Road to Peace Read online

  “Hey, Cricket’s here.”

  “I’ll call the front desk,” she said.

  “Thanks.”

  Poppy led him out to the kitchen and called down to give Cricket permission to come up.

  “Who’s here?” Maisie asked sleepily.

  “My sister Cricket’s bringin’ some food, baby. Don’t get up,” Hatch said.

  “I don’t think I could if I wanted to,” she complained.

  Cricket arrived with a door man who helped her with her bags, and seemed to be eyeing his sister, which Hatch didn’t particularly like much.

  Hatch grabbed the bags out of the man’s hand and nodded. “Thanks. We’ll take it from here.”

  “Thanks, Mark,” Cricket said, all flirty and shit. “It’s was really nice meeting you.”

  “You too.”

  “She’s gotta go,” Hatch said, and closed the door.

  “Well, that was rude,” Cricket complained. “He was nice.”

  “He was eyeing you like a Rottweiler eyes a steak,” Hatch countered.

  “Well, he was a really nice Rottweiler.”

  Poppy giggled and Hatch glared at his sister, then introduced Maisie and Poppy to Cricket. “Let’s get this stuff into the kitchen,” Hatch said.

  “I’m gonna help Mum,” Poppy said.

  “Sounds good,” Hatch said, and led Cricket into the kitchen.

  He watched as Poppy helped Maisie out of her chair. “You okay, Sunshine?”

  Maisie smiled. “I’m fine, love.”

  It was the first time she’d used an endearment with him and he felt it all the way in his dick. He grinned and went back to helping Cricket.

  Poppy walked out… alone… about ten minutes later just as Hatch pulled pork chops out of the fridge. “Where’s your mom?”

  “She’s really tired, so she’s in bed.”

  “Harder to watch her if she’s not in here, baby girl.”

  Poppy smiled. “I won’t repeat what she said to say if you said that.”

  Hatch nodded. “I’ll go talk to her.”

  “Why don’t you help me with dinner, Poppy?” Cricket suggested.

  “You just transfer ’em from the packagin’ to the plate, sissy… no tryin’ to do anythin’ more,” Hatch demanded, and headed down the hall. Every time Cricket tried to cook, she burnt something… luckily, she was past the stage of setting things on fire, but since the kitchen was unfamiliar to her, Hatch wasn’t taking any chances.

  Knocking on Maisie’s slightly open bedroom door, he whispered, “Maisie?”

  “Unless you’re here with chocolate, wine or drugs, I don’t want to talk to you.”

  He pushed the door open wider and found her lying on her back on a huge bed, on top of what looked like fuckin’ expensive bedding, her bandaged arm cradled on her stomach. “You in a lot of pain?”

  Her head flopped to the side and she raised an eyebrow. “Me? No… what would give you that idea?”

  Hatch chuckled closing the distance between them, leaning over her with a smile. “I’m gonna make dinner, but let’s get you some meds for now, yeah?”

  She reached up and stroked his cheek. “You cook?”

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, he wrapped an arm around her upturned knees. “Yeah, baby, I cook.”

  Her eyebrows dipped together in a concerned expression. “Are you a secret serial killer or something, because you seem way too good to be true?”

  “If I tell you, it won’t be a secret,” he whispered.

  Maisie giggled and Hatch couldn’t stop himself from kissing her gently. “Love that sound, Sunshine.”

  “I really like you, Connor.”

  Fuck. Her saying his real name was like a punch to his gut. “You know my real name?”

  “Yes, sorry, is that not okay? Kim’s husband mentioned it in the park.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “Please don’t turn into yet another bastard who tries to kill me and my daughter.” Her inept effort to blink back tears broke his heart.

  “Okay, first,” he shifted so he was closer to her, wiping her tears from her cheeks, “I love that you know my real name and you can call me Connor anytime you want. Second, you and Poppy are safe with me. Always. Even if you and I don’t work out, you’ll still be safe with me. I like you too, Maisie, so how about you worry about getting well and leave the rest to me?”

  She sat up and looped her arm around his neck. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

  “You don’t have to find out, baby, I got you.” He slid his hands up her back and pulled her close.

