34. CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
I vy
The conference room buzzes with a low thrum of unspoken tension. Everyone zips around, head down, attention fixed. No idle chatter. No meaningless conversations.
The atmosphere only serves to heighten the tension brewing in my chest.
I’m seeing my father today.
Three days ago, HEY and the police compared notes. The latter agreed they had enough evidence against Luke. But they needed a confession to make it unequivocal. That’s where I came in.
I was handed a phone with the dial tone going off. Everyone hovered around me, watching, waiting. But it was Brody’s eyes I was most aware of.
When the voice on the other end came on, nothing mattered but justice.
“Yeah?” Luke Ross. He sounded as I remembered. Gruff, impatient, arrogant.
“It’s me. Ivy.”
“How did you get this number?” He couldn’t even pretend to care about my well-being even though we hadn’t spoken in months.
Whatever shred of sympathy I had left shriveled and died. “The same way I know how you took Iris’s money.” I clenched my teeth for the next part, but it had to be said. I had to make it believable. “She’s still a spineless crybaby. I can see the shit you and Mom had to put up with. And fuck, it sucks.”
“What do you want?”
“My share of the money, of course. Now that I’m stuck babysitting your little star girl, I want my cut.”
Luke laughs. “What do you think this is? A fucking family fund?” His tone turns cutting. “Get lost, Ivy.”
“Oh, I’m gonna get lost. I’m gonna get lost all the way to the cops if you don’t give me what I want.”
He was silent for a long minute.
“What’s it gonna be, Dad ? Wanna share? Or do you want the police to take everything?”
He sighed. “Fine.”
“Good. I’ll text you a time and location. You better be there or it’s over for you.”
I cut the call and slumped into the chair. Hands tapped my back, telling me I did good work. But I felt like shit.
“It’ll certainly draw him out. It’s always been about the money for him, so this will bring him out of his hole,” Brody assured me.
I looked for the man who was worried sick drawing my father out would harm me, but he was gone, replaced by one who wore steely determination as a second skin.
A part of me misses that side of Brody. I know I pushed him to accept my terms, but I still want to know he cares enough to be anxious about me.
And it’s been a week of not knowing.
After the night we had dinner together, things have been different. We moved so well together that we broke our getting-along meter. Now, it’s awkward glances and staccato sentences between us. Even when we were fighting, it was never this uncertain.
I find him deep in conversation with Nick. A frown lines his forehead, and his eyes are fixed on his friend and colleague, focused on what he’s saying.
I can’t tear my eyes away. Despite the shaky aftermath, the night we shared lives rent-free in my head and plays over and over. The intensity, the depth. It was all real.
Having him unsure around me, unable to have a proper conversation or anything, really feels like torture. Maybe that’s why I’m pumped for today. That’s why I look forward to meeting my dad. It’ll give me something to do apart from stare at Brody and wish he’d tell me what’s on his mind.
As if noticing me, his eyes slice to mine. They hold for a few beats before he looks away again.
I drop my gaze and my shoulders. Focus on Luke. Focus on what he has done. Focus on catching him.
“You good?” A hand touches my shoulder.
The deep voice and the warm touch work into my system, breaking my mantra. I lift my gaze to Brody’s. I hope I don’t look like I feel. Longing warring to come out and wrap around him.
“Yeah, I’m good.” My voice manages to sound firm and assured.
“Good.” He taps my shoulder and moves to the head of the table. “Everyone, listen up.”
Zane looks up from his computer as Nick and Sera turn from where they’re working on a contraption between them.
“In an hour, we’ll be trapping Luke Ross. I want all of us to be sharp and focused. He’s a dangerous man and his daughters have been a prime target.”
I send a quick thanks to the heavens for not having Iris here. I’d be much more worried if so.
“There is no room for mistakes or slip-ups. Ivy’s life depends on us.” His eyes slip to mine. “We can’t fail her.”
I gulp. His “we” sounds a lot like “I.” I don’t want him bearing any guilt in case our plans go awry, but I can’t convince him differently. Especially not now that it’s an hour away.
Brody recounts the plan and everyone’s position. He restates what I should and should not discuss with my father. For once, I don’t argue with him. I need all the help I can get to come out of this alive.
“That will be all,” Brody concludes. “Let’s get ready to head out.”
