The police leave for now. They are satisfied with the information we have provided. The
y understand that she isn’t in shape to do this properly right now given the circumstances. I try to get her to let me take her to my place in case Parker tries to come back, but she is refusing to leave. She is lying in Kline’s bed right now curled up in one of his shirts. It’s killing me to see her in so much pain, and unable to take it away. I don’t know what to do for her besides just be here. There’s no way I am leaving her alone, even if she doesn’t want me here I am staying.
After hours of crying Brandi finally passes out from exhaustion. I push the covers d and cover up her. I don’t bother trying to put her in her own bed. I know she needs to feel close to Kline tonight. I lie down next to her wrapping my arms protectively around her. She looks so fragile. Nothing bad will ever touch her again. Not on my watch.
Early the next morning Brandi’s phone ringing awakens me. I take it upon myself to answer it. One of the detectives from last night is calling to let us know that they have Parker in custody. I curl back up with my girl and rest a little easier knowing that Parker is finally where he belongs. I hope that Elizabeth and Kline get the justice they deserve.
**
I can’t believe my brother is gone. All of my life my brother has been my protector. He was always looking out for me. But who was looking out for him? I let him down. My brother is dead and it’s my fault. I can’t eat…I can’t sleep. Every time I close my eyes I see Kline’s face all bloody and battered in the hospital. I didn’t get to say goodbye. His life was cut way too short at the hands of a man who claimed to care about me.
Parker is in jail and being charged with my brother’s death. They found video evidence of him tampering with Royce’s car. An anonymous witness turned a tape over to the police that showed Parker messing with Royce’s car outside of the warehouse where the fights take place about an hour before my brother wrecked. Our attorney says that Parker is claiming temporary insanity. With his connections and money, he will serve five years at the most and as little as two. The case won’t go to trial for quite a while.
The media has had a field day with the story. There wasn’t any evidence to link Parker to Elizabeth’s death, even with my testimony of his confession it wouldn’t be enough to stick he charges.
Today we lay my brother to rest. We had to delay his services for two weeks thanks to the media circus. My mother had my brother cremated and she has agreed the Kline’s ashes should go to me. My mom loved my brother, but I know he would want to be with me. Royce has been amazing. He has taken care of me these past few weeks.
Tiffany tried to come see me but I couldn’t face her. I know it’s not her fault, but she played a part. I know it isn’t exactly fair of me being that Royce had a bigger role than anyone besides Parker, but I can’t help that I harbor bad feelings towards her for being involved with Jake.
My stomach rumbles and Royce tries to make me eat. “Babe, I couldn’t eat right now if you force fed me. I can’t seem to hold anything down. I think I’m coming down with a virus or something.”
“It is probably just your nerves, but I would feel a lot better if you would at least try to eat a cracker.”
Royce hand me a pack of saltines, and as soon as one hits my tongue I’m running for the toilet.
**
The ceremony for my brother is small. It is a few of the guys from the gym and Sug. Tiffany wanted to be here, but Royce told her it was best she stays away for now.
Sug gives me a kiss on the cheek and hugs me tight. “Girl, the gym isn’t the same without you.”
Parker’s family took over his assets while he is in jail. I could still have my job if I want, but I don’t want to have a part in anything connected to his family.
The past few weeks have been the worst. I don’t know how to go on when half of me is missing.
Royce urges me forward. I don’t want to be here; I can’t do this. I’m not ready to let Kline go.
There’s a memory board featuring pictures of my brother at the front of the room on an easel by his urn. Most of the pictures are of him doing what he loved most—fighting. There is one photo that stands out to me the most. Kline and I are maybe three and he is trying to feed me dirt. For someone who irritated me so much, I sure miss the shit out of him. I have slept in his bed every night since he died…I need to be near him…but I can’t feel his presence anymore, and that makes me so sad.
Royce and some of the guys have organized a cage match tonight. All of the proceeds are going to a charity started in Kline’s honor. A lot of people wouldn’t know that Kline spent a lot of his free time training kids for free. He said the gym is what saved him, and it was his way of doing for other kids what was never done for him. The charity will pay for underprivileged kids to get to participate in sports that their families wouldn’t be able to afford to pay for them to participate in. Kline would love this.
I am sitting and talking to my mom and Charlie about the charity when I am approached by Jay. I’ve not talked him since I quit the gym. Once I found out for sure that parker owned it, there was no way I was stepping foot back in the place.
“Can I talk to you for a minute in private?” he looks really uncomfortable and he isn’t looking me in the eye. I’m not sure what he could need to say to me in private, but Jay has always been sweet to me so I follow him outside.
“Brandi, I’m so sorry about Kline.” His hand is shaking as he talks. Why is he so nervous? “The Garretti family has asked me to send you their condolences.”
“No…Jay, I don’t know why you are here for them, but I want you to leave.” I shove away from him, but he grips my elbow.
“Please Brandi. I have to deliver the full message. If I don’t…” Jay looks scared. I notice he is looking around nervously. Are we being watched? Then I notice he is wearing an earpiece.
“Did he send you here? Is he telling you what to say right now?”
“Parker…Mr. Garrett says to please take care of yourself…for the baby.”
He drops my elbow abruptly. What is he talking about? Baby… Parker is sick. I’m not Elizabeth!
Chapter 11