Note: First part of this chapter is a recap from Chapter 25 because I thought it was important to include to get you back into the head space that Jonny is in. That said – it's not exactly the same. It's a recap with some additions (because why not) and a bit of a twist. Hope you like it. The adult portion isn't too explicit so I just kept here instead of making it an outtake chapter. Fair warning and it will be easy to scroll through if you wish.
Floating. She felt like she was floating. But it was not the head-in-the-clouds and loved-up version of floating. She knew that version well. Thanks to a certain blond. This version was unsettling. She felt out of control. Like she was rising higher and higher off the ground with no safe way to get back down. Like a forgotten balloon. It was a dream she had often when stressed out about school. She knew she was dreaming, but that did not make her feel better. She wanted to wake up. She swore she could hear Jonny's voice here and there. It pulled at her. He sounded upset and that upset her. She wanted to grab onto him so he could ground her. She wanted him to pull her close so she felt safe. She wanted it all to be real.
'Wife? Did he just say I'm his wife?'
She wanted him to be real.
XXX
"I'm not leaving," Jonny cut off the nurse before she could tell him what he did not want to hear. "She's my wife." He saw the skepticism in her eyes, but had no plans to back down.
"Young man," she sighed. "Let me explain. There are very specific regulations…"
"I know what HIPAA is," he interrupted heatedly and then turned away from the nurse and looked at Jessie in an attempt to stay calm and get his breathing under control. He was instinctively standing between them. Jessie was in the bed and the nurse was still in the doorway. He was readying for a fight. "I'm sorry, Corie. It's been a long…"
'Keep it together, Quest. You just have to keep it together a little longer. She needs you to be strong.'
"Are you okay?" Corie asked and tentatively stepped into the room. Jonny was still refusing to look at her. "Are you okay?" she repeated.
'NO,' he screamed inside.
"It's Jonny, right? Young man?" she tried again.
Jonny took a deep breath and then turned to meet her stare.
"Yes," he nodded. "Jonny."
"Are you alright?" she asked for the third time.
"Yes," he said it firmly. 'No,' he thought. 'I want to fucking fall apart.'
"Do you need medical attention?"
"No," Jonny huffed, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice. "I need you to examine her and tell me she's gonna be okay. That's all I care about. That's what I need. Please?"
Corie walked by Jonny and headed to Jessie's bedside. "I need to take her vitals and get her into a patient gown," she explained. "What's her name?"
"Jessie," he smiled.
"She'll need to be admitted," Corie told him. "Why don't you head back to the nurse at the front desk and start the paperwork?"
Jonny shook his head. "I'm not leaving her. Someone can bring me whatever needs to be filled out." He watched as Corie took Jessie's temperature, checked her blood pressure, her breathing, her pupils and her pulse. All the while recording everything, but not saying anything. Hooking her up to a machine that would continue to monitor her. Jonny watched like a hawk and hovered a few feet away. Willing himself to stay patient. That only lasted two minutes.
"How are her vitals?" he asked. "She was so cold when I found her. I tried to warm her up. Her pulse was steady though. Strong even. She's strong."
"The sooner she's admitted the sooner she'll be examined by a doctor," Corie told him.
Jonny still refused to budge. Paranoid that if he left the room they would not let him back in. "I've been to the emergency room enough to know that's not true. She's not conscious. They'll look at her without the paperwork. But, like I said, I'll happily fill it out from here. I know you don't believe me and I know you're only doing your job. I'm sure you have people lying to you daily, but I'm not lying to you, Corie. She's my wife. Please don't ask me to leave her again."
'Don't leave,' Jessie thought. 'Please.'
Corie straightened and crossed her arms.
"I know," Jonny continued. He tried to keep the impatience from his voice. "Listen…I know," he repeated and then lied smoothly. "I'm too young. It'll never work out. I don't understand enough about life to make such a huge commitment. I've heard every counterpoint imaginable from my father and hers. Three times over. Truly…I have, but that doesn't change the fact that this is my wife and I'm not leaving her side. It doesn't change the fact that she is unconscious and can't speak for herself. You don't know what she would want. I do. She takes care of me and I take care of her." Jonny made sure his left hand was visible throughout his rant and internally fist pumped when he saw her glance down at his ring finger.
"Where's her ring?" Corie challenged.
"Damn it." His eyes filled with unshed tears again. This time from exhaustion and frustration. "He took it from her along with her FUCKING clothes," Jonny snapped and then started shooting off information rapid fire. "He took everything else too so…no…I don't have her insurance card before you ask, but I can tell you everything you need to know. She doesn't have any pre-existing conditions. She's not on any medication. She's not pregnant. She's had surgery twice. Tonsils when she was ten. Appendix when she was thirteen. Stitches once. That scar on her hairline. She smacked her head on some coral when we were taking a surfing lesson. She's truly terrible at surfing, but that's the only thing I can think of that she's truly terrible at," he laughed without humor and then the unshed tears started to spill. He kept going without wiping them away. He did not have the energy. "She's never had a broken bone, but she's sprained her wrist once and her ankle twice. Over the last thirty-six hours, she's been injected with something against her will at least twice. Probably more. I think it's Ketamine, but that's just an educated guess. She has a very large bruise along her side. I know it's because she fought back. I'm hoping it looks worse than it is. Her breathing has been pretty steady so I don't think her ribs are injured. She has a lot of small cuts and what look like burns to me. I'm praying they heal clean so she doesn't have a daily reminder of what he did to her. She's…"
"What?" Corie asked. She had been writing it all down.
"She's fucking brilliant," he grinned, sitting back on the side of her bed and taking her hand.
Jessie felt him lace their fingers together. 'He's here.' She told her brain to squeeze back. Focused all of her energy on it. 'Jonny!'
"She's transferring to Stanford next semester because Harvard was too easy for her," Jonny stopped, giving in and wiping at his wet face. "At least that's what she's telling everyone. I got in to Stanford. I've wanted to go there my whole life. That's where my mom went. It's where she met my dad while he was there as a guest lecturer."
'This is real,' she thought confidently. 'It's real. I can feel him. Why can't I open my eyes?'
"I would've eventually given Stanford up," he continued. "I never would've lasted four years away from her. She knew that and she transferred first so I wouldn't have to. She's the love of my life, Corie. And I didn't waste a damn second once she told me she wanted forever. So I'm not breaking any rules," he promised. "But if you still don't believe me than you're gonna need to find someone strong enough to physically remove me."
Corrie nodded. Resigned. "She's stable. Her vitals are strong. A doctor will be in shortly to examine her more thoroughly. Was…do you know if she was raped?"
Jonny knew that question was coming and Corie asked it as sympathetically as a person could, but it still took him off guard. He started crying again and gripped her hand tighter. "I don't know," he cleared his throat and clenched his jaw. "I was hoping you could tell me. I can't…"
Jessie felt her heart jump at how scared and sad he sounded. She had never heard him like that before. 'Squeeze back,' she thought as hard as she could. 'Squeeze back so he knows.'
"Okay. It's okay. I know this is hard, but we'll take good care of her. Bryan is my nursing assistant this shift," Corie then announced.
Jonny stood abruptly and berated himself. Not even noticing that another person had entered the room. He wiped at his face again and gave Corie a confused look. "Where's the doctor?"
