Page 29 of New Beginnings
“Major problem.”
IT WAS TIME
J.D. Stevens
Things were getting ready to get dicey. Now that I knew the FBI was in fact watching me and Rebel’s godfather had called her in for a little chat I had to prepare for the worse. My mother always said be prepared for the worse but hope for the best. And that was something I always lived by.
Rebel being connected to the FBI wasn’t something I expected. To be honest, I was fucking shocked. She hadn’t said anything especially with the work she was doing for me, and Caesar hadn’t said shit either. But it wouldn’t stop me from finding out who killed Dani and Luca. And it wouldn’t stop me from exploring things with Rebel. I wanted her, and that was the reason I was here today.
It had been a while since I’d been here, and the guilt hit me as soon as I pulled my bike through the open wrought-iron gate.
The winding road that cut through the center seemed to stretch endlessly as I drove, but my attention was captured bythe sight of a black hearse followed by a line of cars. I tried to push down the mounting anxiety, but it was useless. Today was a big step. A step, Demon encouraged me to take before he left to return home. It was a hard to do, but I had to do it. It was time.
I drove towards the back of the cemetery and stopped not too far from where they were buried. I dreaded coming here. I didn’t think anyone like anything associated with death, but for me, it was especially difficult to accept that my wife and child were buried here, while their killer roamed free, living a life they didn’t deserve.
Everything about this place I despised. I hated the mingling scents of freshly cut grass, fragrant flowers and earthy soil, accompanied by sorrowful wails drifting along the wind. The sounds of deep sorrow and fresh smells of nature only served as a reminder of what me and my daughter had lost.
I killed the engine, got off my bike, then made the trek towards their grave, dodging pristine and cracked headstones, and stone figurines of religious figures looming over the dead like watchmen or bodyguards.
Making this walk was always a sobering experience. With the life I lived I always thought I would be here before any of my loved ones but that wasn’t how Fate worked.
When I moved across the country to get away from the motorcycle life since my family was entrenched in it, I still ended up in it. It seemed almost like my destiny. But I never thought I’d meet Dani and have a family. That was never in my plans and when it was snatched away from me it became my obsession to find the people who took them away from me.
When I finally reached the spot where Dani and Luca were laid to rest, a heavy sigh escaped my lips as I noticed the overgrown weeds encircling their headstone. Carefully, I gathered the weeds, dead leaves and twigs and tossed them aside, the scent of the damp earth filling the air.
Once I was finished, I settled onto the small bench I had placed in front of their headstone, resting my forearms on my thighs. I wanted somewhere for me and Siobhan to sit when we came to visit so we could stay as long as we both needed.
I fixated on the vibrant hues of the pinwheel that Siobhan had brought for Luca, mesmerized by its spinning motion, while contemplating how to bring up the topic. Most people would laugh if they knew I was having a hard time talking to my dead wife.
“I’m sorry, my girl.” I blew out a breath. “I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve been here, but you know how hard this is for me to see y’all this way. Anyway, so much has happened. Every day, Siobhan is becoming more and more like you.”
I chuckled, grateful for the way my little girl always brightened my mood. With her sassy attitude and love for all things pink, she had a fiery spirit that reminded me so much of Dani which was the complete opposite of what she used to be when she was younger.
“She asks about you and Luca every day. I’ll bring her by real soon. She’s got another pinwheel for Luca she wanted to bring him.” I inhaled a deep breath then released it. “It took a lot of time to get the nerve to come here but I’ve got one more thing I need to tell you. I’ve met someone. She’s been helping me find out who did this to you. It’s not serious, yet but I really like her. Even your brother’s met her and thinks she’s cool. Anyway, I just wanted you to know.”
I stood from the bench, then placed my hand against the tombstone. I could feel the smooth, cool surface beneath my fingertips as I pressed my lips against it. “I love you both. I’ll see you next time.”
As I walked away from their grave, some of the weight I carried lifted off my shoulders. Someone might think it was insane, but it brought me some peace letting her know that I’d met Rebel.Even though I knew nothing would happen between us yet. Not until we got some more information on what the hell happened. But I was happy knowing things were finally moving forward in my life.
***
I unlocked the doorof my house, and the sound of music and laughter reached my ears. After I left the cemetery, I went to the clubhouse and got some work done before coming home. I missed my daughter. I’d been so consumed with finding answers I hadn’t spent much time with her. Normally, when I got home from the clubhouse, she was sleep. The only time I had with her was in the mornings. I had to do better by her.
I made my way to the kitchen and stopped dead in my tracks. Rachel, Rebel and Siobhan were sitting at the bar looking at a magazine, and laughing at something my daughter was pointing at.
What was she doing here? She had called, but I was dealing with Hannibal’s shit, so I wasn’t able to answer. The first thing I’d planned on doing once I’d got Siobhan settled was call her back.
With my back against the doorframe, I folded my arms over my chest and watched their interaction unfold. Siobhan was just like her mother. She didn’t know a stranger and loved to talk. Whatever she was saying, Rebel looked captivated and gave my daughter her uninvited attention.
When Rachel looked up, her startled yelp echoed through the room. I pushed off the doorframe and walked towards them.
“Daddy!” Siobhan shouted when she saw me.
I couldn’t stop the smile crossing my face. She jumped off the stool and as I bent down, she sprinted towards me, crashing intomy open arms. I kissed her on the top of her head. “Hey sweet girl.”
I stood with her in my arms. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Rebel as I looked at her, captivated by her presence. She had the most gorgeous smile.
Siobhan wiggled in my arms until I put her down. “Daddy, I want you to meet my new friend,” she said excitedly.
