Watson Manor My Journey Home (Watson Manor Mystery Series Book 4)

by Ronald S. Craig

  "I figured, move over and let me help you decide was a little premature."

  "Yes, a little premature, but I see we have fun, Charlie Watson."

  "Yes we certainly do. Jenny, this is important and I'm sorry, but it can't wait. I've been holding people back from visiting you, to make things easier. Two-and-a-half years ago we were on a house raid of child traffickers. There were three children," Charlie stopped when Jenny's face lost color. "They are all safe!"

  "Child traffickers?" Jenny gasped.

  "Yes, but one child, Timmy, his parents couldn't be located and he stayed with us a few days. Incredible kid, at five years old, he led us to locate his mother, Julia in Sacramento. Julia now manages Watson Manor and I've had to almost tie her down. She really needs to see you, Jenny. They are both like our own children."

  "Of course, tell her to come and see me, Charlie."

  "That’s great. Teresa and Pete will be back soon with Maddy. I'll relieve Julia at Watson Manor, send her over and I'll see you later."

  "Charlie, you send Julia in, but I don't want to see you until tomorrow. I'm surprised you can even walk after sleeping in that miserable chair again."

  "I'm fine."

  "No buts, tomorrow Charlie. Spend some time with my daughter tonight!"

  Chapter 5

  They told me my accident was ten days prior. The last four days, I'd recalled, but those four days felt like a month of waiting. I'd hoped getting my first look at Watson Manor again would have turned the lights back on in my failed memory. Charlie held Maddy in his arms beside me as I stood next to them at his truck. My scanning of the outside of our B&B was quickly pulled down to a bouncing black dog seeking my total attention.

  "That's Shadow," Charlie said.

  I squatted down and was rewarded with wet sloppy kisses. "Hello Shadow. You make for a very friendly welcome home."

  Charlie, bless his heart saw my blank recognition of Watson Manor and hid an expression of the same failed hope I'd had. He smiled and told me, "You designed it all, Jenny. Let's get you settled in our residence on the fourth floor."

  I saw the gathering of new and old recognized friends and my parents on the front porch below a 'Welcome Home Jenny' banner strung over their heads. We walked up the steps and after each smiling face had greeted me, Lisa said, "I hope you're still a steak and baked tatter gal?"

  "Oh, yeah, Lisa. That sounds divine."

  I saw her glance at her watch and she asked, "Say in ninety minutes sounds good?"

  "Perfect, I'm anxious to look around."

  "Jenny, sorry. I tried to get those special recipes from the hospital, but they just wouldn't share," Charlie said.

  "Thank God for small favors," I told them and walked inside. I was overwhelmed again. "We live in Santa's Village?" escaped my lips without thought.

  "Jenny, you never do anything half-assed. Excuse my expression," Charlie said, his face showing the thrill of it all that I felt. A huge decorated Christmas tree stood before me in the center of the lobby. Lighted garland ran throughout the room just below the cove molding. The interior walls were dark wainscoting topped with Victorian style wall paper. The dining area tables were cloth covered in scenes of Christmas with poinsettias center pieces. I was blown away with it all and didn't miss the classic Christmas music softly playing in the background.

  "I've always loved this time of year. This has got to be a joint effort?" I asked.

  "We all love it as well, Jenny," Julia said. "You definitely take the lead on creating Christmas Manor, we like to call it."

  I moved around the tree and saw the wall plaque 'Watson Investigations' above a door. Charlie stayed beside me as I finally reached the stairway leading up.

  "This is all so fabulous. I'm sorry though, I think I'd like to spend an hour napping, Charlie."

  Charlie took my hand and led me away from the stairs, "We'll use the lift until you're stronger." He set Maddy down to run ahead and push the up button.

  "Lift? It's an elevator, right?"

  "Victorian Manor's don't have elevators; you've several times pointed out to me. They are called lifts."

  I was pleased that Shadow never left my side also. Charlie punched in a code and turned to me, "ten-ninety-six, Jenny. The month and year we met. You'll need that to reach our floor." The lift doors opened to a small landing with two opposing dark wooden doors. "We're on the right, stairs on the left." He inserted the key. "I have your keys inside on the kitchen counter."

