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Chapter 28: Not the Time for Games
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 29: Sneak Around Back and Peek In
Katy shuts her car door sealing us off from the world and whatever is in my house. "It's possible Ridge stopped by."Yeah, sure. If Ridge stopped over and turned on every light. One brush of my eyes at his house confirms my suspicions. There's no truck in his driveway and the house is dark."What are you going to do?" she asks."Me? You're the girl with the plans."Katy turns, her eyes squinty in thought. She flicks her head to the house and then back to me. My stomach curls from all her sudden movements, but if I didn't lose my dinner on Benny's shoes I'll handle this.Eyeing the house, she says, "Okay, here's the plan. We'll sneak around back and peek in."That's it? "Can't we call the police now and let them handle it?""Sure, but then if it is nothing at all, the whole town will consider you the girl who calls police when she leaves the lights on."But I didn't leave any lights on."It could be a raccoon," her voice skips on each word overly happy about her new id
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 30: Here for a Friend
His forehead crinkles in annoyance and he shakes his head at her but doesn't appear put off by the comment. "Katy Kadish, fancy meeting you here. The first crime to happen in Pelican Bay in the last two months and somehow you're involved. Who would have thought?""I'm here for my friend, Tabs." She points at me with her thumb."Were you involved in any way?" he asks, his words laced with skepticism."No.""Have you given a statement to the responding officer?""Yeah, I told him what happened. We didn't see anything besides her trashed kitchen." Katy opens her door and steps out of the car, but I'm not ready to leave the small wind break I have in the vehicle."Have Officer Peters take you home. I'll call you if you need to go to the station and fill out a formal statement."She scoffs. "You're sending me home?""It's cold and there's no reason for you to be here. More units are on their way. Joe says the place is clear. I'll take Ms. Thompson inside and ask her question
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 31: Triple Crap
Without another word Ridge starts his truck and drives over the grass between our shared yards, stopping in his driveway. The headlights illuminate the front of his detached garage door until he turns off the truck, but he doesn't move."Tabitha, I want to be perfectly clear with you. When we step out of this truck, I will only accept the truth. All of it." He stares out the window waiting.My stomach clenches and fresh tears well in my eyes. You'd think by now I'd be dry. I nod and put my hand on the door, but I don't open it or get out."I need to hear you say the words," he says, his eyes set on the garage."I promise."The door slams as he jumps out, but I don't move. Once I leave the comfort of this truck, my ruse is finished. There's no way a guy like Ridge will get messed up with a girl like me. I'm not carrying baggage. I'm hauling a whole freight train of complications.Ridge stops beside my window, nodding once like an executor leading me to the guillotine. He ope
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 32: Police Radar
I slide a finger over the first glossy shot and pick them up one by one, examining the images. There's me walking into our large house after a morning run. Another getting out of my car at the grocery store. At the salon getting my hair done. Waitressing at the restaurant during the holiday season when staff were forced to wear ugly green shirts with poinsettias embroidered into them. Mario's mom picked them out. No one ever said no to Mama Fanelli. Does she know who her husband was? Who her son is?"Why am I in here?" I ask while I collect the pictures with me in them. Has he been following me? How? We met this month and I'm the one who moved to Pelican Bay. How could Ridge have pictures from December? Why would he?My brain flounders to create an explanation. It's working overtime, but I'm still processing my meeting with Benny. I can't add this new information in without a meltdown."You've been on police radar for a long time, Tabitha. They've never been sure how much you kne
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 33: Everything is a Lie
"Since when?""Not long."I open my mouth to ask more questions, but there aren't any. My ability to think has shut down. My entire life is a lie and now the guy I thought my hero lied too. He flew to Oklahoma. Had me followed. Who the hell is he?"Why?"Ridge closes his eyes slowly opening them a few seconds later. "I had to know.""Because you thought I was a drug dealer from Oklahoma?" My voice rises with every word.Ridge releases a huge breath and tilts his head to the ceiling. "I never believed it, Tabitha, but I had to make sure. If I ignored information of that magnitude because you're hot, it would make me pretty shitty at this security business. I needed to be sure."I hate when he makes decent points. Plus, I can't give Ridge too much shit since one-to-one I'm still up on the lies told category. We're like a fucked up episode of One Life to Live."This is what we'll do, Tabitha." Ridge rests his hands on his knees leaning toward me in his chair. It's a move h
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 34: He Turned it Down?
