Spike (15 page)

“Me?”

“He wants me to bring you to him.”

“Who?”

“The person who’s behind this … it’s your father.”

“My father?” he says. His words catch in his throat. He buries his head in his hands and sits on the floor. His world must feel like it’s crashing down around him. I know I’ve got my father issues, but this … this is some fucked-up shit.

He breathes heavily in and out, saying not so much as a word.

I join him on the floor, and wrap my arms around his heavily-laden shoulders.

“I’m so sorry, Aidan.”

He mutters, under his breath. “This is beyond fucked.”

“We’ll get through this, Aidan.”

He clenches his hands in tight fists, like he’s trying to rid himself of the pain.

“You know when I went to Cassie’s place for the movie night?”

His brows pull together, and he tilts his head. “Yeah,” he says.

“I told Cassie what was happening. She knew something was wrong. You know me. I can’t hide how I’m feeling. I had to tell someone, and I thought if that someone wasn’t you, they wouldn’t find out.”

“Who else knows?”

“Cassie called her brother, and he came over. He’s … a cop.”

“And?”

“He was going to make some enquiries to see who we’re dealing with.”

“And?”

“He said it was serious. Ryan said he needs to talk to us.”

“When?” His stare is cold. He must really be pissed.

“The sooner the better, but I don’t want to do it here. The fact they’ve been around here, watching us, totally freaks me out. We need to meet somewhere neutral.”

Creases form across Aidan’s forehead. “How about dinner at May’s? It’s crowded enough, and we can ask Cassie and Ryan to both come so it doesn’t look bad.” It’s definitely a start.

“Okay. I’ll call Cassie now and set it up as soon as we can.”

****

That night in bed, I know I should give Aidan space, but it’s impossible when I need him closer than ever. I spoon in behind him, resting my cheek against his warm skin, and I slip my arm around to his chest. His heart knocks against my hand, as if beating my betrayal.

“I’m sorry, Aidan. I’m so sorry I lied to you.” My tears fall on his back, and he turns around to face me.

He draws me into his embrace, kissing me on the forehead. We couldn’t get any closer to each other, but in this moment he has never seemed so far away.

“Don’t cry, Eevie,” he says flatly. I wish he’d said, “I forgive you” instead. That would make me feel a whole lot better. I feel bad enough about this as it is. I can’t ask him to forgive me; he has to want to do it, and say it, of his own accord.

But I can’t stop crying. I can’t deal any other way. I say the words
please forgive me
over and over in my head, hoping that somehow they seep through to him. Have I really done it? Are we damaged?

I regret lying to him. Of course I do. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t do it all over again.

****

We’re shivering our arses off, waiting outside the restaurant, when Cassie and Ryan approach us. Cassie pulls me into a hug and kisses me on the cheek. She’s still wearing the black dress and stockings she wore to work, paired with a smart red jacket.

“Hi, Cassie,” I say, and then return to Aidan’s side.

“Hey,” Aidan says to Cassie, giving her a nod. His attention turns to Ryan.

“Hey, guys. Aidan, this is my brother, Ryan,” Cassie says formally.

Ryan looks sharp, not casual like he did the first time we met. A navy double-breasted wool coat hugs his broad chest and muscular arms. Navy pin-stripe suit pants tailor to his strong, long legs, finished off with expensive-looking black leather shoes. His sandy-brown hair is styled in a tamed mess. He’s pretty overdressed, when Aidan and I are in jeans and jumpers.

Ryan extends his hand to Aidan. Aidan looks him up and down before taking his hand and shaking it. “Ryan Clark,” he says firmly.

“Aidan Stone,” Aidan says, his words just as firm.

“Hey, man,” Ryan says and then releases his hand and puts it on my shoulder. “Good to see you again, Eevie.”

“You too, Ryan. Let’s get inside, I’m freezing,” I say trying to stop myself from shaking.

Aidan wraps his arm around my shoulders and opens the door.

May gives us a beaming grin, and leads the four of us through the bustling restaurant to a table in the back corner. Ryan unbuttons his wool coat, draping it over the back of his chair, revealing a smart suit jacket which matches his pants, a sharp-pressed white and grey striped shirt and a pink tie.
It takes a confident man to wear pink.

