Hidden Desires (The Hidden Series Book 5), page 9
“I hate to say it, but I agree with Jake,” Wade winced as he said it, noting Jenna’s crestfallen expression.
“We need to figure out how they’re connected, where they meet, and what they’ve done so we have a reason to arrest them. We need evidence.” Jake’s words brought everyone back to earth, even as his tone was apologetic.
“Hey, no sad faces,” Connor managed to stay upbeat. “We have something to focus on and we have secret weapons.” His gaze focused on Addie and Wade, and Addie frowned.
“Are we secret?”
“No,” Wade answered, his expression weary. “We’re not secret, but we are a liability to them. If they can’t use us then they have to destroy us.”
“Let’s not worry about that right now,” Danny interjected, ignoring the looks Jake, Connor, and Wade shot at him. “We have names and a direction to work toward. Now, we do what we can. Ask questions and keep an eye on them.”
“Addie, find out what Duke knows about the names we have. Danny, Wade, follow these guys. Connor and I will dig up what we can. When the Captain wakes up we’ll see what he knows and we can follow up with,” Jake hesitated before finishing briskly, “the old Captain. He’s bound to know something.”
“Hold up! Why can’t we just ask Addie?” Jenna waved her hands at the table. “She knows the answers to questions.”
“Specific questions. All we have are vague assumptions. Yes, we know these guys are part of a criminal organization, but until we have more information to ask detailed questions, Addie won’t be able to give us the answers we seek.” Jake settled back after his explanation and Addie shot her a sympathetic look.
“It sucks,” she admitted and Jenna nodded. “You could ask me how they communicate and I might come up with phone or email. Once we know more, I could give more useful answers.”
“I’d like to mention something,” Carly interrupted and they all glanced at her. “I don’t think Danny and Wade should be following these guys.” She shot Danny an apologetic look. “I love you, sweetie, but you don’t exactly blend in and a pair of cops will make you in a second. You too, Wade.” Carly polished one of her nails before glancing up at the guys through her eyelashes. “A couple of college girls on the other hand….”
“I don’t like it,” Danny protested instantly and Jake was seconds behind him when Connor agreed with her.
“She’s right,” he stated, stopping Danny and Jake mid-sentence. “We need to put our assets where they do the most good.” He held up his hand when Addie went to object to the term asset. “You are an asset, so is Wade and Danny. Each of you has a strength and we don’t have time to waste. Deville and Knight know us, hell they know Addie, but Jenna and Carly are a totally different story.”
“You have a plan for me,” Wade stated, studying Connor with grudging respect.
“I do,” Connor agreed instantly. “Jake and I are going to talk to the old Captain and you’re going with us.”
“And I’m talking to Duke.” Addie sighed, disgruntled.
“He is your uncle, after all,” Connor said with zero sympathy. “He wants to help and he can be trusted. You need to get over this.” Addie glared at him, but there was no heat to it.
“What about Trey Gautreaux? He’s up to his neck in this shit.” Jenna was quick to point out.
“He’s running for governor. Political campaigns are always looking for volunteers, right?” Addie shrugged. “Jules and I can check out his and see what sticks out.”
“I don’t like that,” Jake resisted.
“I can’t sit around and do nothing,” Addie shot back.
“I’m not asking you too,” Jake kept his expression calm, but the deepening color of his eyes reflected the strong emotions he was keeping in check. “There’s a chance Trey Gautreaux might recognize you.”
“Oh, yeah,” Addie deflated, and Wade’s gaze bounced between them like a ping pong ball. “Someone needs to check it out though.” She tried but didn’t succeed in keeping the pout out of her voice. Jake shot Wade a helpless glance and he could see the strong surge of protectiveness Jake felt but also Addie’s need for independence.
“If she goes when we know Gautreaux won’t be there and disguises herself, it could work,” Wade offered and Jake gave him a grateful look. “In fact, its not a bad idea for any of us. Disguises, I mean.”
“I agree,” Addie was the first to respond, scooping her dark brown hair off her shoulders. “I always wanted to be a redhead.”
