Liam chuckled and her mom blushed.
“Lily-Pad, if you don’t know the answer by now either you’re not ready to know the answer or not paying attention.” Her dad’s eyes sparked as he took his wife’s hand and kissed it.
They ordered their food when the waitress arrived, not waiting for Reece. He knew the rule: you snooze, you lose. While they ate the conversation bounced all over the place from her dad’s birthday party that she’d missed, to current affairs, to Liam’s new duty assignment, his lack of a girlfriend and the grief it brought her mom because it meant no grandchildren in the foreseeable future, to her mom’s pet projects.
Breakfast wrapped up and the golden child still hadn’t made an appearance.
“Is Reece avoiding me?” Nic looked at both of her parents and then turned to Liam.
“He said he had something personal to handle this morning. I think he and his girlfriend are fighting and he stayed in to call her.” Her mom waved it off with a sigh. “He’ll join us later. Oh, look at the time. Your father and I have to go. We’ve been invited to coffee with friends. Give Liam a ride back or why don’t you two go find something fun to do. Today’s too nice to be locked up inside.”
With quick kisses her mom headed toward the door, leaving her dad to pay for breakfast. Nic and Liam followed outside and waved the parentals off.
Nic turned to him, shaking her head. “I almost expected for her to remind us to be home in time for dinner.”
“It did sound like a slip back in time. I don’t think she always sees us as grown-ups.” He slung her arm over her shoulders. “Sis, let’s walk. It’s been a while since I’ve been up this way and I’ve always loved the old buildings here.”
The playful tone she associated with Liam was gone and in its place was that of a man with a lot on his mind. Hopefully not all because of her.
“Is everything alright with you? Work going okay? I mean you rocked your XO tour on the boat, or at least that’s what Mom said,” Nic said. They strolled through the crowds at Mystic Seaport, stopping to stare at a couple of passing kayaks on the river.
“Four point zero across the board on the eval, so yeah. It’s all good and I’ve punched all the right tickets to make Commander.” He popped a couple of coins in a penny press machine and started to crank the wheel, causing it to stretch the penny out. “I’m worried about you. Mom said you’ve been having panic attacks.”
Nic blew a puff of air out, sending her stray hairs fluttering. “One of these days that woman will learn to keep a secret.” Nic accepted the souvenir coin from her brother and tucked it into her pants pocket. “They’re getting better. Not as frequent, not as severe. I still feel uncomfortable using public facilities, especially on the boat or the gym, but it is getting better.”
“The media is going to have a field day when they get ahold of this new development. And you can bet Stone will make sure they have it. Are you ready for all that?”
“I’ll just ignore them like last time. They’ll go away as soon as something else more sensational happens, which will be about fifteen minutes later.”
“Nic, sweetie.” Liam stopped her and pulled her out of the flow of traffic. “This is going to be different. This time you’re dating the man accused of being behind the whole ordeal. How’s that going to look?”
“Exactly what it is. A lie.” Even as the words left her mouth she knew it wasn’t true. The old “innocent until proven guilty” went out the window a long time ago and Kyle would be tried and convicted through the lens of a media camera.
“You know better.”
“All the more reason why I need to stand by his side, to show the world I believe in him and they should too.” She poked him in the shoulder to drive her point home.
He stepped back further away from the other tourists into the shadows of the trees and out of her reach. Chicken.
“Let me ask you something and don’t get mad. Could he have used you to get close to Pops? Set this whole thing up, come to your rescue, be the big hero in the hopes that our father will be so thankful he’ll give Hutchinson a career boost?”
“Wha…” she sputtered, not even able to get the word out. Talk about your ludicrous ideas. Finally, after all these years she had proof her oldest brother had been dropped on his head and had serious brain damage.
So then why can’t you just say no?
