Just With You (Taphouse Blues Series Book 3)

by Heather Lyn

  My hand comes up to cover my mouth, my eyes wide in shock. When I saw the body being removed I assumed that there had been a domestic fight or a break in.

  “Officers were here a couple hours before they heard a banging down the hall, and when we opened the door, we found a young girl around five years old huddled in the back.”

  “Katy? Oh my God, is she all right?”

  “Seems to be, but we can’t seem to get her to come out. The coroner believes they’ve been dead since sometime last night, but until an autopsy is performed, he won’t know the exact time. We have no idea if she’s injured or what she may have witnessed. Does she trust you, Miss Cole?”

  Nodding, I set my purse down on the floor next to him and make my way down the short hallway. When I arrive at the closet door, I kneel down and peer into the darkened area. I can see her bare feet, and I’m barely able to make her out.

  “Katy, it’s Stella. Remember me? Can you come out here, sweetheart? We need to make sure you’re okay.”

  Silence. My heart starts racing, worried something has happened to her.

  I try again, this time crawling into the closet a little more.

  “Katy, can you hear me?”

  It takes some coaxing and gently speaking to her, but I hold my hand out and I feel her little one take hold of mine. Breathing a sigh of relief, and with her hand tightly clasped in mine, I back up slowly, bringing her with me. Once I’m next to the open doorway, the light from the hall gives me enough light to see Katy.

  Her blonde hair is matted down, and her cheeks are tearstained. She has a dirty yellow blanket in her hand, and she’s dressed in too-small pajamas. She looks terrified.

  “Hi, sweetie,” I murmur softly.

  More tears fall down her cheeks.

  “Are you hurt anywhere?” I ask, reaching out to move some hair off her face.

  She shakes her head and begins to sob.

  Reaching out, I hug her tiny shivering body to me and rock her back and forth, whispering to her. With her still in my arms, I stand and carry her out of the house and down to the ambulance that’s waiting. I try to set her down on the stretcher inside, but she clings to me, so I pick her back up and sit down with her on my lap.

  I do my best to comfort her while the paramedic checks her out. Thankfully, except for the fact that she probably hasn’t eaten anything today, she seems to be fine.

  As I’m using a tissue to wipe off her face, I hear a knock on the outside of the ambulance and watch as Jace climbs inside.

  “Hey, Stell. I figured this little one might be hungry, so I found some crackers in the cabinet. There wasn’t much else, but I had an extra water in the squad car, so it’s hers.” He hands the items to me, and I set them down on the bench next to me.

  “She okay?” he asks, reaching out to run his hand over the back of her head.

  “Physically she is.”

  “Poor kid. I gotta go help out, but I’ll see you tonight, right?”

  “Yeah,” I respond softly. Sitting here with Katy in my arms, knowing what’s happened and now Jace helping, my emotions are beginning to splinter. He runs his thumb down my cheek, and then he’s gone.

  Blinking back tears, I look down at the little girl in my arms and see that she’s fallen asleep, blanket tucked under her chin. A few minutes later, the paramedics start to load up the vehicle, and I set Katy down on the stretcher, still fast asleep.

  “You riding with us?” the paramedic who checked her out asks.

  “I’ll follow you over. I don’t want to leave my car here.”

  Climbing from the ambulance, I hurry inside to grab my purse and follow up with Officer Thomas. I don’t see Jace again before I make my way to my car. The whole drive to Memorial Hospital, my hands continuously clench and unclench the wheel. When I arrive at the hospital, I park in the emergency section and head inside. At the front desk, I show my badge, and they direct me to where they’ve taken Katy. Thanking them, I walk to the nearest bank of elevators and push Up for the third floor, where the pediatrics wing is.

  Stepping off the elevator a minute later, I go to where they said she’d be and find the door wide open, a nurse carefully taking vitals on a still sleeping Katy. Introducing myself as her case worker, I settle into the chair next to the bed. Grabbing my cell from my purse, I call the office and let them know what’s going on. Reaching into my briefcase, I rifle through my papers, looking for the one I need. It has the only listed family member for both Sandra and Malcolm: Sandra’s younger sister, Callie, who lives just outside of Nashville.

