Havoc

Chapter 19

Kenna

Jesse handed my bags to a flight crewman then put a hand on my shoulder and turned me toward him. “Kenna.” He leaned in close, so I’d look at him.

My mind was hazy as I tried to focus on him. I wasn’t new to processing death, but Leo’s terrible murder was a whole different story.

“I need you to buy me two days. Your silence will help. Can you do that?”

“Yeah.” I nodded numbly.

“Watch everyone, Kenna. We don’t know what we’re dealing with yet, but I’ll have my best two guys, Jason and Lorenzo, keep a close eye on you.” He pointed behind me, but I didn’t look. “They’ll always be there, but pretend they don’t exist, don’t make contact unless you have to. You may not always see them, but they’ll be there. I promise. Just try to go on as normal.”

My brain fought to catch up. “Wait, what about Jim and Laurel?” I instantly felt a whole new wave of pain as I thought about his parents and what they must be going through.

“They’re already on the way here with Knox.”

“Oh, my God, Knox,” I gasped, shocked I hadn’t considered him in this entire event.

“It’s all been handled, Kenna. Now I just need to make sure you can do your part.”

“I can.” Tears leaked.

“You think you can figure out that strange symbol?”

“Yes, I didn’t forget.” I tried to pull myself together.

He smiled warmly, and I was in awe of how well he handled the situation. I now truly understood why Grim hired him.

“I’m worried about Grim,” I couldn’t help but confess.

“Me too.” He opened his mouth then paused like he second-guessed his words. “For what it’s worth, you’re the only one I’ve ever seen who even got close to the real him.” Then his hand left my shoulder so fast I jumped. He read a text.

“Jesse,” I whispered and pulled his attention back to me, “I feel like you’re telling me he’s done with me.”

“He’s in a dark place, Kenna. The darkest I’ve ever seen him. I’m not sure where things will go from here. I gotta go.” He turned away then stopped himself. “Two days,” he reminded me. “I’ll be in touch. You can do this.”

Right.I climbed the steps and didn’t remember a single thing after I hit the cool leather seat.

“Ma’am,” a woman shook my arm and drew me out of a dead sleep, “we’ve landed, and your ride is here.”

“Oh,” I rubbed my sore neck, “thank you.”

“Of course.” She offered me her hand to help me up then held out my purse. “Have a good rest of your day.” The concern showed on her face. I tried for a smile but didn’t offer her a comment.

The moment I deboarded, Minnie raced into my arms and squeezed me hard.

“Jesse called Trigger, told us everything. I just can’t believe it.”

I broke as she walked me over to her car. Brick and Morgan stood next to it, and both looked at us in sympathy, but didn’t say anything. I buried my face in my best friend’s shoulder and sobbed my heart out as we drove.

“Let it all out,” Minnie rocked me, her own voice full of tears. “We’re going back to my place, and you can talk then.”

Once we were there and I had a chance to splash water on my swollen face, I pulled myself together and joined my friends. I did my best to fill them in on what I knew. It was the hardest night I’d ever had.

Trigger rubbed his face after I finished talking but showed no emotion. I knew these men had been through their own pain over the years and had a lot of practice on masking their feelings. “Jesse said something about how you might have recognized that odd drawing on Leo’s arm.”

“Yes, I think so.”

“From where?”

Minnie threaded her hand through mine and tried her best to comfort me. I loved her for it. Tess sat on my other side. I appreciated the buffer she presented between me and her husband. Trigger was big and scary, and in that moment, his anger made him even more so.

“The night that, I—” I choked on my words and tried again. “The night of the Matt Myers mishap,” I choose my words carefully, “I was followed to Secrets by one of his men, the one Grim dealt with. When he lifted his arm, I saw a tattoo on the inside of it, up here.” I pointed to the spot high above my bicep. “I only picked up on it because Sasha had one kind of like it. Well, like one part of it is the same, anyway. The other part is kinda different.” I tried to picture it in my head. “I don’t know,” I sighed and felt stupid. “Maybe it’s some kind of club thing, or maybe it’s from a movie like Fight Club, with my luck lately.” I huffed.

“It’s okay, Ken,” Tess said. “It’s a start, right?” She looked at Trigger.

“She’s right.” Trigger nodded. “Show me what part you remember they both had.”

I used my finger and drew in edit mode on my phone to outline what I remembered.

“It was sort of like this. It’s the part I remember on the guy and on Sasha.” I held the sketch out to Trigger, and he sent the marked photo to his phone.

“Minnie,” I sniffed, “when your guys dumped that piece of shit Myers, anyone catch any tattoos?”

“There was one that was mentioned but not like that. I’ll ask again.” She pulled out her phone and started to text.