Sera comes to me with the device she and Nick were working on.
“Is it ready?”
“Yes. Stand. I’ll help you put it on.”
Her hands shake as she slips the wire down my back and across my torso.
“Are you okay?” I frown.
“Am I okay?” she repeats the question, giving me an incredulous look. “We’re about to do something dangerous. We’re putting your life at risk.”
“Hey, I thought you were onboard with this.”
“I am onboard. I’m still frightened that the ship could sink.”
I huff a small laugh. “I’ll be alright, Sera.”
“How are you not afraid?”
“Oh, I am,” I say quickly. “It just pales in comparison to my anger at my father and the need to see justice served.”
Sera’s face pales. “You’re badass.”
My lips tip up. “I’ve heard that before.”
“That’s good because if I were you, I’d be halfway across the country, and no one would ever find me to put me in proximity to the man who wants me dead...”
Sera’s tirade fades as I turn to find Brody looking at me. His gaze is dark and intense. It could be anger, need, or anything else. I can’t read him. He looks away, and I do, too.
“Has he mentioned anything to you?” I ask Sera.
She blinks, confused. “Who mentioned what?”
“Brody. Has he said anything about me?”
“Well, we’re to make sure nothing happens to you.”
“No.” I shake my head. “About... about us.”
Understanding widens her gaze. “No, not to me.” Seeing my face, she adds on. “Sorry.”
“It’s nothing.” I shake my head and let out a forced laugh. “If you’re done, let’s go nab my dad.”
Fifteen minutes later, I’m driving into town in Sera’s car. The mic Zane created is strapped to my body, and the metal cools my back.
“Can you hear me, Angel?” Nick’s voice comes on.
The guys and Sera are following in a nondescript vehicle. They’ll listen to whatever happens between Luke and me while being close enough to reach me if anything goes south. In addition to the cops that’ll be planted in different positions around the outdoor skating rink, I should be fine. Hopefully.
“Ivy can hear you. Who’s Angel?”
“You, Angel. It’s your codename,” Nick says.
“Oh.”
“Zane is Mind Z. Sera is Sunflower. I’m Gorgeous. And Brody is Chatterbox.”
A surprised laugh leaves me at the last one, and Brody’s voice comes on.
“We’re not doing any codenames, Ivy.”
The timbre of his voice fills my ears and works through me. I close my eyes for a second and absorb the sound.
“Yes?”
“Everything working alright?”
“Yes.”
“And you? Feeling alright?”
“As well as can be.”
“You’ll be fine. I’ve got you.” He clears his throat. “We’re all with you, okay? You’re never alone.”
I nod, and then I remember he can’t see me. “Yes, thank you.”
“You’re supposed to say Chatterbox out.” Nick is back on. Whatever happens causes him to howl with laughter, bringing a smile to my face. “Okay, Angel. We’re good to go.”
“See you soon, Gorgeous.”
“Yes!” he cheers.
I roll my eyes as a smile lifts my lips. Then their voices die out, and I’m alone again. Not really alone.
I tell myself that as I park in a designated spot and walk past the happy crowd. It seems all of Pine Peaks is outside today. Families, all geared up with jackets, head warmers, and mittens, skate around, playing and having fun.
My heart pounds as I search out for one of my family who’d rather see me dead. The faces blend into one and my head spins. Does he see me?
“Keep going, Ivy,” Brody says in my ear. “You’ve got this.”
I resist the urge to find where they’re parked. I have to trust they’d come get me if anything goes wrong.
An empty bench in a far corner of the rink looks like a good spot. It’s a bit separated from most of the crowd but open enough to allow me to see all sides when Luke approaches.
My breath fogs before me as I exhale, taking my seat and folding my gloved hands primly in my lap. Brody mentioned that we might have to wait a bit, so I force myself to get comfortable. It’s no use building up anxiety before the main event. I might as well save up the nerves for when he shows up.
And he takes time to show up. Long minutes pass.
I use the time to get absorbed in one family’s game of ice tag. The children run around as their parents pretend to work so hard to catch them. Even from my considerable distance, above the other noises, I can isolate their thrilling laughter. They are so happy. I used to be so happy.
“You were very bad on the ice.”
I shoot to my feet and spin around. Luke is here. My father is here.
