Angels In Red

by Laudan, Adelle

  “A first date after you were born?” Charles’ brow knit.

  “I know. The only secret I can think of is, having me. The strange thing is, she started to write out the mystery man’s name, but all that was left was the letter K.”

  His eyes grew big. “K?”

  “Yes. Now you see why I’m so confused. There were at least one hundred pages ruined in between the two entries. I thought maybe it meant she had me before she met my father, but I remember seeing pictures of him holding me in the hospital room.” She flopped back in her seat. “When I get home, I’m going to look around and see if I can find more diaries. I know she wrote in one every night before bed.”

  Charles scratched his bald head. “I’m sure you’ll find something to make sense of it all. I highly doubt your mother had you before meeting your father. I came to live on the estate shortly after you were born. I remember the big write up in the paper about their wedding at least a year before then.”

  They sat in amiable silence for quite some time. It wasn’t until they hit the border the reality of going back to Thunder Bay hit her. In less than an hour’s time, she would face the man who was her father, possibly moments before his death.

  Jenna settled in her seat and shuddered.

  “Are you going to be okay?” He reached over and squeezed her hand.

  She stared out the window. “Sure I am.”

  As the landscape grew more and more familiar, her anxiety rose. They passed a sign that read WELCOME to THUNDER BAY. Her hands trembled as she flipped down the visor to look in the mirror. Why am I so scared to face my father? I’m not the same girl who ran away in a fit of anger, what seemed a lifetime ago. Will he be able to tell how much I’ve changed just by looking at me?

  Before long, Charles turned down the winding driveway to her childhood home.

  “How about once you’re settled and have paid your father a visit, we’ll sit down to a nice meal and talk about what happens next?”

  The screech of tires assaulted them, the air filled with the stench of burned rubber.

  “What the…” Charles spun in his seat and groaned.

  Jenna followed suit just as the back door of a silver Lincoln flew open and a very red-faced Howard Meed lunged out.

  Her stomach churned in distaste. “Oh God… I can’t deal with him right now.” She locked her door and hunkered down in her seat.

  What the hell does he want?

  Charles patted her hand. “Stay down out of sight. I’ll take care of him.”

  He pushed open the door and sprung out of the car. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  Howard stormed toward him, shaking his fist. “Kenneth made a deal with me, and I’ve come to collect.”

  Jenna swallowed the sour bile rising up the back of her throat. He’s got to be kidding. She pushed herself up just enough to see between the seats. Howard stood in Charles’ shadow.

  “Listen up, buddy. Listen good.” Charles jabbed a finger in the man’s chest. “I don’t know what kind of deal you made with Mr. Blackburn, and I don’t really care. What I do know is your business partner is lying on his death bed, and his daughter has come to be by his side.”

  As Charles spoke, he continued to jab Howard’s chest, forcing the big oaf to take a step back every time.

  Howard opened his mouth, and Charles stooped until his face was mere inches from his. “I’d choose my words very carefully if I were you. I strongly suggest you get in your car and leave the premises. You need to do so now. Got it?”

  The chauffeur opened the back door of the Lincoln.

  “Okay, I’m going, but I promise you one thing.” He poked Charles chest. “You haven’t heard the last of me. I will be back, and Jenna will be my wife.”

  Charles grabbed hold of his chubby finger and bent it back, rewarded by Howard’s pain-stricken cries. “You’ll have to go through me first. Be warned, I will stop at nothing to keep you away from her. Now get out of here before I break this finger, amongst other things.”

  He shoved the man so hard Howard stumbled back into the backseat of the Lincoln. His grunts and curses carried all the way to her ears.

  The chauffeur closed the door behind him and smiled at Charles, tipping his hat. “Thank you for that. Please extend my heartfelt condolences to Miss Blackburn.” With a nod of his head, he opened the driver’s door. Moments later, the Lincoln drove out of sight.

  Jenna got out of the car and clapped her hands in applause. “You were amazing.” She chuckled lightly. “I think you made the chauffeur’s day.”

  Charles shook his head, reaching into his pocket for a hanky to wipe the sheen from the top of his head. “Can you believe that guy? It took everything in me not to kick his ass right then and there.”

  “What kind of deal could my father have possibly made with that man?” She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment to rein in her anger.

  Charles walked over to her and tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “Don’t worry, we’ll deal with him later.”

  Jenna nodded her approval while taking in the grandeur of the house—worlds away from the cabin…and Jack. She blinked rapidly. “Let’s get this over with.”

  He ushered her inside, not letting go until they stood on the shiny marble floors of the foyer. Everything looked the same as it did when she stormed out only a few short months ago—a lifetime ago.

  I feel like a stranger in my own home…in someone else’s home.

  A familiar clicking preceded Edna’s descent down the grand staircase. Jenna had never seen the woman look so frazzled and scared. The housekeeper was more like a mother than one of the help. She rushed to her aid and gave her a quick hug, sensing her urgency.

  “Thank goodness you’re here! I think it’s almost his time,” she cried out breathlessly.

  Charles reached for her hand. “Calm yourself. We’ll go up and see him right now.”

