Bend But Never Break

by Cheryl Phipps

  ‘Nice place you have here, Talia. Have you been here long?’

  ‘I just arrived this afternoon, actually.’

  ‘Talia is renting the cottage,’ Nick said in a clipped voice.

  Jack handed a steaming cup to Talia and as his coat swung open, she saw a gun in a holster. Cute he might be, but that put everything back into perspective.

  ‘I hope you don’t mind it black?’

  ‘Not at all. I intended to get some groceries tomorrow.’

  ‘There’s no reason for you to go in to town. We’ve got a couple of people based there and they can buy whatever you need and Jack can pick it up. Besides, if you don’t stay long, it would be a waste of money to get too much,’ Nick said matter-of-factly.

  It was clear in what he didn’t say that Nick was sure she would leave, and that she was an inconvenience to him. That attitude was, unfortunately, very familiar to her. It was just like a man to imagine she could be summarily dispatched.

  ‘Look, I’m not convinced this will work. I appreciate you have a job to do, but you can surely find another house to watch from?’

  Jack pulled a chair up beside her. ‘Talia, I don’t know how much Nick has told you. These men are really bad news, and this is the best opportunity we’ve had in three years of tracking them to get close enough, to find out how they’re bringing drugs into the country. If we don’t get them here, another shipment will arrive and be distributed within a week.’

  Talia wanted to tell him she knew all about Randall and his men firsthand.

  Jack saw her hesitation, misread her empathetic look, and continued. ‘I checked out the far side of their property several days ago and just as Nick thought, it wouldn’t be any good to us. The beach curves back around to rocks, so we wouldn’t have anywhere to watch from that would keep us hidden from view. The other side of the road is a Reserve, and too open to give us any cover. It was my suggestion to use this place and it all came together when Mrs. Robinson told the community at large about the wonderful holiday she’d won - a raffle we’d engineered - and how she was off to Australia to stay with her daughter. We had no idea she’d rented the property. It’s far too close to the deal going down for us to be scoping out another site to work from, and none are as perfectly situated as this. Please Talia, we need this place.’

  CHAPTER THREE

  Nick could almost see her mind weighing up the pros and cons of the situation. Jack knew which buttons to push, that was for sure. Playing good cop/bad cop was their forté and Jack was a natural charmer. With the hit rate they had using this routine, neither was prepared for her answer.

  ‘All right. It’s against my better judgment but I’m prepared to let you stay. However, I’m not budging either.’

  ‘Now wait a minute . . .’ Nick was on his feet, his frustration returning tenfold.

  ‘No, you wait a minute. That’s the deal - take it or leave it.’

  Nick was stopped by the cold look on her face. She meant it. There was no point in arguing right now, but perhaps if he gave her a bit of time and she realised how rough it could get, she might change her mind.

  ‘Okay. If that’s how it has to be, we’ll try to make it work. I’ll go and get our things and you check around outside, Jack.’

  Jack stood with a hand on the door. ‘Perhaps you should go back to bed, Talia. We’ll try not to disturb you when we bring the gear in.’ He looked at her with a mixture of worry and concern on his youthful face.

  ‘Thanks, Jack, I will.’ She gave him a small wave.

  When he was gone, Talia took her mug and, following Jack’s suggestion, went back to her room, closing the door firmly behind her. She obviously had no intention of spending any more time than necessary with Nick, and for this he was grateful.

  He dragged his hands through his hair. This was not going according to plan - not at all. He hadn’t saved the pigheaded woman in order to let her get caught in the crossfire of his case. And since she clearly wasn’t going to listen to reason or do what he said, things could get messy. He couldn’t afford to screw up this assignment - not again. Too much was riding on it, and having Talia here had raised the stakes another notch.

  Nick opened the front door and had a quick look around; Jack was nowhere in sight. There was no noise apart from the sound of the tumbling surf in the distance, which ought to be a good thing if his partner was doing his job right.

  He sighed. The boy was a good cop, but was not known for his appropriateness at times. The phrase ‘bull in a china shop’ sprang to mind. Fortunately, this was offset by his people skills. Look at how he’d handled Talia. It seemed like every woman they met thought this kid was a hunk and would do anything to please him.

