“What is it?”
“I owe Jesse more than this.”
His heart sank.
“I want to be with you. But I’m engaged to another man. A good man. I owe him a breakup that isn’t done after I make out with my ex-boyfriend.”
He nodded. “You’re right.” God, he didn’t want her to be right.
“I’m sorry. I really, really am.”
“I know.”
“As soon as we get back to Dale, I’ll tell Jesse everything. But, until then, we have to be respectful of our relationship.”
Again, he nodded. “I love you.”
She smiled. “It feels good to hear you say that again.”
Remembering the last time he said it, his face grew warm. “And you love me too?” he coaxed.
She laughed. “Oh, how the roles have reversed.” She touched his lips. “I love you back. Always have, always, always will.”
He kissed her fingertips. “Always.”
* * *
When they arrived in Roosevelt Island, Gunner pulled his car into the parking garage. Nora was fascinated by the city, its tall buildings, many people, and bustling streets. Reagan, meanwhile, looked terrified.
He touched her leg. “It’s okay,” he assured her. They climbed out of the car and Gunner led them through the back entrance of his building, their bags in hand. They walked up the flight of stairs and onto his floor. Gunner stopped in front of the green door, squinting his eyes as they adjusted to the fluorescent lights. There was a white folded piece of paper taped to the front of his door.
“What’s that?” Reagan asked.
Gunner pulled it from the door, his heart dropping.
You’re in danger
He considered trying to hide it from her, but he knew there was no use. He handed it over, opening the door and ushering them into the apartment. It was just as he left it, though the air was a bit stale from being unoccupied for the time he’d been gone. He was slightly embarrassed for them to see the messy bachelor pad he called home.
“What do you think this means?” Reagan asked, her voice shaky with concern.
“It’s fine,” he said, sitting the bags down on the coffee table, though he felt anything but fine. He picked up a few empty water bottles and tossed them into the trash. “This isn’t a bad neighborhood.” He smiled at Nora. “What do you want to do first?”
“Can we watch TV?” she asked excitedly.
“TV?” he scoffed. “No, we’re in New York City. This may be the only time you’re ever here. We have to go to Central Park, get a slice of giant pizza, see Times Square, meet a celebrity. Don’t you know how much fun New York is?”
The girl shook her head.
“Well, I’m not letting you leave until you love it as much as I do.” He rubbed her head playfully, pointing to the remote. “We’ll do TV tonight since it’s late but tomorrow we’re going to explore the city.” She rubbed her eyes, yawning, and grabbed the remote from the arm of the couch. “Make yourself at home.”
“Where’s your restroom?” Reagan asked and Gunner directed her to it. He walked to the kitchen, opening the fridge. It was no use. He knew there would be no food there. He hardly kept anything in the house—choosing to eat out for almost every meal. He was right, of course. He stared apprehensively at the two cans of soda, one jar of hot sauce, and what looked like an old orange.
When she reappeared, she’d brushed her hair and her face was red as if she’d just washed it.
“This place is…”
“Nice?” he offered.
“Small,” she said with laughter in her voice.
“Yeah, New York’s real estate is a bit different than Dale’s.”
“You probably pay more a month here than we pay in a year.”
“It’s not too bad,” he assured her, though he knew she was right. “Anyway, I’m going to run down and grab us something for dinner. What does Nora like?”
“What?” Her eyes filled with fear. “No, you can’t leave us here alone.”
“I don’t have anything here for us to eat. We’ve been living on fast food and cracker jacks for two days. We need something real. They have a great little italian place right across the street. You can watch me leave the building. You’ll have your eye on me the whole time. Just keep the doors locked. There’s no reason to get her out so late. She’s safer here.” Reagan looked uneasy, biting her lip. “I promise you it’ll be fine. I’ll be gone ten minutes.”
She nodded finally, though she didn’t respond.
