Crisler narrowed his eyes before he pulled a key out of his pocket to unlock the door. "When this all blows up in your face. I'll make sure I'm the one that gets the satisfaction of putting your a.s.ses behind bars." Crisler pushed the door open.

"Keep dreaming, Crisler," Jackson said as he jumped up in the back of the truck to examine the contents. His phone began to vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw Teddy's face on his screen. "Yeah."

"Marcel Quintano's son was just arrested for drug trafficking. The s.h.i.t they have on him indicates he'll be locked up until he's a f.u.c.king old man."

Jackson looked over at Crisler, knowing he had to be careful what he said in his presence. "Is there a connection?"

"It's a bit unclear, but if I had to guess, Chase Quintano was a scapegoat for Stodden. The set up for the drugs was far more advanced than this kid with a record of petty break-ins and speeding tickets. This was a professional job, and every f.u.c.king corner was swept clean. Chase was handed to the police with a pretty f.u.c.king bow, and if you ask me, we only know one person capable of that."

"Good enough for me," Jackson replied as he unzipped one of the black bags sitting in the back of the truck.

"Haffey was involved in the case," Teddy added.

"It's my lucky day." Jackson hung up and pa.s.sed the bag to Dane. Jackson jumped down from the back of the truck and grabbed the other bag, swinging it over his shoulder. "We'd invite you to the party, Crisler, but your ugly face scares all the girls away."

"f.u.c.k you, Finley," Crisler bit off.

"What makes you think these guys won't just run us over? 'Cause I gotta tell you, I really like my face the way it is. I mean, look at me," Teddy said, rubbing his hand on the side of his face. "I'm f.u.c.king beautiful."

Jackson couldn't help but smile and shake his head. "If they don't stop, your face is the last thing you'll be worried about." They were standing in the middle of the old highway, leaning against Jackson's car that was parked across both lanes. It was mainly used by transport trucks and was the road of choice for the Heathens because it was less patrolled than the main roads that ran through Belhaven. Jackson knew they would use this road on the way to this particular meeting.

"But seriously, my face is my opening move, man. It draws the ladies in. If anything happens to it I'll have to start with my second move, and somehow I think it won't work as well without my first move to lead them into the situation."

"What's your second move?"

"My d.i.c.k. It's a proven infallible move to lead with my face and then smoothly move into phase two, which works every time. If I have to start with my d.i.c.k hanging out 'cause my face is all marred to s.h.i.t, then I have a feeling it's not gonna have the same result. The ladies trust these dimples. I mean, my d.i.c.k is pretty awesome, but ladies don't appreciate it if you whip it out too soon. It's a science that I've mastered."

Jackson turned when he heard Dane whistle from up the hill. He wanted a better vantage point to see them approach. Dane started jogging toward the open trunk of the car that held all his toys. Dane never liked to enter any situation without an a.r.s.enal at his disposal.

"I just hope you know what you're doing, Jackson," Teddy said, his tone growing more serious.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to your pretty face." Jackson smiled.

The sound of a low rumble began to grow louder until the earth began to vibrate beneath their feet. Numerous motorcycles began to appear from around the curve of the road and line up as they slowed down when they noticed the unexpected road block.

Jackson raised his hands to show he was unarmed as the bikes came to a stop. One of the men dismounted his bike, and pulled his helmet off to reveal a thick head of grey hair. Jackson knew it was Marcel immediately. The others soon followed suit, turning their bikes off.

"Don't pull out a gun, Dane. Do not show a weapon unless they shoot first. I mean it. Unless they pull the trigger, do not flash your piece. Every one of them is armed to s.h.i.t," Jackson insisted. Dane nodded with a clenched jaw.

Jackson began walking toward them, Teddy stayed close to his side as he approached. The group of them were as rough cut as you'd expect a group of bikers to be. They all looked like the road had chewed them up and spit them out.

"Aren't they the guys from that garage you got Evan's. .h.i.t from?" Teddy asked when they were close enough to see the faces of the men.

"Yep."

Marcel stepped forward and pulled a gun out of his holster and pointed it toward Jackson's head. Jackson didn't move as he kept his hands up in the air. Every one of the men pulled out a weapon. The odds did not look good for them if Jackson didn't talk his way out of this.

"Quintano," Jackson acknowledged.

"Finley," Quintano replied. "I'd advise you to get the f.u.c.k out of our way."

