Professional Documents
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Glitch A Morningstar MC Novel Reno Chapter Book Eight D Williams Full Chapter
Glitch A Morningstar MC Novel Reno Chapter Book Eight D Williams Full Chapter
D WILLIAMS
CONTENTS
Introducing…
MSMC RENO MEMBERS
Motorcycle Club terms
Synopsis
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
THE END
Epilogue
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NOLA Chapter
Ultimatums never end well, and if I had just listened to my instincts, I wouldn’t be in the mess I am now. My focus has been on
the club for so long that I’ve neglected the ones I love out of responsibility and duty.
When I finally give in to the demands, it’s too late.
Everything starts to fall apart around me, and the only person I can count on isn’t who I thought it would be. I cling to him as I
watch my life fall apart before my eyes.
Up is down, left is right. My world is Glitching, and I can’t stop it without him.
Trigger Warnings:
Breeding, FFM, Cheating, Other Woman Drama, Blood, Child Abduction, Conception Issues, Guns, Drug Overdose, Death,
Secret Babies
PROLOGUE
I WATCH Makayla from across the quad. Her short blonde hair is almost invisible in the sun, making her look bald. He likes
to keep it buzzed, and I’ve fantasized about running my fingers through it more than once.
If only I had the courage to approach her.
I’ve always found women beautiful, but these new feelings I have are different. I’ve tried to talk to my best friend about it,
but he says it’s a phase, and college is meant to explore my sexuality. Well, if the outbreak of STIs in the music department is
what I have to look forward to, then I’ll just stay a virgin. Thank you very much.
I sigh as Makayla makes her way into the cafeteria with her group of friends.
I’m not even sure how we crossed paths.
I’m a technology major, and she’s an art major. We’re in totally different circles, yet it seems like lately, fate has been
pushing us together.
I tap my pen on the edge of my computer, lost in thought, while my sandwich lays next to me, forgotten in the sun.
“Hot out today, isn’t it?” I turn to see a man in a leather vest plop down next to me in the shade, scoop up my discarded
lunch, and start eating it.
“HEY! What the fuck, man. That’s my sandwich.” I frown as he offers it back to me.
“It’s been sitting there for a while. Figured you didn’t want it and it seemed a shame to let the ants eat a Katz’s pastrami.”
Who is this man?
I’m right about to ask him, but he opens his mouth full of my lunch to speak again.
“So, why NYU? I know you got into MIT and CALTEC.” He swallows and bunches the paper up into a ball, tosses it into a
nearby trashcan, and hoots when he makes the shot.
“How the hell do you know that?” He wipes a bit of mustard from the corner of his mouth off with his thumb, then licks it
clean.
“Oh, Lacey. I know a lot of things. Like how you like to spend your quiet evenings alone on your computer, exposing
criminals on the internet.
He pulls out my mask and twirls it in his hand.
“You’ve been in my room!” I grab it and hide it in my backpack glancing around to see if anyone saw it.
“Your room, your house back home in Indiana, your computer and servers, bank accounts…” He trails off when my phone
beeps.
“Might want to check that.” He leans up against the tree and starts picking at his teeth with a fingernail.
I look at the notification from my bank that pops up on my screen and choke on my own salvia.
“What? This can’t be right. You did this! Are you trying to blackmail me?” I cough while speaking.
He laughs and pats my back.
“Maybe I should introduce myself. My name is Abel Brooks, and no, I’m not blackmailing you. I’m hiring you.” What?
“You’re off the rest of the afternoon. How about we take a drive and I’ll give you more details.” He stands and lowers a
pair of sunglasses onto his nose.
“Um, fuck you. I’m not going anywhere with a stranger.” He smiles down at me and nods.
“Good. That was a test. You know Whistle and Fizz on Greene St.?” A knowing smirk crosses his face, so I don’t answer.
It’s on the corner from my apartment.
“See you in ten minutes there. And Lacey?” I haven’t moved a muscle, and he glances around me before continuing.
“That deposit was just a sign-on bonus. You really want to hear me out.” He turns around and walks over to a shiny Harley
illegally parked.
I read the back of his vest, MorningStar MC, Paradise Nevada. I try to remember the patch on his chest. I think it said
Cannibal, VP. Makes sense since he devoured my sandwich in three bites.
My phone buzzes again, mocking me with the money that shouldn’t be there.
“That’s a lot of zeros,” I whisper to myself as I pack up my shit and head to my car.
He already knows way too much about me. I need to figure out what he wants quickly, or I may land my ass in jail. I hop up
and jog over to the parking lot. I take one more glance at my phone screen.
Chase Banking Alert: $100,000 desposit now available.
“FUCKING ABEL! I did not sign up for this shit.” I slam my laptop closed and pull my long brown hair out of the tight bun
it’s been in the last thirteen hours.
The prick left me high and dry to take his wife on vacation with no notice. Just an email saying, ‘You got this’.
“No, you fuckwad, I don’t got this,” I grumble as I release the tension in my neck, popping and cracking it.
When Abel recruited me, he promised a full team, but as the club grew and branched off, the control freak said we couldn’t
afford to let others in until we were stable.
Stable? Abel? Never.
“Are you coming to bed?” I turn and smile at Makayla.
“No point,” I point out the window where the sun is already starting to rise.
“You can’t keep going like this.” She comes over and rubs my shoulders.
My eyes close for a few seconds until I feel my head fall to the side.
“Lacey, you need sleep. Tell them you’re sick or something. We have an appointment with the obstetrician later today, and
you look like death.” I bite the side of my cheek.
I’ve been so fucking busy I haven’t had a second to tell her about Mallory.
“How about we adopt?” She stops fussing around my office and looks at me.
“What do you mean?” I roll my chair back and pat my lap.
She comes over and sits on my thigh.
“Do you remember Mallory? She’s one of the triplets.” She nods into my breast, and I kiss her hair.
“She’s pregnant but doesn’t think she’s ready to be a mother. She offered to let us adopt the baby. That way, it stays in the
family.” I hold my breath after I finish speaking.
“Wow,” Makayla is a very vocal person, so this might be a good wow.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I mean, what if she changes her mind or can’t handle seeing us with her child? No, I think
we should stick with our plan.” Fuck, I can’t argue any of that.
“Ok, how about we think about it? Let’s reschedule the appointment today. I’m excused anyway.” She sits up and kisses me
softly.
“Alright. Now go shower and get into bed.” I nod, help her off my lap, and stand.
My spine releases with one long string of cracks, and I sigh.
“You need a massage.” I grin.
“Are you offering?” She laughs and shakes her head.
“NO! But my friend is getting ready to take her finals. If you want I can ask if she still needs volunteers to practice on.” I
tilt my head in confusion.
