Page 107 of Stay with Me

“I wanted to ask you a question about that,” I say to the captain as his words strike a chord in me.

“Go on.”

“Why me? I get the feeling I wasn’t chosen at random,” I say.

“I’ve always respected how you cover your family. You’ve never asked for anything you haven’t earned and your loyal to a fault. You were right for this. I needed someone I could trust.”

“And you felt that was me.”

“Do you remember the first thing you said to me?”

“Not really.”

“You said … ‘Good morning, Captain. I’m Knight Moran. That may not mean anything to you now, but someday it will. My work life is my work life, and my home life stays at home. I’m great at my job, and I always do what I’m supposed to.

“‘Why do you need to know this? Because Bishop Love is my older brother. That has not affected my ability to do my job nor will it ever. I take care of my brothers in blue when I’m here and I take care of my brothers in blood when I’m at home. It’s nice to meet you.’ Then you walked off,” Captain says.

I laugh, I do remember that. Bishop had become a big thing, and talk had started around the force. I had been concerned at first, but things worked themselves out.

Captain Ross continues. “I knew then if I ever needed someone to cover my brother, you were the one. You understood family and the need to serve and protect. The two aren’t one in the same.”

He looks me in the eyes waiting for his words to click. It takes a moment for my brain to catch up. I fall back in my seat and release a low whistle.

If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have made the connection. However, I’ve spent so much time with Ice, I see it now as clear as day. This is the older brother.

“Ice,” I breathe.

“My little brother is a good guy. The Lost Souls are family. King changed a lot about the brotherhood.

“It trickled throughout the chapters. The Falcons wanted to destroy them to get to their territory. I was presented with the opportunity to cover my baby brother’s ass and get those bastards off my streets.

“I’m sorry you almost lost your life in the process. I never meant for that. There’s nothing I can do to repay you for your sacrifice, but if there’s anything I can ever do, you name it.”

A light bulb goes off. “Actually, I think there is something you can do for me and the Lost Souls,” I say.

He nods. “I’m listening.”

* * *

Reminisce

I’m frustrated and tired. Now that my part in everything is over, all I want to do is focus on getting my life together. I have a baby to think of.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Three days is a long time to think and to wait in fear.

The news hit this morning of the huge takedown, including Sloan Avery, the slimeball who was running for governor. Unfortunately, it was also reported that Avery put a bullet in his own head at his private vacation home in the mountains.

He was found this morning. Although, reports say he pulled the trigger four days ago. In any case, it’s all over.

I’ve been moping around my parents’ house for the last three days, feeling sorry for myself. Mom and I were having lunch when my nose started bleeding again. I had to go up to my room and change my shirt.

Thank God they bought my story about the fumigation at my place. If I wasn’t so upset, I might have laughed at the face my mother made as she looked at me and my luggage as if I brought some pests with me. The questions didn’t start until after I slept the entire first day.

Then as if it were a sin, my mother commented on the fact that I’ve been dressed in sweats and haven’t done anything with my hair. Excuse me for feeling like crap and having morning sickness every morning as if knowing I’m pregnant has triggered the torture.

Not able to share any of that, I’ve grinned at my mother and allowed her to say whatever she wants. These folks in this house need to give me some room to breathe. I’m beginning to think going home and risking Knight showing up isn’t the worst option.

My phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. Seeing it’s Saga, I answer with a smile. Maybe I should go to her house.

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