"She'll be in shortly," Corie promised. "Bryan will get Jessie into a gown and pull her hair back so she's all ready to go. It's okay. It's part of his normal duties."
"No fucking way," Jonny told her. "And it's not okay with me. She doesn't need more strangers touching her than absolutely necessary. Give it to me," he ordered and held out his hand. "I'll do it myself."
"Let him do it," Corie said and Bryan handed over the gown.
Jonny held his breath until they both left the room and the door was closed. Then he quickly went about changing her into the gown before someone else walked in. He hated himself for it, but he purposely avoiding looking at her injuries. He could not do it again. Once satisfied that she was properly covered, he pulled the closest chair up to her bed and sat down. He grabbed her left hand and laced their fingers again.
And she tried to squeeze again, but he did not react. An anxious feeling began bubbling inside her until he started to talk. The sound of his voice put her at ease.
"You're a hard one to get alone, beautiful. I have a feeling this may be our last chance for a while. The quiet before the storm. I'm not gonna ask you to wake up again, but I do miss you. In case you can't tell. I miss you so much, sweetheart."
'Sweetheart?'
"Sweetheart? Where did that come from? I don't think I've ever called you that. What do you think?"
'No,' she thought. 'It's weird. Dad calls me that.'
"Got it." He laughed. "You don't like it. Me either." He stared at her ring finger for a minute. "I'm sorry for lying to the nurse. I know how you feel about me lying. Full disclosure? I've done a lot of lying the last two days. It's actually a little scary how natural it came when my back was against the wall. I don't think you'd approve at all. Even though I was doing it for you. You'd probably hate that more. It's not so black and white though… or maybe it is. Because I would've done anything, baby…anything to get you back. And even though I am sorry for lying, I'm not sorry for the outcome. I'd do it again. All the same. I wasn't prepared for how desperate I felt without you by my side."
He massaged her ring finger lovingly. "When it comes to you, to us, I always tell the truth. Even if I'm technically lying. Don't look at me like that," he teased. "It was a lie of necessity and I wasn't that far off base. I'd marry you right here, Bannon. Right now. You have to know that. Tell me you know that?"
'I know. You never make me doubt it, babe.'
He pulled the keychain he had been carrying around from his pocket and slipped the key ring part over her finger. He stared at it for a moment. Dangling from her finger. Then he turned her hand over and wrapped her fingers around the small painted figurine.
"You're my penguin, remember? And I'm yours….Fuck it. I lied and I'm asking. Please wake up, Jess? Please? I need you. I love you so much," he whispered passionately.
'I need you too.'
"God…you've turned me into such a sentimental asshole. When did that happen?"
'You've always been that way, Quest.'
"I don't even care, baby. You make me a better man and I will love you forever for it."
He stood and kissed her forehead. Grateful that she was warmer. Then he sat back in the chair and finally gave in to sleep.
So did she.
XXX
"You're a LIAR," she screamed. "You always have been. At least you're consistent. That's something," she spat.
"I didn't lie to you, Stel. You're being unreasonable," Race shot back. "As usual."
Jessie closed her eyes and lifted her head to the ceiling in the hopes of holding back her tears. She had spent the afternoon with her parents and it was great until they began bickering on the car ride home. She bolted from the car as soon as her dad put it in park and rushed to the second floor of the Compound. She was secretly hoping that one or both of them would come after her. That they could have an honest conversation about it. At the very least, she had hoped that seeing her upset would make them rethink the fight. Neither of those things happened. She was sitting on the top step, arms wrapped around herself and listening to them say hateful things to each other.
"A bold-faced lie. A lie to protect me. A lie to protect our daughter. A lie of omission. You have a whole arsenal of lies and a whole list of excuses to justify them. Do you have any idea how sick I am of hearing your excuses?" Estella sneered.
"YOU ARE SO SELFISH," Race yelled. "DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUE HOW SICK I AM OF THAT?"
That was all Jessie could take. She stood and quickly retreated. Her first instinct was to hide in Jonny's room, but she knew when her parents finally did come looking for her that would be the second place they looked. She officially wanted to be alone now. Angry and hurt.
She found herself gravitate to Hadji's room. A place that had only ever given her peace. Either as a place to be alone and think or a place where her other best friend gave her a listening ear and sound advice. She stood in front of Hadji's large window and looked at her own reflection. Flipping between staring into her own eyes and then closing them and repeating the same thing to herself.
'I won't be like them. We won't be like them. We're not and we won't be.'
She was not alone for long. She heard the door open and knew it was Jonny before turning around, but then she did turn around to look at him. And it calmed her heart. She had faith in him and she no longer wanted to be alone. She wanted to be with him. She always wanted to be with him.
He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She immediately closed her eyes and relaxed back against him, placing her hands over his. He kissed her temple and she watched his reflection in the window. She felt a wave of something good wash over her. She could not put her finger on the exact emotion, but she knew that two minutes ago she was miserable and he changed that just by walking into the room.
"How was your day?" she spoke first.
"Better than yours," he sympathized.
"Since when is it a competition with us?" she met his eyes in the glass.
"Since the day we met," he teased. "Probably the hour we met. I think your favorite thing to say to me the first five years you knew me was 'haha, I beat you'."
She laughed and elbowed him playfully. "Not what I meant, jerk."
He wrapped his arms around her tighter so she would not pull away. She had no intention of doing that. "My day was fine, but it's getting better by the second," he flirted. It made her feel special.
"Do I have something to do with that?" she smiled.
"Only everything," he kissed her temple again.
Then she sobered. She loved this. Him. She did not want to lose it. "Don't lie to me," she then whispered. "Don't lie, Jonny."
"I'm not," he laughed. "You're…"
"No," she interrupted, turning around in his arms and gripping his shirt with both hands. "Don't lie to me," she whispered again. "Promise me, baby."
"Jess…" he brought his hands up to frame her face and she gripped his shirt harder, unconsciously pulling him closer.
"Break-up with me before you start lying to me or don't lie to me at all," she told him.
"I chose no lies," he said immediately, leaning down to kiss her firmly and then coming up for air slowly. "I love you, Jessie."
She pushed up on her toes and kissed him again, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling her body flush against his. When the kiss came to its natural end, she leaned back on her feet reluctantly and stared up at him. Without shoes, he was almost a full head taller than her now. She liked that. "I love you more, baby. Will you take me out tonight?"
"Sure," he grinned. "I'll be honest though, I was expecting more of an interrogation. What's changed?"
She looked down and he gently forced her chin back up. "Look," she started. "I'm not promising that I'll never need another reassurance from you, but I wouldn't be sleeping with you if I didn't trust you, Jonny. I trust you," she shrugged.
He smiled and then pulled her into another long kiss.
She pulled back first, but did not give him any space. They were both breathing heavily. "Your heart is beating so fast," she whispered against his lips.
"We'll never be like them, babe. I know it," he declared and that made her heart beat faster. "Because you send my heart into a tailspin by telling me you have faith in me. Because I'll never forget the way you just looked at me when you asked me not to lie to you. I never want to see that look again."
"I trust you," she repeated confidently.
"Good. Since that's settled, where do you want me to take you?" he smiled.
