A Hidden Truth

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[Jaxon]

    Clay grabbed a cola as the only one there who was under twenty-one. I walked over to where he was and grabbed a cola for myself. I wasn’t fond of beer, and I was an angry drunk, so I didn’t want to drink anything harder, or I’d potentially risk telling the entire group about Hank and Juniper.

    “How long have you known Juniper?” I asked casually.

    “Since pre-k. She was in a lot of the ridin’ classes with me at the ranch. You shoulda seen her on a horse. Like they were the same animal. I’d been thinkin’ of askin’ her out in sophomore year, but she just changed all of a sudden. She’s still hot, but super borin’. All she does is study and read. Glad I dodged that bullet.” He sighed.

    “Is there anything else you know about Hank?” I pressed.

    “Not really. He tried to give Juni a car for her sixteenth birthday. A sweet little convertible. She told him she didn’t need him to give her expensive gifts. Then she went out and bought her little Metro. I don’t know what she was mad at him for, but I don’t know a single girl that’d give up a convertible for a Metro.” Clay shook his head.

    I wondered what sort of punishment she would’ve gotten for refusing a car. Especially, one other people knew he’d tried to give her. The look in her eye when she said I didn’t understand what he’d do when he was angry, was enough to know I had to make sure it didn’t happen again.

    After excusing myself, I went to meet up with Trace, Red, and Beau. I hoped they could help me without this becoming something massive and tragic. There had to be an answer, if nothing else, Trace was the sheriff.

    “You want to tell us what’s goin’ on? We won’t tell the group until you say so, but we’re family. Let us help.” Red said.

    “Thanks, Red.” I replied.

    “I know I’ve been stiff around you. I just didn’t like how much your dad was all over you with his ‘my son’ this and ‘my son’ that. Like our wives didn’t even matter once he had you. I guess they didn’t to him. I think I blamed you a little. Tamsin was messed up over it. It wasn’t your fault, though. He’s just a bastard.” He told me.

    I almost laughed. At least I knew now why he always looked like he wanted to hit me when I was younger. He was huge and had muscles from working his family ranch. I was a scrawny kid who liked to read… I was terrified.

    My dad was just really proud of me and tried to show my mom she wouldn’t end up one of the ex-Mrs. Boones. It wasn’t the best plan, or most successful. Getting her out of Kotter’s Folly had fixed most of it. I didn’t feel the need to defend him. He didn’t care what anyone else thought, anyway.

    “How can we help?” Trace asked.

    “We have to figure out how to get Juniper out of the house before tomorrow night. In a way that won’t piss off Hank. If she runs away, he’ll kick her mom and Teddy out. She won’t risk her mom’s mental health, or what’s left of it, or her little brother being left alone with him.” I told them.

    “Why does my sister need to be out of the house?” A voice came from behind me.

    None of us had seen Carson approach because of how closely we were huddled. I kicked myself. I should have asked to talk to them outside, or to meet at Bobbi’s after. They all looked at me with wide eyes. I sighed and pulled him into the huddle.

    “Teddy’s taking care of her as best he can. That’s why he stopped going out. So you need to promise, you all need to promise, you won’t do or say anything tonight. Got it?” I pointed around the circle.

    Carson’s nostrils flared and his face started getting red. “Teddy stopped going out over two years ago. What’s happenin’ to my baby sister?” He growled.

    The others seemed to catch what I was saying. I could feel their anger start to rise. I’d been surprised Hank was doing it at all, because the Halstead promise had been acted on, repeatedly, ever since the first time. It was a point of pride in the town. He told me at supper that his family had been there since the founding. There was no way he hadn’t known it was a possibility.

    “She didn’t tell me exactly what he’s been doing. But I’ll tell you what I do know.” I whispered as we pulled the huddle in tighter.

    I found myself telling them what I’d witnessed. What Teddy and Juniper told me, and how their mother had just absently hung on Hank’s arm while he possessively stroked Junipers hair and glared at me. It seemed best to leave out the connections to the b**m lifestyle, for now. I didn't need them questioning how I knew about it. When I was finished I waited for their response.

    “I’m gonna f*****g castrate the bastard. I’ll cut everything that sticks out, offa him. That fucker’s gonna wish I’d really disappeared. Mama’s old and half gone mentally, anyway. It’s not worth tryin’ to save her if we let him ruin Juni.” Carson snarled angrily.

    “Oh lord. Is… Are we just standin’ around while he’s doin’ things to her right now?” Beau looked furious.

    I looked at the time on my phone. Ten-thirty-nine. I cringed. He probably was. I remembered the dead and distant look in her eyes. I’d just left her there to deal with it on her own. I felt sick.

