Against All Odds - Angel's Story: Against All Odds (Destiny Series Book 4) (30 page)

“What?” I ask, turning my head to face him. He doesn’t say anything, just points towards the door where my parents are standing. “Oh god,” I mumble. “I’ll be back,” I say, jumping off his lap and making my way towards them.

“Thank God you’re alright,” my dad says pulling me into his arms when I approach. “Do you mind explaining what the hell is going on?” My mum elbows him in the side.

“How’s Chase’s father?” mum asks as they exchange looks with each other. As I fill them in on Pops’ condition, I can’t help but notice my dad keeps looking over towards all the tattooed, leather-clad bikers who I was sitting with a few minutes ago.

“Who are they?” he eventually asks as he flicks his head in their direction.

“Chase’s family.”

“He’s part of a bikie gang?” he angrily whispers through gritted teeth.

“No, Daddy, his father is.” I cross my arms in annoyance. I can already see exactly where this conversation is going—nowhere, fast. My father has never been the judgemental type, but when it comes to me, and the people I associate with, sadly he is.

“Calm down,” my mum says grabbing hold of his arm. “I think it’s a good idea if your
father
and I go wait at your house.”

“Like hell—” my dad snaps, but mum cuts him off midsentence.

“Yes we are,” she says glaring at him. He exhales in defeat, and mum winks at me. “Give Chase our love. Call us as soon as you have any news?”

“Sure, mum.” I’m glad she’s here to calm my dad down.

I hug them both and stand there while mum drags my reluctant father towards the doors they came through. I’m happy they came, but I kind of wish I could’ve broken the news to my dad, gently. I’m not sure if the outcome would’ve been any different, but I can imagine what a shock it must’ve been for him just now.

“Everything okay?” Chase asks when I sit back down on his lap.

“Yes. My parents are going to wait at the house. I’ll call them once we hear from the doctor. My mum said to give you her love.” The corner of his mouth turns up in a smile. I can tell he’s disappointed though.

To be honest, so am I. My dad better not start on him again or there’s no telling what I’ll do. Chase is going through hell at the moment. He doesn’t need my father’s misguided attitude.

••••

Chase

This day seems to be going from bad to worse. I’m not in the right frame of mind to deal with Angel’s dad today. I have mixed feelings about her parents being here. Well, not her mum, she’s great. Her father, he’s a whole other story. I need to put that out of my mind for now. My priority at the moment is Pops.

He has to survive this. He just has to. I refuse to believe the outcome will be anything but that. The alternative is just too much to bear right now. Apart from Angel, he’s all I have.

The boys want revenge on Benson for what he’s done, but I’ve convinced them to wait until they’ve talked to Pops. We all agree that in the eyes of the law, considering his standing in the Police Force and how corrupt he is, he’ll probably get away with what he did. There’s not much we can do about that.

If I was a qualified lawyer however, I’d fight it with everything I had. What he did was wrong. Shooting an unarmed man without warning is fucked up. I’m sure he’ll use my dad’s past against him, to justify what he did. That pisses me off too. He’s not the same man he was all those years ago. I think his stint in prison and the fact he chose to look after me once he was out, changed him for the good.

Patch is pretty cut up about it all. He was the one who’d been assigned to watch
Benson today. When he called my dad to let him know that he was heading towards Angel’s place, my dad got on his bike and headed there as well. Patch had asked him if he wanted backup, but when Pops said no, he didn’t give it a second thought, heading straight back to the club.

My dad can be pretty stubborn like that. He may use the boys to keep an eye on things for him, but when it comes to
his
dirty work, he prefers to fight his own battles.

Stubborn old fool.

••••

Finally, after hours of waiting, the nurse comes out to let me know the doctor is ready to see us. Reaching for Angel’s hand, I pull her along with me. She’s my rock. I can’t do this without her.

A few of the boys pat me on the back when I pass. I know they’re just as worried as I am. “Let us know what’s goin’ on,” Patch asks. I nod. My stomach is in knots, so it’s the best I can do. I pray to fuck the doctor has some good news for us.

