It's a good thing Hunter has her back.
[Addison]It’s weird being back home. I bought this house with my own money and yet it doesn’t feel like home anymore. As we step into the living room which two months ago I had managed to escape on a broken ankle, Jayson rushes off laughing as Livy and I stand in the doorway. “Hello,” I call out, hoping Evelyn is around. “Anyone home.” There is no response. The only sound is Jayson’s tablet turning on in the other room, his headphones' volume up loud enough that I can hear which episode of his favorite ninja cartoon is playing. “Jayson!” I call out, “You haven’t earned tablet time. Turn that off and come downstairs.” Livy looks hesitantly at the sofa, her face twisted in confusion as she looks at dirty dishes left piled on a cushion. I don't blame her for her confusion. She's probably never seen a place this messy in her life. Her uncle's cleaning staff keeps everything shined and polished. "Do you need help, Auntie," she blinks up at me with her large hazel eyes. Picking up th
[Addison]Jayson’s words can’t be true. Michael wouldn’t have left with Evelyn on a trip without saying anything. Would he?What kind of father just leaves their child alone like that? Looking down at Jayson’s red face, his cheeks dripping with tears, all the anger leaves my body. My little boy is lashing out because he’s hurting–hurting because I left him, and now, his father and Evelyn have left him too. He didn’t ask for any of this. None of this is his fault. He’s stuck in the middle of this sick game that his father and Evelyn are playing, one that ends in heartbreak for all of us.“Oh Jayson,” I bend down, opening my arms. “I’m so sorry. I’ll stay here with you until we can get someone else to watch you.”“Why can’t you just watch me,” he looks up with his big blue eyes, red and teary from crying. “You’re my mom. Can’t you just stay here with me?”“This isn’t my home anymore,” I try to explain to him. “I can’t stay here with you anymore. Your father has Evelyn now. You wanted
[Addison] Who is this child and what has he done with my sweet little angel? I thought I knew Jayson, that I understood him. I raised him for the last five years, from the time Michael found him in that dumpster at the age of one. But my little boy would never do something like this, something so malicious and calculating. “Jayson,” tugging at the cuff, I test it to see if it will let me go, like many toy cuffs will. But they don’t. I’m stuck tight. “Let Mama go, Jayson. This isn’t funny.” My son ignores me, pulling his tablet down from where I stored it, and opening it up. Pressing a button with Evelyn’s smiling face labeled “Mama,” he waits patiently for her to pick up the phone. She doesn’t reply, but I watch as he leaves her a video message. “Look Mama,” not Mama Evelyn, “I trapped her for you, just like you wanted. Let Daddy know, okay.” He flips the camera around to show them that I’m securely attached to the headboard of his bed. “Michael Stone, when I get free I’m
[Jayson] Mr. D is my friend. I know he is because Mama Evelyn said I could trust him. He has an office in the shiniest building I’ve ever seen. Everything shines from the rooftop to the doors and the edges of the windows. Even Mr. D. shines with his perfect smile. All of his friends are tough, like superheroes. They fight against injustice and have shiny guns and all of them have secret identities and secret names that they made me swear never to tell. They also know how to chop someone in half with their bare hands, just like Sensei Kai from Big Battle Monster Force. One year for Halloween, Mr. D even dressed as Sensi Kai and showed me how a "real man" takes care of business. "Someday, Ace, you'll be a fighter like me," Mr. D told me. "You might not know this, but you're special. Extra special. I don't teach just anyone." Maybe, I'm meant to learn from him, just like the Monster Force learns from Mr. D. I once asked if I'd have my Monster Force and he grinned. "Of course, Ace.
