Chapter Fifteen

When Rory woke up the next morning, it was late. Ricky had left a note saying he was having brunch with Moriah and her family and would be back later in the evening. The last sentence said. “I need to talk to you.” Rory munched on a bagel then took a swim. Afterwards, she watched a movie and hopped in a hot shower. Tonight was Carson's band's first gig and she wanted to look extra special for him. After getting out of the shower, Rory freshened her nail polish and blow-dried her hair. The heat caused the curly mass to explode and she left it free.

Rory examined all the clothes in her closet before choosing a pair of capri pants with sequins at the knees. She put on a matching button-down top that left her navel bare in the same shade of moss green. She took extra care with her make-up and slipped the lipstick into her pocket. She planned to do a lot of kissing tonight, she thought with a giggle.

After slipping on silver sandals, Rory ran down the stairs and scribbled a note for Ricky, telling him she'd be back late. She was heading for the door when the phone rang. “Hello,” she answered breathlessly.

“Hi, Rory,” Leigh said, sounding unbearably sad. “My dad passed away this morning.” Rory could hear her mom sobbing and it took her a moment to regain enough control to speak. “The funeral is Tuesday morning, we think. Dad and I should be back by next Friday. I hate to leave Mom alone so soon after—” she broke off.

“I'm so sorry, mom,” Rory whispered. “Is there something I can do?”

“Just keep an eye on everything,” Leigh answered. “Watch yourself, darling.”

“I will, Mom,” Rory promised. “You take care too.”

After her mom hung up, Rory collapsed at the breakfast bar. Her poor mother. It just wasn't fair. It wasn't fair to her either, for that matter. Now she had to spend another week juggling Dalen. At least she wasn't returning to school on Tuesday though. Leigh had promised to call Ms. Pryce and explain about her father, excusing Rory's absence.

Finally, Rory went out to the garage and started the Mustang. She drove to Carson's house and parked behind a large van and two other cars, then ran up the stairs and knocked. When Carson opened the door, he swept her into his arms and kissed her. “That's nice,” she whispered. “I could get used to that.”

“Me too,” he said with a huge grin. He hadn't shaved yet and his cheek was rough with stubble. He wore tight black jeans and a dark green T-shirt. He looked sexy and she wanted to skip going out and just stay in. “Come meet the band,” he said, taking her hand and leading her into the apartment.

There were four guys scattered throughout the apartment. Korith lay on the bed next to a cute guy with long black hair. They were holding hands and whispering over a sheet of music. Carson started the introductions with him. “This is Jon.” Jon nodded without looking up.

He moved to a guy sitting in front of the drums. He was short and chubby with stringy blonde hair, a mustache, and goatee that hung to his chest. “This is Charlie, our drummer. He goes to UCLA.”

“This is Tim,” he introduced a sullen-looking guy with dark brown hair and strange pale eyes. He frowned up at them, his eyes clearing slowly before he smiled, changing his whole face. “Hey, great to meet you,” he said before returning his attention to the keyboard.

Carson hugged her closer to him affectionately and led her into the kitchen where a handsome black guy was eating a hoagie. “This is Tyrell. Now personally I think he's ashamed of us white boys and the music we make, but he sure is a sweet addition.” Tyrell raised the sandwich in a salute as he finished the bite he was chomping on. “Tyrell teaches music at Breckridge Elementary. For some odd reason, he likes living in this town and chose to return here after college.”

Tyrell wiped his hands off with a napkin and extended one. “Hello, Rory,” he said. “We've heard so much about you,” he added with a teasing look at Carson. “It's nice to meet the sun and moon finally.” Rory blushed and laughed with him as she shook his hand.

Rory sat by Carson on the floor as he went through sets with the rest of the group. Korith waved her over in between a song and told her about last night's events. Rory was shocked but also very proud of her little brother. He'd stood up to Dalen and protected Moriah. “How is she today?” Rory asked.

“She's fine,” Korith shared. “She felt a little tired this morning but nothing major. When she remembered we were supposed to have brunch with Ricky, she was raring to go. They might be coming with us if they get back in time from the movie.”

At six o'clock the guys loaded the instruments into the van and went over some last-minute details. Ricky and Moriah arrived at six-twenty and they piled into the back of Jon's van. Korith sat in the front seat beside him, and Carson held Rory against him. The seats had been removed and the bottom of the van was covered with old mattresses and mats were stapled against the walls. It was surprisingly comfortable and everyone could squeeze in.

Rory got better acquainted with Tyrell, who'd been a senior when Dalen and Carson were freshman. He'd graduated from college in three years and came back to Breckridge. He had nothing but bad things to say about Dalen, and Ricky echoed his sentiments. Moriah squeezed closer to Ricky and told them what had happened to her last night. Ricky filled in the missing details from Dalen's house to Moriah's.

Rory didn't say anything, but she cuddled against Carson, trying not to be afraid. The more she heard about Dalen, the more she became convinced he was invincible. Nothing could take him down, so why keep fighting it? It would be easier if she just gave in. Carson coughed and shifted a little, and she was reminded of one good reason to resist Dalen.

At the club, the band disappeared backstage while Rory, Korith, Moriah, and Ricky took a table. Their IDs were examined by a bouncer, who gave them all a green stamp of an unsmiling face. They watched the group perform and at intermission Carson and Jon came out to the table. When the break was over, they returned to the stage to finish. There was about an hour left.

***

Dalen scanned the party for Ricky or better yet, Rory. He'd been here for over an hour and still hadn't seen either one of them. He knew Rory was grounded, but he'd expected her to ditch for the party. After all, he'd scored five touchdowns himself this afternoon, and the team had gotten eight total. They'd beaten the other team 43-12.