Because all three siblings had earned the T-shirt, “Been there, experienced that, people suck.” Yet something inside her told her Kyle wasn’t that person. Maybe it was because she’d seen something in the way he looked at her, something he couldn’t fake like her dad said. Or maybe it was wishful thinking.
Or maybe not.
She really wished Lindsey or Cherise were available to talk to right about then, because her brother had her head spinning.
“But wait, Liam, there’s a flaw in your grand scheme. Pops did offer Kyle a billet in D.C. and Kyle turned him down. So if this were some elaborate ruse to fast track him to whatever, why would he do that? Being on Pop’s staff, hand-picked no less, that’s like finding the golden ticket.”
Breakfast wasn’t settling in her stomach and the discussion had given her a killer headache.
“I don’t know. Maybe he’s playing hard to get,” Liam replied.
“Seriously?” She shook her head and started to walk away. “You weren’t just dropped on your head as a baby. Mom played basketball with your head.”
* * *
Kyle dropped onto his couch with a bowl of Captain Crunch, propped his feet on the coffee table and stared out the window as he ate. Princess PITA hopped up onto the back of the couch. She purred into his ear while her tail flipped back and forth smacking him in the face. He’d slid open the glass door to let the morning breeze in, grateful to turn off the AC for a while. Outside laughter from the complex playground filled the air.
Had he ever been that carefree?
He couldn’t recall a time when there hadn’t been something or another—bills, his old man’s attitude, chores—to worry about and that was before the twins arrived.
At least back then if you screwed up or even if you were an innocent caught in the crosshairs the punishment lasted only as long as it took for some other matter to detract his parents’ attention. Now everything he’d worked for since that fateful day at Tomlinson’s store could be ripped away from him and there wasn’t a whole hell of a lot he could do. It would be Stone’s word against his.
Keith stumbled through the room and into the kitchen. Kyle didn’t attempt a conversation. He’d discovered right away that baby brother needed caffeine and time before his brain allowed coherent speech upon waking. The sounds of the fridge opening and closing, cereal pouring into a bowl told Kyle everything he needed to know for now. The kid had an appetite; he was fine.
How was he going to explain this mess to his family? After all, they sent Keith here to keep him out of trouble and for Kyle to be a good example. So much for that stellar plan.
“Hey.” Keith dropped into the chair and propped his feet up next to Kyle’s. Princess immediately abandoned him for her new BFF. Traitorous cat. He’d probably been sneaking her cans of tuna. “Where’s Nic?”
“Gone.” His voice was gruff, his answer short, just like his mood.
Keith’s brows arched. “Gone, gone or just gone for the moment gone?”
Million-dollar question. Sure she said she’d call, that she didn’t believe the accusation, but she also wasted no time getting the heck away from him after her dad’s call.
“Dunno.” He didn’t want to talk about it either, so he kept eating his Crunch Berries.
“What did you do, buy the wrong flowers or pick the wrong candles?” Keith ran his hand from the cat’s head down her back sending her purr motor into overdrive. “You know if you don’t treat your girl right, she’ll find someone who will.”
Kyle eyed the cat, then his brother and shoved his empty bowl onto the
table. He let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes. The walls were closing in. Maybe he’d grab a bag and head out to Block Island for the day, or hop a train and lose himself in Manhattan, or go rent a boat and sail for the day. No way could he sit around here waiting.
“Dude,” Keith’s shocked voice trailed off. “Look, I was only joking. If you two fought, I’m sure she’ll be over it soon and you guys will make up. Just hang a sock or something on the door so I don’t walk in on it.”
“Ha. You’re a real comedian, kid.” Kyle peeled one eye open. “You working today?”
Keith nodded. “I’ve got a full shift at the Bell. If you need, I can make myself scarce after work.”
“No, don’t worry about it. Think I’m going to get out and enjoy summer. Was thinking you’d come along, but work comes first.”
“About last night.” Keith waited to continue until Kyle sat up and looked at him. “Sorry I was a jerk and thanks for coming down to get me.”
