‘I did not see her face clearly, but she was at the restaurant the night my family was murdered. She and the men who were working for her kidnapped me. They took me to Canada before she decided it was time to kill me too.’ I wept, my body shaking uncontrollably and without a sound, Nicholi had sat next to me, taking his hand into mine.
‘I think that is enough for now, officers.’ He reached to put his arm around my shoulder and comfort me.
‘I just have one more question, if you could, Miss Thomas?’ Detective Rodriguez requested, politely.
I wiped the tears from my face and nodded. Nicholi still had his arm around me, and the comfort it was generating fuelled me on to the final confession. I nodded again and prepared myself to answer.
‘How did you escape?’ he asked, his eyes warm with condolence vibes, the green striking against his olive skin.
‘She ordered one of the guards to end it and he dragged me out into the woods. I was blindfolded, but could hear him digging a hole. Tossing the soil to the side, as he got deeper and deeper. Something inside me just snapped. I reached out and found a rock nearby. He was singing the whole time and sounded so enthusiastic, how happy he was to be rid of me and how much he was going to enjoy burying me alive.’ I paused as nausea hit. Nicholi’s gasp distracted me and I turned to face him. Wanting him to be the one who knew the end.
‘When he stopped digging, I knew it was now or never. He pulled me up and I hit him with the rock as hard as I could. I heard him fall to the ground and just ran. The blindfold had slipped, but I still could not see, it was so dark. I did not see the headlights until it was too late and the car hit me.’
Nicholi pulled me into his arms and I cried for every hour second and minute of that hell, but worse for every hour second and minute I thought my son and my whole family were dead.
I heard the officers muttering something, but the anguish had consumed me and I was back in my bedroom night after night crying myself to sleep over my loss.
Nicholi just held me and stroked my back, periodically reassuring me I was safe until I could cry no longer. Time had stood still and as I looked up at him, we were in the gym while Caitlan was practising. None of this had ever happened and JC was safe with me.
‘I will get you a warm drink.’ His hand brushed over my face to wipe the remaining tears away.
‘No, please stay,’ my voice pleading, not wanting to be alone, never again. We just stared into each other’s eyes, neither of us moving, locked in the memories we shared as the door opened and Cross returned with JC.
I quickly composed myself and turned to the face that I had dreamt of since he was born.
‘Hi, did you get some candy with your soda? I think I have some in my purse,’ I smiled, retrieving my bag from under the chair and reluctantly letting go of Nicholi’s hand.
‘Oh, buttons, my favourite.’ His eyes lit up as he took the chocolate from my hand. I felt his warm skin brush against mine and my heart rate soared, remembering the first time I held his little hand.
The door opened again and the nurse entered. Nicholi and Cross stood in anticipation.
‘Miss Nichols is awake now and you can go through to see her. Room 217,’ the nurse confirmed, gesturing for us to follow.
I stood too and turning to Nicholi watched him smile reassuringly. I reached down to grab my coat and followed the nurse through the hallway. She opened the door to Caitlan’s room.
I heard Cross, and Nicholi audibly gasp as they both rushed to her side. Reaching to offer my hand, JC willingly accepted it and I felt like I had come home.
We moved closer to Caitlan’s side and JC went to sit with his dad next to the end of her bed. Her eyes were completely swollen, the black bruises etching across her face relentlessly. Her huge pregnant stomach was like a mountaintop underneath the covers and she had a monitor keeping track of her vitals and the babies. All were strong.
‘Hi, my name is Doctor McKenzie and I have been taking care of your sister.’ Addressing me only.
‘She is stable and we expect her to make a full recovery,’ he nodded as a smile reached his mouth, but not his eyes. The sighs of relief audible in the room.
‘What about the babies?’ Nicholi asked and my heart flailed remembering his announcement, he was the father.
‘They are both healthy and in the correct position. I see no reason to not proceed with the birth plan Miss Nichols has drawn up with her OB when labour begins.’
I looked at Cross, he was kissing Caitlan’s hand, affectionately. Not like a brother in law, but a boyfriend. Turning to Nicholi, I was completely confused.
