For Justice

by Jeannette Winters

  Normally she’d have the distraction of catching criminals to keep her mind occupied. She couldn’t believe how much she missed the police department. There was something so satisfying about laying her head on the pillow and feeling as though she’d made a difference that day. I made the world a better place. Now, what am I doing? Lying here, letting everyone else do what I should’ve been able to do myself.

  But she had tried and failed, and that frustrated her. Steve was her brother, and she was useless at getting any answers. It’d been a very difficult decision to reach out to Bennett Stone for help, but she’d done it. And at first, when she’d seen Renzo there, she was filled with anger. Now she couldn’t picture doing this without him. He had taken over and given her direction. If she’d gone to York by herself, she probably wouldn’t have stayed to speak with the Peters. She’d have taken one look at them and chalked it up as another dead end, probably like Renzo had initially. Instead, it was like getting a gift. One I’ll never forget.

  When she started this search, she’d believed all they had was each other. Now she knew that wasn’t the case. Steve had made a life for himself and had friends that would be just as worried as she was if they knew he was missing. She’d been tempted to tell them, but why cause them to panic when there wasn’t anything they could do either. I need them to believe he is coming home. This way my hope will remain strong. Because Steve is coming home. I know he is.

  She got out of the bed and walked over to her purse. The Peters had given her a few pictures of Steve on a fishing boat. He looked so happy. No way would he walk away from it all. The only thing that made any sense was Steve was out there working some special mission that the Corps had on a need-to-know basis. This world is so damn f’d up he could be just about anywhere.

  Hydria had no idea how Gabe was going to get the information without getting caught. If they didn’t want Steve to be found, they sure as heck weren’t going to be happy with anyone forcing the issue, never mind succeeding at it.

  She put the photos back in her purse and grabbed her cell phone. It wasn’t too late. She needed to call Renzo and have him back off. She was so anxious to get answers she hadn’t thought about how Steve would feel about this. Or what they’ll do to him to cover this up.

  Maybe she’d watched too many action movies where the good guy is eliminated after the job is done. Not the thank you any of them saw coming, but it was how they kept their dirty little secrets secret. Hydria hoped that only happened in the movies. She’d heard stories about questionable things happening. People gone missing and never heard from again. Others were killed in action, yet no details of what had really happened were ever released. She got it. When you joined the military, you were considered government property. That’s not how the people back at home felt about their loved ones. He’s not just a Marine to me.

  If Steve were there now and knew what she was thinking, he’d chew her butt out for thinking poorly about the Corps. He lived, breathed, ate, and slept for the Corps. No one, not even her, could speak ill about them. And when she had tried to convince him not to join, he’d told her her job was more dangerous than his. He’d reviewed the statistics, and knew being killed in the line of duty was greater for a cop who patrolled the streets alone than a Marine who had an entire platoon of men who had each other’s backs twenty-four/seven. Where are they now, Steve? Have they left you high and dry? If they had, they’d need to answer to her.

  As Hydria keyed in the number Renzo had given her, another call came in. It wasn’t one she was familiar with and came from a 401 area code. Please be Steve. “Hello.”

  “Hi. I had a break and thought I’d check on you. Did you find everything you need for breakfast? How about coffee or tea? I never thought about asking if you needed any toiletries for the shower.”

  Melissa’s questions came so fast Hydria didn’t have a chance to answer one before the next was out of her mouth. Since none of it mattered to her right now, the answer was simple. “Yes, I’m all set. Thanks for checking.” Although not necessary.

  “Good. I’m getting off early because one of my patients is away, visiting with family. I thought maybe you would like to accompany me to visit my sister-in-law Deanna. She had a baby a few months back. He is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen. Doesn’t look anything like my brother Rafe, thank goodness. Spitting image of his mama. So what do you think? I’ll pick you up around two.”

  That sounded more like a statement than a question. “I don’t want to intrude. Why don’t you go and visit your nephew? I’ll be fine.”

