Chapter 24

October, 2017

There's nothing better than waking up to find the love of your life laying next to you. If there is, I haven't found anything even remotely close. I reach out for the beautiful brunette, who against all odds, has finally forgiven me for lying to her. Honestly, I am afraid to ask her where we stand at this point, but for the last week I've sought shelter in her bed with her in my arms. We have fallen asleep a few nights making love and there is no place I would never be than right here in this very moment. She stirs, as if she can hear my thoughts and rolls over seeking refuge. "Good morning, beautiful."

"Is it morning already?" she groans aloud. "I have to go to your place today and help Kurt with his outfit for tonight." She yawns, "can't we just blow off tonight?"

"You want to blow off Military Night at the bar?"

Rachel's shoulders lower. "No, we can't. Joe is still here. Before she left, Marley was trying to convince him to do like, one dance. He's single right now, and I am going to make it my mission to get him laid."

"Okay," I chuckle before letting my hands roam all over her body. "I have rehearsals this afternoon. I am so tired of Adrenaline. I would rather stay here in bed with you all day."

Rachel's eyes widen. "Finn, as much as I would love to... that would be like you were quitting. And you can't quit. Quitting would draw Jesse's attention! He thinks you're a lazy piece of shit... No offense. He would start sniffing around if you up and quit without another job lined up."

I silence her with a kiss - I love that she worries about me so much. "I'm not going to quit, Rach. I promise. Even though all I really want to do is punch Jesse in the face. He's really been riding me hard this week."

"I know what you mean. If I have to look at Quinn and Jesse devour each other's faces for another second, I might scream." My face must have turned against me because she feels the need to clarify her last statement immediately. "I don't want to get back together with Jesse - he's totally using Quinn to get under my skin… I feel bad for her."

I press my face firmly to hers, "have you thought about talking to her about your suspicions?"

She laughs in my face, "you were hooking up with her briefly! You know what she's about. Can you honestly tell me you think she would be willing to hear anything I have to say?"

"No, probably not." I am tired of talking about Jesse St. James, so I bring her lips to mine and make my intentions known. She places her hands above her head and I quickly remove her clothes and mine. "I love you Rachel." I lie down on top of her and begin teasing her with my hands and mouth.

"I love you too Finn," she moans in pleasure. A few minutes later, both our engines are fully reeved and the unthinkable happens - her cell phone rings. "It's probably your brother."

"So?" I place several hot, wet kisses along her neck and collarbone. "Ignore him. He will get the hint."

Rachel bites her lip and nods her head. My tongue has found her luscious breasts and she's beckoning me to her when her phone starts ringing again.

"Finn," she writhes beneath me. "Just let me tell him I'll see him shortly. I told you, Kurt and I have plans today. He probably just wants to confirm the time."

I watch as her hand shoots out in search of the phone and realize quickly that she isn't going to be able to concentrate until she figures out who's calling. I sit up and she smiles. "I'm sorry baby. Give me just a second." She sits up in bed and picks up her phone. When she glances down at the screen, I know instantly that it isn't Kurt on the other end. "Hello Jesse. How can I help you?" She puts the phone on speaker so I can hear what he says in return.

"Where the fuck are you?"

"What do you mean where am I?" Rachel's face registers a puzzled expression. "I am off tonight."

"Not anymore, sweetheart. The new girl Abby isn't going to work out. She's useless," Jesse huffs. "I need you at the bar like yesterday to do inventory before tonight. The bar is going to be packed with servicemen and women all looking for a good time. I need my A-Team behind the bar tonight."

Rachel shakes her head and closes her eyes... I instantly know she's upset. "Jesse, I am off tonight. We talked about this. Joe is going back to base tomorrow and between the wedding and other things, I didn't get much of an opportunity to visit with him. You promised me I could have tonight off."

"Well sorry sweetheart, I am unpromising. Much like when you promised to love me forever," Jesse sneers. "I need you here in 20 minutes, Rachel, or don't bother coming in ever again." Rachel nods her head and gets out of bed. "Oh and Finn, I know you're listening. You better be at rehearsals... You keep dropping your hip and you're two steps behind everyone else."

"I'm not with Finn," Rachel mumbles quickly before wiggling into a pair of denim shorts she found lying on the floor. "I'll see you shortly." She hangs up the phone and throws it against the headboard.

"I say fuck him." I squint at the sight of the sun peeking in through the windows. "I hate you being at his beck-n-call. Just quit, baby. I can take care of you."

Rachel pulls her hair up into a high ponytail and glares in my direction. "Finn, I don't need you to take care of me. I spent the last 6 years being in a relationship with a man who wanted to have me as a kept woman. A fucking circus pony he trotted out to make his friends jealous! I'm not going back to that. I can't." She leans on the bed and kisses me hard. "Get dressed. We can take my car. You can drop me off and then head over to the rec center. You heard the man. You're dropping your hip."

20 minutes later, Brooke and I pull up to the nearly empty parking lot of Adrenaline. "Thank you," she presses a kiss to my cheek. "I'll see you this afternoon?"

"I'm going to come in with you for a minute," I respond, getting out of the driver's side door. "I need to grab something from my locker."

