“Rachel broke the law.” The rain eased. Chase decreased the wiper speed.
“Women are a law unto themselves.” Judd looked his way. “Don’t tell me you tried to stop her.”
Chase gripped the wheel.
“Oh snap. You’re lucky you still have your head.” Judd laughed. “If it’s one thing I know, you don’t come between a woman and her friend. And if a woman has her mind made up about something, you don’t try to change her mind.”
Judd’s laughter was getting on his nerves. “Now you tell me,” Chase muttered. “How do you know so much about women anyway?”
“Did you not meet my mother and four sisters? Four. I learned to smile, nod, and shut up.”
Chase pictured Judd’s large family. He had met them all when he went with Judd to Louisiana for a family reunion. Judd was right. Chase had not gotten a word in with all those independent women. Chase grinned. “I don’t think I said one complete sentence while I was around them.”
“Yeah, Momma, Diana, Winnie, Tasha, and Aubrey are a trip,” Judd said. “You know Winnie was sweet on you.”
Chase eyes widened. “No. You could’ve told me. All your sisters are fine.”
Judd grinned. “Now you know why I’m a mean fight.” Chase pulled up in front of Judd’s trailer park. The white trailer looked small on the outside, but the inside was large and spacious and suited Judd just fine.
“You coming in?” Judd asked.
“No. I’m going to see my dad.”
Judd nodded. He opened the door and put one leg out. Then he looked back at Chase. “Don’t worry about Melanie. She’ll be all right.”
Chase cleared his throat. “I worry about her. I know I just met her but I want to protect her. I can’t explain it.”
Judd smiled. “It’s finally happening, my friend. You’re falling in love.”
If this is love, he could do without it. His insides were twisted and he felt like a goldfish in a bowl—swimming in circles and not getting anywhere. “Why didn’t you warn me that love was torturous and such a pain?”
“Love is the most beautiful, horrible thing.”
Chase shook his head. “I don’t know if I’m in love though. It’s way too soon.”
Judd had a faraway look on his face. “How long does it take to fall in love? Sometimes love comes like a bowling ball and hit you flat on your a— butt.”
They shared an awkward laugh. “Get out of my Jeep. You’re getting too mushy for me.” Chase pushed Judd out of the vehicle. Judd landed in the wet mud.
Judd flipped to his feet. “See how fast you got me on my butt. I love you, man.”
Chase’s strength was no match for Judd’s. He was rock solid, so Chase knew Judd was playing along.
“Love you, too.” Chase put on his shades as the sun forced its way through the clouds. He knew his face was crimson red. “I’ve got to get out of here.” He pinned Judd with a steel gaze. “Stay away from Nadine.”
Judd’s cell phone beeped at the same time.
“Speaking of…” Judd winked. “It’s not me who needs the warning. Catch you later.”
Chase watched Judd’s confident stride. He sure hoped Judd knew what he was doing. Nadine’s parents looked like their lineage went back to the founding fathers. Chase did not know how they would feel about Nadine dating Judd, the cop from the trailer park. He said a quick prayer for his friend before driving to his father’s house. He parked beside Ted’s 2007 black F-150.
When Chase strolled into his father’s house, he half-expected to see his mother wearing her hair bonnet and wiping her hands on her apron. Violet Lawson would hold his face and kiss his cheeks, inevitably leaving a dash of flour or gravy on his face. Chase and Vincent had grown up here.
Chase smiled. It was so good to have a home. A refuge. He sauntered into the kitchen and traced his hands over the Pillsbury Doughboy cookie jar. He had carved it out of Balsa wood before painting it blue and white. Chase saw imperfections in his handiwork, but Violet loved it. His eyes scanned the Pillsbury Doughboy oven mitts and kitchen towels. Chase peered through the blue and white-checkered curtains, which provided a view to the patio.
His father was out there tending to his mother’s vegetable and spice garden. Ted said it made him feel close to Violet. Chase pushed the screen door and stepped outside.
Ted held up a hand in greeting. He wore blue jeans and a flannel shirt. Ted used the back of his hand to wipe the sweat lining his forehead.
Chase reached into the cooler his father kept stocked with ice and water. He grabbed one for himself and for his dad.