Brick finally spoke up from the back of the room. “How’s Grim? I mean, all things considered.”

“Scary dark.” I shook my head slowly and closed my eyes. “How ugly is this going to get?”

Everyone went quiet.

* * *

I stayed awayfrom people as much as I could. I made up what I hoped was a good story for why I probably seemed off. Yen Hong sat across the table and kindly chatted about his latest venture. He filled in the silence as he sensed I needed to be still. I sat, overwhelmed with grief. Leo had been a good friend, and during our trip he’d had so much fun. His lifeless body that spoke of torture and cruelty played out in my head over and over. His beautiful soul robbed for some godforsaken reason. I tried not to think how the aftermath was nearly as chilling.

“I’m sorry, Kenna.” Yen pulled my attention, and I tried to recall his last few words. “I’m sorry for whatever is bothering you so.” He gave me a sad smile. “I know what you told me, but I sense it goes much deeper than that.”

“It’s…” I was too tired for words.

“It’s okay,” he leaned forward and rested his warm hand on mine for comfort, “I won’t pry, but know I am here if you need anything or even if you just need a good cry. It worries me to see your eyes so dim.”

“Thank you, Yen. I may take you up on that when I can.”

“I hope you do.” He stood. “And not to seem insensitive, but I have a meeting in ten.”

“No, please go. I’m terribly sorry. I’ll be fine.” I smiled and watched him leave. I had to pull myself together. I had clients to deal with who were not as understanding and needed more from me. Then once again I felt the panic grow. I needed to get out of there.

I found my way to the rooftop bar, a place that had brought me such happiness just a short time before. I liked it there; not many people were able to pass security to enjoy the area. It kept it private, and I felt secure. I briefly wondered where Jesse’s two guys were and glanced around. I didn’t spot them.

“Another,” I held up my glass, now drained of wine, as the bartender came close. “Please,” I quickly added with what I hoped was a warm smile. The staff were like family, and I’d never be rude.

“Heads up, hun.” He looked over my shoulder as he poured. I couldn’t bear to know who was next to make my day worse.

“Please just go away,” I whispered.

“I just wanted to check in on you.” My father peered down at my glass of wine and ordered the same for himself.

“You noticed?” I told my filter to fuck off for the night, and so she happily left the building.

“I suppose I deserved that comment from time to time.” I wrinkled my nose at him and put my glass to my lips. His voice seemed a little lighter, not his normal tone, one phone call away from a stroke. “Do you know why I’m so hard on you?”

“Please, Dad, I can’t do this conversation right now.” I batted back a dam of emotion. “I know it’s because you see something in me that reminds you of you, and that’s why you treat me like a bag of shit.”

“Bag of shit?” He pulled in his chin as if hurt.

“First words that came to mind.”

“I see.” He nodded as he thought. “Well, you might be partially right.”

“Not partially.” I took a large sip of wine.

“McKenna, I’m hard on you because you can take it.”

“Can I?” I stared up at him. “Because I’ve taken a lot up to now. As a matter of fact, Dad, I’m about ready to burst with all I’ve taken.”

“Why is that?”

“Because—” I stopped myself and realized what I had been about to blurt. “Because I’ve hit my limit.” I pivoted. “I lost a big client contract yesterday.”

He studied my face, and his own softened. “It’s not the first contract you’ve ever lost. It’ll be okay.”

“No, it’s not.” I wiped a tear away. “When has it ever been okay?”

“McKenna, you’re human, and so am I. I’m not perfect. You know I’ve lost a big client before, and it nearly cost me everything.”

It may not have cost him everything, but it sure as hell took years off my own life, and apparently it still was.

“Do you remember, Simba?”

“What?” His change in subject lost me.

“Simba. That albino rabbit you got when you were eight. It had big, red eyes.”

“Of course I remember, Dad. I begged you for a bunny for years.”

“Right, and when I heard the neighbors had a litter of babies that time, I made sure I got one for you. It was for your eighth birthday. You named him Simba.” I was honestly shocked he’d even remembered that. “You forced that little bunny into dresses and bows and even got him to sit like a dog.” He chuckled lightly. “I still have no idea how you did it.”

“Poor thing.”

“Not poor thing, because you loved him, and he knew that, and that’s why he tolerated you.”

“What’s the point of this memory, Dad?” I didn’t trust this sudden tenderness.

“My point, my sweet girl…” He raised a hand to show his intention and tenderly wiped a tear away. Who was this man? “I’m hard on you because I love you, just like you were hard on Simba because you loved him. I know I don’t stop long enough to listen most days, and my temper can be an easy four.” He chuckled at his number, and I let myself soften a bit. “But for what it’s worth, I’m proud of the woman you’ve become. I knew you were destined to do great things. It was one of the reasons I wanted you here, so I could see your success grow. I didn’t want to miss that.”

