Break, page 17
Max picks up on the second ring. “Bennett.”
“Max, it’s Cooper. Heard you had a visit from Danny Reed this morning,” he says, getting straight to the point. “I’ve got Mercer and Singh here, along with Andrew Harrow. You two haven’t met yet, but he’s the assigned investigator.”
Andy leans forward. “Hi Max. You can call me Andy. Will you fill us in on what happened?”
I hear Max sigh through the phone. “He showed up about two hours ago, pounding on the front door. Mina stayed hidden in her room while I directed Reed out to my shop. Thought it best not to invite the fucker inside. He immediately got to the point of his visit, which was to ask me to fish around for information at the station and find out where she is.”
“Did he say why he’s looking for her?” Andy is taking notes as he asks.
“He said he only wants to talk to her. Thinks that if they do, all of this can be straightened out. But he was angry as fuck when I told him I wouldn’t give him information. Also, he mentioned her past history of physical abuse from her parents. He commented that he wasn’t surprised that her father beat the shit out of her.”
“Not surprised, how?” I jump in. How have I known this woman my entire life and never suspected she was growing up in an abusive home? We saw her every day at school, and often outside of school as well.
Max releases a low growl of disgust. “He wasn’t surprised she got her ass beat because he assumed that her behavior was deserving of it. I don’t know details, just that apparently it happened right under our noses.”
“Listen, Max. I was going to have Harrow get in touch with you anyway. Once we’re off the phone, he and I will discuss options and then fill you in. For now, just keep doing what you’re doing.” Coop is writing down his own notes as he speaks.
Before he gets distracted, I remember to ask, “Speaking of Mina, when can we arrange for her to return home to pack up her belongings? She’s only using a few sets of clothes right now.”
Waving me off, Cooper continues to jot down his thoughts. “Tomorrow. We’ll send her over with some officers.”
“I’d like to send one of my guys along with her as well,” Max states.
Coop looks at me before answering, so I mouth Ethan to him. Nodding, he clears his throat. “That’s fine. Uhh, how is Ms. Reed doing out there?” I internally roll my eyes. Coop has always been awkward when discussing women’s emotions.
“I think she’s doing as well as she can be. Slowly getting more comfortable each day. Her recovery seems on track with what the doctors said.” As Max briefs us with Mina’s status, the first stirring of guilt settles in my chest that I haven’t been over there helping out or spending time with her. She probably thinks I’m not interested in anything beyond her case.
“Hey, Max? Ethan mentioned that you guys wanted me to stay there for the time being.” I flick my gaze up to Cooper when I say that, hoping he doesn’t say it’s a bad idea. When his shoulders drop slightly in relief, I continue. “After I get off shift, I’ll run home to grab some things and be over this evening.”
“Good. We’re done with pretending we’re on his side bullshit. He doesn’t know she’s here yet, but if or when he does figure it out, we’ll have three of us here to manage that fallout. I’m going to get off here. Got some work to do but let me know what I need to know. Andy? I’ll look forward to your call.”
Saying our goodbyes, Cooper hangs up the phone and sits back in his chair. Tony, Andy, and I wait him out because he’s obviously processing and needs a minute. Finally, his chair creaks as he leans forward, settling his elbows on his desk. “When you get out there, Mercer, check in with her and make sure she really is doing okay. If things escalate with Reed, I’m going to assign you to her full-time.”
Singh coughs into his fist, surprised that our boss is willing to take me off rotation for, as it stands now, a minor threat. “Do you think that’s necessary at this point? He hasn’t made any move against her in almost a week, aside from looking for her location.”
My partner isn’t wrong, but my gut is telling me that Cooper is right. He nods his head slowly, understanding where Tony is coming from. “Yeah, for now. I just have a feeling that he’s going to escalate, and I want us to have a plan when that happens. You don’t know Reed the way Mercer does. If it comes to assigning him to Mina, I’ll partner you with Harrow to work on the investigation.”
“Alright,” Tony says. “I’m good with that.” He punches my arm and flashes me a smile. “Probably could use a break from this idiot for a bit anyway.”