The nurse leads us back into the room we’d been in previously. “The doctor will be in to see you in a minute. Take a seat.”

“Thank you,” Angel says as she tries to get me to sit, but I can’t. I feel sick to the stomach. I run my hands through my hair as I start to pace. “Hey.” She reaches out for me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

She doesn’t speak; she doesn’t need to. Everything she wants to say is expressed on her beautiful face. ‘I’m here. I love you. It’s going to be okay.’ I’m one lucky bastard to be able to call her mine. It makes me realise how truly lost I’d be without her. There’s no way I’d be coping as well as I am if it wasn’t for her.

The door opens and both of our heads turn in that direction. “Mr. and Mrs. Daniels,” the doctor says gesturing for us to take a seat. Something inside me ignites when I hear him refer to us as that, but I’m so messed up by what’s happening with Pops and my need to know how he is, I dismiss it and take a seat.

“How is he?” I ask, not really knowing if I’m prepared to hear his answer.

“Well, the operation went better than expected.” Angel’s hand reaches out and squeezes mine. Pure fucking relief washes over me. “We removed the bullet and repaired the damaged muscle in his leg. As for his heart, we found a 90% blockage in one of the main arteries. This is more than likely what caused his heart attack. We’ve inserted a stent to help rectify that, but when he’s well enough we will need to investigate further, just to make sure.”

“So he’s going to be okay,” I cut in.

“The next few days he’ll be in ICU so we can keep a close eye on him, but I’m pretty confident if he can get through the next forty-eight hours without incident, then he’ll make a full recovery.”

“Can I see him?”

“He’s going to be in recovery for the next hour or so, but once we’ve moved him into ICU you can see him briefly.”

“Thank you,” I say, my voice full of gratitude. Reaching for Angel I wrap her in my arms.
Best fucking news ever!

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Angel

Chase and I are both smiling when we walk into the courtyard to give the others the good news. You can see the relief on everyone’s face once they hear what Chase has to say.

“As much as I hate to leave you,” Dana says when she releases me from her embrace, “I’ve got to get back to the coffee shop and cash up for the day. Cindy closed for me, but I told her to leave that part. She’s never done it before, so it’s easier for me to fix it up than try and explain it over the phone.”

“Hey, go. I appreciate you stayed this long. I’ll drop you off if you like. It’s going to be an hour before we can see Pops and I’m going to need my car later to get home.”

“Okay, sounds like plan” she says. “I’m glad Chase’s dad is going to be alright.”

“Thank you, me too.” Hooking my arm through hers, we walk over to Chase.

“I’m going to give Dana a lift back to the coffee shop,” I tell him. “We came here in my car.”

“Like hell you are,” he snaps. “I’m not having you driving around while that crazy fucker’s still on the loose.” Shit, I didn’t think about that. “One of the boys will give her a ride.”

“Well she can take my car then, I can get my parents to bring it back for us later.”

“Nope. One of the boys will take her. I don’t want Dana driving around on her own either.” I smile at him. I love how he cares about my friend.

“Okay,” I say to Chase before turning back to Dana. “Is that okay with you?”

“Sure,” she shrugs. I see a little smile play on her lips and I know she’s secretly happy about it. I hope he gets one of the older married guys to do it. I need to suss Mr. Eyeballer out first, before I let him anywhere near my friend.

“Will one of you guys give Angel’s friend a lift to the coffee shop she works at?” Chase asks them all, but when the one person I was hoping wouldn’t offer, does, my heart sinks.

“I will,” he says stepping forward, and when my eyes move to Dana I find her smiling.
Hussy!

“Thanks, man,” Chase says
smiling at him. Hasn’t he noticed the way he’s been looking at her all afternoon?

“Be careful,” I whisper in her ear when I hug her again. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

“It’s just a ride,” she whispers back. “It’s not like I’m going to let him bend me over the counter and fuck me senseless, even though that does sound rather appealing.” Moving my hand up, I pinch her under the arm. “Ouch,” she says with a laugh.

“Don’t you dare! Let me find out a bit more about him from Chase first.”

