Chapter Eighteen
We’d been home for two weeks from the cabin and so far all had been quiet. Sal had painstakingly replaced the security system in our house, adding even more bells and whistles. He’d been beyond pissed that Jake had breached his original system. The thing seemed impenetrable now, which was both reassuring and annoying. I felt like I lived in the CIA headquarters with all the different motion detectors and codes I had to remember. Cole had stepped up all security when it came to me, but I accepted it without complaint, knowing it was needed and that he worried.
I was still feeling pretty good as my pregnancy progressed. I’d heard all kinds of horror stories of morning sickness, headaches, and food aversions. So far, aside from feeling more tired than normal and having tender breasts, I still felt like me.
As promised, we took dinner over to Cal’s place and had a really special evening looking through pictures of him and my father. There were several of Cole and me playing together as young kids. I marveled again at what a small world it seemed to be.
“If that ain’t destiny, I don’t know what is,” Cal said as he chuckled, his eyes twinkling with delight. Cole had looked at me with such warmth and love that I had to choke back tears. I never thought much about destiny, but I suppose I believed in it when it came to Cole and me.
We rode home that night through the cool night air and I felt a peace I’d never felt in my life. It had been growing in me since I met Cole. It persisted despite everything that had happened, and I marveled at its ability to grow regardless of the drama that surrounded us. I clutched Cole’s strong body in my arms as the bike rumbled beneath me. I felt beyond lucky.
I should have realized that my luck would run out.
“Babe, I gotta go,” Cole’s voice woke me through the darkness of our bedroom.
“Hmm, what time is it?” I murmured.
“Just after two. I’m getting called out. Knox is on his way to watch the house. I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he told me, kissing my head as I drifted back to sleep.
When Cole wasn’t back the next morning I felt a frisson of worry, but I tried to brush it off. I assumed whatever he had to do had just taken longer than expected. But when my phone started ringing with an unknown number, my breakfast immediately solidified in my gut. I just knew something was terribly wrong.
“Scarlet, baby, how are you?” Jake’s voice came through the phone.
“What did you do?” I hissed.
“Nothing that wasn’t necessary,” he said casually and my blood ran cold. “You want him in one piece you’re going to have to come get him, alone,” he growled.
“How do I know he’s okay?” I rasped as panic seized me.
“You’re just going to have to trust me.”
“Trust you?” I choked incredulously.
“It’s your only option. I’m at our old hideout. I thought it was appropriate,” he said and chuckled darkly. “You tell anyone, he’s dead. You try anything sneaky, he’s dead. You come alone, and without that beast of yours,” he instructed. “Then you and I, we’re going to take off. And your precious blondie here can keep his life. I figure it’s more of a punishment to lose you to me anyway,” he snorted.
There was no way in hell I was going to let that happen.
“I’ll be there,” I said quietly. I didn’t have much choice.
“Can’t wait, baby,” he replied, and the excitement in his voice made me want to throw up.
I was shocked at how clear headed I felt when I hung up. It was up to me not only to protect Cole but our unborn child as well. I knew I couldn’t risk going alone, as much as I didn’t want to risk Cole’s safety he’d never forgive me if I did something that put me and our baby in danger. I needed backup, but I had to be smart about it.
I didn’t know how clever Jake was being about this, my instinct said not much, but I planned to err on the side of caution. I drove to Jupiter and used the phone behind the bar. I called Cal and on the very off chance Jake was somehow tracking, I knew I couldn’t give him any details over the phone.
“Yah?” he answered sounding gruff. He didn’t recognize the number.
“Hi Cal, it’s Scarlet,” I said quickly.
“Oh, hi darlin’.” He clearly sounded surprised to hear from me and a bit wary, which I expected. “What’s doin’?”
I needed something that would tip him off, I knew he’d be smart and not press me over the phone.
“Cole’s oversleeping like usual. I forgot my wallet and was hoping you could drop it by my work,” I asked quietly. We both knew Cole never overslept, in fact he was an absurdly early riser.
“Sure thing, be there in ten,” he answered without delay.
We sat side by side at the bar amidst the hustle and bustle of the lunch hour rush and I looked around trying not to appear as terrified as I felt.
“I wasn’t followed,” Cal stated confidentially.
I blew out a breath and turned to face him. “Jake somehow got a hold of Cole. He’s got him up in the old army bunkers off Route 1,” I told him, my voice shaking. “He called this morning, told me I needed to come alone. I think he plans to take off with me somewhere,” I continued, my voice surprisingly calm.