  "Thank you." I followed Maddy and Shadow into our home.

  The transition from Victorian to modern was like stepping into yet another world. Granite countertops with lighter maple cabinets were in the kitchen area, and light colored textured walls surrounded me. The interior doors were white in contrast to the dark carved wooden door we just passed through and dominated downstairs. Colorful art adorned the walls and it felt open and spacious. I was pleased, it felt like my influence had been here and that I was home.

  "Let's get you off your feet for now." He took my hand again to lead me to the bedroom.

  It was easy to find the walk-in closets and master bathroom as I studied the room. He stayed by the door. "Our room?" I asked him.

  "Your room, Jenny. I moved into our guest room across the hall for now. Moving Shadow may be impossible though." I caught his grin and returned it.

  "Thank you, Charlie. I'm sorry it's all so strange …"

  "Don't apologize, Jenny, it's just not needed. Get into bed and if you want, I'll bring your dinner up from downstairs later. Shadow, come," he called and closed the door.

  A large window instantly drew my attention and I could see beyond a sand dune, ships on the ocean. It was overcast as the sun was sinking into that ocean, but I remained overwhelmed that this spectacular view was not recalled.

  I looked at the photos surrounding the bedroom and picked up our wedding photo. It occurred to me that it being there in itself supported what I'd been told about our relationship. It also brought a huge smile as I recognized Nathan, Avery and their son, Thomas, dear friends. And the small church in the background in West Helena, Arkansas. I found a night shirt in the closet, changed into it and went to the bed to lie down. What a beautiful place to live was my last thought as I dozed off.

  I woke to a knock on the bedroom door. It took me a minute to adjust to my surroundings and the room was dark. I switched on the end table lamp and there was another knock on the door. "Come in."

  Charlie poked his head in. "I have your dinner here if you want it. Didn't know if I should have just let you sleep?"

  "Dinner sounds good, I can eat." He brought my dinner into the room on a lap tray. "I think I'm ready for the kitchen table, but thanks." He set the lap tray on the dresser, walked into the closet and brought back a robe. He laid it on the bed and then grabbed the tray and walked out of the room. The delightful smell of my dinner lingered and I quickly got out of bed and followed him.

  Charlie and Maddy in a booster seat were at the table when I walked over. "How long was I sleeping?"

  "Long time, Mommy," Maddy said.

  "I figured we'd pass on the social welcome home dinner tonight, Jenny," he said with a warm smile. I realized his smile was one of his special features and I'd be a sucker for it.

  I sat down. "Thanks, Charlie, that was thoughtful. I just feel badly for the trouble Lisa went to."

  "We all understand its small steps. Let's eat!" He didn't need to tell me twice and I dove into a perfect dinner.

  "So, if Julia manages the B&B Charlie, we're what, full time investigators?"

  "That was a pull for us, investigating even before we broke ground on Watson Manor; but we can take our time getting back to that now."

  "The last few years are a fog, but actually, I think getting back to work is something I need to do, Charlie."

  "Watson Investigations is closed until after Christmas in two days. Then, we'll get you up to speed on our current case, if that’s what you want?"

  "Maddy, have y
ou told Santa what you want for Christmas?"

  "Yea, Santa. Daddy said tomorrow we can see Santa."

  I looked at Charlie and he hit me with that smile again. "We go to a mall in San Jose every year. This of course, will be the first time Maddy will understand sitting on Santa's lap."

  "Wonderful. Yes, tomorrow Maddy. We'll go see Santa, together." She squealed in delight and Shadow barked. "I don't think Santa is ready for you, Shadow." We all laughed and I felt happy, hopeful and the sense of family for the first time since waking up in the hospital. Charlie sent Maddy off to get into her pajamas and we cleaned up the dishes. I found myself opening all of the cabinets to become familiar with their contents.

  Maddy ran back out from her bedroom and shouted, "Story time!"

  "Only one chapter tonight. Which book, Maddy?" he asked her.

  "Manny Stanley four." Quick and decisive, my little one.

  "Jenny, Manny is a teen aged boy that built an incredible robot, Stanley. You'll catch on, she loves their adventures."