  Not that Nick was jealous. He might fancy Talia, but he had to draw the line there. He had his job, which he loved most of the time, and lately there hadn’t been the time or the inclination to date. Did he miss having someone to come home to? Sure, but he didn’t miss the baggage that came with a relationship.

  Slipping back into the house, Nick made a pot of coffee. He might need more than just one cup, since it was shaping up to be a long night. He would bring back some supplies when he got the gear; he couldn’t expect her to feed them.

  It had been hard enough to keep his thoughts from her when she’d been safe at Kirk’s place, but knowing she was just down the hall was a little like torture. His eyes were drawn to her bedroom door. Would she be in bed by now?

  Talia was a beautiful woman. He didn’t think she knew that. In fact, she seemed not to care about her appearance. Maybe it was to help her disguise, but he’d noticed that she had not worn makeup since the beating. She’d never been comfortable with his visits and, when she could manage it, she’d stayed away from him. Did she feel the way he did when they were together? The way the air changed, as if a current hummed between them?

  Taking a few steps closer, he saw a light glimmering beneath the door. Maybe she was reading. Perhaps she was getting into her pyjamas or maybe a nightie. A vision of her slender form encased in something silky made him catch his breath. For God’s sake! Talia was a victim whose only thoughts were about how to get her daughter home, while he was here to prevent a crime, not fantasise about a semi-stranger. Still, he could remember how it felt to hold her - how she smelled, the softness of her hair.

  Although he was caught up in his thoughts, a slight noise from outside made him react instinctively. Nick swung around, his gun automatically slipping easily into his hand, just as the front door opened softly.

  ‘Whoa Nick, it’s just me.’ Jack held up both hands in the classic surrender pose, the easy smile annoying Nick far more than usual.

  ‘What the hell are you doing sneaking around? I could have shot you, you idiot.’

  ‘Jeez, I was doing my job, Nick, just like you asked me to. I’ve checked the area and it’s all quiet for now. Anyway, I thought you had gone to pick up our stuff. You’re a bit edgy, aren’t you? What’s up?’

  ‘Apart from the obvious? There’s a woman in our stakeout location, which should have been empty, apart from you.’

  ‘I swear, I checked the place out again this morning. It was just like the old lady had left it. How Talia got keys without us knowing is beyond me. And I would have been here, but I had a call from one our contacts just as I was leaving to say the shipment’s been delayed several days, so Randall won’t be here until the end of the week.’

  ‘Shit, I could have stayed on the mainland and done some more work. This is a pain in the butt already.’

  ‘What do you want to do?’

  ‘I don’t think we have a choice. There’s no point in leaving and it might attract more attention. I guess a few extra days away from the office won’t hurt us, except it might be bloody boring.’

  ‘Do you want me to go get the gear?’

  Nick felt a bit guilty because he was relieved when Jack offered. He really didn’t want to go. ‘That’s a good idea. I was waiting for you to get back. I didn’t wan
t to leave Talia alone. This situation is ridiculous. We have to talk her around, get her to move out, so let’s discuss it with her again in the morning. Maybe she’ll see sense then.’

  ‘Sure. Do you want me to do a background check on her?’

  ‘What? No, it’s all good. I’ve got someone on it.’

  Jack merely nodded, a thoughtful look on his face.

  Nick waited until he’d left, then locked up and went in search of some bedding. At least he could be more comfortable while he waited for morning, and a resolution.

  ***

  Talia changed into a baggy old t-shirt and snuggled once more into the softness of the bed. What had Nick told Jack about her after she’d left?

  Jack was such an agreeable guy. He didn’t make her feel uncomfortable. Nick was another matter. He hadn’t given up on her leaving and since she wasn’t going to budge, it would be better to stay out of his way. Better on many fronts since she couldn’t deny the frustrating attraction she felt for him.

  As much as he made her uncomfortable when he was near, she always looked forward to his visits. Once she’d gotten over the initial fright of finding him in her bedroom tonight, she’d been glad it was him. Maybe she didn’t trust him to do the right thing by Chloe, but she wasn’t afraid of him and that was a big deal.

