Iron Cross: The Dartmouth Cobras #6 (49 page)

In the meantime, Scott and Cort would be taking care of the little girls. For some strange reason Silver had insisted Becky and Casey stay at her place—apparently she’d been sick lately, not that she’d looked it at all, and she desperately needed Becky’s help. Scott still hadn’t figured out why Cort was hanging around, but he hadn’t made too much of his presence. He was supposed to be on the road, and he’d never seen how the women managed with the kids while the team was away. Maybe Richter and Bower just felt more secure with Cort keeping an eye on Silver.

Only…Cort was never far from Becky and Casey. Except for the last time Scott had gone home to do some work on the rocking horse he was making for Amia. Cort had shown up, claiming he just wanted to hang out and have a beer. He’d stayed until Scott was ready to head back to Silver’s place. His car was in front of the house when Scott went to bed with Becky. Every morning he showed up with coffee from a shop down the block. Kinda weird…

When Cort came back to the kitchen, Scott stood and went over to take Amia from him. Sat her in her high chair, then gave her some Cheerios. Casey was sitting at the table, talking to her doll while eating her own cereal. With the girls occupied, he decided to see if he could get Cort to talk.

“I’m surprised you’re allowed to hang out here so much—I thought house arrest meant, like, having to go from home to work, then back.” Scott went to the sink and started rinsing dishes to put them in the dishwasher. “I didn’t miss your trial, did I?”

“Nope. This is work. Lady in charge knows where I am.” Cort blinked as Amia pounded on the high chair tray, letting out excited gurgles and screeches. “Is it—I mean, is
she
—all right?”

“She’s fine. That’s her happy noise.”

“Ah.” Cort arched a brow as Amia let out a high-pitched scream, followed by a giggle. He turned to Scott. “Just a suggestion, pal. Don’t start digging, I ain’t telling you shit, so—”

“Kids in the room, Cort. Watch your language.” Scott frowned as he carefully placed a glass. If Cort was guarding Silver for whatever reason, he wouldn’t be warning Scott not to ask questions. “What’s going on, Cort? I assumed you were just extra security for Silver.”

“Good.” Cort went to the screen door, gazing out into the backyard, his shoulders stiff. “Keep thinking that.”

I don’t fucking think so.
Scott walked up to Cort and grabbed his arm, forcing him to turn. “If there’s something I need to know—”

“There isn’t. And don’t be grabbing me, man. Never a good idea.” Cort lowered his voice as Casey let out a soft gasp. “I’m here because I need to be. Take care of the babies. I’m going to take a walk.”

After Cort left, Scott went to sit next to Casey and distract her by stealing a few bites of her cereal, tickling her when she protested. After breakfast he brought the girls up to Amia’s room and watched them play with the mountain of stuffed animals Casey pulled off all the shelves. He tried not to let it show, but he was more worried now than before. A glance out the window and he saw Cort on the sidewalk, his gaze following every single person—actually, every
man
—who passed the house.

There had to be something serious going on for Cort to be this vigilant. Scott hadn’t carried a gun in a long time, but he wished he had one now. For all he knew, there’d been some kind of threat to the children. He knew better than most what someone desperate for money was capable of. If there was any risk to his daughter, or to Amia, he had to be able to protect them. Maybe Cort wasn’t saying anything because he wasn’t sure how Scott would react.

Finding a gun wasn’t the solution though. He wasn’t sure who’d decided having Cort stand watch instead of getting the cops involved was a good idea, but they were wrong. Not that he had any idea what to tell the police, since he’d been told nothing.

He had some useful connections though. He went out into the hall and called Tyler. “Hey, kid. Mind giving me Laura’s number? I need her advice on something.”

“Sure, but what’s going on? You in trouble?” There was a lot of shuffling around on the line, as though Tyler was having a hard time keeping the phone close. “We just landed, but I can come meet you—”

“I’m not sure…just let me talk to her.”

“You’ve gotta give me something. You’re freaking me out.”

“All I know is Cort’s been watching the house. I’m worried that someone threatened the kids or something.” Scott wasn’t sure he should be telling Tyler all this, the kid had a big mouth, but he was tired of being in the dark about shit, and he wouldn’t do the same to one of his closest friends. “I know she’s off duty, but she might have an idea of how to handle this.”

