“Great, thank you.” Kirin would bet her last dollar that Sam’s suit was gone out of the cabin. They were headed to Cleveland so he could be arm candy for the wench. Great. She picked up a piece of mail, crammed it into a ball and threw it as hard as she could. She felt like a jealous girl in middle school. She glanced up at the ceiling. What would a punching bag look like hanging in the middle of her bedroom?
If this double life crap lasted much longer, she may need to invest in one.
Her phone buzzed with a new text:
“You said you’d remember...looking forward to tomorrow night. –S”
If she could have thrown her phone without breaking it, she would’ve. She couldn’t even scream with two family members asleep downstairs.
She wrote back. “I told you, I won’t be home. Have fun at the benefit.”
Three dots popped up, meaning he was writing back, but then disappeared. Served him right. Then again, she could try to see this with an objective eye. See it for what it was. He was keeping her alive. She wanted to punch him though, all the same.
An hour later, with a sleepy-eyed Little Jack in her car, Kirin picked Will up from school. He began talking as soon as the door slammed. It was so interesting to see the world through his eyes. The dynamic of his friends and their adult like conversations amazed her.
“Mom, can you sign me up for Karate? Robert takes it and I’ve been dying to start.”
“Sure buddy,” she said absentmindedly.
“That way if the bad people ever come back, I can defend us.”
Kirin could only stare ahead. He knew... He was perceptive enough to know about the danger last time and to know it might come again.
“Hey, Will,” she began, “Did you ever hear Sam talking on the phone to anyone while I was in the hospital?” Will was crouched over in his seat feverishly doing his math homework, only half listening.
“A few.” He said not offering any information. “Mom, what’s seven times eight?”
“Fifty-six.” She answered, then asked a different question, “Did you ever hear Sam talking to a woman?”
“No...” She let out a breath. Good.
“But I did,” he added.
Kirin almost stopped the car in the middle of the road. “When did you talk to a woman?”
Will was concentrating on his homework and had to be asked twice.
“Will?”
“What?” he asked innocently.
She repeated the question, “Son, when did you speak to a woman on the phone?”
“Um...when you were in the hospital, I think. Sam was in the backyard fixing the grill and the home phone rang. A woman asked for you. I told her you weren’t home. She asked what hospital you were in because she wanted to send you flowers, I told her ‘St. Mary’s’.”
The harlot called her house. And weaseled information from her child. The nerve. She could’ve spit fire.
They drove home, finished homework, and ate dinner. As she cleaned the dishes, Will played a few games on the PS4 with Little Jack. But they argued and had to be separated. She flicked on the cable to see if they had the same programing as Cleveland, but theirs was a symphony at seven, so she got the boys settled and went upstairs to see if she could stream it through her laptop.
Seven o’clock on the dot, the camera closed in to show a smiling host dressed in a black tuxedo. Directly behind him was a three-tiered stage with rows of tables covered with satin tablecloths and telephones positioned every few feet. Smiling attendants waited for the phones to ring. The host spoke about how to donate and their monetary goals, as a toll-free number flashed at the bottom of the screen.
He went on to describe the destitute conditions Hispanic women were forced into when they tried to come to the U.S. to start a new life—only to be sold into slavery. He whispered in animated fashion as if he were introducing tigers to the world. More funding was needed to house and educate these young girls and to save those still missing. All the while the producers showed pictures of young dark-skinned girls with large haunted eyes.
Panning out, the shot included men and women on the dance floor moving gracefully in sparkling beaded gowns and tuxedos. Kirin squinted, trying to spot Sam. Then the host announced he’d be introducing the partners and interviewing Miss Gianna Calamia herself, the champion of the fundraiser and owner of the law firm. She plugged in headphones, so she could hear Gianna’s voice and her answers. Time to size this woman up.
After all the other attorney’s and their wives had been introduced, her breath hitched as the dark headed hustler, dripping in diamonds and Kirin’s Sam walked toward the host.