[Jayson]I knew it was important to keep Mama Evelyn's secret, even before I knew I should call her "Mama." That came later when she returned."Remember to keep my secret," Evelyn kissed my cheek giving me a special fairy stamp as I left the classroom. It shimmered in the light like real magic. I wanted to see her again. I wanted to take her home with me. But I had to say goodbye.When I got home, I tried to keep her secret, but I was excited about my day so I Told my mom we had a special substitute. "Her name was Ev..." I stopped myself, but then my mom kept asking questions. Annoying questions. "Who? Do I know her? Did she give you that stamp? What did she look like"The questions came so fast that I know I said too much. She didn't learn her real name, but the damage was already done. The next day, Miss Daphne was back and I knew why. I did it. It was all my fault. I told my mom too much and I was certain that was why my special friend was lost. That night, at dinner was so ma
[Addison] I’m so sorry Jayson. I failed you as a parent. “You don’t need Mr. Jersey, or Mr. D, or any of them,” I hold out my hand, the one that isn’t cuffed to the bed, and plead with my little boy. I remember how sweet he was, just one year old, when Michael brought him home. How can such a sweet, innocent child turn into someone who would give his own mother to criminals. And I am his mother in every way. I may not have carried him in my body, but I have carried him in my heart for these last five years. I shouldn’t have ever left him behind. “Come on JayJay,” I call out, “I’m sorry your dad left you here alone. How about this, I can take you to my new place. It’s big enough, we can get you a room of your own. And your dad can pick you up there when he’s back from his trip. “NO!” he shouts, angered at the idea of us leaving here. “This is our home! You are going to stay right here with me.” He reaches into his shirt and pulls out a very tiny key on a small chain. Jayson d
[Addison]Finally unclenching my fist, I fiddle with the lock of the handcuff, using the key that I had fought so hard to claim from my willful, naughty son. Livy's in trouble. I can hear her screaming. His attack, which must have felt like it came out of nowhere, probably put her into one of her rages. Her autism makes it hard for her to transition from one task to the next, and any interruption can lead to at least a snappy reply or a grump or two.And that's with a warning. I doubt Jayson said, "Hey Livy, I'm going to hit you with a bat!" Not only that, but Livy was also reading about one of her favorite things. I can't even imagine the level of anger and upset she must be feeling right now, the emotional pain in addition to the physical pain of being battered by a larger kid. Somebody taught Jayson how to fight. Not just kid playground stuff, but real dirty adult fighting. Even with Livy's strength and intensity during one of her attacks, she doesn't stand a chance against my ve
[Addison]Livy walks around me, holding out her hand to the strange man greeting him like an old friend. The man bends down and greets her, apologizing for his tardiness.“Sorry, Young Miss,” the man bows over her little hand. “Mr. Grant sent us to assist just in case you needed help, but it looks like we were a little too late.” He frowns, looking at my son, who is still lying flat on the road. He is moaning and making a fuss, so I can tell he’s not too badly injured, despite the blood which seems to be everywhere. “Who are you?” I demand as I remain kneeled next to Jayson. “And how did you know we’d need help?” “My name is Mr. Carpenter, and I am the Head of Security at Grant Group,” he helps me stand, his warm calloused hand keeping me steady. “As for why we are here, Mr. Grant has all of his employees and members of his household tracked for emergencies such as this one.” He nods towards Livy. “He’d never put his most precious people at risk.” I take another look at my son and
[Hunter]In a suit and tie, my tattoos are invisible, allowing me to be the person the investors expect me to be while I run the day to day workings of a fortune 100 company. As far as the upstanding part of NYC business is aware, Hazardous and Hunter Grant are not the same person. I work hard to keep my two lives separate. Just like DeBrassy does with his identity, Mr. D., we both know who the other man is, but in the boardroom, we pretend not to be criminals, and in spaces like these, we are done pretending. Here, we get to be the beasts we truly are.In some ways, this criminal underworld is more real than reality. It's more visceral, sensual, and alive. Nothing is off limits. Everything is possible. For some, it can be paradise. For others, Hell. And as far as I'm concerned, it's the furthest place I ever want Addy or Livy to be. I never want them to know this side of me, to see the gutters I need to swim in to preserve their safe world.Because tonight I dance with the devil to
[Hunter]Addison shines like a gem tonight, an elegant professional speaking with other like-minded people passionate about the same type of work. She was born to this. She might not realize it yet, but this is where she was always meant to be. She's standing next to the professor, laughing at something another legal guru from one of the finest firms in NYC said, meeting his verbal jabs with equal skill. Seeing her like this makes my heart feel lighter. After everything she's been through to get to this point, she deserves to be the bright star of this evening. I wish I could spend it with her. But I need to take care of business--dark dealings with the type of sinister low-lifes I plan to keep her from ever encountering. I would never want this filth to tarnish her shine. Silently signaling my lieutenant, I pretend to take a work call and excuse myself, leaving Addison in Charley's careful care. "I might not be back," I apologize. "This is a big deal, we can...""We can check in la
