Hawke (Protective Hero: Noble Network #2)

Chapter 8

Chapter

Eight

“ W hat got into him?” Kinley looked at the two bodyguards. One was covering his mouth and the other whistled.

“I think you did,” Axel said.

“I go way back with Hawke, and I’d have to say this is a first, Miss Lincoln. You might want to reassess your tactics. Remember, we’re on the same team.” He wiped his forehead with his arm and straddled his chair. “I’m staying clear of him until he’s at a low simmer. Maybe you’d be wise to do so as well.”

“Too much?” She raised her shoulders.

Axel lifted his finger and thumb an inch. “A bit.”

“I admit he’s easy to aggravate. Once I see an opening, or a little wiggle-room, I pounce. Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed so much, but he was dishing it out. I thought he could take it.”

“I’ve seen you in court and you’re talented. But Hawke is respectable people. He’d die to protect you, or any of us for that matter. He’s the one all of us want by our side.”

“Note taken. I guess I’ll need to plead my case and beg for forgiveness.”

“Grand idea. See, that shouldn’t be too difficult.”

“Maybe I need an attitude adjustment.” She winced. “I may have taken too big of a leap. This is unfamiliar terrain for me.” She bit at her nail and inched her way to the great room with the mammoth fireplace. “I think I’ll go study my best rebuttal.”

Kinley peered into the roaring flames, taking a seat close to the stone fireplace. Why did she feel an uncontrollable urge to antagonize Hawke? Why was she blaming him? It wasn’t his fault. They were both innocent in this horrible scenario.

Kinley raked her hands through her hair. What have I done? Time for a reality check and in a hurry. She pressed her finger against her neck and the pulse ticked like a drum section in the orchestra. She was teetering out of control and would not fare well. Kinley needed someone to be in her court, and it was the first time she felt that way. It wasn’t about a man or a woman, it was anyone who was a soft place to land.

Her childhood had been so out of control that she broke free of the constraints. When she finally released the shields of her birthright, she became who she was striving to be. It had taken years, removing the layers of whom her father expected. She’d never go back to that life.

Today she was floating somewhere between the two, where vulnerability and chaos won. Hawke didn’t deserve her instability. It was hers to own. She had to drop her walls, but letting him in could undo everything she worked so hard for. She needed an ally. It had been too long since she had one. It was time to become his and stop fighting against the Noble Network. Her fight was with her demons, not with the ones fighting for her safety.

Kinley noticed the framed pictures and recognized almost everyone in the photos, this beautiful mountain home belonged to the Winslow family. She moved closer, studying each of the wooden frames. The families affected by the violence many years ago and again throughout the years, over and over. She had drawn strength from them in the courtroom as she’d gazed into their faces. They had endured so much; what she was going through paled in comparison to their war. She felt foolish and ashamed.

Kinley wiped a tear away as it rolled down her cheek. She glanced away and spotted Hawke watching her. He walked to her with trepidation.

“I’m the last person you need to see, but is everything okay with you?”

She wiped her face. “No, it’s not. I’ve been so stupid and a total bitch.” She kept her eyes focused on the faces in the photos sitting on the mantel, then gained strength to apologize.

“Hawke, can you forgive me?” she said, animatedly flinging her arms around. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I’m a disaster and all of this has gotten to me more than I’ve admitted. But it’s no excuse to treat someone so unkindly. You are here to help me, and I’ve made it impossible.”

He gave a slight shake of the head and his forehead creased, showing deep lines on his almost perfect face. Maybe he was gun shy to say anything? Who wouldn’t be tongue tangled with her word vomit.

“You don’t need to say anything. I’ve been seriously appalling. I strive to be the person who was kind above everything. Life can be cutthroat. Gosh forbid I’ve seen enough in the courtroom, but I’ve never gone after anyone like I have you.” She covered her face. “I mean, come on, look at you. You could squish me like a bug with your thumb and I decided to piss you off.” She attempted a laugh but failed. “To be honest, I really miss my mom. I’ve only been able to text her. I really need to hear her voice.”

