“Thank you for all this, by the way, and I mean that. Uncle Milt is gonna get what he needs. I already have the place picked out. They’re gonna come get him on Saturday. The place has its own ambulance service. I paid for the first couple months already, and I gave them extra since they’re doin’ this on the weekend. I’m off on Saturday, so I can supervise the whole thing. And even though the time is gonna be shitty, I wanna spend it with Milt.”
“Jesus Christ! You probably shoulda waited just in case.”
“I can’t take it anymore; a few days is all I have left in me. I’m gonna lose it if it’s any longer.”
He already had. Haley didn’t want to hear anything else about it. His voice grated on her nerves. “Yeah, well, whatever. I’m hangin’ up now.” She didn’t wait for more. There was no point.
She looked down at her phone. She couldn’t believe a thing he’d said. He tipped his hand by going to Nate. What if he had plans to do the same with Tonya, or to go further just to stir the pot? Even if it was just part of this insane setup scheme? It would be a mistake for him to do anything else. He’d have no leverage at all.
She had to tell Tonya, at least most of it. She deserved to hear it from Haley, not Tang’s fucked-up version. Without another thought, Haley called Tonya. She picked up after three rings, but Haley didn’t give her time to say hello.
“We need to talk. I didn’t have any control over the Tang situation before, but I’ve got a better hold of it now.”
“Just like that in the past couple hours?”
“Yeah, but he helped in his own screwed-up way, and I don’t wanna do this over the phone. Can I come over?”
Tonya released a long, shaky breath. “I’ll see you in an hour.”
That was all Haley needed to hear.
Just over an hour later, Haley was sitting in Tonya’s living room. Family Guy was on TV, but it was just flashes and murmurs. While Haley talked, Tonya’s expression went from shock to anger and back again.
When Haley was done, Tonya stared at her for several seconds. “The unintentional abuse from his uncle broke him.”
“Yeah, I figured that. I feel like I should’ve seen it comin’.”
“No, not really. Situations like this make people unpredictable.” Tonya shook her head. “But that’s not important right now. I’m sorry this happened to you. I know you guys struggled to get along at first and ended up pretty close. This must be killing you.”
“He said I was his best friend.” Haley paused and sat down beside Tonya. “He must’ve had some pretty messed-up relationships to think it’s okay to treat people this way. He thinks we’re gonna recover from this.”
“Are you going to recover from this?” Tonya asked softly.
Haley reached for her hand. It felt good to be able to breathe a little easier. “Yeah, I think I’ll be okay, but it’s gonna take me a while. It’s gonna be a long time before I stop lookin’ over my shoulder.”
“What he did is so muddled and gray. I mean, I know he broke the law, but are his reasons for doing it the biggest part of why you’re going along with it?”
“It was a combination of that and his threats to frame me.” Sitting here telling Tonya this made Haley want to be free from it all. She had to remind herself that she was doing the right thing, the best thing.
“You’re right. It is going to take you a while to get through this. It’s hard to carry a lie around, whether it’s purposeful or inadvertent. I would know.”
“I know it is, but it’s a struggle I’m prepared to deal with. I’m doin’ what I have to do.” Haley held Tonya’s gaze. Her eyes held caution.
“I don’t necessarily agree with all this, because it’s going to hurt you, but it’s a catch-22 since the alternative will too. I’m with you no matter what. I do think it’s best you transfer out of that precinct. You can have a new start, and I hope it goes through soon.”
“Me too.”
“I have to say, though, if he does come to me, it’s going to feel good to beat him at his own game, especially after what he tried to do to you.”
“I don’t think he will. He’s got what he wants now, but he’s obviously unpredictable.”
Tonya squeezed her hand and leaned forward, brushing her lips against Haley’s. “Thank you for telling me. I hate that you have to go through this.”
Haley swallowed down a surge of guilt. “I don’t like it much either.”
“I’m sorry for trying to push you to talk. I know it was a little selfish of me, but with everything that’s happened with my father, I was expecting other parts of my life to implode too.”
“There’s no reason to apologize. I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
“I know.”
Haley pulled Tonya close and sighed. She leaned back on the couch, and for the first time in the past few days, she actually felt that things were going to work out. That didn’t make the whole thing any less fucked-up.
Tonya wrapped herself around Haley, and they stayed like that for several minutes. Despite the heaviness of the situation, Haley’s eyes strayed toward the TV. Another episode of Family Guy was on. It was the one where Peter, Chris, and Brian drink ipecac syrup and end up throwing up all over the place. She snorted.
“What?” Tonya asked.
“Favorite episode.”
Tonya glanced at the TV. “Jesus that’s disgusting.”
“I knoooow.” Haley chuckled.
“Is this some kind of geek thing?”
“Probably.”
Tonya pressed a kiss to her chin. Haley looked down at her. Recently, there’d been times when Haley was sure she’d been swallowed up by her feelings for Tonya. It was warm there. It was safe there, and she felt like she could do anything. Everything slowed down and sped up at the same time. This was one of those times. Haley was wide open. Tonya walked right in and made herself comfortable, and Haley wouldn’t have it any other way.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” Tonya asked.
“Like what?”
