The Broken Road (18 page)

I came over to the bed and sat next to him. “This is not your fault,” I said quietly. Shane jumped off the bed.

“The hell it isn’t. Megan, I led him into this world. I got him hooked up with Reggie. And now he’s dead! How is that not my fault?” he shouted, smacking the chair behind him.

Unfazed, I stood up and got in his face. “Eric was an adult, Shane. Not a child and not stupid. I’m sure he knew the dangers of dealing. You can’t take responsibility for his behavior. I won’t let you beat yourself up over this,” I shouted back.

Shane reared up and punched a hole in the wall. “You have no fucking clue what you’re talking about Megan, no fucking clue. He thought that I went to your brother and got the cops on his ass. Eric was my best friend and he died thinking I narc’d him out.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist. Shane tried to move away, but I held on. I grabbed his face and stared at him in the eyes. “It is not your fault. Eric knew that. He loved you like a brother. He knew deep down that you would never do that to him. You’re not leaving because of this. I won’t let you,” I said passionately. I could not lose him. My heart couldn’t take it. A panic was building inside my chest. Could he really leave, could he not see how I felt about him?

“I just can't deal with the possibility of you getting hurt,” he whispered, cupping my face in his hands.
How will I get hurt?
But as quickly as the question came to mind, I pushed it away. All that mattered was making Shane stay.

“Shane. You just came into my life. I don’t want to lose you. Please,” I whispered, hoping he would see how much he means to me. Shane let out a growl and kissed me with such force, I almost fell over. He caught me, with one hand around my waist and the other hand holding the back of my neck. With lips locked, we tumbled on to the bed. The only way I could convey how I felt, was to show him. I rolled him onto his back and pulled his zipper down. He shuddered and uttered a groan. I smiled. It was bittersweet. I took him in my mouth. If I couldn’t convey to him how strongly I felt by using words, maybe this will work. I would do anything to get him to stay, but I knew this was only temporary. Shane was stubborn and if he had his mind set leaving, he was leaving.

“Come here,” he whispered roughly. His voice was thick with emotion. He sat up and threw of his shirt and reached for me. I eagerly got out of my dress and complied, settling myself on his pelvis. I gasped with pleasure at the first thrust, riding the wave of ecstasy. It was bittersweet. Knowing how much he was hurting and how much I wanted to make him feel better. Sex was one thing, but there had to be a way to get him to open up to me. To talk to me. To stay with me. Sex was just sex, until love was involved. Knowing how I felt for him made this truly exquisite.

I was completely lost in the feeling of our bodies together. I almost didn’t hear Penny growl outside the bedroom. Penny never growled. And hearing it for the first time startled me. I glanced over my shoulder and stopped moving. Penny was in the hallway, her shoulders tensed and hackles raised. Shane’s body hardened underneath me.

“Was that Penny?” he asked. He tightened his grip on my arms. I nodded, meeting his stare.

“Penny? What’s up girl?” I asked. Just then, a loud crash came from downstairs. Shane picked me up and got off the bed in one swift motion. Thunderous footsteps came up the stairs and all of a sudden, our bedroom was filled with gun pointing men wearing black flak jackets. I screamed and reached for Shane’s t-shirt, pulling it on quickly. Shane was busy pulling up his jeans and shouted, “What the fuck?” He pulled me behind his back and pressed me up against the wall, shielding me from their view. I struggled as I pulled on a pair of sweatpants. What the hell is going on? I looked up at Shane, and could see the fury on his face.

“FBI! Everyone stay where you are! Shane Turner. You are under arrest for possession of narcotics, distribution, bank fraud, and extortion. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law,” a familiar voice bellowed. I
know that voice
… I glanced over Shane’s shoulder and was dumbfounded to see Tommy in the doorway, dressed like the other gun wielding solders in all black and a bulletproof vest.

“Tommy, what the fuck is going on?” I shouted angrily. Mad as hell, I no longer feared these idiots for breaking into my house. I tried to go over to Tommy, but one of his cronies stopped me in my tracks.

Shane pulled me back. “Stop; Don’t Megs. It’s not worth it. I’m not worth it. It’s over. I’m sorry,” Shane said quietly, his lips against my ear. His voice filled with sadness. I looked up at him, confused as hell. What was over? Why did he think he wasn’t worth it? Why was he sorry? Questions were on my lips, but before I could voice them, Shane was roughly pulled away from me.