  Grabbing the card Officer Thomas gave me, I call him to let him know I have a next of kin for them to contact, then recite the cell phone number I have listed. He promises to call me when he’s spoken to her, and I tell him I’ll be at the hospital until she gets here.

  Ending the call, I place my things back into the briefcase and get comfortable, not knowing how long I could be here for. I pray that Callie is willing to help with Katy, hoping that, for Katy’s sake, she’s nothing like the little girl’s parents.

  A terrible thought, but unfortunately the honest truth.

  §

  Three hours later, I leave the hospital, completely exhausted and my emotions frayed. Callie showed up about thirty minutes after I was told she was on her way. She came hand in hand with her husband, Matthew, both well dressed and looking terrified. After Callie checked in on Katy, we spoke outside at length about what came next. She told me that she hadn’t spoken to her sister in three years, since just after Katy’s second birthday.

  That was when Sandra had gotten sober for the second time, but they still had a falling out. Callie had no idea Katy wasn’t being cared for properly, and Matthew asked me outright why we hadn’t removed Katy from the home. I explained that because there weren’t signs of abuse, there was always food in the fridge, and Katy never told us anything, legally we couldn’t just remove her. We needed proof of abuse, or something needed to be found at a visit.

  We were still in the hallway when Katy woke up, screaming and crying for me. It took everything in me to keep it together when we went back into the room. She had no idea who Callie and Matthew were, no memory of them. It was only when Callie pulled out a small photo album and showed her baby pictures, pictures of Sandra, that she calmed down.

  We also found out the worst part, that she found both her parents that morning when she woke up. In the only way a five-year-old can explain, she said that Mommy and Daddy were freezing cold, and when she couldn’t wake them up, she got scared and hid in the closet. Callie broke down crying.

  Just before I left, I gave them both my card and said I’d be in contact within the next twenty-four hours.

  Sitting down behind the wheel of my car, I start it up and then pull out my cell to text Jace.

  Stella: Hey, sorry, I’m just leaving the hospital. Can we take a rain check on tonight?

  Jace: Of course. Are you okay, Stell?

  Stella: Yeah, I’m fine, just exhausted.

  Jace: Okay, I’ll call you in a little while.

  Stella: Okay.

  Jace: Drive safe.

  Putting my car in Drive, I begin the trip home, tears burning my eyes. Ten years of social work and this has without a doubt been the hardest day. Part of me knows that seeing Jace would be good for me, but I just can’t face him right now.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  JACE

  My shift was over an hour ago, but due to that call, I’ve gone into overtime for the week. Grabbing my shit, I head out to my car and toss it on the back seat.

  It’s not until I’m standing under the scalding-hot water in my shower that I finally begin to feel the tension leaving my body. Finishing up, I wrap a towel around my waist and step into my bedroom. Getting dressed in a pair of cotton shorts and a T-shirt, I briskly towel-dry my hair and toss the towel into my hamper.

  I pull up the number to the local pizza shop and order some dinner. When it arrives, I take it out onto my back deck an
d enjoy my food in silence. Halfway through my second slice, my mom calls, and I spend the rest of my time eating while on the phone with her.

  She’s just asked me about my plans for the weekend when my dad calls her away. With the promise of talking to her tomorrow, I end the call and head back inside. Shoving the leftover pizza in my fridge, I flip the deadbolt on my front door and go to my room again. I fire off a text to check on Stella, but with no response a minute later, I plug my cell in and climb into bed. Finding the Braves game still on, I settle down for a few outs.

  Two innings later, my doorbell rings, and I mute the television.

  Glancing at the clock on my dresser, I see it’s nine thirty.

  Who the hell is here?

  Turning on lights as I go, I flip the outdoor light on, unlock my front door, and pull it open. My heart drops when I find Stella on my doorstep, dressed in sleepwear, her long dark hair pulled up in a pile on top of her head, her brown eyes swollen and red.

