Cat and Dr. Connor spent the next hour listening to the horror that Billie’s marriage to Brian had been.
By the time Billie finished, she and Cat were total wrecks. While Billie spoke, Cat paced the room and finally settled herself in a far corner, leaning against the wall. Dr. Connor rose from her chair and picked up a water pitcher and glasses from a nearby table. She put them on her desk and poured some water. She approached Cat and led her back to the chair next to Billie. Several moments of silence followed as the women composed themselves.
“I knew he was abusive,” Cat said, “but I had no idea.”
“Billie, what do you think prompted these memories and these feelings now?” Dr. Connor asked.
Billie sipped her water and cradled the glass in her lap between her hands. “I’ve been assigned to a domestic abuse case at work. The victim is about the age I was when Brian… well, you know. Her son is a year older than our son, Seth, was when I left Brian.”
“So the case brought back the memories?” Dr. Connor asked.
“In part, yes.”
“In part?”
“Yes. You see, a few days ago, a package of photographs arrived at our home. They were pictures Brian had taken of me and a prostitute. He beat me then staged the photos as emotional blackmail to hold me hostage in the marriage.”
“When I saw the photographs,” Cat said, “I assumed the worst. I feel horrible about that.”
“The photographs in the mail were the final straw,” Billie said.
“Where do you think the photos came from?” Dr. Connor asked.
“Probably Brian,” Billie said. “I want to confront him, but—”
“I don’t want you anywhere near that bastard,” Cat said.
“He can’t hurt me now,” Billie said.
“He can’t? Why do you think you’re here? He’s not only hurting you, he’s killing you!”
“I need closure on this. I don’t know what else to do.”
“And if he denies it and abuses you further—even verbally? Then what?”
Billie shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Do you think it’s a good idea for you to work on this domestic abuse case?” Dr. Connor asked.
“Now you sound like Art,” Billie said.
“Art?”
Billie’s face broke into a half-grin. “Yeah, my partner in crime at work. Actually, he’s my superior, but don’t tell him that or he might actually think he can boss me around.”
“I’m happy to see you still have a sense of humor,” Dr. Connor said.
“Art threatened to take me off the case because I was taking it too personally. He made me promise I’d withdraw from it if my family ended up in danger because of it. I suspect he thinks the danger would come from me.”
“I can’t believe Art said that,” Cat said.
“Uh-huh,” Billie replied.
“Why that son of a—” Billie clamped a hand over Cat’s mouth and shot an apologetic grin at Dr. Connor.
When she removed her hand, Cat continued to say, “... four-flushing, knock-kneed, two-toed billy goat. He’s going to get a piece of my mind.”
“Do you think you can handle the case, Billie?” Dr. Connor asked.
Billie paused a moment. “I think I have to. I could never forgive myself if I didn’t help this woman break the cycle. Her son’s in the hospital because of her husband. I don’t want to see her end up there as well, or in the morgue for that matter.”
“And you think you can do that without putting yourself or your family in jeopardy?”
“I don’t know.”
Chapter 9
The drive home was quiet. Cat drove while Billie sat with her head leaning against the passenger door window. Several times, Cat reached over to run her hand up and down Billie’s arm. When they pulled into the driveway, Billie sat up.
“Thanks for coming with me,” she said in a soft voice.
Cat took Billie’s hand and kissed the palm. She placed it on the side of her own face and leaned into the touch. “Thank you for letting me share that with you. It must have been hard for you to talk about it.”
“I didn’t realize how much pain was building up inside of me. I guess this case just brought it all to the surface. Unfortunately, you became the unintended target for that pain. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Billie, I’ve already told you there’s nothing to forgive. Sweetheart, you didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t hurt me. What else can I do to convince you?”
“I could have. God knows, I wanted to.”
“But you didn’t. Don’t you see? You didn’t do it, because you couldn’t. Please believe that.”
“I want to.” Billie rubbed her forehead.
Cat saw the gesture. “Are you all right, love?”