“The ants got me,” Ted said, coming into the patio.
Chase handed his dad the water then sat on one of the lounge stairs. “They are silent and deadly. That’s why I traded in my push lawnmower for the ride. I couldn’t take the ants.”
“Glad to see you cracked the case,” Ted said. “Almost always the parent. It’s such a shame.” He took a swig from his water bottle and sat on another vacant chair.
Chase gulped his water down before crushing the plastic. “I was there until the wee hours of the morning but it was worth it. Steven is back at home and safe and the culprits are behind bars.”
“I saved you some fish from yesterday,” Ted said. “I knew when you didn’t come by you were making headway into the case.”
Chase smiled. “You taught me well.”
“How’s the hulk?” Ted asked.
“I think Judd’s in love.” Chase laughed.
Ted’s eyes widened. “I never thought he would get bitten.”
Chase cracked up. Love definitely had a bite. He sobered. “Dad, I’ve met someone.”
Ted turned to face him. “Really? What’s she like?”
“Everything and then some,” Chase replied. He knew he had a goofy expression on his face. “Melanie is beautiful, brave, and feisty. She’s also deaf.”
Chase studied his father’s face to gauge his reaction.
“Deaf?” Ted rubbed his chin. “There’s no perfect woman. Just perfect for you. How do you communicate?”
Chase relaxed. He did not realize how tense he was about his father’s opinion. “Melanie reads lips. She wasn’t born deaf. Some jerk beat her badly when she was young. She speaks and texts. We use FaceTime for phone calls. I plan on learning sign language though.”
“You have some wicked people out there. Thank God for deliverance. I feel anybody who hurts a child should be hanged,” Ted said. “But, I’m happy to hear you’ve found someone. It’s not good for you to be alone. If it’s meant to be, it will work. Time has a way of telling all things.”
Ted was right. If only Chase were more patient.
“Does she have all her teeth?” Ted asked.
Chase chuckled. He tossed the plastic container toward his father in jest. “Melanie has a smile that lights up her face. And, she’s an amazing dancer. She flies through the air. I can’t explain it … put it into words.” He touched his chest. “I just know it here.”
“That’s how I felt about Violet.” Ted smiled. “The moment I laid eyes on Violet Wallen I knew she was the one.”
Chase heard the tenderness in his father’s tone. He changed the conversation. “If you knew that Mom was the one, why did you cheat on her?”
Ted clasped his hands. “Men are idiots. Honestly, alcohol dictated a huge part of my life. Your mother never touched a bottle and she hated to see me drink. So, like other addicts, I found somewhere to go. I usually ended up in someone else’s arms. A good part of my youth was spent in a stupor. I don’t know how I survived.”
“You survived because of Mom and God. God meant for you to survive.” Chase knew Violet Lawson held the home together with prayers and a firm hand. She never bad-mouthed Ted. Instead, Violet made Ted a hero until Chase and Vincent discovered the truth at ten and twelve. Even then Violet demanded they honor their father. But growing up with an alcoholic made Chase stay away from the bottle.
“Your mother was my angel
. She prayed so much she kept me up at night.” Ted smiled.
“That sounds like Mom,” Chase said.
Ted crumbled. “And now I have to look myself in the mirror every morning knowing I killed two people I loved most in the world. It’s torture. If I weren’t a cop …” Ted gulped. “I knew what to say and do to get out of jail time. I lied to avoid jail. I’m a selfish bas— creep.”
Chase held out his hands. “Dad, quit beating up yourself. God has thrown all that mess in the sea of forgetfulness and you need to do the same.”
“God has forgotten, but I remember. Sometimes I wonder, when am I going to pay? I was a horrible father and husband. Not all the time, but …”
“Dad, I know I sound selfish but I’m glad you’re not in jail,” Chase said. “And even if you were, I would still stand by you because you’re family.”
Suddenly, Melanie’s reasoning made sense. Chase understood why she was standing by Rachel.
Ted gave a sad smile. “Thanks, son. Your devotion means the world to me. But I know your mother’s death still affects you. You haven’t made anything since Violet’s death. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that.”
