38. Techy Things
Chapter thirty-eight
Techy Things
Charlie
I’ve been watching them all this time, sort of. I’m parked up in the back of Xander’s truck. He’s going to be more than a little pissed off that I took it, as it’s his favourite. I can see why. It has everything a person needs to be comfy while they carry out surveillance. It looks good too. It’s been a long-standing thing between us. I annoy him, and he always finds a way to get me back. I guess that’s what happens when you grow up with someone. He’s like the third brother I never needed but got lumbered with anyway.
I knew the truck had everything I need before I took it. He bragged about it when he got it. It has an array of devices fitted that I’m sure do lots of techy things, but I only need one really. That’s the Wi-Fi transmitter thing. It’s so small, I hope it won’t get seen by anyone using the laptop, while it does what I need it to do when I get inside the club.
I’m perched on the soft black leather seats, the tinted windows hide me from view. The video surveillance around the truck and the monitors he has in the back make it easy to watch what’s going on around me, plus I can record it all.
If the prospect of going in there wasn’t so goddamn scary, I’d be enjoying myself as this truck is huge. More than enough space for at least three enormous people back here. I’m doing my best to downplay what I’m going to do—stepping foot inside the walls of Praise could be a death wish. It is a death wish, but it’s the only way forward. I’m shaking. I know what this could mean for me. I’m not stupid.
My nerves come and go like they have done over the past few days. A humming under my skin I can’t get rid of.
I’ve been here for the last few hours. You’d think a huge building like this, that houses one of the UK’s biggest crime organisations, would be in the back streets of some crappy industrial estate, hidden, but it’s not.
The club is located on the outskirts of one of the most affluent areas in the UK. I guess money likes money. Legal or not. It’s surrounded by other buildings, creating its own little network. I know all these units belong to the Summers’ organisation. Not all of them are illegal, some you could even call respectable if you didn’t know who owned them. I guess they have to launder their money somewhere, right? Praise sits right in the centre, like the other buildings around it are on guard.
I’m parked alongside a large number of more valuable looking cars, so it blends in.
The main entrance of the building is in full view of the front of the truck. I don’t want to walk around and spec things out, so I’ve brought up the maps system installed in the truck to take a look at the area. I’ve plotted my route to get into the side entrance, using the door that’s been propped open. Too many people come and go from the main entrance and even at this time of the morning, there’s also security on the door.
My heart does a nervous flip. I have to do this. I need to otherwise, it will never stop. I will always be on the run, looking over my shoulder. I won’t get to live my life. I want a future to look forward to. A second honeymoon, kids to spoil one day. The simple things.
I’m not rash or stupid doing this. That’s why I didn’t say anything to Xander last night. We didn’t chat much; I told him what was on the pen drive, but didn’t say anything about what has been going on. He would have made me stay in the house, called my brothers, because I’m sure if anyone can get in touch with them, it’s him. With all his top-secret-spy-shit clearance passes. Then he’d deal with it. End of story. I hate it when men do that shit.
I didn’t want that to happen, so I snuck out while he was asleep. I did pick up my favourite gun before I left. I’ve not used it in a while, but it’s like riding a bike—you never forget.
My initial plan was to get in and see what else I could find. Something that will crush the whole organisation, not just one man. It is risky having no idea what I was looking for. It could take me hours in there to find something, and that was an uncomfortable feeling that didn’t sit well with me.
When I walked into the bathroom at Xander’s, I stripped, turned the shower as hot as it would go and sat under the water until my skin burned and turned pink.
I decided that I needed to be the old me, the brutal bitch that used to prosecute criminals for a living. I needed her back. I needed that dedication she used to put into every case. And the smile I wore when I discovered they’d been sentenced.
Something in the back of my mind kept nagging at me, like really nagging me, to the point I abandoned my shower and went to take another look at the stuff I have on my laptop.
And that’s when I found it. There’s no way to be a hundred per cent sure, but from what I can see, it’s worth the risk. If Mr Summers is the accountant, then…s hit. Who's the boss?
I left Xander’s not knowing what he would do with the information I handed to him. I just have this sinking feeling in my gut that he’ll help me, and it won’t be in any way I would like. I guess time will tell.
An hour later, I’ve made up my mind and I’m going in. There’s been minimal activity for the last thirty minutes, so I’m taking my chance while I can.
Planting myself back in the driver’s seat and starting the engine, I move the truck to the other side of the units. There’s an alley that separates two of the larger buildings. It opens up towards the end, just after the corner right in front of the loading bay and steel door. Easy access, that’s what I’m hoping anyway.
