Break Point

by Danielle LaBue

  “Yeah, thanks.” Again he looked across the room at his nemesis. Excusing himself, he strode over to him.

  “So, it looks like the good guys won this one.”

  Al chuckled. “What were the odds?”

  “Well that’s normally your area of expertise, but I’d say they were pretty good.” Jake looked at him. He was smiling. Totally cool. Like the prospect of jail was nothing but summer camp. “You look pretty happy for a man who’s going to rot in Federal prison for the rest of his life.”

  “We’ll see about that. But in the event I will be away for a while, I have a request.”

  “Oh yeah, what’s that?”

  “You look after my daughter.”

  Jake stood there a moment, speechless. He realized his crusade was over and he imagined he would feel healed and vindicated. Like a huge weight would be ceremoniously be removed. But as he watched the officers lead Al out the door, he now understood that regardless of whether justice was served, his heart would always be heavy. Unless he could be with Summer.

  “Hey Harrison!” Earl bolted across the room breathless and soaked from the driving rain outside.

  “What’s up? Did you get the tape from Summer?”

  “Yeah we got the tape, but it’s Summer. Come quick. We just found her.”

  “What?”

  Jake sprinted after Earl out the door and down the marble stairs. At the bottom on the lawn Summer lay unconscious, dark blood matting her blonde hair.

  “What the hell happened!” Jake demanded, peeling her off muddied grass.

  “She must have fallen down the stairs.” Earl replied. “We didn’t see her until just now. The fog settled in.”

  The medics brought over a stretcher and Jake hoisted her on. Pushing her soaking hair from her face, he kissed her as if it would jar her to consciousness.

  “Jake, let them take her!” Earl yelled, pulling him off of her.

  Jake nodded, watching her lifeless body disappear into the ambulance. His own tears mingled with rain drops as both streamed down his cheeks.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jake scribbled his name across the dotted line, then replaced the cap on the pen. It was official. Jake was no longer Special Agent Harrison. He looked down with a smile at the documents in front of him, then slid them across the small, hospital room table to Earl Diggs. “That’s all you need, right?”

  “That’s it.” Earl said. “It will take a few days to process, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re retired.”

  Jake rubbed his hands together. “Sounds good to me.”

  “That makes one of us.” Earl replied with a groan. “I don’t know what we’re going to do without you.”

  “Aw come on. I was nothing but a pain in the ass.”

  “A productive pain in the ass.”

  Jake stood up, extending his hand across the table for Earl to shake. “I appreciate you running the paperwork down here. You can understand why I don’t want to leave. After last night, I want to be here when Summer wakes up.”

  “Then the doctors are convinced she’s okay?”

  “Yeah,” Jake replied. “She’s got a hell of a gash on her head but she’ll be fine.” He walked over to her bedside and tucked her hand under the sheet.

  “She’s definitely going to need your support.” Earl rested a hand on his shoulder. “She’s been through a lot. Her father, fiancé, Anson Vitalie. That’s a lot to lose for one person.”

  “Well, she’ll have me.” He looked down at the love of his life, her features as pale as the bleached sheets she lay on. She’d have him forever if she wanted.

  “You are sure leaving your job is the right thing?”

  Actually, he was surprised at how easy the decision was. He glanced at Earl beside him. “I did what I set out to do. It’s time to move on.”

  “Jake?” Leslie came through the door with the doctor close behind her. “I think you need to answer some questions.”

  “Excuse me, Agent Harrison?”

  Jake smiled at the doctor, a graying little man who had earlier identified himself as a big NASCAR fan. “I need to speak with you regarding Summer’s blood tests.”

  Jake chest tightened with worry. He jammed his hands in his jean pockets then took a long, deep breath. “What’s wrong, Doc? Is she okay?”

  The doctor sighed. “Agent Harrison...”

  “Oh man, she’s sick, isn’t she? I told you guys last night she was weak.”

