| Book Title | Always Crew |
|---|---|
| Genre | None |
| Tags | Monthly |
| Where To Read | Amazon |
Synopsis
For the longest time, I was Bren Monroe.
I lived in Roussou, California.
I had no parents, no brother, but I had a crew.
Then things started to change.
I never planned for any of it.
I didn’t think I’d fall in love.
I didn’t think I’d have a relationship with my brother again.
I didn’t think that he’d come back.
Now I’m in Cain.
My crew is in college.
They’re growing, going through their own things.
And here I am, figuring out my life.
There’s always hurdles and obstacles to overcome.
That was never my hardship.
That was my regular.
But living? Being content? Being happy?
Those were my challenges now.
Everything was going well…
Until it wasn’t. Again.
Chapter
Bren, seeing her father, Derrick, after his release from prison, is shocked. Channing, her brother, reveals Derrick’s case was dismissed due to new lawyers and a scandal avoidance. Bren is confused by the sudden turn of events, especially considering a “dirty cop” from Fallen Crest was involved. Cross, a friend, arrives and shows concern. Derrick, despite the shock of his daughter’s presence, takes control of the conversation and addresses Bren directly. Channing offers an explanation of the case’s dismissal. Bren feels overwhelmed by the news. Cross comforts her, and Derrick remains before her. Bren’s emotions are marked by confusion and shock.
Chapter 1
Bren arrives at Cougar Lanes, a bowling alley, for a job interview arranged by her brother, Channing. She encounters two bounty hunters, and is told to ask for Hawk or Brock. Bren is disheartened by her recent job prospects. She feels adrift, missing her life in Roussou. Friends Cross, Zellman, and Jordan are attending college, causing Bren to feel isolated. Jordan’s relationship troubles and sorority drama highlight the challenges of their new life. Bren’s job search takes a turn when she meets bounty hunters who have injuries. She encounters a woman named Hawk, who reveals she is a bounty hunter and has a job for Bren. Bren is surprised but intrigued, and agrees to the job offer.
Hawk takes Bren to a back office and explains that Bren is an intern. She details dangerous situations Bren will face. Bren, initially overwhelmed by the job offer, expresses her weariness and jaded outlook to Hawk. Hawk, assessing Bren’s character, tests her resolve with questions about her skills and abilities, culminating in a conversation about her background and fighting skills. Hawk, impressed by Bren’s responses, gives her a job offer. She gives Bren the terms of the job and warns her of the dangers. Bren accepts the job offer.
Chapter 2
Bren parks outside Cain University’s gymnasium, encountering Zeke Allen, a privileged student. Bren and Zeke exchange insults, with Bren highlighting Zeke’s apprehension about attending the university and his discomfort around Blaise and Cross. Blaise and Cross, Bren’s friends, arrive, and a tense confrontation ensues. Blaise defends Bren, while Cross assesses the situation. A brief moment of intimacy between Bren and Cross occurs. They then discuss Jordan’s plans to host a dinner for his study group and the difficulties Bren faces when trying to fit into college life.
Bren and her friends stop at the grocery store, where Jordan reveals his plans for a kabob dinner. Bren picks up tampons, and Cross observes her emotional state. They discuss Bren’s feelings about her father and the difficulty in fitting in. Bren’s friend Cross encourages her to open up about her feelings. Bren feels overwhelmed and alone, expressing her weariness and disillusionment with the recent events.
Bren is offered a job by Hawk, a bounty hunter, in a back office. Hawk discusses the dangerous aspects of the job, testing Bren’s resolve with questions about her skills and abilities. Bren accepts the offer. Hawk provides details regarding the job, explaining the dangerous nature of the work.
Chapter 3
Bren joins a study group at a party, where she overhears girls gossiping about Aspen, Cross’s sister, and Blaise. Bren confronts the gossipers, leading to a tense exchange with Jordan, who defends Bren and the group. Jordan rebukes the girls for disrespecting Bren and her friend circle, ultimately forcing them to leave.
Bren’s friends, Jordan and Zellman, and Cross, discuss the incident, with Cross observing Bren’s emotional state. Bren expresses her weariness and disillusionment with recent events, admitting she overreacted. The group later discusses plans for a study session and other events, including a soccer game.