“Really?” I wished this moment, one I’d dreamed about for half my life, wasn’t laced with the agony of the past few days. Maybe there was a reason for the timing. If there was ever a time I needed something to remind me that my father still loved me, it was now. I was sure the man he once was lived on inside, even though he hurt me repeatedly. My mother had stayed married to him for a reason. She must see this side of him. She knew it was there.

“Really.” He pulled me in for a hug and kissed the top of my head. “Now, are we done with the drinking?”

“I think I should get to bed.”

“I agree.” He pulled away and smiled from ear to ear like he was proud he’d been able to have that moment with me. “You look so much like your mother.” He tucked my hair behind my shoulder. “Strong and full of life. Ah…” He stopped himself like he remembered something. “I’m off to help your mother with some things in Reno, so I’ll be leaving here shortly, but remember tomorrow is a new day filled with new possibilities, my dear.”

“I love you, Dad.”

“I love you more.”

I reached for my purse then gave him a hug. “Thank you, Dad.” I turned my tired body away and headed for my suite. As I stepped through the door, I felt a small smile tug at my lips. I forgot sometimes how much I yearned to be cared for, but more importantly, loved. I knew I was surrounded by family, but a father’s love was something special, and the unexpected affection from him was just what I needed.

The next day was spent on the golf course with Salazar. He filled me in on how he’d made things right with Mr. Hong. Though I was pleased to hear it, I wasn’t quite sure Yen was as forgiving as Salazar was playing it off. But nonetheless, he was making an effort, and the two seemed to be cordial. It was all good.

It was day three since I’d gotten back, and a day on the golf course was a good way to clear my head. My thoughts went back to earlier in the morning. I’d had a message that there was an all-hands-on-deck upper management meeting on the twentieth floor from Jim Gates. I hadn’t even known he’d come back. I had not heard a word from Grim, but I hadn’t heard from Jesse either.

When I arrived, my stomach bottomed out as I took in who all was there. The entire Gates family sat at one end of the long table, and whispers from the staff about what was going on made a dull roar in my ears. Grim’s expression was cold and lifeless as I slipped into my chair and hoped he’d look over. I didn’t expect much from him after all that had happened, but I’d expected him to at least register me. I caught Jesse’s gaze from across the room, and his expression held such sadness, it was almost like he was apologizing for Grim’s behavior. Knox leaned over and whispered something to Grim, but he shook his head like he couldn’t deal with whatever it was that Knox said. Grim looked over at his mother, and she nodded and gave Jim’s arm a pat. Jim stood and addressed the situation in New Orleans.

Jim’s emotion would have cracked even the most heartless, and I was shocked he was able to take point on the meeting, but I knew a man in his position had to ensure that every person in the room knew just how important it was that we controlled the narrative of the story. His family had to show they were still and would always be in control, no matter what was thrown at them. After his brief explanation of what had happened, he made it clear that everyone was to take a “we know nothing concrete yet” stance. You could have heard a pin drop in the room as Jim reached for his wife’s arm. He gave me a quick glance before they walked out, leaving the room in heartbreak.

“Hey, Kenna.” Jayden leaned toward me while the others in the room began to whisper together as they filed out. “Where’s your father? This was all-hands-on deck meeting.”

“LA,” I whispered as I reached for my purse, “helping mom out.”

“Oh.” He nodded. My father’s lack of presence at such a meeting would have surprised most everyone. “Seriously,” he touched my arm, “are you okay? I know you and Leo were close.”

“I’m really not sure what I am right now.” He stood when I did. “But thanks.” I was pleased we had reached a point in our working relationship where we could have such a conversation.

“You know where to find me.” He patted my shoulder, and we stepped back as the Gates brothers went to exit. I tried to speak to Grim, but he brushed by me with Jesse hard on his heels. A few minutes later, I got a text.

Jesse: Heading to LA, sorry for the lack of response from both of us.

“You know what’s strange?” Salazar pulled my thoughts back to him and away from this morning’s meeting. I got myself in check.

“What?” I sipped my lime water and watched him swing.

“The hotel seems off. I know the whole family are away, but there’s something in the air.”

“It’s not often they’re able to go away together. I’m sure it’s nothing.” I shrugged. Who was I to tell him they were back. I certainly wasn’t going to get into any conversation about it at this point. He’d know soon enough. “I agree that when the owners are away, their seconds in command, so to speak, tighten things up. It wouldn’t be good to have something go wrong on their watch.”

“No, it’s a darker vibe than that.” He nailed the feeling perfectly. “Doesn’t help that Sonny Conti seems to be here full time now. I don’t like the man.”

