Satan's Sinners #1: Reid and Indiana

Chapter 14

Reid POV

While Kai was taking care of everything legally to open the case back up in Colorado, Hacker pulled up the video feed and showed who exactly it was that was dropping the charges. He printed out the photo of the lady for me to show Indie. I’d been running between Prez’s office, Hound’s office, and Indie’s cabin all day.

Prez had been on the phone with other chapters to see if there was anyone in Colorado or the surrounding states who could help us out by doing drive-by's of this guy’s house. Make sure if he makes a move, we know. Hound has been on the horn with a PI he’s been friends with since his dad was in charge. This guy was so good. He actually helped to get a few of our guys out of a tough spot that it didn’t look like they’d be able to get out of. Though…with less than reputable means. I’ve been relaying all the info back and forth and delivering paperwork and what not to Kai, who looked like a mad man with his hair all crazy and the bags under his eyes. Clearly not sleeping last night.

It was just after lunch when I made it back to Kai’s office. Indie had made lunch for everyone, and sent a mass text to me, Prez, Hound, and their old ladies inviting them over for lunch and snacks, and to take a break. We’d all been working hard since yesterday, making little progress, but “the foundation has been laid” according to Kai.

It was finally late evening, after the sun had gone down. I'd gone home to let Boomer out, and run around Indie's backyard with Bear for a little bit. I looked over the fence, getting ready to make my way back. Indie was sitting on the back patio, just looking up at the stars in the darkness. I could see her shoes sitting in front of her, and it looked like she had her legs tucked into the hoodie she was wearing. It was one that was clearly too big for her, and looked like it could have been her dads. I need to give her one of mine so she can snuggle into it like that. I'll bring it with me tomorrow for breakfast.

“Mind if I join you?” When she didn’t respond, I went over and sat next to her. She didn’t say anything, but I could tell she’d been crying. I just sat next to her, letting her take her time. I took her hand in mine. That way she'd hopefully feel like she wasn't alone in this. With a sniffle, she wiped her nose, looking at her feet sticking out the bottom of the hoodie.

“I just feel so bad that everyone is working so hard to protect us from my psycho ex. Like…how do I ever escape him? Is this what everyone who leaves an abusive relationship goes through? How long until I don’t have to worry? Will Bear grow up feeling the need to look over his shoulder forever?" She paused, looking over at me, tears still brimming her lower lashes. I squeezed her hand. I knew why she was asking me. Why she was talking to me. All she knew about my past was that I'd had a childhood similar to Bear's. Maybe it's time I opened up about my past a little bit.

“I just… I feel so numb," wiping the stray tears that still fell, "Like, I’m so mad, but I can’t seem to place all the other things I’m feeling, and then I just feel nothing because it feels like too much. Ya know? Like my body and mind can’t handle everything that's happening and so, my body and mind are trying to make me process, and I just shut down. That's when I go to my little space, but I'm trying to use the techniques from therapy to handle it. I don't need anyone thinking I'm still broken."

“I’m always here as a listening ear. First and foremost, I want to be your friend.” She looked like she could cry at that statement, and I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not, so I continued, “I want to have a strong foundation, and while I want so much more with you, I will always be a friend when you need someone to talk to, or lean on. I want to be the person who can make it right and make you feel protected. I care for you, as more than a friend, but I also know how to step back if you need me to.” I put my arm around her, and pulled her to me so she was tucked safely underneath my arm. “It’s up to you how you want me. I just want you to be happy. And I’ll do whatever I need to make that happy. I’m a goner when it comes to you and Bear.” I gave her a small smile. Trying to show how vulnerable I was being with her.

"And, just so you know, nobody thinks you're broken. You're strong. So incredibly strong. You're brave. And smart, and so caring. Your heart is so kind to everyone who you love. You're fierce. You protect those who you love." I smile again, making sure she understands I mean every word.

“I've never been good with words. I’m much better with my actions. But with you, it's easy to use the words. I just don't like talking to people. But, please, just don’t shut me out. Let me be here. I’ll text you tomorrow.” I kissed her head as I got up to walk away. She sat there for a little bit, sitting in the quiet. Her tears had stopped. But I was still unsettled.

Kai had advised her hours ago to unblock the unknown number. It was clearly Jack, and it was clear he was hellbent on harassing her and making her feel like s**t. Being an asshole is, clearly, the only thing he’s ever excelled at. I pulled out my phone and looked at the messages again. I hadn’t texted Kai back, because he should know by now that I’m over there in a heartbeat if it concerns either her or Bear.

She texted me, “It’s hard to talk about. Every time I want to open my mouth to say something, a lump forms and I can’t get the words past it. I’m sorry.”

Reid: I’m here. However, you need me.

Indie: Thank you.

Indie: Kai wanted me to unblock him. I did. And it’s been nothing but hate-filled messages. I think he’s been drunk most of this time.

Reid: What can I do?

Indie: Get me a new phone? Lol JK

Reid: What else?

Indie: I wasn’t serious. I don’t need a new phone. I just need to not have to deal with Jack.

Reid: What else?

Indie: I want to go on vacation after all this. Somewhere quiet, with the ocean nearby. I want to take Bear.

Reid: What are some of your other dreams?

I couldn’t stop the smile that splayed across my face so easily these days whenever it came to Indie or Bear. Anything to make these two happy. I’m officially gone for her. I love that little boy wishing he was mine instead. f**k. I need to make sure she’s on the same page as me. I think I’m in love. I’m past the falling part.

Don’t even know when that happened. It was such a wonderful fall. Maybe I'll take her to Hawaii and marry her in the same vacation. I'd have to run it by her and Kai. And, of course, her dad. Let's put a pin in that for now.