Chapter 9

The week flew by to quick for everyone. Ricki helping the guys fix, build, rope in the cattle and going over to the farms wherever they may have been short. Of course Kane refused to go anywhere that was over n hour away if I couldn't go with him. I only had two panic attacks since I outed myself to everyone. I only had them from a flash backs of the sounds from the belt claps it wasn't anyone fault and I only had them when Kane was late to bed. Papa neil figured out that I don't have any episodes or attacks when Kane sleeps with me. He was right of course as always but I haven't ahd any of the meds that were prescribed and have been doing just fine as long as Kane was curled up with me by the end of the day. It's almost as if my body in its subconcious recognizes him and knows it's finally safe. It was Thursday and she was getting ready to clock out from Dylans office since Kane dropped her off Dylan insisted on bringing her home gaining her a pout from Ellie. "Why doesn't he offer anyone else to carpool?" Ellie asked here. "Ellie no one here lives along the way to the office except me and Ricki who are his neighbors; and Ricki has to many out office appointments to hop in the carpool." Marie told her. "Besides don't you live on the other side of town more towards the busier side of the stripe?" "Well, ya but it would still be nice to be asked to carpool. Hell I want to be in car with a sexy ass man too." She moaned. "You want to ride in with me?" Liam asked. "No thanks. But it was still nice to be asked." Ellie smiled at Liam everyone laughed. Dylan walked in giving Liam the last prescription to post out of the day. "So Dylan if you don't have anything lined up today the bar down the way is having a Karaokee night if your feeling adventourus?" She basically all but purred. "Actually I have a guys night tonight we actually roped in Marie's boyfriend and his soldiers friends to join us sorry. Maybe Marie can be adventurous with you." "No can do tonight is Me and Ricki's night." Marie smiled. "That's right you have that bestie Thursdays. SO if you having a night with Ricki why not just get a ride home with him instead of Dylan?" Ellie asked growing curious and a little aggravated. "Ricki is actually in the gym down the way with a client and he's going to pick up dinner for us. This office is not on the way in and I'd like to be showered and changed by the time he gets there and Dylan actually lives next door." "That must be really nice to be living next to two of your close friends. Does your boyfriend mind being in a official and being so new he is ok that the majority of your friends are male?" Ellie asked almost as if she was trying to pick a fight or uncover something that may or may not be there. Wondering just how close she is with Dylan. "Kane knows all about Ricki, Dylan, Ace, and Colt. We had a good get together last Saturday. We should all do something together again soon, maybe to a movie or pool hall that would be fun help get me out of my comfortable in a safe way that is." Marie said to Dylan." "That sounds great it's been awhile since me and the boys got out and played some pool the way you hustled us last time kinda threw us off a little." Dylan teased. "That sounds like a great time you wouldn't mind one more would you, you know the more the merrier." Ellie said inviting herself. "Ugh ya sure when we get the day picked we'll let you know." Dylan said a little disappointedly. "Ya, you could meet Ace. Remember our friend we wanted to introduce you to I'm sure he would be totally up for that I swear you guys would hit it off great. I don't know why I haven't thought to introduce you guys before but he is very much your type." Marie said happily clapping her hands. AS Dylan locked up the office. "I don't know you know how iffy I get on the whole blind date thing I may actually be setting my eyes on someone else." Ellie said looking straight at Dylan. "Well he must be a lucky guy. If you are on the fence than maybe you should go out with Ace and if after you decide it's not for you at least you will know for sure. Actually Marie and I have talked you up to Ace last Saturday so if or whenever you are ready he said he's down." Dylan said with a smirk. "Wow that was so nice of you guys to think of me." She said with fakest smile they've ever seen. Dylan opened the door for Marie and shut while turning around to do the same with Ellie. He hurried around to his side of the car and got in before she could say anything else. The car ride home was filled with a good conversation she noticed that she has gotten closer to Dylan maybe it was time for him to know the truth to I mean if anything was to happen odds are they would come to her home he would witness everything than and may think badly of her if she tells him she is his friend and that she trusts him after all this time than why can't she tell him. "So anything exciting happen while you and Ricki left me on my own with those crazy guys?" Dylan asked. "Ugh ya I guess you could say that. You know how I'm on this hole grabbing life by some of the horns kick." The both chuckled. Dyl shook his head. "Well I've finally come to the point in my life where I order to move on with a future I need to be more accepting and closing the past so While I was with the guys and the Medinas I told them everything. All of it, well the important things." "Dylan stopped the truck in the drive mouth dropped in shock. "Really? Are… Are you ok do you need anything, I know that couldn't have been easy." Dylan said kinda nervous on how her psyche handling it. It's fine I had only one or two panic attacks they were small and quick. I am very much ok. It was time to out to the people I trust my friends I consider close to me." "Well, I'm so proud of you for taking that leap that's incredible." Dylan said hugging her tightly. Kane and the guys came up behind her Dylan feeling a little sad. "Hey babe, you alright.