With shaky hands, I open the driver’s door, grab my bag, and start walking. Clicking the truck’s button to lock it, it makes an alarming loud beep, then tells me that all security is activated. Nice touch arse-wipe. Shit.
Any form of cover has now been officially broken. Moving a little faster, I enter the covered alley that's dark even though it’s morning. My eyes are everywhere, looking for anything. Pulling my cap further down on my head, I make my way down the narrow walkway.
Turning the first corner, I spot three guys standing around like some kind of security for the building. Most likely to stop people like me getting in. Great.
Time to wing it and see what happens.
“Hi, boys,” I say as I stroll past them. It actually comes out way sluttier than I intended, but I have confidence in my conviction. I’ve got to act like this is all normal.
“Hi,” the tallest of the three men says and sticks his hand out to block my way. “What do we have here?” I want to react. I have my gun in its holster hidden by my side. I won’t use it unless it’s really needed.
I can see a way out that won’t result in gunfire, but it will end in his arm being broken. I don’t want to fight if I don’t have to, so, I wait.
Scanning the walkway, I see if there’s anything I can use to my advantage if I need it. I notice a piece of fence that’s been snapped off. It may come in handy.
“She looks a little out of place around here, doesn’t she? Where are you off to?” he says to the others.
“Work. Where else would I be going?” The others have come to stand by him, crowding me; baldie to the right, beardy to the left, backing me against the fence. There’s still space between us, but not much.
“Somehow, I just don’t believe you, sweetheart. Why don’t we look after you?”
“Well, boys, ” I emphasise the words boys because they have pissed me off. I don’t need to be looked after or saved. “It’s been fun, but if you could, please just move aside. I’d like to be on my way. Otherwise, my boss will more than likely kill me for being late for my shift.” I’m working with what I have.
“Sweetheart, don’t you want to play?” that does it. Fucking men, not all men, granted, but these men…
“No, I’m really not in the mood for this shit today. Let me pass.” The three of them step back as if they are going to let me through, allowing me to move a little way off the fence, giving me the space I need. I can see it in their expressions, the way they side eye each other; I’m not getting out of here. The taller one moves back more, so I step forward. He sticks in front of the other two, while baldie and beardy make a wall behind him. They’re relaxed enough, not expecting the fight they will get.
When the tall one looks away, I brace my step. He doesn’t see it coming when my fist connects with his sternum. I hear the crack. I love this move. It’s quick and very painful. It’s going to hurt like a bitch.
My other fist connects with his face as he falls to his knees, his eyes flicking to me briefly, unsure what just happened.
Baldie throws a punch in my direction. I block him, thrusting his arm away from my face, while I punch him in the face as hard as I can, aiming my right leg to his soft body in an aggressive kick that takes him down. I’m fast, my body reacting to the moves they are throwing at me. They don’t get a single hit until I hear a voice that distracts me. I feel it in my side, but I don’t move. I carry on, but that voice…
“Charlie?”
I know it well even if I’ve not heard it for over a year. There is no fucking way that’s him, I think as I lay another punch into the one with the beard. But my body seems to remember him well enough that it wants to turn to him. I refuse to let that happen.
Using my knee and all the pent-up anger inside me, I really lay into the man. He gets jab after jab to his side and he goes down first, before I feel strong arms around my waist, lifting me.
“Angel, it’s me. Stop fighting me.” We hit the floor, me landing on top of him, my back to his front. I wind him slightly. Good.
“Like fuck I will, Owen,” I yell. “Get the hell off me.”
Owen
“Fuck, Angel, stop. I’m not going to hurt you, and I’m definitely not going to fight you.” She just keeps going, fighting even though she knows it’s me. It’s gut-wrenching. I’m causing this reaction. Would she have been the same with Leon?
Taking another elbow to my ribs, she kicks her legs again. I can’t take much more, so I let go. My years of training and experience flew out of my mind the moment I saw her fighting. All I wanted to do was get her away from them. Tears cloud her eyes as she glares angrily at me. Shit.
“You already hurt me, Owen. Don’t you fucking ever do that to me again. Why are you even here?”
“I came to—” I don’t get another word out as Charlie explodes.
“You came to what? Save me? Rescue me?” She’s spitting fire at me, her beautiful face flushed from the fight I witnessed first-hand.
Fuck. Is it odd, I’m a little turned on right now?
Yep... No, she’s fucking hot when she’s angry.
“Well…” Leon laughs from where he’s standing by the van. My hand comes to the back of my neck, trying to ease the uncomfortable sensation I have flowing through me. The others keep themselves busy with the guys she’s left in the alley.
“Well, what, Owen?” Clad in black from head to toe, she’s fucking stunning. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
“Are you really smiling at me right now?” Charlie throws her hands up in the air. “Fuck you, Owen.”