Makayla is the jealous type.
“I can’t believe you’re suggesting another woman touch me.” I chuckle when she pouts.
“She’s happily married to a man.” I shake my head and head for the shower.
“Sure, does she make house calls?” I call over my shoulder as I start the water.
“Yes, I just texted her. She’ll be here in twenty minutes. Hurry!” I step in the shower and let the hot water loosen all my
sore muscles.
By the time I wash my hair, I’m feeling so sleepy I can barely keep my eyes open, but I muscle through and manage to get
dressed by the time our guest arrives.
“Good, you’re just in time. Lacey, this is Erin. She’s set up in the living room.” Makayla is in full hostess mode and is
pouring Erin a glass of wine as I walk over to the massage table, calling my name.
“What do I need to do?” I stifle a yawn, and the ladies chuckle at me.
“Just lay down and relax. I’ll take care of the rest. Oh, lose the clothes.” Erin sounds amused as I look down at my
pajamas.
“Right,” I mutter as I pull off my shorts and slip under the sheet on the table.
I pull my shirt off and drop it on the couch next to the matching shorts. I get comfortable on my stomach as sigh when Erin
drizzles warm oil on my back.
I’m falling asleep before she reaches my ribs.
“Incoming call. Priority status.” Abel’s fucking AI chimes and has me damn near falling off the table.
“Here,” Makayla heads me my phone but can’t hide her frown of disapproval.
“WHAT?” I answered without looking at who was calling.
“Church,” Wolf growls and hangs up.
FUCK.
So much for relaxing. I sigh and sit up.
“Sorry, Erin. I have a work emergency.” I hop off the table and pass by Makayla, who’s watching me with her arms
crossed.
“You could have said no.” She hisses at me.
It’s an old ass argument. She knows that’s not how the club life works. No matter how much she may resent them she sure
does love the lifestyle we live because of them. I ignore her attitude while I get dressed, and when I’m in my jeans and cut, I
pop into the kitchen where the women are chatting, finishing off the wine from earlier.
“I should be home soon.” I hope, like hell, that’s not a lie, but since I’m flying blind with no info, I’m going to make it
happen somehow.
“It’s fine. Just be careful.” Makayla says, which makes me think she’s ok with me leaving until I go to kiss her goodbye, and
she turns her face.
I pull back in shock but decide not to comment on it. I have bigger problems to deal with, and her throwing a fit isn’t one of
them.
“Love you,” I say, almost on autopilot.
That should have been my first clue, really. My second was that she didn’t say it back. But most importantly…
I didn’t care.
CHAPTER TWO
COWBOY
“Y’ALL SURE are living the fancy life up here.” I keep my grin on my face as we wait for the other club members to file in.
I’m not exactly here to deliver good news and I hate disappointing family.
“You make it sound like that block of property Seer has in New Orleans is a shack.” Wolf chuckles at me, and I shrug.
“It makes for a mighty fine place to rest our head.” I fucking love our clubhouse.
The only thing better would be a ranch. The way I miss Texas hurts my soul. Every time I call my mama, it reminds me of
how long it’s been since I visited home. I’m going to have to rectify that soon.
“Kooper?” I smile at the music of my name leaving Lacey’s mouth.
“Hey there, Sugar. Miss me?” She rolls her eyes at me, but I see the way her lips pull up.
“As much as a sailor misses a penicillin shot during fleet week.” I cringe at that, and she laughs.
“Who hurt you, Darlin’?” I kiss her cheek and then lead her to her tech setup in the corner of the room.
“It’s just another day in paradise.” She mutters, and I chuckle.
“What has Cannibal done now?” She sighs as she slumps in her chair.
“He fucking left.” I raise an eyebrow at her, but before I can ask, Wolf is calling us all to order.
“Shut the fuck up, sit the hell down. We got in trouble. Seer sent Cowboy up to fill us in. This is your show.” All eyes turn
to me, and I feel like a hooker in Church asked to give the sermon.
In Spanish, and I failed that class.
“Well, now, there’s no need to stare. Y’all make me blush.” The room chuckles, cutting the tension.
“Seer thought it best you saw this from me.” I pull out a flash drive and walk over to Lacey.
She takes it from me slowly and frowns.
“This better not give my system any viruses.” She grumbles while she plugs it in and sets up the viewing screen for
everyone in the room to see.
“Can we get a hint?” Spark says from his perch, holding up the wall.
“Sure.” I swallow roughly and bring my eyes to Priest.
He sits up straighter, watching me closely.
“You found him?” He asks, but I shake my head.
“No. But Gianna did.” At the mention of our currently missing President’s old lady, the room grows quiet.
“Does King know?” Wolf asks, and I nod once.
“He’s in Los Angeles. He had Jester drop him off after stopping in Paradise to check on his Ma.” Wolf pulls out his cell
phone.
“Rebel, might want to join us.” Priest stands and starts pacing.
“Why didn’t Jester call one of us?” Hooper, his younger brother, says with an angry look on his face.
“Hey, easy. Your brother was just following orders. Trust me, Seer wrong him a new one.” Rebel opens the door and stops
looking around the room.
“Who died?” I smile, shaking my head at her.
“Might be your brother when I get a hold of him. Did you know he’s in LA fucking around in Gianna’s turf? The last thing
we need is the fucking Italian Mafia breathing down our necks.” I raise my finger to stop him but it’s Glitch that shuts Wolf up.
“Um, Prez. He isn’t fucking with the Mafia. He took her seat.” The room burst into chaos.
I sit down and throw my boots up on the table cause I know from experience how hot-headed this crew is. Rebel whistles,
and the room settles down, barely. I check my nails until someone calls my name.
“Kooper Alexander Justice, take your fucking feet off my furniture, or I’ll slap you back to your mama who thought you
better.” Rebel pushes my boots down, and I try to hide my smile.
“Yes, ma’am,” I stand back up and let her take my seat.
“Well,” Wolf taps his fingers on the table, looking at me.
“King has taken it upon himself to reopen Gianna’s club, which in essence means he is now in charge of washing the mob’s
money—until Gianna returns from Italy anyway.” I take off my cowboy hat and fix my hair before placing it back on my head.
“What’s she doing there?” I turn to Glitch, who clicks a button on her laptop.
The screen lights up with a dozen or so pictures of Alejandro Baez.
“Hunting,” I answer to the hushed murmurs in the room as everyone starts talking to themselves.
“She got any backup?” Priest asks, and I frown.
