Chapter Ninety Three

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“This really isn’t necessary,” Junior growled at the nurse, who looked like she was either ready to cry, run or both.

“I can fucking walk.” He snapped, glaring at the offending wheel chair she had pushed in the room, along with her cheery ‘good morning’.

Junior, who had been poked and prodded all night long hadn’t gotten any sleep and needless to say wasn’t in the best of moods. He’d quickly told the old nurse where she could stick her ‘good morning’.

“Honey, its procedure.” Dakota said calmly, trying not to let his foul mood get to her. She had stayed with him during the night, and had seen him lash out at the doctors and nurses on more than one occasion.

He was being released, and although he was more than ready to leave, he still had a major headache, he was tired, sore, pissed off due to the fact that he had to miss two or more races and wanting answers that no one was able to give him.

“Fine.” He snapped, rubbing his head which was really beginning to pound. “Just get me the hell out of here.”

***

Junior sat up straighter in his seat when they pulled up to his house. A slight grin touched his lips for the first time all day when he saw Brett and IreLyn waiting outside the house for them. What was really making him smile was the case of Budweiser Brett was holding up in his hands.

“Now this is what I call a homecoming!” Junior quipped as Dakota laughed and rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, well I called a head and warned them you were in a shitty mood, and Brett said he knew the perfect solution for your attitude.” She laughed. “I should have guessed.”

“He knows me too well.” Dale nodded as he climbed out of the car, only to immediately be pulled into a tight hug by IreLyn.

“I’m so glad your home.” She said softly, pulling back and stepping next to Dakota.

“Me too.” Junior agreed whole heartedly.

“I bet everyone at the hospital is too.” Dakota mumbled under her breath, grinning innocently when Junior shot her a dirty look.

“Give them a hard time did ya?” Brett asked as he stepped up to his friend.

“I was a perfect patient, I don’t know what she’s talking about.” Junior responded.

“Uh huh, sure.” Brett laughed, obviously not buying it.

“Well, I don’t know why we’re standing around talking in the driveway.” Junior exclaimed, grabbing the Budweiser out of Brett’s hand. He silently thanked his lucky stars that he didn’t have to take any kind of pain medication, otherwise he’d be sitting around watching everyone else drink his beer…then he really wouldn’t have been happy.

“We have a shit load of beer, and it needs to get drank…and luckily I feel like drinking!” he stated as he moved towards his front door. He paused and turned around when he heard another vehicle pulling up the drive.

“It’s Uncle Tony.” Junior stepped over to the car his smile disappearing the instant his uncle and cousin stepped out of the car. The identical looks on both their faces told Junior they had answers, but it wasn’t what he was gonna want to hear.

“We need to talk.” Tony Sr. said, having never been one to beat around the bush. He looked at the concerned expressions on Dakota, IreLyn and Brett’s faces before turning back to his nephew. “In private.”

Junior nodded and led the other two men over to his garage. Dakota looked over at IreLyn and Brett, seeing her own confusion and concern mirrored on their faces.

“Well, they could be awhile, so why don’t we go in and crack open the beer?” Dakota suggested, forcing a smile for her friends benefit.

***

They all three jumped when the front door slammed over an hour later. They could all feel the tension immediately as Junior entered the house.

Before they could move from their seats down in the club, where they were trying to relax and wait for Dale, he came storming down the stairs. The look in his face and the pure fury in his eyes was enough to have them all a little fearful.

Not saying a word, Junior went over to his cooler, grabbed a beer and swallowed half of it in one gulp before turning towards his friends who were all watching him apprehensively. He took a deep breath, trying like hell to calm himself down, but it was useless.

“It wasn’t an accident.” He finally spoke, his voice quivering with anger.

“What?” IreLyn was the first who found her voice.

“The wreck…it wasn’t an accident.” He repeated, his hand tightening around his beer bottle. “Someone sabotaged my fucking car!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Ninety Four

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone sat in stunned silence, their mouths hanging agape with surprise. "There’s no doubt about it." Dale confirmed after several minutes and seeing the disbelief on the faces of Dakota, Brett, and IreLyn.

"But who would…?" Dakota asked, the bewilderment clearly head in her voice. She couldn’t possibly think of anyone who would purposely want to hurt Junior. She glanced over at Lyn and saw that she was just as baffled.

"I’ve been asking myself the same thing over and over and I honestly do not know anyone that…hates me that much." Dale tried to answer Dakota’s question, but with not knowing the answers himself, it was difficult.

Brett stood back, wondering if he should put voice to what was on his mind. He could certainly think of one person who might want to hurt Junior maybe just enough to put him out of action for the remainder of the season.

"Uh…what about Kerry?" Brett asked before he was even aware of doing so. He immediately regretted letting it slip when Junior spun around and gave him such a deadly glare that for a few seconds, he was actually afraid for his life.

"Kerry and I may always be in competition, and hell, yeah he may even be a little bit jealous, but he is my brother and he would never, ever do something like that. I can guarantee you that he would not even think about it. Don’t you ever accuse him of something like that." Dale growled angrily, unable to believe that Brett would even suggest such a thing.

Brett held his hands up in defense as he took several steps back. "Junior, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything…" Brett trailed off, not really knowing what to say. He silently sighed with relief when he saw Dale relax.

Dale sighed as re ran his fingers through his hair. "It’s okay..I know you’re just trying to help. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to go off on you like that and I understand where you are coming from. But Kerry would never do anything like that."

"Sorry." Brett said quietly before he looked over at IreLyn, sending her a silent message.

IreLyn cleared her throat as she picked up his unspoken message. "Uh…well, I guess we’re going to head back to the apartment for the night. We’ll catch ya in the morning." She said to Dale and Dakota as she followed Brett toward the door.

"You okay?" IreLyn asked Brett as she wrapped her arm around his waist once they were outside and walking back to the apartment. She could tell that Brett was a little bit hurt by Dale’s outburst, although he was trying his damnedest to hide it.

:I’m sorry it happened." IreLyn added when Brett didn’t say anything.

"I didn’t mean to say it…I’d been contemplating it, but I didn’t mean to voice it." Brett paused for a moment as he pulled IreLyn closer to him. He leaned over and placed a tender kiss on her forehead before they began walking again.

"But what is done is done…it’s over now." He said as he pushed the incident out of his mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Ninety Five

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Dakota tiredly opened her eyes, wanting nothing more than to just go back to sleep, but something had woken her. She couldn’t put her finger on what it was, but she felt deep down that something was wrong.

She turned her head to see if Dale had finally fallen asleep, who had been tossing and turning for hours. She sat up when she realized his side of the bed was empty. She looked around his room, but instantly knew he wasn’t there.

Pushing back the covers, she stood up and made her way out of the room. She didn’t find him anywhere in the house, and was about to go back to the bedroom when she noticed the back door open. She walked over and looked out the screen door, sighing when she saw him sitting in the lounge chair by the pool, deep in thought.

She glanced at the clock and saw it was only a little past three in the morning, chewing on her lower lip as she wondered how long he’d been sitting out there.

She pushed the door open and made her way over to the chair, standing beside him for a moment. After a few moments of silence she finally spoke.

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked softly.

After Brett and IreLyn had left, Dale had decided to just go to bed, saying his head was hurting and he was tired, but sleep had been a long time coming, if it came at all.