“Yes
mum,”
she says kissing my cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Thank you again for everything you did today.” Letting her go, I stand back and watch with apprehension as she follows him towards the door. If he does anything to her, biker or not, he’s going to have me to deal with.

••••

I’m relieved when Dana calls to let me know she got there safely. I don’t get to ask her any details because I’m surrounded by everyone else. First chance I get though, I will. Chase told me after they left that Hudson is a cool guy. That’s his name apparently. He said I have nothing to worry about and he’ll look after Dana. I still want to hear it from her.

••••

When the nurse notifies us that we can go and see Pops, I think we’re both feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. Chase is smiling, but I can tell by the grip he has on my hand, he’s apprehensive about what we’re going to find when we finally get to see him.

When we enter Pops’ room, I get a shock. He’s asleep. He looks so pale but peaceful. It’s the tubes and machines he’s hooked up to I don’t like. Chase freezes just inside the doorway, staring over at his father. He looks nothing like the big, strong, lively man I’m used to seeing. It must be hard for Chase to see him looking so fragile.

I give Chase’s hand a comforting squeeze, reminding him I’m here to support him. I wait a few moments, giving him time to adjust, before guiding him towards the bed. The nurse said we can only have a few minutes. I don’t want Chase to waste it standing in the doorway.

Once we’re standing next to the bed, Chase exhales a long breath. Looking over at him, I’m not surprised to see his eyes glistening with tears. It tugs at my heart. He moves his hand over towards his dad’s, lightly grabbing hold, whilst staring down at his face. When I hear him exhale again, I wrap my arms around his waist from behind.

“Say something to him,” I encourage.

“Hey Pops,” he starts.

When Pops hears Chase’s voice, his eyes flutter open briefly before closing again. Unfortunately, that’s how he stays for the rest of our visit. In all fairness, he’s had a traumatic afternoon, and is still groggy from the anaesthetic.

When the nurse comes in to tell us it’s time to go, I watch as Chase gives his dad’s hand a little squeeze. “I love you, Pops,” he whispers.

We’re both taken aback when he mumbles, “I love ya too, son.” A small smile graces Chase’s face, and tears pool in his eyes, mine too. I’m glad they finally got to express how they feel with words.

“You okay?” I ask once we’re standing back out in the corridor.

“I guess. It was hard to see him like that, but he’s alive and for that I’m thankful.”

“He’s only just come out of surgery, Chase. He’ll improve over the next few days, I’m sure,” I say wrapping my arms around him. “I’m glad you told your dad how you feel.”

“Me too,” he replies with a smile, engulfing me in his arms. “I have you to thank for that.”

“Me?” I pull my head off his chest and raise my eyes to his.

“Well, you’ve helped me to open up over the past few weeks. You know, with expressing my feelings and all that shit,” he chuckles. “Without that, I don’t think I would’ve been able to say those words to him. I’m glad I did, so thank you.” His lips come down and meet with mine. “I have a lot to be thankful for where you’re concerned, sweet-cheeks.” I smile at him, because so do I. He makes me so happy. My life wouldn’t be the same without him.

••••

My phone vibrates in my pocket. We’re back in the courtyard with the others. A few have left, but the majority stayed. Hudson didn’t return after dropping Dana off, but I guess that doesn’t mean anything.

Pulling out my phone, I notice a text from my mum.

We’re on our way back to the hospital. I had to tell your father everything. I’m sorry, but I didn’t have a choice. He didn’t take it well at first, but has since calmed down. We need to talk to you and Chase. Love mum. xxx

I reply.

Okay. They let us see Chase’s father, but we’re now back in the courtyard where we were when you came earlier. See you soon. x

“Everything okay?” Chase asks.

“My parents are on their way here. Mum told dad everything that’s happened, and they want to talk to us, together.” I’m worried that my dad knows the whole story, but I would’ve had to tell him sooner or later. How else would we be able to explain everything that happened today? It was probably better coming from my mum. She knows exactly how to handle him.

“Should I be worried?” he asks, looking apprehensive.

“I’m sure it’s nothing bad. My dad won’t give you a hard time, I promise.”
He’d better not.