‘Thank you, doctor, for everything,’ Cross gushed. ‘When can I take her home?’
My eyes once again turned to Nicholi. He had let go of Caitlan’s hand and was just reassuring JC who was whispering in his ear.
‘She will be under observation for the next seventy-two hours. If she has not gone into labour by then, she can go home. Otherwise, it will be after the twins are born.’ The doctor excused himself to answer his pager.
I just stood in silence, looking from one brother to the other, my sister, JC. Suddenly feeling like I was going to pass out, I grabbed hold of Caitlan’s bed.
‘Are you okay?’ Nicholi asked, at my side holding me steady.
‘Yes, I think I need to eat something.’ I had not eaten since yesterday and with everything that had happened; my body was in desperate need of fuel.
‘Of course,’ Nicholi began. ‘Cross, I will take Lexi and JC home and be back a little later. Call immediately if she wakes up and we will come straight over,’ Nicholi advised, seeing my reluctance at his suggestion to leave. ‘You need to get some food and rest. Cross won’t leave her side and I will have guards outside the room twenty-four seven.’ He gestured for JC to take his hand.
‘Bye, Sophia, see you soon.’ JC kissed her hand and I felt like I would melt.
‘I won’t leave her side.’ Cross took her hand and lowered to kiss it tenderly.
‘I will be right back, I promise,’ I whispered, kissing her cheek gently, not wanting to hurt her. My eyes full of tears. I felt Nicholi touch my arm reassuringly.
‘She will be completely fine, I promise you, all of you.’ He reiterated and for the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt safe.
TWO
SHATTERED IMAGES
‘I need to pick up the hire car, I left it at The Plaza,’ I explained, watching as Nicholi helped JC zip his jacket up. I felt a twinge of resentment, but brushed it away, there was no point.
‘It is two blocks, we can walk.’ Nicholi took JC by the hand and headed towards the elevator. Another couple joined us waiting and I watched as they cooed over their new baby. Turning to Nicholi, he was doing the same, except he was not smiling as I thought he would be. He looked like someone had ripped his heart out and used it as a trampoline.
‘Are you okay?’ Clearly, he was not, but I didn’t want to make assumptions as to why. There were many questions I had for when we were alone.
‘Sure. Jacob, Lexi makes the best strawberry pancakes, even better than Sophia’s.’ Nicholi grinned and winked at me, adept at subject changing as much as I was.
‘Eh, how…’ I began but paused as the elevator pinged its arrival.
‘Sophia talked about you a lot.’ His mouth opened into a reassuring smile, but it did not reach his eyes and gestured for me to board the elevator ahead of him.
‘Really, well don’t believe everything you here,’ I joked and watched as he recoiled slightly.
‘Yes, I am realising this more and more every day,’ he winked, but his expression was one of disappointment and bitterness.
‘What would you like for dinner, J, Jacob?’ I asked, looking into the eyes that were a mirror image of mine.
‘Hmm, let’s see, maybe pizza?’ His eyes twinkled with anticipation.
‘Well, as your dad said, I’m a pretty mean chef. I can make you anything you like.’ I winked back at Nicholi who act
ually did genuinely smile in response.
‘Can we make pizza together?’ JC suggested and I felt my throat close over, the warmth of his touch as he reached for my hand, making it more difficult to breathe by the second. This was everything I had longed for and more. Cooking with my son for the first time together.
‘Absolutely, we can make as many toppings as you like and even a dessert one too,’ I explained, hearing him gasp with delight.
‘I may never order Dominos again,’ Nicholi huffed, with a full on smile that was the last straw. I had melted into a pool of deliciousness as the doors opened for us to exit.
We walked quickly back to the car, Nicholi scooping JC onto his back to hurry along as the wind was biting cold and the dark clouds overhead were ready to dump on us at any moment.
We arrived back to the hire car just as the floodgates opened and with Nicholi directing me we drove to his home.
‘Okay, Jacob?’ I asked as we stopped at a red light. He had been so quiet and I was worried he was thinking about Caitlan with all her bruises.
‘Yes, I’m hungry. Dad forgot my snacks,’ he accused and Nicholi quickly turned in horror.