  We put her to bed together that night and I recall that I enjoyed his reading the story as much as Maddy did. Two chapters later she was fast asleep. My last solid memory was moving into an apartment in West Helena, Arkansas, and here I was in a Hallmark family movie beyond my wildest dreams.

  There was a sense of familiarity when we entered the mall and walked toward Santa's Village. We each held one of Maddy's hands as we approached the line of children waiting to talk to Santa. The line weaved through small structures, Santa's workshop, Mrs. Clauses' bakery and stabled reindeer. It was difficult not to absorb Maddy's excitement as she was wide-eyed and pointed out every detail.

  "This was a very delightful, what … first date?"

  He returned my grin. "Shame on you, Jenny. Dating a married man and all."

  "My first time on this wicked path, Mr. Watson, but you have such a beautiful daughter, I just couldn't help myself."

  "Yeah, she works that magic with women all the time, my wing-girl."

  I couldn't help but laugh. "I can see you need all the help you can get turning heads."

  "Touché, but remember, I hold the car keys and it's a long walk home."

  We browsed the mall and went into teamwork mode in the toy store. I took Maddy into different rows and he purchased items she'd picked out and made a dash out to the car. The postponed dinner from the night before back at Watson Manor was comfortable after my alone time with Charlie and Maddy. Mom and Dad were talking about taking Madison to the Monterey Aquarium the following day. I'd met Detective Stan Edwards, Julia's husband, their son Timmy and Chief Rodney Walker with Stacy, his date. I could see they were all struggling with the awkwardness in my lack of recognition. Timmy tugged at my heart the most and I gave him a big bear hug and kiss.

  We put Maddy to bed that night. I called to talk to Laurie, my sister for almost an hour. Charlie and I went through one of many photo albums and afterwards, he walked me to the bedroom door. He'd always left a foot of space between us for me. I reached for his hands and held them. "Thank you for a wonderful day, Charlie. I'm sorry, I need …"

  He pressed his finger on my lips and smiled. "Jenny, we waited until you were my wife. I'm happy to wait until your heart is there again." He moved closer. I closed the remaining distance and he kissed me softly. "Good night, Jenny."

  "Good night, Charlie. I look forward to our second date."

  Simple kisses intensified through Christmas and holding hands was natural for us again. We slept in separate rooms, but that had become more difficult as physically my bodies desires were racing ahead of my heart. There was no mystery we shared a need to touch and I knew waiting again for love would enhance that reunion.

  Chapter 6

  Two days after Christmas, Charlie and Jenny said goodbye to Teresa and Pete following breakfast downstairs.

  "It's been wonderful, Mom and Dad, you're being here for Christmas and for me," Jenny said walking them to their rented car. She hugged and kissed them both, not wanting their visit to end.

  "We can stay if you need us, sweetheart," Teresa said, emotion glazing her eyes.

  "Yeah, I don't want to lose my, 'dad' status, Jenny," Pete said smiling.

  "Never happen. That's firm, Dad. It's time you put those winter jackets away and returned to Florida's sunshine. I'm still stumbling with your move from Arkansas also."

  "It helped a great deal giving Jenny family when she needed to see you both, and don't hesitate to ever come back for frequent visits. We'll always have a room for you," Charlie said, taking his turn at sharing hugs.

  "Maddy, you're so precious. Give grandma one more kiss," Teresa said as Madison ran to her.

  They stood and waved as the car left the parking lot. Charlie scooped Madison up in his arms and they went inside. "Ready to get back to work, Jenny?"

  "Yes and no. I've really enjoyed our Christmas holiday, and our courtship, Mr. Watson."

  "We've just begun on your, what did you call it? Your wicked path, Mrs. Watson."

  "In that case, Investigator Jenny is reporting for duty." They took Madison to Lisa's unit and went into their office. Charlie explained the case and showed the driver's license photos for the ten people they were keeping tabs on.

  "We're watching these people to see if they do something, anything suspicious?" she asked.

  "Yes, that’s pretty much it. The technology is worth millions of dollars."

  "What does this have to do with children, Charlie?"

  "I'm missing something now."

