Lady Outlaw

Disclaimer: I own nothing other than my character Cassandra. I just take the others out to play from time to time.

Chapter One

Tears welled up in my eyes as I tore down the street. I can't believe he thinks he can tell me what to do. I'm 20 years old, not a baby. Just because Mom and Dad died, when I was 15 and left me with him doesn't mean he still is in charge of me or my life. I'll decide where I go and what I do, not him. My phone kept flashing and buzzing in the passenger seat beside me. Over and over Justin's name flashed on my phone, and I kept ignoring it. Before I knew it, I pulled up at a familiar house. Still snuffling I walked up to the door. Before I could ring the bell, one of my favorite people in the world opened the door and engulfed me in a one armed hug. As I snuggled into his embrace, I could hear him talking to someone on the phone.

"Yeah Chief, she's here." "I'll talk to her, and call you later." "Bye."

He hung up the phone and wrapped the other arm around me.

"You doing okay Baby Girl?" He asked. I shook my head, not letting go of him.

"Come on kiddo. Let's go sit and you can tell me all about it."

He guided me to the couch, sat down, and handed me a tissue. I blew my nose and took a shuddering breath. "Uncle Sean, I just can't take him anymore." "He's so overprotective. I mean, I'm 20, not 12. He really can't tell me what to do. But all I hear is blah, blah, blah. You live here, you'll do what I say. As long as you're in school, you still have to listen to me .I feel like I'm living with a Mama bear. All I wanted to do was go out to that club on 4th and hang out with some friends. He threatened to take my keys and throw them in the pond! He's lucky I even told him what I was doing. Next time I won't. I'll just do what I want." I went on muttering for a few minutes throwing in a few choice words about my big brother until I finally stopped to take a deep breath.

Farmtruck just listened without interrupting. He let me wear myself out and didn't try to get me to stop. Finally, I stopped talking. He took a deep breath and said "You done Baby Girl?" I nodded.

"Okay," he said. "First of all you and Justin are like my own kids, and I love you both. Got it?" I nodded again.

"Then listen up Baby Girl. You may not like what I've got to say, but you need to hear it." I scowled, but nodded again.

"Yes, you're 20 and technically an adult, but you've lived a pretty sheltered life with Justin. He's cared for your every need, and as many wants as he could. You are still in school, so yes, Justin should have some say in what you do. As far as him being overprotective, I'll give you that. Chief is like a Mama Bear around you. But, you've got to realize, when you're parents died 5 years ago, Justin was only 20. He had to grow up pretty quick in order to take care of you, so yeah, he's over protective. He lost your parents, and the thought of losing you rips at him. I don't think he'd be able to stand it if something happened to you too. Your Daddy was my best friend. I knew him all my life, and if you think he'd be any less protective of you than Justin is, you're out of your mind. Justin didn't get to be the way he is by licking a rock. Your Daddy wouldn't have given you a minute to grab your keys and take off. He would have thrown those keys in the pond before you could blink. And, as far as that club over on 4th, I'm pretty sure you mean the one where all those kids got busted for underage drinking and drugs last week. There's been more trouble out of that club than anywhere else in town. If I ever found out you were there, you'd be over my knee so fast and I don't care how old you are."

I crossed my arms over my chest, huffed out a breath, and glared at him.

He chuckled a bit at my glare. "Glare all you want Cassandra Marie", he said. Chief and everyone else on the team just wants you safe. You're like a little sister to every single one of them. "Why don't you stay here tonight," he continued. I think Azn will be by in a bit. We can have a quiet evening. I'll make some dinne, and even let you pick the movie.

"Okay, I sighed. "I'll stay."

"I think that's a good idea". He replied. "You and Justin both have nasty tempers, and you're just too doggone alike to do either one of you any good, he continued. "Best to let you both cool overnight. Go on up to your room and take it easy for a while. I'll call Justin and let him know you're staying. Then I'll start in on some dinner. Any requests?

"Thanks, Uncle Sean," I replied kissing him on the cheek. "You're the best. I'm fine with anything you make, just don't let Azn anywhere near the kitchen. Last time he cooked, I almost had a hole burned through my throat. Who knew eggs could be that spicy?"

Farmtruck laughed at that. "That boy does have a way about him in the kitchen. You know you're welcome here anytime, Baby Girl", he said. "That's what godfather's are for."

I slowly made my way upstairs thinking about what Farmtruck had said. Yes, Justin and I were probably too much alike for our own good. We tended to fight like two dogs trying to be the alpha, which is why I had a room here at Uncle Sean's house. Sometimes it was all just too much so I'd been crashing here from time to time since my parents died. I made it to my room, and flopped down on my bed staring at the ceiling. I thought back to that day about 5 years ago.

Flashback…. 5 years ago

Mom and Dad had gone out flying in their little plane. Justin and I hated it, I flat out refused to go in it, but they both loved it. My dad said it made him feel completely free. Probably how Justin felt while driving, and how I felt when I was writing. I don't remember anything after the knock on the door, and the two police officers coming inside to talk to Justin. I just remember screaming and everything going black. Later, I was told I flipped out and started breaking everything in sight. The paramedics had knocked me out with drugs to keep me from hurting myself or anyone else, and I woke up later hoping and praying it was all a dream. But, it wasn't. Justin had been granted custody of me, with the understanding he needed to keep out of trouble. We took that as just not getting caught. From then on it was me and him. He loved me so fiercely, and did everything to keep me safe. He made sure I graduated high school, and now I was a Junior and English major at Oklahoma State. He was so proud I was going to college. I loved him too, but sometimes, I just needed to get away. To save money, and because I really didn't want to leave home, I didn't live in the dorms. I stayed at home. Uncle Sean, had been my dad's best friend, and was godfather to both me and Justin. He seemed to understand me a bit better than Justin. He got that sometimes I really just needed some space. He made me a room at his house when I was a teenager, and him and Justin had an understanding, that when the two of us couldn't get along, I was welcome here anytime, as long as Justin knew where I was.

End Flashback…

The force of nature that could only be Azn burst into the room and jumped on my bed. "Baby Girl, I heard you were staying here tonight. Get up we've got so much to do." He started dragging me off the bed. I sent him flying with a well-placed kick and grumped at him.

"Jesus Jeff, get off me. I'll be down in a little bit. I just wanted to grab a quick nap."

"First of all," he retorted jumping off the floor and back onto my bed. "Don't call me Jesus or Jeff. Azn will do just fine. Second of all, you're not napping. You're moping and that's not going to be tolerated. Get up Cassie, or I'll go add some Azn flair to the fajitas Farmtruck is cooking downstairs."

I shot him a horrified look. "You'd better not ruin perfectly good fajitas! You know damn well, they're one of my favorites."

"Try me he called over his shoulder." You've got 2 minutes to be downstairs, or the fajitas get it."

I got up cursing under my breath, threw my hair in a messy bun, and hurried down the stairs, not trusting Azn to give me the full two minutes before he started "fixing" the fajitas.