"It's good to see you too," Jackson replied blandly. "I need to talk to you."

Quintano narrowed his eyes as he stared over the barrel of his gun. "Bang," he said before he broke out into a grin and lowered his gun. "I've got nothing to say, so move out of my way before I make you."

"I think you'll want to listen. It involves your son and Stodden." Jackson threw it out on a whim that they had come to the correct conclusion.

Quintano's tightened his lips as he stared at Jackson suspiciously.

"What of my son?"

"It involves him getting out of that jail cell and back on his bike."

"Let's find a better place for this conversation," Quintano said, tucking his gun away and heading back toward his bike. "Follow us."

Jackson nodded before turning around and heading back toward their car. Dane hadn't moved since they left him, his eyes still remained on the men behind Jackson and Teddy.

"You have a lot of explaining to do, Jackson," Teddy said, looking back over his shoulder as he followed Jackson to their car.

"You have no idea."

CHAPTER.

TWENTY-EIGHT.

Stephanie The curtains were pulled closed in the hotel room, giving the illusion of a late hour. Stephanie sat on the edge of the bed, numbly flicking through the channels to find something to distract her thoughts. She pulled her robe tight around her and smoothed her wet hair away from her face. She anxiously awaited Nate as he showered. She was terrified to be alone. Every sound had her on edge.

They had come back here after they had talked to Detective Haffey about what had happened with Alden. Nate had filled her in on the connection he believed Alden had with his own wife's abduction, Masten, and the fact that it all led back to Stodden. The line he showed her was so clear no one could deny it.

Stephanie couldn't help but notice the dark circles under Detective Haffey's eyes. She looked fragile as she jotted down all the information Nate could give her. Stephanie didn't know her well because most of her dealings were with Officer Carlton, but she remembered the normally fierce Detective. Stephanie and couldn't help but wonder what this meant.

Stephanie hadn't been able to get a hold of Lexie, but Nate a.s.sured her that Jackson was keeping him up to date and there was nothing to worry about. She wanted to believe him, but there was something in his eyes that terrified her.

Stephanie didn't want to think of about any of it but she didn't know how to shut it off. If she closed her eyes she could still see Alden's body lying on the street, surrounded by blood. Her chest still felt too tight as she concentrated on taking deep breaths.

Stephanie's eyes flashed open when a familiar name was spoken on the television. The remote fell out of her hand when she saw Masten's picture displayed on the screen. Those eyes bored right into her as he stared back at her. Stephanie pulled her legs up against her chest and wrapped her arms around herself.

"We just got word that Terrance Masten has died today. He was being held at Rosewater Penitentiary while authorities prepared for his sentencing. The once beloved Mayor of Belhaven had recently become one of the most hated men in the community when the truth of his nature was revealed. No official statements have been released from Rosewater but rumor has it that he was involved in an altercation with other inmates. More details are to come once we know more..."

Stephanie turned around when she heard a noise behind her. Nate was standing in the doorway of the washroom watching the screen. He had heard it all; she could see it on his face.

"I wanted him dead. I thought about it so much because I thought it would make me feel happy, but I don't know what I feel. There is too much mess inside me to know anything anymore." Stephanie reached for the remote and turned the television off.

Nate pushed off the doorframe and sat down next to her on the bed, his weight caused her to lean toward him. She didn't even try to stop as she collapsed against him. He wrapped his arm around her and held her close. He had jogging pants on but his chest was still bare and damp from the shower. He felt safe and warm and she didn't want to let go. "Pain from something like that never goes away. It becomes a part of you and you have to learn how to find happiness despite it. It will take time. At least you can find comfort in knowing that he won't hurt anyone else." The vibrations of his voice through his chest were comforting and she closed her eyes.

"I'm so tired of being scared."

"You and me both," Nate confessed with a sad smile.

"There is so much in my head. I need it all to go away even just for a minute so I can breathe," Stephanie whispered. She ran her hand over Nate's stomach. His entire body stiffened as she placed her hand on his lap and grabbed hold of him. She could feel him harden in her hold.

"Don't, Stephanie. This isn't going to help." Nate placed his hand over hers.

"I need to feel something good." Stephanie pulled her hand from under his and stood in front of him. Her knees were pressed into his as he watched her.

