Hi here's another chapter hope you enjoy

Chapter 75

I finished getting ready and walked downstairs. I had ripped my pants when I tried to sneak out of the house after hearing what had happened at the boss lady's place. I knew they'd ground me and wouldn't let me out of the house. They didn't know I was eavesdropping Uncle Roy had filled Tiny in on what was happening at the office and he was relaying everything to Momma. Everything was more serious and Luca, Popeye and Boss man wanted all of us to be safe. Momma had made Tiny check all the doors and windows after Roy and Chris left, they had gone to the office making whomever was listening and watching think that everything was back to normal.

I wanted to go along with them but was shot down. I said I wanted to go and follow up on my leads and was told no. I tried to argue but it was no use. I went upstairs upset but knew I'd be sneaking out through the balcony. That was my plan till the hound from hell burst through the door I had thought I'd locked and scared me enough to slip over the balcony and hang on for dear life and screaming for help.

To say momma and Tiny were not happy was an understatement. Tiny swore and Tiny never cursed. I was in shock but what Tiny didn't say Momma made up for it.

She helped Tiny get me over the balcony and swatted my backside and saw that I had ripped my pants.

"What in God's name were you thinking Star? You split your pants, you came this close to breaking your neck and trying to sneak out? Answer me young lady before I smack your backside again."

I told her I had a job to do. I was on the payroll and I knew my contacts would have some information today. That I needed to make myself visible.

Before the tirade started again the phone rang. Tiny grabbed my hand and walked me downstairs followed by Momma and the traitor.

He sat me on a stool and Momma grabbed a cigarette and walked to the balcony muttering that's why she had all boys no girls. Before going outside she turned on the stereo loudly. They explained it was to drown out what we were saying if in fact Boss man's house was bugged. Tiny started to talk to him and he told him of my attempt to sneak out.

He relayed a message from him saying I was going nowhere and if I tried that again I'd either get my hide tanned or Uncle Roy would box my ears. I rolled my eyes

They wanted to let the creeper think we didn't know what was going on so if he was keeping tabs on us and I didn't go out then he'd know something was wrong. I asked Tiny for the phone and I got on to plead my case. He didn't say anything and I heard Popeye groan and said all the women in his life were trying to kill him. Boss man chuckled and agreed I was happy they were getting along. Tiny looked at me and closed his eyes and took the phone away from me and surprised me.

He agreed with me. He explained why I should continue my investigation, people were wondering where I was at. I had disappeared for two whole days, I was a fixture down at the pier and me not checking in with friends and the pier regulars was something that would not go unnoticed for long. My contacts might get spooked and I needed their help.

I held my breath and Tiny gave me a thumbs up. I pumped my fist in the air and whispered I was going upstairs to change. I turned and Momma shook her head and went back outside to smoke another cigarette. We all had our ways of coping and this was hers. I'd need to find something else she could do to get her mind off of this.

Beast tried to follow me and I shook my head. "No way buddy."

"Ah yes way buddy, he will be your shadow and Luca is sending a team to do the sweep and Wick is supposed to go with us. Yes, us. Before you start humming and hawing it's this way or no way, you have no choice Star. I will not let anything happen to you, Popeye, Luca and Houston are counting on me."

That seemed like hours ago but it had only been 20 minutes.

Luca's team had come in and were doing a complete sweep of Boss Man's place. It felt weird thinking that someone had been listening to what we had been saying and I thought back to anything that I might have said that could be used against me. I sighed, I had let a lot of things slip while I had been here. I had gotten too comfortable and now someone might use it against me. I had to remember I was still a minor, one that had run away from home and if I knew by stepfather he had put a report into the police and one mishap I'd be going back to juvenile hall or worse back to him.

"Not going to happen." I whispered to myself.

Momma and Tiny are watching what's going on and Beast nudges me to get me to forgive him.

I got down on my hands and knees, "I'm still cross with you hound from hell but I will forgive you how could I stay mad at my best friend? How are you, big boy? Miss me last night? I'm sorry but Momma did not want you bothering her. I was going to come down and sleep with you but I actually got a good night's sleep. So I'll make it up to you okay? How about a dozen pieces of bacon sound to you."

He barks his agreement and I pat his head.

"You need to eat something Star you didn't touch much of your breakfast."

"I will Momma but we're late already. Come on Tiny we need to get going, I want to stop at the café to pick up some breakfast sandwiches for the masses. Boss man opened a tab for me there and the best way to get information from anyone is to feed them."

