Undercover: Book 4 — Chapter 27

Clover’s Point of View

“We can’t find Jesse,” Rachel whispered to Joey. My eyes narrowed as I didn’t bother hiding the fact that I was listening in on the conversation.

“Clover’s not safe until he’s caught. I need that police report to find out who got arrested. If what Keith told us is accurate, then Katy didn’t pay Jesse, and she wasn’t going to until the job was completed and clearly it’s not completed. Therefore, if Katy got arrested, then that means the job won’t ever be completed, and she’ll be safe to go home,” Joey explained.

“I’ll get the report,” she said before walking out of the room. I felt my heart rate speed up. Am I really this close to being free? To seeing my kids?

I looked at Andrew who sat next to me, staring intently at his lap. “What’s wrong?” I asked softly, placing my hand on his thigh. He looked up at me with sad eyes.

“Chris has kids at home. He has a wife at home. He was supposed to go on a little vacation trip to Seattle. He wasn’t supposed to die here.” He almost yelled, not bothering to hide his anger.

“I know,” I whispered softly, running my thumb up and down the stubble on his cheek. “He and Jasmin may have gotten involved in the wrong stuff, but they never did deserve all the stuff that happened to them. You would have been disgusted if you saw Jasmin. She was like a puppet and Lisa was the holder. It gave me nightmares, Andrew. It was like watching a horror movie. Both her husband and his wife won’t understand. How do we even explain this?” I said shaking my head, trying to ignore the stinging in my eyes as tears started to fill them.

“You don’t,” Liam said suddenly, his voice devoid of any real emotion. “The bodies will be recovered and all we will know is that they were murdered by a man named Jesse Farone. By that point in time, Farone will be in custody and all that will be left is time to mourn. No one needs to know about the gang and the background information about you getting caught and almost dying. That is something that stays with our group and that’s it.”

He didn’t wait for a response and walked away. I stared at his figure in silence before burying my head in Andrew's chest. “We’ll do it together. We’ll tell them and we’ll be there for their funeral as well,” Andrew said firmly.

I could only get myself to nod.

Two knocks sounded on the door, and I didn’t make any attempt to move toward it as Caiden headed to the door of their house and opened it.

“Nick? What are you doing here?” he asked suddenly, his own surprise evident in his voice.

“I needed to make sure you weren’t in some jail or something,” he said, pushing past Caiden and entering the house. I snorted, if only he knew. “Oh, hey, so you’re having a party and didn’t tell me about that either. Great. Just fan-fucking-tastic.”

“If there’s no alcohol, then I wouldn’t count it as a party,” Caiden grumbled just as Claire walked down stairs.

“Nick!” she said excitingly as she rushed over, giving him a one-armed hug.

“How’s my little fiancé doing?” he asked, releasing her with a small smile on his face. “You’re starting to look huge,” he said, lightly placing his hand on her stomach.

I looked at Caiden, waiting for some reaction about the motion. “For someone who is so overprotective, you’d think he wouldn’t be okay with him touching her,” I whispered to Andrew and he nodded.

“Must be really close if he’s allowing it.”

Claire’s smiled. “Awe, Nick, I’ve missed you. Everything’s been good,” she said. He frowned.

“What happened to your arm?” he asked, referring to the spring on her arm.

She glanced at me and I sent her a look that said, ‘good luck, girl’ and she only rolled her eyes.

“I slipped, but I’m all good and so is the baby. How’s everything with you?” she asked him, sitting on the step.

“Nick’s got a new chick,” Caiden said suddenly.

Her jaw dropped.

“You did not,” she said with a wide smile.

Nick sent a quick glare at Caiden.

“Hey, it’s nothing serious yet. We’re only talking.”

“Yeah, they’re only talking after they fuck all night,” Caiden said.

“Caiden,” Claire scowled.

He shrugged.

“Don’t act like you don’t constantly have those raging hormones now,” Caiden retorted.