Dale sighed as he ran a hand over his face. He knew she was giving him the option to talk about it, yet if he didn’t want too, she would leave him alone. The only problem was he didn’t know what he wanted. He was so damn confused at the moment.

When he didn’t answer, Dakota took that as a negative answer. She put her hand on his shoulder, letting him know that when he was ready, she would be there.

“I’m going back to bed.” She told him, leaning down to kiss the top of his head before she turned back towards the house. Dale reached up and grabbed her hand, halting her movements.

“Don’t leave.” He said, his voice gruff. Tugging on her hand, he pulled her around to the front of the chair, the reached out and sat her down on his lap, suddenly feeling a hell of a lot better, just by having her in his arms.

Dakota snuggled closer to him, but stayed quiet, knowing not to push. She jumped slightly when Dale finally spoke up, his voice startling her.

“I hurt Brett tonight.” He said, his voice dull, but the pain in his eyes easily gave away his true emotions.

Dakota studied his face, seeing the muscle in his jaw jump every so often. “Honey, I’m sure he understands.” She tried to comfort him. She too had seen the hurt on Brett’s face before he left, and her own heart had gone out to him.

“I shouldn’t have snapped at him like that. He was only voicing his opinion.” Dale shook his head.

“And you apologized. You’re under so much stress right now, and Brett knows you didn’t mean it.”

Dale turned slightly and allowed his eyes to connect with Dakota’s, needing an answer to his next question, and knowing he would get it…from her eyes.

“Do you think Kerry could have…” he trailed off, not able to say the words out loud.

Dakota quickly dropped her gaze, trying to think of how to answer this. She honestly didn’t want to believe that Kerry would be capable of something like this, but the again, the thought had crossed her mind in light of everything that had happened between brothers lately.

She looked back up and took a deep breath. “Honestly, I don’t know. I certainly hope not, and I feel bad for even thinking for an instant that Kerry could do that to you, but…” she trailed off when Dale nodded.

“I know.” Was all he said.

“I need to talk to Brett.” Dale said. “Apologize again, or something.”

Dakota nodded, knowing that it was something Dale felt he needed to do. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate it, although I know he’s already forgiven you.” She smiled.

“Yeah, but still. Maybe I’ll take him to lunch or something.” Dale suggested. Dakota smiled softly, knowing that Brett wouldn’t think it was necessary, but it would also make Dale feel better. And it just might do the guys some good to have some alone time.

“I think that’s a great idea.” She agreed.

“Good, I’ll call him.” Dale grinned as he moved to stand up, stopping when Dakota placed her hand on his chest, laughing softly.

“Um, honey, don’t you think you should wait a little while? It’s not even four in the morning.” She asked.

“Good idea. Would hate to start off my apology by pissing him off more.” Dale laughed. He then leaned forward and caught Dakota’s lips in a soft kiss. “Thank you.”

“Anytime, Mr. Earnhardt, you know that.” She smiled then stood up and looked down at him. “Come on, let’s go back to bed.”

Dale sighed. “I’m really not tired, Kody.” He mumbled.

“Good.” His head jerked up at the seductive tone, and the look in her eyes told him exactly what she had planned. “Neither am I.” She grinned suggestively at him as she disappeared in the house.

Dale was up and out of his seat and back in the house in a half a heart beat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Ninety Six

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“What time do you get off tonight?” Brett asked as IreLyn got ready for work. He walked up behind her, kissing the back of her bare neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Mmm…” IreLyn moaned softly as she leaned back against Brett’s body. “Seven, but if you keep this up, I may not even get out of here.”

“Don’t tempt me, Lyn.” Brett whispered gruffly against her skin, his hands roaming knowingly over her body.

IreLyn smiled seductively as she turned around in Brett’s arms and gazed up at him. “It is tempting.” She told him as she laced her fingers through his hair and drew his head down to hers until his mouth barely brushed hers. When Brett tried to claim her lips fully, she held him off.

“But…”Lyn trailed off as she stood up on her toes and kissed him completely, stopping only when they were both breathless. “I have to get going.”

Brett shook his head, a grin of disbelief on his face. “That was cruel, Lyn.”

“I’m sorry” Lyn paused as she pulled him close and kissed him again. She nearly moaned out loud when she felt his desire tightened body fully against hers. She was beginning to really think that her teasing had backfired on her. “Apology accepted?”

“Of course.” Brett smiled as he stared down into her beautiful green eyes. “And although the rest of the day will be torture, it’ll make tonight all the more better.”

IreLyn gasped at the thought of his words and at the smoky look in his eyes. She groaned inwardly…this was going to be a long day.

“Where are you and Dale going?” IreLyn asked in an effort to change the subject. She was relieved when Dale had called earlier that morning to talk to Brett. They ended up making plans for lunch.

“There’s a new Sports Bar and Grill not too far from here. We’re going to check that out.” He told IreLyn as he walked over to his bag and pulled out his last clean pair of jeans. “Good thing it’s laundry day today.” He mumbled to himself.

“Yeah, that reminds me…make sure all of your dirty clothes are in your bag. I’ll drop ours off with Kody before I go to work.”

Brett grinned as he pulled the zipper shut on his bag and tossed it at IreLyn. “It’s all in there, though I do feel a little weird about Kody washing my underwear.”

IreLyn snorted as she tossed the bag back at him. “Take them out then and wash them yourself.” She stated as she walked over to the door and grabbed the car keys from the hook where they hung. “I have to get going.”

Brett smiled softly as he walked over to her and set his bag down on the floor at her feet. His eyes locking with hers, he pulled her close before lowering his lips to hers in a tender kiss.

“Have a good day, baby. I’ll see you tonight.”

“You got it. Have a great day yourself.” IreLyn replied and kissed him once more before picking up his bag and hers and heading out the door.

*****

“Hey Kody, here’s the laundry.” IreLyn greeted Dakota when she stopped by quickly to drop the bags off.

“I really don’t understand what you hate about doing laundry.” Dakota commented as she took the bags from Lyn’s hands. She smiled when IreLyn rolled her eyes heavenward.

“And I really don’t understand what you hate so much about cooking.”

“I guess that makes us even.” Dakota smiled when IreLyn nodded her head in agreement. “Okay, I’ll get at these after Dale leaves later. You can pick them up when you get home.”

“Okay, thanks Kody!” IreLyn said as she glanced at the clock on the wall behind Dakota. “I gotta run. Catch ya later!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Ninety Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“We’ll be back later.” Dale said as he walked in the bedroom where Dakota was getting the rest of the laundry together. She looked up and smiled at him.

“Have fun.” She replied, moaning softly when Dale leaned forward and captured her lips in a heart stopping kiss, which made her forget all about the pile of clothes in the floor at their feet.

Dale stepped back reluctantly and grinned. “I really gotta run. I’ll call ya later, okay?”

Dakota nodded. “That’s fine. Take your time, I’m just gonna get all the clothes watched and crash in front of the TV.”

“Nice lazy day.” Dale laughed when Dakota nodded vigorously, very much looking forward to doing nothing.

“Exactly!”

“Come on, man, I’m hungry!” Brett complained stepping in the doorway, smiling and waving to Dakota. “Hey, Kody. Thanks for doing my laundry.”

Dakota simply shrugged. “Not a problem. I know IreLyn doesn’t like doing it, and since I have mine and Dale’s to do anyway, I don’t mind doing yours and Lyn’s.

