The service was lovely and that's all I can say about that. Not that I wanted to forget Sam, I'd never forget her, I just rather remember her as the beautiful, loving soul she was. We was all located back at my place and the last of the guest's had recently left. I had just sat down in my corner reading chair after cleaning the dishes left by the guest's. I had offered a delicate wine and coffee along with a few finger foods. My eye's teared up as I wrapped up the leftover mini quiches. These were Samantha's favorite. I recall her reaction the first time I made them.
Standing straighter, I shoved my feelings aside. I have yet to cry over this or anything I have been through recently. I couldn't, I didn't have time to break. I had to be the strong one and hold what was left of this crumbling family together. As I sat, I looked at each individual face. Each strained with this death and carrying the weight of their own problems. My poor Dem who was now sleeping on the couch thanks to me adding a sleeping aid to his coffee. Even in his sleep his face was marred with pain.
Then there was London sitting on the opposite couch starring into his empty coffee cup. He seemed to have aged over the the past few month's, but was still ever bit of hottness. I assume he was worried about Dem as well as wondering if I'd ever come back, along with his business. Miri sat at the other end of the couch absentmindily twirling a strand of hair around her finger. Even with make-up on I could spot the heaviness under her eye's. Sam had become a good friend to her and I knew she hurt for Dem as we all did. Then having Cole back and Jax declaring his love for her had her on edge. Yes she had been through hell lately as well.
My eye's stopped on Cole who sat on a floor cushion with his back against the wall. He sat beside his son who was dozing in his porta crib. I watched as Cole's eye's darted from Miri to Jax several time's. Obviously wondering how Miri felt about Jax and probably planning his next move once the newness of Sam's death wears down. Then there was Jax standing off to himself whom seemed a bit on edge. He couldn't seem to be still for the life of him. Right now he held a rumpled napkin in his hands that he kept folding and unfolding. Something was off about him and I do know his sister recently left very quickly. It was odd how she didn't tell me goodbye or even give me a work notice. Then I was given a opening to pick his brain as he made his way back to the kitchen. Getting up, I walked to London and gently took his empty cup. "Would you like more or are you done?"
Giving me a tired smile he replied "none babydoll".
"What about pie or anything else?"
"I'm good babydoll".
Nodding my head I hurried off to the kitchen to corner Jax. I sat the empty cup in the sink. Even though my men filled me in on Erica's sudden departure I asked. "How's Erica Jax. I was sure I would've seen her at the service?"
His eye's darted around the room nervously. "Um she's good. She took off recently to visit some old friend's. She should come back soon. She asked me to give her condolences, you know she's never been good in such situations".
"Hmmm... poor Erica".
Then I decided to dig a bit deeper. While everyone was in shock and mourning I spoke to the doctor who prepared Sam. Not that I wasn't mourning Sam, it's I knew Demarco would want answers soon and I'm just as hell bent on exacting revenge as well. I was certain that Luca was behind this but once the doctor told me of the results something just didn't add up.
"Jax, do you mind if I ask you a few questions concerning Sam's death. I just could use your cop's perspective on this?"
He seemed to fidget more and hesitate before answering. "Sorry, I'm just tired. It's been a trying week. Ask away".
Looking at him intently to observe his reaction I began. "I've spoken to the doctor who cared for Sam. Keep this between us for now because the others don't know. The doctor said that the bullet entered her head from behind her left ear. I find that rather odd seeing how the shootings was coming from the front, yet she was hit in the back?"
Jax shrugged and his mouth seemed to jutter a bit before he a answered. "Simple solution to that Laney. The bullet hit the building behind Sam and ricocheted hitting Sam".
"Yes Jax, that is a plausible explanation however I had the bullet that struck Sam analyzed with those of the other shooters found on the scene. None of them match the one that hit Sam, came from a different gun all together. That would suggest that there was possibly someone there acting as a lone wolf".
I watched as his face seemed to grow pail and he had no reply. "I had Sam's phoned checked also. Why have you been contacting her?"
Jax backed up and tossed his hands up defensively. "Whoa Laney, what are you insinuating? I'd never harm any of you. I was worried about Miri and wanted Sam to talk to her. She needed a friend. That is all."
Before I could say more Cole popped in and eyed Jax loathingly before he spoke. "You got any of that pie left?"
"In the fridge." I indicated nodding my head.
Jax took this moment to escape as he also took this time to make a jab at Cole. "I'm going to head back out and check on Miri".
Nodding my head, I watched him dart off as Cole viciously stabbed his fork in his pie. As he went to take his first bite, I grabbed the fork away. "And you, how much of our conversation did you hear?" I asked sternly. I've known him since he was born, he couldn't get over on me. He grinned. "Enough to know that he may be involved".
Looking at Cole seriously I spoke in a authoritative tone. "This goes no further am I understood?"
"Yes maim". He said lowly.
"Oh and another thing, I don't know your intentions concerning Miri but I suggest you leave her be. Nothing had better happen to my daughter by your hand. I know your crazy, but I can assure you I'm a whole nother level of crazy. In fact my crazy will make your crazy look like a harmless baby crying for his mom. I understand your here for Dem and that's fine, but cause my daughter no more hurt."
Cole's face looked like a wounded little boy after I spoke to him so harshly. Bending down, I handed him his fork back and ruffled his hair as I smiled brightly. "Enjoy your pie darling".
As I stepped from the kitchen I paused in the kitchen and my shoulders slumped. The weight of the world was truly on my shoulders and I just wanted to break. I needed someone to lean on. I fingered the pearls around my neck that London brought back to me. I knew just what I needed. Taking a deep breath, I stood up to my full height once again and smoothed the wrinkles from my black dress. I then set off for the living room. Miri now dozed and Jax sat alone flipping through his phone. I came to a stop in front of London. He looked up at me questionably and I simply held my hand out to him. Instantly he grasped my hand and I pulled him up leading him to my room. Thankfully my bruised body has healed even though I had a few sore areas so I didn't feel so grotesque. I slid my dress off which revealed my black lingerie underneath. Propping my foot up on the bed, I unclasped my garters. Knowing London was taking ever bit of me in, I purposely rolled my stockings down my leg ever so slowly. I heard a soft growl erupt from deep in his chest. Smiling I said. "This has nothing to do with sex".
In a soft accented voice he replied. "I know".
Quickly he moved to me and took me in his arm's. "I know just what it is babydoll. It's okay, I won't tell anyone. You can break now my queen".
And those word's he spoke, knowing he knew me so well I unleashed my pent up sorrows as he held me tight whispering those delicate Italian word's in my ear. No this didn't mean we were one again, it meant I just needed him at this moment.
After sobbing my heart out, London tucked me in bed and crawled in beside me. He gently massaged my shoulders as he still crooked those delicious word's to me. I felt like melted butter as I begin to drift off. Just as I was on the realm of sleep I heard London whisper to me. "Did you sleep with him?"
"No, not even once". I mumbled in a sleep hazed voice. London's grip tightened around me as relief flooded his body. I snuggled my back into the warmth of his chest and for the first time in awhile I sleeper like a baby.

YOU ARE READING
DOUBLE DEUCES (Part 4)
RomancePart Four in the Harper Trilogy. If you haven't already, I suggest reading Double Standards first followed by Double Or Nothing, then Double Betrayal before starting Double DEUCES. Join the Harper's once again as they face betrayal, love, and murde...