62 Blacktop Obsession
"You guys, he's calling. Keep it quiet." Shadow warned as they all sat down below, having decided to take their time to get to the shore, giving Shayde and Shadow more time to be together.
"Bet he will be asking why we are not on shore." Shayde shook her head.
"Surely he can't have cameras at the damn beach." Hawk muttered quietly.
"Oh, you'd be surprised what he could have." Brian nodded, shaking his head in disgust and still feeling really bad for all of them, mainly the girls.
"Hello?" Shadow asked after taking a deep breath to prepare himself for this conversation.
"Why did My Shayde feel the need to swim to you, Shadow?" Carter asked, sounding annoyed.
"Hell, I don't know, Carter. Why does Shayde do half the shit she does?" Shadow scoffed.
"Well, that is true. This is why I am calling you." Carter said, shaking his head as he lit a cigar.
"Yeah? I kinda figured. My associate and I will be docking soon, don't worry. She had a conniption that I had to bring someone with me." Shadow said, rolling his eyes.
"Bringing someone wasn't in the plans." Carter growled.
"Well, I couldn't drive a boat and keep a lookout all on my own, now could I?" Shadow retorted. "Man, Carter, I think my cousin has you not thinking clearly. She's got you off your game." He looked at the group and grinned.
"No, she does not. I know what my game is, do not worry about that. I guess you are right. I guess that makes sense." Carter said after a moment of thinking things over. "This person you are bringing with you, are they someone you know well?" Carter asked suspiciously.
"I know him somewhat. He works for Shay's arms dealer. Why?" Shadow asked, dreading this answer.
"Hmm, make sure you kill him once you leave my property. I can't have him finding his way back here." Carter ordered. Brian's mouth dropped open.
"Carter, I can't fucking kill one of her weapons dealers men once this transaction is done. She will flip the fuck out and her arms dealer won't sell to her anymore. Not a good way to do business. I told you your head is outta the game, man." Shadow shook his head.
"Can you stop saying that? You better keep him close by you and keep an eye on him if he is staying in my house." Carter warned.
"He won't fuck with me. I bring in his boss too much money, no worries." Shadow promised.
"I need you to stay and help get those weapons unloaded and make those boys earn some keep and have them help you. But at some point, I need you to do whatever it is you do and set Shayde straight." He requested.
"What makes you think I can control her?" Shadow asked, taking a drink of his beer as he held Shayde in his arms.
"Han said you are the only one who can really get her to behave. I don't know. Just see what you can do and keep her from killing my men. I want this to work but I am starting to have my doubts." Carter admitted as Shadow played with Shayde's hair. Shayde smiled proudly that she was making Carter doubt things.
"Well, Carter, you gotta keep her happy. Kaidyn is the key to her happiness so if Kaidyn's happy, she'll be happy. But I will see what I can do. You know her and I sometimes don't get along, right?" He asked, sounding doubtful. Hawk quietly laughed and Han grinned.
"You are family. She will listen to you." Carter shook his head. "Don't get me started on Kaidyn. I am not even sure what is up with her. I need you to see if you can get her to relax a bit about the house. I don't care what it takes but I need her to settle down and enjoy the house." Carter growled, sounding annoyed.
"You should really step it up and get Dante to give my contract to you. I could help you more than your current head of security." Shadow said, looking at Brian.
"You think O'Connor's gonna do a bad job, hmm?" Carter asked, as Shadow watched Brian.
"I think he's too play it by the rules and too clean cut for the job you are wanting done and Shayde won't like him because he shot you but I think he'll do alright with the men. It's controlling Shayde you gotta worry about." Shadow explained.
"Yeah, yeah. I am trying. You are too good at what you do and Dante already lost her to me and he is fighting me every step of the way for you to stay with him." Carter grumbled.
"I'm a hot commodity. I get the jobs done." Shadow laughed.
"Yeah, don't get too full of yourself. Does Dante know you are here working for me or seeing Shayde?" Carter asked.
"He knows I am checking on her and stopping by because you know he always knows where I am at. But I will tell you this, he is very much on the fence about letting her stay with you. You betta be careful how you treat her. Because he will snatch her up in a hot minute." Shadow warned, shaking his head as he rubbed Shayde's back. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes for a few minutes.
"Yeah, I know he is just waiting for the opportunity. Let him try to come on this property. One button and I can blow it all up. I am not worried." Carter promised.