It suddenly hit Brett that he had gotten distracted by IreLyn and completely forgot about taking out his underwear before giving the bag over to Dakota.

“Shit, Kody, where’s my bag, I forgot to take something out.” Brett asked. She looked at him confused, and he grinned sheepishly. “I was gonna take out my, uh, personal things.”

Dale laughed when he saw his friend flushed with embarrassment. Dakota rolled her eyes.

“I’m not worried about that Brett, it’s not like I haven’t seen men’s underwear before.” She waved him off, then she grinned broadly. “They aren’t thongs are they?” she teased, her and Dale both laughing at the look on Brett’s face.

“Not hardly.” He mumbled.

“Then we’re fine. You two go, have fun and I’ll see you later.” She said before giving Dale a quick kiss, then walking out of the room to get the washer going so she could crash on the couch with Bud.

***

It was nearly six o’clock when Dale and Brett got back home. Dakota was just hanging up from talking to her parents when Dale walked through the door. Brett had gone back to the apartment to wait for IreLyn, who would be home in a little over an hour.

“Hey, baby.” He smiled as he walked towards her, pulling her into his arms. It never ceased to amaze him how much he missed her when ever they were apart, and no matter how much fun he’d had with Brett, he instantly felt ‘whole’ when he was in her presence.

“Hi. Did you have fun?” she asked, seeing clearly that he did. She knew instantly that everything was back to normal between Dale and Brett, and was relieved to see Dale much more relaxed than he had been earlier that morning.

“Yes we did.” Dale smiled. “I’m gonna take a quick shower, I smell like bar.”

Dakota agreed, wrinkling her nose. “Yes you do! You stink, Earnhardt!” she laughed as he started towards the bedroom. “Oh, your favorite wind pants are on the dryer. I figured you’d want them tonight.”

Dale nodded, turning towards the laundry room. “Thanks.”

Dakota sat back down on the couch, picking up Bud, who was sleeping on the couch, and placed him in her lap, petting him lovingly. She looked up when Dale came back in the room, frowning at the look on his face.

“Dale?” she asked, seeing that he was trembling slightly, his face void of any color. She then noticed the he was holding something in his hands. She moved Bud back on the couch and stood up. “Honey?” she asked again when he didn’t stay anything.

“What is this?” he asked, his voice shaking as he held out his hand. She realized what it was.

“Oh that? I found it when I was doing laundry.” She replied, confused by his sudden odd behavior.

“Where did you find it?” he growled, causing Dakota to take a slight step back at the venom in his voice. Her eyes went wide and she swallowed hard, having never had him speak to her in that tone of voice before.

“It fell out of Brett’s bag. Figured it was something he needed, so I set it out to remember to give it to him. Why?” she asked, knowing what ever it was it wasn’t good.

Dale looked down at the zip lock bag in his hands, not even noticing the way his hands were trembling. He felt sick to his stomach, like he’d been punched.

“In Brett’s bag.” He repeated, hoping he’d heard wrong. No, praying to God he’d heard wrong. He closed his eyes when Dakota nodded.

“What’s going on, Dale? What is it?” she asked, stepping forward. She nearly gasped when Dale opened his eyes and looked at her. The pain that she saw there nearly broke her own heart.

“These screws,” he said as he held up the bag, his voice tight, barely controlled. He paused and took a deep breath. “The screws are from my car.”

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Chapter Ninety Eight

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“Dale, I swear I have no idea how those screws got into my bag. I’ve never seen them before in my life.” Brett told Dale for the second time in the past few seconds after Dale had confronted him about the screws. He was honestly telling the truth when he said that he didn’t know how they got into his bag and that he’d never seen them before.

“So you’re telling me that these screws just got legs and jumped from my steering wheel into your bag themselves?” Dale demanded, his voice thick and is face red with barely contained fury.

Brett ran his fingers through his hair as he met Dale’s eyes. He didn’t have the slightest clue what was going on. “No, I’m telling you that I don’t know how they got there. You have to believe me, Junior.” Brett nearly pleaded as he reached out and placed his hand on Dale’s shoulder. He was taken aback when Dale flinched away from him.

Before Dale could reply, IreLyn walked through the door, home from work. She closed the door behind her and walked into the living room, but stopped in her tracks when she saw Dale and Brett standing in the middle of the room. Dale looked very pissed hurt and Brett looked completely bewildered and a bit hurt himself.

“What’s going on?” IreLyn asked when neither Dale nor Brett realized her presence. She almost regretted the question when Dale spun around and gave her such a glare that it froze her heart for an instant.

Dale turned back to Brett and gave him a cold, hard stare for several moments before he abruptly spun on his heels and stalked out the door. IreLyn stared after him, a disbelieving look on her face.

“What was that all about?” IreLyn asked Brett as she walked over to where he was now sitting. He had his head bent, his face buried in his hands. When he lifted his head at the sound of her voice, the look of complete devastation on his face and in his eyes broke her heart. Lyn immediately sat down beside him and wrapped her arms around him and held him until he was ready to speak.

“Dale thinks that I’m the one who rigged his car.” Brett stated after several minutes of silence. Just saying the words caused a huge shudder to wrack his body.

“What?” IreLyn questioned, her voice filled with shock. She couldn’t believe the words that she had just heard come out of Brett’s mouth. “Why?…How?”

Brett shrugged his shoulders, not even really knowing himself. “All I know is that Dakota apparently found some screws in my bag when she was doing the wash...screws that were missing from Dale’s car when he crashed.” He looked IreLyn in the eye when he heard her gasp.

“Lyn, I don’t know how they got there…I swear I don’t.” Brett told her, his eyes filled with sincerity.

IreLyn pulled Brett tighter against her, wishing she would take all the hurt away from him. She placed a tender kiss on his forehead before meeting his eyes again. "I believe you, Brett." She told him. And she meant it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Ninety Nine

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“Jesus Christ, Lyn, were you trying to break down the damn door?” Dakota demanded once she opened the door that had been steadily pounded on for the past couple minutes. Dakota sighed as she took a step back and motioned for IreLyn to come in, the look on her friend’s face telling her that she was anything but happy.

IreLyn stepped into the house then spun around to face Dakota. “What the hell is going on?” She yelled, unable to control her confusion, but most of all anger any longer. The look in Brett’s eyes was her undoing.

Dakota took another deep breath, knowing at least one of them needed to stay calm. “I honestly don’t know what to tell you, when I don’t completely understand it myself.” Dakota said wearily.

“I was doing laundry and a bag fell out of Brett’s bag. I didn’t really pay much attention, seeing they were screws, but just figured Brett was working on something at the apartment. I put them aside to remind myself to put them back in the bag when I was done with the clothes.” Dakota explained.

“Dale got home before all the clothes were dry, and went in there looking for some pants I told him were in there clean.” She pointed towards the laundry room. “The next thing I knew, he came out, holding the bag and madder than I think I’ve ever seen him. He demanded to know where I got the bag. I told him, and right before he stormed out of here, he said they were from his car.”

IreLyn shook her head, trying to piece it all together. “Where is he now?” she asked through clenched teeth.

Dakota shrugged helplessly. “I don’t honestly know. I haven’t seen him since he stormed out of here. I assumed he went over to DEI to talk with his uncle.”

