She could feel him smiling and her pulse raced.
“Are you free this evening?”
“Yes.” She’d waited four years for this invitation. No way was she being coy or using an excuse to look at her schedule. She’d rearrange, reschedule or whatever it took to spend time with him.
“Good. Would you like to go out for dinner and dancing at a real Texas honky-tonk? And I promise music this time.”
“Doesn’t matter,” she found herself saying. “I liked the music we had last night.”
There was a long pause on the other end of the line. “I guess you have to work today?”
She laughed a sound that warmed her whole body. “Yes.”
“Me, too. I’m on my way to see Brady, to say goodbye. I don’t know if he’ll understand but I still have to do it.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“I know, and that means a lot. I’ll pick you up about seven. Is that okay?”
“Wonderful.”
Grace clicked off and held the phone to her face for a moment. He’d called and she couldn’t believe how good that made her feel.
TUCK SAT AT THE SMALL TABLE in the hospital playroom watching Brady stack building blocks. The sores on his scalp were healing and Tuck hoped the scars on his soul were, too.
“Hey, buddy, could we talk for a minute?”
Brady looked at him with big eyes.
Jennifer walked in. “Snack time.” She placed animal crackers and apple juice on the table.
“Thank you,” Tuck said. “Double shift today?”
“Yes, a nurse called in sick.” Jennifer shook her head, watching Brady and Tuck. “There’s something wrong with that judge’s thinking.”
“We all want what’s best for Brady,” he told her.
“Yes.” Jennifer didn’t say another word and quietly left.
Brady sucked on the straw in the apple juice while Tuck opened the crackers. Brady suddenly tried to yank them out of his hand.
Tuck held them out of Brady’s reach, pointing a finger at him to get his attention. “No,” he said sternly. “Be nice and I’ll give you one.”
Today it worked. Brady didn’t hit or slap him, but waited patiently for the cracker. Tuck gave it to him and he munched away.
“Would you like to have a tea party, buddy? No, well, I don’t think guys have tea parties, anyway. Katie has tea parties.” But you’ll never know her. “And Beau and Zoë have tea parties.” You’ll never know them, either.
Tuck handed him another cracker. “Soon you’ll have new parents who will love you and they will never hurt or abandon you. You’ll live in a nice home, have all the toys you want and never go hungry again.” He felt the thickness in his throat and swallowed it back. “I won’t be coming back, Brady. I hope you understand that I’m not abandoning you. I would never do that. I hope someday someone will tell you that I hung in to the end. You won’t remember, but I will.”
He swallowed again. “This is goodbye, buddy.”
Brady held out his hand for another cracker and Tuck’s heart almost pounded out of his chest. That one simple action showed Tuck that Brady was hearing and interacting in his own way. He placed several crackers in Brady’s outstretched hand. Brady poked them into his mouth.
“Goodbye, Brady,” Tuck said and rose to his feet.
Brady ran and grabbed a ball and rolled it to Tuck.
Tuck winced inwardly. Brady, don’t do this. Not today. I have to be able to walk out of here.
With his foot, he rolled the ball back. He was grateful when Jennifer appeared. He raised his hand in farewell at the door before he walked away.
Brady just stared forlornly after him, hugging the ball tightly to his chest.
Tuck poked the elevator button with a hand that shook slightly. At that moment he knew that Lisa and Keith Templeton could not love Brady more than he did.
That was a reality he had to live with.
GRACE AND BYRON were meeting before the interview with Mann to go over his résumé and their interview strategy. She was ready. Her father hadn’t called all morning and Grace thought that a little strange considering what she knew. Maybe Stephen had just promised Cavanaugh an interview for his stepson. But Grace knew better than that. The political scratching of one’s back required a lot more than perfunctory gestures.
It didn’t matter. She was fully prepared to handle the situation.
She opened the door to the boardroom and stopped short. Her father sat at the table with Byron. So that’s why he hadn’t called. He was here in person.
Stephen got up and kissed Grace’s cheek. “Hi, sweetheart.”
She didn’t return the kiss. “What are you doing here, Dad?”
He shrugged. “Your mother wanted to see Jesse and I thought I’d come into the city to make sure the interview goes smoothly.”
Grace laid her briefcase on the table. “And you doubt my ability to do that?”
“Oh, no, sweetheart.”
“Then what are you doing here?”
A look passed between Byron and her father.
“I think you’re unaware of the clout and the prestige Mann will bring to the firm.”
“I’m very aware of what Mann will bring to this firm. I did my homework, Dad. You taught me that.” She snapped open her briefcase and the sound resonated around the room. Pulling out Derek Mann’s folder, she threw it onto the table. Several photos of battered girls slipped out. “Let’s talk about Derek Mann.”
Another look passed between Stephen and Byron.
“Stop looking at Byron. He’s your lapdog and will do your bidding, even attempt to warm me up for this atrocious farce.”
“Sweetheart, you’re upset.”
“Yes, I’m upset that you’re trying to manipulate me. You have nothing to do with this law firm anymore, so I’m asking once again, what are you doing here?”
“Grace…”
“I make all hiring decisions on what I feel is right for this firm. Me, Dad, not you, I make decisions based on facts and performances. Using those criteria, Derek Mann is not even on the page.”
