“Get back here with Forest. Hartley had a note in a box he brought home. Not the good kind.”
“Fuck. Be there soon.” I hung up and shoved the phone into my pocket. “Helmet on now, Forest. Don’t ask. I’ll tell you when we’re back.”
My helmet slid over my head while he did the same. Not wasting time, I got us on the road, heading toward the city much faster than I did on our way out here. Scenarios flashed through my mind of what the note could have said. How the fuck did anyone get into Hartley’s shop? Wait, there was a package by the back door. That was common. He had deliveries all the time. When shit was going down, we inspected each one before he did, but everything had been quiet.
I couldn’t go any faster than I already was with Forest on the back. I trusted my skills on the bike. Putting him at risk wasn’t worth it. We’d arrive in one piece. I’d breathe again when we were in the building.
There was no way to know what the note said. Was it directed toward Hartley or Jordan? The quickest way to piss the boss off was to threaten the people he cared about. Vail, Hartley, JJ, and Ava were all on the absolutely do not fuck with list if they didn’t want to feel Jordan’s wrath. The man would go to any part of the planet for them.
Forest held me tighter, his arms like metal bands around me. He had no idea what was going on, just that I had to get back. When he heard someone had left a package for his brother, he wouldn’t take it well. It was better that I didn’t tell him until we were there, and he could see for himself that Hartley was fine.
I breezed through Dremest faster than normal, but not so fast that we became a target for the local police.
Riding into the garage under Jordan’s building was like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. We were almost inside, in the safety of this place. There was no other like it in the city. If a person thought to attack us here, they would have many levels of security and people they’d have to go through before they ever got to Jordan’s home. In fact, they’d have to kill us all.
The moment the elevator doors closed, I pulled Forest into my arms and leaned heavily against the wall.
“What’s going on?” he asked without moving away from me.
“Hartley got a package, and there was a note inside. I don’t know what it says. Reghan told me to get back here and bring you with me.”
“Oh my god. Is someone after Hart again? Is he okay?” Forest tried to move away, but I wouldn’t let him.
“Hey, look at me.” His body began to shake. “No matter what we hear when we get upstairs, I’ve got you, okay? I’m sure your brother is fine. Whatever this is, we’re going to handle it.”
He nodded. I couldn’t tell if he was on the verge of tears out of worry for his brother or anger that someone would come for his family again.
The elevator doors opened to Jordan’s home, Reghan no doubt already aware I was on my way up. No part of this building outside of the private residences was without cameras.
“Hart!” Forest called the second he stepped out.
“I’m here,” Hartley said, rounding the couch. “It’s okay. I’m here.”
“What happened? What did the note say?”
“It wasn’t for me.” Hartley took the note from a very pissed-off Jordan and gave it to me.
I looked down.
You don’t remember me, but you will. I’ve waited a long time to see you again, Sheldon. A long time for you to have someone special in your life. You’re going to know what true pain feels like when I take Forest from you, just like you took the person I loved from me. I hope you’re scared shitless because I’m coming for you and those you love. Sleep with your eyes open, motherfucker.
20
FOREST
A deadly calm settled over Sheldon, almost like he’d checked out. When Sheldon wanted to put up a wall, he could. This wasn’t a wall. This was him regaining control and doing what he did best.
I still didn’t know what the note said, so I took it from him and read it. Fear should have been flowing through me, but all I felt was anger. How dare this person threaten him?
“Who the fuck do they think they are?” I yelled. The room went silent. Lifting my head, I saw everyone looking at me. “What? No one else is pissed?”
“We are, but we expected you to be afraid,” my brother said.
“I could be if that would help. It won’t. I’ve watched all of you go through your own trials and come out on the other side. I trust the people in this room and building to watch out for each other, especially Sheldon right now.”
“You’re worried about me?” he asked.
“Why wouldn’t I be? This person obviously wants to hurt you.”
