Chaos

by Barbara Huffert

  “Zilch. Now get out of here.” Brett waved his friend away, knowing that he wasn’t the only one who would need to face Kiley when the time came.

  * * * * *

  Brett slowly opened the door and stuck his head in. Alyssa was still stretched out next to Shane but she was wide awake. She looked as if she hadn’t moved all night. “Sorry but if you’re really going back this morning, you only have about twenty minutes.”

  “Thanks, Brett,” Alyssa sniffed. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  Brett rejoined Jesse, shaking his head as he sat. “She’s been crying.”

  “This is going to be a long month. For all of us,” Jesse sighed with Brett. “I’d better go check on Flynn. That’ll be his first question after she leaves.”

  “McKade,” Alyssa said softly as she ran her hand over his chest. “You told me to wake you. I gotta go soon. McKade.”

  His arm tightened around her. “I thought I was dreaming.”

  “Nope. I’m really here. How you feeling?”

  “Hurts. Bad. Woulda been worse without you.” He buried his nose in her hair and took a deep breath. How did she manage to smell so good after riding in a car all day, hopping on a plane with no notice and spending the night in the hospital with him? Memories of the things he’d said floated through his mind. Was it really a memory or had he been dreaming because he wanted her to know how he felt so desperately? “Pix.” He stroked her back. “You didn’t sleep.” He noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

  “I was afraid to. I didn’t want to move and bump you.”

  “Shoulda slept.” He gritted his teeth when his slight movement sent pain shooting through his leg.

  “I’ll take a nap on the plane. And I can sleep in the car today. They weren’t predicting any storms when I left. It should be a quiet day.”

  “I still can’t believe you came. Means a lot.”

  “Yeah, well, what can I say? You’re not as bad as I thought.”

  “Neither are you,” Shane was afraid to open his heart now that the effects of the drugs had worn off.

  Thank goodness, he didn’t remember! Alyssa had spent the night dreading their conversation in the morning. Since he wasn’t repeating his declarations, they could get back to the way things had been when she left. “Thanks. Where are you going to be? When they let you out of here?”

  “I think I may have told Mom I’d stay with them for a few days, until I can get around better. I’ll have my phone with me though, if you want to call and tell me how it’s going with you. After that I may let Jordan and Kiley fuss over me for a little while.”

  “You going back to work?” Alyssa’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of it.

  “I already told my captain I was done but he refused to let me resign. He wants me to reconsider it while my leg heals. I let him think I would but I’m done being a cop, Pix. Or at least a city cop.”

  “I shouldn’t say this but I’m really glad to hear it. You’ll have to let me know what you’re doing next.”

  “I really doubt if much of anything will be decided before you get home. You are still coming home when this storm season is over?” It was Shane’s turn to hold his breath.

  “Sooner, I hope.” Alyssa knew she had to go. “I’m sorry, McKade but this is probably going to hurt.”

  Shane stopped her before she moved. “Still worth it, having you hold me last night. Thanks, Campini.”

  “No problem. Sorry it had to be like this.”

  “Me too. Rather have spent the night like we did before you left last time.”

  “Yeah, that was quite a night.”

  “I’ll make it up to you when you get home next time. Promise.” His eyes held hers. When their lips met, neither knew who moved first.

  A short time later, Brett cleared his throat, hating to interrupt but knowing that Alyssa didn’t want to miss her flight. “I could kiss you forever, Pix,” Shane whispered against her mouth. “I will when you’re back.”

  “I’ll be looking forward to that, McKade.” She caressed his check. “Don’t give the doctors a hard time, ok?”

  “Okay,” he agreed as she slid from his side.

  “I’m sorry,” she repeated every time her movements made him flinch.

  “Worth it,” he smiled when she stood next to him. “One more. Please.”

  Alyssa leaned over him and kissed him one last time. “See ya soon, stud. Don’t push it.”

  “Deal if you stay out of Oz.” He released her hand. “Hey, Brett, thanks.”

