Chapter One Hundred and Eight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dakota tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for the elevator to carry her to the 25th floor of the towering building that Logan�s apartment was located in. God, she had never been so completely furious in her entire life. Who in the hell did Logan think he was screwing with IreLyn�s life the way he was? Did he really think that this was the way to get IreLyn back in his life? Like she would ever want him back anyway. Not now, knowing what a jackass he really was.
�Finally.� Dakota mumbled when the elevator stopped and the doors opened. She stepped through, and began walking with purpose. She stopped when she reached Logan�s penthouse apartment at the end of the long hallway. Without stopping to think twice, she reached out and jabbed the doorbell and waited impatiently for Logan to answer the door.
*****
�I�ll be back Monday morning, are you sure that you�ll be all right?� Dale asked for the tenth time in the last few minutes. I felt horrible that he had to leave for the race, but there wasn�t much that he could do about it. �I can ask Dakota to fly down to keep you company.�
Brett smiled at Dale�s thoughtfulness and concern. �Nah, I�ll be fine. Lyn needs Kody to be there with her. It�s only a couple of days.� Brett said, trying to stay cheerful, though deep down he was already aching with loneliness. He missed IreLyn so much that it physically hurt. He had to keep telling himself though that before long, IreLyn would be back in his arms. And when that time came, he was never leaving or letting her go again. If he hadn�t left the other morning in the first place, none of this would have ever happened. He only thought that he was doing what was best for Lyn. He�d been so completely wrong.
�Do you need anything before I leave?� Dale asked, knowing that it wasn�t likely that Brett would leave the room�Not with the media and press still surrounding the hotel. Thankfully the hotel had excellent security and none of them had gotten past any of the doors.
�Yeah, I need clean clothes, some smokes and some beer. I figure if I spend the next few days drunk, it�ll go better.� Brett answered, his voice thick with emotion, most of it anger.
�Brett, I�m sorry.� Dale apologized again. He felt horrible for what Brett was going through. He could tell how much it was really beginning to wear him down.
Brett held up his hand to halt Dale�s apology. �No need. It�s not your fault.�
Dale sighed inwardly as he handed Brett his cell phone. "Here, this might help you feel not so lonely while I'm gone. Kody programmed it to automatically dial her cell, which Lyn has."
Brett smiled genuinely for the first time at the thought of hearing IreLyn's voice. It was truly what he needed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Nine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IreLyn woke up the instant the cell phone on the table next to her rang. She opened her eyes, her heart pounding, knowing full well who was on the other end. She paid hardly any attention to the fact that Dakota wasn�t in the room, figuring she must have slipped out for a few moments.
She reached out and grabbed the phone, wincing at the pain the sudden movement caused, but more than ready to ignore it completely as she brought the phone to her ear.
�Brett.� Her voice came out husky from lack of use, and sleep.
�Hey baby.� His deep voice soothed away all her aches and pains. She could hear the slight tremor in his voice and closed her eyes, imagining that he was there with her.
�Are you okay, baby?� he asked, his voice tight. Dale had assured him that she would be fine after a few days, but he needed to hear it from her himself. More than that, he needed to see her. He felt as if he needed that just as much as he needed air to breathe.
�I�m much better now.� She whispered, wiping at the tears that were now streaming down her cheeks. �I miss you.�
�God, you have no idea how much I miss you.� He gripped the phone tighter, wishing he could hold her in his arms and make everything alright.
�Brett, I�m so sorry all this happened.� She finally cried, unable to hold it back any longer. �I-I can�t really remember all that happened, but I know you had nothing to do with this! You have to believe me. I can�t believe they would think that. I�ve tried telling them, but they said until I can remember everything, they have to go on evidence.� Her voice broke as she began to sob quietly.
�Shhh, honey, listen to me.� Brett comforted her, squeezing his eyes shut against the pain he heard in her voice. �I don�t blame you, you know that. And we will get all this straightened out, I promise you. All that matters right now is you getting better.�
�But I want to be with you.� She cried, her head drooping a little as it began to pound.
�We will be together, soon.� He promised, not only to her, but also to himself. �Very soon.�
�I love you.� She said softly, feeling sleepy, but wanting to stay on the phone with him for as long as possible. Brett immediately picked up on the exhaustion in her voice.
�I love you too�more than anything.� He said gruffly. �Get some sleep, love.�
�But�� she started to protest, but he cut her off.
�I�m sure Dakota has this number in her phone, you can call me back later, okay?�
�Okay.� IreLyn smiled, snuggling down in the pillows more. �I�ll talk to you soon.�
After saying their good-byes, IreLyn drifted off to a peaceful sleep with a small smile on her face, with the phone clutched tightly to her chest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Ten
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Come on!� Dakota grumbled to herself as she rang the doorbell for a second and yet getting no answer. �Answer the fucking door!� As if her demands were heard, an instant later the door opened.
Dakota felt a moment of shock and then her eyes narrowed in anger as she stared at her former boss. She had a few words to have with him as well as Logan, but foremost on her mind was the fact that she�d found him there at Logan�s apartment. That only proved that Jean-Claude and Logan were working together to destroy all of their lives.
�What the hell are you doing here?� Dakota demanded, her voice laced with fury.
Jean-Claude was silent for several minutes as he stared at Dakota. It had been so long since he�d seen her face to face. His memory and dreams of how beautiful she was didn�t come close to doing her justice.
�Why are you here?� Dakota asked again, effectively breaking Jean-Claude out of his daze. She crossed her arms over her chest, her fingers tapping impatiently as she waited for his answer.
�I�m waiting for Logan to return.� Jean-Claude answered, beginning to be a little put-off by Dakota�s insistent behavior.
�Just where isLogan anyway?� Dakota asked, her expression hardened as she waited for Jean-Clause to speak again.
Jean-Claude gave her a malevolent smile that sent a chill racing up her spine. �Oh, he had someone that he needed to see again.�
It only took Dakota a split-second to understand whom that �someone� was�IreLyn.
�Oh hell no, that bastard is not getting anywhere near Lyn again!� Dakota exclaimed as she spun on her heel and began to walk away. She hadn�t even gone two steps when Jean-Claude roughly grabbed her arm and drug her with him back into Logan�s apartment.
*****
IreLyn screamed as she sat straight upright. A cold sweat covered her body, her eyes were wide with fright, and her breath came in short panic laden gasps as her dream still hung with her even though she was now awake. And in that dream, although she wasn�t able to see his face, she had heard the voice of her attacker. It sounded vaguely familiar to her, but she still wasn�t able to remember who that voice belonged to. One thing she was completely certain of was that it wasn�t Brett.
She about jumped out of her skin when the cell phone that she still held clutched tightly in her hand, began ringing. �Hello?� IreLyn exclaimed into the phone, her voice high and filled with fright after just reliving the events of her attack in her dream. She was terrified that she would hear the voice from her dream on the other end of the phone.
Instead she heard a deep, smooth voice that instantly calmed her.
�Baby, are you all right?� Brett asked with concern after hearing her voice when she�d answered the phone.
IreLyn ran a slightly shaking hand through her hair as she tried to gather her thoughts. �Yes.� She answered with a sigh. �I had dream about when I was attacked. It�s still kind of here with me, even though I�m awake.�
Brett closed his eyes, one hand tightening around the phone while the other became clenched into a taut fist as he again cursed Logan for doing this to her and for him being unable to be there with IreLyn when she needed him.
�Were you able to get anything out of it?� Brett asked after a few moments of silence passed.
�Lyn, I want you to give the phone to Kody and have her call the detective that is working on your case so you can give him this information. She knows the number.� Brett told IreLyn after hearing what she had told him about the dream she�d had.
