Текст книги "Unlawful Justice"

Автор книги: K. Langston

Соавторы: K. C. Lynn
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Текущая страница: 5 (всего у книги 19 страниц)

“I know you are, but don’t be. I’m going to be just fine. Pap is taking real good care of me, like always.” I give her the best smile I can muster, hoping to reassure her that I mean it.

She returns the gesture but it’s a wobbly smile. “I’m sure he is and it looks like our boy Grayson is, too,” she adds, glancing up at Grayson.

“You know it. Liv is in good hands.” He winks down at her like the charmer he is.

Gwen chuckles, the heavy moment now broken thanks to Grayson. “You two go on and take a seat. I’ll be right over to take y’all’s order.” She turns to me one last time, cupping my face in her hands again. “I’m glad you came in, honey.”

“Me, too,” I admit quietly.

“Come on, there’s a table right over here,” Grayson murmurs, as his hand settles on my lower back to guide me.

The diner remains silent as we make our way to the empty table.

“Good to see you, Miss Olivia,” Mr. Robins, an elderly gentleman and long-time citizen of Harmony Falls says as we walk past.

“You, too,” I reply with a smile.

Every table we pass is filled with people we know. They all greet me the same way and shake Grayson’s hand. As we settle into our booth other people get up from their tables and walk over. Some give my shoulder a gentle squeeze while others ask how I’m doing. It’s overwhelming but in a good way. In a way that makes me realize how many people care about me, and just how much this has affected them, too.

Eventually, Gwen comes over and shoos everyone away. Busy chatter resumes as she takes our order. Once she walks away, I glance up at Grayson to see him watching me with a knowing grin.

“I know, I know. Don’t say it, you told me so.” I roll my eyes, knowing what that smirk on his face is about.

“Actually, I was thinking it turns out I’m not the only one affected by you, Olivia Bradshaw.”

I duck my head, trying to hide the smile that wants to break free. “You have a way with words, Grayson Taylor,” I comment, throwing his whole name back at him.

“Maybe, but I always speak the truth.”

At his serious tone, my gaze meets his again. His smile is gone and his expression earnest. I nod. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.” I have a feeling Grayson might just be the most honest man I’ve ever met, next to Pap of course.

His gaze moves to something behind me and in an instant his dark blue eyes turn cold. I swear the room drops in temperature.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, before turning to look behind me.

Uh oh.

Clint sits a few booths down from us, his glare as icy as Grayson’s as he stares at us. I recognize the woman he’s with from the town office. Pam, I think her name is. She moved here only a few years ago. Clint has tried to see me twice since the attack, once in the hospital and the other at the farm when I got home. I didn’t want to see him either time and Pap was all too happy to turn him away. I kind of regret that now, and wish I had gotten it over with. I know he probably just wanted to check on me and make sure I was okay, but we had a horrible argument during our last encounter, and I just wasn’t ready to face him. I was too tired, I still am.

He looks away, thankfully dismissing me and returning to his conversation again with his lunch companion. Turning around, I bring my attention back to Grayson and see him watching me with an expression I can’t decipher.

“All right, here y’all are. Can I get you anything else?” Gwen asks as she places our orders in front of us, breaking the awkward moment.

I shake my head. “No, thank you.”

“I’m good, too. Thanks, Gwen, it smells great.” Grayson compliments her.

“You’re welcome, sugar, just holler if y’all need anything.” After giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze, she leaves us with our meals.

Comfortable silence settles over us as we dig in but Grayson breaks it a moment later. “Have you started any of your books?”

A smile touches my lips, happy for the light topic. “Actually, I finished the last one late last night.”

“You’ve read them all?” he asks in disbelief.

I giggle. “Yes, all of them. I’m a fast reader and they were wonderful, but I didn’t expect anything less. I love all the authors you brought me.”

“Who’s your favorite?”

“Out of the books you gave me or in the world?”

He grins, amused by the question. “In the world.”

“Oh, heck. I’m not sure I can answer that,” I reply seriously. “I have so many, it’s impossible to pick one. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will always be a top favorite. Oh, and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Those are both classics, but I also love newer stuff, like Colleen Hoover. She’s from Texas, you know,” I tell him excitedly. “Only a few hours from here. Her books are wonderful, and I love everything she pens. Then there’s…” I trail off, realizing I’m rambling. “Sorry, I can get carried away.”

A chuckle escapes him. “Don’t be, I asked.”

“Well, lesson learned, never talk books with me if you don’t want me to bore you to death.”

