The Promise

by Leeanna Morgan

  Ashley stood behind him. “Your photos are amazing.”

  “The light was perfect, especially for the outdoor shots.”

  Matthew left his coffee on the table and stood beside Ashley. Harry had taken photos of the teenagers in the kitchen and the group that had been working on the computers. But it was the black and white photos in the garden that were incredible.

  In one shot, a teenager was crouched on the ground, planting seedlings with William Chalmers beside him. The concentration, care, and respect that shone through the image showed what the center was all about.

  Bonnie jumped when Ashley’s phone rang. She looked at the caller display and handed it to her. “It’s the FBI.”

  Ashley took a deep breath and answered the phone. “Hello?” She walked to the sofa and sat down. She nodded and pulled her notebook closer, scribbling fast notes as the person spoke to her.

  “Are you sure?” She bit her bottom lip and listened to the reply. “Okay. Thanks for calling.”

  Bonnie sat beside her. “What’s happened?”

  “Jasmine has been arrested for conspiracy to defraud and harassment. She sent the letters to us and paid someone to follow us.”

  “Why would she do that?” Bonnie asked.

  “As soon as I started looking at the Foundation she panicked. She knew what Congressman Welsh had done and didn’t want anyone else finding out. He’d taken money from her as well, so she couldn’t pay back the Foundation before we discovered their funding was missing.”

  Harry shook his head. “I can’t believe she paid someone to intimidate you.”

  Ashley slipped her phone into her pocket. “I guess she was desperate.”

  Matthew kept a close eye on her. “What will you do next?”

  She rubbed her palms along her jeans. “I’ll stay in the hotel tonight, then move back to my apartment tomorrow. There are more stories scheduled for the weekend paper. On Monday, I’ll go to work.”

  A stone settled in the pit of his stomach. “Will you be okay?”

  Her forced smile worried him. “Of course, I will. Jasmine and Congressman Welsh can’t do any more harm than they already have.”

  Bonnie wrapped her arm around Ashley’s shoulders. “And we’ll be here to look after you.”

  That didn’t make Matthew feel better. After spending the week with Ashley and her friends, he wasn’t sure any of them were safe.

  ***

  On the way back to the hotel, Ashley hunted through her bag for a bottle of Tylenol. Her head was pounding. After weeks of looking over her shoulder, worried about who might be following her, the truth was hard to understand.

  Each time she’d met Jasmine, she’d seemed like a polished, sophisticated, business woman. The people closest to her trusted her, but over the last six months, she’d blown that trust to shreds.

  She found the Tylenol and quickly swallowed two tablets.

  “We’ll be at the hotel soon,” Matthew said from beside her.

  The lights of Manhattan shone brightly through the taxi’s windows. Ashley leaned against the headrest and took a deep breath.

  Matthew’s fingers tightened on hers. “It’s been a big night.”

  “I almost feel sorry for Jasmine. She must have been shocked when she realized Gareth Welsh had stolen money from her and her foundation.”

  “It doesn’t excuse what she did after she discovered the money was missing.”

  “I pushed her into a corner. If I hadn’t looked at the grants the Foundation received, she might have been able to repay the money before any of the programs were affected.”

  “Someone would have eventually realized what was happening. The outcome would have been the same whether you’d written your articles or not.”

  Ashley knew he was right, but it didn’t make her feel any better. She should have been celebrating her first steps into the world of investigative journalism, not feeling as though she’d made a big mistake.

  “There have been some great comments on Facebook about the youth center.”

  “At least that’s one positive thing to come out of this. I hope it makes a difference to their funding.”

  Matthew frowned. “You knew your articles would have an impact on The Reaching High Foundation, so what’s really worrying you?”

  “Nothing. I’ll be okay.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She looked through the window, then at Matthew. “I’m not sure about anything at the moment.”

  “This is everything you’ve ever wanted.”

  “That’s what’s worrying me. I thought that once today was over, I’d be happier than I am.”