I want to hold her so much. I want to slam my mouth against hers. I want to possess her, just like she possesses me. I won’t. I know she’ll cut off my balls if I even attempt to do anything of the sort. I understand why, but it doesn’t make these feelings I have for her go away. Fuck, I’m… in deep. It’s like the first time I saw her. I can’t control it.
“I can’t help it, Angel. I’ve missed you. It’s so fucking good to see you.”
“Shut up. I had everything under control, Owen. Why did you do that?” She’s pointing at the guys who have been left battered and bruised by her and tied up by Dom and Ethan, now sitting against the fence.
She walks off in the direction of the truck, then stops when she realises we are not alone. She pauses, understanding setting in her features.
Stepping beside her, I whisper in her ear, “Um, I wanted to help…” I know it’s the wrong thing to say even before I say it.
“You have a lot to learn, Owen.”
“Oh, I know I do, Angel. This part of you, I fucking love it. Give me everything.” I dare to touch her side, gliding my fingers down the length of her waist. Her eyes flicker closed for a second before she rights herself.
The pointed look she gives me has my insides igniting like they have been dormant for a year, and now want to rage a blazing inferno with her.
She ignores me and walks over to the guys at the van, greeting them all. While she lets Ethan hug her, she doesn’t let Leon, to his and my surprise.
“What have I done?” he questions, just as I think the same thing. He looks a little hurt.
“You spoke to him,” she says, obviously meaning me. “Before I left to go on holiday, and you kept it from me.” Leon frowns, then dips his frame to level with her.
“Okay, that’s fair, but I did it for good reason. I wanted you to have a great holiday.”
“Yeah, that turned out well for me, didn’t it?” She walks away from him. I’m smiling like an idiot. I know I am. I’m pleased it’s not just me she’s pissed at.
Dom and Grey look on. I can guess what each of them is thinking from their expressions. Dom knows that I have a fireball on my hands and a lot of making up to do to get her back on side. And Grey, he just wants to let everyone know what happened here before we arrive back at the lodge. He’s bouncing to reach for his phone.
Taking a quick glance round, knowing it won’t be long until we attract some more attention, I say, “let’s go before we are seen by anyone else.” Making my way to the truck I came in. “Load those arseholes into the van.” I add, Dom and Grey move to get the guys while Charlie looks for the truck she left behind.
“Not a chance.” Xander takes the keys out of her hand and heads to the truck before she can even make a move towards it. Before he reaches it, she shouts at him, “You brought them into this, didn’t you?” he just nods. “I won’t forgive you for this, Xander.”
He stalls for a moment and replies, “I can live with that, and your extra sass.” As he climbs into the driver’s side. He winks then mutters, “Did you eat in my truck?”
“Serves you right for saying I looked like shit.”
He laughs, then smooths his features. “I’m glad you’re safe, Boo.” Then he’s driving off, back to the lodge, before she can even say another word to him.
“Don’t hold it against him. We were already looking for you.” my hand falls to the small of her back in an attempt to guide her to my truck.
“Umm.” It’s the only response I get.
“You’re with me, Angel.” Pointing to my truck, she hesitates.
“No, I’ll go with Leon.”
“Sorry, van’s a bit full, Charlie,” Leon says as he throws the third guy in the back, earning him a glare from her beautiful face.
“We have a lot to talk about, Charlie. Get in the truck.” Her shoulders sag a little. She knows we can’t avoid this conversation.
“This may not be the right time, but after watching you fight back there, I need to get this off my chest. I’m ready to tell you everything, Angel.” Opening the truck door, offering my hand so she can step up, she takes it. The feel of her soft palm in mine almost floors me. Sucking in a breath to steady my own reaction, she does exactly the same thing, her eyes are trained on our connected hands. It’s the first time I’ve held her in over a year and it brings the dying embers of my heart back to life.
“Fine, but let me have my say first,” she says. Letting go of my hand, she slides into the black leather seat and lays her head on the headrest, closing her eyes. I watch for a second, her chest rising and falling with each breath she takes. What I wouldn’t give to feel her pulse under my rough fingers right now.
Climbing in the truck on the opposite side, we sit in silence for a few minutes, letting the atmosphere build between us until it’s ready to explode.
“You left me, Owen.” I want to take everything I have done back. I want to start again. My hands grip the steering wheel a little tighter.