“Shane. No. Stop! Let him go!” I shouted, grabbing at the officers’ arms. Tommy rushed over and wrapped his arms around my waist, locking my arms behind my back. I struggled against him, kicking him and anyone else who got close .

“Calm the fuck down Megs. I warned you this was going to happen. You wouldn’t listen would you,” he said low enough for only me to hear. I got a fist loose, whirled around and punched him in his jaw. Instantly my hand screamed with pain, but I didn’t care. It felt good to finally punch that asshole. Only I was in deeper trouble. An ominous sound of guns locking filled the room.

“It’s okay. Lower your weapons,” Tommy grumbled, rubbing his jaw. “Good thing you hit like a girl.” I looked over to see Shane in handcuffs, being pushed out the door.

“Shane. Don’t say a single word! I’ll call my uncle and we’ll meet you down there!” I shouted. I turned and grabbed a pair of socks from the drawer.

“Megs. He won’t be at the station. He’s in FBI custody. We’re taking him to our office for questioning,” Tommy said.

“Why are you doing this Tommy? Really? What’s the point?” I demanded, shoving my feet into my sneakers.

“I told you he was bad news. You didn’t listen,” he replied rudely.

I rolled my eyes. “Get the hell out of here.” I rummaged through the clothes that were on the floor and threw on a hooded sweatshirt.

“Can’t do it, Peaches. You’re in my custody now. I need to bring you in for questioning as well. You can call your Uncle Bob on your way to the office,” he answered. Freaking jerk had a response to everything.

I could hear Penny whining underneath the bed. Poor thing was scared to death. As soon as she saw the men, she ran and hid.

“Guard dog you ain’t,” I muttered, kneeling to see her. I gently tugged on her collar and pulled her out from underneath the bed. She whimpered and laid her head against my shoulder.

“Megs, I’m giving you the courtesy of waiting for you. But we need to get going,” Tommy said from the door.

I narrowed my eyes. “Bullshit. What courtesy? You didn’t give me any courtesy by breaking down my door. Go to hell Tommy. And get out of my house.”

“Dammit Megan. You don’t get it. And you know what? Now you’re going down with him.” He roughly grabbed my arm and yanked me up. He pushed me up against the wall and put my hands behind my back.

“Seriously? You're putting me in freaking cuffs? You fucking asshole. You know I haven’t done anything wrong.” I seethed.

Tommy gave a slight chuckle. “Maybe I wanted an excuse to pat you down?”

“Touch me one more time, and I'll break your hand,” I threatened. He snorted and pulled me out the door. The scene outside was out of a movie. Police cars and black Suburban’s parked haphazardly on the street. Curious neighbors milled around, gossiping. Dogs held by uniformed officers were sniffing around my car. I quickly turned to Tommy.

“Look. If you are making me do this, at least let me call Mom to get Penny. She’s going to freak out,” I reasoned, hoping to God that Tommy had any compassion left in him. Tommy heard the worry in my voice and decided to be a decent guy.

“Yeah, I’ll call your mom.”

He pushed my head down and set me in the back of a black sedan and walked away. I was finally able to catch a breath, being alone in the car. My mind raced. What the hell had Shane gotten himself into? Was this related to Eric’s death? What were all those charges about? I was so confused; I couldn't keep my thoughts straight. The door suddenly opened and Tommy got in the front seat.

“Seriously, Tommy, why am I under arrest?” I demanded, trying to get a straight answer. Of course, he decided be vague.

“You’re not under arrest Megan. I could have you charged with assault on a federal officer, but I'm going to be a nice guy. We just have some questions for you,” he replied vaguely.

“Questions about what exactly?” I implored. Tommy just pressed his lips together and ignored my plea for information.
Fine, whatever.
I sat back in a huff, just imagining what my mother would say when she finds out that I was taken in.

We traveled in silence for twenty minutes, finally coming to a stop in front of a nondescript high-rise office building. Tommy pulled me out of the car and led me to a seventh floor office. He finally took the cuffs off and left me alone. I winced and rubbed my wrists where they’d bitten into my skin. Well, now I know I won’t be bringing
those
into my bedroom any time soon
.
I did a mental head slap.
You’re in an FBI building for questioning, Megan. Focus!

