Big Daddy

Dream placed her hand on her chest. “I didn’t know. I’ve been on the run from him for some time.”

“From the look at his record, I can see why. Seems him and his first wife had issues as well.”

“First wife? I had no idea he was married before me.”

“Oh yes, she passed away in a freak home accident. Fell down the basement stairs while doing laundry.” He held out his hand to Chance. “I owe you and your friend an apology, I’m afraid. I should have been more vigilant with his requests. Maybe this would have turned out different for the man.” He turned and spat on the ground. “Then again, maybe it all worked out for the best.” He tipped his hat and turned to head for his car. He stopped when he got to the driver’s side door and turned around. “We got the guy who was sitting in front of your friend’s house too. Once he heard that Nick was in trouble, he pretty much gave everything up to save himself.”

Dream stood there wide-eyed. “He had me so fooled. He said he’d had a long-term girlfriend and she’d run off and left him. I actually use to hope that one day he’d move on and I’d get away from him as she had.”

“You did.” I pinched her chin and looked down into her eyes. “You’re free. He can’t hurt you, and he can’t come for you ever again. You can live in peace now and try to move on with your life.” I pulled her close. “We all can.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you. I should have stayed in the basement and then you could have taken him out. That’s what you planned all along, wasn’t it?” She looked up at me with her big, beautiful green eyes and I shook my head.

“Not all along. I thought for a moment he could be persuaded, but when he threatened that he’d never stop, that he could come after Star, too, he sealed his fate. If you had walked away, I was going to put a bullet in him.”

“I’m glad you weren’t the one to do it.”

“I hate that I wasn’t. But you don’t have to be sorry. I don’t want you to ever be sorry again or feel you did anything wrong. This was his fault, and it’s over now. We’re not going to dwell on it, Dream, we’re going to move forward and hope for the best for our future.” She fell against me, and I stroked her back. “You should go lie down a bit. I’m going to call Star and Cynthia and then send Austin off to get them. I’ll come in a little while to check on you. You can call Liza and tell her about it.”

“Okay, she’ll be relieved. I know she’s been concerned for her and Brady as well.”

“You put on those warm clothes, and we’ll all go out when the others get back.”

“That would be wonderful, thanks.” I watched her walk into the bedroom with her phone and then I walked out front to see Austin with a shovel covering up the blood splatter that had hit the ground.

“Can you believe that nut wasn’t even a cop anymore. I could have sure used that information, but at least I don’t have to feel bad about killing one of our men in blue.”

“I hear you, man. How are you holding up?”

“I’m great. I’ll head back Cali and Lola and finish planning the wedding. Then I’ll do a little island therapy and soak in some sun and suds.” The man was scary calm about the whole thing, and I hated that he had to deal with it.

“I wish I could have been the one to deal with this shit. Thanks for coming up.”

“No problem. I’m just glad I get to fly back out of here today. Lola is freaking out. I have to help her rent some things for the reception.”

“I mean it, brother. I hate you have to carry that shit back with you.”

He gave me a somber look. “I’ve carried far worse home, and if I had to do that for anyone, I’m glad it was you. You deserve happiness, man. You’ve already fought a tough battle to get that woman, so I recommend you keep her. Grab ahold and hang on tight, if you know what I mean.” He flashed me a wink and then passed me the shovel. I looked down and covered the last patch of blood as Austin got into his car.

He was going to get Cynthia and Star, and I needed to make sure there wasn’t a speck of Nick left on the ground when they got back.

I finished my job, then went inside and found Dream soaking in the large, clawfoot tub.

I tapped on the door and pushed it open. “Need any help?”