Bren is approached by Hawk, a bounty hunter, at a grocery store who offers her a job, detailing the dangers of the position. Bren accepts the offer.
Chapter 4
Bren is involved in a heated confrontation at a party, spurred by gossip about her and her friend circle. Jordan steps in to defend Bren, resulting in the gossiping girls leaving.
Bren’s crew, including Jordan, Zellman, and Cross, discuss the incident and Bren’s emotional state. Bren reveals her weariness, and the group plans for future activities, such as a study session and a soccer game.
Bren encounters Hawk, a bounty hunter, who proposes a job. Hawk details the dangerous nature of the position, which Bren ultimately accepts.
Chapter 5
Bren arrives for her first day with the Always Crew, meeting the group, including the intimidating Brock, the oddly cheerful Shetland, and the serious Hawk. Bren is introduced to the crew’s other members, Big and Burly, and learns about their unconventional methods. Bonnie provides an overview of the crew’s activities, including their first round-up, where a suspect was apprehended. Bren is later told by Hawk not to be alone with Bonbon.
Bren requests assistance from a female member, leading to a discussion with Hawk, who initially dismisses her request. However, Hawk ultimately agrees to her plea. Brock takes over and introduces himself, explaining to Bren the rules of the crew and her role in it. Bren expresses her reservations, explaining her past experiences and rules, but is ultimately convinced by Brock.
The crew visits a dilapidated meth house. Brock, with the crew, swiftly enters the house.
Chapter 6
Bren meets Blaise, her brother, outside campus. They have a tense encounter, Blaise teasing Bren about her investigation of Jordan’s ex-girlfriend’s infidelity. Bren feels frustrated and provoked by Blaise’s actions, despite recognizing his ability to push her buttons. Blaise reveals he saw Jordan’s ex-girlfriend in the kitchen with another guy. Bren presses Blaise for more information, including if Zeke knew. Blaise reveals the man’s name is Tim Harper, a sleazeball according to him and a brother of Zeke’s, and that he, Blaise, isn’t sure if Zeke knew about the encounter.
Blaise refuses to reveal any more details about the situation, arguing his loyalty to Zeke and refusing to put Zeke in the middle. Bren feels frustrated and ready for a confrontation, but is not able to push her brother further. Blaise expresses that he and Harper need to be dealt with and his loyalty to Zeke and his crew remains steadfast, to Bren’s awareness. Bren texts Bren to get information and ask for Bren to involve Zellman and get the necessary info on the situation. Bren feels conflicted and is determined to get answers regarding the matter.
Bren is focused on her mission and has to make decisions with her emotions, wanting a confrontational response, but also wanting to understand her brother’s perspective and feelings. Bren decides to get answers through texts from Bren and Zellman. Bren proceeds to Psychology and Blaise goes in a different direction.
Chapter 7
Bren and Hawk go to Tabatha’s sorority house. Bren, feeling tired and wanting help, asks Hawk to accompany her. Hawk drives, and Bren fills her in on what Brock said. They arrive at the house, and a confrontation ensues with a girl at the door. Bren and Hawk enter the house, and they find Tabatha. Tabatha tells them Jordan told her some things were not the truth. She’s upset and afraid to reveal something. Bren presses Tabatha to explain. Tabatha reveals a potentially serious situation involving her parents, Tim Harper, and Blaise.
Tabatha is hesitant to reveal the details. Bren, feeling frustrated, pushes Tabatha for answers. Tabatha expresses fear of revealing the truth due to potential consequences for her family. Bren tries to understand the situation and support Tabatha but is met with her fear. Tabatha says, “I can’t let you do anything. You’re Jordan’s family. If you got arrested, you’d go to prison this time.”
Tabatha finally reveals a substantial detail and the situation is now deeply concerning to Bren. Bren is determined to understand the situation but realizes the gravity of the issue. Tabatha expresses fear and apprehension, emphasizing the potential danger and consequences. Bren tries to comfort Tabatha and get her to tell her everything. Tabatha confesses that the situation involves her parents and is incredibly serious. Bren ultimately pressures Tabatha to tell her everything. Tabatha, overwhelmed with fear, finally divulges a significant part of the story.