    “You did the right thing.” Trace said calmly. “She was right. If there was a chance he’d destroy her family, then she had no reason not to endure one more night. She’s trusted you and Teddy to figure out a plan to save her. Now, you have a lot more brain power behind you. And more resources. If she doesn't want him dead, then jail is the next best option. Sadly, the sentence for what he's doing to her is a lot less than the one we're trying to get him on.”

    “Give us until tomorrow afternoon. We’ll meet with you at the motel and get a plan enacted. The more firepower, the better.” Beau told us.

    “I want to go get my sister and brothers, now. If I’d known. Three fuckin’ years! She never told anyone, just tried to take care of the family. He used her loyalty. He’s never gonna give up the bonuses of our mother’s reputation, the envy he gets from other men. He’s ruined our Juni.” Carson strained. “If it gets out, no man is gonna want her.”

    “I do.” I murmured. “She’s the most amazing woman. Smart, kind, caring, accepting. They were right, I would’ve jumped at her if I hadn’t been shown off like a prize pig beforehand. Your sister is beautiful and has the most interesting mind.”

    They looked at me like I’d grown a second head. Carson looked confused. I didn’t understand it at all.

    “I guess she does. I hadn’t thought of that. She’s just as pretty as mama. No one ever saw her brain when she was popular. Now, it’s like no one sees her beauty because of her brain.”

    “And her attitude. She’s unapologetically unimpressed with social norms. Too bad she doesn’t want me. I’d rather be her friend than be nothing.” I sighed.

    Beau said. “I thought she’d definitely like a guy like you. That’s why Bobbi brought you here. None of the boys we have here are anywhere near smart as her. The ones that’re even close, are too nervous to talk to her about anythin’ other than school stuff. Maybe she’s more like Teddy than we thought.”

    I got what he was saying. She must not like men if she didn’t like me. That made me angry. Just because Juniper wasn’t interested in me, didn’t mean she didn’t like anyone. On some level, I doubted that she didn’t want me. There was something about her, the way she seemed to mold into my arms when I held her earlier, the way she smiled and winked when we were talking.

    I sneered. “She lives as someone’s plaything. Of course she’s not interested in dating. Teenage boys only want one thing and right now she only experiences that thing as a form of torment.”

    Beau at least had the good sense to look ashamed. Carson was glaring at him, too, so I’m sure it wasn’t just my scolding that made him realize he was being an ass. Red hadn’t talked since before I told them about what happened. He looked like he was trying to figure something out.

    “You okay, Red?” Trace asked. Guess I wasn’t the only one who noticed.

    “Why did Becca think Juni liked Clay if he was the one that passed the note? It doesn’t make sense.” He murmured.

    “Teenage girls never make sense.” Beau replied. “Why’re you focusin’ on that?”

    Red was waving Clay over instead of answering. Maybe he thought of something that could help. A fight between the girls that ended up with a jail cell for the night? It could work. Clay trotted over and we opened up the huddle for him.

    “Yes, sir?” He asked.

    “Tell us exactly what happened when you met Juni after school.” His father ordered.

    “Well, I went out there and told her Becca wants her to stop starin’ at me. I never saw her stare, but Becca says she’s always lookin’ at me like she wants to eat me.” He chuckled. “It’s her imagination. Juni was confused when I said it. She laughed at me when I said Becca thought she wanted me. She said Becca was lookin’ for an excuse for doin’ bad in her ridin’ because she didn’t practice enough. Said ‘No such luck. Too bad for you, big boy’ like it was me thinkin’ it and not Becca.” Clay blushed.

    It had embarrassed him. Maybe his dodging a bullet comment was just sour grapes. It reminded me of what Kirsten said yesterday.

    “She’s seen Juni staring at you then.” Carson said. “Juni makes fun of people who catch her out. Dad used to do that. Like Juni, he was stern and serious when dealin’ with people who misunderstood things or behaved badly. If he was caught lying or doin’ somethin’ he didn’t want people to see, though, he’d be sharp tongued and say things that made the other person look ridiculous. Mama was the only one who thought he was funny.” He smiled at the memory.

    Clay looked like he’d swallowed a bug. He looked at the other men in the huddle who were nodding as they remembered Carson and Juniper’s dad. Seemed that was accurate.

    “s**t. I thought she didn’t like me. She’s always sayin’ stuff like that. Makin’ it seem like I’m chasin’ her.” He shook his head.