“Some moony-eyed cartoon.”
Haley smiled. “Is that right?”
Tonya traced Haley’s lips with her thumb. “Mmm, how can you laugh and smile through all this?”
Haley was pretty sure that there were stars in her eyes now too. “You.”
Tonya made a sound so soft that Haley could barely hear it. Her eyes darkened, and her expression was so unguarded that it made Haley ache. Tonya didn’t say a word, but when she brought their lips together, she whimpered.
In the scheme of things, the moment was damn near perfect.
Chapter 27
“What are you?” Mr. Templeton sneered.
“Can you elaborate, please? Then, maybe I can answer your question.” Tonya was crisp and professional. She schooled her expression to show nothing, despite the way her nerves suddenly jangled.
“I know you a woman, before you say something smart-ass.”
“Yes, I am, Mr. Templeton.” Tonya waited for clarification.
“Are you a nigger? Are you white or one of those muddied-up mixed people?”
“I’m just here to help.”
“Ah, so a nigger, then. I decided to just pick one.”
Already he’d reduced her to nothing but the perceived color of her skin. Tonya often wished work was the only place she had to deal with these types of situations. As Dr. Preston, her feelings were a little easier to brush aside. The anger, resentment, and disgust were still there, behind a wall for the time being, and Tonya wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of displaying any of it. “I have plans to treat you with respect, Mr. Templeton, and I expect you to do the same.”
“A snooty nigger at that.” He leaned forward in the chair and smiled while he stared.
More than likely, he was waiting for a reaction.
Tonya wasn’t going to give him one. It was her job to be good at that, and she was an expert. Being in this position was commonplace; it wasn’t even the first time this w
eek. “I’m sorry about your wife. I know how difficult it is to lose someone you love. My mother died from cancer almost a year ago.”
His smile dipped a bit. Mr. Templeton narrowed his eyes at her. “You don’t know nothing about me.”
“That’s true. All I have are the reports from the emergency room that say you are violent, belligerent, and defiant.”
He snorted. “You ain’t gone add that I don’t like niggers? Damn city is full of ’em, ’specially after Katrina.”
“I can add that as well if you want me to, but is that all you are, Mr. Templeton?”
“What you mean?” He sat back in the chair and looked at her, his nose and forehead crinkled in confusion.
“You’re a husband, a father, and a working man too.” She kept her voice inquisitive and soft.
“Yeah, so?”
Tonya met his gaze. “Which roles are most important to you? Which ones are you anxious to get back to?”
Mr. Templeton looked away. His jaw clenched. “I ain’t no goddamned husband no more.”
“I disagree. I didn’t stop being a daughter when my mother died, and you will remain Margaret’s husband no matter where you go from here.”
He turned back to her, but he was quiet. He didn’t look away this time, and Tonya watched as a number of emotions chased themselves across his face: anger, loss, and sadness. His chin trembled.
His worldview was an important part of who he was. As a psychiatrist, she was taught not to disregard it, no matter how skewed it was from the norm or from her own. Was it difficult? Yes, and unfortunately, in her line of work, instances like these had to be endured. But she would never get used to them.
Right now, this man needed help. Tonya wondered if he was going to accept it from her. The last person hadn’t, but threatening to commit suicide had to be taken seriously—especially since he had a plan, and a shotgun to bring that plan to fruition.
“Yeah, suppose you right.” He cleared his throat. “I still don’t like niggers.”
Tonya nodded. “Okay, Mr. Templeton. I will still need to oversee your care, but the social worker was out sick today. I’m sure she’ll be back tomorrow. You should be more comfortable with her for daily—”
“I ain’t say I wanted that. You might be one of the good ones.” He glared at her.
Tonya released a discreet breath of relief. “Okay, Mr. Templeton.”
Hours later, Tonya was happy that the day was ending. Work wasn’t particularly difficult, even though there were trying moments, but her mind continuously strayed to Haley during every free minute. Even when her time was occupied, those thoughts sat at the back of her mind. She was worried. How could she not be?
In an effort to help over the past few days, Tonya had been sending errant texts that were at times pithy, funny, and a little naughty. When she could, Tonya called just to hear the relief and contentment in her voice when Haley said her name. She was happy to provide those bright spots, but things were always better when they were face-to-face.
Seeing Haley in one piece was the highlight of her days and nights by far. The New Orleans streets were dangerous, even more so for a police officer with no one she trusted to watch her back. Tonya would eviscerate Tim with glee if anything happened to Haley. Her transfer was still pending but promising given she had an interview of sorts next Monday.
Through all this…Tonya didn’t know what to call it, Haley had been incredible. She was stressed, angry, and disappointed, but that didn’t keep her from being attentive. That didn’t keep her from listening. That didn’t keep her from laughing. And in return, Tonya listened when Haley had something to say and even when she didn’t. When Haley reached out to touch, kiss, hold her, or more, Tonya was there.
She pushed away from her desk, stood, and gathered her belongings. Her cell phone rang just as she was about to drop it into her bag. It was Haley.
“Hey, you want somethin’ special to eat tonight? I’ll cook if you want. I’m goin’ by the store to get beer, lots and lots of beer, so I thought I’d ask.”
