Chapter Fourteen

Banks

Quietly closing Laurel’s bedroom door, I turned and came face-to-face with LeeAnn. Without a second thought, I pretended to zip up my pants before leaning forward to give the woman a kiss on the cheek. “Good morning, LeeAnn.”

Laurel’s mother narrowed her eyes. “Did you have a sleepover with my daughter, young man?”

Grinning, I stood up straight. “Yes, ma’am, I did.”

LeeAnn shook her head, linked her arm in mine and sighed. “Well, what’s done is done. My girl never once listened to me. Why should you be any different? Escort me downstairs, Nikoli. We need to talk.”

I grimaced. “Now, LeeAnn, generally when a Southern woman says that it means yelling and a possible whack to the back of the head with a cast-iron skillet.”

LeeAnn smiled up at me beautifully, showing me her pearly whites as she patted my hand. “Always knew you were a smart boy.”

I loved LeeAnn. In some ways, she was the mother I never had but always wanted. She was kind, knowledgeable, funny, and had a firm grip on reality. She didn’t sway, coerce or make me do anything I didn’t want to do. She always listened to me, tried to understand what I was feeling, and she always gave the best advice.

Even if I didn’t understand half of it.

But what I loved most about her was the way she loved her children and for a short time, that included me.

Her love was unconditional.

Didn’t matter if I was in the wrong. LeeAnn was a staunch superhero that swooped in and protected with all her might. She never gave up, never surrendered, and always stood at my back, even when I didn’t need her.

“Take a seat, Nikoli,” she said when we entered the kitchen.

Doing as I was told, I watched while she flittered about the kitchen, first making coffee, then she proceeded to remove pots and skillets, placing them on the stove. Opening the fridge, she took out everything needed to make a hearty breakfast, and I, for one, couldn’t wait, remembering how good her cooking was.

“How have you been lately?”

“Good. You know me. I go with the flow.”

“Yes, I remember.” She nodded, cracking eggs into a bowl. “But I’m talking about everything with my daughter and, more importantly, learning about Nash.”

I sighed, leaning back in the chair. “It was a shock at first, but I guess it was supposed to be. I never meant to leave Laurel. Please believe that.”

“I know, dear boy. You loved my little girl. I saw that clearly from the first time she introduced you to me. Young love is a powerful thing, Nikoli. Sometimes it will grab onto you and never let go.”

“I want to marry her, LeeAnn.”

“Of course you do.” LeeAnn smiled at me. “I knew from the start that you two would be together. What you and my girl have is unbreakable. That’s probably why Laurel never married Kai’s father. Not that the bastard ever asked. I think in some way, my girl has been hoping that you would return to her one day.”

“How bad was it for her?” I asked. “You know, after I left.”

LeeAnn sighed. “It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. You know how folks can be, but you’d be proud of my girl. She held her head high and never said a word. She’s a lot like her daddy in that regard. The strength and determination she has, she got from him. She’s a lot like him in many ways, that’s why I never really worried about her. But now, I’m worried, Nikoli.”

“Why?”

“Because my girl won’t make it if you leave her again.”

“I’m not going anywhere, LeeAnn. I give you my word.”

Turning to face me, she asked, “And what about your family? The one from New York City?”

“My home is here with the Sons of Hell. I know nothing about the Russian side of my life. I don’t remember my brother. All I know is the life I’ve had, here in America. I’m more American than Russian at this point. Hell, LeeAnn, I don’t even like Russian food.”

“Nikoli, I’m just gonna cut the fat and lay the pig on the table. Laurel’s not had it easy being a single mom and raising two boys, but my girl has done everything with dignity and grace. She’s got a good life here, and with her new store, she’s finally happy. She’s making friends. The community has welcomed her. She can flourish here. I don’t want anyone disrupting that.”

“I don’t either. All I want is to be a part of her life and love her for as long as she will let me.”

“And what about Nash?”

