Race the Storm

Chapter 22

Vern's house was far outside of the town, hidden off the road and away from any other houses. It was one story, and there were bottle trees sitting out front, the last bit of light from the day glinting off the glass. As they rolled to a stop, Willa leaned against Jax for a half-second, sensing that he was uneasy. Up until now, he had been pretty much in control of their journey, even though he had been getting input from Diego and Wes. Now they had to rely on Vern and his wife for this next part. While Wes vouched for them, that didn't mean Jax had to be entirely happy needing them.

As they pulled up into the driveway, a woman opened the front door and headed toward them. She was tall and slender, her dark braided hair streaked with gray. A tiny dog followed after her. It was like a little brown and white fluff ball with big pointy ears, and Willa immediately lit up. She was a big animal fan, but none of them had been allowed at the Estate. Allergies or something had been the excuse.

They got out of the truck, but Jax blocked the door before she could get out. His blue eyes were worried. "You're going to use anesthetic, right?"

She put a hand on the arm that was keeping her in the truck. "As long it's safe for the baby."

"The amount of pain you'd have to go through without it wouldn't be good for either of you," Jax said, frowning. "Local anesthetic won't be bad for the kid."

"I'll probably go with the anesthetic," she said, "No matter what, we have to get it out. We can't always be worried about it."

Jax rubbed the back of his neck. "I know."

Ducking, she slipped out under his arm to escape from the truck. "It's going to be okay, Jax." Usually he was the one reassuring her so it felt nice to return the favor.

"Paige, Everett, this is my wife, Audrey," he said, gesturing toward the woman who had come down the porch steps. "These are the two I told you about, Audrey."

"Nice to meet you," Willa said, extending her hand.

Audrey shook her hand and looked her up and down with kind dark brown eyes. "Vern said you were in a bit of trouble."

"We won't be staying long," Jax said. "We're sorry to bother you."

"We're happy to help anyone who's stuck in PsyOps," she said, "You can stay as long as you like."

"Only a few hours," Jax said, "It's for the best."

Vern and Audrey shared a look, and Vern shrugged. "Paige might want to rest a while. One night wouldn't be so bad."

"We're very off the radar," Audrey said with a wink.

Jax moved a little closer to Willa instinctively. He wasn't sure he liked the way they were pressing them to stay, but he also was aware a good night of sleep might be something Willa would like. He'd talk to her later and see what she wanted to do–if she wanted to stay, he'd just keep watch tonight to make sure these people didn't turn on them.

"That's very kind of you," Willa said with a sweet smile. She reached out and squeezed his hand, and he got the sense she was leaving the decision to stay up to him, what with her noncommittal reply.

"How about some dinner?" Audrey asked, then looked at her husband. "Or does the surgery need to happen on an empty stomach?"

Vern shook his head. "Nothing that serious." He lifted an eyebrow at them. "Want to eat with us? Audrey is an amazing cook."

Audrey blushed and scolded her husband for over exaggerating while Willa glanced at Jax, who shrugged.

"Dinner doesn't hurt."