“Nothing you say could ever bore me, Liv,” he says, his low tone drifting over my skin like smooth silk.

“Oh believe me, it can. Give me an hour and I can probably put you to sleep. Just ask my students,” I joke, but quickly sober when I realize what I just said. “Well, my old students,” I add quietly, my heart sinking at the thought.

He scowls. “I know about what happened with the school that day.”

“You do?” I ask in surprise.

“Yeah, I found out when I questioned the principal, and I let her have it. It’s bullshit, Liv, and when you’re better you should fight it. What the school board did is illegal.”

I was determined to do just that, but now, after what happened…maybe they were right after all? Not about why I was let go, but that I don’t belong there. So many of my students were angry with me.

Before I can voice my thoughts, I hear the bell jingle over the door as someone enters. My smile returns when I see it’s Fletcher Green.

He pauses at the door, glancing around the diner hesitantly. I quickly realize the entire place has fallen silent again. When I look around I see everyone’s eyes on him, not looking very friendly. Grayson turns to see who came in, and I hear him curse under his breath.

What the heck is going on?

Fletcher’s gaze lands on me and his eyes widen in surprise before a kind smile takes over his face. “Miss Olivia.” He begins to walk over to me but Mr. Hawkins stands and intercepts him, shaking his head. Then Mr. Thorp does the same thing, standing next to him along with Mr. Mayson.

With a frown I stand, uneasy by how aggressive their stances are. It’s as if they’re trying to intimidate him.

Before I can figure out what’s going on, Jack walks out of the kitchen and over to them, his expression somber. “I’m afraid you’re gonna have to leave, Fletch,” he says calmly, but there’s an underlying hostility in his tone.

“Leave? But why?” he asks, sounding as confused as I feel.

Jack’s eyes briefly find mine before darting back to Fletcher’s. “You know why.”

“I’m not sure I do. I’ve been comin’ in here for almost twenty years and it’s never been a problem before.”

“Well, it’s a problem now,” Mr. Mayson says. “Your kind ain’t welcome here anymore.”

I gasp.

Did he really just say that?

Grayson stands. “Watch it, Derek. You’re out of line. Same with you, Jack. Fletcher has every right to be here.”

“No one asked you, Taylor.” My glare moves to Clint as he stands up too, putting his two cents in where it doesn’t belong. “This is what Jack wants, and the old man needs to respect it.”

“Stop it, Clint, you’re making it worse!” I snap, before turning my gaze back to the scene at hand. “Jack, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Surely this can’t be what it looks like.

“It’s all right, Miss Olivia,” Fletcher says calmly, a hell of a lot calmer than I feel. “I should have known better with what’s been going on, but I thought Jack would be different. Guess I was wrong.” He nods at me. “I’m glad you’re lookin’ well, darlin’. I’ll see ya around.” Turning, he walks back out of the diner without a second look, his shoulders slumped.

I gape at everyone around me, not believing what just happened. “How dare you. All of you,” I shout, my entire body tense with resentment. “Did you really just kick a man out of here because of the color of his skin?”

“It’s out of respect for you, Olivia,” Gwen says quietly, looking as ashamed as she should.

“For me?” I screech incredulously. “There is nothing respectful about what y’all just did. Absolutely nothing!” At the sting of angry tears, I rush out of the diner, pushing past the people in my way. As soon as I make it outside I take in several breaths of much needed air, trying to breathe past the searing pain in my heart at the sight of Fletcher walking out alone…shunned.

I look up and down the street for him but he’s nowhere in sight.

“Liv!” Grayson comes running out and pulls me into his arms. “I’m sorry, I should have told you.”

“Tell me what, Grayson? What the hell just happened in there?” I ask, stepping away from him, trying to understand why they would hurt Fletcher like that.

Before he can explain Clint comes running out, making my hot blood boil even more. Shaking my head, I turn to get in Grayson’s truck. The last thing I want to do is speak to him.

“Liv, wait!” He grabs my arm to stop me, but just as he spins me around Grayson grabs his wrist, forcing him to instantly release my arm.

“Keep your fucking hands off of her, Larson,” he warns, stepping in front of me, effectively blocking me from his view.

I peek around his shoulder and see Clint take a step toward him. “You stay the fuck out of this. This is none of your business.”

“Wrong, asshole, she’s my business and—”

“Stop it, both of you, right now!” I take notice of everyone watching inside the diner. I step out from behind Grayson to stand next to him. “Say whatever it is you need to say, Clint.”