�I will.� IreLyn promised as she turned to look for her friend. It was then that she realized that Dakota was gone again. Had she come back between the last time she�d been awake and now? Or had she been gone the entire time. IreLyn felt a shiver crawl down her spine as she lay back against the pillows, her body screaming in pain. She had a bad feeling. Where was Dakota?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Eleven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The door to her room opened, and IreLyn breathed a sigh of relief, just knowing it was Dakota coming through the door. Her smile immediately faded when she saw the nurse walk in and not her friend.
�Um, Brett, I gotta go, the nurse is here. I�ll call you back in a little while, okay?� she said to him, her voice shaking just slightly. Although she had tried to cover it, she knew he heard.
Brett frowned, but didn�t push her, knowing she would tell him what was wrong when she called back. �Okay, baby. Don�t forget to have Kody call the detective.�
�I won�t�as soon as I find her.� She mumbled to herself. Before he could question her about her last statement, she said, �I love you, talk to you soon.�
Seen the nurse looking at her expectantly, she ended the call. The nurse smiled warmly. �I�m sorry, I didn�t mean to make you cut your call short, but one, your supposed to be resting, and two, cell phones aren�t allowed to be used in a hospital. I�m sorry.� She said, giving IreLyn an apologetic smile.
�Oh. I�m sorry.� IreLyn said, putting the phone over on the table next to her. She then turned back to the nurse. �Have you by any chance seen the woman that was here with me recently?�
The nurse paused in checking the IV bag and frowned as she thought about it. �I saw her about an hour and a half ago as she was leaving. I haven�t seen her since though.�
�So you don�t know if she�s been back?� IreLyn asked, that feeling of dread growing stronger.
�No I�m sorry.� The nurse apologized again before turning to leave. �Oh can I get you anything?�
IreLyn shook her head as she chewed on her lower lip. The only thing she needed right now was to know where the hell Dakota had disappeared to.
***
�What the hell!� Dakota exclaimed as she was yanked roughly into Logan�s apartment, the door slamming behind her. She stumbled slightly as Jean-Claude pushed her farther into the room. After she regained her balance, she spun around to face him, her eyes blazing with barely controlled fury.
�Have you lost your ever loving mind?� she yelled at him, trying to get past him to the door, her eyes widening in shock when he once again grabbed her, halting her movements.
�We�re going to talk.� He said, his voice low as he continued to stare intently at her.
Dakota shook her head, unable to really grasp that this was the same man whom she had once considered one of her best friends. �I don�t want to hear anything you have to say.� She spat angrily. �You�re sick! Logan�s sick! You two are behind this whole thing aren�t you?�
He reached out for her, but she jerked away from him, looking at him in horror. �Don�t come near me you sick fuck!� she screamed, backing hastily away. �How could you? How could you two do this to us?�
�My god, you realize what you�ve done? What you could have done? You�ve all but ruined Brett, and Dale could have been killed!�
Jean-Claude�s eyes narrowed dangerously at Dale�s name. �That was the plan.� He grumbled.
She swung with all her might, but he caught her by the wrist seconds before she was able to connect with the side of his face. The look on his face sent chills through her entire body, and she swallowed hard, for the first time feeling fear for the situation she was in. But she refused to let him see it.
She yanked her arm away from him, covering up her fear with anger. �You won�t get away with this, neither one of you will.� She swore. Jean-Claude laughed at her words.
�Really, Dakota, I think we�ve already gotten away with it.� He smirked down at her. �I mean think about it. As you said, Brett�s reputation is all but shot, and we�ll just make sure it stays that way. IreLyn will be lost without Brett, depressed, but that�s where Logan comes in. He�ll help her to pick up the pieces.�
Before Dakota could protest his words, he reached out and yanked her to him, his hand in her hair, forcing her head back to look him in the eyes. Try as she may, she was unable to prevent the whimper that escaped her, and her heart sank when she saw the triumphant smile spread across his face.
�Our plan for Dale didn�t quite go as we had hoped it too, but this is even better. Just think of how heartbroken he�ll be without you. Hey, I bet it will even affect his performance on the track.� Jean-Claude exclaimed cheerfully.
�He�s not without me.� She snapped, trying to free herself of his grip, gasping in pain when proceeded to tighten his hold on her.
�Oh but he is. See, Kody, you forget that I know you, and know you well. I�m more than willing to bet that no one knows where you are right now. You couldn�t have told anyone, otherwise they would have talked you out of it.� He grinned even wider when he saw he was absolutely correct. Dakota gritted her teeth, ready to kick herself not at least leaving IreLyn a note.
�See when you get an idea in that beautiful head of yours, you run with it, damn the consequences. That�s one of the things I love so much about you.� He continued. �Now, with no one knowing where you are, how are they going to know where to look for you?�
He chucked softly when he saw the realization in her face. Her eyes pleaded with him to listen to her. �Jean-Claude, you don�t want to do this, please! You have to let me go. You can�t just keep me here!�
�Oh but I can, sweet Kody. It�s time that you realize what you should have known all along. You belong to me. In time you�ll see that I�m right, and that fucking Earnhardt will be but a distant memory.� He growled, his grip tightening as his anger took over. She yelped in pain, trying to shrink away from his as he lowered his head until their faces were inches apart, that mad look back in his eyes.
�You've seen lengths I will go through to get you...but you haven't even imagined what I would do to keep you. It's simple Dakota, if I can�t have you, then I'll make damn sure no one else can.�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twelve
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IreLyn laid her head back against the pillows and closed her eyes as the pain medication that she�d been given just a few moments before began to take effect. She forced herself to think of positive places where Dakota could be�She could be visiting with her parents or she could have gone back to the house to shower or to catch some sleep.
She hadn�t been sleeping very long, but although she was sleeping rather deeply, she was still vaguely aware of someone entering her room. IreLyn allowed herself to drift out again, thinking that it was just the nurse coming in again to check her vitals and IV.
IreLyn tried opening her eyes a little while later when she still sensed a presence in her room. Damn, her eyes were heavy though and no matter how hard she tried, she could not get them open.
Logan remained motionless as he stared down at IreLyn. Her face looked even worse than it had the day before, the bruises blossoming into colors of purple, black, and blue. He still felt horrible for what he�d had, but the fact that because of it happening, she was now a lot closer to being his than she had been before.
�It wasn�t my intention to hurt you, Lyn.� Logan whispered gruffly. �And if you play nicely from now on, nothing like this will ever happen again.�
Hearing that voice immediately grabbed IreLyn�s attention and this time she forced her eyes to open. Little good it did her though with her vision and mind being clouded by the effects of the pain medication.
She could barely make out a form standing beside her bed and she could tell that it was probably a male, but that was about it.
�Who are you?� IreLyn asked after a few moments and her vision had only cleared slightly.
�You know who I am, Lyn. I have to get going now, but I�ll see you again real soon.� Logan leaned down and whispered against her ear. He allowed his lips to linger touching her skin before he pulled back and straightened up again. He only stayed a moment longer and then he turned and left the room.
IreLyn lay there trying to figure out who he was. He was so familiar, but she just could not remember who he was. She closed her eyes as she felt sleep taking over again and she was just drifting off when it suddenly hit her.
Logan!
IreLyn gasped out loud as the detailed event s of her attack began to slowly play through her mind. She was trembling uncontrollably and nearly hysterical when it ended. Needing to hear Brett�s voice, she instantly reached for the phone that lay on the bedside table, but put it back down when she remembered the nurse telling her that she couldn�t use the cell phone in the hospital.
IreLyn picked up the hospital phone, but put it back when she realized that she didn�t know the number of Dale�s cell phone, which was what Brett had. A distressed whimper left her lips as she lay back down, tears burning her eyes. She sat up a few moments later and picked up the cell phone again. Right then she didn�t care about the hospital rules. She needed to talk to Brett.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dale groaned and rolled over in his bed, as he tried to fall back into the dream he�d been having. One eye opened when he heard the knock a second time on door of his coach. Cursing under his breath, he sat up and rubbed his eyes, sighing when he remembered he was at the track.
