“I’m starving too, how about I make lasagna?” Logan asks.
“Yeah, now you’re talking,” Boots says, excitement evident. We all head back inside to take showers first. The office door is still closed. I’m curious to see how that is going.
I hurry to my room and take a quick shower. I throw on some comfy leggings with an oversized sweatshirt. I blow dry my hair and throw it up into a messy bun. I leave my room and smell the lasagna cooking. As I come down the spiral stairs, I see that Charlie and Maddie have joined Logan, Jackson, and Boots. Charlie is standing protectively around Maddie. She is giving him side glances. I can’t tell what exactly is going on.
Logan is preparing a salad, while Boots is munching on carrots. Jackson is leaning against the counter, staring at me. Charlie notices me. I give him a questioning look and he just nods, telling me he is okay. I sit on a bar stool next to where Jackson is. Julia comes running down the stairs.
“Oh my god, that smells amazing!” She exclaims. She launches herself into Logan’s arms and he holds her close, kissing the top of her head.
“So, Maddie, how exactly are you going to help us?” I ask. She glances at Charlie.
“I will be here, waiting for the confession. As soon as it is done, I’m sending all the evidence and the recordings to Julia’s father. He will then order for the arrest of your uncle on the grounds of treason, giving the order to kill your father, and assaulting you, with the support of the President and higher officials, of course. At least, that’s the plan.” Maddie explains.
“So, I just have to survive until the cavalry comes, right?” I say, joking, but nobody laughs. Jackson looks downright ill.
“Seriously, guys, I need everyone to be normal tonight! Let’s just get the plans set for tomorrow and then I want to eat, relax with you all, and not think about tomorrow, just for little while, is that too much to ask?”
“No, that isn’t too much to ask for. We can do that.” Julia says, looking at everyone with determination, daring them to disagree. I send her an appreciative smile. We all help in the kitchen, setting the table, getting drinks, getting the food ready, and enjoying each other’s company. Maddie seems like a nice girl and she has a funny sense of humor. Charlie is looking at her like she hung the moon. She is laughing with him about some story from when they were together. She is lightly touching his arm. I’m trying not to let it bother me. I just look at Jackson and I can see he is watching for my reaction. I smile at him and wink.
After dinner, we all start talking about the plans for tomorrow. I’m exhausted just thinking about it, but I have to make sure everything is in place. We start to disperse slowly with Logan and Julia heading to bed first, then Boots, I offer to show Maddie a spare room. I leave Charlie and Jackson finalizing the plans.
“Maddie, I’m really sorry for what happened to you. I’m also sorry for how my father kept you two apart. It wasn’t right.” I say, feeling the need to clear the air.
“Carter, it wasn’t your fault. I do have a question and I want you to be honest.”
“Okay, sure.”
“I take it you are with Jackson, but was there something with Charlie?” Well, how do I answer this?
“It’s always been Jackson, but there was a time that I think that we both thought there was something more than friendship.” I see her face fall a little, “hey, no, we are really just friends. Charlie has been my backbone through all of this, and I owe him my life, but you are the one that holds his heart and always has.”
“I think it might be too late for us.” She says, looking dejected.
“Maddie, I know how he feels about you. It can happen if you are both open to it. If there is one thing, I have learned through this whole ordeal is that life is way too short!”
“Thanks, Carter, and just know I’m going to be on top of things tomorrow. I have your back.”
“Thanks, Maddie, and if for some reason….” I take a breath, “take care of Charlie for me.”
“On my word, but Carter, we got this.” She says with determination. I’m really starting to like this girl. She may just be good enough for Charlie except for one thing….
“Maddie, were you my father’s mistress?” That would be an even bigger betrayal to Charlie if it’s true.
“Absolutely not. He just helped me, and I worked for him. I swear, Carter, nothing happened between us.”
“What about Boots?” I see guilt cross her face.
“A short period of time, but my heart was always with Charlie. I was just lonely, it really didn’t mean anything.” I can hear the sincerity in her voice, and I know she is telling the truth.
