Page 24 of High Velocity

“I remember having a dream that Owen was there, over my bed, reassuring me everything would be okay.But it wasn’t a dream, was it?”

“No.He told me and Bradley how he found out about what happened.He was so fucking pissed.He went up there, confronted your mother, and figured out something wasn’t right with her either.”

“It was true.Turned out, Mom had severe mental disorders that went undiagnosed.Bi-polar disorder and dissociative amnesia.She’d go through periods of withdrawal and depression, even losing her memory and having blackouts.Other times, she’d be as coherent as you and I are right now.And turns out, my grandparents had no idea I was even back.She never told them.When she came home and unlocked my room, she freaked out and called 9-1-1.She didn’t remember leaving me there.”

“Fuck,” he swore again.

“Apparently Owen made sure to leave information about doctors and a counselor.I was upset he didn’t stay to see me or even leave his number, but maybe that was for the best at the time.I may have begged him again to take us, both of us, with him.But that drastic change for Mom probably would’ve been the worst thing for her.Maybe for me too.Who the hell can say.

“Anyway, we both started seeing a counselor, and Mom got a new physician and started a regimen of medications.But she needed reminders and supervision.I couldn’t leave her.But I needed to work also.Or so I thought.When I started doing the financials, I noticed monthly deposits going into her account but didn’t know the source.And I didn’t remember Dad’s will.All the bank could tell me was the money came from a financial broker.Nothing else.So, I didn’t question it.Who’s going to dispute free money?”She chuckled.

Roark managed a small grin.

“Although Mom didn’t need to work, the routine was good for her and part-time work was perfect.I eventually returned to school while also taking care of Mom.After I graduated, I learned about the account Dad set up for me that I gained access to.I used some of the money to go to tech school for automotive, plus, I had an interest in art, so I became a tattoo apprentice.”She looked down at her arm a moment before looking at Roark.“I’m a damn fine artist.”She grinned.“Within a year, I had my own client list and was making good money I started to sock away.I had one of the other female artists do all the work on me.Cover up the ugly with something beautiful and meaningful.”

“That it is.”

Charli swept her gaze over Roark’s chest and arms, inspecting his ink.“Yours are impressive as well.And damn sexy.”She wiggled her brows, making him laugh.

“Some represent my time in service.I was a sniper.Others represent the Club, as you can see.”He pointed to the SoS emblem.“Others are just shit I like as well as family heritage.”

“Shit you like,” she laughed.“Why not go all the way and retire from the Army?”

“I was needed here more,” he stated, leaving it at that.

She gave him a playfully stern look.“Don’t think I won’t circle back around to that, mister.But, back to me and Mom.We were doing well.She was in a good place, and life seemed on track for both of us.Besides working at the tattoo studio, I also worked at a garage, enjoying both jobs.”

“And why didn’t you eventually get back in touch with us?Reach out to let us know how life was?”

Charli felt her heart ache.“No excuse, and for that, I’m sorry.Whenever I would talk about Dad, about the Club, Mom would get upset and wouldn’t want to hear it.I tried again a few times but was met with resistance, so, I dropped it.Which sucked.It really sucked not sharing memories or getting back in touch and making new ones.I’m sorry, Roark.I should have done it and not told her.”

“Hey, you did the best you could at the time.No need to be sorry for that.You and your mom were in a good place, and you didn’t want to jeopardize that.I’m just damn glad you’re here now.I’m sorry about Sherri and all you two went through.But I’m not sorry it brought you back.”

Charli nodded.“We finally visited my grandparents.They were shocked but pleased to see me.And even being older, they had an idea that Mom was having concerns but couldn’t make her see it.They were happy to know she was getting help and doing better.No way did I burden them with my problems.”Roark frowned.“I was in a good place, and it was insignificant that they know.But along those lines, as they got further up in years, they started having health problems and needed help.They were set up well financially, so they gave me control of their affairs, and they moved into a nice assisted-care facility of their choosing.They spent six happy years there before passing within months of each other.”

“So much you went through.Took care of.And then...”

“And then Mom’s cancer diagnosis.”Charli blew out a breath.“It was a blow.She started having excruciating headaches, then more frequent blackouts.We thought her meds needed adjusting again, but her levels all checked out fine.Got her scheduled for a scan which revealed a mass in her brain.It was too dangerous to operate, and she didn’t want to go through any type of chemo or radiation.She figured it was her time.And four months later, she was gone.”

The final words came out on a sob, and Roark stood, pulling her to her feet and into his arms.

“Oh, baby.I wish I could take away the pain.Every damn second of it.”

She held him tighter as he smoothed his hands across her back and over her hair.

“Being in your arms helps.”

“Then you can stay in them all night.”

She chuckled.“I was actually hoping for that.”

Roark pulled back enough to look her in the eye.“Good, because I planned on it.”

She nodded and smiled.“Did you want to shower before bed?”

“Hell, no.Not when I plan on getting sweaty again.”

“Oh, is that a fact?”