Page 88 of Outlaw Xmas
“No. He just drugged him and Harley. He said it was a joke.”
“What a sicko. Did you call the police?”
Hawk led her into the family room where Belle and Banger sat with Harley curled in their lap. “How’s the little guy?”
“He’s doing okay,” Banger answered, his eyes fixed on Hawk.
“Good.” Hawk lifted his chin and the president’s face relaxed. Sprawled on the loveseat was Braxton with a fleece blanket tucked around him. He went over and ran his fingers over his cheek.
“Did you find out who did this?” Belle asked as she threaded her fingers through Harley’s hair.
Taking Cara by the hand, he led her over to the couch and eased her down. “You’ll need to sit for this one.” Clearing his throat, he crossed his arms. “The fucker who endangered our boys is Evan Christiansen.”
Belle and Cara looked at each other, then at Hawk. As the reality of his statement sunk in, Cara’s mouth dropped and she quickly covered it with her hand while Belle stared at Hawk incredulously.
“Isn’t he the guy you’ve been working with at Brighter Lives?” Banger asked. Belle nodded slightly, her gaze still on Hawk.
“I don’t believe it,” Cara whispered. “Evan? Why would he do something like that? I stupidly thought it was Dale since he was gone when the lights came back on. Lindi was freaked out about him not being there, and she had to finish giving the gifts out to the kids. I later learned that he was in the back room, drinking up a storm and making out with Evan’s wife, Brittany. But I never thought Evan would do something like this. He always seemed so nice. Can you believe this, Belle?”
“No, I can’t. Are you sure, Hawk?”
“Yeah. Throttle recognized him because his wife’s always calling Throttle to come over.”
“So Kimber was right. It was Evan’s wife who was making a play for Throttle,” Belle said.
“Your Mr. Fuck’s been busy this holiday season. Not only was he plotting to take Braxton and Harley and pretending he gave a shit about the Toy Drive, he was also breaking into people’s houses and smashing up their Christmas decorations. He’s the one who paid a visit to Cherri. Jax’s gonna be pissed he didn’t get a chance to confront him.”
“Evan’s the Crazed Grinch? What the hell? How did we not pick up he was a total lunatic?” Cara glanced at Belle who sat shaking her head with her fingers touching her parted lips. “What about Garret? Was he involved at all?”
“He was Evan’s stooge. You didn’t tell anyone about Braxton and Harley being kidnapped, did you?” Hawk looked at Cara and then Belle. Cara shook her head.
“No,” Belle whispered.
“Keep it that way.” Hawk went over to the couch and sat next to Cara.
“My head’s spinning. I can’t believe any of this. Why did Evan do all those things? Why did he ruin people’s homes like that?” Cara leaned her head on Hawk’s shoulder.
“Who the fuck knows? He’s a psycho,” he answered, squeezing her shoulders.
“But there must’ve been a reason,” Belle mumbled. “It’s just too crazy. And to take our sons. We spent a lot of time with him. I can’t believe he’d do this to us.”
“Those are the worst kind of fuckers,” Banger said. “They pretend to be your friend, take you into their confidence, and then do shit behind your back. You never suspect them because you think they’re your friend.” He ran his hand up and down her arm.
“Did he tell you why he took Braxton and Harley?” Cara asked.
“He said it was just a joke,” Hawk replied.
“Ajoke? How can taking two innocent boys away from their parents and drugging them be a joke? Belle and I were beside ourselves wondering if they were hurt or killed.” Her voice broke and Hawk tucked her head under his chin.
“It’s okay, babe. It’s over.”
“What if he does this again?” Belle asked.
“He won’t,” Banger replied.
“How do you know that?”
“I just do.” Banger grasped her hand.
