Jarrett (9 page)

“She asked me to give you this.” He took the thick envelope and was nearly giddy with relief. He knew that she wouldn’t be that cruel to him. “And I’m to tell you that if you contact her again, she’ll have you arrested. If I were you, I’d try to find a place to hide. Not that I think it will do you much good if she wants to find you, but you should heed my advice.”

“Fuck your advice.” He saluted Shawn with his money, all nicely wrapped up in the envelope she’d given him. “In a few weeks, less I’m betting, she’s going to be begging me to come back to her. And the first thing I’m going to do is go after your slimy ass. See this? She’s already having a change of heart.”

Shawn was laughing on his way out the door. Duncan told him under his breath to laugh now, but payback was going to be a bitch. Stuffing the envelope into his jacket pocket after kissing it again, he gathered up his things. He had to get back to his house first and foremost, and he’d have to use some of the cash to pay the ticket. But once he was there, it would be easy street for him.

There was the little issue with Tony, but the man was worth more to his daughter dead than he was alive anyway, so Duncan just simply ignored the thoughts of calling him and warning him. Not that he could anyway, not with his cell service off. But that would be cared for soon enough too. As soon as he got home.

Whistling, he made his way to his hotel room to get his things. Things actually looked better now than they had before, he thought. Yes sirree, things were definitely looking up. Until he looked in the envelope.