Wick walked over and started to say that they were there to install the new security system Mr. Houston had requested from Too Mean. This was their cover story so if the creeper was listening then he'd wouldn't be the wiser. Wick wrote down what I already knew that he was coming along. I nodded and hugged Momma. She didn't let go right away and she whispered to be careful and to not ditch either Tiny, Wick or Beast.

"Promise me, I am on pins and needles already and I do not need to add worrying that you are going to do something dumb." I crossed my heart and kissed her cheek.

I grabbed Beast's leash and he ran to the door waiting for me, his tail wagging wanting to get outside.

Momma hugged Tiny and she whispered to Wick to take care of her family and he smiled and nodded and reminded her to stay with the team.

We walked out and while I was waiting for Wick to walk with us I looked over and Tiny whispered that Wick would be following at a distance.

I nodded as we headed to the café. We came to the counter and Josh was there.

"Hey Star, Tiny and Mr. Beast, how's it going? What can I do for you?"

I asked if the boss man had talked to him and he nodded. I smiled and went on to order 6 breakfast burritos, 6 breakfast sandwiches and 12 orange juices. He asked if we wanted anything while we waited. I opted for my favorite orange smoothie and I had asked for a dozen pieces of bacon and a bowl of water for Beast. Tiny said he'd have the same as me and we went outside to sit at one of the tables. Wick was sitting close to us and looking at the menu he looked like any other person there for breakfast.

"I hope we get some good Intel today Tiny. I have a feeling Jake's momma is a local, I don't know why but it's just a feeling I get."

He smiled at me and nodded, "We need some good news today, and it's been a roller coaster these last couple of days. Star, how are you doing? We haven't talked and I just want you to know that I am here for you. We all are. I never saw Popeye so angry when he found out what Boyd did to you. Luca was upset that you didn't tell him what had been going on, if he would have known Boyd would have been fish food by now and no one would have missed him. We are family at the Bar. If one of us is hurt we all hurt. I'm sorry I was so busy that I didn't notice. Momma and I talked last night she is upset she said she should have taken you with her but didn't want to force you to go with her."

I couldn't look at him. I felt I was a burden to all of them and to hear that I had caused this only made me wonder if it was a good ideal to stick around. I was tired of running. I wanted to feel safe and the last couple of days I had felt that safe. Boss Man and Lady had taken me in not carrying that I was a runaway and treating me with respect. It felt like I was little again, not having to worry about my next meal or watching my back for those that would want to do me harm.

My dad always asked what I thought and would listen to me and made me feel like I mattered. I was getting the same from my Bar family and now my new family but still for how long? How long would they tolerate a teenage runaway?

Josh brought out our smoothies, and the bowl of water for Beast. He had snuck the bacon in a plastic bag for Beast. He was too smart for that as soon as he saw the bag he knew and started to whine.

"Okay buddy I'm going to give you a couple of pieces but then we need to save the rest we got places to go and I need you to be on your best behavior okay?"

He tilted his head and I swear he nodded at me. Tiny laughed and shook his head.

"Damn dog is too smart for his own good. So where do you want to start? I promised the guys that we would go to places that I deem safe so tell me where you want to go and I'll give it the thumbs up or down."

I rolled my eyes and took a sip of my smoothie. I rattled off a couple of hangouts and he shot 2 out of 4 down right away.

"No way are we going to the Edge, I know the guys there Star and I don't understand why you hang out with them they left you out to take the rap on the snatch and grab that got you sent to Juvie and back to your step dad."

"I know Tiny, but those people aren't there anymore. After Preacher found out what had happened he banned them from ever coming by. He calls me little sister and he's a good resource. He knows everything that's happening on the pier. He won't hurt me, you know that, and the rest of them follow his lead."

Josh came out and handed me the bags of food and juice and we got up to leave. One of the places Tiny didn't veto was the arcade, the pier kids usually hung out there in the morning to see what was going on.

It was close to the beach where most of the surfer boys hung out. They were a band of 6 guys all homeless and their love of surfing came first. Popeye had told me to stay away from them but they looked out for me and I was adopted as their mascot so I wanted to talk to them also. Maybe Preacher would be there also since Tiny didn't want us to go to the Edge.

We started to walk to the Arcade and Tiny was looking around, it was early still not many people were out just the regular runners and those that had shops getting ready for the afternoon crowd.

Beast was walking and I tried to keep up with him. Tiny reached out and grabbed his leash.

"He's going to pull out your arm, this guy is strong."

Beast turned around and he sat down. "Oh no mister, Tiny is going to walk you. I need to make sure people will approach me and you can be a little intimidating. So you behave and I'll give you two more pieces of bacon."

