AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As if hearing my thoughts, Jackson asks the inevitable.
“Since when were you seeing someone? And who is it?”
Why couldn’t my sister-in-law have told him everything I told her? It would have made this so much easier. I’m not a pussy though. My problem is I don’t have time for this shit. His answers can wait until I locate the baby that needs me.
The baby that I need.
“She isn’t seeing anyone, Jackson. Now leave your sister be. When she is ready to talk to you about it, she’ll talk.”
“Butt out, Dad,” Jackson says.
“No!” The authority in his voice rings clear. Jackson has pushed him too far. “Brianna doesn’t need people hounding her. And that’s exactly what you’re doing. Act like the thirty-six-year-old you are and shut up.”
Taking in a long pull of air, my dad cuts his eyes to me.
“Let’s go, kiddo. Your brother is finished.”
“Goddammit, Dad,” Jackson huffs.
“Watch your mouth in front of me.”
“Like you said, I’m thirty-six. You don’t get a say in how I act or what I say.” Jackson faces me again. “This isn’t over, Bri. We’re going to talk, whether you want to or not. What happened isn’t something you can bury with work. Hell, you were shot. Why are you even working in the first place?”
“My gunshot wound isn’t bad.” My father’s eyes tell me I’m full of shit, but I continue. “The bullet grazed my leg. Thankfully, I was still wearing my bulletproof vest. My ribs were bruised, but I didn’t break anything. I came out okay. And as far as mentally, I’m okay there too.”
Even I know that’s a lie, but I need them both to believe it, and when Jackson relaxes his stance for the first time, I think I’ve convinced him.
Looking out of the corner of my eyes, I know I didn’t convince my dad. Sadness passes over the eyes that mirror Jackson and mine. I’m guessing he’s thinking about my mom. For the first time, I want to console my father, but because Jackson is here, I can’t. It would raise more questions, and I’m not sure if my dad has told Jackson about our mom’s miscarriages. It’s not my place to do so if he hasn’t.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I promise I am, big brother. And if that changes, I’ll call you.”
He grabs my forearm lightly, pulling me to his chest where I’m wrapped in a tight hold.
“You better, Sis. You better.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
The next day, Eric and I are at a coffee shop where we know Chasity frequents often. She’s also posting selfies with the latest coffee fad. Who knew coffee could be a fad; I didn’t. I thought it was just a drink. One I love unconditionally, but still just a drink.
I miss my daily trek to the coffee house across the street from the precinct where either Connie or I would go, or we would meet there when the office got tiresome.
I miss her, but I’m still not over how she acted even if we are back to talking.
“Why does finding Gabriel seem more personal to you now?” I ask, attempting to get my mind back on track as I stir the heavy cream around in my cup.
“It’s not,” he bites out, the lie evident not only to me. He knows it too.
“Level with me, Alders.” I lift my eyes to meet his. “Why are you so hell-bent on helping me find Gabe versus focusing on Vincent Acerbi?”
His eyes drift down to the table as if in thought. Lifting his lids, our gazes lock once again.
“It’s you. Your determination to find a kid that isn’t yours. You care more than that boy’s mother does. You don’t just want to save him, Bri. You need to save him. I see it clearly. You love that boy like he’s yours when he isn’t.”
His words stab me square in the chest. I don’t like hearing the words “he isn’t yours.” I know he’s not, but I don’t like being reminded.
He continues when I don’t speak. I can’t. My throat locks up, not allowing words to come out.
