Fall: Rise & Fall Duet Book 2 (Shaken 4) Read online

  With every step away he took, my anxiety ramped up another notch. I hadn’t needed anyone in a long time. I’d prided myself on being self-sufficient and independent. I was aware that I’d grown attached to having Lincoln in our lives despite how I’d wanted it not to happen.

  He’d become the person I wanted with me in times of trouble.

  And in good times too.

  I swallowed hard.

  That thought sounded an awful lot like a vow . . . one I never thought I’d take.

  “You might have to stay with Beau for a while until we can get this figured out,” I said quietly.

  “Where are you going?”

  I leaned my head against his. “I’m not sure.”

  “Why can’t you stay with Beau too?”

  My heart twisted. Eric depended on me, and I’d let him down.

  “I—” What could I say?

  “Take these off of her.” He pointed to my bound wrists and spoke with authority. “Only bad guys wear these unless it’s a mistake.”

  “You’re upsetting him,” I said softly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  We might as well not have said anything at all. Mrs. Shepherd shifted uncomfortably, but the officer wore an annoyed expression.

  “Let’s talk about tomorrow. You have the schedule, right?” Normalcy. We needed normalcy.

  “It’s on the clipboard.” He motioned to the counter where it lay.

  “Should we finish making the food for tomorrow?” I stood. “Show me what you’ve done so far.”

  Reluctantly, he followed me. “You can’t do anything.”

  I smiled. “I’m sticking you with all the work, bow tie.”

  He tried to smile back. “I don’t mind.”

  Because he was a great person who shouldn’t be going through this right now. Please let Lincoln’s lawyer help me out of this mess.

  If he wouldn’t, where would that leave Eric and me?

  Chapter Three

  Lincoln

  “Your family is keeping me in business.”

  I scowled as I gripped the phone.

  “Are you coming or not?” My patience with Kane Zegas was officially at zero . . . but I needed the lawyer’s help.

  He sighed. “Yeah. And I’ll call Whitley on the way.”

  “I don’t want her to see the inside of a cell,” I grated out.

  “Maybe you should call your father. He seems to have the magic touch.”

  My stomach roiled at the thought. I didn’t want him involved . . . but what if Zegas was right? What if he could keep Lexie out of jail?

  “Hurry.”

  I stabbed the end button and dialed another number.

  “I thought after our last conversation you’d be avoiding me for a while,” the familiar voice rumbled.

  “I am, but I need all the help I can get.”

  “What’s wrong?” Any tease in Daniel Elliot’s tone from a second ago evaporated. My best friend recognized I wasn’t playing around. I’d never asked for his assistance. Ever.

  “Lexie’s been detained by NYPD and child services for alleged assault against her father. They’re trying to take Eric into protective custody. She’s in cuffs, but they haven’t taken her to the police station yet. Is there any way you can keep them from doing that?” I paced in the alley. What was I going to do? They were depending on me, and I . . . was at a loss.

  “Shit. Where are you?”

  I rattled off the address. “You don’t have to come here. I was just hoping you could make a phone call . . . or something.” I kicked a loose chunk of asphalt.

  “I can do both.”

  I yanked on my hair so hard I nearly pulled a few locks loose. “Realistically, what are the odds you can keep her free? And be honest.”

  “Not likely, but I’ll try my damnedest.”

  And I couldn’t ask for more than that. But “not likely” wasn’t good enough. He could only do what he could do, and I appreciated any effort on his part, but I needed to increase the odds to likely.

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll see you in a few.”

  I ended the call, tempted to throw my phone. Control. Stay in control.

  Who was I kidding? I was anything but in control. Not of the situation. Not of my emotions. Not of any of the people involved.

  Daniel was my best shot and it didn’t seem good.

  Short of tying up that officer and Mrs. Shepherd, locking them in a closet, and running away with Lexie and Eric, I was out of options. And that was a juvenile, desperate solution.

  I was desperate.