He pushed back the covers and stood up, glancing at the clock. He frowned when he saw it was barely eight in the morning. He paused in his movements, his frown deepening when it suddenly hit him that he hadn�t heard from Dakota since earlier the day before.
He moved towards his phone, intent on calling her, when there was another knock, this one louder and more impatient. �Some one has a death wish.� He growled to himself as he made his way to the front of the coach.
He threw the door open and stopped, in shock at who was on the other side. His shock wore off as he glared at the man standing before him. �What the fuck to do you want, Kerry?�
Kerry Earnhardt lowered his head, unable to meet the eyes of his younger brother as he stuffed his hands deeper into the pockets of the jacket he had on. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. This was going to be harder than he had originally anticipated.
�Hey, Dale.� He said timidly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He glanced up quickly looked away, seeing the look in his brother�s face. �Um, I really need to talk to you. Gotta minute?� he asked, getting his courage up.
Dale didn�t say anything for a few moments, simply glaring at Kerry. Finally he stepped up into the coach, allowing his brother room to come in. �Make it quick.� He snapped as Kerry walked past him. He didn�t like feeling uncomfortable around his own brother, but he did. He had yet to discuss his suspicions about his brother with anyone other than Dakota. He didn�t feel like opening that can of worms�not just yet.
Kerry sat down on the couch. He looked around the spacious coach, this having been the first time he�d been in it, since Junior had just bought it. �This is nice.� He commented.
�Cut the bullshit.� Dale snapped, his arms crossed over his chest. �It�s just like my last one but bigger. Now what the hell do you want?�
Kerry looked down at his hands, taking a couple soothing breaths before speaking. �I owe you an apology.� Dale raised his eyebrows but didn�t say anything as Kerry continued. �Actually I owe you more than an apology.�
Kerry stood up and started pacing, wondering how he was going to make it out of there in one piece after he told his story to his younger brother. �Awhile back two guys got in contact with me, asking me to help them. I wasn�t gonna do it, honestly I wasn�t, but I guess I kind of let my jealousy take over.�
He snuck a look at Dale, shocked to find that he didn�t look the least bit surprised by what he was saying. He stood there calmly, almost too calmly, waiting for Kerry to finish.
�Maybe I should start at the beginning.� Kerry sighed.
�There�s no need.� Dale cut him off. �I already know what you did.�
Kerry took a startled step back. �How?�
Dale shrugged. �Wasn�t too hard to figure out.�
Kerry bowed his head in shame. �I don�t know what to say.�
�How about starting with telling me why. And how. How in the hell could you do this?� Dale yelled, causing Kerry to jump.
Kerry shook his head. �I don�t know what I was thinking. Like I said I let my jealousy take over. I never wanted to be jealous of your Dale, please believe that. I started out so proud of you, and I still am. But then I realized how everything was coming so easy for you�and how much I�m struggling. The fans love you; I�m just that other Earnhardt.� Kerry choked out, his guilt over taking him.
Dale sighed, wanting so badly to be angry, mad, but seeing his brother like this was tearing at his heart. And in a strange sort of way he could almost understand where he was coming from.
�What happened at Daytona, I guess I saw it as a way to get recognition. But the only thing I proceeded to do was get you pissed off along with the fans.� Kerry laughed, but there was no humor in it. �After that I guess I just snapped.�
�Then I got the call. Jean-Claude told me he needed my help. He would help to ensure that I was the one in the spot light and you weren�t.� He closed his eyes for a moment, the opened him and looked his brother directly in the eyes, willing him to see that he was telling the truth. �I swear to God, Junior I had no idea what they were planning. If I did, I would never have let them into the garage area. I nearly died when I saw your car slam into the wall. I should have come forward sooner, but I didn�t know how too. But then I heard about what happened to Brett and IreLyn, and I knew I couldn�t keep quiet anymore.�
Dale let out the breath he was unaware he�d been holding. He wasn�t sure how to respond or react. His emotions were running wild inside of him.
�I don�t expect you to just forgive me, or trust me.� Kerry said. �But just know that I am so sorry. And�I want to help.�
�Help?� Dale asked gruffly.
Kerry nodded. �You have a real problem on your hands where Jean-Claude and Logan are concerned. I didn�t realize it until hearing about IreLyn, but you and Brett were never their intended targets. I just never realized it until now.�
�What are you saying?� Dale demanded.
�They want you and Brett out of the way. It's Dakota and IreLyn that they are really after. I sit back and let that happen. I�ve met them both, and IreLyn is a wonderful person, who never deserved what happened to her. And Dakota�well, I can honestly say that I�ve never seen you happier, and for that, I love her. There for I can�t just let anything happen to her or IreLyn. You have to go back.�
Dale shook his head trying to piece together all that Kerry was saying. �Don�t you get it?� Kerry yelled, standing up. �It may already be too late. You�re here, Brett�s in Nevada. The girls are in Denver�alone. This could be the opportunity that Jean-Claude and Logan have been waiting�and planning for!�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh God," Dale groaned as he sank down into the nearest seat, forgetting Kerry�s presence for the moment. He�d been so caught up with the situation with Brett, that he hadn�t even stopped to think that he�d left Dakota and IreLyn alone on Colorado. He was certain that Brett had thought of it, but at the moment there wasn�t anything that he could do about that.
Dale took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as he took off his cap and ran his fingers through his hair. He instinctively reached for his cell phone, but remembered a moment later that he�d left it with Brett.
Dale raised his head and looked at Kerry. "Give me your cell phone." Dale demanded as he held his hand out.
Kerry said nothing, only continued to look at his brother with an apologetic expression as he took his cell phone off of his belt clip and handed it to Dale. He wished he knew what to do to help more, but he didn�t. He didn�t know if Dale even wanted him around. He hoped that he did, but he really couldn�t blame him if he didn�t though. He watched Dale almost frantically punching in the numbers on the phone before he turned and left the coach. He didn�t want to push it with his brother. When Dale was ready to talk, he would.
"Damn it!" Dale cussed loudly when he failed when he tried Dakota�s cell phone, which IreLyn had, but got a busy signal. He supposed that a busy signal was a good sign because it meant that at least either IreLyn or Dakota was using it at the moment. He tried calling his own cell, but got a busy signal as well. He tried calling IreLyn's house, Dakota�s parents�, but he got no answer there and Dakota�s parents hadn�t heard from her since the day before.
About forty-five minutes later, Dale finally got through to Brett. After listening to what Brett had to say about IreLyn and her remembering that it was Logan who had attacked her, Dale told Brett about Kerry and asked him if he�d talked to Dakota at all that day.
"No, I haven�t." Brett answered and then paused as he remembered the strange comment that IreLyn had said to him earlier that morning. "Lyn said something kind of odd earlier though. I told her to remember to have Kody call the detective and she said that she would�when she finds Dakota. She didn�t give me a chance to say anything and I forgot about it until now."
"Okay, Brett. I�m going to call IreLyn and see if I can find out more what is going on. I�ll get back to you right afterward so we can figure out what to do. Lyn and Kody aren�t safe there."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IreLyn jumped when the cell phone rang, gritting her teeth against the pain that radiated through her body as she scrambled to get the phone, hoping no one outside her room heard it ringing.
She looked at the number, her heart pounding when it was a number she didn�t recognize. She just knew it had to be Dakota.
�Where the fuck have you been?� she demanded the instant she hit the button, not giving the caller a chance to speak. �I�ve been worried sick! If you ever do anything like this again, Dakota, I swear to god I�ll�� she trailed off when she heard the voice on the other end.
�IreLyn, its Dale.�
IreLyn�s heart sank. �Oh.� She replied, her tone flat.
�Where�s Kody?� he asked, although he knew full well from the way she answered the phone she had no more of an idea of where Dakota was then he did.
IreLyn bit her lip, unaware it was trembling. �I honestly don�t know, Dale. She�s been gone since earlier yesterday afternoon.�
�Do you know where she went?� Dale asked, his voice tight.