  The older woman’s red-rimmed eyes pooled as she kissed both of Jenna’s cheeks before dashing off toward the kitchen.

  He held out his hand. “Remember, I’m right here for you.”

  Lost for words, Jenna took his hand and followed him up the stairs. The stench of disinfectant and urine had her covering her mouth and nose before reaching the room.

  Charles paused at the door. Tiny, tell-all worry lines sprouted between his eyes. “Take a deep breath, in through the nose, out through the mouth.”

  Conflicting emotions dueled within her…nervous about her father’s reaction to seeing her, concern it might be too late to salvage any kind of relationship with him, but mostly sadness for the loss of the loving father he once was.

  She squared her shoulders and blew out a rush of air before nodding her readiness to go in.

  He opened the doors, and tiny dust particles rode the stream of sunlight that poured in through a small gap between the curtain panels. Her father lay in his over-sized, four-poster bed—a mere speck in a sea of plush, white bedding. She let go of Charles’ hand and inched her way to the bedside. His chest rose and fell as if it took every ounce of his energy to do so.

  “Father?”

  His eyes moved behind paper-thin eyelids before they fluttered open, their usually vibrant hazel color now milky and deep in sunken dark circles. His gaze traveled toward the sound of her voice, but it was as if he looked through her. Her lip trembled. It saddened her to see a shadow of the man whose very presence once commanded attention.

  He parted his chapped lips, emitting the slightest murmur.

  “I think he’s trying to say something.” Through misted eyes, Jenna glanced over at her father’s right-hand man.

  Charles lightly squeezed her shoulders. “He’s been doing that for a few days now. Nobody can make out what he’s trying to say.”

  Just then, her father convulsed in a coughing fit that rattled his chest as well as her fragile disposition. She fell to her knees and rested her head gently against his frail chest. His shallow breathing permeated the room, and
once again he tried to speak.

  She raised her head, positioning herself over her father’s mouth. “Talk slowly, Father. I can hear you.” Her heart swelled with hope…hope to hear this man truly did love her.

  “You...” His words were nothing more than a whisper.

  Tears slipped from her eyes, dampening his cheek.

  “Are...” he continued breathlessly.

  “You are... I hear you, Father.”

  “Dead...”

  The temperature in the room dropped, raising the hairs on her arms as she tried to swallow.

  “To...me...”

  Jenna gasped in horror and jerked back from his venomous words. “H-how can you be so cruel?”

  A slow smile spread across his gaunt face as her father closed his eyes for the last time.

  Chapter Eleven

  Jenna backed away from the bed. Charles watched the color literally drained from her face as he whisked her off her feet and cradled her in his arms, her body melding to him like putty. If he hadn’t witnessed it for himself, he’d never have believed a father could be so cruel, not even Kenneth. His eyes clouded as he clenched his fists in anger. The insensitive prick had actually waited so he could plunge a knife in his only child’s heart before he died.

  Edna reached the top of the staircase just as he made his way to Jenna’s bedroom.

  “I’m going to need a hand here.”

  She fell in behind him, matching step for step. “What’s wrong with her? Should I call a doctor?”

  “Let’s get her to bed first, and then I’ll explain everything.”

  The housekeeper hurried past him to open the bedroom doors and turn down the blankets.

  Charles set Jenna down, and Edna removed her shoes. She curled up in a fetal position as he tucked the plush bed covers around her like a cocoon. He stood back and let out a long breath before motioning Edna to follow him just outside the bedroom door.

  “Her father passed on.”

  “Oh, the poor girl. She’ll need some time to heal.”

  He put a hand on her shoulder. “There’s more. Our boss had a few chosen words for his little girl before he died.”

  Her hand flew to her chest. “What could he possibly have said to upset her this much?”

  “His exact words, ‘You are dead to me.’”

  Edna gasped and her lower lip trembled. “Oh, my God. The brute!” Her gaze settled on Jenna. “I know he could be a terrible man, but to do something like that…to his own daughter?”

  Charles made no attempt to hide his aching heart. He rubbed his eyes with the heel of his hands. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand how that man could be so cruel, especially to a girl like Jenna.”

  “You’ve always been more of a father to her than he was.”

  He turned away and coughed into his hand. Over the years, he’d wished that were true so many times, and how he’d always wondered if Jenna thought of him in that way.

  This is no time to be falling apart. Jenna needs me, now more than ever.

  He cleared his throat noisily to mask the overwhelming rush of emotion battling for free rein.

  “Maybe we should wait for her to bring up the subject of her father…when she’s ready to talk about it.” His words caught in his throat. She might not ever want to, and I can’t say as I blame her.

  “Don’t worry about Ms. Jenna. I won’t leave her side.”

  Her kind words curbed his anger, and he stooped to kiss the intuitive woman’s flushed cheek. “Thank you. I’m going to make sure he’s gone before she wakes up.” Even if I have to throw him in the back of my truck and take him away myself.

  Edna slipped back into the room, offering him a slight smile before quietly closing the door behind her.

  That woman is a godsend. If I’ve been like a father to Jenna, then she definitely stepped up and filled the void of mother.

