#justdani14

I look at him surprised, “That would be great. Thank you Evan.”

“No problem and I’d like to add that Blake doesn’t seem involved. Not his father’s or brother’s shady business.” He says calmly.

“That actually does help.” I say breathing a sigh of relief.  

I go over the four different flies as quietly and efficiently as possible. I need to find a way into there little “crew” and it couldn’t hurt to learn as much about them as possible in order to do it.

Graham Warren Sterling, kicked out of every boarding school in the country. Drug peddling were along the complaint but only got a slap on the wrist. Some how not only managed to get into Langston but is two years away from graduating. Has a full time position waiting for him at his father’s office. He’s been “working” part time already for the past few years to learn the family business. The architect firm has practically built the whole city. There’s been whispers of backroom deals, embedding, bribery to get anything from land, to shoddy buildings covered up. Some how a fire that killed a dozen people and injured countless more was deemed an accident. No one got any jail time.

Last year, before I started Langston Maxine Harper and Chloe Preston were the only two not implicated in a drug ring among their friends. Some how they had air tight alibi’s and no one else would talk. So they got off. Maxine goes to the sideshows a lot with Graham but doesn’t seem to race. She does seem to take business meetings with known drug dealers and runners. The only blemish in her wrap sheet is destruction of property, which she did a week of community service for before her mother took office. Now there either better at covering it up or she’s gotten smarter.

Chloe hasn’t gotten so much as a misdemeanor against her record. Which isn’t surprising as her uncle is the commissioner. She’s never seen without either Graham or Maxine though so if anyone knows something it’s her. Doesn’t participate at the side shows either just hangs around. She seems to be her uncle’s and friend’s weak link in their lives of crime.

Blake Sterling is a English literature assistant at Langston. Which i already knew. He doesn’t get along with his father or his business. Still sees his brother on a weekly basis and they seem very close. It’s unknown if he knows anything about his brothers extracurricular activities though.

“So that’s it huh? Get in with their kids and find dirt on the parents?” I say breathing deeply thinking of Blake.

“Yes. There’s a little more to it though. Those three, we want them too.” He says pointing at Blake’s brother Graham as well as two girls. Who I’ve just learned are named Maxine and Chloe. Those are our marks. I’ve seen Graham and Maxine briefly at sideshows. I’ve never spoken to them, nor did I know he was Blake’s brother. We don’t exactly run in the in the same circles.

“Right, and Blake?” I ask scared.

“Like I said he doesn’t seem to be involved.” Evan says smiling at me reassuringly.

Shoulders slumping I say, “Right, but if he is we have to bring him in.”

“Yes...but let’s cross that bridge when we get there.” He says patting my hand.

“Ok.. great.” I say feeling dejected.

“Hey, we’re going to figure this out.” He says smiling.

“Why don’t you distract me. Tell me about yourself.” I say with a small smile. Laughing quietly he says, “Alright what do you want to know?”  

“Tell me about your family.” Curiosity shifting my thoughts from the case.

“Well it’s just my mom and me. Always has been. She’s wonderful, can’t get anything past that woman. Worked all her life as a nurse. Would come home after a long day and still help me with my homework.” He says smiling fondly at the memories.

“Is she the reason you went into law enforcement?” I ask smiling at his blissful expression.

“I suppose you could say that. She spent all day helping people and I wanted that in a different way.” Evan chuckles lightly, so not to wake our neighbors.  

I chuckle too before asking, “So ex marshal to FBI, big change huh?”

He shrugs nonchalantly, “Yes and no. The law is still the law and I still get to help people.”

“True. Now tell me do you have a special lady or gentleman in your life?”  

He busts out laughing before he can muffle it. As we get shushed we both start laughing even harder. Once we calmed down he answers, “Not at the moment no, I’m not opposed to it either. It’s hard in my line of work, finding someone who can handle it. It’s not easy, honestly I’m afraid it’s never going to happen.”

I see a little sadness in his eyes and I reach over to him laying my hand over his. “Evan Shipley, that is never going to happen. Have you seen you? I mean people must fall at your feet constantly. Tell me does it get annoying? Is it hard to walk around without stepping on people?”

“Well someone has to do I suppose.” He says his genuine smile back on his face as he shoves me with his shoulder lightly.