“Har har. Dick.” I grin when he snorts a quick laugh. “Alright boss. If you don’t mind, I’m gonna get out of here. I’ll let Mina know that we’re set up to get her to the house tomorrow.”
As I leave Cooper’s office, my mind is racing with thoughts of her. Not just the fact that we’re taking her out of the house for the first time tomorrow since Danny attacked her, but also the shit with her parents. How were we so oblivious?
I try to think back, attempt to remember the Mina we knew back then. She was always shy, a bit awkward, but seemed to have her shit together. A memory of when Danny blamed her for breaking that glass jar pops in my head. I think I remember hearing her crying from her house after she was led inside by her mother.
Swallowing back the nausea, I fucking pray that I didn’t just walk away to play with my friends. Not while little Mina was getting hit in the house next door for something Danny set her up for. None of us spoke up about it when it happened. As children, we never thought to correct the adults in their assumption that Mina was the one at fault for the shattered glass. What kind of clueless idiots were we?
I shake my head, trying to clear the guilt away. It’s too late to go back and change the past, change how much of a dick I was. All I can do now is be there for her. And as I drive to my apartment to gather my things, my mind is already planning out what I can do to make her feel safer. To make her laugh. Because God, I remember her laugh. I didn’t hear it often, but when I did, it always made me feel good.
Once outside, I don’t waste time jogging toward my car. I’m anxious to grab my shit and get to Max’s place. I hear someone shouting behind me, but ignore it, focused on my task.
“Hey! You fucker! Wait up!” Slowing down, I look behind me, because obviously someone yelling out ‘fucker’ means they’re probably speaking to me. I’m instantly irate to see it’s Danny, running through the parked cars in my direction. “Fuck man, where are you off to in such a hurry? I was calling for you.” He’s panting as he stops in front of me.
“What do you want, Reed?” I snap, turning back to my car to unlock it and throw my shit in the backseat.
Apparently, my reception wasn’t well received because he’s instantly pissed. “What the fuck is wrong with you? What’s with the hostility?”
Remembering that we’re no longer faking anything with him, I’m happy I don’t have to placate him or calm him down. Instead, I cross my arms over my chest and look down my nose at him like he’s worth nothing to me.
Biting out, I repeat my question slowly. “What… do you want, Reed?”
Some of his anger dissipates as it’s now mixed with confusion. “Not really sure what crawled up your ass, but I need you to help me out, Vince. They’re fucking investigating me now, asking about all sorts of shit starting way back when Mina and I married. I have to fucking talk to her, man. Someone in there knows where she’s at and I need you to find out and tell me.”
His audacity is unbelievable, and my answer is easy.
“No.”
“No, what? You don’t know where she is? Or no, they won’t tell you?” he asks, ignoring every indication that I’m denying him.
“No. As in, no, I’m not going to tell you.”
He’s stunned silent. I wait a moment for him to process. When he says nothing and only stares at me, I shake my hands out that were fisted at my side, loosening the tense joints.
“If there’s nothing else, I’m gonna head out,” I say as I head to the other side of my car to slide into the driver’s seat.
Once he sees me preparing to leave, he comes out of whatever stupor I left him in. Honestly, I’m surprised he’s not raging at me. “I don’t understand. Are you… are you mad at me or something?”
Opening my door, I step forward and rest my arms on top of my cruiser to study him, tilting my head. “No, Danny. I’m not mad at you.”
“Then why are you-”
“I’m fucking disgusted by you.” I interrupt him. Fuck, it feels good to have a chance to get this off my chest.
Jerking his head back, he scowls at me. “Disgusted by me? For what?”
Laughing out loud, I close my eyes briefly and shake my head. “Oh Lord, I’m so glad you asked.” Holding up my hand, I raise my index finger. “One, you’re a fucking asshole who needs to go rot somewhere as far from me as possible.”
He opens his mouth to argue, but I continue without pausing, raising another finger. “Two, you beat the shit out of your beautiful wife who is nothing but kind and wonderful and precious.” I raise another finger. “Three, you’re a narcissistic, gaslighting, selfish bastard who is only looking for her to manipulate her into doing what you want.”