“I know, it was a shitty thing to do, I could have done so many things differently.” sighing, I carry on, “I left thinking I was doing it to protect you. I was fucked up. I couldn’t see a better way to do it. I knew I needed help.” I lay it all out for her, the talking therapy, the loss, the guilt, the flashbacks, the pain I felt. I can't look at her. I just need to get it all off my chest. “The guilt I have carried with me all these years, when Millie was shot it… Shit.” She’s just watching me, her eyes tracing my face. “My… PTSD hit me hard, I spiralled. The guys on the special ops team have helped me so much, they taught me that what I did that day and the days leading up to it was enough. They helped me come to terms with the deaths we had in our unit.”
She whispers a curse, but her eyes remain on me.
“Yes, I’ve been away from you and I’ve hated every fucking second. You’ve consumed my thoughts, Charlie. I watched from afar when Millie and Jack got married. I’ve seen baby Daisy.” Her eyes go wide at that bit, but she stays silent, biting her lip instead. “I just couldn’t be there with any of you. I needed to be better, for all of you.”
“Owen, that’s… a lot. I don’t know what to say. I’m angry at you for the way you handled this, but I can’t change what happened.” Gulping down the rising emotion, I feel lost. I want us to move forward, get past this.
From the corner of my eye, I can see she’s trying her best not to cry anymore, and it guts me that I caused this. The tears she doesn’t want to shed over me.
“It was all so I could be a better person for you, Charlie. I want us to have a life together. I knew I couldn’t give you that, not when I had that fear hanging over my head.”
“I understand, Owen.” Her voice is firm. As I start to drive, I think she means it. “I know why you left, I get it. I really do. But what you don’t understand is that I would have stood by your side while you went through all of that. Instead, you decided to do it on your own. You left me with no consideration for how I would feel about it. About how I feel about you. Fuck, Owen, you could have gone about this differently. You could have told me you were leaving, but you didn’t. You left it to Leon to break the news to me. It hurt, Owen, so badly, you tore me in two and I had no idea if you were okay for a whole fucking year. I had to hope you were okay, I had to hope that you would come back to me... then you rang Leon, not me...” Her voice wobbles,
“When I called Leon that day, I wanted to call you. Fuck, I wanted to hear your voice. I just didn’t want our first words in a year to be over the phone. I was days away from seeing you again. I wanted to see your face when I explained all this.”
“I thought you’d forgotten about me, Owen. Having no contact will do that to a girl. You’ve moved on…” tears are gliding down her face.
“I’m sorry.” It’s all I can offer. It’s not enough. It will never be enough. I’m devastated by the shit I’ve put her through.
“That’s the thing, Owen. You’re not sorry. Why should you be? You did what you felt was right. There is no reason to be sorry for that.” How is she this reasonable? Taking a deep breath, she carries on. “So, when I saw you in Greece, I knew you were okay. I knew you were happy. You have a new girlfriend. She’s beautiful, by the way. I knew then that I had lost you. You weren’t mine anymore.” Her lips tremble slightly as she considers her words. I watch as she closes her eyes. When she opens them again, they are more focused than before. “I’m okay with it, sort of. I’ll move on. I don’t want you involved in my shit. I can’t risk the ones I love getting hurt in this. I’ve seen too closely what these people will do if they get their hands on you… I won’t allow it.”
I’ve had to pull over so I don’t crash. I can’t think straight. The ones she loves? Am I still included in that?
Turning my head, I gather her face in my hands and watch as her lips part slightly from my touch. I bring her as close as I can get without kissing her.
“Let me clear a few things up for you, Angel. Harley is Dom’s wife. That’s the woman you saw me with at the pool. She’s like one of the guys. That’s it. Nothing more. You have and will always be mine. No matter what happens between us, you are it for me. So, I will be involved in your shit. I’ll make it mine. I will be there next to you every step of the goddamn way. No matter what.”
There’s a long pause. Only the sound of passing cars and the low hum of the radio float through the air. I think I’ve lost her. I know I have. It won’t stop me from being part of her life.
“Okay.” It’s a whisper on my thumb as it softly passes her lips.
“Okay?” I’m questioning it because I have no idea what she means.
“Yes, okay. We start again, from scratch, take it slow, dating and seeing each other like a normal relationship.”
Well, fuck me sideways . I have no clue what to say. Not in my wildest fantasies did I ever imagine that she would say those words to me.
“Shut that mouth and kiss me, Owen.”
There’s no hesitation. I take her mouth with mine. Our lips meet in a soft and pensive kiss, her moan matching my own. She tastes so fucking good. Just as I’m starting to deepen the kiss, she pulls away.
“Owen. As much as I would like to continue this, I need food and sleep. Take me home.”
“I can’t take you home, but I can take you to the lodge.” She raises her eyebrows and then shrugs like she trusts me, and this time our fingers are interlaced for the entire ride back.