Sting (21 page)

“I smile all the time,” I blurt out.

“Na-ah. Not like that you don’t. How many
O
s did that boy give you last night? Two? Three?”

Heat rises to my cheeks, something fierce. I shake my head and scoff. I’m not discussing this now.

“Sweet baby Jesus, Willow. Four?”

“Gabs, can we talk about this later? It’s not something I want to share with every customer that walks through the door.”

“If I had that many
O
s comin’ at me, lady, I’d be telling anyone who wanted to listen.”

“Yes, well that’s your style, not mine.”

“Hey, is that your phone ringing out back?”

I prick up my ears, the familiar tune telling me it is. “Unless you have
Sweet Home Alabama
on your phone now, I guess it is.”

Gabs pokes her tongue out at me, and then turns back to the register.

“I’ll just take these coffees out and then I’ll duck out back for a second.”

It’s a missed call from a private number, which generally means one thing. My heart pounds quicker.

I listen to my voicemail to hear a familiar friendly voice. Nevertheless, it still invokes dread and fear.
He generally only calls with bad news.

I walk into the back alleyway and dial his number, which is one of the few saved in my phone.

“How you goin’, darlin’? It’s Hayden. I’m sorry to interrupt you at work, but I was hoping I could swing past your place tonight?”

A familiar sick feeling gurgles up my chest.
What is it now?
It’s got to have been two months since the last time he called. I’ve been avoiding the papers and the news for fear of seeing Jacob’s face again. It’s a pity my ignorance to the case does little to quash my anxiety. Why do these things take so long? Can’t they just lock him up and be done with it?

I shudder as I re-live the last time Hayden contacted me. There was a problem locating one of the witnesses—Rudi, I think his name was. He had worked with Jacob and had agreed to give evidence, but then, two days before he was to sit in the witness box, he disappeared. I hope Hayden wants to meet to tell me that they found Rudi. That he just happened to mix up his court dates and was holidaying in Byron Bay, not chopped to pieces and floating around in it. I need to hear that the rest of the Crown’s case against Jacob and his crew is still water-tight. I need to hear that more than my customers need their caffeine.

Above all, I need to know that this is over.

“Is it something we can discuss over the phone? I, um, can take a short break?” Although on second thoughts, I can’t really afford to take a break, because Thursdays are always crazy with Sarah having the day off for study.

“No, we need to meet in person.” His voice is all business, with a hint of urgency.

Drat.

“Okay, well how about tomorrow sometime?”

“I need to see you tonight.” He is gruff, more adamant this time.

“Okay, then. I’ll be home by six thirty.”

“See you then.”

****

A few minutes later, Ryan strides in. His beautiful gleaming smile distracts me enough that I overfill the cup I’m pouring, milk spilling into the saucer.

“Well, good mornin’,” he drawls when he reaches the counter, knocking twice on the scuffed timber top.

“It is now,” I breathe.

“You two are pathetic, you know that?” Gabs pipes in.

“Just the usual, Gabby,” he says, and hands over a note.

I immediately set about making his coffee.

“What do you wanna do tonight, Blondie?” he asks, diverting his intense gaze. His eyes lazily scan over my boobs, and when they lock with mine, he’s wearing that beautiful dimple and a sexy smirk to boot.

Tonight, um … oh! Crap on a stick!

“I’m, ah, just going to have a hot bath and crash, I think,” I say shakily, and nod once. I’m such a terrible liar.

“Oh.” I don’t miss the disappointment in his tone, or splashed across his face.

I crook my finger and he leans in close. His aftershave tickles at my nostrils, making me giddy. I’d do anything to be seeing him tonight, rather than what I have to do. How can I sugar-coat this? Make him feel as if I haven’t just shut him down when he’s clearly thinking about getting me naked?

“If you must know, you’re wearing me out.”

“That bath of yours is built for two, you know.”

I laugh softly, and do my best not to imagine him naked surrounded by a veil of bubbles. “I know.”

“Okay, we’ll have to catch up Sunday then, because Mick and I are gonna be working late on Friday and Saturday.”

“Are you sure that’s okay?”