“Yeah, just a headache.”
Cat had noticed the headaches were coming more frequently. She felt Billie’s forehead. “No fever. You know Mom and Dad are coming home for the summer in about a week. I’d like Daddy to take a few CAT scans, and maybe an MRI, of the area around the gunshot wound. Maybe there’s a reason for these headaches.”
“It’s just a headache, Cat. It’ll go away.”
“And when did you get your medical degree?”
“Come on, don’t make such a fuss.”
“At least think about it.”
“I actually planned to call earlier today for an appointment, but the day kind of got away from me. Right now I need a couple of painkillers and a nice warm bed.”
“All right, let’s get you settled, and I’ll fetch the kids from Jen’s.” Cat got out of the car and followed Billie into the house.
A half hour later, Billie was tucked into bed and Cat sat at Jen’s kitchen table nursing a hot cup of tea and staring into space.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Jen asked.
Cat was pulled out of her thoughts by the sound of her friend’s voice. “Huh? I’m sorry, my mind was somewhere else. What did you say?”
“I said, do you want to talk about it? It’s clear something’s bothering you.”
“I’m okay.”
“No, you’re not okay. I walked in on a pretty intense scene the other day. Billie looked like she’d been dragged through a meat grinder, and you were so angry you were spitting nails. For crying out loud, the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I’ve seen you two argue before, and it wasn’t anything like what I witnessed Saturday. Don’t tell me things are okay.”
Cat wanted to discuss this with her best friend, but she didn’t want to betray Billie’s trust. She stared into her mug for several moments. “I can’t say any more. I really want to, but I can’t. I hope you understand. I promise I’ll tell you all about it when I can.”
Jen sighed. “I hate to see you two in so much pain. I’ll be patient, but know I’ll be here if there’s anything you need. Promise you’ll call me if there’s anything I can do.”
“I’ll let you know. You can count on it, although I feel like we take advantage of you way too often.”
“Cat, I could never repay the debt we owe the two of you. Billie ran into our burning house and saved my family, and you opened your home to us while our home was rebuilt. I’d walk barefoot on broken glass to help you in any way I can. Am I making myself clear?”
“You’ve long since repaid that debt, Jen. Please don’t feel like you owe us. Just know we appreciate you very much.”
“Ditto. How about a refill?”
“God, no. Thanks anyway. It’s already six o’clock. I’ve got to get the kids home and start supper.” Cat poked her head into the living room and told the kids to get ready. She returned to the kitchen, wrapped her arms around Jen, and hugged her fiercely. “Thanks for picking up the kids. It was a big help.”
“Anytime, kiddo. Give the tall one a kiss for me, okay?”
“Sure,” Cat said, beaming. “That’s one message I don’t mind delivering.”
Within minutes, Cat and t
he children arrived home. Cat sent them into the family room to play until suppertime so they wouldn’t disturb Billie. After she put the casserole into the oven, she climbed the stairs to the second story and pushed open her bedroom door. Billie was sprawled out across the bed, holding her head in her hands. The bed was torn apart, the blankets in a tangle around her body. She was obviously in a great deal of pain.
Cat made her way to Billie’s side and slipped into bed behind her. She sat with her back against the headboard and rolled Billie over until her head was lying in Cat’s lap. Billie’s eyes were shut.
“It hurts. God, it hurts.”
“Relax, love.” Cat placed her fingertips on Billie’s temples and rolled them around in small circles. “Let it go. Don’t fight it, honey. Relax.” She continued the massage, speaking in soft, soothing tones at the same time. Soon, Billie’s body visibly relaxed and she sank into the bed. Cat continued the ministrations for several more minutes, until she was sure Billie was sleeping. After a time, she worked her way out from beneath her, pulled a quilt over her, and closed the drapes. She placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and left the room.
* * *
Billie rose the next morning feeling better than she had in days. The last thing she remembered from the day before was drifting off in Cat’s arms while the ache in her temples was soothed away by miracle fingers. This morning, she felt great. She woke up long before the alarm and lay there, savoring the look and feel of the beautiful woman asleep beside her.