I watched Cal’s entire body stiffen and eyes narrow as he tried visibly to remain calm.
“If it weren’t for the baby I wouldn’t have risked telling you. I would have gone alone, but I knew Cole would be so upset if…”
“You did the right thing,” he interrupted me firmly, reaching out to give my arm a reassuring squeeze.
“I think I still have to go in alone. I’m too afraid that he’ll shoot Cole on sight if he spots anyone else,” I said as my eyes swept the room. “And I think I have a plan if you’re up for it,” I offered.
Cal looked at me in surprise. “What’s the plan?” he asked.
I didn’t delay in telling him exactly what I conjured up, and before I knew it I was behind the wheel of my pathfinder, off to get my man.
It took me four hours to get to the deserted army base, just a mile outside of my hometown in Northern California. It was the longest drive of my life. I knew that Cal, Sal, Wes, and Mack were somewhere behind me, but I never once saw them, which was a good thing since this whole plan would be shot to shit if they were spotted.
I hadn’t been back home in almost nine years, and despite everything, I couldn’t help but think of my father, long ago lost but never far from my mind. This was the last place I’d seen him alive. This was where my mother, father, and I had been a family. I’d lost a lot within these city limits.
Jake and I had played here as kids, the old bunkers making perfect forts. It was a typically foggy day in the coastal town, and the weather made the old abandoned buildings appear even more sinister and unwelcoming than I’d remembered. Jake and I had terrorized each other mercilessly, hiding in the dark corners and pouncing on each other. We’d shared countless meals and played endless games of make-believe within the dilapidated walls. That felt like a lifetime ago.
I had one thing going for me, Jake wanted me and I intended to play that to my advantage. He was also alone with no further allies. I knew that my plan was risky given his obviously volatile mental state, but I was sure it was the best bet we had.
My whole body pumped with adrenalin when I pulled up to the bunker we’d played in most frequently. I cut the engine and sat for a few moments with the pounding of my heart roaring in my ears. Cole had saved me in more ways than one. Yes, he’d kept me safe, but he also saved me from a life of solitude where I hadn’t really been living at all. I’d been going through the motions, I’d been surviving, but that was a far cry from what my life is now. Now, he needed me, and I wasn’t about to let him down. I steeled myself to what I knew I had to do and I got out of the car.
“That was quick,” Jake said as he laughed, making me jump when he emerged from the bunker with a gun in his hand. He strode toward me with purpose and dragged me inside. Despite the dim light, I immediately clocked Cole’s slumped form in the corner. He looked lucid as his beautiful eyes met mine and widened in panic. I took a quick perusal of his body and was relieved to see that he didn’t look seriously hurt. He had some blood running down the side of his face and his arm but he was alive. Thank God, he was alive. He was gagged, and it took everything I had not to run over to him to assure him I could take care of him, of us. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done, to keep my face clear of emotion as I looked him over. I couldn’t give myself away, not if this was going to work.
“Yeah, well I’ve been waiting,” I replied softly, turning my attention back to Jake with what I hoped was an expectant expression.
It was time for an Oscar worthy performance.
I saw his brows knit momentarily in confusion.
I sighed as though exasperated. “He’s had me followed, the house under surveillance,” I explained. “I was ready to come to you on my own, I just didn’t know how.”
Jake’s eyes narrowed and he backhanded me across the face. “Don’t you dare fuck with me! What do you think I’m fucking stupid?” he growled as I saw Cole struggling to get up. I knew it was killing him to be so helpless. But I had this handled, or I hoped I did. I held my hand to my cheek and blinked a few times while the initial sting subsided.
“Do you want to hear me out or do you want to hit me some more?” I demanded angrily.
I was so tired of him knocking me around.
He regarded me intently for a few excruciatingly long moments before he made a motion for me to continue. “I had to get away for a while Jake,” I explained, hoping my tone was placating enough. “After my dad died I didn’t know where my place was, and I felt confused. By the time I decided to come home, come back to you, I’d already gotten all tangled up with the Knights,” I explained trying to look ashamed and a bit disgusted. “And then Henry and Benny were back in the picture – and there wasn’t a way that I could see to get out of it,” I pleaded with him to understand as he looked at me with a guarded expression. “That night that you came for me, I wanted so badly for you to understand, but he has the house bugged and I couldn’t tell you…” I drifted off as he seemed to hang onto my every word. “I couldn’t tell you that I know I need to be with you. I’ve loved you since I was a little girl,” I said, nearly choking with disgust at the lie. “If you still want me, let’s just go. Leave him here,” I gestured toward Cole with what I hoped looked to be utter dispassion. “It can be just you and me, like it used to be.” I smiled tentatively at him hoping against hope that he was buying this. I hated that Cole had to witness it.
