Chapter 12 Tobias
Tobias
I hand the hostess, Yasmin, a box of donuts I picked up on the way over. “Ouu, you brought treats!” She claps excitedly, bringing them to her chest.
“The bus boys are going to eat them all, so you better hide those.” I warn, giving her a wink. She gives me a salute, rushing off to the back to take her pick of the lot.
I laugh watching her go, shaking my head. Gotta love this team. All full of characters.
“Hey! I didn’t know you were in today.” Claire’s voice cheerfully sings as she glides over to me.
“I’m not. Just checking in. Elijah’s meeting me in a few for dinner.” I smile, looking over the reservations on the hostess computer.
“Yay, I’m excited to see him.” Claire smiles, bouncing on her toes.
I grin, still feeling the aftermath of our morning in bed together. “Yeah, me too.” Damn, I miss him already and I haven’t been away from him for even an hour yet. He has such a way about him. It’s addicting.
“Woah, you okay?” She narrows her eyes, zoning into my eyebrow.
Reaching up, she presses the sore spot where I have my cut.
Thankfully, Elijah cleaned it out in the shower and protected it with a couple little white bandage strips but it still stings.
Maybe I should’ve gone to the hospital to get it glued…
but then I’d have to explain what happened.
And that…that I just can’t do.
“Ah, yeah. Just had a little accident.” I smile kindly, patting her hand.
My eye snags over her shoulder on Gabe at the bar.
He’s shining a glass as per usual, but this time, instead of a happy-go-lucky smile on his face that he typically wears, his face is drawn-in, stern and vacant.
The worst part is that his cold stare is pinned directly on that biker guest that was here the other night.
The big, tattooed dude with the blonde, pinned back hair.
“Woah. Is Gabe okay?” I ask, tilting my chin in his direction.
Claire flicks her head over her shoulder, following my gaze. “Uh, I think so? That guy has been coming in every day since Gabe started working here. I think they know each other.” She explains, giving me a tense face.
My eyebrow arches. Is this guy bad news? We’ve had enough problems in the past with unwanted guests.
“Let me check it out,” I say, moving to the bar.
As I start to make my way over, I see the guy dusting off his hands before standing and slinging his leather jacket over his shoulder. He strides past me casually, not even sparing Gabe a glance, as he heads for the exit.
No word. No goodbye to Gabe. Nothing.
"Whoa… what’s that dude’s problem?” I huff, watching him walk out the door.
Gabe shakes his head, hurriedly removing the plate from the bar. “Nothing. He’s fine. Just doesn’t talk much.”
I look down to spot what he had for lunch. Only, I don’t see a bill. “Did he just dine and dash?”
“I’ve got it.” Gabe bites out.
I raise my eyebrows. What the hell? Gabe never talks to me like that.
“Shit, sorry,” Gabe’s shoulders relax. Scratching his eyebrow he looks at me apologetically. “He’s uh…we grew up together. Foster family shit. It’s complicated.” He shrugs.
Holy shit. Foster family?
I guess Gabe’s been through a lot.
“If anyone understands complicated, it’s Elijah and I.” I nod firmly. “You can talk to me if you need to.”
Gabe smiles softly, nodding his head.
Suddenly, his eyes dart behind me. “Oh, speak of the devil.”
I turn my head to the door. My heart jumps just seeing him casually stride in. “That’s no devil.” I smile.
He seems to move in slow motion, gliding in with his hands in his pockets, nodding and greeting everyone as they walk by.
His eyes catch on mine and I can’t help but beam.
He’s here for me.
“Woah, you two are in your own little world, aren’t you?” Gabe laughs, wiping off the bar.
“Yes. We. Are.”
Excitement rolls through me as he gets closer. I wonder where I’m going to take him out to eat tonight. Damn, just thinking of us on an actual date lights me up inside.
“Hey,” Elijah smiles, stepping up to me.
“Hey.” I bite my lip, leaning back on the wood. “You finish your homework?”
He groans, rolling his eyes. “Ew, don’t ask me about my homework. So not sexy.” He jokes, making me laugh.
“Oh no, let me start over.” I cough into my fist, pretending to get myself prepared. “Sir, where may I dine you tonight?”