I pulled the baggie with the bacon and he sat up. I handed them to Tiny and he fed him. He turned around and started to walk again. We both laughed and started towards the arcade. Sure enough the guys were there and they came towards me. Tiny stopped and let me walk forward alone. Beast was not having it and I turned and told him to sit and behave or no more bacon. He plopped down and whined.

"Where have you been squirt? You've been MIA for 3 days. Preacher is pissed."

Drew folded his arms across his chest as Cody, Mitch and Tam encircled me.

I raised the bag with the food. "I've been working and I know you guys are hungry so what do you say? Do you want a breakfast sandwich or burrito?"

They grabbed the bag and each grabbed some food. They said that the word was out that I was involved with the Baby that was found and asked why I was so interested and was I after the reward.

"As far as I know there is no reward but yeah I am involved with trying to find the momma."

"What are you going to do Star become a mom?"

They laughed and I shook my head. "No I am working for a PI and his partner, didn't you see all the commotion down here on Friday night early Saturday? The PI, Matt Houston is the one I'm working for. His partner found the baby during that freak storm, she was on TV didn't you guys hear anything about that?"

They nodded and said they had seen the camera's and heard the story of the Beauty the Beast and the Baby.

"So I am asking if you guys saw anything and have you seen anyone that was pregnant and now isn't. Or someone missing any information could be crucial. "

They looked over to Tiny, "Wait, that's the hero dog right? Heard about him, is he friendly?"

I nodded and told Tiny to bring over Beast. I pulled out another piece of bacon and told Beast to behave that they were friends and gave him his treat.

They gathered around him and he let them pet him. I was about to get back to asking questions when someone grabbed me and spun me around.

"Where the hell have you been little sister!"

Beast nearly launched at him and before I could blink Wick had Preacher on the floor. I grabbed Wick's arm and told him to let go. He was my friend. Wick let go and offered his hand and Preacher swatted it away and stood on his own. Wick shook his head and went to go stand by the arcade.

"Hi, before you get all pissed off and start to yell you need to calm down or Beast will have you for breakfast."

I pointed at Beast that Tiny was having a hell of a time holding back. "Beast it's okay this is Preacher he didn't mean to scare me okay."

He stopped but still growled.

Preacher looked down at me and I swear he wanted to let me have it.

"You cannot just disappear like you did. Do you hear me? I heard all types of rumors, who's the old guy that you were having lunch with at the café? Is it his house you are staying at? I thought you didn't do things like that little sister. Oh and why is Boyd all of a sudden so interested in you?"

I was in shock and did the first thing that came to my mind. I closed my hand into a fist and swung away. I hit him right in the jaw. The surfer boys all gasped and stepped back. Preacher looked at me in shock and I started to yell.

"How dare you accuse me of doing something I swore I'd never do? You know me better than that and you said if I ever got that desperate to come find you. But, I see that you have the same perception as everyone else, the old man you describe is my boss. I'm helping him locate the baby's mom that was found on the boardwalk. I was asked by his friend and partner, the woman that found the baby, to stay at the house. Yes, there were a bunch of us staying over. It was a place I felt safe enough to stay. They took care of me, I didn't have to be afraid that Boyd would try to harm me."

He tried to apologize and I shook my head, "I asked if I could hang with you guys on Friday and you laughed and shot me down. Saying you had grown up things to do. I was trying to avoid Boyd but he still found my sleeping spot, he tried to…"

I turned to walk away. I wasn't going to go through this right now not with an audience and I was hurt, the one person I thought would never doubt me had disappointed me. I should have gotten used to this but with everything that had been going on I just wanted to run.

He grabbed my arm, Beast growled and lunged towards him almost pulling Tiny's arm off.

Wick whistled and pointed at him. Preacher let go.

"Star, I'm sorry, please little sister forgive me. I should have listened. I think I'm madder at myself than with you. I let you down and I'll never forgive myself for that."

I looked down, not wanting to face him. He pulled up my chin so I could see his face.

"You were right, I should have let you hang out or find somewhere that you'd be safe, but you didn't say anything about Boyd stalking you. If you felt this way I thought you'd tell Popeye, Luca or Tiny. Why didn't you say something?"

Tiny came close and pulled me next to him. "We already had this discussion with her, we found out a lot of things and Luca gave Boyd an attitude adjustment. He manhandled Star at the Bar, but she omitted to tell us about him going after her Friday night till yesterday. Luca, Popeye and Houston are looking for him so it's only a matter of time."

