In the Shadows (The Club)

He disarmed her too quickly for Vivian to follow the movements. And Delilah’s wordless scream of rage broke off when Zeke brought the pistol grip down against the side of her head. The woman dropped to the ground. Zeke crouched, checking her pulse. He unbuckled his belt, wrapped her arms with it, and ripped a nearby lamp from the wall, binding her ankles with the power cord. Only then did he rise and move to Vivian.

“You hit her,” Vivian whispered, eyes fixed to the limp form in the middle of her living room.

“Not a hero, love. Already warned you that.”

“The police–?” she asked as he ripped the duct tape from her ankles.

“On their way. John called ahead for me. Are you okay?”

She winced when her hands came free. Zeke rubbed them, making the tingles worse for a few painful breaths before they faded from her fingers. “My head hurts, but other than that I’m fine.”

He pressed her to his chest without warning, his arms banded around her back. Now the tears came, hot and thick, wetting the collar of his shirt where she buried her face against his skin. “Is–is John okay?” she managed through the gasps.

Zeke shook his head. “Of course you’d be more worried about him than yourself. He’s embarrassed and pissed and has a giant fecking bump on his head, but he’ll live.”

“Thank God.” The horrible thought that Delilah could have taken away one of the only men who understood Zeke’s demons didn’t completely leave, but at least now it was muted, overwhelmed with other concerns.

Like what to do about the sirens outside her apartment. “What will they do with her?” Vivian asked quietly as Zeke lifted her to her feet and unlocked the front door. She winced a little when the door opened and the shrill noises increased in volume, but his steady warmth at her side, supporting her, made it bearable.

“No idea. Hopefully get her some help.”

“You aren’t afraid she’ll come back for us?”

The harsh lines of his face softened and he brushed the back of his fingers over her cheek. “No, darlin’, I’m not. Arson, kidnapping, battery, attempted murder...I don’t think Detective Mancini is lacking the evidence necessary to put her away.”

Officers spilled from the cars and rushed toward the open doorway. Zeke drew away from her long enough to set the pistol on the floor, several feet from him, and took her into his arms again. “We’ll be fine,” he promised.

“I know,” she agreed, even as police swarmed her apartment. She didn’t care how many questions they asked, how long it took them to remove Delilah from her apartment, how many interviews she was told she’d need to do. Zeke never let her go.

That was enough.

***

Six months later

“Nice place, Irish.”

Zeke didn’t bother to hide his grin when Preston stepped inside Ex Libris, ignoring the “opening soon” sign that warned off most customers. “Finally made it to Seattle, eh?”

“Tech conference. Figured I had a few minutes to burn between sessions.” Preston glanced around the inviting space, nodding sagely.

The shop was Zeke’s second pride and joy. The polished wood, wide book selection, and specialty items confirmed that. But his greatest treasure had heard the name and was hurrying over from behind the counter of what would soon be the bookstore’s coffee shop.

“You’re Preston?” Vivian asked, wiping her hands on a towel and smiling widely at the Texan.

“Yes, ma’am. You must be Vivian.”

She nodded as they shook hands. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Zeke’s told me so much about you.”

“I’m innocent, I swear. You’re opening up shop in here too?”

Vivian looked over her shoulder. “Just until the work on my shop next door is done. The insurance from the fire was enough to give me a fresh start here. I’ll miss my workers, but we found them jobs at other bakeries, so I know they’ll be fine.”

“Beautiful and kind.” Preston gave her a knowing look and then glanced up at Zeke, who’d moved to stand behind her protectively. “Makes sense now, Irish. Nicely done.”

“If you see anything you want, pull it, and I’ll ship it to you once we open,” Zeke told him.

His former boss took the hint and vanished back amongst the shelves. Vivian tilted her head back and smiled up at him. “He’s nice.”