My Forever Hero

by Karen Legasy

  “Well you’re wrong. Just because you can hack into my computer and listen to my chats doesn’t mean you can do the same with my brain.”

  “You were zoned out.” He shook his head.

  “No, I wasn’t. We need to keep focused on helping Abigail and I can’t help it if I’m on cloud nine whenever I think about her.”

  “You must feel like you won the lottery.” Tyler winked.

  “Winning the lottery doesn’t begin to compare to how I feel about her.” Marlee was getting annoyed. “You, on the other hand, hit the jackpot when we met and I brought you into Abigail’s world.”

  “Yeah, right.” Tyler flopped onto a bench and looked up at her. “It’s a jackpot with an empty bottom because I’ll be moving out of her mansion soon while you get to stay. I can’t imagine going back to my stuffy stinky little flat. How am I ever going to serve coffee on an airplane after all this?”

  “Then do something else with your life. Maybe Abigail can give you a position in her company.”

  “I don’t want to work in her IT unit and she wouldn’t hire me anyway because I already checked and you need a degree to work there.”

  “Then go back to school and get it. You’re too brilliant with computers to not use those skills in some work capacity.”

  “I don’t know.” He sighed. “What are you going to do with your days once things settle down? Do you still want to be a cop?”

  Marlee was feeling a bit overwhelmed. “I haven’t thought that far ahead. All I know for sure is I’m spending the rest of my life with Abigail.”

  “Keep your options open because there’s no guarantees with the future.” Tyler frowned.

  “Maybe so, but my destiny’s with Abigail. That I’m sure of.” Marlee tapped Tyler’s knee then stood up. “Let’s see if we can find some kangaroos.”

  “You’ve hardly even looked around here.” He stood and put his hands in his pockets. “We should go inside for a tour so you can understand how things work in your newfound homeland.”

  “I will, but not today.” Marlee knew she’d never be able to concentrate.

  “Well then how about a walk by the lake since we’re close and it’s so nice out? We can hike around it to the National Museum of Australia and you can make a note of another building you need to visit next time you’re here.” Tyler stretched his shoulders. “Who knows, we could get lucky and spot a kangaroo or two on our stroll.”

  They spent the next two hours exploring on foot, meandering along the pathway to the museum. Ducks swam near the shoreline, magpies and cockatoos flew around the path, joggers and cyclists whizzed by, but no kangaroos were in sight. A lunch of toasted sandwiches in the museum cafeteria offered a pleasant refueling before heading back to the car and driving to a local nature reserve where Marlee finally spotted some kangaroos.

  “They’re such strange animals,” she said as they watched six kangaroos lying, eating, and hopping around the landscape. Two mothers stood upright, balancing on their thick tails as they fed joeys from their pouches.

  “They’re not strange and you’d better get used to them.” Tyler took a few pictures. “I think they’re cute and I adored my stuffed kangaroo when I was a kid.”

  “I loved my black teddy bear and took it everywhere.” Marlee posed up against the fence. “Can you get a picture of me with the kangaroos in the background? I want to send it to my brother and get him thinking about bringing the family over for a visit.”

  “Does Abigail know you’re inviting them?” Tyler held up his phone and clicked.

  “I’m talking about later, when things are more settled.” Marlee got excited just thinking about it until her thoughts came back to the present. “I haven’t heard anything from Abigail since this morning. I hate to text her in case Hannah sees it.”

  “Hannah.” Tyler rolled his eyes. “She’s probably hard at it right now trying to convince Abigail to get rid of us, and especially you.”

  “She’s wasting her time then because Abigail’s just as committed to me as I am to her.” Marlee could feel it in her heart. “Let’s head back to the hotel because I want to be there if she manages to escape early.”

  * * *

  “Hey, how’s it going?” Marlee could hardly contain her excitement as she answered Abigail’s call.

  “We’re done, thank God, and I’ll be heading your way shortly.” Abigail’s voice was low.

  “Yes! I can’t wait to see you.” Marlee teetered on the edge of her hotel room bed while Tyler sat in a chair flipping channels on the muted television. “Did you find anything unusual or suspicious?”