“She will. Call her. And keep me updated.” Tyler gave him Laura’s number. Then went quiet, speaking softly after a few beats. “I might have some news for you about Zach soon. Gotta go.”

Scott cursed under his breath as the dial tone sounded. He had no idea what Tyler was talking about, but he couldn’t let the issues with Zach distract him. He pressed his eyes shut as he listened to Casey singing “Let it Go” to Amia. Nothing was more important than keeping these little girls safe.

He dialed Laura’s number. Didn’t waste a second before getting right to the point. “I need your help.”

The airport was a mess. Luke wasn’t sure he’d seen more fans hanging around the Forum before a game than he was seeing here. There were bunnies in cut up Cobra T-shirts holding up lewd signs, kids in jerseys—hell, all
kinds
of people in jerseys! A group of clearly drunken men had a huge Stanley cup replica made out of aluminum foil that they were passing around as they cheered each player they spotted. One guy was wearing a jersey with Luke’s number on the back, and as he turned, Luke realized the man had copied his scars in black ink all over his face.

Crazy, and kinda flattering, but Luke put his hand to the long scar on his lip and ducked his head when the man shouted at him. He grunted as he ran into Seb, who’d suddenly turned and grabbed his shoulders.

“Never look down around them. You are their hero,
niño
.” Seb brushed Luke’s hand away from his face. “Be proud. You’ve earned this.”

Fuck, I love this man.
Luke nodded quickly and worked his way through the excited throng to sign the crazy guy’s jersey. He laughed and smiled as the man got one of his buddies to take a picture. Seb posed with him for another, then put his hand on Luke’s shoulder and led him through the crowd. There was a security barrier blocking the fans from where the bus was waiting. Past that were the Cobras’ wives and girlfriends and some family—basically only the people cleared by the team to enter the private parking set aside for the players.

Luke spotted Jami and grinned as she came running up to him. He caught her and lifted her up as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. As he lowered her, she whispered in his ear, “be nice” before slipping away from him to throw herself into Seb’s arms.

Sam stood off to the side, dressed in one of Jami’s skirt suits, pale blue and respectable. Jami usually wore that suit when she was meeting her father’s business associates. The fact that his sister felt like she had to dress like that to see
him
made Luke feel like a complete asshole. But he would make things better. His dad had probably thrown her out because a baby wasn’t useful to him, which meant that Sam wasn’t either. Luke was gonna show her that being part of
his
family meant she was loved no matter what she’d done in the past. Seb was right, his mom would be happy to have her back once they talked and got past the stealing and shit. Sam had been younger when she’d stolen from his mom. She was going to be a mother herself, which meant she had to grow up fast and he’d help her with that.

As much as he could anyway. Thankfully Seb and Jami were better role models. They’d been there for her already—he just had to step up and do the same.

When he held his arms open, Sam burst into tears and stepped into them with her head down. “I’m so sorry. I was scared and I just thought—”

“I forgive you.” Luke held her carefully, still amazed that his tiny little sister could be pregnant and look the same. He needed to make sure she ate. And he wanted to go with her to the doctor next time and ask a whole bunch of questions so he knew how to take care of her. “I’ll talk to my mom and I know she’ll forget what happened. It’s in the past and we can—”

“But it’s not. Luke, I know it was horrible of me, and I gave Jami all the money, but I can’t fix this. I was scared and I didn’t know what else to do.” Sam wrapped her arms around his waist and sobbed. “I tried to get it back!”

“Get what back?” Luke tried to remember how Silver was when she was pregnant. Real sensitive, but that was normal. He petted Sam’s hair. “Hey, don’t get upset. It’s not good for the baby.”

Sam let out a ragged laugh and pushed away from him. “I get it. Jami told you about the baby and now everything’s okay. I
stole
from your girlfriend, but it’s all good, right? I’m knocked up and you’ll forgive me because you have no choice.”

Luke let his arms fall to his sides. His eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about? You stole something from Jami?”

“Yes. The baby will need food and diapers and stuff when you get fed up of having me around.” Sam hugged herself and took a step back. “I wouldn’t be here if Jami hadn’t stopped me from slipping out.
Again
. I’d be long gone, but she’s a light sleeper.”

