Page 54 of Beyond the Stix

John

The horroron Connor’s face is something I will never forget. The truth is out. Now everyone knows that sick, twisted bastard touched Connor when he was young. From the shocked looks across each band member’s face, the only conclusion is that they didn’t know what happened either. And that’s why he took off like he’s trying to flee the devil.

I want to rip every limb from Jessup’s body, but Tobias has me in a choke hold, while Dom is an impenetrable force wrapped around my middle.

“Calm your shit,” Tobias hisses in my ear. “You’re not helping Connor.”

“Cops are coming,” Dante calls out as they have a cell phone to their ear.

“Tobias.” I’ll plead if I have to. “Let me go. That fucker deserves a beating.”

“No, John. Let the authorities handle this,” he says firmly.

“But he fucking touched him,” I wheeze out, but still my friend’s grip on me doesn’t loosen despite how I’m trying to wrangle out of his hold.

“It won’t be me going to jail, asshole,” Jessup jeers, as he tries to shake Cal and Pen off.

“Shut up, you piece of shit,” I shout.

“I’d do what he says.” Cal shakes the unsteady man.

“John.” The steely tone Tobias barks out has me squashing my rising rage, and I still.

“Connor,” I choke out, desperate to see him with my own eyes.

“Let Danny and the guys take care of him,” Dom advises in a grunt.

Jessup drops to his knee, momentarily getting free. Thinking he’s smart, he attempts to take off in the opposite direction, but Pen and Cal scramble and get a cross-collar choke hold on him.

“You slippery little eel,” Pen hisses, before spitting at Jessup’s feet. “Try that again, and it won’t fare well for you. I promise.”

“Yeah, what he said,” Cal growls, then he wrenches Jessup’s arms backward, which has him yowling in pain.

“Tobias.” I relax in his and Dom’s hold. “I promise I won’t do anything rash.” Knowing Jessup isn’t going anywhere but to jail, my focus needs to be on Connor and making sure he’s okay.

“Why don’t I believe you?” Tobias questions, but his hold around my neck loosens.

“Because you know me. I won’t go after that piece of dog shit,” I promise.

“I take your cue,” Dom relays to Tobias.

Seconds pass before Tobias, and then Dom step away from me. Though, they remain where they stand, blocking my avenue to Jessup.

I raise my hands. “I said I won’t go after him, and I won’t.”

Sirens fill the air, as whirling lights approach from the south end of the park. I look around, and realize we have a crowd of people watching us. Camera phones in numerous hands are recording the scene, and flashes are going off from the paparazzi taking tons of pictures.

Shit. This isn’t good. The last thing the band needs is bad press, especially right before the event kicks off.

Another flash goes off, lighting up the area and blinding me for moment.

“Jesus,” Dante hisses before they land on their ass.

“Where did he go?” I hear Pen yell.

Damn it. Jessup’s loose.

“How the hell did he get away from you? Find him,” Tobias shouts.