Another finger. “You’ve been a pain in all of our asses our entire life, and Ethan, Max, and I all agree we’re fucking done with you.” I slowly raise my last finger. “And five? I don’t like your face. It’s ugly. The only way I want to see it again is pressed against the pavement under my shoe. Go away, Danny. You’re fucking dead to us.”
With that, I slide into my car, start the engine, and pull away from my ex-friend. I don’t look in my rearview mirror. I don’t look back over my shoulder. Only forward. Only to Mina.
When I get to my apartment, I pack a bag, as well as some perishable foods, then finally make my way to Max’s place. As I pull up, I see the lights shining on the first floor, and one room upstairs as well. Instead of knocking, I try the front door and internally praise the guys for making sure it’s locked, even though they knew I was heading over. Max has always had an open-door policy, so knowing he’s taking precautions is an added bonus that we are all doing the best we can for her.
As I knock, I hear muffled voices, then footsteps, before the door is opened with Ethan filling the doorway.
Giving him a broad grin, I smack him on the shoulder as I push my way into the house with my bag over my shoulder. “Glad to see ya, big guy. Have I got a fun story for you!”
Chapter 23
Feels Good
Max
I was going to let Ethan accompany Mina to her house alone, but I couldn’t do it. I have this intrinsic need to be there. It’s not just that we run the risk of an altercation with Danny, it’s that I need to protect her. Need to make sure she’s safe and remains unharmed.
As we pull up outside her house, Mina is quiet in the backseat. I glance in the rearview mirror and see the look of fear on her face. I’d ask if she’s okay, but I know it’s a stupid question. She’s not. Vincent called ahead to let us know Danny would be home. He and his partner are waiting down the block in their squad car.
I send a quick text to let them know we’re here and to meet us out front.
Ethan parks the car outside the house and I immediately step out, scanning the area for any signs of Danny, while waiting for Ethan to hold the door for Mina. Stepping out, she looks up at the old Victorian home, wringing her hands nervously. I can guarantee that thoughts of what happened the last time she was here are running through her head, and I’m proud of her for even taking this first step outside the car.
I walk ahead of her, ready to be the shield she needs as we approach the front door, Ethan at her side. Vincent and Singh meet us, their radios chirping orders and officers responding with updates on their locations.
Vincent arrived at my house late in the evening last night after Mina had already gone to bed. He took the room across the hall from her, but he couldn’t see her before he left this morning for his shift. As I join him in front of the door, he smiles down at Mina, who’s now shaking with trepidation.
“It’s nice to finally see you again, sweetness. You ready to go in there?” He’s remaining relaxed and calm in front of her. It lets her know that he’s not worried about what could happen once we announce our arrival.
Mina takes a deep breath, then nods. I touch her shoulder and feel a small amount of consolation that she doesn’t shy away from my touch. I’ll take every small victory I can get at the moment. “Mina, we’re going to stick to you like glue in there, alright? You won’t be left alone, and you absolutely do not have to speak with him. We’ll handle that for you.”
Her glassy eyes look up at me, and my heart skips a beat at the look of gratitude in them. Her lower lip wobbles, but she manages a whispered, “Thank you,” before she looks back at Vincent.
Nodding his head at her, he turns and knocks. There’s no answer, but we can hear movement inside, then the sound of footsteps coming closer and closer to the door.
Suddenly, it swings open, and Danny is standing there, bedraggled and looking surprised to see all of us. Mina is in the middle of our group, and I watch him as he finally notices her. A brief flash of hatred hardens his features before he wipes it away, and a massive grin exposes his teeth. I suppose he’s trying to look non-threatening, but he fails. The word ‘predator’ screams at me and I have to force myself not to pick Mina up and carry her back to the car.
“Baby! Where have you been?” He moves toward her, but Vincent shifts his body, placing him between the two of them, halting Danny’s momentum.
“Danny, I’m going to need you to take a step to the side. We’re here as an escort to allow Mina in the home to gather her belongings. Nothing more.”