"Is that why you have cameras on the beach and knew she swam to the boat?" Shadow asked, his eyes wide as he looked at Han.
"I have eyes and ears in so many places. He will never stand a chance of getting on this property. I have a few more things in play but nothing you need to worry about right now." Carter promised.
"Well, as long as nothing will hurt Kaidyn and Shayde and they are safe, you know that is all I care about. I will work with them both while I am here. It's probably gonna take a few days to unload that stuff and get it put up." Shadow acknowledged. He looked at Shayde who seemed to be resting, her eyes still closed as he continued to rub her back. He was going to keep Carter talking for the purposes of getting as much information out of him he could, so he could spend more time holding her and she could relax some. It was all part of his plan to give her a slight break. He saw Han texting Hector and gave him a questioning look. Han gave him a thumbs up to let him know they were fine.
"Yes, I have a few shipments coming in by plane and by vehicles in the next few days. Shayde went on an ordering spree for Kaidyn. Something about her getting stuff to make her like the house." Carter grumbled.
"Yes, Kaidyn hasn't had much so Shayde knows the way to get her to enjoy the place is to give her things she has always wanted. So don't be shocked if I find some stuff for Hector to order. I want my cousin to be happy. She needs it. You know her anxiety is through the roof right now. She can't stand new places and that is all they have is new places." Shadow said firmly.
"You can order whatever will make her stop complaining and being a brat." Carter said, making Shadow draw in a deep breath. He had to keep his hands from breaking the phone from squeezing so much. Shayde looked at Shadow, worry in her eyes.
"Copy that, will do. I gotta go. It's getting late and these guys swam in the ocean. They are wet and need showers." Shadow shook his head, putting his head on Shayde's head as he held her hand.
"Call me if you have ANY trouble. I don't think you will." Carter predicted.
"Sure thing, will do. Catch ya later, Carter." Shadow hung up. He shook his head. "He is ...I don't even have the fucking words." Shadow said, his face red.
"I told you, something is very wrong." Shayde said quietly.
"Well, I intend to take Kaidyn on an even bigger shopping spree, bet. What is an animal Carter hates?" Shadow asked, looking at Shayde.
"Fish." Han and Shayde said at the same time.
"Well, I know Kaidyn loves fish. I am going to order her a very large tank and lots of fish and we are going to put it where Carter will see it every damn time he is home." Shadow promised.
"That's funny as hell." Brian laughed.
"Thank God I know how to handle fish." Han laughed.
"I got plans. Just wait and see." Shadow laughed. "I am going to be the mayhem he didn't know he was getting." Shadow vowed angrily.
"So he has a bomb planted and can go off with a button. That's not good. I will need to work on finding that." Brian said, concern in his eyes.
"He has cameras on the beach just like I thought. Probably mics too. No place is safe without a scrambler." Shayde sighed, sounding tired and defeated.
"It's going to be okay. Brian is going to make sure that he is helping and they will be very careful because they don't have a death wish." Shadow promised her. "You have Hector and Han and I am trying to get here as quick as I can.'' He tried to encourage her.
'We got your back, Shayde." Brian promised.
"Brian, I appreciate you and your friends. Sorry I said that to Carter, but he has to know I don't trust you until I get to know you so I had to make it look legit." Shadow explained.
"I get it. Speaking of legit, I need to call him and ask if you guys are able to stay in case he is wanting to test me. I know he is always testing people." Brian nodded.
"See, this is why he is the man for the job." Han nodded, finishing off his bag of chips.
"He seems to always be testing Shayde. I hate how he just watches every damn thing." Brian said, shaking his head. "Care if I call him?" He asked.
"With what phone?" Han asked.
"I meant when we get back to the beach." Brian grinned.
"You can use mine. Watch this." Shadow nodded, dialing Carter back. He cleared his throat.
"That was quick. Who's giving you problems." Carter asked.
"No one. Yet. But Mr. O'Connor, your new security, wants to talk to you." Shadow handed Brian the phone. "See, I told you I could dial him quicker than you could." Shadow growled, sounding mad.
"Yes, you did." Brian nodded, keeping a straight face. "Sorry, Carter. I am very sorry but they said they are staying the night? I just wanted to clear it with you." Brian explained.
"Ah, you are doing exactly what I wanted. Good job. I expect this to be the case on anything you find even remotely questionable. Yes, I okayed him to stay the two nights." Carter acknowledged.
"What about the other guy?" Brian asked, knowing Carter was likely playing a word game now.