“Don’t look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He splays his hands. “Come say hi to your father.”
“We can hear him,” Nick says. “Stay calm.”
“This isn’t a get-together.” I feel small and shaky on the inside. Like a little girl before her parents when she’s done something wrong. I thought I’d be brave and bold, but seeing him now, I just feel sad. But I harden my voice. “I’m here for the money. That’s all.”
“Well, I have a lot to say to you.” Nothing exists in his eyes. No guilt. No apologies. Just blank. “Sit, so we don’t draw attention to ourselves.”
He has no idea how much attention is on him. I reclaim my spot on the bench, and he takes the space beside me.
“How did you find out about the money?”
My gaze cuts to him. Really? No question about Iris or me. He doesn’t care whether we live or die. He only cares about money. “Anyone with eyes can see how greedy you are. It wasn’t hard to connect the dots to you. You should have taken better care, but I know that’s alien to your nature. Hell, you haven’t even asked how me and Iris are doing.” I’m going off script, but I can’t help it. Luke is a slimy snake, and it’s about time someone told him.
Nick says something in my ear. Probably trying to get me to calm down.
“Whoa. Why are you being dramatic? You’re here. You’re fine. I’m sure Iris is, too. The label will take care of her. She’s talented. She’ll make back more than I’ve taken. This is just my reward for sticking by her side this whole time.”
I stare at him, shock preventing me from speaking a word. I almost can’t believe I once wished I was half as adored and doted upon as Iris was. Now, I see she was nothing but a commodity to my parents. And when they’d gotten what they wanted, they abandoned her.
“You’re a shitty father.”
He frowns. “Would a shitty father take care of you until you were adults? Would a shitty father stay with your cheating mother just to give you a home?”
I shake my head to dislodge the tears clouding my gaze. Silly me. This is who I wanted to see me and support me. I was so naive.
“Answer me, Ivy!” he yells.
My body tenses.
“Stay calm, Angel.” Nick’s voice grounds me. “Chatterbox is on the move. Make him sing. Quickly.”
I spin on him. “Your words mean nothing to me. Everything you claim you did has been done a thousand times over by fathers around the world and none of them have treated their kids like shit in the name of claiming a reward.”
He scoffs, shaking his head. “I worked for what I took. When reality hits you, you’ll understand. Your measly social worker salary won’t be able to keep you afloat. Then you’ll see I had a good reason for what I did.”
“Thanks to you I never have to worry about that, do I? You’re going to give me the money you stole from Iris.”
“Not all of it.”
“But I bet it’s a lot, yeah?”
His eyes orb like he sees something I can’t. “She was a money-making machine,” he chuckles. “Just one show had fans spending thousands of dollars to see her. Imagine that over the course of years. It was glorious. Then she wanted to give all the money to charities and whatnot. Stupid. So I took it.”
“From Iris,” I say.
His brows furrow. “Yes. Where’s your head? Think we’re talking about Mother Theresa?” He waves a hand. “Enough chit-chat. You said you want a cut, or you’ll go to the cops.”
“We got a confession. We’re locked in,” Nick says. “Well done, Angel.”
They have all they need. I don’t have to play this game. But it’s too much fun now knowing he’d get arrested. “I do.”
“You also know that it’s substantial.”
“Do I?” I study my chipped nails to feign nonchalance. “Give me a number.”
“You don’t need a number. We are not partners. I’ll pay you and we’ll never speak of it again.”
“You will?” I glance behind him. Brody and two other men, most likely cops in civilian clothes, head toward us.
“Any amount you want.” He blinks. “Well, not any amount. We can agree on an amount, and I’ll send it to you. No questions asked.”
“There’s an alternative.” Brody and the men are so close now. I turn to my father. “What if the cops take you and all the money?”
“What?” A frown mars his features.
Just then, the police pounce on him.
“On the ground!” they yell. “Hands behind your head.”
I watch, wide-eyed, as my father is forced to his knees in the snow and handcuffed. People close enough stop to watch what’s happening.
Brody comes straight for me. “You okay?” He searches my face and looks down at my body.
“I’m fine.” Almost unbelievably fine. For a man who I thought was determined to see me dead, the worst he did was yell.
“Good.” Brody takes my hand and pulls me along, so we follow the cops as they cart Luke away.