He checked his watch, too late to call in pest control. He needed quite a few traps, he preferred humane traps. He pulled out his cell phone and called his mother. She answered. "Mom, I got a situation. I have a basement full of varmints, mainly speaking ... one huge feral tom, I mean he's a big boy. I need traps. He has a few females and kittens through out the house that I've seen. I do not ... want dad here shooting'em. You know he will, so can you please, get up first thing, get pest control out here with cat traps, rat traps so they can be transported out of the area."
"Son, they'll do the cats, but you know as well as I, they'll kill rats."
"I know ... okay about the rats, but I may need those cats in the barn. So, have him catch them, taken into the local vets for spaying and neutering, vaccinated and then brought back here to release in the barn. The tom as well. Long as I can get down here to check on my plumbing and electric. Right now, I can't. But I can get my windows and doors ordered. Another thing, call and get the water and electric turned on; order us a larger propane gas tank than the one here and have it filled, but make sure they keep it off until I check the gas lines, can you do that for me?"
"Do you even need to ask. You gonna tell Vivian about the place?"
Jake grinned, "Already told her, yesterday. Couldn't help myself. She's put in two weeks notice at work, so I have to get this place at least liveable for when she comes up here. I made a list. Windows, doors, main bedroom and bathroom, kitchen, laundry room. I need to get it all cleaned up first. Any remodeling I do, I'll do when she's here so she can tell me how she wants it."
"Listen at you. I'm so proud o'you. You two'll have that place ship shape in no time. But you need to fix a date."
Jake laughed, "I'm thinking 4th of July! Least that way, I'll never have to struggle with our anniversary and I'm more than certain, us being married, there's gonna be fireworks!" He grinned.
"Better not be no fireworks! You treat her good Jacob Patrick! One like her don't come around everyday. You understand?"
"I know I know, I love her you know. If I didn't, I wouldn't be thinking on marrying her. So relax, I'm gonna make her happy, you'll see."
"Okay, I'm gone hold you to that."
"You be my guest. Now before I let you go, for the kitchen, we need a new stove and refrigerator. I looked over the ones here, shot clean to hell, I wouldn't even try to restore them. While you're at it, get her a nice dishwasher, a big washing machine and dryer."
"What she gonna do with the washer and dryer she's got?"
"They're small, apartment size. Might just leave them at the place in Chicago where they are for now."
"Good idea, what about a freezer? Plan on hunting this year?"
"Ah, yes, a freezer as well. Just get stuff mom, really nice stuff, I mean top of the line, don't skimp. Whirlpool or Maytag."
"Maytag it is. You best get that kitchen ready then. Get some windows and doors installed."
"You bet I will. Thanks mom, that's all for now. I have furniture to sort out, some I'm keeping, the rest, burning."
"Well, just want you to know, whatever we can do to help you get it done, we'll do. It's the least we can do for you, after all, harvest time comes around, you've always been the one here to help get the crops done. So, now its our turn to help you."
"I appreciate that. Well, I best get back to it. Talk to you later."
* * *
"Come on Shanna, don't do this! I've called you over and over. You wouldn't return my calls, I haven't even done anything. Please, let me in?" Royce pleaded standing outside of Shanna's screen door while she stood in the middle of the living-room glaring at him through it with her arms crossed below her breasts.
"You brought your chief of police here to-..."
"Shanna! I have no control over the chief of police, none whatsoever. He ask me to bring him here and I had no choice but to do so. Why are you acting this way towards me? You, know something Shanna? You protecting your brother about something? huh?"
"I have nothing to say to you." She announced, "Now please get away from my door."
"Shanna this don't make a bit of sense! None whatsoever, least you could do is open the door so we can talk, could you at least do that?"
"Why? So you can ask me more questions about John Sykes? 'Bout him being missing? What bull! This is a game he's playing and after my divorce comes through, he'll no doubt show up again. And if he doesn't ... good riddance!"
