Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Two
Laura Alexander had gone to Europe six years earlier and hadn’t returned. He didn’t blame her, Yorkdare Bay was full of demons for her. He felt guilty for not checking up on her more regularly but he’d never get that image out of his head, the one where she was crawling towards Charles.
It went hand in hand with so many other memories … Norah and then Milana, crawling. He shuddered as the door opened and Mason quirked a brow in his direction. He hated being caught off guard like this. He hated showing emotion to anyone. Kelley Alexander didn't show weakness, ever, not even in front of his brothers.
“You okay, Kelley?”
Kelley's mask of stoicism slipped back into place as he turned to look at Mason. “I’m good, what’s up?”
“Blaire found your mom, she actually landed in St. John’s City an hour ago.”
Kelley pushed himself up from his chair. “What?”
“Blaire also intercepted a text from Charles asking her to meet up.”
“Shit.”
Kelley rushed past Mason with his keys in his hand. Mason was close on his heels as he practically ran down the stairs. Kelley had his phone in his hand as he threw the front door open and ran to his car. “Tell Blaire to block all calls and texts to her phone, except mine!”
Kelley didn't wait for Mason to respond. He knew it would be done. His heart was beating harder and harder as he got into his Escalade and started it. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel tightly.
Kelley’s tyres squealed as he peeled from the driveway and sped towards St. John’s City. He was pleased to see that Connor wasn’t following him this time. Lee and Mason needed protection more than he did. He could take care of himself … he’d already proven that.
The line rang and rang and finally she answered. “Hello, Kelley.” He could hear the smile in her voice.
“Mom, stay where you are, lock your room door and wait for me. Don’t open the door to anyone, especially to Charles.”
“What’s going on, Kelley? He asked to have lunch with me.”
“Mom, just trust me for once, please. Wait for me, I’ll be there in ninety minutes.”
“Okay, Kelley, I’ll wait for you.” Her voice sounded more guarded now and Kelley was glad he had her attention.
Kelley ended the call and sped up some more. Charles was seriously trying to get his mother, probably to use her as leverage because no matter what had happened in the past, Kelley wasn’t going to let her be a victim to him again.
Ninety-five minutes later, Kelley parked his car on the sidewalk in front of the hotel where Laura was booked in. Blaire had sent him the live link to her location and he rushed towards the elevator. She was on the tenth floor and he tapped his hand impatiently against the door as he went up.
He walked briskly down the hall towards her room and knocked on the door, hammered his fist against it was a more apt description. The door opened and Laura stood in front of him, looking exactly like she had six years ago.
“Kelley …”
“Mom.” He grabbed her into a hug and felt relief flood him when her arms circled around his back. For some reason he felt intense emotions and he blinked rapidly as tears gathered in his eyes. It was relief that she was okay and that he’d found her.
“Come inside.”
Kelley closed the door behind him and looked at the neat room. It was a suite, of course. “I need you to trust me, Mom. I need to get you out of here and to safety.”
“To safety?”
Kelley sat down on the sofa and tugged Laura’s hand to sit down next to him. “I think Charles asked you to meet up so he could kidnap you.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Mom … come on. It’s time for the lies to stop. I know about The Club and what they do.”
Laura looked down. “I see.”
“It’s not your fault, Mom. For so long I thought you were weak to stay with him, but I know better now. You were a victim and I won’t let you be one again.”
Laura looked up, her eyes bright with unshed tears. Her face scrunched up and a sob tore through her. “I was so relieved when you got Marley out from under him. I would’ve suffered through anything to keep her safe.”
Kelley pulled her into his arms. “I know, Mom, and she is safe. Now it’s my turn to look after you, to keep you safe.”
“Oh, Kelley, you were so mad at me for packing your bags but I only did it to get you out. I never wanted you to be like Charles.”
“I know, Mom, I knew it even then. I’m sorry for pushing you away.”
“Are you okay at least? Are you happy?”
“I am happy, Mom, but I want you to be happy too. Will you come with me?”
“You’re my son, Kelley. I’ll always want to go with you.”
Kelley stood up then and looked down at Laura. “Pack your stuff, we’re leaving immediately. Charles probably has people watching you already.”
An hour later Laura was ready to leave. Kelley grabbed her large suitcase and guided her towards the elevator. They went down to the lobby and Laura held onto Kelley’s hand as they walked out of the hotel without checking out.
As he sped down the highway towards Edinview he checked his rearview mirror frequently for anyone following them. He didn’t think they were being followed and he pulled up to the private airfield where the jet was waiting for them.
Fifteen minutes later they were in the air and Laura looked intently at Kelley. A lot of things had changed in such a short time and he sent a text to Connor and Mason to tell them he was heading to the island and would return the following day.
“You’re wearing a ring.”
“I got married, Mom.”
“You have a wife?” Sadness laced her smile and Kelley felt that familiar tug of guilt.
“I have a wife. I didn't tell you because I married her to get hold of the twenty percent shares in the hotel and everything happened really fast."
