Page 10 of Alec’s Dream

Alec thought about how much he wanted to tell his friend but it didn’t take much contemplation. Nixon was a good friend, he trusted him, therefore, he didn’t hold back.

So he laid it out and told Nixon everything he’d seen and heard yesterday and what he’d found that morning. He also explained he’d called Jonny but hadn’t heard back, which meant he also told Nix where he was headed.

“You sure you wanna wade in? Maybe it’s better if you let Jonny handle it.”

Was he sure? Hell, yes. Would the smarter thing to do be letting Jonny handle his brother? Absolutely. Was it going to stop Alec? Fuck, no.

“Yesterday I stood by and listened to that asshole get in Macy’s face and threaten her. Something that didn’t sit right. When it was over, she looked at me, and brother, she was freaked. More than that, she was scared out of her skull. Not only did that not sit right, it felt like acid in my gut. So, yes, I’m positive I want to wade into it. I’m also positive I’m gonna find a way to put a stop to it. She’s got two kids, she’s sweet, she’s good to my daughter, and she has an ex who’s a dick. No way in fuck am I sitting back knowing what I know and doing fuck-all about it.”

“And she’s beautiful,” Nix added, his mouth twisting like he was fighting a smile.

“Not sure what that has to do with anything.”

“Right.”

“So you’re saying that if Macy wasn’t beautiful I’d sit back and allow a good woman to be fucked over?” Alec growled, not liking the implication he was a shallow prick.

“Nope, not saying that at all. Just pointing out the fact that Macy Hartley was a knockout in high school and when she grew up she went straight to beautiful. Back then everyone knew why she was with Doug. He was popular, he played sports, he held the promise of a bright future. When she hit her mid-twenties, only saw her once when I came back to visit and even with a baby on her hip she looked good. That trip home sitting in a bar, I heard all about Doug’s extracurricular activities. The town was buzzin’ with it. McKenna and I saw her recently, two kids in tow looking no less pretty even if she looks worn down and tired. So I guess what I’m saying is, go easy.”

“Come again?” Alec’s eye narrowed trying to process the fact that Nix had gone from implying he was a shallow prick to a motherfucking asshole.

“She’s been made a fool—”

“And what? You think I’d fuck her over?”

“Not intentionally. Not knowingly. But Macy’s also sweet and it is no secret she’s a pushover—total people pleaser.”

“Now you’re just pissing me off.”

“Not my intention. But I do know that right now your head is twisted and you’re still trying to work out what Jaime—”

“Don’t say her name,” Alec growled, trying to beat back the sour in his stomach that churned at the mention of Jocelyn’s mother’s name.

“That right there, is why I’m warning you to tread lightly with Macy.”

Needing to end the conversation before he said something he regretted, Alec checked his watch and noted it was time to leave.

He gave his friend a quick goodbye and headed to Macy’s.

When he pulled into a not-so-nice neighborhood, Alec’s earlier irritation spiked. What kind of father allowed the mother of his children to live in this kind of ‘hood? It wasn’t as horrible as it could’ve been but it wasn’t nice either.

All thoughts of houses, child support, and alimony flew from his mind when he saw Macy on her front lawn, Doug in her face. Even though the windows were up and his SUV was running Alec could still hear the motherfucker shouting at Macy.

Hell to the mother-fucking-no!

5

“You never listen do you, Macy? I told you. I fucking told you to have my son ready, you stupid bitch!” Doug shouted in my face. He was so close, spittle actually hit me.

Spittle.

In my face.

Anger like I’ve never felt raced up my spine, but before I could do anything, Doug was gone.

Just gone.

One second I could smell his nasty breath, the next, nothing.