Stephanie untied her robe and let it fall away until she was completely exposed. Nate closed his eyes and took a deep breath as she climbed on his lap and shoved his pants down. His erection sprung free and Stephanie grabbed him firmly and slid him inside her. She was acting without thought and felt detached.

It was uncomfortable as Nate slid inside her because her body refused to become aroused, refused to fill her with need. She could feel the tears begin to surface as she shoved Nate back and pressed his shoulders into the bed. She couldn't look him in the eye or she would fall apart. She just needed to ignite a part of her that would remind her she was still alive.

She thrust her hips hard and fast in search of pleasure but her body remained numb and it terrified her. This was not natural, she was not natural anymore. She was frantic for the pleasure that eluded her. This side of her was a stranger, she didn't understand this version of herself but she had no will to fight it, either.

Nate tightened his grip on her thighs. "Steph?" he said in a pained voice. "Stop. Please stop."

She looked into his concerned eyes. The tears sprung to life and poured from her eyes. He pulled her toward him and she let herself fall against his body. He held onto her while her hot tears soaked his chest.

Stephanie wasn't sure how much time had pa.s.sed when he rolled her onto her side and pulled the blanket over her. He stayed with her and she was so grateful. She didn't even know what to say to him. She felt so exhausted and embarra.s.sed about her behavior.

They both remained quiet for what felt like hours as Nate brushed her hair gently with his fingers. He seemed to be just as lost in thought as she was.

"I'm sorry." Stephanie finally broke the silence when she found the strength.

"For what? Giving me an enormous case of blue-b.a.l.l.s?" Nate asked.

Stephanie moaned and turned her face into his shoulder. "I shouldn't have done that."

Nate took a long, deep breath. "I wish I could make your pain go away, Stephanie. Trying to drown it out with s.e.x or anything else doesn't work. I know better than anyone. It's what I did for years." Nate rubbed his hand down his face. He grew quiet for a few minutes. "I was in a bad place and it's not far enough behind me to risk it. I wanted to give up. I did give up. I put a gun in my mouth and pulled the trigger."

"What?" Stephanie gasped. She stared at him in the dim light.

"I wouldn't be here right now if Jackson hadn't taken the bullets. I need things in my life to mean something. I've spent my whole life chasing after meaningless things in an effort to find happiness. I can't do that anymore. I can't be that for you, knowing I'm a frantic effort to feel something other than despair. It would just add to this giant mess we're in."

"You're right. Everything is such a huge mess and I'm the biggest of all." Stephanie placed her hands on her face. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I wasn't thinking."

Nate reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She didn't want him to ever let go. "You didn't hurt me...emotionally, at least."

"Oh G.o.d, I'm sorry."

"I'm just joking," Nate a.s.sured her.

"I'm so glad Jackson stopped you," Stephanie confessed. "You're one of the best things that happened to me."

"I'm glad he did too, because I feel the same about you."

"Can we forget what I did?" Stephanie asked.

"Not a f.u.c.king chance." Nate's smile radiated through his words.

Stephanie moaned in embarra.s.sment again. "At least don't tell anyone."

"By anyone, do you mean..." Nate began but Stephanie gave him a playful shove and he broke out into laughter. It was her new favorite sound. In this moment she couldn't think of anything more beautiful.

Nate's phone began to ring across the room. His laughter died away as he pushed himself off the bed. Stephanie watched him check the caller ID before he answered the call quickly.

"Jacks," he answered.

Stephanie didn't move as she watched him listening on the phone. Panic bubbled up in her throat as she watched his face for any sign that something horrible happened, but he gave nothing away.

"I'll be there as soon as I can," Nate replied before ending the call and looking at Stephanie.

"What is it? Is Lexie all right?" Stephanie sat up and pulled the blanket up to her neck.

"Jackson needs my help. I need you to stay here. I'm gonna call Officer Carlton and get you some protection. I will be back as soon as I can," Nate said. He grabbed his clothes off the back of the chair and headed toward the bathroom.

"Is everything okay?" Stephanie asked.

"Define okay," Nate asked with a raised brow.

Stephanie shook her head sadly.

"Let's just say all players are still accounted for, and considering the circ.u.mstances, it's as good as it gets." Nate shut the door to the bathroom. Stephanie released her breath and collapsed back on the bed. She stared up at the ceiling and silently prayed that Lexie would be safe. She prayed they would all be safe.

CHAPTER.

TWENTY-NINE.