out to the police station. He’d convinced her to stay at his house until Jerome was apprehended. Hulk was also bunking at Trunk’s house until the situation was safe.

  “So, can I snoop around and find out what makes you tick?” Abbie smirked as he opened the front door to leave.

  “Snoop all you want, Abs. I’ve got nothing to hide from you anymore. I will warn you. My mother will be by sometime today. I asked her to come over so I could give her the stuff your dad held on to all these years.” Trunk was still surprised that Darren had not thrown it away.

  “Good, I can find out some stories about little Ben.” Abbie snickered.

  “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I love you. By the way, I was never little Ben.” Trunk kissed her again and winked as he headed out the door.

  Hulk came around the side of the house and nodded. He’d done a perimeter check and stepped inside as Trunk hopped in his truck. He felt more comfortable with Abbie at his house than he would with her at her home. His security was better and in a town like Hopedale, Jerome would be spotted before he got near Abbie.

  James met Trunk in the parking lot of the Hopedale division of the Newfoundland Police Department. It wasn’t far from Trunk’s house, and he could have walked there in less than five minutes, but he took the truck in case he had to run into town for something.

  James was a supervisor with the department, and his twin, John, was appointed Chief of Police after their uncle Kurt stepped down when he was elected Mayor of Hopedale. James decided to take the lead on Abbie’s case because she was a friend of the family.

  “I found a picture of Violet in an old newspaper from after the accident.” James handed Trunk the photo.

  The pretty woman reminded him of someone, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. Trunk felt for the family because Violet died too young. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like for twelve-year-old Jerome to lose his mother.

  Trunk handed the photo back to James and glanced at his watch. It was past noon, and he started to worry that Cole wouldn’t show up. When Trunk spoke with Cole the previous day, the man sounded devastated. He might not want more drama in his family.

  “He’ll be here,” James said as if he’d read Trunk’s thoughts.

  “I hope so.” Trunk sighed.

  A few minutes later, Cole walked into James’ office, looking nothing like the businessman they’d met days earlier. He wore old, faded jeans, a T-shirt, and a black leather jacket. He had a black helmet under his arm and would definitely be mistaken for a biker if someone didn’t know him.

  “Sorry I’m late. It’s such a lovely day that when I got on my bike and drove out here, I got lost in the scenery.” Cole shook Trunk’s hand.

  “What kind of bike do you have?” James asked.

  “It’s a nineteen seventy-seven Honda Goldwing. I know there are better bikes, but I bought it new, and I keep it up myself. My dad was a mechanic, and I learned a lot from him.” Cole sat down next to Trunk.

  “I’m James O’Connor, by the way.” James shook Cole’s hand.

  “Nice to meet you. I met your uncle at a fundraiser a couple of years ago. He’s a good man.” Cole nodded.

  “That he is,” James agreed.

  Trunk could see Cole was struggling with something, and he assumed it was the guilt over his nephew. Trunk knew having a family member who hurt someone else could be difficult to comprehend.

  “So, Gary has Jerome into some terrible shit.” Cole sighed.

  “We can’t be sure Gary is involved in any of this. Right now, Jerome is a person of interest,” James explained.

  “Trust me. I’d bet my life Gary is involved in this somehow. He hates our family and blames us for Violet leaving him,” Cole told them.

  “What do you know about Gary?” Trunk asked.

  Cole’s head fell back, and he blew out a heavy breath. It took a few minutes before he dropped his chin and looked at them. The pain on his face was easy to see and he swallowed before he spoke.

  “Violet was the oldest of the four of us. We always watched out for her because she could be naïve and some people took advantage of that. If the doctors tested her today, they’d say she was on the Autism spectrum. She was intelligent, but because she didn’t think like everyone else, the school shoved her into the special class.” Cole’s voice cracked.

  “How did she get involved with Gary?” James asked.

  “Gary’s sister was a friend of hers. Violet was so happy to have a friend who treated her like one of the girls. You see, because she was in a special class, she was picked on by some students. Lydia was kind to her and invited her to parties, sleepovers, and they would go shopping. The only other person who treated Violet right was an ex-girlfriend of mine.” Cole linked his fingers and placed them on the top of his head.

  “But Lydia wasn’t a friend,” Trunk interjected.

  “We found out when it was too late. Violet finished high school, and my parents wanted to find a suitable career for her. One day she told my parents she was in love and she was marrying Gary. My mother was hysterical,” Cole continued.

  “It sounds like Lydia was grooming Violet for Gary,” James retorted.

  “A couple of months after that, we found out Violet was pregnant. My father was ready to kill Gary, but he convinced Dad he loved my sister, and he promised to take care of Violet and the baby. In hindsight, my parents should’ve told the man to go to hell, but Violet was nineteen, and according to the law, she was an adult,” Cole went on.

  “I’m assuming he didn’t take care of her,” Trunk said.

  “In the beginning, he did. He treated Violet well, but when Jerome was about three, Violet showed up on my parent’s doorstep with her son, crying. She left Gary because he cheated. How he got any woman to sleep with him is beyond me. I did some checking into the asshole and he had been charged with an assault, but because a guy beat the shit out of him, he got away with a slap on the wrist.” Cole’s jaw clenched.

