Page 22 of Busted String

Jace nodded slowly, trying to absorb Nico’s words. “Thanks, Nico. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Nico smiled, giving Jace’s shoulder one last reassuring squeeze. “You’ll get through this, Jace. And I’ll be right here with you, every step of the way.”

Jace listened to Nico’s voice as he made the call to the club, informing them they wouldn’t be coming back. With their safety in jeopardy, Nico urgently requested their remaining instruments be delivered safely to the hotel.

“What did he say?” Jace asked.

“They’re delivering the instruments. Mark and Sammie will direct them to my van.” He handed the keys to Mark. “Come upstairs and pack as soon as you have our things.”

Sammie handed Jace a chocolate bar.

“Thanks.” Tears ran down Jace’s face.

“Don’t worry, Jace. You’ll be as good as new once you’re cleaned up. We’re not staying here a minute longer than needed.”

Jace dropped his face to his hands, his eyes downcast as he purposely avoided making eye contact with anyone. He was ashamed, humiliated.

As they arrived at the hotel, Jace said, “I’m ashamed to walk into the lobby like this. It’s going to be all over town. I hope no one at Black Rock finds out.”

“We all have egg on us,” Nico said as he helped him out of the limo.

He stood with Nico in the elevator, his head down. Once inside their room, Nico helped him into the shower and adjusted the hot water. When Jace finished. Nico left to get his clothes, then took a shower, and by then, Mark and Sammie had arrived from securing their instruments. They each took a shower and packed. As Nico took care of Jace, he asked Mark and Sammie to gather their gear and carry it out. Jace stumbled, disoriented,but Nico offered a helping hand as they made their way to the van. Jace never looked up at any part of town. Until Nico hit the freeway, Jace stared at his boots.

Chapter Twelve

Nico

Nico’s frustration with Jace had reached its peak, and now this. He couldn’t leave him helpless. His church family was far worse than his own mobster family. At least they put a hit on you for a reason. What had Jace done? He wanted to hug him and tell him he’d take care of him if he would allow it, but Jace’s response to cleaning up for their relationship said it all. He didn’t value Nico enough to make the change.

“Mark, where’s the next hotel?” Nico asked.

“Ten miles from here. Want to make reservations?”

“Two rooms. You and Sammie and Jace and I. Make sure we have two beds,” Nico said.

As soon as they reached the hotel, they checked in, and Jace followed him to the room like a zombie. He told everyone to meet at the diner for breakfast at nine.

The room was spacious and modern, with a large window offering a view of the open hills. The walls were painted in a calming shade ofblue, and there was a king-sized bed with crisp white linens and a plush headboard. Unfortunately, they were out of rooms with two beds.

A sleek wooden desk sat against one wall, where Jace placed his guitar. Nearby, a small table held a vase of fresh flowers, a thoughtful gesture from the hotel staff.

In one corner, a mini-bar was stocked with various drinks, which would be a tempting sight for Jace, who was struggling with his vices. Within minutes, Jace pulled out two beers and handed one to Nico.

Despite the room’s comfort and elegance, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Nico sat on the edge of the hotel bed, watching Jace pace back and forth. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the streetlamp outside the window. Jace’s shoulders were slumped, his face a mix of anger and hurt. Nico knew this was about more than just the eggs; it was about everything Jace had been through with his family and the church.

“Jace, sit down for a minute,” Nico said softly, patting the spot next to him. Jace hesitated, but eventually sat down, his head in his hands.

“I can’t do this anymore, Nico,” Jace muttered. “I can’t keep facing this kind of hatred. I just want to quit.”

Nico took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. “I know it’s been tough, Jace. What they did was horrible, and you didn’t deserve any of it. But quitting now…it won’t make the pain go away. It’ll just let them win.”

Jace looked up, his eyes filled with tears. “I don’t care about winning or losing. I just can’t handle it. I feel like I’m falling apart.”

Nico reached out, placing a hand on Jace’s shoulder. “You are one of the strongest people I know. You’ve faced so much already, and you’re still here. The band needs you, Jace. I need you. You’re the heart and soul of the Sacred Fire.”

Jace shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t feel strong. I feel broken.”

Nico squeezed his shoulder gently. “It’s okay to feel that way. But remember, you’re not alone. We’re a team, a family. We support each other. And right now, we need you more than ever. Black Rock City is a big gig for us. We can’t do it without you.”

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