"Suit yourself. I don't want to listen to him yell at you anymore, so please make it snappy." Rachel stops in front of me, and I take advantage and wrap my arms around her cinched waist. "I mean it. The last time I witnessed him berate you like some sort of dog, I almost blurted out that you are a federal agent and you are going to take his fucking ass down. But, then I remembered quickly that no one knows that but me." She stops walking and spins around to face me. "Wait, does your brother know?"

Shit. I knew that question was coming, but, I choose not to answer. "Let's get you inside. It looks like it's going to rain." We head in and the camouflage curtains are already installed just inside the front doors. According to Rachel, they have never installed blackout curtains before a specialty night. Jesse likes for the people outside the bar to see the party they are missing by not paying the cover to get in. But, Quinn said it would add ambience, so Clay made it happen. He's such an asshole. We hear the familiar moans of pleasure, and when we shut the door, Brooke gasps at the spectacle before us: Jesse and Quinn in flagrante delicto on the main bar. I swallow hard and make a mental note to never order anything at the bar again.

Jesse sees us first and grins like the Cheshire Cat. "Rachel," he overemphasizes his finish - I assume for our benefit - and pulls up his boxers and slacks. "You're early."

Rachel stares at them stone-faced, "I'm right on time, actually. I'll be in the back checking the crates." She breezes past them without another word.

"Hey Finn!" Quinn enters the conversation and sits up on the bar. I feel like I have no idea who this woman is. She's definitely not the girl I shared intimate moments with or bared her heart and soul to me on the beach this summer. This version of Quinn is cold and I can't for the life of me figure out why. According to Blaine, Quinn and Rachel have been friends for the last 4 years and she never once showed any interest in Jesse St. James. Now, they are suddenly trying to behave as though they're some super couple. Something isn't right and I need to do what I can to figure it out.

"I wasn't expecting to see you, Finn." Jesse continues to grin and pulls a beer from one of the fridges behind the bar. "Wait, if you're here, doesn't that mean you're missing rehearsals?"

"I'm heading over there right now," I respond, balling my fists in my pockets. "My uh... my truck is in the shop. I have Rachel's car for the day. I had to drop her off here first and needed to grab something from my locker." I want to punch him so bad right now... Punch him for hurting my sweet, kind, and gentle Rachel.

Jesse fastens his belt. "I better go check on Rachel. She gets a little sensitive about things like this."

"Things like what?" I reply before blocking his entrance to the stockroom. "Was fucking easy chicks something you made a habit of doing while you two were together?"

"Hey!" Quinn squeaks. "You've had the pleasure too kid. Don't you forget it."

"I know," I can't help myself when I look at Jesse and say, "how do my sloppy seconds taste?"

Jesse isn't phased a second by my words. This man really is a sociopath. "I don't know… How can you stand to be with Rachel?" He leans in close, "I got there first man, before anyone. You should ask her about the night we made love for the first time." He steps closer and continues, "she fucking took it all in like a pro and screamed my name for hours. After that first go around, she just couldn't get enough."

I know he's trying to get a reaction and instead of leaving it alone, I push him backwards and punch him in the nose. "Stay the fuck away from Rachel. Do you hear me?! Stop trying to provoke her, you piece of shit! I've had enough and she doesn't deserve this." Quinn rushes to his side and I nod my head and spit on him. "You relationship ended. There's no huge conspiracy. She doesn't love you anymore and the only way for us all to get through this is if we all agree to move on." I look to the stockroom and notice Rachel perched against the door frame. She shakes her head at me and returns to inventory. I know my actions just warranted a scolding later, but seeing Jesse bleeding on the tile was worth any lashing she could dole out.

Rehearsals completely wore me out this afternoon. I swear, some of these routines that Jesse has us do break me. The only thing that I want to do before the show tonight is take a nap... But it seems inevitable by the time I make my way to Rachel's apartment and see Blaine's truck in the driveway. I use the spare key to let myself into the apartment. "Rach?"

"Sorry bro, she's still with Kurt." Blaine says with a smirk.

"Oh yeah," I smile. I still can't believe my good fortune in regards to the relationship my brother has with my girlfriend. "Do you know the plan for tonight then?"

"Yep, Rachel and Kurt are carpooling together. Kurt is going to help Rach behind the bar." Blaine sits down on the couch and looks up at me. "Do you have anything you wanna get off your chest?"

"No," I lie. Rachel and Kurt knew my secret, but I have yet to figure out how to approach that conversation with Blaine. Even if he doesn't want to forgive me, I'm certain he'll come around. I have two secret weapons in my corner - Kurt and Rachel.

"Rachel told me about what happened at the bar. I have done my best so far to stay out of the fray, but I feel like Jesse has forced my hand." Blaine runs his hand through his hair. "Was he really having sex with Quinn on the bar?"

I knew that mess had bothered her more than she let on. "Yes. It was disgusting. He called her and demanded she show up immediately to do inventory. He knew she was on her way — he wanted Rachel to catch them. Jesse's a fucking psychopath man. I mean, he appears to still love her - why would he do something like that to her?"