  “Nothing.” Abigail sighed. “We can talk more when I see you, but it was a frustrating day. I couldn’t get away from Hannah even for a minute to text you.”

  “I figured as much.” Marlee struggled to keep her voice calm. “Hannah still believes you’re heading to Merimbula on your own?”

  “Yes and I’m glad for that because she seems anxious for me to go. She’ll be here any second to say good-bye.”

  Marlee heard a knock on Abigail’s door. “Let me know as soon as she leaves. Love you.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Marlee noticed a slight tremor and subdued aura as soon as she greeted Abigail at their hotel room door. Something was wrong. The three of them were in the room, discussing the touristy events of the day.

  “Here’s a picture of Marlee with some kangaroos.” Tyler handed his phone to Abigail. “It’s a good thing you have a big house. She wants to use this snapshot to lure her family here for a visit.”

  “That’s not true,” Marlee said. “They know I’ve never seen a kangaroo in the wild and I wanted to show them.”

  “Nice photo.” Abigail said, her voice flat as she returned the phone. “I’m pleased the two of you enjoyed yourselves today.”

  “How was your day?” Marlee straightened the pillows behind her back. She reclined on the bed, facing Abigail and Tyler who occupied two padded chairs by the window.

  “I’m glad it’s over.” Abigail sighed.

  “Was it that bad?”

  “It was a waste of time and I hate wasting time.” Abigail’s legs were crossed and her right foot rocked back and forth. “I don’t know what Hannah was thinking.”

  “I take it you didn’t discover anything unusual in your Canberra office then,” Marlee said.

  “Not in the office, no.” Abigail bit her lower lip.

  “What happened, Ab?” Marlee got off the bed and approached Abigail’s chair, squatting at the side to drape an arm over her shoulders.

  “Hannah kissed me.” Abigail almost spat out the words.

  “She kissed you?” Marlee stumbled back and had to grab the chair.

  “I pushed her away as soon as I felt her tongue.”

  “Her tongue. That fucking bitch.” Marlee jumped up and swung a fist through the air.

  “She knows I don’t like her that way.” Abigail shook her head. “It was so unexpected.”

  “Did she hurt you?” Marlee’s throat was throbbing.

  “I’m fine.” Abigail reached for one of Marlee’s hands. “It’s okay. She stopped and left right after.”

  “What the hell was she thinking?” Marlee’s jaw was tight.

  “I don’t know because I’ve never…” Abigail’s voice faded.

  “The security cameras,” Tyler said. “She must have seen the two of you together.”

  “That’s got to be it.” Marlee’s mind was racing to find an answer.

  “There’s no way,” Abigail said. “We’ve been very discreet.”

  “Except for by the pool. She knows we’re lovers.”

  “She would have asked me about it.”

  “Not if she didn’t want you to know she knows.”

  “Especially if she spied on you through your security cameras,” Tyler said.

  “Thank God I didn’t give her the code to the new system.” Abigail shook her head.

  “Maybe it’s time to involve th
e police,” Tyler said.

  “And say what? That she kissed me?” Abigail got up from her chair and began to pace, wringing her hands.

  “Let me get you something else to drink.” Marlee reached for Abigail’s glass. “Would you like some wine now?”

  “How about the whole bottle?” Abigail flopped on the side of the bed. “I’d better stick to water, but please have the wine if you or Tyler would like something stronger.”

  “Not for me, thanks.” Tyler groaned as he stood up. “I think I’ll pop back to my room for a little nap before dinner.”

  “I hope you’ll join us at the restaurant downstairs,” Abigail said.

  “Sure.” Tyler was at the door. “Let me know when you’re ready to go.”

  “Probably in an hour or so,” Marlee said. “I’ll send you a text.”

  “Perfect. See you then.” Tyler left.

  Marlee sat on the bed beside Abigail and pulled her into an embrace. “I’m so sorry this happened to you.”

  “Me too.” Abigail kept her head down.