“Maybe not that far,” Wade murmured even as Connor cried, “Hell, yeah. Addie as a redhead would be kickass.”
“It’d definitely be a warning to everyone who saw her,” Danny teased, his own dark looks intimidating to anyone who didn’t know him. He hadn’t taken time to shave so dark stubble covered his jaw, increasing the menace he wore naturally. Inky black hair from an outgrown buzz cut matched his eyes, the color such a deep brown it was almost indistinct from the black of his pupil.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Addie said proudly, tossing Danny a grin.
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go nail these fuckers to the wall,” Jenna declared, standing up.
“I think I like her,” Addie muttered under her breath so only Wade could here. He squinted at her and let out a chuckle.
“Yeah, I think you do.”
Chapter Ten
“I just want you to know, she’s my best friend.” Carly stared straight ahead as she staked her claim and Jenna cut her a sideways glance. “Don’t think just because she doesn’t know the answers to your questions and you’re Wade’s soulmate, that you can steal her.”
“I didn’t plan to,” Jenna murmured slowly, tightening her hands around the steering wheel as she eyed Carly’s hard expression. “I’m not really the best friend stealing type.” Her words did nothing to ease the tension radiating from Carly so she tried again. “I’m pretty sure Addie doesn’t even like me….for those very reasons.”
“See, that shows how little you know her,” Carly burst out, startling Jenna and the car swerved slightly before she corrected it. “You don’t know how she thinks. Right now, she may not like you because she doesn’t know the answers to your questions but eventually she’ll realize she can relax around you like she can’t with the rest of us. Always waiting on a slip up or accidental question that could hurt her.” Carly blinked rapidly, hiding the glossy moisture that threatened to fall. “And Wade, she worries about him the most cause he’s all alone and here you are, ready to save him from his loneliness.” Carly turned to face the window, her arms crossed. “We’ve tried to keep him company. Danny and I both. The whole group. Its not our fault he feels like a fifth wheel.” Carly tossed her hair and added, “Or seventh, I guess would actually be more accurate.”
“Carly,” Jenna started carefully. “I don’t want to steal anyone.”
“But you will,” Carly stated dully, all of her feistiness gone in a blink. “You won’t even have to try.”
Jenna flipped on her blinker, no longer sure where they were headed since Carly was supposed to be navigating. She eased into a parking space at a strip mall and put the car in park.
“Ok, you’re right.” Carly hiccupped, her eyes wide as she turned to stare at Jenna, who held up a hand. “You’re right I don’t know Addie like you do. I’m not her best friend, you are, and there is zero chance of me taking your place.”
“But,” Carly protested, stopping when Jenna shook her head firmly.
“No buts, should haves, or could have, would haves around here. I don’t steal best friends or boyfriends.” Jenna leaned back against car door and studied Carly. “It’s not Addie who’s worried about the accidental questions, is it?”
Carly started at her for a second before tears spilled over her cheeks. “No,” she blubbered, her breath hitching as she scrambled for a tissue. “We all worry. What if,” she trailed off unable to voice the fear that consumed them.
“What if she’s perfectly fine and nothing happens when you ask her a question?” Jenna pointed out. “Wade doesn’t seem concerned.”
“That’s Wade,” Carly spit out vehemently, taking Jenna back. “Wade wasn’t there when it happened. When she wouldn’t wake up. He doesn’t know.”
“Yeah, but hasn’t Addie had this gift her whole life? She’s been fine.”
“Her gift is getting stronger,” Carly sniffed, shredding the tissue in her hands. “That’s why you’re so unexpected. Wade and Addie can’t read you.”
“Danny can,” Jenna murmured absently, glancing up when she felt Carly’s stare. “Not intentionally, of course.”
“Yeah, he told me he was able to read one of your thoughts.” Carly shook her head. “Talk about strange. Your boyfriend can hear dead people and your best friend knows the answers to everything,” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “And I’m just trying to graduate college and figure out how to ask Duke if I can have the internship he keeps pushing at Addie.”
“Well, apparently Wade is my soulmate.” The emphasis Jenna placed on Wade’s name caused Carly to let out a giggle.