“Whatever you need, Blondie. Dinner at my place on Sunday.”

“Sounds wonderful.”

****

“Can I get you a cup of tea, coffee?” I ask, fussing around the kitchen. The jug boils and I grab some mugs from the dish drainer on the sink.

“Coffee would be great. I’m in for a long night,” Hayden says, taking a seat at the dining table. Trepidation settles in the pit of my stomach. Why would he be working late? I hate to think of the stuff he has to deal with, day in and day out. I thank the heavens above for those in uniform, and everything they do.
With the exception of the dirty ones, of course.

I make us each a cup, and walk them over to the table.

“I brought some cookies back from the café. Fresh today.” I nudge the plate towards him.

“Choc chip?”

“Of course,” I say, and smile.

“Damn, you remembered my favourite.”

“It’s the least I can do.” They’re just cookies.

“If you ever see my wife, don’t you dare tell her I have a soft spot for these cookies of yours.”

“My lips are sealed.”

Of course I’d never tell Melissa, the best hairdresser in town, that I’m feeding her husband sweets on the side. For two very good reasons.

1. He checks up on me every so often, and when he does I return the favour in my own little way. He likes the cookies; I like the security and comfort he provides. He’s my only link to my past.
   
2. Once you find a good hairdresser, you never let them go. Keeping my hair dyed blonde requires someone who knows what they’re doing, to save it from being over-bleached and falling out.
   

He wraps his mouth around the cookie and takes a man-sized bite, devouring half the cookie.

“How’s the diet going, anyway?” I ask, bouncing my knee up and down under the table. Of course I’m anxious about the purpose of his visit, but I’d rather talk about other things. I’m sure it won’t take him long to get to the point. He’s always been direct.

He chuckles around a mouthful of biscuit and gradually swallows.

“Doin’ my best,” he says, and pats his not so firm stomach. It’s not like he really needs to lose it anyhow. He’s a big, solid guy. I think Melissa thinks the weight is linked to the other problems they’ve been having.

“What about the … you know?” I raise my eyebrows, hoping he gets that I’m asking about the baby-making adventures. It’s not like I’m going to come straight out and ask about all the sex he’s having. Just like what I’m having. Heat rushes to my face.

Sugar
.

His deep chuckle, followed by a nod and a wink, tells me he’s read me loud and clear.

“Practice makes, perfect. In fact, we haven’t told anyone yet. I think it’s because we’re kinda in shock.”

“Shock?”

He holds up two fingers. “Twins.”

“Sweet cupcakes! That’s wonderful news. It’s been a long time coming.”

“Yeah, sure has.”

A nervous giggle jumps up my throat as a happy tear runs down my cheek. I could not be happier for him and his wife. They finally get their family.

“You seem to be coping well. Everything going along okay?” he asks, like always.

“Yeah. I mean, this stuff is always in the back of my head, you know, but I guess what can you do? You have to soldier on and just deal with it right?”

I’m rambling. Getting real good at that.

“Yeah. True that.”

“I met someone. It’s kind of serious too,” I say, tentative on the word serious. What Ryan and I have is serious; I just don’t know what Hayden will think. I know he worries that I might share too much of myself. He knows how I’ve struggled with relationships in general, and the first year in protection I thought I was suffering depression. I certainly had more dark days than light. Hayden was the only one I could talk to, confide in, but I’m also lucky to have found Gabs. That woman, simply put, is my happy. Every single day.

He raises a dark eyebrow. “Really? Anyone I know?” he says, all big-brother like.

“I wouldn’t think so. He’s new to town. He’s working down at the docks.” A wide smile is almost painful as it stretches across my face. “It’s just for the first time, I see a future with someone. It feels like I can finally leave the past behind. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”

“Well, it’s good to see you lit up like this, darlin’. After everything you’ve been though, you deserve it. Any who, I’m sorry I sprung this meet on you, but there’s a good reason.”

“Okay?”
Here we go.

“Jacob has been found guilty on all charges. The trial’s over, and he’s behind bars.”

My heart soars, as if it’s just been freed from the cage it’s been housed in since all of this began. From the day I walked into the police station, to now.

But is it really over?