  “No, you won’t. You’ll be sitting there worried about what you aren’t doing. Renzo already told me you can’t sit still long. He also told me you don’t know anyone around here. So you might as well face it, I’m coming to get you. If you want to make me waste all that gas for nothing, you can tell me no when I get there. See you at two.”

  Melissa ended the call before Hydria could put up any more of an argument. I’m guessing pushy and stubborn is a family trait . . .

  Although Hydria felt a bit uneasy going to meet more of Renzo’s family without him, she honestly didn’t want to spend the entire day sitting in the house either. Instead of reaching out to Renzo as she’d planned, she decided to take a shower and get dressed. She’d promised Renzo she trusted him. The least she could do was give him a little time to accomplish what he promised. One more day, that’s all he’s getting.

  While she was showering, Renzo called and left a message. It wasn’t much of anything. More of a courtesy call making sure she was okay. At what point did I give the impression I need someone to take care of me? I’ve been on my own since I was twenty-one. No one gave a shit then. Why is everyone so darn worried about me now?

  It wasn’t the Turchettas’ fault. Hydria hadn’t met Renzo until she was almost twenty-three. By then she’d started to figure things out. Most of the wrinkles had been ironed out between work, college, and raising Steve. She was no longer receiving calls daily from Steve’s teachers regarding missing homework or from the principal about Steve getting into fights. They had come to an understanding, one that meant they both had to compromise. She had to ease up on Steve, and Steve had to respect her as the authority of the house.

  She could see now why they weren’t as close as she’d hoped. When Steve became an adult, she didn’t know how to let go of the motherly role and just be his sister. Or friend. Renzo had tried to open her eyes to it when they were in York. She hadn’t been ready to accept it then. Now it was becoming clear he was right. Her actions, quitting her job and trying to take on the Marine Corps, only confirmed it. When you come home, Steve, I promise things will be different. I’ll be different.

  In the meantime, she might as well practice how she reacted to Renzo. Since she couldn’t call him back, she figured sending him a text would be acceptable.

  ALL GOOD. GOING TO VISIT YOUR FAMILY WITH MELISSA.

  She hadn’t expected him to respond, at least not right away.

  TAKE YOUR BATHING SUIT. THEY LIVE RIGHT ON THE OCEAN.

  Hydria loved to swim, but she could only imagine what the temperature of the water was there since the air temperature was cold. But if Melissa had said they were swimming, Hydria would’ve said yes. Good thing I am not such a pushover where Renzo is concerned. The last thing I need is him pulling my strings like I’m a puppet. And as if I brought a bathing suit with me.

  Hydria figured that was it for corresponding with Renzo, but he texted her again.

  DID YOU SLEEP WELL?

  He wasn’t one to make small talk. If anything he hated talking for no reason other than to hear his own voice. Could he be preparing her for bad news?

  ANY UPDATE?

  Her phone rang instead of another text.

  “Are you okay?” Renzo asked.

  “Yes, of course. Why?”

  “Because you didn’t answer my question about sleep. I thought maybe you—”

  “You hate small talk,” Hydria clarified.

/>   “Is that what you think that was? Is it so damn hard to believe I actually was concerned about you?” Renzo asked gruffly.

  I’m afraid to believe. I did once and got hurt. My heart can’t take more pain. “Not hard, just . . . surprising. Out of character. That’s all.”

  She heard him mumble under his breath but couldn’t make out the words. Maybe that was a good thing because he didn’t sound one bit pleased.

  “Don’t worry, the next time I call will be business.” Then Renzo ended the call.

  Well, that didn’t go the way I hoped. It rarely did. She wasn’t the best person to talk to on the phone. Most women loved it. She, on the other hand, became awkward and defensive. Maybe it was because she needed to see the person’s eyes to read if what they were saying was true or not. If she admitted that to anyone, they’d think she was paranoid. That wasn’t the case. Her training had conditioned her to know lies can flow easily for many people, and you don’t want to get caught up in them.