  Pathetically so.

  But what would happen to Eric if Lexie was taken from him? If he was on his own without her strength and love? If Beau had him, I could still see him though. Couldn't I? Damn it. This had to be fixed.

  How did this happen?

  I couldn’t bring myself to threaten or bribe the officer. Apparently, I had my limits. What good were they if Lexie ended up in jail and Eric in the state’s custody?

  He can help her.

  I held my phone in a death grip and immediately wished the thought would disappear. Even if it was true, it wasn’t a route I wanted to take.

  An image of Lexie huddled in a dark cell, terrified for Eric, was a gut punch. I’d used every option I could think of, and I was too impatient to see if any of them panned out.

  Every second of my indecision and inactivity was a second closer to Lexie being carted off in a squad car.

  I couldn’t allow it.

  Couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t exhaust every avenue to keep it from happening.

  Without further hesitation, I dialed the dreaded number.

  Every ring felt like a lifetime.

  All five rings were strictly a power play to remind me I was at his mercy.

  “Is your issue resolved?”

  Right now, I didn’t give a damn about my issue.

  “I need your help.”

  Chapter Four

  Lexie

  “Are you kidding me?”

  Beau breezed into the kitchen on three-inch heels like it was the most natural thing in the world. She glared at the cuffs, which were still on my wrists behind my back.

  I wanted to throw my arms around her I was so happy she was here . . . but couldn’t.

  “They’re making dog food.” Beau threw her hands up, the scathing look she fired in Mrs. Shepherd and the officer’s direction a demand for answers.

  Lincoln placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder in warning. He hadn’t spoken since he’d come back inside. Mr. Stoic had returned with a vengeance, but it was more than that. He was worried. I felt it with everything in me.

  And that scared me.

  Because Lincoln was the one I had the most faith in to find solutions. To think outside the box. Understand this absolute mess and injustice.

  Beau shrugged him off and pointed at my wrists. “Take them off.”

  “We already tried.” Eric stopped stirring the carrots and celery sizzling in olive oil. “They won’t do it.”

  Mrs. Shepherd had the decency to blush. Whether she believed I was guilty or innocent, she knew this was wrong. That wouldn’t stop her from doing her job.

  Actually, I couldn’t figure out why they hadn’t hauled me away yet . . . other than Lincoln’s looming presence. And allowing Beau time to arrive to take Eric.

  I cleared my throat. “Mrs. Shepherd, this is Beau Hollingsworth. I believe she has some documents for you.” The false cheer in my voice seemed obvious, but if it was, no one seemed to notice.

  “I don’t know why they have to leave you in those,” Beau grumbled as she tapped her phone. She held the device up to Mrs. Shepherd, who peered at the screen.

  The woman had a good poker face. Her eyes were the only part of her that moved as she read the words on the screen.

  “Scroll, please,” she said after a moment.

  Beau tightened her jaw, but thankfully kept whatever smart comment she wanted to ma
ke to herself as she did what was asked.

  “I need a copy of this document.” Mrs. Shepherd straightened. “Along with your identification.” She offered Beau a business card.

  After a few seconds of furious tapping, Beau looked up from her phone. “Done.”

  “I have to speak to my supervisor. Excuse me.” She slipped outside.

  The air seemed to intensify. That phone call very well could determine Eric’s fate, no matter that I had the legal documents to prove Beau would be responsible for him in my absence.

  “I’m not waiting much longer.” The officer crossed his arms.

  “Have some respect,” Lincoln growled, cutting his eyes to Eric. The words were intense, ferocious, and I was so grateful not to be handling this on my own.

  I tried to catch his gaze, to give him silent gratitude, but he refused to look at me.

  He’d given no indication he was going anywhere, but I wouldn’t blame him if he did. Who wanted to be dragged into these problems?

  I needed him to at least protect Eric until the dust settled. The truth was I had technically assaulted my father. And technically it was wrong to have done. My only regret was putting Eric in this position now.