Elijah covers my mouth with his palm, as he laughs. “Have you always flirted like this?”
“Yes,” I say, my voice muffled by his palm.
“Good thing you’re pretty.” He sighs, wrapping his arms around my neck.
I fake a hurtful gasp. “Ouch, now that just hurts.”
“Eli-baby!” Claire squeals, flinging her arms around Elijah’s shoulders, pulling him off of me.
I smile, watching them quickly catch up.
I turn my attention back to Gabe, shaking my head.
“You two are really made for each other, aren’t you?” He smiles, shining a glass.
I run my fingers through my hair, looking over at Elijah as he shines like a diamond in the middle of the room. “Oh, you have no idea.”
“Excuse me, Tobias Voss?” A serious voice breaks my attention.
I turn around to spot a woman, short but stern. I can tell from here, she means business with her pulled back bun and professional clothes.
Is she another restaurant manager? Maybe a critic or auditor?
I internally groan. Every year there is an audit on the restaurant and we just had ours. It’s so stressful, I’m really hoping that’s not the case. Why would they be back so early?
“Yes. That’s me.” I smile politely, extending my hand. I notice now that there’s a taller man behind her, with dark skin and cut hair. He’s way taller and muscular than her, and truthfully, he looks just as serious.
Are they partners?
“Detective Jameson.” She smiles, giving my hand a firm shake. “This is my partner, Detective Houston.”
My stomach drops. Detective?
Her eyes flicker over to Gabe, who I’m sure is listening attentively. “May we go somewhere to talk alone?”
“I-uh–” I look over at Elijah who walks up beside me. “Yeah, we can go to my office.”
Curious, he introduces himself. “Hi there. I’m Elijah.”
“Elijah Thorne? Actually, this is great. We’d like to speak to you too,” she says.
I nod my head and lead the way. I’m sure they can probably feel my heart pounding.
Are they here because they found out about Derrick? All the money I gave him? The clothes?
Dammit. I’m so screwed.
The closer we get, the more my panic rises. If they bring it up right now…Elijah’s going to find out I’ve been lying to him. I can’t lose him.
What have I done?
I close the door as the two detectives find their seats in front of my desk.
I sit in the desk chair as Elijah rounds to stand behind me, grabbing the back of my seat.
“Thank you for meeting with us. It’s a stroke of luck you both would be here today.” She smiles, glancing between us both.
“Usually I’m here while Elijah’s away at school.” I explain.
“Ah,” she nods gently. “We’ve been assigned to Derrick Voss’s case, so it’s best that we get acquainted given the circumstances.”
The circumstances?
Sucking in a breath, she sits up in her chair. “Listen, I don’t want to waste your time, so I’m going to cut straight to the chase here.”
I swallow deeply. This is it. The truth is going to come out and I’ll be stripped away from Elijah.
Forever.
My worst nightmare is coming true.
I fiddle with the pen on my desk as I try as the panic inside me bubbles.
“We’re so happy there’s someone on this case. It’s time that Derrick Voss is found.” Elijah says behind me. His voice, harsh and upset. I know he cares about this just as much as I do. Derrick hurting me hurts him too.
His hand rests on my shoulder, stabling us both.
“Yes, that’s actually why we’re here.” She looks at me, her eyes drilling into my soul.
I hold my breath.
“There’s been a sighting. We had a tip that he’s been hopping through motels around the area. Under a guise, and with money, he’s been able to get around. We were almost certain he was planning to flee…but it seems as if something is keeping him nearby.”
I look down at my hands. Maybe they don’t know my involvement.
“Something or someone?” Elijah huffs. “We all know why he won’t leave. He probably wants to sink his teeth in Tobias one last time. You’ve gotta help keep him safe.” Elijah ramps up. I hold his hand, urging him to calm down.
“I assure you, we’re doing all that we can.
We’ve had lookouts scoping all around, and if it’s okay with you both, we’re going to start patrolling your house.
Maybe even have a parked car there.” She states.
Looking at me, she continues, “If it is you that he wants, it’d be best to have a post there.
Is that okay with you if we set up some officers outside your house?
You won’t even notice they’re there.” She tries to smile to soothe my nerves.