A painted-on, sparkling, royal blue gown swung as she walked. The slit came dangerously close to letting the world see everything she had. Long, black scoops of hair had been pinned up, intertwined to look both regal and casual. The diamond necklace and earring set looked like they’d make Harry Winston drool. Once she’d had her fill of Gianna, Kirin’s eyes caught Sam. He wore a form fitting black tuxedo with a matching blue tie and looked every bit the man of her dreams.
A stab of pain hit her chest. She’d never seen him in a tux before. She’d hoped to see him in one at their wedding, which seemed to be slipping farther and farther away. The more she stared, she realized how uncomfortable he looked as she clung to him like a cheap suit.
The host spoke of Gianna’s contributions and passion to help the Hispanic community. He asked her why supporting these young girls was so important.
“People close to my heart have been through this horror. No woman should be sold against her will. They deserve a good life and to get the care and help they need. This atrocity needed a champion, a spotlight if you will, to highlight it and give it the same attention some of the other causes in our country receive.”
The host looked down at his card then over at Sam. “Miss Calamia, would you like to introduce your date?”
Gianna held tight to Sam’s arm and cooed. “This is Sam Neal, my boyfriend and soon to be much more.”
“Well congratulations!” The host gushed. Sam looked like he was about to throw up.
Kirin’s fists balled. Gianna was putting him through hell on purpose, assuming he was hers. Her smile indicated she loved watching him squirm. Well, two could play at that game.
~*~
When the phones rang, and the donations began rolling in, most were in memory of someone who had passed, or in thanksgiving for a young daughter or niece who lived a free life.
Sam had gradually bowed out of the limelight and stood off to the side near the phones while Gianna and the host read the tributes coming in with the donations.
“$50.00 in honor of Tanner and Catie Cardwell and their two kids,” Gianna read.
“$25.00 in memoriam for Leah’s great Aunt Brooke,” The host read.
Then a phone attendant ran down and handed Gianna a note. Kirin smiled and propped her feet up on her desk and watched.
“$250.00! Whoa!” She smiled big for the camera. “Now that’s the kind of donations we need! Okay, let’s see...$250.00 in honor of Sam Neal and the deep passionate kiss in the quickie mart this morning and to the dark-headed woman who held the door.”
Gianna’s face fell as she glared at the camera. Conveniently, Sam moved from his spot just inside camera range, and like magic, her phone rang.
“Hello.” She answered cheerfully, thinking about popping open a leftover bottle of wine to celebrate the small victory.
“What the hell are you doing?” Sam asked, sounding more amused than angry.
“What? Human Trafficking is a serious crime, Sam.”
Sam howled. “You’re gonna get us both killed, you know that?”
“Oh, no...” Kirin hadn’t thought about the repercussions for Sam when she’d thrown away $250 to prove a point. “...will she take this out on you?”
“Probably on both of us, but I really don’t care,” he said, wearily. “I’m just ready to get this over with and come home. I’ve got ever
ything I needed to get on this trip. Kirin?”
“Yeah?”
“Do us both a favor—turn it off. Shit... gotta go.”
The phone line went dead. The camera had panned away from the host and into the dancing crowd as a beautiful young woman stood on the stage in front of the phones and sang a haunting slow song. Gianna sauntered across the dance floor in her blue sparkling dress holding hands with Sam. She should’ve turned it off. She knew what Giana would do. With her hand on the mouse hovering over the x, she couldn’t bring herself to close the program.
They began dancing as the camera panned from couple to couple and then back to the singer a few times. As soon as the camera panned over to Sam and Gianna she laid her head on his shoulder and snuggled in close. He leaned down and planted a kiss on her forehead, and she grinned widely for the camera.
Kirin turned it off, cursing herself for not turning it off when he asked her to.
That would be a difficult image to erase out of her memory.