  Under normal circumstances, I was pretty sure the legal system didn’t get bogged down with people who’d slapped someone else. Otherwise a lot of people would be in jail.

  But my father could play up anything. While my word and record should be more reputable than his—he was a felon, fresh out of prison and already causing problems—I wasn’t counting on that.

  If Eric wasn’t a factor, I wouldn’t be worried. Protective services took violence of any kind seriously—as they should. I wasn’t sure it mattered I hadn’t hurt Eric. Now they saw a potential threat in me, when they should’ve realized the only thing that could ever bring out my violent streak was a threat to my brother.

  “Am I going with you?” Eric looked at Beau.

  Pain sliced through my chest. He felt so deeply. All of this stress we all were under wasn’t good for him.

  “Looks that way. Millie will be excited to snuggle with you.” Beau wandered over to the stove.

  “Mille and Muffy!” Eric said in panic. “They’re still out in the van. That’s bad.”

  “I checked on them. They’re okay.” Lincoln’s rumbly reassuring voice had a gentle quality to it.

  Come closer. Let me lean on you.

  But he seemed determined to keep his station near the door. He was physically here, though there seemed to be a distance growing between us.

  Satisfied with his answer, Eric resumed tending to the pot of vegetables and chicken broth.

  I flicked my chin at Lincoln, motioning him over. He reached me in a few long strides, but there was no softening of his exterior. He was as stone-like as ever.

  “Thank you,” I said shakily. Fissures had formed, threatening to crack me. Hold it together. Just a little longer.

  That felt like a monumental ask.

  “I haven’t done anything,” he grated out.

  “There’s a duffel bag in the bottom of Eric’s closet. Let him pick out what he wants to take and please be careful when you pack.” A smile tugged on my lips. “He can’t stand wrinkled clothes.”

  He didn’t respond, and I couldn’t tell if he was listening. The only way I was sure he was aware I was speaking to him was that sharp gaze, laser-focused on me.

  “Also, there’s a picture of us on his nightstand,” I continued, uncertain how much more time we had before they’d take me away. “He’ll be more comfortable with it near.”

  He balled his fingers into a tight fist, yet remained silent.

  “Tell Beau to keep something for him to eat handy. We usually graze all day. Not on junk,” I quickly amended, realizing I’d made it sound like we pigged out all the time. “Just small snacks.” I looked down. “Except for the times I forget because we get busy.”

  My eyes stung.

  I should be the one caring for Eric. Like always.

  I swallowed hard and willed the threatening tears back. Crying wouldn’t help the situation. Maybe if I had my own jail cell I could have the bawl of the century.

  “Any medication?”

  His voice jolted me, though it did nothing to stop the swell of emotion I was desperately trying to battle back.

  “No. But take my phone. If anything happens, you can find his doctor’s number. The charger for it is on my nightstand.”

  It was an odd thought having Lincoln in our house without me, giving him permission to go through our things. I was just glad there was someone willing to help us.

  I’d only known Lincoln for a few months, and although we’d known Beau for almost twenty years, she’d been living in England for eleven of those. No one really knew Eric’s daily habits and patterns that were vital to keep consistent for his mental stability. He needed routine. He needed to be given space at certain times, and now . . . now Beau had to step in, even though she might not know enough. What was going to happen?

  I swallowed back tears. “You can tell Beau all of this. I don’t expect you to—”

  “I’ll see to it.”

  I jerked my gaze to his intense one. There was no burden or annoyance in it. But the simmer of warmth that had grown in the past few days wasn’t there either.

  “Please don’t leave him alone for long periods of time,” I pleaded, not caring how desperate I sounded. It was such a big ask, especially considering Beau and Lincoln had an empire to run, but I had no other choice.

  “I wouldn’t dare.” He sounded insulted I’d mentioned it.

  “Thank you.” I looked down at my feet. “This is . . . too much for me to ask of you.”

  He hooked my chin.

