AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Wait. You all saw that during one meeting?” asked Oakley.
“Listen, dinner is intense with this group,” said Jac.
Levi nodded. “She was gunning for Ryker. Not sure why when she had me in the room.”
A pillow thrown by someone hit him in the face. He grinned and shrugged.
“But did they do anything that was actually illegal?” asked Ivy.
Ryker answered that question. “They conspired in kidnapping and harassment, and they intended to do her harm. They could even get them for attempted murder. Those two women will not see the world outside for a very long time, if ever.”
“As it should be,” declared Carter.
Oakley continued the narrative. “And we know that Audra had a really tough life, and it changed her focus and her mental processes. Then, when Charles told her he was feeling so much better that he wasn’t returning to the way of life they had lived before, his sister lost it. There is a lot there that I don’t care to go into, ever.”
“So, she focused her anger and fears on Oakley, which fell into what Bella and Shandra wanted. They helped each other,” said Sharlee.
“They colluded,” said Ryker.
“Hmm. So, were the incidents at the conference just that? Separate from all of this?” asked Monroe.
“Well, yes, and no. The first was Audra trying to kidnap Oakley in a place no one would likely trace to her. The second one was really a case of mistaken identity,” said Ryker. “The cops called on both incidents after Linton talked to them.”
“Okay, are we ready for our cup of reward?” asked Sharlee as Callie jumped up and grabbed the stack of cups to hold for Sharlee.
Becky, who had been quiet during this mission, handed them out. Mallory, the quickest to show insight into others’ needs, especially the women, asked her as she sat back down, “You okay?”
“I am.”
She looked over at Carter, who smiled and nodded, throwing his arm around her to pull her tight to him. He whispered in her ear.
“Hey, before we go to eat dinner, I just thought you would all like to know that Becky is pregnant.”
“I wondered how long you were going to keep your news to yourself.”
Becky blushed. “I didn’t want to rush it. You know, in case. And I didn’t want to steal Mallory’s thunder.”
“Girl, I have months to go, and I could use a companion.”
“Good.”
Jac spoke over the congratulations. “Can we carry on with this conversation at the dinner table? I’m starving.”
Garrett spoke to Sharlee as they stood to go to the dining room. “This is some smooth whiskey. Good choice.”
“Told you.”
***
THE SUN HAD BARELYcrept over the horizon when Ryker stood next to Oakley on their large deck outside their newly purchased home just down the road from Jac and Sharlee. The newly built, gated community was beautiful, sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking the turbulent disaster. Ryker swore it was a man-made cliff, but Oakley said it didn’t matter. He placed a protective arm around Oakley’s shoulders, feeling her shiver despite the warmth of the sunrise.
“I can’t believe it’s over.”
“Neither can I,” he admitted gruffly. “But we did it together, and we survived. Now it’s time for us to heal and help others do the same.”
“I think I might not do private practice the way I did. How about virtual?”
“It’s something to consider if you want to do that. I was thinking we could combine forces for part of the time and work on what we are passionate about.”
