“I loved Elizabeth; she was such a beautiful spirit. But she loved Parker too. I know I’m not making sense. I don’t know how to tell you everything without scaring you, but it’s time I come clean. I grew up with Parker Garrett. His real name is Parker Garretti. I guess you could say he is the mob prince, but he cut ties with his family for public appearance. No matter what he says he is still very involved with the mob.” I sigh and try to put everything into words that make sense. I look at my beautiful girlfriend and she looks like she just swallowed her heart. I hate hurting her but she needs to know everything if I’m going to keep her safe.
“Parker met Elizabeth first. She was his everything, but he smothered her. His lifestyle…his family makes him dangerous. I used to be an enforcer for his family. Parker trusted me. He hired me to protect Elizabeth, and I fell in love with her. I didn’t mean for it to happen but I loved her and couldn’t stop what I set in motion the day she confessed she loved me too.” I take another shot of whiskey. Brandi is looking at me with puppy dog eyes. I don’t want her to feel sorry for me or for Parker.
“Parker found out. He was furious. He confronted Elizabeth and me. He demanded that she make a choice…he was shouting, and I was afraid of what he was going to do. I threw my keys at Elizabeth and told her to leave. I was scared he’d kill both of us. I didn’t care what he did to me, but I wasn’t going to let him hurt her. Parker tried to prevent her from getting in my car, but she was so scared of him, she nearly crashed my car in his driveway. At first I thought Parker was angry that she got away. Later I found out why he didn’t want her in my car.” Brandi is looking at me with big eyes. I think she knows where I am going with this.
“After Elizabeth peeled out of the driveway, Parker jumped in his car, and ordered me to get in with him. He was saying over and over again we have to get her out of your car before it’s too late. I didn’t understand what he was talking about, until we found her five miles down the road. My car was wrapped around a telephone pole. The authorities ruled that my car had faulty brakes, but I know and the police know Parker tampered with my car. He meant for me to die that day. But there was never any proof. My best friend tried to kill me babe. But the worst part of it all is we found out that Elizabeth was pregnant. I don’t know if it was my baby or Parker’s.”
“Royce, I’m so sorry. I don’t even know what to say right now…”
Chapter 7
My head is fuzzy. The only thing running through my mind is a poster that my brother has hanging in his room that says ‘History repeats itself, because motherfuckers don’t listen.’
“The voice you heard at Charlie’s today was probably Brad. He’s over Charlie’s account. I made a deal with him that he wouldn’t take you as long as you stayed put at the house under my watch. But that obviously didn’t go as planned. We have a problem. Either Brad has crossed me while pretending he has you, or he is protecting you by taking Tiffany in your place. The message still gets sent to Kline since you both mean something to him. I need to go meet with Brad and make sure your brother doesn’t get us all killed.”
“Answer one question. Did you ask me to get back with you, because you missed me or because you wanted to protect me?”
“Both.” He kisses me on the forehead. “Look I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but I am going to find out. Do not open the door for anyone other than me or Kline. I mean it Brandi, don’t leave the apartment. I will be back when I have some answers. Whatever you do, stay away from Parker. I have a bad feeling that he is using his connections to get at me through your family. I lost Elizabeth, but I won’t lose you too.”
It might be wrong but right now the only answers I seek are at the bottom of this bottle of whiskey.
**
Snap…snap…clap. “Sis, wake up.” Kline is standing over me snapping his fingers over my face. Trying to open my eyes and concentrate on what my brother is saying is making my head hurt. Topping off last night's whiskey probably wasn’t my best idea. Lazily I rub my eyes and let out a soft yawn.
“What time is it?” My arms stretch out over my head. I must have passed out on the couch while drinking my troubles away.
“It’s early or late depending on how you look at things.”
“Did you find Tiff…is she okay?”
“No, but she is okay. Royce got up with me and assured me she is safe for now. Go to your room, and pack some things. I have to get you to Royce as soon as possible. You have to go quiet for a few days, until I get Charlie his money so we can be done with this.”
“What is going on Kline, you know more than you are telling me? I’m not going anywhere until I get the truth—all of it.”
“You're right I’m sorry… all of this shit is just getting out of hand. Charlie knows that after this I’m out. The Punisher is asking for a rematch. Charlie is betting everything we got that I will win again. If I do this, I will make enough money to pay off Charlie’s debts and give you enough money so you can leave Vegas. You are better than this life Brandi. I want you to promise me that when this is over you will take the money and leave Vegas and everyone in it behind.”
My brother has crazy eyes and I don’t want to argue, but the thought of leaving him, mom, and Royce behind scares me. “Promise me sis.”
“I…I promise Kline.”
“Good now get your shit together.” Being in a rush always makes me forget what I am supposed to be doing and Kline shouting at me with every passing second isn’t helping me at all. Two changes of clothes and something to sleep in should be sufficient.
Kline drives me to meet Royce just outside of the city in the parking lot of a rundown motel that is more known to have prostitutes and heroine junkies for guest. There is no way I am staying here. We get out of the truck and Kline pulls me close in a tight embrace. Over my shoulder he barks at Royce, “Not a hair on her head man, you feel me.”
“I’ll protect her with my life. I love her just as much as you do. Just do your part and I promise you will get Tiffany back!”
“Kline…,” he squeezes me tighter, “take care of you.” My brother gets back in Royce’s car and drives off after making plans to meet up with us after the fight. Royce wants me to stay hidden in case something goes wrong, and it is discovered that Tiffany isn’t me.
“Please tell me we aren’t staying here.”
“We aren’t staying here. I just need your brother to make the drop where we wouldn’t be spotted by anyone. The Garetti brothers have eyes all over.”
“Do you know where my jeep is?”
“It’s hid in my garage. Kline found it sitting outside of Tiffany’s house.”
“Have you seen Tiffany?”