"Shanna, if you don't mind me saying, I think you're protesting a bit too much. Where is all this vehemence and determination coming from about him? You don't know anything, and its all game he's playing, right? That being the case, why does it have to come between you and I? Huh? Shanna? Why would it? What are you scared of Shanna?"
She stood staring across the room knowing that he was right. Her fears and need to protect Shawn was causing her to block out the very person she should be bringing in to keep close to. Shanna stood not knowing what to do. She saw it now, that she was over-reacting which was causing him to question her behavior. She didn't know what to do now. She felt panicky and afraid, more afraid of something coming back on Shawn than she feared losing the attention and affection of the man standing at her door, looking in at her. He was the police and of all people to get involved with, she'd fallen for him. Now she stood between him, the law and her brother, not knowing which move to make next.
"Shanna?"
She moved to the door, closer now, looking out at him.
"Talk to me Shanna, what's going on?"
"My court date is tomorrow."
"I know Shanna."
She stood, pausing once more, thinking, "I'm scared."
"Of what Shanna?"
"So ... so many things. Scared of what's to come after tomorrow. Frightened that he'll show up and pull something. Scared of where this is going."
"You and I? That's nothing to be afraid of Shanna, nothing at all."
"I'm thinking, that maybe ... its too soon, I mean, my divorce isn't even final yet, and we've ... I've ... let you..."
"Make love to you? That, what got you all shaken up?"
She nodded that it had, in fact, it wasn't far from the truth. She'd finally given into what she felt and the night had been glorious in his arms. If she let this go any further, and they started messing with Shawn, where would it then lead them?
"Please let me in Shanna, don't be afraid of what's happening between us. Don't use the chief coming here as the wedge. Shanna, you don't need an excuse to back away from me. Just talk to me. If you want me to slow down, say it Shanna, tell me to slow down. But don't shut me out."
"I don't know what I want, in my life. I don't know where I'm going. Letting you, into my bed, I don't know... if that was such a good idea, so soon."
"Please let me in so we can talk." He pleaded once more. He was on his lunch, dressed in his uniform.
Taking a deep breath, Shanna unlocked her screen door and stepped back letting him in. Royce entered with his hat in his hands to stand before her. The sun was shinning in through the screen on her, lighting up her head of strawberry blonde waves down past her shoulders. She looked up at him, worried, uncertain.
"Shanna, be honest with me, has this anything to do, with the chief coming here?"
She looked away from him, shaking her head, relieved at the way things were turning around.
"I see. So that was just a front, to push me away?"
"I'm afraid of tomorrow. Of next week. Of this, between us. I mean, what if things change?"
"Like what, for instance?"
"I don't know ... like ... you. What if you change?"
"How, how would I change Shanna?"
She shrugged, then glanced up at him, "Police ... officers, do you know that, they - are known for domestic violence as well? Due to, the pressure of their jobs, they come home and they end up-..."
"Shanna? Is that what you think about me? That I could turn? That I could become violent towards you?"
"You make it s
ound as if impossible. I've heard, known women to leave one violent relationship only to end up in another. It scares me to think, that maybe ... I went too fast with this, with you. Just because you're ... police."
"Shanna Eden McPherson, I've never, not ever, have I struck a woman, in - my - life. I sure have no intentions of starting with you."
Shanna stepped away from him, thinking about it. Granted, she'd brought the fear up to turn him away from thinking she was hiding something to do with Shawn, but now that the ruse had been used, she couldn't help but wonder about it. She knew that it was a fact, that many law officers abused. Getting away with it for quite some time, due to inside cover ups. The fear was really not so far fetched. She turned to look up at him.
"How would I know?" She spoke her mind out loud, "How in the world, can I be certain, that you, might not turn out like him? It didn't start, the way it ended with him. What makes me so sure, that I'm not walking right back into the same thing, only worse this time. I mean, you're the very one, that I would call for help. Your fellow officers, they would all be on your side, they would ... help you cover up."
