LUKE
I have to go with plan B. This was not my choice and I really wish I had another option, but there is no way that we are staying here. I am pretty sure my place is compromised. I hate not having a hand in day to day operations. I mean taking one day off is a lot for me, but this is a bit much. I know I need to keep Jessica safe and I still plan on doing that, but I am starting to see how she feels. Always being hunted by a man that only wants to ruin your life.
William comes up to us on the porch when the other officers take the two men away. “Well, they are being locked up for the night, but from what I gathered from the other men, they will probably get bail in the morning. So, I think we need to move you.”
I nod. “I was just thinking the same thing. I have one other option. I am not thrilled about it, but I think we don’t have a choice.”
He nods too with a grim look on his face. “I agree. It is the best option. I’ll go with you and try to smooth things over.”
Jessica looks back and forth between the both of us. “Are you talking about your parents’ house?”
I sigh, “Sadly yes.”
She looks confused. “Really, how bad can it be?”
William rubs the back of his neck. “Our parents can be somewhat judgmental. I’ll call up Mia and see if she can meet us there. We will stay too and try to quell them some. They love Joe so hopefully that will keep them occupied. Joe just started dating so maybe that will keep them entertained for a minute. Maybe Justin can bring his boys too. You know how they are with grandkids.”
Jessica chews on her bottom lip. “Are they going to be alright with me bringing Reeko? I would hate to put him in a kennel again.”
I put my arm around her. “They won’t have a choice, that dog earned to be by your side today.”
“But it’s their house. I don’t want to cause problems.”
William chuckles. “They had six kids, they are used to not getting everything that they want. Plus they used to have a dog, so I know they aren’t totally opposed to the idea. They are good people though, just sometimes a little vocal about what they don’t like. Like my job, or Luke’s business. Or Jasmine in general. It’s a popular topic. But the good news is that you won’t be alone. The place is built like a fortress thanks to our great grandfather who thought that there was going to be a massive war. We have kept it in good shape simply because it was easier to do that then to tear it all down. I’ll have David hire a few security guards, I think he already has a few that work his company, he will just shift their duties. It’s going to be fine. I promise. The worst that you will see is some bickering.”
I look resolved to my fate. “It’s not so bad. Mom tries to keep Dad in line. Plus Jasmine will be there. In general she tries to keep people’s attention. I think it is her way of looking out for the rest of us.”
She chuckles. “Sounds like a good sister.”
William smiles. “I think we are all a pretty good family. Not completely dysfunctional. Just bickering, like I said.”
I pull my arm from her shoulder and pat her leg. “We better get packed back up.”
William nods. “While you are doing that I will make some calls, rally the troops. Maybe Issy isn’t busy either and she can come help.”
I stop for a moment. “Are you sure it is a school night? Both her and her husband have a lot to do.”
He shrugs. “It couldn’t hurt to ask, if they are busy then it isn’t the end of the world. Just whoever is available.”
I see his point, but I am not totally thrilled to have the family there to tell me what I am doing wrong. I know Jasmine will be there and on my side, but that isn’t much. I am sure she will be dodging her own hits from the family.
It takes us longer than I would like to get packed since we were unpacked, thinking we were going to be staying a little longer than one night. But we load up and I instantly feel dread. I do not want to go to my parent’s house. But I look over at the distressed look on Jessica’s face and know that this is what I need to do. This is what she needs to feel safe.
It isn’t that long of a drive to my parent’s house. William takes the lead and Jessica follows him. I take the back. Not that we are worried about being followed, the dude is in jail at the moment, but he is tracking her somehow. She said that she has changed cars and gotten rid of her phone. I just don’t understand how he is doing it. Maybe William has an idea.
One thing I know for sure, Jessica needs my help and I am not going to abandon her when I see how dire it is.