Billie studied Cat’s face and noted tiny lines at the corners of her eyes and across her brow. Worry lines. She frowned and thought about the roles they played in each other’s lives and within their family. After deep contemplation, she realized Cat had taken on the role of caretaker for the family. Not that Billie didn’t help, but it appeared Cat always took the initiative to get things done. On the other hand, Billie was the self-appointed protector, trying very hard to keep everyone safe and warm.
While Billie saw herself as the playful parent, that role forced Cat into the position of disciplinarian and teacher and she held herself responsible for the emotional health of their family. The small worry lines etched into Cat’s face were evidence of the stress such a responsibility placed on her.
Billie placed tender kisses across Cat’s brow, honoring the sacrifices she had made for their family. “I love you, kitten,” she whispered as she watched the corners of Cat’s mouth twitch while she slept.
Billie rolled out of bed, stretched her arms high over her head, and leaned side to as far as her injured ribs would allow. She walked to the window and lifted the shade to reveal a beautiful sunrise peeking over the horizon. No sense wasting a beautiful day, she thought as she pulled on a T-shirt, shorts, and a pair of running shoes. She grabbed her hooded sweatshirt and left the room.
Once outside, she took a few moments to stretch some more before starting her walk. As she reached the end of the driveway, she noticed Jen coming down the road, out for her usual early morning power walk.
Billie waved. “Morning, Jen. Mind if I join you?”
“Sure. Maybe I’ll actually be able to keep up with you this morning, considering the Goddess of Tall Women is not running on all cylinders.”
“Watch yourself. Just because I’m injured doesn’t mean you’ve got one up on me.” Billie jabbed Jen in the arm.
“Hey, no fair. I can’t hit you back.”
Billie jabbed at Jen’s arm again.
“Damn it. If you don’t stop, I’ll kick your ass.”
“Ooh. I’m afraid.” Billie continued to annoy Jen with playful jabs.
“All right then, I’ll sic Cat on you.”
Billie stopped. “I know when I’m outclassed.”
Soon they fell into a steady walk with Jen setting the pace. After about a half mile, Billie was holding her side. “Maybe this walk wasn’t such a good idea. Do you mind slowing down a bit?” she asked Jen.
Jen slowed her pace. “We’re almost to the park. Maybe we can sit for a while.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Jen and Billie sat on a park bench to allow Billie to catch her breath. Jen locked arms with Billie. “So, are you feeling better?”
“Yeah. Damned headaches. I get them every now and then. They knock the wind right out of my sails. Thank God for Cat’s magic fingers.”
Jen raised her eyebrows. “Don’t go there, girlfriend. That’s way more information than I need.”
It took a second for Billie to realize Jen had misunderstood her. She punched Jen in the arm. “Get your mind out of the gutter. Geesh. Cat gives great neck massages. Her fingers are good for things other than that, you know.”
A sly expression crossed Jen’s face. “That? What do you mean… that? Explain yourself.”
Billie closed her eyes into narrow slits. “Jennifer.”
“Yikes.” Jen took off running.
“Hey! Wait for me,” Billie said as she struggled to her feet.
Jen ran back and jogged in front of Billie. “Only if you promise not to pulverize me.”
“Deal. Now give me a hand.”
Jen once again grasped Billie’s elbow and they set out for a leisurely walk back home.
“So,” Jen said, “how many rounds did you go with that guy?”
Billie fell silent.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made that comment. Forgive me?”
“I guess I can’t blame you for being curious. Let’s just say I tried to drown my sorrows after Cat and I had a fight, and I ran into a very big brick wall.”
Jen touched the side of Billie’s face with her palm. “Are you all right? I mean, did he…”
Billie took Jen’s hand between her own. “No, he didn’t. Thank God, Art found me just in time.”
