A Long Way from Home (The Caldwells of Rebel Creek Book 1)

by Morris, T M

  John entered the room with Devon and Jack following behind, both appearing sullen. Sylvia chose to ignore their moods and began directing everyone to their seats. Lucy was seated between Devon and Thad.

  The dinner was magnificent and everyone complimented Sylvia on her accomplishment. Lucy tried to keep her mind on the conversation but she was more interested in trying to ascertain Devon’s mood. She kept stealing quick glances at him but he seemed to keep his face turned toward his father. They were deep in a separate conversation.

  She strained to hear what Devon was saying to his father. He was speaking at almost a whisper’s level making it near impossible to hear. All she heard was Jonathan say, “If that’s what you want I’ll be happy to do it. I’ll get it after dinner.”

  What did Devon want? What was Jonathan going to get for him after dinner? Did someone say something to her?

  Lucy looked up from her plate, a look of questioning resting on her face. Thad laughed, “I don’t think she heard you son. Seems she was some where’s else.”

  “Did I miss something?” Lucy asked embarrassed. “I must have been thinking too hard.”

  Jack smirked, “I’m sure you were. I asked if you would mind passing the sweet potatoes.”

  “Oh. Sure. Here you go.” Lucy tried to act nonplussed.

  “Were you thinking about home?” Claire asked.

  Jumping at the opportunity Lucy replied, “Yes. Holidays remind me the most of my parents.”

  “It must have been difficult to lose them at such a young age.” Thad commiserated.

  Lucy sighed. “I don’t imagine it would be easy to lose your parents at any age.”

  “It was a terrible accident.” Eli said flatly.

  “Yeah. You’re right.” Thad pursed his lips like an old sage and nodded. “Eli? Would you like some more turkey or dressing?”

  “You all better save room for pumpkin pie.” Sylvia admonished. “Claire help me with these plates.”

  “I’ll help too.” Lucy offered.

  “Oh no, dear, you just sit here and enjoy this evening. Next time you can help. I’m sure we will see you at our dinner table again as long as you work with Devon. So this time relax.” Sylvia patted her shoulder.

  “Let me help, please, I want to help out.” Lucy moved to stand.

  Devon stilled her placing his firm hand on her knee. “Sylvia said sit.”

  Sylvia laughed. “And everyone knows to do as I say, don’t they dear?”

  Lucy conceded and tried to be inconspicuous as she tried to push Devon’s hand from her knee. He responded by taking her hand in his own. Her eyes met his and skittered away. He was daring her to make a scene. She was unwilling to do so; instead she tried again to pull her hand free of his strong grip. He tightened his hold warning her without a word to behave. He refused to give her hand back until Sylvia and Claire returned with trays laden with pumpkin pie, whipped cream and carafes of coffee.

  “If I eat another bite, I’ll explode,” exclaimed Carmella as she pushed her dessert plate away. Everyone agreed with her and John suggested they all return to the living room for more coffee or after dinner drinks. Everyone stood and moved toward the living room.

  Jack announced, “I won’t be joining you. I’m leaving now. I have someone I have to meet. He hugged everyone goodbye, except Lucy. When he came to her, he grabbed her and planted a sloppy wet kiss on her lips.

  Shocked gasps filled the room. Lucy was flabbergasted and struggled to extricate herself from his grip. In less than half a second, Devon was pulling him away from her and preparing to give Jack a good thrashing. “What did I tell you not even an hour and a half ago?”

  Fortunately for Jack, John, Thad, and Eli separated the two of them. “What in hell has gotten into the two of you?” John’s voice boomed over the din. “Jack, I thought you said you have someone to meet?”

  Jack muttered something unrepeatable under his breath as he left. Devon shook himself free of Thad and Eli as he growled, “Why won’t you let me at him? Just once?”

  Thad shrugged. “Maybe next time. ‘Course this is the first time you have tried to beat him up.”

  Lucy overwhelmed and with tears welling up in her eyes looked at Sylvia and said, “I’m so sorry I ruined your evening. It’s all my fault and I can’t apologize enough. I shouldn’t have come here tonight.”