Stephen was silent for a moment, but Grace knew her father never admitted defeat. He was known for his bulldog tendencies, especially when his career was at stake. “This is important to me, Grace.”
“Then tell me the truth.”
“Things are changing all over the country. People want change. I’m just doing what I’ve always done, fighting to keep my position in Congress. I thought my daughter would be glad to help.”
“Maybe she would be if you had treated her like an adult and told her the truth.”
“I’m telling you now.” His chin jutted out. “So Mann’s a little off the wall. He can be controlled. Cavanaugh assured me of that.”
She looked at this man who was her father. She’d idolized him, wanting to walk in his footsteps. But today she got a glimpse of her hero with feet of clay. Truth was an evasive tactic politicians used to their own advantage. Most of the time no one saw through it, but Grace had a clear view now.
Stephen knew her weakness—his approval. Everything she’d done in her life she’d done to obtain his approval and he’d used it for his own ends. She was his puppet, keeping the law firm running just the way he wanted.
Those responsibilities were the chains that bound her. Those were the chains making her so restless, so unsure of her life. She’d had a glimpse of what life was all about, a little boy who needed love and a man’s kiss that made her feel alive.
Without a second thought, she drew out a piece of paper from her briefcase and began to write, talking as she scribbled. “I will not hire Derek Mann. I will not jeopardize the reputation of this firm and I certainly will not jeopardize the safety of the women working here.” She handed the paper to her father. “If you’re so set on hiring Mann, then you’ll have to do it yourself. I resign and turn the firm back to you. I’m done.” Grabbing her briefcase, she headed for the door.
“Grace, come back h
ere,” her father shouted, but she kept walking.
She didn’t go to her office. There was nothing there she needed. She took several cleansing breaths and let them out, feeling liberated, feeling free. Jumping into her car, she drove away. Everything she’d worked for, everything she’d thought was her life was behind her.
GOING TO HER APARTMENT was out of the question. Her parents would eventually show up there, trying to make her change her mind, trying to make her see reason, as she was sure they would put it. Everything had to be sacrificed for her father’s career. That was the Whitten mantra, but not anymore. She would not sacrifice her integrity.
It had taken her years to get to this point. The dutiful, good daughter had rebelled. Caroline had done it years ago, but it had taken Grace a little longer. She had to be her own person now, find her way. She was starting over. Being unemployed would terrify most people, but discovering the real Grace hidden inside was suddenly her most important priority. Fortunately, she had a healthy bank account and she intended to use it wisely.
Without realizing it, she found she was driving south on the I-35. She passed the round Holiday Inn and Fiesta Gardens before she crossed the bridge over Town Lake. She took an exit and stopped, got out and sat on a bench, watching the easy movement of the water. This peace, this quiet was what she needed. The wind tossed her hair and she breathed in the scent of the fresh outdoors. People were headed for the walking and biking trails, but she hardly noticed them.
Her cell kept buzzing. She finally checked the callers. Her father—five times. Her mother—four times. And Caroline—three. She didn’t want to worry her sister so she called her back.
“Grace, where are you?”
“I’m fine, Caroline.”
“Tell me where you are and I’ll come so we can talk. Mom will stay with Jesse. Just you and me, like old times.”
“I don’t need to talk. I know what I’m doing.”
“Grace, your life is that firm. You can’t just walk away from it.”
“I really thought it was and I really thought Dad trusted my abilities to make it one of the best law firms in Texas.”
“He does.”
“No. I’m a puppet for him. He still controls everything from Washington. I finally can see I’m just a figurehead like everyone said from the start.”
“Grace, Dad is worried sick. He even has Charley looking for you. You and Dad can work this out. I know you can.”
“How many times did you try to work it out with Dad?”
There was a slight pause. “That’s different. I’m stubborn.”
“So am I.”
“Grace…”
“There’s a big world out here and for once I’m going to live my life my way. I don’t need Daddy’s approval anymore. I haven’t been happy for a long time, Caro, and that’s what I want…to feel happy with my life and myself. I’ll be in touch.”
“Grace…”
She clicked off and sat staring at Austin in the distance. Everything was the same, yet so different. If her father had Charley on her trail, then it was only a matter of time before he found her.
TUCK WAS DRESSED for the evening in his starched jeans, white shirt and dress cowboy boots. He called them his dancing boots and he intended to dance the night away.
He splashed a bit of aftershave on his cheeks and winced at the scent. Damn, that was strong. Sam barked at the smell.
“Don’t like it, huh?”
Sam barked again.
He grabbed a washcloth and wiped it off. “How’s that?”
Sam sprinted for the kitchen. “What…?” Then he heard Eli’s voice and followed Sam more slowly. Eli sat at the table bouncing Jesse on his knees, the diaper bag on the floor. He glanced up as Tuck entered the room.
“Whoa.” One eyebrow shot up. “You must be going out.”
“Yep. I have a date.”
“Well, Jesse and I were hoping you needed some company, but I can see that you don’t.”
“Caroline tired again?”
“No. The Whittens are at my house and all hell is breaking loose. Grace resigned from the Whitten Law Firm today.”