We continue our game for the rest of the flight. I forget about the case and everything else as I dive into the life of Evan Shipley. He tells me about some of his marshal cases, his old partner Samantha and his life in Texas. Once we land, we grab an Uber to our hotel and bid each other good night. Tomorrow the real work starts. If Colt’s here, I know three places he could be. I cross my fingers that Evan and Rebecca’s information on his whereabouts is correct. I need him, we need him.

The next morning I’m awoken at 430 am again. I find a sheepish Evan at my door waiting for me in running gear. I mutely shut the door and change into work out gear. I guess this is my life now.

“Sorry I know it’s early but Bec would kick my ass if we didn’t continue your training.” He says with a fond smile and chuckle.

“She seems like the type too. What’s her deal?” I say curiously as we reach the hotel exit and make our toward the beach.

“With Bec? She takes her job very seriously. We both do but she’s had a lot to prove. Men discount her for being a beautiful woman with an important job. She’s had to deal with it a lot and the best way she know how is to kick their ass.” He says seriously.

“So when you mean kick there ass, you mean both figuratively and metaphorical?” I say smiling finding a kinship with the red head.

“Most definitely! Bec is amazing, in everything she does.” He says smiling gently before clearing his throat staring at the path ahead.

I can’t practically see the cartoon hearts floating around him. I giggle loudly making him look back at me curiously. “It’s just you seem to think very highly of her.”

“Of course I do. She’s my partner, my family, one of my best friends.” He says smiling.

“Right of course. Let’s get this run out of the way.” I say still smiling. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Evan.

“Oh it’s not just a run today. We’re doing weight training too.” He adds laughing taking off in a full on sprint.

Not to be out done in a race. I book it and say, “ Alright cheater lets do this.” 

After our run, which I lost much to my annoyance. True to his word, we return to the hotel gym and weight lift. Though the hotel is a little limited, we make do and get a pretty good workout in. By that time the hotel breakfast is open and we get heaping plates of food.

In between bites Evan asks me, “I’ve pretty much told you my whole life story. Don’t you think it’s time you tell me more about yourself?”

“Well, my mom died about ten years ago. It broke my Dad’s heart, it broke both of our hearts. He became more protective, he couldn’t lose anyone else. I don’t blame him, the choices I made were my own. When I met Logan I was looking for freedom and he gave me that. He gave me a thrill I couldn’t find any where else.” I lapse into quiet staring out the window and away from Evan.

“I’m so sorry Ellie.” He says quietly putting his hand over mine.”

  I turn back at him giving him a tight smile before saying, “It was a long time ago.”  

“I doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt any less.” He says with softened eyes.

I shrug adding, “It’s ok, let’s talk about something else.”

“Ok tell me about this sideshow we’re going to tonight?” He says shifting in his chair.

“Well it was mine and Logan’s first date sort to speak and I actually meet Colt there too. Too bad I don’t have my car, I could show you a real race.”

“Maybe not your car, but I have a car we can use.” Evan says smiling slyly.

“Are you serious! Oh my God lets go.” I say getting out of my chair.

“Isn’t it a little early for the sideshow?” He says chucking.

“Right...well let’s go get ready and start looking for Colt. Don’t dress like a cop either or no one will talk to us.” I say whispering the word cop, even though the dining room is practically empty.

“Don’t worry I won’t cramp your style.” He says full on laughing now, getting up to join me to our hotel rooms.

After a long shower, I take my time getting ready and picking out the perfect outfit. A white low V-neck tank, short cut off shorts, gold layered necklace and white chucks. I add Logan’s spark plug necklace and a bracelet Colt gave me too at the last second. Evan waits for me in the hallway in black boots, distressed jeans, black T-shirt and aviators.

“Subtle, very subtle.” I say laughing.

“Would you shut up I tried. Logan doesn’t wear shirts that say, I swear I’m not a cop.” He says bumping my shoulder.

“I’m messing with you, you look nice. Just relax your posture a little.” I say looking him over again. He really is very handsome, he looks more like a model then an FBI agent.

We walk to the hotel parking lot to the back. Where a white 2020 Ford GTO is parked making me stop in my tracks, mouth wide open. “How...how?” I mouth incoherently.