IreLyn shook her head, then remembered he couldn�t see her. �No. She left while I was sleeping.�
�Shit.� Dale muttered.
�What do I do, Dale?� IreLyn asked, knowing she couldn�t do much, but feeling she needed to do
�You�re going to rest and take it easy.� Dale instructed her sternly. �I�m on my way.�
�But�the race.�
�I�ll have someone fill in for me this weekend. I�ll catch the first flight at be there. In the mean time I�m gonna call the cops in Nevada and see I can persuade them to let Brett leave the state. If you hear from Dakota call this phone, and better yet if you see her, have her call me immediately.�
IreLyn smiled a little, knowing just from the tone of his voice that when Dakota called him, she was in for an earful.
�Alright I promise.� She whispered, tears falling unnoticed down her cheeks. She had a bad feeling about this...a bad feeling she couldn�t shake. She closed her eyes praying that Dakota was safe and would, and also praying that Dale would be able to convince the officers in Nevada to let Brett go. If there was ever a time when she desperately needed his strength, it was now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IreLyn tapped her fingers impatiently as she waited for her sister to pick her up from the hospital a little while after she finished talking with Dale. After spending three days there, she was being released, though with very strict orders to take it easy. She was also waiting for the detective on her case to return her call. She wasn�t sure that Dale would be able to persuade the police to allow Brett leave the state. But now that she remembered that it was Logan who had attacked her, she could have all charges against Brett dropped and he would be free to leave as he pleased.
She bit her lip as she thought about Dakota. IreLyn was more than certain that Jean-Claude had something to do with Dakota�s abrupt absence. Unfortunately, she was helpless to do anything until Dale and Brett got there. She wanted to help Dakota desperately, but she wasn�t foolish enough to think that she could take on Jean-Claude and possibly Logan by herself .
IreLyn was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the door to her hospital room open. She looked up and smiled slightly when she saw her sister, Kristin. �Did you bring me clothes?� She asked, more than ready to get out of the hospital rags that she had spent the last three days in. The clothes that she had on when she was brought in were completely ruined.
�Yes, I did, Lyn.� Kristin answered, her voice choked, as she walked across the room and sat down beside her sister that she hadn�t seen in about three months. Their parents had told her how bad IreLyn looked when she first arrived in Colorado earlier that morning, but nothing could have really prepared her for seeing IreLyn the first time.
�The bruises will go away.� IreLyn commented when she turned and looked at Kristin and found her eyes on her.
Kristin sighed as she out her arm around IreLyn�s shoulder and gave her a gentle hug. �I know�I�m just concerned for, Lyn. You�ve had a lot happen lately. Are you okay?� She knew that physically IreLyn would be fine�it was more her mental condition that she was worried about.
�I�m fine�or at least I will be when Brett gets here and we find out where Kody is at. And those bastards Logan and Jean-Claude are behind bars where they belong.�
�Is there anything that I can do?� Kristin asked, wanting to help somehow, but not knowing where to start.
�You can start by giving me those clothes so I can get changed and get out of here.� IreLyn said as she gingerly rose to her feet and took the bag that Kristin had brought for her.
******
�Are you sure this is what you want to do?� Detective Ishmal skeptically asked IreLyn after hearing what she�d just said to him. Rather than wait for him to return her call, IreLyn had Kristin stop by his office on the way home. He did not believe that Brett wasn�t the one responsible and believed that IreLyn was delusional�probably from the concussion.
But IreLyn knew full well what she was doing. �Yes, I am sure. I want all charges against him dropped�now.� She told him firmly, leaving no room for doubt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Seventeen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett jumped slightly when there was a knock on his door, jarring him out of his thoughts as he stared blindly out the window. He glanced at his watch, wondering when IreLyn was going to call. He knew she was most likely at the police station talking with the detective, but time was dragging buy so slowly. It wasn�t even the thought of all the charges being dropped that had him anxious. It was the prospect of being able to leave and get to IreLyn in Colorado.
He turned away from the window and walked over to the door, pulling it open. A shocked look crossed his face as he took in the person standing before him, then before he realized it, he broke out into a genuine grin.
�What the hell are you doing here?� he asked, even as he pulled the person into the room, relief flooding through him at the sight of his friend.
The man grinned crookedly. �Hearing all the shit you�re going through, I figured I�d come out and see what was going on.�
Brett snorted at his answer. �Yeah right, you smelled trouble and just wanted to get in the middle of it.� He laughed, suddenly feeling a hell of a lot better, even if it was only for a few minutes.
�Well, yeah there was that.� The guy laughed along with Brett. A few seconds later they both sobered and turned serious. �Now tell me, what the fuck is going on?�
Brett sighed as he ran a hand over his face. �Sit down�this may take awhile to explain.�
***
A half out later Brett was finally finished relaying the whole sordid tale. He glanced at his friend, who had remained quiet, swallowing hard when he saw the look on his face, and the way he was clenching his fist.
His temper was notorious, and Brett was a little worried about how he was going to react to all this.
His friend took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Before he could say anything, there was another knock at the door. Sending him an apologetic look, Brett got up and walked over to the door. He pulled it open and once again smiled at who was on the other side.
�I�ve got great news.� Junior exclaimed as soon as the door opened. �The charges have been dropped, and we can get our asses to Colorado!�
Brett closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. �Thank god.� He whispered to himself.
�I�ve already got us booked on a flight out of here, so hurry, get your things together.� Dale commanded, not meaning to be so bossy, but his worry and fear for Dakota was taking over.
Brett nodded as he stepped back in the room. �Um, think we can get another ticket?� he asked, knowing full well his other friend was planning on going with them.
Dale shot him a questioning look as he too stepped fully into the room. He then noticed for the first time the other man standing on the other side of the room. His eyebrows went up as he recognized the guy standing there.
�Dale, meet Marshall, a long time friend of mine. Marshall this is Dale Earnhardt Jr.� He introduced the two men. They shook hands, both having heard a lot about the other, but having never met. Under normal circumstances, they would both be in awe of each other, each respecting what the other did, but now wasn�t the time.
�I�m sure it won�t be a problem getting another ticket.� Dale said as he grabbed his bother�s cell phone he still had with him and quickly dialed the numbers he needed to book the flight for Marshall. A few minutes later he hung up, all the arrangements made.
�We�re set, let�s go.� He said as he grabbed one of Brett�s bags and moved to the door. Brett and Marshall followed behind, determination set on each of their faces.
As they walked silently down the hallway to the elevator, Brett looked at Marshall, suddenly realizing how grateful he was to have him with them. Suddenly the odds were a little more in their favor.
Jean-Claude and Logan weren�t going to know what hit them. Not only did they have Brett and Dale after them with a vengeance, but also now they had to deal with someone whom no one really wanted on their bad side. And extremely pissed off Marshall Mathers�or as most people knew him, Eminem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IreLyn was walking up the sidewalk that led to her house when she heard someone calling her name. She stopped and turned to see her neighbor coming her way. After Dakota, she was her closest friend. The three of them often got along well and often got together. She and Kristin had been almost like sisters until Kristin moved across the country for a job she landed out of college. Though they did still keep in touch and got together when Kristin was back home.
IreLyn smiled, glad to see her neighbor as she was meaning to talk to her before she went back to her parent�s house where she was staying until Brett and Dale got to Colorado.
�Um�I wanted to apologize for accusing Brett. He�was the only person that I saw going to and leaving your house and when the police questioned me, I had to tell them. And when I heard all of the yelling at commotion at your place that day, I just had a bad feeling about it so I called 911. I�m sorry that I was wrong and I�m so sorry that I�ve caused so much trouble for you and Brett.�
�You did the only thing that you could. Don�t be sorry�you probably saved my life. If you hadn�t called the police who knows what could have happened. All of the there charges against Brett have been dropped and everything is going to be jut fine.� IreLyn assured her neighbor, who she could tell was feeling extremely guilty.
