The Navigator

25. Long Dead Things

Author's Note:

Song Credit: Bad Moon Rising, Palestra

This Chapter contains some mature language and sexual themes. This story is rated mature so discretion is advised.

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The reaction was immediate, a great scrambling to feet as the three adults in the living room looked to each other, unsure what to do. Dade however, in the hallway with Addy, strolled into the room completely unconcerned and used his communicator to connect to the door security. Just as he had when the women had arrived and calmly took the situation in hand.

"Can I help you?" Dade asked, a calm and casual air that came so naturally Addy had to wonder if it was affected at all or if he really didn't see the issue here. Darren made a visible effort to smooth his face before answering.

"I would like to speak to Addison, please." The 'please' was strained, like he thought asking for permission for such a thing absolutely absurd.

"Addison? I don't know who you're talking about. Are you sure you're at the right place?"

The face on the monitor pinched and the shoulders heaved in deep breath.

"Her ID says she is here, tell her I just want to talk."

Dade didn't wait a single moment to respond, not looking towards Addy or showing any other signs that might have indicated that he knew this wasn't his business. Obviously unperturbed by his role in the middle.

"Why not just call this 'Addison' of your's and talk to her that way?"

There was a beat where Darren started at the projected image of Dade on the door before looking away, impatiently shifting his weight before answering.

"She's blocking my calls."

Dade gave a quick low chuckle in response, the light sound had a distinctly hard edge perfectly expressing disdain.

"Well then I think that's your answer." The sneer still light yet present. "Chasing someone down because you know where they are, is a shit thing to do and a good way to get yourself in trouble. Don't you think?"

His tone now was almost helpful, like he was on Darren's side. Trying to turn him to the light before he made a fatal mistake, knowing it had already been made. Addy was sure that Dade knew everything Jax did, and Jax was too observant to not understand most of it. He was trying to get the aggressor to leave without creating an even more dangerous situation for them all. Darren had been playing at manipulation for just as long though, and made an emotional plea instead. Side stepping the logic.

"Look this is none of your business, but we had a fight and I just need to make sure she's ok before I'll be able to sleep. Just tell her I'm here."

He wasn't going anywhere, not backing down or turning course, stern eyes dead set on the camera. All of Dade's softness also fell away, leaving only a man who knew how to wield his power expertly and frequently.

"Say her name."

It was a demand, not a request. A forcing into line. Reminding Darren that not only did Dade know what was going on, but that he himself was involved and not nearly as neutral as he may have appeared at the beginning of the conversation.

"What?" Darren seemed genuinely confused, a state that was quickly corrected.

"No one else calls her Addison, no one but you. I wonder why that is?" Dade let the statement float, settling like cold snow on bare shoulders outside the door. "So if you want me to talk to her, you better help me know who you mean by giving me her name."