“You’ve all met that woman. She’s a secret wrapped up in an enigma, then dipped in mafia crazy. As far as we can tell, she
closed up shop in LA, hopped on her private plane, and has been floating off the coast of Sicily on her million-dollar boat,
working on her tan and keeping that bastard in her sights. We have no clue what her plan is. That’s why I’m here.” I turn to
Glitch.
“I’ll need time with the data.” I nod with a grin on my face.
“What does Seer have planned once we know what she’s doing?” Wolf does nothing to hide his annoyance at this whole
matter.
“Well, he thought we could finally get King off his ass and into his seat at the head of the table if we got him his old lady
back. Besides rumor has it he’s been seen training in LA. If we approach him with the right intel, he might just pony up.” I tap a
picture on the screen of Alejandro sitting in a club with a cigar in one hand and a pretty young woman in his other.
She doesn’t look happy or willing to be there with him.
“We hit him where it hurts and make him come back to the US,” Spark says, and I nod.
“Exactly. We cut off his flow of woman.” Easier said than done, I know, but if anyone can figure it out, it’s Lacey.
I watch her working over all the info on the flash drive, and I watch as her face lights up. Well, that didn’t take long. Her
face turns to fine mine, and I swallow hard because, god damn, is this woman fucking gorgeous.
Leave it to me to fall for a woman not remotely interested in the male sex.
“You got something?” I drop my eyes to break the contact that was causing me a problem in my pants.
“Yup. Blow up his supply chain.” I arch an eyebrow because Spark and I just discussed that.
“No, literally. Blow up the docks,” Glitch says with a slightly manic smile.
Oh, that’s dark and fucking perfect.
“Remind me to never cross you, Little Lady.”
CHAPTER THREE
GLITCH
KOOPER IS AVOIDING eye contact and it’s leaving me feeling weird. We’ve always worked well together and I’ve
always considered him a close friend. But now her acting shady and I don’t fucking like it.
“I need space to work.” I look at Wolf who nods.
“Alright, everyone out. Glitch is off-limits until we’re set. This is priority number one.” I sigh at his words, knowing I’ll
still get bombarded with requests—they’ll just all start with ‘when you have time’.
I need to clone myself.
“Cowboy, stick around. I have questions for you.” I call out when I see him trying to run out of the room.
What the fuck is up with him?
Everyone leaves, and we’re left awkwardly, not staring at each other. He sits down near my setup and taps his fingers on
his thigh, and stares to hum. Oh, fuck this.
“Are we good? Why are you acting strange?” He sighs and takes off his signature Stetson carefully placing it on the table
before leaning into his thighs to rest his elbows on his knees.
“Just a personal problem I’d rather not discuss. Sorry if it’s spilling over.” I frown.
“We normal talk about everything and anything. Are you saying you no longer trust me?” The look of shock on his face
shows me that I’m way off base.
“Fuck Lacey, I trust you with my life. I just don’t want to overburden you.” I am not grateful that, for once, someone in this
club is taking my personal feelings to heart.
“Thanks. I appreciate that, but I can’t handle this weirdness right now. So how about I tell you what’s stressing me out? The
none club related shit.” He grins and nods.
“Deal.” I turn back to my laptop and continue typing in the code I was working on.
“Makayla wants to have a baby.” Cowboy’s reaction isn’t what I thought at all.
He freezes and stops breathing.
“Um, how?” I roll my eyes cause it’s such a guy thing to say.
“You know it’s the twenty-first century. Same-sex couples have been having children for decades now. But to answer your
question, that’s the stressful part. She wants a biological child, and I want to adopt.” Cowboy leans back and crosses his arms.
“I don’t see the issue. Either way, the child would be yours—legally, anyway.” I nod because the sentiment is correct, but
Makayla doesn’t see it that way.
“We have an opportunity to adopt, and she shut it down this morning.” I can’t give too much info because Mallory hasn’t
told the club yet.
“What is her reasoning.” Fuck, how do I answer that without outing Dice?
“Um, it’s a family friend, and she’s afraid it would be more complicated seeing them in the future.” Cowboy thinks my
words over and then sighs.
“It’s a valid concern. So why are you opposed to a biological child?” I stop typing and roll my chair back to explain.
“Purely selfish reason that makes me feel like maybe I’m not ready to even fucking be a parent.” He chuckles at me.
“You are the least selfish person I’ve met in my life, Lacey. Come on, Darlin’, tell Uncle Kooper.” I laugh and sigh.
“Makayla can’t have children. She had an emergency hysterectomy after almost bleeding to death after a car accident. A
piece of metal went through her abdomen, and they just couldn’t shave her uterus. She was only seventeen.” He just watches me
for a moment before talking, and I can see it on his face when he finally reaches a conclusion.
“Meaning you would have to carry the baby.” I nod.
“Ding, ding. Give the man his prize.” I turned back to my laptop to avoid his stare, but I’m glad I did. My system is
showing that I now have access to the cameras at Gianna’s club.
“Why don’t you want to have her baby Lacey?” The way he phrases that stops me cold.
I never thought of it that way. Is it that I don’t want to have Makayla’s baby, or just I don’t want to have one, period? I want
to be a mother someday. It’s the process of putting my body through the horrendous effects of pregnancy I don’t want.
Thus, the feeling of selfishness because, like Makayla, millions of women no longer have the ability to do the one thing
nature meant a woman to do.
Procreate.
“I want to make her happy,” I say, trying to figure out my own feelings, knowing he won’t let this go.
“What about your own happiness? If you aren’t ready, you need to tell her.” I bring up the feeds and search for King instead
of answering him.
I can feel his eyes on my face and my cheeks blush from the attention.
“Lacey?” I turn to look at him and he bites his lip as if he doesn’t know whether or not he should be staying what he’s going
to.
His eyes look up from the floor and I swear it’s like they reach inside me to touch my soul.
“Who’s going to be the father if you decide to get pregnant?” I shake my head cause a donor doesn’t seem the correct
answer to this question.
It’s too important not to know these simple facts.
“I, don’t know. We haven’t gotten that far. We postponed our appointment. I was supposed to be there today.” His eyes
narrow and then spark.
Why did that make him angry?
I’m about to ask when he stands and nods at me.
“I’ll do it. Just tell me when and where I have to be. Your child deserves to know his donor parent is actually family.” He
takes his hat off the table, puts it back on his head, and exits the room, leaving me in complete and utter shock.
What just happened?
CHAPTER FOUR
COWBOY
MAKAYLA WASN’T HOME when I crawled into bed at two in the morning. I found no note, which means she’s really
upset. I was just too tired to give a damn, though. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep, and when my alarm rang five
hours later, it felt like I had just closed my eyes.
Still, no Makayla.
It’s Sunday morning, and I drag my ass through the shower to get ready to meet the girls for our standard brunch date.
