Jonny's Redemption (Gemini Group Book 7) by Riley Edwards (audio ebook reader TXT) 📕

Carla had cancer, that was why Doug came to live with us. My dad didn’t want anyone to know what a cocksucker he was and my mom was happy to go along with the farce that they were fostering a child because she didn’t want people around town talking. After Carla died, they adopted Doug. And I use the term adopted loosely. What I mean is, my dad simply got custody of his son and my mother adopted him.”

“Jesus, Jonny.”

Nixon’s jaw clenched and his gaze went to Jonny’s backyard. He didn’t blame his friend for not being able to look at him. He’d lied to everyone—that included Nixon.

“That explains a lot,” Nix muttered.

“What do you mean?”

There was a long stretch of silence. Jonny knew Nix well. He was careful with his words, he’d mull them over before he spoke. The back door creaked open and Bobby walked out carrying two bottles in her hand.

“Want one?” She held her offering.

Thank fuck she hadn’t poured him a vodka, which was Jonny’s preferred drink. But knowing that was also his mother’s, he vowed never to touch it again. Beer he could stomach.

Jonny jerked his chin in a nonverbal answer but also gave her the words, “Yeah, babe. Thanks.”

Bobby moved across the decking in bare feet and he smiled when he caught sight of her neon pink toenails. The woman changed her polish almost daily and she loved bright colors—pink, yellow, electric blue. He’d seen the rainbow painted on those cute toes.

“Thanks, Bobby.” Nixon took his beer and gave her a tight smile.

Jonny sat back in his chair and held out his hand. “Sit with me.”

Bobby didn’t waste time settling on his lap and as soon as she curled into him, sweet peace flowed over him. The feeling that had eluded him when they’d been at the station was back in full force. Bobby was his—for better or worse she had his back. She was strong and capable. So different from his mother. Jonny didn’t have to lie for her. Coddle and protect her like a child. Bobby was his equal. Oh, he’d still protect her but she’d return the favor. They were a team.

God, how long had he waited for someone to stand up for him?

“She knows, Nix.” Some of the tension left Nix’s face but he still looked troubled. “What were you going to say?”

“Just that some stuff makes sense now. There were times when I saw your mom at a game and she’d be staring at Doug like he was the devil. I figured it was because Doug was always in trouble and she was pissed. But looking back, I never understood because he was always pulling some stupid shit but got away with it. I remember him getting suspended for vandalizing the student parking lot but a month later he rolled into the parking lot with a new car. I swear I’d catch your mom giving Doug the evil eye when she thought no one was looking. But if there were people around, she was smiling like everything was perfect.”

Doug was the devil. He’d made living in the house unbearable. Always arguing and yelling. He got in trouble in school, his grades sucked, he never helped out around the house, yet he got whatever he wanted.

“Guilt,” Jonny started. “My dad gave Doug everything he wanted out of guilt. That was until Doug told them he knew the truth. Then they gave it to him so he’d keep his mouth shut.”

“He was blackmailing your parents,” Nix spat.

“Fuck yeah, he was. Doug was a master manipulator. He pulled the I-know-who-my-father-is card any time he got into trouble. Right up until his dying breath. My parents would rather pay off his gambling debts than have him tell the secret. Unfortunately for Doug, he didn’t take into account that one day they’d run out of money. Doug didn’t believe that my dad didn’t have the money to cover the debt he’d racked up. So Doug kidnapped his daughter and took her to my parents to use her to get what he wanted. But my dad really didn’t have the cash. When I refused to give Doug what he wanted, he shot me.”

Jonny had to pause to catch his breath, that day playing out in his memory. Rory crying, not understanding why her dad was yelling at her grandparents. Doug jerking her tiny body, screaming at her to stop crying. His mother in a rare moment of lucidity trying to get Doug to let go of her granddaughter. His father behaving like a supreme asshole deciding that was when he’d finally stand up to the monster he’d created. Jonny would’ve left his parents to deal with the mess they’d made if his niece weren’t present. And since he’d had no way to get her away from Doug while he was swinging a gun around, Jonny had stayed. He’d caught a bullet to the thigh for his efforts. Alec Hall had been the one to save Rory. But she’d already witnessed her dad killing her grandfather and her uncle killing her father.

What a clusterfuck.

“You know how the rest of that day played out,” Jonny continued.

Bobby’s hand skimmed over his chest and came to rest over his heart.

“Hate to speak ill of the dead but Doug was a motherfucker. Aurora had nightmares for months after that asshole kidnapped her. Caleb wasn’t much better. So, I can’t say I’m sorry he’s dead. And I know that sucks me saying that to you when he was your blood. Hate that you were the one to do it. But, Jonny, I hope you know none of that was your fault. Your parents created that scene, they’re responsible for how it ended. Didn’t know your dad well, mostly because he was never around. And all I ever heard around town was what a good guy he was, so I took that at face value. Your mom just looked sad. But what mother wouldn’t when their kid was a menace to society.