  “You told me you haven’t been sleeping very well. You’re probably tired.”

  Ashley nodded. It was easier than telling him why she hadn’t been sleeping. “What time are you leaving for the airport tomorrow?”

  “Harry said he’d drop me off. He’s picking me up at five o’clock.”

  The taxi stopped in front of their hotel. Matthew pulled out his wallet.

  “I’ll pay for the ride,” she said. “It’s the least I can do.”

  “You don’t owe me anything.”

  He was wrong. She owed him more than he’d ever know. “Just say thank you.”

  “Thank you.”

  She paid the driver and left the taxi.

  Matthew held out his arm. “Would Ms. Fisher like to be escorted to her room?”

  “Ms. Fisher would like that very much.” She wrapped her hand around his arm, hugging him close. This was the last time she’d see him for a while.

  When they walked into the foyer of the hotel, Ashley groaned. It was crammed with people and their bags, everyone jostling to either check in or check out of their rooms. The chaos reminded her of Grand Central Station.

  “Where do all these people come from?” Matthew murmured as a group of airline staff hauled their bags toward the elevators.

  “I don’t know, but there are always plenty of people here.”

  They waited beside the nearest elevator with half a dozen other people and their bags. When the elevator doors opened, Ashley wasn’t sure they would all fit into the small space.

  Matthew pulled her against his chest. “Maybe it’s not so bad,” he whispered.

  Ashley smiled as everyone moved to squash another bag into the elevator. “You’re lucky it’s me that’s pinned against you,” she whispered back.

  Matthew looked around the elevator and grinned. “You’re right.”

  Unfortunately, Ashley’s floor was the first stop. Everyone spilled into the corridor, letting them out before returning to the elevator.

  She waved to the people as the doors closed. “I’m glad I’m going back to my apartment tomorrow. I’m beginning to feel like a tourist.”

  “You don’t look like one.”

  Ashley walked toward her room. “What do tourists look like?”

  “Lost. Anyone seeing you on the street would know you belong here.”

  She glanced at Matthew. “I belong in a lot of places.”

  He stopped outside her door. “Maybe.”

  If she could have imagined the last few minutes she’d spend with Matthew, it wouldn’t have been like this. The silence that stretched between them was hard to bear.

  “Would you like me to come to the airport with you and Harry? I could help with your bags.”

  When he didn’t answer straight away, she sighed. “It’s okay. I understand.”

  “I care about you, Ashley, but I can’t see how any relationship, even friendship, can work between us. You’ve made your home here, and my home is in Bozeman. I don’t want this to be goodbye, but it has to be.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. She wanted to tell him how much he meant to her, but it wouldn’t make any difference to what would happen.

  She kissed his cheek and tried to smile. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

  His eyes swam with unshed tears. “I’m glad I could help.”
>
  Matthew’s arms wrapped around her, holding her in a hug that brought more tears to her eyes.

  “Good luck,” he whispered.

  She stepped out of his embrace and swiped her key card in front of her door. “Have a safe flight.”

  Matthew nodded and walked down the corridor.

  More tears blurred her vision. Before she burst into tears, she opened her door and stepped away from the most amazing man she’d ever met.

  ***

  The next afternoon, Bonnie lifted one of Ashley’s pot plants off the windowsill. “I don’t know if this one’s going to make it.”

  Ashley stared at the wilted, brown leaves. “If we soak it in water, it might be okay.”

  Bonnie took the plant across to the kitchen. “Did Matthew make it home safely?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Didn’t he call you?”

  Ashley shook her head. “Matthew and I aren’t seeing each other anymore.”

  Bonnie’s mouth dropped open. “I thought you were planning to visit him in Bozeman.”

  “It wouldn’t make any difference. I’d still need to come back to New York and Matthew can’t leave Montana.” Her voice broke. “I miss him already.”

  Bonnie rushed across the room and gave her a hug. “It will be okay.”

  She took a deep, shuddering breath. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with you.”