Chapter Thirteen
The nerve. She’d give it to her though, Kirin had a vindictive streak. Kind of reminded her of herself. But didn’t that southern hick know she was out of her depth? Gianna had never lost a case. And she had never intended to lose Sam from the start. Her record was spotless—and in this arena, it’d be no different.
Stupid woman. Sam didn’t seem to notice though. Especially when Gianna was dolled up in her tight dress and heels.
Kirin couldn’t possibly think she could compete. Surely she wasn’t that naïve. She was a short, plain nurse in a small town with a plain kids and a plain face. No match for Gianna’s power, status, and wealth.
But Sam. Sam was baiting Gianna, and she knew it. But that had always been their relationship. If she could just convince him to take it one tiny step further, she’d have him all to herself. The time would come. She was sure of it.
But there were bigger fish to fry.
Almost time to right all the wrongs.
Chapter Fourteen
Tuesday morning, Kirin woke with a jolt. She’d felt Sam sleeping next to her, she knew it. She’d even stayed to her side of the bed like he was there. But his side was empty. Had to be a dream, but she’d been so warm, wrapped around him with his arms holding her.
Blinking sleep out of her eyes, her wine bottle and glass were gone. Her laptop was closed, but she didn’t remember closing it. It was like a clean-up ghost had been there and whisked things away while she slept. She’d been hot from the wine when she went to bed, but now covers lay on top of her.
No sign of Sam though. Part of her wished he’d left the benefit, drove all night, and slept next to her in the early morning hours. But she wasn’t that lucky.
Kirin got up, dressed and ready in record time. Heading downstairs, Rosa made crockpot oatmeal and coffee gurgled while Will gathered his backpack. Her cell slept on the wireless charger but flashed with messages.
The first was from Stacy’s new number. She’d told Kirin she’d snuck out and bought a new cell which nobody in Todd’s fortress could trace. The message had come in at midnight. Kirin’s face scrunched as she listened to her message. She sounded depressed:
“Hey, K, it’s me. Can we meet this week? I need to talk. Text me.”
The second message was from Chuck, one of the crusty, almost retired TWRA guys who worked with Sam. It had come in ten minutes earlier. He sounded like he was sitting inside a jet engine but recognized it as the roar of his truck.
“Kirin, this is Chuck over at TWRA. Listen, I hate to call you so early, but Sam was supposed to meet me at six to check our traps up on Sharps Ridge. He hasn’t shown up yet. I tried his cell but didn’t get an answer. I think he’s overslept. Could you have him call me? I’m running to grab a coffee but should be in the truck. Thanks.”
It was ten after seven. He’d probably overslept from driving back so late from Cleveland, but it wasn’t like him to not hear his cell. Alarms went off in the back of her mind. She picked up the house phone and dialed his cell. No answer. Then, she dialed the cabin number. On the third ring it sounded like he dropped the phone and then picked it back up...
The female voice she recognized all too well, cooed, “Hello? Hello?”
Kirin slammed down the phone. Rosa stopped moving and stared. Kirin shook from head to toe, fists balled. When she exhaled and stomped into the pantry, Rosa followed.
“Did he answer?” Rosa whispered, wide-eyed.
“No, she did.” She hated even saying the words. Tears threatened to fall, and she bit the inside of her cheek, staring anywhere but at Rosa. Something in her belly twisted. Her mind snapped. The wench had won.
Rosa hung her head. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m sorry too. I can’t play second fiddle anymore.” Kirin sucked in a ragged breath. “I give up. She can have him.”
“Now, wait a minute. You’re jumping to conclusions. What if he didn’t stay there? And what if he’s just running late this morning? Maybe she slept at the cabin and he didn’t sleep? You know sometimes he can’t sleep. Or...” Rosa was grasping at any shred of hope she could give Kirin. But it was too late. Kirin shook her head no, but Rosa continued, “He could’ve slept in his car. He could have been sleeping here for all we know, then got up late and hasn’t turned the ringer back on for his cell.”
Yes, if all the stars aligned in perfect harmony, the love of her life didn’t just sleep with the prostitute. But in her chaotic imperfect life, had that ever happened?