  “She not sick,” he corrected. “She’s pregnant.”

  Jake shook his head. “Excuse me?”

  “She’s pregnant, and I need to discuss medication with, well the father or whoever...”

  “That’s me.” He heard himself say, unable to believe the exchange. “It’s my baby. I’m the father.”

  The words sounded so right falling off his tongue. Earl and Leslie just stared at him while a smile cramped his cheeks.

  “Okay, Mr. Harrison,” The doctor said. “I worry about giving her pain medication because it might hurt the fetus.”

  “She wouldn’t want it in that case and neither would I. Don’t worry if there is anyone who knows how to deal with a headache it’s me. I’ll take care of her.”

  “Okay, I’ll come back later to discuss other options.” The doctor shook his hand then left, leaving Leslie and Earl in the room.

  “So that’s why he’s leaving his job.” Earl kidded. “He wants to be a stay at home dad. So I guess congratulations are in order.”

  Jake sat down in his chair before he fell down. “Wow, a baby.”

  “I thought you couldn’t have kids.” Leslie said playfully punching his arm.

  “That’s what they told me.”

  Earl laughed and picked the papers up from the table. “I’m going to see if this place has copy machine. Save me some time. I’ll be back.”

  When Earl left Leslie sat down in the chair beside Jake He heard her voice but the words didn’t register, his mind completely fixed on the news.

  “Earth to Jake?” Leslie kidded. “You okay?”

  Jake looked again over at the bed. He was more than okay. Never in his whole life did he ever figure he would have kids. He wasn’t able and he couldn’t imagine how they would fit into his lifestyle anyway. But now he knew that the woman he loved was carrying a part of him, he didn’t think it was possible to want anything more.

  “She’ll have to marry me now.” Was all he could think to say. He laughed. A tear ran down his cheek.

  “Are you sure that’s what is going to make you happy?”

  “Oh yeah, Leslie.” He closed his eyes then took a long breath. “Absolutely.”

  “Then I’m happy for you.”

  He could sense the slightest sadness in her voice. But he knew she was sincere in her words. He turned to her, meeting her gaze, placing his hand on her knee. “Leslie, I want you to know something.”

  “What?”

  “You and I go back a long way, and there were times when I didn’t think I would make it. I might not have if it weren’t for your friendship. If I ever hurt you.”

  “You haven’t,” she said, putting her hand over his. “You’re a good man, Streak. You’ll be a good husband. A good father.”

  “God, I hope so,” he whispered. “She’s never had a family, or at least one that was any good. I just want to make her happy.”

  “So what are you going to do now you’re retired?”

  He shrugged. “I called a real estate agent this morning. I don’t know. I got a few irons in the fire.”

  “That’s Jake. Never still for long.” She laughed. “I can’t believe Big Al Riley is going to be your father-in-law.”

  “Don’t remind me.” He stood up and went to the bed, brushing his fingers against her bruised cheek. “I wanted to propose as soon as she woke up. But I don’t have a ring.”

  “You don’t need a ring.” Leslie stood up, then looked out the window. “I think the news about the baby trumps anything else you could give
her.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Leslie nodded. “Oh, yeah.” She stood up and headed for the door, but paused when she reached the threshold. “I think you guys are going to be very happy,” she offered.

  “Thanks Shel,”

  She disappeared. Jake felt a twinge of regret. That part of his life was over. A new one was in front of him, and he was ready to embrace it with the woman he couldn’t picture it without.

  ***

  The dark haze thinned to white as Summer pushed open her eyes. The scent of bleach and antiseptic told her she was in a hospital again and the crushing pain against her temples told her what for. She gasped when she tried to sit up, spying the huddle of people gathered at the side of her bed.

  “Don’t move, sweetheart. It’s just going to make it worse.”

  “Jake?”

  “Of course baby, who else did you think it was?”

  She wanted to see his face but the effort was too painful. Thankfully someone placed a cool cloth on her head, allowing her a deep breath. “What happened?” she finally managed, her voice as weak as she felt.

