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Trevor
This is so embarrassing. I was cuffed in the grocery store where I go to shop for my family every week. Then I was shoved into the back of a squad car.
All because of my damn temper. I have so many regrets as I sit in this jail cell. This isn’t going to hurt anyone more than it will my kids.
This is something I tell my boys all the time never to do. The guilt and shame are about to choke me. In my rage, I hadn’t been thinking.
Now, my kids could lose the one parent who cares, and I might lose out on that business deal. Not to mention, I’m sure things with Cakes will be over because of this.
She has an image to protect. She’s worked so hard to build her career. My behavior is unacceptable.
“This can’t be happening,” I groan into my hands.
I woke up this morning with so much hope for the future. I had hoped that if things went well with the boys, we’d all be able to live in the house together in a month or two. I’ve been renting a place not far from my family’s ranch.
After leaving Donna in the house we were raising our family in, I found a place I could make a home for my four kids. A home filled with love.
Donna has pushed my buttons plenty of times over the years, but I’ve always kept my temper in check. As I think about Jess seeing me like that, my heart breaks. I would never want someone to do that to her.
“Monroe. Looks like you’re getting out of here,” an office calls, causing me to look up.
He looks bored and frustrated as he unlocks the ceil to hold the bars open. My face turns crimson as I recognize him from the home I built for him and his wife.
They were just starting their family. He was so happy and proud to be building her a home. I still remember the huge thank-you basket he sent to the office.
At the time, he thought Tom and Ann ran the company. I had been the foreman on the project, or at least I was to anyone outside of my family who knows I own TAB.
I stand and go to walk out. He pats me on the shoulder as I walk by. I turn to look him in the eyes.
“I wanted to choke her too. She’s a piece of work. I remember you.
“My wife still talks about how kind you were and how you made the process of building a new home so much easier on us. Especially with her carrying our baby.
“A lot of guys come through here and they’re the lowest of the low. Then there are guys like you. Keep your cool, Monroe. Don’t let anyone change who you are in here,” he says and points his finger into my chest.
I nod, not able to speak. I remember how emotional his wife had been about every detail and decision she had to make. I also remember how embarrassed she was about it.
I did my best to help her and show her kindness. Having a home built from the ground up is daunting for anyone. A woman in her condition deserved some grace.
“Your attorneys are upstairs. They asked for a private room to talk to you. Not sure why, but the media has been camped out front for you.”
I pull a sour face. I know why. Donna wants to embarrass me and Cakes.
I won’t allow it. If I lose the deal, I’ll live with that. However, I’m not okay with Lynn’s career being destroyed because of me.
CHAPTER 20
Request Unspoken
Lynn
Jess reaches for my hand as Matthew pulls up across the street from the precinct. I give her fingers a gentle squeeze. Her eyes are filled with so much worry and sadness.
“I’ll go in and see if I can get any information. That’s a lot of press out there. I’ll text you as soon as I know something,” she says.
I nod and lick my lips. She’s right, it’s a zoo out there. This is bad, this is very bad. I begin to let this all settle in.
“She’s doing this,” I seethe once Jess has stepped out of the SUV.
“You mean the ex-wife?” Matthew murmurs.
“Yes. I know she is. To be vile and vindictive enough to send that letter, I know this is her.”
“More than likely it is. I’m sure she sees how you being involved with a wife beater could damage your image. How do you want to play it?”
“Anyway he needs me to. I made a mistake. I didn’t stand by him when he needed me to.
“This time I’m ten toes down for my man. I’ll roll with the consequences. She can’t scare me away. Not this time,” I say with determination.
“You realize this could be career suicide. You could be throwing yourself under the bus,” Matt says.