“I want to talk to you alone,” he says, glaring at Grayson.

“Not gonna happen.”

I put my hand on Grayson’s arm, silently requesting him to calm down. I don’t want this to get worse. “Whatever you have to say you can say in front of Grayson.”

Clint’s jaw flexes so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t break. “Why won’t you see me? I’ve tried to visit you twice since I heard what happened and Walter sent me away.”

I release a tired breath. “You know why. The last time we spoke it didn’t end well, and I don’t have the energy to fight with you.”

“Listen, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I did.”

Damn right he shouldn’t have. Just remembering the racist things he said about Jamal has my heart beating faster.

“I wasn’t there to fight. I wanted to make sure you were okay. I’ve been going fucking crazy worrying about you. What happened…what they did—”

I hold my hand up to ward off anything else he’s about to say. “I appreciate your concern, but as you can see I’m fine. At least I’m going to be. As for what just happened in there,” I gesture to the diner, “you were out of line, you all were.”

He shakes his head, disagreeing. “Why can’t you see that was all done for you? How can you choose their side after everything that’s happened?”

“Why does there have to be sides? Why does it have to be about color? Why can’t it be about right and wrong?”

“Because that’s not the fucking world we live in.”

“Well then, I choose peace.” My breath hitches as I try to hold back my tears. “I choose love, not hate.”

“You need to wake up, Liv. That’s not the real world and it isn’t ever going to be,” he fires back harshly.

“Watch your fucking tone when you’re talking to her,” Grayson snaps, moving into Clint’s personal space.

I place a hand on his chest and shake my head before looking back at Clint. “I don’t have the energy to argue with you. Go back to your lunch date, Clint, this discussion is over.”

“She doesn’t mean anything. She’s just a friend.”

His words shred any measure of control I had left. “I don’t care.” I shriek, throwing my hands in the air at his audacity. “I don’t care who she is to you. I don’t know why you would think otherwise.”

I’ve had enough of the exhausting conversation so I turn to get in the truck.

“Goddammit, Olivia, will you wait!”

Grayson steps in front of me again, and this time I don’t stop him. “Back off. She said she’s done talking to you. Walk away.”

Rage and defiance burn in Clint’s eyes, but thankfully he’s smart enough to take Grayson’s warning. “This isn’t over,” he seethes, before turning around and storming off. I’m not sure if the statement is directed toward Grayson or me. I’m assuming both.

Expelling a tired breath, I get in the truck then sit back with my eyes closed, trying to wrap my head around everything that just happened. The image of Fletcher walking out of the diner with his shoulders slumped, stabs me in the heart.

Shunned, all because of the color of his skin.

“God, what the hell is happening to this town?” I whisper, dropping my face in my hands.

A warm touch grazes my upper thigh. I look over to see Grayson in the driver’s seat, his expression somber. “Let’s get out of here, and I’ll tell you everything.”

I nod, not having energy for words at the moment.

He ends up parking at Clover Hill, a stretch of land overlooking some of Harmony Falls’s most beautiful landscape, full of wildflowers and clover. We both get out of the truck and he drops the tailgate for us to sit on. I lean back, bracing my arms on the bed of the pickup, trying to hop up without hurting myself. Grayson stands in front of me, his strong hands gripping my hips as he lifts me easily.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my throat a little dry from the warmth of his touch.

With a nod he hops up next to me and we be both stare out at our town before us. “A lot has changed around here, hasn’t it?” he muses quietly, his gaze remaining in front of us.

“I don’t understand,” I whisper. “Where did everything go wrong? All of this because Pap did what he thought he had to do to protect us—to protect me.”

“I’m not so sure about that.” He breathes out roughly, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “I think it started before then. The fires began a while back and had everyone shaken up because that’s what this town thrives on. Farmers can’t survive without their crops. Then the accusations against the department with Daryl Baker didn’t help matters. Things definitely got worse after Jamal, but after you…” He pauses and shakes his head. “Everything has just fucking spiraled out of control.”

“How so? What else has happened?” I ask, fearing for the answer. He glances over at me, hesitating. “I’m a big girl, Grayson, I can handle it.”

He nods. “So many people want justice for you, and believe me, no one wants that more than me, and well, Walter too, but they’re all going about it the wrong way. People are pointing fingers and accusing others because of the color of their skin. Vandalism has been happening around town and physical violence. Terrell was sent to a scene the other day where a bunch of white kids jumped a black boy who was walking home from school.” My heart breaks at hearing that, and I immediately wonder if it was someone I know. “We even got a call the other night about a cross being burned on Mayor Rodgers’s lawn.”