"Shanna please ... that's ridiculous."
"How so? You tell me why is it so ridiculous?! Can you stand there and say to me, that no police officer has ever abused his spouse? Can you?"
"Well of course I can't! Shanna, it happens most often with inner city police, due to the pressure and stress of their jobs. Hell, this might as well be Mayberry, for all the stress that takes place here. I mean, I have the odd occurrence from time to time, yes I do, but ... for the most part, no pressure here, nor stress for me. That's the reason I chose here. Because me, I like the simple things out of life. Nice ... slow ... easy. I much prefer, family, laughter, smiles, picnics, Sunday at the movies, dinner at a favorite restaurant." He stopped and smiled, thinking about it, "Evening walks through town or down a country lane, quiet nights on the front porch swing. Hell Shanna, I'm 'bout as boring as they come. I'm pretty much, laid back and at ease. I don't care much for a bunch of yelling and screaming to be honest. I wasn't raised with it, not something I find all that appealing. I never want us to fight Shanna, I'm not the fighting kind. I'd rather, take a walk, do some thinking, let you do some thinking, maybe come back, talk about it ... and then, maybe ... make a lil'love afterwards. That's about my speed, that's all I'm looking for Shanna, that's all. Just a gentle woman, to be ... gentle with. Most I'll no doubt be guilty of, is boring you to death."
Shanna stood staring and knew there was no way that he could bore her to death. All that he'd said, was all that she'd ever wanted.
"I don't mind, boring ... boring is good. I just ... I just need to be sure ... that's all ... because once I'm in, it's hell to get out." She imparted softly.
"Shanna, you living right down the road from your oldest brother. Come on, you think I'm stupid enough to pull anything with him breathing down my neck? Then there's Jake as well, what kind of fool do you take me for? Not to mention your father not too far away. A man would have to be insane to come up against the McPherson's ... and I can tell you now, that, I am not."
Shanna smiled, and then chuckled thinking, 'So right you are.' She had the decency to blush, looking a bit ashamed of herself as she slowly approached him. "When you put it that way, I suppose it does come out, that I am at a greater advantage now. I mean, surrounded by family as I am."
"Yes you are. And that suits me just fine. Right here, right where we are, in the midst of your family. I have no problem with that. Fact, its where I prefer, so they can see, just how much, I'm gonna love you Shanna, make you happy. Keep you laughing, fill your days with joy ... and your nights ... well ... I'm afraid I won't be sharing that part, with them. That part there, stays between us, you and I. What you think?" He asked, moving in close to her, tossing his hat to the sofa, that way he could take her into his arms, where she gladly went.
"I think, that suits me, just fine. I think, considering that ... we just might, be okay." She smiled.
He slanted down to her lips, "You sure Shanna, absolutely sure?" He kissed them, gently, just a little peck. She lifted her arms around his neck. "Day by day that goes by, I'm sure, I'll be more sure, as the time ... goes." She slanted her head for another kiss, this one, lingered, grew more intense, caused them to part their lips, to taste and entwine their tongues. Royce groaned, "I'm afraid, my lunch ... is far too short ... to take this ... any further." He moaned against her lips.
"Well, there is the end of the day ... when your shift ends ... I can have dinner waiting for you ... or ... whatever else, you might ... prefer?"
Royce growled low, pulling her against him so she could feel what that stirred in him.
Shanna chuckled deep, kissing him once more and then stepped back. "Back to your duties now ... that'll have to do you until later." She smiled.
"I think I ate something on my lunch that's got my stomach all upset, I may have to call in ... stay here, let you fix me up."
Laughing Shanna went to her door, opening it, "I don't think so, out you go. There's a little old lady somewhere in town, needing a hand with her groceries, hop to it!"
