“You’re a beautiful, strong woman. Do not let these assholes get into your head. You hit the gold mine with Carl and Richie. Monte and BJ filled me in on some of their experiences, connections, and abilities. Together, our men can take these two morons down. Be patient, and always be prepared.”
“I know what you’re saying. I want to believe it so badly it hurts, but then I remember Carl getting shot. I remember Richie’s strong voice and him tackling us to the ground. I can’t get the vision of the blood covering Carl’s hand as he held the wound. It makes me remember things. Things I just want to forget.”
“Carl is fine, Juliet. It was a flesh wound, and sure he was damn lucky, but now they all have a better idea of whom they’re dealing with. I know you’ve kept secrets, and God knows you know that I have, but I love these men. I trust these men. They aren’t the bad guys.”
Juliet thought about that a moment. They weren’t the bad guys. They were the good guys, and good guys tended to play by the rules. Robert and Pierce didn’t believe that rules or laws applied to them. They were untouchable unless she started using the information she had against them to put them away for life. But how could she do that while keeping them at bay from Carl, Richie, and all her friends? She had the box of items, papers, phone recordings, video, and photographs locked up in a box under the floorboard in her room. There was enough evidence to send both Robert and Pierce away for life. They had no idea what she had recorded and witnessed except for the two murders. The two men would get away with that, especially with the high-priced attorneys Pierce kept on board and at his beck and call.
“I know they’re special. I just wish none of this was happening right now. My relationship with Carl and Richie is so new.”
“They’ve been keeping an eye on you for nearly a year. I’m glad you finally decided to further investigate your attraction.”
“Me, too,” Juliet added then smiled.
“Hey, Susanna. I want you to know that I have some really important stuff that is precious to me hidden in this room.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s just some stuff from my past and things that I gathered over the years. I want you to know about it. I mean just in case something goes wrong.”
“Hey, nothing is going to go wrong.”
“Well, humor me, will ya? It’s under a loose set of floorboards under my bed. Just remember it in case, okay?”
“Nothing is going to happen to you. Be strong and be smart.”
“I will, and thanks for the talk.”
“You bet. I’d better get ready for work.”
Susanna left the room, and Juliet closed the door. She needed to add some other information to the files. She quickly wrote some things down on a piece of paper, then gathered some dates and times along with pictures she kept in a separate file. She reached under the bed, pulled out the thick envelope, and began to pack the new stuff inside. In her rush to do so, an envelope opened up and a picture of Danny popped out. Her heart hammered inside of her chest. He was dead because of her, and Carl nearly died because of her. She wouldn’t let them get hurt. Never again would Pierce or Robert hurt those she loved.
As she recovered the files and pushed down her comforter, the bedroom door opened.
“Juliet?” She heard Richie’s concerned voice.
“Yes?” she answered as he moved from the doorway deeper into her room.
“I was worried and then I didn’t see you right away. What are you doing down there?”
“I just dropped something. I have some stuff packed.”
“Good. I have some great news.”
“Yeah?”
“Carl’s on his way home. He’ll be there by the time we get back.”
“Oh God, is it safe? Will he be okay?”
“He wouldn’t stay a night away from you. I think they kicked him out.”
He chuckled as he grabbed her bag and then her hand.
“Let’s go, baby.”
Chapter 11
“So let me get this straight, you need more time there to figure out whether or not this place is worth my time and money?” Pierce Mellbrook asked Robert over the phone.