“You don’t need to thank me, Tony. We conceived this child together- in love. I want it just as much as you do. Whether you’d changed your mind about us or not, I would have taken good care of our baby and I would have eventually told you. I would never have kept this information from you. It’s important to me that you know that. Even if you didn’t love me I know you would have never turned your back on your child.”
“You’re right, but I would have also tried to find another way to keep you safe.” He slid off the bed. Sarah watched lazily from her spot as he entered the bathroom to dispose of the condom and made his way back to bed. On his way he snagged something off the dresser. When he returned to her, he gathered her in his arms and she snuggled closer finally content for the first time in days. She felt Tony take her hand in his and slide something on her finger. Without looking she knew what it was.
“Now it’s back where it belongs.” He whispered.
As she drifted off to sleep she whispered back. “Now we’re back where we belong.”
Chapter Twenty-one
Despite the sleepless nights and the relief of having his love back in his bed, Tony wasn't able to join her in a nap. Instead he held her and worried. While he was eternally grateful to have Sarah back, the fact remained, she was still in danger. Add to that the pregnancy and his fear was compounded. What should he do? How could he keep his family safe?
In the distance he heard the front door open and close followed by footsteps. "Tony! Sarah? Is anyone home?"
Peter Mason called as he made his way up the steps to the second floor. Leaping from the bed Tony grabbed a pair of pants from a drawer and pulled them on just in time to step outside and meet his father in the hall. With a finger to his lips he waved his father back down the stairs.
"What's going on?" Peter demanded once they reached the bottom.
"Sarah's asleep."
"I take it you two made up?"
Grinning, he shoved his hands in pockets. "I guess you could say that."
"That's great son but I have to ask, why is there a trail of clothes leading out the house and on to the front lawn?"
The younger man grin faded as he raced to the window. Sure enough, Sarah's suitcase had been opened and the contents were dumped all over the front lawn. Swearing viscously he threw open the door and ran out, his father hot on his heels. As they drew closer they saw that Sarah's clothes were not only spread over the grass but they had been slashed to ribbons. The suitcase was nowhere to be found and her car had been scratched badly. The words MAN STEALING BITCH were visible in all the mess that had been done to the vehicle. Tony swore again and pounded the hood of the car.
"Now, do you see now why I did what I did?" He demanded to his father. "The girl is crazy."
Peter silently reached for his phone, activated the camera feature and photographed the damage. After pocketing the device he bent to start picking up the scraps of fabric on the ground and set them in a pile next to the car. "I understand your concern son and I don't blame you one bit for being angry. After seeing this, I want a piece of her myself. I never imagined Christy would do something like this. I always thought she was such a sweet girl."
"That's because she was different around you. She knew how to play the game, Dad. She had everyone fooled. The real her, behind closed doors was an entirely different animal. I took her abuse for months because I felt guilty and embarrassed. Eventually though, I just couldn't take it anymore. She knew I didn’t care about her but somehow she thinks she owns me and sees Sarah as a threat. I can't let her get hurt again, especially not now."
Peter was listening with only half an ear while his son rambled on in his anger but something in his tone caught the man's attention. "Why is now more important than before?"
Tony looked at his dad with more pride and joy then he'd ever seen in the younger man. "She's pregnant Dad. I'm going to be a dad. She just told me. We're going to have a baby. Can you believe it?"
Peter shared in his son's joy giving him a hearty slap on the back. "That's wonderful. I'm happy for you both. I can't wait to tell your mother. She is going to go nuts- uh- in a good way I'm sure."
"I know. We're planning to have the wedding in a couple of weeks and - damn it Dad I need to end this. I refuse to let this hang over our heads stressing Sarah out. She shouldn’t have to deal with this."
"We'll think of something. In the meantime, let's get this mess cleaned up before Sarah wakes up and your mother gets back. I don't want her to see it either. By the way, have you given any thought to talking to Sarah's folks about what's going on? Now that you've come clean to us don't you think her mother has a right to know what's going on?"
"No, but I know I'm going to have to. The fact that Sarah isn't working at the moment might be a good thing. At least there won't be any more accidents at the store. I'll talk to her as soon as she's awake and we'll set something up. If I can, would you and Mom be interested in meeting her parents?"
"Her parent's? I thought she said they weren't together."
"They've just recently reconciled. Her father just moved back here from France. I can only imagine how angry he will be when he finds out about all this."
"It's not your fault son. No matter how you look at it you didn't do this to her."
Tony ducked his head as he remembered the way his tiny slip of a fiancé hit him while saying the same thing. "That's what everyone keeps telling me and I should probably stop saying that before I get beaten up."
Peter frowned not understanding. "Who in the world would try to beat you up?"
"It's a long story. Just know that your soon-to-be daughter-in-law knows how to keep me in line." He chuckled and reached for the pile of useless rags that once were Sarah's wardrobe.
"There's no way I'm going to be able to hide this from her." He mused as they made their way back into the house.