�� Kane said a little worried seeing the light tears coming to her eyes. "Actually I had a favor to ask you guys but I don't want to be a downer on your guys night." "Your never a downer Darlin'." Dyl said rest of the guy agreeing. "Well I told Dylan I told you guys the truth and even though I know it should come from me I just don't have the strength to tell it or go through it mentally again. I was hoping you could tell Dylan the truth for me Kane, they are my friends they have been here for me, I trust them and if anything was to happen he'll put himself in it whether I want him to or not. Please Kane tell for me tonight and let's just have the truth open and the air clear." Marie said a little misty. "Ok baby if that's what you want we will tell them. Why don't you go take a shower and go wait for Ricki. I left you my shirt on the bed was hoping you wear it for me tonight. GO get ready for your night baby relax and you two enjoy yourself." Kane said hugging her tight giving her a deep kiss. Tank and Bear kissing her forehead. "I have a feeling were going to need lots of alcohol for what's about to go down". Colt said with Ace beside him. "You bet. "Tank said. "It's cool though because I'm crashing at Angels house and Bear crashing at Ricki's." "Ya you two can crash on the couch." Dylan said to the other two. "I'm only staying for Marie's coffee in the morning." Colt said. "I already got spare suit right here. He said laughing. The guys all nodding in agreement. After hearing the truth of what Jason did to her, the other guys were angry and pist. This was not a town that tolerated woman being anything other than cherished, well he majority who weren't gold diggers or social climbers even so they never got a hand raised to him. "I'll pull up all his info and investigate him and get back to you guys if you can keep this all on the down low just so we know what we getting ourselves into with this prick if you want in." colt said. "How you planning to do that?' Tank asked. Colt laughed deeply. "My cousin is head of police and I am top detective. I pretty much like this little prick got a do what ever I want and get away with it badge. I never abused my power before but I will for this no one will even think twice or question me I am the best I'll even have a restraining order set up just not filed and if the prick pops up I could have it filed and sealed by at least three judges before the end of the day. " "That would actually be helpful. It would save me the time from getting it myself." "How would you get it?" Ace asked curiously. "Were exsoldiers I think you underestimate or ability to hack decently and discretley." Bear said putting his winning hand down. The three men smirking to the others. "We can't tell our lil Darlin'." Dyaln said taking a deep look at all of them. "This stays here not a word to Ricki." Bear said. They all nodded. "I think we just want to make sure she's protected and how to handle this guy if and when he pops up." Kane said. "If and when you think he'll actually show up?" Ace asked looking up at him. "I know he will." Kane said calmly and peacefully. Colt shaking his head in agreement. "Men like this always do, they don't give up and don't back down." Colt said sadly seeing it way to many time s in the neighboring cities. "Good because neither do we." Kane said with a proud smile and Tank and Bear nodding in agreement. "On another note your Angel wants us to get together again as a group and wants to go to a pool hall." Dylan said with a little chuckle. "Man after the way she hustled us before my pride and wallet is still wounded." Ace said covering his heart faking the pain. They all laughed. "naw dude you don't even know she took us good wiped us all clean." Colt said they all laughed harder. "I know who my partner is." Tank laughed out. "Try it I dare you. I'll dye your hair in your sleep." Kane said they all laughed deeper. The night went along quick. They all drank and had a good time. No one was drunk though knowing they all had work in the morning none of them would drive though. "Night guys." They parted ways. "My poor Darlin' she's so damn strong." Dylan said. "YA but in ways no one should ever be.' Colt said sadly. "Well her relationship with him has put her in a spot of trust that let her be this open for us to know this side of her. We really gotta step up our game and make sure to keep somewhat good terms with these guy because Kanes right we going to need help if This Jason pops up." Ace said. They knew he was right. "That reminds me I got a job for you tomorrow Ace." Dyaln said with an evil smile. "I have a feeling this going to be good." They all laughed.