“No worries. I’d say being a jerk is a family trait because I was one too. Call it even, and forget about it?” He stuck his hand out for a truce, relieved when his brother took it and grinned.
“Guess we get that from Dad.” He sat back, quiet for a couple of moments before speaking again. “I talked to Mom yesterday. Kenny struck a bargain with the DA. He’s giving them evidence on Woody’s operation and in return they’re giving him a clean slate. Whatever he knows is good enough that they’re putting him in witness protection. He wanted Mom and Dad to go with him, but you know those two. Citrus Park is home and no one is chasing them off.”
“If they’re putting him in WITSEC there must be a credible threat.”
Kyle sat staring at his brother, trying to comprehend this new twist in his life. One brother was here so he could keep him safe, the other hidden by the authorities and his parents were sitting ducks. And there wasn’t a fucking thing he could do because with Stone’s lie he wouldn’t be allowed to take leave.
Could his life possibly get any more screwed up?
“I’ll call Mom later and see if I can talk some sense into her,” Kyle said. “Maybe she can convince the old man to go on vacation, take a cross-country road trip out here or somewhere far away.” The veins at his temples pounded.
“Thanks. I’ve been ordered to stay away, which is fine. I don’t ever want to go back. That place is like a living graveyard. People don’t even know they’re dead until they cross the town line.”
“Yeah, tell me about it. Have you thought about checking out the community college I told you about? “
“I looked it up online. Out-of-state tuition is crazy expensive and more than I’d make in a month. I might enroll in some online classes at one of the CC’s from California though. Get my grades up, apply for a scholarship when the time comes.”
Kyle grabbed his bowl, grabbed Keith’s as well, and then headed into the kitchen. He contemplated coffee or water, choosing the later before heading back to the living room. “Do you have an idea what your major would be?”
“Not yet. Thought I’d take a few of those test that help you figure out where your strengths lie, other than wrapping a mean burrito.”
“Not saying you have to join the military if you take it, but the ASVAB is a good one for guidance. Helped me choose my path in college. The Navy just kept me the hell away from Citrus Park.”
A knock on the door had both turning their heads. Keith grinned and set the cat down. “I’ll check it out. In the meantime, I’ll get out of your hair while you two make up.”
But when Kyle opened the door, it was Reece who greeted him.
“Morning.” Kyle held his hand out, only to be ignored. “I thought you were having breakfast with your sister.”
His guest stood scowling for several seconds without uttering a word. Probably learned that trick from his father and Kyle was sure many junior sailors had caved under the look. He’d make a great commanding officer someday. Too bad Kyle’s old man had scowling down to an art form and his grandfather could have stared a priest into confessing, even if he didn’t do anything wrong.
Kyle held his ground.
Keith joined him at the door. “Oh hey, you must be Nic’s bro.” He held out a hand. “I’m Keith, and considering he’s keeping you standing on the door, I probably shouldn’t admit it, but I’m Kyle’s brother.”
Reece grasped his hand in a quick shake and Keith stepped back. “You should come in before the cat escapes. Can I get you something to drink?” His brother called over his shoulder, not even looking to see if Kyle stepped aside or if Reece followed.
Kyle stepped back and allowed Reece to enter and close the door.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m good,” Reece replied.
“Suit yourself.” Keith dropped back into the chair and looked up. “Must have been one heck of an argument if Nic sent her big brother over. You here to pound Kyle into the floor? Cause if you are, I’m obligated to take his side. Unless, he hurt Nic, then I’m going to get in line behind you and help you kick his butt.”
“Don’t you have to get ready for your shift or shower or bribe the Princess?” Kyle hooked his thumbs in his front pockets and leaned back against the edge of the couch. He wasn’t afraid of Reece, although he was fairly sure the guy was up for some punching bag practice using his face as the target.
“Nah, I got plenty of time.” Keith settled in, determined to find out what was going on and there wasn’t a lot Kyle could do short of telling him to get lost.
