Broken: Taylor

by Hildie McQueen

  Placing his stethoscope around his neck, the doctor walked toward the door. Before he reached it a man pushed Taylor aside and walked into the room.

  “You get back there and keep trying.” The hoarseness in the man’s tone made Taylor take notice. It was then he recognized him as John Morris, Captain at the Billings Police Department.

  “Don’t give up doc,” Morris pointed toward the bed. “She’s one of my best.”

  The doctor was a tall man, youthful and attractive. The only indication he was older where the strands of silver through his dark brown hair.

  “I’m sorry Captain Morris. She’s gone.” He stood his ground, not backing up when Morris walked up almost touching him. “We did what we could. Her internal organs, the major ones were all shot.”

  From what Taylor had heard, drug dealers with semi-automatic rifles had opened fired when Felicia and her partner had responded to a domestic abuse situation unaware it was a meth house.

  By the time back up arrived, Felicia and her partner had both been fatally injured.

  “No,” Taylor walked past the men to where Felicia lay surrounded by now silent equipment, lines still attached to her.

  Her face was perfect, no bruising or any kind of injury that he could see above the shoulders. It was as if she was sleeping.

  There was a scream and Felicia’s mother raced to the door, her face transformed with emotion as her husband tried to hold her back. The doctor went to them and began explaining what he’d already said to the Captain.

  Taylor stumbled backward to give her family room to stand next to where the ashen face Morris stood transfixed, his gaze locked to the bed.

  A low hum sounded, at first Taylor looked around the room to locate where it originated. It grew louder. It was then he realized it came from his head. Lights swam before his eyes and he took a deep breath.

  It was not like before when he’d been in and out of consciousness not knowing if he’d walk again. His career had ended in that same hospital, but he’d survived.

  Felicia had made it too. That time. Why not now? He must have made a sound because one of the nurses came over to him and touched his shoulder. “I think you need to sit down.”

  Afraid he’d pass out, Taylor allowed the woman to guide him to a chair. Nothing like being a pansy-ass at a time like this. But he’d rather be a sitting idiot than one passed out on the floor.

  “Hamilton, right?” Felicia’s father stood beside the bed, his hand on his wife’s shoulder.

  “Yes sir,” Taylor willed himself to stand and unsteadily made it to where the man stood and held out his hand. “I came as soon as I heard.”

  “Thank you.” The man’s gaze moved to Taylor’s left side. “She told me you were having surgery again.” The man struggled to swallow. “Felicia cared a great deal for you. She said you were her best friend.”

  Taylor squeezed his eyes shut and looked to the floor fighting back against the tidal wave of pain. They’d been partners, at one time lovers, but through it all, she was right. They’d been close friends.

  A heavy palm weighed on his right shoulder as whoever approached from behind offered support. Taylor could not move. He willed time backward, to the last time he’d seen Felicia. She’d walked into Eric’s house the night of the cookout to annoy him, talking loudly and commenting about the football game.

  Although Felicia was young, mid-thirties, she’d seen more than her share of things. She had been an experienced cop who would have gotten far in the force.

  Now her time had come and Taylor refused to believe it. He stared at the woman on the bed.

  Wake up. Stop it already Felicia. It’s not your time. Wake the fuck up.

  When she didn’t move, not listening to him as usual, Taylor turned on his heel and walked out. He kept moving until ending up outside the hospital. The area, which looked to be a break area thankfully, was deserted. Taylor could not breathe, his throat to thick to allow him air to pass. A sound akin to a sob erupted and he fell more than sat onto a hard bench.

  Not able to keep from it, he rested his elbows on his knees, covered his face and cried.

  Chapter 25

  Someone was there. Allison wasn’t sure what woke her, but whatever it was had her instantly wide-awake. She sat up in the bed and craned her neck listening intently.

  Knocks? Yes, there were three knocks followed by another three. She slipped from the bed to look out of the window. A truck was parked on the street. It looked to be the same model as either Taylor’s or Tobias’.