  The strange way the day had played out made her think sleep would be impossible, but after a bit of tossing and turning, she managed to doze off. As was usual these days, she drifted into the same dream that rapidly turned into a nightmare. Talia tried to fight the inevitable progression but was powerless to do so.

  ‘You really are useless at everything.’ Randall said disgustedly, his face so close to hers, she could feel his breath.

  ‘Why would you say that? My boss and his clients all tell me how happy they are with my work.’

  ‘You call that work? Don’t make me laugh. Selling people pictures that look like a child painted them is a scam and you know it,’ he sneered at her.

  ‘That’s only because you don’t understand them. I studied hard and I make a good living from my own art and my work at the gallery.’

  ‘So now you’re trying to say I’m not intelligent enough to appreciate the paintings you flog for ridiculous amounts of money. You’re the one who’s stupid. The amount you earn is chicken feed compared to what that gallery rakes in. You’re so gullible, it’s sickening. I took you in when you were a wreck, even married you, when no one else would have been interested. And what do I get in return? Nothing. You’re a pathetic excuse for a wife, and when I ask you to do me one little thing, it’s too much trouble. You’re such an ungrateful bitch, after all I’ve done for you.’

  ‘I won’t do it, Randall. I’ve looked the other way for too long. I don’t like what you do and how it hurts people. It stops now. You can do what you want but I won’t change my mind.’

  ‘I think you might. What about Chloe?’

  The smirk on his face sickened her, but still, she wouldn’t back down. ‘You wouldn’t harm your own child. Not even you are that much of a monster.’ In spite of her words, the icy fingers of fear trickled once more down her back.

  ‘So you say you love our daughter and yet you will take that risk with her life?’ he taunted her.

  If it was between her integrity and her daughter there was no contest.

  ‘Don’t talk like that, Randall. Just let us go. I won’t say a word about what you do.’

  ‘Here’s how this is going to work. You’re leaving, but Chloe stays with me.’ Randall told her in a bored voice.

  ‘No! You never wanted Chloe. You’re only using her to get back at me.’ Panic gripped her heart.

  ‘Perhaps. She’s my daughter, however, and my decision is final. Remember, sweetheart, you asked for this.’ He pressed a button on his desk and two of his men came in. ‘You may escort my ex-wife from the premises. Leave her as we discussed.’

  It was then she realised she’d gambled with the most precious thing in her life and had lost. She’d tried to plead with him to change his mind, but he simply turned away while she was dragged, kicking and screaming, from the room.

  Talia’s screams rent the night as she woke to find herself in another man’s arms. Arms that initially she tried her best to escape from, but he held her firmly, his touch more tender than anything she had experienced.

  ‘Shush, you’re safe, Talia. It’s me, Nick. You’re okay.’

  His voice softly repeated her name over and over as he rocked her, and somehow, in spite of the fear, she understood that this embrace was different, and this man was not trying to hurt her. Talia reluctantly gave in, allowing him to console her as the tears flowed down her cheeks, unsure how many of them were shed for the physical and mental pain Randall had caused, or for the terrible, never-ending ache of losing her child.

  Finally the sobs abated, which was when Talia began to feel awkward. After all, she barely knew this man and had not been particularly nice to him. Yet here he was offering his support, and she’d repaid him with a soaking shirt.

  ‘I’m sorry. I’ll be okay now. Thanks.’ Her voice was muffled against his chest.

  ‘Whatever it was, it sure sounded bad. Do you want to talk about it?’ He brushed the wet strands of her blonde hair back from her face.

  ‘No!’ She pushed away from him and wrapped her arms around her shaking body.

  He pressed a clean handkerchief into her hands.

  ‘Talia, I’m no doctor but if that nightmare is happening on a regular basis, then you do need to share it with someone.’

  ‘Thanks for the offer but I do have someone - Kirk.’ Talia wiped her face, embarrassed at her weakness, and at her lies. Kirk had heard her screams and woken her too many times to count, but he had never held her, and they’d never discussed her nightmares.