I shoot off a text once I’ve had a cup of coffee that will hopefully get me out of the dog house.
I’m sorry. Make the appointment.
The number you are trying to reach is unavailable.
I PULL up in front of Lacey’s house and sit outside for a moment, looking at the cute little cottage-style house. The grass is
green, the flower boxes in the window are in full bloom, and I can picture a few kids running around this yard chasing a dog.
I see Makayla’s electric car parked next to Lacey’s Harley and frown.
I know they say opposites attract, but you need to have something in common. Every single time I see these women together,
I wonder what it could possibly be.
From my outsider observation, Makayla has been trying to change Lacey into what she wants while Lacey tries desperately
to meet her halfway. Problem is Makayla isn’t a halfway type of woman. I sigh and push my kick stand down.
I was surprised as hell when I saw the text message Lacey sent me this morning.
Could you meet us for lunch today? I told Makayla about you offering to donate and she wants to discuss
options.
At first, I was mad because the offer was for Lacey alone, but of course, she didn’t realize that. Then, I calmed down and
thought it through rationally. I was an idiot for offering, and there was no way I was backing out now. So here I stand at their
front door, holding my hat to my chest and pushing the doorbell.
“Hey, Kooper, thanks for coming over. Come on in,” Lacey waves me into the house, and I nod at her.
“Pleasure’s all mine, Darlin’.” I hang my hat on the coat rack and follow her into the kitchen, where Makayla is pulling out
biscuits from the oven.
“Well, ya didn’t have to bribe me. I already offered,” I wink at her, but she just looks at Lacey with a weird little smile on
her face.
“He means the food.” I raise an eyebrow when she explains my words.
Does she not understand English?
I’ve always thought Makayla strange, but now I’m wondering if there’s more to it. I keep my comments to myself for now
but I will need to ask Lacey about it in private.
“Sorry, I don’t like sarcasm and prefer you just speak plainly.” Now, it’s my turn to look at Lacey.
“Makayla!” Lacey hisses, but her partner just shrugs.
“What? My house is my safe place. Sarcasm leaves too much room for interpretation. I don’t want to guess what people are
saying to me. It’s not a big deal or much to ask, especially with what we’re getting ready to discuss.” Hmm, I understand where
she’s coming from, but there had to be a less bitch way to say it.
“Oh, and stop all the little pet names. There demeaning.” Makayla turns to get a carton of orange juice out of the fridge, and
I glance at Lacey.
She’s staring daggers at her girl and I can’t help wondering if this is all one big mistake. They don’t seem happy at all.
How would a child feel in this environment?
“You want a frank conversation I can definitely do that,” I say to break the tension in the room.
“Thank you.” Makayla pours me a glass of juice and then pushes a basket of biscuits at me.
I ignore her offering and look her straight in the eye.
“Do you want this baby to fix this relationship? ‘Cause I am not seeing a happy, warm home where any future child of mine
would be growing up at the moment.” Lacey drops the knife she was using to cut a biscuit open, and Makayla sets the carton
down to stare at me.
“Well, that is frank.” I nod at her.
“I’m a simple man. You get what you ask for. You two seem to be rushing into this, and whether or not I’m involved in the
day-to-day raising of a child, I help make, damn well make sure they are safe. So, are you trying to fix a broken relationship
with a child?” I’m not backing down and she must see that because she takes a seat and looks at Lacey.
“Are we?” Lacey asks, and I can see on her face that my words have hit a sore spot.
I feel horrible for any hurt I may have caused her, but the words needed to be said, and her bitch of a girlfriend gave me the
perfect opportunity.
“I guess we have even more to talk about.” I hum and look at the counter, searching for coffee.
“May I?” I point at the pot, and Makayla nods.
“Of course, mugs are in that cabinet. Milk and sugar are here on the table.” She returns her eyes to Lacey, who is watching
me.
I stand and walk over to grab my coffee to give them a moment. I pour as slowly as I can and try not to eavesdrop, but the
kitchen isn’t all that big. A very short, hushed conversation is had in which I hear the words ‘He might be right’ and ‘We’ll find
someone else.’ I frown as I replace the pot.
It’s clear that Makayla wants this baby no matter what Lacey thinks. She’s the selfish bitch I’ve always thought of her, and
no way I am leaving Lacey alone in this situation.
I face them and bring the mug of black coffee up to my lips.
“Kooper, it might be best if we seek out other opinions,” Lacey says, and I shake my head.
“If you two feel comfortable enough to continue, then I’m still willing. I just need to voice my concern on the matter. Now,
in terms of procreation, what were y’all thinking?” Lacey takes Makayla’s hand and squeezes it.
“We have an appointment with the OB next week. Lacey would start hormones, get eggs removed, and then you would need
to provide the semen sample. After that, if all the testing comes back well, they’d track Lacey’s cycle and do the implantation.
Should take about three months.” I nod and take another sip of coffee.
“Are you going for multiples or doing a single egg?” Makayla cracks a smile at me.
“You know about this process?” I nod and rejoin them at the table.
“I do. One of my brothers went through it with their wife. I have three nieces now.” I take a biscuit and slather it in butter
and strawberry jam.
“It’s going to depend on how the egg retrieval goes. Two eggs max, though.” Lacey adds with a strange look on her face.
“Well, that covers the basics. Let’s talk after. Would you want me involved?” Lacey and Makayla talk over each other.
“Yes.”
“No.”
I frown and stand without eating the biscuit I prepared.
“You ladies need to figure out what you want then get back to me. These aren’t simple decisions to make and will change
all our lives. Thank you for the coffee. Lacey, call me when you know what you want to do.” I nod at her and turn to leave.
I grab my hat and open the front door. As I place it on my head, I hear Makayla’s angry voice.
“What you want? Who does he think he is? I have as much say in this as you. He only agreed to do this cause he wants to
fuck you.” I step out and close the door loudly so she knows I heard every word she said.
The bitch is right. I’d give my left nut to get Lacey pregnant like god intended. Either way, what Makayla needs to realize is
that if Lacey decides to do this legally, she has no fucking say.
The thought makes me smile when I get back to my bike.
CHAPTER SEVEN
GLITCH
“WHAT YOU WANT? Who does he think he is? I have as much say in this as you. He only agreed to do this cause he wants
to fuck you.” The front door slams, and my fury doubles.
“You’ve been acting like a royal bitch all week, Makayla! Now you pull this stunt and insult, then accuse a personal friend
who just offered to help us just because what he said might be right! Fuck you. I never thought you’d turn into such a selfish
cunt.” I grab my keys and helmet and storm out of the kitchen.
I need to go apologize to Kooper.
