Chapter 57
Chapter Fifty-Seven
KEELEY
Paige rushes in the front door while I’m eating breakfast the next morning, with my brother following closely behind her. I cringe at the murderous look in his eyes, his expression directed toward the patio where Sal’s pacing on the phone. My phone, since his was confiscated.
I want to jump to his defense and step between them, only with this stupid cast, I’m stuck in place.
“Easton, stop,” I call out from the couch. “You don’t know the?—”
“I know enough, Keeley.”
I’d roll my eyes if I didn’t think he was about to punch Sal in the face. I almost wish the police were still here. Though I know Sal will be able to handle it. He also has the option of blaming me for changing the plan, so that would help his case, if he uses it.
“Are you okay?” Paige drops down on the couch beside me, her expression more fitting for the occasion.
“Call off your husband and I’ll be better.”
“I would, if I didn’t feel the same. What Dad did…” She trails off, shaking her head, and I laugh. Does no one actually know Sal?
“Do you really think he’d leave me alone, without protection, because of a meeting in New York?” I pause, staring at Paige pointedly until she sighs.
“He’s done it before, but no, I didn’t think that, until it happened.”
“It didn’t happen, Paige.”
I glance out to the patio to find Easton and Sal talking animatedly in hushed tones, and I really wish I was a fly on the wall.
“I love Easton for wanting to protect me, but I am going to kick his ass the second I get the all clear from the doctor. Both of you need to hear the full story before jumping to conclusions.”
“Then tell me. I’m sure Dad’s filling Easton in.”
“God, I hope so.”
“What happened?”
I blow out a breath, running a hand through my hair. “When Sal discovered the Mikklesons were tracking you, I suggested we shift their attention elsewhere. To an easier target, someone without protection, someone no one was supposed to know about.”
“You?”
“Me,” I confirm. “Of course, your dad wasn’t happy about it at first, but I convinced him to let me leak our relationship to the media in the hope that they’d target me instead of you. A way of luring them out.”
“Like bait?”
“My words exactly.”
“Keel-ley.”
I laugh at her very Sal-like response and continue explaining what happened, telling Paige about Sal’s plan to piss Jill off, and Austin making sure the Mikklesons found out about us, thinking I was home alone. They wanted to hurt Sal, and we gave them the perfect opportunity.
Paige stares at me in shock, her eyes wide and her lips parted. I’ve just finished telling her about my brief interview with Zane when she stops me.
“Wait? You didn’t tell Dad you were hitting the trigger early?”
“I didn’t. We agreed not to discuss the plan after he left.”
“Jesus. He would have been going insane.”
“He was. I wish I’d thought of the idea before he left for New York, but it only came to me when you and the girls were talking about the game. I figured I’d be easier prey if the Mikklesons had proof of where I was.”
“And Storm’s first game back after a Super Bowl win was definitely going to garner attention.”
“Exactly. Zane winning the game for us was a bonus. I’m certain it would have worked either way, but a lot of people shared his interview because of that.”
“You’re crazy. You know that, right?”
“I do.”
“What if Dad didn’t see the alert because he was in an important meeting?”
“I wasn’t worried about that. I knew he’d be checking his phone and I trusted him."
“So he didn’t leave you alone and unprotected?” Her eyes flash to Sal as her face softens.
“No. He didn’t. I was in on the plan the entire time. I’m the reason he only just made it home in time. I went rogue.”
“Jesus, Keeley.” Her eyes dart back to mine. “And you couldn’t tell us the plan before we saw it on the news?”
“No, it wouldn’t have worked if you knew. If the Mikklesons had any idea I was being looked after, they wouldn’t have come.”
“You’re both insane.”
“Yep. And maybe that’s why we work. I knew he’d do anything to protect his family, and he knew I’d do the same. No questions asked.”
“Maybe next time you should ask questions.”
She comically cringes and I laugh out loud, only stopping when my eyes drift to Sal and Easton’s intense conversation.
“What happens next?” Paige asks, drawing my attention.
“One of the detectives mentioned that the intruder has been on their radar for a while now. He’s suspected of being a gun for hire, so to speak.
We told them everything we knew, and they’re going to use that to their advantage.
I’m hoping they offer him some kind of deal to share his secrets.
At least where the Mikklesons are involved. ”
“Are you sure it was them?”
“Absolut—"
“I fucking love her,” Sal’s deep voice booms through the open door, and both Paige and I stiffen.