  “A concussion.” Earl said. “You fell down those marble stairs at Jake’s. They brought you here by ambulance last night.”

  Suddenly it all came back. She was running from Al with the tape. “What happened with my father?”

  “He’s in custody.” Earl explained. “So is Geoffrey. Jake did a great job.”

  “I had a lot of help.”

  “We’re sure going to miss working with him.” Leslie added. “The FBI is losing one of its best field agents.”

  Summer closed her eyes. The conversation was too hard to follow. She winced when she felt a hand against her, stroking the side of her cheek.

  “Guys, maybe we should chat later.” Earl said, and she heard a parade of heavy feet heading to the door. “Harrison, how about a drink later while you’re still a free man?”

  “Will do, buddy.”

  “Free man?” Summer peeled the cloth from her eyes. “What’s wrong, Jake? Are you in trouble? It’s the tape isn’t it?”

  “Shh, baby.” He held her behind her neck, easing her back on to the pillow. “Earl didn’t mean it that way.”

  “Well, what did it mean then?”

  He didn’t answer, and it was too much to press the issue. Closing her eyes, she turned her head enjoying his touch as he caressed her cheek. “You scared the hell out of me, you know that? I saw you lying at the bottom of those stairs.”

  “You warned me a long time ago about the marble.” She ran her fingers along gauze patch on the side of her head. “Am I okay?”

  “Nothing a little rest won’t help.”

  “The tape.” She croaked. “Where is it? You aren’t here to arrest me, are you?”

  “I’m here to tell you I love you.”

  Suddenly she was totally alert, her wide eyes painfully focused on the smiling face above her. He hadn’t shaved, and she could tell by the red in his eyes he hadn’t slept either. “I love you, too,” she whispered. “So much.”

  He kissed the palm of her hand then placed it against his heart. “I know you already have a pretty big headache, but since you’re awake I should probably update you and what’s going on.”

  She drew a big breath, bracing herself for the worst. “They have the tape, don’t they?”

  “They do.” He answered. “Your father and Geoffrey are in custody.”

  “And?”

  “And, Geoffrey won’t get more than a slap on the wrist, but there was enough on that tape to keep your Dad busy in the Federal Pen for a good couple of life sentences.”

  At least some news was good. She felt a hint of relief. “What about me?”

  He smiled, still holding her hand against him. “What can I say? Nobody wants to waste their time on you. One Riley is all law enforcement can handle I guess.”

  She held a hopeful breath. “Jake what does that mean? Am I in trouble?”

  “They aren’t pressing charges. And I don’t think the Tennis Federation will pursue it either.”

  Something released within her, a relief that somehow dulled the pain. “Thank you.” was all she could think of to say.

  “Don’t mention it.”

  “What about you?” she asked. “You accomplished what you set out to do. How do you feel?”

  He shrugged, his blue eyes dazzling. “I don’t know. Vindicated. Free. Unemployed.”

  She sat up with a bolt then took a long blink to steady herself. “Jake, don’t tell me you lost your job because of me.”

  “No, I left by choice.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  His gaze fell to his hand holding hers. “I don’t know. I guess it’s like you said, I did what I set out to do. Besides, you hate guns. What am I supposed to do pack a sling shot?”

  “Jake...”

  “I already have a new business venture.” He looked at her, his smirk blushing his face. “I thought I’d go back to my roots. Get back into the sports world.”

  “Jake, if you’re considering driving a race car again, I’d rather you’d still be an agent.”

  “I bought Vitalie.”

  “You did what?” She winced at her own loud voice. Closing her eyes, she let him help her back down to the pillow.

  “I’ve been doing some thinking,” he explained. “Since the accident, I’ve kind of been drifting. I didn’t really belong anywhere. You gave me a direction, Summer. Now I realize if it hadn’t been for the accident, I would have never have fallen in love with you. This is where I’m supposed to be.”