The boys got into Marie house. "Hey boys wow you're done so quick Ricki asked. He was snuggled under a blanket with her watching 'The Other Woman'. "You trying to steal my man Angel oh my heart break." Bear said holding his chest getting on his knees infront of them. They all smiled at each other while Ricki lifted his head to give him a deep kiss. "You know she always comes first beau that's my sister from another mister. Did you have a good night." "I did. Everyone took everything really well. Wel had a couple drinks won some money I see how you had them hustled so well. Between me and Kane we wiped them clean. Next date night is on the blessing of gratitude for Ace, Dyl, and Colt." He laughed. "Score I'll make sure to take a bunch of picks and send it to them as a thank you." Ricki said. "I guess were going to head out. I'll catch you later sweetness good night guys." Ricki and Bear said hugging Marie goodnight and kissing her forehead. "I'm going to my room." Tank said also hugging her and kissing her forehead. Walking off. "What room he has a room?" "Of course I have three bedrooms one for each of them especially now that two can fit in one. I couldn't have you guys come in and not have rooms for you." Marie said. "So where was my room going to be?" Kane asked pulling her close to him. "Well seince I made them when you asked me to yours officially my room but I was willing to stay on the couch." "You will never be on a couch as long as you are with me, or I am also on the couch with you." Kane said flatly. "My baby deserves the best." He added. "Well maybe that's why I got he best man I could ever dream up." She said pushing her lips to him. He moaned a little. "Come to bed babe we gotta get up early. "Thank you for wearing my shirt by the way." He said winking at her. Your going to be the death of me baby girl." He laughed as they made their way to sleep.

Early next morning Marie, Kane, and Tank were dressed for work, and drinking their coffee. When the door opened and Colt, and Dyaln dragging themselves half awake in. going in her cabinet and pouring the last of it in their two portable mugs. "Angel whens the last time anyone actually knocked on your door to come in?" Tank asked with a chuckle. That's the beauty of neighborly relationship neither Myself, Ricki, or Darlin' here ever lock our doors unless we plan on going to sleep or leave. Which brings us to this point Darlin' we outta really head out last day and all before the holiday break , and you leave me for good." Dyaln said sadly. "I gotta say Dylan I really enjoyed working with you it's not at all how I had imagined it in my head and I feel rather silly for being so scared before." "Well Eddie is getting old and missing his family too much should he ever leave for good, I would love to have you. You are steadfast, smart, aware of everything around you. You know what your doing, the staff and patients totally love you and your not a crazy lady stalking me around the office." Dyaln whinned the last part. "Besides I don't think my nurse is coming back I'm going to have to put in an ad for another unless I can convince you to stay?" Dylan said hopeful. "I guess well see how everything goes. Eddie did call and I gotta admit I'm not to sure he's going to stay in town either I really don't want to go back to those crazy E.R hours. If Eddie doesn't claim us back yes Dylan I will stay on your staff. All of our patients are going to be referred and transefered to your building anyway. I couldn't leave them after getting to know them all so well." "Well than it's settled you'll always have a job with me. Even RIckis office would fight me for you." They all laughed. "What do you think honey?" She asked Kane. As much as he hated the idea od Dylan being around his woman it would actually be smart to have someone be around her in case the crazy ex comes back and it kept her safe from working crazy hours and killing herself again in the hospital "As long as your happy babe, I'm ok with it. If nothing else I got like a thousand jobs for you back on the ranches." Kane said kissing her deeply. Come on yall let's shove off Bear waiting outside. Ricki already left. Kane opend Maries door and shut it kissing her again. "Pool tonight right?"Kane asked Dylan. Yup after work.Colt will inform of u of our next guy's night it'll most likely be a Thursday and probably after the break." "That's fine. Drive safe Dylan that's my whole world in your truck." Kane warned. "I know what you mean." Dylan whispered back. Just enough for Kane to hear it. They stared at each other and walked off both going to run late if they didn't. It was hard to respect to someone who was trying to take the most important thing from you. When they got to the office it was almost lunch time when a florist came in asking for Ellie and Marie. They looked at each other and to him excepting the different colored roses from the man. They pulled up the card that read Thanks for putting u with me and all the help it was very much appreciated. -Dylan The bouquets were not big but not small. Both grls smiled and tuned around. "Thanks Dyl you really shouldn't have and they are beautiful can we leave them in your office til we lock up?" Marie said giving Dylan a hug. "Sure thing Darlin' go ahead and head in their door should be open I'm about to stay in their for lunch. This was so sweet Dylan she's right though you really shouldn't have I love them. If you're free how about I take you to lunch as a thank you for the extra shifts the last two weeks she said like she was trying to be seductive. That's when the door opened up to see a smiling Ace walking in looking as handsome as ever rocking a deep smile. "Hey man I was in the neighborhood thought I'd swing by and take you to lunch last day of work and all for the week. Ace said." "Well actually I need to sign a bunch of paper and get somethings in before pharmacys and other offices lose up, but ugh Ace this Elie that Marie and I have to ld you about. She was just saying she'd like to go to lunch how about you man up and take my place?" Dylan said Marie was