I leave her and head to my room. I run a bath, close my eyes and relax to the smell of lavender.
“Hey,” I open my eyes and see Jackson gracing my open doorway. I don’t bother covering up. I let him look. His eyes are smoldering and my body heats under his intensity. He pushes off the door and walks towards me. My breath catches as he kneels next to the tub.
“What do you think you are doing?” I ask, teasing.
“Just going to wash your back.” He says with a smirk. I lean forward, baring my back to him. He takes a loofah and starts from the top of my neck. His motions are slow and circular descending down my spine. He moves back up to my shoulder and slowly washes my arm, and then he pushes me back so that I’m laying bare to him.
“So beautiful….” He whispers. His eyes are darkening, and I can’t help but reach up and meet his lips. He pulls me up towards him and the next thing I know, I’m wrapped in his arms. He grabs a towel and gently dries me off. Suddenly, I’m scooped up into his strong arms and he carries me into the bedroom. Ever so softly, he lays me down onto the bed.
“I know you are unsure of everything, but Carter, please let me love you tonight.” I know he needs this as much as I do. Tomorrow is going to be rough on both of us and if things don’t turn out how we plan, I want tonight. For us. So that’s what I do…. I let him love me.
Chapter Thirty-Five
I’m laying in Jackson’s arms in the early morning light. He is caressing my bare arms. I feel a pit in my stomach. This is it. The finish line. Only one of us is going to come out on top. My uncle will get want he deserves, and my parents will receive justice or …. I will be done. There is no way he will allow me to live. Jackson moves and cuddles me closer.
“Are you ready? It’s almost time.” He asks.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready, but like I said before, I need to move on with my life.” He kisses the top of my head. He gently untangles our bodies and rises from the bed. I watch his naked backside and I’m still caught off guard that he is mine. I’m staring at him and he looks back at me.
“What’s wrong?” He asks. I shake my head trying to say the right thing.
“It’s just…. I just hope that we will be okay after today…. I don’t want what you have to do to affect us.” He pulls on his pants. Then leans on the bed, caging me in. His eyes are so beautiful this close.
“I love you, nothing will change that. I need you to be okay after this. I mean it, Carter, you have to ignore everything I do today towards you and know that I hate every minute of it. I love you and I am with you until the end. Got it?” I nod and he kisses me passionately. He pulls slightly back and whispers, “we have to get going.” Our foreheads press together and we both take a deep breath.
After we get dressed, we head downstairs to meet the others. They are all there waiting. Julia hands me a cup of coffee and a couple pieces of toast. I’m almost too nervous to eat. No one really knows what to say. After we eat and go over the plan in grave voices, there is nothing else to do. We fall into silence. I pull myself together and look around at each of them.
“Thank you. Every single one of you, thank you. I could not have done any of this without you. Thank you for believing in me. I love you guys.” My voice catches on the last part. I swallow hard, trying to contain my tears. Julia comes around the counter and hugs me hard.
/>
“We are right there with you, like always, you got this. Be strong. I love you, sister.” She releases me and Logan hugs me.
“Carter, you were always meant to be the leader. You are amazing. Lead us to victory.” I smile at him. Boots comes next.
“Sparks, you got this. You have the best guy with you, protecting you.” I nod, glancing at Jackson, Boots follows my gaze and starts shaking his head. “No, not him, me!” He says with a laugh. I laugh too.
“Yes, for sure. Thank you.” I say with a wink. Maddie comes over and awkwardly hugs me. We don’t really know each other that well, but I do like her.
“I will get reinforcements there as soon as possible.” She says. I pull her close and whisper into her ear, “remember what I said, take care of him.” She nods and gives me a small smile. Charlie hesitates for just a second and then he is squeezing me to death. I choke back the sobs. I care so much for this guy. We don’t say anything for a few moments. I think we are both too emotional now. Finally, I break the silence.