  He got up from the bed, went to the door, paused, then turned, and Talia was touched by the worry etched into his face.

  ‘If you’re sure you’ll be okay, I’ll go, but if you need me or anything else, I’ll be just down the hall. Okay?’

  She nodded, still feeling embarrassed, but also relieved when he left. Talia wanted—craved - comfort, but she had to keep her guard up. Letting someone in, taking control, would surely come at the price of her independence, as she knew only too well. She curled back under the blanket, content to lie there until morning, knowing Nick would be there to watch over her.

  She was awake for a long time, thinking of her past and her plans for the future. It had taken many painful weeks of fighting her self-doubt to believe she might ever be capable of one. She was exhausted, but it took until dawn began to light the room for her eyes to close, and she finally slipped into an uneasy sleep - one without nightmares.

  ***

  The smell of bacon cooking filled the room, dragging Talia awake. Her stomach grumbled fiercely as she remembered her lack of food yesterday. Throwing on tracksuit pants and a jersey, she ran a comb quickly through her tangled hair and dragged it into a ponytail. A quick wash in the bathroom next door and she was on her way to find the source of the delicious aroma.

  Pangs of hunger had momentarily diminished memories of last night’s drama but returned with force when she saw the man who had so compassionately consoled her busily cooking breakfast. Talia was mortified that he had seen her in such a state. How could she have allowed anyone to see how vulnerable she was? Damn it, she didn’t want to seem like a snivelling victim. Not after all the work she and Kirk had put in to get her fit and toughened up.

  He sure was good to look at, though. Nick stood with his back to her and as he turned bacon in the skillet, she couldn’t help but notice his firm buttocks filled out the jeans he wore very nicely.

  Nick stopped her line of thought cold when he turned from the stove, holding on to a hot pan. He smiled tentatively while taking the time to study her as if to reassure himself she was all right. This proved to be a bad idea. Belatedly aware of the heat, he dropped the pan on the bench, muttering a curs
e.

  Talia rushed to his side, grabbed his arm, pulled him to the sink and thrust the hand under cold water. His breath was warm in her ear.

  ‘I think it’ll be fine, I heard somewhere that ten minutes is good enough.’

  Embarrassed, she dropped his hand, realising she’d been holding it all this time, while thinking about how good he smelled.

  Smells… She turned back to the table, which held a veritable feast of scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, grilled tomatoes, coffee and orange juice, all begging to be eaten.

  ‘Sorry if I woke you. We brought our own supplies and I’ve cooked more than enough for three, so take a seat and dig in.’ Sensing her reluctance, he joked, ‘Go ahead. You look like you could do with a decent meal.’

  Talia was unable to remember the last proper meal she’d eaten since leaving Kirk’s home a couple of days ago and was powerless to resist. She was almost drooling as she sat down. Nick dropped some toast onto a plate and placed it in front of her.

  ‘Don’t wait for anyone. Dig in.’

  Needing no other encouragement, she did just that and was in heaven with each mouthful. Eventually, she couldn’t take another bite and, pushing back her plate, she groaned. ‘That was fantastic. Thank you, Nick.’ She looked across the table at him gratefully.

  ‘If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed a person your size could eat that much.’ He looked genuinely amazed.

  Talia blushed, feeling like a glutton. ‘Sorry. I was rather hungry.’

  ‘Really? I didn’t notice.’ He laughed. ‘It’s great to watch someone enjoy their food so don’t apologise. I can’t stand it when I take a woman out and all she’ll eat is a salad and then she only plays with it.’

  Talia wondered if that meant he took out a lot of women. He probably did. At well over six feet tall, since he was a good head taller than her five foot eight inch height, he had a commanding presence, and if she was honest, was pretty good to look at, to boot. She could tell by the way his almost black hair kinked around his ears that if he let it grow, it would be a mass of curls, just as hers would be if she hadn’t been straightening it every day. That probably wouldn’t do his tough cop image a lot of good, she imagined, and with such a powerful job, he was no doubt a great catch.