  Sylvia embraced her and whispered in her ear as she patted her back, “My dear girl, Jack has been like this from the beginning. What’s surprising is, after all this time, Devon has reacted to his needling. You must have found a way to crack his armor.” Sylvia then continued loud enough for everyone to hear, “Don’t for a minute think it’s your fault. It’s as plain as the day is light. Jack has had too much to drink. He’s lit. We shouldn’t have let him leave.”

  Jonathan declared, “Devon, come with me. We need to talk.”

  Devon nodded toward his father but his eyes were on Lucy as he spoke, “Are you all right? I shouldn’t be long. At least I hope I won’t be long.”

  “I’ll be fine.” Lucy assured him as he turned to leave with his father. Lucy couldn’t help but notice how much the two men looked like carbon copies of each other. There was no way Jonathan could deny Devon was his son. Would her child look like its father too?

  Jonathan opened the safe behind his desk. “Are you sure you want to do this, Devon? Son?” The older man turned when he didn't hear an answer to find Devon staring at a family portrait. It was made the year before his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Jonathan enveloped his son in a big bear hug. Neither said anything for several moments.

  Devon broke the silence by asking, “If Mom was still alive; would the two of you still be married?”

  Jonathan raised his eyebrows and then he laughed, “Of course we would still be married son, we were soul mates. I loved your mother more than anything on earth. Loved her from the first moment I first laid my eyes on her. When she died I wanted to die right along with her. If it hadn’t been for you and your sister—I believe I would have died of a broken heart. Thank goodness I had the two of you to bring up. Why are you asking?”

  Devon was solemn. “I was just wondering. Sylvia doesn’t have a very good track record of staying married does she? I mean, Dad, you’re her fourth husband.”

  Jonathan studied Devon’s face with a father’s shrewdness. “You forget, son, she was widowed the first two times and her third cheated on her. Give her some grace. Sylvia and I share a different kind of love than your mother and I had. It isn’t the same. You can’t hold it against her because your mother died. She can’t take her place and Sylvie isn’t even trying to replace your mother. What are you trying to figure out, son? Do you wonder if she loves you? Do you think you are soul mates?”

  Devon scratched his head. “That’s just it Dad. I’m not sure if she loves me or hates me. Since we came back from Gatlinburg she’s been distant, cold, and downright unpleasant to be around, at least around me.”

  Jonathan sat down in his large leather desk chair and studied the desk blotter for a moment while Devon paced the floor. He asked, “What did you do in Gatlinburg to make her so angry with you?”

  “It’s not what I did—it’s what we did.” Devon muttered. “She has a big problem with me being her boss, especially since Lancaster has been such an ass.”

  Jonathan nodded. “So you made love with her in Gatlinburg?” Devon shot his father a telling look and Jonathan continued, “That was stupid. Did you know how she felt before you went and made a fool of yourself?”

  “Yes I did.” Devon sounded irritated. “And you are not helping, Dad.”

  Jonathan sighed. “Do you love her? You aren’t considering this out of obligation are you?”

  “Yes. No.” Devon groaned. “Dad, all I know is I can’t live without her. I hate not being near her. I feel like a lovesick pup when I’m around her. Anytime Jack—or anyone else—even looks at her I want to beat them senseless, and yet, she won’t let me near her becau
se she works for me. Sometimes I think she may feel just as tortured as I feel but she never lets on. She never lets her feelings show. She’s all business and professional.”

  Jonathan nodded, “Sounds to me like you love her.” He rose from his chair and turned toward the open safe. Again he asked, “Are you certain you want to do this?”

  “I’m positive.” Devon was emphatic. "I will make myself the fool for Lucy, no one else."

  “Well, all right then.” Jonathan moved some papers around inside the small safe and pulled out a small zippered plastic bag. He fingered the contents through the plastic for a moment before he continued, “I hope it works out for you, son. You know she may not have a problem working with her partner.”

  Devon took the bag from his father and shoved it deep into the front pocket of his pants. Devon shook his head. “She can’t afford to buy into the company.”

