Page 67 of Chasing Storm

“Oh contraire.” The dumbass doesn’t realize it’s ‘au contraire.’ “Have a seat and I’ll explain a few things to you.” Joey doesn’t move. “Sit your fucking ass down, Joe.”

He swallows slowly as he lowers into a chair.

“Good boy.” James waves the gun in the air.

“How did you get into our house?”

“Ah, the luck of the Irish.” He tics his head toward me. “Her dumb friend forgot to lock the door.”

My jaw tightens from him calling Erin dumb. Accidents happen, and I could never be upset with her.

“How long ago did that happen?”

“Who cares? All that matters...” he widens his arms to the side and continues, “…is that I’m here.” He glares at Joey. “Didn’t you miss me?”

I’m riddled with anger when I answer, “Who the fuck would miss you?”

James’ head slowly shifts to me, and he says, “Shut your fucking mouth.” He aims the gun and adds, “Or I’ll do it for you.”

Joey is on his feet, but James swivels back, pointing the gun at him.

“How sweet? Coming to your wife’s defense.” Through clenched teeth, he orders, “Sit.” James nonchalantly paces, looking between Joey and me. Scratches his chin with the gun. “I’m telling you. It’s taken everything out of me to wait. To seize the right moment.”

Joey blurts out, “Why wait so long?”

“Oh, Joe. Haven’t you learned anything from me?”

He turns to me. “Get me a glass of water.” Stepping to the other side of the island, James is able to keep both of us in his sights. I hand him the glass, and he tells me to get back in the corner.

Taking a sip, he swallows and says, “First off, you two were very busy… you know, with running for your lives and everything. Then you were protected by that double-crossing asshole, Devane.” My eyes widen. “Yeah, I heard about him and what he did for you. I still have some loyal followers. When I’m on my feet again, I’m going to take him out. No one likes a traitor.”

Joey bolts up from his chair. “It was you in the forest.”

James nods with a victorious smile. “I thought about getting you there, but you left for Chicago.” He pauses, tips his head to me, and adds, “And someone got shot. Have you ever been shot before, Teagan?” When I don’t answer, he continues, “It hurts, doesn’t it?”

He laughs at his comment. This is all a game to him, just like Joey’s and Kara’s lives were. He’s taunting us, but neither of us will give in to his bullshit. James thinks this is funny, which is to be expected of a psychopath. He has a barbaric mindset. For being opposed to killing, I’m surprised how I’d like to be the one to put a bullet in his head.

James continues his monologue. “I waited while you moved.” He presses a hand to his heart. “And how touching to have bought your whore of a mother a florist shop.” Again, he laughs at his sick comments. “So, finally to answer your question, I wanted you settled. Comfortable. The more time passed, the more you would relax and let your guard down.” The pacing starts. “To my surprise, you leave for a vacation and her stupid friend provides me with the perfect opportunity.” He pauses pacing. “Vacation is the best way to relax. Am I right?” James licks his lips at me. “I bet you two did a lot of fucking.”

“Leave her alone.”

Taking a step toward Joey, he taunts, “Or what, Joe?” He brandishes the gun. “It looks like I got the upper hand this time.” His eyes narrow. “Besides, worry about your own life. You stole from me. I want my money back.”

“It belonged to me.”

James fires the gun, and I scream when I see blood staining Joey’s left shoulder. Joey’s shaky hand compresses the wound. My body convulses from silent sobs, blurring my vision.

“Be careful, Joe. Some fucker broke my fingers, so my aim is slightly off.” He runs his hand over my hair when he adds, “You wouldn’t want me accidentally hitting Teagan.”

I’m guessing Joey had something to do with breaking his fingers. He never told me what exactly he did to James to find the whereabouts of his mother, and I didn’t ask. I’d rather remain ignorant.

Joey shouts, “Don’t touch her.”

He lets out a short laugh, which builds into a maniacal one. “You mean like this?” James reaches over, tears my shirt, and squeezes my breast.

My hand smacks him across the face, which prods him to punch me in the jaw, knocking me down.

Joey takes a step forward and he fires another shot. I’m screaming, shaking my head, whispering for him to stop. Thank God he missed this time. For reinforcement, he pulls me up, draping an arm down my front. He tweaks my nipple and I swat his hand away.

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