“That son of yours is going to grow up with a mouth of a trucker,” Nick said, shaking his head.

I snorted – what an understatement. The noise caused Nick to look over.

“Who’s the babe?” he asked, winking at me.

Andrew cleared his throat.

“Clover. You met her at the beach a few months ago,” Claire said.

Nick’s eyes lit up with recognition.

“Oh, right! You both were complete bitches to each other. I can’t believe I didn’t notice you before,” he said.

I simply shrugged. “How’d you guys become friends?”

“Mutual acquaintances.”

“Jesse, right?” he asked.

I almost choked on my own spit.

“You know Jesse?” Andrew asked, speaking my own thoughts

“I know a bit about him. My friend’s in his gang.”

“Jax got arrested,” Claire suddenly said.

Caiden chuckled.

“It’s truly a disappointment,” her fiancé said sarcastically.

Nick only leaned against the wall and didn’t say anything for a minute, his face showing he was thinking things over.

“I should’ve known he’d get caught. I mean it was going to happened eventually,” he said as he shoved his hands in his pocket.

“Good riddance,” Caiden muttered. I glanced at Claire to see that even she looked happy about the fact as well.

“He warned me that it would all end terribly. Someone would end up dead. He promised me that,” Claire said with a small frown.

Nick nodded, “I remember.”

“Multiple people ended up dead. I mean think about all the innocents. Think about Jasmin and Chris,” I snapped, standing up.

“It was bound to happen,” Caiden said, rolling his eyes. “May they rest in peace and all, but it’s the life of the gang. Anyone involved loses something.”

“What did you lose?” Andrew questioned.

I felt everyone in the room freeze. I snuck a side glance at my husband who only kept his questioning gaze on his face, clearly standing his ground.

“I lost my innocence, my childhood. Claire lost her normal life. Keith lost his boyfriend. You lost your friends,” Caiden listed off with a sneer. “Like I said, we’ve all lost something.”

The room stayed silent, everyone unsure of what to say to fill the now tension-filled silence.

Knock. Knock.

Claire stood up and opened the door. In walked a man who quickly embraced her.

“Fuck, Claire. Do you know what picking up your cell phone means?” the guy said, carefully pulling away from her. “Hell, even mom and dad thought something happened to you,” he snapped.

She smiled, pulling him into her and wrapping her arms around him again.

“Jeffery,” she said with a wide smile. “I’m glad you’re well. How’s mom and dad?”

“Fine now. Dad came down with some strange illness, had to go to the hospital even, but he’s okay and home now,” the guy, Jeffery, who I assumed was a sibling of hers, explained. “Now, what about you? What’d you do to your arm?”

“I slipped, that’s all,” Claire said, waving him off as well.

“Jeff, it’s been a while. How ya doin’, little man?” Nick asked, ruffling his hair which only caused him to scowl.

“I’m not little. I’m only a few years younger than you,” he said before sending a look to his sister. “I thought you’d stop hanging out with this douche.”

Once again the conversation in the room was interrupted as the ringtone from Joey’s phone blasted through the room. He sent us all an awkward smile and picked it up.

“Hello?” he answered immediately. After a few words were exchanged he quickly hung up and stood up.

“She’s awake.”

***

Riley’s Point of View

“I didn’t expect you to be at my bedside when I woke up,” I said coldly, not caring about my slightly groggy voice.

“Why wouldn’t I be? You almost died out there,” Cole snapped, his forehead creased with permanent worry lines.

“Yeah, well, I’m surprised since you didn’t seem to care about Liam when he almost died.”

“Liam isn’t like a son to me.”

“Yeah, and I’m supposedly like a daughter?” I let out a sarcastic laugh as I moved to sit up, completely masking the pain I felt from the movement. “You wanna know something? In that slight moment and feeling of almost death, I remembered my parents’ death.”