“Just stay here,” he said. “Lock and deadbolt the door behind me and don’t answer the door for anyone but me. Go to the window, I’ll be right down there on the street. You can see the restaurant from here.”
“Hurry,” she begged, looking back to Nora who was happily watching the television, oblivious to anything else going on.
“What does she like? Spaghetti? Alfredo?”
“Pizza?” Reagan asked.
“You let her eat pizza? I thought you wanted organic everything?”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, I like healthy food just as much as the next person but I’m still a mom. Kids love pizza.”
“I can do pizza,” he said, kissing the top of her head. He walked out the door, listening for the lock to click before he walked down the stairs. He made his way out of the building and turned to look up at his window. She was there, watching him. He held a hand up, waving quickly, and then pointed to the restaurant where he was headed.
Just as he reached the pizza place, he stopped, pulling his phone out of his pocket and calling Nigel.
“Hey, it’s Gunner James.”
“Gunner! Where’ve you been? You dropped off the radar there for a bit. I’ve already got three jobs lined up for tonight. What side of town are you on?”
“No,” Gunner answered, “that’s actually why I’m calling. I’m not going to be taking on any more jobs. I’m calling to put in my notice.”
“What?” He sounded as though he were eating something, but that didn’t hide his shock. “Why?”
“I’m leaving the city. I won’t be here much longer, I just came back to get a few things. Tie up some loose ends.”
“I’m sorry to see you go, my friend. Will I get a chance to see you before you leave?”
“I hope so. I’m still trying to get everything worked out. Hey, listen...the night I left town, the third, there was a murder in my building. Can you check and see if any of our guys cleaned it?”
“Uh, sure.” He strained a bit as if he were standing up and then Gunner heard him flipping through papers. “Yep, looks like Ryan did. Why?”
“Does he have anything mentioned on the report? Anything suspicious? Strange?” He was working solely on a hunch.
“Hm, nope, sorry Gunner. It does say the boyfriend signed off on the cleaning, so maybe check with him? What exactly are you looking for?”
“Boyfriend? She had a boyfriend?”
“According to this. Boyfriend was the one who hired us.”
“Does it give a name?”
“Fletcher Denali?” he read aloud. “Ring any bells?”
“Not particularly,” he said under his breath. “Nevermind. Okay, thanks Nigel. I’ll talk to you soon, bud.”
“Okay, take care, Gunner. If you’re ever back in the city, give me a call. There’s always a dead guy ready for ya.” He laughed at his own joke.
Gunner hung up, walking into the restaurant and ordering a large pizza. He hadn’t thought to check on toppings so he went with half pepperoni and half cheese to be safe.
When he walked back into his building a few minutes later, he stopped by Hermy’s apartment, knocking loudly. The elderly man appeared at once. “Gunner, welcome back. Is everything all right?”
“I just had a question. Was there anyone else on Holly’s lease?”
“The dead girl?” he asked.
“Yes,” Gunner answered, though he hated calling her that.
“No, just her. W
hy?”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. I had to answer that question for the police.”
“She didn’t have a boyfriend living with her?”
“Well, there was a young man who packed up all of her things when I signed over her lease to the new tenants. I don’t know what his relationship was with the girl.”
“You’ve already filled her apartment?”
“It’s New York, Gunner,” he smiled innocently. “It’s not exactly hard to find new tenants.”
“Well, good,” he said, “because I’ll be turning in my notice to you soon. I’m having to move back home.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said kindly. “You were one of my few decent tenants, but don’t repeat that. Anyway, is there anything else I can do for you? I was about to turn in for the night.”
“Just one more thing. Did you get the name of the man who packed up her stuff?”
“Well, no. Should I have?”
Gunner sighed. “No, thanks Hermy. Sorry to have bothered you. Have a good night.” He turned and jogged up the staircase without another word. When he reached the apartment, he was surprised to see another note. He grabbed it from the door quickly and read:
Welcome Home
That was it. Two simple words that instantly sent chills up his spine. He wadded up the note, stuffing it in his pocket and deciding not to worry Reagan with it anymore. He knocked on the door. “It’s me,” he said softly. He heard her footsteps and then each of the three locks turning before the door crept open.