  "You told me we found Timmy and then Julia. And there was someone else, you said, before we even started building Watson Manor."

  Charlie went to the wall that ran behind their desks and pointed to a photo of a dark haired young girl. "This is Cindy, she's fifteen now. Our first unofficial investigation was when we found evidence of her abduction in a mobile home we purchased to live in while building Watson Manor."

  "She's safe, we found her?"

  "Yes we did, but looking for children is not all that we do. Last July we brought a corrupt murdering mayor to justice, Jenny. That was a good thing, also."

  "I'm sorry, Charlie. I must have misunderstood what Watson Investigations was all about. There was a policeman outside my hospital door because you and Marina P.D. weren't sure if my life was in danger. This case is about stealing top secret information, not saving lives. We have a beautiful place here and Maddy. My God, we risk all of that … for just money?"

  Charlie moved to his desk beside Jenny's and sat down. "The search for Cindy showed us two things, we are really good at digging for the truth, and we seem to have a sixth sense for it, a natural calling, if you will. Hell, we even went to school for P.I. licenses to have the tools to do it better. Watson Investigations is a business, a business we chose or as we've joked, it chose us. This investigation for Branson Systems is our chance to not only make some money, for a change, but promote our business. Something that before two weeks ago, we'd loved doing."

  Jenny listened to what he said without comment, but confusion still masked her face. "Charlie, two weeks ago, I was an eighth grade school teacher, not a cop or FBI agent putting my life on the line for, truth, justice and the American way. Then, I discovered I had a family. A husband and daughter and lived in a Victorian castle. Leaps, hell yes, most definitely, but leaps I could identify with as possibilities …"

  "But you weren't that teacher two weeks ago, Jenny"

  "Let me finish, Charlie. I already feel the bond with Maddy and I look at you with real hope for what has always been my brass ring. How do I move forward, letting my heart go to a family and then turn around and piss some criminal off that wouldn't think twice about killing one or all of us! How do you justify that risk?"

  Charlie fell silent and was fighting the reaction he'd felt as being labeled uncaring. "Jenny, these decisions we've made together …"

  A knock on the office door drew their attention and Charlie let out a long breath, walked to the door and ope
ned it.

  "We just had to see for ourselves that Jenny was ok," Eden said and looking closer at Charlie added, "Bad time?"

  He stepped out of the doorway and Eden walked into the office. Emily was right behind her and gave Charlie a big hug. "Merry Christmas, Dad."

  "Merry Christmas, Em. There's a gift for you under the tree, sweetheart. I think we need a minute here?"

  Emily moved beside him and looked at Jenny, "We've been so worried about you, Jenny."

  "Thank you, Em? It's been confusing." Jenny stood up and turned to face Eden who was approaching her for a hug. "Dad?"

  Eden froze and looked at Charlie. "I'm sorry, Charlie. I should have called first, but we really have been going crazy with concern."

  "Jenny, this is Eden Downey. We dated in high school and I just discovered, five months ago that we have a daughter, Emily."

  Jenny's face showed the shock of the moment and she could only look between Eden and Charlie.

  Eden moved back a step. "Jenny, I apologize, we've made this harder for you."

  "Eden, … I'm pleased to meet you. Catching up seems to be moving away from me not getting closer. I'm sorry for that, and thank you for your concern," Jenny said extending a hand toward Eden.

  Eden took her hand and smiled as Emily ran through the door, shouting. "Dad, Jenny thank you so much, I just love it!" She set the new boom-box down and moved to Jenny with a grin exploding on her face. Jenny turned to Emily and opened her arms to hug her.

  "Hello, Emily. Don't worry about me … . I'm sure your mother will love having the house vibrating with that stereo. Eden, thanks for coming. I'm going to check on Madison, Charlie." Jenny produced a weak smile and turned quickly to leave.

  "Dad, I didn't mean to upset her, I'm so sorry."

  He took her in his arms, "Em, I always love having you here. We just didn't talk about you and your mom yet, memories, well, they are still very much locked away."

  "Dad, she was going to cry, I … "

  "It's not your fault, Em. None of us can understand how overwhelming this is for her."