Reunited by the Badge

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  “That’ll work. I really want to cross the border before it gets dark. By the way, you do still carry your passport with you, don’t you?”

  Simone nodded. “You know I do. But it’s a little late to be asking, isn’t it? What if I didn’t have it?”

  “I’d have to leave you in Detroit,” Paul said matter-of-factly.

  “You would not leave me.”

  He cut an eye at her, but he didn’t respond, and the moment gave them both pause.

  Simone took a deep breath. “I was wrong,” she suddenly said, her eyes fixed on the roadway in front of them. “I should have gone with you to Africa.”

  The comment surprised him, and Paul tried not to let it show on his face. Simone saying she was wrong was life-changing, and he wasn’t sure if he should send up a flare to celebrate or find shelter and wait for an impending lightning strike. He took a deep breath, blowing it out slowly as he responded. “You did what you thought you needed to do, Simone. There wasn’t anything wrong with that.”

  “I was scared. I was afraid that in chasing you and your dreams I would lose myself.”

  “I wouldn’t have let that happen.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “I knew that I loved you enough to want to make sure that your joy was as bright as my own. I still do. But you never trusted that. What kind of man would I be if I didn’t do everything I could for you to love me and live in your purpose, too? You always felt like you had to choose one or the other and you didn’t.”

  Simone shifted her gaze to look at him, meeting the glance he was giving her. “I did trust it, Paul. But I let my own insecurities and fears get in the way. I made the biggest mistake of my life. Because I did love you. I still love you, too.”

  Paul reached for her hand and tangled his fingers with hers. His palm was heated, and his touch was comforting. Simone exhaled loudly, the sound of it like music to his ears. Relief washed over him, and Paul knew that no matter what happened from that moment forward, he and Simone would be better than okay. He trusted that more than he ever had before.

  Once they pulled into the Te-Khi Travel Court, Paul found an empty spot, parked the car and shut down the engine.

  “So, what now?” Simone asked.

  “You and I have a lot to talk about,” Paul said finally. The list in his head was lengthy, including wanting to hear what she wanted for their future. But the past few hours had begun to wear on him. He was tired and they still had a ways to go before they could rest and she could feel completely safe. Because he desperately needed her to feel that things would be okay. “But I need the men’s room first and then we need to grab something to eat so we can get back on the road.”

  Stepping out of the vehicle, they both cast their gazes around the landscape. Despite the distance between them and Chicago, they were still on edge about being followed. Paul had been reluctant to share what had happened at the hospital, not wanting to alarm Simone any more. He was worried for her. He wanted only the best for them both. Loving Simone fueled his actions and insuring she was protected was foremost in his mind. Protected and happy. At the moment though, that was far from their reality. Simone wasn’t content or cheery and she couldn’t be until he could get them out of harm’s way. He still had his own questions that needed to be answered, so he could only imagine the mayhem spinning in her head trying to make sense of it all.

  The truck stop was old but established. It was average at best and the convenience store supplied basic staples. After using the restroom, Paul headed over to the diner and ordered them two daily specials to go. By the time he returned Simone was at the register paying cash for chips, water, a chocolate bar for him and her favorite gummy bears.

  He stepped in behind her, dropping his hands against her shoulders. His fingers slid down the length of her upper arms, up and then across her back. He noted the tension beneath his palms. Simone leaned against his chest as she waited for the clerk to bag her items and count out her change.

  “Junk food, Simone?”

  “Road-trip food. How do you travel?”

  Paul grinned. “Fried chicken and French fries, baby,” he said, pointing toward the diner. “With two slices of homemade chocolate cake to go. Our food should be ready for us as soon as we’re done here.”

  “They do make the best cake!” the young woman behind the counter interjected.

  Simone laughed. “Please, don’t encourage him.”

  The other woman laughed with her. “You two are so cute together. Is he your husband?”

  Simone shot a quick glance over her shoulder. Paul was gently kneading the stress out of her shoulders. “Something like that,” she said, blushing slightly.

  Paul leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. The familiar scent of her perfume and the airy aroma of her jasmine-scented shampoo teased his nostrils. As he savored the sweetness that reminded him of so many beautiful moments between them, he felt conflicted. Wanting to relish the joy they shared despite knowing the challenges they still faced. But he had missed those moments, when the nearness of her gave him pause and everything felt right in their small world. He kissed her a second time before releasing the hold on her shoulders. He said nothing as Simone thanked the woman for her help and then they turned toward the door.

  * * *

  An hour later their stomachs were full, and Simone was trying not to speed. Paul sat in the passenger seat flipping through the papers in one of the many files he’d brought with him. Between intermittent admonishments for her to slow down, he kept his attention focused on the documents in his hands.

  “What are you reading?” Simone questioned, giving him a curious glance.

  “Trying to make sense out of the drug data Liza pulled off the Lender computer. There’s a definite trail with some of their drugs. Research studies, FDA approvals, sales. With Halphedrone-B, there’s no data before the sales data. And I mean nothing. There’s an amended FDA approval and sales, nothing about the research prior to that.”