  “Stell?”

  “I lied to you, Jace.”

  “About what?”

  “I’m not okay.” Her voice catches, and tears fall down her cheeks.

  Stepping onto the front porch, I pull her into my arms and hold her tightly. Gently cupping the back of her head, I tuck her into my chest and rock her, my lips pressed to her head. Walking us backward into my house, I kick the door shut and carefully scoop her up into my arms.

  Carrying her into my bedroom, I lay her down on what’s become her side of the bed and then lie down next to her. Propping myself up on my elbow, I look down at her, using my free hand to brush the tears off her cheeks.

  “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have gone home alone. I should have come right here, but I thought I was okay. Katy’s aunt and uncle came to get her, and we finally found out what happened. She found them, Jace. That poor little girl found both her parents dead, and she was so scared she hid in the closet.”

  “Jesus.”

  “And I thought I was doing good, but then I got home and it was so quiet. I thought coming here wasn’t best, but I was so wrong, and I couldn’t stand being alone anymore. I know it’s ridiculous, but I can’t be alone tonight.”

  Her bottom lip trembles, and I gently trace my thumb back and forth over it.

  “Don’t apologize for having feelings, Stell. We were all feeling the emotions of today. It was rough.”

  “It really was.” Her voice breaks, and my heart aches when I see more tears welling in those beautiful brown eyes I love so much.

  “You did good coming here, baby. I know this is all still new, but I want you to be able to come to me when you need someone, okay?”

  Nodding, she buries her face in my chest as her body rocks with her cries.

  Settling back down, I wrap myself around her and hold on, letting her release the emotions of the day. Pressing my lips to the top of her head, I pull the blankets around us. Not long after she finally settles down, we both fall asleep, the events of today heavy on both our minds.

  §

  The smell of coffee wakes me up, and I slowly blink my eyes open as everything comes into focus. Sitting up, I find I’m alone in my bed, and the side Stella slept on is cold. Climbing from bed, I head to my bathroom before I venture out to find Stella.

  Stepping into my living room, I don’t see her, so I continue to the kitchen. There’s a fresh pot of coffee, and as I reach for a mug in the strainer, I see Stella sitting out on my back deck, a mug of her own in her hand.

  Pouring myself some of the coffee, I add a splash of cream and then step outside to join my girl. She’s sitting on the top step, staring out at my backyard, her cup of coffee empty. Sitting down next to her, I place a soft kiss to the top of her bare shoulder and then another to her cheek.

  “Morning. You sleep okay last night?” I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.

  “Yeah, thanks. Your bed is comfortable.” Stella leans her head against my shoulder, and I breathe in deep, the smell of her shampoo heaven.

  “How long have you been out here?”

  “An hour, maybe. I don’t remember what time I got up.” Her voice sounds flat, and I tell myself that it’s just early and we’re both half asleep. But deep down I worry that she’s still upset about yesterday.

  “What would you like to do today?” I ask, draining half my cup with the next sip.

  “I’m gonna head home soon, get showered and stuff. I can give you a call later, see if you’re up for doing something?” She turns to look at me, and I see how puffy her eyes are. If I’m not mistaken, it looks fresh.

  “Yeah, okay. Listen, are you sure you’re all right, babe?” I can’t help asking.

  “I’m fine, Jace. I guess I’m just not up for doing anything today.”

  “We don’t have to do anything. I’m content to lie on the couch with you all day.”

  Stella sighs and stands up, heading back inside. I finish my coffee, and then I’m right behind her. I want to figure out what’s going on, but I don’t want to push her away either. After setting my mug alongside hers in the sink, I find her standing in my bedroom, cell phone in hand but unmoving.

  “You leaving?” I ask, trying like hell to keep the disappointment from my voice.

  Turning to face me, she’s chewing her bottom lip, and I walk over to her, gently pulling it from her teeth.

  “Actually Jace, would it be all right if I showered here?”

  I nod. “Of course.”

  “Then if it’s okay, I need to talk to you, please?”