"Ah, yes, That one too. But he must stay close to Shadow and do not leave him alone with My Shayde." Carter advised.
"I got it. I am going to go. I think I pissed off your friend here so I am going to give his phone back." Brian nodded.
"Ah, don't worry about him. He's there to help Shayde calm her ass down and to quit killing our men. As I said, they do not grow on trees." Carter sighed, taking a drink of his scotch.
"Yeah, good help is hard to find, I am sure." Brian agreed.
"Goodnight, Brian." Carter hung up the phone.
"Good night, Brian." Shadye said mockingly then proceeded to act like she was going to throw up.
"Alright so here's the game plan. When we get to the beach, I am going to order Shayde and you guys to go get a shower. Hawk and I will go find Kaidyn and let Hector get some rest. I am going to help her order a lot of pretty fish in a huge ass aquarium and I will personally make sure it gets to us in two days." Shadow grinned.
"Shadow, maybe I should be making sure you behave." Shayde smiled, kissing him once more before they went up on top of the boat.
"Shayde, I want you to get a bit irritated with me and be grumpy with us like you are mad I am here. The more he sees we don't get along at first, the happier he will be. Hawk, I expect you to keep your head down and try to not face any cameras if possible. Just try to keep a low profile." Shadow warned.
"Yup, don't I always?" He asked, hands in his pockets as he put the hoodie up over his face.
"Showtime, we have arrived. Snow, I love you. We got this." Shadow kissed her once more in a long passionate kiss.
"Shadow, I expect us to load this truck up tonight. I am not waiting until tomorrow." Shayde got off the boat in a huff, looking angry.
"Shayde, I said not tonight. We have already loaded these damn things in the boat and waiting until morning won't kill you, I promise." Shadow promised.
"I might go on a spree if I don't get them done tonight." Shayde warned, shaking her head.
"The hell you will. I will just take them back with that attitude. Stop. We are all tired. You are going to get a shower, clean up those knuckles and get some sleep." Shadow warned as the guys got in the truck quietly.
"I guess but only because I am kinda tired." She grumbled. "You're so bossy." She hissed.
"Yeah, yeah. It's what I do." Shadow said, shutting the door as Han started the truck.
"Wait for me? Damn!" Hawk yelled, trying to catch up. "Oww! Damn crabs. I hate these fuckers." He yelled.
"Do not say that around Kaidyn." Brian warned. "Please." He added, knowing he should probably make that a request but knew he had to say it so Kaidyn wouldn't stress if she overheard anything about crabs.
"See how good he is?" Han asked, raising an eyebrow at Shadow. He wanted Shadow to feel secure once he had to leave, that the girls were in good hands with Brian.
"Yeah." Shadow nodded. "Back of the truck, Hawk." He motioned. "And no complaining about any kind of animals. Kaidyn will stress if she hears you." Shadow warned.
"You sure you guys got her?" Shayde asked, looking around to find Kaidyn.
"Yes, I got her. I need to spend some time with her even if she doesn't realize who I am." Shadow said, giving her a nod and for Carter's benefit. "Go clean up that hand so it doesn't get infected." He ordered.
"Shadow, you are lucky I am tired and don't feel like kicking your ass tonight. But tomorrow might be a different story." Shayde warned.
"Yeah, right. You'll be in a great mood once we unload all of your new toys." Shadow said confidently. Shayde flipped him off and walked into the house.
"Is she always so mean?" Hawk asked, watching Shayde go into the house.
"That's why your boss is always so quick to get her stuff. Thanks for helping me out on this trip." Shadow nodded. "Help me look for a short little blonde running around here, please." he requested.
"It's pretty dark out here." Hawk said in a concerned tone. "I'll go this way." he noted. He walked around and then heard a voice.
"Hey little guy, it's okay. I know you just want to climb on this big old rock. Let me help you." Kaidyn coaxed. Hawk walked a bit faster and shined his phone light on her. She got up from where she was crouching, holding a snake and looking startled.
"That snake could bite you, you need to put it down." Hawk stared at her, shocked to see her holding it.
"No, it's not poisonous. And who are you to tell me what to do? You're scaring the snake." Kaidyn accused.
"It could be venomess." Hawk warned.
"Noooo, it's not. I know for a fact." Kaidyn placed it on the rock and backed up, moving away as Hawk tried to move closer to her. "Stay away." She warned, walking backwards.
"Relax. I am not going to hurt you. My name's Hawk. I am a friend of Shayde's." He promised.
