Broken: Taylor

by Hildie McQueen

  “Sounds to me like you haven’t forgiven yourself now.”

  “Maybe.” Tori got up and got the wine bottle. After refilling Allison’s, she topped her own off. “You know all we do is fight now. Every time I see him. He knows exactly what to say or do to piss me off.”

  “Where there’s smoke...” Allison wiggled her eyebrows. When Tori glared, she picked up her cell phone. “Does Chinese sound good?”

  Chapter 13

  It had been a long time since Taylor had driven down the familiar streets in Caspar, Wyoming. His truck ambled at a low speed as he scanned the neighborhood street where he and his family had lived.

  The cool air that wafted through the cracked windows smelled of snow and he wondered how long before the first flake fell. Although it was probably too early for a snow flurry, for some reason he wished for it.

  Immediately a picture of a young boy crouched down beside him formed. They’d hid behind a short wall waiting for his wife and daughter to come out.

  Once they got to the car, they’d started throwing from the pile of white ammunition they’d made. It had been hilarious to watch Janice run in circles screaming while his daughter giggled.

  There had been shrieks and promises of retaliation as both had dashed back inside.

  Janice had rushed back to the house and screamed at them. “I’m locking the door. You’re both going to freeze to death.”

  Their laughter seemed to echo through the air as the old family home came into view.

  The pang in his chest became too real. He felt so raw, he pulled over unable to tear his gaze from the two-story white house.

  Thank God he’d not have to go inside it. The real estate sign had a magnetic “Sold” sash across it.

  Taylor pressed the gas pedal down and sped away from the house. It was better not to allow emotions to get the best of him. In a couple miles, he’d face Janice, his ex and who knew what that would bring.

  Their marriage did not withstand the double blow of the death of their two children and her parents.

  His father-in-law had either had a heart attack or a brain embolism, which caused him to drive across the median and into oncoming traffic. They’d hit a gasoline tanker truck head on.

  Along with everyone in their car, the accident also killed the truck driver and two other people in nearby cars when the truck’s contents exploded, burning up everything and everyone.

  The coroner had done her best to waylay their fears, explaining it was probable everyone had died instantly. But they knew there was no way to know for sure. Nightmares had tortured them nightly. Lack of sleep, guilt, worry, and stress lead to constant fights.

  Taylor parallel parked in front of his ex sister-in-law’s house. The blinds moved as someone looked out. Instead of going to the front door, he got out and stood by the truck.

  He was not welcome there.

  Janice’s family blamed him for what had happened. It was he who was supposed to go pick the children up from visiting her parents a couple hours away.

  Instead, he’d convinced his father-in-law to come up for a visit. Yeah, he’d not felt like making the drive.

  So as far as Taylor knew, everyone in these situations had regrets and if-onlys. His however, was a doozy.

  The garage door creaked and began its slow ascent. The automatic opener was in desperate need of oil, or replacement by the way it shook and groaned.

  Finally, the sunlight allowed him to see her. Janice stood next to two boxes. Her arms crossed and face carefully schooled into a blank look.

  “Hello.” He had to clear his throat as the word stuck.

  Instead of a greeting, she motioned to the boxes. “The movers came last week. I kept this stuff for you. Take it and go through it when you get a chance. Do what you want with it.”

  He looked at the boxes. The pitiful remains of two vibrant beautiful lives. At only eight and ten, Marcus and Briana were on the cusp of their existence and to them everything was new and fresh. But that all changed, their lives cut short because he would not drive to get them.

  No matter how many times he was told by counselors and family, it was fate and feeling guilty would not change anything, the burden would remain. Until the day he died, Taylor would carry the heavy weight of knowing he could have kept his children and possibly his mother and father-in-law as well from dying.

  “So, you’re moving to Canada?” Taylor met her gaze, ensuring she looked at him. This was the woman he’d loved like no other, the mother of his children. They’d planned to grow old together, and she still meant a great deal to him. It was a cruel twist of destiny, because now they’d never see each other again.

  “Yes.” Her reply was breathless. “I am.”

  Instead of the deep feeling of love and need to be with her, that he expected, Janice brought memories of a different life and hopes they’d both one day move on.

  He picked up the first box and placed it on the back seat of his truck and then returned for the second one. The boxes were heavy and he wondered what all was in them.

  When he returned empty-handed, Janice held out a small rectangular box with a blue ribbon tied around it. “This is yours. It was going to be your Father’s Day gift that year. I’d forgotten about it until I was cleaning things out and saw it.”

  A knot caught in his throat when he slipped the ribbon off and opened it up to reveal a handmade frame made from Popsicle sticks. In it was a picture of him and his children. They’d gone swimming that summer and Janice had snapped a picture of the kids hanging by his biceps. All three had almost identical wide grins and windblown hair.

  “That was a good summer,” Janice said, a slight curve to her lips. “We had fun that day.”

  Taylor nodded, words evading him for a moment. “Are you sure about this? About leaving? Do you think we...”

  She began shaking her head as soon as he started talking and backed away toward the side door that would lead into the kitchen. “I think it’s best if I never see you again. Goodbye Taylor.”

