Shades of Resolution (Distortion #3) Read online

  “Promise me you’ll come back,” Lexie whispered against his chest. He could feel her tears saturate his shirt, making him squeeze her tighter.

  “I promise,” Jackson admitted. “There is no place I’d rather be.”

  Lexie retracted her hands and placed them on the sides of his face. Reaching up on her tip-toes, she placed her lips against his in a firm, emotionally driven kiss. When she pulled back, she searched his eyes and he hoped she could see how he felt, because there were no words.

  “Make sure that you do,” Lexie said before kissed him once more, this time gentle and quick before she spun around and headed toward the house.

  It was the first time in his life that Jackson actually feared his mortality. He didn’t want to push through life with his head down, paying no mind to the risks. He was terrified his past would now prevent him from having what he wanted. He no longer desired the dangers he waded through his entire life. He wanted to spend every minute with Lexie without having to look over his shoulder or fear for her safety. He wasn’t sure if it was even possible, but it didn’t stop him from hoping.

  Jackson returned to the car and leaned against it, next to Teddy. He looked up at the house thoughtfully, thinking that Teddy was too consumed with his game to pay him any mind. He should have known better.

  “A few months ago I would have bet my life that the world would freeze over before Jackson Finley fell in love. It’s so trippy seeing you like this.” Teddy laughed.

  “Fuck you.” Jackson shoved Teddy with his elbow and knocked him off balance.

  “Oh…” Teddy said as he stumbled. “Shit,” he said through his laughter. “I almost fell on my ass.”

  “That was the point.” Jackson shook his head and couldn’t help the smile that formed on his lips.

  They both turned when a car pulled onto the street. Jackson instinctively placed his hand on his gun until it neared enough to see who was behind the wheel. “Fuck me sideways. This is the last thing we need right now,” Jackson complained, pushing himself to his feet as the car pulled up in front of theirs.

  Haffey swung her door open and stormed toward Jackson with fire in her dark brown eyes.

  “Finley! What the fuck are you up to?” Haffey demanded. Her long hair was pulled tightly back into a ponytail, giving her a fierce look that accentuated her temper.

  “Hello, Haffey, what are you doing in these parts? A little far from home, aren’t you?” Teddy said casually.

  “Piss off, Teddy,” Haffey snapped.

  “So spicy, I like it,” Teddy fed her fervour.

  Haffey rolled her eyes and came to stand in front of Jackson with her hands on her hips and leaned into his personal space.

  “You and I both know those girls were in John Stodden’s possession. When I can place you at that hotel, I will rip your ass to shreds.”

  “I know you like things kinky, but that’s even pushing it for you,” Jackson taunted.

  “Oh my Jesus, fuck. How in hell does Giles put up with you assholes?”

  “Calm down, Haffey. We have an audience,” Jackson said, nodding toward the window.

  Haffey glanced over and dropped her hands off her hips and straightened her posture. Haffey’s partner opened his door and climbed out, tucking his phone into his pocket.

  “Jackson, Teddy,” Sieks acknowledged them, trying to keep his amused expression to himself.

  “Hey man,” Teddy greeted him.

  “You can’t talk to them now. They’ve been through too much,” Jackson said.

  “The hell I can’t,” Haffey bit off as she turned toward the house. Jackson grabbed her arm to stop her. “Get your hand off me.”

  Jackson released her and raised his hand in surrender. “Stephanie was already questioned by the officers investigating Masten and Lexie just lost her mother. They don’t know where John is. I can tell you what you want to know.”

  “I told you to stay away from him, Jackson.”

  “I can’t help it if he’s the one coming after me. What do you want me to do, just let him kill me?”

  “That’s a start, yeah.” Haffey nodded her head.

  “It’s not that easy to get rid of me, Haff.” Jackson clenched his jaw.

  “Don’t I know it,” Haffey agreed with an exaggerated sigh.

  “You being here only raises flags. No one knows of Stodden’s involvement in this case. It’s best it stays that way for now,” Jackson insisted.