“This is not right.” He dumped the neatly cut sheets of paper out and looked at them one at a time until he realized that they all said the same thing. “This is not money, moron.” Over and over he read the words until he wanted to just lay down and cry. This wasn’t right.

~~~

Jarrett watched Addie closely as they drove back to his apartment. Her things had been moved there earlier, Shawn had told him, because he didn’t want her in the same hotel as Duncan. He thought it a wonderful idea.

But she was hurting, and badly, too, if her body language was anything to go by. He looked at his dad, who had met them coming out of the conference hall. He looked as worried as he felt.

“I got a call from a man by the name of James Brittan. He said that he was applying for a job.” Addie looked at his dad when he spoke but said nothing. “Nice boy. Said he can work my office like nobody’s business.”

“We met him, and Addie had him come to see you. I hope it was all right.” His dad said it was fine but wished he’d been told. “I’m sorry, Dad, things have been a little strange lately.”

“I can see that. Yeah, I can see that right fine.” His dad glanced at Addie before speaking again. “I’m guessing that we’ll be having something of a fan fair going on soon with this here fella. He didn’t strike me as too terribly smart when I saw him in the diner this afternoon.”

“Did he pay his bill with cash or credit card?” Addie looked at his dad when he didn’t answer right away. “I cut off his cards, and if he used one of them, it might come back on the restaurant.”

“I never checked, darling, but we can go have a look now.” He looked at Jarrett. “Mable made some of that soup I just love. Don’t know where she gets her ideas, but that one using left over mac and cheese as a soup is brilliant.”

They ended up in a booth far in the back. Jarrett was glad for that. Addie was being very…he really didn’t have a name for what she was, other than she was in a great deal of pain. As they ordered, Addie only getting a bowl of soup, they talked about how things were coming along with his business.

“Now that I can get parts and supplies, much better. Slone is happy, too, that I’m helping her offices in New York update their systems. She said it had been five years, and she knew it was time.” He glanced at Addie when she sighed heavily. “I was hoping Addie and I could go up and have a look at things soon. There are some systems that Slone wants installed that she doesn’t want anyone else to know about.”

“I’d like to go home.” Jarrett nodded and asked for the check. “No. I mean home. My dad’s home. There are things there I should take care of.”

“We can go. When?” She looked at him, and he could see that she was just slightly unfocused at first. “Addie, I need to be with you.”

“I can go up…can we go tomorrow?” He nodded, and then she looked at his dad. “I’d like for you to be there as well. There are some things of my dad’s that…he left everything to me, and I want you to help me sell them.”

“Sell them? Don’t you want to keep that stuff?” Addie shook her head at his dad. “I’ll be more than happy to go with you, darling, but I still think you should think about keeping some of it.”

“It’s pipes and…he was a collector of things. It’s…you’ll understand when we see it.” Jarrett looked at his dad when Addie continued. “I have a plane that we can use. It’ll only take one or two days. Then…then I’ll be finished.”

Jarrett didn’t like the sound of that. Not at all, and if the look on his dad’s face was any indication, he didn’t either. He decided to call that man that worked for Slone, Tim Leaders, to see how he could help. And to see if he could help him find someone to talk to that didn’t treat with drugs only.

He’d been reading enough on it to know that sometimes drugs were needed. But there were treatments as well. Things he could help her get into that would bring her out of her blackest of moods to something that made her function. Jarrett had read that some people had it so badly that they would use the drugs they were given so that they could shut out the world around them. He was worried that Addie would get to that point. Then there was the added problem of her hearing everyone’s thoughts. Mable’s laughter, loud and full of good humor, brought him out of his thoughts.

“You don’t worry yourself none about that bill, child. He paid with a card, but it wasn’t much more than a bowl of soup and some tea. He did tip his server in cash, and she was as happy as could be about it.” When she shoved her way into their booth, Jarrett smiled at Addie. She’d brightened up a little, and he could see that she liked this woman. He did as well. “I got me a little problem I might need you to help me with. I heard that you’re this boy’s mate and…well, you can help me out with something.”

“I don’t know what I can do, but if you let me know what you need, I can supply it for you.” Mable shook her head and began rummaging through her apron pockets as Addie continued. “I can’t cook, if you’re thinking that. I have no idea how to wait tables, but I can find someone to help you with both.”

“Nah. I got that covered…here it is.” She pulled out a wrinkled sheet of paper and, using the side of the table, straightened it out as best she could. “I’m getting old and if I don’t write it down, I’m done in. Anyway. I have me this idea. I want to open a lunch cart. You seen them I’m sure. But with all the new construction going on around here, I can’t accommodate all the extra workers coming in to eat in a timely matter.”

Addie looked at him, then his dad before speaking. Jarrett had no idea where this was going either, but he waited. It sounded like a good idea to him. He’d been there through the week to get some lunch, and there would be construction workers, all working for his brother, lined out the door. What he didn’t understand was why Mable didn’t go to Slone, who was part owner in this place.

“I have one of these. Well, it’s a prototype. It’s in storage.” Jarrett looked at the picture that had been attached to the paper that Mable was showing Addie. “He invented this thing about…I guess about five years ago. I don’t think that he ever got it rolling.”

“I know. I was at one of them trade fairs when he was there. Fine man, your dad. Never better, even for a human.” Mable laughed. “He even let me take my picture with him. Insisted that I call him Addison, not Mr. Parker.”