  Renzo was many things, but a liar wasn’t one of them. He had truly called out of concern, and it had scared her. Hydria wanted to lean on him, open up to him, but what if, when they found Steve, he cut her out of his life all over again. Years ago it had hurt, and she hadn’t known how to handle it. So she did exactly what he’d told her not to do. She’d been rebellious, and thankfully, she and no one else had paid the consequences. Those years on the force, especially in the beginning, she’d gone into dangerous situations focused on showing Renzo that SWAT wasn’t needed. Not when she was around. It was foolish and reckless. God, I was an arrogant ass. I’m surprised I didn’t get put on probation or fired.

  It wasn’t like Renzo had tried pointing out the mistakes she’d been making. He’d tried nicely, and when that didn’t work, he’d used his authority. She wasn’t listening to him because he’d hurt her. Listening to his advice and direction would’ve been like telling him she’d forgiven him. She wasn’t prepared to do that. Not sure I have now either.

  They were different people, yet this still seemed unresolved to her. No way could she allow her pain to be brushed under the rug and forgotten. Before she let him back into her life, even as a friend, they needed to talk about the past. And Renzo isn’t much of a talker.

  This is ridiculous. Hydria realized she was blaming Renzo for so much. It wasn’t fair. What had he really done? He hadn’t cheated on her or abused her. All he’d done was let her know they couldn’t date each other any longer. If anything, she should be grateful he was honest.

  She picked up the phone and tried calling Renzo back. She needed to apologize. What she was going to say wasn’t clear, but it would come to her. The phone rang several times before going to voicemail. What she needed to say wasn’t going to be left in a message. We’ve waited this long to talk, what does it matter if we wait a bit longer?

  Sliding her phone in the back pocket of her jean shorts, she headed for the back porch. She wished she was wearing her jeans right now, but doing so would make her stand out on a beach. Shorts were her best option. As she began to open the door, she heard Melissa calling for her from the main entrance. “Are you ready?”

  Hydria might be dressed, but ready to meet more of Renzo’s family without him there? Not even close. She had no idea what he’d told them about her. Do they know she and Ren had dated? Do they believe she is only a client? Why should they believe anything else? It’s the truth. That’s all I am.

  She was beginning to regret agreeing to go with Melissa. I’m not sure I said yes. Not that it mattered. Melissa was there, and Hydria had no valid excuse for not going. I was rude to Ren. No way am I going to be the same to his family.

  “I sure am,” Hydria answered, trying to sound excited. She retrieved her purse from the bedroom and met Melissa at the door. She was still dressed in her work clothes as a physical therapist. “If you want to change, I’m in no rush.”

  “No. I keep a change of clothes at Rafe and Deanna’s house. Mostly a swimsuit because it’s the only time I get to lie around and enjoy the beach.”

  “I don’t have one.” She wasn’t traveling on vacation so her packing entailed what she might need for everyday use only.

  As they headed out the door, Melissa said, “Good. I’ve been looking for a reason to stop at the store and get myself a new one this year. We can buy you one as well.”

  Oh great. Somehow sitting alone in the house was starting to sound wonderful. Yet, Hydria couldn’t seem to say no to Melissa. I bet Ren knew that when he suggested I stay here. Darn you.

  Hydria thought they’d stop at a shopping mall, but Melissa took her to a quaint shop that didn’t carry anything mass-produced. If you liked what you saw, you grabbed it, because it was an original. It was cool because she usually hated every swimsuit she tried on. Not here. The only problem she had was deciding which one to get.

  “Hmm. I’m not sure. I like the yellow one with the white daisies on you.”

  “Really?” Hydria looked at herself again in the mirror. It fit her perfectly, but she looked so . . . sweet.

  “Oh, yeah. I bet Renzo will like it too,” Melissa said and gave Hydria a teasing wink. “Did you know yellow is his favorite color?”

  She wasn’t here to entice Renzo. He’d always told her all black was boring. Made him feel like he was at work. Maybe I should get the black one. Yet Hydria hated that one. It fit okay, but she didn’t feel like herself in it. “Guess the daisy one it is.”