"No, you can't and you shouldn't." His father agreed. "Take all this into the mud room then go call that officer you were telling us about, the one dealing with this case. If you can manage it, see if we can all meet tonight. The sooner we discuss everything the better. Maybe you can get that officer to join us to talk about our options. And don't worry son, you're not in this alone. You and Sarah have plenty of people around you willing to help in any way we can."
Tony made the call to the police station but it was just as he suspected. Without any proof he had no way of getting any charges to stick to Christy. The wave of frustration he experienced quickly gave way when an idea emerged. Picking up his cell once again he scrolled through his contacts until he found a number he never thought he’d ever need again. Quickly he hit dial and the phone began to ring. It only took three rings before the line was picked up.
“Hey stranger,” a jovial male voice intoned. “Long time no see or hear for that matter.”
Tony chuckled despite his discomfort. “Yeah D I know it’s been a minute. I’m sorry about that. It’s just that-”
“I know and I understand. You were in a bad way when I last saw you. I don’t blame you for not wanting anything more to do with this life.”
“Yeah I was. I had to make a clean break and the only way I knew to do it was to leave everything in California and never look back. But-“
“But what? Don’t tell me you’re trying to make a comeback?”
“Uh no, but I do need to ask a favor?”
“Anything, just name it. After all, I still owe you remember?”
“Maybe but this is a biggie and-” Tony hedged beginning to wonder if he was asking too much.
“And nothing, just tell me what you need and it’s yours.”
∞∞∞
"Your daughter means the world to me sir." Tony began. "I know I hurt her and I regret that but I did have what I believed were sounds reasons for what I did." He went on to tell Nicholas and Lorraine everything about his past, Christy and her threats to their daughter including her most recent actions. The couple sat silently while they listened. The only indi
cation of their turmoil was when Sarah's mother clasped her husband's hand tightly.
When Tony was through he waited to for a reaction. Nicholas merely asked. "So, what can be done to stop this?"
Tony glanced briefly at Sarah then at his parents then finally back at Nicholas and Lorraine. "I'm going to call Christy out. With help from a couple of friends, I'm going to contact Christy in a day or so. We’re going to meet someplace public and I'm going to talk to her, get her to think I'm considering a reconciliation with her. I'll act apologetic and get her to start talking about what she did. If I know her, she'll want to brag about it anyway. Then after I get all I can out her of her I’ll take everything to the police. Hopefully I’ll get enough of a confession to make something stick."
The parents all seemed to agree with the idea but Sarah shook her head. "I don't like it."
"It's the only way." He insisted.
"But, what if she suspects it's a trap? What if she tries to hurt you? What if she doesn't come alone? For all we know she could have more of those jerks around to back her up."
Crossing to her he knelt and cupped her face. His thumb lightly brushed her cheek. "I know you're worried Baby. We all are but this has to end. I can't just sit by and do nothing. You and our baby mean everything to me. I don't know what I'd do if anything ever happened to either of you. Christy is no threat to me but either way I’m not going to be alone with her. There are going to be plenty of witnesses that she won’t be aware of around us. Even if she brought a weapon or another person there’s no way she’d do anything to hurt me with so many people around. I'll be fine. I promise."
“I think this is a good plan.” Nicholas agreed. “However, until this is resolved, I feel you should remain here with me and your mother.”
“Dad, who’s side are you on?” Sarah whined.
“Yours my Little Sarah always yours.”
"For the record I don’t like it but I do see how this might work. All I ask is that you make sure you stay safe Mason. I refuse to raise this kid on my own- you hear me?"
Chuckling he leaned in to place a kiss to her temple. "I hear you Beautiful."
It took a minute but finally Sarah took a deep cleansing breath and let it out.
"And in the meantime, we can start planning the wedding." Celeste offered with Lorraine quickly agreeing.
"We have a lot to do if you’re going to have the wedding in two weeks. There's the menu of course, then the invitations, the location…" The women were quickly engrossed in the new conversation but even as the two older women moved to sit closer to Sarah, Tony managed to mouth the words "Thank you" to his mother. She returned his grateful look with one of her own.
"Any time"
Chapter Twenty- two
Tony sat on the park bench trying his best to look cool and calm but knew he was failing miserably. His bouncing leg gave away just how anxious he was feeling. In his ear he heard his old friend’s voice. “Relax T you got this.”
He looked up towards the black SUV parked discreetly across the street and lifted his chin in acknowledgement, forcing his leg to calm and his heart to stop its frantic race. He did have this damn it. He would do what needed to be done for the sake of his family. That thought made him calm and gave him the focus he needed to have this long overdue conversation. One way or another, this would end today.
More than an hour earlier, his old friend D had set up the area he was now sitting in. The entire picnic area had been wired with tiny hidden video cameras that also picked up sound. When D had explained about these new toys he’d started using and how he could view the footage from a remote location Tony had made the comment that he wished they’d been using those when he was still in the business.
“It would have made things a lot less awkward. I mean damn sometimes you guys would just yank one while we were performing. I’m no prude but that was just nasty.”