“Does she know you’re here?” Kyle asked.
“She might by now. Are you going to deny the charges against you?” Reece stepped into Kyle’s zone. Knuckles popped, voice even, the guy was pissed but holding his anger in check.
“Would it make you feel better to hear me say it?” Kyle gave a slight shake of his head catching his brother’s confused look. “Fine. It’s a trumped-up charge and Nic knows it. What else can I do to ease your mind? Swear on a stack of bibles? Pinky swear? Cross my heart and hope to die?”
“Stay away from my sister.”
Kyle’s head jerked back, as if Reece had physically punched him. Was he joking? The whole situation felt juvenile and if it weren’t so serious, he would have laughed. But one look at the hard line that was Reece’s mouth, the pulsing of his jaw as he clamped down and released as well as the fact the his body look like he was strung tighter than a guitar string had Kyle thinking twice.
“Don’t you think Nic should have some say in this?” he asked.
Reece dragged his hands through his hair and spun around. He walked over to the small dining table and hung his head. “Hey Keith, if that offer for coffee is still good, I could use a cup. Black, please.”
“Look, I get it. You and your family think I’m some kind of low life who used and betrayed your sister—”
Reece held both hands up stopping Kyle. “That’s not true. Not entirely. Liam is still on the fence about you. The rest of us like you, which is why this is hard, plus Nic’s crazy about you. But if you care about her, you’ll stay away from her until this is all over.”
Keith came out with the coffee and Kyle gestured to the chair while he took up his normal spot on the couch, fully aware of his brother at his back.
“I don’t see what point my staying away serves, other than to make me look guilty.”
“Guess you haven’t watched the morning news, have you?” He sat on the edge of his seat, holding the cup like a lifeline. “You made the lead story. It’s only a matter of time before they leak the next part and that’s how you’re dating the alleged victim. By the time the trial starts in a week, Nic will have gone from a target to co-conspirator or even the mastermind behind a foiled sex tape plan. Her reputation and career will be ruined.”
Kyle let the words sink in, swirl around and filter through his brain. Such BS. All of it. Nic had nothing to do with Stone’s plan. He had nothing to do with it, but would the viewing public believ
e them? They had no proof, just their word against Stone’s. The Navy itself wouldn’t do anything against Nic, they had no grounds for a case, but he got what Reece was saying.
Perception.
People loved a good scandal. They loved to see others fall from grace.
We may not go to public hangings or beheading and cheer on the hangman/axman anymore, but we still loved a public execution.
“It’s a little late to hide our relationship. The damage has been done—”
“Not really. From what she’s said to our mom, you’ve kept things pretty much under wraps and only a select few really know the truth. Trusted friends, a few co-workers. You both could spin it as you were friends, as her sponsor on the boat you were helping her navigate the area, giving her tips on where to look for housing, where to stay away from. That kind of thing. Purely platonic.”
“Who’s selling Nic on this plan?”
“Liam.”
He chuckled. The two of them butted heads non-stop last night at dinner. Something told him both were going to end up with a killer headache after this discussion and he had a feeling he knew which one was going to win the skirmish. While neither he nor Nic might like it, they had their own battle they were about to enter and if they were smart they’d listen to her brothers.
Several minutes passed in silence as all parties let the conversation settle over them. It wasn’t Kyle’s career or life he worried about, although he should.
A smart man would walk, would think about all the hard work he’d poured into the past sixteen years of his life, would think about his own family and the issues going on with them. Those alone made his head spin. Then again when didn’t his family drive him to the edge with a firm hand at his back and only his will kept him from falling into the black, bottomless pit of nothing.
He’d spent years working his butt off so he wouldn’t land back in the middle of drama central called home. Yet that’s where he’d landed. Apparently if you would not go to the drama, it would come to you and wrap its greedy claws into your body and attempt to suck your life away.
Love Runs Deep Page 20