“She is a great girl. You deserve to be happy and I think fate just gave you guys a second chance.” I whisper in his ear.
“I think so too….” He mumbles. I pull back so I can see his face. I tug on one of his curls. He swipes my hand and we both laugh.
“Thank you for everything.” I kiss him on the cheek. I pull away because if I don’t, I’m going to fall to pieces and right now I desperately need my game face.
“Okay, let’s do this!” I order. Just like that everyone moves into motion. Charlie hands me the earrings and then gives Jackson two small cuff links to put on his suit jacket. We head to the office and there is a tense moment when Charlie clicks on some buttons and then waves for Jackson to start. Jackson calls my uncle. Charlie is recording the call and it is on speaker phone.
“Cowboy.” Kilson answers coldly.
“I’ve got her, sir, what are your orders.”
“Bring her in, now! Does she have the briefcase?” Jackson looks at me. I shake my head.
“It’s not on her, sir. I knocked her out with a sedative. She wasn’t cooperating.”
“Fine, we’ll get it out of her. How long will it take for you to get here?”
“Two hours.”
“Affirmative. I’ll be ready.” Kilson hangs up the phone. We all look at each other.
“Okay, everybody ready?” I ask with authority and confidence, “treat this like any other mission. We got this.”
Jackson leads me out the front door, with Boots behind us. Logan and Julia are following. Jackson gets in the car. I’m opening the car door watching Boots get in a car behind us. I notice Logan and Julia are headed for Boots car.
“Hey, where are you going?” I ask, panicking.
“It’s fine, Carter. We are your team. We are helping Boots. We can’t just sit here and wait. Maddie and Charlie are taking care of everything here. We are just backup in case shit hits the fan.” Logan calmly explains.
“You are never alone, Carter.” Julia says, then winks, sliding into the backseat with Logan.
“Carter, we have to go.” Jackson says, I climb into the passenger seat.
“I swear, those two…” I mutter.
“They love you.” He says. He grabs my hand as we drive to our destination. The ride over is done in silence. There isn’t much to say that hasn’t already been said. When we are almost to the Organization headquarters, Jackson turns to me.
“Carter, remember, I love you.”
“I know, let’s do this.” I say, slumping over in my seat. I have to pretend I’m out of it, since I was supposedly given a sedative. The car stops and I hear Jackson exhale. He is mentally preparing himself.
“There are agents waiting. It’s going to get rough.” He murmurs under his breath. I don’t respond, just start rolling my head back and forth, like I’m waking up. The passenger door is jerked open and hands grab at me. I startle and start fighting against them.
“Hold her!” Jackson commands. I thrash wildly against my captors, swinging my head back and forth and throwing my arms and legs against them. Someone sticks me with a needle, and I start to lose consciousness. Shit…...
Something hard hits my face and I jerk awake. Bastard hit me.
“Wake up my darling niece.” Kilson commands. He has his evil smile on. Jackson is standing off to the side of him with a cold expression. I don’t look at him, afraid to give something away.
“You are both bastards.” I gasp out. I’m restrained in the same chair in the same room as before. My uncle punches me in the gut, then pulls my hair, jerking my head back hard.
“Where is the briefcase, I need that briefcase!!!!” His eyes are full of rage.
“I will not hesitate to kill you, I don’t care if your family or not.” He proceeds to slap the shit out of me. At least he isn’t using his fist.
“Stop bitch slapping me, asshole.” I glare at him. “You are such a little bitch.” I taunt. He hauls back and punches me. My head snaps back. I see stars and blood starts pouring out of my nose. Holy shit. I work hard to stay conscious.
“Sir, do you want me to take over?” Jackson asks, trying to conceal his worry. I glance away quickly. I must play this through.
“Are you going to tell me?” He yells. I shake my head and smile. Blood is running down the back of my throat from my nose bleeding. I spit out some blood.
“Nope.” He starts wailing on me and I’m on the edge of passing out. Almost numb to the pain.