  Cupping her face gently, I press a kiss to her forehead.

  “Anything you need, baby.”

  With a jerk of her head, she heads into the bathroom, and I follow behind her. Grabbing a couple towels from the shelf, I set them down on the vanity for her and reach under the sink for a basket of assorted bath products.

  “Here, this is left over from Drew. He stayed with me for a few days a couple months ago, and he brought all these full bottles of shampoo and body wash with him and then left them. Clearly he’s never heard of travel-sized bottles,” I joke, watching as she grabs shampoo and conditioner.

  Giving her privacy, I walk out of the bathroom and close the door behind me. From my bureau, I grab one of my old shirts from the academy and toss it on the bed for her, unsure if she’ll need anything else. I change into a pair of shorts and a gray T-shirt. While she showers, I go out to my living room and flip on the news, wanting to check the weather. If she’s feeling better after her shower, I have an idea of what we can do today.

  As the meteorologist finishes up the weather report, Stella comes back out into the living room. Her hair hangs long and wet over one shoulder, and she put the black sleep pants she had on before back on. I pat the cushion next to me, inviting her to sit with me, and she does, not a millimeter of space between us. I can’t help the smile when I realize she used my bodywash. The idea of her smelling like me is something I love.

  “Feel better?” I ask as she rests her head on my chest. She shakes her head, and instead of pressing her for information, I let her sit silently.

  I have no idea how long goes by when she finally sits up and turns cross-legged on the couch to face me. Without another thought, I reach over and switch off the television.

  “Can we talk?” she asks, and I reach my arm up around the back of the couch, running my thumb down her arm.

  “Absolutely.”

  “I just want you to know this isn’t something I ordinarily talk about, but after yesterday, I feel I need to. I can trust you, right, Jace?”

  “Always. No matter what.”

  I reach out for her hand and she lets me take it, her eyes closing when I rub my thumb across the back of her hand. Her bottom lip trembles and my heart clenches, completely unsure of whatever she’s about to say.

  “I want to take you somewhere today, if that’s all right. I already talked to Mason, and he told me it was the right thing to do.”

  My brows furrow at her words, but I agree.r />
  “I keep an extra change of clothes in the trunk of my car, in case I get puked on or something at a home visit. I’m gonna get changed, and then we can go, okay? And when we’re done, if you still want to spend the day with me, I’d love to.”

  “Sounds good, Stell. You go get changed, and I’ll get my shoes on.”

  She leans over and kisses me, and I grip the back of her head, holding her to me.

  “Be right back.”

  She unlocks the front door, and then I hear it slam a moment later, Stella rushing back inside with a duffel bag in her hand. While she’s in the bedroom, I slip my feet into a pair of Nikes. I’m looking for my wallet when she comes back in wearing a yellow sundress and a cute pair of white sandals. She’s tied her long hair up in another bun, and she has her purse over her arm.

  “Do you mind if I drive?” she asks, and I shake my head.

  Finally locating my wallet on the entry table, I shove it in my back pocket and follow her outside. We walk out to her car, and she smiles when I hold her door open for her like always.

  I climb into the passenger seat as she starts the car, and we pull out of the driveway, rolling down the windows as we go. We take back roads until we reach the outskirts of town. I’m trying to figure out where we’re going, but I’ve never been down here, so I’m not sure what’s in the area. It’s not until she takes a right that I see where we are.

  Slowly we make our way through an older cemetery, and my stomach hurts just thinking about why we’re in here. Reaching for Stella, I rest my hand on her leg and just watch her drive. We come to a small portion of the cemetery that looks older, and she parks the car, killing the engine. Leaving the keys in the ignition, she climbs from the car, and I follow her out.

  Meeting her in front of the car, I grab for her hand and look down at her beautiful eyes, sadness overtaking me when I see tears in the corners.

  “Why are we here, Stella?”

  “Come on.”

  Still holding her hand, I follow her, letting her lead me wherever we’re headed. We’re at the far end of the row when she stops in front of a double headstone.