  Ashley wasn’t so sure. She’d been close to tears ever since Matthew had left. “I forgot to give him some presents for Catherine and her brother Toby.”

  “Mail them. They’ll have them in a few days.” Bonnie handed her a box of tissues. “Once you’re back at work you’ll feel better.”

  “I hope so.” Ashley pulled out a tissue and blew her nose. “I called dad this morning. He saw the newspaper articles.”

  “What did he think?”

  “He said they were well written. He showed all his friends.”

  “That must make you feel happy.”

  “It does. He wants me to visit him.”

  Bonnie walked back to the kitchen. “Will you go?”

  “I’d like to, but I’d need to ask for time off work. With everything that’s happened over the last few weeks, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to leave New York.” Someone knocked on her door. She glanced at Bonnie before looking through the peephole.

  Relief surged through her when she saw who it was. “It’s Harry.” She opened the door and smiled. “I thought you were working this afternoon?”

  He held out a bunch of daisies. “All finished. I wanted to give you a welcome home present. How does it feel to be in your own apartment again?”

  “It feels great. Thank you for the flowers. They’re lovely.”

  Bonnie stuck her hands on her hips. “You nearly gave us a heart attack. How did you get into the building without pushing the intercom downstairs?”

  “Mrs. Moretti came back from the supermarket. She let me in.” Harry looked closely at Ashley. “Have you been crying?”

  She waved away his concern. “Allergies.”

  Bonnie filled the coffeepot with water. “I’ll make everyone a drink. It’s time we had a break.”

  “What have you been doing?” Harry asked.

  Ashley unplugged the vacuum cleaner. “Cleaning the apartment.”

  Harry handed her one of the vacuum attachments she’d left on the sofa. “Mrs. Moretti said to go and see her. She made a ginger cake this morning.” He looked around the apartment. “Have you moved the furniture?”

  Ashley nodded. “It feels better this way.”

  “Here you are.” Bonnie handed Ashley and Harry a cup of coffee each.

  “Have you told her?” Harry asked.

  Bonnie shook her head. “No. It’s not the right time.”

  Harry frowned. “I thought—”

  “It’s such a sunny day,” Bonnie said quickly. “Who wants to go for a walk in Central Park?”

  Ashley looked at Bonnie. “What haven’t you told me?”

  “Nothing important. It can wait for another day.”

  “Is it about Jasmine? I know I’ve been upset, but you can tell me what’s happened.”

  Harry’s eyes widened. “I knew you’d been crying. What’s upset you?”

  “Ashley’s worried about Matthew.”

  “You don’t need to worry,” Harry said. “He arrived home in one piece.”

  Ashley’s eyebrows rose. “He called you?”

  “Text. Didn’t he send you the same message?”

  “I haven’t heard from him since last night. We decided to go our separate ways.”

  Harry’s eyes flicked to Bonnie. “Oh.”

  “What haven’t you told me?” Ashley asked again.

  Bonnie cleared her throat. “Well, I’m not really sure where to start.”

  Harry grinned.

  Ashley looked at her two closest friends. “I don’t understand…Oh. You’re dating? When did that happen?”

  “About the same time as season four of The Twilight Zone started.” Harry seemed incredibly pleased with himself, but he was making as much sense as one of his beloved TV shows.

  “What Harry is trying to say,” Bonnie said slowly, “Is that when I stayed with Harry, we discovered our constant bickering was hiding deeper emotions.”

  Harry must have seen the confusion on Ashley’s face. “We’re in love.”

  “Love?” Ashley placed her coffee cup on the table before she dropped it. “Wow. That’s…”

  “Unexpected? Awesome? Difficult to believe?” Harry suggested.

  “All of the above,” Ashley said. “I’m happy for you.”

  Bonnie’s eyes sparkled. “So are we. Who would have thought a girl from Buffalo could have anything in common with a boy from Springfield, Missouri?”