“You’ve tested me, but I’d never squish you like a bug. I could, but I wouldn’t. If I did, explaining it to my boss might be difficult.” Hawke smacked his hand on the stone fireplace and blew at his hand.

Kinley jumped, grabbing her chest. “You scared me.”

He gave her a wry smile. “Testing you. I’ll contact my boss and see if I can arrange a call between you and your mother.”

“What a tease. Oh, thank you. I know it will help”. She planted her elbow on the fireplace mantle. “We’ve called a truce and that didn’t work.” Kinley scrutinized him, waiting for a reply, but he stayed quiet, listening. “Will you forgive me?” She batted her lashes. “Please.”

Hawke paused and leaned forward. “Miss Lincoln, flirting won’t work.”

Kinley’s cheeks warmed. Am I flirting with him? Was that what this entire thing was about? She spun around, pressing against her fiery cheeks. That’s it. I am. And now I know why I’m making his life hell. He’s challenged me and I’m peeved . No one has ever got away with that. “Dammit, I’m flirting,” she said under her breath. “That’s it.” I don’t flirt. But he’s so dreamy.

“Did you say something? I didn’t hear you.”

She froze and scrunched her eyes tight. Maybe if I don’t answer, he might go away. Kinley opened one of her eyes. He was now facing her.

“Hey Hawke, can you come and look at this for me?” Luca hollered from the kitchen.

He leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Miss D.A., we’re not done with this conversation.”

She waved a hand, fanning her face as he strutted away.

“Whatcha need, Luca?”

Luca hovered over his computer screen. “Look at this. Jett snapped this and it’s grainy of the driver of the Escalade. Still no ping on the plates. The only thing solid is it’s from the New York area.”

“New York? What is a vehicle from New York doing in rural Colorado?” Hawke pulled the photo from the printer. “Hard to see who it is. I got nothing. He doesn’t look familiar.”

“Yeah, I checked it in the system, but we didn’t get a match.”

“So, we’re no further than we were before.”

“One thing we know. I acquired surveillance data from the camera near the courthouse. Check the time stamp.” He tapped his pointer on the laptop.

Hawke viewed the screen. “Same time the break-in happened and the files were taken. No way. Is that the same Escalade?”

Luca hit the keys on his computer, opening another file. “We also have video of the parking lot of Kinley’s apartment. Bam!” Luca stepped back and let Hawke eyeball it.

“This is not a coincidence. Three separate incidents and the Escalade is at all of them.”

“So, we’re looking for a connection to the Devils Denver Delinquents motorcycle club, and this decked out Escalade, and Miss Lincoln.”

“Did someone call my name?”

Hawke handed her the grainy photo of the passenger of the Escalade. “Does this person look familiar?”

Kinley pulled her readers off her head and looked carefully at the photo. “Hmmm.” She tapped her lips with her forefinger. “There is something familiar with this guy in the photo. Does it look like he’s wearing glasses of some sort? Not sunglasses, but a different hue.” She paced the room and rested her hands on the table. “I’m certain I’ve seen this person before.” She snapped her fingers. “Yes. He was at my apartment; we rode up a floor in the elevator. I didn’t recognize him as a tenant. When I saw him, I thought it was odd he was wearing glasses, it was nighttime, but his glasses had an amber-orange hue, and they were black rimmed. He was a big guy with longer hair and a flannel shirt.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I had a weird vibe that night. When he got off the elevator, I took off one way and he went in the other direction. There was only one apartment, so I thought he must have been the new renter. Later, with all the bullets, I swear I heard banging on my door. But there were no sirens, and I hadn’t called the police yet.”

Hawke stretched his arms wide and laced his fingers behind his head. “Miss Lincoln, you gave us valuable intel. Is there a way you can go over any of your files, so we can see if there is any correlation between your cases, this Escalade, and the guy in the elevator?”

