by Natalie Ann
Her exhausted daughter went to Daniel and raised her arms for a hug. “’Nighty night, Uncle Daddy,” she said, mixing the two appellations.
He smiled, lifted her in his arms, and kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, my sweet Lizzie.”
As he put her down, Meredith noticed Noah’s frown. She came up to the little boy, who couldn’t remember a mother’s tender hug, and crouched in front of him. “I need a hug, Noah.”
He smiled and threw his arms around her neck. She hugged him back.
“Can I call you Uncle Mommy, like Lizzie?”
“Call me Auntie Mommy, buddy.”
After Daniel helped her move Wendy and all the stuff they’d brought, he buckled Lizzie in her car seat and closed the door. As Meredith was about to climb into her seat, he drew her into his arms.
“I need my goodnight kiss too.” He brushed his lips over hers and then deepened the kiss. “Call me when you arrive, please.”
A sense of peace and security flooded her heart. From now on, she could count on Daniel to watch over her and Lizzie.
Chapter Five
Daniel switched off the light in Noah’s room and left the door open. His little boy didn’t like to be by himself in a closed space. Back in his office on the first floor, Daniel checked his watch. Eight o’clock. Meredith had called him as soon as they’d arrived home and must have put Lizzie and Wendy to bed by now.
He decided to give her another hour to finish her tasks for the day. He opened his laptop and worked on a case for an hour. Deep in concentration, he forgot the time and realized it was already nine-thirty. Time to call her.
“Hi, Meredith. Already in bed?”
“Just about. I finished tidying the kitchen, then folded the laundry and soaked under a relaxing shower.”
He blinked with a half-smile. If things worked out between them, maybe he’d have the pleasure of following her into the shower and... Don’t go there yet. They’d shared a first kiss only this afternoon.
“What’s on your schedule for tomorrow?”
“The morning at All Saints school. I go there twice a week and take care of the children with psychological problems. In the afternoon, I’ll be at my office for three hours.”
“Do you go to your office every day?”
“Except on Wednesday. In the morning, I run errands, and then I get Lizzie at noon and keep her with me. We need mother-daughter time to play together and chat about her daycare and friends.”
“That’s wonderful.” Meredith sounded like a great mother, setting aside time for her daughter—quality time. His poor Noah didn’t enjoy that luxury.
“What about you? Don’t you set aside time for your son?”
“I should.” He tapped his desk, annoyed at being caught lacking in regard to his son. “When he was two, I used to bring him to my office, and he played quietly, then at age three, I enrolled him in daycare. Now he’s in kindergarten but stays after school every day until six. I guess it’s too long, but I can’t manage anything else.”
“I have an idea. Since Lizzie and Noah are such good friends, would you mind if I take him to my place on Wednesday? Lizzie will be delighted to have him with her.”
“Oh, that’d be great...but I can’t impose—”
“You’re not imposing. I’m doing it for my daughter as much as for your son. Lizzie is imitating Noah and learning to be more compliant.”
“All right. In that case, I’d like to take you out when I come to pick up Noah.”
“Sure. Even better, we’ll meet you at the pizza place in the nearby plaza.”
For a second, he frowned, his mind on alert. Was Meredith reluctant to have him visit her house?
“Hold on a sec, Daniel.” The change in her voice worried him. He heard banging on the other end of the line. She must have taken the phone with her. “Daniel, I have to go. I’ll call you later.”
“What’s wrong...” But she’d already ended the call.
Should he go to her place? She hadn’t given him the exact address, but he knew she lived on Storybook Lane and could easily find the house number. Yet she’d never invited him, and it seemed she didn’t want him around. What was she hiding? Had he rushed into trusting her again?
***
“Lester, what are you doing here?” She looked at him through the peephole. Reassured he was sober, she opened the door.
“I need your help, Merry.” No smell of alcohol floated around him.