“FBI remember. Nothing but the best, I hope it’s up to your standards. I’m told it’s been modified for racing.” He says shrugging.

“Omg are you kidding me right?”

“No and that being said don’t crash it ok, it’s a loan.” He says laughing at my enthusiasm.

I hop in to the drivers seat and Evan hands me the keys before saying, “Show me what you got. Don’t get caught this time, we’re on a time crunch.”

I salute him before starting the car. Omg it’s perfect, there’s NOS installed too. I think I might cry tears of happiness. We make our way to the free way where I weave through traffic going fast and faster. I lose myself in it, I’m free again. We make it to MPC’s old garage and a flood of memories assault me. There isn’t anything here still. I was so sure Colt would try to rebuild it. I think of Kaneko and his sacrifice and I feel tears running down my face. Evan gives me space to look around and get myself together. After a while we walk to the car and drive to the next location. It’s one of Evans FBI leads, only to find nothing. We spend the rest of the day going to every location, only to come up with nothing. At sunset, I drive to the cliff Colt took me to but he’s not there either. There is only one place left to go, the sideshow. He has to be there he has to, I think to myself. Evan and I walk around for a while, things have changed though. Salazar and his goons are gone, even Vaughn is no where to be found. I can’t find anyone I recognize except for the promoter.  

I make my way over to her before asking, “Any bike racing today?” 

“Not yet maybe later. Do I know you? You seem familiar.” She says looking at me from head to toe.

“Former Mercy Park.” I say standing my ground.

“And him?” She says nodding at Evan.

“He’s with me. I’m looking for Kaneko’s son. Seen him around?”

She looks over at Evan again and me before nodding and saying, “He’s here all the time. You signing up for a race or not?”

“Yea. What’s the fee?” I ask her ready to go into my purse for my racing money.

“Ten grand. The next race is in 5 minutes.” She says smiling at me.

“Fine. Sign me up.” I hand her a wad of cash and walk away.

“You just bet ten grand.” Evan says with a low whistle.

“I didn’t bet it Evan. It’s an investment. Did you see those other cars? They don’t stand a chance. Plus we need to blend in to get more info.” I whisper to him as we walk back to the car, to bring it closer.

Before I know it, Evan and I are strapped in to the car at the starting line. I survey the other racers critically, going over in my head everything I’ve learned. I look at Evan sideways before saying, “It’s been a long time since I’ve had someone riding shot gun. Maybe it’s time I teach you something.” I say smiling at him confidently.

“Kick some ass Ellie. I’ve got your back.” He says chucking smiling confidently back at me.

The car feels like an extension of myself and I zone out. It’s just me and the car. No Evan, no FBI, no case nothing. I drift and use the NOS perfectly, just like I was taught. I was right, that race was a piece of cake. I walk away with 50 grand easy. Ten of which was already mine but still 40 grand win for one race is very good. I feel nervous carrying that much cash and I’m about to tell Evan we should head out and maybe come back. Then I hear him. Just like when I heard Logan’s voice a couple days ago a flood of emotions assault me.

“Yes now hurry up and get dressed. I’ll wait out here for you.” She says smiling again. What kind of a freak is this cheerful so early in the morning? What did I get myself into? I get dressed fast, muttering to myself throughout. When I’m done I meet Rebecca outside my dorm. We head out for a quiet run around campus. I’m not completely out of breath so I know my workout sessions have been paying off. I’m not one to run and chat though, so I don’t make conversation. Rebecca doesn’t seem inclined to either, so we finish our run without more then a few words. 

Once finished we go back to my dorm and collect the few belongings still there. A carry on for my trip to LA and a rolling suitcase with as much clothes as I could pack. A couple boxes and my laptop are coming with me too. A lot of my belongings were mailed to my dad’s a few days ago. Only leaving the essential for wherever Rebecca and Evan are taking me. 

After packing up Rebecca’s car, we head back to the apartment. The one they first took me to a couple days ago. After showering, getting ready, a quick breakfast consisting of a yogurt parfait and bagel. We make our way to the living room and wait for Evan and Logan to come back from their workout. “So what made you join the FBI.” I ask after a few minutes of silence. “I paid my dues as a rookie in LA. When the FBI came looking to recruit me, I signed up immediately. The rest is history.” She says shrugging nonchalantly. I can see that there’s more to the story but I don’t pry. If she wanted me to know, she would have told me more. 

