Page 82 of Notorious

It makes me sick that Johnny suffered, and learning about it activated something protective inside me. Something that demands to tear down the people who hurt him. I want to keep him safe from everyone and everything.

Of course, that’s not possible. No one can ever be safe from everyone and everything.

How can I at least prove to him that he matters? What can I give him to heal his soul?

I come up with an idea. Or two.

“Let’s drive up and see your mom for Thanksgiving,” I say. “Would you like to do that?”

Johnny swallows thickly and rubs the back of his neck. “More than anything. You really wanna go all that way, though? Shouldn’t you be with your own family for the holiday?”

“You’re my family now,” I tell him. “And Thanksgiving was never a huge deal for the Delmonts anyway.” I smile at him, and he leans over and kisses me. “Pack a bag so we can stay somewhere overnight. Or let’s take the whole long weekend. Visit her and then see where else we want to go.”

Johnny calls his mom to make sure that she’s going to be around, and we make plans to drive up the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Before then, I have something else to take care of, and I need to do it in person.

When Johnny’s at work the next day, I call Sam, who readily agrees when I ask if I can come over. I know he won’t judge me. I’m just hoping he can help.

At his—Jules’s, originally—secluded beach mansion, Sam gives me a hug and invites me to sit at a table outside, taking advantage of the view. “Jules is recording, or I know he’d want to see you,” he says apologetically.

“That’s fine. What I want to ask is … Well. The fewer people who know, the better.”

He tilts his head. “Okay,” he says slowly. “That sounds ominous.”

“Johnny told me about the assault … the reason why you guys are suing on his behalf.”

Sam draws in a quick breath. “It’s fucking awful. I saw the video, and it’s …” He looks ill. “Horrible.”

I close my eyes, not wanting to imagine it. “What are the chances of him winning anything? Is justice going to be served?”

“No criminal charges were brought, so the only way to get anything like justice is if we get a big punitive damages award. Otherwise, it’s … nothing. Nothing will happen to Pinkerton.” Sam’s voice is bitter.

I hit the table with my fist. “That’s unacceptable.” I lower my voice. “I’ve never asked for anything like this in my life, but is there anyone you know who would be connected enough to … make sure Pinkerton gets what’s coming to him? Or at least part of it?”

Sam’s first response is to shake his head. But then a light flashes in his eyes. “Okay, there is one person. And just so you know, I understand. If someone did something like that to Jules, I’d slice their dick off inch by inch and feed it to them.”

“That’s … vivid. And also basically what I want.” I look at him expectantly, even though my stomach’s churning.

“One of the lawyers in my office, Charlie, he’s kind of with this guy. I mean, I guess they’re dating. Who knows? They have a strange relationship.” One side of Sam’s mouth turns up in a smile. “Rowan is … interesting.”

“How so?”

“Feral fucking gremlin. Pretty sure he met Charlie at knifepoint. I bet he’ll know who to contact. Or, honestly, he might do it himself. He scares the fuck out of me.”

I can’t believe I’m doing this. “Sounds perfect. Do you have his number?”

“No, but I have Charlie’s, and I can introduce you.” He smiles. “Beware. Charlie’s a bit of an asshole. But he’s definitely met his match in Rowan.”

“Is there any reason why he’d do me this favor?”

“Rowan? This might be sport to him. No harm in asking.” Sam coughs. “No harm to you, that is.”

I’ve never had a weirder conversation, but at the end of it, I feel like I’ve made progress toward getting what justice I can for Johnny.

The day before Thanksgiving, Johnny and I load up the car for our trip to Fresno. He’s been antsy all week, so I head for the passenger seat and let him get behind the wheel.

“Do you want to pick the radio station this time?” Johnny’s tone is teasing, and I appreciate that more than he knows. Because it signals that his mood is up.

“I’m good with country.”

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