Chapter Nine

Phoebe

"You sure you're going to be able to handle him?" my brother asked, looking at Shaw who was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, in the departure area of Knoxville Airport. King stood next to him, saying something, but I knew Shaw wasn't listening.

I thought it funny that King didn't.

"I don't need to handle anything, Dimeter. Shaw just needs to know that someone is there for him, no matter what."

"I still think you should let a brother go."

"And who would you suggest go with him?"

"Hell, Sis. I don't know. Me?"

Shaking my head, I muttered, "You can't leave. Henley needs you and so does the club."

"Let me call Freyja and Athena. They will help."

I cringed at that. I loved my sisters. I really did, but Freyja would take over and Athena would contact the spirits and all other ominous things.

No.

What Shaw needed was silence and someone who understood what he was facing.

"No. This is my journey. Not theirs. Besides, if I need a rest, our cousin Ares lives in the city. I can visit with her."

"Sure. Just make sure she doesn't talk you into anything. That girl is worse than Freyja and you know it."

I smirked at that. "Ares is just a little stubborn. She knows her mind."

"She's evil with a nasty right hook."

"Well, there is that too." I chuckled.

"Seriously though. If you need anything, even if you run out of your favorite tea, call me. I will come."

Looking up at my brother, I nodded, hugging him tightly around his waist. Dimeter really was a good brother. I couldn't ask for any better.

"You sure about this, Phoebe?" King asked, interrupting our moment.

"Yep," I replied emphatically, noticing Shaw standing alone near the window.

"He's refusing the valium I got George to prescribe him."

"He won't take anything. He doesn't like the way they make him feel. He will be fine. I promise."

American Airlines flight 1201 to LaGuardia, boarding first-class passengers now.

"That's us," I said, reaching for my bag.

Quickly hugging both men, I walked over to Shaw, who stood frozen in his spot. Tentatively, I slipped my hand into his as he slowly turned to face me, his hand gripping mine tightly.

"I can't do this."

"We can leave right now. Say the word."

He frowned, looking back out the window. "I can't do that."

"Then we will stand here for as long as it takes. I'm not leaving you."

"I'm sorry you got mixed up with this."

"Wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

"What if I can't help?"

"You will."

"I'm scared, baby," he whispered. "What if I don't come back from this? I don't want to become him."

"I won't let that happen. Look at me, Shaw," I ordered, facing him. Taking both of his hands in mine, I clearly said, "You are the strongest, most loving man I've ever met. You have the biggest heart that encompasses everything and everyone around you. You are nothing like him and never will be."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I wouldn't love you if you were. Now let's get this done. Find the killer and head home. Are you ready?"

He said nothing as he let go of my hand, turned and walked toward the boarding gate.

I knew it shouldn't have hurt when he released my hand, but it did. I knew he was only getting his head straight for what was to come, knowing that he was about to delve back into the dark recesses of his mind. I wanted so much to walk that path with him, but I couldn't. This was something he was going to have to do himself. I only prayed that when he surfaced, he was still the man I'd fallen in love with.

Because I wasn't lying to him.

I could never love a man like his father.

"What are you guys doing here?" Shaw asked when Matthew Law and his crew from Harbor Security greeted us at LaGuardia Airport.

"Thought you both could use a ride, plus King called in a favor. You are both staying with us at the Harbor on 5 th . Ace is waiting to take you to the precinct after you get settled. I've already contacted the lead detective, Robin Calloway, and she is expecting you."

I watched intently as Shaw's body stiffened.

It was bad enough he was being thrown back into the darkness. I knew being around his former military buddies would only exacerbate that. No. What he needed was something clean and pure. A place where he could escape his mind when he wasn't working. And almost as if I conjured her myself, my cousin Ares shouted loudly when she ran toward us, waving her hands.

"Phoebe!"

Smiling, I dropped my bag as my beautiful cousin tackled me in a tight hug.

"OMG! I can't believe you are really here!"

"I'm here, Ares. The both of us are." I smiled, turning to see Shaw frown. Releasing Ares, I introduced them. "Shaw, this is my cousin Ares. We will be staying at the family house while in the city. It's quiet and will give you the peace you seek."

"Ma'am"—Matthew Law stepped in—"I'm sure you think that's appropriate, but we can provide you both with everything you will need."

"I appreciate that, Mr. Law, but right now, I know what Shaw needs. He needs a place where he can be himself and nothing else."

"But, ma'am—"

"Oh, shut it, Mission Impossible . My cousin will not change her mind," Ares shot off as two of the men with Matthew chuckled. "Now, be a good boy and grab their bags."

Ares didn't wait for a response as she linked her arms in mine and Shaw's, ushering us toward the exit, and when I took a sneak peek at Shaw, I saw a shallow smile.