Kinley moved to the hallway, outside of the kitchen area. She cradled herself, shivering. Hawke followed close, he wanted to tell her everything would be okay. “This is all too real and getting more so by the minute.” She pressed her hands to her eyes. “I need my mom. Please, can I talk to her? I only need a minute. I must tell her I’m okay, she must be worried sick. Please, I beg you.” She said the last words with a shaky voice.

Her pleading expression penetrated deep into his chest. He dug at his solar plexus to relieve the pressure.

“Doing research might keep my mind off certain things. I’m your girl when it comes to that but right now…” She closed her eyes and let out a breath. “Right now, I’m overwhelmed. What is it…fourteen, fifteen days, I’ve been in hiding?” She wiped a wayward tear. “My mom must think something’s wrong. She’s a worrier, and it hurts me knowing that. I’ll do whatever you ask if I could only speak with her. She’s all I have.”

Hawke moved closer and reached for Kinley but pulled back. “We can do that.”

Kinley lunged forward and clutched his hand.

He stiffened for a split second and slowly relaxed his shoulders. “It’s okay not to be okay all the time. It takes a lot of strength to admit when you need something. It’s not easy.”

She pulled back and examined him. There was something telling about her look, that maybe he needed to follow his own advice.

He stepped back and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Your safety is the utmost priority, I’ll set up the call with your mother, then we can do research.” Hawke tried to reiterate the importance of keeping her safe, but the way they were at such odds was messing with his head. CJ was never like this in the beginning, but CJ had been a young, scared girl and Gunner was who she confided in. Miss D.A. was easily in her thirties and didn’t appear scared, just antagonistic. But when she showed her vulnerability, and the softer side it undid him in ways that conflicted him to his core. He identified with both the yin and the yang in some ways. It was never boring; he wasn’t sure who he’d get next.

Kinley peered in his direction and smiled. “Again, I’m so sorry for what I’ve put you through. I appreciate everything you are doing for me.” She drew closer and looked up at him. He’d noticed her inspecting his tattoos again. “How long have you had them?”

“Had what?” He shifted, feeling like he was under another cross examination.

“Those.” She went to reach for his neck and he grabbed her hand. “Your tattoos.”

“A long time. Maybe thirteen years. I got them after the service.” He released his grip.

“Why?” she asked softly.

“Does it matter?” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“No, not at all. I like them, but…” She reached again but stopped herself. “When people get tattoos, most often they have a meaning or tell a story. I want to know yours.”

“Nah, not much of me to tell. Got it. They hurt like a bitch, but they suit me.”

“I have one.” She extended her hand and showed her wrist. “Don’t stop believing. I got it when I left home, to give me strength. I always keep it hidden for work with either a shirt or and wide bracelet.”

“What’s your story behind the tattoo?”

“It’s a mantra for my journey. Get it? A Journey song. One day, maybe, I’ll share the entire saga, but it has to do with my upbringing and how nothing has been easy on the road to fulfilling my independence and scholastic dreams. My belief system is the only thing I could control.”

“Thank you for sharing that with me, it gives me insight on how you tick. I look forward to more of your story, Miss Lincoln.” He nodded.

“Kinley, please.”

Hawke’s phone vibrated, and he looked at the screen. “Okay, Kinley Lincoln, let’s see what kind of grub there’s around here to eat. We’re about to get more people here and an extra relief team for our guys watching the house. This place will shortly be busting at the seams.”

Hawke sat a few dishes on the counter. “Do you want any extra help? I’m sure I can get someone to step in. I haven’t done many dishes in my day.”

“Not surprised. No need for help. I’m good. Go do your thing.”

“Good. I was hoping you wouldn’t try to domesticate me.”

“Never. It wouldn’t work. Get going.” She shooed him away. Kinley finished cleaning up the kitchen while Hawke and the rest of the guys went downstairs for a meeting. She didn’t want to know what they were talking about and found doing mundane cooking and cleaning therapeutic.

