Free MC: Moniz: Book 9 by L. Ann Marie

Jeremy laughs.
    “He’s so happy Jacob is here,” she says then giggles. She sounds like Tess with that musical little sound. I look at Jessie. He shrugs.
    Bob comes in from the driveway. “I need to get to Security. Digs has you covered Geek. Pres said take the day tomorrow and you have HS at your house until we finish clearing. It’s going to take a while. Jessie we need you suited up.” He kisses Amanda and walks out. Jessie follows, leaving me with the women.
    “I guess we’re going to my house,” I tell Aubrey. “Tess, is there anything I need to know?”
    She gives me a sad smile with tears on her face. God save me from more fuckin’ tears. She laughs. “They were hurt bad. Aubrey needs your strong. Jeremy and Jacob help her but she needs you right now. She’s like Elizabeth and Brenna, but she’ll be happy like Sandy. She’s going to be strong like Jeremy.”
    Fuck, I want to ask more questions, but they’re all looking at me. Jacob touches my arm, but barely shakes his head no. I guess Q&A will wait. “I need a beer and to relax, let’s get you to my house so I can have that.”
    Amanda laughs. “I’d tell you to skip the beer, but somehow I don’t think that will work, so how about I say just one.”
    I throw her chin and stand with Aubrey in my arms. I’m starting to understand what a eucalyptus tree feels like. I wait for the dizziness, but it doesn’t hit me. “Is someone getting clothes for them?”
    Tiny steps in from the living room. “They’re at your house Brother. I’ll get you home.” I throw him chin feeling better that I’m not the only Brother here. Tess, Jeremy and Aubrey laugh. Fuckin’ vision shit. Tess hugs me and I’m relieved to have Aubrey in my arms. Rich would fuckin’ kill me.
    Marty is just watching me. She holds the laptop against her chest like it’s still a lifeline. I need to check that. “Jeremy can you help Marty?” He pulls Jacob with him and they walk her out. When I get to the door I stop short. Kids are everywhere. Tiny laughs from behind me. They line the walkway with CJ and Nancy at the end. “Aubrey these are the kids from the compound. They just want to say hi. Can you hold my hand and walk with me so they can do that?”
    “You won’t leave me?” She has tears again. Fuckin’ tears.
    “No. I’ll hold your hand.” I put her down and fix the shirt. Her eyes are guarded as if I’m lying to her. “Trust me kid. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” She nods and grabs my hand. Her step is off so I watch as she takes three steps to my one. She’s limping but doesn’t seem to be in pain. I wonder if maybe we should have gone to Doc’s anyway.
    As we walk by, the kids on her side touch her. At first she shies away. Ally steps in front of us and hugs her. “Ally.” She’s crying again. Jesus. VP was right with the fuckin’ book. At the truck I lift her in but she won’t let me go. “We need to get something straight here. I haven’t lied to you and until I do, you trust me. Yeah?” She watches me for a beat then nods. “I can’t get in if you don’t let me go.” She looks toward her mother and Tiny then back quick. “You need to decide if you trust me or not. I won’t hurt you and I won’t let anyone else hurt you.” She lets me go and I slide in thinking I won something here.
    At the house Jess and Harley are waiting. I’m glad and smile at them wondering why Harley is here, but relieved someone is. Aubrey grabs on again. Since she limps I carry her up to Jess. “Aubrey, this is Jess and Harley.” I look back. “Marty is Aubrey’s mom.”
    Jess says hi to Aubrey and signs to Marty. I put Aubrey down and Harley takes her other hand. Getting us in, I hit the alarm. “Chet is outside. I’m out Brother. I’ll see you in the morning,” Tiny says throwing chin.
    I give it back wondering if VP is going to kill me for this. Aubrey squeezes my hand. When I look at her she’s scared. Fuck! “It’s a Brother thing. Old ladies