Corps Security, The Series (2)(64)

After the last handshake from the suit from the FBI, I wait until he leaves my office—my official office—and breathe a sigh of relief.

It’s over.

In two short days, Dominic will go down. Even though Coop’s murder is my motivation in this, it feels good to know that someone as disgusting as him will be taken off the streets. The sense of pride that fills me when I think about how—or rather by whom—all of this was set in motion is all consuming.

I’m not even upset that I won’t be a part of the takedown. I don’t need to be there. I don’t need anything but the verification that he’s behind bars when it’s over. I’ve done my part, and in turning all my intel over, I’ve also guaranteed Chelcie’s and Zac’s safety.

There hasn’t been anything else threatening since that one letter. I instantly pulled back and stopped being so reckless in my hunt of Dom. I used the Internet to silently weave in and out of his life. Thank God, because his being clueless means that Chelcie is no long in danger.

It’s time to live our lives for the future we’re building, and I can’t wait.

“You getting ready to head out?”

I look up and take in Maddox’s casual stance. “I was thinking about it. Did you see the girls leave yet?”

“Yeah. Headed out about five minutes ago.”

“All right, so tell me why you’re standing there keeping me from getting home to my woman.”

One thing about Maddox is that, when he speaks, you listen, so I know he wouldn’t be here if he didn’t think this was worth it. He’s a man of few words, and I can respect that. And I owe him for waking my ass up when I’d needed it. I’m not sure if I would be where I am right now had it not been for him.

He walks into the room and shuts the door behind him. He takes a few slow steps before sitting in the chair across from me. Once he’s settled in, his arms rest against each armrest, his fingers laced in front of him. He doesn’t say anything for the longest time, just observes me in an eerie silence.

“I’m proud of you, brother,” he finally says.

“Thanks, Maddox. I owe it to you, you know. I’m not sure anyone could have knocked some sense into me quite like you did. You made me see the hell I was letting myself become consumed with.” I look away, getting ahold of my emotions. “I wouldn’t have any of this if you hadn’t reminded me that there were still things worth living for. I wouldn’t have one hell of a woman who is about to become my wife. A son on the way. And most importantly—with this shit we just finished up here this week—I wouldn’t have peace with Coop’s death.”

“I didn’t do anything but remind you what’s important. Far as I can see, you did all the hard work. Just remember, there are going to be days when that darkness starts creeping up on you. You can feel it starting to whisper against your skin, see it out of the corner of your eyes, and sometimes it’s right on your heels. It’s not easy, Ash. Sometimes it’s a daily war against no one but yourself. If you need me, I’m here.”

I clear my throat and nod. He’s so spot-on with how it feels when I have a bad day. When the grief and sadness of missing my brother become too much to bear.

“Congratulations, by the way. I noticed that rock on her hand the other day. You deserve this, Asher, and she’s one hell of a warrior to have in your corner.”

“That she is,” I reply with pride dripping from my words.

I wait a few moments and study Maddox. He looks exhausted. I can tell that the last few months have been hard for him. I know enough that he’s been fighting Emmy to come home, but as far as details—he’s been dead silent on those.

“How are things with Emmy?” I hedge.

His eyes flash, pain and exasperation in the forefront. “She’s back, so there’s something.”

He doesn’t say anything else, and judging by his tone, if I pressed it, he wouldn’t take that well. Whatever the hell is going on between them seems to just be getting worse.

“You were there when I needed you, Mad. Don’t go at this like you’re alone, okay?”

“It’s sometimes for the best that way. I’m happy for you and Chelcie—really, I am—but Emmy deserves better than anything I could ever give her.”

I open my mouth to lay into him like he did to just months before but stop and hold up my hand for him to wait when my cell starts ringing.

“Hey, Sunshine?”

The grin I’m sporting has Maddox pushing himself up to stand. I notice distractedly that he seems to be moving slower than normal today.