"That's what you took from what I said? The threesome, not the boyfriend part?""Well..." my words trail off."I don't kid about threesomes, Tabitha. No man does. And I also don't share. Especially in a devil's triangle." He kisses the side of my head. "Okay, I answered three of yours. My turn. What are your real plans for Pelican Bay?" he asks his hands faltering on my back for a second."I told you the truth. I'm not going back to Oklahoma. There's nothing there for me, but here is a whole town of possibilities. I'll need to find a job, of course.""Where?""No clue. Are you hiring?" I ask.He tenses, his hands stopping. "For you. Hell no. You're enough trouble now.""What is it you even do?""Eh, this and that." He starts rubbing again, but I'm not buying it."What happened to the whole, truthfulness from here on out bit?""Fine." He blows out a breath, moving the hair on the top of my head. "I did eight years in the military and then when Mom died during my seco
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 35: Go Away
Something tickles my neck and I swat it away. The bed under me jerks with little movements. Ones I eventually pick up as Ridge laughing behind me.I moan and pull the blankets up around my shoulder. "Go away."He leans over my body kissing my ear. It's annoying and messing with my sleep. If he wasn't so hot and sweet, I'd be pissed for the interruption."I'm trying to leave, but I wanted to say good-bye," he whispers in my ear.I crack my eyes open to the pitch black room. "You're leaving for real? Do you always get up this early?" It's not normal."I do when there's an asshole stalking the woman I have in my bed. Yes.""Does that happen often for you?"He laughs again, the movements pulling on my covers. "No. You're a first, baby. In so many ways." Ridge pulls on the edge of the comforter and tucks it around me. "Go back to sleep. Richie will be over to fix your window early this morning and Riley will set up the new alarm."I try to roll over to my back, but he's pack
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 36: Destruction
Books are pulled off shelves, the bookcase tipped over on top of them. Crumpled sheets litter the floor, ripped from the bed. The mattress is off the box spring a few inches. Nothing broken, but it will involve a long cleanup effort. I don't check on the master bedroom, preferring to pretend it's fine. At least for a few more minutes. I'm back to denial.A hamper full of dirty clothes is dumped and scattered on the floor, the few clean items I had left pulled from their hangers in the closet and thrown about the room. There hasn't been time to worry about laundry since I left Oklahoma, but now buying a jug of detergent springs to the top of the list. A knee length jean skirt, two vintage t-shirts, and a tea length party dress I bought on a half-off sale but never wore are undisturbed on their hangers.With little choice, I pick the jean skirt and a grey vintage shirt with the words Chill Out and a row of penguins underneath on it. I bend down to pick up a few books, but quickly giv
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Pelican Bay Security Chapter 324: From Elliot
ElliotFive years later"No, sweetie, we only get one puppy today." I squat getting on the same level as my daughter, Brandise.The round ball of fluff she squeezes onto with all her might so he doesn't run away licks her across the face and she giggles. "Daddy, they're twins just me and Bray. They have to stay together."My eyes flick back and forth between each dog. One held in the tight grip of Brandise and the other being sized up by my son. Their mother, Harley, a woman who took too long for me to figure she meant everything stands between the two of them with her lips pinched together not helping me in this situation. She's left me out in the cold on my own.The two puppy siblings look alike, but in my eyes every Yorkie looks the same. How can you tell them apart? The puppies my babies held both had a lighter colored face than Rocky, but other than that they were big puffballs of fur."Sweetie, Rocky only needs one brother," I try again hoping to talk sense into her.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 322: No Listening to Reason
Elliot's steps are slow but sure as I hold open the bakery door to let him get through the space. Once he's cleared the way, I stand beside him in case he needs me for support as he makes his way to the first table in the busy sitting section. You wouldn't expect a shoulder injury to cause issues walking, but with each movement his body makes, his shoulder sways with the force and his face grimaces.It's too soon for him to be up and moving, but I couldn't make him listen to reason.He finds his seat and plops in it heavily, the chair legs scraping on the tile. The people around us stop what they're doing and turn before a small round of applause starts from behind the bakery counter and then picks up including people from every space in the bakery. Elliot turns to the noise, catching everyone in their adoration, and scowls until the clapping fades."Cupcakes for everyone," Anessa says smiling from her spot at the counter. "Especially for our new hero."Elliot's scowl deepens.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 323: Eligible Bachelors
Dominick releases a breath and sucks in another one as if preparing himself for this new life. "Are you positive? Because there are very eligible bachelors in my club. A brother could keep you safe."I don't argue with him that Elliot kept me safe. Well at least until he got shot, and no one can blame a man for that. He literally stuck his body in between me and a loaded weapon. How much more could he have done?Plus I could never live life in the club again. Now after experiencing life on my own. "Yeah, and then they'd cheat on me or go to prison."Dominick shakes his head. "My men aren't that way. They love hard and deep. I changed the club here, Harley. It's different from how we grew up in Colorado."There's honesty in his words, but it will never be enough to bring me back. "Elliot is mine."Dom shakes his head once, admitting defeat. "Fine. Onto topic two. I met your father," he says father accusatorily like I've been keeping something from him.Which, in a way, I hav