�I�m sorry that I couldn�t visit you in the hospital. The police wouldn�t allow it until after they questioned you because I was a witness and they thought that I might try to get you to change your story or something.� She told IreLyn, obviously upset over it.
�That�s okay. The nurses limited the visitors quite a bit and I was out of it seventy-five percent of the time until yesterday.�
�Are you staying with your parents? If you need somewhere to stay, I�ve got more than enough room.� Lissa offered, wanting to do anything to help IreLyn.
�Yeah, until Brett and Dale get here and then we�ll probably stay at a hotel or find another house. Mom and Dad�s house is way too small for all of us to be there too long.� IreLyn explained what she thought they would do, but she wasn�t sure. Nothing was for sure until they found Dakota.
�How�s Kody doing?� Lissa asked, noticing that IreLyn hadn�t mentioned Dakota when she mentioned Dale.
IreLyn bit her lip as she wondered if she should let Lissa in on the current situation. An instant later, IreLyn was telling her about how she or anyone else hadn�t heard from or seen Dakota in almost twenty-four hours and their suspicions about Jean-Claude being involved. �I don�t suppose that by some miracle, you�ve heard from her?� IreLyn asked humorlessly and hopelessly.
Lissa gasped softly, unable to believe that after everything these people had been through, it still wasn�t over. �If there�s anything that I can do to help�anything at all, let me know.�
IreLyn smiled slightly, thankful for all of the people supporting her and everyone else. �Thanks, I�ll do that.�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Nineteen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett was on the edge of his seat when the plane landed, his body tense, poised and ready to spring to his feet. Marshall shook his head as he looked at his friend, the looked over at Dale, to find he was in pretty much the exact same state.
�Damn, you two are making me edgy.� Marshall grumbled, although he knew both men were going through hell right now. For Brett, IreLyn was just about within reach, and even if he could warp himself to her, it wouldn�t be fast enough. And for Dale, knowing Dakota was out there, but having no idea where, was killing him.
Both men were out of their seats and halfway down the aisle before the plane had come to a complete stop. Marshall jumped up and hurried after them.
The instant they stepped out into the open part of the airport, they were all bombarded by fans, reporters and cameras. Obviously someone had leaked to the press that they would be arriving.
�We don�t have time for this shit.� Brett growled. Although he was more than appreciative of his fans, this was not the time. In fact, they couldn�t have possibly picked a worse time.
�What the hell are we going to do?� Dale demanded as he tried to push past the mob of people, but not having any kind of luck.
�Christ, follow me.� Marshall ordered before he started making his way through, just stopping short of throwing people out of his way. As the crowd started seeing how serious he was, they parted, allowing room for them to pass by.
Brett and Dale glanced at each other. �Impressive.� Dale commented before following after Marshall, Brett hot on his heels.
***
�Would you sit down? You�re making me nervous!� Kristin exclaimed at her sister, who was pacing in front of the bay window, which overlooked the front yard and driveway.
�He should have been here by now.� IreLyn looked at the clock for the millionth time. Her entire being was crying out for Brett, and just knowing he was close, yet still far away was driving her insane.
�Maybe they got held up at the airport, they�ll be here soon.� Kristin reassured her.
IreLyn nodded. �I know, and I know I�m acting crazy, it�s just that with everything that is going on, I need Brett. I physically ache for him.�
Kristin smiled softly at her sister. She could only hope to one day find that kind of love. She got ready to say something, but before she could utter a word, IreLyn shot past her and was out the front door before Kristin could even really register it.
She smiled as she got up off the couch and followed her sister outside. She didn�t even need to look out the window to know that Brett had finally arrived.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brett immediately dropped his bags and opened his arms when he saw IreLyn rushing towards her. He was so overjoyed just to be with her again that he momentarily did not even notice the bruises on her face. He was nearly knocked off of his feet from the force at which she flew into his arms. IreLyn ignored the pain radiating through her body, just doing that little bit of running was over doing it for her at that time. She didn't care about the pain...all she wanted was to be in Brett's arms again. Everything seemed to fade significantly when she was.
"Holy shit," Marshall cussed softly before he could stop himself when he saw IreLyn. He'd seen all kinds of abuse in his life and he never got over it...especially when it was against women. Now he could completely understand why Brett so desperately wanted to get his hands on this Logan person. Hell, he wanted to strangle the guy himself!
Hearing Marshall, Brett pulled back from IreLyn and held her at arm's length as he thoroughly checked her over. When he was finished, he pulled her tight against him again. Although he said nothing, IreLyn, and even Dale and Marshall could feel the fury toward Logan radiating off of him in thick, consuming waves.
"Let's go inside." Dale suggested when he noticed a crowd beginning to gather and a media helicopter flying overhead. It was one of the downfalls of being a person in the public...especially with all this controversy going on; there was never any privacy.
******
"Are you going to introduce us?" IreLyn asked once they were inside and seated around the spacious living room. She knew who Marshall was and had heard Brett speak of him on several occasions, but she'd never met him.
Before Brett could say anything, Dale spoke. "Marshall this is IreLyn." He said quickly gesturing in her direction. "And this is Lyn's sister Kristin." Dale waved a hand in Kristin's direction, who had stood there silently, her eyes fixed on Marshall. Then he looked directly at IreLyn again.
"Now tell me about when you last saw Dakota."
IreLyn sat back heavily in the chair behind her, tears burning her eyes as she thought about her friend. "She was there when I fell asleep and when I woke up, she was gone. I haven't seen or heard from her since."
Dale ran his hand over his face, his worry for Dakota rising. "She didn't say where she was going? Leave a note or anything?"
"No." IreLyn replied softly, feeling horrible. She felt responsible for everything that had happened to Brett, Dale, Dakota, and herself. She felt that it was her fault...all of it.
"I think Jean-Claude and maybe Logan have something to do with it." IreLyn added after a few moments. "The police should be about up to doing something about it now since it's been almost forty-eight hours."
"What?" Dale roared, causing everybody in the room to jump back. "The police haven't done anything?" He demanded to know why.
"I called them that first day because I just knew that something wasn't right. But they told me that in cases of missing adults, the person has to be missing for forty-eight hours before they can start a formal investigation."
"Let's go!" Dale said, grabbing Marshall's arm as he headed for the door, knowing that Brett wouldn't be very willing to leave IreLyn. He wasn't sure if he was going to go raise hell with the police for just sitting on there asses this whole time or if he was going to just go hunt down Jean-Claude himself.
"I'll go with you." Kristin stated as she hurried to catch up with Dale and Marshall.
After they were gone, Brett turned to IreLyn. "How ya doing, baby?" He asked, worried about how pale she was. She looked tired and aged beyond her years.
IreLyn sighed with content when Brett pulled her up into his arms. She felt so right there and that was were she always wanted to be. "I'm fine," She assured Brett as he turned and sat, pulling her down onto his lap. "I'm just worried about Kody." He tightened his arms around her, vowing that if he ever got his hands on Logan, it would take a hell of a lot to stop him from killing the bastard himself.
Brett completely understood what she was feeling. "If I know Junior and Marshall though, they'll find her...soon."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty One
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Um, Dale, where exactly are we going?� Kristin asked from the back seat, no long after they started in the wrong direction of the police department. Dale didn�t even spare her a glance as he answered.
�We�re going to the office.� He replied, his hands tightened on the steering wheel. Kristin nodded as she sat back, knowing full well where he meant.
Marshall, on the other hand, was completely lost. �Huh? Where are we going?� he asked, glancing over at Dale, frowning when he didn�t answer, but understanding as well, knowing Dale had his mind on other things. He looked over his shoulder at Kristin, sending her a questioning look, hoping she�d be able to provide some answers.