Her wide eyes flash my way as though asking if that’s the first time I’ve heard him say that, and I laugh. “It’s true. He told me last night.”
“And you?”
“I said it back.”
“Oh my God.” Her hand lifts to her mouth as Easton walks back inside still looking as grumpy as ever, only now there’s a resolve in his eyes. Pair that with Sal’s satisfied grin and it’s obvious he got his point across.
“Are you okay?” Easton asks me, his voice soft as his eyes flash to Paige now smiling beside me.
Sal settles behind me, his hand on my shoulder as he gives me a squeeze.
“I’m fine, Easton. I’m guessing Sal explained what happened?” I glance up at Sal and he smiles back at me.
“He did. I still don’t like it, but it makes sense. And I know you. You wouldn’t have let him do it alone.”
My eyes flash to Easton’s and I nod, surprised. “Exactly.”
“Now you’re the one on my shit list, instead of him.”
He shoots me a glare and I wince. “That’s fair.”
“Fair? Keeley, what were you thinking?”
Paige stands up and squeezes Easton’s arm. “She was protecting me, Easton. They both were. I think we should cut them some slack.”
“Fine,” he huffs. “So this is the real deal?”
“Yep.” I smile to lighten the mood, adding, “You can call me Mom.”
Paige snorts while Easton’s face pales. “What the actual fuck, Keeley?”
“I’m kidding.” I burst out laughing. “I had to say it at least once.”
“Once is all you’re getting. If you ever say that again, I’m cutting you off.”
“Come on. We both know that’s not going to happen. You love me too?—”
“Knock. Knock.” Luke walks in and my gaze snaps to Paige, a brow raised in question.
“I was on the phone with Hayley when we found out.”
“Which means?—”
“Oh my God, Keeley.” Hayley rushes in with the rest of the gang, and I internally groan.
This wasn’t supposed to end up as big as it did.
Though, I can’t complain. If all goes to plan, not only will the Mikkleson men be going to prison, but there’s a good chance their wives will too.
That chapter will be over for the D’Angelos, and I’m happy to have been able to do my part to help.
Luke and Amelia, Reed and Hayley, and Zane and Blair stay for an hour, catching up on our story while Sal talks to his lawyers in New York. And once they’re gone, it’s just the four of us again.
One big happy family. Cue my eye roll here because Easton does not look happy.
“You have to get over it, East. All of it. I’m happy. Sal’s happy. Your wife doesn’t have to worry about the Mikklesons anymore. What is there to be grumpy about?”
Easton jumps to his feet. “I’m not fucking grumpy, Keeley.
I was worried. Paige told me that Sal was in New York making sure everything was okay with his business and Camilla, and the next thing you know, your house is on the news and they’re talking about a young woman lucky to be alive.
Excuse me if I need a minute to move on from that. ”
Easton finishes speaking and we all fall silent.
My heart pounds so hard in my chest that I’m surprised no one can hear it.
Words elude me, but I know what I want to do.
I hold my hand out for Sal to take, and like always he understands what I need, helping me to stand so I can attack Easton with a hug.
A hug he definitely wasn’t prepared for because he stumbles backward, cursing under his breath.
“Thank you. For always taking on the big brother role even though you’re younger.
I will forever be grateful. I will. But it’s time to hand over the baton.
While we all know I will never need a man, I have one.
You don’t have to be the guy that worries from the sidelines anymore.
Sal’s here for that now. Sorry, Sal.” Paige laughs while Sal shakes his head and I continue on.
“You know Sal. You know he’s a good guy.
Think about that as you move on. And if that doesn’t help, just remember that I could have ended up with Luke. He’s pretty hot and?—”
“Okay. Point made. I’ll try to be a little less protective from now on.”
“Thank you. I—” My phone rings in Sal’s hand, cutting me off. And when I turn his way, his expression is pinched. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s your mom. I’m guessing she saw the news.”
“Actually…” I grimace, my teeth clenched in an awkward grin. “I gave her the heads-up.”
“What? How?” Sal asks while Easton’s jaw drops.
“Why didn’t you give us a heads-up?” he complains.
“Because Mom and I can speak in code.”
“Code?”
I nod while everyone else stares at me like I’m crazy.
“After Dad left, we were watching a show about a group of kids that often stayed home alone. They had a secret word they could use to alert their parents if something was wrong. Mom and I jokingly came up with something we could use. And I used it, but in reverse.”
“What does that even mean?” Easton frowns while the smallest of smiles pulls at Sal’s lips. He gets it.