  “And why is that?” Haffey crossed her arms and tapped her foot.

  Jackson glanced up at the house and saw Lexie and Mike in the window. “Let’s not do this here.” He placed a hand on her shoulder. Haffey looked up at the house and noticed their spectators.

  Jackson nodded toward the car. “Let’s go grab a coffee and talk,” Jackson suggested.

  Haffey narrowed her eyes. “You are gonna tell me what I want to know?”

  Jackson raised his chin. “Let’s go.”

  “Seiks, you stay here and watch that one,” Haffey pointed at Teddy before she rounded her car.

  Teddy raised his hands in question. “Why? I’m the good one.”

  “I’ll be back soon,” Jackson told Teddy, who was looking at him with raised brows.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Lexie

  “I don’t like those guys,” Mike said, looking out the front window as they watched Jackson and Teddy talk to a man and a woman who had joined them on the front lawn. They were both dressed in business attire. The woman was attractive with full curves and apparently a fiery temper as she swung her arms around when she addressed Jackson. The man that had gotten out of her car stood silently on the sidelines near Teddy.

  “Those guys are the reason Stephanie and me made it home,” Lexie said irritably.

  Lexie could feel Mike’s eyes on her as she watched the heated exchange between Jackson and the woman. An uneasy feeling filled her stomach as Jackson got in a car with her and drove off.

  “Well, it looks like your little boyfriend is gonna get lucky now,” Mike said with a smug smile.

  Lexie turned toward Mike with a heavy scowl. “Why would you say that?” Lexie couldn’t help the sliver of jealousy that pained the back of her throat. She tried to shove the feeling aside but it insisted on lingering, which only made her anger flare toward Mike.

  Mike shrugged. “There’s only one reason a woman gets that mad at a man. They’re fucking.”

  “Shut your stupid face, Mike.” Lexie shoved him away. He bumped into the side table and almost knocked over a lamp. Fortunately, Mike had good reflexes.

  “Come on, Lexie. You can’t seriously be into that guy? You barely know him and he looks more like a criminal than a cop. You were never one to lose your shit over a pretty face,” Mike said with a shake of his head.

  “It’s none of your business, Mike.”

  “Something is going on here. You’re not telling the whole truth.” Mike squared his shoulders. “There’s so many holes in your fucking story. When things start dying down, people are gonna start asking questions.

  “I couldn’t care less what you think, Mike. I know all about the holes in your story. You think I don’t know it wasn’t just strip clubs that you were sneaking around to go to.” Lexie crossed her arms. “I know you’re a cheating piece of crap. That’s a good juicy story right there for our small town. No one will care about your suspicions when they find out what you’ve been up to.”

  Mike clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes. “Where’s Evan?”

  “You already know he checked into a treatment facility. He needed help and you know that.” Lexie tried to keep her voice down despite her anger. It was the cover story they were going with to appease Evan’s family for now. It was the only story that made sense why no one could contact him. Unfortunately, no one could deny it was the place he should be.

  Lexie could hear Stephanie’s parents in the kitchen fixing them some food. Ruth had taken Stephanie up to her room to take a shower, leaving Lexie alone
with Mike.

  “You’re lying,” Mike accused.

  “Leave me alone,” Lexie said defiantly.

  “Was it really a car crash that killed your mother?” Mike’s words were like a slap in the face.

  “Leave me alone,” Lexie seethed as she leaned in close to make sure Mike knew he’d stepped over the line. She hated the lies but she knew they were necessary. She didn’t want people to question her mother’s honor if she was tied to John Stodden. Her mother kept this secret while she was alive and she wanted to make sure she respected it after.

  He raised his hands and stepped back. “Okay, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.”

  She couldn’t stand being in his company. She didn’t have the energy to think about him and the fact that she hadn’t been able to break the news to Stephanie about what Mike had really been up to. She was hoping Stephanie was going to end things with Mike and she wouldn’t have to break her heart worse by telling her that he had slept around on her as well. She wanted to spare her friend the embarrassment.

