by R L Dunn
"The letters from her and Bailey."
"You scared me. That's not as bad as I thought. She could know how Pietra helped Alma in her painful last hours, or she could know what happened after she suffered that terrible fall."
"It was better for Alma. It was taking her too long."
Playing God? Martin ground his teeth.
The video played on. "The fall? Don't forget, Lewis, my security people gave me that video." Talbot's lip curved upwards in a snarl.
"It wasn't my fault the maid got there. Ten minutes more and it would've been over. Elizabeth and that baby would be dead. You more than made up for it, starting with that grief-stricken performance in the hospital. She knows about the letters. What's the big deal?" Clay drank from the glass.
"Big deal? Are you kidding? After her mother's death, I wanted her at my side for a White House bid. If she decides to show her mother's letter to the press, my reputation is destroyed. Bad enough that Elizabeth sent you a couple of letters. Tibby and I had a few beers and barbecued them. With this development, we need to take care of her and destroy that letter. A grieving man who lost his wife and child could be very successful on a campaign."
"When you're ready, she's mine to take care of."
Martin felt nauseated. The video went on for twenty minutes showing an empty den. He was about to turn it off when the sound kicked in.
"What are you doing here?" Talbot asked.
Brynn Hackman entered the room with Louella Miranda, Indira Choudhury, Pietra Hahn, Hailey Ullman, and Henrietta Krump. “I'm sorry about Alma. Tal, I had to hear from Clay that Elizabeth is creating more trouble." Brynn's expression was one of reserved anger.
Martin swallowed hard.
"Brynn, I just buried my wife. I was going to tell you when the appropriate mourning period was over."
"Puh-leeze, you aren't mourning anyone. If we were able to run this operation without you stupid men, we would. You need to get your acts together." Pietra sat on the leather couch.
"I want to hear it from you: what's the story with Elizabeth?" Brynn made herself a drink. After Talbot reported what he said to Clay, the group discussed multiple ways to kill Elizabeth.
Martin realized there were multiple near misses.
An hour later, Talbot and Brynn sat alone. "Tal, last year was our best payout yet. Thirty million dollars." The doorbell rang. Thibodaux Spooner, Celine and Alden McAllister, and Cecile and Hal Dufour joined Brynn and Talbot. They went on to detail the entire operation, including a review of all involved parties.
Martin typed and sent his report. He had the final corroboration of all involved.
He slid down beside Elizabeth, who smelled of coconut and her own unique scent. His eyes fluttered closed, only to open at the sound of sweet gurgles that turned into soft cries.
Elizabeth's violet eyes met his gray ones. "Someone is hungry. Sleep." She kissed his cheek before she carried Lola from the room.
Tighe slept on a cot beside Lissa's bed. She cried, "No. No. No. Stop!"
Tess joined Tighe at her bedside. "Honey, my name is Tess. Does something hurt?"
Lissa panted. "Don't make me go back. Uncle Tighe, please."
Tighe cradled her in his arms and rocked her until she fell back asleep. "It's okay, Lissa. I'm here. The bad people will never hurt you again."
Tess wiped away a tear. "What's going to happen to her?"
Tighe ran his hand down Lissa's back. "I...I'm going to find a way to keep that promise." Tighe decided to speak with Ian, Kieran, and Martin in the morning.
At dawn, Martin joined Ian, who was sipping coffee at the Bailey dining room table. "What does your Mom do? This is delicious."
"Cinnamon."
"You alright? I read your report," Ian spoke in a soft voice.
"How can I be, finding out my fiancée's father helped plan her death? Or that her ex-husband wished he had ten more minutes to kill her? And the best one, her father had Pietra hasten her mother's death." Martin spat the poison from his gut.
"I hear you, but, Martin, that hatred burns into the marrow of your bones until they shatter. Don't do this to yourself or Elizabeth,” Ian spoke with surety.
"I know. How do I tell her?" His voice strangled with frustration.
"You just did." Elizabeth's expression was sad but resolved as she walked in.
Martin rose, pulling her into the protective circle of his embrace. "I'm so sorry." He kissed her softly.