“I remember that. He said that you’d been so happy that someone was working on a way for a kitchen to travel.” Addie seemed to shine then. “He told me how he’d met this woman who had better ideas than most of the people who worked for him. Dad was very impressed.”

“Oh, go on with you. Nice man. I’m very sorry for your loss. He was…there wasn’t many like him left in the world, and you are a lot like him, I think.” Addie shook her head and picked up the paper. Jarrett was surprised when his dad didn’t make a comment about him being the better man, but he was staring at Addie. “You think you might be able to sell me one of them? I got a little on standby, some cash I was going to use to help out my son going to school and all, but Miss Slone has him all set up.”

“I don’t know. I’m going home tomorrow, but I will look and see what I can find out.” She stared at the picture for a little while longer before she handed it back to Mable. “If it’s in working condition and he didn’t break it down for other parts, it’s yours. I’m sure Dad would want you to have it.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t do that. I know at the time he was touting it, it was way up there in price.”

Addie told her she was sure it was, but she was going to make sure she had it. “Maybe you could drum up some business with them. I think he sold a few of them, but they were…not many people wanted something like this when they went out to job sites and all.”

After a few more minutes of the women talking, they paid their bill and left. Jarrett wanted to go to the office to work for a bit, and Addie asked if she could use a computer. She had some things to take care of at home if they were going. She was sitting at the desk next to his when he started working. It was wonderful having her there with him, and Jarrett settled down to get moving.

Chapter 9

The plane ride was smooth, and she supposed they could have driven up but she’d wanted to get there. Not that she wanted to deal with all the things that she’d left behind and things that she was sure that Duncan had messed up. But there was the money as well.

In the end, Addie had asked Luke and the rest of them to come up with her. The entire family was piled into the limos this morning and were now enjoying the closeness of traveling in a plane. She thought that this family could enjoy being in a refrigerator box if it meant they could all be together. It was one of the things that she had a hard time getting used to. All the noise.

“You’ll get used to us.” She looked at Jack when she sat beside her. Of all the family members, she scared her the most for some reason. “They fight with each other all the time, but when one of them needs something, they’d die getting it for them. You included.”

“I don’t need anything.” Jack just nodded. Addie thought about touching her mind but didn’t want to know what she thought of her just yet. “I have a guy at the house…I know that sounds weird, but he’s a graphic designer with all kinds of degrees and awards, but is out of work because he worked for a shitty firm. I didn’t tell him about you or that you were coming, but if you could have a look at his things and maybe guide him to someone that might be hiring, I’d appreciate it.”

“Who did he work for?” She told her and Jack nodded. “I’ll be happy to. And I know you weren’t asking me to hire him, but would he be willing to relocate?”

“I don’t know. I would say yes, because right now he’s living with his parents. While they’re the nicest people in the world and work for me as well, he’s in his early thirties and living at home.”

Addie looked around the plane at the men and women there when Jack spoke again. “If you don’t mind trading a favor for a favor, I have one for you. I have this meeting in a few days, after we get back, and I’d like for you to be there.”

Addie nodded and turned away. She should have known that someone would tell what she could do, and now they’d want her in on business deals. Before she could get too deep into her pain of being used, Jack jerked her face back around to her.

“I need you to help me be more lady like.” Addie was confused. “I’m not what you’d call the rich and famous sort of person. When I met and married Luke, I could barely rub two nickels together and still have a dime. I have to wine and dine this new client, and I’m…fuck. I’m not sure how to be what I’m sure he expects of me.”

“I’m sure that he expects you to be you. I would.” Jack was shaking her head. “I can help you dress for the part, even show you how to order properly, but if he wants you to work for him, then I would bet that he already knows your character.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of.” Addie laughed, and so did Jack. “I’m mouthy…well, so are you when you’re not in your tea…and I have a single dress that makes Luke drool, but other than that? Nothing. Heels hurt my feet. Stockings itch the shit out of me, and I hate hair spray like it’s going to steal my soul.”

“I’ll help you, but I think you’re going about this all wrong. You should be the person you are. Don’t make yourself into…well, into me or anyone else. I’m sure that you look good in your dress, but if it makes your husband drool, then don’t wear it to the meeting. Let your hair down, shave your legs, and don’t wear stockings. I don’t.” She looked at the woman in front of her hard. “You’re very beautiful without makeup, so I wouldn’t bother with it. You look adorably approachable with your hair in the ponytail, but I’d maybe let it down for a more professional look, if that’s what you’re going for. But all in all, I’d just say fuck it and be yourself.”

Jack hugged her. It was tight and full of friendship, and Addie felt it all the way to her heart. When Jack started to pull away, Addie held her tighter for just a few minutes longer, and wasn’t surprised when the other woman held her too.

“You’re going to be all right.” It was whispered in her ear, and Addie nodded. “We’re here for you. Loud. Sometimes nosey, but we got your back.”

“I’m so…everything.” Jack nodded again and pulled back. This time Addie let her. “I hurt sometimes because I don’t know how to deal with this.”

“Take your own advice, sweetie. Fuck it all and just be yourself. We’ll take care of you.” Addie felt the tears fill her eyes and was handed a tissue as Jack continued. “And if anyone gives you any shit, you just refer them to me. I’ll fucking tear them apart.”

Addie laughed. It felt good and lightening to her heart. As they sat there and talked about things, nothing really, she glanced at Jarrett, who winked at her. She loved him. It shocked her to silence, and Jack must have noticed because she laughed.