Blaine shrugs. "Jesse has always been extreme when it comes to Rachel. Every time they break up, he does something drastic. The party house on the beach: that was the gesture when he and Rachel were on a break and she went on a date with Puck."

"If you love Rachel as much as you claim, why would you continue to let her be abused like that?" I blurt out without a second thought.

Blaine shakes his head. "You and Rachel have been together for like what, a whole month now? You think you know her better than I do?" He stands up and stops a few inches from my face. "In the past, she always wanted their relationship to work out. This time is different. She has moved on and that's killing him. I'll talk to him. We can't all settle disagreements with our fists."

"Spare me Blaine," I spit. "I was angry, Jesse pushed my buttons, so I hit him. You can ask my brother... That's not usually how I handle things," I explain. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go shower and change for tonight."

A few hours slowly go by before I arrive back at Adrenaline. There's something off about tonight - I have this weird feeling and it's making the task of getting out of my Ranger more difficult. As I make my way into the club, the first thing I do is head towards the bar. The person tending bar wasn't my girlfriend, but it was my brother. "Hey, Kurt. Look at you!" He really did look great. I can tell that his outfit is hand-sewn: an Army green jumpsuit that extended down to the bottom of his legs, with cap sleeves, and gold stitching at the hems. He even went the extra length to embroider his name on a patch that is resting over his heart. He wears the same combat boots that he was sporting during 80s night. On his head is a green Army cover, pulling the ensemble together. Rachel and he had really done a fantastic job.

"Thanks, Finn. Rachel isn't here," he arches his eyebrow at me. "She went downstairs to collect the donations for Wounded Warrior Project. Her and Jesse were fighting about it, but he caved last minute. I really can't stand that guy." I feel a hand on my shoulder and I see Kurt's eyes widen, so I know it isn't Rachel. It has to be someone else.

"Hey there, Finn," Quinn purrs.

She looks like she has just stepped off of the set of a porn movie: her costume is navy blue with red piping. The front dips down in a deep v and the sides are mesh. It looks more like a swimsuit than a costume. It's accented with fur epaulettes, gold starred lapels, and a red star hat on top of an array of banana curls. "And what branch of the military are you supposed to be representing?"

She dismisses my question. "I am all encompassing Finn. I represent everyone equally."

"Great," I turn my attention back to Kurt. "Bro, can I get a beer please?"

"Yep," he shakes his head when he turns around. I know it's because of Quinn. I have to keep reminding myself that they are friends.

"Hey there handsome," I hear Blaine call out. "What's a guy like you doing in a place like this?"

He places two beers on the counter and retrieves the bottle opener from his belt. "I'm helping out a friend for the night. This place is a zoo! Is it always like this?"

"No," Blaine kisses his hand. "Military Night is a popular event that we do every year. The locals expect it. Rachel picks a charity and we just have a good time," Blaine smiles. "It's a little more relaxed than a normal night here. How's it going so far?"

He pops the tops and I might as well be invisible. Kurt's attention is now solely on Blaine. "It's going," he laughs. "Most of the men are ordering beer and I have found that popping tops is my speciality."

"You look so sexy behind the bar," Blaine pulls Kurt to him and kisses him. I can't help but clear my throat. "Rachel is downstairs kid. Run along," he kisses Blaine again. "I'll be downstairs in a minute."

I decide to just leave them at it and head downstairs before Quinn makes me uncomfortable again. I meet Artie on the steps. "Hey man, what's new?"

He's dressed in Army fatigues and looks great, much like the rest of us. "Not much. You want to try the drink of the night? I'm calling it the Uncle Sam."

I immediately bring the flask to my nose. "Wow that smells...Potent. What's in it?"

"Peppermint liqueur, cinnamon, mint schnapps, and a splash of After Shock."

I take a deep drink and cough as it burns down my throat. "Where the fuck do you come up with this stuff, Artie?"

"The internet mostly."

I nod and place my hand on the knob leading to the performers room. I hear Rachel let out a hearty giggle and I need to see the cause. I open the door and see her dressed as a sailor - she looks so incredibly sexy. Her hair is done in low, sexy pigtails, topped with a white sailor hat, accented with blue piping. Her sailor outfit is very reminiscent of a 1940's pin up model. The blue and white romper looks like a high waisted pair of blue hotpants and a white bra top with red and white ribbon detail tied in a bow in between her ample breasts. There is an embroidered red anchor at her right hip, and a sailor signature 6 button detail at her waist completes the look. I look down at her delicate pins and they are adorned with red fishnets and finished with blue and white strappy heeled sandals with a bow to mimic the bow on her chest. She is wearing minimal makeup with a bright red lip. The words wow barely escape my lips before she turns to me.

"What do you think, Finn?" Rachel pops her hip and places her hands over her head.

"He better approve!" Joe calls out from the table behind her. Him and Owen appear to be playing a game of cards. "If he doesn't, I know at least a dozen other guys that would have you in a heartbeat."

"Including everyone in this room," Puck finishes.

I see the fresh blush appear on her cheeks and I am suddenly honored that she chose to forgive me. Clearly there is a list of men lined up and ready to take her off my hands. "I think you look amazing, but I would feel that way if you were wearing a potato sack."