“Agreed.”

“What’s his story, anyway?”

“New money, thinks he’s God’s gift to women, as you saw firsthand.” I raised a brow, and he gave me an eye roll. “He loves to make Grim’s life hell at every turn.”

“And yet he’s a client here.”

“It’s a long story.”

“Care to share it?” He swung his club again, and I found myself reaching for my sweater. The temperature had dipped, or maybe the mention of Sonny just brought on an internal chill. I wished I knew if he’d had anything to do with Leo’s death. It couldn’t have been a coincidence he’d been around when it happened.

“I would rather swallow a box of tacks than discuss that man.”

“Understood.” He chuckled and focused on his game.

I knew my main clients couldn’t miss my change in mood, and I was pleased they only fished lightly for information. Most had enough problems of their own in the lives they led. They gave up when I didn’t bite, but it wouldn’t go on much longer. The word would be out. I still hadn’t heard anything from Grim. Only the text from Jesse that they were leaving for LA.

The evening was early when Salazar excused himself to go to his suite. I was sure it had everything to do with the drinks he’d shared with friends on the green. I was pleased because the knot in my stomach had come to the point of pain.

I had a bad feeling something was about to go down. Jesse’s reassurance that his trusted security would watch things carefully wasn’t cutting it anymore. A prickly sensation went up my back. I checked the time on my phone; it was seven on the dot. I spotted Jason watching me from the front desk of the lobby. Fuck it. I didn’t care what Jesse said about not talking to them. I went over and stared at him straight in the eye.

“Hey, Jason,” I stopped in front of him, and he stood straight and looked uncomfortable with my presence, “have you heard anything from Jesse or Grim?”

“No.” I assumed he was lying, but it still felt good to ask.

“If you do?”

“I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks.”

“Holy shit, McKenna Tame, as I live and breathe.” A man approached with a huge smile, and Jason took that as a cue to quickly move to the other side of the lobby.

“Hi, Benny. What are you doing here?” Benny was an old friend from high school. We’d kept in touch, and in the past had enjoyed the odd night of fun just hanging out. Nothing had ever come of it. He looked great, very handsome in a new suit.

“I’m in town for the week on business. I heard you were working here…” He trailed off. “Are you okay?”

“It’s been a really bad week.” I huffed out a breath.

“Come to dinner with me tomorrow night. If anything, I’ll make you laugh.”

“I’d like that, but—” I stopped myself. “You know what? I think that’s just what I need.”

“Great. Here’s my card. You know this place best. Pick a spot and time and text me the details.”

“I will.” I pushed a smile through then headed toward the elevator.

“Hi, McKenna,” a familiar voice called, and I turned to see Darcy, Grim’s dog walker, going through the lobby. She waved as she approached.

Leal made a squeak as he strained toward me. “Whoa.” Darcy tried to pull him back.

“It’s okay.” I reached out and let him sniff my hand, then I slowly moved to rub the top of his gnarly head. He stilled a moment then pressed against my hand and allowed me to do it.

“Um,” she cleared her throat, “that’s not a good idea.”

“It’s okay.” I gave him another little pat. His brother didn’t move toward me, but I gave him a warm smile and a soft how are ya, boy. “We’re at the growing acquaintance status, I think.”

She grinned and raised her brows. “They barely let me touch them other than to put on their leads.”

“They’ve seen me at my worst,” I confessed. “I think that counted for something.”

“Maybe. They don’t give me any trouble, though. Do ya, fellas?” She smiled at them. “They’re good pups, just not overly friendly with people.”

“Huh! They are Grim’s, after all,” I said with dry humor.

“Have a good walk, boys.” I used Grim’s name for them, which I always thought was sweet, but that feeling was quickly replaced with a growing nausea that things might never go back to normal between all of us.

“See ya when I see ya,” Darcy called.

I waved as they left and caught sight of Simon in conversation with a man. He looked over and smiled and began to walk toward me.

“I hope you still have all your fingers. You couldn’t pay me enough to pat those dogs.”

“They’re pretty sweet once you get to know them.”

“I’ll take your word on that.” He inched his glasses farther up his nose. “So, where is everyone? It’s been very quiet around here.”

My phone buzzed in my purse, and I fished around for it.

Jesse: In LA, chasing a possible lead. Hope to be back by the day after tomorrow. Sorry about today. He’s hard to get through to right now. I’ll be in touch.

“Sorry, Simon,” I indicated my phone, “I have to go.”

“Oh, of course.” He stepped back. “Well, it’s nice to have you back.”

I barely heard him as I typed my reply.

Kenna: Understood. If you can just let him know I’m thinking of him.