Rebecca is a bit of a mystery. Evan too but there’s something about her. She obviously confident and mindful. There’s definitely more to her though. 

We’re both saved from further awkward conversation by the arrival of the guys. They’re chucking and punching each other on the arm. They greet us and grab their breakfast meeting us in the living room. They obviously showered wherever they were. Or didn’t have to go for a run at 4:30 am. “Who knows,” I think grumpily. “Alright let’s get started. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover and not a lot of time. First things first though, you need to sign your deal.” Rebecca says handing me some papers.

“Do I need a lawyer for this?” I ask looking over the paper work curiously. 

“Hey! That’s what Logan said!” Evan says laughing loudly, while Rebecca laughs lightly too, before rolling her eyes. 

I look up at them both before looking over at Logan. We share a brief moment, smiling at each other before I look back through the deal. It looks pretty standard. I get my demands met with the condition the case gets closed. That involves getting close to a new crew while being undercover. We need to learn more about their families, as they seem to be doing illegal trades and their businesses are shady. We need to do this by any means necessary even if that means being a part of sideshows, racing or stealing.. whatever it takes. I guess the FBI wants them bad enough to give us the okay to be able to do all of these things from right under their noses. We get a little more slack since we are getting them the information that they need to close this ongoing case against the crew and their parents. We have to make it look legit but within reason. If we gain their trust, it’s with the purpose of getting as much evidence as we can to convict them. It can't look like they are involved, for our safety and the case’s sake. So they'll offer as much help as they can without compromising our cover.

After a few minutes I take a deep breath and I sign. The feeling of walking off a cliff washes over me, there’s no turning back now. 

“All right now to the next order of business, your first briefing.” Rebecca says walking towards a white board.

The same board I saw two days ago, with The Mercy Park Crew’s pictures and information. I glance to Logan, who doesn’t meet my eyes. I sigh facing Rebecca again, and watch her flip over the white board to the back. On it are pictures of three older people on it.

Police Commissioner Marcus Preston

He has salt and pepper brown hair. It also has his police record and major cases he closed or didn’t. Along with his unproven crimes due to recanting or disappearance. He hasn't gotten this far by being sloppy or stupid. There isn't enough evidence plus the police literally in his pocket, he's untouchable. I suppress a shudder thinking of my dad. Much like my father, he has someone he'd do anything to protect. His niece Chloe. Our first target.

Mayor Evelyn Harper

Who looks more like a beauty queen then a mayor. There are her unproven crimes as well. Along with the few court cases that haven’t been sealed against her. Most of them are though, and the ones that aren’t, are not much to go on. She's careful and has calculation but she has a weakness- her rebellious daughter Mason. 