“I will one day,” Chase whispered. Ted told the truth. Chase had not touched a piece of wood since he had buried his mother and brother. He went and hugged his father. “Please stop torturing yourself. Mom wouldn’t have wanted this. Remember the good times. You’ll see Mom in heaven.”
“I know, but I wish Violet were here to see me going to church. Your mother invited me so many times but the bottle was more appealing.” He looked Chase in the eyes. “Son, be wise in your actions. The last thing I want you to have is regret. Regret is a hard cookie to eat. It’ll crack your teeth for sure.”
“Speaking of eating,” Chase said, attempting to lighten the air, “let me get a taste of that fish.” He patted his stomach. “I had a light breakfast.”
Ted gestured for Chase to follow him inside. He took the red snapper out the refrigerator, then fetched bread, tomato, and onions. Chase retrieved two plates, glasses, and utensils from the cupboard. They set up on the kitchen table.
“Get the Great Value cranberry black cherry juice,” Ted commanded. “I don’t know what Wal-Mart put in that drink but I must drink a couple glasses every day.”
“I agree. You have me hooked on it, too.” Chase laughed. “Judd calls it crack juice.”
Ted shook his head. “Judd is a piece of work.”
Chase and Ted washed their hands and blessed the food. The snapper was fresh and delicious.
“So, when am I going to meet Melanie?” Ted asked, biting into his fish sandwich.
“Soon. I hope,” Chase said. “I planned to take her on our first date sometime this week but I think I might have scared her off. I might be coming on too strong.”
Ted nodded. “Yup. Sounds just like you. When you were young if you wanted something, you zoned in on it until it was yours. I call it intensity.”
“Melanie will call it obsession if I don’t give her breathing room,” Chase joked. His joke was half-serious. Melanie said she would call but Chase wondered if that was code for, I’m running as far away from you as I can.
Ted leaned forward. “Chase, I’m going to give you the best advice of your life. Give Melanie her space. It sounds like you’re falling in love for the first time and you’re eager. But, listen to the voice of experience.”
Chase jutted his jaw. “I’ve never felt this way before. I can’t afford for someone to snatch her up.”
Ted shook his head. “A woman is delicate like a butterfly.” He lowered his voice. “Have you ever seen a really beautiful butterfly?”
Chase nodded though he was unsure where his father was going with the butterfly analogy.
Ted continued, “A butterfly is so beautiful that you want to catch it, hold onto it tight. But if you do, you’ll crush it and it’ll die. The key is to keep your hand open.” Ted opened his palm. “The butterfly will flitter around here, there, and this way and that. But if you’re patient, eventually the butterfly will land right into your hand.”
13
Tricia’s eyes bulged. She signed, “Wow. Look at that brother dressed in green. He looks like he’s made of all muscles.”
Melanie and Tricia stood outside the jailhouse in Punta Gorda. Rachel had been transported there after her booking to await arraignment. It was 9:37 a.m. and the sun was on full blast. Melanie wore a pink chiffon dress with gold flats. She eyed Tricia’s white leggings.
Melanie poked Tricia’s arm then pointed to Tricia’s still-flat stomach. “You’re married and pregnant.”
“That doesn’t mean my eyes have stopped working,” Tricia signed.
Melanie stifled her giggles. The officer was fine. And huge. He walked towards them and smiled, showing a set of Colgate-commercial-ready teeth.
“I can’t believe Rachel won’t see us,” Melanie said. “This is our second day here and she refuses.”
“She thinks we’re going to chew her out. I told you to call Chase.”
Officer Dark Chocolate froze. He turned to them. “Did you mean Chase Lawson?”
Tricia nodded. He stood outside Melanie’s vision, so Tricia interpreted for Melanie.
“Chase is my partner. Can I help you?”
“Tell him,” Tricia signed.
Melanie folded her arms. The officer came in her direct line of vision. “Are you Melanie, by chance?” he asked.
Melanie eyes widened. She gave a quick nod. “This is my sister, Tricia,” she said.
“I’m Judd,” he said. “Chase did not exaggerate. You’re beautiful.” He swung his gaze between both of them. “You both are.”
