39. Being safe

**Doug**

"I love her, Dad, and I really want to keep her safe. So, about her mom and sister?" The second I ask, I can see the strain in Dad's posture. Jodie might not notice it but I've known him my whole life. I've seen his hard side every time I messed up growing up.

"As I said, we have people on the inside. But it seems that when I found Jodie and alerted the boss, those two guys became restless. Somehow they know by taking in her family, they have the chance to lure Jodie's Dad back on their side."

"Assuming that my dad is still alive." Jodie interrupts, her tone is harsh. Maybe I would too, if I were in her shoes. I can't even imagine making ends meet for two whole years without anything to fall back into, only to be left behind by the only people left that she calls family.

She's one strong woman and I admire her greatly because of it.

"This is why we're going to let your mom and sister stay at the Mavericks. I can already see it, Maverick and Colbert are setting up for failure by their trappings and we only have to watch it unfold." Dad says it with a careful and calculated look. I kinda know what he meant by that, but if I were Jodie that won't sit well with me. And...I was right because Jodie is instantly defensive.

"You're not seriously considering it? What if Mom and Miley are kept without their consent."

"Jodie, my people are watching them. And it's the best way to lure out your dad. It's been more than two years. Don't you want to know?"

"If...and it's a big if...he's even around. Look, I can't do this. I'm sorry." Jodie gets up and walks towards the back porch. I see her shoulder shake as she faces the other way.

"Her father abandoned her, and now the rest of her family. Her mom didn't fight to get her to be with them. Let Jodie be, you can comfort her later. But hear me out," Dad tries to explain and I sit back down to listen. "Jodie is a bright young woman, her dad is a stupid guy who loves money and cares less about his family. I was ordered to get him back and take care of him. Do you understand what I'm saying here?"

"Dad, no..." The thought that my dad would be the one to handle Jodie's dad made my stomach churn with worry. I know Jodie is upset with her dad but he's still family to her.

"I can't do anything about the order. I'm being honest with you. I'm telling you if you love her, take care of her. Make her ready for what is about to come, my boss knows of the situation just be glad that you have Jodie here with you." Dad abruptly gets up and decides that he has explained enough.

"Wait, does this mean you won't be saving her mom and sister?"

"I will try my best, but they're not my priority."

Fuck...fuck...fuck. This is not fucking happening.

"You have to save them, she loves them."

"They might not know anything but the boss wants to make an example out of them," Dad says coldly before he continues. "As I said, I'll try my best. Just take care of Jodie, keep her close. You have my permission to take her under my roof if needed."

His last words make me run various scenarios through my head. And by the time I snapped out of it, Dad was on his way out my door. "Thank you for coming Dad, I do hope you get the rest of her family back." I feel hopeless. Useless, knowing that there's nothing more that I can do to help Jodie.

"You're welcome, she's a good-natured young woman. She will do good for you. I just hope that both of you can get through this." Dad puts his hand on my shoulder and assures me that everything will turn out as it should.

The room fell quiet after Dad left. This situation is a lot heavier than Kirk's. This is nothing compared to Kirk's grabby hands with the top-shelf liquor, and I can still remember how hard Dad punched the guy repeatedly. At some point, I even feel like an accessory to murder. Now I'm not sure I can...

"Doug?"

"Hey, baby, sorry Dad had to leave."

"What else did he say? I'm sorry about the outburst. I just needed to let it out." Jodie walks straight into my arms. I kiss the top of her head, wishing I could make her feel better.

"He said that we have his permission to hide out in his place if anything goes bad."

The look on her face tells me all.

"I think I need to shower."

"Go, I'll make dinner."

"I'm not hungry,"

"Jodie, just a couple of bites, how about pizza and a movie of your choice?"

"Can we watch some alien stuff?"

"Really?" I raise an eyebrow, definitely intrigued by her choice of genre. "Is this where you're going to reveal that you have a secret fetish for alien sex? Should I be worried?"

Her lips twitch until she can't resist herself and finally laughs. "Doug, do you really associate all movies with sex? What if I want to watch a musical?"

"Do you want to watch a musical?"

"No, but that's not the point,"

"Exactly, you want to watch an Alien sex movie. Go, take a shower, slip into something easy to take off." I wiggle my brow and she lets out another laugh. Hmm...maybe this movie is a good idea after all. I do need to take her mind off. I just need to google alien movies with some sexy scenes. And pizza, yes, I need to order pizzas.

Half an hour later, she's cuddled up to my side, happily munching on her pizza while we watch some gorry humanoid Aliens trying to invade Earth. Okay, it actually is full of suspense and a good movie to distract our minds from her current situation and by the time the movie ended, we're fully stuffed and ready for bed.

"Why don't you get ready for bed and I'll lock up and deal with the leftovers." I kiss her temple. Jodie looks sleepy when she agrees with me and walks towards the bedroom while I settle everything in the kitchen.

I call Billy, check the bar situation, then make sure the house alarms are activated before joining Jodie and resting for the night.

"Everything okay?" She asks when I strip into my boxer shorts and join her in bed.

"Yeah, I called Billy, everything is good at the bar. He will close along with Luis. But I need to go there tomorrow, to deal with some invoices. Will you be willing to stay with Mom and my sister for a couple of hours tomorrow? I'll feel safer with you there, then if you're here alone waiting for me."

"I can't go with you?" She asks, resting on her side, face inches from mine.

"I wish I could take you, but I want you to be safe."

"Oh...okay, I guess there's nothing much that I can do." Her voice sounds dejected. I'd do anything I can to change it but I want her to secure under my dad's roof. He did offer and I intend to keep her safe.