"So am I. None of this was your doing, and because of you and everyone you work with, we are alive and have a fresh start. My father was evil. I will never understand why he made the choices he did. I also don't want to spend the energy trying to find out. If someday I need to, I will. Today, I want to focus on the man I love, the baby who joined our lives and the new one who will be here in April."
"Angel fall back to sleep?" His face brightened with his smile.
"She took four ounces. I think the fresh air makes her hungry. Jamie is with her now. I checked Austin, and I want to examine Lissa with Joyce and then head to the hospital and see Troy.”
Tucker walked in. "Good morning. Beth, I made you an appointment with Lois Massey. Or I can make arrangements to examine you here if you would prefer."
"Are you always that bossy?" She raised a brow.
"When it comes to babies, yes. Ian, do you want to tell her?” Tucker teased.
“I plead no contest. Tuck is tough.” Ian laughed.
“If you come back to DC, your little one falls under my purview." He placed his hands across his chest.
"Marty, we only talked a little about this," she said.
"Sunshine, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Lola and our new little person-to-be. If it’s in a house on Lake Barcroft with a cat named Mercutio, fine. If you want to live somewhere else, we’ll find a way. We can hash out every pro and con and decide later."
Elizabeth’s lips turned up. "Well, Tuck, I guess I fall under your purview."
Tucker accompanied Martin and Elizabeth to the hospital, with Julian driving and Tate riding shotgun. At the office, the two took up protective positions at the door of Lois Massey's office. The suite was warm and welcoming in pastel colors, and at Tucker’s arrangement, it was also empty.
"I can't believe what's happening, Beth. The state shut down the teaching program, and all our licenses are under review. The National Guard brought in physicians to assist until the place gets on its feet. They’re checking every department. Gosh, listen to me. Beth and Martin, I'm so sorry." Lois extended her hand to Tucker. "Hi, I'm sorry, we haven’t met. I'm Lois."
"Tucker Hanlon. I'm a PA with Chase Medical. I'll be assisting with the transfer of Elizabeth's care."
"You're leaving, Beth?"
"I'm leaving Iowa and going to DC with Marty. I have a happy life waiting for me." She turned her body into Martin’s.
"I'm glad for you. I'm thinking of picking up stakes too. It will be hard to rebuild here, and it might be better to start with a clean slate." Lois stood. "Let's look at you, Beth. How do you want to handle this?"
"Tucker and Marty can come." Elizabeth held Martin's hand.
Lois turned to her professional tone. "When I saw you were coming in, I did some research on the poisons you were given. All the toxins have potential effects on pregnancy and fetal development. Remember, because something can affect development doesn't mean it will.
“At your age and with your history, even before the poisons, I would recommend more frequent visits. I would like you to meet with a perinatologist, geneticist and a neonatologist when you choose where you want to deliver. With the poisoning, I suggest a toxicology consult as well."
When Elizabeth trembled, Martin kissed her brow. "We will manage this together."
Lois dimmed the lights in the exam room. "Since we know the date of conception, you should be far enough along to view at least the sac.” She patted her friend’s leg. “On a happy note, I can tell you, if a fetal heartbeat is present, almost n
inety percent of pregnancies go to term. Ready?”
Elizabeth reached out with a clammy hand to hold on to Martin, who leaned down and whispered, “I love you.”
Lois started the sonographic examination. “Your lining and cervix appear normal. Let's search for your critter."
"Stop, I'm going to dream of giving birth to bugs!" She tried to deflect her anxiety with humor.
Lois and Tucker both stared at the screen as Lois adjusted the probe back and forth. "Martin, sit," Tucker said.
"What's wrong?" Martin was unable to disguise his anxiety.
Tucker shook his head. "You are Ian's protégé. Your swimmers are SEALs."
Elizabeth struggled to see the screen. “I don’t understand. Lois? Tuck?” Her voice grew shrill.
"Momma, you are going to have identical twin critters anytime from the first week in March." Lois turned up the volume for them to play the symphony of baby heartbeats. The printer whirred with pictures. "That flashing is Baby A, and that one is Baby B.”
Elizabeth’s knuckles turned white holding on to Martin.
