“Yes. Unfortunately, Janet Kirsh suffered greatly at the hands of Alan Rogers.”
“Oh no.” Chloe’s heart hurt for Janet. Justin put his arm around her, holding her closer. “Is she okay?”
Justice shook his head. “Not really. He paid her off to keep her quiet, but he also threatened the life of her child. She’s been suffering, having trouble holding down jobs, moving around because she thought he might come after her. She didn’t want to talk at first, as you can imagine. But she came through and filed a formal statement and charges against him. It looks like Rogers will go away for a very long time.”
Tears spilled from Chloe’s eyes as Justin pulled her into his arms and said, “Thank God.”
Words of relief and cheers rang out around them, but all Chloe could hear was Justin speaking into her ear as he said, “We got him, baby. We got him.”
“There’s more,” Justice said, drawing all of their attention. “Our investigator has been talking to previous employees of LOCAL, and a third woman came forward yesterday. She’s a former nurse who worked at LOCAL prior to Chloe’s employment. We have a feeling there will be more, which will help Chloe’s case. Darren Rogers has stepped up and intervened on Maverick’s behalf. He convinced Alan to drop the charges.”
“He did?” Chloe said at the same time Justin said, “Really?”
“Yes, but a victim can’t stop the process. That can only be done by the prosecutor or a judge,” Justice explained. “The prosecutor has a bug up his ass, so I had no choice but to cut a deal.”
Chloe held her breath, clinging to Justin as he said, “What kind of deal?”
“I had to pull the Dark Knights card and use the good we do for the community as leverage. You’ve got to complete an anger management course,” Justice explained.
“That’s bullshit,” Tank snapped.
“The prick deserved everything he got and more,” Zeke added.
Dwayne said, “No shit.”
Justin held his hands up and said, “Hold on, guys. That’s fine, Justice. I’ll take the course—”
“Are you shittin’ me?” Tank growled. “Can’t we fight this?”
Justin shook his head. “Dude, risk going to prison or take a fucking class? That’s a no-brainer, regardless of if the dickhead deserved it or not.” He looked at Justice and said, “I appreciate you having my back on this. Is there anything else? Do I still have to go to court, or will this make me free and clear of all charges?”
“Free and clear once you take the class,” Justice said.
Justin hauled Chloe into his arms, hugging her tight. “Free and clear, baby. Free and clear.”
“I need you to sign off on the agreement,” Justice said. “Can you swing by my office later?”
“Absolutely.” Justin shook his hand and pulled him into a manly embrace. “Thank you, brother.”
“Thank you so much,” Chloe said, hugging Justice.
“I think this calls for a celebration,” Madigan exclaimed. “I’ll call Mom and have her set it up with Aunt Ginger at the Hog. Let’s get this stuff over to Justin and Chloe’s and then go crack open some champagne!”
There was a round of cheers and hugs.
Madigan flashed a flirty smile at Justice and said, “You’d better join us tonight.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. See you then.” Justice held her gaze for a beat before heading to his bike.
There was no missing the disapproving looks on the guys’ faces, but they only lasted a second, as everyone was excited about the news.
Except Tank, who grumbled, “I still think we could have fought it. It ain’t right, the good guy being punished.”
Justin drew Chloe into his arms and said, “But, bro, this good guy gets to stay home with his girl, and that’s all kinds of right.” He lowered his lips to Chloe’s, earning hoots and hollers from the others. He touched his forehead to hers and said, “I love you, baby.”
Zander sidled up to them and said, “And I love your silk underwear.”
Justin’s eyes narrowed, and his entire body tensed.
“You must have a death wish, Zan,” Tank said.
“Excuse me, sweet cheeks.” Justin gave her a chaste kiss and said, “I have to go strangle my brother.”
“Oh shit!” Zander took off running.
As Justin chased Zander around the yard, Serena, Marly, and Madigan joined Chloe and told her how happy they were for her and Justin.
“Now you can go back to work,” Serena said.
“I’m not so sure about that,” Chloe said honestly. “Just because Darren convinced Alan to drop the charges doesn’t mean he’ll be okay with me, since I’m the