[Michael]The grim armed woman takes a step forward, blocking me from Addison's view."It's time for you to go, Mr. Stone," she repeats. "Now." Standing my ground, I refuse to move. She won't shoot me, not in front of all these people, all these lawyers. She'd be thrown behind bars. "Grant Group has a restraining order placed against you, Mr. Stone, and if you do not leave the premises immediately, I am authorized to use force if necessary." The woman tilts her head, watching, waiting for an excuse to follow through on her promise. Hundreds of eyes are watching us, hearing everything as we spill our family secrets on the floor of this grand ballroom, our words flying to smash into one another.Addison is angrier than I've ever seen her, an avenging angel, glaring at me with eyes of burning steel. Next to her is a tall, dark-skinned woman who, unlike the rest of those gathered, wears a no-nonsense suit, her hand hovering over a gun.She means business. And her business, from her sta
[Addison]“Oh, it looks like I’m late,” my ex-husband laughs, his hands in his pockets as he surveys the scene. “And with so many of my friends here, too. Hi Steve,” Michael waves to a man standing by the bar. "How's Cheryl?" Swaggering into the room, my ex parts the crowd until he's standing only a few feet away. Looking above my head, he sees the sign saying "Happy Divorce Day," and he smirks, his eyes flashing with sarcastic mirth. "Really, Addy? Just come home already. This game is getting old." Reaching forward, Michael holds out his hand to take mine. Taking a step back, I glare as I look around the room. Hunter is gone, Carter is now missing, and Charley is doing her best to make it to my side without causing an even bigger scene. I'm alone. "Michael, this isn't a game," I try to keep my voice low, even though this has already drawn the attention of most of the people in the room. "And I have a restraining order. You shouldn't be here right now. Why are you here?"Michael
[Michael][Earlier that evening]I can't wait to get the heck out of this office. Jayson's at my mother's for the weekend. I couldn't bear to be around my son after receiving the note from my attorney telling me that not only was my evidence rejected, but that my wife, MY WIFE, has been granted her divorce appeal without making any of the concessions I requested.Not only that, but her nosy old law professor, Dr. McCannon, filed a restraining order against me on her behalf. I was shocked to learn that tough old lizard is still alive. He's got to be what, like 102?Evelyn is out tonight, something about needing to see Mr. D, so I'm here, trying to see if there isn't some way I can contest the divorce. I mean, it can't be over, can it? Not really. Addy wouldn't leave me. She promised she'd stay with me forever. Until death do us part. "Sir," my new secretary, Cindy, saunters in. Mr. D sent her over, said my last one was "offensive." She places a whiskey sour next to my mousepad, and I
[Addison]The sharply-dressed young man holding me in his arms has a swoonworthy smile warm enough to melt hearts. Pretty like a model, his features are an exotic blend of cultures with full, soft lips, high, sharp cheekbones, and wide, cola-colored eyes that sparkle with amusement as he glances at me through a curtain of straight auburn brown hair. “It’s a good thing I was here to catch you,” he grins slyly, although his voice is bright with concern. “Are you okay, Miss…?"“Ms. Archer,” I hold out my hand to shake. “Addison Archer,” I nod in the direction of the congratulations sign. “The new divorcee.” “Ah,” his grin brightens. "Perfect, you're just the person I was sent to look for." Helping me stand, he takes my hand and bows over it in a very formal gesture of respect. "On behalf of my law firm, I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Adam. Adam Wright. I work for CCRP Law Group, and we heard you have potential." He pulls a card from the inner pocket
[Addison]Mr. Carter introduced me to his fiancée, Kate, and we hit it off immediately. She’s classy, smart, and has a knack for noticing the small things that others miss and pointing them out to me with no small amount of hilarity. “So you see how she’s walking with a slight hesitation on her left leg,” my new friend points out a beautiful red head with hair with bright blue eyes, and a tight white gown. “Her date, Mr. Danvers, has a thing for dancers. Likes his girls…flexible,” she smirks. Realising her implications, I gasp. “But he’s at least 80!” “Well, love knows no age.” The edge of her lip twists upward as a demure eyebrow lifts just slightly. “Look again, see how broad the shoulders are on his suit? When he was a young man, he was a star polo player and rugby champion. It was 50 years ago, but I bet he still keeps fit.”Blushing, I struggle to NOT think about what she is suggesting as she leads me towards the entrance, where I am surprised to see another friendly face. “Tr
[Hunter]“HUNTER NO!!!!!!!”Addison is screaming, her voice gut-wrenching, as with eyes open but not conscious, she grabs my chest. Holding her close to my heart, I soothe her, saying her name and rubbing her back as I kiss her hair, rocking back and forth.“Addison! Addy! It’s okay.” She is so terrified, so lost and unaware of what is real and what isn’t. It is a trauma response, one I’ve seen in survivors before. Whatever happened to her as a child must have been worse than she has told me. Something so bad she can't even let herself remember it fully. I know that feeling. I have them too.“Please, Addy, come back to me," I beg, forcing my voice to stay strong even though a part of me wants to hide in a corner with her. "I've got you. You're safe." It takes several minutes for her eyes to focus and her face to show signs of recognition. “Hunter, you’re not dead?”“Shh,” I move one of her strands of hair behind her ear. Her elegant updo is a bit mussed now, making her look even more
[Addison]Standing at the top of the stairs, I feel like a princess waiting to enter the ballroom and meet her handsome prince. My hands are shaking as I grip the railing. What if he doesn’t like the dress?What if he does? Taking a deep breath, I make my slow descent, my silver pumps clicking delicately on the marble floors.The dress Charley helped pick out is a periwinkle blue made of a beautiful sequined fabric that casts rainbows as I move. The bodice is a fitted corset with a neckline so low, I have to be taped into it to stay in place, and it flairs out over my hips into a full circle skirt that reaches down to my knees. The whole dress is covered in hand-beading, giving it a nice weight and an expensive feel. Charley wouldn’t let me see the price tag. Not after how I reacted when I saw the additional cost of the jewelry. Instead of a traditional string of pearls or a sensible scarf, I’m wearing a body cage in the shape of a cape, dripping jewels from my neck in every direct