Romans & histoires Joe Locke X

*** Joe walked solemnly to where Jared King was amidst the company of some scantily dressed women. His boss might be paralyzed but even a disabled man lusted for the finer things of life. Jared relished in the company of other women. “Boss.” He called. The seriousness behind Joe’s tone alerted him. “Go and grab some champagne.” Jared told them, slabbing one of the women’s derriere, making them all squeal like banshees in excitement. “A call came in from the Locks State Prison.” Joe delivered. “Pete Briggs has escaped from the facility for a couple of weeks now.”

Because deep down, beneath all the fear and denial, I knew the truth… this wasn’t something I could walk away from, this wasn’t something I could outrun. Because what I had spent years trying to protect, what I had spent four years hiding had just been seen. And Nathan Lockwood… Was not a man who let things go.

We must take control and prevent further damage. I observed Locke staring at me for a prolonged time, and his determination seemed to be inconsistent for the first time. His voice sounded like the beginning of something inside him was breaking. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice barely above a low-pitched tone. "I should have given you some protection.” He didn’t respond quickly enough. “Locke," I whisper, my voice piercing the tension, "You've already taken care of everything." You're still doing it. I won’t leave you to deal with this burden.'

Locke. “I understand Leo. I do. Can I please ask for a moment??? Ladies, please leave us.”, Mr. Locke said to the ladies whom I forgot were in the room. Upon hearing his words, three women hurried out. I heard Mr. Locke again: “Young man, I completely understand, and I apologize for any intrusion. I know you do not know me nor trust me”, he said furrowing his brow. “However, I am afraid I have not been completely honest with you.”

He soon reached the entrance to Joe's cabin and when he did, he didn't stop to knock at the door, instead he crashed into it with such force that the door burst open and he flew inside. "What was that??? "he heard the sound of Joe's voice from their bedroom. " Stay in here and lock the door as soon as I leave,"he instructed Emma. "No Joe, please don't go", Emma cried out. "Emma listen, you have to lock the door. You have to protect Junior". It took a while for Xander to get all of him inside and when he did, Joe had opened a small part of his door. "Holy Mowly", Joe spoke after seeing the room buzzing with bats, got on all fours then crawled to the back of the couch.

“Diana! How do you feel about your father’s sentence?” “Do you regret turning him in?” “What message do you have for the Lockwood family?” Xander’s security cleared a path. But I stopped. Turned to face the cameras. “Justice has been served. Arthur Lockwood was a good man who was murdered by someone he trusted. I’m glad his family finally has answers. Finally has closure.” “What about your father?” “Alistair Pembroke made his choices. Now he’s facing the consequences. That’s all I have to say.”

Out stepped the Locke family, looking as if they had just won the lottery. Ron and Ellen Locke were dressed in their most expensive attire, their faces beaming with an insufferable smugness. Behind them came Kevin and Laureen. Kevin was preening, his chest puffed out, while Laureen looked like she was already planning her coronation as Wisteria’s queen. "Can you believe it, Kevin?" Laureen chirped, her voice gratingly loud in the quiet hallway. "After that little stunt yesterday, Lionel Mack actually came crawling back. He realized he couldn't survive without the Rogers' support."

“Joe, don’t keep secrets from me.” Joe took a deep breath. “I just want to make sure you’re strong enough to hear it, sir. Because whatever I’m going to show you later… will change everything.” Leon fell silent, staring at Joe with suspicion mixed with curiosity. “Alright,” he said finally. “I’ll wait.” Joe bowed respectfully. “Thank you, sir.” As he stepped out of the room, Joe took out his phone again. He opened the recording and stared at the screen for a few seconds before locking the phone and placing it securely inside the small safe he always carried.

"You think Big Joe’s trying to play matchmaker again? Wouldn’t put it past him. He’s been rooting for you and Nathan like a cheesy rom-com director." I groaned under my breath. My gaze flicked toward Nathan. He caught it and raised his glass with a subtle wink. "Alright, alright," Big Joe cut in, leaning forward with a grin. "Let’s not scare Elora off with all this matchmaking talk. Let the drinks speak first." Big Joe was well, as big as he could be. He is broad-shouldered and burly with tattoos peeking from his rolled-up sleeves. He has buzz-cut hair, thick brows, and piercing dark eyes. He was wearing his usual dark shirts and jeans.

"Old Char? You here? Where is he… Hey, your wine barrel's being out of control!" "My god, it's Locke… " expressed Tom as he at long last perceived Norton Lorist without his coat. Trust couldn't avoid any longer and stood straight up. "Hello, Locke. It's been a long while now, about… a large portion of a year? We thought something happened to you. Did you bring back some star-spotted deerskins that I needed?" Pointing towards the monster skins on the floor, Lorist said "I got three of them wrapped up inside. Go look at it yourself."