Seeing his look, she sat forward a little. �We�re going to D&D�it�s where Jean-Claude works.� She explained. An evil grin spread across Marshall�s face.
�This ought to be interesting.�
Kristin looked back at Dale. �If he�s here, please don�t kill him. I don�t want to be on trial for aiding and abetting a murder.� She tried to joke, wanting to ease some of the tension she could feel radiating from Dale.
He glanced in the review mirror and half smirked at her. �I won�t kill him.� He answered, although he didn�t sound too convincing.
***
Shirley jumped when a hand slammed down on her desk, effectively gaining her full attention. She lifted her head and fell victim to a full-blown Earnhardt glare. She swallowed nervously as an extremely angry Dale Earnhardt Jr. continued to stare at her.
�Um�� she stammered, pausing a moment to try and regain her composure. �Can I help you with something?� she asked nervously, for the first time noticing the two people standing behind the young Earnhardt. The other man with him looked vaguely familiar, but she didn�t have time to worry about that. The pure anger on his face matched Dale�s and didn�t to anything to calm her down.
�I want to see Jean-Claude, and I want to see him now.� Dale growled through clenched teeth.
Shirley opened her mouth to answer, but nothing came out. She tried again. �I�m sorry but he�s not in.� she squeaked.
�Where the hell is he?�
Her eyes darting from one person to the other, she struggled to answer. �I�m sorry, I can�t give that information out.�
Dale closed his eyes for a moment, trying to keep himself in check. After a few seconds he opened them and once again rested them on the older woman before him. �I�m only going to ask this one more time, then I�m through with being nice.� He told her.
Kristin coughed to cover up the giggled that tried to escape at the look on the poor woman�s face. She could only imagine what was going through the secretary�s head.
Shirley saw the intensity in the man�s eyes, and felt herself weakening. Jean-Claude hadn�t been in the office all week long, and she�d had a feeling something was going on�something not good, but of course he wouldn�t tell her anything. But once again she had dismissed it, thinking it wasn�t unusual for her boss to act strange, he�d been doing it since Dakota quit.
Her eyes widened in shock, recognition and dread when it suddenly hit her who was standing over her desk. She stood up abruptly. �Oh my god.� She whispered. What had her boss done? It had to have something to do with Dakota�other wise Dale wouldn�t be in the office right now looking as if he were ready to tear Jean-Claude apart with his own bare hands.
�Is this about Dakota?� she asked tentatively, taking a step back at the look in Dale�s eyes.
�Do you know where she is?� he demanded instantly.
Shirley shook her head. �I haven�t seen or heard from her since she left here�but�� she trailed off.
�But what?� Dale yelled.
Kristin took a step forward, seeing that the woman was scared, but looking as if she were willing to give up some information. �Please,� she said softly, pleading with the other woman, stepping on front of Dale, hoping it calmed the older woman a little. �Anything you know would be a huge help. Dakota�s missing and we have reason to believe that Jean-Claude is behind it.�
Shirley�s eyes filled with tears, feeling responsible. She had seen how obsessed her boss and Logan had been with the two women, yet she had said nothing. Perhaps she could have prevented all this. �I have no doubt that he is. He�s obsessed.� She whispered. �He hasn�t been in all week. But I think I know where he might be, and if he�s there, then Dakota probably is as well.�
�Where?� Marshall spoke up for the first time.
�He called a few days ago and asked to have all his mail forwarded to Logan�s apartment. I didn�t think anything of it at the time but now�� she paused, shaking her head, clearing her thoughts. �Wait here, I�ll get you the address.�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Two
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I think I need to lie down." IreLyn stated after yawning hugely for the third time in just a few seconds. "I can barely keep my eyes open." She said from where she had her head resting on Brett's shoulder. She knew that until Dakota was found that she could get the rest that she truly needed, but having Brett there relaxed her more than she'd been and would hopefully be able to get a few hours anyway. She was completely and utterly exhausted.
Brett nodded in agreement, having seen her dozing off just a few moments before. "You go ahead. I'll be right here when you get up." Brett assured her as he carefully sat up and placed her on her feet. He kept a hand on her though, seeing how wobbly she was. "Do you need anything?"
IreLyn sat down in the chair next to the one that Brett was in. "Yeah, can you grab me a glass of water. I need to take a pain med." She asked as she reached for her purse to get the pills.
"Thanks." IreLyn told Brett after having taken the pills. She rose to her feet, ready to go upstairs and lie down. "You coming with me?" She asked when Brett wasn't following her.
Brett immediately rose to his feet and took hold of her hand that she held out to him. He felt a little odd...almost like a teenager again...that they were in her parents' house and he was following her up the stairs to her room.
"What?" IreLyn asked when she herd Brett chuckling softly behind her.
Brett smiled genuinely. "Nothing...I'm just really glad to be here with you again."
IreLyn returned his smile. "I'm so happy you're here too." She stated sincerely.
Her head had barely hit the pillow before IreLyn was asleep. Brett held her tight in his arms as he watched her sleeping. The time that he'd been apart had felt like an eternity, although it was really only a few days. He'd never felt so lonely and so helpless as he did then, knowing that she was hurt and needed him and there wasn't a damn thing that he could do about it.
"I love you." Brett whispered as he gently brushed his lips across hers. He felt truly content as IreLyn sighed in her sleep and buried herself even deeper into his embrace.
Brett laid back on the pillows and was just drifting off to sleep when it suddenly hit him just how much IreLyn meant to him. She meant more to him than anything. She was his life and he wanted to spend the rest of it with her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Three
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dakota wearily lifted her head, struggling against exhaustion to focus on what was going on around her, but what little was left of her strength gave out on her and she let her head fall back down on the pillow.
She moaned softly as she shifted, somewhere in the back of her mind it registering that she was still cuffed to the bed, the same way she had been since Jean-Claude had tied her up.
She sighed as she tried to remember how long ago that had been. She was sure a couple days had gone buy, but she couldn�t be positive. Time was starting to run together, and she couldn�t even tell when it was morning and when it was night anymore. Of course the fact that they had her in a room with no widows didn�t help matters.
She hadn�t allowed herself to fall asleep, although she may have dozed for a few moments here and there, but every little sound would bring her back to consciousness. She kept telling herself she needed to stay awake, to keep an eye out on the two men in the next room.
The only good thing about the whole ordeal was that neither Jean-Claude nor Logan had tried her hurt her. They had basically tied her up and left her alone. Jean-Claude would come in every once in awhile and try and talk to her, but he would give up after getting nothing but an eerie silence.
The first day he had brought her food, but angrily left the room after she lashed out at him verbally and physically. He told her until she was ready to give up the fight, she wouldn�t get any food.
She squeezed her eyes shut when her stomach growled loudly, reminding her of just how hungry she was. But just as she had been doing, she ignored it.
She blinked when hot tears stung her eyes, desperately trying to push them back. She refused to show either Logan or Jean-Claude any kind of weakness. She swallowed hard, her throat completely dry, but she tried to keep her spirits up by thinking of Dale.
Unable to hold it off any longer, she allowed the exhaustion to completely take over, and gave in to the temptation to sleep.
�Just a few minutes.� She murmured to herself. �I�ll just close my eyes for a few minutes.� Before the last thought was even completely, she was in a deep slumber.
***
�Was that Dale?� IreLyn asked sleepily, as she watched Brett hang up the phone next to the bed.
Brett nodded as he turned too look her in the eyes. �Yes. They are headed over to Logan�s apartment and want me to meet them there. They have reason to believe that maybe where Dakota is.�
IreLyn closed her eyes for a moment, silently praying that they would indeed find Dakota there�and bring her home safe and sound. She opened them and looked back at Brett, the look on her face and in her eyes warning him of what was coming.
�I�m going with you.� She stated.
Brett immediately shook his head. �No. Lyn, I don�t want you anywhere near there, especially if Logan is there. Dakota wouldn�t want you there.�
IreLyn stood up and glared down at him, her hands on her hips. He groaned inwardly, knowing that he wasn�t going to be able to talk her out of it no matter what he tried.