“Yeah, well before he went there he stopped over and accused Brett.” IreLyn snapped.

“Oh god.” Dakota felt physically ill. “Is Brett okay?” she asked, knowing this had to just about kill him.

IreLyn looked a little surprised at Dakota’s question. “Why do you care?” she sneered, knowing she was being cruel, but at this point not really caring. All she cared about was how much Brett was hurting at the moment.

Dakota took a shocked step back from the tone and the anger. “What the hell kind of question is that?” she demanded, feeling her own patience starting to slip dangerously.

“Oh come of it, Kody. It’s plain as day. Dale thinks Brett sabotaged his car, and I just know that you are going to agree with him.” IreLyn retorted.

“Hold it right there.” Dakota snapped, stepping closer, looking her friend dead in the eyes. “First of all, I don’t think Brett did this, and deep down neither Dale. He’s angry, pissed, shocked and hurt right now, but once he calms down he’ll realize that Brett could never do anything like this to him.”

“Now, secondly, don’t you dare ever insinuate that I don’t care about Brett again, do you hear me?” Dakota shouted, her own eyes blazing by this point.

Her anger did nothing to help IreLyn’s. Instead it only added fuel to the fire. “Hurt? HURT?” IreLyn screeched. “Let’s talk about hurt. Brett is over in the apartment right now, in tears because of Dale. How’s that for hurt? If Dale really thinks Brett could have done this, then he’s nothing but self centered, two faced asshole, and I don’t want anything to do with him!”

Dakota’s eyes narrowed dangerously at IreLyn’s words. She may not agree with how Dale handled it with Brett, but she would be the first one to jump to Dale’s defense. “Shut up, before I shut you the hell up.” Dakota nearly growled, this time causing IreLyn to take a step back. She hadn’t meant the words about Dale when she said it, and knew it, but her anger had taken over. But even still…neither of them had ever threatened each other, in all the years they’d known each other.

“All you’re worried about is poor Brett.” Dakota spat, clearly not finished. “What about Dale? Think of how this looks from his perspective, Lyn! He finds the screws that are missing from his car, that was clearly tampered with, and where are they found, in Brett’s bag! How did they get there Lyn? Tell me that isn’t a little suspicious! If you stop to think about for just a second, you’ll see why Dale reacted the way he did!”

IreLyn crossed her arms over her chest, her own eyes challenging. “I thought you just said you didn’t think Brett did this. Certainly sounds like you think he’s guilty to me.”

Dakota threw her hands up in the air in frustration. “I didn’t say that!” she yelled. “All I’m saying is that’s how Dale looked at it, and I can see his point of view. But right now I can also be a little more open minded about it, more so that Dale can until he calms down. And once he does, he’ll realize what I do. That Brett couldn’t have done this! He wouldn’t?”

“He should have realized that from the beginning, if he was such a good friend.” IreLyn snapped back.

“I give up.” Dakota muttered before turning away, needing space right now. She could fully understand where IreLyn was coming from, but she was ready to defend Dale at any cost…from anyone, including IreLyn, who was feeling the exact same way about Brett.

IreLyn watched through narrowed eyes as Dakota started walking away, but her next words stopped her in her tracks. Later, IreLyn would regret ever even thinking this, much less saying it, but for now, she was blinded by anger.

“How do we even know you really found them in Brett’s bag?” IreLyn’s asked. Dakota spun around, her eyes wide with shock.

“W-what?” she stuttered, hoping she had heard her friend wrong.

“Oh, I think you heard me.”

It took Dakota a moment to find her voice and when she finally spoke, her voice was low and shaky. “How dare you. How dare you even for one second think that I would ever…”

IreLyn cut her off. “Now you know exactly how Brett feels.”

Dakota closed her eyes and shook her head. She realized that IreLyn had made her point, and made it well, but it had hurt…deeply. She did fully understand how Brett felt now, but she didn’t appreciate the way IreLyn went about it at all.

Opening her eyes she focused her gaze back on IreLyn. “Get out.” She whispered.

It was IreLyn’s turn to be stunned speechless. When she didn’t move, Dakota turned and stalked to the door, yanking it open, nearly pulling it off its hinges. “Get out!” she repeated more forcefully.

IreLyn swallowed hard. “Kody…” this time it was she who was cut off.

“I said get the fuck out!” Dakota snapped, completely ignoring the hurt that crossed IreLyn’s face. Feeling like her legs were noodles and hardly able to stand on them, IreLyn moved out the door. She jumped when the door slammed behind her, the instant she cleared the threshold.

With the door in between them, both girls leaned against it, dissolving into tears, both yearning to go to the other and beg forgiveness, but stubborn pride holding each of them back.

All their lives they had been inseparable, always believing nothing could tear them apart. Until now…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Logan slowly lowered the binoculars from his eyes and slumped back into his seat with a sigh. So far, their plan had gone entirely as they had predicted, all except for one thing. As much as he’d planned on this ripping everyone apart, particularly IreLyn and Brett, he hadn’t taken into account the amount of hurt that she might have to endure because of it…And that was never his intention.

He and Jean-Claude had been watching when first Dale stormed from his house to the apartment. They’d seen Dale leave when IreLyn arrived home later. They’d seen IreLyn go to Dale’s house to confront Dakota. And now he watched as she crumbled outside the door, tears streaming down her cheeks, her body trembling.

Logan nearly moaned out loud as they urge to hold her in his arms became almost more than he could handle. He would make things better for her…take away all the anguish that her heart contained…just as he had the first time.

“Shhh, don’t cry, Lyn.” Logan silently told her. “Soon you will know no more hurt…only blissful happiness.”

*****

It only took Brett to hear the sound of the door slamming shut behind her and a glimpse into her beautiful green eyes to know that things had not gone well between her and Dakota. He’d asked her to not go…to wait a little bit until her temper had cooled off, but his efforts had been in vain. The fire in her eyes told him that there was no stopping her. And while he loved her so much for sticking beside him, he hated the torment that he was seeing in her eyes right then.

Immediately rising to his feet, Brett rushed over to Lyn and pulled her into his arms. “I’m so sorry, Lyn. So sorry that you have to go through this.” Brett whispered against her cheek. He ran his fingers soothingly through her hair as she turned her head and began crying again, the sound of her sobs muffled by his chest. But his heart felt her pain.

After a few minutes, IreLyn lifted her head, her eyes locking with Brett’s. “Brett, you have nothing to be sorry for…You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“But you-“ Brett began to protest, but IreLyn cut him right off.

“Nothing!” She told him firmly, the tone of her voice and the look in her eyes, telling him that there was no room for argument. Whether anyone else believed him or not, she believed him.

*****

“So what are you going to do?” Dakota asked IreLyn almost a week later. In the days that had past, they’d all gone about their own business…Dakota and Dale not talking to Brett and IreLyn and vise versa, unless it was absolutely necessary. Brett and Lyn continued to stay in Dale’s apartment, but were making plans to leave very soon. Although no one had said as much, Brett and Lyn knew that they were no longer welcomed there.

It all came crashing down the night before when Dale had come over to talk to Brett while IreLyn was at work. Dale had told Brett that the evidence proved without a shadow of a doubt that he was responsible for what had happened. Dale also said that while he would not press any charges against Brett, he wanted Brett to leave his property and that he never, ever wanted to lay eyes on him again. All IreLyn found when she arrived back from work was a quickly scribbled note from Brett that told her how much he loved her. He also wrote that he was leaving and that she shouldn’t try to find him. IreLyn had to confront Dale to find out what had happened in the time that she’d been gone to make Brett take off so abruptly.