"I've changed my mind," she flirted, toying with the hair at the base of his neck. "Let's stay right here and find a way to entertain ourselves."
He swallowed and then scooped her up quickly. She wrapped her arms around him and laughed happily as he carried her to the bed. He laid her down in the middle of it and got on top of her. Her breath hitched when she met his eyes again.
"See? My day keeps getting better. The view from on top of you…" he trailed off and bit his lip.
She pinched his side playfully. "Nah…I think I have you beat, babe."
"You win. Hands down." He started kissing her neck and then his head popped back up quick. "Hadj can never know about this."
"Obviously," she giggled and he just stared at her. "What?"
"You're so beautiful," he admired, running his fingertips down her right side. She closed her eyes and shook her head, focusing on his hand. "You don't believe me?" he challenged.
"I believe you," she smiled.
"What're you thinking?" he wanted to know.
"Wondering what you're gonna do next," she admitted and her breath caught.
Jonny shifted onto his side so he would have full access to her body. His hand slowly travelled from her hip to her stomach. She was wearing jeans with a plum tank top tucked in to them. He undid her belt first with one hand. She held her breath as he unfastened the button and the zipper of her jeans. "My girl's choice," he looked down at her with love, pulling her tank top free and then slipping his hand into her pants. "What do you want, baby?"
She arched toward his fingers. "Jonny," she pleaded. "That." She pressed her hand into his, telling him exactly what she wanted. "Just like that. Don't stop." Then she opened her eyes and watched him watching her. 'I love him so much,' she thought. "Jonny?"
"Yeah?" he breathed. Completely focused on his hand and making her feel good.
"Babe?"
"Yeah?" he asked again, but looked at her face this time.
"Stop," she whispered and pulled at his arm gently. "Stop and make love to me."
He grinned, leaning over to kiss between her collarbone and then up her neck to her ear. "Take everything off," he whispered. "I'll be right back."
She watched him hop up and walk away slowly. She wasted no time, removing all of her clothes and then settling comfortably in the middle of Hadji's bed. She knew what they were about to do was wrong, but she did not want to stop. He came back into her view a moment later, stopping at the foot of the bed to stare at her while he undressed himself.
"Making sure my parents are still at each other's throats?" she asked dryly.
"Nope," he shrugged, removing his shirt and then working on his belt. "I don't give a fuck what they're doing. I only care about you. I was just locking the door so I don't get interrupted caring about you."
"Mmm," she sighed happily and enjoyed watching him take off the rest of his clothes. "Don't rush," she told him as he kneeled on the bed. Her next words caught in her throat as he grabbed both her ankles and pulled her closer. A soft whimper passed through her lips before she could stop it. She wanted to surrender to him. "Let's pretend like we have all night," she begged.
"Baby," he smiled, lifting her right ankle to kiss it. "I can do that."
Then he kissed his way up her leg slowly. Jessie closed her eyes and focused on him. His lips trailing up her body. Enjoying the anticipation. She pushed all other thoughts away.
"Jonny," she encouraged when he finally reached her inner thigh. "Please. I need you."
"I love you," he whispered, leaning back and starting over on her other leg. Her whole body tensed and her hands instinctively reached for him, but he was too far away. "Jess…relax," he mumbled against the skin of her calf. She did with a deep breath, letting the bed swallow her and concentrating on arching every part of her body that he kissed or touched toward him. She wanted to get even closer. She needed to feel closer to him. An intense connection washed over her each time they had sex and it kept getting stronger. It was more than just physical. She would never admit it out loud, but for the first time in their relationship he had the upper hand.
Over the years, he had admitted to her more than once that she owned his ass. That she had the power to crush him. Break his heart. That he felt vulnerable, which made him uncomfortable. That he had to trust that the way he felt about her was enough and keep faith that she felt the same way. That he was enough for her. She thought she understood how he felt when they discussed it, but realized how wrong she was once they finally started sleeping together. Now she felt vulnerable. She did not feel in control.
'He's worth it,' she thought as his lips finally reached her. "Oh," she cried out. "Wait…wait…not like this, babe. Please."
He adjusted course seamlessly, kissing and licking his way up her stomach and ribs. She caught herself holding her breath and then released it in a rush when his mouth closed over a nipple. He teased her with slow strokes of his tongue. At the same time, he glided a palm from her hip to her other breast. Rubbing his thumb over her nipple until she responded. Pinching it between his thumb and forefinger once it peaked. She let him know just how much she enjoyed it, scratching her nails over his back lightly and tossing her head back.
"That feels so good," she praised. "You own my ass, Quest."
He suddenly rolled them over until she was on top and grabbed her ass with both hands. "I picked a good one," he teased.
She sat up and laughed out loud. She stared down at him for a moment with a big smile on her face. She loved him even more for making her laugh.
"What?" he smiled back.
"Nothing," she purred.
Then she leaned back down. Straddling him on all fours. Hands astride his broad shoulders and knees locked right below his ribs. He caressed her face with one hand and reached between their bodies with the other. She closed her eyes, pressing her check into his palm and smiling when she felt his hardness. He guided himself to her entrance, pushing against her and then hesitating.
"Yes," she urged. He was on the bottom, but still in complete control. Her breath hitched. Like it did every time they tried a new position. He angled his hips up and thrust inside her. "Ha," her eyes popped open and met his. He was staring at her. Studying her. She caught him doing it sometimes. She suspected he did it more often than she noticed. Because she was too lost in the connection.
"Baby?" he asked. Now he had both hands wrapped around her face.
"Yes," she sighed. "Don't stop. I like this."
"Don't move," he ordered softly. Then he started moving leisurely. She kept her eyes on his and he never looked away. She loved it when he did that. Her hands gripped the sheets and she started to breath heavily. Then she laughed again. "Oh," she moaned when he responded with a more forceful thrust.
"What's funny?" he insisted, but kept moving.
"I was just thinking that you're doing all the work, but I'm still out of breath," she admitted.
"Good," he growled. "Faster?" He was out of breath too.
"No…no," she dropped her head like it was too heavy to hold up. She stared at his chest and her hair enveloped her face like a shield. "Like this, Jonny."
He did what she asked and she enjoyed every single second to the fullest. The pleasure crested through her in waves. It would build and then fade and then start to build again. Her hands had moved to his shoulders, gripping them rhythmically as he made her feel.
When she could not take it anymore, she sat back. They adjusted until she was the one in control. Moving over him slowly. He used his thumbs to tease her nipples again until they were bright red from his attention.
"So beautiful," he panted, staring at them intently. "Are you almost there, baby? I can't hold out much longer."
"Mmm," she closed her eyes tight and focused on him. The feel of him inside her and the feel of his chest and abs beneath her hands.
Then she felt him sit up too. She wrapped her arms around his neck and opened her eyes. They were both breathing heavily and their movements slowed.
"Hi," she whispered.
"Hey," he grinned. "That wasn't an answer."
"What was the question?" She threw her head back and offered her neck.
He nipped at it teasingly. Then he wrapped his right arm around her lower back and pressed her down until her head was at the foot of the bed. He started moving again and she immediately reached for him. He was hovering over her, but she wanted to feel his weight.
"Jonny," she urged. "Please."
"Close your eyes," he insisted and lifted her right leg over his hip.