Jake coughs. "Lame!"

"Thanks man." I chuckle as the guys all start to laugh. Artie passes around the flask and I head over to my locker to get changed.

"So do you really like it?" Rachel coos beside me.

"Hell yes! I'm in love with the hottest woman here tonight." I lean in and kiss her neck. "We haven't discussed roleplay yet."

A new blush comes over her. "A conversation can be arranged."

The moment is broken when Jesse comes inside and Brody stumbles in after him. "Artie!" Jesse yells. "Go get Brody some coffee, please. He's clearly had too much to drink."

Rachel hurries over to Brody's side and helps him up. "Are you alright?"

"Fantabulous, Rachey," Brody slurs.

Joe gets up next and helps Brody to the couch. "Anyone got a flashlight?" Puck jogs over to his locker and stares at me. I feel frozen like a statue and I'm not sure why. He pulls out a mini Maglite and tosses it to Joe. He turns the light on. "Brody, buddy. What did you take?"

"Nothing?" he questions. "Has anyone seen my brother?"

Rachel returns from the bathroom with a cool cloth and sits down next to him. "Honey, Cooper went home last night. You remember, don't you? We all had dinner."

"Yeah," Brody grunts, "I forgot. My memory isn't what it used to be."

Joe gets Brody's attention and directs him to follow the light. "Is there anywhere he can sleep it off?" Joe grabs Brody's beer. "He can't dance tonight."

"Figures," Jesse bellows. "I give this prick another shot and he can't keep it together even one night."

"When I spoke to him last he said he was sober," I answer instinctively. I watch Joe sniff Brody's bottle. He obviously doesn't get why this is happening either.

Jesse folds his arms across his chest. "He looks stone cold sober right now, Finn. Good call."

Puck m steps up. "The kid is right. Brody had turned over a new leaf… no drugs... He only drank beer when he was here at the club. I think he might need a doctor. What if someone nicked his drink?"

"Nicked his drink?" Jesse repeats sarcastically. "This isn't Jersey, Puck. He obviously just fell off the wagon." Jesse turns to Artie and says, "call security. I want him out of here right now. I've had enough."

I clear my throat. "We should at least let him stay here for a few hours," I look at him. "He's in no shape to be alone."

"Puck and I will drop him off after our individual numbers," Jake reasons, matching everyone's concern for Brody's wellbeing.

Brody stumbles to his feet. "You did this to me, you asshole!" He spits at Clay and points a shaky arm in his direction. "I'm not your lap dog anymore." He sits back down hard on the sofa. "Rach, baby, I need you to get ahold of my brother."

Rachel quickly nods, "of course." She stands up. "Let's lay you down though, alright? I'll call Cooper right now."

I look to the door and see two security goons now standing behind Jesse and Artie. "Get him out of my bar."

Rachel folds her arms across her chest and stands right in front of the couch. "Jesse," she says sweetly, "Brody needs to sleep it off. Jake and Puck already said they would take him home. Please don't be cruel and heartless." She drops her arms and walks over to him. My mouth dries at what she does next. She places her hands on his. "Please. If not for him… for me."

For one brief fleeting moment I thought he was going to cave. "Take him outside and make sure he gets in a cab before you leave him. Puck will give you Brody's address."

Brody shoots up from the couch. "I am not someone you should be messing with!" he screams, before the guards link their arms with his. "I came back to help you! This was never about me! I know all the dirt, St. James! Don't you forget it. You will be sorry for this! I promise you."

The rest of the night seemed to fly by. Keeping with the American Military theme, our group number was Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA. We all wore camouflage tear away pants, white tank tops, and camo thongs for the routine. First up for the individual dances was Puck - he of course always goes first. He stripped to Creedence Clearwater's Fortunate Son and hammed it up to the servicewomen in the front row. Next up was Jake. He was dressed as an airmen and danced to Starman by David Bowie - another interesting song choice. But, the guys informed me that of the Casanovas, Jake is the only one of us to have been in a branch of the service. As an ex Air Force pilot, the flight instructor career now made perfect sense. Brody was supposed to be next, performing an Elvis Presley song - Wear My Ring Around Your Neck. I know his behavior earlier this evening had rocked all of us. He had been doing so well — what could have caused him to return to the drugs? Was Jesse involved?

I take the stage fourth, and when my song started up, I was surprised because it wasn't the song I had selected. Instead, it was Lips of an Angel by Hinder. Jesse's torment had started up again and he had switched my song at the last minute. He could have at least picked something that went with the theme. I wanted to say something about it, but what was the point really? I had Rachel on my arm. That was revenge enough. Blaine closed out the single performances with Fightin Side of Me by Merle Haggard and he never took his eyes off Kurt behind the bar...Not even once.