“I’m not staying here, if that’s what you’re asking.” IreLyn finally answered Dakota question as she pulled more of her clothes from the closet and shoved them into her bag.

Dakota sighed as she ran her fingers through her hair. God, she hated what was happening to their friendship. “Lyn, I don’t want this to come between us, but you have to understand why I am standing beside Dale.”

IreLyn stopped what she was doing and looked at Dakota. “Well, then you should understand why I am standing by Brett.”

“Lyn, the evidence proves that-“ Dakota was cut off before she could finish.

“Screw the evidence!” IreLyn yelled, having had enough of this crap…the fact that the man that she loved more than anything was hurting and now gone was more than she could bear. Brett was innocent, and while it didn’t look like he was, she knew that he was without a doubt.

“He was set up!” It was a conclusion that she and Brett had come to the day before he was ordered to leave. They also concluded that it had to be Jean-Claude and Logan that set him up…possibly with Kerry’s help.

“You know as well as I do that Brett would never do anything like that.” IreLyn added, her voice softer…almost pleading. “He considered Dale his best friend.” Tears fell from her eyes as she put the last of her clothes in her bag and closed it. She wiped them from her cheeks as she glanced up at the clock.

“I have to get going.” IreLyn said just before she picked up her bags. Then she turned and walked out the door, leaving Dakota staring after her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and One

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dakota walked slowly back over to the main part of the house, her heart breaking with each step she took. Brett was gone, IreLyn was gone, Dale…well he was still there, but only physically. He’d basically completely shut himself off from everyone. The only time he spoke was when it was to growl at someone, or bite their heads off.

She opened the front door and walked towards the back of the house, automatically knowing that Dale was out there by the pool. It was where he spent most of his time as of late when he was home, staring off into space.

Sure enough, he was out there and she walked around and sat in a chair next to him, her eyes never leaving his face. “It’s time we talked.” She said. His head snapped around and when she saw he was about to blow her off, she held up her hand.

“I don’t want to hear excuses of how now isn’t the right time, I’m tired of it.” She told him, her voice determined. “Ever since all this has started, I’ve stood by you, and pretty much kept my mouth shut as to what my feelings are about his. Well, no more.”

Dale jumped to his feet angry, his eyes blazing, but Dakota following him up, completely ignoring the Earnhardt glare she was getting and giving him one of her own.

“Sit down Dale!” she commanded as she pointed to the chair, surprised when he did just that, shock written clearly on his face. “You are hardly home anymore, and when you are, you mope around the house like you’ve lost your best friend.”

“Dakota…” Dale started warningly, but again she interrupted him.

“New flash, Dale; you aren’t the only one who’s lost their best friend in all this.” She snapped, her eyes filling with tears as she thought of IreLyn.

She spun away, turning her back to him as she took a few steps, the a couple deep breaths trying to regain control over her wayward emotions.

She turned back around to face him and asked softly. “Do you honestly believe that Brett did this?”

Dale looked away. “The crew…” once again he wasn’t given a chance to finish.

“I don’t really give a damn about the crew right now, nor did I ask what they think. I want to know what you think Dale. Just you.” She pleaded with him.

Dale put his head in his hands and shook his head. “I don’t know what to believe.” He whispered brokenly.

Dakota’s heart wrenched at the sight before her. Before she lost all her nerve she knelt down before him, placing her hands on his knees to brace herself. “If you think he did this, then why didn’t you have him arrested? If he did this, then he should be in jail right now, Dale. He tried to kill you…you can’t let him get away with this.”

Dale’s head jerked up as he looked at her in disbelief. “What?”

“You heard me.” She said, silently praying this didn’t backfire in her face and get Brett in even more trouble. “He can’t just be let off without any kind of punishment if he did this. He deserves…”

Dale stood up abruptly, staring down at her in horror. “I can’t believe you’re saying this.”

Dakota stood up and shook her head. “Well, I can’t believe you just let him leave like that. I mean, if it was anyone else who tampered with your car, hell with your life, they’d be in jail right now, am I right?”

Dale swallowed hard as he nodded reluctantly. “Then why not Brett?” Dakota demanded.

Dale suddenly reached out and grabbed both her arms, pulling her close so their faces were mere inches apart. “If I thought for one minute that Brett really did this, then his ass would be in jail.” He growled.

His grip on her loosened and his eyes went wide as his own words hit him, and he saw Dakota’s triumphant smile. Her smile, however then turned sad.

She reached up and laid her hand on his cheek, which he unconsciously leaned into her touch. “Then why? Why did you make him leave like that? Why didn’t you listen to him?” she asked gently.

Dale sighed deeply as he sat back down in his chair, talking about it out loud for the first time. “After I confronted Brett the first time, I was angry and went over to DEI. I wanted the guys to tell me I was wrong, that I was mistaken and they weren’t from the car. On my way over, I convinced myself that it was all coincidence and that Brett wasn’t behind it. I knew it deep down in my heart. The look in his eyes when I confronted him…you can’t fake that.”

“The guys confirmed that they were indeed the screws from the car. I knew it…but yet I also knew Brett didn’t do it.” He continued.

“How did you know that they were from the car?” Dakota asked quietly, sitting next to him, grateful that he was finally opening up to her…and himself.

“All the DEI cars are made at the headquarters…all with DEI parts. Every part is marked…specially I guess you could say.” He explained.

“The guys demanded to know where I got them. No wait…Uncle Tony demanded more than anyone. I…I told them. They all lost it and were ready to call the police right then and there. Instead we called Teresa, who was probably the only level headed person there at the time. She took me aside and asked me what I wanted to do. I told her I needed a couple days.”

“Each day they convinced me more and more. I mean hell, you even have to admit that it looks suspicious. But even knowing all the evidence, I still didn’t want to believe…couldn’t believe in my heart that Brett was behind it.”

“What changed?” she asked, putting her hand on his comfortingly.

“The other day Uncle Tony met with me. Although he didn’t want to believe that Brett could have done it either, he couldn’t just ignore evidence, and told me to open my eyes. He told he me was calling the police. Hell I tried everything. I even brought up Kerry.” Dale’s voice cracked as he rubbed his eyes.

“Can you believe it? I blamed my own brother, trying to take the blame off Brett!” Dakota bit her lip as a tear slipped down her cheek, not even able to imagine how hard that had to be.

“But it all came back to that damn evidence. So, eventually I had to agree with Uncle Tony that Brett did it. I was able to stop them from calling the police, but just barely.” He laughed humorously.

“How?”

“Tony and I argued over that for awhile.” He felt he didn’t need to mention not heated that argument was. “Eventually it came down to me pulling rank.”

Dakota grimaced, knowing Dale hated to throw his name around, but when it came down to it, Tony Eury Sr. might be the crew chief, but Dale was also part owner of DEI, which in the end put him over Tony.

“I told my crew that I would make Brett leave and if he ever showed his face around here, or any race track ever again, then they could have him arrested on the spot. I didn’t even want to do that, but the crew was so disappointed that I was allowing my emotions overcome rationality.”