“Come in, but be quiet. Lizzie is sleeping. The last time you were here, shouting, she had nightmares for a few days,” she reminded him.
“I’m so sorry, Merry. I love her like a daughter and would never harm her.”
“I know, but...” She sighed. When he was drunk, he acted like a different person. She led him to the kitchen. No sound came through the closed door of the laundry room, where Wendy slept. “Have a seat. Did you eat dinner? I have lasagna and broccoli.”
“That would be great.”
Relieved that she’d brought the leftover food home, she filled a plate for him and warmed it in the microwave. He filled himself a big glass of water from the fridge, a sign he wanted to stay sober and avoid trouble.
She let him eat for a moment and then asked, “Where were you all that time? What’s going on, Les?”
“Something terrible.” He scrubbed his forehead. “Remember the last time I came I was so desperate?”
“You were drunk.” She shook an accusing finger under his nose.
“Yes, I was doing my best to numb the pain.”
“Can you explain what happened to you?”
He finished his last bite and guzzled the whole glass of water. “A month and a half ago, I had a car accident.”
“Yeah.”
He lowered his head. “Unfortunately, I was drunk and didn’t stop, not even realizing what had happened.”
“Oh God, you left the scene of an accident?”
“I didn’t realize I... I..” He couldn’t continue.
She bit her lip, too worried about him and the car he’d hit. “Was the other driver hurt?”
His eyes scrunched. “It wasn’t a car. Apparently I hit a kid walking next to his mother. There was no sidewalk.”
“Oh God, no.” Her heart twisted in pain for him and for the mother and child.
He nodded. “I heard about the accident the next day on TV and in the local papers. Never thought I was the perpetrator. But two weeks ago, the TV ran another story about the accident, specifying the street and the time, with a vague description of the car, a black Ford. The mother saw my car swerving between lanes and running the red light at the intersection. She insists the driver who hit her son was drunk. Unfortunately, she’s right.” He handed her a newspaper. “It’s all here. I was petrified, Meredith. I realized it could be me. That’s the night I drank myself into a stupor and ended up in your kitchen.”
Loath to read the depressing article, she rolled the newspaper between her fingers. “Were they badly hurt?”
“The kid is in the hospital. A twelve-year-old boy.” Les cradled his head as if he couldn’t bear the pain. “They said in critical condition, without giving details. If... If he dies, I’ll be a child murderer. Can you imagine that? I’d rather kill myself than live in prison with such remorse.”
Oh, God. What a mess. What a tragedy.
Meredith had often urged him to stop drinking. It was “just one little drink can’t hurt,” then “just another, I’ll stop after that.” But he couldn’t stop. He’d often promised to join Alcoholics Anonymous. But he hadn’t done it. Was it too late now?
Her phone chimed, announcing a text. She glanced at the screen and sighed. Daniel was checking on her.
Who knocked at your door so late?
A neighbor, more of a patient who needs to talk.
“Who’s texting you so late?” Les asked with concern.
“A patient who needs to talk.”
“Now? This late? You should tell your patients they can’t ca
ll or text after office hours.”
“You’re right. I’ll tell them not to call anymore.”
Seriously, Meredith, you shouldn’t let mentally disturbed people knock on your door this late.
You’re right. I’ll tell them not to do it again. Talk to you tomorrow.
Two men concerned about her. She huffed and pocketed her phone.
“Where were you for the last two weeks, Les? You weren’t answering your phone.”
“I hid in a motel in Middletown, going out at night to buy something to eat and a bottle. I called my workplace and asked for sick leave. Don’t want them to hear about this story. I’m a financial auditor. They’d fire me right away.”
“Les, you need to go to the police and talk to them. You can’t hide forever. They’ll end up finding you. Turning yourself in would be better for your case.”
“I thought about it. But first, I need you to do me a favor. Please go to the hospital. Find out about the kid. Please, Meredith.”
“Why, Les? What difference does it make?”