After our songs were finished, a half dozen female dancers took the stage to entertain the servicemen in the crowd. Rachel and Blaine inform me that aside from auction night, this was the only time we would ever see women on stage taking their clothes off. All in the name of charity, I'm told. Instead of closing the night with hot-seats, there was a special military medley where courageous servicemen hopped up on stage for a dance off. The music cued up and they stripped to I Need a Hero by Bonnie Tyler. A few give up and the remaining men continue to dance when Jukebox Hero by Foreigner echoes through the speaker system. When the third song starts, there are only three men remaining; an air force friend of Jake's, a marine, and Joe Hart, a man I have grown to admire. David Bowie's poetic Heroes garners cheers from the crowd and Joe busts out the robot. Artie taps the marine on the shoulder and only Joe and Chase's friend are left when the fourth and final song starts - God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood. When the song comes to an end, Artie crowns the crowd favorite. Much to his surprise I'm sure, Joe won the night.

At the end of the night, Rachel takes the stage and commands the room. "Thank you, Artie." The audience goes wild at the mere sight of her. She was in her element. If I knew nothing else, I knew Rachel Berry loved to be the center of attention. "I wanted to remind everyone that there are jars making the rounds. All monies collected in those jars tonight will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project." The room roars with applause. "And, on behalf of all of us here at Adrenaline we," she brings her left hand to her forehead, "we salute you."

If there was ever a Sunday morning where I didn't want to see Will Schuester's smug smile, it had to be this one. We really haven't had a good Sunday session in months - hell, the last few, I was so hungover that I couldn't really make out the words coming from his mouth. But now that Rachel knows, it changes everything. I have to cool my drinking - and I know that, I do - but sometimes Fridays and Saturdays blur together, and 5 drinks easily become 10. If I want this case to be resolved soon I need to refocus and take this more seriously. Hopefully, we are finally getting closer to more answers.

As I wait in the turning lane listening to the lull on the empty roadways, I close my eyes and think back to the first time I did this. Life was so simpler back then... It's funny how most people say that a year can change them. I have been in Myrtle Beach for 4 months, and already so much has changed. I dread to think about where we all will be in 6 months time… At the present moment, my life is a huge mess and there are people I care about at risk: Rachel, Kurt, Brody, Sam… My FBI life is starting to blend together with my stripper life and I feel like the longer this entire thing goes on, the harder it all gets. Every week starts with cold hard dose of reality and the identity crisis begins again. Honestly, I wish I were either a stripper or an FBI agent because I don't feel like I am enough to continue to keep up with the charade of both.

I drum my fingers on the steering wheel of the ancient Ford Ranger and I can't help but smile when I feel the cool breeze circulate in through the windows. It's the same one that I felt this morning while Rachel was curled up in my arms. She and I had had a rough patch these past few weeks and we had some really good talks the past few nights that have seemed to help. She's scared for me, and I'm scared for her. She doesn't know where she sees herself anymore in 5 years and well, frankly, neither do I. Both of us are just comfortable right now - but she doesn't want to be. She needs a plan and she's wanting to get one so that she can get back on track to being a woman in charge of her life.

For me, the only plan giving me drive at the moment is the one that involves waking up next to her every morning and falling asleep beside her every night. I am going to marry her someday if she'll have me - it doesn't matter if it's in a year, 5 years, or 20 years. I have found the woman that warms my soul and I am going to spend the rest of my life loving her. Knowing that in spite of the pickle I have gotten myself into, the drama I have created, the lies I have told she still loves me was enough to get me out of bed this morning. As I turn the truck into the front driveway and park in my usual spot, I look back and look at the building once more. I could be complaining more right now, but, I decide to leave well enough alone. In an hour or so, I'll be back home, having breakfast with Rachel, and just enjoying each other before I have to head back to work tomorrow morning. Cooter and the rest of the crew are having Blaine and I do all of the work on the inside and outside of this four story building in downtown Myrtle Beach. The job is getting everything in working order before next year's summer season begins. I'm not sure what exactly it is yet — a hotel? Offices? Cooter hasn't disclosed that information to us - but I thought I saw Jesse St. James signed on some of the paperwork. I'm hoping to bring that up to Will and the equally smug Shannon this morning.

"Morning," I say to Sugar, as she snaps a piece of her bright pink Double Bubble gum in my face.

"Morning," she replies. "I'll let Will know you're here." Sugar presses the intercom button and let's Will know that I am here in the microphone of her headset. "He said you can head back."

"Thanks," I reply, as I steal a few tightly wrapped Jolly Ranchers from the bowl on her front desk. Will's door is propped open, so, I let myself in as he smiles at me.

"Good morning, Finn."

"Morning," I say, rubbing my eyes a bit. "How was your weekend?"

"What's with you and always wanting to make small talk?" Will smirks. "Do I have to keep reminding you that we aren't really friends?"

"No, I was just..." I stammer. This man is the king of the mixed signal. Some Sundays he's jolly and others he is like a viper waiting to strike.

"My weekend was good. And from the smell of your attire," I assume he's referring to Rachel's perfume. I can still smell the soft floral scent on myself as well. I should have taken a shower damnit, "it proves as though you've had a good weekend as well. Did you and Rachel make up?"

I nod my head. "We did, yes."

"Well, good," he says, lounging back in his chair and grabbing the tape recorder from his desk drawer.

I settle down into my usual seat. "Where's Shannon?" I ask, as I begin to look around.

