13. Chapter Eleven
Chapter Eleven
Medusa
”Could Michelle be involved with this?” I ask TJ, but I'm not sure I want the answer to my question.
“It’s the only reason I can think of him having the code in her handwriting. Is Lucas only close with her because of you? Does Michelle know she’s being used, or is Michelle helping?” I blow out my breath. “I agree with your officers. Michelle is working for the other side, whether she knows it or not. She needs some tough love.” I feel like my heart stopped hearing those words from my brother’s lips.
“Are you fucking serious? I can’t believe you would say those words.” TJ’s words completely floor me. “She’s our sister. We promised to protect her from day one.”
“We were ten and six! We also didn’t think our Dad would get killed five years later and our mom would take off three years after that. We have done everything to protect her. You paid for her college dorm, and I know you have a savings account for the two of us with the profit from the body shop instead of saving it for you.” I roll my eyes. “I’m not stupid. I get the statements. I bet Michelle does, too. It’s never a thank you from her. She expects us to bend over backward for her. We stop what we are doing to bail her out. I’m done.”
“TJ, are you serious?” I push him. “It’s just the three of us.”
“Blood isn’t always family. Michelle can’t even be bothered to come to family dinner once a week or once a month. I wouldn't have seen her if she hadn’t had a problem with her car. When was the last time you saw her? Talk to her and not through text?” I sigh because I can’t even answer that question. It’s always been a text. I’m the one initiating it. “It’s going to be hard, but what would’ve happened if we hadn’t paid attention to the no beeping? He could’ve killed you, me, or even someone you had as a house sitter like a prospect.”
“I know you’re right, but I just don’t know. This is hard. I can’t just cut her off.”
“Stop thinking about it as cutting her off but give her a chance to find who she is.” I turn to see Noah standing there.
“I didn’t mean to intrude, but Tripline wanted me to tell you she’s headed out to do her thing.”
“Thanks. What did you mean about finding who she is?” I ask, and TJ relaxes his stance.
“I have a stepsister. She’s my stepdad's daughter. Her mother never worked because her parents are old money. She made her daughter just like her. My stepsister is entitled and treats everyone like they’re beneath her. She lives off her trust fund. I did for a while, but I also got an education twice and have been working since I graduated. Your sister needs to know who she is on her own. My mom and stepdad, who I call my parents, kicked her out of their house. She moved back in with her mom, but my parents aren’t letting her walk all over them or their help.”
“Their help?” I raise my eyebrow at him.
“I’m from old money too, but the difference is my mom made sure I had values and appreciated what I had—” He holds up his hand, “Compared to my stepsister. I’m not saying your sister and my stepsister are the same. But you’ve always protected her from the conversation I walked into, which isn’t bad, but this is just the beginning.” He gestures to the living room, where everyone is standing around. “Then you have to know when is enough.”
“This is all overwhelming. I need to think about some things.”
“I’m sorry if I overstepped here. I don’t know all of you, but I met a few days ago.” Noah motions to TJ, “And I just met you today.” He looks at me. “I’m here if you need to talk.”
“Thank you for your insight.” TJ talks to Noah. “So we need to stop giving her money and paying for everything we do now?”
“Can we please wait a few days before making big decisions? There are a lot of emotions going on right now. I spent twenty-two years looking after her, and I can’t stop because you two tell me to.” I snap at them. Noah walks into me, and I must tip my head back to look at him.
“I’m not telling you what to do. What I am telling you is my personal experience. My stepdad said kicking her out was the hardest thing he’s ever had to do, but he couldn’t keep letting her treat people like they owe her something.” He places his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me closer to him. “Merida, you have a big heart. I can see it, but sometimes, you must protect your heart. You make the boundaries for your life, and you protect that with everything you have.” He leans forward to lay a soft kiss on my forehead. “Arthur is ready to get going, and since I came with him, I have needed to go. TJ has my number. Call me if you need to talk.” I nod, stepping away from him. Noah shakes TJ’s hand, telling him he’ll see him tomorrow, and then he walks away.
“What is going on with you two?” TJ walks to the fridge to grab a beer from it. He holds up a second one, and I nod. He hands me the beer, and I take a swig.
“I don’t know.” TJ raises an eyebrow at me, and my cheeks heat up. “He’s hot, but I honestly don’t know. I just met him today.”
“Are you staying here tonight?” I shake my head. “Clubhouse?” I nod. “Okay. Let’s get out of here. Can we change the code now, or do you need the security people to do that?”
“I can do it. I’ve been resetting it on my own for years. I must also change the questions and answers with the alarm company.” My living room smells of bleach. DaVinci is our beauty expert and crime scene cleaner. She has worked and reworked a special cleaning solvent to remove blood and all DNA traces. I don’t know how she does it, but I let her do her science thing. I change the codes in the house first after everyone leaves. Then I do it to the garage and gate. TJ and Smitty are the only two who will have it. I sit on my bike outside, idling on Michelle’s name to text her the code. My head tells me to send it, but my heart tells me not to send her the code. I need to know if she’s the one who tried to have me raped by this man.
"Are you okay?” TJ hops out of his truck to stand near me. He sees that my cell phone is in my hand with the text thread to Michelle. It shows me sending her messages for the last five days and nothing in return. She’s read them, but nothing from her. “I won’t be mad if you tell her the code. You’ve given it to me, Smitty, and who else?”
“That’s it. I trust my girls with my life. I’m worried.”
“Worried about what?” I shake my head.
“I don’t want to say just yet. It has to do with Michelle. I’m going to sleep on it. It’s late, and you need to get some sleep.”
“You’re welcome to crash with me.” I nod. “But you need time by yourself.” He kisses my forehead before leaving me alone. I drive through town, trying to clear my thoughts. I find myself pulling into the apartments that Smitty owns.
Knocking on the door, I look around, making sure no one is around, and wait for the door to open.
“Can I come in?”