Lois helped Elizabeth sit up, then gave her a hug. “Take a few minutes, get dressed, and we’ll meet you in my office."
Martin sat on the table beside her and wrapped her in his arms. “I love you so much.” He rested his palm against her flat belly.
"I'm sorry, Marty. I didn't mean to overwhelm you. We have Lola and now two more. I was going to donate Daddy's money, but I can keep some so if I can't work...oh God...." she babbled with misty eyes.
Martin started to laugh. "Don't worry about finances—that's the simple part. The rest, we can be anxious and scared together. All I want from you is to take care of yourself and those critters." He kissed her again and helped her get dressed.
Tucker and Lois smiled when they came into the office. "I'll give Tucker the information because Elizabeth and you won't process this for at least a few more hours." Lois went over the dietary and hydration rules as well as other lab tests and sonogram schedules. She also went over the commonsense do's and don'ts. "You must eat, Beth. I'd like you to gain at least thirty-five pounds. You also need to sleep,” Lois admonished.
Martin waggled his brows at Elizabeth and, in a teasing voice, asked, "Doc, I don't want to sound like a pig, but..."
Lois chuckled. "That's up to Beth. No restrictions there—yet. Any questions, call me. I'm so excited for you." She hugged them both.
Tucker, Elizabeth, and Martin exited the office where Tate and Julian were pacing like expectant fathers. Martin couldn't contain himself as pride filled his expression. "Twins."
"Chère, are you okay? You look a little shell-shocked. Do you want to check Troy, or do you want to go home?" All Elizabeth could manage was a nod.
"Sunshine, what's wrong?" He pulled her to him.
"Please don't let someone ruin this. I'm scared," she blubbered.
"Oh, Sunshine, I won't let anyone do that. Neither will Tucker or Julian or Tate or anyone I work with. And Ruth and Joyce...she managed to scare even me."
That made Elizabeth laugh. "Um, I'd like to see Troy; then can we go home?"
Tighe sat with Ian, Kieran, Cordelia Snow, and her colleague, Roman Charles, who specialized in adoptions. Also present was a representative from Silverton's Child Protective Services, Mercy Altman. Tighe admitted his feelings and made the life-altering decision to foster Lissa until her adoption was possible.
"Mr. Cummings, because of Lissa's situation, the state of Iowa has agreed to transfer Lissa to the New York foster care system. Pending a home study and a medical care plan, Lissa should be able to come home with you. Your financials and background are solid," Roman said with a smile.
"Mr. Cummings, I spoke with Yolanda Jeffries in the Brooklyn Division, who will be taking the case if you are approved. Lissa is a special needs child. You will have to provide the names and contact information for all her caregivers. They will also need to provide a care plan," Mercy said.
Tighe cringed. “Care plan” reminded him of Indira Choudhury.
"Did I say something wrong?" Mercy asked.
"No, I'm sorry. Ms. Altman, I love Lissa. I will jump through every hoop I need to. She will be receiving care through the Chase Health Center in Manhattan. I own a four-bedroom townhouse in a nice part of Brooklyn. I will dedicate one bedroom and its bathroom for a nanny." He provided the social worker with a sketch of his home and a list of handicapped accommodations he planned to add.
"I think this will work out. We’ll be interviewing your neighbors, friends, and family. Of course, I need to speak to Lissa too," Mercy said.
Martin guided her out of the truck. "Let's go inside, Sunshine. How about some food?"
"I'd like to take a shower first."
The pair ascended the stairs one slow step at a time, then checked on Lola. Jamie greeted them. "Well?"
Elizabeth, now recovered from the original shock, said, "Uncle Jamie, you will have two more nieces or nephews in March or April. Could you watch Lola for a few more minutes? I'd like to, um, take a shower."
"Luv, Miss Lola and I are going for a walk with Grandma and Master Austin. Seems there is a lot of showering today," Jamie said it with a straight face.
Elizabeth pulled Martin into their bedroom. "Let's get you out of those clothes."
"I thought you were taking a shower."
Elizabeth returned his sass. "Oh, I will be."
"My surgeon said no vigorous sexual activity." He raised a brow.