Business Tycoon Harrison Chip Sterling

I read the name and I freeze in my tracks. Rebecca and the others don’t notice that I tense up. They continue to explain the case to me but all I can hear is buzzing in my ears. It can’t be, it can’t. No please no. I skim over the board. There are four other pictures besides the first three. Then see him. It’s Blake. Blake’s picture is on the board. I abruptly stand and everyone turns to look at me. I feel like I’m going to pass out, I can’t breathe. I need to get out of here. I look at Logan terrified. “Ellie what is it? Are you hurt?” Evan says reaching for me. He continues to murmur softly to me but I can’t hear it. I’m still looking at Logan. Who’s watching me carefully. On instinct I run to the bathroom, and promptly vomit my breakfast. Once done, I spend some time laying on the bathroom floor trying to calm myself. Evan comes in after a few knocks. He looks at me gently. Putting a hand on my forehead, checking my temperature before saying, “I told Bec to take it easy on you. She takes training too seriously, ask Logan.” He says laughing. “It wasn’t that.” I crock out my throat feeling like sandpaper. “Then what? The flu maybe?” He says curiously, tapping his finger on his chin. “No it’s Blake Sterling, I dated him a few months back. November till February to be exact.” I whisper. “Oh..oh Ellie, I’m so sorry.” He says opening his arms to hug me. It makes me start to cry. How can this man I just meet a couple days ago feel so completely like family? I throw myself into his arms sobbing on his chest. He holds me tight murmur comforting words to me. We stay like this until I’m done crying. I start to feel embarrassed for my outburst. “I’m sorry. I’ve ruined your shirt.” I say looking down, away from him. “Hey now, there are other shirts. It’s not like it was my favorite or anything.” He says chucking lightly. “It was you favorite, wasn’t it?” I ask him. “If I say no will you believe me?” He asks. “Not anymore, no.” I murmur gauging his reaction. He busts out laughing, he has such a nice laugh. I start to laugh too and soon we’re laying on the bathroom floor consumed in laughter. Finally we hear a knock on the door and Rebecca pokes her head in. Looking at us curiously before saying, “Everything okay in here?” “We’re fine...I’m..uh, I’m ready.” I say looking at both of them, trying to find the resolve. Evan pats my shoulder and Rebecca gives me a kind smile. I get up slowly and we all walk to the living room. I gesture toward the couch before saying, “Can you please all sit down? I have something to tell you.” They obliged, with Rebecca and Logan looking at me curiously. Evan smiles at me encouragingly and I take a few deep breaths. “I know Blake Sterling already, because we dated for a few months. November of last year through February of this year. Right before I went back to racing.” I say my voice small. Rebecca looks at me surprised before she crosses the room and wraps me in a hug. Over her shoulder I search Logan’s face for anger or sadness but his expression is blank. A part of me wants to tell him I’m sorry. The words die on my lips though. I remember the pain of losing him, the struggle to move on, and my time with Blake. 

The rest of the evening goes quickly and quietly. I spend most of it in a daze as Rebecca, Evan and Logan move around me. I’m only half listening to the rest of the case details or the rest of the information. Evan and Rebecca ask me multiple times how I’m feeling, if I need a break. I try to reassure them, but when dinnertime comes around I ask to be excused. I tell everyone I want to get some sleep before the flight, even though I know they won’t believe me. I try not to dwell on what Logan is thinking right now. I can’t fit anyone else’s feelings in me right now. 