�I�m not staying here.� She told him. �And frankly I don�t give a damn if you and Dakota don�t want me there. This isn�t your call. It�s my fault Dakota is where she is, and I�ll be damned if I�ll stay here not knowing what the hell is going on!�
Brett reluctantly gave in, knowing full well that if he didn�t take her with him, she would find another way to get there. �Alright, fine. But you will stay with me. By my side at all times. If I tell you to wait in the car, you wait in the car, is that clear?� he demanded, knowing he was being a little over baring, but his need to keep her safe was too great.
She looked as if she were about to protest when he spoke again. �If you don�t agree to my terms, then you stay here. And all I have to do is walk down the hall, knock on the door and wake up your mother and father, tell them what�s going on, and I know you�ll be staying right here.�
IreLyn�s shoulder�s slumped in defeat. �Oh alright.� She muttered, having no doubt that he would follow through with this threat. �I�ll listen to every word you say.�
Brett grinned mischievously. �I�ll remember that!� he said suggestively, causing IreLyn to laugh, which had been his goal.
�I mean only for tonight!� she countered with a grin. Then, the severity of the situation hit her and her smile fell. She turned and grabbed her jacket.
�Come on. I want to get Dakota away from them�now!� she said as she all but ran out the door with Brett right behind her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Four
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�There they are.� Brett stated as he drove the car onto the third level of the parking garage attached to Logan�s apartment building. He heard IreLyn sigh with relief when she saw Dale and Marshall. He was relieved to see them himself, knowing that they were that much closer to rescuing Dakota.
�He is all business.� IreLyn commented, nearly laughing out loud at the sight of Marshall standing in the parking spot next to Dale�s rental car. He stood with his legs spread slightly. He had his arms folded across his chest and a very cross expression on his face. No doubt he had run off anyone who had tried to park in that spot.
Marshall immediately moved from his post when he recognized Brett and IreLyn in the car and Brett turned the car into the parking spot.
�So how we going to do this?� Brett asked Dale and Marshall after he opened the car door and climbed out.
�Gonna roast the fuckers.� Marshall stated, his voice low�almost threatening.
�That would be ideal. I�d like to see them rot in jail for what they�ve done.� Dale said. His eyes touched on IreLyn while his thoughts were heavily on Dakota.
�Alright, I think we�re all in agreement on that.� Brett said as he threw his cigarette down and ground it angrily into the pavement with the toe of his boot. �Let�s get this done.�
�She coming with us?� Marshall questioned, gesturing to IreLyn, who had gotten out of the car while they were talking. He was concerned about her being there, but he could also see the determination in her eyes. No doubt Brett had tried to talk her into not coming along, but had been unsuccessful.
Brett turned around and walked over to where IreLyn was standing silently beside the car. He pulled her tight and held her for several moments before he pulled back and held her at arms length, looking her directly in the eye.
�Get back in the car and lock the doors. We�ll be back with Kody before you know it.� Brett promised as he took hold of her hand and led her back to the car, opening the door for her. �Promise me you�ll stay here.� He said, still holding her eyes.
�I will. But Brett,� IreLyn paused, her eyes pleading. �Please hurry.�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Five
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IreLyn nervously bit her fingernails as she waited impatiently, glancing at her watch every thirty seconds. Finally, after about a minute and a half, she couldn�t take anymore, and without really stopping to think about it, she opened the door and stepped out, intent on following Brett, Dale and Marshall.
�That doesn�t look like waiting in the car to me.�
IreLyn jumped and spun around, a little scream leaving her as her eyes widened in fear. When she saw her sister leaning against Dale�s rental car, she immediately relaxed.
�Jesus Christ, Kris, are you trying to give me a freaking heart attack?� IreLyn demanded, suddenly realizing for the first time with everything going on, she hadn�t even really realized her sister was there.
Kristin grinned sheepishly as she took a step towards IreLyn. �Sorry. Didn�t mean to scare ya like that.�
�Sure you didn�t. Actually it�s my fault; I didn�t even realize you were here, so I�m the one who�s sorry.� IreLyn apologized.
Kristin shrugged it off. �No biggie, more important things going on to worry about right now. Speaking of which, where were you off to just now�or do I even really want to know?�
IreLyn sighed loudly. �I know it�s safer here, but the thought of Dakota being stuck with those two bastards scares the shit out of me. I want to be there for her.�
Kristin nodded understandingly, knowing exactly where her sister was coming from. Before she had moved, Dakota had always been like a second sister to her, and she was more than a little worried about her friend herself.
�But think of how Dakota would feel if something happened to you�something more.� Kristin said softly.
Nodding in defeat, IreLyn leaned against the car next to Kristin, and together they waiting as each moment passed by agonizingly slow.
***
�FUCK!�
Jean-Claude jumped at Logan�s yell, then jumped once more when he slammed the phone down. He looked questioningly at the taller man.
�We need to get out of here, now!� Logan spit out, his eyes blazing with anger.
�What the hell is going on?�
�Your fucking secretary ratted us out!� Logan hissed, pausing long enough to glare at the other man.
It took a moment his words to sink in. �Shirley?� Jean-Claude asked dumbly.
�How many freaking secretaries do you have? Of course Shirley!� Logan raged. �Hurry the hell up. They are on their way here now, and we need to split!�
�Just wait! Explain to me what�s going on.� Jean-Claude demanded.
�We don�t have time!� Logan ground out through clenched teeth. �Short version. Dale went to see Shirley, she ended up telling him where I live, saying Dakota was most likely here, and then after he left, she had an attack of guilt and called to warn us. That was her on the phone just now. Now�get your ass moving we have to get out of here now!�
�Okay, okay. Just let me get Dakota and we�ll be outta here.� Jean-Claude started towards the back room ,but Logan stopped him.
�You don�t seem to understand what I�m saying. Most likely Dale and Brett are outside even as we speak. We don�t have time to get Dakota. We need to leave, this second!�
Jean-Claude looked back longingly at the closed door, struggling with his decision. He knew Logan was right and they needed to get out of there, but could he leave Dakota behind?
�Soon, my love.� He whispered. �We�ll be together again soon.�
Logan nodded in agreement, his own heart making the same promise to IreLyn, then both he and Jean-Claude hurried out the door, keeping a close eye out for the two men who were likely to kill them on the spot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Six
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dakota�s head snapped up when she heard a loud crash. She had no idea that it was the door to Logan�s apartment hitting the wall after it had been kicked in. She stayed silent, listening intently. She was certain that at any second Jean-Claude would be making his presence felt.
Dakota jumped when she heard voices, but it wasn�t Jean-Claude and Logan. It only took a moment for the fog in her brain to clear and realize that it was Dale and Brett that she heard. She heard a third voice, but didn�t really recognize it.
Dakota tried to call out, but her throat was so dry that her voice absolutely would not work. She tried to remain calm, knowing that it was only a matter of time before they found her.
Her prayers were answered an instant later when the door to the room that she was being held in suddenly burst open and Brett appeared in the doorway. Dakota closed her eyes and said a silent thank you. Not only because she�d been found after two days of hell. But also because Brett was there�and no doubt back with IreLyn.
Brett called Dale�s name before he rushed over to Dakota�s side. �Are you okay?� He asked as he gave her a quick once over. He was relieved when she nodded her head, albeit weakly.
�Water, please.� Dakota managed to say, although it was whispered so softly that Brett could barely hear her.
�You got it.� Brett replied as he got up and headed for the door. He was nearly run over by Dale, who was coming through as he was heading out.
Dale was at Dakota�s side in the blink of an eye. He gathered Dakota into his arms the best he could with her still being handcuffed to the bedpost. Neither of them said anything�there was no need to. Their feelings at that moment were far beyond what any words could express.