“What did you take?” Luke didn’t let any emotion show in his tone. Sam was worked up already. Either he held on to his cool or he’d start shouting at her. Which would be bad for the baby. He had to remember that. He sensed Seb behind him, but didn’t turn. He hadn’t gotten a chance to give Seb shit about keeping secrets, but he was tempted to now.

Sam jutted her chin out. Her bottom lip quivered. “Some fancy gold locket with two keys on a chain. The pawn shop guy was real happy about the diamonds. I think he fucked me over, but I could have managed for a while off what they gave me for it.”

“You…” Luke glanced over at Jami, and her tears sent a stab of pain right into his guts. The pendant had been an anniversary gift from him and Seb. Yeah, it had cost a lot, but that wasn’t the point. Sam hadn’t just stolen something precious from Jami, she’d stomped all over Jami’s trust. This was why Jami had told him about the baby. Because she knew very well he’d never forgive Sam for this. His sister had betrayed the one person who’d stood by her when she’d had no one else. “I’m guessing the locket is gone? Seb would have found a way to get it back otherwise. Too bad he can’t buy my forgiveness.”

Seb latched on to his wrist before he could turn. “Luke—”

“No. This is fucked up. I’m supposed to forgive her, but she hasn’t changed! And there’s a baby and it’s not your fault and I have no idea what I’m supposed to do!”

From the left, Luke could see Richter, coming over with Bower close behind. He laughed as a few of the players casually shifted over to slow their progress, glancing at Luke as though to say “What the fuck did you do now?”

“Daddy, please don’t get involved. This has nothing to do with you.” Jami stepped between Luke and her father. Who looked ready to commit murder.

Luke sidestepped Seb and took Jami’s hand. “It’s all right, boo, we might as well get this over with. You got something to say to me, Mr. Richter?”

Richter’s face was red, and Luke was pretty sure the only reason he hadn’t thrown a punch was because Landon was holding him back. “If you’ve gotten my daughter pregnant, I swear I’ll—”

“You’ll what? Wish us the best? Because nothing would make us happier than to give you your first grandchild.” Luke gave Richter a nice big smile. Sure, the man was his GM and potential father-in-law, but he was tired of playing nice and being treated like he was shit under the man’s shoe. “Jami will make an awesome mother. I think she’s proved that by taking care of her little sister every fucking day. I might not be perfect, but I’ve shown her all the love and respect she deserves, and if you don’t see that, you’re fucking blind.”

“You’re done here, Carter. The only reason you want to marry her is because you weren’t careful, and Ramos probably told you to do what’s right.” Richter shook with rage, pulling away from Landon so he could come close enough that Luke could hear him with his voice lowered. “Well, that’s not good enough for my daughter. Her family will take care of her, and you’ll be back on the market this summer. You’re nothing but another reckless phase she’s going through, and once you’re gone, Sebastian will give her a good life. She’ll forget you.”

Awesome that Richter wasn’t holding back anymore. Luke had always known that he wasn’t the man’s first choice—or second or third—for Jami, but he hadn’t been quite so clear on exactly where he stood. No question about that anymore. Really, he couldn’t think of a better way to end a successful road trip. A backstabbing sister and getting tossed off the team. His whole body trembled as he tried to find some careless remark to throw back at the man, but he couldn’t think of anything. Because he
did
care. He hated the idea of leaving the team, wasn’t sure he could play anywhere else.

But even worse was knowing Seb had asked only one thing of him, to get Richter’s permission to marry his daughter, and he’d failed. Because he’d done something stupid, and even if he hadn’t, he’d never be good enough.

“I’m not pregnant, but I’m glad I know how you really feel, Dad.” Jami squeezed Luke’s hand, backing up until she’d put a few feet between them and her father. “I’ve accepted you being with a woman only a few years older than me. I’ve tried to support you and the team and…and it doesn’t matter, does it? You claim that his mistakes are the ones you can’t get past, but the truth is you haven’t forgiven me for mine. And nothing I can do will change that.”