She did what he asked and bit her lip in the process. Then she wrapped her other leg around him and moved with him. Perfectly in sync. That intense connection taking over every other sense. "I love you. I love you," she sighed.
XXX
The next thing she knew, they were in Hadji's shower to clean up. But mostly they were making out. She wanted to stay close to him. She wanted to fall asleep in his arms. She decided to tell him. "I want to fall asleep with you, babe."
"I want that too," he admitted. "I'll figure out a way to make it happen soon. Promise," he kissed her lightly.
They finished up quickly. Both knowing the encounter had to end. She knew they were lucky to have not been interrupted already. But despite everything she knew, she did not let him leave the room after they dried off and got dressed. She grabbed his hand to stop him when he started for the door. He turned around with a confused look.
"Ace?"
"Let's stay for a few more minutes?" she tugged him back into her arms and gave him a hopeful look. "Please?"
He wrapped his hands around her face and kissed her again. "Now that's an offer I can't refuse, but it can really only be a few. I need to start my essay tonight."
"You haven't started that yet, Quest?"
"I had to wait to be inspired," he shrugged. "You've inspired me by the way. I know what I'm gonna write about now."
"Oh no," she laughed. "I'm afraid to ask, but I need to know. What are you gonna write about?"
"The power that an incredible woman can have over a man."
"You better keep it PG, baby."
"Of course," he grinned. "Has nothing to do with sex. That's just an amazing…amazing perk."
"I love you."
"I love you."
"Never let go, Jack."
"Oh," he huffed. "Stop trying to make me jealous with your weird crush on Leonardo DiCaprio from twenty years ago."
"I can assure you it's not weird," she teased and he rolled his eyes. "Ask any girl walking down the street. Besides, I have a crush on present day Leo too."
"I'm leaving," he threatened.
"No," she smiled and bit her lip. "You're not."
"No," he kissed her. Long and slow and then he pulled back with a sigh. "I'm not. Fucking witchcraft this power you have over me woman."
They got back into the bed, cuddling up in the middle and holding each other tight. He was stroking her hair and she was stroking his chest for a while in comfortable silence before Jonny broke it.
"You know how some couples have lists?" Jonny hummed.
"No."
"It's where…"
"I know what it is," she cut him off. "No…you can't have one."
He laughed and she could feel it throughout her whole body since she was lying half on top of him.
"Even if I give you DiCaprio?" he joked.
"Even then," she giggled. "I'm not sharing. Don't even pretend like you would, Quest."
"I wouldn't at all," he admitted. "I just wanted to size up the competition."
She sat up so she could see his face. "Do I really need to expound on how that's unnecessary?" she smiled softly and grabbed his hand. Lacing their fingers and caressing his skin with her thumb.
"I suppose not," he grinned. "But only because you finally confessed out loud that I own your beautiful ass."
"Well," she teased. "I get confused when you're all over me like that. I can't think and…"
"So you just feel," he cut her off. "And say what's really on your mind without overthinking it?"
"Hmm," she scrunched up her face to hide a smile.
"It's okay to admit, baby."
"What's said while we have sex…"
He interrupted her again. "Stays between us…but it still counts, Jess. It's okay to admit."
She curled up next to him and buried her head into his neck before speaking. "I'm completely in love with you," she eventually whispered. "I want to…"
She did not get to finish her thought, but did jump in his arms at the loud banging against Hadji's door. He tightened his hold on her in response.
"JESSIE?"
Jessie sighed. It was her mother. There to burst their bubble.
"JESSICA?" She continued to bang. "Why is this door locked? Get out here now."
When Jonny started to sit up, Jessie stopped him. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on him instead of her mother. She knew that ignoring the situation would not make it go away. She was only delaying the inevitable. But right then she did not care and it worked. Her mother eventually gave up and walked away.
After lying together in the quiet for a few minutes, Jonny tilted her chin up until he could see her face. Then he kissed her. "I won't hurt you like that," he promised.
"Good…because you own my heart too."
"Even better," he smiled.
"Thanks for helping me hide out, babe."
"My pleasure," he laughed. "But I'm not ignoring your dad if he comes banging on that door."
"Fair enough."
"Now…you were about to tell me how completely in love with me that you are…"
XXX
Race felt dread pool in his stomach as he efficiently did a walkthrough of the empty rooms inside 146 Everwood Drive. He had entered through the back door. After doing a precursory lap of the house, he was surprised to find the back door wide open. He furrowed his brow, thinking it was very odd and irresponsible of Jonny. He looked from the door to the springhouse and back. He did it a few times. There was a clear line of sight to the springhouse from the kitchen.
When he entered the kitchen to find the sleeping bag next to the talking tube, a theory quickly formed. Race looked at the springhouse again and closed his eyes. He saw Jonny throwing open the door and running out there in a dead sprint.
'Reckless,' he thought, but not surprising. Jonny never thought with his head when it came to Jessie. He just reacted on instinct. That made it all the more important for Race to work fast and get to the hospital to make sure the kid kept his head on straight.
Race saw the cell jammer next and understood, at least partially, why Jonny did not call him. Race turned it off and wished in vain that Jonny had thought to do the same. He wiped down doorknobs and bannisters as he moved from room to room. Anywhere he thought Jonny may have touched. By the time he reached the basement, he assessed that the only visible evidence of Jonny being in the house was the broken window. He could take care of that easily.
XXX
"Couldn't you have stolen a nicer car?" he complained.
"Shut the fuck up, Temple."
"Just saying," he shrugged. "I always imagined your…alternative…lifestyle to be much sexier."
"Stop fantasizing about me and anything to do with my life, old man."
"I'm not old where it counts," he flirted.
Jade laughed. "What does that even mean?"
"I'll show you if you're curious," he offered.
She scoffed. "I can assure you that I'm not. We're almost there. How about we exercise our rights to remain silent until then?"
XXX
Race exited the house through the back door right as Temple and Jade arrived. A small trash bag with him that he handed off to Jade when she was closed enough.
"Having all the fun without us?" Temple quipped.
"SHUT UP," Jade told him very deliberately before meeting Race's gaze. "How are they?"
"On their way to the hospital," Race sighed. "Thanks."
"What do you need?" she then asked.
"I cleared the house," Race started. "Had to clean up a broken window in the basement, but it looks pretty clean otherwise. Would be great if you two could do another quick walkthrough. There's a blue sedan in the garage. Can you also run the plates and let me know if they can be easily linked back to this address?"
"Of course," Jade promised.
"Leave the cell jammer on and the back door unlocked when you leave," Race instructed. Then he lifted his arm and directed their attention to the springhouse. "Jonny told me that's where he had them. The guy's body is still down there. I need to go check it out. I'll be quick."
"I'm coming with you," Temple announced. "You'll need help with the clean-up."
Race sighed again. "We can't…I was hoping we could make it go away when I first called you, but that won't work."
"Yes it will," Temple insisted. "We've done this before. It's not rocket science."
"I'm aware," Race conceded. "But it won't work. Jess wasn't conscious when Jonny arrived, but the other girls were. They saw everything."
"What did they see?" Jade asked quietly.
Race hung his head for a moment. "I'm not sure. I only had a brief moment to speak with one of them. All she said was that Jonny saved them. No details, but both girls were completely lucid. Whatever happened…they know. So we can't control the narrative."