  Maisie’s lips slid along his neck, then his jawline, finally touching his mouth gently. Hatch stroked her cheek and deepened the kiss, his tongue connecting with hers, the minty taste of toothpaste combining with the gum he’d been chewing earlier. He forced himself to break their connection when she whimpered. He didn’t want to hurt her further. “Baby, you need to take something for the pain, yeah?”

  “This is helping.”

  He chuckled. “Yeah?”

  She leaned back and nodded. “You’re a really good kisser, Hatch. Not that I have much to compare you to, but you really are.”

  “Back atya, Maisie.” He slid her hair away from her face. “Are you hungry?”

  “Starved.”

  “Pork chops okay?”

  “Perfect.” She pulled him close again. “But can we stay like this for a little while longer?”

  “Sure, baby.”

  After a few more minutes, he slid off the bed, then lifted her and carried her back out into the living room. This time, she had the good sense not to resist (much… there was one minor comment about her legs not being broken, but he ignored it). He settled her into the overstuffed chair she was in before, handed her a dose of her meds, and went about making dinner with Poppy and Cricket’s help.

  Maisie

  I WATCHED HATCH as he joked around with Poppy and Cricket, his gentleness with my daughter filling my heart with ooey gooey goodness. It could have been the drugs as well, but I didn’t think so. Poppy was enraptured by everything he said, and I got it… learning how to properly season a pork chop was interesting, but learning how to properly season a pork chop by Hatch, was fascinating. And sexy.

  I couldn’t seem to fight sleep, so I didn’t force myself to, but when I felt a tickle on my cheek, I opened my eyes to find Hatch smiling down at me. “Hey.”

  “Hi,” I rasped.

  “Hate to wake you, but the chops are done and we’ve eaten. You should really get some food in you.”

  My stomach rumbled in response and I chuckled. “My body agrees.”

  “Okay, I’ll grab your plate. Stay put.”

  This was my life for the next week. Hatch catering to my every need, me growing stronger and healing at record speed (according to the doctor), and Poppy falling in love with my motorcycle man… okay, maybe it was me falling in love with him, but she was close behind, and I couldn’t blame her.

  Alison was also warming to the idea of me and Hatch. Friday night we’d planned a double date, with Cricket hanging out with Grace and Poppy at my place, while Merrick went to a friend’s house. It would be an early one, just a quick meal at Serratto, but something to get me out of the house, which I desperately needed, however, Friday afternoon, Ryan called, his tone frantic.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Ali’s missing.”

  “What do you mean, ‘she’s missing’?” I demanded.

  “She didn’t show to pick up Grace from school and no one can get hold of her. We’ve got a BOLO out, but so far no luck.”

  “I take it you’re tracking her cell phone and car?”

  “Her car’s here and her phone’s off,” he said in frustration.

  “Have you checked Somer’s Place?” I asked, just in case she lied to me about not staying clean and was self-medicating with alcohol again.

  “Yeah, the bar’s closed.”

  “What about—”
r />   “I’ve checked every fucking bar in Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, and Vancouver, Maisie, she’s nowhere!” he snapped.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “No, I’m sorry. I just… fuck, I can’t find her anywhere.”

  “As soon as Hatch gets back we’ll go look, okay?”

  “Yeah, that’d be great, Maisie, thanks.”

  He hung up and I called Hatch. “Hey, Sunshine.”

  “Hey. Am I on speaker?” He was picking up Poppy and I didn’t want her to hear what I had to say.

  “You’re not now.”

  “Alison’s missing. I’ll explain when you get here, but tonight’s obviously off.”

  “Okay. We’re two minutes away.”

  “See you soon.”

  I set my cell phone on the kitchen island just as someone knocked on my front door. Thinking it was Hatch and Poppy, I pulled open the door… to find a very drunk Alison, half-empty bottle of Vodka, stumbling inside.

  “Hey, girrrrl,” she slurred, waving the bottle with a giggle.

  “Alison!” I closed the door and rushed to her. “Honey, Ryan’s worried sick.”

  “Is he? Whatever.” She took a swig from the bottle.