  The goofy smile on Harry’s face told Ashley it was more than possible. What she couldn’t understand was why she hadn’t figured it out herself. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

  “You had other things on your mind,” Bonnie said.

  “The articles I’m writing aren’t as important as my two best friends.”

  Bonnie frowned. “I wasn’t talking about your articles. I was talking about Matthew.”

  “Matthew?”

  Harry rolled his eyes. “Yeah, the man you used to love before you moved to New York. You’re as transparent as a sheet of glass when you’re around him. Even I noticed that there was something special between the two of you.”

  “You’ve been hanging around Bonnie too much,” Ashley groaned. “Love has warped your brain.”

  “We’ll see.” Harry walked across to Ashley’s pantry and opened the doors. “I bet twenty bucks that you call Matthew within the next week.” He brought a packet of crackers across to the sofa. “Do you mind if I open these? I haven’t had lunch.”

  “Go ahead, and I’ll take your bet. I’m not calling Matthew and even if I did it wouldn’t do any good. He’s right—we’re about as compatible as a snail and a seagull.”

  Bonnie grinned at Harry. “Stranger things have happened. Six months ago you never thought you’d be followed by a private investigator.”

  Ashley took a deep breath. Six months ago her biggest headache had been how to report on two gala events in one evening. Now, because of a story she’d uncovered, a wealthy New York socialite and a congressman had been arrested.

  It was the kind of fairy tale that would never have a happy ending.

  ***

  Matthew opened his bedroom door and stumbled toward the bathroom.

  “Don’t use all the hot water,” Sean yelled as he ran downstairs.

  Matthew looked at his watch and frowned. He walked back to the landing and leaned over the rail. “Where are you going at six o’clock in the morning?”

  There was no answer.

  Sean never got out of bed before nine o’clock on a Sunday morning. It was the one day he slept in, watch
ed TV, and ate anything he could get his hands on.

  Matthew heard pots and pans banging against each other. He went downstairs, not quite sure of what he’d find. “What are you doing?”

  Sean slid the skillet onto the stove and turned toward the refrigerator. “Going out for breakfast.” A packet of bacon landed on the counter. “Don’t tell me you ate the last tomatoes?”

  Matthew leaned against the doorframe. “You ate them, too. If you’re going out for breakfast, why are you cooking bacon?”

  “I’m having a shared breakfast with some friends. I’m bringing bacon, lettuce, and tomato toasted sandwiches.” Sean shoved a basket against Matthew’s chest. “Do me a favor and pick some tomatoes and lettuce from Nathan’s garden.”

  “Now?”

  “I haven’t got time to do it myself. I need to be in Bozeman in forty-five minutes.”

  Matthew’s eyebrows rose. “You’re still in your boxers and haven’t had a shower. You’ll be late.”

  “Not if you get the tomatoes and cook the bacon while I’m in the shower.”

  “Fine. Go.”

  Sean rushed across the kitchen and dropped four slices of bread into the toaster. “I’ll be back soon,” he yelled.

  Matthew went back to his room, threw on some clothes and headed outside. He enjoyed the walk across to Nathan and Amy’s home. The mid-summer heat was still a few hours away, and except for a noisy rooster, the ranch was quiet. After the constant noise of New York, Bozeman was like a calm oasis.

  “You’re up early.”

  Matthew jumped. “You need to stop sneaking up on me.”

  “That’s what older brothers are for,” Nathan said with a grin. He glanced at Matthew’s empty basket. “Are you raiding our garden again?”

  “We need tomatoes and lettuce. Sean’s got some breakfast thing he’s going to. Where are the kids?”

  “Still in bed. Toby had a rough night and kept everyone awake.”

  “Is he okay now?”

  “His temperature’s down and he hasn’t thrown up since midnight, so he’s probably on the mend.”

  The black circles under Nathan’s eyes made him look ten years older. “Can I do anything?”

  “We’ll be okay. Did Ashley call?”

  “No.” Matthew started walking toward the garden. He hadn’t told anyone that Ashley wouldn’t be coming back.