Tuck’s head jerked up. “What?”
“I’m not clear on all the details, but evidently Stephen and Grace had a disagreement over hiring some lawyer. Grace resigned and walked out. Stephen has the company P.I. looking for her.”
“You mean no one knows where she is?”
“No. I didn’t offer to help. I figure Grace can take care of herself.”
“Why do you talk about her in that tone of voice? She does have feelings and she’s very vulnerable.”
Eli frowned. “Uh…I…what did you say?”
Clearly he’d thrown Eli for a loop with his response, but he didn’t have time to explain. He reached for his dress Stetson and placed it on his head. “I’ve got to go. Stay as long as you want.”
“Tuck…”
He kissed Jesse and walked out.
His one goal was to find Grace.
CHAPTER TEN
BACKING OUT of his driveway, Tuck glanced at his watch. Six-thirty. In the turmoil of her day, had Grace forgotten about their date? He’d thought of very little else. What had happened to make her walk away from everything she’d worked for? With a little luck, Grace would be at her apartment getting ready.
She wasn’t.
In his car, he called the highway patrol station where Tuck’s office was located. “Stan, I need a favor.”
“Tuck, don’t you ever quit working?”
“My date’s run out on me and I need to find her.”
“You single guys have all the fun.”
“Seriously, Stan, I need to find this woman. Her name is Grace Whitten and she drives a white Lexus. Put it through the system and see if you can bring up her license number. Alert the patrol and let me know if they spot her car. Don’t stop her, just let me know.”
“You got it. I’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks, Stan.” He clicked off wondering where Grace could have gone.
And why she hadn’t called him.
GRACE HAD NO IDEA where she was going. When she looked around, she saw she was near the hospital. She wondered about Brady and if Tuck’s goodbye had affected him, or if he even understood. It was none of her business, she kept telling herself. She was no longer with the Whitten Firm. Somehow, that didn’t stop her from turning onto the street leading to the hospital.
Grace approached the pediatric ward, nodding to the woman at the desk. “Hello, Jennifer.”
Jennifer glanced up. “Ms. Whitten. You just missed your clients.”
“Oh?”
“They put Brady in his crib and they’ve gone for the evening. Mrs. Templeton said they’d be back at ten in the morning.”
“Brady’s down for the night?”
Jennifer looked at the clock on the wall. “Hardly. It’s barely six-thirty, but Mrs. Templeton said she wanted to get him into a routine of going to bed early.”
“I see.” But she didn’t. And Grace was sure this wasn’t what the judge had meant by providing Brady with stability.
“May I see him, please?”
Jennifer arched an eyebrow. “Why?”
“I want to see how he’s doing. Do you have a problem with that?”
Grace expected a comeback, and she got it. “I have a problem with the whole situation. Tuck said goodbye to Brady this morning and Brady’s been violent ever since. Brady may not respond or understand much, but he knows he’s never going to see Tuck again.”
“What do you mean by violent?” Grace was trying to keep her cool, to get some answers.
“He’s hitting and biting again. He’d stopped the biting, but today he’s taking a piece out of everybody. Mrs. Templeton hung in there. I have to give her credit for that. I personally think she was exhausted and that’s why they went home so early.”
Grace thought about this for a moment. “I assume you are keeping a record of all of this.”
&n
bsp; “Oh, you bet I am.”
“Good. I’m going to check on Brady.”
“Suit yourself.”
“I will, and thank you.”
She walked across the hall and opened the door to the ward. The woman sat by her little girl’s bedside, flipping through a magazine. Another baby, not even a year old, lay in another bed. Brady sat in his bed, holding his stuffed dog.
“Hi,” she said to the woman, and moved toward Brady.
“Be careful,” the woman warned. “Brady’s not in a good mood today.”
“I heard.” She walked to the crib. “Hi, Brady.”
Brady rose to his feet and started toward her, a gleam in those dark eyes.
Grace held up a finger. “Don’t even think about biting me,” she told him, smiling. “I have sensitive skin and it would hurt.” She leaned in slightly. “And you want to hear a secret? I don’t take pain very well and I’d cry. Big tears would roll down my cheeks.” She tilted her head sideways and made a sad face. “Don’t make me cry.”
The corners of Brady’s mouth twitched and he sank to the bed.
“My, those eyelashes are much longer in the daylight, Brady. And I think we really need to trade. You can have my stubby ones and I could have your gorgeous ones. What do you think?” She blinked her eyes several times.
Brady reached up and touched his eye with one finger.
“I’ve never seen him do that before,” the woman said. “He’s interacting with you.”
Grace held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Grace Whitten.”
The woman shook her hand. “Barbara Wilcott. You’re one of the lawyers for the Templetons.”
“Yes.”
“Lisa was with Brady most of the day and she had a rough time. Maybe you need to give her some tips.”
Grace smiled. “I have a small nephew so I’ve learned to speak their language. Lisa will get the hang of it.”
“I suppose.”
She glanced at the baby in the bed. “How’s your little girl?”
“I don’t know. They removed a brain tumor days ago. We’re waiting for her to wake up. It’s taking so long, though.”
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