Kirin trudged out of the pantry to check the history on the alarm system. It was set by her at 11:00 and then disarmed by Rosa at 6:30 this morning. He didn’t stay there.
Will stood in the kitchen watching them whisper at the front door near the alarm, looking confused. His eyes were still puffy from sleep.
“What are you guys doing?”
Kirin startled, then said, “Nothing son, just talking about our system.”
Rosa ushered him back to the bar to start his breakfast while she walked back into the pantry. Kirin stared at the canned foods while it hit her. Gianna’s voice still echoed in her head. She won. Kirin refused to cry. Acceptance, perseverance and move on.
Walking back into the kitchen, she opened the cupboard for a cup. One of Sam’s old cups rested inside. Must have been missed when he took his things. She pulled it down and wrapped both hands around it like it was her lifeline. She’d use this one today to help her say goodbye.
No matter his good intentions to keep her safe, she couldn’t be with a man who slept with other women.
She drove Will to school, then went to physical therapy numbly. The therapist pushed her and her arm way past the comfort zone. She didn’t care. She wrote Stacy back and asked where they could meet.
“Rogers Bar?” Stacy suggested.
Rogers was a small, seedy, neighborhood bar not far from her house. Mainly regulars frequented the place since it was behind a strip mall and not that many people knew about it. Sam would never think to look there.
“Sounds like a perfectly terrible idea. What time?”
“Six,” she wrote, adding a smiley face.
“Meet you there.”
Kirin’s phone buzzed with a short text from Aunt Kathy. The woman loathed texting and was horrible at it. She thought everything was supposed to be an acronym like “lol.” Her cryptic texts were like a riddle you had to solve. It was as if she thought she was charged by the word.
“K – CM-INTTTY”
Kirin laughed... only her Aunt Kathy could put a whole sentence in nine letters. She dialed her number.
“Hello?”
“Why can’t you text like a normal person?” Kirin chided her, giggling.
“Oh, Kirin you can get that one, it’s easy.”
“I get the CM for Call me. After that, I’m lost.”
“It was, “I Need to Talk To You.”
“Why can’t you just type that?”
“Because, what fun would
that be and...it worked. You called me.”
“By default, because I couldn’t understand your cryptic text!”
Her Aunt Kathy laughed. It always took her back to her mom’s laugh when she did.
She continued, “Honey, Dean’s at work but he wanted me to call you and see if we could get the boys after school and keep them here tonight. He said he, Will and Little Jack are all working on Halloween costumes and since Dean’s gotta work this weekend, he wondered if we could keep them, so they can finish. I know it’s a school night, so we’ll take Will to school tomorrow and I’ll keep Little Jack until you wake up. Maybe give Rosa a day to herself, too?”
Selfishly, she hated the idea of sleeping in her big house alone, but this way Rosa could have a day off, the boys could have a mid-week treat and she could spend more time with Stacy.
“They’d love that! Thank you.” Then it dawned on her.
“Aunt Kathy, did Sam put Uncle Dean up to this?”
She hesitated, which was a bad sign. “Um, I don’t know, but Sam did call Dean last night. Sam had him absolutely howling about something.”
Glad they got a kick out of her donation. Too bad it’d backfired on her.
“Aunt Kathy, I don’t...I don’t think Sam and I are gonna make it.” Kirin’s voice cracked at the end, even though she’d tried hard to keep emotion out of it.
Her Aunt Kathy stuttered, “Well...honey, love makes us do some idiotic things. Sam is a good man and he loves you, that I know for sure. Whatever he’s doing, I’m positive he thinks it’s the right thing to keep you safe.”
Her tears were hot and stinging. “I just don’t know if I can forgive him...” She whispered into the phone and felt like she was eight again, crying to her stand-in mama.
Kathy was silent for a moment. “Wanna come over? We can have a cup of coffee and talk?”
“I’ll be right there.”
Unraveling Page 8