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Benji parked and ran through the frost-covered yard. At least Lando’s station wagon wasn’t in the driveway, but who knew where the old-timer had gone so early in the morning. Cold air stabbed his lungs. The shouts coming from the duplex rang in his ears. He pushed open the front door and barged into the living room.
Belle followed him but stayed back in the hall.
“Calm down. Let’s talk about this like rational adults.” Benji held out his arms.
Alan glared at him while Meghan’s teary-eyed gaze begged him for help.
The former husband and wife hadn’t been alone together since their divorce eight years earlier. Now a mere coffee table and love seat separated them.
The Grand Canyon would work better.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Benji?” Pain edged Alan’s deep voice. “After everything she’s done, why the hell have you let her back into our lives? I don’t want her around Danny.”
“I didn’t know how to tell you.” His heart thumped hard in his rib cage. As Belle wrapped her arm around his, he steadied his breathing and clung to her warmth.
Alan blinked. His eyes widened. “Belle?”
“Hi, Alan. Long time no see.”
“Yeah, it’s been a while. So it’s true? You two have reconciled?”
Belle nodded. “Who told you?”
“Mia. I’m surprised Ben didn’t, but he keeps secrets nowadays, at least from me.”
Benji clenched his fists. “I’ve been busy, Al. Should I call you with daily updates?”
Alan blushed and coughed behind his balled-up hand.
“Who’s Mia?” Meghan swiped tears from her cheeks.
“None of your damn business,” Alan snapped as Benji answered, “Mason’s fiancée.”
Benji scrubbed his hand down his face. “Al’s brother is on parole.”
“Why are you here?” Alan scowled at his ex-wife. His dark hair stuck up at odd angles as though he’d forced his fingers through it too many times. His long beige coat, dark sweater, and black slacks lengthened his six-foot-two frame, but his boots probably added another inch to his height. “I’ve plummeted straight into a nightmare. I can’t believe I’m talking with you.”
Meghan rubbed her temples. “I want to get my life together and make amends. What else do you expect me to say?”
“The truth.”
“God, you’re infuriating. If you were this stubborn when we were married, it’s no wonder I dumped your sorry ass.”
“You left because you couldn’t handle motherhood. Back then, I was a much nicer person than I am now.”
Benji withdrew from Belle. “Listen, Al. If she’s serious about staying clean, then I have to help her. When Mason acted out as a teenager, you did everything you could to help him even though he hated you for it. It’s the same thing here.”
Alan scoffed. “Mason didn’t abandon his child.”
“You have every reason to be upset about that, but Danny is happy. He has a good life with you. Try to think of Meghan as my sister, not as your ex or Danny’s mom.”
“You’re right, but is she genuine about going straight? Will she stab you in the back, yet again?” He shifted his gaze beyond Benji. “Help me out, Belle. He’s a glutton for punishment. Convince him to stop this nonsense.”
Benji stepped to the side to face her. The eggs in his stomach rolled. How had his wonderful morning turned so quick? Would she aid Alan? Was he fighting a losing battle?
Belle shrugged. “I won’t come between them.”
Alan huffed and scratched his scalp so hard he grunted.
Thank you, babe. Benji swallowed the lump in his throat. “Meghan has spent the past three months in rehab. Tell him.” He waved his hand toward his sister.
“It’s true, I swear.” She brushed her shirtsleeve across her tear-streaked face.
Crocodile tears or not—who knew? He couldn’t let the waterworks bother him.
“Just because you want nothing to do with Meghan doesn’t mean I can’t.” Benji stepped forward, holding out his arms again. “She’s made some bad choices, and she’s owned up to them. She needs a support system.”
“Sure, if she truly intends to live a better life, which I doubt.”
“Give her that chance.” He rubbed his jaw. Would he regret this? “Show him your tattoo, Meghan.”
She shot Benji a dirty look. “No way. He’s already pissed at me.”
“What tattoo?” Alan crossed his arms.
Meghan grumbled. She turned and lifted the back of her shirt, revealing the Onyx symbol—two crisscrossed snakes inside a black woven ring.
“Fuck.” Alan gasped. “What set? Territory?”
Meghan pivoted
and notched up her chin. “Dowitcha and Kondorro. But I’m out.”
He stomped to Benji and shoved him against the wall. “She works for that damn redneck Iversen. Get her the fuck out of here, Ben. It’s not safe.”
“What the hell?” He pushed Alan back. Oh, yeah. He regretted this. “Something is wrong with you, man. What’s going on?”
“Can’t you figure that out? You have a damn gang member in your home.”
“And you didn’t?” His face heated. Aw, shit. He shouldn’t have said that.
“Wait. What?” The fine lines around Belle’s eyes deepened. “Benji, what do you mean? Did Alan let some gangbanger live at his place?”