  Jerking on her robe, she went downstairs and upon seeing the expression instantly went into panic mode. Something about the hollowness in Taylor’s eyes made her stomach sink. Whatever brought him there so late, or early as it was, had to be bad.

  Allison jerked the door open and stepped back. As soon as he walked through the door, she threw her arms around him. Taylor held her tight, his face buried in her hair.

  “What happened?” She finally managed while hoping he’d not say.

  He didn’t speak, instead moved back and reached to close the door. “I’m sorry to come here so late. I need to crash for a couple hours. Is that okay?”

  “Yes. Of course. Did you and Eric have a fight or something?”

  Searching her face as if not understanding her question, Taylor frowned.

  Considering he seemed to be in some sort of haze, Allison took his hand. “Let’s go upstairs, I’ll help you. Would you like a drink?”

  “Yeah. That would be good.”

  In silence, he watched her, not speaking while she poured port into two small glasses. “Sorry, it’s the strongest thing I have.”

  He eyed the glass and drank half of the contents. “It’s good.”

  “Yeah, I buy it every year at a winery in Portland.”

  Shadows flickered in his gaze when he looked directly at her for the first time since arriving. “Felicia died today.”

  “Oh my God.” Allison could feel her eyes grow wide. “What happened?”

  “Domestic gone real bad. Both she and her partner were gunned down.”

  Allison’s knees weakened. The woman was so full of life, so strong. When she’d come to warn her to treat Taylor right, she’d not pulled any punches. Even if Allison didn’t particularly care for her, she’d respected Felicia’s faithful friendship to Taylor and to her career.

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and rested her head next to his. “I’m so sorry. So very sorry.”

  When the sun rose, just a short time later, Taylor remained awake. He was exhausted, but his mind refused to shut down. Captain Morris had warned him off trying to do anything about the shooting.

  The gunmen had been arrested and waited indictment. Investigators were at the scene ensuring every single item was not just collected, but also double-checked. They would ensure not one loophole would be available for any scumbag lawyer to use and potentially free the killers.

  Taylor had gone over there after leaving the hospital. Out of respect for having been Felicia’s partner, they’d allowed him free rein. That was until Morris arrived.

  It didn’t matter what the Captain instructed. He’d ensure the sons of bitches that killed her never got away with it. Not only would they serve time for the murders, but also he’d find as much dirt as possible on them. So much fucking dirt, they’d never know life outside of prison again.

  Eyes like sandpaper, he limped to the window and blinked at the rising sun in the horizon.

  Another day had begun. It was the first one without Felicia in it. She’d always said that when she kicked it, her funeral better be a good one. Although morbid, spending long hours together had meant they’d talked about a lot of stuff.

  Though most of the other deputies considered Felicia hard, he’d known under her tough exterior was the heart of a lion and but also the softness of a woman who cared too much. It had been the reason for how their relationship had progressed. They’d both not known how to deal with being apart after th
e shooting and had used sex to connect.

  Although it had been passionate, there had never been more than friendship and eventually they’d come to realize it. Now though he’d give anything to be back in the hotel room arguing with her about what an asshole he was.

  There was shuffling in the other room. Allison had finally stopped trying to convince him to get some sleep and had gone to bed. Although originally he did plan to sleep, once he was alone, too many thoughts had invaded.

  “Taylor?” She came from the bedroom and stopped at seeing him at the window. “Did you get any rest?”

  Rest no. Sleep either. “Yeah some. Thanks.”

  By the lift of her right eyebrow and flat line of her lips, she didn’t believe him. “I’m going to make eggs, bacon, and toast. You’re going to eat and then sleep.”

  “I’ll go home. Have to talk to Eric about some things. Then I’m going to be in Billings for a few days.” He sat at the table knowing it was best to eat and give Eric time to get up. “I’m going to help with the investigation. There can’t be one single mistake.”