* * *
Chapter 231
L. A.
Shawn and Benjamin were on their way into Pen-tab publishing Tuesday morning, both dressed in suits, all the work done on their laptops. Drawn out on poster boards in full colorful splash for Shawn's presentations. Everything was done. Nothing was there left to complete. All the websites for the new authors, done. All book covers, done. The work for Mercy Jame's trilogy, done. Shawn felt light and easy. Every now and then he'd glance at the young man beside him, and in his gut, he was starting to feel, what every one else saw, that this young man, was indeed of his making.
His son.
While part of him had sought to know the truth directly from Christine's lips, there had still been that part of him that saw him as Jake's son. Day by day, that image, was slowly evaporating. With another glance at him, Shawn grinned saying, "You look pretty damn smart dressed up there kiddo."
Benjamin smiled, he'd been putting everything in order on his laptop, setting up more of his portfolio just in case, one never knew. With just a glance at the man beside him, he returned, "You think so huh?"
"Aih, not so bad if I must say so myself." He grinned.
Benjamin let a chuckle roll from his chest, "Wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I, ah, happen to look just like you, would it?"
Shawn's grin broadened, "Oh it's helped, that's for damn sure."
Shaking his head laughing, Ben returned in comment, "Oh the times I've been accused of being arrogant, full of myself ... wonder where in the world it came from?"
"Haven't a clue kiddo, haven't a clue." Shawn drove on smiling, then found himself, speaking his mind, "I wonder how long it will be before that test comes back?"
"Surely you're not curious? What brought that own?" Ben returned, a bit sarcastic.
"You know what, you're merciless, you just won't let up, will you?"
"What me, merciless? Nooo, not I, why... merciless, would make me ... well ... like you, now wouldn't it."
Shawn thought about that a moment and then, glancing at him once more asked, "What makes you think, that I'm merciless?"
"Oh, the fact that, well... you are. Very mercenary. You are very, how should I say it, very hot and cold. You're not a man in the middle. You're either for, or against."
"Emmm, I see. So in your eyes, that makes me what? Good, or bad?"
"Well, what can I say, for those you love, it makes you good. For those you don't ... merciless."
"I see. So, where do you think you fit into all of that?"
"Wow, that's a brave question under our circumstances. Fine, I'll answer it, you don't love me, that's for certain."
Shawn's chest visibly rose and fell from that sigh. They were at a light as he digested that bit of observation, trying to think of the best way to come back at it. "I think you're merciless as well." He finally de
cided to say.
"Why is that?"
"Because you refuse to try and see things from my point of view. Right now, I'm not 100% sure, that you're my son. Right now, I stand in a place where its possible you're my brother's son. Because of that, I have no choice, but to be careful. To use caution. If I go the direction you wish, claiming you as my son, and it turns out that you're not; we, or, I will come off looking pretty much the idiot. And you will have caused a rift between you and your father, my brother, for nothing. Therefore, because of this, you label me, merciless. Does that seem fair to you?"
Benjamin stared out of his window, thinking about the time with him, the family so far. He wasn't stupid. He knew exactly what he was saying and he knew that as much as he wanted to ignore that fact, it was just that ... fact was ... things could go one way, or the other. Based on local gossip and hearsay, he was taking chances with his relationship towards both men, his father and uncle. Question was, who was which? Shawn, father or uncle? Jake, father or uncle? When they were forced to discuss it, it always came back to one person, his mother. What if ... IF ... all this time, she'd been telling him the truth? It was his turn to breath in deeply and release the sigh.
"You know what Shawn, I live in the same world that you do. This world and the problems that exist in it, there are thousands, millions of serious issues, ten times, no ... a thousand times greater than my own. Having said that, I suppose that I should have kept all to myself and been grateful for what I had. Quincy was a good step father to me and Jake, was the best father that he knew how to be, to me. Thinking back on it, it should have been enough. So, I guess needing to go that much further, makes me, selfish. Or ... merciless."
"I wouldn't go that far."
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