“Al, I’m sorry.” Heat flared in his chest. He rubbed the place right above his heart.
His seething brother braced his fisted hands against his eye sockets.
“Oh, God. You’re talking about Mason.” Belle’s hands fluttered over her mouth. “I can’t believe this. He’s a little rough around the edges, but not what I think of as drug-dealing scum. Does Mia know?”
Alan dropped his hands. “He’s had nothing to do with Onyx for a long time, and I’m sure Mia knows.” He stalked away and rested his forehead on the far wall.
“The thing is, Mason doesn’t share this with just anyone.” Benji rubbed his tense lower back. “He thinks Alan and I have no idea about his past affiliations, but we aren’t stupid. The Onyx symbol is spray-painted all over the slummy parts of town. If you watch the news, you can catch a picture of it. That’s how we figured it out. Mason has a similar mark on his neck.”
Belle nodded. “I’ve seen his tattoo, and of course, I watch the news, but I never connected the dots. His prison sentence is old news, but this must be what Mia and Jim weren’t telling me. Are you sure he’s out of the gang? Is Mia safe with him?”
“Of course she is.” Benji gripped her arms. “I don’t hire ex-cons unless I trust them. Besides, Jim wouldn’t have made peace with Mason if he was still involved in anything illegal.”
“Were you ever gonna tell me?” She shoved away his hands.
“This has nothing to do with us.”
“You’re missing the point, Ben.”
C’mon, babe. Don’t push me away. He scratched his head. “I might have, someday. Alan and I have sealed our lips about this for years.”
The creases branching from Belle’s eyes smoothed out. She drooped her shoulders as her puffed-out chest deflated like a popped balloon.
Benji hugged her. His racing heart calmed as her arms snaked around him.
“From now on, if you know something important that deals with my friends, tell me.” She flicked her hand toward the others. “Let’s handle this melodrama before it escalates.”
Good girl. He released her and turned back to Alan. His back snapped upright at the wistful smile on the man’s face. What was that about?
Alan dropped his gaze, frowning again.
Benji pinched the bridge between his eyes. What he wouldn’t do for a mind-reading superpower. How the hell did Alan know about Iversen? Was the man a redneck? Of all people, Alan should have sympathized with Meghan since she’d taken a similar path as Mason had done. He’d never given up on Mase, but Benji should cast out his sister?
He sighed. “Iversen was Meghan’s boyfriend. How do you know about him, Al?”
“Never mind. Forget it.” He closed his eyes and tapped his foot.
“Not likely.” Big surprise there—Alan was clamming up. Benji focused on his sister. “Those names—Dowitcha and Kondorro—sound familiar.”
Meghan’s throat bobbed. “The Dowitcha set runs drugs in the Fort Collins and Loveland area. The top bosses run the organization in a military-type hierarchy and control the meth trade in four or five states—five, I think. They classify those states as territories. Kondorro is the largest set in Colorado, and the boss monitors all the smaller sets in the state.”
“Iversen is the Dowitcha captain. The main asshole in his area.”
Meghan lifted her eyebrow at Alan. “How do you know that?”
“The media.”
Bullshit. Benji watched the news and read the papers all the time, but he’d never heard the name. That didn’t mean Alan lied. Perhaps he caught a broadcast Benji missed?
Sure. When pigs flew.
Most local networks reported on Capularia—the set that controlled the drug flow in Denver and Aurora—as well as a few other Onyx sets. It wouldn’t surprise Benji if Thorn, the captain of Capularia, rubbed elbows with crooked politicians and businessmen. Someone that powerful had to have connections. As would Iversen.
He faced his sister. “Your guy is a damn captain. Were you ever gonna share that tidbit?”
She scoffed. “I’m no fool. I didn’t want to scare you into throwing me out.”
“Alan’s right then? Am I putting everyone I care about at risk by having you here?”
“Damn it, no. Iversen has a lot of girlfriends, so I’m not that important to him. Besides, he’s too busy to look for me, running his business and all.”
Benji rubbed his temples. Pain throbbed in dull beats behind his eyes.
“You can’t trust her, Ben.” Alan fisted his hands again. “If Iversen finds her here, he will kill you. Please make her go. Get this lying bitch out of your house.”
“Goddamn it. I’m fucking sorry I hurt you, but get over it.” Meghan lifted her chin as the livid man growled at her. “If you call me a bitch one more time, I’ll slap the hell out of you. I don’t have to be nice with how you’re treating me.”
“Wow.” Belle hooked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “This is ridiculous. Had we not hurried over, they probably would’ve killed each other.”
Benji wouldn’t go that far, but he got her meaning. “Mason is on his way, Al.”
“I figured he’d chase after me since he called my cell. I’m sure he’d like to talk with the bitch.”
