One-Two Punch

 

I pulled into Patrick’s winding drive and parked next to Chase’s SUV, still confused about why I’d been summoned. If Jackson was here, I’d assume he and Patrick wanted to discuss my training progress. But, Jackson was in Dallas with Liam and Knox, so that couldn’t be it. The text from Chase said he’d explain when I arrived, which was vague enough to feel ominous.

As I climbed out of the Jeep, the massive front door opened and Chase stepped out, his face set in a decidedly neutral expression.

“What’s going on?”

I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about all of this. If I hadn’t already checked in with the rest of the guys, I would think one of them was hurt or in trouble.

He kissed my forehead lightly. “Come in and see for yourself.”

“Okaaay.”

The foyer was empty, but I could hear voices drifting from the living room. Chase grabbed my hand long enough to tug me in that direction before squeezing then dropping it.

Patrick stopped mid-sentence when I entered the room and gave me an encouraging smile. “Here she is now.”

My eyes landed on a man facing away from me, his dark hair sparking recognition that wasn’t fully realized until he stood and spun around.

Frozen in place, I stared, unsure whether I was imagining the sight before me. “Dad?”

He gave me a lopsided grin. “Surprised?”

My gaze flicked to Patrick then Chase, who were both watching me with curiosity. Or, was that concern?

“Surprised is an understatement.”

He approached slowly, as if uncertain of the reception he’d receive. Finally able to force feeling to my limbs, I walked into my dad’s arms and relished the comfort I’d always found there.

When we broke away, I gave him a hard look. “What are you doing here? Did something happen?”

His smile turned sheepish. “It’s a long story.”

Patrick stood. “Why don’t you two get comfortable, and I’ll see about dinner. Stephen, how do you feel about Italian? I know this great place that delivers.”

“I love Italian.”

“Excellent. Chase, do you—”

“Actually,” Dad interrupted, “it would probably be easier if Chase stays for this since he played a large role.”

“What?” I whipped my head around to gawk at Chase, who seemed to be doing his best to appear composed. He was responsible for my dad showing up? What the heck was going on?

Patrick left the room, and Dad settled back in his chair. “Have a seat, and let me explain.”

Chase and I sat on the couch across from him, leaving an entire cushion between us.

“Chase, would you like to start?”

He sat up a little straighter. “Of course, sir, if you’d like.”

Dad winked at me. “I like this one, Haley. He’s polite.” He turned to Chase, who was smiling shyly. I would think it was cute if I had the ability to focus on something other than what prompted my dad to suddenly appear out of hiding. “Do you have any tattoos?”

“Dad! Stop stalling!”

“Okay, okay. Chase, go ahead.”

He cleared his throat. “Early this morning, I received an alert that one of your father’s names was flagged in the system. I immediately got up and investigated.” He glanced at my dad, who nodded, then back to me. “The alert was from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. And, um, it showed that Brian Taylor had been arrested and booked. I checked the mugshots and verified that it was him.”

My mouth fell open as I stared at my dad. “You got arrested?”

“Yes.”

“Doing what?”

“Does it matter?”

“Of course it matters! You’ve now officially announced to the world that Brian Taylor is back from the dead! If anyone else, like Vincent DuBois, had the same type of alert set, they now have confirmation you’re alive and in the state.”

“All true, but let Chase finish his story.”

Chase looked uncomfortable, but he continued. “After receiving Jackson’s approval, I contacted an associate who isn’t publicly affiliated with Zenith to bail your father out. They met me at a private airfield, and I brought your father here.”

I watched my dad suspiciously as he nodded along, like Chase was re-telling a sports event, not his arrest and subsequent escape.

“And, you just went along with it?”

“The man who bailed me out was armed with photos of you and Chase together. I figured, if nothing else, I needed to go along with him to see what he knew about you. At the airport, I immediately recognized Chase from when I tailed you last November.”

I ignored my dad for a moment and shot Chase an annoyed look. “Why didn’t you wake me up and tell me what was going on?”

My dad’s voice, which had been surprisingly jovial considering the circumstances, turned cold. “Wake. You. Up?”

Oops. “Oh, um, yeah. Chase is one of my roommates.”

He glared at Chase. “Mr. Phillips failed to mention that.”

Chase’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “I didn’t think it was my place.”