Chapter 8
Bren and Hawk meet at a cafe to discuss a serious issue. Bren reveals a situation involving a potential threat to Tabatha. Hawk expresses concern and frustration. Bren expresses her desire for justice and resolution, while also recognizing the complexities of the situation.
Bren and Hawk confront Tabatha regarding the situation. Tabatha is hesitant, initially afraid to reveal details, emphasizing the potential for serious consequences if revealed. Bren persistently pushes Tabatha to explain, expressing frustration and concern for her well-being.
Tabatha, overwhelmed with fear, eventually reveals a substantial detail regarding the situation, which involves her parents and is extremely serious. Bren tries to comfort Tabatha, attempting to understand the situation’s gravity.
Chapter 9
Jordan, enraged, trashed the furniture in his house, expressing his fury over a situation involving Tabatha’s father and his financial troubles. He believed her mother’s well-being was at risk. Jordan’s anger was palpable, leading to a destructive outburst.
Zellman, Cross, and Bren observed the outburst, waiting for Jordan’s fury to subside. Jordan detailed the complex situation, blaming Harper, Sr. and Jr., and Tabatha’s choices to appease her father’s financial woes. Jordan’s frustration and desperation were clear as he talked.
Jordan’s anger subsided, and he began to question Tabatha’s actions. He asked why she hadn’t confided in him or the group. Jordan’s frustration and confusion were obvious in his words.
Zellman, Cross, and Bren acknowledged the situation’s complexity, expressing their limitations in addressing the issue without proper connections. The tension amongst them was high. They questioned their collective ability to handle a situation as sensitive as this one.
Bren, with a touch of skepticism, suggested utilizing her connections, which led to a discussion about the potential risks involved in pursuing this path. Cross remained firm in his opinion. The group’s emotional state was evident in their discussion.
The group finally agreed to contact Channing for advice. The potential emotional impact of the situation on Tabatha and her family were also considered. Zellman emphasized the urgency for Tabatha to be involved.
Chapter 10
Blaise, Cross’s brother, arrived and presented a new couch as a gift, causing tension and resentment among the group. Jordan reacted angrily, accusing Blaise of insincerity and demanding his removal. Tabatha remained silent and withdrawn, her emotions hidden. Aspen, Blaise’s girlfriend, intervened, calming Blaise down. Cross, trying to maintain order, urged Blaise to leave the situation alone. Bren, feeling protective of Tabatha, sensed a deeper issue and a need for intervention.
Bren contacted Channing, her brother, detailing the escalating conflict involving Tabatha’s father, Henry Sweets, and his financial issues. Channing, on the phone, expressed his concern over the situation. Tabatha, amidst the gathering, revealed a threat by her father’s creditor, Timothy Harper, Sr., who had threatened harm to her mother and family if the debt wasn’t paid. A palpable fear and tension hung in the air.
Jordan, enraged, stormed out of the room. Aspen and Bren tried to comfort Tabatha, who was visibly shaken and overwhelmed by the situation. Channing, recognizing the urgency, offered to intervene, suggesting strategies to protect Tabatha’s family. Cross and Zellman, also in the room, expressed their willingness to support the effort. A sense of relief and shared responsibility filled the room.
The group discussed the situation in detail. Channing, drawing on his experience, analyzed the situation, suggesting that Harper, Sr. was likely to escalate the threat. The group, recognizing the urgency, reached a decision to act immediately to prevent further harm to Tabatha and her family. A deep sense of responsibility and concern for Tabatha took center stage.
Chapter 11
Bren sits alone as the others leave, prompting a question about “Biff.” Cross arrives, and Bren expresses frustration at the lack of information. Cross offers a drink, and Bren’s phone rings with a call from Channing. Channing voices concern for Bren’s well-being in Cain and expresses a plan to protect Harper’s child. Cross’s brother, Blaise, arrives, looking restless. Blaise questions where Jordan and Zellman are, hinting that they’re gone after Harper. Cross and Bren both suspect foul play.