Meghan hissed like a spitting snake.
The doorbell rang, the shrill noise echoing from the hallway.
“Got it.” Belle hurried from the room. Hinges squeaked. “Finally. We’ve been waiting for you.” Her voice carried, and the door thudded shut.
Perfect timing. Benji nodded in greeting as Mason stomped in.
Despite spending a year on parole, he hadn’t lost the broad chest and shoulders he’d developed while in prison. Working in a garage did that for him.
The Harding brothers looked so much alike it was scary—same muscled build, dark hair, and green eyes—but couldn’t be more different. Mason was the foul-mouthed hothead; Alan, the calm, polite one. Most of the time. Unfortunately, Alan had detoured into crazy town.
“You’re Meghan Starwell Harding, huh?” Mason stuffed his hands in the pockets of his wool-lined denim jacket and raked Meghan with a glare. “I’m not impressed.”
Meghan and Alan met after Mason had landed in prison, so she never met his younger brother. Until now, she likely hadn’t known they joined different sets in the same organization.
With luck, that secret would stay quiet.
She smirked. “I dropped the Harding bit long ago.”
“Good. I’d hate to have the same name as you.”
Benji grasped Belle’s hand, his nerves fraying further. “Damn it, Mase. Help me calm Alan down, or leave.”
The ex-con rolled his eyes before he nodded at Belle. “Were you with Ben when I called, and he roped you into his family drama?”
“Yes, but I want to be here.” She bit her lip. “Will you tell Mia I need to talk with her? I’ll call her tonight and make plans for a powwow.”
“Sure. Is everything all right?”
“Nope. Want me to tell ya why?” Meghan piped in a singsong voice.
“Don’t you dare,” Alan snapped at her.
Benji shook his head, trying to gain Meghan’s attention. Oh, God. If she did this—fuck!
She grinned at Mason. “Belle’s worried you might kill her friend. After all, gangbangers can’t be trusted, right? That’s what she called you.”
“Shut your damn mouth. I don’t think that.” Belle stomped toward her.
Benji pulled her back and pressed her backside to his front.
“Anyway—” Meghan drew out a long sigh. “—I don’t know what set you ran with or what you did for the bosses, but the tat on the back of your neck is a dead giveaway. You got it in prison, right? Is that when you joined Onyx?”
“What?” Mason’s face flushed red. The muscle in his cheek visibly twitched. He scowled at Alan. “You knew?”
Shit. Benji stepped away from Belle and braced his hand on his forehead.
Alan rubbed his wrists. “For a while now. Both Benji and I have. It doesn’t matter to me.” His voice trembled. He stepped forward and paused as Mason backed up.
The younger Harding tunneled his shaky hand through his short, spiky brown hair. “You still trust me? Around Danny, about everything?”
“I’ve never stopped trusting you.”
“All right. We’ll talk about this, but first—” He turned back to Meghan. “—promise Alan one thing, and he’ll leave you alone.”
“I owe him nothing.”
“Yeah, you do, and it’s a pretty easy thing we want from you—stay away from Danny. When he visits Benji, you need to leave and come back after Danny is gone. If Alan changes his mind and wants you around him, fine, but keep your distance from our boy for now.”
“Your boy?”
“Yes, his.” Alan spat the words. “Danny has two uncles and no mother. They love him more than you do.”
Meghan clasped her hands behind her back. “I’ll stay away from him.”
“Good. Let’s go, Alan.” Mason closed the distance between them and grasped his arm. “I’ll drive. We’ll come back for your car.”
He walked with Mason to the living room entryway before he whipped back around to Benji. “For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why you wouldn’t let Danny spend the night over the past few weeks, no matter how much he begged. Now it’s crystal clear. That’s fine. He won’t come back until she’s moved out. Hell, you won’t see him again until she’s gone.”
The ultimatum floored him. “That’s not fair, Al.”
“None of this is fair. Danny tried to hug her the last time he saw her—the first and only time he ever met her—and she jerked back in disgust.”
“Right. At Dad’s funeral.”
“The glare she leveled on my four-year-old son devastated him. He cried for hours and almost hyperventilated. He sulked in his room for weeks. Do you fucking remember that?”
“Of course I do.”
Alan shuddered. “I handled your father’s funeral arrangements. I sobered your drunk-ass up on the day of. I’ve always been there for you, Ben, but I can’t do this. I won’t chance her hurting him again. You have to choose—your sister or nephew.”
“Danny, always.”
“I’ll believe it when she’s gone.” Alan stormed from the house with Mason behind him.
Goddamn it. What could he do? Benji pressed his hands to his eyes, blocking out the overhead light. Tension coursed through his veins. Heat slicked his skin. He stripped off his coat and tossed it on the chair. He hugged Belle and buried his face in the curve of her neck. So warm. Sweet. If not for her, he probably would’ve blown up and slugged Alan.