The look of nervousness crossed his face, but it was gone too fast for any normal person to notice.

But I’m not normal. I’m one kick ass agent and I definitely saw it.

“You remember,” he stated. I nodded even though he wasn’t asking it. He knew I remembered – the anger was clear in my voice. Heck, even in my body language.

“How could you?” I demanded the answer. The figure I grew up with, the one who I always looked up to was the reason my parents were dead.

“They broke the rules, Riley,” he said with a sigh, clearly not wanting to discuss it.

“Oh, did they? What rule resulted in death? Did one of them cheat with someone outside the agency?” I asked sarcastically.

“Your parents told a friend about what they did.”

I stared at him blankly.

“From what I remember, we were allowed to tell people, but we just couldn’t tell them what we do on our missions,” I responded.

“Yeah, but your parents were sharing things that they weren’t allowed to. Pieces of information that sent them to their death,” Cole said before standing up.

“So my parents are traitors then?” I asked, sucking in my bottom lip and nodding slowly in acceptance. I didn’t care what information they were sharing. They’ve been dead for over a decade now.

Nothing could change that.

“They knew it was coming, Riley. They already gave up their badges a day before I was supposed to arrive,” Cole said while lightly sending my hand a squeeze before completely releasing it. I didn’t comment as he slid on his coat and prepared himself to leave.

“I must say, I am proud of you, Riley Scott. I left that agency in good hands, and I will forever be impressed by the way it’s continuing to grow and the lengths you still go as an agent. I gave up on missions once the title was handed down to me. But you – you kept going,” he said with a smile. “Good luck with Farone, Scott. I’ll see you for your wedding,” he said before pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I watched as he exited the room and instead was replaced by a nurse who did a check up on me. After I was told that everything was already healing correctly and I would be okay, I let myself finally relax. “Riles?” a voice said quietly. My eyes immediately popped open, landing on the muscular figure of my fiancé.

He didn’t say anything else as he pressed his lips directly against mine. The light, feather-like kiss only lasted a minute, his lips moving slowly against mine in a way that felt like he was almost afraid to touch me.

“I’m so happy you’re okay,” he whispered against my lips, his eyes still closed from the kiss. “I love you so much.”

I grinned, something I haven’t had much time to do. “I love you too.”

“My biggest fear was that you’d never get to hear me say those words again,” Joey said, interlinking his hand with mine.

“I didn’t think I’d hear them again either. I felt death. It was cold and lonely. If I could never feel those feelings like that again, then I could say my life is perfect. Everyone can joke about death and they can talk about it so freely, but no one understands the seriousness of it and the unforgettable feeling until they are almost death itself,” I said with a faraway look in my eyes as I remembered the darkness.

“I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there for you,” he said, and I placed my hand lightly on his cheek.

“Don’t be,” I said with a slight shake of my head. “You did what you could.”

“Speaking of, how did we get out? Who’s dead? And is Jesse caught?” I questioned suddenly.

“Keith helped us. Turns out he was the real agent undercover, not just you. Taylor was just a fake. And, Jasmin was the only death,” he said while stepping back, knowing the conversation turned serious again, and there was no time for the lovey-dovey moments.

The information surprised me. I truly thought Keith was just some alcoholic, always completely wasted. “It makes sense. If there was one thing I noticed out of his drunken self is that he’s smart,” I said after a moment. “What happened to Jesse?”

“He escaped. Although his gang location was revealed after Jax, Leon, Jacob, and even Jackson were captured. Everyone was caught besides Jesse and Lisa. Rach has a lead on Lisa, so that’s our only head start so far.”

I swore aloud. Of course, Jesse got away.

“He can’t go far this time. He won’t. He’ll want to keep an eye on Claire still,” Joey said and I nodded.

“How is she?” I asked curiously, remembering how she got shot in the arm.

“She’s fine, already back at work even. Everyone wanted to come see you but I told them tomorrow would be a better day. How are you feeling?” Joey asked as he sat in the chair beside my bed.

