Encore (The Black Eagles Series Book 2) (4 page)

              ‘Jay told me if I didn’t do him this one favour it would all come out. He would tell my wife, find the girls and pay them to ruin me. Take everyone involved down with me. We didn’t know. Those guys were as mortified as I was but they’ve moved on, built other careers. I just couldn’t risk losing everything. I couldn’t put my family through that. My daughter’s five now and she doesn’t deserve that, nor does my wife. I’d never cheated before or will again. I wasn’t protecting me. I couldn’t care less about me. My wife and daughter are my world, and I couldn’t put them through that. I couldn’t...’ Dean was sobbing and couldn’t speak any more.

              ‘Shit,’ Luke said, his tone low and shocked.

              ‘I never wanted to hurt you. I had no choice. I couldn’t let my wife hear what I’d done. It would have destroyed her, everything.’

              ‘Well, fuck, Dean. I thought I knew you, trusted you.’ Luke sounded disgusted and he looked at Dean with the same expression.

              ‘Don’t look at me like that. She wasn’t underage in the laws eyes.. I made a massive mistake. I’m so sorry for what I’ve done to my family and you.’  

                            Dean looked at him, desperate to get them to believe it wasn’t how they thought. ‘Luke, you know damn well some look older. We’ve joked about it. You remember in Portland? Those fans, who we all chatted to, all looked old enough. If they hadn’t said how old they were, we’d have been completely none the wiser. I remember you being completely shocked at their age. You were convinced one was at least in her twenties.’

              Luke shot forward but Melissa held him back. ‘Don’t put me in the same box as you,’ he said.

              ‘It’s true, Luke. Can you be absolutely certain that every one of those girls you bedded was legal age. Did you make them show ID before you took them to bed?’

              Luke grabbed Dean round the neck. ‘Yes. I am sure. Yes. I did check it out first. I’m not a complete idiot.’

              Dean shoved Luke’s hand away. ‘Really?

              Luke smiled smugly, knowing that he had covered himself. Yes. He had made damn sure they were adults. If there was even a hint of doubt he backed off. There was so much of it in the news these days that it had been something he was quite paranoid about. He was sure, and there was never a doubt in his mind.

              Melissa pulled Luke back to the sofa, seething with anger. ‘So let me get this straight. You screwed up four years ago, and we suffered for it?’ she threw at him. Sweet, lovely Melissa wasn’t so sweet any more.

              ‘What did the five grand get you?’ Luke asked.

              ‘Not much. We were having money problems. It paid off some of our debts. We weren’t living it up. My wife thought it was a loan from…you. She still thinks that. And...you’ve agreed we don’t have to pay it back.’

              Melissa leapt from the sofa, glaring like a mad woman. ‘She thinks…we gave you that money. Oh, that poor woman. You really are a piece of work! Get out of my house. Get out…’

              Luke followed her in his dismissal. Livid. He stopped him at the door, his hand gripping his arm. ‘You seem to betray everyone who cares for you. If I was a heartless twat, I would go to your wife, tell her exactly what kind of man she’s married to. Lucky for you, I’ll spare her that heartache. You’re right. They don’t deserve to have their worlds ripped apart. I’m tired of all the destruction. I’m done with you. Forgiveness, I can’t give you. My silence is for your wife and your little girl, not you. I will spare an innocent child of that kind of hell. You promise they were sixteen?’ If they were younger, he would have to speak up. He had to. Dean assured him they were legal age in the law’s eyes. Luke nodded. ‘We‘ll leave it at that.’

              ‘Thank you, Luke. I am truly ashamed of myself.’ Luke slammed the door shut. Dean had done all he could, and as he left he knew he had had a lucky escape. Sadness weighed on him; losing Luke as a friend hurt. But he still had his family and that was all that really mattered.
He headed home to tell his wife more lies.

*****

Beth took a step back and admired the room. It had been transformed from a plain and empty spare room into a beautiful nursery. It had taken weeks to get it right, mainly due to Beth changing her mind several times on colour schemes. The furniture had been changed twice, and the cot itself had been changed after arriving damaged. Dale had flinched, when the customer service advisor had answered her call. Beth just wanted it to be perfect, though she knew her obsessiveness was at times a bit excessive. She couldn’t help it. Giving their child the best start in life was important to her. A pretty bedroom was something she’d never had but her child would have, and plenty of toys. But not over the top. They would grow up to appreciate what they had. She would tell them she loved them every day even if it annoyed the hell out of them as they grew up. They’d eventually agreed on blue, red and white for several reasons. It didn’t matter what sex the baby was with those combinations as they were Portsmouth football club colours. Dale had agreed, of course. White walls and blue furniture apart from the cot. That was red. The bedding was white laced with blue and red embroidery.

