“Long story. One that I was a fucking moron on because I didn’t even see the signs when it was going on.” Jenniffer mumbled, dread growing with each word she’s read. “She’s going for the big guns now. Let’s call it a day. I have some phone calls to make. We’ll pick up tomorrow. Sides I have to match a new officer up with Xena tomorrow since Officer Monroe won’t be back anymore.”
Jenniffer walked off, ignoring Jack and Dom as she stomped across the property back to her house, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket, dialing a number she hadn’t called in four years. Betrayal killing what light had started to grow this week.
“Hello?”
“Hello Miller. It’s Lopez. Wanna tell me why I’m getting a new lawsuit sent to me and your name is mentioned in this lawsuit as a witness that my business was meant to go to Jeff’s side piece. You know, the one that you told me was lying four years ago?”
“Jenn Lopez? Holy shit, Phoenix! How the hell are you? Wait, what lawsuit?”
Jenniffer tried very hard to tamp down the anger she was feeling towards her old squad mate, Tyrone Miller. He was a good guy, at least he was when they served together. She understood why he hadn’t come to see her, since she was in Germany in the hospital, and he was still in Afghanistan.
“I just got served my fifth lawsuit from the chick that Jeff was cheating on me with, the one who claimed they were engaged, and she had his baby while I was in the hospital in Germany. The one who claims that the money that Jeff put in our joint account, that was in MY name, to go towards the K-9 business I started, belongs to her, as well as my business. According to the newest lawsuit, you’re named as a witness to what Jeff told you should have gone to her, my money and business as being what belongs to her. Care to explain yourself, or do you want to do it with my attorney present?”
“What? I don’t know anything about that. Hell, I haven’t spoken to the woman since Jeff’s funeral. None of us knew who she was. She wasn’t even the one who planned Jeff’s funeral. Hell, Jeff’s parents didn’t even know about her. His mother even called her out on her bullshit. Jeff only told his parents about you and that you two were planning on going to Vegas to get hitched after the deployment. She’s loopy without the fruit being added on that shit. I don’t know why my name is being mentioned in this lawsuit. I haven’t even been served with anything. I swear, Phoenix! I have no idea what she’s talking about.”
Jennifer leaned her head forward, her hand rubbing her temple. “This is her fifth lawsuit trying to take away my livelihood. She’s lost the last two that went through and the other two were dismissed because the judge was getting tired of her repeating the same shit. Now she’s claiming you’ve come forward with evidence that Jeff had left me and was going to marry her and claim their child. Hell, I can’t even ask for a damn paternity test to prove the baby is his and I am not calling his parents to ask them to do it because I don’t even know if they have anything to do with her or the baby…”
“They don’t. She won’t even let them see the kid. They’ve asked to see the baby, tried to include her in a few things when they found out, but she’s refused them. Last I heard, she’s been nailing a guy who is active duty, even sued the XO when they refused to give her Jeff’s life insurance. That went to you since you were listed as his beneficiary to the Army. She dropped the lawsuit against him when the Army demanded DNA proof that the kid was Jeff’s. I’ll send you the XO’s information if you need it, he can help you with this. End it once and for all.”
“Thanks Miller. Keep an eye out. I have a feeling you’re going to be served as a witness.”
“Jenn, call Jeff’s parents. They’d love to hear from you. I get a card a couple of times a year from them. They always ask about you. No matter what, to them, you’re family.”
Jenniffer leaned back in her chair, hanging up her cell, closing her eyes, letting the tears fall and the memories, she’s fought so hard to forget, come forth. It’s going to be a hellacious night. Damn this woman for wanting to keep this shit going.
CHAPTERSEVEN
Jack watched as Jenniffer sat staring out of the window, oblivious to her surroundings. He caught part of her phone conversation, knowing it had to do with her past while she was in the Marine Corps. Whatever it was, it pained Jenniffer deeply and it cut him. He couldn’t explain why, but this woman called to him.
He had sent Dom home, telling him that he’d keep an eye out on Jenniffer for a bit. Dom advised him of the conversation that he had with Dave about the lawsuits and the mishaps going on around the property. They had talked about solutions and Dom having a talk with the officer who took the original report. Dom said he as going to reach out to a friend of theirs and see if he would take on adding cameras around the property, including the dog area and Jenniffer’s house. He would take up the cost of the contract. Anything if it meant she was safe.
Jack stood there watching her for several minutes until Spock left his side, walked up to Jenniffer and put his head in her lap, whining slightly as he looked up at her with his pitiful look.
“Hey, what are you still doing here buddy?” Jenniffer’s husky, tear sounding voice asked, petting the dog with a weak smile on her lips.
“We wanted to make sure you were ok before we left.” Jack admitted softly, trying not to scare her, since she wasn’t aware he was in the house.
“Thanks. I’ll lock up. I’m just going to fix something quick to eat, feed the dogs and get them down for the night and just call it a night. I’ll be good tomorrow. Promise.”
“Dom and I took care of that after Dave left. Dogs have been fed, exercised as best as we know how and already down for the rest of the evening. You’ve been in here for a while. I can check your pantry and make you a quick dinner. Dom and Hercules have already left for the night. Spock and I wanted to make sure you’re ok first.”
“I’m ok. I’m just so tired and ready to give up but I can’t, and I just don’t know what to do. Memories that I want to let go, won’t let go because of all this. I’m just so tired.” Jenniffer whispered, leaning down to hug Spock.
“Talk to me. How can I help?” Jack asked, squatting down to get eye to eye with Jenniffer.
He watched as she slowly looked up into his eyes, her eyes shining with sadness, weariness, defeat in them. She had tears threatening to fall from the corner of her eyes. “Help me forget. Just for a little while. I’m so tired of fighting…Fighting the nightmares, fighting the darkness that threatens to consume me…”
Jack gripped Jenniffer’s nape as he leaned forward. “Then let me be your light for a while.” He closed the distance, devouring her lips, his tongue surging into her mouth when she gasped.
Jack’s growl reverberated from his throat when he felt Jenniffer grip his shirt and tug him closer. He nipped her lower lip as his hand gripped her hair, tugging it to gain control of the kiss.
Jack leaned Jenniffer back onto the couch, never breaking the kiss. One hand keeping its grip in her hair, Jack’s other hand wandered from her hip down to her leg, lifting it at her thigh, making room for him between her legs. His hard cock nestled against her core.
Jack growled deepened when he felt her shift her hips, trying to get friction against her clit. He moved his hand from her thigh to the buttons of her shirt, slowly unbuttoning each button while he continued to feast on her lips, drowning in her taste.
“Patience, Jen. I’ve been dreaming about this since I first saw your sexy as fuck eyes look over at me. I want to take my time and taste every fucking inch of your body. I want this to be good for you. Let me take care of you.”
Jack became nervous when Jenniffer just stared at him for several moments. He was afraid she would call a halt to everything. He held his breath until she leaned up slightly and bit his lower lip, urging him on.