He turned and looked at Dakota, his eyes pleading with her to understand. “I love Brett like a brother, and all this has made me sick. But I can’t loose my crew. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for them, and I won’t let them down. They are like family!”

Dakota nodded. “I understand. But now what? What about Brett?”

Dale sighed and stood up. “I don’t know. There’s still all the evidence against him…”

“You know, not to repeat what IreLyn said to me a little while ago, but ‘screw the evidence’.” Dakota walked over to him. “I will agree with you that it is suspicious, but you and I both know that Brett would never ever do this. But that leaves one question. Who on this earth would want to hurt you, ruin your career…and possibly your life, and have Brett take the fall for it?”

Dale shook his head, unable to really answer that. He wasn’t able to really think of anything other than the hurt Brett must be going through…the hell they were all going through. But to add to it, Brett had disappeared, leaving IreLyn behind…the one person who had stood strong beside him.

He felt horrible for the way he had treated Brett, and wouldn’t blame him if he never wanted to speak to him again. Suddenly it him. Dakota was right. Evidence or no evidence…Brett didn’t do this.

Dakota bit her lip as she finally voiced what had been going through her mind for the past couple days. “I think I have an idea.” She whispered, fully gaining Dale’s attention. “Jean-Claude and Logan.” She had no idea that Brett and IreLyn believed the same thing.

Dale opened his mouth to protest but shut it as he really thought about it. It made sense…kind of. But there was one part that bothered him.

“Fine, we’ll say they were behind it, but that doesn’t explain how they could have gotten into my car!” Suddenly he went completely pale and Dakota jumped forward, half afraid he was going to pass out in front of her.

“What? Dale what?” she demanded, scared by the look in his eyes.

“Kerry.” He croaked right before he nearly collapsed in Dakota’s arms, hanging on to her for all he was worth as tears poured from his eyes. For the firs time, he was truly facing the hard bitter truth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Two

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IreLyn felt an overwhelming sense of emptiness and sadness as the taxicab pulled up in front of her house in Colorado. Until then, she had almost convinced herself that everything that had happened in the last week was all a dream that she was having. On the airplane from North Carolina back to Colorado, she had herself believing that she was just going home for the weekend and when she went back to North Carolina on Sunday, not only would Brett be there, but also nothing was wrong between them, Dale, and Dakota.

She was cruelly snapped back to reality when she heard the voice of the cab driver telling her how much her fare was. IreLyn picked up her bag from the seat beside her as she handed him the money and then climbed out of the car. Sighing deeply, IreLyn began walking up the sidewalk that led to her house. She was surprised when she went to unlock the door, but found that it was already unlocked. She brushed it off; thinking that he parents must have checked up on the house earlier and had forgotten to lock the door again. Brett was the only other person who had a key and really doubted that he was there. She made a note to call them and let them know that she was home. They didn't anything about what had happened yet.

Stepping inside, IreLyn closed the door behind her and set her bags down before taking off her jacket and hanging it up. She walked across the room and sank down on the couch, tears immediately filling her eyes before she'd even completely sat down. She jumped a few minutes later when she felt a hand on her shoulder behind her. But she calmed when she instantly recognized that familiar touch.

“Brett,” IreLyn whispered, her voice choked. She sobbed, but with happiness as she jumped to her feet and ran around the couch and into his arms. After a long kiss, she looked at him, her eyes full of question.

“I had to see you…I knew you’d come here.” Brett answered before she could ask. He had to see her once more…kiss her lips, hear her voice, hold her in his arms once more before he could completely walk out of her life.

“You’ll stay here?” IreLyn asked, holding her breath as she waited for his response.

Brett looked away for a moment and IreLyn felt her heart sink. Before she could say anything, Brett spoke. “This is all over the TV, the radio, the newspapers…My reputation has been completely ruined. Just walking through the airport today was a complete nightmare…I had people threatening to kill me because of this. You don’t want to be around me right now, Lyn.”

“Brett,” IreLyn began as she reached up and caressed his cheek. “I don’t care about all of that…It’s not your fault that your name has been tainted. Whether anyone else wants to or not, I want to be with you, Brett. I Love yo-“ Before IreLyn could finish, she was abruptly cut off when his lips came down on hers in a burning kiss.

Much later as they lay in bed, Brett slept while IreLyn cuddled against him, her head resting on his chest. She was trying her hardest to stay awake because she knew if she fell asleep, when she woke up in the morning, Brett would be gone. Her efforts were weak though. After having only slept a few hours in the last couple days, and several hours of intense lovemaking, she was exhausted. As she listened to the lulling beat of his heart, her eyes drifted shut one final time.

When IreLyn next awakened, Brett was gone again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Three

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IreLyn ignored the tears that were streaming down her face as she went through the motions of cooking breakfast. She felt as if she was on autopilot. Her entire being was screaming for Brett, knowing that he was the only one that could make this horrible ache go away.

And knowing that he was all alone, dealing with all this shit by himself…she wanted desperately just to be there with him.

The next thing she was really aware of was sitting at the kitchen table with a full plate of food in front of her, waiting to be eaten. Wrinkling her nose when her stomach protested the thought of food, she quickly stood up and carried the plate over to the garbage can where she dumped it.

“What a waste.” She mumbled, speaking of more than just the food. Her head jerked up when she heard the doorbell. She all but threw the plate on the counter, not caring if it broke or not, as she raced towards the front door, her heart pounding, telling herself it was Brett on the other side.

With a huge smile of relief and love on her face, she yanked open the door, ready to throw herself into his waiting arms.

***

“Damn it!” Junior swore as he slammed down his cordless phone.

“Still no luck contacting Brett?” Dakota asked as she sat down next to him. He shook his head as he put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him, grateful to have her there with him.

“How in the hell am I supposed to apologize and beg forgiveness if I can’t talk to him?” Dale asked, running his hands through his hair in frustrated. He’d been trying to the better part of the day to track down Brett, but every time he thought he’d found him, it was another dead end.

“You’ll find him.” Dakota promised. Dale smiled warmly at her as he lowered his head to kiss her, but stopped when her cell phone rang.

She grinned sheepishly at him. “It’s probably Lyn. I called her earlier and left her a message, hoping maybe she’d heard from Brett.”

He nodded as she got up and walked across the room to retrieve her phone. Giving her privacy, he got up and walked into the kitchen to get a beer for himself and Dakota. Bud was sitting on the counter, knowing he wasn’t supposed to be there, but at the moment Dale just didn’t have the energy to yell at him.

He leaned against the counter and scratched Bud’s head. “Man, when I fuck things up, I really do it well.” He muttered to the cat who was relishing in the scratching he was getting behind his ears.

He turned and went back into the living room, pausing in his steps when he saw Dakota standing in the same spot, staring down at her phone, her face completely white and her entire body was trembling.

“Kody?” he asked as he moved towards her. She slowly raised her head and met his eyes. The lost, vulnerable look in her eyes scared him more than he was willing to admit.

“Baby, what is it?” he asked, reaching for her.

“I...she…” she paused taking a shaky breath as she tried to compose herself. “That was the police.” She said, her voice taking on a dull tone like she was going into shock.

“The police? Why are the police calling you?” Dale asked, growing more and more concerned and confused by the second.

