High Stakes Hideout

Chapter Five-Oliver

I wasn't sure what I felt in that moment. Realistically, had I expected that Ivy had dated in the time since I left her? Yes, of course I had. She is a beautify, kind, witty, God loving woman. Guys would have to be blind to not see the catch that she is. Just because I didn't date didn't mean I expected or logically guessed the same for her.  Emotionally, however, had I hoped that she hadn't moved on since I left her? Yes, selfishly I had hoped that.

In the turmoil of the feelings swirling in my brain, gilt was definitely there. If I hadn't ended things with her, she wouldn't have dated anyone else, and she wouldn't been with this man who was somehow involved in whatever this Ricardo fellow was caught up in. Which, might I point out, she also probably wouldn't have been involved in if I hadn't left her. How did one decision I thought was best for her play out into all of this?

"I don't understand, though," Ivy said, interrupting my reverie, "what does Javi have to do with Ricardo?"

"A lot, actually. His name isn't actually Javier. It's Juan Ramirez. He and Ricardo both have a history of criminal activity before meeting each other. Since they've teamed up, they're one of the outlets for human trafficking in that neck of the woods," Jake stated grimly. I heard Ivy's quick gasp and felt the anger run hot in my veins. What had Ivy gotten herself mixed up in? How much more would there be to add to my ever growing burden of guilt? If I hadn't ended things with Ivy, we would probably be married right now with a family. She would be nowhere near this darkness of the world.

"I-I need a minute, please," Ivy said, voice breaking with emotion. She stood from her chair and looked at me.

"Ivy, I'm sorry. I really didn't want to tell you this. But, I think it's best if you know what you're dealing with." Jake looked at her with eyes full of sympathy.

I understand. I just need a minute. Ollie, where's the bathroom?" I tried not to let my reaction show to her using her old nickname for me, but inside it filled me with happiness. A stark contrast to the inky blackness of the conversation at hand.

"Down that hall and to the right," I said, pointing her in the right direction. She nodded, chin quivering, and fled in that direction. I itched to go after her, to comfort her. Yet, I had no idea how to do that anymore or if she would even welcome that.

"She's going to be fine," Jake said. "She's strong. She made it through losing you, and I doubt this hurts as much as that." I flinched at his words. Though they were true, they still hurt.

"She's always been a tough cookie. She had to be to keep up with us," I said, lightly punching his shoulder. He laughed and nodded.

"You got that right. Are you able to do this?" I searched Jake's face, trying to figure out what he was getting at.

"Why wouldn't I be able to? Ally is staying away until it's all resolved. It's quite the trek to even get here from town. I had the same service training as you, minus the police academy. No one is going to hurt her," I said confidently. Not as long as I could help it.

"That's good to know, but not what I meant. You know as well as I do that mistakes can happen when feelings get involved. I also know you better than you know yourself sometimes, so I know you're not a robot."

"I have it under control. I have no intention of changing my mind after thirteen years Jake. If anything, that's just more time for my decision to grow stronger. Why would you think I would let feelings be involved now?" I didn't need to add that it wouldn't matter if there were feelings or not. Any I have left over are buried down deep and I don't think Ivy will be breaking out the shovel to get to them.

"Name one time you have ever been around my sister and not had feelings. Go on, I'll wait." Jake sat back in his chair, daring me to argue with him. I opened my mouth to do just that, but a certain blonde waltzed back into the room at just that right moment. Saved by the belle. Now would not be the ideal time to continue this particular discussion.

"You okay?" I asked, taking in her body language. I learned nonverbal cue reading in the military, but I'd always been able to read Ivy long before that. She was about to tell me she was fine, but her nonverbals are signaling she is not.

"I'm fine," she said. Bingo. "So, I'm guessing you brought up Javi, I mean Juan, to show that Ricardo likely does know my identity. And I'm other words, I'm stuck here until you're able to catch them." She folded and unfolded her fingers together, an old tell of her nerves. She caught me noticing and glared. Glaring was good. I would take her anger over her fear any day.

"Sorry sis. It's only a matter of time before they make the connection, if they haven't already, and I'm not risking it. But, like I said back at the car, I'm not going to force you into anything. If you don't want to stay here, fine, I'll find something else. If you don't want to go into hiding at all, also fine. It will just make me lose my job because I'll have to secretly stalk your every step to make sure you're okay," Jake responded. I fought back a chuckle. He was laying it on a little thick. Ivy apparently saw through him too because she rolled her eyes and cracked a smile. I was thankful to Jake for that.

"Well, I wouldn't want you to lose your job since you have your detective exam coming up," Ivy poked back. I looked at Jake, impressed. He hadn't mentioned that in our talks.

"I appreciate that. So, that leaves one choice. Here with someone I would trust with my life and yours, or somewhere with someone you don't know." Jake, the drama king.

Ivy took a deep breath and studied me for a moment. I didn't meet her gaze but I could feel her scrutiny and it took everything in me not to squirm under her attention.

"Fine. Here, I guess," she said quietly. I smiled to myself, but also struggled with the reminder of my conversation with Jake. No feelings, right.