I lay in Rebecca’s bed for a long time. Thoughts going though my mind slowly until I fall into a fitful sleep. After what feels like minutes, Rebecca gently wakes me so we can leave for the airport. When I get up Logan is no where to be found. Curiously I feel both a sense of relief and sadness at it. As we’re loading the car, on impulse I pull Rebecca into a hug. After the initial shock, she hugs me back fiercely. We bid each other good bye and make our way to the airport.

~~~

@fallenangelsjenniferanddani

Want to meet the characters? New and old? Meet Evan Shipley ; Meet Rebecca McKenzie Keep your eyes peeled for more of Rebecca and Evan!

Click here to find a note from the authors!! 

Tag List: (If you have a 💕 by your name, You’ve shown interest in being on the tag list, Thank you so much! And let us know if you want a 💕!!) x ..or if I added you by accident and this really isn’t your thing-

F @sunflowergirl05 💕

@lady-kato 💕

F @strangelycami 💕

@drakesensworld 💕

@duchess-ash-flame 💕

@romanticatheart-posts 💕

@ethan-jonah-ramsey 💕

@adrianadmirer 💕

@marshmallow-ortega 💕

F @isabella-choices 💕

F @griselda1121 💕

F @princess-of-crepes 💕

@kinda-iconic

@hyped-fangirl 💕

@galaxy-of-rosess

F @samara-rani 💕

@ruiruicchi

@flyawayboo 💕

F @andreeavelcu 💕

@lady-dianelewis 💕

@ladykateofhousebeaumont 💕

@lovemychoices 💕

F @choicesfannatalie

@avanthikachoices 💕

@choicesallaround

@client-327 💕

F @wonderwithrobin 💕

@krishu213 💕

@dr-brianna-casey-valentine

@waytooattuned 💕

@nobounderiesplease

@hopelessromantic1352

@drakewalkerfantasy

@walkerismychoice

@fluffy-marshmallow-heart 💕

@itsbrindleybinch

@darley1101 💕

F @mariaoz 💕

F @furiouscloddonutpeanut 💕

@donutsgirl36 💕

F @cora-nova 💕

@hellomynameisdevi 💕

@ccolz88-blog 💕

@choices-de 💕

F @drethanramsey 💕

@brightpinkpeppercorn 💕

F @thequeenofcronuts 💕

F @lilyofchoices 💕

@zigortega4life 💕

F @srta-give-me-my-jax-rl 💕

@eadanga 💕

@queenkaneko - RodAw

@coltsforeverdriver 💕

@cgd03 💕

@emceesynonymroll 💕

F @desiree-0816 💕

@essenceofz

@alj4890  💕

Angry tears spill on my cheeks but I’m too mad to wipe them away. I don’t care that the agents are watching us, I need answers and I need them now. “They found me in New York. They offered me immunity from past crimes to do this.” Logan murmurs in a soothing voice. “Have you lost your fucking mind?” I snap.

“No. I’m doing this for you. For us. You told me to come find you. Well this is the only way. I didn’t want you involved at all!” He looks at me softly before snapping, glaring at Agent Shipley and Agent McKenzie venomously. “She forced our hand. She’s already involved. Rubbing elbows with them, she’s already in. She might as well help.” Agent McKenzie says sadly looking from Logan back to me. “We know this isn’t want you wanted neither did we, but we need help and Ellie can do that.” Agent Shipley says quietly. “This isn’t the crew she knows. They’re the scum of the earth. If something happens to her, it’s on us!” Logan says raising his voice pointing at both of them. “What were you thinking Ellie?! Do you think I could live if something happened to you? What did I spend the last year trying to protect you for?!” His anger is directed at me now. I flinch at it, he’s never yelled at me before. Sighing still seething Logan looks out the window before saying, “Can we get a minute Rebecca and Evan?”

“Sure.” They both murmur at the same time. I see Agent McKenzie pat my knee and Agent Shipley squeeze my shoulder. They both slip out the front door quietly. 

After a couple minutes I break down in sobs. Heart wrenching sobs that feel like I’m tearing inside. It’s all too much.. the arrest, the FBI, and now Logan. 

I curl up into a ball on the couch. I feel Logan’s hands on my face wiping my tears. I relish the feel of his hands on me. I pull him closer desperately wanting more, needing more. He obliges without hesitation crushing me to his strong chest. We hold each other until my tears are dry. “Why Ellie, just tell me why you were doing this?” He whispers in my ear. “It’s the only way I feel close to you.” I whisper into his neck. I feel him shudder holding me tighter. “You weren’t doing this for me, you were doing this for yourself.” He says softly. “What would you know about it?!” I scream. Anger coursing through me, I push him away. I can’t think when he’s this close. I thought I’d be happy when we saw each other again. Instead months of pent up emotions come at me all at once. Most of them are not happy, they’re angry.   