Tonya didn’t bother to ask if her day had been difficult. “How about you get your beer and I’ll pick up Five Happiness.”
“Oh God, I love that place.”
“I know.” Tonya smiled.
“I’m gonna need two orders of salt-and-pepper calamari and Kung Pao chicken. I can eat that tomorrow.”
“Veggie lo mein?”
“Yeah. You comin’ to me?” Haley’s voice was soft.
Tonya’s heart rate increased. There was something about those words. She’d heard them many times before, but had usually responded without thought. She’d been moving toward Haley since they met, but the most important thing was that Haley had been meeting her halfway the whole time. “Yes, I’m coming to you.” Tonya paused. “I’m going to be late. I—”
“You moved your therapy appointment. I remember. I’ll see you when you get home.”
“Okay.”
Home. Yes, with Haley. Where she belonged.
There was a knock on her office door as she hung up. Tonya looked through the glass to see Stephanie. She walked in before Tonya had a chance to invite her.
“Walk down with you?”
“Sure.
A couple minutes later, Stephanie pressed the Down button on the elevator. “Ugh, I have a date with a pint of Creole cream cheese ice cream.”
Tonya smiled. “Hope he treats you well.”
Stephanie snorted. “He doesn’t have a choice. And it could be a she, you know.”
“Funny.” Tonya glanced at Stephanie.
The elevator opened and the attendant stepped aside.
“I try.”
“And you usually succeed.”
“I really want him, but he just sits on my hips. I don’t know if he’s worth it.”
Tonya chuckled.
A few minutes later, they were walking into the doctors parking garage. Tonya pressed a button on her key fob to deactivate the alarm and start her car.
“Nice job with Phil Templeton, by the way. It’s amazing that you get through to anybody with that mentality. I had to give Greg a break. Mr. Templeton tried his best to rip him to shreds.”
“I’m not always able to.”
“Oh, I know. You know, we could just go out for a couple drinks to unwind, especially since you’re used to being out on school nights now…”
That was true. Being with Haley had become her new routine. Tonya looked at her watch. “I’m sorry; I can’t.”
“Haley should come too. I think we’ve proven that we have fun together.”
“I’m not seeing her until later. I have an appointment.”
Stephanie stared at her over the top of the car. Her eyebrows were scrunched and her forehead wrinkled. “Okaaaay?”
Tonya sighed and eased into the driver’s seat. Stephanie turned to look at her after she closed the passenger side door. “It’s not…something medical, is it? I know some offices actually have late hours.” She sounded worried.
“Well, it is a doctor’s appointment.” She couldn’t think of any reason to keep it from her. Haley knew. Tonya wasn’t a closed system anymore. She shouldn’t have to remind herself of that. “I have a psychotherapy appointment. It’s usually on Thursdays, but there’s a lot going on right now—”
“The shit with your father. When are you going to tell him that he has to move?”
“This weekend, I think. Tracy will be home.” She hadn’t told anyone about Haley’s predicament. It wasn’t her information to share.
“Mmm. So has he helped?”
“She, and yes, she has.”
“You’ve been seeing her for a while?”
“Yes.” Tonya followed the exit signs and spiraled down toward the lower floors.
“Keeping it to yourself was a way of exerting some control over your own life.”
Tonya smiled. It felt really good to be known so well, and she loved how the whole thing wasn’t a big deal. Maybe she was the
one making it bigger than it actually was. “Yes, exactly.”
“Well, that was a stupid question before. She’s obviously helped. Rain check on drinks, then?”
“Rain check, but just until Saturday. We’ll make a night of it. I think I’ll need to release some steam.” Tonya was sure Haley would too.
“Sounds good, but this time we have to go to Oz. Those boys are so pretty, and you know I’m a sucker for the unattainable.”
Tonya laughed.
* * *
“You requested an earlier appointment date. That’s a surprise. I thought I misread my calendar when I saw it.” Dr. Finn studied Tonya.
“Yes, your support staff was very accommodating.”
“They know to give well-established clients some leeway.”
“I should’ve expected my life to veer off course. Things were going so well.” Tonya was tired of the small talk. She didn’t even contemplate divulging Haley’s situation, especially since it involved criminal activity.
“Off course? Really?” Dr. Finn stared.
Tonya almost smiled. “No, it was obviously a blanket statement.”
“Obviously.” Dr. Finn grinned. “But there have been some changes?”
“Yes. It’s amazing how the good and bad can coexist at virtually the same time.”
“It can be.”
“Haley and I are closer than I thought was possible, and so are me and Tracy.”
“Both are huge positives.”
“That’s not all.”
“No?”
“No. I’m an open book, or as open as I think I can be. I’ve shared things, very personal things with Haley, Stephanie, Tracy, and even my father. It almost feels like I’m not capable of hiding anymore. I’ve become more…” She searched for the right word. “Impulsive doesn’t fit.”
“More demonstrative in the way you express yourself, carry yourself?”
“Yes, that’s a good way to describe it. I can’t sit idly by, but Daddy has never felt further away. He’s within touching distance, and that’s all we’ve been able to manage. I think I know why.”
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