  “If you ever need anything....” He left the rest of the sentence unsaid as she went inside.

  He remained standing with the picture in his hands and gaze on the door. It was over. Nothing could ever repair the damage. Her brown eyes had instantly brought back the image of Briana’s long lashed ones. He was sure his hazel ones and cleft chin reminded Janice of Marcus’ features.

  “Goodbye,” he whispered and turned away.

  When Taylor got home everything was dark, except for the light of the television screen.

  From the couch with his legs stretched across the ottoman, Tobias lifted a beer in salute.

  “What’s up Cuz?”

  He would have preferred to go straight to bed after stashing the boxes in the corner of their large garage. “Not much.”

  Guns blazing, Bruce Willis appeared on the screen, his mouth sneering as he dove behind a barricade. The noise was a good distraction from Taylor’s groan as he lowered to a chair.

  “Long drive. Can’t do those anymore without paying the price.”

  Tobias studied him for a long moment. “Eric said you haven’t been to see the pain doctor.”

  He was too tired to hear the shit. “I’ll have to go this week. Out of meds.”

  “Eric said you’d taken more than was probably prescribed when he stopped by.”

  Tobias was a huge guy. Not only because he was muscular from regular weight training, but at six-five, the wide-shouldered man towered over most people. The only one that could give Tobias a run for his money was Luke, his identical twin.

  Of the three of them, Tobias was the lucky one. From the way he told it, he’d flirted his way to a cushy job when deployed to the Middle East. He’d not seen any action. Luke always argued his twin was lying, but it seemed Tobias was about as normal as brown gravy.

  Some days, he was too normal. The only black spot in Tobias’ past was a broken heart. And who the hell didn’t go through that anyway?

  In hi
s cousin’s case however, it seemed Tobias hadn’t managed to get over it. Whenever he saw Victoria, his ex-fiancée, they got into an argument. Fought like cats and dogs if ever alone longer than a minute. Once she’d even rammed her car into his trunk in a fit of fury.

  It was rather comical to see them go at it. It was obvious to everyone except the two idiots they were still in love.

  “Since when have you and Eric become my health counselors? Nosy assholes.” He stood.

  Tobias narrowed his eyes, jaw tense. “When are you going?”

  “Leave me the fuck alone Tobias. I don’t need this shit right now.” He considered that he’d been planning to take more than the recommended dosage that night from pills he’d coerced from the pharmacist in town. The guy would deduct the pills once he came back to pick up the prescription.

  “Something else,” Tobias said ignoring his glare. “Frank busted his arm today.”

  He turned to Tobias. Frank was a long-time worker and reliable ranch hand. “What happened?”

  “Horse kicked him. It had to hurt like a mother. His arm was bent all back.” Tobias demonstrated curving his arm up. “He’ll be out of commission for at least a couple of months.”

  It was bad news. With the way his hip was hurting, Taylor had planned to take time to allow for downtime. Although he didn’t ride a horse, the uneven terrain on the four-wheeler was not conducive with painful injuries.

  “Can’t you ask Luke to help out more? I feel like shit lately.”

  Tobias groaned and slapped the couch arm. “That’s why you need to go get seen by the doctor.”

  “I’ll go tomorrow.”

  Chapter 14

  The ringing of the bell over the door of the shop made Allison jerk. She’d spent the night in her own apartment after two nights at Tori’s. No one had seen anything of notice and Mindy’s brother’s body would be brought back from the coroner, which meant the funeral was about to take place that weekend.

  With the suspect not being caught, it caused her fretful nights. She’d jarred awake with every sound until giving up as soon as the first bits of sunshine peeked over the horizon.

  Eric Hamilton stalked in, making a beeline for the counter. She took a step backward at noting the crease between his brows.

  “I thought you were staying at Tori’s?”

  “I did. I slept at Tori’s for a couple of nights. Seriously Eric, I can’t stay at other people’s places indefinitely.”

  He didn’t look convinced. “You got a security system?”

  “Yes.”

  “A gun?”

  “Yep.”

  He let out a long sigh. “You haven’t seen that reporter guy again?”

  “No, but he did stop by Tori’s to eat and asked a couple questions.”

  Other than the height and broad shoulders, there was little resemblance between Eric and Taylor. Yet the Hamilton somber expression seemed to be a constant.

  “My partner and I will continue patrolling the street. Don’t hesitate to call if you hear or see anything. I don’t care what time it is.”

  She’d not heard from Taylor since he’d texted to cancel coming over. “Have you heard from Taylor?”

  Eric shrugged. “Nah. He went to Wyoming to see his ex.” Seeming to realize his slip, he quickly began talking again. “I think the suspect will be apprehended shortly, so no need to be nervous. I will ask that you keep the front door locked. You can see customers coming. If it’s a man by himself and you don’t recognize him, lie and say you’re closed for a few minutes.

  Allison nodded and saluted. “Got it.”

  The corner of Eric’s mouth twitched. “See that you follow orders.”

  After he left, a feeling of loneliness took over and Allison fought not to cry. Although she relished her freedom and independence, there were days she had a recurring fear. She be injured or killed and it would be days before anyone thought to check on her.