A gasp escapes me at hearing that. “A cross. What do you mean? Like the Ku Klux Klan?”

Surely not!

“Well, I’m sure that’s the message they were trying to send but it’s probably just some kids. There is no KKK around here. Not anymore.”

That has my heart rate slowing…barely. I shake my head, not believing any of this. “I guess what I walked in on with Pap and the others makes sense now.”

“What do you mean?” he asks, confused. “With Eddie and Lane?”

I nod and worry about how much to reveal because I don’t want Pap looking bad. Especially when I don’t know the full extent of the conversation, but I think Grayson knows Pap well enough to understand that, and I trust him. If anyone knows what to do, it’s him.

“I overheard Pap talking to them outside. They were asking him questions about me, about anything I remembered. They said they wanted to help and…” I pause, hating to repeat what I heard. “Grayson, I heard Eddie say they were going to catch the niggers who did this.”

“Shit.” He scrubs a hand over his face.

“I waited for Pap to say something, to put them in their place, but he didn’t. It kills me because that’s not who he is, my grandfather is a lot of things—stubborn mostly, but he is not racist. I mean, my best friend is black for crying out loud. Pap has always treated her like a granddaughter. Whenever anyone directed comments to me about my friendship with Tania, he always told me to stand up for what’s right. None of this makes sense.” My voice cracks, as I get upset all over again.

“Hey, Liv, it’s all right.” Grayson puts an arm over me and pulls me in close. “Listen, everyone who knows Walt knows he isn’t racist, but he’s angry right now and for good reason. That can drive people to allow shit they usually wouldn’t.”

“I know he’s angry, and it breaks my heart because he’s not an angry man. I just…” I pause, my lip trembling. “I want everything to go back to what it was like before everything happened with Jamal. Seeing everyone so angry and hurt is making the situation worse. Look what they did to Fletcher today. My heart is hurting so much for him.” I cover my face as the tears I’ve been holding at bay now spill free.

He jumps down and comes to stand in front of me, bracing his hands on either side of my hips. “Look at me, Liv.” He encircles my wrists, moving my hands away from my face. My eyes meet his and he wipes my tears away with the pad of his thumb. “Things will settle down eventually, it’s just going to take time. This town has been ripped apart after what happened to you. We all want justice, and I swear to you I’m going to get it. In the meantime, you need to worry about yourself, not anyone else. Just focus on getting better. I’ll take care of the rest,” he assures me. “I’ll stop by before work to check on Fletcher and make sure he’s okay. Then tomorrow I’ll go have a talk with Eddie and Lane.” I start to panic, not wanting to get Pap in trouble, but before I can argue he throws a hand up. “I won’t say anything about you or Walter. I’ll just poke around and see if I can find out if they were just talkin’ out of their asses or not. Okay?”

The pain in my heart eases at his thoughtfulness, especially for going to check on Fletcher. I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him close, the scent of his cologne bringing me the first comfort I’ve felt since leaving the diner. “Thank you, Grayson, for everything you’ve done, but mostly for being my friend. It means everything to me right now.”

I love Tania, and I know I will always have her friendship but Grayson is just…different. I can’t explain it. It’s a different friendship than Tania and me, but no less powerful.

His strong arms reciprocate, bringing me in close but remain gentle. “I promise I’ll take care of this. You can come to me anytime you need, I’ll always be here for you.”

I turn my face into his neck and just hold on to him, needing his strength and reassurance. We stay like this for a long while, just like the other night, and it brings me so much peace I wish we could stay like this forever.

By the time he drops me off at my house, before his shift, it’s close to suppertime. I’m about to go into the house when I see the barn doors are open. I walk over and smile as I hear Johnny Cash blaring from the old stereo. Peeking my head in, I see Pap filling Rosie’s trough with feed.

“Hey, I’m home.”

He turns around, sweat dripping down his worn face, but he musters up a tired smile for me. My heart breaks that I haven’t been able to help him around here, especially when this is the busiest time for us.

“Livy, did you have a good time?”

I’m about to say yes but then snap my mouth shut and take my time to think about my answer. “I enjoyed my time with Grayson, but not at the diner.” I admit.

“Oh?” Concern pinches his expression before he walks over to turn the music down slightly. “Everything okay, darlin’?”

My shoulders slump, and I shake my head sadly. “No, Pap, it’s not.” I walk over and kiss Rosie on the side of her face before taking a seat on a hay bale next to her stable.