I just needed long enough for him to let his guard down, and though he was skeptical, I could tell that he wanted badly to believe me. All I wanted was to keep Cole alive. If we got through this, Cole was going to be seriously pissed with me.
“So you wouldn’t care if I killed him then?” Jake taunted, taking a few steps closer to Cole and playing with his gun. Luckily I’d known he’d test me with this and I was prepared.
“Yes, I care,” I scoffed. “If you kill him, the Knights will never stop coming after us. Is that what you want? Let’s be smart about this Jake,” I implored. “Let’s just go. I even packed my stuff before I left,” I said hopefully.
“You did?” he asked with raised brows. For some reason that fact seemed to convince him more than anything I’d said.
It was a lie, but I was going with it.
“Yes. I’ve had a bag packed for weeks. I just needed an opportunity,” I said as I grinned and grabbed his arm. “Come on, I’m afraid I was followed. Let’s get the hell out of here,” I said insistently.
He pulled me close and the feel of his body against mine was so repulsive that I nearly shook with disgust. This man had assaulted me, stalked me, and killed my father. But I would do anything to keep Cole safe. He looked down at me with raw emotion and I knew I had him. “Ah, babe I’ve waited so long for you to come around. I knew you would,” he said as he grinned. He leaned over and kissed me. I’d been prepared for this, too, but it was still even more unpleasant than I’d bargained for. Everything about his mouth on mine was repugnant, and I had to fight the urge not to shove him off. Instead, I put my arms around him and pulled him closer. I could hear Cole’s grunts of anger, but I couldn’t risk giving him any sort of sign to cool it.
“Ready?” I asked, breaking away as soon as I felt I’d made a believable enough impression.
“Yeah, I just really gotta give this bastard one more kick,” he said with a smirk. He put the gun he’d been holding in the waistband of his jeans and I knew this was my chance. I pulled the gun out of the back of my jeans and held it to the side of his head before he could move any closer to Cole. I couldn’t believe it, my hands weren’t even shaking.
“Not one step closer,” I said sharply. I saw Jake’s entire body freeze and I held my ground, bracing for whatever was in store. I couldn’t even look at Cole for fear of the look on his face.
“You fucking cunt!” he roared, turning the full extent of his rage toward me. He looked completely demented as he took a menacing step toward me.
“Not another step. I swear to God Jake I will fucking shoot you,” I said sharply. Adrenalin raced through my veins as I held the gun facing him, my feet planted firmly on the ground. “Give me your gun,” I commanded.
He snorted. “You’re going to have to come get it,” he leered, raising the front of his shirt so I could see the gun that was shoved down his pants.
I wrinkled my nose in disgust.
“So what’s the plan now, baby?” he taunted.
My plan was to have the guys come bursting in at any moment, but for now it looked like I was on my own.
Understanding showed on his face and he smirked. “Got friends comin’, huh? Well, if you think for one second I’m going to stand here and wait, then you are out of your fucking mind,” he hissed.
“And if you think I’m going to let you walk out of here only to let you continue to fuck up my life, then you’re out of yours,” I retorted. “Don’t fucking move.” I was shocked at how calm and collected I felt. I was beyond done letting this psycho fuck with me.
“Not gonna let me walk out, huh? Well if I’m staying I won’t be breathing soon, no confusion about that. So if I’m going, I’m taking you with me. He can come, too. He said, gesturing to Cole with a manic glint in his eye.
Shit, I was going to have to shoot him. I really, really didn’t want to do that. It wasn’t that I cared about Jake’s well-being. He’d done enough to me to ensure that. But I still didn’t want to be responsible for taking someone’s life.
“Jake,” my voice was practically a whisper. “If any part of you still cares about me – if you ever cared about me at all, then please do not make me do this,” I pleaded. It was the first time I’d shown any real emotion since I’d walked into this mess.
“Don’t you get it, Scarlet? I care about you more than anything. That’s why I can’t let you go. If I’m going, you’re coming, too.” he replied, his own voice hoarse with emotion.
The resulting shot that rang out lit up the dark bunker with blinding light and a thunderous sound.