Cody came forward, "I saw Boyd around the pier this morning. He looked like he got run over by a truck and asked if I had seen you Star. I told him I hadn't."

I gasped and Tiny put his arm around me. I started to look around the boardwalk. Was he here? Was he watching? I started to feel dizzy and felt the smoothie wanting to make an appearance. Wick came running when he saw me turn white as a ghost. I heard him ask what was going on. I wanted to run but Tiny wouldn't let me go and Beast sensing I was in distress sat on my feet. I put my hand on his head. He'd stop him if he tried to come after me.

"Star, we won't let anyone harm you." I looked up and the Preacher was next to me. I opened my mouth and a sob came out. He pulled me into his arms and I started to cry. Telling him I was tired of running, that I didn't want to jeopardize this thing I had with my two new families, that I wanted to be normal again.

He held me but had Drew go get his crew. Wick said it wasn't necessary that Luca had everyone in his employment looking and working on keeping his family safe and finding Boyd.

"Hey little sister I heard you canvased the whole beach and I think I might have a lead for you. I was going to tell you but my temper got the best of me."

I pulled back, "Really? You got a lead on Jake's mom."

Tiny groaned, "Star stop blabbing."

I covered my mouth and cursed. I then made Preacher swear not to repeat what I had just said to anyone that Jake's name was supposed to be secret. I looked around and only Wick and Preacher were close to us. The others had gone with Drew. Preacher crossed his heart and zipped his lip. Wick stepped forward and asked Preacher what his lead was. He said that a homeless girl that had just started to hang around had been missing since Friday. Her name was Celia and it looked like she was about to give birth.

"My guys are following up on that lead, that's all I know till I meet up with them in an hour. But, if Drew finds them we might get answers quicker."

Wick said we needed to go back; he needed to relay this message to Luca. I shook my head saying I was staying right here till Preacher's crew came back. This was our first solid lead and we needed to follow through. Wick started to argue but once I got Tiny on my side and Preacher said he would not leave my side. I said he should go back and as soon as Preacher's crew came we'd start walking to the boss man's place. Wick looked at his watch and knew that Luca was going to be calling soon for any news.

He pointed at Preacher and Tiny "If anything happens to her don't worry about Luca or Popeye worry about what I'm going to do with you. You'll be fish food and no one will be the wiser. Do you get me?"

They nodded and he turned and started to run back to the house.

"If this lead pans out we might have found Jake's mom but why would she leave him?"

I looked at both of them and they couldn't give me an answer. "Come on let's go sit on the bench Tiny you sit to the left I'll sit to the right we scan for that asshole if you see him let me know I want to finish what Luca started."

We waited for what seemed like forever and Preacher was getting antsy.

"They should have found them by now. Somethings not right."

Tiny got up, "Maybe we should go back to the house, come Star we aren't waiting any longer. What if Boyd paid others to find you, I wouldn't put it past him, he's mad and you are his target."

I got up and agreed. Preacher said to give him a minute to leave a message with someone at the arcade just in case his crew came after we had left. I gave him Boss Man's address so they would know where to go.

Preacher left a message and we started to walk back to the house. We were almost there when Wick came with momma in tow.

Tiny moved quickly towards them, "what happened? Wick, why'd you bring momma?"

He explained that Luca had called and he had given him so bad news. I looked at Momma, "what happened, is our family ok? Carol Uncle Roy Chris…"

Momma stopped me and said that everyone was fine but she had gotten a call from Sarah saying someone had broken into the Bar and left another message. She put her arm around me and said this was too close to home.

Wick said that his team had found two bugs, one in Houston's bedroom and another in his office. The rest of the house was clear but they had finished the sweep after he had hung up with Luca. He wanted us to get to the house ASAP because we didn't know if someone would try and leave a message at the boss man's house and if so then we were safer out on the pier. He had left the team hiding to see if the creep would try. Tiny said it was a good ideal and we might get lucky and catch him if he thought no one was there.

Preacher went to talk to Wick and once done came over to me. "I'm going to go find my crew. We will meet up at the cafe. Star, if you feel anything off remember our hiding place go there and I will find you. That's where I've been these last couple of days. I was worried little one and now that I know someone wants to harm you I will be more available till we find Boyd. I won't let anything happen to you okay?"

I hugged him. I said I was sorry but he shook his head and said that he was happy that I had found people that would keep me safe and maybe offer me a home.

He walked away and we headed to the café. This was the day that we would find our answers and hopefully Boyd. I was tired of running and wanted this part of my life done with. I had faith that my family would take care of me and I would do everything in my power to find Jake's mom.