Heathens & Hold Ups (Book 2 of the Heathens Duet)

Chapter 50- Jaxson

"I don't like this," Riggs mutters for the thousandth time as he paces behind Dario's chair.

"Have you tried tea? Helps to calm the nerves," I offer from my corner of the room. I've already cleaned off the biohazard that was D's desk. Crumbs, half empty cans and mugs littered the space until I spent a good hour cleaning and disinfecting the space. The cleanest space still remains the only areas he hasn't put his sticky and chip dusted fingers all over. The walls. Thus, my preferred spot against one.

Riggs pauses his pacing to stare at me like I spouted out the words in Latin. "Tea?" I prod at the look on his face. "Loose leaf preferably, but I suppose I could be persuaded to make due with bagged in a pinch," I speak aloud, though more to myself than the others. "Although loose leafed would keep better. Tins and all that," I explain.

"No one cares about some fucking tea Jax. Not with Princess in the enemy's lair," Kace bites.

"So touchy," I tut. "Sounds like you could do with a nice cup of chamomile, Mr. Knight in Shining-" I quickly look him up and down. "Dinged armor. Mellow you right out."

"I liked you better when you were a silent germaphobe," he grumbles.

"What can I say, our girl brings out the human in me," I shrug.

"Is that what you're calling it?" Dario laughs. "Obsession fits better. Did that little voice in your head telling you no just suddenly quit?"

"Oddly enough, no. It hasn't. In fact, it finally set up permanent residence in a neat little corner office. You all should be grateful for how much restraint I've been able to harness with Bambi in our lives. Besides, my precious pet adores me just as I am. Little voice or no."

"Most people call that voice a conscience, you know." Riggs informs me as he rubs the pads of his fingers against his temple.

"Eh, never was a fan of the self-righteous cricket. Proves my theory on people not being born inherently good. Although with a wooden boy, are they really born or merely created? Musings for another time I suppose. How's our girl?"

"Are we sure he wasn't dropped on his head as a child?" Kace asks.

"I can't say either way with one hundred percent certainty, but it wouldn't have had an effect on my morality," I respond.

"Focus," Riggs orders. "Rossi, you got an update for us?"

We all pay attention as Dario types away on the keys, reaching out a hand for one of his battery acid energy drinks. I shiver at the thought of the state of his kidneys. I'm going to end up switching them out for a Gatorade or liquid iv soon if Riggs doesn't get to it first. His lip is twitching in disproval as he watches over our youngest member.

"She hasn't left the house. Bracelet's gps still has her there."

"Can you get anything else? Man's got to have security you can piggy back on or something," Riggs asks.

"Are you doubting my skills boss? I was just waiting for one of you to ask," he smirks as he taps away at a few keys before we're greeted by one of his monitors being overtaken by live footage of Callie in Hamilton's office. "Sound is a bit trickier. Guess he has some sense, not wanting to be overheard doing shady shit," he huffs before losing himself in his work on the other screen.

"Easier to defend yourself when you threaten with words and not actions, especially when you look put together polite doing it. It's what I'd do," I explain at Riggs and Kace's questioning looks. "Though I'd probably cover my mouth. People can read lips if it's on tape."