  “Don’t mention it, Shane. I’ll be back later. I think Jordan will be here soon and Jesse is still around here somewhere.” Brett answered his question without Shane needing to ask it. “Ready, Lyssa?”

  “Yeah, let’s go. McKade,” she leaned back down next to his ear, “pleasant dreams.”

  Shane groaned as he felt the quick touch of her tongue. “You’re killing me, Campini.”

  “Just giving you a reason for a speedy recovery.” She grinned wickedly before rushing out the door which Jesse had just opened.

  “Shane,” Jesse had to laugh at the expression on Shane’s face. “Aren’t you a little too sore for what you’re obviously thinking?”

  “Can’t hurt to think about it. Can you blame me? Even like this, she still makes it hard not to react to her.” Shane struggled to slide so he was sitting. “How’s Flynn?”

  “Still out. They gave him enough so he’ll be out until at least lunch so he wouldn’t try to move. Should have done the same with you,” Jesse commented when Shane continued to grimace. “I spoke to the doctor who had just finished checking him and everything is as expected. They’ll come get you as soon as he shows any signs of stirring.”

  “Good. We just have to get Jordan and Kiley out of here before then. I don’t think they should know until this is a little more resolved.”

  “I hate to say it but I agree. We should hear something about his father soon.”

  “Thanks, Jesse. For everything. I didn’t really know who you worked with but…”

  “You’ve always known who I work with—Frank and Wyatt. The Feds are only here because they owe us some favors. I’m not part of that group.”

  “Oh. Sorry. I just thought…”

  “You just thought, since they showed up and acted as they did that I was one of them. Hate to disappoint you but we’re more independent than that. Too many rules, not to mention the paperwork. Don’t look at me like that. We’re still the good guys. Ask any of the Feds and they’ll agree. I was talking to some of them last night and they really admire what you’re doing. We all like it when a kid gets out and has a chance for a decent life. It doesn’t happen often enough for any of us. Add in your personal involvement and you’ve gained a lot of respect. They’re all pulling for you. It’s not every day that a cop of your caliber walks away from all of it, putting an unknown kid first. I know, you’re doing it mostly for you too but they don’t know you as well as I do. I think we should let them wonder.”

  “Whatever you say, Jesse. You’ve already worked miracles so I’ll do what you think is best.”

  “You guys are really something.” Jesse more than admired the trio he’d met by chance. “Since you’re being so agreeable, I think I’ll find a nurse to give you a shot. No, not one to knock you out, just one to take the edge off. As Brett said, Jordan will be here soon and I know you want to introduce Flynn to your parents. I’m sure a bunch of your buddies will be in to check on you too. It’s going to be a long day and Alyssa isn’t going to come back so you can sleep tonight.”

  “I thought I was hallucinating when I opened my eyes and she was standing there last night.”

  “She cares, Shane, even if she’s not ready to admit it yet.”

  “I hope so. I think I may have said some things last night.”

  “Things like you were telling me and Brett? Well, she was still here this morning so either you didn’t really say them or she’s not as opposed to the idea of the two of
you as you seem to think.”

  Jordan chose that instant to make his appearance. He had found a window in the cafeteria where he could see Brett’s car and knew Alyssa was gone. “Hey, Shane. Sorry I didn’t get here sooner. Kiley and Dad decided not to pull me away from the show so I didn’t know until this morning. Then Kiley insisted on driving.”

  “I’m fine, Jordan. Hardly more than a scratch.”

  “Shut up! I can see by the look on your face that you’re in pain.”

  “Jesse was just going to find someone to give me a little shot. I’ll be okay. Thanks for coming anyway but you really didn’t have to.”

  “Shane.”

  “I know. You’re going to say the same things Mom and Dad did so I won’t bother to continue. Instead I’ll tell you that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and am very fortunate to not have been hurt worse than I was. I may as well also tell you that I’m resigning as soon as my captain is willing to listen. Thanks to you, I can take a little time and decide what I’m going to do next.”

  “You’ve been thinking about this.”