  “What’s wrong, Ab? You’re agitated and I get the feeling it’s more than a yucky kiss from Hannah that’s thrown you off.”

  Abigail started to cry. “I hate feeling like this.”

  “Like what?” Marlee used a finger to lift Abigail’s chin so their eyes could meet. “Did she do anything else?”

  “No.” Abigail reached for a tissue and wiped her nose. “I feel so cheap and dirty.”

  “You shouldn’t. You’ve done nothing wrong.” Marlee hugged her.

  “I hated snooping through the personal workspaces of my staff. I felt dirty enough with that, but when Hannah tried to stick her tongue into my mouth, it was like my feelings were inconsequential.”

  “I’d love to get my hands on that fucking bitch.” Marlee shook with anger.

  “Please calm down.” Abigail straightened. “It’s my own fault.”

  “Don’t blame yourself. You were duped and this is going to stop as soon as we get back to Sydney.”

  “You’re so worked up over this.” Abigail stroked Marlee’s arm.

  “I’ll never accept anyone else kissing you on the lips.” Marlee took a deep breath.

  “Good, because neither will I.” Abigail gave a lingering kiss.

  “You deserve the best in friends, especially since you now have the best in lovers.” Marlee pushed Abigail back against the pillows. “Let’s forget about Hannah for now and think about us as we start our holiday.”

  “I like that.” Abigail let out a sigh of relief. “You know, Marl, you always make me feel so great and I know you have my best interests at heart.”

  “Marl. I kind of like that.” Marlee kissed Abigail and grinned. “Ab and Marl. We sound like an old lesbian couple.”

  Abigail laughed. “We’re certainly on our way to becoming one.”

  “I’m so looking forward to talking about our future together as we stroll along the beach in Merimbula. We’ll have to catch a sunset to walk into.”

  “Yes, we will.” Abigail rolled on top of Marlee. “There’ll be lots of sunsets for us to experience together and I hope there’ll be some Canadian ones too.”

  “For sure. I can’t wait to take you there.” Marlee wrapped her legs around Abigail. “How much time do we have left before dinner?”

  “Not enough, considering we’ll be eating with Tyler and he doesn’t miss a thing.” Abigail kissed Marlee’s nose. “Let’s save it for dessert and just cuddle for a bit now.”

  “I can do that. Why don’t you put your head on my chest and listen to my heart beating for you?”

  “You’re such a romantic.” Abigail lowered onto Marlee and closed her eyes. “I feel like I’m lying on a cloud.”

  “Now who’s the romantic?” Marlee took a deep breath and realized Hannah knew that she, as Abigail’s lover, would also be going to Merimbula. If Hannah was indeed the guilty one, that bold kiss could have been the start of her closing in on Abigail. It was a good thing Tyler had brought the gun along.

  Marlee knew she would stop at nothing to protect the woman she loved.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  “I need the gun,” Marlee told Tyler.

  They were in the hotel dining room. Abigail had left the table to sign for the dinner bill and ask about driving directions to Merimbula.

  “Now?” Tyler’s eyes bulged as he scanned the room.

  “Not right now, but before we head back to our rooms.”

  “What’s up with that? You didn’t want it a while ago.”

  “I’m worried we might have company in Merimbula. I don’t trust Hannah. She could be dangerous.”

  “The police should be involved. You don’t know what you might be dealing with.”

  “That’s the thing,” Marlee said. “I don’t know anything for sure and I won’t risk embarrassing Abigail by coming across like some jealous lover.”

  “Abigail could be compromising your safety.”

  “Shhh. Here she comes. We’ll chat later.” Marlee watched Abigail meander back to the table.

  “Ready?” Abigail stayed standing, obviously anxious to get back to the room and plan their early morning departure.

  Marlee stood up. “Yep. I have to get a few things from Tyler’s car first.”

  “Do you need a hand?” Abigail asked as they headed to the lobby.

  “We’re fine. Go ahead to the room and relax. I’ll be up in a minute.”

  “Thanks for the dinner and everything.” Tyler held out his hand to Abigail.