"That's what they all say." Kaidyn shook her head, the bright light still in her eyes, making her squint.
"Why are you out here messing with a snake?" Hawk asked, shaking his head.
"Because it was climbing the house close to the bunny I am feeding and I didn't want it to eat my bunny." Kaidyn said, still shielding her eyes from his phone light.
"Ah yes. Snakes eat bunnies. Did you know the bunny just sits in the stomach until the snakes stomach acids dissolve it?" Hawk asked, finding that a cool fact.
"Oh my god! My bunny! I gotta find that snake and move it out farther!" Kaidyn dropped on her knees and began to look for the snake on the rock.
"No, don't do that! It could still be dangerous!" Hawk put his hand over his face and groaned.
"Gotcha!" She smiled, sounding triumphant. "Now to move you far, far away. No bunnies for you, mister or missy." She scolded, holding the snake up.
"Um, he's rattling. Put him down!" Hawk yelled. "Shadow! You are definitely needed over here." He called out, using his phone light to get Shadow's attention.
"Rat snakes rattle. It's a defense mechanism. Relax, you're fine." Kaidyn promised as she reached for the snake.
"I'm not fine if you get hurt." Hawk promised her.
"Not you, but you are okay too. Relax. See, I got it. I just gotta move him to the woods and he's good. There, there, lil guy." Kaidyn coaxed as the snake wiggled in her hands.
"No! Don't go to the woods! Wow, that snake is mad. Don't let it bite you!" Hawk screamed as Kaidyn walked toward him.
"Why can't I go into the woods?" Kaidyn asked, looking at him suspiciously.
"Because we don't want you to get bit by anything. And it's very dark. Let me see him, I'll take him to the woods for you." Shadow promised, coming up behind Kaidyn.
"You scared me!" Kaidyn jumped, not expecting to see him as she gave him the snake. "I'm happy to see you!" She threw her arms around him.
"I didn't get that kind of welcome." Hawk said, sounding bitter.
"Stay with Hawk, I'll be right back." Shadow hugged her back then took the snake to the woods. "No one better hurt this snake. Or any animals." He warned as he let it go. He walked back to Kaidyn and scooped her up, making her giggle. "Come on, Hector's looking for you." He put her on his back, piggyback style.
"Where's Shayde?" Kaidyn looked around a bit nervous as Hawk pulled her off Shadow's back.
"Getting a shower. Sorry, you're stuck with us." Hawk apologized.
"You don't even know my name." Kaidyn said as she looked unsure about him.
"It's Kaidyn and yes, I do." Hawk proved himself indignantly.
"Hmm. How do you know Shayde?" Kaidyn asked, her eyes narrowing.
"I'm a friend of hers and he's my boss too." Hawk answered, knowing Carter would be listening.
"So you're not trying to date her?" Kaidyn circled him like she was interrogating him.
"No, hell no." Hawk shook his head, watching her. She instantly relaxed, much to his surprise.
"Come here you little pit bull." Shadow picked her up and pulled her on his lap.
"I am turning in, guys. Shadow, you wanted the IPad?" Hector asked, handing it to Shadow.
"Yeah, thanks. Kaidyn and I are about to order a huge surprise." Shadow grinned mischievously, telling Hector he was up to something.
"You guys have fun. Night, Kaidyn." Hector waved as he headed.
"Night Hector! Love you!" Kaidyn called to him as she settled on Shadow's lap to see what he was doing.
"I hear you dont like this house." Shadow said, praying her mouth would behave as he talked to her.
"It's pretty and nice." Kaidyn said simply, tilting her head a bit with a frown.
"You okay?" Shadow asked, looking at her quizzically.
"Yeah, I'm fine. My head just hurts a little bit." She nodded as she blinked hard, trying to see straight. Things were blurry but she didn't want to worry Shayde so she just tried to blink it away.
"I'm sorry, Princess. How do you feel about fish?" He asked, making her smile big.
"I loooooove fish! Are you getting us a fish tank?!" She asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Yes, a very big one. Like huge. It'll have to be placed downstairs but what do you think? We can order tons of fish and decorate the tank, whatcha ya think?" He asked, moving her hair from her face as Han walked out.
"I love that idea!" She clapped her hands excitedly. "Can we get rainbow gravel for the bottom?" She asked.
"Of course. Lots of color." He promised.
"You're the best, Shadow!" She explained, truly excited. She looked at fish and things with him for a while, looking up occasionally finding Hawk watching her.
