Baby, Oh Baby!

by Robin Wells

  He swiveled his chair back toward his desk and leaned forward on his elbows. He couldn't expect lake to ignore his own flesh and blood. Besides, the baby wasn't really the problem, anyway.

  The baby's mother was the problem. The woman—this Annie Hollister—was the one who was usurping Rachel's place. What Tom needed to do was figure out a way to get her out of the picture. He needed to find a way to help Jake get full custody.

  Everyone had some kind of skeleton in the closet. If he dug around long enough, he was sure to unearth one in this gal's.

  Leaning forward, he punched a button on his sleek black phone. His secretary's voice crackled over the intercom. "Yes?"

  "Call Jeff Blade's secretary and get the name and number of the private investigator he used on the Hen-' derson case." His friend and fellow attorney, Jeff, had said he'd found a man guaranteed to get results.

  "He's a real bloodhound," Jeff had said. "He can find a bug under every rock."

  Tom's secretary's voice buzzed through the speaker again. "Yes, sir. Anything else?"

  "No." Tom tapped his pen on top of his desk. "Just get me that name and number. I'll take it from there."

  Chapter Thirteen

  Madeline pulled yet another empty pan from the bottom _. shelf of the kitchen cupboard. Ignoring the loud clanging, Annie sat at the kitchen table and concentrated on the leaves at the bottom of Helen's teacup. "An obstacle has been cleared away," she said. "I see new zest and vitality and activity." She grinned up at the older woman. "Everything in your life seems to be on the `. upswing."

  The round-faced, snow-haired woman beamed. "It didn't take tea leaves to tell me that, but it's great to hear it all the same." She reached over and patted Annie's hand. "It's so good to be home."

  "It's so good to have you back." Ben had brought Helen home from the hospital two days ago, and he'd dropped her off at Annie's house for a visit while he tended the livestock.

  A loud clatter made Annie jump. She glanced over at Madeline, who had just discovered the musical possibilities of banging two pots together. The baby giggled in delight and banged them again.

  Annie winced. "I'm sure things were a lot quieter at your daughter's house, though."

  "In more ways than one," Helen said with a smile. "Sounds like I missed a lot of excitement around here." She helped herself to a blueberry muffin from the basket on the table and looked Annie curiously. "So, tell me— what's this man like?"

  Just the thought of Jake made a swarm of butterflies set flight in Annie's stomach. She reached for her mug of coffee. "Well, at first he comes across as curt and abrupt, but then he kind of grows on you. I think his brusqueness is just a protective shell. He's actually very kind. And he adores Madeline." Annie picked up a large box on the seat of the chair next to her and handed it to Helen. "Look what he sent yesterday."

  Helen lifted the lid. The box was filled with designer baby clothes from an exclusive children's clothing store in Tulsa. Helen's eyes grew large. "He's certainly generous."

  Annie nodded. "When I asked the home nurse for her bill, I learned Jake had already paid it."

  "How nice!"

  "Of course, as soon as I have the money to pay him back, I will."

  Helen leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "That nurse was here to help you care for Madeline. There's nothing wrong with letting him share the financial responsibility, Annie. After all, he's the child's father."

  "I know. I just...." She sighed, then looked up at Helen. "I'm just afraid of getting too many strings attached to him."

  Helen waved a hand toward Madeline. "I hate to say it, honey, but there's a pretty big string sitting right over there with a pan on her head."

  Annie gave a reluctant grin. "You're right. And I know he's going to be a big part of her life. I just don't know how much of a role I want him playing in mine."

  "Madeline's life and yours are very intertwined right now," Helen pointed out. "They will be for several years.,,

  Annie nodded. "I just don't want to become dependent on him. And if I start to let him do things for me, I might."

  "Why would that be so bad?"

  "If I start depending on him, I might start needing him. And if I need him.. . well, then it gets into a whole other thing."

  "You mean you might start to care about him?" Helen asked gently.

  Annie stared down at her coffee mug. "Maybe." "And what would be wrong with that?"

  Madeline banged two pans loudly together. Annie picked up her mug and rose from the chair. "He's not available, Helen. Not emotionally. He still loves his late wife, and he says no one will ever compare to her. I don't have any intention of getting into a situation where I'd have to compete with some idealized memory."

  The telephone rang, adding to the din of clanging pans.

  "Take the call in another room," Helen suggested. "I'll stay here and supervise Madeline's concert."

  "Thanks." Annie scurried to the living room and picked up the cordless phone.

  "Annie?" said a woman's voice on the other end. "This is Priscilla at Cimarron Pediatrics."

  "Priscilla!" Annie smiled into the phone. The receptionist at Madeline's pediatrician's office had a child nearly the same age as Madeline. The two women compared notes every time Annie's daughter went in for a well-baby check up. "How are you? How's Nathan?"

  "He's fine, thanks. Listen. I'm calling because we've had a couple of strange phone calls about Madeline, and I thought—well, if it were me, I'd want know about it."

  A buzz of alarm rushed up Annie's arm. "What kind of phone calls?"

  "Well ... A man with a really deep voice called here this morning and said he needed copies of all of Madeline's medical records because you were considering changing insurance carriers."

  Annie gasped. "I'm doing no such thing!"