“I guess she still has me as her contact. I…I have to call the airport. Gotta go. Colorado.” Dakota replied, talking more to herself than to Dale, none of it making any sense to either herself or Dale. Finally he couldn’t take it anymore and gently shook her to get her full attention.

“Dakota, honey, you’re freaking me out here. What the hell is going on?” he demanded. She blinked then focused on him, tears immediately springing to her eyes.

“It’s Lyn. She’s been attacked.” She choked out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Four

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

‘Rock Superstar Brett Scallions has been arrested on charges of assault against his former girlfriend, IreLyn Hunter of Estes Park. He was apprehended at Regional Airport in Nevada while in between flights. This comes directly on the heels of charges against him tampering with Nascar Winston Cup Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car. No charges were filed in that case.

We will bring you further details as they become available’

Dakota was fairly fuming as she leaned forward and switched off the radio. “What a load of shit.” She muttered, not believing what she’d just heard on the radio. Brett arrested and charged with IreLyn’s assault? And what the hell was that crap about Lyn being his former girlfriend?

“Will you be all right by yourself for a few days?” Dale asked, breaking Dakota out of her thoughts. They were driving on their way to the hospital where IreLyn had been taken. Other than that she’d been attacked earlier that morning, they had no word on her condition.

Dakota looked over at Dale and smiled, already knowing what he had in mind. It needed to be done and she was glad that he was going to do it. “Yes.” She answered softly as she took a hold of his hand that was resting on the shift stick and gave it a squeeze.

“But first let’s see about Lyn and then I want to make a statement to the press and to the public. I want to clear Brett’s name…at least for the incident with my car.” Dale said as he turned the rental car into one of the parking garages nearby the hospital.

“Good. It’s the right way to do things.” Dakota reassured him. “I’ll be right there at your side.”

“Thank you.” Dale said sincerely, giving her hand a squeeze in return.

*****

After talking briefly with IreLyn’s parents, who they’d ran into in the waiting room, Dale and Dakota made their way to IreLyn’s room where they were being allowed to visit for a few minutes.

IreLyn’s father had told them that the police found very convincible evidence at the house and on IreLyn herself that Brett was the one who had attacked her. Dale and Dakota both knew that Brett had again been set up once again.

They’d also been filled in a bit more on IreLyn’s condition. She had a cracked orbital bone that the doctor’s hoped would heal properly without surgery. She was badly bruised on her face and body and she had a serious concussion. She’d only awakened for a few moments earlier but had not remembered anything from the attack at the time. She was now being kept sedated.

Dale and Dakota stopped when the reached the door leading to IreLyn’s room. “I don’t know if I can do this…see her like this.” Dakota whispered as she looked up at Dale, her eyes glittering with tears.

“I know it’s hard, Kody. But Lyn needs you right now more than ever.” Dale reminded her as he put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to him.

Dakota sighed as she laid her head against his chest. “I don’t know…after the way we parted.” She was skeptical at best.

Dale sighed inwardly as he ran his hand over her hair in a soothing motion. He knew how Dakota felt. He and Brett hadn’t parted on the best terms of either. “Everything will be fine Kody. Just fine.” He told her…it was all that he could tell her.

“Now…let’s go in and see Lyn before I have to go bail that man of hers out of jail.” Dale stated with a small smirk as he opened the door. He felt a sense of relief when he saw Dakota smile as his attempt at humor. Taking hold of her hand, he led her inside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Five

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dale parked his rental car out side the police station in Nevada, where Brett was being held. He groaned out loud when he saw all the press surrounding the front of the building.

“Oh this was a smart move.” He muttered to himself. How in the hell was he going to get through the crowd of people and inside to post bail for Brett?

The only good thing about it was there was more than enough press around for when he held his press conference clearing Brett’s name of the incident at the track. But before he did that, he needed to get inside to talk to Brett. He could only begin to imagine the state Brett was in, knowing something happened to IreLyn.

“Here goes nothing.” He said to himself as he pushed the door to the car open and slipped on his dark gargoyle sunglasses. He tugged his had down lower, mentally patting himself on the back at his decision not to wear a Budweiser hat.

He pushed his way through the crowd, rather surprised when no one paid any kind of attention to him. They were too busy trying to get information out of the officers coming in and out of the building.

He breathed a sigh of relief as his hand touch the door leading into the station, but his relief was short lived when he heard someone scream behind him.

“OH MY GOD! IT’S DALE EARNHARDT JR.!”

He felt the crowd immediately move closer to him, but slipped in the doors without a backwards glance, just as they started shouting questions at him, and the flashes from the cameras started going off.

“Can I help you?” the officer behind the desk asked, his eyes going wide when he recognized the man standing before him.

“Yeah, I’m here to post bail for Brett Scallions, and I need to see him.” Dale replied.

The officer’s eyes darkened with anger. “Why in the hell would you want to post bail for that asshole? After that bastard tried to kill you?” he demanded.

Dale held himself in check…just barely. He leaned forward until their noses were mere inches apart. “I didn’t ask for, nor do I want your damn opinion!” Dale snapped. “Now either tell me what I need to do, or get me someone who knows how to keep their mouth shut to help me!”

Ten minutes later he stood up from the chair he’d been waiting impatiently in as they lead Brett out from the back. Dale thought he had himself prepared for how bad Brett would look, but he wasn’t. Brett looked as if he’d aged overnight, his appearance haggard. It was obvious to anyone that he hadn’t slept in possibly days, with the dark circles under his red rimmed eyes, his clothes were wrinkled, and his hair was a mess.

“Damn man, you really look like shit!” Dale exclaimed before he was able to stop himself. Brett’s head jerked up, his entire body going rigid when he saw Junior standing there. He hadn’t know who had posted his bail, automatically assuming it was one of his band members, but Junior was by far the last person he’d expected.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Brett asked through clenched teeth. He was torn. He was so glad to be out of jail he wanted to hug the man in front of him, yet at the same time he wanted to throttle him. But more importantly, he desperately needed to know something about IreLyn.

Before Dale could say anything Brett spoke again, his voice loosing all it’s anger, as his eyes pleaded with Dale to tell him the truth. “How’s IreLyn? Please, you have to tell me, I know you’ve seen her. They won’t tell me anything.” His voice broke as he looked around the room at the people around him who had been very tight lipped about IreLyn’s condition.

“She’s going to be okay. She’s also going to be sore as hell for awhile, and she doesn’t look too, um, great right now, but she’s going to be fine.” He answered.

Brett shook his head, tears filling his eyes. “What happened?”

“We’re not sure really. IreLyn’s doesn’t really remember anything that happened, and they are keeping her sedated, which doesn’t help much. Even if she does remember they are keeping her so doped up that she doesn’t know which end is up.”

“They think I did it.” Brett whispered hoarsely, not caring that he and Dale had been at odds at the moment. All that mattered to him right now was IreLyn, and to make it through this, he was gonna need his friend.

Dale stepped forward as he placed his hand on Brett’s shoulder. “I know, man. Apparently the neighbor saw you there. She didn’t remember seeing else come to the house, and then there is the fact that um, well, you and IreLyn…uh…” Dale trailed off, and if the situation hadn’t been so severe, Brett would have laughed at the sight of Dale Jr. blushing furiously.

“I know what you mean.” Brett sighed, knowing that just like what happened back in North Carolina, the evidence against him was strong.