Danny’s eyes run down Vincent’s body, assessing the threat before meeting him with a sneer. “Fucking big man when you’ve got people standing at your back. I have every fucking right to speak to my wife.” Looking over Vincent’s shoulder, he moves his head until she comes into view. Then he snarls, “MINA! Come here. We need to talk about this bullshit you’ve gotten me into.”
Stepping closer to her, I settle my hand on her lower back, so she knows she’s not alone. Danny zeros in on the movement, and he narrows his eyes at me, grinding his jaw like he’s holding back words.
“You have something to say to me?” I ask him.
“Yeah, I got something to say. What the fuck are you doing here? You just told me yesterday you didn’t know where she was.” He’s practically heaving in fury as he asks.
Not one to pass up an opportunity to piss him off, I simply shrug him off. “I lied.”
“You-” He sucks in a breath and his eyes dilate in rage as he understands that I’m no longer his friend. Lunging for me, he screams, “YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT! SIDING WITH THAT CUNT OVER ME?”
Quickly, I wrap my arm around Mina’s waist and pick her up to shove her at Ethan just a moment before I feel Danny’s fist make contact with my cheek. From the side of my vision, I see him hurriedly carry her down the few steps off the front porch. He turns his body so she can’t see what’s happening, protecting her from the violence.
Barking out a laugh, I wipe at my cheek where his fist connected and check for blood. Nothing there, and I beam at him as I watch him struggle between Tony and Vincent.
He’s spitting out profanities and fighting their hold. Singh swipes his legs out from under him, sending the three of them to the ground. They hold him as he continues to fight, fists swinging, and his words of, “I’m going to fucking kill you,” ring out.
“Jesus, Danny. What the hell is wrong with you?” Vincent growls at him, frustrated with the fact that this has already turned physical.
Tony jumps in without giving Danny a chance to respond. “If you don’t calm down, I have no issues cuffing you and keeping you here like this until they’re done.”
Stretching his neck, tendons bulging, he tries to get away from our hold. Spittle flies from his mouth as he screams, “Fuck you!”
The quiet whimper from the yard instantly puts my guard up and fury rolls over me. How many times has she made that exact sound when facing him alone?
Taking two steps toward Danny, I curl my lip in triumph when he winces away from me. He knows hitting me was a terrible idea. Squatting down next to his head, I press my finger to his forehead, waiting until I have his entire focus.
I pull my hand away and tap his cheek in the same spot he punched mine. “Consider this your only warning from me. You come looking for her again, come sniffing around my house, or speak an ill-word against her in the public, I’ll fucking bury you.”
“You threatening me? Baby! Mina! You hear that? I’m your goddamn husband and you’re standing over there letting him threaten my life like this? This is on you!” Danny’s face is turning purple as he screams out to Mina, enraged that he’s not getting his way.
Sighing, I shake my head at him. He’s not hearing a word of what I’m saying.
Looking up at Vincent, then Tony, I raise a brow, asking silently for permission. Vincent wrinkles his nose in disgust at Danny and gives me a slight nod. Tony shrugs his shoulder like he couldn’t care less what I do, then says, “It’ll make it easier to keep him subdued while you’re all in there.”
“Perfect.” I smile widely at them before looking back down at Danny. There’s a small amount of worry, but not enough to encourage him to err on the side of self-preservation.
“You wouldn’t dare-”
My fist slams into the side of his face, knocking his head back onto the porch with a loud crack. His eyes roll back just before his lids fall shut. Clenching my fingers together, I stand up and nudge him with my toe. Out like a fucking light. “That’s how you throw a punch, asshole.” I tell his unconscious form.
Snickering, Vincent claps me on the shoulder. “Let’s grab her and get this over with.”
Ethan walks over with Mina, having never set her down during our entire altercation. She’s shaking like a leaf in the wind. Her eyes fall to my knuckles briefly before back up to study my face. There’s indication of what she’s thinking. I’m worried about how she feels about my act of violence, but she’s closed off. Luckily, I don’t sense any fear, but I’m concerned she will think less of me. If she indicated she was happy I did it, I’d do it again just to try to get a smile from her.