“Lacey, wait! I’m sorry. This is just stressful for me. I’m jealous!” she yells at my back, and I stop at her last comment.
“Of Kooper? Makayla,” Her head shaking shuts me up.
“NO. No, not him. You.” Me?
“What?” She sighs and drops down on the couch.
“I want it to be me. I want to carry our child and I can’t. I don’t mean to be a bitch. I just need to be involved as much as
possible because this is the closest I’ll ever get. I’m jealous you’re whole, and I’m not. I want to experience this. It is selfish.
I’m sorry.” She burst into tears, and I dropped my helmet.
“Baby, I’m so sorry.” I hug her to me and rock her in my arms.
“No, don’t apologize to me. You’re right. I was such a cunt to him. Can you please tell him I’m sorry?” She wipes her face
with the sleeve of her shirt and looks up at me.
“Sure. Kooper isn’t the grudge-holding type.” I look down at her, and I see the woman I fell in love with years ago.
“He’s a good guy?” She hiccups, and I chuckle at how much younger it makes her seem.
“The best. Honestly, he’d be the perfect dad.” I can picture Kooper with a kid hanging off two arms and legs with a happy
dog chasing him around my yard.
“He has a huge family and loving parents. He knows what a true family looks like.” I muse as I look at the door he
slammed.
“I guess one of this kid’s parents should. Go find him. Tell him if he’s still willing, we’d love to have him. Our problems
aren’t as bad as they seem. We just need to talk them out.” I glance down at her again because up until today, when Kooper
pointed it out, I had no clue we had a problem, let alone several to make it plural.
Before I can question what she means, her cell phone rings from the kitchen. She bounces off my lap to answer it like she
wasn’t a distraught crying mess moments ago.
I stand slowly feeling like I’ve been dismissed and look down the hallway to she Makayla as chipper as ever. I glance at
the couch were we sat a moment ago have what I thought was an intimate conversation and frown to myself.
Her giggling makes a cold shiver run down my spine, and I question everything that happened today.
We’ve been fighting more than communicating lately, and her explanation makes sense up to a point, but yet again, my
feelings and concerns on the matter have been pushed aside.
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
I pull it out and curse when I see Abel’s smiling face on my screen.
“You fucker! Stop hacking my phone with your ridiculous photos, and when the fuck are you coming back? I’m on the verge
of quitting I swear to God!” I grab my helmet and walk outside without saying goodbye to Makayla.
That should make me feel sad, but instead, all I feel is indifference on the matter.
“Well, hello to you too. My vacation was fantastic. Check out how tan I am!” I grind my teeth at his voice.
“Abel,” I say as I start my Harley.
“I know Glitch. I have three candidates lined up for this week.” I sigh in relief.
“Thank you.” I mean it with all my heart.
“Don’t thank me yet. They need to pass the test first.” Fuck.
“Why are you such a psycho?” I switch the call to Bluetooth and put my helmet on.
“Mad genius, we’ve talked about this. Clinical, I’m as sane as you are.” I snort at him.
“I’d like to see the medical licenses of the professional who would ever claim that.” He laughs at me as I pull into Reno
traffic.
“I called for another reason. I took a glance at the flash drive info you uploaded to the server. It had a very familiar feel and
signature to it.” I stopped at a red light, trying to decide where Kooper would be going, and decided the clubhouse was as good
a place as any to start my search.
“Yeah, it reminded me of you, actually,” Abel grunts at my comment.
“I would never be so sloppy. But you’re not wrong. It’s almost as if this person wanted to make it look like it could be me.”
I pull into the clubhouse and park.
“They’re trying to throw us off.” I sit looking around the lot and see Kooper’s bike under a tree.
“They’re trying to plant mistrust, and I don’t fucking like being anyone scapegoat. You handle the new recruits, and I’ll
figure this out. No one can fake being me, better than me.” He hangs up, and I go over his words again.
The fact that it makes sense should scare me, but it’s probably the sanest thing he’s ever said to me.
“Hey there, Darlin’,” I take my helmet off and turn to see Kooper leaning up against Blaze’s truck with a joint in his fingers.
He pulls on it making the tip light up bright orange in the shadow of the trees he’s standing in. Reno isn’t as hot as New
Orleans, but it can get pretty but in direct sunlight. He’s used to finding a shady area to have his smokes in.
He takes the joint from his lips and offers it in my direction.
“I shouldn’t.” He clicks his tongue at me.
“Might want to rethink that. You might be pregnant soon, which means no liquor, weed, or sushi.” My eyes widen at him,
and he chuckles.
“Why would any woman subject herself to that and all the other delights of pregnancy?” I walk over and take it from him,
inhaling deeply.
“Why indeed? You figure out your reasoning yet?” I blow out the smoke slowly.
“Love,” I whisper more for myself, but he hears and nods at me in understanding.
“Who’s love Darlin’?”
Dammit, why did he have to ask me that?
CHAPTER EIGHT
COWBOY
SHE PASSES me back my joint, and I take one more long drag before pinching the cherry off and tucking the butt beyond my
ear. I blow the smoke out above her head, giving her a little more time to answer me before I push her more.
“My love. The one I have to give to someone else.” I raise an eyebrow at that.
“You sound like you’re implying Makayla ain’t been getting your love. I know there’s something going on with you two. It’s
plain as day to anyone looking.” She shakes her head with a soft laugh.
“And you’ve been looking? Kooper, I don’t want you to think that there is more going on here than there is. I would never
cheat on Makayla, and even though you are a very attractive man, I’m not interested in you sexually.” I grin at the blush that
spreads across the apples of her cheeks.
She pushes up her glasses and tucks the hair that’s come loose from her tight bun, behind her ear. I watch the stubborn
strains catch in the light wind and blow right back into her eyes. I step forward and tuck them again but pin them down with her
glasses.
Her breath catches at my boldness, and when I look down into her eyes, I swear I see a spark of lust that has never been
there before.
“You sure about that, Darlin’?” She swallows and backs away.
“Cause it sounds to me that you need my baby spunk, and that is mighty sexual. It ain’t as easy as just yanking on it until it
pops.” Her nose wrinkles at my words.
“Ew, Kooper! Don’t ever use baby and spunk in the same sentence again.” I laugh at her reaction, and then she giggles.
“So you want to go through with this?” She nods once she’s calmed down.
“Makayla feels horrible and asked me to apologize.” Mmm, I bet she did.
I glance around the parking lot and then meet her eyes.
“Then why ain’t she here? Where I’m from, we own up to our own shit, not send someone else to fix our problems. Not a
quality I like to be honest. Hell, while we’re on the subject, there are a few things I need to know before I jack off into a cup
for y’all.” She leans into the truck and sighs.
