Page 74 of Racing Dirty Trilogy Box Set
Christian
Watching someone who I've grown to care about and call family, fall apart before my eyes is heartbreaking.
I wish there was more I could do for Nolan, but this battle he must conquer on his own.
All I can do is help him when he needs it.
I'll help train Redline and get Xavier and Izzy back as quickly as possible.
Once our family is back together, then I can face my own issues.
Although pressing for me to handle them now, these guys come first.
The elevator doors close with a silent whoosh and Ashton glances over in my direction, his similar eyes boring into mine.
Ever since he’s come back from Iraq, our relationship’s been strained.
We’re not as close as we used to be. There were times growing up when we were inseparable, doing everything together, now we can’t be in the same room without tension brewing between us.
I know he’s been through a lot overseas; I get that, but I miss having my brother, my best friend by my side.
“Come on, we have work to do,” Ashton grunts out.
He turns on his heels and walks away. I hurry my steps so we’re walking side by side. Redline, Marks, and Ramirez are behind us as we exit the apartment building. We turn left down the busy street, passing throngs of people going about their day, unaware of the torture and evil lurking around them.
Night has fallen onto this glorious city and dangerous people are coming out. We walk down an alley and Ashton stops when we’re away from the crowd. He turns toward Marks and Ramirez. We both cross our arms over our chests and raise a brow.
“That’s fucking creepy,” Redline shudders.
Ashton speaks first, “Marks tell me what you know.”
“Ramirez and I were able to get inside like I texted you. It’s bad, Ashton. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Nolan, seeing how quick he was to lose his head. Will he be all right?”
“Yes, he’ll figure out a way to control the urges and when he does, Switch better watch his back. He’ll be out for blood and will destroy anyone who stands in his way.” Ashton answers. He knows the most about Nolan and his mindset since they’ve worked together for years.
“He better get it under control and fast,” Ramirez responds. They share a look that pisses me off.
“Out with it,” I growl.
“Here, it’s better to show you,” Marks hands Ashton his phone. Ashton hits play on the video Marks took. I lean over him and watch.
“Who the fuck is that?” I ask when the video stops.
“No fucking way,” Ashton grumbles. “I thought he was dead.”
“So did we,” Marks responds.
Redline hasn’t seen the video yet and waits impatiently, his fingers thrumming against his jeans. “Can someone tell me what the fuck is going on?”
“We need to figure out a new game plan. You can’t go in anymore.” Ashton answers looking from the phone to Redline.
“What? Why not?” Ashton hands him the phone and hits play on the video. When the guy they all thought dead fills the screen, Ashton hits pause.
“That’s why,” he explains.
Redline’s face pales and his hands shake, “When we received word through the street after they took Ashley, no one said anything about him not being there. I had no idea.”
“Who the fuck is it?” I ask again. I’m irritated from being left out.
“We need to get back to Nolan and Ashley. They have to know.” Ashton says, ignoring my question.
“Ashton,” I growl. His head whips in my direction. “Who. The. Fuck. Is. It?”
“I’ll explain in a little while. Right now, we need to get back to Nolan.” He holds the phone up waving it, “This right here changes everything. How are you at fighting?”
“I’m a cop, I can handle it.” I glare, crossing my arms. I’m really pissed he isn’t answering me.
“I don’t need you to be a cop right now,” he growls, annoyed. “I need you to be an unsympathetic, selfish fighter. Can you do that?”
“You of all people know I can. We might have drifted apart, but we grew up together. You know what I’m capable of.” I’m beyond pissed right now. My brother doesn’t have confidence in me.
“I know you’ve turned into a black and white guy.
Not the guy I grew up with. I don’t even see him in you anymore.
The one who used to cause trouble and not have a fucking care in the world that guy is long gone.
You’ve turned into Mr. McGee or some shit,” Ashton paces back and forth in the dark alley.
“Going into an underground fighting ring is different from anything you’ve done.
You’ll be forced to do some shady shit, something you must learn to keep locked away when we’re done.
There are things you’ll have to do to prove yourself to them and you won’t like who they’ll try to change you into, but you need to hang onto the good in your life. ”
My mind wanders back to Mia. She’s the light in my world of darkness. Her smile and carefree attitude keeps me sane. Keeps the evil in my line of work in perspective.
“Can I see Mia before I need to go in?” I ask.
“Of course, you can but you can’t tell her anything. She’ll want to be here and The Plaza is the safest place for her to be.” Ashton answers.
I’m dumbfounded by his attitude. He doesn’t think I can handle whatever they throw at me. Well, I will prove him wrong. Prove I’m not the straight shooter he assumes I turned into.
“Let’s do this,” I answer, sure and confident. We walk out of the alley and head back to the apartment building. Our plans have changed dramatically, and I hope Nolan can handle what we must tell him. If he loses his head again, we’re all in trouble.