Tricia preened under Judd’s compliment. Melanie felt pleased that Chase had spoken about her but she was too obstinate to show it.
“Our friend Rachel was arrested,” Tricia signed and spoke. “We came to visit her but she won’t see us.”
“Ah. I see,” Judd said. He crooked his head. “Come with me.”
Tricia smiled triumphantly and pinched Melanie’s arm. Like soldiers, they marched behind Judd inside the jailhouse.
“Judd said we should wait here,” Tricia said.
Melanie watched Judd chat with the officer on duty. Within minutes, they were being ushered into a private room. Rachel was transported in to meet them. When Melanie saw Rachel, her mouth dropped open. Rachel was dressed in gray prison garb and her lip was busted. The officer undid her cuffs.
“Only because you’re Chase’s girlfriend,” the officer said. “This isn’t normally done.”
Judd stepped inside. “I’ll be here. My case isn’t up for another hour.” He took a seat in the furthest corner of the room and pulled out his cell phone.
“You have thirty minutes,” the officer said. Then he left and shut the door.
“Rachel.” Melanie rushed to hug her friend.
Rachel stiffened, but Melanie was not going to let her go. Tricia rushed over and the three women hugged. They broke down. Rachel’s body heaved against her. Tears threatened to spill but Melanie remained strong for Rachel.
Tricia’s face was red and puffy. “Look at us. We’re a mess,” she signed.
Rachel took a deep breath and ran her hands through her limp hair. “I miss you guys.”
“What happened to your lip?” Tricia reached out to touch the scar.
“Some of the women do not appreciate me kidnapping someone’s child,” Rachel explained. She shrugged. “I’m all right.”
“Why’d you refuse to see us?” Melanie asked.
Rachel lowered her eyes. “I couldn’t look the both of you in the eyes especially after what I’ve done,” she signed and glanced at Melanie. “How can you be here after I locked you in a closet?”
In one breath, Melanie said, “It’s okay,” then, in another, said, “Rachel I can’t believe you locked me in a closet. How could you? I was stuck in that tight space for hours. Hours. I bruised my hand banging on the door.” Melan
ie clutched her chest. “If Chase hadn’t called my phone, you would’ve left me there. How could you? We’ve been friends for years and you sold me out over money?”
Rachel lowered her eyes before she signed, “I’m sorry, Melanie.
Tears filled Melanie’s eyes. “I’m claustrophobic. I felt like I was going to pass out.”
“I wasn’t thinking. I … I panicked,” Rachel said.
Melanie trembled. “Even if you panicked and locked me in there, when you got caught, why didn’t you tell someone where I was? I could’ve died.”
“That was a wicked thing to do, Rachel,” Tricia said. “Wicked and cruel. If it were me, I wouldn’t be trying to help you.” She frowned at Melanie. “Why didn’t you tell me what she did to you? I would’ve stayed my butt home.”
“I get it, Tricia,” Rachel said. “I’m in jail with a busted lip. Don’t you think I’m suffering enough?”
Tricia jutted her chin. “No.”
Melanie shoved her terror to the back of her mind. Rachel had no way of knowing about her past experience in a closet. “Rachel, I love you. You’re my sister. Nothing will change that. I’m mad at you but I still had to come.”
Tricia rolled her eyes. Melanie could feel the heat emanating off her body. “Why would you help Francis kidnap a child? Your face is plastered all over the news. From the sound of things, they’re putting everything on you.”
Rachel’s eyes widened. “Francis showed up at my door with Steven. I should’ve never agreed to his plan. I had no idea he was going to—”
Melanie interrupted. “Stop lying, Rachel. You were all about the ransom money. You had to be in on it. That’s why you locked me in the closet.”
“No! I admit I got greedy when I heard about the hundred thousand dollars. Francis convinced me I would get away with it,” Rachel said. “I was an accomplice after the fact. I was trying to help Francis out.”
Melanie glared. “You’re a grown woman. Own up to your wrongdoings. You could have said no. You are an accomplice. Period. You could’ve called the cops but not once did you think about Nadine. Steven’s mother. Remember her? You were all about helping your married boyfriend. So, unless you have something on Francis, you’re going down.”
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