  She must have seen the determination in his gaze because instead of saying anything, Allison nodded. Coffee was slid in front of him. The dark liquid swirled with the creamer.

  “Would you like me to come with you?”

  “What?” He wasn’t sure what the proper response was and needed time to consider how best to deal with it. Of course, they’d decided to try and make a relationship between them work. Unfortunately at the moment, his brain vacated and he stared at Allison.

  “I can come to Billings and be there for you.”

  “No. I’ll be gone the entire time. There’s nothing for you to do.”

  His answer was wrong. The gruffness in his voice left no doubt that he didn’t want, nor need her there. In truth, he wasn’t sure.

  “Okay.” Allison turned to the stove, her shoulders straight.

  “Look I don’t need this right now. I can’t deal with you and what happened.” Taylor stood. “I better go. Give me some time all right? My head is all over the place.”

  She whirled toward him, hurt radiating. “All I did was offer to come if you needed me too.” Hands up, she blew out a breath. “Look just go. Don’t worry about having to “deal” with me.” With that, she stalked away to her bedroom slamming the door behind her.

  Too tired, that was the problem. He’d taken it out on her and it wasn’t fair. Taylor went to the stove and stirred the bacon. Moments later, he fried eggs and slipped them onto two plates as the toaster dinged and perfectly browned bread popped up.

  Once everything along with short glasses filled with orange juice was on the table, he went to Allison’s bedroom.

  She’d not locked the door.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that. I made breakfast.” He took her by the shoulders and she shrugged him off. Taylor persisted, tipping up her face and wincing at the shiny tear-filled eyes.

  “Don’t cry Allison. I’m tired and upset. Saying stupid shit.” He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “I do need you. Need to know that when this is over, you will be here for me.”

  She sniffed. “I know you’re going through a horrible time. I can’t imagine. But don’t push me away or snap at me. That’s not fair.”

  Of course she was right. And he needed sleep. Time to regroup before going off and doing what Captain Morris warned him against.

  “I need to talk this out. Tell me what you think,” he said tugging her hand and leading his beautiful woman to the table.

  Once she sat and he lowered to his seat, he began talking. By the time they’d finished their meal, not only did he have a plan, but could barely keep his eyes open.

  “Take a nap. I’ll wake you when Eric gets here.” Allison pushed him toward the bedroom. He stretched out across the soft mattress on his stomach. The bedding smelled of her, some sort of flowery lemony scent that reminded him of her vibrant curls. Taylor fell asleep to the sounds of Allison cleaning up, soft music that she preferred playing in the background.

  “You’re too close to the case. It’s a bad idea.” Eric frowned into his coffee. “I don’t think Morris will agree.”

  Taylor gave no shits. He’d either be added on to the investigation as a consultant, or he’d do it as a nosy civilian. It mattered little to him.

  “I have to do this,” Taylor responded looking over at Mindy, who kept sliding glances toward their table. “You ask her out yet?”

  This time it was Eric who became animated. “I’m working up to it.”

  “Don’t wait too long. I’ve seen Ben hovering the last couple of times I’ve been in here.”

  At the comment, Eric got to his feet and went to where a wide-eyed Mindy looked up at him. Taylor had lied about Ben and now he smiled as Eric said something to Mindy who nodded slowly.

  Her lips curved and cheeks colored prettily, making Taylor wonder how long before they’d work up the courage to hold hands. Eric had always been shy, more of a book nerd than a dater during high school. He did have a steady girlfriend, but they’d broken up during their college years.

  Although engaged once, his cousin didn’t seem inclined to marry. Now as the guy neared forty, Taylor figured he might just be one of those guys that preferred life on his own.

  Eric settled across from him. “Asked her over to watch a movie.”

  “Netflix and chill?” Taylor chuckled.

  “What? Should I get Netflix? I was going to ask her what she wanted to see and rent the movie.”

  “Never mind.”

  “Come on man, tell me.” Eric blew out a breath. “I’m outta practice with this dating shit.”