I keep my eye on the door while the boys chat amongst themselves. My leg is bouncing nervously while I wait. I know my mum said things were cool with my dad, but I’m still feeling uneasy about them coming here again.

When the doors open, I expect to see them walk out. Instead, it’s the same nurse from earlier. She has two uniformed police officers beside her. She points in our direction before disappearing back inside. Shit, just what we need.

“The police are here, Chase,” I say, panic lining my voice. All heads swing in their direction. Lifting me off his lap, he stands. So do all the boys. “I’m looking for Chase Daniels,” one of the officers says when they approach.

“What’s it fuckin’ to ya?” one of the older guys says, standing in front of Chase to shield him.

“It’s okay, Gus,” Chase says stepping around him. “I can handle this.”

“Are you Chase Daniels? Son of Max Daniels?” he asks.

“I am.”

“We had a call from the hospital saying your father had presented himself with a gunshot wound. Can you tell us why this hasn’t been reported to the proper authorities?” Chase chuckles sarcastically at his comment.

“He was unarmed and shot by one of your guys. Your boss,
Benson
,” Chase spits. “I didn’t think we’d need to report that one.” The officers look at each other. It’s obvious they don’t know what he’s talking about.
That’s strange.

“You wanna call that one in?” the questioning officer says to his partner. He nods, walking away from us. The remaining officer looks around at all the angry bikers who are staring at him.

“Is there a problem, officer?” I hear. I recognise the voice immediately.
Daddy
. Shit. I feel my shoulders slump when all heads swing in his direction.

“And you are?” the officer asks.

“I’m their lawyer,” he replies. I feel my lips curl up in a smile.

“You’re Max Daniels’ lawyer?” he asks, looking my father up and down. Daddy pulls a business card out of his pocket, passing it to him.

“Yes I am. Chase, and Angel’s as well,” he answers, pointing to the both of us. “And anyone else involved in this matter,” he adds, gesturing to the other guys standing around us. This makes my smile widen. Taking the few steps that separate us, I throw my arms around him.

“Thank you, Daddy,” I whisper. With him on our side, I feel confident. My dad and his team are great lawyers; the best in the country. There’s no way he’ll go down without a fight.

“Any questions you have for my clients, can now be asked through me,” he says looking at the officer with his serious, ‘I mean business’ look.

“Okay, Mr. Cavanagh,” he replies.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a few minutes with them before this conversation continues,” my dad states.

“Sure thing, I’ll wait over here.” With that, the officer turns and goes towards his partner, who’s still talking on his phone on the other side of the courtyard.

“Okay,” my dad says looking over at Chase. “First, I need to say thank you for what you did for my daughter the night she was attacked.” He extends his hand to Chase. I can’t believe it. By the look on Chase’s face, I don’t think he can either.

He looks at my father’s outstretched hand, and then up at his face, before eventually taking hold. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for your daughter, Sir.” A small smile tugs at my dad’s lips when Chase says that.

Who is this man, and what has he done with my father? Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t be happier, I’m just shocked. 

“I’m pleased to hear that,” my father responds, clearing his throat before turning his attention to me. “I’m disappointed you didn’t tell me what happened. After talking with your mother though, I understand why. Please don’t keep stuff like this from me.”

“I’m sorry, Dad.” He drapes his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his side. “I’m just thankful you’re okay.” He kisses the top of my head before slipping back into lawyer mode.

“Okay. For starters, I need to talk to you both about what happened earlier. I’ve reviewed the surveillance footage from the house, so I have a fair idea.”

“I forgot about the cameras,” I say. This is one time I’m thankful for my father’s over-the-top behaviour.

“Well, I’ve looked at it from every angle. In my opinion we have all the evidence we need, but what I need to know are the minor details. What words were exchanged, things of that nature.”

We briefly discuss what happened, but with everything going on with Pops, I can tell it’s too much for Chase to deal with. “Daddy, can you talk with the officer and see if we can come in to the station tomorrow or the next day? Right now, we really need to focus all our attention on Chase’s father.”