“If the kid recovers, I swear I’ll give myself up to the police and ask for AA treatment. If he won’t make it, then I’m lost too.”
“No, you’re not lost, but you’ll have to pay for your mistakes, especially a huge mistake that may destroy a child’s life and that of his family.”
A picture of Daniel and Noah popped into her mind. Their family had been destroyed by a drunk driver. A beautiful young woman had died, leaving a bereaved husband and a motherless child.
“Will you go to the hospital, Meredith?”
“Yes, I’ll go on Monday. But I want your promise to go to the police right after.”
“All right.”
“You’ll need a good lawyer.” Certainly not Daniel. He was a fierce prosecutor, not a defense attorney. I dedicated my life to sending the damned drunk killers to prison.
“Yes, I’ll need the best lawyer I can find, considering the prosecutor they put against me.”
“You know him?”
“I heard about him. He never relents until he puts a drunk driver behind bars.”
“Who is he?”
“Daniel O’Malley.”
Oh God, Daniel. Would he ever forgive her if he learned that she’d helped Les?
“Can I stay here tonight?”
She winced and glanced at the hallway.
“Don’t worry. I’m completely sober. I’ll be careful not to make any noise and wake Lizzie.”
“I know. But wouldn’t it be safer for you to leave at night?”
“You’re right.” He stood, his back hunched by the heavy load of his worries and his remorse. “I’ll call you tomorrow night to find out what you’ve learned.”
“All right.” She walked him to the door and hugged him before opening it. “Good luck, Les.”
“I noticed you changed the code. Is it because of me?”
She didn’t answer.
He bobbed his head. “Looks like I’ve lost my only friend.”
“I’m still your friend, Les. I’ll do anything to help you.” But she couldn’t let him scare Lizzie, and she hoped he wouldn’t cause her to lose Daniel.
Chapter Six
The next day, Meredith lingered at the school cafeteria with the hope of meeting her friend, Ann Felton, a nurse from Bethesda Hospital who worked two hours daily at All Saints.
“Question for you, Ann. Have you heard about Quentin Herb, the kid who was hit by a car a few weeks ago?”
“Of course I heard. Poor thing, he was in a coma for two weeks with a collapsed lung and a broken leg. Slowly recovering now. Bethesda buzzed with the story. You should have seen his mother, crying and praying nonstop. They haven’t arrested the sleazeball who did it yet.”
“A sad story.” Meredith hadn’t slept much all night, thinking of the child fighting for his life and his traumatized family on the one hand, and on the other, Les completely devastated by the drama he’d caused, and finally Daniel, the prosecutor who would never forgive. And she’d be caught between them simply because she cared about Les and about Daniel.
“Now that the kid is recovering, the doctors suggested therapy, and the family is looking for a good psychologist. You’d be the best for them. Would you like me to recommend you?”
“No.” Oh no, for heaven’s sake. She didn’t need more complications in her life. “I’m overwhelmed with work. Thanks for thinking of me, but really, I don’t have time at all.”
At least she’d have good news to deliver to Les when he called at night. She left for her office in Kenwood and received a call on her Bluetooth.
“Meredith, it’s Daniel. Am I disturbing you?”
“No, I’m driving to my office.”
“Did your neighbor or patient finally leave last night?”
“Yes, a few minutes after you texted. And I told him never to come again at night.”
“Ah...good.” He didn’t seem convinced.
“Meredith, I know you’re an excellent psychologist. I took the liberty of recommending you for an important case.” His tone sobered. “A family I represent has been hit with a terrible tragedy. A hit-and-run accident. By some miracle, the young patient, Quentin Herb, is recovering, but he and his parents need serious therapy to get over the trauma. Meredith, I’m counting on you, please.”
No, no, no, please, no. “I don’t think I’ll have the time, Daniel.” She struggled to steady her voice. “I’m overwhelmed with work.”
“I know, but I’ll be so grateful if you can rearrange your schedule and fit a few sessions for them. We can get together and I’ll explain the background while our kids play.”