  She paused just outside the kitchen when she heard Ruth and Tom talking in hushed voices. “The girls should be home with us. Not here.”

  “Stephanie wants to be here and we have to respect her wishes,” Tom responded.

  Ruth started crying. “My poor baby, she never spoke a word. Not one word, Tom.”

  “Come here,” Tom said.

  “And Lexie, her mother was all she had.” Ruth sniffed. “How are we going to make things right? What are we going to do?”

  “I think all we can do is be here for them. It’s up to them to find their way through this,” Tom said softly. Lexie had always adored Stephanie’s father. He was always the voice of reason to Ruth’s emotional outbursts and dramatic behavior. Lexie was surprised that Ruth was as calm as she was. She imagined they were both exhausted from the weeks of worry that they had been put through.

  Lexie walked into the kitchen. Both Ruth and Tom looked up and acknowledged her. “Lexie,” Ruth said, forcing a smile on her face and wiping her hair back from her face. “The water is almost boiled. Sit, darling.” Ruth waved to the table.

  Lexie dropped down in the chair and watched Ruth shuffle around the kitchen. Tom walked over to the table and sat down across from her.

  “How are you holding up, sweetheart?” Tom asked, placing his hand over hers.

  Lexie shrugged, she was worried if she tried to speak she would burst into tears.

  “We can’t even begin to imagine what you both have been through these last few weeks. When you’re ready to talk about it, we’ll be here.”

  “Thank you, Tom. I appreciate it,” Lexie said.

  “Here, child,” Ruth said as she set a cup of tea in front of Lexie.

  “Thank you,” Lexie said as she wrapped her fingers around the hot cup.

  “What can I get you to eat?” Ruth fussed.

  “I’m good with just the tea for now,” Lexie responded. The heat from the tea made her realize how cold she felt. Lexie brought it to her lips and wasn’t surprised by the aroma of chamomile. Ruth had always told her it made everything better, and in that moment as she breathed it in, she wished it were true.

  Lexie took a small sip and closed her eyes, trying to remember what she felt like the last time she had a cup of Ruth’s tea. It felt like a lifetime ago, before life had taken a darker road. After Alex had died, Lexie closed herself off from a lot of people and barely ventured out into the world that had betrayed her. A part of her regretted pushing so many people away. She had missed Stephanie’s quirky mother and the comforting presence of her father, who always found calm in every situation.

  A bang overhead made them all look up at the ceiling. “I’ll go check on her,” Ruth said, wiping her hands off on the dish towel.

  “Ruth?” Lexie called out as she stood up.

  Ruth spun around and looked at Lexie.

  “Can I please check on her?” Lexie asked.

  Ruth paused for a moment before she nodded in understanding. “Oh…of course, dear,” Ruth said, wiping her hands down the front of her blouse, smoothing out the fabric. “If you could get her to come down when she’s done? You both should eat.”

  “Thanks, Ruth,” Lexie said as she headed toward the stairs.

  Lexie pushed herself up every step, she had so many wonderful memories in Stephanie’s place, but the image of those dead men lying on the floor haunted her. Of all the times she had laughed to the point of tears, danced to ridiculous music, and ate cake for no good reason with Stephanie, only the tainted and horrible things came to mind because she was in a dark place.

  Lexie closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and focused on the people still left in her life she held dear. They were what she cared most about in this world; the people who were still left to encourage her to want to live and laugh again. When she thought about happiness, her mother’s face came to mind; the way she had always thrown her head back when she laughed. Her mother would spend hours in the garden, with her bare hands in the soil without any care to the state of her nails because she loved how it felt against her skin. She would also sometimes bring a book to the garden with her and just sit and read for hours until the smell of the earth permeated her clothes. Thoughts of her mother made her eyes sting with unshed tears.

  Lexie grabbed hold of the railing and squeezed tightly. She held all her feelings and shoved them deep inside, turning her attention toward Stephanie, who needed her. Lexie knocked on Stephanie’s door before she turned the knob and swung it open. Stephanie was still in the shower in the attached washroom. She could hear the water running but it did not drown out the sound of Stephanie’s cries.