walking in. "Hey Ace." She said with a smile. "Hey Angle how you doin he said with a hug." "Im good. Going to clock at out and head to the back and eat with Liam and the others. See you around A." Eat well." He waved. "So Ellie how about wanna give me the honor of taking you to lunch I've heard so much about ya I'd like to see just how much was true, no one can be that beautiful and smart." Ellie smiled blushing deeply. "You told I was beautiful and smart?" She asked with a big smile. "Actually Marie did she said you were beautiful, smart, good with your hands and fun to be around." Ace said with a smile. "Maybe you should take a chance on a lunch and we can see if she's at least three for four." Ace said with a smirk. "Sure why not let me get my purse and put this in your office Dylan she said grazing his arm making him cringe on the inside." "If you two hit off you can invite her tonight if not don't bring it up i'm just getting to the point where I can get rid of this Stalker." They both laughed. "Alright brother I got you covered." She came back with a fake smile. "All set." She said he opened the door for her and made there way out. "Hey Marie you wanna help me out and have lunch with me one last time." Dylan asked hopefully. "Sue what the hell I made you a sandwich anyway ill be right there." Her lunches were always amazing he could just imagine if they were to get married how much weight he would actually gain. His swelled at the thought of being lucky enough to get a ring on that hand. "lets get started." He tried his best to keep his mind on the tasks at hand, but he struggled most of the time. When Ellie came back she wasn't happy or sad." "Hey Ellie." Dylan said locking up and walking the girls to the cars at the end of the day. "Yes Dylan." She turned around wide eyed and hopeful. Both girls holding their flowers. He opened the door for Marie and cloed it behind her, than held hr door opened for her a she got settled. "We're all gonna meet up tonight and play pool at the bar hall, did you still wanna go I'm sure Ace would love it." "Oh well you know now that I think of it I have plans with some girlfriends. But thanks for the offer." Ellie said sadly. "Ok have a great week off and thanks again for th help." He said shutting her door. Dylan smiling like an idiot. "I take it your evil plan to get Ellie off your back with forcing of Ace went well.' They both laughed. "I'm so sending him a bacon flower bouquet." "Awe the true wat to ones heart. They laughed hard singing along poorly to the radio all the way home. He helped her out of the car. "Ya know I'm really going to miss the car rides with ya darlin' and the nice lunches." He said sadly. "maybe I can come over when Eddie comes back and still help you out." She smiled. "That would be great. This is why you the angel." Dylan said bowing to her jokingly. "See you soon." "Alright see you at the hall." Marie turned running to Kanes opened arms as he got out of his truck. They quickly got dressed and all were at the hall having a great time. Surrounded by her friends all drinking sweet tea playing pool having good time she finally felt free. Looking at the men surrounding her real friends. Maybe Neil is right maybe by this Christmas I'll stop running and finally call my dad. It's time. Time for all this to be over. Christmas or New Years she was finally going to stop running. She stood proudly in her thoughts with Kane giving her kisses while holding her in his lap on a stool. While they waited for Colt and Ace to stop playing teams over Ricki and Bear. Finally happy. Finally on the way to being truly free.

Walking out of the restaurant annoyed. Buttoning up his cuffs. "You need to relax." She said. Walking to the car. "Everything is ok, she is ok. We will find her." She added in. "WHEN! Huh?! When Jennifer? It has been well over two years almost three since she ran off from us. She is not missing she ran away she left us. You know the worst thing is it was our fault, and you still can't admit it. We demanded too much from here. Jason is losing his mind. I can't take this anymore we've been at this forever and not even one fucking hair I left behind. She covered her tracks so damn well it's clear she had no intention of coming back. It's our fault. Maybe we should have been more open and understanding to her needs instead of our own. We would have her back. Hell we could even be happy grandparents. I just… I need my kid back Jennifer. I want my baby home. So help me God if she left because of all those things and stunts you pulled behind my back I will end you." "What make you so sure it was all my stunts and not none of our beloved son in law?" She smirked back. "You heard me. I will strip everything from you which won't be too hard thanks to that prenup you signed and don't think even for one second you get a damn thing from or off me in my death either I already cleared that misunderstanding up with the courts and lawyers yesterday. You just better pray I found my kid, and soon. I gave you everything you could ever want or need Jennifer I gave you a place in society on a silver platter all you had to do was keep my baby safe. You held her away from me while she was with Jason, and drove her to the brinks of insanity in college. If I could go back I changed everything. I just want her back. What if she's married already? What if she needs help. I can't keep doing this. Jen." He said Defeated. "I know I miss her too. Sometimes kids just buckle under pressure but we will get her back. Stressing ourselves insane is not going to get her here any faster though we just have to trust in Jason and his father and the P.I's to get something we can still keep branching out to other states and searching there to. There were only two places she wanted to go, and one place her best friend said she was in Canada and Maine. We will get her back Caleb. She knows how much we love her she will make it back to us." She said holding he husband. Holding her breathe scared to wonder what will happen if he knew the truth. Even more Afraid of what could happen if they did find her.