              ‘It’s perfect,’ Dale said as he leaned against the door frame. Beth smiled over her shoulder at him. They could finally relax as everything was ready. Her hospital bag had been packed and put by the door three months ago, and her due date was June 27th which was quite exciting as it was four days before Dale’s birthday. He would repeatedly tell her bump to hold out until July 1st so he could share birthdays with his firstborn. Toby had started a sweepstake on the actual date, and the winning amount was now at £300. Of course, Dale had claimed his birth date.

              Beth sighed as she looked at Dale and he saw the worry on her face. ‘We can do this right?’ she asked again for reassurance.

              Dale smiled and nodded, before crossing the room, embracing her and rubbing the now very large bump. ‘Yes, of course we can.’ He kissed her nose, softly. ‘Stop worrying.’

              ‘I can’t help it. Do you think the band will be OK? What if nobody signs you? I don’t mean to sound like I’m doubting you, but I’m worried if after all that’s happened it might put them off…’ she trailed off, realising how bad that sounded.

              Dale put a finger under her chin, tilting it upwards. ‘Babe, that isn’t going to happen. Luke’s already had calls. He just needs a bit of space. He’s still struggling with it all. And I don’t blame him or Toby.’

              Beth nodded. She knew he was right and she didn’t want to sound selfish. Of course she understood. She was just overthinking things and worrying. Plus, her photography business had slowed down and she’d had to stop taking on work because it was too much at the moment. Being heavily pregnant and the stress of all that surrounded them had made it difficult. She’d decided to take a break until things had settled and the baby was here.

              ‘We’re going to be just fine. And so is our little bump,’ Dale said, beaming as he felt a kick. ‘We’ve got a striker in there. Got a good kick on them.’

‘Feel better?’ Megan asked as Toby tucked her hair behind her ear and she wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. He had just come back in from one of the barns that had come with the beautiful home he’d purchased after Luke had been found. He had converted it into a practice/studio room and had been practising, or rather beating the shit out of his drum kit. Today had been a less brutal attack on his prized possession and he was in a much happier mood. Jay-Den had been sentenced that morning. He’d been given twelve years, and although it didn’t seem enough it could have been worse and he could have been found not guilty.

              ‘Much better. Today’s a good day,’ he said smiling.

              ‘Good, I’m glad. Yes, it is.’ Megan’s phone buzzed. It was one of her many Twitter followers. Beth had managed to break Megan’s stance on social media after weeks of telling her it was fun. She still wasn’t sure about it, but it wasn’t as bad as she had first thought. She hadn’t seen the point if only about five people cared what she did. But how wrong she had been. Her following was now twelve thousand strong. It seemed that Megan was an inspiration to a lot of people. Finally, she fitted in. Her lonely past was erased, but she used her knowledge to help and guide those just like her, and she loved interacting with people. She even had a few male admirers, which Toby thought was great. One had told her, ‘I love you, please leave him for me’ – all done publicly – to which Toby had responded with, ‘You are a very brave man, sunshine.’ But it had ended on a friendly note. She tapped away on her phone and Toby smiled as he watched her.

              Things were finally looking up. They were happy in their new home, a farmhouse, with acres of land. It was perfect and just a few miles from Megan’s parents who lived in a place called Liss. It reminded them of Melissa every time they said it now. It was private and had been a massive part of her healing process. There was one other obstacle that they needed to overcome – sex. It still hadn’t been fully discussed, and now it was time. Megan took his hand and made him sit next to her.

              ‘I’m well aware of how patient you’ve been with me, and for not pressuring me, or making me feel like a freak,’ Megan said, avoiding his gaze.

              ‘You are not a freak, and I would never pressure you into anything. Although I am male and you always look so good. I’m starting to struggle to keep my hands off you.’ Toby winked cheekily. Megan was becoming much more into fashion with the help of Melissa, keeping her geek chic style but adding a little sassiness to it. It had gained her some following, girls that seemed to copy her style. They called themselves TeamMegMayness and Toby loved it. They had also gained a celebrity couple name, Togan, alongside Lulissa for Luke and Melissa which Luke hated. He wasn’t a fan of celebrity couple naming in general and thought Lulissa sounded like some drag act.