  “Ali, love, can I take that Vodka?”

  She shook her head. “It makes me feel good.”

  I took a deep, calming breath. It’s not like I could wrestle it from her, I only had one useable arm.

  Luckily, Hatch and Poppy walked in a few minutes later and Hatch helped get Alison under control so that I could call Ryan.

  Ryan answered immediately. “Hey, Maisie.”

  “Ali’s here. She’s really drunk, Ryan, but she’s safe.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “Okay, love.”

  I hung up and grabbed Alison some water, walking into the family room and handing it to her. “Where’s my Vodka?” she demanded.

  “I think this will help better than the Vodka,” I said.

  “I hate water.” She looked like she’d crawled through an Army obstacle course, the front of her shirt and jeans covered with caked-on mud, and her shoes damp.

  “I know, love,” I crooned. “Where have you been? I think we should get you out those wet clothes, hmm? Get you something warm and dry to wear?”

  “It’s raining outside.”

  “I know, Ali, but you’re going to catch a cold.”

  She shivered. “Okay.”

  “Come on, we’ll use my bathroom.”

  Before I could get her in the shower, however, Ryan arrived and took over. I left them alone and joined Hatch and Poppy back in the family room. “Is Auntie Ali okay?”

  “She will be, Poppet,” I said, and pulled her in for a hug. “Uncle Ryan’s taking care of her.”

  “Can I please call Gracie?”

  “Sure, love. How about you hang in your room for a bit? We’ll let you know when the coast is clear.”

  Poppy nodded and walked down the hall, and I turned to face Hatch. “Still want to be part of my crazy world?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah, Sunshine, I’m good.”

  “Maisie,” Ryan called, and I headed to my bedroom.

  Alison was stretched out on my bed, clean and dressed in sweats and a hoodie, she appeared to have passed out.

  “I gave her a sedative,” he said. “I’m going to take her to the hospital and put her on a psych hold. We need to figure some things out.”

  “I’m sorry, love.”

  He dragged his hands down his face. “I don’t know what I’m going to do Maisie.”

  I wrapped an arm around him. “We’ll sort it out. Don’t worry about work, I’ll get someone in. I’ll help with the kids. Whatever you need. You know that. Let’s just get her well.”

  “Thanks.” He leaned down and kissed my cheek. “I’m going to get out of your hair.”

  “Okay, love.”

  He picked Alison up, cradling her gently to him, and carried her out of the condo. I locked up behind them and returned to Hatch.

  “So, our night just got blown up. I’m sorry.”

  Hatch wrapped his arms around me gently and kissed my head. “We can still go out, Sunshine. Cricket’s happy to hang with Poppy.”

  “Yeah?” I asked, hopefully.

  Hatch smiled. “Yeah.”

  “I have an hour before the office closes and I really need to call HR and then our attorney to deal with some legal stuff. If I get all of that done, then yes, I’d love to get out of this house.”

  He leaned down to kiss me gently. “I’m gonna grab a beer. Want anything?”

  “Can you find Bill Anders’s number and ring it, please? It’s hard to hold the phone and scroll at the same time.”

  He took the phone from me, then handed it back and I settled it to my ear. “Hey Maisie, how are you feeling?” Bill asked.

  “I’ve been better.”

  “Uh-oh. What’s going on?”

  I filled him in on what I knew so far. Bill was our head company attorney, so I trusted that he would be able to handle the sensitive nature of Alison’s situation and how best to relay the information.

  “Wow, Maisie,” Bill breathed out.

  “I know.” I glanced at Hatch who sat on the sofa and set his feet on the coffee table. “We’re going to need to find someone to take Alison’s position temporarily. I think Nicole would be the best fit.”

  “She’s young. What about Myron?”

  “Nicole knows Alison’s job better than anyone.”

  “But Myron’s got the experience.”

  “Not in this job he doesn’t,” I countered. “And I need someone who understands that this is Alison’s job. She has it for as long as she wants it.”

  “I just don’t know that Nicole’s the right fit.”

  “Why? Because she’s young and cute and a woman?” I snapped. “My company. My call.”