Gripping the steering wheel with all her strength, she suppressed the urge to scream. Leave me in peace, please. “Daniel, I may not be the right psychologist for this job.”
“Don’t be so humble.” He chuckled. “I checked your rating. Your patients love you. I know you’ll do great.”
She bit her lip and cringed. Daniel wouldn’t take no for an answer. Maybe counseling the young patient and working with Daniel would allow her to better understand the case and help Les too.
“Okay, Daniel. I’ll counsel the boy.” Thankfully, he couldn’t see her mournful expression.
“Can we come to your house around six? I’d rather be the one driving at night. My turn to bring dinner.”
Insisting on going to his place might trigger new suspicions. He’d already questioned her about Uncle Les and hadn’t seemed to believe her reassurance that Les was only a good friend. Well now, even being just a good friend with Les could cause problems.
“All right. Come after work. Don’t bring dinner. I’ll fix something the kids may like.”
“Great,” he answered with obvious relief. “See you tonight.”
Too late, she remembered that Les would be calling tonight.
***
Daniel breathed better after talking to Meredith. He’d been so worried when she’d first declined to counsel the Herbs. He still didn’t understand her sometimes. When they’d kissed, he had known she was attracted to him as much as he was to her. And he wanted to keep her in his life, develop the passion drawing them toward each other into real love. Noah adored his little friend Lizzie with a solid brotherly affection. For his son and for himself, Daniel hoped he could build a future with Meredith.
But a nagging suspicion gnawed at his insides—the feeling that Meredith was continuously hiding something about her past and herself. When would she trust him enough to open up and share her deepest secrets?
Maybe she would...eventually, when she felt safe enough in his presence, confident that he wouldn’t turn his back on her if he discovered her secrets. As he’d turned his back on her when his best friend had reported seeing her kissing Jeremy Dodd.
At the time, she’d wanted to explain something, but he’d refused to hear her. Now he promised himself he’d never make the same mistake again. Their kisses had convinced him that an attraction that survived th
e test of time was worth protecting and nurturing.
Working together would allow him to see her regularly and get to know her better. Peace filled his heart. He opened his laptop and focused on his case.
Why hadn’t the police been able to find and arrest Mitchell L. Connor? Where was the SOB hiding?
The black Ford that had caused the accident had been found abandoned near the Ohio River. No papers anywhere, but the police had identified the car owner reported by the victim’s mother.
Daniel read the details pertaining to the case, summarized them clearly on a spreadsheet, and printed a copy for Meredith. At five thirty, he shut his laptop, grabbed his suit jacket, and left his office in Tri-County to pick up Noah from the aftercare program at his school.
“We’ll have dinner at Lizzie’s house,” Daniel announced after hugging his son.
“Good. But Taco wants to see Wendy too. Can we stop at the house and take him?”
Daniel checked his watch. “All right. Just for five minutes. Run upstairs and change into clean jeans and another shirt, while I change too.” He’d rather be in comfortable jeans and a long-sleeve shirt.
“Are we taking his bed and box?”
“No need. You’ll put him out from time to time. He’s trained now.”
A few minutes later, they were back in the car with Taco in Noah’s arms. Meredith’s house was only a few minutes away. When they pulled into the driveway of the small ranch-style home, the garage door opened. Meredith walked out, and Lizzie ran to hug Noah, with Wendy on her heels.
Following his son’s good example, Daniel wrapped an arm around Meredith’s shoulder, inhaled her soft floral perfume, and stole a brazen kiss. He laughed when he released her. “That’s how it should be. A warm greeting.” Then he lifted Lizzie up for a hug while Meredith bent and hugged Noah.
“Lizzie, Noah, bring your cats inside. You’ll play again after dinner.”
Meredith had already set a cheerful table in the dining area with blue and yellow placemats and matching plastic glasses for the children. A vase of daffodils adorned the center.