"Then why are you so concerned about the house being clean?" Temple asked.
"Greg." Race was clearly annoyed. "Self-defense doesn't explain breaking and entering last I checked. It doesn't explain how he found this place. Why he was carrying a fucking gun that he was not licensed to be carrying." He turned to Jade. "He assaulted your contact. He burned a building to the ground. And that's not the whole list. At this point, I'm more concerned with Bartlett going after him for something smaller and provable. To set an example. I DON'T intend to allow that. So let's start with the break-in by clearing the house. Please?"
"Of course," Jade promised again. "And don't worry about Mark. I'll take care of that too."
"Thank you."
"I have contacts at the DEA," Temple offered. "I'll find out what's going on down at the marina. The good news I can give you from my earlier recon of that place is that it's far from modern. There was no security to speak of. I'd say low risk of anything being caught on tape. As far as the people go…well my contacts should be able to provide insight on what's being said. Worst case…we have information that I'm sure Bartlett doesn't want made public and we can use that to our advantage…"
"What?" Jade perked up.
"Nothing," Race shut the topic down. "I'd rather not rely on that."
"That's true," Temple scoffed. "I'm sure Bartlett is not the only one at the Bureau that has it in for you."
"Greg…really?"
"My POINT is that this is all solvable, Racer. One way or another. It is…so just try to worry less."
Race ran a hand over his face. Agitated. "The holiday is working in our favor. None of the neighbors appear to be home, but let's keep this moving," he ordered. "I don't know what any of them will say once the questioning starts. They're kids and Jonny hasn't slept in days. He's not exactly thinking straight."
"What did Jonny say?" Jade asked quietly.
"It was self-defense," Race answered quickly and firmly.
"Do you believe that?" she asked.
"Yes," he lied immediately.
Jade smiled and then stepped closer. She grabbed both his hands and squeezed them. "Then for once I actually agree with Temple. You're worrying for nothing. Jonny did what he had to do and the authorities will see that. This will all be over soon. Go down there and check it out. Ease your mind. We'll sweep the house again and then help you take care of the rest. Go," she pushed him toward the springhouse. "Go…and then call the police, but please give me a head start before you call?"
Race gave her a small smile at that and walked away.
"Go with him," Jade whispered.
Temple nodded and jogged to catch up with Race.
"I can do this on my own," Race grumbled.
"Doesn't mean you have to," Temple shrugged. "I can make my calls after. So…do you really believe it was self-defense?"
"Yes," Race said firmly, but he did not answer as quickly as when Jade had asked the same question.
Race smiled as the target sped back toward them. Proud and impressed. Jonny got better with each passing day. More confident and natural. They worked on his aim and his stance together. Then they debriefed on the holes in the paper target.
Jonny removed his ear protection and turned to Race with a megawatt smile.
Race returned the grin. "Two straight weeks without a miss. Nice work," he complimented.
"Thanks," Jonny nodded. "But? What's the but? There's always a but…"
Race threw an arm around Jonny's shoulder and directed his attention to the target. "There's a lot of unused space here," he pointed out. They were all head shots.
Jonny nodded again. "I get that a real life scenario would be very different. The target would be moving and I doubt I would be very calm. I should go for the bigger target. I guess I just figured if I worked really hard at hitting the smaller target than it would increase my odds of hitting the bigger one."
"I suppose I can't fault that logic," Race laughed and then sobered.
"What?" Jonny asked.
"Nothing," Race shook his head.
Race became hyperaware of his surroundings as soon as his boots hit the mud. He wanted to know what his little girl had gone through so he could help her. He had only been down there ten seconds and was already cold. She had only been wearing Jonny's shirt when he saw her. His heart began to pound at the thought and he heard a buzzing sound in his ear.
A strong hand gripping his shoulder brought him out of it. He rolled his shoulder free a Temple's grip and stalked forward quickly. "I'd prefer to do this alone," he announced. Race did not look back to see if Temple followed, but after a few beats he heard him trudging through the mud too.
He tried to put himself in Jonny's shoes as he walked, looking down and literally retracing his steps. He would have been very quiet as he approached. Jonny told him that Brenda was being assaulted when he arrived. Race could only imagine what Jonny heard. The mental gymnastics that would have occurred.
Race stopped short at the opening to where they were kept. He scanned the room before stepping in, giving Temple enough time to catch up and stand beside him. Race nodded toward the cage in the corner of the room and cleared his throat. "Keri was locked up when Jonny got here." Then Race spread two fingers and gestured toward the gurneys. He approached them and had to swallow back a growl at the sight. For their simple nature and the fact that they were dirtied by dried mud and blood. "Jess and Brenda were tied down here," he added quietly. Then he looked down and took three big steps back to stand where Jonny had clearly planted his feet in the stand-off. "Jonny was here…so Jess would have been to his right. Brenda to his left."
"How do you know that?" Temple asked.
Race removed the gun Jonny had used from his waistband and pointed it in the direction of Clay. Then he jutted his chin to the right. "Much closer. He would've planted himself as close to her as possible.
Temple surveyed the room too, but his only focus was on the dead body. When he made a move toward the body, Race's arm shot out hard to stop him. "Check the workstation he has over there," Race instructed. "I have that psycho's camera. If there's ANY video…get rid of it now and check around for any film."
Race stalked toward Clay next and found himself standing over the lifeless body. Then he got down on his haunches and stared at the man who had hurt his family. The monster now had a face. Anger flashed through him. Along with an image of Jonny pulling the trigger.
"Where's the worst place to be shot?"
Race did a double take. They were driving back to the Compound after a session at the range. "What? Why would you ask me that?"
"Just curious," Jonny shrugged. "Come on? Where would you want to pop Hitler given the chance?"
"This is a ridiculous conversation," Race laughed.
"Those are the best kind," Jonny justified. "At least thirty percent of my conversations with Jess are pure ridiculousness."
"You discuss shooting Hitler with my daughter?"
"Nah," Jonny laughed. "I save the really dumb stuff for her. Like debating who's a bigger fake badass. Jack Bauer or John McClane?"
"Bauer," Race offered.
"That's what I said," Jonny agreed excitedly. "So? Hitler?"
"How would I want to hypothetically kill one of the most evil men to ever walk the plant?" Race raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Jonny nodded. "Totally hypothetical. Scum of the earth."
Race thought about it for a beat before responding. "Neck I suppose. Quick and painful. I think that asshole would've deserved to choke on his own blood."
Race closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The lifeless look on Clay's face and the hole in his neck burned into his memory.
'Fuck.'
He wiped the gun free of prints and placed it beside Clay's body. He knew that would look suspicious if they checked, but gambled that they would not waste the resources once statements were made. He knew it was better for them to find no prints than to find his own on the gun. He stood with a new determination.
"Work fast," Race barked. "I need you to get over to the hospital."
XXX
Estella rushed into the hospital like a tornado. Benton and Hadji barely kept up with her. She was on a mission and single-minded. There was a line of people at the admissions desk and she bypassed them all. Benton apologized profusely for her as she did it.
For Estella, it felt like forever to get through the sea of people. To the woman that would take her to Jessie. She was a large African American woman in bright pink scrubs. She stood and crossed her arms before Estella could get a word out, but Estella did not let that deter her.