He comes and sits next to me. “What’s wrong?”

“We arrived at the diner and everything was great at first. I mean, it was awkward and all but everyone was really kind to me, welcoming me with open arms.”

“Because they love my girl,” he says, bumping my shoulder gently with his.

I give him a sad smile. “Well the euphoria was short-lived because Fletcher Green walked in.”

“Fletch?” I nod. “How’s he doin’?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t get the chance to ask him because he was kicked out.” He tenses next to me. I don’t have to elaborate why because he already knows, but I find myself telling him anyway. “He was kicked out because of the color of his skin. Jack…” I pause and swallow audibly. “The whole diner treated him horribly then had the audacity to say it was out of respect for me.” I shake my head, my earlier upset coming back with a vengeance. “The look on Fletcher’s face left me heartbroken. Hearing everything that’s been going on is gutting me. Did you know someone burned a cross on the mayor’s property? A cross, Pap. What’s happening to this town?”

With a heavy sigh he puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. “I’m sorry, Livy. You’re right; it’s not okay. Fletch is a good man and he cares about you. I know their actions were wrong but everyone in that diner loves you, too. They’re upset over what’s happened to you. Hopefully, once the bastards are caught, things will go back to how they were.”

“I heard some of your conversation with Eddie and Lane,” I tell him quietly. He remains silent, but I can tell he already knew I did. “Why did you let them say something so awful, Pap? You have never been okay with the N-word.”

His eyes bore into mine, a range of emotions burning in their depths. “To be honest, Livy, I don’t give a rat’s ass about any disrespect thrown toward the sons of bitches who did this to you. Hell, I hope them boys find the bastards and make them pay in the worst way.”

My eyes well at the contempt pouring from him. “Oh, Pap,” I whisper, my voice hoarse. “This isn’t you. This isn’t who you are, not in here.” My hand covers his strong heartbeat. “Hate is what did this to me, don’t let the despicable men who did this turn you into something you’re not.”

I watch his eyes fill with tears and the sight has agony ripping through my already tortured heart. “You’re wrong, Livy. They hurt you because of me, because of what I did to that boy, and you’ll never know how sorry I am ’bout that. I swore to your mama, at her grave, that I would always protect you. I’m so damn sorry.” His voice cracks and for the first time in my life I watch my grandfather cry.

His torment hurdles through me like a tidal wave. As hard as it is, I push away my pain because I know he needs me right now. It’s time for me to be strong for him like he always has for me. “Pap, you listen to me right now.” I keep my voice steady, trying to hold back my emotion. “What happened is not your fault and Mama would be devastated for you to think otherwise, same with Gram. No one is to blame for this but the men who committed the crime. You have given me everything I could ever hope for. I love my life, and I love you, do not let those men take any more from us. I have faith that the police will find them. We just need to stay strong and stand together through this.”

Wiping a hand down his face he meets my gaze again and gives me a small, genuine smile. “You’re so much like your mama. Always seein’ the good in everyone, never letting anything jade you. I swear, Livy, you have more courage and strength than any other human being that walks this earth. I’m proud of you.”

I love it when he tells me how much I’m like my mama because, from what I can remember, she was something special.

“You’re right, justice will prevail because ain’t no way I’ll ever accept anything less,” he adds.

“But we do it the right way, Pap. We let the police handle it, okay?”

He nods. “Yeah, darlin’, okay.”

“Okay,” I repeat with a smile, feeling better.

The music on the stereo changes songs to Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” A song that both Pap and I love.

“Come on, Livy, dance with me.” He stands and offers his hand to me.

My heart melts as I take it, allowing him to pull me up. Clasping our hands he brings them to his chest, against his heart, and hums softly to the beautiful tune as we sway back and forth. “I danced with your grandmother to this song many times, it was one of her favorites.”

“It’s one of mine, too.”

“She loved to dance with me and my moves only got better with age.”

I giggle but know it’s true; no one can dance like Pap.

“Have I ever told you our story?” he asks, already knowing the answer.

I smile. “Yes, many times.”

“Ah well, let me tell it again.” He pulls me in closer. “Once upon a time there was this young, good-lookin’ farm boy who saw this beautiful girl pickin’ apples from a tree… Well, she was really stealing them since it wasn’t her tree.”

Another snicker escapes me, remembering the story well.

As I lay my head on Pap’s shoulder and listen to their love story for what feels like the hundredth time, I feel a little of my damaged heart being mended again.