  Trunk didn’t say anything about Claire. Abbie’s mother probably didn’t want her secret told to a stranger. She’d kept it from her daughter for years, and it wasn’t Trunk’s place to reveal it to anyone else.

  “How did he end up getting custody of Jerome?” James asked.

  “My parents died within a few years of Violet returning home. My siblings and I helped her after that. She had a job, and she could drive. She was on her way to work one day and lost control of the car.” He dropped his head, and Trunk could see Cole fighting back the tears.

  “Is that when Gary got custody?” James asked.

  “Jerome was twelve, and the judge asked if he wanted to go with his father. Since Gary never missed visitation or child support, they went with the wishes of the kid. No matter what my siblings and I told the judge, it didn’t matter.” Cole shook his head.

  Trunk wondered why a judge would allow an impressionable preteen to go live with a man who had an assault on his record. It didn’t make sense.

  “Didn’t they know that Gary had a record?” James asked.

  “Yes. I’ve got a feeling there was something fishy with the case. I found out when the judge was arrested. He was involved in a human trafficking ring, but I’m assuming you’re aware of the case. This guy was taken down by a young woman,” Cole said.

  James and Trunk glanced at each other. They were well aware of the case because Billie was the one who put herself in the line
of fire. The people killed one of her friends and tried to kill Abbie and Dana as well.

  “We do know the case. My brother’s wife was the woman who took the head guy down,” James said proudly.

  “Bastards like that deserve to be hung by their balls,” Cole grumbled.

  “I agree,” Trunk interjected.

  “By the time we figured it out, Jerome was an adult and refused to see any of us.” Cole sighed.

  Trunk could see the sadness in Cole’s eyes. The man undoubtedly felt guilty for not fighting harder to get his nephew out of Gary’s clutches. Being raised by a man who tended to be violent could be detrimental to a child.

  “He was a sweet kid, but there’s something else you should know.” Cole took a deep breath.

  “What is it?” James asked.

  “Jerome came to me about a year ago demanding money. I offered him a job, but he said our family owed him, and if I didn’t give him what he wanted, I’d be sorry.” Cole pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to James.

  “What’s this?” James asked.

  “That was a letter he sent after I refused to hand over what he wanted. He thought his mother had a huge trust fund, but my parents weren’t rich, and Violet didn’t have any life insurance. I told him when he came to my office, and he was furious. I got that letter shortly after that,” Cole explained.

  Trunk watched James as he pulled out a piece of paper from the envelope and read it. James didn’t show any reaction as he offered the letter to Trunk. The letter was one page with three handwritten lines. Trunk had some trouble reading it at first because of the child-like handwriting.

  Uncle Cole

  I went to you when I was in need, you turned your back on me. My father was right about you, and I will never doubt him again. I will ruin you, but you will never see it coming.

  Your nephew

  Jerome

  “So, this letter was a threat to you.” Trunk handed it back to James.

  “It was, but nothing ever happened. He never came to see me or contact me again. I didn’t even know where he was until you sent me that picture,” Cole explained.

  James glanced up at the door of his office and rolled his eyes. Nanny Betty scurried into the room, and Trunk did his best to keep from laughing. She had a large bag in her arms, but Trunk didn’t have to see inside to know food containers filled it.

  “Nan, what are you doing here?” James asked.

  “Marina told me dat ya’ve been here all day and had nuttin’ to eat since ya left fer work dis mornin’.” Nanny Betty began to empty the bag onto the desk.

  “Thanks, Nan.” James sat back in his chair, shaking his head.

  “I brought enough fer all of ya.” Nanny Betty put a plate in front of James, Trunk, and Cole. “Who’s dis young man?”

  “This is Cole Donovan, Nan. Cole, this is my grandmother Betty O’Connor… I mean, Roberts.” James completed the introductions.

  “Get some grub in ya.” Nanny Betty pointed her finger at Cole.

  “It smells wonderful, Mrs. Roberts.” Cole smiled.

  “Ya call me Nan like everyone else,” she told Cole.

  A moment later, Trunk’s mother walked in, carrying another oversized bag. He jumped up to help and placed it on the desk. It was obvious there was more than enough food for Trunk, James, and Cole. There was possibly enough to feed everyone in the building.

  “Cole, this is Fatima Murphy.” James motioned to Trunk’s mother.

  She gasped, and for a moment, Trunk thought his mom was about to faint. Her face paled, and she stepped back until her back was against the door. Trunk reached for her, but she spun around and bolted out of James’ office.

  Trunk caught up with her as she stepped outside the building. When he caught her arm, she turned to face him. His mother trembled, and it reminded him of her reaction when they bumped into Jerry at the supermarket.

  “Mom, what’s wrong?” Trunk guided her over to a bench on the outside of the building.

  “Nothing, I’m fine.” She gave him a forced smile and fixed her jacket.

  “Mom, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Trunk could see she was anything but fine.

  Before he got an answer, his mother glanced behind him, and her eyes widened. When he turned around, Cole stepped behind him with the same deer-in-the-headlight look on his face.