"My daughter was brought in a few minutes ago," she rushed. "Please. Where is she? Her name is Jessie. She's one of the girls that was taken. Please."
Estella did not take a breath until she saw the woman's face soften. From there, things felt like they were happening in slow motion. Estella watched as the woman put a finger up and asked for a minute. Then another nurse was called over and directed them all around the corner where they could speak in private.
"Is she alright?" Estella choked out and raised a hand to her mouth. Benton and Hadji were flanking her for support.
"I'm Corie," the nurse introduced herself. "I was with your daughter when she came in. Jessie hasn't woken up yet, but she's stable. Her husband is with her."
"Husband?" Estella exclaimed. "She's not married. She's only nineteen!"
Corie sighed. "I'm sorry…than she's with the very convincing little liar that brought her in."
Hadji and Benton both smiled a little, but Hadji was the first to speak. "Jonny sometimes exaggerates the truth to serve a purpose," he offered diplomatically.
Corie kept her eyes on Estella. "Yeah," she scoffed. "He's a liar. I'm sorry. I'll have security…"
"No," Estella cleared her throat. A little annoyed at Corie's tone. "He only did it to watch over her…which I'm sure her father insisted upon. She certainly shouldn't be alone."
"For now," Corie started patiently. "…only family can…"
"He's family," Estella interrupted. "She would tell you so herself if she could."
"That may be true, but until…"
"Please take me to my child," Estella interrupted again. "We can argue the finer points of hospital policy once I've seen her!"
"Of course," Corie conceded and began walking to Jessie's room. They all followed quickly on her heels. It took less than a minute to get there. "Here we are. I'll give you all some time."
"Thank you," Benton acknowledged when Estella did not. Then he turned and did the same thing he imagined she was doing. Stared at them and thanked anyone that was listening. They watched their kids through the window. Transfixed for a moment. Both were safe and asleep and within reach again.
"Is this real?" Estella whispered.
Benton squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "It is," Benton breathed with relief and pushed her gently toward the door. They tried to enter quietly, hoping not to wake them. It did not work.
Jonny sprang awake as soon as the door clicked and jumped from his chair. He was awake, but totally disoriented. He looked from Jessie to his father and back three times before he registered what was happening. Estella was now by Jessie's side and his father and brother were standing at the foot of her bed. Jonny moved closer to her and grabbed her hand.
"How long was I asleep?" Jonny rushed. "Has the doctor been in yet?"
"Not long," Benton promised. "We only just arrived."
Jonny tried to do the math in his head, but he was too fuzzy to concentrate.
Benton took a few more steps toward his son. Fighting the instinct to rush him and never let go. "How are you?"
"Fine," Jonny responded without thinking. He only had eyes for Jessie. "Now. I'm fine now. I'll be better when she wakes up."
"Can you tell us what happened?" Benton urged softly.
Jonny looked around and found all eyes on him. Waiting expectantly. He was not sure how to answer so he decided to deflect. "Is Race here yet?"
"No," Hadji responded. "We haven't seen him."
"Okay," Jonny nodded and then turned back to Jessie. He cupped the side of her face, sighing loudly when she did not react to his touch. Still. He leaned down, kissing her forehead firmly and then burrowing his face in her neck. "Come on, baby." He mumbled it to himself and kissed her ear. "Please?" he whispered. He was frustrated, but mostly tired and grateful. "At least you're warm," he grumbled again.
"Son?"
Jonny leaned back and met his father's gaze. "She was cold when I found her," Jonny explained with anger. "She hasn't woken up yet. I've been waiting on the doctor," he clenched a fist. "I'm gonna go find that nurse."
"I don't think that's wise," Benton advised. He took a step to his side and blocked his son's direct path to the door. He could see how agitated Jonny was about to get and wanted to head it off.
Jonny gave him a confused look. "Why? They need to examine her already. More than just taking her vitals. This is unacceptable."
Benton moved forward until he was able to place both hands on Jonny's shoulders. "Look at her," Benton jutted his chin toward Jessie and waited for Jonny to listen.
Jonny stared at her for a long moment in response.
"Listen to her heart," Benton directed next, hoping to keep him calm.
Jonny closed his eyes and focused on the monitors. The sounds overwhelmed him and he soon felt tears pushing through his lids. Embarrassed, he stepped out of his father's embrace and sat back down in the chair. Staring at her. Wiping away tears. Hating that his body would not listen. Kept betraying him. "Okay," Jonny cleared his throat. "Fine. Can you speak with the doctors?"
"Of course I will," Benton promised. Hesitating and then trying again. "Can you tell us what happened?"
'Don't say one word until we talk again. Not one.'
Jonny heard Race's order and decided to head it. "I'm really tired, Pop. Let's talk about it later."
Benton did not like it, but also knew that pushing more would not help the situation. He left to go find a doctor and whoever was in charge of the hospital. Unsure of what to do, Hadji followed to support his father.
Jonny watched them leave. Simultaneously wishing they would stay and hoping they would stay away. Only because he did not know what to say to them. Did not have the ability to make them feel better. And could not stomach the thought of being taken care of. Not now. Not when all he wanted to do was be strong for her.
XXX
Once Estella had convinced herself that Jessie was really there in front of her and only sleeping, she looked up at Jonny. Her heart broke for him. His eyes were red-rimmed and he was breathing heavily. Unfocused.
"Are you alright?" Estella asked.
"Yes," Jonny sighed. He was sick of being asked that question. He pulled his chair as close as possible to Jessie and grabbed her hand again.
"Thank you. So much." It was heartfelt. "I know you didn't do it for me, but…"
Jonny did not know how to respond so he just squeezed Jessie's hand tighter.
"So…I don't think the nurse I just met likes you very much," Estella smiled, hoping to lighten the mood.
Jonny laughed. "Yeah…she seems to think I'm a liar for some reason."
"Can't imagine why…" Estella rolled her eyes. "Where did you find a ring on such short notice?"
"Borrowed it from the nurse's locker room," he lied smoothly. He felt guilty about lying, but doing it in front of Jessie and to her mother made it worse.
"Borrowed?" she grinned.
"I only did it to…"
"I know why you did it," Estella cut him off. "I understand."
Jonny sat back slightly and met her gaze with a grin. "Thought I'd keep it interesting and give you better ammo," he announced. "Your daughter's in love with a thief and a liar."
Estella met his gaze just as boldly. "I could think of worse things."
"Careful," Jonny teased. "You're almost being nice to me."
"Let's try it out," Estella shrugged. "See how it feels."
"Alright," Jonny nodded quietly and then turned his attention back to Jessie. "Did you hear that, babe? I think you'll want to wake up and witness this."
XXX
Phil was pacing around the very tiny mobile command center he had set up right outside of the park. His ears were still ringing from the trip he had taken through the air with Agent Clarin, but he was fighting through it. He was frustrated. Surrounded by some of the best professionals in the world and none of them had good answers for him. He had checked in with each of his team leads and there was no actionable data to speak of. He was ready to head out again, against doctor's orders, when his phone rang. Phil looked around and then slipped into the SUV alone.
"Race?" he asked hopefully.
"Can you speak freely?"
"Yes," Phil assured.
"146 Everwood Drive," Race told him. "That's where he kept them."