  “No. Way.” Taylor said it as two separate words mimicking how Eric sometime spoke. “Nervous. Virgin.”

  “Shut. Up.” Eric rolled his eyes. “Been awhile, that’s all. Not sure how to go about things anymore.”

  Mindy had gone back into the kitchen and Taylor knew the woman was probably having some sort of giggle chat with her friend. “I’m sure she’ll be fine with whatever you plan. Movie and a pizza are the perfect first date.”

  “Okay. Good.” Eric let out a breath and his face transformed back to all cop. “If you’re insisting on going to Billings, talk to Morris in a neutral environment. Meet him outside his office. From what you’ve told me, he’s a good leader. He’ll know you won’t back down.”

  Not that he needed Eric’s permission, but Taylor felt better at knowing his cousin backed him.

  “One thing though,” Eric said holding up a hand. “The investigation comes first. If at anytime you feel like you’re losing control, pull back or pull out. Better to not fuck things up. Whoever killed Felicia has to rot in jail.”

  Chapter 26

  Allison woke with a start. It had been almost a month, twenty-five days to be exact since Taylor left for Billings. From what she gleaned, he was hired on as a consultant for Felicia’s case. Even though Eric had tried valiantly to talk him out of it, Taylor had remained steadfast.

  Eventually, Eric had admitted to Allison that any cop of honor would do exactly what Taylor did. Demand to be part of the investigation that killed his or her partner.

  And although it made sense to her on one level, a part of her worried that she’d be competing with a dead woman if her relationship with Taylor continued.

  So far he’d given no indication to worry her. Well other than being in Billings. He called her nightly and had come back to Laurel Creek at least once a week. She’d not offered to go to Billings, not after the way he’d reacted, but it didn’t mean she didn’t hope he’d ask her to.

  Now they were to spend a couple of days together. He’d called the night before to ask if she could take time off so they could go away together. The offer had both baffled and excited her.

  His hip had gotten progressively better and making love didn’t take so much creativity, per se. Admittedly, they’d kept it a bit on the wild side. Thanks to having to be careful, they’d found it fun
and exciting to try new things. For the first time in her life, Allison was able to experiment and try new things with a lover.

  Albeit, they’d ended up in fits of laughter when something they tried failed. The moment lost, they’d sat up in bed and talked. Sometimes had meandered to the kitchen in the middle of the night for an impromptu meal.

  Their relationship was fresh and still new. She’d finally mentioned it to Jaden, who’d been very receptive to the idea of meeting Taylor.

  Now as she pondered what would happen during their weekend away, she bit her bottom lip in anticipation.

  The bell over the door jingled and Allison lifted her head to see the last person she expected to walk through the door.

  David, her ex-boyfriend smiled wide, and opened his arms as if she’d be so relieved to see him that she’d throw herself against him.

  “Hi,” she said and walked toward him. The hug was too tight for her liking, but she allowed it.

  “God I’ve missed you,” he said pushing back his glasses while giving her a once over. “You look great.”

  “Thanks.” Allison pushed a curl behind her ear. “What brings you to Laurel Creek?” Dumb question as he’d just proclaimed to miss her. But she hoped he’d not say her nonetheless.

  “Don’t be silly. I had to see you.” He reached for her and she pretended not to notice while moving away.

  He strolled around the shop, hands behind his back looking every bit the college professor type. “It’s nice. Quite quaint.”

  The words grated her nerves. He’d always acted as if her business was some type of cute hobby.

  When he touched a flower bouquet, she hurried over. “David, why don’t we sit down and share a cup of tea? Tell me what you’ve been up to.”

  “Sounds perfect. I miss your teas. Nothing quite as good in Butte.” He slid a sly glance up her body conveying the double entendre. “No one as beautiful either.”

  Okay, it was a bit much. While they’d been together, he’d rarely complimented her and even less did he look at her the way he did now. Something was definitely up.