Surprises

Part Twenty-two

"Why am I so special?" Dara repeated. "You're asking the wrong person."

"That's crap!" Carly snapped.

"No, what's crap is this conversation! What happened between Sonny and me really isn't any of your business and I resent you asking me about it! He's your husband. If you want more info, I suggest you talk to him."

"I have," Carly said.

Dara massaged her aching temples. She willed herself to calm down and speak rationally. "He's the person you need to have this conversation with. Not me. I'm going back to the penthouse. I can't deal with you right now."

# # #

"What can you tell me about my granddaughter?" Mike asked, trying not to sound too needy.

"What do you wanna know?" Lucky asked. They were making homemade pizza, and he was busy kneading the dough. "I don't know her that well, but we've talked a little. She's not your typical teenager."

Mike released a short laugh as he stirred tomatoes in a large saucepan. "What would you know about being typical?"

Lucky's mouth curved into a faint smile. "That's true. She doesn't trust easily, and she's scared."

Humor faded and anxiety came through in Mike's voice. "What is she afraid of? Other than Michael's lifestyle? Did she say anything about where she came from? The people who took care of her?"

"She never mentioned it," Lucky said. He dusted his hands and the rolling pin with flour. Then, he started to roll the pin over the dough. "We didn't talk much."

"But she trusts you."

Lucky cocked an eyebrow. "You think so? She has a funny way of showing it. She split before I got here."

Mike sighed. He removed the saucepan from the heat and watched Lucky work with the dough. "If I hadn't fallen asleep..."

"What did you tell me?" Lucky asked. "If it's not my fault and I'm the one who told her how to get out, it sure as hell isn't your fault just because you were asleep. People who runaway will always find a way to do it."

"I know," Mike said quietly, reflecting on his life and mistakes, "but there comes a time when they stop."

"Maybe when they bring her back, she'll decide that she doesn't want to run anymore."

Mike nodded. His mouth set into a firm, grim line. "I look forward to that."

# # #

Jason hit the speed dial button for Keesha's number and lifted the receiver to his ear.

"Ward here."

"Keesha," he said. "We're going inside Sorel's place. It looks deserted--"

"Marcus and I will be right behind you."

"No," he said. "You'll wait for us out here."

"Jason."

"Keesha." He glanced at Sonny who was looking at him with a frown. Jason knew his friend was thinking that Keesha should have stayed at the penthouse. Jason directed his attention back to the road in front of them as he guided his SUV to a secluded spot. "Just watch our back. Don't come in unless we're followed inside. I have to go."

He clicked off the cell phone before she could argue. There would probably be hell to pay later, but he sensed that she would listen.

"Will she stay out here?" Sonny asked as Jason killed the ignition.

"Yeah."

The two men exited the vehicle and headed for the entrance. The old building was dark and quiet. Both drew their weapons and released the safety before checking out the first floor. When they found nothing, Sonny pointed to the staircase. Jason moved right behind him.