  “Fatima,” Cole whispered her name.

  “What are you doing here?” Trunk’s mother stood up and glared at Cole.

  “I’m trying to help Trunk and James with a case. What are you doing here?” Cole asked.

  Trunk glanced between his mother and Cole. There was no mistake that they knew each other, but Trunk had no idea how. His mother didn’t run in the same circles as Cole, plus she’d lived in Corner Brook for years. He was about to ask how they knew each other when his mother turned to him.

  “You can go inside. I’d like to talk to Cole for a moment.” She smiled up at him.

  “Not a chance, Mom.” Trunk shook his head.

  “Mom?” Cole croaked.

  “Yes, this is my mother. How do you know her?” Trunk asked as he wrapped his arm around her protectively.

  Cole stared at Trunk for a moment, then turned his gaze to Trunk’s mom. She shook her head slightly, and Cole turned back to him.

  “We met a long time ago.” Cole smiled, but Trunk knew a fake smile when he saw one.

  “Yeah, I was just surprised to see him.” Trunk’s mother chuckled nervously.

  “Mom, you’re not a good liar.” Trunk narrowed his eyes and glared at Cole.

  “Honey, Cole and I dated a long time ago,” Trunk’s mom told him.

  “Really?” Trunk glanced down at her.

  “Yeah. Your mother was my first love.” Cole seemed lost in a faraway memory.

  “You found another after me,” his mother replied with a hint of sadness.

  Her smile was not the usual friendly one, and there was something in her eyes that told Trunk, Cole was not faithful. When he glanced at Cole, he was surprised to see a frown.

  “I had to kill time after my heart got shattered,” Cole returned.

  “Heartbreak is a terrible thing. Makes you do things you should never have done,” Trunk’s mother whispered.

  “What the hell are you two talking about?” Trunk felt as if he needed a decoder to figure out their conversation.

  “I have to go.” Cole spun around and stalked off.

  When Trunk turned back to his mother, he saw a tear run down her cheek and a huge knot formed in the pit of his stomach. His mother hadn’t given him the full story on Cole. Before he could ask her any questions, several loud pops echoed around him, and his mother screamed.

  Trunk shoved her behind the brick post in front of the building and peeked around the corner. He didn’t catch the plate number because the car sped off too quickly, plus he got distracted by the man lying motionless on the ground.

  Trunk ordered his mother inside as he ran toward where Cole lay on the ground. As he fell to his knees, he pressed his finger against Cole’s neck and blew out a breath of relief when he felt a strong pulse. When he heard the groan, he rolled Cole over to check for injuries.

  “Where are you hit?” Trunk didn’t see any blood.

  “I wasn’t. When I heard the first pop, I dropped to the ground. I smashed my knee on the pavement.” Cole sat up and grabbed his leg.

  “Did you see anyone in the car?” Trunk asked as he helped Cole to his feet.

  “No. Fuck.” Cole winced as he stumbled.

  “Let me help you inside.” Trunk wrapped his arm around Cole’s waist and held his weight as they walked into the building.

  “That guy had balls to open fire in a police station parking lot.” Cole grunted as Trunk helped him sit on a chair in the lobby.

  “That, or he was just stupid,” Trunk returned.

  Officers flocked outside, searching the lot for any signs of the car. Trunk knew it was pointless because he saw the
vehicle turn onto the road. James paced the reception area with the phone to his ear, looking livid.

  “I’ve called an ambulance,” Trunk’s mother said.

  “I’m fine. I’ll go to my doctor when I get home.” Cole rubbed his hand over his swelling knee.

  “How are you getting to your doctor?” Trunk’s mother asked.

  “I have my bike,” Cole replied.

  “You can’t even bend your knee right now. How in heaven’s name are you going to ride your bike?” Trunk’s mother crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Don’t argue with her. You won’t win.” Trunk informed Cole.

  “I remember.” Cole smiled.

  “I also remember how stubborn you are.” Trunk’s mother narrowed her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile.

  When the ambulance arrived, Cole didn’t have the option to say no. Trunk’s mom went into mother mode, and Cole got lifted into the back of the vehicle.

  James sent an officer to the hospital with Cole, and Trunk promised to take care of Cole’s motorcycle. Apparently, he was protective over the bike. However, Trunk was surprised by his mother’s reaction when she saw it. It made Trunk more curious about the relationship between Cole and his mom.

  “Are you going to tell me about Cole?” Trunk asked his mother after they arrived at his house.

  “I’m not ready to talk about this.” She eased down on the couch and covered her face with her hands.

  “Was it that serious?” Trunk asked

  He glanced up when Abbie entered the room. Trunk had called to tell her what happened, but he felt terrible when he saw the panic on her face after he got home.

  “It’s not the time to talk about this. You’ve got too much on your plate right now.” His mother dropped her hands and smiled.

  “Mom, even I can tell seeing Cole freaked you. Tell us.” Chris sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

  She sighed and closed her eyes. It was clear she was struggling with something and didn’t know how to handle it. Trunk’s stomach clenched at the thought of what Cole may have done to his mother. He might seem like a stand-up guy, but sometimes people aren’t who they seem.