"She's not here this morning," Will begins. "It's been awhile since just you and I were able to have some one-on-one time, so, I figured that I'd give her the weekend off." I'm not buying his answer, so instead, he says, "she had to head up to Boston for another case. She has a briefing tomorrow afternoon."

"How kind of you," I mumble under my breath. I didn't know weekends off were a thing around here.

"So, what's new with you, Finn?" He turns on the tape recorder and says, "session 0.21 with Agent Finn Hudson," just to keep track for recording purposes.

I snort a little, and then laugh at him. "Nothing at all, Will. And you?"

"Come on, Hudson. Don't be an ass," Will says. "I would like to spend the rest of my day at home with my family. I don't meet with you every week for my health."

"An ass? Me? Never," I joke. "I'm kidding. There's nothing new going on around here..."

"How's work going?"

"Which job would you like to hear about first? My actual undercover job or the undercover-undercover job?"

Will kinks his eyebrows for a moment. "Finn," he says, turning off the tape recorder. "Come on. Don't do this. Undercover fatigue is real for everyone who's had the pleasure. Didn't they teach you that in the academy?" I shake my head. "I want to get out of here as much as you do. Just answer the questions and we'll be able to leave quicker than not. Emma has some dinner planned for us this evening and we were up with the kids until late last night... I didn't get much sleep. So please just answer the questions and we can be out of here as soon as possible."

"Okay," I say, swallowing my smart-ass attitude. I don't know what happened to the need to be more serious pep talk I had given myself on the way in here. I think it went out of the window as soon as I walked into Will's office. He turns the tape recorder back on and repeats the question. "The job with Cooter is going well. He has us renovating an entire building - it's four stories — and he has us doing the renovations inside and out. It's been tiring. I've been working more than usual now because the inside work can be finished even when it rains..."

"Any idea what it's for?"

I shake my head. "Nah, not yet. I'm hoping it comes to fruition soon. I heard him on the phone the other day with one of the guys from the Irish mob talking about business dealings - Jameson. Other than that, there's not much going on there."

"And the stripping?"

"It's going well," I laugh. "Uh... Jesse and Quinn are together now, surprise surprise. I don't know what their motives are. But they appear happy," I say. "Truly, they do. I just wish he would stop trying to torment Rachel."

"And how are you and Rachel?" he asks, ignoring my tormenting comment.

"Rachel and I are well. They had an old friend from out of town visit last weekend - so we have been hanging out with him a bit. Brody got kicked out of the club last night… He appeared to be highly inebriated and Jesse was angry about it, but that's not really new. Those two never seem to get along, but Brody slurred something about knowing all of Jesse's secrets when security escorted him out."

"I see... Did you have a chance to talk to Brody about what he meant?" Will asks.

"No. This just happened last night. I was letting him sleep it off," I rub the scruff on my face.

"Any word on the bank accounts?" I shake my head again. "Next Sunday, I expect a full accounting of a conversation with Brody about what he was talking about. Maybe we can bring him in? See what shakes free."

"Oh, now that you mentioned it," I say, leaning forward in my chair a little bit. "I did see Jesse's name on some of those contracts for the fancy new building. They were clear as day on the dotted line."

"Okay. What's the name of the building? We're going to have to have someone look into it. It could be a place where they are doing trades and deals, maybe running a prostitution ring, guns, drugs, any of it."

"I'll give the address to Sugar before we head out. I would have to get it from Blaine."

"Great. Thanks, Finn. That should help a bit."

"How are the other developments coming?" I ask.

"It takes time. You know that. Our evidence against Jesse has to be ironclad or no federal prosecutor will touch the case... And it doesn't happen overnight. I thought you liked stripping, anyway?"

"Oh, yeah," I laugh. "Stripping is great. The best career move I've ever done. I can just feel my IQ dropping with each passing week. And... There's even a whole convention up in Las Vegas in February that they want to go to... We raised money for it a few weeks ago..."

"You may still be working the case by then. I can tell you're just dying to attend, Finn," Jesse chuckles. "When you get a little free time, I would like you to come in and meet with a transitions counselor. It helps to start talking about your life after Myrtle Beach."

"What do you mean my life after?"

"You don't think you can be a stripper at Adrenaline for the rest of your life, do you? Eventually, the gig will be up. You know that. Things like this can't go on forever. You are an FBI agent first Hudson, not a headliner at the boom-boom room."

"Hey," Rachel greets me as I walk into the door of the small apartment. She's lounging around on the couch, wearing one of my worn New York Giants t-shirts and a pair of tight yoga pants. "How was your work meeting this morning?"

"Oh, it was fine. You know how those things normally go," I say, as I walk over to the sofa and kiss her gently on the lips. "How was your morning?"

"It wasn't too bad, actually," she smiles. "I left a message for Cooper after you left then went back to sleep. It was great. I got to sleep in... I didn't have to deal with your snoring or hogging all of the blankets..."

"Oh, I hog all of the covers?" I chuckle. "I think you're mistaking me for you pretty girl," I say, reaching over to tickle her neck. Rachel begins to squirm away, as she lays down on my chest. "I missed you hogging all of the covers this morning."