              ‘I’m sorry and I am a freak. I’m twenty-four and a virgin and been kissed only once before you.’ It had been at her mother’s party, years ago, and was the son of her mother’s friend. They were both thirteen and she’d felt it was more that he felt sorry for her. It felt weird and it went no further. He went back to boarding school and she didn’t hear from him again.

              ‘It doesn’t matter.’ 

              ‘Yes, it does. I want to, but I’m scared of disappointing you.’ She let all her fears out. Everything that worried her. How she had no idea what to do, what did he want from her, what did he like, or not like. 

              ‘I don’t expect anything. When it happens, you’ll know what to do, trust me. It isn’t about experience. It’s an instinct. Natural human desire.’ He looked at her and smiled. ‘Anyway, I like the idea of you being mine, and only mine.’

              ‘Seriously?’

              ‘Yes. You’re my Megan. I just wish the same could be said for me,’ he said looking a bit guilty.

              Megan didn’t want to think about how many women he had been with. ‘You’re mine now. I can pretend, and at least one of us will know what they’re doing.’

              He noticed that she didn’t look away from him and there was a little more confidence in her expression.

              ‘True, speaking of which, when can we…?’ he asked braving it a little. It was the first time the subject of sex had been discussed without her clamming up and changing the subject.

              ‘Soon,’ she promised. ‘Once this surprise party is out of the way. I’m all yours. Let’s get this barn sorted out.’

              Toby rolled his eyes, playfully. ‘Fine.’

*****

Melissa had laughed so much her face hurt. She had spent the day with Luke at the bird sanctuary, only the second time she had been with him. Going out had been hard for her over the months, with discussions over her face being the main topic of the world’s conversations. Although the fact that she had almost single-handedly brought down one of the biggest record labels was now taking over. It was Luke’s fortnightly visit to Black Rose, the eagle he sponsored at a sanctuary. It had been a birthday present from Melissa and he loved it. He had become very close to Carl, Black Rose’s trainer, and could spend hours there. He wanted to learn everything about the bird as she was like a child to him. He adored the bird, and it seemed the feeling was mutual. Carl had commented to Melissa about how quickly they had bonded with each other.

              ‘He’s a natural,’ Carl had said as they watched the bird swoop down, land on Luke’s arm then take off again. Carl had been worried that after their ordeals their sponsorship would be cancelled. He understood, but had been surprised when Luke had called just a week after leaving hospital, confirming that Black Rose would still be looked after.

              Luke and Melissa drove down country lanes, laughing and smiling. He held her hand as she talked about their day. Her smile warmed her face, and her blues eyes had life in them again, making his heart swell with love for her. This wasn’t something he had seen in her much over the recent months. He was getting his Liss back, and right now that was all he cared about. Her weight was back to normal and she looked healthy. Her scars were hardly even noticeable to him. It had been a hard few months. They had cried together and fought with each other. Melissa had blamed herself and Luke had refused at first to listen to the details of what Jay-Den had tried to do. It had made him sick with rage and he’d been on benders, mainly drink, to try to cope with it. But six weeks after coming home from hospital he had turned to cocaine again. He got so angry that he couldn’t focus on anything but that. His songwriting was none existent or pure darkness and it had enraged Melissa, breaking her heart. It was something that would always be a threat, and Luke had to be at rock bottom to turn to it. He hated himself afterwards, more because he would see the disappointment in his girlfriend’s eyes. She would always get him back on his feet. But his health was now back to normal and he hadn’t touched drugs for months. Going to the gym with Toby had really helped him focus. While he’d concentrated on Melissa he hadn’t noticed how ill he had looked. He’d been so skinny when he’d been brought into the hospital, he’d looked like half the man he was, and his hair hadn’t been up to his usual standard. He hated long hair, and by the time he’d been allowed home he definitely needed a haircut, not to mention a shave. He had joked about growing a beard until Melissa had reacted in horror. She wasn’t a fan of beards, and if she was honest Luke looked ridiculous with one. He couldn’t pull it off, she had told him, much to his disappointment. Luckily, their love and loyalty to each other had got them through it. Even when they were screaming at each other it wasn’t hate or anger for each other but because they cared so much. They just wanted to help each other and when one refused to listen it was frustrating.

              ‘Today’s been great,’ Luke said.

              ‘It has. Nice to finally be able to live again. Twelve years. I hope he’s having a terrible time inside.’