  “Any other drugs follow that pattern or seem skewed?”

  “There are three that don’t show ever going into mass production or having ever been sold to the public. Not sure why, though. And dozens are still in various phases of testing.”

  “You probably need to focus on the drugs that don’t have a clear data pattern of production and sales history. That might help you figure out what you’re looking for.”

  “When we get to the house, I need you to call your friend at the FDA, please.”

  “I will. And if I can get to a computer, I can do some research, as well. If we know where they do most of their business, I can search the state court records to see any current or previous lawsuits against them.”

  “That might be a bit of a problem.”

  Simone shot him a quick look. “A problem?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “How complicated can it be?”

  “The last time I was up here, there was no electricity. Oliver has wanted to keep it rustic and isolated, with no outside distractions. That’s why I asked Liza to print everything. Just in case.”

  “No electricity?”

  “We’ll be deep in the woods. There’s a generator but it’s used sparingly.”

  “So, you’re taking me deep into the woods with no electricity?” Her gaze narrowed. Rustic with a hint of luxury she could handle, Simone thought. Rustic with archaic accommodations was not her idea of a good time.

  “And spotty cell phone service. There’s a house phone, though.”

  “No electricity, no cell phone service, no internet and your reclusive brother?”

  “Oliver’s not a recluse. And don’t get there picking on my brother. I don’t want to hear you two bickering the whole time we’re there.”

  “Is there indoor plumbing at least?”

  “It’s n
ot totally primitive, Simone.”

  Simone rolled her eyes skyward. She bit back the snarky comment that was on the tip of her tongue. In the past she would have picked an argument, but she really didn’t want to fight. Things were good with them and she wanted to keep it that way, even if she wasn’t happy about the potential conditions she was about to be tossed in. “So, no more luxury accommodations, like last night’s motel?” she asked instead.

  Paul chuckled. “I promise—it won’t be that bad. In fact, I think you’ll actually like the place.”

  “I was slightly surprised that I didn’t know about it,” she said, finally getting that off her chest.

  He pondered the statement for a moment before responding. “We weren’t in a good place with each other when my brother finalized my mother’s estate. I wasn’t trying to keep it from you, Simone, but we weren’t talking. Not the way we should have been. And, I really wasn’t interested in the house and just figured I’d eventually sign my half over to Oliver. But he convinced me to come up for a visit and I’ve been two or three times since. It’s turned out to be a great getaway.”

  “And now it’s a perfect hideout?”

  Paul smiled, and nodded. “Until they find us,” he said matter-of-factly.

  Their light banter continued for the rest of the ride, both catching up with each other. Much time had passed since the big clash that had severed their ties. Despite the level of comfort they’d been able to reignite with each other, there was much they’d missed.

  Paul discovered Simone was being courted by one of the top law firms in the state of Illinois, which offered a lucrative seven-figure salary, substantial perks and a potential partnership on the table. He knew it was the next step in what she hoped would eventually be a stellar political career.

  Simone was surprised to learn that he had purchased a home in Morocco, the northwest African destination enabling him to do more mission work abroad while affording him a respite from the transcontinental travel. Learning he had considered making the move permanent felt like a punch to her gut.

  “So, you’re seriously thinking about moving?”

  “I’ve left the option open, yes.”

  “What about your job at the hospital? You’re highly regarded there. Enough that they accommodate your mission trips, so why leave?”

  He nodded. “My mission trips help the hospital look good. The board appreciates being able to say that their doctors have international experience and exploiting our humanitarian endeavors. If I decide to leave, I’ll be able to maintain my privileges when and if I come back to Chicago.

  Simone paused, unsure how she felt or what to say. “I can’t move to Morocco, Paul,” she finally muttered.

  Paul gave her the slightest smile. “I would never ask you to move, Simone,” he said. “I did that once and you broke my heart. Remember?”

  Before she could respond he pointed toward the exit, motioning for her to bear right toward the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. She merged onto the toll road, her eyes skating back and forth between her mirrors and the road as she eased slowly forward with the line of traffic. When they reached the inspection plaza they were greeted by an Immigration and Customs official.

  It was Simone’s first time traveling to Canada and she hadn’t expected the hustle and bustle of the big city that greeted them. Actually, she hadn’t known what to expect but the tall buildings surprised her.

  Paul seemed to read her mind. “Windsor is known as the ‘Automotive Capital of Canada.’ The town has a diverse industrial and manufacturing history. My father used to work for the Ford Motor Company engine plant which is here. Now it also has a well-established tourism industry and one of the largest casinos in Canada.”

  “It seems like a great city. I’d love to explore it some, one day,” she said softly as she imagined the two of them exploring the city together. Hand in hand. A wave of sadness washed over her as she thought about all she had missed out on with him.