‘Eh, I think you have remembered this a little differently. I gave you the bag and you forgot to put it in the car,’ he reminded him, ruffling his hair affectionately.
‘I have an apple in my bag if you can reach it?’ I explained as the lights changed and we were on our way again.
‘Who is this boy? Do you have a little boy too?’ He was looking at the keyring dangling from my purse and I held my breath.
‘It is rude to look through a ladies purse, Jacob. Eat your apple we will be home soon,’ Nicholi reprimanded and I clutched the steering wheel tightly.
‘Turn in here.’
We had driven so far down a tree-lined road; I thought we would eventually end up in a forest. The gates overhead were gigantic. Dragons glinted down and so much steel, I suddenly felt nervous. Reminiscent of a medieval time, I imagined the improvements I could make as we drove up the drive.
‘This is yours?’ I marvelled looking up at the Astor esque mansion in front of me. It had been modernised somewhat, but the original features, pillars, and sash windows had been restored.
‘Yes, although I am planning on moving soon so Cross and Sophia can live here,’ he confirmed matter of factly. ‘Right, let’s get this pizza ordered then,’ he demanded, half smiling as he opened the door for me.
‘Such a gentleman, thank you,’ I replied, watching as Jacob ran up to the front door that towered over us and scanned his thumbprint. ‘Love the security.’ Nicholi nodded briefly and escorted me through to the foyer.
‘Treat it like your home. Earl is the manager and keeps everything in order. Anything you need, he will get it for you. Otherwise, welcome home,’ he gestured, lifting his arm as though demonstrating a product. This was not at all home to me and I longed to take Jacob and Nicholi back to Alaska and my home.
‘Okay, kitchen it is. Lead the way Jacob.’ He took me by the hand and we headed to the kitchen. After fastening his apron on and mine, I set to making the dough for the pizza with JC adding the ingredients I requested and enjoying every moment of it. We both were. Nicholi had left to make some calls and I was just revelling in spending alone time with my son.
‘Pineapple or banana?’ I asked, playing the twenty questions game discovering his likes, dislikes and marvelling how much he had not changed since he was a baby.
Both was the resounding answer and after the savoury pizzas were in the oven, the sweet ones were next.
‘Gummy worms, marshmallows and sprinkles?’ I suggested, watching his face light up and laugh with glee when the gummy worms decided to come alive and chase him around the kitchen. They were in full ambush mode when Nicholi walked in, just as I was rounding the counter.
‘Oops, sorry,’ I gushed, as I fell square into his arms, covering him with icing sugar.
‘At least I will taste good,’ he grinned, licking his hand and I felt my body clench with desire.
‘Okay, pizza is ready,’ I announced, picking myself up figuratively speaking from the memory of his embrace and dished us all a slice.
I had bathed JC and put him to bed, Nicholi was in the office and Earl I assumed, though I had yet to see him, had set me up in the guest room. I was sitting on the bed, preparing the gift box for Caitlan I would give her tomorrow.
After taking a shower and washing my hair, sitting crossed legged on the bed with my damp hair was not the time to see Nicholi, yet there he was at the door.
‘Hey, just wanted to check you had everything you needed?’ he asked, and I covered myself discreetly with the blanket.
‘Yes thanks, just getting a few things ready for tomorrow for Caitlan. I wanted to speak with you if that is okay?’ Now was not the best time in terms of attire, but the need to have my questions answered was more powerful than the desire to brush my hair and apply makeup.
‘Sure, can I come in?’ he asked politely, still standing at the door.
‘Of course, sorry.’ I made space for him to sit down on the bed.
‘This is for Caitlan?’ His eyes wandered over the gifts I had laid out onto the bed.
‘Yes, I have journals from after, for her to read,’ my voice choking as I tried to compose myself. ‘A few little things for the hospital, magazines, toiletries and a gift I had purchased to give her after the audition.’ I broke, the tears fighting their way and brushing down my cheek without restriction.
‘Can I see it?’ Nicholi asked quietly, moving slightly closer to me and I wanted to leap into his arms.