"Kept?"
"They're all on their way to the hospital now. He's dead. Checked his pulse myself."
"Jessie?"
"She'll be fine," Race assured.
"Thank god," Phil sighed. "What happened?"
"I'll make a statement when needed," Race told him after a beat.
"Alright," Phil accepted that. "What do you need?"
"146 Everwood Drive," he repeated. "Call it in. We can go from there."
XXX
Race did not enter Jessie's room quietly. He startled both Jonny and Estella, but only had eyes for his daughter. He rushed to Jessie's side and grabbed her hand, pushing Jonny aside in the process. "How is she? Tell me everything," he ordered.
It frustrated Jonny, but he kept his mouth shut. It was the second time Race had pushed him aside to fuss over Jessie himself in the last few hours. Jonny did not blame Race. He understood the why, but still hated being forced to the sidelines when it came to her. He stepped away from her bed and took deep breaths until he felt a little better. He let Estella answer all of Race's questions.
"Thank you," Estella eventually whispered and met Race's gaze meaningfully. "Thank you."
Race closed his eyes and absorbed her words. He only responded by reaching across Jessie and gripping Estella's hand too. Race could not remember the last time he had the both of them so close, but the doctor walked in and interrupted before Race could speak again. Everyone straightened and stared at her expectantly.
"I'm Dr. Marshall," she introduced herself.
Estella wiped at her face and approached the doctor first with her hand extended. She shook it firmly and closed her other hand over the doctor's in a warm greeting. "Hello. I'm Estella. This is my daughter."
The doctor smiled and nodded in sympathy. "I'm gonna examine your daughter. I promise she's in good hands."
A nurse rolled an instrument cart in as the doctor finished speaking. Jonny stretched his neck to see what was on the cart and then swallowed and turned away. As anxious as he was to have her checked out, the thought of her being poked and prodded made him nauseous.
The doctor and nurse moved toward Jessie, while Jonny, Race and Estella just watched. The doctor read her chart and then looked up at everyone else in the room.
Race extended his hand next. "I'm Jessie's father."
"How long will the examine take?" Jonny spoke up behind Race before the doctor could respond. "We've been waiting on you for a while."
"Who are you?" the doctor asked.
"Husband," Jonny announced and then cleared his throat, steadfastly ignoring the looks that Race and Estella shot him. He did not care. He knew the lie was the only thing keeping him in the room.
"An hour or two," the doctor responded clearly. "Only one of you can stay. I need the room now so we can begin."
Race turned to Jonny and gave him a look that made Jonny feel like he had just received a punch in the gut. "Let's take a walk, kiddo."
All the air rushed out of Jonny's body in one incredulous word. "No."
"Jonny," Race sighed and took a step toward him.
"No," Jonny stated firmly and stood taller. "I'm not leaving her. No."
"Her MOTHER is staying with her," Race ordered.
"You don't care what she'd want?" Jonny argued. "She'd want ME to stay with her. I need to be here when she wakes up. You don't understand."
"I under…Look, you and I need to talk," Race changed his approach. "Now. It can't wait. Let's get some air."
"Fuck," Jonny looked at the ground. "Race…I don't care about any of that. Please don't make me leave her. Please?" he begged.
"The fact that you would say you don't care is exactly why we need to speak now. Go," Race pointed to the door. "You're delaying the doctor. Go now. Don't make me drag you out, kid."
Jonny deflated. "Let me say goodbye at least?"
Race turned back to Jessie and the doctor. "Has someone called the police yet?"
"Of course," the doctor nodded. "I don't believe they've arrived yet, but I won't be letting them near your daughter until she is quite ready."
"Good," Race nodded. "Thank you." He leaned over to kiss her on the temple. "I love you, Ponchita. I love you so much. Don't be afraid. We're all right here for you." Then he stepped aside so Jonny could do the same.
Jonny pulled two phones from his pocket. Hers and his burner. He called her phone with the burner so she had the number and placed it on the bed by her side. Then he leaned over to kiss her cheek. "A thief and a liar never had it so good. I love you. I love you. I love you. Call and I'll be back before you know it, baby." He straightened reluctantly and looked at Estella. "Will you please tell her I didn't want to leave if she wakes up? Please?"
"Of course," Estella promised.
"Thanks," Jonny looked away and then walked out of the room quickly to avoid going back on his word. Chaining himself to her bed or something equally pathetic. He walked down the hallway aimlessly. Eyes filling with tears again until Race came up beside him and placed a guiding hand on his shoulder. "Let's head up to the roof," Race suggested. "We'll take the stairs.
"Okay," Jonny cleared his throat and followed Race into the stairwell. They climbed the stairs in silence. Jonny lost count of how many flights they rose, but he was winded when they reached the top. "I think you need to make my training harder if stairs are kicking my ass," Jonny quipped.
"I think you're doing just fine," Race shot back and then produced a keycard from his back pocket so they could gain access to the roof.
"Where did you get one of those?" Jonny asked.
"You're not the only thief in the family," Race grinned and then pushed Jonny out into the fresh air.
Jonny had to admit that it felt good. He walked straight to the edge, looking down and around at the view. He took several deep breaths and then he turned and sank to the ground, leaning back against the wall for support.
Race hung back for a moment to observe him and then pushed forward and joined him on the ground. He made sure that their shoulders touched, hoping it provided some comfort. Race broke the silence first.
"I'm sorry I had to make you leave her. I know that wasn't easy."
Jonny stayed quiet.
"I'm aware this question may sound dumb," Race continued. "…but I need the real answer. How are you?"
Jonny laughed and it almost immediately turned into a sob. He covered his face with his hands and let it all out.
Race moved a hand to the back of Jonny's neck and held on tight. "I know how hard it is, kiddo. Witnessing something inhuman that goes against your very nature. Taking a life in the process…"
Jonny's head snapped up and he wiped at his face. "I DON'T care about that part," Jonny growled. "I know you think I do or will or fucking should, but I DON'T. He took her from me, he hurt her and he planned to do worse. After what I walked in on…I was never gonna let him live. If he was in front of me now, I'd kill him again. I'd do it with my bare hands. My only regret is that he didn't suffer enough, Race."
Race stared at him. Conflicted. As he had been for the last few days. Disturbed by the vitriol in Jonny's words. Recognizing that he put the gun in Jonny's hand and taught him how to use it. Grateful that Jonny was not allowing the guilt that often accompanied taking a life, even an undeserving one, overwhelm him.
Jonny turned to Race after he was quiet for a while. "What? Does that make me awful? I thought if anyone would understand…"
"It does not make you awful," Race interrupted quickly. "I was just doing some pointless wishing. I'd trade places with you in a heartbeat."
"I know."
"I need you to make me a promise," Race then told him.
"Anything."
"Never say any of that out loud again. To no one. For any reason. Even if provoked. Especially then. Including Jessie. Do you understand me?" Race asked.
"I understand," Jonny whispered. "I won't lie to Jessie though."
"Making her an accomplice helps nothing," Race argued.
"I don't consider what I did I crime," Jonny sighed.
"I tend to agree," Race acknowledged. "…but we are in the minority."
"I won't lie to her if she asks," Jonny repeated. "She won't have it, but we're on the same page with the rest."
