Read Online Hope (The Virtues #1) by Davida Lynn - Free Book Online

had been quiet, and I imagined that there was quite a bit running through his mind. When he did speak, I almost jumped.

    “What time are they supposed to show?” He looked up at me. He had been deep in thought, planning the evening.

    I looked up from the gun. “Uh, he said twenty-four hours from six. I assume he’s going to keep his word?” It was a major distraction to me. Trask had explained that it wasn’t loaded, and there wasn’t even a single bullet in it, but I couldn't stop myself from staring at it the entire time we sat outside.

    Trask nodded. “I do, too. He knows Nick won’t have the cash, but he also knows your brother can’t go anywhere outside of town. If he’s not there when the dealer shows up, there’s basically a bounty on Nick’s head. All the corner sellers and small timers are going to be after him, because it means a chance to move up.”

    My heart thumped in my chest as Trask explained my brother’s fate. I tried to remain calm and remember that the man across from me was there to help, but I was still afraid. As always, Trask could read my face.

    “Nick’s not gonna be there, Hope. I am, and like I told you: I’m gonna talk to them. I’m going to be nice right up until it’s time to not be nice. Understand?”

    I nodded, respecting him a bit more for obscuring the darkness of his job for me. He saw what it did to me, and at first I think Trask decided I needed to know all the gritty details. Maybe I did, but I didn’t handle it well.

    I spoke up, trying not to sound sheepish. “I understand. I’m just worried, I guess.”

    “Me, too.” He said it with a cold tone.

    I frowned. “What, really?

    “Of course. I don’t like this.” His eyes were on the gun. “I don’t like the violence, but I understand that it’s part of my job.”

    I was confused. “Yeah, but it doesn't have to be part of your job, Trask.”

    “I told you. They are my family. They are my responsibility. I have to look out for them, just like you are looking out for Nick.”

    I reached across the table for his hand. He turned the palm up and my petite fingers slid between his. “And who looks out for you?”

    He smiled, but there was sadness in his eyes. “I survive.”

    “Surviving isn’t the same thing as living.” I smiled at him and sipped my coffee. There was something so peaceful about falling into an old routine, especially one that had such warm memories.

    He squeezed my hand and downed the remainder of his coffee. “One thing at a time, Hope. Let’s get your brother out of his jam, and then we’ll talk about living.”

    ***

    Another bike ride, and another chance to feel that exhilaration. I squeezed Trask tight, and took in the sight of the outskirts of Bakersfield in the daylight. After a quick trip to Layne’s car for a change of clothes, we headed to Cherrywood Court and definite trouble. I listened to the wind and felt the chill on my face as we rode to the trailer park where I grew up.

    Trask gave in to my demands before we left, and he dug a helmet out of his garage for me. It was a bit big for my head, so every bump made it wobble around. I kept having to reach up and straighten it out, but I felt safer, so I dealt with the annoyance. It was of little consolation, considering just below my hands around Trask’s chest, there was a handgun in his jeans.

    I knew it was necessary, but I hated it anyway. I really hoped that Trask would be able to solve the problem with words. I knew that was stupid, though. There was no talking about Nick’s problem. His dealer wanted money, and we didn’t have it. Even the biggest charmer in the world wasn’t going to talk a drug dealer out of ten grand.

    The plan was simple: Trask was going to wait at the trailer. I was going to be out back with Casper in case anything went wrong. Trask put Bear’s number on my cell phone just in case things went south, but he smiled and kissed my forehead, saying, “I think this will be