She looked relieved to see it truly was him. “Pizza,” he announced, holding up the box. “See, look, we’re already starting on our New York to-do list.”
Nora squealed, grabbing a piece of pepperoni as soon as he sat the box down. He couldn’t help but smile—she certainly had gotten his tastes.
“Hey,” he said to Reagan as he walked into the kitchen, headed toward the bedroom. She followed him. He slipped his shirt over his head and grabbed a clean one from the drawer. Her eyes flickered over his chest and he smirked. “Did Holly have a boyfriend?”
“Not that I know of.” Her gaze went back to his. “Why?”
“Does the name Fletcher Denali sound familiar to you?”
“No. Why?” She repeated the ‘why’ with frustrated worry.
“That’s the guy who paid for Holly’s apartment to be cleaned. It’s usually a husband, boyfriend, brother, friend, roommate, something. I thought if we could find him, maybe he could give you some more insight into her final days.”
“How do you know his name?”
“I called in a favor with my boss.”
“I wish I knew who it was. Maybe her dealer?” she said somberly.
“Maybe. I’ve never seen a dealer stick around and pay for our services, though.”
She frowned. “My sister was my best friend but I swear it’s like I didn’t know her at all.”
“Mom! Gunner!” Nora yelled from the living room. “Come on!”
He grabbed a pair of ball shorts, waiting for her to leave. “I’m just going to change real quick. Go on out and get something to eat.”
“Nothing I haven’t seen before,” she said casually, but turned and sauntered from the room anyway. He ripped his jeans off, pulling on his shorts, and throwing away the note in the small wastebasket beside his dresser.
He hurried into the living room, snatching a piece of pizza and sinking down onto the couch between them. “Hey,” he said, pointing to the slice in Nora’s hand. “That’s the piece I wanted.”
She smiled, pizza sauce sticking to the corners of her mouth. “Boy, is it good.” She took a large bite in spite of him, giggling loudly.
He laid his pizza down, reaching over as if he were going to grab hers but instead landed on her stomach, tickling her. She laughed loudly, holding her pizza over his head. “Okay, okay, okay. Stop! Stop!” She laughed more. Her laughter made him want to continue. Beside them, Reagan was grinning, snacking on her own piece. “Stop, please!” Nora begged through her tears of laughter. “Dad, stop!”
The room fell silent and he stopped tickling as the word left her mouth. She sat up straight, her face sobering. “I’m sorry.”
He looked at her, she did indeed look apologetic. “Don’t be sorry,” he said.
“Is it all right to call you that?”
“You can call me anything you want, Nor,” he said seriously. “But only when you’re ready.”
He wasn’t sure he was ready. Not really. But it felt good to have a title, to be something to someone. He could only hope to be worthy of that name. Worthy of the little girl who would call him that.
Nora didn’t respond, turning up the tv and settling in. After a few moments, Reagan rested her head on his shoulder, beginning to yawn, and pretty soon Nora followed suit. The two girls slowly drifted off to sleep, obviously feeling safe in his arms and Gunner couldn’t help but think of the other title he hoped to carry one day. The one that traditionally came before ‘Dad’. But then, he was getting ahead of himself.
* * *
The next morning, Gunner awoke to the sun shining in through his blinds. Used to the blackout curtains in his bedroom, he felt blinded. He leaned forward on the couch, sliding the girls’ heads off of his shoulders and placing them back down carefully. Reagan stirred just for a second, but they were both back asleep in moments.
He walked to the kitchen, grabbing the coffee pot. Before he could flick on the water, he froze, listening carefully. He heard the quiet, cautious footsteps approaching his door. Sitting the coffee pot on the counter, he walked toward the door and stared out the clouded peephole.
A woman stood in the hallway facing his apartment, her dark hair hanging in her eyes. He couldn’t see her well. He pressed his hands to the metal of the locks, turning them slowly. Warning her that he was onto her would be detrimental to his plan. The third lock, the deadbolt, made a loud ‘click’ as it slid open and he prayed she hadn’t heard it. In an instant, the girl turned, running away from the door. He swung it open, stepping out into the hallway. “Wait!” he yelled after her. A white paper was taped to his door again but he didn’t have time to grab it. “Wait!” he yelled again, grabbing hold of her arm as she reached the top of the staircase, ready to descend. She fought his grasp, pinching and prodding his fingers off of her bicep. Finally she gave up and turned around to face him in defeat.
He dropped her arm, taking a step back. It was as if the breath had been ripped from his lungs by ice cold fingers. “What…” he said, shaking his head. Nothing made sense. It wasn’t possible. Her once raven black hair had been badly lightened to reveal a rusty brown color. Her face had aged, now filled with wrinkles, dark spots, and more breakouts than before. Her hair was dull, her skin lifeless. Everything about her had changed. And yet, he knew her the moment their eyes met. She was the same. So different and still so familiar.
He stared at her, unable to find the words to say everything on his mind.
Finally, realizing he wouldn’t be the first to speak, she smirked, her eyes narrowing at him. “Hello, big brother.”
* * *
The ghost sat on his couch, staring back and forth between him, Reagan, and Nora.
“I just don’t understand,” he repeated for what must’ve been the hundredth time.
“You’re supposed to be dead,” Reagan agreed.
“I am dead,” she said softly. “Well, Gia is anyway. I go by Fiona now.”
“But, why? Why and how?” He felt overwhelmed by the revelation. Everything he believed he had known had been ripped away from him.
“It’s a long story,” she said calmly. “One I’ll explain to you both. But, you have to swear you won’t tell anyone you’ve seen me. Not ever.”
“You were the one leaving me notes?” he asked, leaning forward in his seat.
“I wanted to warn you.”
“About what?”
“You’re in danger, Gunner. You all are.”
Reagan touched Nora’s shoulder. “Sweetheart, why don’t you go take your shower?”
“I don’t wanna,” the girl argued.
“Please don’t fuss, Nora.”
The girl sighed, disappearing into the bathroom slowly.
“Why are we in danger?” Gunner asked once he could hear the water running.
“We’ve been watching you for a while. I just wanted to keep a check on you, see what was happening with your life. I don’t think his intentions were so pure.”
“What do you mean? Who’s he?”
“Gavin. Or...well, Fletcher.”
“Fletcher? As in Fletcher Denali? The boyfriend? Wait a second, are you saying Gavin’s alive too?”
“Yes,” she said, “there’s so much you don’t know, Gun. So much. And you need to hear it all but we don’t have time so I’m just going to have to throw the highlights at you. If he finds out I’m with you...that I’ve told you anything...we’ll all be in even more danger.”
“What the hell are you talking about Gia?” he asked, his voice irritated.
“Gavin’s bad now, Gunner. Ever since the fire, it’s like he just snapped. I don’t know how to explain it. After what he did to Reagan, he wanted you to be mad. He wanted to make you furious...maybe he even wanted you to break up, but you did the one thing he never planned for you to do when you left. You left us in that house, with that monster. And he’s pissed, Gunner. He wants revenge. And I don’t know how much longer I can protect you.”
“What are you talking about? What he did to Reagan? You mean sleeping with her? He told you about that?”
She nodded.
“What do you mean he wanted me to be mad? Gavin was drunk. Reagan said he hadn’t realized when he was doing that night.”
“No, Gunner. He knew exactly what he was doing. When he came home that day, he told me all about it with perfect clarity. It was a deliberate act. I mean, sure, he was drunk so his judgement may have been impaired but he was consciously acting on his decision.”
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