"Fine," Race agreed, knowing there was only so much he could control. "How are you otherwise?" he wanted to know.
Jonny shook his head. "I can't…I don't want to talk about it."
"Tell me," Race demanded. Because he wanted to know and he knew Jonny needed to let it out now instead of later.
"The thought of someone else touching her makes me feel sick. Even the doctor. I know it has to happen, but she would hate it. She would hate it and I should BE there to make sure she's okay."
"Her mother…"
"I know," Jonny interrupted. "…but we're not children anymore. She's my…"
"What?" Race pushed. "You think I won't get it?"
"Forget it," Jonny grumbled and then pulled the ring from his finger and handed it back to Race with an apology. "I'm sorry for taking it. Last minute decision."
"You don't have anything to apologize for," Race promised.
"I'm so angry."
"Me too."
"I think I just need her to wake up and tell me what she remembers. Tell me that she's alright. Then I'll be alright."
"I hope it's that simple," Race offered.
"I realized they were down in that springhouse because I heard her, Race. She was screaming. This soul-crushing sound that I will never forget…I could hear how scared she was and it made my blood run cold. I got to her as fast as I could. Afraid the whole time that I wasn't moving fast enough or would fuck it up some other way before reaching her." Jonny closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall. "She was screaming and Clay was…in the throes of it. When I finally got my eyes on them, I saw that is was Brenda. I was relieved," he admitted. "Does that make me awful?"
"No," Race insisted. "Only human."
"Brenda's pregnant," he whispered. "And when I found out…I was still relieved."
"There's nothing you can say that will make me think you're awful," Race cut in. "Nothing. You have every right to protect your family. It's primal and not to be apologized for."
"He had a knife to her throat so I decided to wait until he finished," Jonny continued.
"I would've done the same," Race offered. "Safest move."
"It all happened so quickly once I was in the room. I avoided looking at her because I didn't want to be distracted. She had stopped screaming at that point though, which was freaking me out. He kept taunting me. Refused to put the knife down. I went right to him after firing to make sure he was gone. Then I was just focused on the girls. Keri was still locked up, Brenda was hysterical and her shoulder was hurt. Jess was radio silent and…she didn't have any clothes on. There are cuts and bruises," he waved a hand across his body.
"I saw that," Race pursed his lips, trying to push his own anger aside.
"They're all over, Race. And there's a big bruise on her hip. Like he just threw her on the ground or something. Like she was nothing and…"
"Don't go down that path," Race cut him off. "Don't treat her like she's broken."
"She couldn't fight back."
"I'm aware."
"I need her to wake up and tell me what she needs. I've been trying to wake her up, but she's been completely unresponsive. I need her to wake up and tell me that everything will be okay."
"Everything WILL be okay," Race insisted.
"I need to hear her say it."
"She's strong. She just needs time to recover. She'll wake up soon," Race told him and then placed an arm around his shoulder.
"She's always telling me how patient she thinks I am. I'm not feeling very patient these days," Jonny admitted.
"You're handling it better than you think," Race promised.
"Ya know, Jess likes to keep me guessing. She always has, but I can't handle that now…with this," he continued. "I need her to tell me. Just tell me and I'll do ANYTHING to make it better."
"You're afraid she won't tell you everything?"
"It's not her strong suit," Jonny wiped at his face. "Add that with her just trying to protect me and…yeah…I'm afraid I won't get the whole story. And then how do I help her?"
Race stared at him for a long while. "You'll figure it out. It's what you do. It's what you've done since the day I met you. You help people. You make everyone around you happier for knowing you, kid. I can personally attest to that…she's gonna need you there for her."
Jonny gave him a confused look. "I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Race sighed. "I know you only want to focus on her right now and I love you for that, but you NEED to focus elsewhere first…"
"They're coming for me?" Jonny swallowed.
"Eventually…yes," Race sighed. "I'm sorry. I can't stop that."
"I wouldn't expect you to," Jonny shook his head.
"I don't know if they'll come asking for a simple statement or something more. So I'll need to prepare you for all," he added.
Jonny looked away. The thought of being pulled away from her when she needed him the most was overwhelming, but he accepted that it was necessary. He looked at Race full of determination. "Tell me what I need to do."
XXX
The beeping sound was annoying. She wanted it to stop. She felt soft hands on her skin and she wanted that to stop too. She wanted to go back to sleep.
They were lying together in the quiet of his room. A sinking feeling began to form in her stomach because she knew she needed to leave, but did not want to. It was only a few weeks until she left for school and left him behind. She wanted to spend every free moment with him.
"That feels nice," she praised, cuddling closer.
He was stroking and kneading the bare skin of her back and the arm she had draped across him.
"Lying with you in the quiet like this is becoming my new favorite thing," she added. "Better than a massage."
"Just the lying?" he prompted.
"No…obviously not," she giggled.
"I want to hear you say it," he teased. She nipped at his chest instead. "Jess…that hurt," he jumped in surprise.
She rolled onto her back, laughing and pulling the covers up over her face. He swiftly pulled them away and got on top of her.
"What am I gonna do with you?" he laughed.
"Whatever you want," she promised and then sobered. "I already miss you."
Jonny rolled away. Onto his back next to her. "What am I gonna do without you?" he asked next.
"Whatever you want?" she sighed.
"What if I want to miss you?"
"You're choosing misery?" she mused.
"Don't think I have much of a choice," he scoffed. "That's how this whole 'meant to be' and fated love thing works."
"You believe in fate now? I thought you believed in making things happen on your own, Quest."
He pulled her close again and resumed rubbing her back. "I believe in both. Making you mine and keeping you…that's all me, baby."
She laughed softly against him, but also kissed his chest. It was true.
"I also believe that someone or something put you in my path, Jess. I'll never question that or understand it. I just know it's true."
She sighed. "Call me every day and tell me that?"
"That," he promised. "…and how much I need you."
"I already miss you," she professed again.
"Boston is not that far away. I'll visit you all the time," he promised. "I'm only a call away. Could be there in a few hours."
"Like Batman?" she smiled.
"Sure," he laughed. "…is Batman really your hero of choice?" he then questioned. "There are better options."
"Why?"
"Batman doesn't even have any powers, babe."
"So what? What's the difference?"
"I already think you're fucking perfect for me, but if you start letting me nerd out on you about comics than you're really never getting rid of me. Start watching superhero movies with me? I'll make you understand. I have so much to teach you."
She leaned up to given him a firm kiss and then settled comfortably against him again. "Nope. I've made my choice."
"I think you would like Thor best," he offered.
"Why?"
"You really want to know?"
"Sure." She could hear the smile in his voice so she did want to know.
"Sex and comic books. This might be the best day ever. Aright, so his backstory is all based on Norse mythology and he has this real awesome magic hammer," Jonny explained and Jessie just continued to laugh at how excited he was to tell her all about it. "He can fly and manipulate the weather. He's basically indestructible."
"Oh…wow. I'm so impressed," she teased.
Jonny just huffed. "You don't know what you're talking about, Ace. Batman…he's just a man. A rich dude with a bunch of gadgets. No superpowers."
"Mmm," she closed her eyes. "Just some rich guy that always tries to help people. Sounds awful," she smiled, drifting off.
AN: She will wake up next chapter. Promise.