“He’s been sentenced, then?” I ask, my words choking around the fear clawing its way up my windpipe. If it’s only a few years, what would have been the point of all this?

“Bail was refused, and he’s been remanded in custody until sentencing, which we expect will be in the next few weeks. I’m sure his lawyers will play the whole upstanding-member-of-the-community card, but with these charges, I’d be surprised if he’s out in less than twenty years. That’s if someone inside doesn’t get to him first. He took down anyone and everyone he could in the hope he’d get off. Instead, I’d say he’s done a good job at shortening his lifespan. Loyalty went straight out the window.”

I cross my arms and pinch the flesh on my forearm hard enough to leave a bruise.
Yes, this is happening.

“Wow. I just … I can’t believe it,” I mutter.

“A number of his crew rolled on him in exchange for leniency. The Crown had enough evidence for all the charges to stick—the trafficking, money laundering, possession and distribution. A few corrupt officers have also been found guilty. I know there were some hiccups along the way, and this has dragged on for far longer than it should’ve, but in the end he’s got what’s coming to him.”

Gone are the days of Jacob wearing tailored suits, smelling of expensive cologne and driving luxury cars. An image of him rotting in a jail cell, or better yet, bloodied and beaten, comes to mind. He’s the only person I’d ever wish that kind of treatment on. He deserves it, and whatever happens to him in jail is karma, pure and simple.

My heart swells to almost bursting, knowing that there are less drugs on the street, but more importantly, less of a chance of someone tragically losing a brother, a sister, a close family member. A friend.

This is a victory. Unmeasurable, but nevertheless, an epic victory.

And I was a part of it.

Every sacrifice I’ve made was worth it.

“It’s gonna be in the papers tomorrow, and all over the news tonight if it isn’t already. I just wanted you to hear it from me first.”

“Thank you. I appreciate you telling me. Sorry if I seemed reluctant to meet.”

“Hey, I get it. I don’t always bring the best news, right?” He places his large hand on my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. “Jacob is going away for a long time, Angel.”

I cringe at the name.
My old name.
Can I ever be Angel Scott again?

“Jesus. Sorry, Willow. I don’t know why I just called you that. Probably from reviewing your file this arvo.”

“It’s okay. Don’t apologise. I can see how confusing this must be sometimes, with names and all that. It’s been so long that I don’t feel like Angel anymore, you know? I mean, are others like that?”

“I can’t discuss that, sorry.”

“Of course, duh. Sorry.” I should know this. “So what does this mean for me? You know, this whole arrangement?”

“Well, with Jacob and the rest incarcerated, we’re pretty satisfied that the threat is as good as gone.”

Wow.

Just like that. Gone.

“I know this is a lot to take in, and I’m not sayin’ to pack up and go back home tomorrow. You still need to be careful. We’ll protect you for as long as we can, but you know how strict the program is.”

“Yeah, I know.”
Don’t I ever
. It was drilled in to me, alright.

“So if you wanted to, once the dust has settled, you could arrange for your parents to come visit you? I can arrange for a secure location.”

As much I want to bring them here, let them see what I’ve accomplished, I’m not ready. I’ve been careful for so long that I can’t risk what I have here. I can’t risk hurting the people who have been here for me: Gabs. Sarah. Gabs’ mother in law, Jane.
Ryan.

Above all Ryan.

Never did I imagine that being in this place, I would find someone like him. He’s given me such strength, such hope.

“Willow, you with me?” Hayden asks. Deep ridges form a frown on his forehead.

“Yeah, sorry, I’ll give them a call. Maybe in a few weeks, like you say, once the dust settles.”

“Just let me know and I’ll organise it. And I’m not sure how it’s gonna work yet, but I should mention that I’ve just taken a new assignment, which means I might not be your contact through the program anymore. I’d like to see you through to the end, but I’ll be focusing on other things. We’ll still be monitoring you, though.”

“That’s okay. I understand.” I reach across the table and squeeze his forearm. “I really can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done, Hayden. You helped me through such a dark time in my life.”

“Been my pleasure, sweetheart.” He presents me with a heart-warming smile and pats my hand, which is still gripping his arm.