One of Carter’s
And the nurse from when I was first brought in ?
One of Carter’s as well.
Un-freaking-believable. I threw my hands in the air. So what ? Did all of you decide it would be in my best interest to not tell Carter that I was alive ?
The second guilty look of the day passed over Emilio’s face.
You have got to be shitting me. Seriously ? Why does everyone think they need to control my freaking life ?
I searched for the cord that held the call button for the nurse. Even though I knew it wouldn’t do any good, I slammed my thumb on the button until the charge nurse walked in.
Ms. Mason, what can I do for you ?
The woman didn’t seem fazed as I snapped out my answer, Let me out of this hell hole.
She shook her head and looked to Emilio, I’m afraid the doctor is the only one that can authorize your release Ms. Mason. He made his rounds while you were sleeping and won’t be back until tomorrow evening.
I picked up a pillow and threw it at Emilio. You. Work your freaking voodoo magic shit and get me out of here. Tonight.
Sorry, Lea. I can’t do that. A sly smile lit his mouth, However, I do believe that since you are over the age of eighteen, you can sign yourself out AMA.
I looked between the nurse and Emilio. What is AMA ?
He shrugged his shoulder’s, Against medical advice. You basically sign a piece of paper releasing the hospital and it’s staff of responsibility for your care.
Fine by me. I met the nurse’s eyes, I need that paperwork. And the sooner the better.
The nurse gasped and rushed to my side, glaring at Emilio, Ms. Mason, I would highly advise against such rash decisions. If something happens,
I held up a hand, I am so freaking tired of everyone dictating my life to me. For once, just once, I want to make my own decision. I need to do this, I need to make things right. So please, can you just get me the necessary paperwork and my pendant from the safe so I can be on my way ?
Ms. Mason, the nurse’s eyes soften, are you sure about this ?
I met the woman’s gaze, determination replacing every ounce of pain I had ever felt, Absolutely.
I looked out the window and watched the setting sun fill the sky with its vibrant colors as the nurse huffed and stalked out of the room.
I need to make a couple of stops first, I tuned and faced Emilio once more, to say goodbye.
Emilio simply nodded.
My shaky voice was barely a whisper as gazed deep into the man’s eyes, I don’t know where I’m going.
Emilio smiled knowingly, No. But I do.
Carter’s P. O. V.
It’s been just over a month and a half since Lea’s been gone and I never knew that loving someone could change a person. But as I stepped out of my bath and slid into a pair of black jeans, a black shirt, my riding boots, and black leather jacket, I realized that doing just that had changed me and the rest of the house.
Even though the pain of Lea being gone was still there, we found ourselves laughing a little more, smiling a little more, and handling problems with a more analytic approach, instead of the barbaric ones we had before I brought Lea into our lives.
After the transfer of the arms deals to the Asian partners, several of the associates had asked to be relieved of association with the organization in order to pursue other interests. The ones that left knew they were sworn to secrecy and what they would loose if any of them spoke about the former activities of the house. But, at the same time, they also knew that if they ever needed me, all they had to do was reach out and I would do what I could for them. After all, they had given me a part of themselves and sacrificed so much for me over the last several years, that it was the least I could do.
I gelled my hair, ran the deodorant under my arms and spritzed on my favorite cologne. Darrell, Darrien, Tony, Lewis, Leon, Paul, Samuel, Miller, Lynx, and I were headed out to Insomniac. It would be our first night out since I took Lea there and we were all filled with anxious energy.
I had gotten word two days ago that one of Eva’s former assignments had been looking for her for the last couple of years, and unfortunately she didn’t fare as well with him as she did with me. Her body had been pulled from a river near Houston, her car riddled with bullet holes. I couldn’t find it in myself to be anything other than indifferent to her death. She was, after all, the woman who cost me the woman I would always be in love with.
I stood in front of the mirror and looked over myself as I thought over the last few weeks. I shoved one hand into my leather jacket and walked out of the bath and into the main room of the house.
I was taking the R8 while Lynx and Miller took one of the Navigators. Everyone else was taking their repective bikes. I looked over the group of men standing before me and could tell they were all on edge just as much as I was.
Is everyone ready ? I asked as I reached the door and looked back over my shoulder.
No one spoke, instead each one of the men simply nodded or looked toward the floor.
I took my hand off the knob and turned completely to face the group, I know this isn’t going to be easy, so I paused and took a breath, if anyone wants to back out, feel free to do so.
Again no one spoke. I sighed and grasped the knob once more and swung the door open, letting the cool, early autumn air wash over me. As I stepped from the house, I took a deep breath and headed toward the Audi. I hadn’t driven it since I took Lea to Insomniac. I lowered my head and blew out a deep breath as I put my hand out and lifted the handle.
Darrell stepped up beside me and laid a hand on my shoulder, Care for some company ?
I nodded and pulled the door open as Darrell walked around and slid into the passenger seat. I smiled softly as the radio came to life, the station still tuned to the one Lea and I had listened to as we talked that night that now seemed so far away.
We drove in silence for a while before I glanced over to Darrell, noticing that he seemed to be studying me as I drove.
What ? I asked as I refocused on the road.
How are you holding up Carter ?
I gripped the steering wheel. Can we not talk about this tonight ?
Darrell turned in his seat and looked me over. Then when ?
I don’t know, I answered as we came to a stop at the light and glanced Darrell’s way. It still hurts too much.
Darrell nodded in understanding. When you’re ready, I’ll be here.
I smiled softly, I know.
As we continued on our way, Darrell and I talked about the new direction that the organization was heading. I would oversee the clubs, Darrell the casinos, and Darrien would handle the backwoods diners. Since we would still feel some of the effects of our former dealings, Tony would continue to handle surveillance and intelligence, and the rest of the guys would maintain their roles as security.
We pulled up to the security gate and I nodded to the guard on duty as he leaned down to the window and flashed a toothy grin, Good to see you out and about Boss. I hope you have a pleasurable evening.
I raised my brow at the man and then looked toward Darrell, his expression mimicking mine as he leaned forward in his seat and narrowed his eyes at the guard, both of us asking the same question at the same time, Pleasurable ?