“That went better than I expected. I’m surprised Alan or his thug brother didn’t hit me.”
Benji cringed as Belle stiffened. He peeked out at Meghan from within the veil of Belle’s silky hair. “Neither of them is that sort of man.”
“Whatever, but they’re right. I shouldn’t be here.” She huffed, slapping her palms on her jeans, and wove around the furniture.
“Damn it, wait.” Benji bolted after his sister. Losing Belle’s touch weighed heavy on his chest. As Meghan ascended the stairs, he caught her swinging hand from between the slats in the banister and forced her to stop. “Don’t run off. If you go to some druggie friend, how will you stay clean? Think before you act. Isn’t that what you learned in rehab?”
“Yeah.” Even though she stood three steps up, they were at eye level. “Why do you want me to stay if Danny can’t come over?”
“I want you safe and healthy—that’s why—but you don’t act like you want to stay clean. I don’t understand why you won’t go to addiction meetings and why you blew off a job interview to watch TV. Please, you gotta try.”
He’d found half a dozen NA meet-sites in the tri-county area. One of his regular customers had agreed to give Meghan a job stocking shelves at his convenience store, but that offer wasn’t on the table anymore.
“I am trying, Benji, but it would be so easy to fall again.”
“Again?”
Her cheeks pinked. “My friends live it up with needles, powders, and pills. They always flaunted their hits whenever I tried to quit, so I caved in. I’ll do anything not to go back to those people.”
He tsked. If that were the case, she would try harder. “Alan shouldn’t have acted the way he did, but you shouldn’t have riled him. Why did you tell Mason we knew about his past? You should’ve known it would cause problems.”
She sighed heavily. “Of course I did. After all the horrible things Alan said to me, I wanted to hurt him. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but it’s too late to change it.”
Belle snorted.
He glanced behind him as she folded her arms across her chest.
“You got something to say?” Meghan snapped like a viper in a bird’s nest.
“Don’t take that tone with her.” He dropped the woman’s hand.
“Oh, yeah. Lots of things, but you’re digging your hole fine without me.” His girlfriend swiped her hand in Meghan’s direction. “Keep going with your helpless, self-righteous routine. I’m curious about what else you have in your arsenal.”
“It’s not a damn routine.” She stomped her foot, ever the child. “You don’t get how difficult it is. It’s like when people try to quit smoking cigarettes. You crave and obsess. You can’t think of anything else until you get a puff. For me, it’s ten times worse. I’m clean, and that should be good enough for now.”
“It’s wonderful, but you need something positive to focus on. A job. A hobby. A support system. Decent friends can help you curb the addiction.” He flattened his hand on his twisting middle. “If you truly want to make amends, you can’t insult and piss off the people you should apologize to.”
She rolled her eyes. “Alan is an arrogant ass. He should be grateful I married him. Without me, he wouldn’t have his precious son.”
Belle gasped, her mouth falling open.
His heart lurched. He was a damned fool. “I can’t do this, Meghan.” Shame clogged his throat, but he pushed through it. “I’d rather break my deathbed promise to Dad than deal with you. Stay clean if you can, but I don’t have the time or desire to put my life on hold.”
“What are you saying, Benji?” Her voice softened, her attitude fading.
Jesus. Would she never stop trying to manipulate him? He straightened his back. “You’re welcome to stay here for now, as long as you’re clean. You can do whatever the hell you want—I don’t care anymore—but you gotta find someplace else to live within the next few months. I need to rearrange a few rooms.”
“Rearrange? What for?”
“Belle, come here.” He stretched his arm toward her.
She grasped his hand, closing the space between them.
“We’re having a baby.” He turned back to Meghan as her eyes bugged out. “The room you’re in will be the nursery. If you want to be an aunt, you need to get your shit together. Otherwise, I don’t want you around my child.”
Due to the snide remark about her son, he would rather eat dirt than let her within twenty yards of his baby, whether or not she was clean.
“I understand. Congrats.” Meghan smiled tightly, not even glancing at Belle, and hurried upstairs.
A door slammed shut, the thud echoing through the duplex.
“Are you all right?” Belle stroked his jaw.
“Yeah, but I wish this would’ve happened differently.” The fight in him drained away, but the chopped-up ends of his nerves swam in his stomach.
“Alan probably won’t complain about Meghan again, especially if she leaves soon. I might be wrong, but I got the feeling he knew more about Onyx than he let on. He didn’t learn about Iversen from the news—I guarantee that much. He wasn’t just furious; he was scared.”
“We’re of the same mind, babe, but I doubt he’ll talk to me about it.”
She rested her head on his chest. “The worst is over. You can breathe easy now.”
What a miracle that would be. “No. It’s probably just beginning.”