"That is gonna be a really pretty fish tank especially with those led lights on at night." Shadow nodded, placing his order.
"Yeah, it will." She rubbed her eyes. She noticed Hawk again and looked at him.
"Why you keep staring at me?" She asked, putting her arms around Shadows waist, as if he was making her uneasy. He hadn't taken off his hoodie and that made her uneasy.
"Just watching you, is that okay? Still shocked you held that snake." He grinned.
"It was nothing. It was more scared of us than we were of it." She promised.
"I guess. But that snake was almost as long as you." Hawk shuddered, making her laugh.
"Hey, how's it going out here?" Shayde walked out. Shadow looked at her and pointed to Kaidyn's head so Kaidyn didn't see. Shayde nodded.
"It's good. We're up to nothing." Shadow promised, quickly hiding the iPad and making Kaidyn smile.
"What did you guys do, hmm?" Shayde asked, standing by Shadow and rubbing Kaidyn's hair.
"Don't tell her. We'll surprise her." Shadow whispered to Kaidyn, making her laugh.
"We didn't do anything." Kaidyn promised with a smile.
"Somehow I don't believe either one of you." Shayde admitted with a slight smile.
"Mayhem and chaos is what I think they are up to. Just need to add a little madness and it'd be complete." Hawk joked.
"Yes, that's what we need for sure." Shayde laughed sarcastically.
"Kaidyn, time for meds." Han walked over with a bottle of water.
"I'm not tired and I don't want to be tired." Kaidyn sighed, rubbing her eyes again.
"It's late and we have all had a long day. You are sleeping with Shay until your rooms ready. Come on, let's take em." Han coaxed.
"Ugh, do I have to?" She asked, sounding annoyed.
"Yes." Shayde nodded, folding her arms, holding the water she was about to drink.
"I'll order you a swing if you just take it." Shadow said in a quiet voice.
"What? Shadow, do not be bribing her!" Shayde pretended to be against it but tried to hide her smile.
"We can put one out here!?" Kaidyn looked excited.
"Well, not out here but I can hang a swing from the beams inside in the game room. I know how much you love to swing. Come on, take that medicine." Shadow nudged her. She took it and frowned while doing so.
"Girl, you remind me of someone I know." Hawk shook his head, getting a look from Shayde. "What? She does." He laughed.
"Come on, I'm taking you two to bed." Shadow announced, lifting up Kaidyn as he got up.
"I'm not tired." Kaidyn yawned.
"Haha, that's funny." Hawk laughed, shaking his head. Kaidyn bopped him on the head as they walked past him. "I'll see you tomorrow, Missy." He pointed at her, making her laugh.
"Your friend is funny." Kaidyn decided as they climbed the stairs to Shayde's room.
"Yeah, he's funny aight. Funny looking." Shadow confirmed. This made Kaidyn laugh.
"Go change into some clean clothes. You don't have any snakes on you do you? Do I need to pat you down?" Shayde joked.
"No, Shadow put the snake out in the woods for me so it wouldn't hurt my bunny." Kaidyn smiled as she went into the bathroom.
"Isn't that just nice of Shadow?" Shayde asked, looking at Shadow.
"Hey, I'm here to help." He grinned and shrugged. "Let me see your hand." He grabbed her hand, holding it to inspect her knuckles.
"I'm fine." She grumbled with a yawn.
"Uhhuh. Then tomorrow it gets infected. I'm watching you." He warned.
"You do that." She rolled her eyes, acting annoyed.
"I got your back, cuz." He promised. Kaidyn tried to climb the tall bed and kept sliding off the sheets. Shadow lifted her with one hand and put her on the bed, making her smile. "Go to bed, smiley." He ruffled her hair as she stared at him, her eyes big.
"Only if you rub Shayde's back. She's not okay." Kaidyn said, making Shayde lift up her head.
"I'm fine, Kaidyn." she promised over her shoulder.
"Nooo, I know you best. I know you, Shay." Kaidyn countered as she yawned. "If you want me to sleep, he can stay and rub your back." She held her chin up and stared at Shadow.
"I'm not going to win this one, Shay. Sorry." He shrugged, making Kaidyn grin as she closed her eyes.
"Ugh, you two." Shayde said, facing away from them as they both laughed. She smiled to herself, loving this moment. It was absolutely perfect. If only she could make the cameras, Carter and her father just disappear, all would be right with the world.