I sighed. “He’s different. I don’t know what to do about him. He’s so angry. Every time he looks at me, all he sees is the man who left his mother. He’s so mad, LeeAnn. I know anger. I’ve been there before, but with Nash? It’s different. He’s holding onto his anger with a powerful grip, and I don’t know how to help him. Was he always like this?”

Placing a cup of hot coffee and a plate of food before me, LeeAnn sat. “No. Nash was a sweet little boy. Always happy and smiling. Smart too. Even as he got older, he was always eager to help. When Laurel gave birth to Kai, Nash was so protective of him. Carried his little brother everywhere. They were like two peas in a pod. Kai adored Nash. Wanted to be just like him. Then everything changed.”

“When?” I said, reaching for my coffee cup.

“Nash wasn’t thrilled about moving mid-school year, but what teenage boy would be. But he understood and even helped Laurel with everything. He was her rock, especially when Kai had a hard time making new friends at his new school, but that was short-lived thanks to Cameron and Benny. We thought when Nash made the football team that he was adjusting as well, but then Laurel and I noticed Nash started acting strange. First, he stopped smiling, then came the outbursts. When Laurel learned his grades were slipping, she asked if there was a problem and Nash yelled at her. That boy never once raised his voice to his mother. Shocked her and me. After that, everything just got worse.”

“What did the school say?”

“They are at a loss like we are. No one knows what made Nash change, only Nash does, and he’s not talking. He’s just angry.”

Looking at LeeAnn, I knew the woman was smart. She saw everything. Leaning forward, I asked, “But you have your suspicions, don’t you?”

The woman nodded. “I do and I don’t like where my head takes me.”

“What are you thinking, LeeAnn? Even I know a mother’s intuition is strong and should never be ignored.”

LeeAnn looked directly at me and said, “I think someone hurt Nash.”

“Who?” I growled.

“That’s just it, Nikoli. I have no idea who would hurt my darling boy.”

The thought of someone hurting Nash enraged me.

I could feel my blood boiling as my entire body shouted at me to find this motherfucker and end them. Children were supposed to be loved, cherished, and protected. No child should ever have to fear, feel threatened or suffer the atrocities of the real world. It was bad enough they would grow up and eventually learn that shit on their own, but to be forced to learn or experience it before their minds could assimilate the threat was something I refused to tolerate or accept.

Reaching for my phone, I called King.

“Do you know what time it is?” the man groggily said as he yawned.

“I need Scribe to investigate everyone associated with Rosewood High’s football team. Coaches, faculty, even the players. Even have him look into the boosters and all of Nash’s former teachers.”

“Wanna tell me why I’m investigating my former alma mater?”

“Because LeeAnn just told me that Nash’s attitude didn’t start until he started school and joined the football team.”

“It’s Banks, baby. Go back to sleep,” I heard King say before I distinctly heard a door close before he added, “Okay. What’s going on in that head of yours, Banks? Because I don’t like where you are going with this or what you are insinuating. I know Coach Young. He’s a good man. Married with three kids of his own.”

“Not accusing anyone, King, but I can’t ignore LeeAnn. She just told me that Nash changed after he joined the football team. You know best what goes on in the locker room and on the field. I never played, but you did. I’ve heard the horror stories, King. Not saying it’s Coach Young’s fault, but someone on that team, associated with that team or at the school knows something, and I want to know what the hell it is.”

“We go down this road and there is no turning back, Banks. You know that. Just the accusation is enough to ruin lives and careers.”

“What would you do if it was Cameron, King?” I asked, knowing it was a low blow. But I was desperate to help my son.

King growled. “I’d kill every motherfucker involved.”

“Then you understand how I’m feeling right now. I need your help, King. I can’t do this by myself.”

“Alright. Fine. I’ll get Scribe on it, but let me be clear, Banks. If Scribe finds nothing, you will let this go.”

“I give you my word I will, but, King, my gut’s telling me something is seriously wrong at that school.”