“You have my sympathy,” she murmured, unbending enough to give Jenna a small grin. “That has to be weird.”
“Honestly, it might be the least strange thing that’s happened so far.” Jenna fiddled with the keychain before rolling her eyes. “I’ve tried shoving the whole thing to the back of my mind, but its hard. He’s…..”
“Wade?” Carly offered, as if that was the answer to everything.
“Wade,” Jenna sighed in agreement. “It doesn’t help that he’s fucking adorable.” Carly laughed, nodding helplessly.
“Yes! A giant, grumpy teddy bear.”
“Who happens to have a killer body.”
Carly nodded in agreement. “They all do. Wait till summer. Drooling will happen.”
A chuckle escaped Jenna. “Summer.” She turned her head slightly to see Carly. “Not even sure I’ll be around for summer.”
“You will,” Carly promised. “I didn’t meant that stuff I said.” She paused and then admitted sheepishly. “Actually, I did but it’s not you.” She frowned, her gaze focused inward. “It took me a long time to find my place with the group. I was insecure,” she hesitated, “Apparently, I’m still insecure.”
“Protective,” Jenna corrected. “I envy you that. You have people to protect and the right to be jealous when someone comes along.”
“Now, you’re just making me feel bad,” Carly groaned. She glanced sideways at Jenna and stuck out her hand. “Truce?”
Jenna cautiously took the hand offered. “I didn’t realize we were at war.”
“We’re not,” Carly rushed to reassure her. “Let me try again.” She took a deep breath and turned to Jenna. “Forgive me? I’d like to start over.”
“Done.” Jenna smiled genuinely and Carly gave a relieved sigh. “Now, where are we going?”
***
“Is there a reason I’m sitting in the back?” Wade asked dryly, glancing through the bars at Connor, who shrugged.
“Payback for laughing at me when Addie and I got arrested.” He told him with a smirk.
“Please, who wasn’t laughing?”
“I wasn’t,” Jake replied, sparing a brief glance at Wade through the rear view mirror. Wade cleared his throat.
“Besides you.” He shifted in the seat, his long legs sideways. “You do plan to let me out?”
“Yes.”
“Of course.” Jake and Connor answered simultaneously, trading offended glances. “We’re not punishing you.”
“So, one of you will trade on the ride back?” Wade asked, settling back against the seat.
“No,” was the unanimous answer.
“Do you really think your old Captain is going to give you any answers?”
“Yeah,” Jake answered, a dark blue flare of determination lighting up his aura. “He’s going to give us answers.”
Connor met Wade’s eyes as understanding passed between them. Connor might have recognized the repressed violence in Jake’s tone but Wade was more concerned with the violent magenta streaking through the deep blue of Jake’s determination. Jake was set on answers and there were no limits to how far he’d go to get them.
***
“I’m not interrupting?” Addie hovered in the doorway uncertainly, taking in the empty receptionist desk as she waited for Duke to speak.
“Not at all.” He stood up, coming around his desk to greet her, the blue button down he wore still crisp. “I asked Bonnie to take a long lunch so we’d have privacy.” He gestured for Addie to come in, hesitating when he came closer, his arm awkwardly poised to hug her. He dropped it when Addie didn’t attempt to reciprocate and cleared his throat. “I ordered sandwiches.” That did prompt a smile from Addie as she set her book bag on the floor. Duke pointed to her bag. “How are your classes?”
She shot him a wary glance as she nodded, “They’re good. I’m ready to be done though. School isn’t really my thing.” She noticed he’d cleared a section of his desk so they could eat and resolved to try harder. “You asked me a question.” Duke nodded as he sat down across from her.
“I did. I don’t want to treat you differently. You seem to have enough of that.” He tilted his head down for a second, seeming to realize how that may come across. “Not that there’s anything wrong,” he rushed to add and she waved her hand, interrupting him.
“It’s fine. Jake’s overprotective. He forgets I’ve dealt with this – gift my entire life.” Her pause when referring to her ability didn’t go unnoticed.
“Your mom said that you were thinking of being a surrogate for Connor and Jules.”
