That Day, Karen Deen [early readers .txt] 📗

miles of suburbia, heading to the safehouse, though I have no idea where it is. Ghost and Kurt have told me what is happening, and I feel in control in that way, but there are certain things that I don’t need to know, for everyone’s safety.

I don’t know how long it’s been since we left the harbor area, but between Kurt and Ghost’s phone conversations, I know we are almost at the house where I will finally come face to face with Davina again.

I don’t know how I feel about everything that has happened. When my life was turned upside down and inside out, she was the one person who was there for me. The constant face and voice on the end of a phone who I could talk to about anything.

Then when I started writing, she was my number-one supporter and the only person I had to communicate with the outside world. She encouraged me, beta read all my books, and pushed me to be a better writer.

She let me get to know Kurt and didn’t make me move away from him, although now I doubt those motives, because I’m starting to think there was more to it than I understand.

I’m so confused where it all went wrong between us.

Why would she turn against me?

I know her sister’s life was in danger too, but I would have thought that she of all people would have the contacts to get her sister back without using my life as leverage.

But then again, you don’t always think rationally when you are backed into a corner.

Kurt’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. “We’re here, baby. Now, I want you to stay in the car with me until we’re cleared to enter. And even then, do not leave my side, do you understand?”

“Yes, but I don’t know if I can do this. What do I even say to her?” I know I have the right to let loose with all the frustration I feel, but that’s not the sort of person I am, and especially right now.

“For now, you say very little. We just need to get information from her, and then she will be dealt with. Her sister will receive the medical help she needs, and then they will be looked after and protected until it’s all over. But you don’t need to worry about all of that.” Kurt has turned now, looking at me after the car came to a stop in front of the garage door that is closing behind Davina’s car. “Do you still have the pistol on under your shirt?”

I nod my head.

Never in my life did I picture I would be carrying a gun, but both Ghost and Kurt insisted I have it in case anything went wrong over the next few days. They don’t want me vulnerable on my own.

I wanted to put my foot down and say no, but then I realized it could be the difference between Kurt living or dying. If I have to, that’s the only time I’ll use it.

Ghost’s voice again fills the car. “House is clear. Badger has them, and Hawk is attending to the sister now.”

“Holy shit, Badger, the old bastard, I haven’t seen him in years. God, where are you pulling all these guys up from?” Kurt says, a little shocked.

“I’m telling him you said that, and you will never know, big guy.” Ghost laughs a little. It’s the first sign from either of them that the pressure has let off for the moment.

“Davina clear of weapons?” Kurt asks before he opens his door.

“Does a bear shit in the woods?”

“Oh, and now he wants to be the comedian.” Kurt has a half smile.

“Well, stop asking dumb questions. Of course, she’s clean. Get moving.”

“Yes, boss. She’d better have a fucking good story.”

“Agreed, now go in and find out what it is.”

“Roger that,” Kurt replies, and once again Ghost is gone.

Just listening to the two of them talking and working together, I am beginning to understand what it’s like to work as part of a team. Especially one that you have to rely on to keep you alive. There are heroes in all walks of life, not just our armed services. To be honest, I think most of them are in silent roles we don’t even know exist, and that’s the point.

“Just take a big breath and let’s go in and hear her out. Then we can move on without her in our lives. What do you say?” Kurt gives me time to process what we are about to do.

“Okay, I’m ready.” With that, he nods at me and gets out of the car, then opens my door for me. He leans in and gives me a quick kiss, just enough to give me strength and center me but not long enough that he is distracted from what’s around him.

Taking my hand, we quickly walk to the front door. Kurt doesn’t knock, just opens the door and walks us straight in.

Inside is the average American home. Living room with carpet, a couch with the chaise on the end, and a coffee table in front of it. The television mounted on the wall and a couple of prints on either side of it. The curtains have a blind underneath which is drawn down at the moment, obviously so no one can see inside.

The living room has an archway that leads to the dining room with a hardwood table and the kitchen directly behind it.

Seated at the table is Davina with her head in her hands on the table’s surface. I can hear the tears from here, sobbing sounds mixing with her words. “What did I do? I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry, I had no choice, I’m so sorry.”

I don’t think she has realized we’re standing here, but I can’t stand by and watch someone in such distress. Walking forward before I can change my mind, Kurt pulls backwards on my hand, but I turn and shake my head at him.