The room was as big as my bathroom at home, with dull paint, no windows and the requisite brown table and chairs. A security camera loomed at me from a corner in the ceiling. I gave it the finger. I didn't care how immature I looked, I was being held here for no reason other than plain spitefulness. I sat for an hour in the most uncomfortable chair. My back ached. And it never fails, that as soon as I’m held up somewhere, be it traffic, waiting in line, or locked in a briefing room, I always end up having to pee.

I pounded on the door in hopes that someone was listening. Thankfully, Tommy poked his head in. “What?”

“Tommy. I have to use the bathroom.”

“Tough. Hold it. We’re about ready to come in.”

“Honestly Tommy, you break into my house, interrupt me and my boyfriend, scare the crap out of my dog, and drag me down here. You make me wait here for an hour and now you’re going to make me pee in my pants? Since when did you become such an asshole?” I demanded.

Tommy sighed, then opened the door wider. “Fine. I’m not going to cuff you. I’m going to walk you down, so behave yourself.” I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out at him. He always brings out my immature side, I thought, as he led me down a narrow hallway. He pushed open the ladies room door and held it open for me. “Be quick. It’s your turn,” he muttered.

I walked in and quickly used the facilities. I washed my hands and face. The harsh fluorescent lights made the bags under my eyes appear much darker. My hands shook. I was worried about Shane. I wanted to see him, to hold him again, to make sure everything was going to be okay. I wanted answers. From him. Not from anyone else.

I walked slowly out of the bathroom and Tommy hurried me along back to the tiny room.

“Have a seat,” Tommy said briskly, with no emotion on his face. He was FBI Agent Tommy, not the man I was going to marry not so long ago.

I sat down in a chair, crossed my arms and stared at him. Tommy sat across from me and pulled a couple of manila files from his bag.

“I’m here to ask you some questions regarding Shane Turner,” he started formally, opening up one of the files.

“I’m not answering any questions until I see him. I need to see him,” I replied quietly. Tommy ignored me.

“Tell me, what do you know about Ricardo Cruz, a.k.a Reggie?“ he asked, not looking at me.

Damn it, look at me Tommy.  Do not do this to me, I silently pleaded.

Tommy finally looked at me, and with a grave voice said “Megan, he’s leaving. He’s going in front of the Magistrate.” Panic filled my stomach. Shane was in trouble and there was nothing I can do to stop it.

“Did he call his lawyer?” I demanded. He cannot go down to the Magistrate alone. That would be crazy.

“Your Uncle Bob is here.” Tommy replied slowly. “He’ll be back shortly. He just needs to be formally charged.”

I leaned back in my chair and glared at Tommy with narrow eyes. “I demand a phone call. I get one phone call, right?”

Tommy sighed with exasperation. “Megan, I’m just asking you some questions. Help me out here. Please.”

“Tommy. I'm sorry. But honestly, I don’t think I can answer any of your questions,” I replied truthfully.

“Let me bring you up to speed on your boyfriend. Shane has been arrested and will be charged with intent to distribute narcotics, possession of marijuana, and assault with a deadly weapon. Megan, these charges aren’t stemming from a year ago. We’ve been watching the drug ring he is
still
in for months now. Eric was in this ring as well. Megan, he’s been lying to you,” Tommy replied angrily. As if my disbelief was not enough, I was getting madder by the second.

“What the hell are you talking about? What ring?” I demanded.

“The Cruz Cartel. Does the name “Reggie” mean anything to you?” Tommy asked, looking through his file.

“Shane just said that he’s a bad guy, with connections in Jersey, Florida and Mexico. Eric was dealing with him. That’s all I know,” I answered quietly, feeling like the wind had been knocked out of me.
Shane lied to me.
He had been dealing this entire time. Why would he lie? There had to be more to this story. Tommy kept going through his files. I could tell that he was holding something back, that he was hesitating.

“What aren’t you telling me, Tommy?” I asked, as a heavy dread filled my stomach.

He sighed and closed his folder. “We have reason to believe that Shane was the one who shot your brother. Now, we don't have any firm evidence on it and, trust me, we’re looking into it. But from what I was told by a trusted informant, Shane was the one to pull the trigger.”

Dizziness and nausea overwhelmed me. Tommy was full of crap. Shane would never shoot Kyle. Never. I started shaking my head no. Tommy took my hand and looked me dead in the eyes.