“Feels really good, doesn’t it?” Addie looked at Jack and nodded. “When I realized that Luke loved me and that I loved him, it was like my heart finally started to beat. And these guys are the best, all of them. And Cash? That guy is amazing.”

“He is.” Before they could say much more, the pilot told them they’d be landing in a few minutes, to buckle up. She was nervous now, to go home, to be there where her father had died. Addie was glad that she’d called in Bill and his wife to open up the house and to expect guests. Glancing at Luke, who had been buried in the information she’d given him as they got onboard, she wondered if he was going to be able to help her.

Duncan had a stash. Not just one, she thought, but a lot of them. And two were on her property. She wished now that she’d taken Luke and Shawn’s advice and called in the police. But she’d not wanted to make a scene. Now…well, now it was going to be that or she’d have to deal with him for the rest of her life, she thought.

As they were disembarking, Luke stopped her. He asked if it was possible for him to ride with her and Jarrett, and she told him that would be fine. The rest of the family loaded up in the other two limos, and Hunter rode with them as well.

“You do know that if he gets to any one of these, we’ll never be able to prosecute him?” Addie nodded and told Luke she was sorry. “There is no reason for you to be sorry. How were you to know if not for him coming here? Hunter has already contacted the other pack alpha and let him know that we’re here. So I would suggest that we have some of them go to these places and keep an eye on them until we can get to them ourselves.”

“The ones at my dad’s house, I’ve already got someone on those. I have a security team on site anyway, and I called last night to have things beefed up a little more.” Luke told her that was a good idea. “And there’s something else you should know. The house that Duncan lives in is mine as well. I didn’t know until yesterday that he’d put it in my name too, I think, to avoid paying the taxes on it. When it was added to what I have, well, to be honest, I didn’t notice it until this.”

Addie was ashamed to admit it, but she’d been deep in her tea, as Jack called it. When asked what it meant, Jack had told her that tea, unlike coffees that she’d seen, had varying darkness according to the length of time you steeped it. The longer, the darker, much like her depression. The deeper she was depressed, the darker her tea. She really liked that and the woman who had coined it.

“He’s having a hard time getting out of Ohio. I’ve taken the liberty of giving him a few road blocks to contend with. Without a credit card, he’s having a hard time not just buying a plane ticket, but renting a car is impossible.” Addie smiled. She liked this man too. “Also, the places where you’ve told me the money is, do you know if any of it is in his name?”

“Two are. I know what you’re thinking. He’s not paid taxes on it. Well, I also found out that he’s not. Paid taxes, I mean. And over the last two years, he’s gotten a refund. I’m still trying to figure out how that happened.” Luke laughed, as did Hunter and Jarrett. “What is it?”

“He’s not paying taxes because he’s had all his paychecks diverted to someone else. A Candace Shepard. Jarrett found it when I went to the bathroom before we landed. There are no checks written out to Duncan at all.” Addie shook her head. “You know her?”

“It’s his mom. And last I heard, she died about ten years ago.” Luke grinned and she thought of sharks circling a nice, bloody piece of meat. “I don’t want you as my enemy. Just putting that out there.”

“Never worry about that. If you fuck up, I’ll give you fair warning before I rip your throat out.” Jarrett growled and Luke laughed. “I’m teasing her. I’d never harm you, my dear. Ever.”

They were pulling in the drive when she thought of all the things that had to be done here. She wanted to close this place up and…
and
what?
Her mind screamed at her. She’d had such a plan before Jarrett. Now everything was different.

You’re going to be all right, love. I won’t let anyone hurt you.
She wanted to ask Jarrett who was going to keep her from hurting herself, but she didn’t. He spoke to her again through their link
. I love you, Addie. And we’ll get through this.

When she was helped out of the limo, the rest of his family was still standing in the driveway. Their luggage was being unloaded and they were looking a little shell shocked. Addie looked up at the house that had been in her family for five generations.

“My grandparents remodeled it when I was born. They lived with us until they died.” She moved up the stairs just as the door was being opened. “This is my butler, Bill Price, and his wife Carrie. Carrie, this is Jarrett Emerson and his family.”

She introduced them all by name and spouse. Carrie was beside herself with Slone and her swollen belly. The little girl turned a few times, and Carrie was delighted. As they made their way into the house, Addie was surprised to see that they were fully staffed.

“Mistress.” She nodded to Carrie when she stopped in front of them. “We shall help the guests with their needs and such. This is the staff that you requested to come in. And the rest of them will be here tomorrow to help with the packing.”

“Cash is going to help go through Dad’s things. I don’t think….” Carrie seemed to understand and nodded at her. “The other things that I asked for…are they here?”

“Yes, miss. Everything as you have requested. The packing boxes arrived as you requested and the tape has only just arrived.” Addie nodded and watched as the family was taken to the upper levels. She turned to Luke and Hunter and had Bill show them the study. Taking Jarrett’s hand, she took him to the living room.

“I needed to talk to you before—” He cut her off with his mouth. Clinging to him, she felt his cock as he rocked into her softness and moaned. When he lifted his head and smiled down at her, she couldn’t have told him what she’d been about to say if her life depended on it.

“I want you. Where is our room?” She told him, and he picked her up in his arms. “Is that close or am I going to have to ravage you here?”

“It’s on the other side of the house. But not too far. It has a big bed.” Addie was giggling when he started up the stairs. “You might have taken the elevator and saved yourself a few steps.”

“If I had taken the elevator, I would have fucked you there. A big bed sounds so much better.”