We start with a round of drinks, and Aidan and Ryan take over the ordering. When it appears they’ve finished, Ryan selects another dish, and then Aidan one more. They’ve ordered far too much, but they both assure us they’re starving. It seems more like a pissing contest to me. Two strong proud alphas facing off … but surely they know they need to work together.

Once we’ve finished our entrees and had a glass of wine, we sit and stare at each other, I guess waiting for someone to speak first. Aidan eyes Ryan like
he’s
the enemy, instead of the person that might be able to get us out of this shit. Usually Aidan gives anyone a chance, and takes the opportunity to get to know them before he passes judgment. It appears in this case that he’s already made one.

May clears our plates from the table, and breezes back towards the kitchen. “Let’s get down to business,” Ryan says and rubs his thumb and forefinger over his stubbled jaw. Aidan places one arm protectively around my shoulders, and rests the other on the table.

“Let’s,” Aidan says, like he’s ready for battle.

“I’ve been in touch with some key contacts, and have come across some pertinent information regarding our person of interest … or what we call
POI
.

“We reviewed some historical licensing records, and from a photo we were able to run a search against other known criminals. We came up with a match. In the system, though, we didn’t have the name you gave us, Eevie, but had him as having a number of other aliases. It’s the same guy that’s been on the
Australia’s Most Wanted
list.”

Australia’s Most
fucking
Wanted
list? Of course he is. I shake my head in disbelief. “Oh my God,” I say, barely above a whisper.

Ryan takes a folded piece of paper from inside the breast pocket of his jacket. He unfolds it. It’s a photo of a man with dark-brown hair with grey streaks through it. Bright-blue eyes, and a cleft chin, he looks like a regular guy … not a wanted fugitive. I can’t help but reread the bottom line.

Anyone who sees this man is urged not to approach him and to call 000, while anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Aidan glances briefly at the photo like Ryan has put a ticking bomb on the table between them.

“What’s he wanted for?” Aidan asks, talking through his teeth as if someone might be lip-reading from nearby.

I take Aidan’s hand and hold it under the table.

“He managed to escape from a raid where we seized commercial quantities of controlled drugs, namely cocaine, stolen goods and illegal firearms. The raid was a result of intelligence, which suggested he was involved in a sophisticated drug syndicate involved in ferrying cocaine through interstate transportation links. There’s also the matter of the disappearance of one of our informants, who gave us enough intel to conduct the raid.”

“Fuck,” Aidan says, and clenches his jaw.

“Our POI probably didn’t intend to get involved in this drug syndicate. Our intelligence suggests that he was a member of a notorious motorcycle gang and had some pretty hefty gambling debts with the wrong kind of people. This syndicate has been known to target people in a similar situation to him, as they are at the point of desperation and will do anything to get sharks off their back.”

“Do you guys have any idea where he is?” I ask, praying that he’s not here in Canberra. If he is I don’t wanna know. A man this dangerous I don’t want lurking outside my bedroom window. A violent shudder makes me squirm in my chair. Just the thought that he could be close is terrifying.

“His current whereabouts is unknown. We suspect he’s underground, because the trail has been cold for some time. He may or may not still be in the country, but that’s anyone’s guess. Last reports suggest he’s in New South Wales. The police aren’t the only ones looking for him, though. Debts like he has … if they aren’t paid, they’ll be out for blood. I hate to say it, but these kinda people will go to great lengths to get their money. If
he
found you, there’s a chance …” Ryan’s voice trails off, and he takes another sip of beer.

Is he trying to say they could use us as leverage for payment? We could get killed by association? Could this mess get any worse?

Aidan and I look at each other, his eyes filled with a cloud of emotion. He squeezes my hand under the table, and I hold on, like he’s my lifeline.