‘Sure, here.’ I handed him the red velvet box and he opened it tentatively, revealing the silver necklace with Swarovski crystal ballet slippers and a heart.
‘It is beautiful, stunning,’ he marvelled, turning it around as the light caught it and sent rainbows reflecting onto the white wall.
‘I don’t know why I kept it. Couldn’t bear to part with it. It felt like the last connection I had to her and I could not let go,’ I continued, monotone as I wiped my eyes and tried to focus.
‘Nic, there is something I need to ask you about the night at the restaurant.’ I turned and the look on his face, so full of desperation I could not help it. Leaning forward, I kissed him and instantly recoiled.
‘I’m so sorry. Oh, what am I doing?’ I ranted, burying my face in my hands and moving as far away from him as the room design allowed. I had never intended that to happen, my body just took over and now I just wanted the ground to swallow me whole.
He did not say anything for the longest time and when I peeked, he was lying on the bed, facing the ceiling, his expression blank.
Moving closer to the bed, I edged forward to his side.
‘Please, forgot I did that,’ I begged, my voice cracking with every word.
‘I was there at the restaurant because my grandfather had ordered a team to trash the place. I did not know any of you would be there and I never recognised Caitlan when she bought JC into the kitchen. I don’t know what happened next as Caitlan’s memories about everything are so mixed up. I don’t know what to believe.’ He sat up and looked at me for the first time.
‘I would give anything to just kiss you right now, and forget everything. But we can never be that to each other again. Ever. I am responsible for you losing your son and for your family being murdered.
‘The woman who kidnapped you is my stepmother, Cross’s biological mother. I thought I had gotten your sister pregnant; she left me and is now with my brother. The guy who was her first love. If you see any chance of a future for us with all that baggage, you are a better person than me. I have forgotten; don’t worry. See you in the morning.’
He got up off the bed and without looking at me, closed the bedroom door behind him.
I lay there for an hour, tossing and turning, processing everything he had said. I had shot Cross’s mother today. She was trying to kill Caitlan. This was so messed up; the therapy
bill would be endless.
I threw the covers off the bed and padded down the hall. Checking on JC and covering him over, kissing his forehead, I headed downstairs. I could see the kitchen light flooding into the blackness of the foyer and opened the door.
Nicholi was sat at the breakfast bar with a bottle of whiskey and a glass that was a quarter full at his side. He stared at the glass for the longest time before turning his bloodshot, sleep-deprived, devastated eyes to mine.
‘Caitlin’s babies are not yours?’ I spoke softly, pulling up a stool at the opposite end of the counter.
‘I don’t know for sure but have suspected for some time. The night before we had sex for the first time, she was with Cross. She said nothing happened and I believed her. But Larissa taking her and her going back to Cross, I think he is the father,’ he rambled, his words slightly off, no doubt from the quart of whiskey he had just consumed.
Standing up, I padded over to him. ‘You know, this solves nothing.’ I picked up the bottle and returned it to the cabinet. ‘This, however, is the answer to everything,’ I declared, opening the freezer and pulling out two tubs of ice cream. Handing him a spoon, I sat next to him.
He smiled, but it was more out of politeness than sincerity, pulling the lid off, he took a spoonful.
‘Pretty good,’ he nodded looking at me so closely I almost forgot to breathe.
‘What?’ I whispered, not sure if I wanted to know the answer.
‘You look so alike on the surface, but you are completely polar opposites,’ he marvelled, taking another spoon of ice cream. ‘This is pretty good, thanks.’ He got up to leave.
‘Wait, please.’ I reached to grab his hand.
‘Lexi, don’t,’ he pleaded, but I just ignored him.
‘It is not your fault. None of it is. From you filling the blanks, the only person to blame is my father.’ I concluded with a venomous glare.
‘He saved your sister. I would love to have someone else to shoulder the blame, but the truth is; there is no one else.’ Nicholi sat down but did not release my hand. ‘There is one thing you are so similar in and that is your desire to forgive me. But it is a mistake,’ he urged, kissing my hand before releasing it.
Echo (The Butterfly Series Book 3) Page 2