Page 68 of Higher Notes

My phone had been blowing up with my band brothers checking in, but I had nothing to report so their messages went unanswered. I felt bad about that but I was terrified, though I did my best not to let it show. Mom needed my strength to draw from, not my weakness.

One minute you were up on stage on a high and the next it was crash and burn. Living in the limelight may have brought myfamily financial security but with it came a downside. How dare that fucker think he could take my brother. He had no right to him and if he wanted a court battle I’d fucking give him the ride of his fucking life.

I just hoped and prayed Gabe was okay.

And once he was, I’d make damn sure Paul wasn’t.

“Mommy, when is Gabe coming home?” Nolan’s innocent question was a shot to the heart. Neither he nor Nicole understood what was going on.

“Soon, baby, soon.”

“I wish Wyatt was here, he’d protect us.”

“He is, sweetheart. He’s just in another room working.”

“I want my nightlight and blankie,” Nolan wined, and I held him tighter.

Mom pulled the comforter off Nicole’s bed and draped it across us. “This will do for now. Why don’t you two cuddle up and think of this as a sleepover with Mommy and Jase.”

“I’m glad Jase is home. I missed you.”

“I missed both of you, too. You know I love you, right?” I felt there little heads bob up and down. “Why don’t I sing you a song?”

“Yes, please.” Nicole may be a bit of a hard ass, but she was just as scared as we were. I broke into their favorite lullaby I’d made up when they were little and by the end, they were sound asleep.

I hated not being a part of what was going on, seeing what Sikes and Snipe saw and keeping an eye out for my brother.

Once the twins were asleep, Mom and I tucked them into Nicole’s bed then leaned against it and held each other. She didn’t deserve any of this anymore than Gabe did.

“Mom, would you please consider finding a work from home job?”

“After this, that’s a given. Know of anyone who’s hiring?”

“As a matter a fact, I do.”

Me: Thank you for helping my family. I know you had a hand in all of this. You are by far one of the best men I know, all of which work for and with you.

Easton: Thank you, but let’s get your brother home safely before you thank me.

Me: Know of anyone hiring a work from home secretary or assistant?

Easton: Thinking of a different career path?

His levity was a warm welcome amidst the chaos and uncertainty.

Me: Nah, singing is in my blood. Looking for a way to keep my mom home with the kids.

Easton: Consider it done.

I turned the phone toward Mom so she could read the screen.

“How did we get so lucky? I mean, they don’t even know me or what my skillset is.”

“We busted our ass and finally found the open door.” That was the best way I could put it. “Don’t worry, within this growing organization there are plenty of opportunities that fit your skillset.”

Me: Consider me a free babysitter for life.

Easton: Oh, we’ll definitely take you up on that. Any update?

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