“Sore, but that’s the worst of it, for now, thanks to the pain meds,” I told him. He nodded.

“Cole stopped by,” I said suddenly. His brow furrowed.

“He’s in Seattle? Why?” Joey asked suspiciously.

“He was worried. I guess Matt told him parts about what went down,” I said as I sipped the cup of water placed delicately in my hand

“Hmm, well that must have been nice then,” Joey commented and I shrugged.

“He was the one who killed my parents. Well, not him exactly, but he sent the guys who did. They broke the agency’s rules and it resulted in their death, a death they expected,” I told him, causing him to stand up and lean closer to me, squeezing my hand lightly.

“Wow, I’m so sorry, Riles. That must be awful to find out. I can’t believe he would do that,” he said, shaking his head.

I gave him a small smile.

“It’s okay. I mean it’s been years. We can’t go back and change it now, and if they broke the rules then they broke them. His rules were different before we became in charge, but still, if someone shared extremely private and crucial information then we’d have to do the same. That’s one rule that stuck,” I said.

He frowned at just the thought of having to kill an agent, one of our own.

“It just sucks, you know? It’s almost like we could never have friends that weren’t a part of our agency. I mean we wouldn’t be able to tell them anything,” he said.

I smiled, placing my hand on his cheek.

“Hey, that’s not true,” I said sternly. “We have Clover, Andrew, Claire and maybe even Caiden, and we still have all of our agent friends. How much more do we need? I mean is there a certain girl you’ve taken an interest in outside of the agency?” I played off casually, causing him to smile.

“Yeah, she’s a real beauty. Usually brunette and quite sexy when she’s mad,” Joey joked, moving his head closer to mine. “She’s pretty badass too. She once kicked this guy’s ass just for attempting to steal a wallet from a man.”

I grinned back. “Huh, sounds like one heck of a woman.”

“She truly is,” he said, connecting our lips for one long minute before pulling back only a few centimeters. “That’s why I’m proud to call her my fiance.”

Claire’s Point of View

I stared at all the paperwork in front of me and groaned. I didn’t realize how much this stuff had piled up already.

Elena knocked before entering my office. “Hey, I just wanted to know before I go for the night that Mr. Franklin called. He backed out of the deal. He said he was working with Jackson, whoever that is. But he said that he has no need to continue on anymore,” she said, causing me to look up. So he was just another part of their plan? They had me surrounded with gang members. From home, work, the doctor’s office, it was all too strange.

“Oh, that’s okay. Thank you for letting me know,” I said, watching as a look of surprise appeared on her face before she nodded.

“Have a great night,” she said softly and I smiled.

“You too, Elena.” The wood doors were slowly shut before I was left alone in the building. It wasn’t until an hour into paper work that the doors opened again.

“Did you forget something, Elena?” I asked, not bothering to look up as I bent down, putting my shipment orders together in my drawer.

There was no reply, causing me to go on edge. I grabbed the pepper spray that was taped to the top of my drawer and pushed back my chair, jumping up. I pointed the small bottle at the intruder.

“Listen, I just want to talk,” Jesse said.

I scoffed.

“Was that before or after I got shot by one of your men?” I asked.

His eyes went to my arm.

He frowned. “I didn’t know that was going to happen. Everyone had strict orders to keep you alive,” he said.

I gave him a look of disbelief.

“Really? So you were willing to kill all of my friends? Claire and even Riley? Caiden?” I questioned and he looked away. “Actually, tell me one more thing as well: was it you who sent those anonymous letters or was it, Lisa?”

“You already know the answer to that – Lisa sent the letters.”

I shook my head, disgust evident on my face. “I don’t hate people often, Jesse, but the place in my heart that you once filled has broken off and burned. Don’t visit me again. You are a monster, one that deserves to rot behind bars,” I said, sitting down in my chair before I started writing again.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered.