Knowing how intimidating my dad could be, I wanted to reach for Chase’s hand. But any reassurance that offered would undoubtedly be overshadowed by my dad’s negative reaction. Instead, I crossed my arms over my chest and gave him my best authoritative stare.

“Can we please stay on topic? Why did you get arrested?”

“I had a little run-in with the current owner of The Punching Bag.”

“Please tell me you didn’t punch him?”

“Very funny, but no. He was just miffed that I let myself in after hours.”

“You were arrested for breaking and entering?” My voice was shrill with shock. “Why would you even chance it?”

“One of the gym employees let it slip that there were filing cabinets in storage that had been there for at least a decade. I thought it was my best chance of confirming the connection between Danny Franco and Vincent DuBois.”

“What about Danny’s girlfriend? You told me a couple of months ago that you found her. Was she able to help?”

Dad sighed heavily. “Yes and no. She said that the man who visited the apartment several times before Franco was murdered could have been DuBois, but she can’t say for sure. Which is what I expected; thirteen years is too long.”

I slumped back, defeated. I’d been so optimistic when I discovered the possible connection between Danny Franco and DuBois that realizing the information didn’t pan out was a blow. “Did she remember anything else?”

“I’m so glad you asked.” I rolled my eyes at his sarcastic tone. He really didn’t need to be so resistant to sharing information.

Chase’s lips twitched, and I could tell he was holding back a grin. “Something funny?” I whispered.

His amused expression immediately morphed into one of horror. “What? Not at all.”

“Relax. He’s not that scary.”

“Easy for you to say,” Chase replied under his breath.

My dad studied us with narrowed eyes, and I was half-tempted to tell him we were dating to get it out of the way. It was clear he already suspected as much. But, I didn’t know if it was fair to throw Chase to the wolves—well, wolf—just to avoid an interrogation about my love life.

I shifted my body farther away from Chase. “So, what did the girlfriend say?”

“Not much until I mentioned The Punching Bag. Then, she had plenty to say. Apparently, once Franco joined the gym, he started disappearing at all hours and gave the excuse that he was training for some underground fight. He tried to placate her by saying it was all to make money so they could get married and move out of their tiny apartment. But, eventually she became suspicious, and a few days before he was murdered, she snuck a peek at his gym bag and found piles of cash under his clothes. She was debating whether to confront him about it when he was killed. She didn’t mention it to the police, because she had no idea what he was involved in and decided she was safer playing dumb.”

“So, she pretty much confirmed our suspicions? Franco was running drugs through the gym?”

“That’s what it sounds like.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “But, that information doesn’t really help. We still can’t confirm the DuBois connection and definitely can’t prove that he was behind Franco’s murder.”

Guilt shot through me. “I never should have given you the information about Franco and the gym. All it managed to do was get you arrested.”

“No, I got arrested because I was careless. And, I knew it was a long shot from the beginning, but I made the choice to pursue the lead. This isn’t your fault.”

The room fell quiet, and I was relieved when Patrick ushered us out to the back patio. The cool air reminded me that it was already October, the weeks since my birthday having passed in a blur of training mixed with an occasional date. Knox, Jackson, and Liam were in Dallas so often that I felt like I hardly saw them. Theo and Chase generally stayed in town because of school, but between work and classes, they were rarely at home.

“Dinner is served.”

I turned my head at the sound of Theo’s voice, surprised to see him but downright flabbergasted by how he looked. He was wearing a dark green dress shirt tucked into tailored slacks and plain black Oxford shoes. His hair appeared freshly trimmed and was styled conservatively. He wore a smile that was pleasant but reserved, and his posture was almost businesslike in its severity. The transformation was unnerving, like I was watching a boring, straight-laced copy of my Theo.

“I ran into the delivery guy in the driveway,” he told Patrick as he placed the containers of food on the table. Then, he turned to my dad and held out his hand. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Jones. I’m Theodore Bennett.”

Theodore? He hated it when anyone, except me, called him that.

“Hello, Theodore.” Dad eyed his arms then glanced at me, as if to say he knew about the tattoos even if they were covered up.

“He goes by Theo,” I said, feeling the need to break through the formality.

Before anyone could respond, Patrick stood. “Stephen, may I offer you a glass of wine?”

“That would be great. Thank you.”

“Really?” I asked. “I didn’t think you drank wine.”

“I just never bought it after your mom . . .”