�No sign of either of them.� Marshall stated as he stepped into the room, speaking of Logan and Jean-Claude. He looked at Dakota, smiling slightly when his eyes met hers. He was glad that she seemed to be all right. They must have slipped out before we got up here.
Brett walked back into the room with a glass of water for Dakota. She handed it back after taking a couple of sips, knowing she couldn�t rush it.
�Get me out of here.� Dakota whispered, her eyes pleading. She really didn�t think she could stand being there much longer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Seven
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After finding the key to the cuffs, which had been lying on the dresser across the room, they all hurried out of the apartment, and back towards the garage.
Marshall and Brett led the way, keeping a close eye out for Jean-Claude and Logan, but there was no sign of them. Dale and Dakota followed close behind. She leaned heavily on Dale because she was weak, but for the most part, was completely fine. After a nice long sleep and a good meal, she would be feeling a lot better.
Dale kept his arm around her, holding her securely at his side, promising himself that he would not let her out of his sight ever again. He hadn�t said much, his own emotions in turmoil. He was beyond relieved to find her and have her back safe and sound, the time without her making him realize just how much she meant to him. It was simple, she was his life.
But he was also angry. Not at her but at the entire situation. It was a deep burning anger and he didn�t know what to do with it. He also knew that when they were alone, she would be hearing about how foolish it was to go off and try to confront Logan on her own, although he was sure she knew that very well by now. But he needed to get it out of his own system.
Dakota peeked at Dale from under her lashes, seeing his hard expression. She knew she was in for it in the future, but she almost welcomed it. She didn�t care if he yelled, ranted and raved, just as long as she was with him.
She never once glanced around her, worried that Jean-Claude and Logan would show up, because in Dale�s arms, she felt completely safe.
She did however look in front of her, it hitting her for the first time whom the new person one. Or at least who he looked like.
She cleared her throat, which was still a little dry, but feeling much better. �Um, maybe I�m delusional, but that really looks like Eminem up there.� She commented softly, earning herself a crooked grin from Dale that made her heart jump. Yes, this was where she belonged�with Dale.
�Well, it looks that way because it is.� Dale grinned at the surprised look on her face as she looked back at the blond man walking in front of them.
�Of course it is! And why would that surprise me? I mean, all the big named stars hand out in our little town, right?� she shook her head, thinking for a moment maybe she really had started to loose it, and was imagining this entire thing. Maybe she wasn�t really out of the apartment at all. What if this was just a dream?
Dale put all those thoughts to rest when he suddenly stopped, turned towards her and kissed her in a way that made her toes curl, and let her know this was most definitely not a dream. She blinked up at him, unable to find her voice.
�I just needed to do that.� Dale�s voice was gruff when he spoke. �Anyway,� he continued as they started walking again, �Marshall is a long time friend of Brett�s, and when he heard about what was going on, he came to help.�
Dakota was about to comment, but was interrupted by an excited squeal that echoed off the parking garage walls. She jumped and immediately moved closer to Dale but instantly relaxed when she saw where the noise had come from.
She was nearly knocked off her feet when IreLyn barreled into her, pulling her close for a tight hug. Again, no words were spoken�much like with Dale, they weren�t needed. IreLyn pulled back and looked Dakota over closely, looking for any kind of sign that she had been hurt physically.
�Are you okay?� IreLyn whispered, her voice shaking, her eyes filled with unshed tears.
Dakota nodded, swallowing hard past the lump in her throat. �I am now.�
She felt someone else move next to her and turned her head, her eyes widening with surprise when she saw who it was. �Kristin!� she exclaimed happily as she hugged her friend tightly. �What are you doing here?�
Kristin smiled, relieved to see that Dakota was relatively unharmed, although it was obvious she was weak, yet trying her best to hide it.
�Did you honestly think I�d miss out on all this? I had to come back and start keeping a closer eye on you two.� She teased. �I swear, I don�t know what to do with you guys. I leave for a little while, and look what happens!�
Dakota and IreLyn both laughed and shook their heads. �Yeah right.� IreLyn grinned at her sister. �If my memory serves me correctly it was us who always had to make sure you stayed out of trouble.� Dakota nodded in agreement.
Kristin put on her best innocent look. �I don�t know what you�re talking about!�
�I hate to break up the happy reunion,� Dale cut in. �But Dakota needs to get home and rest�and so does IreLyn.�
All three girls looked over at Brett and Dale who were looking at them sternly, their looks telling them not to argue, and Marshall who was trying not to laugh at the two suddenly over protective men�not that he could blame them.
He caught Kristin�s arm as she started to walk past, and she looked up at him in surprise and confusion. �Why don�t you ride with me, and we�ll follow them back.� He suggested, nodding towards the four people standing next to the other rental car. Kristin followed his gaze and realized that Marshall was right. They all needed time together.
�Sounds good.� She said as she started around to the passenger side of the car Marshall was standing next too.
�We�ll meet you at the house.� Marshall called out. Brett waved in acknowledgement as watched Dale settle in the back seat with Dakota, then turned to help IreLyn in the car.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Eight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�You got the tickets?� Dale asked Brett, his voice hushed so that Dakota and IreLyn, who were in the other room, would not here them.
Brett grinned mischievously at his friend. �Everything is ready to go. All we have to do is tell Dakota and IreLyn to pack their bags. Everyone else will be flying in the night before�Kristin, Marshall, the guys from the band and the girls� friend, Lissa.� Brett explained, amazed that finally they had gotten everything together.
Four months had passed since the ordeal with Jean-Claud and Logan. It had taken just about as long for both of the girls to recover completely. Unable to be away from them, Dakota traveled with Dale until just two days ago when the Nascar season wrapped up for the year. Since Brett was in between tours, IreLyn stayed with him at his home in the Tennessee Smokies. When he had appearances and other things to do, she accompanied him. And neither he, nor Dale would have had it any other way.
Jean-Claude and Logan had seemingly disappeared from the face of the earth. All leads to their whereabouts that the police had had only led to dead ends. It frustrated everyone involved, knowing that they were still out there. And while they all still lived cautiously, they weren�t looking over their shoulders with every move they made.
�Well, what are we waiting for? Let�s tell them!� Dale exclaimed as he jumped to his feet. Brett followed hot on his heels as they headed into the kitchen, where IreLyn and Dakota were cleaning up after dinner.
�Hey, did you come to help?� Dakota asked as she dried her hands off on a dishtowel as she looked at Dale and Brett. She glanced over at IreLyn who, had just finished loading the dishwasher. IreLyn looked back, her eyebrow raised as she shrugged her shoulders. They could both see that Brett and Dale were up to something, but neither was able to figure out what.
IreLyn narrowed her eyes as she stared at Brett and Dale. They�d been acting stranger than usual the last few months. They were being very secretive about something. �What are you two up too?� She demanded, neither her nor Dakota able to take the suspense any longer.
�Well,� Dale began, but paused to allow the suspense to build further. He grinned at Brett when Dakota and IreLyn looked like they were about to lose the last ounce of patience that either of them had.
�As I do every year, now that the season has ended, I need to go to Jamaica to meet and greet our fans there.� Dale paused again when he heard a tiny gasp escape Dakota. At Brett�s urging, had had not even told Dakota that he always went to Jamaica once the season was over.
�Oh my God! I�m going to Jamaica!� Dakota squealed with excitement before Dale could say anything further. She jumped up and down as she rushed over to Dale and threw herself into his arms.
�Even better,� Dale continued once Dakota had calmed down a bit.
�Wait! How could that get any better.� Dakota interrupted before she could stop herself. She smiled sheepishly at the looks that she got from Dale, Brett, and Lyn. �Uh�go ahead.� She said to Dale.
�As I was saying before I was interrupted.� Dale teased, causing Dakota to blush further. �Brett and Lyn are going with us.� Dale said finally.
There was a moment of silence before both Dakota and IreLyn let out an enthusiastic scream.