              Luke gripped her hand. ‘I’m sure he is. But let’s not talk about that prick. Tonight we celebrate with our friends.’

              Melissa had no idea what was really planned for the night’s entertainment. She thought it was just a few drinks at Toby’s with the usual gang. Luke tried to hide his smile as he sent a warning text to Beth, and hoped they were ready.

*****

‘Positions people. They’re almost here!’ Beth yelled and clapped her hands. Toby’s barn was now a private club for Melissa. A celebration for winning the case, and a very late twenty-first birthday party. She had turned twenty-one just days after Luke had been found, and after all she had been through her birthday had gone by without much fuss. Luke had felt awful about it. Everyone deserved a twenty-first birthday party in whatever way suitable. His had been a week in Amsterdam with the lads and it had been a week he would never forget. But that was another story, so he had decided to combine the two, now things were better.

              There was a sound system and a stage put together that afternoon. The floor had been cleaned up to create a dance floor with tables and chairs around it, and the walls were covered in black velvet with silver and purple markings to represent her favourite things. Shoes, mainly. A table decorated to match the theme displayed her presents and there was a chocolate fountain.

              Of course, Toby had built a very large bar, and it had been well stocked up. Nobody would be thirsty. The specially selected guests were all ready for a party with the usual suspects in attendance, as were the parents. Once the party had been suggested, Beth had gone into full party planner mode. It had been a godsend to Luke, as he couldn’t have done it without her bossy, organisational skills. She had been nicknamed Monica from
Friends
.

              Megan had called Silver Daggers and asked them to play. Luke had felt awkward asking them, as they had been affected by the events too, and been dropped suddenly by the label with no explanation or any pay-off. They were back to square one, struggling to get gigs. No other label had snapped them up, and Luke felt terrible. They had jumped at the chance, and had arrived early to make sure they were ready.

              Zac, their front man, idolised Luke, and held no bad feelings towards him or Melissa. He was just as shocked by everything, and all he wanted to know was why they had been dropped without any explanation. Bands were suing the label and pulling out of contracts and his band hadn’t done any of that, so he was confused as to why they were discarded so quickly. It was clear the label wouldn’t be around much longer. He would have liked to have had the decency of a personal visit, instead of it being by letter and nothing more.

              Lyla Ross, Zac’s girlfriend, arrived with them, excited to be on the small but important guest list. Ray and his wife were also there, and Jack, Megan’s friend from Sky Storm, who had walked out the very next day after his findings, had offered to run the bar for the night. Some of the band’s old school friends had been invited, back from travelling or university. Echo were the headline act, and despite heading off on tour the next day were fully ready for the show. It had been agreed by their label, Purple Velvet, and their management. It was also in Purple Velvet’s favour to allow it, considering they were lying in wait for a chance to swoop in and have The Black Eagles for themselves. So keeping them sweet was important. Luke had made it very clear that they were not interested in signing anything for a while. Record labels everywhere were like dogs on heat, waiting.

              ‘Oh, shit. They’re here,’ Beth squealed, as she heard the car coming up the dirt track. Megan ran outside to take her position as the welcoming host. The only problem was that Megan, standing all dressed up in a lovely white cocktail dress, would give Melissa a clue that this wasn’t just a normal low-key get together. But she didn’t have time to worry about that now.

              As they pulled up beside Megan, the first thing Melissa noticed was how pretty her friend looked, and then why was she all dressed up. Luke shrugged when she commented on this. She wasn’t convinced.

              ‘What is going on?’ she asked, excited, as she got out of the car. Megan smiled widely, before hugging her. Luke opened the boot of the car and pulled out a purple holdall which he handed to her. He kissed her cheek before leaving her standing watching him disappear into the barn. She didn’t have time to question him as Megan was already rushing her to the main house and to one of the guest bedrooms. It was made up ready for guests like a hotel. Champagne and chocolates sat on a wooden table in the middle of the room and on the floor was a box wrapped in purple paper with silver bows.

              ‘What have you lot been up to?’ Melissa asked. ‘Why all this odd behaviour?’

              Megan told her to just open the envelope, which she handed to her.

              ‘What is this?’ Melissa asked feeling the excitement growing.

              ‘Open it, come on. I’ve had to keep quiet for too long,’ Megan said. The excitement was becoming all too much. The keeping it a secret from Melissa had been torture.

              Melissa ripped the envelope open, and inside was a card. A thank you card, with a simple rose on the front. The message inside was written in Luke’s handwriting: