by Calinda B
Alex kept up compressions, strong and steady.
Jasmine peeked in the door, holding the wailing Marni.
“Take her outside,” Jace said, as Neil wrestled him away from Billy. “Get her out of here! She doesn’t need to see any of this!”
Jasmine slipped out the front door.
“They’re in here,” she called.
Two coasties burst through the door, supplies in hand.
Simone scrambled away from Jayna.
“We’ll take this from here,” one of them said to Alex.
“How long’s she been out?” the other asked him.
“Not sure, we just got here.”
“How long have you done CPR?”
“About ten minutes, tops,” Alex said between compressions. “That fellow needs some care, too.”
He inclined his head to Billy, lying prone, moaning from his side of the room.
“We’ll handle it. On two, we’ll switch places. Ready? One, two!”
Alex lifted his hands while the Coast Guard technician began pumping. The other busied with the portable defibrillator.
Jace’s lungs heaved as Neil held him back, arms pinned at his back.
“Let me go,” he growled. “I’ve got this. I need to see Marni.”
Neil released him, and he hoofed it outside.
Jasmine sat on a cedar lounge chair, nervously smoking a cigarette, Marni wriggling and crying in her lap.
“Jesus Christ, bitch! You’ve already polluted her mind, frightened her to death, now you need to pollute her little lungs?”
He snatched Marni away from her.
“I needed to calm down,” Jasmine said, her fingers shaking.
“You make me sick. Get away from me.”
Jasmine stood and slunk away, disappearing around the back of the house.
He cooed to Marni, “There you go, baby girl. Uncle Jace has you. Uncle Jace is going to do everything in his power so you never go through anything like this again.” He patted her back. Gradually, she calmed, her whimpers turning into small sobs, her sobs fading into occasional shudders. “That’s it. That’s my girl. Uncle Jace has you.”
He began walking deeper into the woods to get away from the madness inside.
Hearing movement, he looked up to see the coasties carrying Jayna on a stretcher, Alex by her side.
Neil strode after them and met a sheriff coming up the hill. Both men disappeared inside the home.
“Shhh, shhh, shhh,” Jace soothed Marni. “Uncle Jace is here,” he whispered.
Marni’s head relaxed on his shoulder, her thumb going to her mouth for comfort.
“Shhh, baby girl. I’ve got you. It’s all going to be okay.” He squeezed his eyes together, thinking of Zoé, tears assaulting his eyes.
My sister…Marni…Zoé. How could I bring her into all this chaos? He looked up as the sheriff tromped from the house, Billy in handcuffs in front of him.
Handcuffs? He picked his way through the underbrush to Neil as he stepped from the doorway.
“Looks like O’Reilly’s in a mess of trouble,” he said. “You okay, son?”
“I’ve been better. I’m just relieved Marni’s okay. You?”
“A bit amped, but, yes, me, too.” He gave Jace a stern look. “I admit, I wanted to give Billy every blow you landed on him. But…” He let out a long sigh. “I hope the assault doesn’t give you any trouble.”
Jace let out a quick, sharp laugh. “You mean more trouble than I’m already in?”
“Yeah,” Neil said, scowling.
“What was O’Reilly arrested for?”
“Drugs, arson, money laundering…sounded like a long list. Sheriff said they’ve been building a case on him for a long time, waiting to strike. I’m hoping this means the end to his bogus lawsuit against us. I can’t imagine it will continue.”
Jace let out a long sigh. “Shit. That would be good news for a change.” He ran his hand across his face, fatigue starting to overtake the adrenaline. I could use some good news. Jace patted the little girl, fast asleep on his shoulder. “Let’s get across the water and see if I can set things right for once.”
Chapter 37
Jace
The boat ride heading back to Port Townsend had been hell. Jace clutched Marni, soothing her, while Alex and Neil stood at the wheel. The ocean spray stung his face, chilling him to the bone. He ignored it, focusing on Marni.
She pressed her head into his shoulder. She dozed, whimpering in her sleep. It broke Jace’s heart each time she whined.
When they finally pulled up at the dock near the boatyard, Neil said, “I’ll take Marni in my SUV. You head back to Molly’s.” Jace nodded.
Thirty minutes later, Jace pulled the Deus up to Aunt Molly’s, weary, and fatigued. He grew apprehensive when he saw Zoé’s Jeep.
Neil followed with Marni secured in his SUV. He got out of his truck as Jace approached the passenger side.
“Looks like she’s still asleep. I can’t believe she slept all the way across the water,” Jace said, picking her up.
“She’s had quite a trauma. Little girl’s worn out,” Neil said, as he shut the door to his truck.
Jace carried her toward the house.
Porch lights flicked on and Aunt Molly and Uncle Adam stepped out of the house.
“How’s our girl?” Aunt Molly said, rushing toward Jace.
“Exhausted,” Jace said, his gaze pinned to the doorway where Zoé stood. “Here, auntie,” he said, eyes still focused on the beautiful woman staring back at him. “Take her and put her in the house for me, yeah? I’ve got something I need to take care of.”
Aunt Molly gently removed Marni from his shoulder. “Of course. We’ll hear the story in a bit. Neil, how are you?”
“Given the circumstances, I’m okay. You?”
Their voices faded as Jace approached the porch.
“Let’s go out back where it’s private.” He reached for Zoé and led her around the house to the deck.
She followed, quietly, squeezing his hand.
That’s a good sign, Jace thought.
They each took a chair opposite one another, their knees inches apart.
“Are you leaving me?” Jace said. His face felt grim and wooden.
Zoé shook her head slowly. “No,” she whispered.
He let out a long, long breath. “Oh, baby, that’s music to my ears.”
“Your aunt told me the whole story about how the drug thing went down. I’m so sorry I judged you.” She bit her beautiful lip as tears filled her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
“No tears, baby. Please don’t cry. Come here and let me hold you.” He held out his arms and she climbed willingly into his lap, curling her arms around his neck, sobbing into his shoulder.
“I can’t help it,” she said. “I feel so stupid.”
“Shhh, baby, shhh. I’ve got you,” he said
She pulled away, still sniffling, and asked, “Is…is your sister all right?”
“Don’t know. They air lifted her to Virginia Mason in the city. They’ve got the best facilities around. At least they got a pulse before they took her up. I thought she was dead. Your father saved her.”
“Dad did?” Her face visibly brightened, even in the dimly lit deck.
“Yeah. He got right to work the minute he saw her.”
“How did he get involved?”
“He dropped off his boat today. Remember I said I’d look at it?”
She nodded.
“He was chatting with Neil when I pulled up.”
“Wow, talk about timing.”
“I’ll say.”
“And how…how are you? Did you do anything stupid?” Zoé’s brown eyes were intense as she regarded him.
“Other than pummel the shit out of Billy, no.”
“Jace…” She picked up his right hand and studied his knuckles in the dim light. “Ouch. Looks like you need some ice.”
“I’m all right. Billy’s been arrested. That’s
some good news.”
“Are you kidding me? Arrested? What for?”
“Drugs and shit. We’ll find out more in a couple of days. The Seattle police chief is one of Neil’s good friends. He’s going to give him a call. Apparently, that’s where they were taking Billy boy. They’ve been planning a sting for a while now.” He pushed a tendril of hair away from her face and gently kissed her eyelids, her cheeks, and her nose. “I wouldn’t have let you get far if you said you were leaving me,” he said, a slow smile forming.
“How far would I have gotten?” She returned the smile. “I’m pretty fast.”
“You are, but I’m faster. I’d have given you a head start to make you feel like you had a chance.” That same wicked smile remained on his face.
“You’re such a bad ass,” she said, before capturing her lip between her teeth.
“I have to keep my reputation up. You wouldn’t want me any other way. You love me just the way I am.”
“Arrogant, arrogant man.” Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him.
“Am I right?” His eyes danced with mischief.
“Yes, Jace, you’re right. I wouldn’t want you any other way than how you are.” She shook her head, her lips curved in that sweet smile that turned his heart to mush.
“You feel what you do to me, right, baby?”
She scoffed. “Yes, big guy, I feel you against my hip.”
“Where does that belong?” He kept the smile on his face, while his eyes bore into hers.
“It belongs inside your pants.” Her face creased with amusement.
“Guess again.”
She lowered her voice to a whisper. “It belongs inside me, the woman who adores you but hasn’t done a good job of showing you — yet. She’s been focused on her fears instead of the man in front of her face.”
“Are you wet for me?” He leaned in and pushed his nose back and forth against hers.
“Very,” she said, closing her eyes.
“You want me inside you, yeah?”
“Definitely. As much as you want to be inside.”
Her warm breath tickled his mouth, kicking up his arousal. He let his lips part and held them a millimeter away from hers. “I need to fuck you long and hard.”
“You do,” she breathed. “But we’re not doing it here on your aunt’s deck.”
“Goat pen? Garden?”
“Jesus, Jace, no!” She chuckled softly. “Believe me, I want to, but I can wait. I figure I’ve waited for you this long, what’s another hour or two until we get to your home?”
“To our home,” Jace said definitively.
“Yours and mine, love. I’m in this thing with you, may as well make the most of it.”
“Are you telling me you’re committed to being with me?” His heart felt like it would explode.
“Yes, Mr. Savage. I plan on being with you for a long, long time.”
“Oh, baby, you’re making me a happy man,” he said, bringing his lips to hers. His body ached to be inside her, his cock straining against his jeans. “The sooner we get inside and tell the story, the sooner we get home.” And maybe, just maybe, I can give Zoé the life she deserves. Is that too much to ask?
Chapter 38
Zoé
The next morning, Zoé sat next to Jace, clutching his hand, as they navigated through the small ferry town on their way to the hospital.
Clouds galloped across the sky, promising a change in the weather pattern. The trees stood resplendent in a transitional state of green to yellow, orange, red, and gold.
She glanced at the browning plants lining the road. “Fall’s on its way, isn’t it?”
“It is, yeah.”
“It seems early this year.”
“A little, yeah.”
“There’s the ferry,” she said, watching the big white and green boat pull up to the dock in the distance. “We made good time. When I lived in Seattle, I never had to wrap my life around a ferry schedule. It’s a different kind of experience.”
“It is. I was more than willing to do it when it came to you, however.” Jace gave her a heart melting smile.
“Not for long. You got your way, as usual.” She then bit her lip.
Jace frowned.
“My last semester of school starts in a couple weeks.”
“Are you excited?” Jace pulled up to the ferry ticket booth. “Two adults,” he said to the woman.
He paid her and they pulled on through, parking in their waiting lane.
“Yes. Very. Moving to Port Townsend won’t make me give up my passion for plant design.”
Jace’s eyebrows rose. “Why should it?”
He looked at her suspiciously.
“I’m just saying —moving in with you doesn’t mean giving up my life.” She withdrew her hand from his.
“Understood. Where’s this coming from?”
“A lot has happened in a short amount of time. I need to be clear about a few things. I’ve been thinking.”
Jace huffed out a sigh. “Got it.”
“Yesterday was a horrible day.”
Another frown creased his face. “It was. But we had great make up sex last night.”
She ignored the last comment. Don’t lose your nerve. “Your aunt has a friend who owns a nursery and plant research farm in Port Townsend. She’s going to ask him if he might have some kind of job opening.”
Jace’s face brightened. “That’s great, baby!”
“She said he conducts research in Costa Rica. I’ve always wanted to go there. They’re one of the largest areas for biodiversity in the world. They have more conservation areas than just about anywhere. They’re a scientific mecca.” She barely breathed as the words tumbled out of her mouth. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes, noting his solemn appearance. “And I don’t know how I can get all my needs met since I’m in love with you,” she blurted.
“Hey,” Jace said. “Eyes over here, baby.”
She turned to face him, chewing on her lip.
“We’re in this for the long haul, baby. I’m not letting you go —ever.”
She nodded, relaxing somewhat.
“One day at a time, baby, yeah?”
“Yeah. I might not get a job there or anything. It’s only a possibility.”
“But you might. I might have a photo gig in Costa Rica.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, really. A company down there has been wooing me for a long term gig. Not like I need to be wooed. Costa Rica is beautiful. I’ve been wondering how to tell you. Although I figure if I got the job I’d merely haul you down there with me.” He grinned at her.
“Without asking me.” She smirked at him.
“Dragging you by your hair.”
“Caveman style.” She shook her head. “Jace, Jace, Jace…” She scooted closer to him and took his hand again. “What would you do, though, if I got to go to Costa Rica and you didn’t get your photo gig?”
“You’d stay home. Simple.” He grinned, cockily.
Zoé’s stomach clenched into a knot and she snatched her hand away. “Not simple, stud. This is my life we’re talking about. You can’t just bulldoze your way through and get away with it —not with me, you can’t.”
A deep scowl formed on Jace’s face. “Is that what you think I’m doing?”
“What would we do with Marni? More to the point, what will you do with Marni?”
“Definite one day at a time with that one, baby.” Jace lifted his arm, placing it around Zoé’s shoulders, pulling her to his warm body. “Let’s see what my sis says. I told you, adoption’s a possibility if she doesn’t step up to the plate.”
Zoé pushed away from him, shrinking away from his heavy arm. “She’s a child, Jace, not a chrome dinette.”
“Ouch,” he said, his mood darkening.
She glanced up at him, gauging his mood. His jaw began that tick, tick, ticking as his rage built. “I’m sorry. Forget I said anything. Let’s see your sister and take one da
y at a time, like you said.”
“Right,” he said, his mouth a rigid line.
They drove the rest of the way in frosty silence.
When they arrived at the hospital, Zoé said, “You go in, stud. I don’t know her. Maybe you’ll come out with better answers then the ones you just gave me.”
“Baby, get out of the truck. I want my sis to meet you.”
“Let’s meet under better circumstances, not the day after she almost died —again.” She folded her arms over her chest and gazed out the window. She chewed her lips, still chapped from last night’s kiss-a-thon.
Jace slid from the driver’s seat and stomped around the Ford, no doubt preparing to yank her out of the cab.
She quickly reached over and locked the door. As he raced to the other side, she locked that one, too.
“Baby! Get out of the fucking truck!”
“No. I’m not going in with you.”
“Baby!” He hammered on the window, yanked on the handle, and yelled through the window. “Open the goddamned door!”
“No! Go see your sister. Find out what her plans are. I need time to think.”
“Come on, baby.”
“You can’t always use force to get your way,” she yelled.
He rattled the handle again, making her wonder if it would snap off. “Baby! Open the goddamned door!”
“Go see your sister.”
“Come with me.”
“No! You’re a big boy, now. You go. I need time to think.”
“Fucking hell,” he yelled, throwing up his arms. “You’re impossible sometimes.”
“I’m an endless possibility for you,” she said sarcastically, batting her eyelashes through the window. “That’s what you tell me, right? Now go! Come back with better answers.”
Jace thundered away, his hands clenched by his side.
Zoé took a long, slow breath. The situation with Marni brought a lot of things home for her. While she loved Jace, and she might even grow to love Marni, she intended to keep on the path she started, making a career out of landscape design and permaculture. I shouldn’t have to give up my passions to be with him. I already have to commute two hours each way to get to school. He has to make a compromise, too.
Her phone blipped, indicating a text message. Please get out. Come with me, she read.