I nod my head even though the thought of not being able to leave when I have to see him makes my throat tight. What will he do if I defy him?
“Okay, that’s good. We’ll need a list of individuals that are safe to come around. But for now, I’d tell unknown guests to take a rain check.” She sits back, giving her partner a nod. He immediately takes out his phone from his pocket and starts dialing, moving to the other side of the room.
Elijah squeezes my shoulder. “This is good news, baby. We’re really cracking down on him,” he says quietly in my ear.
I give him a small smile, immediately feeling guilty. I wish I could tell him.
“Well, that’s all the information we have for you.” Jameson stands up, dusting off her black slacks. “Thank you for your time,” she says, strolling over to the door. She gives her partner a nod, and he joins her, swiftly hanging up the phone.
“Thank you. I hope you catch him,” I say, opening up the door.
She takes a step to leave, but something pulls her back. Furrowing my brows, I watch as thoughts visibly bounce through her mind.
“I need to ask something before I go. Something is gnawing at me and I tend to have intuition about these things.” She states.
I look at Elijah who shrugs at me.
“Yeah, okay.” I answer.
“I want you to be honest with me,” she says, slowly turning towards me. “You won’t get in trouble.”
I feel the hairs at the back of my neck stand up. This isn’t good.
“Sure.” I answer, nodding.
“Have you been in contact with or seen Derrick Voss since he’s been on the run?”
My throat goes dry. Sweat beads under my collar.
I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out. Here is the moment. The moment when all truth comes out.
“Derrick contacted him once off a burner a few months ago asking for money.” Elijah jumps in, shaking his head. “Pathetic asshole. Tobias put him right in his place and told him to fuck off.”
Jameson nods her head looking back to me.
“Good. That gives us some insight on his motives. He’s clearly strapped for cash.
” She nods to her partner who jots this down.
“I would’ve wished we could’ve traced the number he used but I’m glad you told him off.
You did the right thing.” She gives me a stern nod.
I scratch the back of my neck. “Yeah…”
“I’ve read about him and what he did to you all. He’s unstable and is clearly willing to do anything to hurt you. You don’t want to mess around with a guy like that.” She shakes her head.
Oh, that isn’t even half of it.
“If you hear from him again, he’s our card. Call me if you need anything. I’m serious.” She hands me over a white card with her details on it.
I nod my head. “Thanks.”
She gives me a curt nod, before her partner opens the door and they both walk through.
There it was. My out. A chance to come clean. And I froze. I didn’t take it.
“Derrick Voss is going to get what’s coming to him, T.” Elijah says, wrapping an arm around my waist. “I won’t let him get to you.”
I close the office door, and bury my face in his neck. I need to feel him. Need to be close.
“I know that must’ve been triggering for you. I promise, it’ll all end soon,” he says, rubbing my back gently.
“How do you know?” I sniff, trying to keep the tears at bay.
“Because we’re meant to have a happy ending. That’s how this all works.” He shrugs.
I pick my head up and look into his eyes. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because I’m never wrong. I told you. Lake house. Soaking up the sun in the country. Hand feeding me grapes while we’re naked on the dock.” He smiles, pushing my head back down into the crook of his neck.
I breathe in deeply. “Oh? There’s been some additions?”
“Always part of the plan, Angel.” He laughs, squeezing me tightly.
I feel calmer already, feeling his heartbeat against mine.
It almost makes me forget what just happened.
How I lied to the cops. And Elijah. And how Derrick will no longer have his demands answered and may, in fact, act out in retaliation.
All the thoughts go through my mind and I try to push them down but there’s no use.
“I don’t want to go back home tonight.” I confess.
“No, I wouldn’t imagine you would.” Elijah sighs, pulling out his phone to check the time. “I know you said you wanted to go out for dinner tonight but…” he bites his lip, scanning my face.
“What would you say we get out of here and go where we feel the most comfortable? Just for tonight before I leave?”
My eyes widen. “But, that’s like an eight hour drive for you tomorrow.”
Elijah smiles softly, his eyes fluttering down to my lips. “It’ll be worth it. It always is.”
A smile grows on my face as the anticipation floods through me.
I nod my head. “Okay. Let’s go.”