Kinley cleaned the table and looked at a few of the papers sitting in an open folder. She sat down and started reading, grabbing a nearby notepad. Putting her readers on, she studied one file, then eagerly another, and the next. The information was so detailed.

Wiping her eyes, Kinley laid her readers on the table. She folded her arms, tucking her head, and closed her eyes. Kinley was back in her apartment and her ears filled with busting glass. Shots whizzed by her head as she cowered under the desk. She heard banging on the door and more shots. The person at the door yelled something. Whoever it was, wanted inside her apartment. The dark figure loomed. Stay down .

Then there were more of them. The first person scuffled with another and took off. She couldn’t see anything but feet and the two of them fighting. She held her breath as the smell of gun powder almost overtook her. It clung in the air, thick. Someone shot out the lights and adrenaline coursed through her veins, she scrambled over sharp edges, slicing her palms and knees. Am I bleeding? Her jaw jack hammered. The bullets ricocheted off the walls. She cupped her ears.

Kinley trembled uncontrollably. Sirens blared in the distance. Are they coming for me? She didn’t sense anyone else there, but she couldn’t move other than the earthquake inside of her. Her muscles tensed and her body quaked. Am I going into shock? She didn’t want to make a sound for fear the bad guys would find her. She held her breath for as long as she could. Everything went black. Darkness. Was she moving? She opened her eyes, but her vision was blurry. She was being carried. Who was he? She squinted to clear her vision. It was the man. The man in the elevator. She squirmed. He whispered, “I’m taking you somewhere safer. Help will find you.” Darkness consumed her again . Sirens. Closer. They’re closer. Help will find me. She opened her eyes to barely a slit, more footsteps, crunching of glass under feet. Uniforms, she recognized the city’s police uniforms. Help is here. She couldn’t move. Someone was reaching for her. She whimpered. Gun powder still lurked in the air. She was being shaken. Were they the bad guys? More shaking.

“Kinley. Wake up. You’re having a nightmare.”

More pressure on her shoulder. Tears streamed down her face. She mumbled.

“Kinley!” a deep voice shouted.

How did he know my name? Just like the other guy. He knew my name. I must run. Get away. She bolted, gasping. “Help!” she shouted. Her knees buckled, but she wasn’t in her apartment anymore. Where am I?

“Kinley,” the voice shouted. Now he shook her. She fought for clarity. It was Hawke. Hawke was here. She hurled herself at him, hearing the strong, soothing beat of his heart from his chest. She wrapped her arms around him and clung onto the reality that she was safe. Tears streamed down her face as she wept into his strong embrace.

“Shhh. It’s only a dream, Kinley. You’re safe. I got you.” He ran his large palm over her head, tenderly. Hawke swept Kinley’s hair from her face. She inhaled deep, remembering his masculine heady scent. Reeling from the trauma she went through Kinley immersed herself in their connection.

She couldn’t move, didn’t want to move. It was the first time in her lifetime she’d gained so much from an embrace. She locked her wrists tight around him. She didn’t want to let go.

He whispered in her ear. “Everything is okay. I’m here, and I will keep you protected. I know you don’t think you need it, but newsflash. I’ll do it anyway.” He kissed her head as he soothed her. Kinley focused on his words, opening her eyes, she noticed half a dozen of her protectors gathered around. Some were blank faced, some sympathetic, and others were giving Hawke the death stare like they couldn’t believe he had a tender side. He pulled away, but she clung to him as if he was her only lifeline.

“Kinley, you need to let go before you fall. I’m not going anywhere, but I need to get you back in the chair.”

She slowly released her hands and peered into his eyes.

He nodded. “You’re safe, I promise.”

Her bottom lip quivered. One guard pulled out her chair and Hawke eased her lower, wiping her tears away. Luca handed her a box of Kleenex. Another one of the new guys handed her a glass of water. Hawke flipped one of the chairs around and saddled it. His eyes were more tender than she’d ever seen.