“I figured as much. Can I say something before you start?” I nod, and she blows out a breath.
“Ok, so not that you need to understand, but her behavior right now isn’t typical. She’s jealous of me being able to bring
life into the world and not her. She apologized for acting like a royal bitch, and although it’s not a good excuse, it is valid.
She’s planning for a family and relying on others to make it happen. So please don’t hold it against her. Or me, for that matter. I
can’t imagine how hard this is on her. It’s almost every woman’s dream to have kids one day, and that was stolen from her.”
Ok, that makes sense, but I still don’t have to like it.
“The only woman in this situation I’m concerned with is you. Are you one of those women? Do you want this child? Or are
you bending to her wants and dreams and sacrificing your own?” Her eyes water, and she bites her lip.
“Make the appointment for the prescreening workup and think about what I asked. You let me know if I need to go.” I can’t
wait to hear her response.
I walk into the clubhouse and leave her to her thoughts.
I climb the steps and open my door, trying to avoid everyone in the halls. I wave and say hi but don’t stop until I’m in my
room. I’m about to slam the door shut and get a nice cold shower when Lacey appears in my doorway.
“You need to stop leaving before I’m done talking to you. You do not get to have the last word on this Kooper. It’s my body,
and it’ll be our baby. If we can’t even agree on having one, what the fuck are we doing discussing it?” She slams the door and
crosses her arms over her chest.
All it does is make her look like a pissed-off sexy Liberian and does absolutely fucking nothing for the erection I’ve been
fighting since she pulled into the parking lot.
Women who ride bikes should really know the effect it has on men. Your ass could be as flat as a pancake, but your
straddle a bike, and it’s better than those little blue pills.
I take my hat off and, as casually as I can, drop it in front of my junk so she hopefully doesn’t notice the effect this little tiff
of hers is having on me.
“I just wanted to give you time to think my words over, Darlin’. But if you want to talk this out, then have a seat. I just need
to use the little boy’s room first.” I turn quickly and close myself into my bathroom.
“Fuck,” I whisper and pull at my hair.
I hang my Stetson on the door handle and go over to the toilet, considering how quietly I can jerk off and realizing quickly it
isn’t noise I need to worry about. It’s time spent in here hiding. No way in hell could I get off fast enough for it to seem I just
took a piss and washed my hands.
I rearrange myself and pin my erection down to help hide it and leave my shirt untucked as a buffer. I flush the toilet and
walk over to the sink. I turn on the cold water and grab a washcloth. I soak it in the water and then run it over my face and neck.
It does little for my cock but helps with the tension I feel knowing she’s out there sitting on my fucking bed.
I turn off the water and dry my hands and face.
I open the door, and there she is. Sitting in her leather jacket, one jean-clad leg hanging off my bed like she fucking belongs.
Her hair is completely down now and hanging down to her hips. She’s taken off her boots and leans into the one leg she’s
brought up onto the bed. My eyes go to her toes, painted the same pinkish tone as her lips, and I wonder if her nipples match.
“I hope you don’t mind. Those boots are new and hurt my feet.” She unzips the leather jacket to reveal a white tank top that
does nothing to hold in her breasts.
“Not at all. Make yourself comfortable.” I head over to my desk and pull out the chair.
I sit and lean my elbows into my knees, crushing my dick but hiding it from her view. I groan, and when Lacey looks over, I
wave a hand in the air.
“I’m not as young as I used to be.” She chuckles at me.
“You’re barely thirty Kooper.” I arch an eyebrow.
“Not until Autumn, brat.” She rolls her eyes, and visions of me spanking her ass bent over this bed flash in my mind.
Settle down asshole.
“Ok, so tell me what other issues you have with me having your baby,” I growl at her words, and her eyes widen at me
while she covers her mouth.
“Sorry, Darlin. That was a deep-down instinctual reaction to the way you phrased that. How about we just stick to the
clinical terms? Donor works.” She grins at my discomfort.
“So, no baby daddy jokes?” I groan and drop my head.
“Lacey,” She chuckles at me.
“Ok, I’ll behave.” I highly fucking doubt that.
Fuck, I don’t want her to. I want her calling my name while I’m balls deep inside her.
“My concerns are simple. I want the child to have a safe and happy home. I don’t want to see it grow up being split like a
piece of property. I want to be involved as little or as much as I’m allowed to be. They deserve to know the love of all their
parents. I want to contribute financially. That is non-negotiable, and I’d love it if my family was invited to special occasions.”
Lacey crosses her legs and flips her hair over her shoulder.
Jesus fucking Christ, she isn’t wearing a bra.
“Should we maybe have an attorney right up a contract for us?” I think it over and nod.
“Wouldn’t hurt, but I trust you to keep your word.” She bites her lip.
“It’s not just me, though.” Don’t I fucking know it.
But something tells me that, that problem is going to solve itself soon enough.
CHAPTER NINE
GLITCH
WE SAT in his room for hours talking out all our concerns, and by the time we were through and had to call the Judge to have
her draw up some paperwork, we were both exhausted and famished.
“Wanna grab some supper?” I smile at him but shake my head.
“I better get home. Makayla will want to hear the good news. Raincheck.” He nods as I pull my boots back on.
“Any time Darlin’. Ride safe.” I grab my helmet and wave goodbye to him as I close his door and head down the hallway.
A few of the guys whistle as they see where I was coming from, but I flip them off cause tell all know better. I’m about to
head out the front door when Wolf stops me.
“GLITCH! A word, please.” Fuck.
I follow my President into the conference room and place my helmet on the table as I wait for him to close the door.
“Abel called me earlier today, and I wanted to address something with you.” I frown and cross my arms.
“He was setting up some interviews for you and wanted me to approve your maternity time?” The question mark on that
was loud and clear.
“Fucking intrusive asshole.” I curse at the camera in the corner of the room cause I’m sure the fucker is watching.
“So it’s true?” I shake my head.
“Not yet. But yes, I’m trying. I was going to bring it up if and when it was an appropriate time. It’s still in the early stages. I
haven’t even seen the IVF doctors yet.” I’m going to strangle him, I swear to God.
“I just want you to know the club will have your back. Your job is safe, and I guess good luck?” Wolf looking sheepish is a
cute sight to see.
“Aw, are you blushing boss?” He snorts and points at the door.
“Get gone. Can I ask who the father will be?” I walk away but yell over my shoulder.
“Nope!” I make sure to pop the P and smile when I hear him chuckle.
I get on my Harley and drive home in record time.
When I get there, the house is quiet. Makayla’s car is gone, and all the lights are off. I guess the good news will have to
wait. When I get inside, I find a note on the kitchen table.