“I am,” Addie answered resolutely. “I’m not thinking about it. I’m doing it. I’m not sure Mom has accepted it though.”
“It’s a big decision,” Duke murmured noncommittally. “As a lawyer I see legal implications, but your mother sees emotional ones.”
“She’s afraid I won’t be able to give the baby up. That I won’t be able to separate my emotions.”
“You know her well,” he commented ruefully.
“It’s not like I haven’t had years of practice, plus the nifty ability to see what people don’t want me too.” Addie tapped her head and Duke nodded, swallowing hard.
“You’ve considered that as well then?” There was a wealth of meaning behind his question, but what struck Addie the hardest was the concern he had for her. If she acted as a surrogate using her own egg then there was a high chance the baby might have her ability and Duke had grown up next to someone who had and hated it – her dad.
“It’s a risk,” Addie said slowly, her words stumbling to keep up with her thoughts. “I never hated my ability. Not like you say he did,” she continued, slipping into her habit of using a pronoun to refer to her dad. “Connor and Jules are aware and they accept it. Wade doesn’t seem to think it bothers them.”
“But does it bother you?”
His persistent questioning would have been irritating but there was no mistaking the protectiveness that prompted it. His only concern was for her wellbeing and he had no issue with hiring a surrogate so she wouldn’t have to do it.
“I want to do this,” Addie admitted with a candor that surprised them both. “I love them both and being able to give them the child they want,” she paused, blinking rapidly as her eyes grew damp. “It’s a gift. Do I worry about their child having my ability? Yes and no. I grew up with no one to tell me or explain to me what it is I could do.” Duke flinched at the reminder he’d spent years ostracizing himself from Addie. “That’s not a jab at you, Duke. It wasn’t your responsibility, it was his. Either way, I grew up fine. I not only survived, I thrived.” She smiled, confidant in who she was and Duke swallowed hard, angry over the years he’d missed watching her grow up. “This kid will have opportunities I never did, but at the end of the day, its what you do with what you have that makes you the person you are.” Addie’s expression softened. “He was angry and bitter about what he knew and it twisted him up inside. You witnessed that, and its made you cautious. I don’t feel that way. I want to push the limits of this ability. Get some good out of it, ya know?”
“I can see why Jake loves you and also why he’s overprotective,” Duke rumbled as he took a deep breath. “You’re reckless.” Addie arched an eyebrow and he continued. “With your safety when it comes to protecting those you love. So I’m going to have to side with Jake when it comes to keeping you safe. But you’re also thoughtful and stubborn and you see more than I can understand.” Addie relaxed in her seat at his words, a pink flush creeping up her cheeks. “You have my support in this if it makes any difference to you.”
“It does,” Addie said shyly. “My mom loves you.” Duke blinked in shock and Addie’s mouth made an O. “Oops. You didn’t know that?”
“I hoped,” Duke said awkwardly.
“Oh, well, she does. And I admit it was weird for me. She never dated and then there was you. I’ve struggled with that.” She cleared her throat. “I don’t need a father.”
“And I don’t want to be that to you,” Duke hurried to state. “I want to be your uncle. Someone who can help you. Who can understand a little of what its like.” He paused, considering his next words and Addie waited. “Part of me feels like I need to make up for the fact that your dad abandoned you, to be there for you like he wasn’t, but I also know I wasn’t there for you when I could have been.”
“It’s okay. I like to think I grew up just fine.”
“You have,” Duke murmured, his eyes glassy. “Except for this whole marriage thing.”
“Oh, not you too,” Addie moaned, her head falling back.
“Oh no, I think you should wait till you’re thirty,” Duke grumbled and her head came back up. “You’re too young for marriage and babies in my opinion.” Addie laughed involuntarily and his expression eased. “But I couldn’t imagine a better guy than Jake and, Addie, they don’t all leave. I promise. Some of us stay.” He reached out his hand, palm up and Addie stared at it for a long second before she grasped his offered palm. The tear that had held on, balanced precariously on her eyelashes finally fell and she felt him squeeze her hand.