  “Yes. I would have gotten to the same point eventually anyway. This just pushed me a little faster.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Jordan was stunned. His brother had always wanted to be a cop. When had this happened?

  “How about telling me I can spend some time in your gatehouse while I’m recovering? I’m going home with Mom and Dad for a little while but I’ll need to wrap things up here. I’m sure I won’t be permitted to drive for a few weeks and I thought I could maybe hang out with you and Kiley and ride back and forth with Brett sometimes.”

  “Of course you can stay with us.”

  “Thanks.” They were interrupted by Jesse and a nurse with a shot for him. “Why don’t you get out of here for a few hours and I’ll let this take effect? Come back later with your wife and then you two can go home. You have that show tonight on the animals and I don’t want you to miss it.”

  “All right, Shane. If you need anything though, just say so.” Jordan couldn’t imagine how much his brother had to hurt.

  “I’ll call. Thanks for coming, Jordan.”

  “Sure,” Jordan hesitated at the door. “Shane, I love you big brother. Thanks for not getting killed.”

  “I love you too. And there’s no way I’m letting myself get killed. Not now when life is just starting to get so interesting.”

  “Hmm, we’ll have to talk about that comment,” Jordan raised an eyebrow. “But we’ll have plenty of time over the next few weeks so get some rest. I’ll be back later.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Alyssa walked out of the airport, still feeling as numb as she did when she had entered it nine hours earlier. The cause was different. Currently, she was lost in thought, rehashing the things Shane had said. The panic that kept surging through her was only marginally better than the one that had resulted from Brett’s call the evening before. She had to put his words out of her mind before she made herself crazy. It was the drugs talking about what he wanted, not Shane speaking specifically to and about her. She knew he didn’t mean it. Why, then, did her heart race every time she replayed his words in her mind?

  “Alyssa, over here,” Chris shouted through the open window of the SUV.

  “Oh. Hi, Chris.” Alyssa shook her head to clear her thoughts. “Where is everybody?”

  “At the motel. We’re staying put today, so I figured Murray could use a day with his father out of the car. No weather talk permitted until after supper. How’s your guy?”

  “Fine. Shane’s not my guy though.”

  “Yeah, right. Any girl would dash off in a flash like you did for someone she’s not involved with, just because he was hurt while he was working. I know he’s your cousin’s brother-in-law but that’s not really enough to be considered close family. I’ve watched your face when he calls and I saw you when your friend called to tell you about him.”

  “I’m so confused,” Alyssa sighed heavily. Maybe it would help to talk to someone who wasn’t involved. “We hated each other for a year. We couldn’t speak without arguing. Then Kiley hooked up with his brother and we were forced into each other’s company. I remember I was dancing with him at their reception because Kiles made us and then an hour later we were still dancing. Do you mind my talking about this?”

  Chris squeezed her arm before pulling out of the airport. “You go right ahead. I thought you might need to, which is another reason I came to get you alone. From what you’ve told us and his brother’s radio show, it feels like I almost know him.”

  “Thanks,” Alyssa said gratefully. “Okay, so we were dancing and arguing quietly so Kiley wouldn’t notice and the next thing I knew he was kissing me. Let me tell you, Chris, that man can kiss! I never felt so overwhelmed by just a kiss before. He was incredible. Before I knew it, I was in his bed, having sex that was better than anything I ever imagined.”

  “The look on your face is from more than good sex,” Chris commented when Alyssa paused.

  “I know. We ended up spending the weekend together. I learned that McKade isn’t what I thought he was. He is as arrogant as he was when I met him but it’s not the same kind of arrogance as I assumed. It’s more like extreme confidence from being sure of himself and his abilities than it is from being egotistical and pompous. He’s a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to himself and he’s even more capable than he gives himself credit for. He’s got a terrific sense of humor. He cooks like a dream and enjoys it. He knows all sorts of unexpected things like essential oils and aromatherapy. He gives a heavenly massage. We spent a day in my studio and he let me pose him however I wanted. Every shot was good. Then, he helped print some of the photos and caught on faster than anyone I ever worked with. I have some with me if you want to see them.”

