“Thank you,” I whispered, my chin wobbling for the umpteenth time that night.
“Tensley, let’s get everyone to my place. I’ll make some coffee and we can speak openly,” Franklin suggested.
“You can both ride with us,” Marilyn said, wrapping a protective arm around my shoulders.
Layne held my hand tightly, giving me a reassuring squeeze, silently telling me that he wasn’t going anywhere. I hoped like hell.
“Wait What about Benji?” I asked.
“My sister is with him,” Michael piped in. “But he’ll be on pins and needles until he knows you’re okay.”
I directed my attention to Franklin. “If I don’t discuss any details with him, can I at least call and let him know I’m okay?”
“Of course. I’ve known Benji since he was ten. He’s a great guy, and I trust he can keep things under wraps. But for now, just tell him you’re all right and will give him more information as soon as you can.”
“Thank you.”
We left the police station together, and Layne continued to place soft kisses on the back of my hand. We slipped into the back of Michael’s Lexus SUV, and I called Benji the moment we were on the way to Franklin’s.
“I’ve been going crazy for hours. What the hell happened?” Benji asked as soon as he answered the phone.
“I can’t tell you anything yet. Besides, we’re still trying to figure it out ourselves. But I’ll fill you in as soon as I can. We’re on our way to Franklin Harrington’s house to discuss the next steps.” I blew out a huge breath and rubbed my forehead. I’d been through a lot of shit in my life, but this might have topped it all. “Maybe I’ll be able to tell you more tomorrow. I’m safe, though. I just wanted to let you know.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you called. And seriously, Ten, try to stay out of trouble until tomorrow, will ya?”
“I’ll do my best.” Benji didn’t evoke a laugh from me, but I did smile. I tapped the red End Call button and reached for Layne’s hand.
Marilyn eyed us over her shoulder. then smiled. “I see you two figured out your way to each other.”
Layne kissed the back of my hand. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.” Her face grew serious as she twisted around in her seat a little more. “If you hurt her, you’ll have Michael to deal with, but even worse … me.”
“I understand.”
The moment Marilyn turned around, Layne sank into his seat slightly and rubbed his eyes. He peeked at me and winked. Maybe he was processing the fact that Marilyn had basically threatened his life if he screwed me over.
I was just thankful I had some type of parents in my life that loved me. If I’d ever doubted Michael and Marilyn, I didn’t after that night.
Michael took a sharp turn off Division and continued to follow Franklin’s car.
“How long have you known Mr. Harrington?” I asked.
“Michael and I were friends with his wife, Janice, before they met. They divorced for a while but recently worked things out. Franklin has had his share of life and bad choices, but he’s done a remarkable job at repairing the damage. He’s very well-respected in Washington.”
“He mentioned his son, Hendrix.”
A broad smile eased across Marilyn’s face. “He’s an amazing young man and doing so well for himself. Franklin said the band will begin a new tour soon.”
“I love August Clover!” I covered my mouth with my hand, realizing my voice had been too loud for the confined space.
“Wait, your lawyer is the Hendrix Harrington’s dad?” Layne’s eyes widened with the realization.
“Yes!”
His face lit up. “Holy crap. I’ve followed their success since the band was formed. I had no idea you liked them.”
“My fave. And, oh man, Gemma’s voice is amazing. She and Hendrix complement each other so well.” I released a total fangirl sigh right next to my boyfriend.
“Have you heard Cade’s new song?” Layne asked.
“Oh my God, it’s so so good.”
“I’m taking you to a concert after all of this is over. Maybe it will give us something to look forward to while Franklin figures all of this out.”
I nodded, reality weighing heavily on my shoulders again. “I’d love that.”
We fell into a heavy silence until Michael pulled into a long, curved driveway and parked in front of a mansion.
“Holy shit,” I muttered under my breath, then chastised myself for swearing around Michael and Marilyn.
17
It was almost one in the morning when we all filed into Franklin’s house. I thought Michael and Marilyn’s home was luxurious, but Franklin’s stole my breath away.
“Come on in,” Franklin said, keying in the code and stepping inside. “Janice is asleep, but she won’t hear us.”
Michael patted Franklin on the back. “I’m looking forward to your Christmas party this year. I wish we were here on better circumstances and catching up with our friend.”
“Is anyone hungry or thirsty? I have a full bar, snacks in the fridge, and soda.”
I held up my hand sheepishly. “I’m starving.”
Layne chuckled and slid his arm around me. “My girl can eat.”
Franklin grinned at me. “Aww, then you should meet Mac.”
My eyebrow arched. “Mac?”
“Mackenzie, but we call her Mac. She’s my daughter, and when she’s stressed, she can eat like no one I’ve ever seen. She’s petite, so at least she can get away with it. I, on the other hand, couldn’t.” Franklin patted his flat stomach. “Follow me.” Franklin locked the door behind us, then turned on his heel and guided us into the kitchen.
I stared at the black-and-white swirled marble that not only graced the entrance but expanded down the hallway as far as I could see. Massive decorative pillars marked the opening of a formal dining room on the left, and a more casual living area was to our right. A mahogany staircase led upstairs.
It was rude to gawk, but as we entered the kitchen, I did just that. A rich, deep brownstone covered the wall and accented the stove and oven, and the dark cabinets complemented the tan marble countertops. The large stainless steel refrigerator took up most of the wall. It could easily have fit three standard-sized fridges inside it.
“Please, we will be here for a while, so let’s get everyone comfortable.” He opened the fridge and began pulling out beer, iced tea, and soda. Next, he took out a large dish. “Ruby made this today.” He lifted the lid and eyeballed it. “Oh, it’s her taco casserole. It will melt in your mouth. Who wants some?”
We all stared at each other, then agreed we could eat. Franklin popped it in the oven for twenty minutes while we grabbed drinks, plates, and silverware. I sat at the bar while Marilyn and Michael settled in at the little table in the breakfast nook. Layne slid onto the seat next to me, rubbing his hand in small circles on my back. If my anxiety wasn’t so high, I would probably have fallen asleep.
Franklin grabbed a tan dish towel from the oven handle, wiped his hands off, then leaned against the kitchen counter, facing us. “While this is cooking, we can start discussing details.”