Free Blackness Within by Norma Jeanne Karlsson

Cooper had been able to take out everyone in the meth ring.
    “I’m not sure how deep Blake’s involved, but the connection is enough to know Natasha’s not safe. You want me to call KCPD?” Finn asks, concern marring his features.
    He’s worried. Never a good sign.
    “She doesn’t want cops involved,” I huff.
    “Maybe she’s not thinkin’ clearly. If she knows what she’s lookin’ at…” he trails off, waiting for me to fill in the blanks.
    “I’ll call her and fill her in.”
    We bump fists before I climb a shitload of stairs to my wing of the house. When we first moved into Kid’s house after law school, it was perfect for us. Six bedrooms all with ensuites, huge open living spaces, a pool and pool house, over an acre of land, a basement any man would be proud to have as a man cave and the home itself is one of the only things Kid had after the death of her beloved Uncle Mick.
    Then Kid fell in love and started popping out babies like they were going out of style and we needed more space. So Kellerman and Kavanagh set about expanding the house. Callaghan and I got involved and now we live in a house meant for Beverly Hills. We’ve got fifteen bedrooms, twenty-three bathrooms and enough open space to host concerts if we want. It’s a lot of house, but I now have my own little wing with three bedrooms, a sitting area and a kitchenette. When my family comes in town from Chicago, they stay here with me. Otherwise, it’s a quiet place when I need it. I rarely need it.
    My door shuts with a thud as I make my way over to my bed. I flop backward onto the mattress and swipe my phone off the bedside table. I stare at the screen a long while, trying to figure out what to say. I decide to approach this like an attorney. Present the information and come up with a reasonable solution.
    “Hi. You’ve reached Natasha. I’m sorry I’m not available. Please leave a message and I’ll get back with you as soon as I can,” her voice floats in my ear.
    “Natasha, this is Brian O’Sullivan. Please call me as soon as you’re able,” I say in my most professional voice before disconnecting.
    I shrug off the feeling of disappointment that she didn’t answer and climb into the shower. My body tenses as the cool water runs over my rigid muscles. I’ll be sore tomorrow. As I lather my skin, I consider my options further.
    I can call Natasha again in an hour if I haven’t heard from her. I won’t feel like a stalker too much.
    I can drive by her house and check for signs of life. I’ll feel like a bit of a stalker.
    I can go to her house and wait on the street to make sure she’s safe until Finn has more information. I’ll be mostly a stalker.
    I can knock on her door and sleep on the couch to be certain she’s safe. I’ll be a clinically certified stalker.
    I rinse the suds away before sauntering to my mirror, naked and soaking wet. I run my hands roughly over my face before talking to my reflection.
    “Get your shit together, O’Sullivan. This is just a chick. Do your job and nothing more.”
    With that, I dry off, pull on a pair of jeans and a long sleeved black Henley thermal. I check my phone to find no response from Natasha and make my decision. That’s a lie. I made my decision when I took her call this afternoon. I’m in too deep and I can’t turn back now.
    “Where are you goin’?” Kid’s voice calls out as I move through the great room toward the garage.
    “Out,” I shout back without looking at her.
    “That’s what I thought,” she bellows triumphantly.
    I chuckle and shake my head as I pull on my leather jacket and boots. She’s always right. I love that woman even if she’s a giant pain in the dick.

Natasha
    The baby is screaming while Blake shakes and sweats from withdrawals in the guest room. I’ve gotten only glimpses of sleep in the last forty-eight hours. Zeus needs a walk. I’m in desperate need of a shower. And I’m pretty certain I’m losing my mind.
    If I have to wait