D just laughed and held up his hands in surrender. “Dude, I have never in my life jerked off while filming a scene. I leave the exhibitionism to the actors. When I’m on the job my focus is on the camera. What’s going on behind the lens doesn’t factor much in my head beyond getting the best shot possible. I could be filming cans of cat food for all I care.”
“Have you done much work on the outside?”
“I get the occasional commercial and low budget film. I don’t make all my money filming sex but it does still make up the bulk of my income.”
“Do you think that will ever change?” Tony asked quietly.
D shook his head. “Maybe one day, but I’ve never had a problem with it. Besides, unlike you I don’t exactly have a backup plan if this career doesn’t work out.”
The sound of footsteps crunching on the grass caused Tony to stop daydreaming and pay attention. He caught sight of Christy making her way to him. Ignoring the sounds of children laughing and playing, enjoying what was probably the last few good days of the season before the weather grew too cold to play outdoors without heavy coats; she drew closer and finally sat down next to him.
Tony chose his clothes with care that day. Opting for a black leather jacket over a plain white t-shirt and jeans that Sarah once said made his butt look especially grab-able. The look was calculated to make Christy think he was sincere in his desire to have her back in his life.
“I’m here. Let’s talk.” The smirk on her face suggested she honestly believed she had the upper hand and it irritated him. Was she really that stupid? Did she really believe all the crap he’d spouted about wanting to talk things through? It bothered him that he’d had to use words that would have destroyed Sarah if he’d meant them. Thankfully, she’d been in the room feeding him the words necessary to set up this meeting.
He took his time in responding, running his hands absently over his thighs and drawing on his inner strength to stop him from reaching out to strangle the woman beside him. He’d never wanted to hurt someone more than he did just then. “Before we can talk about us, I need to know why you did all this.”
“Did what?” She asked innocently.
“You know what I’m talking about.”
“I’m afraid I don’t.”
He stood then. “Fine, if you don’t want to be honest with me then there’s no reason for me to be here.”
He made to leave but just as he’d hoped she lunged for him pulling him back. “Wait, I want to talk. I just don’t know what you want me to say.”
“You could start with Sarah. Tell me the truth about her. Why was she such a threat to you?”
Christy rolled her eyes. “Fine, I was jealous. Is that what you wanted to hear? I admit it. She had you and I wanted you back and that’s why I got rid of her.”
“Are you responsible for any of the accidents I accused you of setting up?” He pushed.
“Why are you asking me that?” She looked as if she was beginning to question her reason for being there. Tony saw this and drew on every ounce of his acting experience to make himself sound sincere in his response. Reaching for her hand he gave it a squeeze.
“I need to know if I’ve been unfair to you. I’ve accused you of a lot of things and I need to know if I was wrong. I couldn’t live with myself if I knew I’d hurt you.”
The look in his eyes must have been convincing enough because she nodded and squeezed him back. “Yeah, it was me. I did all those things.”
“Rigging the ladder, leaving the dog toy on the stairs-” He prompted.
Christy nodded. “The parking lot attack all of it, I did it.”
“Were those guys really going to rape Sarah?”
She shrugged. “I told them they could do whatever they wanted to do with her as long as it got her out of my way. I had hoped she would at least end up in the hospital but apparently they couldn’t even get that right.”
Tony took a deep breath and forced down the urge to choke the life out of this woman. Mentally, he counted to twenty and then did it again. So far things were working out but he wanted to get all he could out o
f her, wanted there to be irrefutable proof that she had tried to harm Sarah.
“Why did you scratch up her car and cut up her clothes? You saw she was leaving me.” Tony knew he was gambling on that last part. Depending on when she was there she might have heard what he’d said and begin to question his motives but he needed a full confession from her.
“I didn’t know she was moving out. I-I thought she was moving in.” She confessed. “I was pissed that you would move her in when you never asked me to live with you.”
In his ear he heard his friend give a whooping sound. “I think we’ve got everything we need.”
“I’m sorry Christy. I really am. Can you give me some time to think about everything? I want to believe you really care but I just don’t know if I can trust you.”
“You can trust me Tony I swear. I love you. I would do anything for you.”
Her wild desperation scared him a bit. He forced himself to be gentle when he withdrew his hand from hers and stepped back. “I’ll call you in a couple of days.”
He took his time heading to his truck just in case Christy was still watching but once he was behind the wheel he gunned the engine leaving the area as fast as he safely could and headed to the police station. His friends in the SUV pulled in about ten minutes later. They entered the station together and sat down with Officer Reynolds. Devon provided the footage of the conversation with Christy.
Jimmy, along with some friends had been stationed nearby in the park, served as eye witnesses to the conversation just in case the video wasn’t enough. They listened closely and afterwards they were rewarded with a satisfied smile from the detective. It would be enough to get a warrant for Christy’s arrest. They talked more about charges and things but by that point Tony had stopped listening. All he cared about was that it was finally going to be over. There would be court appearances and such assuming Christy didn’t confess during the interrogation but after that it would be up to the courts to decide. She was finally out of his and Sarah’s life and now he could focus on their future.
His Redemption Page 24