  It was silly in the case of being dead of course. At that point, she’d not care one way or the other. However, what if she was stabbed by the man who’d killed Mindy’s brother and could not call for help?

  A single tear slipped down her cheek and she swiped it away angry with herself for being so silly.

  It was the fact that Taylor was with his ex that caused all of these feelings. There was no use in denying how much it hurt that he’d left to see his ex-wife after being together. What would happen now? If they reconciled, he would probably move to Wyoming where he used to live.

  Allison had no regrets about the sex. After all, she’d wanted the man all her life. And she’d hoped for it to happen. It felt silly now to think that the memory of it would suffice when in fact she wanted a lot more than damn memories.

  A soft song played in the background filling her shop while two gray-haired women walked by deep into a lively conversation. Across the street, a woman bundled her children into a car. Life continued in Laurel Creek.

  Thank goodness for that.

  Leah burst into the shop that afternoon, her gaze pinpointing Allison. While Allison rang up a customer who’d purchased several arrangements and a tray of chocolates, Leah paced with ill concealed impatience.

  Allison helped the woman carry her purchases out to her car all the while giving her friend questioning looks.

  As much as she wanted to know what was up with Leah, she took the time to ensure her customer’s flowers were stable in the car.

  When she turned to go back inside Leah was standing beside the door. She yanked Allison by the arm and pulled her inside.

  “I can’t believe Taylor left you alone,” she said, screaming it more than a little angry. “What the hell is wrong with him?” Angry mottled streaks of red crossed Leah’s face and neck. “Oh and I’m totally pissed at Luke and Tobias. One of them should have taken over. They are all in the dog house.”

  “The twins were gone to the auction...” Allison began defending only to be cut off.

  “They got back two days ago. One of them should have made sure you were okay after Taylor left.”

  Allison sniffed and hugged Leah. “I’m fine. I stayed at Tori’s for a couple of nights. Let’s have tea. You need to calm down.”

  Both took a breath. Leah swallowed and looked at Allison for a long time. “I was terrified for you when Luke told me he’d not come to check on you. The dorks counted on Eric to watch over you.”

  “It’s okay.” Allison smiled, happy to have company, her spirits immediately lifted.

  “Oh and I am not sure what’s going on with Taylor. Tobias told Luke he packed up a bag and left early this morning. He didn’t say anything other than he needed to take care of some personal stuff. Tobias is livid.”

  Perhaps being stabbed by the killer would have hurt less. Although Allison suspected it could happen, hearing it was a totally different story. Taylor was probably working things out with his ex.

  “Really?” It was all she could think to say. “Why is Tobias mad?”

  Leah waved Allison to the table. “Sit down, I have to keep moving.” She poured hot water from the electric teapot into cups. After carefully measuring loose tea into small tea bags, she plopped them into each cup.

  It took a lot of willpower not to hurry her along, but Allison remained sitting. She refused to cry or allow emotion to take over.

  Finally Leah sat down. “Taylor is not doing well. He has been taking a lot of pain medication for his hip. He stopped going to pain management. He was supposed to go and get seen this week.”

  “He may have gone,” Allison replied. “Who knows?”

  Leah shrugged. “Maybe, but it seems crazy to just pack and leave if that was the case.”

  There was a moment of hesitation when Allison’s cell phone dinged. “I have an appointment in ten minutes. A bride and her mother.”

  “No problem, I won’t be in the way. I’ll just set up over there,” Leah said pointing to the corner behind the chocolate counter.”

  “Set up what?”
>
  “My computer. I’m working from here until they apprehend the killer. And I’m sleeping here too.” Leah jumped to her feet. “Help me get my stuff.”

  She couldn’t help but smile as she followed her bossy friend outside.

  “What?” Leah screamed. “You slept with Taylor and are just now telling me about it.”

  That evening, they sat on the couch, each one with a laptop browsing the Internet while chatting. Leah pushed hers off and leaned forward. “You better put that computer down and look at me.”

  “Fine.” Allison prolonged it on purpose just to annoy Leah. “It was the second night he was here. We started making out and one thing led to another.”

  Leah’s gaze searched her face and a slow curve of her lips turned into a wide smile. “So, was it good?”

  “Amazing.” Allison sighed. “Best sex ever.”

  “Ooooh.” With a dramatic gesture, Leah crossed both hands over her chest and swayed. “Those Hamiltons have it going on.”

  “Yep.” Her chest constricted at the fact she’d never sleep with him again. “Got my wish after so long.”

  “Damn and now this.” Leah blew out a frustrated breath. “He sucks.”

  “Hey, maybe when he went to Wyoming, he and the ex realized they wanted to be together.”

  Leah didn’t look convinced. “Then again, he may have headed to the woods to live in a cave.”

  “That I doubt.” Allison couldn’t help but laugh at the thought while at the same time something about the entire thing bothered her. He didn’t seem the impulsive type. “I hope he’s okay. Maybe I’ll call him, you know, pretend I don’t know he left.”

  “Good idea.” Leah’s gaze moved to the cell phone on her side table. “Do it now.”

  Although she wanted to call and every fiber of her being demanded it, the thought he’d actually answer kept her from doing so. No, it was best to wait.