Page 22 of Insatiable

It’s not a long drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and we make good time on the drive down. Tate sits in the back seat tucked against Cace’s side. His arm wrapped around her tight the moment we pulled out of the driveway of the beach house. The two of them are like two loved up teenagers as he steals kisses every couple of minutes. My sunglasses shield my eyes so they can’t see I am eyeing them through the rearview mirror with a smile.

We’ve turned a corner, and yes, the sex helped, hell, the sex was amazing, but that’s not exactly it. When Tate decided she wanted us, it changed everything. I want to protect our little slice of heaven with everything I have.

Jay is riding shotgun playing DJ, scrolling through Tate’s Spotify playlist. It has taken us down memory lane as the surround sound blasts some of our favorite tunes. Tate and Jay serenade us the entire trip. Their voices blend beautifully together as they sing H.E.R.’s “Best Part” and I get lost in the lyrics.

I find myself smiling as they both sing about the coffee that I need in the morning, and I think about Tate choosing her coffee every time. We don’t stand a chance against her supposed nectar of the gods. I guess Tate’s music theory is right. Some songs come into your life right when you need to hear them. The phone ringing cuts through the music causing it to stop playing. Tate and Jay’s voices cut out, as all three of them look at me to answer it as I see Detective Jones’s number flash on the screen. Looking in the mirror at Tate, she nods her head giving me the okay to take the call. She leans forward in her seat so she can be involved in this conversation.

“Answer,” I vocalize to my phone.

“Mr. Taylor, did you advise Mr. Akins that he should not be seen in public with Ms. Charles.” Detective Jones sighs, as if he is talking to children, and it makes my hackles rise.

“Mr. Akins is right here, and yes, I was advised but Ms. Charles and I were already out when you called,” Jay announces, mouthing is this guy for real to Tate and Cace in the back.

“Oh, ahh, I see,” I can hear Detective Jones’ discombobulation from Jay’s admonishment. I should have warned him he was on speakerphone. Oh well.

“Well, it turns out that photos of Mr. Akins and Ms. Charles were taken yesterday and have already gone viral,” Detective Jones says in frustration.

“We were out and about,” Jay retorts back.

“I’ve seen them as well,” Cace confirms. Jay immediately pulls up his phone and Tate does the same.

“There is one where—”

“Oh, hell!” Tate exclaims, slapping her forehead with her hand. I look at the rearview mirror trying to see their faces and Cace locks eyes with me and shakes his head.

“Hello, Ms. Charles. From the sound of your voice I imagine you see the picture I am speaking of.” I quickly turn to Jay wanting to see the picture while I keep my eyes on the road.

“It shouldn’t matter though. I’m a grown ass woman. I’m with him anyway.” We all stare at Tate, and I don’t miss the smile on Jay’s face as she defends the picture.

“I get that, Ms. Charles, but it alerts Mr. Fisher to your location, and we are concerned he might find a way to get to you,” his words are rushed and again I can tell he is frustrated by this situation. Jay shows me the picture, putting it on an angle so I can get a quick look. Tate is straddling his waist and they are locked in a passionate kiss. It looks like they’re fucking with clothes on and it’s hot a hell. I catch Tate’s flushed face in the mirror, and I smile then blow her a kiss. She laughs and taps my shoulder playfully.

“I think I need that kind of PDA, baby girl. We won’t even have to worry about people taking our pictures.” Cace laughs at my words and raises his hands in the backseat as Tate mockingly glares at us both. Detective Jones clears his throat, and we all go quiet again.

“All jokes aside, Ms. Charles, your safety is paramount here. With all that we are uncovering about Mr. Fisher, he would be willing to do just about anything to clear his debts and avoid capture. So, keeping your location hidden is the best course of action. I realize I should have told you this the day we visited you in hospital. I didn’t know you would have Dr. Morgan, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Akins with you at all times.” Detective Jones tried to sound non-judgmental, but I could hear it in his voice, which again raises my hackles, and my professional persona takes over.

“Who Ms. Charles is with is not your concern, Detective Jones. Are you investigating any of us?” I can’t help myself as I flex my cross-examining muscles as if I am about to go to battle in Criminal court. Yep, I think it’s time to get back to work. Soon.

“Of course not, and you’re right. It is not my concern. My concern is this case. I can’t find him if he is chasing after you from photos he sees plastered on social media.” The Detective lets out a weary sigh.

“Look, Detective Jones, if he was to go to Santa Barbara, he won’t be able to find me there because we aren’t there anymore,” Tate chimes in again and I can tell she is getting upset.

“Why? Can I ask where you’re taking her?” Detective Jones asks, then his voice becomes muffled, as he is talking, but we can’t quite hear what he is saying, my guess is he’s relaying this bit of information to his partner Detective Grant.

“I made the decision to come home and see the damage James has done to my house. I will not hide from him, Detective. If you want to protect me, then protect me. I won’t feel safe until he is caught. One way or another this has to end.” Cace pulls Tate into his arms, and she settles down next to him. I want it to be over as soon as possible too. I don’t want this situation to hang over her head any longer, she’s been through enough.

“I don’t advise it. I can’t stop you either. We can meet you there if you like, Ms. Charles,” Detective Jones states, trying to sound understanding even though I am sure he is ready to lose his shit.

“I say we draw him out,” Cace suggests. Jay turns in his seat as I eye the Culver City exit and leave the freeway.

“I was thinking about this last night. He’s one man. I say we lay a trap and we draw him out.” Cace shrugs. “If the Detectives are on board.”

“I can be the bait,” Tate whispers

“No!” we all say, even Detective Jones joins the chorus.

“That’s not what I had—” Cace tries to say but is quickly cut off.

“Then it won’t work. If he thinks he can’t get to me, he won’t try. I don’t know “this” James. The James I thought I knew . . . If he thinks he has a chance . . .” she trails off. I know she was about to say kill me, and it makes my blood boil.