  “I’d love to.” Chris was mentally shaking her head. Whether or not Alyssa was willing to admit it, this Shane was much more than her cousin’s brother-in-law.

  “We both agreed we were just having some fun together. We’d enjoy each other until the heat between us cooled and then we’d work on being friends so it wasn’t awkward at the family gatherings when we bumped into each other. I don’t know what happened and when it changed but it did. He’s a truly good guy. He cares about people. You heard about his kitten search with the little girl but it’s more than that. You saw my book on the gang. There is a kid who has started talking to McKade. The Kid’s not very old and he shouldn’t be involved. McKade is trying to get him to ask for his help so he can get him away from there. And he will too, if the Kid ever asks him to.”

  Chris caught the expression on Alyssa’s face. “What is it?”

  “Well, all McKade told me about what happened was that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m afraid the Kid was part of it.”

  “Wouldn’t he tell you?”

  “Not if something bad happened.”

  “Then we’re going to stop at the mall and see if there’s an internet cafe. We’ll check out the articles and see if we can find out anything more for you.”

  “Could we?”

  “Sure. I know there’s one between us and the motel. We should be almost there. Alyssa, Shane sounds important to you.”

  “He is, I guess. He kind of amazes me, the way he knows me so well.”

  “I bet you haven’t admitted that to him.”

  “No.”

  “Why not? I mean, if he’s such a great guy…”

  “That’s the thing, he is a great guy. But I’m not looking for a permanent guy. Not at this point in my life. He says he wants to find a career woman to settle down and have a family with. He was telling me how he’ll stay home with the kids and be there to pamper his wife when she gets home from work. We’ve been teasing about it. But then last night, McKade told me that the career woman he has in mind was me. He said he loved me and that he was going to find us a house near Kiley’s. He said he was going to marry me someday.”

  “What
did you say to that?”

  “Well that’s the thing. I think it was the drugs they gave him talking. He couldn’t possibly mean it. I mean, that’s not the sort of relationship we have. I just let him talk because I didn’t want to argue and upset him.”

  “So you didn’t agree or disagree?”

  “That’s it exactly. He made me promise to wake him before I left this morning. When I did, he acted like he did before I started this assignment. I don’t think he even remembers the things he said last night.”

  “You want him to though, don’t you?”

  “I don’t know. He’s grown on me over the past few weeks but love? Marriage? Kids? A house in a quiet little town? Even if I did have the studio he talked about, I’m not sure I want all that. Not at this stage of my life anyway.”

  “But what about Shane? I mean, Shane personally, the guy who knows you so well and suits you physically? Do you want him?”

  “No. Yes. I don’t know. I don’t want to give him up to some other woman but I don’t know if I can be what he wants right now.”

  “Then I suggest you spend the next few weeks while you’re with us giving all this some serious consideration. I think the drugs may have loosened his tongue but I doubt if any man would say those things without meaning them on some level. It’s not like he was lying to try to coax you into bed at the time. Even if you’re not ready now, he may be willing to give you time if you say you want to end up with him eventually.”

  “But…”

  “I’m not saying you should lead him on. Just don’t toss him away before you’re sure he’s not what you want. Be as honest and open with him as you can the next time he brings it up. If he’s as decent a guy as you say he is, I’m sure he’ll be willing to discuss it with you. Don’t throw away a guy who may be the best thing in your life just because he realized the potential you have together before you did.” Chris hoped she wasn’t being too blunt. She truly liked Alyssa but was already aware of how stubborn she could be.

  * * * * *

  Chris tugged Alyssa with her, urging her out of the mall and to a bench as far away from the doors as she could find. She had to get her as secluded as possible, knowing the photographer needed as much privacy as a public place could allow. When they were finally seated, Chris pulled Alyssa to her and rocked her, much the same as she did when her son, Murray, was sobbing. She encouraged Alyssa not to hold back, hoping to have enough emotions drain so the girl could speak about the article they read.