“I’ve spoken to some key men who are on a taskforce targeting wanted persons, and when I mentioned our POI they wanted to know more. I said I was just making enquiries, but if it led to anything I’d keep them in the loop. But they’re not going to forget me anytime soon. He’s extremely dangerous. I would highly advise letting us know of any contact you have with him … and as for meeting him, if I were you guys, I wouldn’t even consider it without backup. You wouldn’t know what you were walking into, and you don’t necessarily know what he wants. It’s preferable we get to him first as opposed to feeding him to the lions, as he could offer some insight into the network and help us take down the bigger players in the syndicate, once and for all.”

Aidan is quiet, but I guarantee he has taken in every word. I can’t imagine how it must feel for him to hear such bad things about his father. He knew his dad was a gambler, but finding out that his father is a fugitive and a part of the chain in an elaborate drug network?
Fuck.
I don’t know how
he’s managed to sit still and hear all this. The fact it’s his blood … I hope to God he’s not thinking this changes who
he
is. He’s still an honourable man: a good son, a respected and loyal friend to others, my best friend and my lover for life. Nothing will ever change that. I just hope Aidan holds on.

Our mains arrive, and not a moment too soon. We all seem to need a break from the conversation.

Aidan barely puts a thing on his plate. After one or two mouthfuls, he prods at the food with his fork. Can’t say I blame him. I don’t feel like eating either.

After a while, Ryan pipes up. “I know this is a lot to take in, but I’d like to help. I’ve got a few ideas on how we could handle it … and protect you in the process.” His eyes bore into mine, a chill running through me. I get the feeling he’s not speaking about “you” in the collective, but me. Aidan slips his arm around my shoulders and leans in and kisses me below my ear, then glares back at Ryan. Seems strange to kiss me like that when we’re talking about something so serious.

“We’ll let you know,” Aidan says coolly. He wipes his mouth with a napkin, and tosses it on his plate.

Cassie doesn’t have much to say. In fact, she’s been quiet all night. Perhaps it’s best if she stays that way. She might say something about Aidan and his “baggage”. Every now and again she gives me a reassuring smile. Have I done the right thing in telling her and Ryan?

Aidan is quiet when we get home, and I can’t ignore the waves of worry coming off him. I would have thought he’d have something to say, but I guess this is a lot to process.

“I’m gonna have a shower and go to bed,” he says, each word harsh and cold.

I know this is a lot to take in, and I don’t blame him for reacting this way, I just wish he’d talk to me. I need to know what’s going on in that head of his. I need to know he’s alright.

“Okay,” I reply, getting the message that he wants to be alone. I pull him close, and rest my ear over his heart. He squeezes me and kisses me on the top of my head. I hope he’s not angry with me. I lied. He has every right to be pissed, but if he is, I’d rather him come right out and say it, because his silence is a hundred times worse.

I snuggle deep into bed while the shower streams, giving Aidan the time he needs. He may be in there a while.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

* AIDAN *

The shower’s scalding-hot water does nothing to supress the burning rage that’s climbing up my throat. I can do nothing more than stand, soaking in the heat.

I’m about to lose my shit. Big time.

After all this time, my arsehole excuse for a father, a wanted-fucking-fugitive no less, is threatening to destroy my life. As much as I wanna find this prick and pulverise him, right now it’s taking every ounce of my energy not to have a go at Eevie for not telling me about this mess in the first place.

She lied, and it fucking hurts.

And in comes
Ryan
to save the day. Not me. Fucking Ryan waltzes in with an expensive suit, a cocky spring in his step, knowing all about this shit before I did. He’s got a handle on something I knew nothing about. And he thinks he can protect “us”, but I reckon he was just referring to Eevie. Has he got something against me?

The way he was looking at Eevie, it was as if she were sitting there naked. I bet he’s seen the tape, and that fucking cuts me right up. Sitting directly across from Eevie, he was probably wondering what it would be like having her bounce up and down on his cock.
Fuck
. That moment Eevie and I shared … I can’t stand knowing it’s not ours anymore. That moment of wild abandonment is now tainted.

And Cassie. She could barely hold my eye tonight. I thought we got along well. What the fuck did I do to her?

Had I known about this shit earlier, I could have arranged to meet
him
… if, in fact, meeting me is all he wants. As much as it pains me to acknowledge, he
is
my father.