Mingling, Dalen asked people if they'd seen Ricky or Rory. He started asking if anyone had seen Moriah either. She hadn't come to the game to cheer, and Jeri was so pissed she'd dropped her right there. Amber had been moved up from auxiliary to take her place. When no one reported seeing any of the three, Dalen decided to drive to Rory’s house.

He made it over to the Abramson place in just under twenty minutes. The lights were out but he knocked anyway. He waited five minutes, but no one came to the door. Dalen was furious and wracked his brain, trying to think where they might be. He drove to Moriah's house, but before he'd even gotten out, he saw Rory's car parked in front of Carson's house. Dalen got out of the car and ran up the stairs, pounding on the door. There was no answer, and he beat so hard his hand started hurting.

“They aren't there,” a voice called up to him.

Dalen looked down to see a thin woman in a nurse's uniform. He thought it was Carson's mom.

“They've gone to L.A. for a gig. I don't know where.”

“Thanks,” Dalen said. “I do,” he added in a steely voice. He ran to the Porsche and sped through the town. He passed an officer in a patrol car, who flipped on his lights. Once he realized who was in the car, he shut them off and waved at Dalen to continue.

Dalen merged onto the freeway and drove recklessly. If an officer stopped him now, he couldn't avoid a ticket but he didn't have much time to waste. He had to get to Rory. Who knew what she was doing with Carson?

***

When the band finished up, they were roundly applauded, and Rory's friends from L.A. drifted over to their table. They talked for a few minutes, meeting Carson and the band before leaving. There was a party at a friend of a friend's and everyone was invited. Rory put the idea to Carson and the rest of the band and they agreed.

They swarmed out of the club in a group, heading for the van. “Shit,” Charlie muttered. “I forgot to get the drums. Can you guys give me a hand loading them?” Tyrell and Tim followed him back inside.

Jon and Korith were standing a few feet away, and they went back inside to help Charlie. Carson stayed with Ricky and the girls. He had his arm around Rory, kissing on her neck, when they heard tires screech.

Rory looked up and saw Dalen leap from the car. “Oh no,” she cried. “Ricky, go call the police,” she told her brother.

He looked confused. “Why, Rory? He's not going to hurt Moriah again.”

“No offense, but it's not Moriah we're worried about,” Carson told him. “Get the guys please, Ricky. No matter what happens, stay out of it, okay? You'll end up getting hurt otherwise.”

“Rory,” Dalen screamed furiously as he rushed to them. Carson was still holding Rory as he came towards them. Rory tried to edge away, but Carson tightened his hold, squeezing her hip gently. “What are you doing here, Rory? With him,” Dalen turned angry eyes on Carson. “Get in the car,” he ordered Rory.

Rory shook her head. “I'm not going anywhere with you, Dalen.” She was trembling inside. “Just go away,” she screamed at him. Several people turned to watch but no one stepped forward to help.

Dalen was shaking, and sweat poured from him. “Come on, Carson,” he bit out. “I'm going to kill you, man. How dare you put your hands on my girlfriend?”

“She's not your girlfriend,” Carson challenged, stepping forward. “She's my girlfriend, Dalen.” He glanced at her. “Well, I'm hoping she is,” he added. When Rory nodded tremulously, he told Dalen forcefully, “She wants to be with me, not you. Get lost.”

Dalen roared and took a swing at Carson. Carson ducked and kicked him in the knee. Dalen stumbled and fell, knocking Carson to the pavement underneath him. He pounded his fists into Carson's body repeatedly. Then Dalen stood up and started kicking him in the ribs.

Jon came running with the others not far behind. He slugged Dalen in the back, but Dalen didn't really notice. It took him a minute to react. He turned around and examined Jon. “What's your problem?” he asked calmly.

“You're beating my friend and harassing his girl,” Jon answered. “I'm not even going to go into what you did to my girl right now. She doesn't want the whole world to know.” Dalen looked over Jon's shoulder and saw Korith glaring at him. He also saw the other three guys on Jon's left.

“This is no longer a fair fight,” he said evenly. “I guess I'll have to even the odds.” Dalen pulled a gun out of his jacket pocket. “Anyone still want to play?” he asked waving it around. Jon and the others froze. “I didn't think so,” Dalen bit out.

He returned his attention to Carson. Dalen didn't turn his back on the other men but instead stepped backwards. Carson was curled in a ball, moaning, and Rory was bent down beside him. “Rory, come with me now,” he said softly.

She shook her head, holding onto Carson's shoulder. “I'm not going with you,” she answered. Dalen kicked Carson in the back, and he cried out.

“Don't go,” he whispered to Rory. “Not safe,” he pushed out when Dalen's shoe connected with his knee. “Love you,” he told Rory as Dalen kicked him in the head and he passed out.

Dalen crouched down beside Carson and Rory. “I told you the next time he got in our way, I'd kill him,” he reminded her in a conversational tone. Dalen leveled the gun against Carson's temple, and several people screamed. The band surged forward, but Dalen turned the gun towards them and fired. No one was shot, but it caused them to freeze. “He'll never get in my way again,” Dalen vowed and returned the gun to Carson.

Rory bit her lip, gathered her courage, and touched Dalen on the arm. “You don't have to do this,” she said calmly. “He won't come between us again.”

Dalen looked at her but didn't move the gun.

“I'll come with you right now, wherever you want. Just please don't kill him. There's no reason to.” Tears were shimmering in her eyes and Dalen paused.

He stood up and jerked her against him. “Tell him you never want to see him again,” he ordered. It didn't matter if Carson couldn't hear her. Dalen needed to hear her say it.

Rory nodded, trying to bend down beside Carson, but Dalen wouldn't let go of her. “I never want to see you again,” she forced out through sobs as tears blurred her eyes. Dalen dragged her to the car and shoved her in, but her eyes never left Carson's still form. If he died, she'd never forgive herself.