  Melissa shot her a victory smile. “Good choice. Might as well keep it on, cause we’re meeting them at the beach. Deanna’s daughter Shadoa loves the water. She just turned six and swims like a fish.”

  “I thought you said they only had a baby boy.”

  “No, she’s their oldest child; they have two. They adopted Shadoa and just had a baby boy a few months ago. Maybe that’s why Deanna is so thrilled we’re coming. It’ll give her a break.” Melissa laughed. “Turchetta men are loving and kind, but when it comes to knowing what a woman needs, well they need help. That’s where I come in.”

  Oh, I bet you do. Hydria had figured that piece out the instant they’d met. No one was ever that happy to meet another person unless they had an agenda. Don’t waste your time playing matchmaker with us. It already failed long ago.

  “Well, we better not keep Deanna waiting.”

  Hydria cashed out, and back on the road they went. Thankfully Melissa put the top down on her Mustang convertible and turned up the radio. She was singing her heart out as she drove. Even when they approached a stoplight, Melissa belted out the lyrics. People in the stopped vehicles beside them couldn’t help but look in their direction. Melissa didn’t pay them any mind. Hydria, on the other hand, felt like she was on display and wished she hadn’t agreed to wear her new swimsuit in the car. If it wasn’t against the law, Hydria would unbuckled her seatbelt and slide under the dash.

  Until this moment, she never realized she had a shy side to her. She thought she was so much stronger than that. But take her out of the police uniform, and she felt lost. Had she been hiding behind the badge? It’d given her a way to avoid dealing with things she chose not to. Like taking time off and being with people.

  This experience is teaching me a lot about myself. It was an eye-opener and not all good.

  She looked at Melissa, who seemed to be having the best time. Hydria was a bit envious. Somewhere along the way she’d forgotten how to do that. Enjoy life. She looked at the stopped car next to them. It was filled with a bunch of teenagers who looked at them like they were crazy. Oh, what the hell.

  Hydria reached over to the volume and turned it up. Then in what she hoped didn’t sound like a cat getting its tail stepped on, Hydria joined Melissa in the chorus. By the time they arrived at Deanna’s home, her throat was raw from laughter.

  “Well you two seem to be having a good time,” Deanna said as she made her way from the front porch. “You must be, Hydria. I’m Deanna, and these are my children, Shadoa and baby RJ.”

  �
��Looks like you have your hands full. Can I give you a hand carrying something?” Hydria asked.

  Deanna grinned and said, “I would love it. Thank you.” She thought Deanna would hand her the blanket or diaper bag. Instead, she handed her RJ. RJ had been fussing a bit but quieted as soon as he was in Hydria’s arms. “I can see why Renzo likes you. You have a way with children.”

  Hydria had been swaying with RJ in her arms and stopped suddenly. “We’re just—”

  Deanna waved her free hand in the air and turned toward the beach. “Save your breath. I was exactly where you are not that long ago.”

  It was obvious Melissa and Deanna had been doing a bit of chatting before they arrived. Whatever information they had, it wasn’t from her. They had the advantage because Hydria knew nothing about any of Renzo’s family. When they had been dating, they hadn’t spoken of family. It was something she avoided because she didn’t want to relive the loss of her parents, not even with him. Now she regretted not being more open. Maybe if she had, he would have as well. Perhaps that’s why he broke things off with me. Maybe I hadn’t seemed interested, and he was obviously so close to his family.

  When the blanket was laid out in the sand, Deanna reached out to take the now sleeping RJ from her arms. It was strange, but Hydria wasn’t ready to part with the sweet little boy yet. Pulling him closer, she asked, “Do you mind if I hold him a bit longer?”

  “I’ll be in the water with Shadoa. Just holler if you need me.”

  “Aren’t you going with them?” Hydria asked Melissa, as Deanna and Shadoa dashed toward the ocean.

  Melissa shook her head. “Figured I’d give them some mother-daughter time. Before you know it, they are all grown up, and you can’t get the time back.”

  “I know that all too well,” Hydria said softly.