“Enough said. No more of this depressing talk. We’re supposed to be exercising. What’s up with you, soldier? Tired? Can’t walk anymore?”
“I’ll show you who can’t walk. Last one home grills the burgers at the next cookout,” Billie said as she took off as fast as her injuries would allow.
Jen stood there with her hands on her hips and yelled. “Hey, that’s not fair. If I beat you home I’ll have to eat your cooking!”
Billie stopped and grinned at Jen. “I never issue a challenge I can’t win.”
“How does Cat put up with you?” Jen said, as they walked the rest of the way home.
* * *
Cat was still asleep when Billie returned from her run, so she tiptoed to the bathroom and climbed into the shower. Seconds later, she stood under the warm spray and delighted in the tingle of the water as it danced across her skin. Suddenly, a pair of arms circled her waist and a warm, soft body pressed against her from behind.
“Jen?” she said, with a wide grin on her face.
That remark earned her a slap on the bare butt. “Ow!”
“I’ll Jen you, Billie Charland,” Cat said before she claimed Billie’s body from behind once more. She reached around Billie, grabbed the soap from the tray, and rubbed a rich lather into her hands.
Billie took the soap from Cat and placed it in the tray. She leaned her head back and moaned as Cat’s hands circled up and around her breasts, teasing each one into a peak of awareness, then slipping to her lower abs, hips, and buttocks, kneading the supple flesh as they moved. Billie pressed back against her in an attempt to remove all space between them. Without warning, Cat’s hand plunged between her legs repeatedly, the soap paving the way with slickness.
“Oh my God,” Billie screamed as she doubled over into the abyss of ecstasy.
Billie allowed Cat to support her weight for several moments as tremors tore through her body. It was a long time before her knees were steady beneath her. Finally, Billie pulled Cat into her arms for a mind-shattering kiss. She forced Cat backward against the shower wall and proceeded to return the favor, until Cat too was a trembling pile of mush in her arms.
“How are you feeling?” Cat asked several moments la
ter.
“Like I’ve just made love to the most beautiful woman in the world,” Billie said. She kissed Cat again. “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
* * *
When Billie arrived at work that morning, the first thing she did was drop by Jimmy’s desk to check on the query she had asked him to do on Roger McBride the day before. Unfortunately, Jimmy was in a meeting, so she resolved to check with him later in the day.
She detoured to the vending machine and purchased a coffee. Carrying it, she went to her desk to go through her mail and organize her workload for the day. She checked her calendar and saw she had an appointment at one o’clock with Peggy McBride and a meeting at three with Art on the McBride case. In the meantime, she had briefs to file on the case and interviews to set up with the McBrides’ friends, family, and neighbors.
It was almost eleven by the time she sorted through her mail and scheduled the appointments. Needing a break, she grabbed her coffee cup and headed to the vending area for a refill. Her phone rang before she got two feet from her desk.
“Billie Charland,” she said into the receiver.
“Ms. Charland, this is Sergeant Lang at the Albany Police Department.”
Billie’s heart rose to her throat. “Yes, Sergeant Lang. What can I do for you?”
“Ms. Charland, we have a Caitlain Charland here. She says she’s your, ah, wife?”
Oh God—Cat. “Yes, she is. Is she all right?”
“She’s fine. Ms. Charland, can you come to the police station right away? We have a few questions for you before we release her.”
“Release her?” Billie said. “Why is she being held?”
“Ms. Charland, your wife was arrested about an hour ago at the county correctional facility for assaulting one Brian Charland.”
“What?” Billie said in disbelief. She regained her senses and said, “Yes, of course. I’ll be right there.”
Billie grabbed her keys and headed to her car. Damn it, Cat. What the hell is going through your mind?
Billie arrived at the police station twenty minutes later and identified herself at the front desk. She was led into a dingy office at the back of the station house. A few minutes later, an attractive woman entered and introduced herself as Detective Matheson. Billie extended her hand. “I’m Billie Charland. Where’s Cat?”
Unchained Memories Page 6