I didn’t respond. Nothing he has done is okay – it never will be.

“You should be. You should be sorry to the people you’ve killed, to the people’s families who are mourning over their lost son, daughter, brother, sister, and even parents,” I snapped before finally looking into his eyes again. “You are a killer, a murderer, and a monster. Next time you stand in front of me I will call Riley and I hope they take your ass to prison. Now leave before I call security,” I said. He gave me a sad smile.

“Goodbye, Claire,” he whispered.

I didn’t watch as he left, fear of the tears forming in my eyes. “I love you.” The doors shut, and I completely broke down, tears streaming down my face as water does in a river.

He was gone. Jesse Farone was forever gone.

You wonder in you life time how someone that you care for so deeply can just change in an instant. How they can become a whole different person. People could get the answer in many different ways from many different specialists, but no one actually knew. No one could figure out the brain of Jesse Farone. He was a mystery, one that would forever stay that way.

I should’ve called Joey, I know that, but he’s Jesse Farone, part of me knew he had nothing left. Therefore, he wasn’t going to kill again. He had no reason to.

“I love you.”

His words would have held a part of my heart if it wasn’t for the blood that forever stained his hands. He couldn’t truly love someone. His brain had something in it that others did not have. It held a disease. It held the killer.

***

“Claire?” Mia whispered once she opened the front door. I didn’t say anything at first and only wrapped my arms around her.

“I’ve missed you,” I said just as softly.

“I’ve missed you too, and I’m so sorry about everything I said. I was upset and I didn’t realize what I was saying,” she said, pulling away. “I love Nathan. I couldn’t leave him even if I tried,” she said. I laughed, wiping at some of my tears.

Yeah, I was a bit more emotional these days. Blame the hormones.

“I know,” I said giving her another hug.

“Who’s here?” Nathan asked sleepily, rubbing his eyes. I couldn’t care less that he stood there in nothing but his boxers as I ran over, wrapping my arms around him.

“I’m so sorry about you getting arrested and going through all of that shit. You didn’t deserve to be put in all that,” I apologized. “Thank you for helping with that beautiful proposal,” I said.

He pulled back a little with a smile on his face.

“You’re fine. Joey explained to me what he could so I understand, and I’m glad you’re all okay. I’m going to visit Riley today to see how she’s doing,” he said.

I gave him a sad smile.

“You know Caiden asked me to be one of his groomsmen,” he said.

I gasped, slapping his chest lightly.

“You’re kidding?” I said. I couldn’t even picture that man asking anyone besides Nick that.

“No, he was incredibly awkward about it, but he did ask,” Nathan said, causing me to chuckle. I turned back to face my other friend and smile slightly.

“Speaking of that, I’m going to need your help picking out a dress and the colors and all of that stuff. I mean I can’t do it all without my maid of honor,” I said.

She grinned, running over to me.

“Thanks, hoe,”

“Anytime, you whore,” I said before sitting down and catching her up on how it all happened and everything she’s missed so far, making sure not to mention the whole Jesse situation.

I listened as she filled me in on everything that happened with her, but my mind went astray and I couldn’t help but smile when it did. My life was going back to normal, back to how it was supposed to be.

Jax was wrong. This life wasn’t worth running from. People have been through much worse, and I could’ve been through much worse, but I’m okay – by me making the decision to stay I got better. My life is on track, I have a baby boy in my stomach, I have a fiance who loves me, I have my own company forever standing before me, and I have great friends who are always there for me. Everything is getting better. Perfect almost.

Beep. Beep.

I glanced down at my phone and saw a single text from Caiden that left my blood running cold.

They caught Lisa. Found her hiding in an abandoned warehouse. Jesse’s the only one left.

I smile, feeling my heart start to beat faster from the text. How did we make it this far? This point, this feeling is something I’ve never felt before.

We’re completely safe.

We’re happy.

We’re free.