~~~

Jarrett didn’t notice the room. He was too busy undressing Addie to feel her naked skin next to his to care. But the bed was big and that, for now, was enough. And as much as he wanted her now, he knew that she needed a few minutes too. So he stood her near the bed and started to undress her.

He stood behind her and unzipped the long zipper to her dress. It was difficult for him to remember to go slowly when each one of the teeth separating was showing him more of her creamy flesh. Kissing her spine when he had the zipper halfway down, he licked a path from the top of the indentation to where his fingers were and heard her moan.

Slipping the dress half down her arms, he left it there, tangled with her arms as he undid her bra. He had seen this one this morning, all lacy and creamy, when she’d laid it on the bed before going into the shower. And because he’d made them late by making love to her before they got up, she wouldn’t allow him to scrub her back then.

“Jarrett. You’re very thorough, aren’t you?” Her voice was breathy and soft and when he reached around the front of her and cupped his hands at her breasts, Jarrett heard her moan. “Jarrett, please just undress me. I want to feel you inside of me.”

“No. I have time and I’m going to take it.” He played with her nipples until he had them into hard peaks. She was panting now, her breaths hot little puffs of air that he knew would only get hotter. “I heard you tell Jack that you don’t wear stockings. Why not?”

“They’re hot and itchy.” She moaned again when he pulled the dress off her arms and let it pool on the floor around her feet. “If I have to wear them I just wear thigh highs and a garter.”

“A garter? With those little tabby things?” She nodded and he felt his cock jump in his pants. “I want to see them on you. The garter and the stockings. I don’t suppose you have any here?”

“Here? I don’t know.” He turned her then and looked at her. “Jarrett, would you like for me to buy some and wear them for you?”

“Yes.” He dropped to his knees and pouted at her. “The sooner the better. I want to eat you with them on. Feel them wrapped around my neck as I taste you.”

“Heels too.” He nodded and whimpered. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you? Thinking of me all dressed, or undressed, as it were, in my lacy-topped stockings. My garter I have in my camper is green with a tiny shamrock on it.”