Double Vexation ( A Harper's series. book 11)

Where It Began

Just like everything that seems good means it usually isn't. Everything seemed perfect, almost magical and now I'm left wondering was it all a figment of my imagination. Did I just dream the entire thing up, trapped in a fantasy while I was trapped in my home due to a winter storm. Was I really that alone and hung up on her that I played this out in my head? No, I know I didn't. Her scent still lingers like the last of the melting snow. Evidence of her presence is in my home just as evidence of our lovemaking is branded on my body. Catching a glimpse of my naked form in the mirror assured me of that as I gently touched the tender bite mark left upon my collarbone by her sweet lips. Yet here I am alone again.

I awoke this morning to discover her side of the bed was cold and empty. After a complete search of my home it was clear that she was gone. Was it all a lie? Was my hopes blown into oblivion once again? The hurt my body was currently feeling was pure agony. Heartbreak isn't just a word used to describe an emotional feeling, no it's very real. I feel this pain to the core of my being. An ache in my chest that's strong enough to make me nauseous. My eye's are begging to release a dam of liquid to justify the pain but I won't cry, I don't cry. There's only two choices that can be made.... Let her go or go after her. Seems as if she's already made that decision for me. She came back into my life with the force of a blizzard and easily slipped away as fast as the melting snow. Now I'm left cold and just as empty as the bed we shared.

In an attempt to feel better and lash out at her I snatched the covers off and thrashed them around the room. "Fucking bitch". I screamed just to satisfy my anger and hurt. As if I cursed her I'd get relief from the dull ache in my chest.

" How could you just up and leave without an explanation? How could you do me like this? You told me that you loved me. You fucking told me you loved me. You fucking lied Chelly, you lied to me". I yelled as I fell to my knees clutching a fist full of blankets. But no, I will not cry.

By lunch I was properly dressed in my normal attire, black pants, hoodie and boots that paired perfectly with my black mood and soul. Putting on a tough face I went to join the other's for an impromptu meeting my dad had conjured up. However I didn't want to hear what fresh bullshit had arose. I was dealing with my own issues but I didn't want my Pape on my nuts either right now so here I am.

As I entered the larger conference room I was surprised to see my grandparents in attendance. Mostly the stayed out of the business these day's and was living out the remainder of their life in peace and just loving one another. Seeing them here gave me the inkling that whatever has happened is big news. No sooner than I slouched down into my seat my Pape dug into my ass. "You might want to sit up for this son. After all this all started with you".

Oh great, another family meeting about my shortcomings I thought as I grudgingly scooted up. My Pape wasted no time and got to the point. "Your  copper buddy has been spotted back in town".

Great, now he refers to that douche as my buddy but I remained quiet as I tried not to focus on my own pain and Chelley. "Our informants say he is trying to weasel his way back into the small crime scene by working with a few low life's at the edge of town. Normally we overlook these people because they don't interfere with our business. They mostly meddle in theft, nothing drastic. However with the copper working with them is cause for concern. We don't know what his grand scheme may be or how he may use them against us. I do have eye's on him and we will strike when the time is right. This will not be a simple kill. This asshole will pay for all he cost us. In the meantime don't leave the building alone and always be on guard. I won't risk a hostage situation or worse. We'll meet back in a few day's for an update."

I nodded my understanding and my Pape scoffed. "That's all you can say about this?" He growled toward me.

" Yay, we found the copper ". I offered up in my dry, sarcastic way.