Page 2 of Wolf's Whisper

Doing the job right means going on the road and staying one step ahead of Jack. We travel up and down the Midwest while Jack changes his locations constantly keeping us on a wild goose chase. Coward. I know the danger isn’t over, and with his network of friends, family, and business connections, the threats still exist. From the accounts of the nurses the night Janelle finally made the decision to leave, Jack is threatening hell on anyone keeping his family from him. Using my contacts, I found some information on who's pulling the strings—Jack’s daddy is a powerful politician in Indiana. It’s essential to know this to find/figure out the right tactics to use to protect Janelle and herchildren. It also gives us greater insight into the case, which is helpful regarding court proceedings.

Next, I set out to establish a spot in our safe house for Janelle and her children to stay. Money isn’t an issue. The Wild Jesters own safe houses and cover all expenses for anyone while they stay with us. We do a lot of fundraisers throughout the year to help us, plus our businesses, such as the strip clubs and dispensaries we own, pay for all of this.

Even though Janelle is terrified, she has an exceptional quality—a fire within her—that makes her brave and determination to do what is required of her to provide safety and security for her children. I hear a tap on the door.

“Wolf, you in there?” I hear our VP call out.

“Yeah, Mouthpiece, come in.” I close the file, and as he opens the door, I motion for him to sit.

“What can I help you with, VP?”

He takes a seat, looking at me for answers.

“I need you to do something for me. We got a call from an old friend of ours, the district attorney, and I need you to investigate a case he has. This person knows Jack’s dad and knows some of the men who may be hiding Jack. Can you check it out and see if there is some connection between the cases?”

Mouthpiece is always looking for ways to improve the justice system.

“I got this. He’s off the grid for now, but I have a few moves left to get him to show himself. Until then, Janelle and her kids are safe,” I reply, and he taps his knuckles on my desk in acknowledgment. I have to do something more than be a bounty hunter. I need to be the voice, the help, and sometimes the justice. I have to fight for what is right; this case is my next mission. I’m sure what I will find, but it’s exciting to put the puzzle pieces together.

Mouthpiece claps his hands, “That’s what I like to hear. Good job. Keep me posted on what’s new,” he says, standing up.

I nod. “Will do. Anything else?”

Mouthpiece takes one last look at me. “Nah, you got it handled. Carry on.”

He walks through the door whistling some tune which brings a smile to my face, and look over the case file from the district attorney. This is what I was born to do—catch the bad people and help people feel like they’re getting justice, no matter what the cost. I have to do some digging to find out who was really behind the reasons Janelle and her family are in danger because we know it’s just not Jack and his father and put an end to this once and for all. Because this is what Wolf does…she protects.

Chapter Two

Janella Pierce

Inever thought this was where I would be or who I would be. I had dreams and goals in my life when I was younger. I was going to be the next Broadway star. Then, I met a man in college who said all the right things at a time I wanted to be dazzled. I didn’t see the red flags until it was too late. I was too far goneby then. Now, I’m this bruised shell of a person, but I have three beautiful children I’m fighting to be better and stronger for. I pray I haven’t caused them any long-term issues from seeing what their father did to me. I would do it all over again just for the three angels for whom I thank God daily—my boys Abel and Dillion, and the princess herself, Chloe.

After a beating, I never left the house. Jack would take the kids to his mother’s house so they could still attend school. Jack loves playing the perfect role of the husband, the doting father, and dutiful son. His mom lives in our town most of the time so she can be there for the kids and turns a blind eye to what Jack does to me. I run the charities he chose for me and have always gone to business dinners for Jack. When he noticed the bruises were getting harder to cover, he made me stop going anywhere. The beatings were coming frequently enough that people noticed. One night it became too much for me and I guess my neighbor was concerned for me. The kids were home with me since his mom was out of town, and the next-door neighbor must’ve heard the commotion as she helps the paramedics and cops into the help after Jack left for the night. The cops took my children, and I headed to the hospital.

The nurse who helped me as sweet and very comforting. He told me about an organization that could help me escape Jack. They would protect me and the kids. I agreed and told him I needed to get out now because I was sure someone would call my husband. Now I’m sitting in this house feeling safe but scared of every sound and movement from outside. It’s a weird thing to be safe and scared.

I’m standing in the kitchen, drinking a cup of tea, and staring out the window into the front yard. For the past two weeks, everything has been so quiet. I think back to the day when a plan forms with the Wild Jesters.

A knock at the door makes me a little jumpy, but then I hear a voice on the other side, “Janelle, it’s Wolf from the Wild Jesters; you spoke to Mouthpiece about me.” Feeling more at ease with a name, I answer the door.

Wolf is nothing like what I imagined. She is this short woman with a booming presence and piercing blue eyes that seem to see into my soul. She is also wearing a Wild Jesters cut, which looks very intimidating. “Wolf, please come in.” I invite her into my home, knowing something big will happen. We go into the living room, and she sits and takes a deep breath.

“I just came from the court.” Then Wolf tells me, "Your ex-husband has been charged with threats and domestic abuse.”

“Oh, my God!” I exclaim in disbelief. I can’t believe it. “What do we do now?”

“Yes, his punishment was jail time, but because of his connections, you and your children are in grave danger until he is away for good. It’s a start, but there is more. He has skipped town and we can’t find him. The Wild Jesters and I will be here with you to provide protection and peace of mind until the danger has passed,” Wolf finishes. I sit here in silence, tears streaming down my face. The emotions and bewilderment overwhelm me as I feel my heart beating fast and fear of Jack or someone he knows coming after us sends shivers down my spine. I finally feel like someone cares about my safety and well-being and is here to look after us. I thank God for sending one of his angels.

I look at Wolf and say, “Thank you, Wolf, for your help. I feel so much safer knowing you’re here with us.”

Wolf takes my hand, looks me in the eyes, and says, “We won’t let anyone hurt you and will keep you and your children safe.” I suspect things are about to get a lot harder, but I know from now on I have allies I can count on.

All the questions she asks about my situation is getting frustrating because I sound like a broken record, but I watch as she takes in what I’m not telling her, the bruises on my face, arms, and his fingerprints on my neck. The fingerprints on the boys’ arms where Jack grabs are fading and Chloe’s lump on her head is finally going down. Her fierce eyes and bold demeanor are intriguing, but it’s her compassion that makes me trust her. Wolf’s determination to keep me and my kids safe and protect us from my ex-husband makes me feel safer.

We develop a plan after talking for what seems like hours. She gives me some options, but I’m too scared to think of one. Wolf offers to handle the details herself, giving me tremendous relief. I have faith she will keep us safe.

Wolf finds us a safe place to stay, and she even considers a few extras for the kids, for which I’m so grateful. I can't thank her enough, but she reassures me she’s just doing her job.

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