  When she approached the door, she noticed it was open. She knocked and called out to Stephanie before she entered. She knew Stephanie had heard her because she grew very quiet. She walked into the steam-filled room and sat down on the closed lid of the toilet.

  Lexie scrambled for something to say that wouldn’t remind them of the pain they were suffering. “Remember when we let Tara Milton do our makeup for prom? We thought she was so fantastic because she had graduated the year before and was in beauty school. It was so exciting that she was willing to give us the time of day,” Lexie said thoughtfully.

  The water turned off but Stephanie didn’t say a word.

  “We looked like clown meets trashy hookers gone wild,” Lexie continued, knowing Stephanie was listening. “Good thing Ruth came to the rescue. Although looking back now, my dress could have been better. What was I thinking?”

  Stephanie pulled the curtain back to reveal she was sitting down hugging her knees to her chest. She looked so small and scared, it tore at Lexie’s heart. Stephanie leaned her cheek against her knee and looked at Lexie. So much sadness clouded her normally bright eyes.

  Lexie grabbed her robe off the back of the door and wrapped it around Stephanie’s shoulders. She could feel her shiver through the thick terry cloth fabric despite the warm steam still circulating the room. Lexie grabbed a towel off the shelf and dried her hair before helping her out of the tub.

  She picked up the comb off the counter and began untangling Stephanie’s long curls before she turned the hairdryer on. Lexie needed the distraction from her thoughts and Stephanie needed to be taken care of while she struggled to find her words again. She ran her fingers through Stephanie’s hair gently as the heat of the dryer began to dissipate Stephanie’s chills.

  “Alex said you were the most beautiful girl in the whole world that night,” Stephanie said when Lexie flicked off the hairdryer and tucked it away in the drawer. Lexie spun around and looked at Stephanie, who was still staring at her folded hands in her lap.

  “Alex also said I looked beautiful in the mornings too,” Lexie said with a smile. “He had a way of stretching the truth.” Lexie dropped down on the floor in front of Stephanie and grabbed her hands, looking into her eyes. “We are going to make it through this, Steph. I don’t know how, but we will.”

 
“It feels like a huge part of me was scooped out and something slithered in and filled the space. I don’t feel like me anymore,” Stephanie said as tears filled her eyes and spilled over.

  “Look at me,” Lexie said, tilting up her face with a gentle nudge under her chin. “I still see all of you in there. Broken maybe, but all pieces are accounted for.”

  Stephanie took a deep, shaky breath and twisted a ring around her finger.

  “What’s this?” Lexie asked. “She had noticed the ring before but it never seemed like a good time to ask.”

  Stephanie ran her finger over the surface of it. “I found it there…tucked in the mattress of…” Stephanie trailed off when her face twisted in pain as more tears ran down her cheeks. “I think it belonged to another girl,” Stephanie whispered as she wiped her tears with the back of her other hand. “It made me feel less alone when I was there.”

  Lexie took her hand in hers and gave it a comforting squeeze.

  “I know that I’m home and he’s behind bars, but it’s hard to let go of the fear. It feels like it is a part of me now,” Stephanie said solemnly.

  Lexie knew exactly what she meant because it was reflected in her eyes. She could only imagine what Stephanie had been through. She didn’t want to push her to talk until she was ready.

  “Let’s not worry about anything other than eating your mother’s delicious food and taking one day at a time. It sounds like a good start, right?” Lexie gave Stephanie’s knee a gentle squeeze.

  “Your mom…” Stephanie began.

  Lexie’s eyes watered. “It’s too hard to think about right now.”

  “I understand,” Stephanie said, placing her hand over Lexie’s.

  “Girls,” Ruth called from the entrance of Stephanie’s room. “The food is ready.”

  Lexie looked at Stephanie and smiled softly. Ruth always had to cook when she was stressed or worried. Lexie knew they would be well fed as they waded through their pain.

  CHAPTER FOUR