"Yeah, and I missed your snoring, too," she laughs. "What are our plans for the rest of the day?"

"Well... I was thinking we can watch a little football..." I say, as I kiss her neck softly, "have a little lunch, and then maybe take a nap or two... Watch some more tv..."

"And go see Kurt sing at the club tonight?"

I sigh. Shit fuck. I totally forgot that that was tonight. "We were just at the bar last night."

"And? It's your brother's big night, Finn Christopher! She needs people there supporting him and you being his brother of all people needs to be in attendance!"

"Yeah... But I've seen Kurt sing before. We lived together... He used to line up all of his stuffed animals in the living room and have a karaoke party with them."

Rachel slaps me on the arm. "This is serious, Finn. We have to be there no later than 8."

"Okay, fine. That's what... 9 hours from now?" I laugh. "We'll watch the game, nap, eat, then head out there to deal with the animosity. I'm sure everyone is still reeling from last night."

"Well, how did they seem this morning?" Rachel asks. "That's who you met with, right? The guys?"

"Hmm?" I mumble. Did I tell her I was meeting with the guys?

"The guys... This morning? Didn't you see them?"

"Oh, oh. Yeah," I say, my voice trailing off. "But we weren't really all there, you know? Just Jesse telling us to not talk to Brody under any circumstances, blah blah blah. You know how he gets... Just overreacting."

"Yeah... Well, I mean... It's Jesse. He overreacts about everything."

"You know... I could say something right now, but I don't want to hurt your feelings." I frown.

"You can tell me anything. I think we've made that pretty clear these past few days."

"I just think..." I sigh. "Aren't you glad you don't have to deal with him and his drama anymore? I mean from a work standpoint, yeah, there's no escaping him. But from a personal standpoint? I just..."

Rachel tilts my head to face her as she kisses me abruptly on the lips. "Finn, I'm happier right now than I have ever been in my entire life. I love you."

"I love you too," I smile. "And I'm happy, too. So happy that I met you, happy we were able to work through things... I'm just happy."

I didn't prove to be any happier that afternoon - the Giants lost, of course, no surprise there - but hearing the backlash from the guys at the club only made the loss sting more. But, as always with being a New York sports fan, I brushed it off. Rachel and I took a seat at one of the dimly lit areas of the bar, amongst Puck and Jake. Ryder and Marley were on their honeymoon, which prompted me to ask Jake, "trouble in paradise?"

"What are you talking about, kid?" Jake rolls his eyes.

"Where's Kitty?" I wonder.

"She's got a test in the morning and didn't want to be out late. I respect that. I have to give the test in the morning and I don't want to be out late - but we had to come through for Kurt. She's family."

"Who, by the way is great. And all of you know that," Rachel smiles. "I'm so excited for him. I don't think anyone else can possibly be this excited."

"Except for his biggest fan," Blaine chimes, as he takes a seat next to us with Kurt at his side. "Hi, I'm Blaine Anderson, President of the Kurt Hummel fan-club." I don't have the fight in me to argue with him tonight. I have been the honorary president of his fan club since he was born. He can't top that no matter how long they're together.

"Hey guys," Rachel laughs. "You look great, Kurt. That was so sweet of you to step in for Ryder."

Kurt makes a motion with his hand, and smiles. "It was really no big deal. I mean, I feel like I'm going to puke my guts out any second... But I've felt that way a lot this year. I mean you had Blaine dance on me, I danced on the stage... And now this. Chunks everywhere," he giggles as everyone backs away from the table.

I squeeze his hand. "Well, I'm proud of you, bro. I know you're going to do great."

"Who's manning the bar tonight?" Jake asks, as he glances over. "Because I didn't get a drink yet, and I know you guys haven't gotten drinks yet. Jesse canned that Abby girl like a thing of peaches. Did he already hire someone new?"

"It's probably Quinn," Rachel says, glaring in the direction of the bar. "But she's probably too busy fucking Jesse to make a drink."

"I'll take care of that," Jake smiles. "What are we thinking - beers or bottle service?"

"Bottle service," Rachel smirks. "Make the bitch work for it."

"Anything for you, Rach," Puck says, as he gets up with Jake. The two begin to make their way over to the bar. Puck drums his fingers on the bar top until a flustered Quinn makes an appearance. They ask for the top shelf rum and vodka, the array of juices and fruits, and she tells them that she'll be right over. Quinn used to be one of us - kind of - back in the day. And now, everything is different. I can't help when my mind drifts to how they are all going to treat me when they discover my secret…

"She'll be over in a second," Puck says, as he turns his seat backwards and straddles the chair.

"Perfect," Rachel says. "See, if I would have known that you guys were doing bottle service - and it varies - I would have gotten everything ready for you ahead of time. I can't wait until Marley gets back."

"Why aren't you working tonight?" Jake asks genuinely.

"Because I had to work on my night off last night and you know how Jesse feels about overtime," she sighs. "I'll be working all week though, per usual."

"Yeah, well. The American dream at its finest," Blaine says. "We have to work all week, too."

"Yeah, how's that new project that Cooter has you guys signed on for coming along?" Jake asks.