“Oh.” I twisted my mother’s ring on my finger, hating that Dad’s relaxed expression turned grim. It hurt to see how much remembering her still caused him heartache. Would bringing justice to the man responsible finally lessen his guilt and pain for her murder? Would that ever even happen?

Patrick returned and poured a glass for himself and my dad. Theo gave a slight shake of his head, rigorously sticking to his Puritanical routine. Did he think he’d win Dad over with this act? I wanted to pull him aside and tell him to be himself, but that could easily backfire by making my dad even more suspicious of my romantic entanglements.

Once we all filled our plates with delicious-smelling Italian fare, Patrick took control of the conversation, to my relief. He had a way of putting people at ease that I envied, and my dad seemed to like him, which made things easier.

“Haley, how is your training going? I’ve heard excellent things about your progress from Diana.”

“Training?” my dad asked curiously.

“I haven’t had a chance to tell you. I’m going through Zenith’s training program.”

“To work in private security?” The emphasis on the last two words conveyed his skepticism that Zenith was all about security.

“No. Patrick suggested I might be a good fit to become a trainer myself.” With Patrick’s help, I explained how the program worked and what I’d be doing, if hired.

“That sounds like a great opportunity.” To Patrick, he said, “Thank you for looking after Haley. I hate to think what would have happened to her if you hadn’t taken her under your wing.”

Patrick smiled but shook his head. “I’ve done very little. Really, you should be thanking Chase, Theo, and the others. They are all very protective of her.”

Dad looked at Chase, then Theo. “And, why is that, exactly?”

“Dad,” I warned.

“No, it’s okay,” Theo said. “Sir, I’m sure you’re aware, but your daughter is amazing. She’s been through a lot, but despite it all, she’s remained strong and kind. Why wouldn’t we want to take care of her?”

“That’s all? You don’t want more from her?”

Heat rose to my face, and I started to open my mouth to object again, but Chase intervened.

“Mr. Jones, I don’t think you could blame me or Theo, or really any guy with half a brain, for developing feelings for Haley. Despite that, I assure you that you can trust me, Theo, Jackson, Liam, and Knox to respect your daughter. None of us would ever intentionally hurt her. In fact, we would do anything within our power to keep her from harm.”

Warmth spread through my entire body at Chase’s words, spoken with so much conviction I didn’t doubt the truth behind them. And, judging by my dad’s accepting nod, he agreed. He may not completely approve of the fact that I lived with three guys and spent time with two others, but he was at least reassured that they treated me well.

“I can’t argue with that, can I?” Dad pushed his plate away and patted his stomach. “Patrick, thank you for dinner; it was delicious. Would you mind showing me to that guest room you mentioned? I’m in desperate need of a shower.”

Patrick stood. “Of course. And, Haley, you’re welcome to stay the night as well.”

“Thank you, I’d like that.”

“I packed you a bag,” Theo said. “I’ll go grab it from the car.”

Once my dad, Patrick, and Theo left the patio, Chase looked at me for the first time since his incredible, and shocking, speech. His radiant blue eyes met mine, and I was hit with that feeling again. The one where I just knew. Knew that what he felt for me was more than a mere crush. He would do anything, be anything, I needed.

It was different than with Knox but no less powerful. I simultaneously cursed and embraced that knowledge, certain my heart wasn’t ready to favor one over the others.

“Was that okay? What I said?”

“Okay doesn’t even come close. It was . . . I don’t know . . . perfect.”

“Yeah?” His face lit up with a smile so wide, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yeah.”

“Do you think your dad likes me? Could you tell?” He looked down at his T-shirt and jeans. “Theo obviously outdid me in the clothing department. I wasn’t exactly thinking about first impressions when I got dressed early this morning.”

“My dad isn’t one to care about clothes. Honestly, what you said to him about keeping me from harm probably won him over. It irritates him that I live with several guys, but I would bet knowing you all can, and will, defend me assuages some of that discomfort.”

Chase snorted. “Maybe, but I’m still expecting him to take me aside and threaten to cut off my hand if I so much as touch you.”

I smiled, not entirely sure he was wrong. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. Besides, he has more important things to worry about right now. Thank you for setting up such an elaborate alert system, by the way. I had no idea.”

“No need to thank me. It’s what I do.”

His nonchalant response reminded me of something that had been bugging me. “Does it ever bother you? I mean, you’ve always struck me as a rule-follower, but you probably break the law ten times more often than the other guys on the team.”