    So she liked cowboys, then. It made sense. They were strong and hard working. Most of the boys who competed were dedicated and a lot of them came from families in the area with ranches and farms. While she’s at college her taste may change a little, but I was betting she’d still look at them first in a group of men. I definitely wasn’t her type then for looks. I went to the gym, ran, and swam, but couldn’t rope a steer and bring it down. I sighed.

    “Let’s see what the group has for how we can make use of our inside connection.” Trace said.

    I gladly went back to my seat and listened as men presented their ideas and the pros and cons were discussed. It was an interesting process. I was impressed by their thoroughness and creativity. Some ideas were stupid, but had just enough of a crazy bent that they were noted as something to add to someone else’s idea or a distraction.

    We left the workshop just after eleven-thirty. Beau put his arm around my shoulder as we headed to the house to get Bobbi and the kids.

    “You know I don’t believe that crap I was spoutin’ this week. Right?” He asked.

    “I do now.” I laughed. “I’m glad to know it, though. I was worried about what you might be teaching the kids.”

    He chuckled. “Nah. I’m not that dumb or that mean. Like Bobbi would ever tolerate it. Your sisters are all terrible violent women when they get mad.”

    “All Boone women are like that. It’s where Mattie really gets her temper.” I grinned.

    We gathered everyone and headed back to the house in two vehicles. Beau took the two older girls in his truck; Bobbi and I packed Buck and baby Dani into the car since we had the car seats. When we got back, the kids were all hustled to bed and Bobbi went to have a bath and some wine. She really hated Kimmy Garrison and having to spend hours with her had stressed her out.  

    I sat outside with Beau while he smoked. It was a nice night and I didn’t want to be alone with my thoughts.

    “You know.” He said. “I hate that bastard. When I thought he was just a criminal, I didn’t even think of what other things he could be doin’. We’ve just been trying to gather enough evidence so Trace can start an investigation proper. Right now, I want to get together a bunch of the guys an’ go Halstead his ass.”

    I love how people can become verbs. Everyone in the county knew what it meant to Halstead someone, but it was a regional thing. No one outside would get it. Frankly, I wanted to Halstead him, too.

    “D’you think she’s okay? No. That’s a stupid question. She’s not. It’s gonna be a long time ‘til she ever will be. Sorry we got you all tangled up in this, Jax.” He apologized.

    “I don’t mind now. I’m not the guy people think of when they think of a helper in something like this. I know you all probably had your doubts before calling me. I want you to know, I’m going to look out for her even after this. We’re both going to Austin in the fall. I’ll keep an eye on her and make sure she’s safe.” I promised.

    I found myself worrying. It was a quarter ‘til midnight and I was concerned Hank wouldn’t wait until tomorrow night. He was so much bigger than her, I didn’t think Juniper could fight back. I pulled out my phone and texted Teddy. It was time to test our plan for covert communication.

    ‘Hey there sexxy. What’re you doing?’ I hit send.

    It took a while. And I was a little startled by the chime. Beau leaned over and looked at the message.

    ‘Just cuddling with my favorite body pillow and thinking of you. xx’ He responded.

    “Teddy’s with her now. Whatever Hank did, it’s over.” I told him.

    “You guys worked this code out? That’s… creative.” He snorted.

    I sighed. “I’m going to tell him the plan for tomorrow.”

    ‘I have a surprise for you tomorrow. ;)’

    ‘Wow. I hate surprises. I need to know. Maybe I can… pregame ;))’

    I laughed. This felt ridiculous.

    ‘First, I’m taking you to breakfast because I don’t want you to miss Juni’s b-day and usually we have breakfast after what I have planned next.’

    ‘Oh, lord, baby. Don’t stop. Where are we going after???’

    ‘I’m getting us a motel room. You know how my brother in law is. >:P’

    ‘Lol. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll wear something sexy for you, baby.’

    ‘Yum. Get some sleep. You’re gonna need it. ;)’

    ‘Kk!’

    “Alright. He knows where we’re going tomorrow. And that we’ll have him back before her birthday dinner.” I said closing the program and putting the phone away.

    “Looked pretty convincin’. Are you sure…?” He raised his eyebrows suggestively. “Like, should we give you two a little time before we get there?”

    He was teasing. I could hear it in his voice. I knew it was coming, too. For my entire relationship with him, Beau had made fun of me. Now I could tell he was trying to tease in a friendly way, but I was a bit of a sensitive kid.

    I lowered my chin and batted my eyelashes at him. “Beau, don’t you realize, it’s always been you I love. I’m just trying to make you jealous. I’ll never want Teddy like I want you.”

    Beau let out a big barrel laugh and I laughed with him. We went inside and headed to our rooms. I needed sleep so I could deal with everything with the clearest mind possible.