  Hatch raised an eyebrow as he took swig of beer.

  Bill was silent for a few seconds before saying, “If you think she can handle it, I’ll have HR make the changes.”

  “Thanks. Stephanie has my calendar so—”

  “Stephanie quit, Maisie.”

  “What? Why?”

  “According to HR, she was bored and got a better offer,” Bill said. “She didn’t come back after lunch.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut and dropped my head back. “Well, shit.”

  “It’s not the end of the world, Maisie.”

  I scowled. “It’s a little difficult for my company to run without me, my personal assistant, and the CFO, Bill.”

  “It’s going to be a little confusing for a few weeks, I agree, but you have a well-oiled machine here. It’s not going to fall apart any time soon.”

  I stuffed down my irritation and chose my words carefully. “You’re right. I appreciate all your help on this. I’ll let you handle the legalities of all of this and check in soon.”

  “Sounds good. Take care, Maisie.”

  “Thanks.” I hung up and fought the urge to throw my phone across the room. “Bastard.”

  “You okay?”

  “Our lawyer’s a male chauvinist arsehole,” I snapped. “He speaks to me like I’m the little woman.” I groaned. “I need to replace him.”

  “So replace him.”

  “It’s not that simple, Hatch, but Ali and I were starting the process… well, before. And my assistant quit, which just adds to the stress.”

  “Okay, baby. We’ll figure it out.”

  “Really, Hatch?” I snapped. “Do you know where I can find a highly organized person who knows every computer program on the planet, who can navigate the world of sex toys and weed out the creepos? Oh, and preferably has an aptitude for numbers, because we now have to hire a CFO and Nicole’s gonna need help?”

  “Me,” Cricket said, as she and Poppy walked into the room.

  “Cricket’s here,” Hatch provided.

  I rolled my eyes. “I see that.”

  “What happened to Stephan
ie?” Poppy asked.

  “She quit,” I said with a frustrated sigh.

  “Oh, good. She was a bitch.”

  “Language,” I warned.

  Poppy dropped her head. “Sorry.”

  I didn’t miss Hatch’s slight smile as he studied me. He slid his hand to mine and squeezed gently. “We’ll figure it out.”

  “You say that a lot, do you know that?” I ground out.

  “Can you realistically do anything right now, Maisie?” he challenged.

  “Yes.” I raised an eyebrow. “I can make some calls.”

  “Bill’s doing that.”

  “I need to talk to HR about getting the job posted and then I need to look at résumés.”

  “Baby, it can wait a few days.”

  I pulled my hand away. “Don’t pretend to understand what I’m up against here, Hatch.”

  “Seriously.” Cricket stepped forward. “I can help. I’m graduating in a few months with a forensic accounting degree and I’m a quick learner. I hate working at the shop, no offense, big brother.”

  “Some taken,” he returned.

  “I want a real job. Bartending was a good option… well, until, you know…,” she nodded toward Hatch, “… but it’s not really what I want to do in the long run and if I can get in as an assistant, maybe I can use my degree.”

  “Poppy has my email address in her phone. Send me your résumé and a list of references and I’ll have a look. If it looks right, I’ll forward it on to HR,” I said, but realistically, she sounded pretty perfect. And Poppy liked her which gave me a good feeling. My daughter was right, Stephanie was a bitch, but she knew the business so I’d kept her around.

  “But that’s not gonna happen for a few days,” Hatch challenged.

  “I have to get this sorted,” I argued.

  “You don’t have to get it sorted today, Sunshine, because your priority is getting well and goin’ out with your man.” He craned his head to look behind him. “And Cricket’s gonna respect that.”

  I met Cricket’s eyes. “Is he always this bossy?”

  “Pretty much,” she said.

  “And you listen to him?” I asked.

  She grinned. “Only to his face.”

  “Well done, love.”

  Hatch moved so he could block my view of his sister. “You, on the other hand, are going to relax. Get me?”

  “There’s no reason why I couldn’t help out while you’re healing,” Cricket said. “I can type dictated emails, run errands. I’m happy to sign an NDA or whatever and work as a contractor for the time-being.”