Chase grimaced. “Ironic, huh?” He pulled at the back of his neck. “It doesn’t bother me as much as it probably should. I hide behind my computer and pretend every action I take is justified. Whether that’s true, I don’t know, but believing it helps.”

Theo peeked his head through the patio door. “Are you two staying out there all night?”

I carried the remaining dishes into the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher. “Guess I should have a talk with my dad about his plan now that he’s more exposed than ever.”

Chase shot Theo a worried glance.

“What? What do you know that I don’t?”

Theo slung an arm around my shoulders. “You should have this conversation with your father, sweet pea.”

“What conversation is that, sweet pea?”

Theo jumped away from me as Dad walked into the kitchen with wet hair and wearing borrowed clothes.

“What you’re going to do now,” I said.

Theo pointed toward the exit, appearing more than ready to leave. “We’ll get out of here and give you two some privacy. It was nice to meet you, Mr. Jones.”

My dad nodded at Chase and Theo but didn’t say anything until after they’d left. “Are you going to tell me which one of them you’re dating?”

“Are you sticking around?”

“No.”

“Then, no.”

He sighed. “Fair enough. We might as well sit down for this.”

After returning to the living room, I watched him drop into a chair, just now noticing how tired he looked. He obviously hadn’t slept at all the night before and was probably running on fumes. I considered telling him we could talk about this in the morning, but I had the sinking feeling that he may not be around long enough to answer my questions.

He slouched even farther into the chair and groaned. “I’m getting too old for days like today.”

“You might try not breaking and entering, then.”

“Thanks for that very helpful advice. You know, I can’t decide if I’m relieved or concerned that you have such powerful friends.”

“What do you mean?”

“Patrick pulled strings and managed to get the charges against me dropped. I didn’t bother asking what all that involved. It doesn’t really matter, at this point.”

“That’s great.” How could I complain about Zenith’s questionable methods when I often benefitted from them?

“And, Patrick is taking me to a Zenith safe house tomorrow. I don’t know where, so don’t bother asking. Only he and Jackson will know my location.”

“Why can’t you stay here? The guys could help you investigate DuBois. I know the Danny Franco angle was a dead end, but DuBois is running a freaking criminal organization. We have to be able to prove that he deserves to be behind bars.”

“Do you hear yourself, Haley? We will not be doing anything. You’re already way more involved in this than I ever wanted, and don’t forget that Douglas is still a loose end. For now,” he muttered. “I refuse to risk your safety even more by sticking around. This is best for everyone.”

“Why are you so stubborn?”

Dad laughed. “Why are you?”

“Apparently, I got it from you.”

“There are worse things, I suppose.”

I shook my head in frustration. “What did you mean by ‘for now’? Are you going after Douglas?”

“Let’s just say that I’m going to make sure he doesn’t give you any more trouble.”

I glared at him. The last thing I wanted was for my dad to take on Gerald Douglas. He’d always been a loose cannon, and with his political career in decline, who knew how he’d react to Dad’s threats. It almost seemed better to leave Douglas be.

“Don’t give me that look, Haley. I’m taking care of it. Any more questions?”

I reined in my desire to stomp my foot and asked the one thing still lingering between us. “Does this mean I won’t be able to talk to you anymore?”

He nodded slowly. “I discussed it with Patrick, and we both think it would be best for me to stay radio silent, at least until I can determine whether DuBois is still attempting to find me. Patrick will have a way to contact me in case of emergency and vice versa, but that’s it. I’m sorry.”

In the past, his news would have devastated me, but this time I mostly felt disappointment. At least I knew he would be safe. “It’s okay. I’m glad I get to spend time with you now, even if it’s a brief visit.”

“Me too, kiddo.” His face brightened. “Hey, Patrick mentioned a pool table. Are you interested in a game?”

“Depends. Can you handle me beating you?”

“Since when do you know how to play pool?”

I rolled my eyes and he lifted his hands in surrender. “A lot has happened in the last year. Got it.”

As we walked toward the game room, he pulled me into a hug. “I’m proud of you.”

“Really?” I asked into his chest.

“Absolutely. Theo was right. Despite everything, you’re strong and kind and so incredible that you have a group of young men at your beck and call.”

I giggled at his description. It wasn’t entirely accurate, but I wasn’t going to correct his assumption by explaining my true dating situation.

“Just be careful, Haley.”

“You too, Dad.”