"It's okay so far," I shrug. "Nothing to really write home about. It'll be nice in the winter months though with doing all of the inside work. We're still working on gutting everything and re-building and then we have to bring in the interior designer and the interior contractor."

"Yeah, Cooter got himself in a little too over his head. But it's fine. He's got Finn and I to keep him in line." Blaine taps my back and shoots me a grin.

"As always," I laugh. "What's new with you guys? Jake, man. How's school?"

"It's school," he sighs. "I'm just excited for holiday break coming soon."

"That's not for another 2 months!" Rachel exclaims.

I couldn't help but shake my head. 2 months seem like a lifetime from now, especially with taking things day by day, always keeping on my toes. As we continue the small talk, Quinn brings our drinks over and doesn't have the nerve to look any of us in the eye. It was expected - they've known her for awhile and to see that she almost flipped sides puts her on the outside of the group.

"Kurt," Artie calls from the stage, as if right on cue. "You're up dude."

"Be right there," he smiles.

"Break a leg!" Blaine replies, kissing him on the cheek. Each of us wish him good luck, as he begins to make his way onto the stage. He fluffs his hair and takes a seat on the stool that is normally occupied by Ryder. He has huge shoes to fill over the next few days.

"Hi, my name is Kurt Hummel. As you can see, Ryder won't be playing this evening - he was married a few weeks ago and is currently on his honeymoon!" He pauses for the audience to echo out in applause. "I'm new around here and have some songs for you guys - I hope you enjoy them."

Kurt's performance lasts for about an hour. He performed mostly cover songs - ballads - and then did an original one that he had written recently, about falling in love for real for the first time in a long time. He was talented, I will give him that. Our mother was a very gifted singer - she sang in the choir at church - and Kurt seemed to follow right in her footsteps. I always thought that with his track record of being in drama club and show choir, he would go on to NYADA and Broadway. But, he chose Sebastian who didn't let him live his dreams and with that came a career that he actually had to make money doing. Now, instead of enjoying music and his life, he's killing himself daily by sitting in classes that he doesn't give a damn about. He insists becoming a therapist is what he wants to do, but I don't believe him.

As he steps off stage and we congratulate him, he takes a seat at the table. His phone has been buzzing for the past few minutes, and when he is finally calmed down enough, he answers it. The look on his face says it all - he's scared and worried, and looks terrified almost.

"Guys," he says, shoving the phone back into his pocket. "I have a bit of an emergency that I have to go take care of. I'll be back here in about a half an hour or so... Is that okay?"

"Yeah, definitely babe. Take all of the time you need. Do you want someone to go with you?" Blaine asks.

"No, you all have been drinking," he waves Blaine off. "Enjoy your night, I'll be back soon." He reaches for his purse and leans in to kiss my cheek.

"We'll be right here waiting for you," I reassure him. "Drive safe."

Kurt kisses Blaine on the lips and hugs his neck. "I'll be safe. Love you."

"Ditto," he smiles, as he begins to jog out of the front door. Kurt gave all of us one final goodbye wave before leaving Adrenaline.

Telling someone to drive safe is common practice in farewell procedure. You expect them to heed your advice and arrive at their destination in one piece.

When you tell someone that you love them, you're hoping that they know well enough that you care for them deeply and that you would go to the ends of the earth for them.

If by happenstance you miss an opportunity to tell someone you love them, you wait with baited breath until you see them again.

Everything that happened after Kurt left the bar is a blur — a half hour turned into 1. When I noticed the time and he had been gone for 2 hours, I retrieve my phone from my pocket and call his cell phone…

It went to voicemail.

Exactly 2 hours and 18 minutes after I saw my brother's golden smile, my phone starts to ring - it was an unknown South Carolina number.

"This is Finn Hudson," I say with a lump in my throat, as I speak into the receiver.

"Hello Mr. Hudson. This is Doctor Rigby from Horry County Hospital."

My pulse quickens as I look over at the rest of people at my table still enjoying the music and alcohol. Not even Blaine seemed worried — had he already heard from Kurt? "How can I help you, Doctor Rigby?"

"I'm calling regarding a Mr. Kurt Hummel. Is he of relation to you?"

I nod rapidly. "Yes, sir, that's my brother. Is everything alright?" I get up from the table. My chair falls backwards and I head quickly to the door. I can see everyone from the table looking at me with concern on their faces.

"Mr. Hudson, I regret to inform you that Kurt was brought in this evening via ambulance."

I feel faint. Please, God, let him be alright. "Wait… What are you talking about? I just saw my brother a few hours ago. What happened?"

"He was severely injured in a car accident this evening. He is getting prepped for surgery right now. Kurt has been in and out consciousness, and he asked for you by name. We found your information in his wallet. Are you local? We need you at the hospital right away," I nod my head, trying to make an understanding of the words being told to me. "Please, drive safe."

"Yes, I'm in Myrtle Beach. I'm on my way. Please, tell my brother I am on my way." I take one more deep breath and breathe heavily into the phone after I hear the line disconnect. I rub my pounding forehead and all I can hear is the doctor's ominous words… drive safe.