Bren learns that Harper, Sr., a creditor, is threatening Tabatha’s family. Channing is worried and plans to protect Harper’s child. The crew discusses the urgency of the situation and decides to act immediately. Blaise reveals that Harper’s father’s goons are on their way, potentially using Tabatha’s phone to get Harper out of their reach. Jordan and Zellman have gone to retrieve Harper without the others, but the group is already on their way. There is tension and a fierce desire for protection among the characters.
Cross and Blaise argue about the best approach to the situation. Cross worries that Jordan and Zellman will be mad about being left out. Cross refuses to allow Zeke to speak ill of Bren. Cross and Blaise engage in a tense exchange, with Blaise suggesting strategies to stop Harper from leaving. Zeke, Harper’s father’s confidante, reveals that Harper is nearby. Cross and Blaise leave to intervene. Bren and Cross remain behind, discussing the situation’s complexities.
Chapter 12
Bren, alone, is uneasy as others depart, prompting questions about the whereabouts of “Biff.” Cross arrives and Bren expresses frustration at the lack of information. Cross offers a drink, and Bren receives a call from Channing, who expresses concern for Bren’s well-being in Cain. Channing details a plan to protect Harper’s child. Blaise, Cross’s brother, arrives, looking restless and questions the whereabouts of Jordan and Zellman, suggesting they’re after Harper. Cross and Bren suspect foul play.
Bren learns Harper, Sr., a creditor, is threatening Tabatha’s family. Channing is worried and intends to protect Harper’s child. The crew discusses the urgency of the situation and decides to act immediately. Blaise reveals that Harper’s father’s goons are on their way, potentially using Tabatha’s phone to get Harper out of their reach. Jordan and Zellman have left to retrieve Harper without others, but the group sets out immediately. Tension and a desire for protection are palpable.
Cross and Blaise argue about their approach to the situation. Cross worries about Jordan and Zellman’s anger at being left out. Cross fiercely defends Bren against Zeke’s criticism. Cross and Blaise have a heated exchange, with Blaise outlining strategies to prevent Harper’s escape. Zeke, Harper’s father’s confidante, reveals Harper’s location. Cross and Blaise depart to intervene. Bren and Cross remain behind to assess the situation.
Chapter 13
Bren feels uneasy as others leave, prompting questions about Biff’s whereabouts. Cross arrives, and Bren expresses frustration at the lack of information. Cross offers a drink, and Bren receives a call from Channing, who worries about Bren’s safety in Cain. Channing details a plan to protect Harper’s child. Blaise, Cross’s brother, arrives, restless, questioning Jordan and Zellman’s whereabouts, suspecting they are after Harper. Cross and Bren suspect foul play.
Bren learns Harper, Sr. is threatening Tabatha’s family. Channing is worried, aiming to protect Harper’s child. The crew discusses the urgency, deciding to act quickly. Blaise reveals that Harper’s father’s goons are coming, potentially using Tabatha’s phone to get Harper away. Jordan and Zellman have left to retrieve Harper alone, but the group immediately sets out. Tension and protective desires are evident.
Cross and Blaise argue about their approach. Cross worries about Jordan and Zellman’s anger at being left out. Cross fiercely defends Bren against Zeke’s criticism. Cross and Blaise have a heated exchange, Blaise outlining strategies to prevent Harper’s escape. Zeke reveals Harper’s location. Cross and Blaise depart to intervene. Bren and Cross remain to assess the situation.
Chapter 14
Bren experiences a resurgence of negative emotions, feeling the familiar emptiness and anger. Cross, sensing Bren’s distress, comforts her without questioning. Their intimacy follows, marked by passion and a gradual rekindling of love. The passionate encounter is interrupted by external events.
Bren’s emotional turmoil is further compounded by news of Harper Sr. threatening Tabatha’s family, prompting concern for Harper’s child. The crew discusses the urgency, and fear motivates a swift response to protect Harper. Blaise reveals that Harper’s father’s goons are targeting Harper, potentially using Tabatha’s phone for the abduction. Jordan and Zellman have departed alone, raising suspicion and concern.
Cross and Blaise argue over their approach, Cross worried about Jordan and Zellman’s anger. Zeke reveals Harper’s location, prompting Cross and Blaise to intervene. Bren and Cross remain to assess the situation.