  “That’s not what I’m suggesting.” Jonathan stared into Devon’s eyes wishing him to understand what he meant.

  “Oh.” Devon brightened. “You do have a point, Dad. Once we’re engaged it won’t be an issue.”

  Jonathan closed the door of the safe, spun the lock, and returned the picture to its place as he said, “I knew you would understand me. Now we better get back to the others before they come looking for us.”

  “I think so too.” Devon agreed and they left the study to rejoin the others in the living room.

  “Well, then.” Thad broke the silence. “I believe we need more than coffee, don’t y’all?”

  Carmella replied, “No. Thad, coffee is all we need. We do have to drive home, you know.”

  “Your right, coffee is what we need, something calming.” Sylvia said. Then she turned to Lucy. “Lucy, dear, don’t fret over Jack and Devon. One day they will overcome their differences.”

  “I hope we are all still alive to see it.” Thad muttered as he handed everyone a cup of coffee he had poured from the trays Eli and Claire had carried in a few moments earlier.

  “Amen.” Carmella nodded and then added. “Of course they would work everything out sooner if they would just stop and listen to what the other was saying.”

  “Good advice for everyone.” Eli murmured.

  “The boy does speak without having to be spoken to first.” Thad teased.

  Eli blushed as Claire wailed, “Uncle Thad! Eli just isn’t used to all of you.”

  “I can see how we would be difficult to get used to.” Jonathan said as he walked into the room with Devon close behind. They both looked quite happy with themselves.

  Sylvia eyed them with suspicion. “What are you two up to now?”

  “Nothing, Sylvia.” Jonathan smiled. “What I do know is Devon and I could use some coffee. Claire, honey, do you mind fixing us some?”

  Claire nodded and began pouring two cups as Carmella eyed Devon until he met her gaze. He winked and moved to Claire’s side to retrieve his coffee. Carmella smiled behind her cup.

  The conversation moved on until Devon and Thad decided it was time to leave. Good-byes were said and hugs were given all around. Devon took Lucy’s hand in his and pulled her out the door laughing, “Whose family is this anyway?”

  “Sorry—they’re just such warm loving people.” Lucy smiled.

  “They are great.” Devon helped her into the truck. “I wonder if ole Eli will make the cut, this does make his second family get together. Last night was the first and it was interesting to say the least and yet he came back...”

  Lucy waited for Devon to climb into the cab before she asked, “There’s more going on between you and Jack isn’t there?”

  “Jack’s jealousy is about all.” Devon said in a noncommittal tone.

  “So why did you lose all control when Jack kissed me?” Lucy continued to question him.

  Devon sighed as he put the truck in gear, “If anyone is going to kiss you it’s going to be me. I told him a few months ago to leave you alone. I also reminded him to leave you alone earlier today. I figured when he kissed you he wanted me to beat him senseless."

  “So—you felt you needed to oblige?” Lucy asked dumbfounded.

  “What do you want me to tell you, Lucy? That I was jealous?” Devon snarled. “If it’s what you were hoping I will have to disappoint you.”

  Lucy retreated, “Devon, I don’t know. I can’t figure out the dynamics between the two of you.” Could he possibly, even remotely, be jealous? What would it mean if he were? What did he mean by he was going to be the only one to kiss her?

  Devon drove for a while before he broke the silence, “If it makes any difference—neither can I.” He smiled and patted her knee as he continued, “But I’d rather not talk about any of them right now.”

  “What do you want to talk about?” She asked. His hand on her knee was unnerving her yet again. His touch had that effect on her.

  “You and me. How can we go on this way and not lose our sanity?” Devon asked staring into her eyes. Uncomfortable Lucy looked away.

  “The light’s green.” Lucy breathed through a tightening throat.

  “You can think on it while I drive you home.” Devon stated as he maneuvered through the traffic toward the interstate.

  Lucy’s mind raced a mile a minute. Is Devon going to ask me to quit my job? Is he going to fire me? Is he going to insist we become lovers? What did he mean by go crazy? She felt she was already crazy enough to be institutionalized.