  Something in her tone moved Paul to turn and stare. He pointed. “Pull into that parking lot up there. I’ll take us the rest of the way. That way you can sightsee while I drive.”

  “Are we far from your house?”

  He shook his head. “No, about another forty-five minutes if the traffic is good.”

  Pulling into the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant, they took a few minutes to stretch and change places. When they were back in the car, Paul settled behind the driver’s seat, Simone drifted off in reflection. She was still reeling from his comment about never asking her to move to the other side of the world to be with him. She was suddenly heartbroken to think that he might not want to resume their relationship. That maybe he didn’t see a future for the two of them, no matter where in the world he might find himself. The lyrics to Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It” suddenly came to mind. Her feelings were hurt but she couldn’t muster up the wherewithal to tell him.

  The silence was suddenly daunting, and an awkward tension filled the space like helium in an oversize balloon. Simone tried to focus on the city and the multitude of left and right turns Paul was making toward their destination. But her stomach was in knots and suddenly all she wanted to do was cry.

  * * *

  In the Black family, Simone was renowned for her emotional rants. Any slight could send her into overload and have her railing against every sin, real or imagined. Paul could feel the tension rising over her like a thick mist. She was biting down on her bottom lip as she stared out the window, her brain surely spinning a mile per minute.

  For reasons Paul couldn’t begin to explain things between them suddenly felt like they did just before they had ended their relationship. Back then it had been easier to say nothing, to ask no questions and simply walk away from each fight. Communication had not been either of their strong suits.

  But nothing they had done before had worked for them and he knew for things to be different this time, that they needed to make different choices. Changing their patterns of behavior was an absolute necessity if they hoped for a new outcome. So, this time, he asked.

  “What’s wrong, Simone? And, please, don’t tell me it’s nothing because I know there is something bothering you.”

  Simone shifted in her seat, turning slightly. She took a deep breath and held it briefly before she spoke. “Will you and I always be at odds over what we want in life? Is there ever going to be a time when we want the same thing?”

  “I don’t understand, Simone.”

  “I just...well...” she stammered, words failing her for the first time in a very long while. She couldn’t begin to explain that it felt like everything was always stacked against them and nothing she could say or do would change that. The old Simone would have waged a verbal war to make that point, fear and anger clinging to every word. The new Simone was determined to not make the same mistakes.

  “I’m sorry. Can we please shelve this conversation for now? I want to discuss it when I have a better handle on my feelings.”

  Paul’s brows lifted slightly. “That’s fine,” he responded. “Whenever you’re ready you let me know.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered, still fighting not to break out into an ugly cry that would have her looking foolish.

  Paul suddenly took a sharp right turn, pulling onto a dirt road lined with tall trees that quickly became an island of forest surrounding them. About two miles down the single-lane roadway a large log home loomed in the distance. It was a breathtaking sight to behold and not at all the simple cabin Simone had imagined from Paul’s description.

  The two brothers had expanded the original footprint of the home to add additional living space. With classic hand-hewn logs, a covered wraparound porch, the scenic setting and its familial history, Simone could understand the appeal. As Paul pulled the car into the parking area next to an old Dodge sedan, Oliver Reilly stepped out the front door to welcome
them.

  * * *

  Simone stood back as the men greeted each other. The brothers hugged, hanging on like family do when they’ve been worried. Oliver was tapping Paul against his back and relief hit Simone like a tidal wave. She swiped at a tear that had rolled down her cheek.

  “Simone, hey!” Oliver called out as he stepped toward her and pulled her into a big bear hug. “Am I glad to see you! Your brother told me what happened to the two of you.”

  “You talked to Mingus?”

  “Yeah. He needed to get into Paul’s place to get him some clothes. Told me you two were hiding out. That’s when I figured it might be a good idea for me to come north until we can all figure out what’s going on.”

  She smiled. “Well, it’s good to see you, too, Oliver. And I’m really glad to be here. I’m also glad you got that electricity problem resolved,” she said as she noted the lights radiating from every window.

  Oliver laughed. “That was only a temporary problem! But we sometimes lose power still, depending on the weather. Come on inside. I was just about to put some dinner on. I wasn’t sure if you were coming in today or tomorrow. Paul was concerned after seeing those guys at the hospital this morning.”

  Simone shot Paul a look. She pointed her index finger at him. “You and I really need to work on communicating better with each other!” she snapped.

  Paul and his brother exchanged a look.

  “Oops!” Oliver quipped. “I just figured...”

  Paul chuckled. “I was looking for the right time to bring it up.”

  “I swear, Paul Reilly...” Simone muttered as she moved to the trunk of the car for her bags.

  Chapter 7

  Simone had needed some time to herself and she sensed the two brothers wanted their own moment. The home was divided into two separate wings that filtered off a central common area. There was a sizable kitchen and expansive back deck. Paul had led her down one wing to a spare bedroom. As he dropped her bag atop the mattress he pointed across the hallway.