  Charles stormed down the stairs. Son of a bitch. What I wouldn’t give to turn back the clocks, even a few minutes.

  The coroner arrived within minutes of him threatening to leave Kenneth at the end of the laneway for pick-up. Shortly after, he summoned the staff to the front foyer. Not one tear was shed with the announcement of their employer’s demise.

  “It’s not my place to tell, but Kenneth had a few hurtful words for our Jenna before he took his last breath. To say I’m disgusted would be putting it mildly. Edna is watching over her while she sleeps.”

  A murmur of empathy rippled over the employees.

  “I don’t know how much time we have before she awakens, so we have to work fast. I want every window opened wide, and every picture of, that man taken down. I have flowers being delivered as we speak. I’ll let you ladies decide where they should go.” He held up his hand. “Before you go, I think you all need to be aware of a man who is causing some serious problems for our Jenna. I want security alerted if anyone sees any sign of Howard Meed on the property. They will immediately escort him off the premises. The man is not to be trusted, so I think it’s best if you all refrain from confronting him on your own. Are there any questions? If not, let’s get moving.”

  Not a moment’s hesitation passed before the staff disbursed and went about doing as he asked. Some of the heavy drapes hadn’t been opened in years, stirring up quite a bit of dust. In spite of Kenneth Blackburn the Third’s death, there was an air of release about the estate. The darkness cast upon the house lifted, and before long, sunshine and the sweet scent of flowers replaced it.

  He’d have to do his best for her. It had always been a priority to keep her out of harm’s way. The one person who had hurt her most was now dead, robbing him of the chance to kick his scrawny ass.

  Jack grimaced as he swallowed a mouthful of coffee. He didn’t know what Jenna’s secret was, but it made his java taste like crap in comparison.

  He stared longingly out the window as he sat at the table. She’d only been gone a matter of hours, and he was already lost without her. To make matters worse, he couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong, something more than the death of her father.

  Funny, she’d never really talked about her dad, making Jack wonder just what type of man he was. It eased his mind somewhat knowing Charles had her back. Even so, the memory of finding her in the snow after her car crash sent a shiver down his spine.

  Please be okay, Jenna. My life is nothing without you.

  Jack surveyed the small cabin. He knew just how vastly different this life was from the life she’d known on the estate. Before building the cabin, he had an incredible wife and beautiful home in a prominent neighborhood, every room tastefully decorated to exemplify his wife’s passion for interior design. After Carly’s tragic death, none of the material possessions mattered without her.

  I can’t possibly go back to that way of life. Is that going to be a deal breaker? Jenna never complained about much, aside from not having a way to communicate if there were an emergency. Maybe not.

  What I wouldn’t give for a phone right about now, though.

  With a decisive nod, he left the table and set his cup in the sink. As soon as she returned, they’d look into phone service. For the last five years, he’d preferred the isolation, only having to associate with society as he deemed fit. He loved the fact no matter which way he looked, there wasn’t a paved road in sight.

  Everything changed with Jenna.

  Jack stepped into his boots and trekked across the dewy grass where Tito thumped his tail against the barn door. He scratched his old friend behind the ears.

  “Well, c’mon. It’s time to visit your family.”

  For the first little while, he only allowed Tito in when he was there to watch over things, just to be on the safe side while the new mother bonded with the pups. So far, the new dad seemed content to just see them, not venturing too close.

  Sasha raised her head to acknowledge their presence and went right back to being a mom. Her eight pups fought blindly for a teat to suckle. They squirmed on top of and under
each other until they found a free teat to latch onto. Their tiny mews filled the barn as he replenished the fire. It was a duty he’d have to keep up with until the pups eyes were open and their instinct to keep warm on their own kicked in.

  After the pups had their fill and lazed about, Jack managed to get Sasha to eat. She needed to keep her strength up and a good supply of milk for her brood. This was her third litter, and she showed no sign of disconnecting. It appeared she genuinely loved being a mother.

  Jenna will make a good mother, too.

  He laughed nervously. “Where the hell did that thought come from?”

  The last time he’d entertained the idea of having children, he’d been happily married. Carly had wanted to be a mother in the worst way. He clenched his jaw as the unfulfilled longing tied his stomach in knots.

  Having thoughts like that about Jenna scared the supreme crap out of him, but he had about as much control over his feelings for her as he did the weather. He rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his head, his attention drawn to a pair of boxers and one of Jenna’s shirts still hanging from a clothesline he’d strung across the barn.

  Maybe I could look into a proper washer and dryer, too.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Jenna, it’s time to get out of there. You’re going to catch a cold.”

  “Oh.” She startled fully awake to find Edna standing next to the tub with a big, fluffy towel held open for her. It took a moment to get her bearings. “I guess I nodded off. How long have I been in here?”

  She remembered slipping into warm, lavender-scented water and letting the tears fall. A ritual she’d performed so many times throughout her childhood whenever something upset her. Not one of those heartaches came even close to the pain she felt now.

  You are dead to me.

  Jenna shivered, suddenly very aware of the cold water she sat in—her skin resembled goose flesh.

  “Too long! Now out with you.” Edna’s words were stern, but her eyes told another story.