“Look, before we leave here, I’m gonna hold a small press conference with the reporters outside. I just want to prepare you for it. I’m gonna at least get your name cleared of the NASCAR incident.”

Brett looked at him in surprise. “Why? Why would you do that?” he asked in confusion.

Dale grinned sheepishly. “Because I know that you didn’t do it. I’m sorry for ever doubting you, Brett. I should have trusted our friendship more, and I didn’t. I can understand if after all this you never forgive me, but for now, you need my help, and I’m gonna help you.”

Brett smiled slightly for the first time since he had left IreLyn’s side. “Thank you.” At least he had his friend back…now all he needed was to be with IreLyn…and to find that bastard that did this to her, and make him pay.

Brett’s eyes narrowed dangerously, and Dale didn’t have to try and guess what he was thinking. He’d been thinking pretty much the same thing since Dakota had received the phone call. Logan was definitely gonna pay…and pay dearly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Six

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Logan watched as Dakota walked slowly out of IreLyn’s room. He waited a few minutes after she disappeared around the corner before he went to the door. He looked around; making sure that there was no one around that would see him. Satisfied that it was safe, Logan opened the door and slipped inside.

Logan froze in his tracks as his eyes touched on IreLyn. It was the first time that it hit him just how badly he had hurt her. He hadn’t meant for things to get so out of hand with her, but when he realized that his plan wasn’t working quite how he had planned and that Brett had been there the night before, he completely snapped. If it hadn’t been for the ringing phone, he might have killed her.

But as it turned out, things had worked out for the best. Because Brett had been there just prior to him, it was only obvious that the investigators would think that Brett had committed the crime. And this time it had worked. Brett was in jail and far, far away from IreLyn.

Regaining his feet again, Logan walked over to the side of the bed and gazed down at IreLyn. Still he hated that she had to be hurt so brutally…even if it did mean Brett being out of the picture. He would make it up to her though. That he would make sure of.

Logan knew that he didn’t dare stay around in the room too long. He was most certain that Dakota wouldn’t stay gone long. Reaching out, he allowed his fingers to brush against her bruised cheek.

“I’m sorry for the way this happened, Lyn.” He whispered huskily, not knowing if she could hear him or not. “I promise, soon things will be better…better than you could have ever dreamed.” Although, he could have stayed for an eternity, Logan knew that he couldn’t chance it. He stayed only a few moments longer before leaving.

*****

“You ready for this?” Dale asked Brett almost three hours after he had first arrived at the police department where Brett had been held. They’d just finished all of the necessary paperwork and were about to go outside so Dale could make his statement. Although Brett was out of jail, he was under strict orders to stay within the Reno City limits until the date of his trial in four weeks.

“Yeah,” Brett answered with a sigh. “I just wish I could be with Lyn.” It broke his heart knowing that IreLyn was hurt and he couldn’t be there with her.

“You will be.” Dale told Brett as he placed his hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture. He felt bad for the other man. It was horrible what Brett and IreLyn had been through in the past week.

“Yeah.” Brett whispered hoarsely, his voice thick with emotion. “Let’s get this over with.”

“Okay.” Dale nodded as he and Brett walked the rest of the way to the double doors at the entrance of the station.

Each taking a deep breath, Brett and Dale pushed the doors open and stepped outside.

*****

Dakota sat up straight in her chair when she heard a moan from the bed beside her. “Lyn?” She asked, desperately hoping for some kind of response, though she knew she was most likely not to get one. Not yet with her still being sedated.

Dakota was just sitting back in her chair again when another anguish filled moaned left IreLyn’s lips. “No…” IreLyn whimpered, her head and body thrashing back and forth as if she was trying to get away from an unseen intruder. But Dakota knew that Lyn was reliving her nightmare with Logan.

Dakota rose to her feet and sat down on the bed beside her friend. She took hold of IreLyn’s hand while she soothingly brushed her hair back from her face until she calmed once again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter One Hundred and Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dakota paused when she stepped into the cafeteria, seeing everyone gathered around the TV in the room. She smiled when she realized they were watching the press conference.

“Damn,” she thought to herself. “He started earlier than anticipated.”

She made her way over, seeing it was close to the end, where Dale was wrapping everything up, reemphasizing that Brett was cleared of all accusations of tamper with the Budweiser car. He then finished his statement by publicly apologizing to Brett, and saying that he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Brett also had nothing to do with the attack on IreLyn, and he would stay beside him until they cleared his name.

Dakota smiled softly as she watched Dale step back and place a hand on Brett’s shoulder. The crowd of reporters then started bombarding them with questions. Mostly they wanted to know that the future plans were.

She turned away and headed back to the room, not wanting to be away from IreLyn for too long. Besides, she already knew the answers to those questions. She had talked to Dale earlier and knew that Brett wouldn’t be able to leave the area for awhile, so they were planning on flying out there as soon as IreLyn was released from the hospital.

As for Dale, unfortunately, even with everything going on, he still had a race he was obligated to attend. He was leaving right after the conference to catch a flight to Virginia for qualifying later that night. He wouldn’t be back until after the race on Sunday, two days from now.

Deep in thought, Dakota didn’t even notice that IreLyn was awake and sitting up in bed with the TV on, having just caught the end of the press conference herself.

Dakota’s head snapped up when she heard the muffled sob that escaped her friend. Her eyes widened as she rushed over to IreLyn’s side.

“Lyn, are you okay?” she demanded, ready to call the doctor.

IreLyn nodded as she wiped her eyes. “I can’t believe this…they think Brett did this?” she whispered brokenly, gesturing to herself.

Dakota sat down next to her, looking at her sympathetically. “I know, it’s unbelievable.” She sighed.

IreLyn shook her head, wincing in pain. Damn she wished she could remember what happened. She remembered someone knocking on the door, but after that it was a blank. But even still, she knew that no matter what anyone said, it was not Brett.

“Have you remembered anything?” Dakota asked. Her heart sank when IreLyn’s eyes filled with tears, telling her the answer.

“But I know it wasn’t Brett.” IreLyn exclaimed, her voice rising. “I just know it!”

“Calm down.” Dakota interrupted. “We all know it wasn’t Brett, and it will only be a matter of time before we find out who it was.” She promised, although deep down she had her suspicions on who it was. It was more than a suspicion. She was willing to bet her life on the fact that IreLyn’s attacker had been Logan.

IreLyn yawned, her eyes getting heavy as the sedative started kicking in once more. “I’m glad Dale’s there with Brett.” She said sleepily as she lay back against the pillows, smiling at her friend, grateful to have her there. "And I'm really glad to have you here."

“Me too.” Dakota smiled.

***

“When is he going to call?” IreLyn asked for the tenth time since she had woken up and found out Brett was going to call her on Dakota’s cell phone.

“As soon as he gets settled in his hotel room, he’ll use Dale’s cell.” She assured her friend. “Go ahead and get some sleep, I promise I’ll wake you when he calls.”

“Okay.” IreLyn gave up the fight and closed her eyes. Within seconds she was sound asleep, a small smile touching her lips as she thought of Brett.

Dakota watched her sleep for a few minutes, her eyes growing dark and determined. Anger boiled deep down inside her, and without really stopping to think about the consequences, she set her cell phone down on the table next to IreLyn, knowing that when Brett called it would wake her up, then turned and walked out of the room.

It was time for her and Logan to have a little chat…face to face.