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 322: Three Bullets to the Chest
Without warning there's another harsh pop in the air like someone shooting off a firecracker, and then red blossoms in the middle of Pete's forehead. His body falls back hitting the ground once again. The thud is too far away to hear, but I swear my body feels the vibration.Holy fuck.My ears ring from the gunfire as men pool around us each of them yelling things back and forth. It's coordinated chaos. An ambulance with its lights flashing speeds over the highway."That man took three bullets to the chest," Huxley mutters to himself shaking his head. "I haven't seen anything that crazy since Thailand."... The steady beat of Elliot's hospital machines lulls me into a restless sleep as my head rests on Elliot's hand."Harley," a deep voice whispers in my ear, shaking my shoulder. "Har."In a start my head pops up and my eyes search Elliot's face, but his hand still rests underneath my head, a pool of my drool sticking between his fingers."Still drool, huh? I wouldn't
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 321: Nobody to Save Me
"Dominick won't pay anything for me," I lie.Pete laughs. "Don't want money. I'm looking to trade you for a free get-out-of-town card. If he won't offer me his protection, you'll be a going away gift to my men. They're upset with having to leave. I'm sure you understand.""What?" Fear causes me to choke out the word as a hundred images flash through my brain of what he could mean, but only one is sick and depraved enough for this man.He smirks. "They'll love you if the Impaler doesn't."I fall to my knees against the back of his seat. "No, please don't." I'd rather he shoot me now than do what his smile promises. He means I'm to be a sexual gift given to his men and passed between them. I'd never survive. Sure, Dom trained me in basic self-defense skills, but my mother sheltered me from club life so I only heard the evils of the world through others. Until now, I never once felt concern for my safety. Not the way I do now.The cargo van travels on the highway, passing a bill
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 320: Nothing Drastic
"Stand up, Fucker."Elliot scoots away from me as I claw deftly on his leg trying to hold on and keep him close. He turns, not making any sudden movements and puts his body in front of mine to shield me once again from the nasties of life."Let's not do anything drastic, Pete." Elliot takes a step forward with his hand held out defensively.I twist seeing the old man wearing a pair of board shorts, a blue Hawaiian shirt with palm trees, and flip-flops on his feet standing in the middle of the beach. He resembles a tourist who belongs in Florida not a man running a drug ring in Pelican Bay. He sneers at me taking the tension from Elliot for just a moment and waving the gun in his direction as if either of us could forget it's there."She's the only one who can name me. Without her I can pick up shop and start somewhere fresh and there's nothing you can do about it. You guys don't have shit on me.""You're standing in the middle of a public beach during the day, Pete," Elliot t
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 319: Stagnant Words
He flinches as of my question has hurt him, but I'm the child who didn't have a father. "I got out early for good behavior and I looked up your mother. I learned what happened. Sorry about your loss," he says. The words are stagnant as if he knows what he's supposed to say but struggles with the meaning. Yet, something in the inflection makes me believe he means each one. His eyes turn soft, possibly remembering his time with my mother.My life has never been cupcakes and cookies, but the last month has been indescribable except for the word surreal. First, I had no father, then I picked up a club president for a stepdad, lost him, and now gained back the original. What is happening to my life?"What will happen now?"My father shakes his head and stares at me with a touch of a smile tweaking his lips. "I'm out of the club life. Plan to take the straight and narrow from here on out."I hold back the cringe at his promise. It's one I've heard from club brothers my entire life. E
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 318: She Deserves Better
Elliot shakes his head, his fingers curving around the handle of his gun. His face pinches together as if he has so much to say, but is staying silent for me.Until he doesn't anymore."Would someone mind telling me what the fuck is going on?"He's not the only one looking for answers. "Me too. Mom said you died in a motorcycle crash. Drove your bike over a mountain ledge one night." She hadn't said he'd been drinking, but I've filled in the blanks for myself as I aged.My father's teeth come together hard making a gnashing sound I hear even from my position. "Yeah well. She thought it would be better than the true story. Easier for both of you to move on rather than wait around on me living only a half-life.""Then what is the true story?" After my mom left Dominick's dad, it was the three of us together. I always believed we never hid any secrets from one another.My father shakes his head and stares at me but looks past me as if he's reliving the memories himself. "She s
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 317: Escape Plans
My gaze and thoughts flip to the back door, but I'm too far away to reach it before he could shoot me.The man is younger than Pete and not the person I saw put a bullet in someone earlier this month, but he's old enough to be my father. His skin is leathered and wrinkled as if he's spent a lifetime in the sun. His jeans are loose and a leather jacket lacking any MC cut is wrapped around his body. Not a Bloodhound.I stand next to the kitchen island breathing heavily while trying to come up with an escape plan as the two of us stare at one another unmoving.He speaks first. "Now, Harley, is this any way to greet the old man who named you?"His words scatter in my brain, startling me into paying attention, all my plans of escape lost. "Excuse me? My father named me."It was one of the few stories I had of the man who shared such a brief relationship with my mother. "He wanted to pay homage to the best...""Damn motorcycle company the US has ever seen," he finishes my sentenc