He looks sad and disappointed. I look away... I can’t stand the look in his eyes. I hear him say, “I know you Ellie.. this isn’t you.” “No you knew the old me.” I say looking into his eyes. “That girl is long gone.” “So this is it?” He whispers. I shrug, “You need an in with this crew and I have that, you need me.” “I’ll call your dad.” He threatens eyes hardening. After everything we’ve been through he never looked at me with real anger before. He thinks he can call my bluff but he can’t scare me. “Go ahead, I’m sure Agent Shipley and Agent McKenzie would love to hear you compromised their case.” I say with a dead pan expression. “You wouldn’t dare.” He mutters, tensing. “Oh Logan you really don’t know me at all do you?” We stare each other down. “You’re right I don’t know you. The old Ellie would do anything for her friends, but she was smart.” As he says it he turns away from me. Putting space between us. Just then the door opens and the agents walk back in and I’m saved from answering. “Everything okay here?” Agent Shipley asks. “Yes.” Logan and I say at the same time. Clearing my throat I add, “I have some conditions before we get started.” “Conditions? Such as?” McKenzie says raising an eyebrow before looking at her partner in disbelief. He looks back at both of us and chuckles. “I think you met your match Bec. All right I’ll bite, what conditions?” He says with laughter in his eyes. “I need in writing that Mona goes free. That Logan and my record is expunged. I also want to recruit Colt Kaneko if he agrees.” I say calmly not daring to look at Logan. “Why would we do that?” Logan asks looking angry. “We need people we can trust. We can trust Colt.” I say matter a fact. “Done. We’ll have the paper work ready by tomorrow. As for Colt Kaneko we can’t guarantee that’ll he agree but I think it’s smart to try.” McKenzie says looking at me with approval, almost like pride. I sigh with relief before saying, “I’ll talk to him. I’ll go to LA. School is done in a couple days for the summer. I’ll make up some excuse to my dad about needing to stay for summer classes. Then I’ll come back here in a couple days.” “Good, the sooner we get started the better. You’re both going undercover to try to be a part of this new crew, if they let you in that is. We’ll take care of the details like where you’re staying and getting your car out of impound.” Shipley says nodding in agreement. “So I don’t get a say in this?” Logan says drawing our attention back to him. “I’m sorry Logan but we need you both. Ellie especially, she knows this world already. She’s made quite a name for herself, some crews have been courting her to join.” Shipley says shrugging apologetic. “I’m sorry Logan but that’s just the way it is.” McKenzie says calmly. Logan looks at me clearly exasperated before muttering, “Fine I’m going to LA with you then.” “No.” I snap at him. “And why the hell not?” He snaps back at me. “Because it’s stupid for you to go back to LA. Plus you and Colt don’t have the best history.” I say smugly, knowing I’m right. ‘I can’t handle being around you right now,’ I want to add but don’t.

“I wonder who’s fault was that?” He asks sarcastically rolling his eyes. “Omg it was a kiss and I was upset you with you for lying to me. Plus you guys couldn’t stand each other from the beginning.” I say, frustrated for having to defend myself. I continue on, “You know what I’m not getting into this. We need to learn how to work together again or were screwed.” 

“Fine.” Logan says snapping his mouth shut in a hard line. McKenzie and Shipley both look at us with a mixture of amusement and exasperation before Shipley speaks up again, “Well I’ll go to LA with you Ellie. We can divide and conquer. As a team.” “Right.” I say looking at Logan. “Look you guys I know there’s a lot of history here but can you put that aside? Once we’re in, you can’t back out. Our lives will depend on working together.” Shipley says staring down Logan and I. He looks more serious then I’ve seen him in the last couple hours. “Evan is right. We can’t waste any time and we can’t involve you if you can’t work together. We’ve been working on this case for a year.” McKenzie says crossing her arms in front of her chest. I sigh deeply meeting Logan’s eyes heart aching, “We can do this, right Logan?” He softens, “Yea we can.” I turn away.

“Right I…umm…better get going. I’ll see you guys tomorrow Agent Shipley, Agent McKenzie, Logan.” I murmur feeling anxious. “No more Shipley or McKenzie we use our first names from now on. We’re partners plus you’ll blow our cover otherwise.” He says smiling, extending his hand to shake mine. “Partners.” I say smiling shaking his and Rebecca’s hands. Before turning to Logan feeling awkward. He steps towards me like he’s going to caress my face but he drops his hands at the last second. We stare at each other for beat and look away. Rebecca looks at us doubtfully like she doesn’t think we can do this. “We’ll figure it out I promise.” I say giving her my best reassuring smile before walking out of the apartment. 

Making the short walk towards campus, I head to my dorm. Once in my room, I throw myself into my bed and sleep dreamless. 

The next day goes by in a flash. I’m able to convince my dad that extra credits will be more beneficial in the long run. He begrudgingly agrees after promising not to work myself too hard and visit. 

That night after packing a small carry on I relax on my bed when I hear a knock at my door. “Eve, I told you I don’t want to go to the party.” I say through the door from my bed. “It’s me Ellie, can you open the door.” Logan’s voice sounds through the door. I jump off of my bed in surprise. Looking at myself in the mirror, before chastising myself for doing it. I take a deep breath and open the door. 

