CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FOUR

It's after five but my husband and brother are still MIA.

Calls to Jer's phone have gone unanswered and with dad calling every thirty minutes adding to my anxiety. His temper worsens, considering Logan's license is at home and they are out with his vehicle, joy riding.

Even though Logan's wallet and phone is still in our bedroom, Jer, has his phone so I just can't believe they don't have the courtesy to answer or call to say they are fine.

Justin keeps reassuring me that they're fine, but I can't help but worry after what dad told mom and I, this morning.

I was down at the lake in my usual spot, but this time I'm reclining on a lawn chair that's facing the front gate and so far nothing. No activities, whatsoever.

"Jamie, I've bought you a snack," Mrs. Stanley says from behind me, walking closer with a tray in her hand.

Even though I appreciate the gesture, I'm not in the mood to eat anything right now, because of my restlessness.

Since mom is still at the Fashion House, it's only Mrs. Stanley and Gwen, home with me.

Pulling a chair closer to me, Mrs. Stanley placed the tray on my lap before sitting down.

"Go on snack up, since dinner might be late tonight, with our missing boys," Mrs. Stanley chuckles, not at all worried. She lifts the napkin covering the plate, that's filled with left over birthday cake and custard pastries, my baby's new favourite since my cheesecake supply needs replenishing.

In spite of not being hungry, I started nibbling on the cake because this is something that always brighten my day.

"Jamie" Mrs. Stanley calls. Looking up from my plate, I met her worried expression.

Panicking already , "did you hear from them?" I asked almost pushing the tray off my lap. "What happened?" I continued, looking around me flustered.

"No, no, no" Mrs. Stanley responded quickly, reaching out to pat my hand gently. "I haven't heard from them and nothing is wrong with them. They must be joy riding like Francis said." She continues patting my hand in soothingly.

"But I do need to discuss something with you, and I need for you to keep an open mind," she says, her opening comments, breathing a sense of fear and that's no different from how I felt moments ago.

I couldn't answer, so I simply nodded and started picking at the cake once again.

Straightening on the chair, "I know Fran mentioned her fears to you about Logan and his father, replacing old man Daniels at the helm." Mrs. Stanley speaks cautiously, using the nickname the guys call the senior Mr. Daniels.

Without lifting my eyes of the plate, I nod and continued eating waiting for her to explain more.

"It's not a bad thing, especially with the threats out there and the people who wants to prove their power. People who'll want to dethrone your husband or father-in-law just to send a message, that they're great." Taking a deep breath, Mrs. Stanley pauses.

I still didn't look up from the plate because I am not sure where this conversation is going, so I am just preparing myself for the worst.

"It's a necessity that they hold the family together and I'm not only speaking about you and Fran, but I'm speaking about the extended family, including me." She explains in a soft gentle tone.

Frowning, I finally lifted my eyes to meet hers and the last thing I expected to see, was fear reflecting back at me.

"What are you talking about?" I ask just as softly, watching her try to keep her emotions in check, but failing, miserably.

Taking her eyes off me to blink away the tears that's was threatening to fall, "my husband wasn't just a driver," Mrs. Stanley said, her eyes returning to meet mines, with strength and determination now, at the mention of Mr. Stanley. "He was so much more and he had to be eliminated along with Logan, because he would have never stop fighting for the family, especially, Logan and you." She says in firm tone.

Realization suddenly hits me, "so Mr. Stanley was also an intended target that day?" I asked, even though it's now obvious, they couldn't take one without the other.

"Taking me out for what they think I might know is also part of their plan, so it's safe to say, I'm alive because I'm here, under Logan's covering." She admits with a sad smile.

Chuckling nervously, "you mean, dad," I corrected her but she shook her head firmly.

"No, I mean Logan's." Mrs. Stanley corrected me with a stern look and wait for me to correct her again.

I am beginning to understand but my opinion is not important here so I silently resumed eating my cake, forgetting the conversation I am having with Mrs. Stanley, I started thinking about why they haven't called or returned home yet.

When I didn't respond to Mrs. Stanley comment, she reached across and touched my arm once again, "Jamie from the moment Logan started dating you, my husband put you and your family under protection without Logan's knowledge in the beginning but when he found out, he was angry at first then agreed because he knew his past could endanger you." Mrs. Stanley continues to explain something I wasn't even aware off.

Chuckling dryly "and here I am, so stupid to think that he was madly in love with me and didn't want me out of his eyesight for a moment." I look towards the open driveway once again as dust dark kicks in.

Turning at the sound of footsteps stomping on the ground, "those motherf**kers just called to say they are on their way home and they sound drunk," he says with an annoyed expression, his eyebrows almost meeting because of his deep frown.

Chuckling across from me, "well you had your fun last night," Mrs. Stanley reminds him, our conversation long forgotten.