Page 93 of After the Chase

"We need to filter out the weeds, do some digging with our fists, so to speak. I wanted you to know in case you were interested, it was part of the deal.”

Something tightens in my chest that I haven’t felt for a while, anticipation and desire.

"Tell me more."

"Not over the phone. But if you're interested, we could use you back in New York, again only if you are interested."

I'm quiet for a moment, my mind processing. New York. The Blackrose Saints. The Kozlovs. The criminal underworld I'd left behind for peace and harmony.

"I'll think about it.”

And that’s what I’ve been doing ever since. Thinking.

Chase is happy here, his career is thriving, but he can do that from anywhere. We knew this would happen at some point as that was the reason to have two different places. I need the activity that LA doesn’t provide. Then after, maybe we can come back.

The following morning Chase wakes to find me already dressed, sitting at the desk with my laptop open.

"You're up early," he observes, his voice rough with sleep. He crosses to me, wrapping his arms around me from behind. "What's wrong?"

"I'm restless."

"Restless how?"

“I want to go back to New York, it’s time.”

His expression shifts into understanding. "To be honest, I thought you would have wanted to go back sooner.

“Marcus called yesterday. There is a lot going on at the club that could bring it down, They think they have a plant."

"So, you want to go back."

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"I don't know, as long as it feels okay, then we come back here, it was always the intention."

"Okay. If you need to go back to New York, we'll go back to New York. Plus I’ll get to see Ty again.”

“And you will have some great stories for your book. It may get messy there.”

“An extra perk, huh?"

“The only perk you ever need is me, baby.”

"You are a huge perk. So, when do we leave?"

I spend the day making arrangements and I call Marcus back, tell him we're returning to New York. I can tell he is pleased, business is struggling to function smoothly with all the investigation that’s going on, which is also impacting the Kozlovs. They need more men.

I contact our property manager and tell him to prepare our home for arrival. Also to make sure security is updated, systems are functional, and that the house is fully stocked. I book a private jet for next week and make arrangements with a property manager here in LA to take care of this property while we are away.

Chase spends the day at his laptop, working on his manuscript. But I can see the shift in him, I can sense a little excitement. Not a lot has happened here in LA, and after beingaway from New York for so long you miss the buzz and danger, especially from the world we live in.

The following week, we're sitting on the balcony, watching the sun set over Los Angeles one last time until who knows when.

"I’m gonna miss this," Chase says quietly.

"Miss what?"