Elizabeth untied her sneakers and removed her socks. "Come with me." Taking his hand, she led him into the bathroom. She removed the remainder of her clothing before she helped him disrobe. "Marty." As she turned on the shower, her expression smoldered with hot promise.
Pressing her forward against the tile wall, his kisses started off slow, a wisp of pressure against her earlobe. His lips traveled the length of her throat, brushing gentle kisses down its length to her shoulder. Fingertips traced circles along her chest until his hands held her full, round breasts.
Elizabeth keened as he caressed and pinched each peaking, sensitive nipple. "Marty," his name fell from her lips again.
He poured shampoo into his palm. With a gentle touch, he fingered the soapy liquid through her beautiful hair, praying all her worries would follow the bubbles down the drain. He sighed as he massaged her still flat tummy. Pouring soap onto a dampened washcloth, he lathered the length of her body to her full bottom and between her swelling folds.
Elizabeth's head lolled when Martin dipped two fingers into her wet, swollen core. Her knees buckled at the sensations claiming her, and a moan echoed from deep within her.
He wrapped a supportive arm around her while scooping some of her juices toward her swollen bud peeking from its petals. Rubbing it with small circles with one finger, he curled and unfurled two fingers inside her.
Her body squeezed them, and with a cry, she convulsed, bathing him in a shower of her own love.
Martin turned her to face him, then sat on the bench and guided her on top of him. Rocking them in loving unison, he sank deep inside her, his cock hitting her swelling womb. He dipped his head to suckle her breast into his warm mouth. She wrapped her arms around him, trying to slow the burn within her threatening to explode into a blaze.
He released her well-tended breast and seized her mouth in a crushing kiss. She rolled her pelvis, doing the work for both of them. Together they peaked, swallowing each other's sounds of ecstasy. They held on to each other, both unwilling to break their embrace.
Martin wrapped Elizabeth in an oversized, fluffy towel before wrapping himself in one as well. He managed to pull on his jeans and a fresh tee. "Curl up in bed, Sunshine. I'll make us some lunch and bring it up." He hobbled downstairs after sharing a brief kiss.
Sounds of cars peeling away broke the idyllic quiet as Martin came down the steps to find Ian speaking on his phone. Kieran explained, "We have a sighting fifteen minutes from here. A motel over the Nebraska line. Too close for c
omfort."
Ian completed his call. "Nebraska State and Iowa State police are en route. Ford, Kyle, Wes and Bravo team are rounding up the farm staff and locking down the perimeter. I knew the minute I released Echo and Tango teams something would happen."
Martin brought up the rear, following Julian through the house. They found Austin, Janey and Elizabeth asleep. His parents were missing. "I'll bet they’re in the barn. Cell phones are spotty there." Martin called the barn office. "No answer. Jule, take a walk with me."
Julian maintained Martin’s slow pace down the path to the barn. "We asked Austin to be Lola's godfather. Beth and I were wondering when these critters come if you'd be one of their godfathers? Both of us consider you a brother.”
"Mon frère, I'm honored. Does she know you’re referring to the twins as critters?"
"No, but Lois did. How about Flash One and Flash Two?" Martin gave a teasing shrug.
Julian slapped him on the back, laughing. "You are hopeless."
"I guess I am. I’m still wrapping my head around this. Elizabeth, Lola, and twins. My family and all of you. I'm blessed. I guess when we put these last three away, everyone will be heading home. Patrick and Elizabeth agree Troy can be moved to Denver by air ambulance. Patrick will admit him to LifeCare Medical, and then, when he's ready, our new rehab center.” Martin kicked at a rock. “I shouldn't have sent him in, Jule."
"It was a sound operational decision. Troy didn't go in blind." Julian remained practical.
"Those few minutes with Jenner. He..." Julian stopped walking to face his friend. Martin closed his eyes. "He touched me. I can't imagine how Troy feels." He shook his head.
"Tell him. We will support him every step of the way." Julian grabbed Martin’s shoulder.
"We almost lost him. God, we may still. I don't want a repeat of it."
"We almost lost you too. It’s a decision you will repeat—we all will repeat. You, Mike, and all the division heads. That's part of what we signed on to do. You speak to anyone else about what happened with Jenner?" he asked.