Chaos by Barbara Huffert Page A

gave
her the sweetest kiss. “I know you don’t, Pixie Queen but I’d appreciate it if
you humored me this time. I know you’re perfectly capable of taking care of
absolutely everything on your own at all times but, just this once, I need to
feel as if I actually am protecting you and know, without a doubt, that you’re
safe.”
    His words shocked all of them. “You’re wearing your gun.”
Alyssa felt it under his jacket. “That’s why you didn’t take off your coat. You
knew you weren’t staying.”
    “No, Campini, I hoped more than anything that I was.”
    “If you need your gun, then shouldn’t you have on your
vest?”
    “It’s in the truck.” He wouldn’t lie to her.
    “Well make sure you put it on and don’t get shot in the
head,” she said fiercely.
    “Yes, ma’am. Guys?”
    “Go Shane. We’ll take her home even if she makes us bop her
over the head and carry her.” Brett tugged her back into her chair.
    “Can I go to your place? I’m assuming you have food.” She
didn’t understand her sudden need to be there, waiting when he got back.
    “I still have your key,” Brett volunteered.
    “If you want to. And yes, there’s food but you’ll have to
heat it up.” Shane wished he had time to consider his reaction.
    “We’ll manage,” Jesse assured him as Shane nodded.
    “I don’t know how long I’ll be.”
    “Go, Shane,” Brett repeated. “Alyssa will be safe, well-fed
and entertained until you get there, no matter what time it is.”
    Shane held Alyssa’s gaze. “Thanks. It’s really nothing.” He
knew he sounded lame. “See ya soon, Pixie Queen.”
    She waited until he was gone before she turned on Brett and
Jesse. “If it’s nothing, then why is he so tense? And don’t even bother trying
to lie to me or hide something from me. I know you or your buddies keep Jordan
aware of what McKade is working on so I know you know.”
    Jesse shifted uncomfortably. “Alyssa, I’ll tell you the same
thing that I would tell Jordan if he asked me that tonight. He’s on the south
side again.”
    “Doing what?”
    “I’m sorry but I can’t tell you more than that.”
    “You mean you won’t tell me more than that.”
    “Stop it, Lyss. Don’t do this. We’re not the bad guys here
and I know you’re not really angry with us. I know you’re reacting to the fact
that you’re more worried about Shane than you’re ready to admit to yourself but
don’t take it out on Jesse.” Brett interrupted the explosion he feared was
coming.
    “You need to ask Shane. He’ll tell you if he can,” Jesse
said gently. “I’m not necessarily referring to confidentiality here either,
although it could very well be at this point.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Do you really need to ask that?” Jesse paused so she could
consider both questions. “You should know by now that Shane’s a decent guy,
even if you are both pretending that you don’t have that sort of relationship.
I’m sure there are things that he sees at times that get to him so much that he
can’t bring himself to talk about. Try not to push too much if he says he can’t
tell you.”
    “Who are you?”
    “I’m Jesse Monroe, Jordan’s friend originally but now, due
to his trust, also the friend of Brett, Shane, Max, Kiley and hopefully,
Alyssa.” He waited.
    “And that’s all you’re going to say?”
    “Please, Lyss, don’t.” Brett was ready to beg if he had to.
    “Fine. Excuse me for asking. Just forget it.” She stood,
clearly ready to take off.
    “If you’re not with us at Shane’s when he gets there later,
he’s going to be furious with us and beyond worried about you.” Jesse stopped
her. “I thought you were honestly concerned for him. If you’re leaving without
us, then I guess I was wrong. It’s not like he was asking for much.”
    Alyssa slumped back into her chair, feeling completely
foolish. “I should apologize for being a bitch now.”
    “You don’t have to.” Brett patted her hand.