“Sir, you aren’t going to find the briefcase if she is dead.” Things are blurry and I’m trying so hard to stay conscious. I find Jackson’s voice as my lifeline and I find strength to finish this.
“I’ll tell you.” I gasp out. I focus my eyes on my uncle. He pauses.
“I’ll tell you, if you tell me why you had my parents killed.” He looks at me and I can tell he is thinking.
“Jackson, leave us.” Jackson’s cold expression is in place, but the slightest tightening of his jaw shows me he is probably freaking out right now.
“Yes, leave us, you stupid lapdog.” I grit out. I glare at him and Kilson watches Jackson as he leaves.
“Shut and lock the door behind you.” Kilson is watching me as I watch Jackson shut the door. Kilson didn’t notice that he didn’t lock it, but I did.
“Doesn’t it just suck when something you love turns out to be fake?”
“Please, tell me we are not going to be talking about your feelings for my mother, get over it, dude. You killed her. Justice served.” I say, sarcastically.
“I didn’t mean for her to die!! I loved your mother! She stepped the wrong way at the wrong time. Probably protecting my stupid brother. She was supposed to be mine after Brenton was gone! Everything is supposed to be mine!”
“So that’s why you killed my father?” I push.
“I didn’t kill your father.”
“Oh, come on! Cut the bullshit. It’s just you and me. Please, just tell the truth once. I need to know! I’m your damn family! You owe me this much if I’m giving everything to you!” He stares me down and I don’t know what comes over him, but he puts a hand on my face, which I flinch away from.
“You look so much like her.” He says. He stares at me for a while and I don’t know what happens, but the next thing I know. He takes a deep breath and drops the bomb.
“You’re right. I had my brother killed. Happy?”
“Why?” I choke out a sob.
“Power.”
“I heard you that day in the office. My father had caught you being a traitor to the United States Government. Selling secrets to the Russians, using our government resources and agents for extra missions to make money, and how could you say that my father did all of those things?”
“Well, I guess you have it all figured out. I did all those things and much more. Carter, I don’t want to kill you. Just tell me where the briefcase is. I need that money. I will let you live comfortably. We can control the Organization together.”
I’m not sure if he is actually being sincere or not, but I got the confession. So, now I have to just make it through until they come.
“I’m not a traitor. I will never join you. No matter what light you have painted me in, I’ve always been loyal to the Organization and the United States Government. You are a despicable, traitorous snake, dishonorable asshole who deserves nothing. You will receive nothing from me.” The fury comes back in full force.
“I gave you an out, Carter. You have to tell me where it is, or I will torture you every day for the rest of your life.” He bellows, sounding like a lunatic.
“That’s the crazy thing, isn’t it, you need me alive and I know as soon as I tell you where the briefcase is, you are going to kill me.”
“Not going to happen, Uncle!” He strikes me so hard that I’m afraid he chipped my back tooth. He jerks my shoulders, back and forth, my head flopping around. I start to laugh hysterically.
“Where is the fucking briefcase?” He screams, spit flying in my face.
“Fuck you.” I say, blood dripping down my chin. Whack! My head snaps hard to the side.
“Hands up, back away from her!” Jackson orders with more agents following in behind him. My uncle looks back and then I see the desperation in his eyes. He grabs my neck, choking me hard. I look at Jackson and panic. I can’t breathe…. I can’t breathe…. dots are in my vision… The last thing I hear is a loud bang…. Then darkness……
Chapter Thirty-Six
My eyes flutter open to the sounds of beeping. I’m laying down staring up at a white ceiling. I’m in the medical ward of the Organization. I start to push myself up. I have to know what happened! A hand stays me. I look over and meet the most beautiful blue eyes.
“Jackson, what happened?” My throat hurts but I’ll live. The beeping becomes more pronounced.
“Shhh, everything is okay. You have to calm down.” He says, gently pushing me to lay back down. I take some deep breaths and the beeping slows down. The door pushes open and a doctor I recognize walks in.
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