I pull out my phone and frown at the time. It’s nearly eight, and she never cooks this late. Instead of texting, I call.
“Hey, babe!” Makayla answers, yelling over the noise in the background.
“Where are you?” I hear some shuffling, and then the background noise lessens.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t hear you.” Yeah, no shit.
“I asked where you were. I just got home and found your note.” I flip the paper over and tap it impatiently.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I went to the store to grab some stuff, and you’ll never believe who I bumped into. Sasha! She’s here for the
week, and we started talking and ended up at this amazing bar. Come join us!” I can tell she’s drunk, and I really couldn’t think
of a worse way to spend my evening than at a bar being ignored by her and her old friend.
“No, it’s ok. I’ll grab a bite and go to bed. Have fun.” I hang up, not wanting to even hear her voice.
“Fuck,” she really is a selfish bitch.
Why am I still with her? I could have been out to dinner with Kooper right now. At least he pays attention to me. Hell, he
looks at me like he wants to eat me alive. When was the last time Makayla made me feel like that?
Shit.
I need to come to terms with that. Kooper turned me on today. I can’t act like it didn’t happen. Moreover, I don’t want to. I
stop myself from calling him and cashing in my raincheck because as horny as he made me feel, I might do something we both
regret. Well, I might. I highly doubt Kooper would.
I walk into the bedroom and strip out of my clothes. I pop into the bathroom to fill the tube and return, sitting on my side of
the bed. I need to relax and dispel this tension. I open my side table and take out Mr. Buzz.
I lay back and turn the vibrator on full blast. I close my eyes and bite my lip as I touch it to my clit. Kooper’s face pops into
my mind. The way he moves around in those tight jeans. His smirk and the dark look in his green eyes when I know he’s
thinking dirty thoughts.
“Oh God,” I moan and grip the sheets, bumping into my phone, which I knock off the bed as I feel my orgasm grow.
What would it be like if Kooper was holding the vibrator to my clit?
“Yes, Kooper, fuck right there.” I groan out the orgasm that has me folding damn near in half.
“Fuck,” I sigh when I can finally feel my toes.
I turn off the vibrator and drop it on the bed. When I remember I started the water, I rush into the bathroom and carefully set
it into the hot water to soak.
I couldn’t tell you the last time I came so hard, but I can say it was never that intense, and it sure as hell wasn’t from
Makayla.
“Damn.”
When I’m done with my bath, I clean up and pick up my phone off the floor. I see a missed call from Kooper and frown.
When I unlock the screen, I gasp.
“OH GOD NO.”
I’d called him when I knocked the phone down.
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
— Minä hölmö pistäydyin myös hänen luokseen, ainoastaan
hetkiseksi, silloin kun menin Mitjan luo, sillä hänkin on sairastunut,
minun entinen herrani, — alkoi taas Grušenjka hätäisesti ja
kiirehtien, — nauran ja kerron tätä Mitjalle: ajattelehan, sanon,
puolalaiseni sai päähänsä laulaa minulle kitaran säestyksellä entisiä
lauluja, luulee minun heltyvän ja menevän hänelle vaimoksi. Mutta
Mitjapa ponnahtaa heti pystyyn ja alkaa sadatella… Ei, nyt minä
lähetän puolalaisherroille piirakoita! Fenja, tytönkö he ovat tänne
lähettäneet? Tässä on, anna tytölle kolme ruplaa ja kääri heille
paperiin kymmenkunta piirakkaa sekä käske viemään, mutta sinä,
Aljoša, kerro välttämättömästi Mitjalle, että minä lähetin heille
piirakoita.
— Ettäkö käy luona? Käykö hän siis Mitjan luona? Mitja itse sanoi
minulle, että Ivan ei ole käynyt kertaakaan.
— Aivan niin hän sanoi: älä puhu. Sinua hän etupäässä pelkääkin,
Mitja nimittäin. Sillä tässä on salaisuus, hän itse sanoi, että on
salaisuus… Aljoša, ystäväni, käy ja ota selville: mikä ihmeen
salaisuus heillä on, ja tule sitten sanomaan minulle, — heittäytyi
Grušenjka äkkiä pyytelemään, — päätä sinä minun onnettoman asia,
jotta tietäisin kirotun kohtaloni! Tämän vuoksi olen sinut kutsunutkin.
2.
Kipeä jalka
Ensimmäinen näistä asioista oli rouva Hohlakovin taloon, ja hän
kiiruhti sinne saadakseen siellä toimitetuksi asiansa mahdollisimman
pian ja ennättääkseen ajoissa Mitjan luo. Rouva Hohlakov oli jo
kolme viikkoa sairastellut: jostakin syystä oli hänen jalkansa
turvonnut, ja vaikka hän ei maannut vuoteessa, niin hän kuitenkin
päivällä loikoili budoaarinsa leposohvalla viehättävässä, mutta
säädyllisessä yöpuvussa. Aljoša huomautti kerran itsekseen
viattomasti naurahtaen, että rouva Hohlakov oli sairaudestaan
huolimatta alkanut miltei koreilla: hänelle oli ilmestynyt uusia
pääkoristeita, nauhoja, avokaulaisia paitoja, ja Aljoša oivalsi, miksi
asiat olivat niin, vaikka hän karkoittikin nuo ajatukset tyhjänpäiväisinä
mielestään. Viimeisten kahden kuukauden aikana oli rouva
Hohlakovin luona alkanut käydä muiden vieraiden mukana nuori
mies Perhotin. Aljoša ei ollut käynyt talossa neljään päivään, ja
sisälle tultuaan hän koetti kiiruhtaa suoraan Lisen luo, sillä tällä oli
hänelle asiaa, koska Lise oli jo eilen lähettänyt hänen luokseen tytön
tuomaan vakavan pyynnön, että hän saapuisi heti »erään hyvin
tärkeän asian vuoksi», mikä oli erinäisistä syistä herättänyt
mielenkiintoa Aljošassa. Mutta sillä välin kuin tyttö oli ilmoittamassa
Liselle hänen tulostaan, oli rouva Hohlakov jo ennättänyt joltakulta
kuulla hänen tulleen sekä heti lähettänyt pyytämään häntä luokseen
»vain hetkiseksi». Aljoša arveli, että oli paras täyttää ensin äidin
pyyntö, sillä muuten tämä lähettäisi vähän väliä sanan Liselle hänen
istuessaan tämän luona. Rouva Hohlakov loikoi sohvalla erikoisen
komeassa juhla-asussa ja oli ilmeisesti tavattoman hermostunut.
Aljošan hän otti vastaan riemuhuudoin.
— Kenen luona?