The sight of him leaning on the frame of the door makes me weak in the knees. “Can I come in?” He finally asks clearing his throat. “Right yesss of course!” I feel anxious, worried we’ll start arguing again. I walk to my bed and sit down as he closes the door behind him. I watch him carefully. He looks different, not just his hair and clothes but his body. I gulp. He was always sexy but his muscles are bigger more defined now. Straining under his t-shirt. Once the door is shut and locked he turns to me with a goofy smile. Making me smile in return putting me at ease. “What is it?” I say curious at his reaction. “Oh I just can’t believe I’m here in your dorm. I’ve thought about this a lot.” He says with a chuckle. A wicked glint in his beautiful blue eyes. I start to laugh throwing a pillow at him before saying, “I bet you did!” “Come on Ellie not just for that… I missed you okay?” He says throwing the pillow back at me smiling softly. “Uh huh sure!” I throw more pillows at him with more force, laughing- ensuing an all out pillow war. We continue on like this until all of the pillows have landed on the floor. As I lean back, he grabs one last pillow above my head and I find myself under him. His hard body is pressed into mine. His gaze lands on me. 

Life starts moving in slow motion. 

Hands wrapped around my wrists, his eyes connect with mine as he brings my hands above my head. He’s being gentle enough that I could break free if I wanted to, but the thing is- I don’t. 

Brushing a strand of hair from my face, he whispers softly “I really did miss you.” “I missed you too.” I say softly.

″Yea?” he leans back, eyes vulnerable.

“Yea, more then you’ll ever know.” I whisper softly.

“Show me Ellie, show me how much.” He says nuzzling against my neck.

I lick my lips and run them against his jawline. 

I feel him shudder against me, it eggs me on and I slowly kiss my way to his lips.

His breath hitches before I roughly press my lips against his. Logan moans, deepening our kiss. 

Our tongues finding each other and I feel myself melt. I bite his lip and suck it, making him pant my name. I lose myself to him as our lips collide again. 

Then just as suddenly as it began, it ends.

He releases my hands and moves his body off of mine. I feel the crushing disappointment at the sudden change of mood. I feel awkward at it. Now is not the time to be hashing out your feelings here, we have a job to do. Plain and simple. “So the reason I came here was to ask you,” he clears his throat continuing on, “Is there really is no way to talk you out of this?” He asks, his eyes now boring into mine. “Logan.” I murmur. “No, listen to me,” he takes my hands in his, holding onto them tight. “Is there anyway I can convince you not to do this?” “You know that there isn’t, you said so yourself, there’s no other way. If this is really about us, then we need to do it together. Please understand that.” I plead, holding his hands tight. Sighing he grips my hands before saying, “I understand Ellie. Maybe you’re not so different after all.” “Maybe.” I whisper softly. “I should get going. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He stands abruptly making his way to the door. “Aren’t you going to tell me what’s been going on in the last year with you? How did you get talked into this?” I say urgently, I need to know. “What’s to tell Ellie? We walked away from each other. I vowed to let you go and I didn’t.” He shrugs look away. “Stop it. Don’t be like this.” I say. “Like what?” He asks looking back at me. “Hot and cold. One minute you tell me you missed me, the next you push me away. I can’t do this if you’re like this. We’re going to fail.” I say getting closer to him. “I’m sorry. I know I’m not making this easy for anybody. It’s just so much, I thought I’d say and now in front of you. I just can’t. I’m not ready.” He whispers looking away. I take my hands, putting them on his face, gently forcing him to look at me again before saying, “I get it, we don’t have to do this now. Let’s focus on the case, we’ll work the rest out.” “I can do that.” He says a small smile on his face. “Good.” I smile back. “I really should go though, you’re going to have a big day tomorrow before your flight. Crash course in undercover can be overwhelming, believe me.” He says chucking. “Ok I’ll see you tomorrow, but you’re not off the hook.” I say in a warning tone, poking him in the chest with my finger.” He gently grabs my hand that’s at his chest. “I wouldn’t dream that I would be.” He says laughing, pulling me into a hug. We pull apart after a minute and smile at each other as he gets up to leave. “Should I be worried about the crash course?” I ask feeling nervous. “You’re great at everything troublemaker, I’m sure this won’t be the exception.” He says smiling confidently at me. It brings the sparks of old memories into mind. Past jobs and nights spent in his car... learning to drive, among other things. They fill me with hope because despite it all we make a great team. 

We bid good bye to each other and I slide into bed. The smell of his cologne lulls me to sleep. The memories of driving lessons, kisses and his callused hands making me his filling my mind.

~~~

@fallenangelsjenniferanddani​

NEXT CHAPTER > Find Chapter Three here- “Crash Course Undercover.”

Logan- What happens when fate brings you back together?