  “There is no request too great.”

  That little contact was such a boost. I didn’t feel so alone. I needed him more than I let myself believe. But wasn’t he proving how true that was? I hadn’t even asked earlier, but as soon as he’d come in from making phone calls, he’d jumped in to peel carrots.

  My emotions ping-ponged all over the place. Gratitude. Frustration. Love. Anger. Hope. Defeat.

  They swirled faster until they were a contained tornado, ready to burst from me.

  Where is Mrs. Shepherd? We have the paperwork. This shouldn’t take so long.

  If I could see Eric get in the van with Beau and Lincoln and drive away, I’d feel some semblance of reassurance.

  “I—”

  I’m scared almost slipped out. But being in this position was humiliating enough. I couldn’t admit that to Lincoln, even though I’d grown more comfortable with him. I had a façade to keep up and fear wasn’t part of that. He’d already seen too much inside those exterior walls.

  He waited for me to finish the sentence. I couldn’t. Wouldn’t.

  But I didn’t have the energy to pretend either. For Eric, I could. Lincoln? He’d just have to deal with me as I was for the moment.

  The door creaked as it opened, and all my attention zeroed in that direction. I rushed toward Mrs. Shepherd, a little off-balance with my hands behind by back.

  “The paperwork is acceptable. There is documentation that you filed it as stated, though the actual legal document isn’t in the file. Eric can remain in Miss Hollingsworth’s care.”

  My knees weakened in relief. A strong hand discreetly wrapped around my hip as Lincoln’s body was behind me for support.

  “We’d like that in writing from your supervisor,” he said.

  My brain was functioning at an erratic pace, and I was so glad he still had the capacity to think rationally.

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “No, Mrs. Shepherd. Just like you required the legal documentation for Beau to care for Eric, Lexie and Beau both require written confirmation that Eric’s care has been placed legally.”

  “Well, I—”

  “Today. Thank you.”

  “Yes, thank you, Mrs. Shepherd,” Beau added with a slight scowl. These
Hollingsworths knew how to scowl well.

  Mrs. Shepherd looked angrier than I’d seen her, but she pulled out her phone again and called, asking for the confirmation to be emailed to Beau.

  The relief I felt was—

  “Miss Logan, I can’t stall anymore.”

  Short-lived.

  The officer pushed off the counter and stalked toward me.

  Lincoln’s grip tightened.

  “Let me talk to Eric first, please.” My heartbeat thumped so hard my chest hurt.

  “You’ve had almost an hour to talk to him.” He pointed his head toward the exit. “Let’s go, or I’ll be forced to charge you with resisting arrest too.”

  “No,” I cried.

  Eric dropped the spoon and rushed over. “What’s wrong?”

  I swallowed hard. “I have to go away for a little while, but you and Beau are going to have a lot of fun together.”

  My nose tingled. Don’t cry. Do not cry.

  “I want you to come with us.”

  A tear leaked down my cheek. I couldn’t stop the one that followed after that. Or the one after that.

  “I will soon. Do whatever she asks of you, okay?”

  He nodded, his eyes shining. “Are they taking you to jail because of me?”

  “No, bow tie. No.” My heart broke into a thousand pieces. Lincoln was still behind me and I realized if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be standing.

  “Let’s. Go,” the officer barked.

  “I get to hug my sister, mister.” Eric spoke with an authority I didn’t know he possessed.

  He flung his arms around me and squeezed. I put my cheek on his head, unable to stop the torrent of tears.

  He’ll be okay. At least he’s with Beau. He’ll be okay.

  When Eric released me, dread filled every piece of my heart. This was so wrong. I didn’t want to leave him. I couldn’t remember the last time we’d been apart. Please protect him.

  “Be good.” It was a lame thing to say, but I couldn’t think of anything else.

  He threw his arms around me again and buried his head against my chest. I squeezed my eyes shut.

  Unfamiliar fingers clenched my arm and yanked.

  “Do not touch her.”