  Chapter Fifteen

  True to his word, Devon allowed her to think long and hard about how they were going to work out their relationship all the way home. He pulled up in front of her door and cut the engine off before he spoke again. He fiddled with his keys and cleared his throat. “Could you spare a cup of coffee or two?”

  “Sure, come on in. I’ll get the coffee brewing while you tell me how you plan to can me.” Lucy muttered, sliding out of her seat and into the chill night air.

  Coming around the front of the truck Devon laughed, “Is that what you think? You think I’m going to fire you? Funny, Lucy.”

  Turning the key in the front door she retorted, “What am I supposed to think? You have suggested it a time or two—remember?”

  “I never thought you would believe your position with me is so precarious that you could wind up in the unemployment line.” He shook his head dumbfounded as he followed her into the house. “Besides, I wouldn’t dream of firing anyone in their home over coffee after I take them to my family’s Thanksgiving dinner and all. That’s downright sadistic if you ask me. Besides, you are doing a great job.”

  “Slinky! Darn cat. What has she done now?” Lucy cried as she looked around the living room. The room was ransacked, nothing was where it should be or in its proper orientation. Books and papers lay all over the floor. The furniture was thrown about the room in a manner no house cat could ever manage.

  Devon grabbed Lucy by the shoulders, “Call the police Luce. Your cat couldn’t have done this. I’ll look around to make sure no one is still here in the house.”

  Lucy froze in her tracks. Someone had broken into her home. She felt sick. She wrenched herself free of Devon’s grip and ran up the stairs and into the bathroom. Devon followed her up the stairs, “Lucy wait, I haven’t checked up here.”

  “I can’t wai-” Lucy heaved. Devon blanched, turned on his heel, and went back down the steps. She just made it into the bathroom. After losing her dinner she leaned back against the tub. Even her bathroom had been ransacked. Tears were streaming down her face.

  “I think whoever did this is gone.” Devon sat down beside her and pulled her into his strong comforting arms. “And I called the police. They should be here soon.”

  Lucy leaned into his embrace and sobbed. Devon held her in his arms even tighter and tried to comfort her. “How did they get in?”

  “I would guess the sliding glass door in the dining room. They left it open and Slinky is not in the house.” Devon brushed her hair from her face. “Will she come back?”

  “
Every other time she has escaped she’s come back.” Lucy sniffed, “She’s kind of a scared-y cat when she gets out.”

  The police arrived a few moments later to make a report. She had to go through the house and tell them what was missing. She was stricken with grief and fear. Very little was missing other than her mother’s wedding rings, the rest of her jewelry was costume and worth little, and all her underwear. She felt violated and she couldn’t begin to fathom what the burglar could have been looking for in the first place. But to take her bras and panties made no sense to her, not one iota of sense.

  She clutched Devon’s arm as she said, “I’m going to sell this place. I can’t live here anymore. I’ll live in a hotel until I can find another place to live. What kind of lunatic steals your underwear?”

  “Ma’am?” Officer Jernigan the lead officer addressed her, “If you don’t mind leaving your home like it is for a few days so we can gather evidence it would help.”

  “No, it won’t be any trouble at all. I have no intentions of staying here.” Lucy said, “Can I take what I need? Or do you want it to stay as it is?”

  “Leave us a list of what you take and a key, if you don’t mind. We’ll be here for a while.” The officer said.

  “I’ll help you pack.” Devon said as he took her by the elbow and led her upstairs, “But you are not going to any hotel. I’m not going to let you go anywhere without me. I can’t trust you to strangers—who knows what they will try to do to take advantage of your mental state right now.”

  “Do you trust anyone?” She shook her head in disbelief. The whole situation was beginning to take on an absurd aspect. “So where are you taking me?”

  “My house.”

  “Your house? Why can’t I go to Carmella’s or somewhere else?” She couldn’t explain the irrational aversion she had to staying in the same space with Devon for who knows how long. She couldn’t trust herself with him.

  “No arguments. I will keep you safe as long as you are with me. I won’t let any psycho near you.” Devon was firm.