Chapter Eighteen
Iget back to Ryan’s a little before ten at night. She’s still at Finley’s with Kat and Hadley when I arrive, the windows dark. I walk up to the front door to find a note attached, written in nearly illegible handwriting, with a picture of Ryan and I from Nat’s shop stapled to it.
Soon.
What the hell? I grab my phone out of my pocket and dial quickly, surprised when he answers on the second ring.
“What’s wrong?” Jack’s panicked voice comes through the phone.
“There’s a creepy ass note and a picture of us on Ryan’s door. She’s not home yet,” I explain.
“I’m around the corner at Bennett’s. I’ll be there in five minutes.” He hangs up before I can go into any more detail.
I unlock the door and slowly open it, flipping the light switch as soon as my hand can fit between the crack of the open door and the wall. When the room is illuminated, I push the door open further before stepping inside, looking around.
Nothing looks out of place. Before I take another step I feel a hand grip my shoulder. I turn around, my fist ready to connect with whoever is there. Jack blocks my punch and takes a step back shaking his head.
“You’re a fucking idiot walking in here by yourself.” He shakes his head and lets out a sigh.
“Sorry man.” I pat his shoulder. “Thank you for coming.”
“She’s my sister, and you may be a fucking idiot, but you’re family too.” He rolls his eyes before motioning for me to continue into the house.
We slowly walk through the house, checking each room. We find Ellie sound asleep on Ryan’s bed purring up a storm, and I let out a long breath when I see she’s ok. Jack and I walk out to the living room and sit on the couch.
“Let me see it.” Jack holds out his hand.
I hand it over, thanking whatever guardian angel is looking out for me that it’s just a picture of us kissing in the lobby and not when I had her bent over the table in the back room after her tattoo was done.
“This is through his front window. Someone was watching from outside,” he says as he holds the picture closer to his face. “Did you notice anyone before you left?”
“Uh, no. We were a bit distracted.” I admit
“As much as I’m not happy about you and Ryan, you’re adults and if we’re honest, it’s been a long time coming.” He pauses, scrubbing a hand down his face in frustration. “I swear to all that is holy. If I have to kill you, I’m gonna be pissed.” Jack groans as he sits on the couch next to me. “I brought your shit over here because I already know you’re going to be staying with Ryan the rest of the time you’re here anyway. And, I like your cat and all, but not the howling at night because she misses you.”
I hear a car door close and feet padding up the walk just a moment before the door knob twists and Ryan walks in and freezes in the doorway, looking between Jack and I.
“Did you boys kiss and make up?” Her smile is infectious.
“Yes, shithead,” Jack answers for me. I elbow him in the ribs.
“Just because we’re cool doesn’t mean I want you talking to her like that.” I laugh as he punches my shoulder.
Ryan walks over and sits on my lap, pressing a soft kiss against my lips. “Hi.”
“Hi, beautiful.” I smile at her, staring into her beautiful chocolate eyes.
“Ew, I’m right here. You realize that, right?” Jack groans.
“Why yes, big brother, I do.” she smiles brightly at him before scooting off of my lap and onto the couch, “So, what did I miss?”
Jack and I share a look before he nods. I explain what I came back here to find and why I called Jack, showing her the note and picture.
“I’ve gotten random notes like this at the studio, but never here,” she admits, shrugging her shoulders like it’s no big deal.
“You what?!” Jack screams. “Have you contacted the police? Does Bennett know?” He rapid fires the questions at her.
“I filed a report with someone at the station, but I don’t know if they told Benny. They said they can’t do anything because they haven’t hurt me.” She rolls her eyes.
I feel my heart rate increasing, and my vision blurs as every dark and depraved scenario runs through my mind. I stand up and start pacing back and forth across her carpeted living room.
“Grey,” I hear Ryan’s voice whisper through the rage fueled haze. “You’re going all Tarzan on me, baby. I’m ok”
I turn to see her standing, slowly approaching me like a wild animal she’s afraid to spook. I march over, gripping the back of her neck and pulling her waist against me.
“I will find out who the fuck is behind this and I will end them.” I growl before pressing a rough kiss against her lips.
Jack must have called Bennett without me noticing while Ry was calming me down because twenty minutes later there’s a loud knock on the door. Jack stands from where he sat on the couch to answer it. He opens the door to a very large, familiar looking man with a broad chest. His inky colored hair is cropped short, and he’s wearing a holster over his shoulders with a Glock on either side of his chest.
“Hey King,” the newcomer says to Jack as they greet each other with a passionate kiss.
Oh, that’s why he looks familiar.
“Grey, Bennett, Bennett, Grey,” Jack formally introduces us. “He’s a detective with the Central Falls PD.” Jack beams, obnoxiously proud of his man.
“Nice to meet you, Bennett.” I reach out to shake his hand. He takes mine in a firm grip in greeting.
“Benny,” Ryan’s voice is full of warmth as she stands, taking a few steps to meet his large form before wrapping herself around him.
My jaw clenches at the affection between the two. I know it’s a brotherly hug but another man touching her has my blood boiling. They separate after a moment and she returns to my side. We all sit along the large sectional and explain what happened, once again.