— No, minäpä ilmaisen sen teille ja, ei auta, minä kadun, sillä
tässä on eräs piirre, johon minä kenties itse olen syypää. Vain
pienen pieni piirre, aivan pikkuinen, niin että sitä kukaties ei
ensinkään olekaan. Katsokaahan, ystäväni (rouva Hohlakov tuli
äkkiä leikkisän näköiseksi, ja hänen huulillaan väikkyi herttainen,
vaikkakin salaperäinen hymy), katsokaahan, minä epäilen… suokaa
minulle anteeksi, Aljoša, minä puhun teille kuin äiti… oi, ei, ei,
päinvastoin, puhun teille nyt kuin omalle isälleni… sillä äiti ei tässä
ole ensinkään asianmukaista… No, sama se, puhun niinkuin tekisin
tunnustuksen luostarinvanhin Zosimalle, ja tämä on kaikkein
oikeimmin sanottu, tämä on hyvin asian laadun mukaista: minä
sanoinkin teitä äsken munkiksi, — no niin, tuo nuori miesparka,
ystävänne Rakitin (oi, hyvä Jumala, minä suorastaan en voi olla
vihainen hänelle! Minä suutun ja olen äkäinen, mutta en kovin
paljon), sanalla sanoen tämä kevytmielinen nuori mies näyttää
saavan äkkiä päähänsä, ajatelkaahan, rakastua minuun. Minä
huomasin sen vasta myöhemmin, myöhemmin yhtäkkiä, mutta
alussa, noin kuukausi sitten, hän alkoi käydä luonani useammin,
melkein joka päivä, vaikka olimme tuttuja jo sitä ennen. Minä en
tiedä mitään… mutta yhtäkkiä asia ikäänkuin valkeni minulle ja minä
olen jo kaksi kuukautta sitten alkanut vastaanottaa tuota
vaatimatonta, herttaista ja kunnollista nuorta miestä, Pjotr Iljitš
Perhotinia, joka on virassa täällä. Olette monta kertaa itse tavannut
hänet. Ja eikö totta, hän on kelpo mies, hyvin vakava. Hän käy joka
kolmas päivä (vaikka saisi kernaasti käydä joka päivä), ja hän on
aina niin hyvin puettu, ja yleensä minä pidän nuorisosta, Aljoša,
lahjakkaasta, vaatimattomasta, semmoisesta kuin te, mutta hänellä
on melkein valtiomiehen äly, hän puhelee niin miellyttävästi, ja minä
pyydän ehdottomasti, ehdottomasti esimiehiä suosimaan häntä. Hän
on tuleva diplomaatti. Hän miltei pelasti minut kuolemasta tuona
kauheana päivänä tulemalla luokseni yöllä. No, mutta teidän
ystävänne Rakitin tuli aina semmoisissa saappaissa ja ojentaa ne
matolle… sanalla sanoen hän alkoi minulle jotakin vihjaillakin, ja
kerran hän pois lähtiessään yhtäkkiä puristi kauhean kovasti kättäni.
Heti kun hän oli puristanut kättäni, tuli jalkani äkkiä kipeäksi. Hän oli
ennenkin kohdannut luonani Pjotr Iljitšin ja, uskotteko, pistelee aina
häntä, aina pistelee, suorastaan murisee hänelle jostakin. Minä vain
katson heitä kumpaakin, kun he joutuvat yhteen, ja nauran
sydämessäni. Istun kerran yksinäni, taikka ei, minä lojuin jo silloin,
loikoilen kerran yksinäni, Mihail Ivanovitš saapuu ja, ajatelkaahan,
tuo minulle runojaan, aivan pieniä, minun kipeän jalkani johdosta,
hän näet kuvaili runossa kipeätä jalkaani. Odottakaahan, kuinka se
olikaan:
— Hän sai affektin. Kun Dmitri Fjodorovitš iski häntä päähän, niin
hän tointui ja sai affektin, meni ja tappoi. Että hän itse sanoo, ettei
hän tappanut, niin sitä hän kenties ei muistakaan. Mutta näettekö; on
parempi, paljon parempi, jos Dmitri Fjodorovitš tappoi. Ja niinhän se
olikin, vaikka minä sanon, että Grigori, mutta se on varmasti Dmitri
Fjodorovitš, ja se on paljon, paljon parempi! Ah, ei sen vuoksi
parempi, että poika tappoi isänsä, sitä minä en kiitä, lasten on
päinvastoin kunnioitettava vanhempiaan, mutta kuitenkin on
parempi, että se on hän, koska teillä silloin ei ole mitään syytä itkeä,
sillä hän tappoi itse tietämättään eli paremmin sanoen tietäen
kaiken, mutta tietämättä, mikä hänelle oli tullut. Ei, antakoot he
hänelle anteeksi; se on niin humaania, ja jotta nähtäisiin uuden
oikeusjärjestyksen hyvä vaikutus, mutta minä en tietänytkään, mutta
sanotaan, että siitä on jo kauan, ja kun minä eilen sain tietää, niin se
hämmästytti minua niin, että mieleni teki heti lähettää hakemaan
teitä; ja sitten, jos hänelle annetaan anteeksi, niin suoraan
oikeudesta minun luokseni päivälliselle, minä kutsun tuttuja, ja me
juomme uuden oikeusjärjestyksen maljan. Minä en luule, että hän on
vaarallinen, sitäpaitsi minä kutsun hyvin paljon vieraita, niin että
hänet aina voi toimittaa ulos, jos hän tekee jotakin, ja sitten hän voi
olla jossakin toisessa kaupungissa rauhantuomarina tai jonakin, sillä
ne, jotka itse ovat kokeneet onnettomuuden, tuomitsevat kaikkein
parhaiten. Mutta pääasia on, että kukapa nyt ei olisi affektin vallassa,
te, minä, kaikki ovat affektissa, ja miten paljon onkaan esimerkkejä;
mies istuu, laulaa romanssia, yhtäkkiä jokin ei häntä miellytä, otti
pistolin ja tappoi kenet sattui, ja sitten kaikki antavat hänelle
anteeksi. Minä olen sen äskettäin lukenut, ja kaikki tohtorit
vakuuttivat todeksi. Tohtorit nykysin vakuuttavat, kaikkea
vakuuttavat. Hyväinen aika, minun Liseni on affektin vallassa, eilen
viimeksi itkin hänen tähtensä, toissa päivänä itkin ja tänään
hoksasin, että hän yksinkertaisesti on saanut affektin. Oh, Lise
tuottaa minulle hirveästi harmia! Minä luulen, että hän on kokonaan
kadottanut järkensä. Miksi hän kutsui teitä? Kutsuiko hän teitä, vai
tulitteko te itse hänen luokseen?