isn’t our first time here at the courthouse. Zeke beat you to it. We weren’t disappointed in him, and we sure as hell aren’t disappointed in you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that. I’m not sure Chloe will be as forgiving. I really screwed up with her. She hates violence, and she needed me. But I was seeing red, Dad. Something inside me snapped, and I couldn’t breathe until he was dealt with.” His chest constricted and he said, “The part that worries me most is that if I had it to do over, I honestly don’t know if I would do it any differently. The thought of anyone hurting her…” He bit back the acrid taste rising in his throat. “Have you been in this position with Mom? How do you find that balance? How do you turn off the rage?”
Preacher looked him dead in the eyes and said, “I’ve been there many times in protection of others, and twice with regard to people in our family. When we lost Ashley, I wanted to get my hands on the person who gave her the drugs and slaughter them. And when you came into our lives and I learned all that you’d been through, let’s just say your father was lucky he was already in prison. We’re just as lucky that I haven’t had to go there in protection of your mother, because in that situation I’m not sure I would have stopped when you did.” He put a hand on Justin’s shoulder and said, “You’re a good, honest man, son. You’ve got a big heart and a solid head on your shoulders. Chloe knows that or she wouldn’t be with you. She’s right not to condone violence, but you’re also right to have protected her.” His lips curved up and he said, “You’re discovering how complicated love can be. This is just the first of many things you two will have to figure out. It won’t be easy, but when you go home today and look into your future wife’s eyes, I have a feeling it won’t matter how much sage advice you’ve received. You’ll know exactly what to say, because it’ll come from here.” He patted Justin’s chest, over his heart.
Justin embraced him and said, “Thank you, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you, too, son. It’s good that you worry about doing the right thing by Chloe. But give yourself a little grace, because you are a man, and that means you’re going to fuck up. We all do. Everyone knows women are the wiser sex when it comes to relationships. Ask your mother how often she has to set me straight.” Preacher winked and said, “Now, how about we get you home to your girl and put my theory to the test?”
CHLOE LAY ON the bed with one arm around Sampson, watching the minutes change on the digital clock, trying to figure out how to survive the anger and devastation consuming her. Tank had given her news of Justin’s arraignment, bail, and the future court date. She still couldn’t believe what had happened with Alan or with Justin. How had her life been turned upside down so quickly? She had been such a mess after rehashing the day’s events with the police, she hadn’t been able to take her friends’ calls. Serena had spoken to them for her, reassuring their friends that she was okay and apologizing that she had not wanted more company. She’d had all the company she could handle. Madigan and Ginger had shown up with bags of chocolate, macaroni and cheese, and a bottle of tequila, and several of the club members’ wives had brought by food. They’d left the fridge packed to the hilt, but she hadn’t been able to eat a thing. Chloe had never seen so many people come together so fast and remain resolute in standing vigil. When she’d asked Reba why they were there, Reba had said, This is what we do, honey. When you’re hurting, we’re hurting. Nobody goes through hard times alone in this family. Chloe had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
Blaine, Serena, and most of the Dark Knights who had stood guard outside the house last night had left a couple of hours ago, and Chloe was glad for the breathing space. Although she’d had to force her stubborn sister to leave, and Serena only agreed because Chloe promised to try to take a nap. Reba and Tank had made sure she stuck to the