  There was a calm about him she’d never seen before. He spoke softer, he smiled easier. The intensity had retreated behind his azure eyes.

  “Jake, that’s a huge investment. Are you sure that was a smart decision?”

  “I thought it would be fun.” He pulled the covers tighter around her. “I could be your manager.”

  “But you don’t have to give up your life’s work.”

  “You’re my life’s work now.” Gently he brought his arms around her and brought her head to his heart. “I never thought I would ever fall in love, Summer. But I swear to you the minute I laid eyes on you I wanted you. You gave me my life back and I don’t want to live the rest of it without you. I need you to marry me.”

  She wasn’t sure if it was his words or her injury, but suddenly the room began to spin. She closed her eyes and nestled closer against him, letting his heartbeat steady her. “I’m sorry, I guess I didn’t realize how bad a head injury can be. Do you always feel so nauseous?”

  “It happens.”

  “How long do you think it will be before I can play again?

  He didn’t answer, the silence forcing her to open her eyes. “Jake, did the doctors tell you anything?”

  “Oh, they told me loads.”

  His smirking voice confused her. “Jake, what’s going on? What did they say?”

  “He said tennis is out…at least until the baby is born.”

  “What?” The spinning room came to a screeching halt and a sudden energy found her bearings. “Am I? Are you sure? But I thought you couldn’t have kids?”

  “I guess I was wrong.”

  “And when I felt nauseous at the court?”

  “Morning sickness.” Jake told her hair behind her ear. “The doctor said your hormone levels are really high. He wouldn’t be surprised if you were carrying twins.”

  “Twins? Really?” Suddenly the pain in her head was relieved by the swelling of her heart. Her hand still in his, she rested them both on her stomach. “I’m not hallucinating, am I? This is for real?”

  “It sure is.” Jake whispered, his fingers running circles on her belly. “The doctor said about six weeks.”

  “What about falling down the stairs?”

  “I asked and he assured me everything is fine.”

  She reached out, touching her fingers to his cheek. He met her gaze and smiled, his blue eyes warming her soul. �
��Are you fine? I mean with the news. I know you didn’t plan on having kids.”

  “I didn’t plan on falling so hard for you, either. But now that I have, I can’t imagine things turning out any other way. I love you with all by heart, Summer Riley.”

  She wouldn’t have trusted her ears if she hadn’t seen the tears in his eyes. Gently he kissed her before resting his head on her chest.

  “I never thought I could be this happy, Summer.”

  Tears spilled down her cheeks, her body shaking as he held her. In her whole life, no award or victory or amount of money could compare to the joy she felt at that moment. Finally, she had a place to belong.

  The End

  Other Books by Danielle LaBue

  Writing as Dani LaBue:

  Dweller on the Threshold

  Crush

  Writing as Danielle LaBue:

  Love Inc.

  Break Point

  Undercover Heat

  Merry Christmas, EX-mas (a novella)

  No Tell Noel (a novella)

  About the Author

  Photo by: Danielle Bronson

  Danielle LaBue has been a writer her entire life, penning her first story in purple crayon at the tender age of seven. She lives in Western New York where she watches lots of television, tries to be vegetarian and considers training for a marathon. Purple is still her favorite color.

  Fun Facts

  - Least favorite task in the whole world: emptying the dishes in the dishwasher.

  - First job: cashier at Burger King. I lasted three hours before a customer yelled at me about room temperature ketchup and I quit.

  - Dream job: writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live. Basically I want Tina Fey's life.

  - Something interesting about you: I'm a former ski racer.

  - Favorite snack: Cheese Its

  - Least favorite clothing: jeans because I dislike the feel of denim (especially on cold days) against my skin.

  - Favorite hobby as a kid: making prank phone calls (all in good fun, of course).

  - Favorite TV show of all time: Moonlighting! If it's cheesy eighties, I have the full DVD collection.