  “I’m the one who should be thanking you.” Abigail took his hand and held it between her two. “I really appreciate how you’ve been helping out. I won’t forget it.”

  “It’s been my pleasure. Have fun in Merimbula.” Tyler beamed as he and Abigail exchanged a quick hug.

  “No big parties at the house now.” Abigail smiled as she stepped into the up elevator. “See you soon.” The doors slid shut and she was gone.

  “I’m not giving it to you,” Tyler said. “It was a mistake taking it and I’m going to return it as soon as I get back to Sydney.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” Marlee stepped into an empty down elevator, wondering if jealousy over Hannah kissing Abigail was clouding her judgment. “I shouldn’t jeopardize Abigail’s reputation by being caught with it.”

  “Or yours either, especially now that you need to keep it squeaky clean to stay in the country,” Tyler said as they descended to the parking garage. “Don’t you have everything out of my car?”

  “I do but I need to bring something up to the room now. What can you give me?”

  “You were going to carry it up on its own? How were you planning to do that?”

  “It’s in a plastic bag. I’d just say it was a book or something if she asked.”

  “You should be ashamed of yourself.” Tyler wagged his finger at her. “That’s lying and the last thing Abigail needs right now is for you to betray her trust.”

  “I want to protect her.” Marlee plopped against the car, her throat tightening. “This is starting to get to me in a bad way.”

  “You’re in love and have lost your senses.”

  “Yeah, and now’s not the time to lose my better judgment.” Marlee folded her arms and stared at the dirty cement floor. “How am I going to keep her safe?”

  “By trusting in your gut and dialing triple zero if you need the police. Come on. Let’s head back upstairs and I’ll leave you two alone for the rest of the night while I check out a few clubs.”

  When Marlee got back to her room, Abigail was propped on the bed, computer on her lap, and typing away. She barely looked up as Marlee entered.

  “I was hoping you wouldn’t have to work tonight.” Marlee slid onto the bed. She could see that Abigail’s email inbox was full of new messages.

  “I wasn’t planning to, but thought I’d respond to a few quick messages before you got back. Did you get everything?” Abigail closed her laptop, put it on the nigh
t table, and then snuggled up to Marlee.

  “Everything I need is right here.” Marlee kissed her. “I’m so excited about the next few days. This’ll be our first trip together. I hope we don’t have any fights.”

  “Why would we?” Abigail’s eyebrows furrowed.

  “I was just joking.” Marlee chuckled. “Travelling with someone, and especially me, can be a challenging test of a new relationship.”

  “I think we’re beyond that test.” Abigail giggled. “After all, what bigger challenge than rescuing you from a shark could I ever face?”

  “I can be annoying sometimes, especially when I travel. You might trip over my shoes or get frustrated with my indecision over where to eat.”

  Abigail tapped Marlee’s shoulder. “Are you afraid of vacationing with me?”

  “Not at all, but you’ve been under a lot of stress and I want to make sure you’re okay. If you’d rather relax at home, I’d be fine with that.”

  “Would you now?” Abigail straightened up and looked at Marlee. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing. I’m just being crazy because I’m so madly in love with you.” Marlee pulled Abigail into an embrace and squeezed her. “Call it my second sense, intuition, or whatever, but I’m a bit apprehensive about going to Merimbula. If anything were to happen to you, I’d never forgive myself.”

  “What could possibly happen to me there?”

  Marlee hesitated before responding. “I’m afraid Hannah’s going to follow us there.”

  “Hannah? Don’t tell me you’re going to let her ruin our vacation. The only way she’ll follow us there is if you let her. Can’t you just forget about her for a few days?”

  “I’m not the jealous type.”

  “Good, because Hannah’s been a big part of my life up until now and I haven’t given up on her yet.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of giving up my friendship with Kerry and I don’t expect you to do that with Hannah.”

  “Then what exactly do you expect me to do about her?”

  “I don’t know and that’s the problem.” Marlee wished she had some concrete evidence one way or another.

  “I know you don’t like her, but I believe she’s not a threat to us in Merimbula. Trust me on this, will you?”