“We’ll come with you.” Jude and Fitz followed behind.
Focused on Lainie’s safety and well-being, Ronan was shocked when he walked into the bar and saw Lainie and Kurt hugging each other. “Fuck, someone posted his bail.”
“By the look of that hug, it’s easy to see who it was.” Jude shook his head.
“Let’s get back to the kids,” Fitz said. “We’ve done all we can for Lainie.”
Ronan disagreed. There was so much more that could be done for Lainie. He could put her on a bus or give her gas money to drive back to Boston this very second. He could write a check for the bonus Lainie was promised for being on staff at Hurricane Pointe for the entire summer. Ronan was about to say as much to Fitz, when Kurt broke away from Lainie. His eyes found Ronan’s instantly.
With a kiss to Lainie’s forehead, Kurt walked up to Ronan. “She picked me, asshole. Take your detective badges, and your speeches on domestic violence and get the fuck out of here. Neither of us want to see or speak to you again. Got it, motherfucker?”
Ronan looked over Kurt’s shoulder at Lainie, who stood with her head held high. The mark Kurt left on her face that morning was long gone and judging by the defiant look in her eyes, so was her fear. “I don’t think you realize what’s going on here.”
“I realize just fine that you’re trying to take my girlfriend away from me. People fight. It’s a way of life.”
“Hitting women isn’t a way of life, Kurt. It’s a crime,” Jude said
“Says you.” Kurt shrugged.
“Lainie said you were never controlling or jealous before you came to Hurricane Pointe. Is that true?”
“Yeah, it’s true. She never pissed me off at home like she does here.”
“Did you ever hit any other girlfriends before Lainie?” Jude asked.
“No, asshole. Never.” Kurt raised his left eyebrow. “What’s your point?”
“The fact that you’ve never done it before is my point. Do you ever feel like you’re not in control of your mind or your body?” Ronan could see the annoyance in Kurt’s eyes. He knew his time was limited to get through to this obstinate blockhead.
Kurt’s eyes darkened. His angry demeanor drained away. In its place was a perfectly flat affect. “Fuck off. Leave me alone. Leave Lainie alone. I won’t ask again. If you persist, I will come for your daughter and son. Do you understand me?”
Ronan chuckled. “Sure thing,Walt.” He turned to walk away. “Oh, and by the way, where’s Vivienne?”
Kurt/Walt reached out for Ronan, grabbing him by his shirt and jerked him forward. “What have you done with her?”
Fitzgibbon got between the men and shoved Ronan back a few steps. “You want to go to jail again? This time I’m certain chargeswon’tbe dropped against you.”
Ronan watched in fascination as the possessed man blinked several times, shaking his head. His eyes were back to normal. Ronan assumed that meant Kurt had returned from wherever he’d been when Walt was in charge. The only thing different about him was the confused look on Kurt’s face.
“Stay away from Lainie.” Without waiting for an answer, he stalked back toward the bar.
Ronan tried to catch Lainie’s eye, but it was obvious she was intentionally ignoring him. “I’ve got to tell Ten what happened.”
“Have a smore first, huh?” Jude asked, slinging his arm around Ronan’s neck. We’re cutting this trip short as it is. Give Ten one last night of fun with the kids.”
“You’re right,” Ronan said, elbowing Jude in the ribs. “I’m an idiot sometimes.”
“Well, not quite, but you’re on the right track.” Jude snorted.
Walking out of the hotel, Ronan heard Everly’s laugh. It echoed up the lawn from the firepit his family was spread out around. He knew this was what being on vacation was all about. Being carefree and happy. Leaving your worries and woes at home to let loose and just relax.
Ten didn’t need to know that he’d seen Kurt’s transformation with his own eyes. Ronan would tell him about it in the morning. Ten mentioned trying one last time to get Walt to cross over and leave the hotel and Kurt alone. If he wasn’t able to do it, then that was that. Hurricane Sophie was barreling up the coast with her sights set on New England.
They were nearly out of time.
14
Tennyson
