𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗲

7 - Law and Disorder.

"Revenge is a kind of wild justice."

- Francis Bacon

I blinked awake, realizing I'd fallen asleep in Noah's bed, still wearing yesterday's clothes. The memories of last night started to creep into my mind, but I quickly pushed them aside. I didn't want anything ruining today. I got up, stretched, and headed to the shower. I needed to make my way to the police precinct to grab some crucial documents from the arresting officer. Part of me hoped it wasn't Jamie who had arrested Daniel Pierce, but deep down, I knew it was. My brother wouldn't miss a chance to humiliate a Pierce, and I knew a confrontation between us was inevitable.

After I got dressed, I sat on the couch to put on my heels. Noah walked into the room, holding his iPad, his eyes locked on the screen. That usually meant he was engrossed in something interesting.

"Hey, baby," I called, letting my hair down as I walked over to him. I glanced at the iPad. "What's got your attention this morning?"

He looked up at me, his icy-blue eyes sparkling with that familiar, innocent mischief. "They're still trying to trace who hacked into the system at the Pierce's gala, Frankie," he said with a chuckle. There was a hint of pride in his voice, and honestly, he should be proud. No one could've pulled off that hack like Noah. But as much as I admired his skill, a pang of guilt hit me. I hated dragging him into my mess. He was too pure for my fucked up revenge scheme.

I pulled away, my heart sinking a little. "I'm sorry for making you do this, baby," I murmured, dropping onto the couch, unable to meet his gaze. "What kind of sister am I, dragging you into all this?"

Noah came over, kneeling in front of me. He gently cupped my face in his hands, those same hands that had never hurt anyone, never even swatted a fly. "You're the kind of sister who wants her brother to feel like he matters," he said softly. "That he can help. That he can take some of the weight off your shoulders for once. That's who you are, Frankie."

His words melted the guilt away, replacing it with a warmth I couldn't describe. I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly. I didn't know what I did to deserve him, but I was grateful every single day.

"I don't want you to feel bad for anything," Noah whispered, still holding me. "I want to help, Frankie. I need to help you, however I can. Please let me."

I nodded into his shoulder, my throat tightening with emotion. I couldn't find the right words to tell him how much he meant to me. How thankful I was for this angel.

──●◎●──

Sawyer dropped me off at the office and waited in the car. I had a quick stop to make–mainly to ensure Scott, my legal assistant, had completed the mountain of work I'd dumped on him. It was a massive task load, and I needed to confirm everything was in order before heading out again.

"Good morning, ma'am," Dalilah, the receptionist, greeted me warmly as I stepped into the office.

"Morning, Dalilah. Is Scott in his office?" I asked, hoping he was already buried in files and not giving me another excuse for being late.