“That’s not true, Jami. I just want what’s best for you. Life…you never know what can happen, and I need to know you’ll be taken care of when I’m gone.” Richter held up a hand toward Seb, then let it fall, looking defeated. “Sebastian can give you a solid future. I still think you’re too young, but if you wanted to marry him—”

“This is my mistake. I apologize.” Seb stepped up to Luke’s side and faced Richter. “There have been issues in my household, but where Luke stands is not one of them. Should I assume you do not give your permission for Luke to marry your daughter?”

Lips drawn in a thin line, Richter met Seb’s level gaze. “I give
you
permission.”

“I have not asked for it.” Seb’s pleasant smile was a little scary. Luke had to force himself to stay put, because that smile usually meant very bad things. Thankfully, it wasn’t aimed at him. “But you are right. I am the one who told Luke to speak to you. Now that we have your answer, we know how to proceed.”

“I’m not sure I understand.” Richter looked at Jami, then frowned at Seb. “You intend to marry her?”

“Now why would I do that? They both belong to me, Richter. I don’t need the paperwork to prove it.” Seb curved his hand around the back of Luke’s neck, the gentle pressure calming Luke enough so he stopped shaking. “You will be sent an invitation, but in the end, the only approval they need is mine.”

Richter took a step forward, his tone sharp as he glared at Seb. “Don’t do this. I swear, I’ll send you both—”

“These threats are unprofessional. I will forget them, but if you choose to press the matter, you may speak to my lawyer. My contract is not negotiable, and we both know you are building the team around young men like Luke.” Seb squared his shoulders and stood a little taller, which had Landon inching closer to Richter like he might need to physically defend the older man. But Seb’s voice was calm. “You want to protect your daughter, which I can respect, but you have gone too far.”

“You don’t speak for her, Ramos.” Richter turned to Jami. “Sweetheart, you have to understand—”

“I do understand, Daddy. These are the men I love, and I thought you accepted them both. It hurts me that you don’t.” Jami pressed her face against Luke’s chest, and he stroked her side to comfort her. She shuddered and took a deep breath. “Call me when you can.”

They crossed the parking lot, not stopping until they reached Seb’s car. Sam got in the backseat without saying a word. Luke watched her through the window and sighed. “Hell, I can’t yell at you after what you said, Seb. I’m pissed, but—”

“You’re right to be. I am sorry, Luke.” Seb framed Luke’s face with his hand and lowered his gaze, not something he did often. “I see how much the past can hurt, and I hoped to handle the issues with your sister in a way that would avoid causing you pain.”

“I like it when you hurt me.” Luke grinned when Seb shook his head and let out a heavier sigh, this time smiling a little as he did so. Luke refused to hold grudges when the people he loved were willing to take on the world to protect him. But there was still one problem to deal with. “What do we do with
her
?”

Jami leaned her head on Luke’s shoulder. “What do you want to do? We both probably should have asked you in the first place.”

“Put out an ad on Kijiji? Cute klepto for sale? There’s got to be a market for that.” Luke chewed on his bottom lip at Jami’s irritated huff. Okay, that wasn’t funny. He shrugged. “I have no clue. My nephew is gonna need stable, non-criminal adults in his life. I nominate you two.”

“What am I going to do with you?” Jami rose up on her tiptoes to kiss him as Seb chuckled and hugged them both. “You know we’ll help. But from now on, we handle this kind of drama together.”

“Deal. But we’re buying you a new necklace.” Luke looked to Seb, who surprisingly shook his head, his focus on Jami. Her expression broke Luke’s heart.

But she managed to smile even though her bottom lip trembled. “I don’t want a new one. Let’s just focus on the baby and Samantha. She needs to know she’s not alone—she wouldn’t have stolen from me if she felt secure. Your father is an asshole, Luke. I’m sorry, but it’s true. I can’t believe he kicked her out with nothing.”

“I’m not surprised.” Luke had no illusions about his father. But unlike Sam, he had a wonderful mother who’d raised him to be a good person. And a good person did what they could for their family. So he’d let Sam stay, make sure she had everything she needed, and be as nice to her as possible. “Guess we should start fixing up a nursery.” Baby he had no issues with. But his sister? Yeah, having her around wouldn’t be easy. She ruined her last chance at gaining his trust. “And lock up all our valuables.”