Page 19 of Playing For Keeps
“Which brings us to you.” Hunter glowers at Aiden, ready to fight. “It’s your turn now. Jamison and I have nothing left to share, so fire away.”
There’s the power I know Hunter has. It’s about time he used it in the right way.
Fear swirls in Aiden’s eyes, causing my breath to still. I have a feeling he’s about to take me out with whatever secret he’s been keeping.
He pushes out of his chair and paces the length of the formal dining room table. “That call I just took…”
At least thirty seconds pass. I know not to interrupt Aiden or else he’ll sidestep the conversation. It appears Hunter has come to the same conclusion as he remains quiet too.
That’s one good thing about him dating Dori. He knows her, and habits usually run in the family.
Aiden stops and faces us. “I’m in over my head, and I don’t know how to get out.”
Hunter stands. “We have resources and can help, but we can’t do that until you tell us everything.”
I stay seated for fear he’ll see it as a threatening move, not a supportive move like Hunter just made.
Aiden’s wild gaze comes to me. “Jami, you know my dad is fucked up in the head.”
My stomach hardens. “What’s this got to do with your dad?”
“I… He’s behind this. Everything goes back to him.” Aiden’s expression drops. “If I don’t help them, we don’t get Dori back.”
I can’t help myself. Adrenaline surges me to my feet. My chair slams to the floor.
“Help who with what?” I demand.
He squeezes his eyes shut. “Hunter’s mom.”
“How the fuck are Hunter’s mom and your dad involved in this?” I start to stomp around the table, but Hunter stops me by forcing his palm against my chest.
“I’m just as confused as Jamison.” Hunter steps in front of me, blocking me from Aiden. “Who just called you?”
For once, I’m glad Hunter’s around because I’m obviously too close to the subject to remember any significant detail other than Dori’s life is at risk. I silently talk myself down.
We need Aiden to spill his secrets, and going to war with him isn't in our best interest.
Aiden’s gaze darts between Hunter and me.
He swallows hard. “It was Joan, your mother. She has my back against the wall.”
Hunter lunges.
I grab his arm and spin him back. “It’s your turn to chill the fuck out. We can’t be fighting each other.”
Hunter flicks his arm out of my grasp. “He’s involved with the woman who took Dorothy. How do you expect me to act?”
Aiden’s voice trembles. “I’m not involved with her. That’s the first time I’ve spoken to her.”
If I didn’t know better, I would’ve thought it was a scared young boy talking. I’ve never seen my best friend so timid. It causes alarm bells to go off.
I step in front of Hunter. “Why would she call you? And don’t leave anything out.”
Hunter’s hot breath skims over my cheek. He’s livid and about to blow a gasket.
I turn and force him off my back. “Give him some space. If you go at him, we’re left with nothing.”
Melanie rushes to Hunter. “Look at me and focus on Dori. She needs us, and if you attack Aiden right now, it won’t be good. Please listen to me. Aiden isn’t working with your mom. Think about it. If he were, he wouldn’t have been dealing with you all this time.”
