Page 42 of Drifter
Starting Fresh
Sasha
“The body of Dr. Edgar Sutton was found this morning under the bridge at Harbor City. The police have confirmed that this was an isolated incident and Sutton was targeted. All signs point to organized crime being behind the hit,” the news anchor says. Drifter turns down the sound before the announcer continues. It’s not because he doesn’t want me to hear it, but because we’ve heard it blaring on all the stations since the news broke about my father and his involvement with the mob.
“That’s enough, baby. We’re moving forward,” Drifter says, and he sits down next to me.
“I can’t believe Dr. Sutton is dead.” I turn slightly to face him. “I’m not sure I like what I’m feeling.”
“What are you feeling?”
“Relieved. A man is dead, and instead of sadness, I’m relieved. I’m a horrible person.”
Drifter places his hands on either side of my head, peering into my eyes. “The man terrorized you for years. He tried to rape you and manipulated your father into putting you in awkward situations for years to get another shot at finishing what he started. He deserved what he got.” His voice gets softer. “Baby, your heart is gold. You are full of love and forgiveness. I don’t want that to change, but if you dig down deep inside yourself, you’ll see that Sutton was the master of his fate with all the shit he did.”
“I know you’re right. Poor Elaine. She’s such a sweet woman. She must have been utterly shocked by it all. I never understood why she married Dr. Sutton.”
“Let things settle, then maybe we can go for a visit. She’ll need a friend, and it seems that she really likes you.”
“Mom is a wreck too. Her world is crumbling around her.”
“You and Simon have a plan. Stick to it. Your mother’s an alcoholic, and she needs help. Don’t give in. It’ll be tough love, but in the end, she’ll get better, and she’ll see life through clear eyes. Trust your gut, sunshine.”
“It’s Simon I’m worried about the most. He’s lost a lot of investors. Who’s going to trust the son of a man who is a criminal?” I got a call from the people who hired me for my latest project, and I explained my relationship with my father was strained at best and nonexistent from this point on. My work ethic and past employers are my saving grace, and they decided to let me continue with the project. “Simon’s whole future has been this company.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “He’s still in my office, fielding calls. He can’t even go back to work and speak with staff to let them know what the next steps are going to be.”
“Babe, he’s losing investors, but he’s gaining too. The clubs that didn’t get a chance to get in on this venture are chomping at the bit and will replace the ones he’s losing. People need jobs, the staff will stick it out a few more days, and things will settle. The Pride has a kickass lawyer, and she’s agreed to help Simon out pro bono for a while. Your brother’s got it under control, and now he’s a man who gets to forge his own future. Give him space and let him do his thing,” Drifter replies.
He makes complete sense, and he’s so calm about everything. “I want everyone to be happy,” I say quietly. “Especially you.”
Drifter pulls me onto his lap. “Baby, I’m happy. Look at me.” He pauses, and a fantastic smile comes across his face. “I have you and my family. That’s all I need. I live a simple life. I work on cars, ride my Harley, and when I come home, the most beautiful woman in the world is waiting for me.”
“You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met. I love you.” I kiss him soundly on the mouth. Drifter returns my kiss, taking over. His tongue duels with mine, making our kiss long, sweet, and passionate.
“Sunshine, your brother’s in the other room, but when he’s gone. I’m going to show you just how much I love you right back,” he says with a teasing grin. “Today has been chaos, but tomorrow we’re starting fresh, with only the people we love in our lives.”
We sit together for a while longer. Eventually, we get up and check on Simon, getting him settled in the spare room for the night. I fall asleep in Drifter’s arms, but not until he shows me how much he loves me.
Chapter 23
I Didn’t Do That
Motown
I told my brothers not to wake me unless it was life and death. Shooter and I didn’t make it back to the compound until morning, and we headed straight to our rooms to sleep. I should have slept like a log, but I’ve been tormented by the same dream I’ve been having for the last several months.
It’s a good dream up until the point where I wake up and find that I’m alone, and the dark-haired, petite siren is not lying next to me. It’s been nearly three months since I met Tessa. I don’t even know her last name. I knew the second I saw her that she didn’t belong in a biker bar. She wasn’t wearing a bit of makeup. Her eyes were the darkest brown, almost black, and she was the most alluring woman in the room.
She was hesitant to approach the bar. I was sitting on a barstool, curious to see what she’d do next. Instead of asking for a drink, she asked for the manager. Ruth owns the place, and I know her well. Ruth is in her late forties and tough as nails. She’s been around bikers all her life. Ruth lives free and plays hard. She works harder and doesn’t take any shit. The men who come to Suds Up are mainly regulars, and they like and respect Ruth. They don’t cause problems, and if anyone comes in and tries to stir up trouble, any one of us would step in to help. Not that Ruth can’t take care of herself, because she has a gun and knows how to use it. First, she’d fire off a warning shot. Then she’d get serious. Mind you, she’s never had to fire a second shot.
Tessa bit on her lower lip while she waited for Ruth to come out from the back room. Several times, she looked toward the exit, clearly contemplating whether to leave. I was surprised that she stuck it out, although I saw her jaw drop when she saw Ruth, who is an Amazon next to Tessa. Ruth comes across as a mean bitch, but underneath, she’s good right down to her bones.
“What can I do for ya?” Ruth asked once the bartender pointed Tessa out. “If you’re looking for a job, I’m not hiring, and even if I was, they’d eat you alive in here. You wouldn’t last a day.”
Tessa blinked, stunned at first, then she finally found words. “I don’t need a job. I’m the owner of the new gift shop a few doors down.”
“Saw the window. Looks cute. But what’s that got to do with me?” Ruth replied, getting to the point.
“They were supposed to connect my phone today, but they changed it to tomorrow, and my cell died.” She licked her lips, noting Ruth’s impatience. “Long story short, my car won’t start, and I need to call a tow truck. Can I use your phone? Please.” Ruth simply stared. “I’m trying not to be a bother.”