  "I thought it was odd. I'd never heard of the company before—Worldwide Global Health, I think he said it was. Anyway, I told him I couldn't release the records without approval from you. He got very annoyed and hung up."

  Annie's head reeled. Jake was the only person who could possibly want Madeline's records. But why? And why wouldn't he just ask her for a copy? Why resort to such an underhanded stunt?

  "There was another call, around noon," Priscilla continued. "I was at lunch, so the bookkeeper took it. I think it might have been the same man—she said his voice was really deep. Anyway, this time the caller said he was with the state's social services agency, and he was investigating a report of neglect."

  "Neglect!"

  "That's what he said. He said he needed to look at Madeline's records to determine if there was any basis for going ahead with the investigation. She told him we couldn't release the records without your permission. And then he said ..." Priscilla hesitated. "Annie, he said there would be a hundred dollars of reward money in it if she would bend the rules a little."

  "He offered a bribe?" Annie's voice rose an octave. "Why, of all the sneaky, lying ..."

  "You know who this is?"

  "I'm afraid I do."

  "Is it a custody battle or something?"

  Annie's jaw was clenched so tightly it was hard to speak. "Yes.."

  "You poor thing," Priscilla's voice was sympathetic. "I hope everything works out for you."

  "Thank you. And thanks for the call." Annie hung up the phone, her heart thumping hard against her rib cage, her hands balled into fists at her side.

  "He's a snake," she muttered. "A sneaky, lying, two-faced snake."

  She'd thought he was warm and caring and sincere. He'd said he wasn't in any hurry to pursue a permanent custody arrangement, that he didn't want to take Madeline away from her. She'd believed him. She'd trusted him. Good heavens, she'd even kissed him!

  And all the time he was plotting to take Madeline away from her.

  Anger boiled in her veins. He'd played her for a fool. Well, by golly, she wouldn't be fooled again. She strode purposefully back to the kitchen.

  Helen's eyebrows flew up as she
glanced at her: "My stars, dear—what happened? You look upset."

  "Upset doesn't begin to describe it." Annie quickly filled her in.

  "You need to talk to Henry," Helen said when she finished.

  Annie nodded. She'd been thinking the same thing. "I'll come with you," Helen offered. "I'll watch Madeline while you two talk."

  "Thanks. I appreciate the moral support." Annie grabbed the diaper bag off a hook by the door, her mouth set in a determined line. "Jake may think this is a custody battle, but as far as I'm concerned, it's all-out war."

  The late morning sun streamed into the nursing home sunroom half an hour later as Annie finished telling Henry about the phone call. The old man rubbed his head with his good hand and sighed. "I hate to tell you, Annie, but he's been here, too. I was going to call you this afternoon."

  Annie leaned forward. "Jake has been here?"

  "It wasn't Jake. It was a private investigator named Bill Hawk. I recognized him from a case I worked on three years ago. I saw him as he was leaving about an hour ago." Henry gave his head a lopsided shake. "I've got to tell you, Annie, he's an unsavory sort."

  Annie felt as if she'd been socked in the, stomach. "Did you talk to him?"

  "No. He didn't recognize me. Guess I look quite a bit' different than I did before that stroke."

  His voice sounded wistful. Annie reached out and patted his hand.

  "He evidently talked to Pearl and Myrtle," Henry continued.

  "Myrtle?" Annie moaned. "Oh, no." Myrtle was the nursing home busybody. She loved to gossip, but her memory was shot and she couldn't keep anything straight.

  "Afraid so. He told them he was an old friend and he was putting together a `This Is Your Life' surprise birthday party for you. They were eager to help. And of course they swore to say nothing to you."

  "Oh, no."

  "Oh, yes." Henry rubbed his jaw, his eyes rueful. "He was very interested in your, uh, more unconventional activities."

  "What do you mean?'

  "Pearl told him all about your tea-leaf reading. And about the billboards and your grandfather."

  "Oh, dear."

  "I'm afraid it does make you sound rather odd. I understand he was also interested in your alpacas."

  Annie knit her brow in bewilderment. "The. alpacas?"

  Henry nodded. "He tried to get Pearl to say that you talk to them."

  "Well, of course I do," Annie said defensively. "They're animals. There's nothing odd about talking to animals. It calms them down."

  "Apparently he tried to get her to say you thought they talked back."

  "You're kidding."

  "Afraid not. He has Myrtle convinced you do. She said you thought they were Dalai Lamas and they told you what to do."

  Annie shook her head incredulously. "If this weren't so frightening, it would be funny."

  Henry nodded. "He's fishing, Annie. Dragging a net, trying to see what muck he can rake up. What worries me most is that this guy is not above baiting some hooks and dragging those as well."

  "Surely no one would believe Pearl and Myrtle!"

  "Maybe not by themselves. But if he's offering bribes, it's only a matter of time before he finds a few takers who'll substantiate their claims."

  "I don't know anyone who would betray me for a bribe."

  "It doesn't have to be anyone you know. He just needs to find someone who'll claim they saw you leave your baby unattended in your car, or someone who'll say he saw you strike Madeline across the face, or—"

  Annie raised her hands to make him stop. "Please. I can't bear to even hear those things. To think I might be accused of doing them to my baby ..." Annie's voice shook. She twisted her hands in her lap. "Henry, what can I do?"

  "Well, for starters, I thought we'd investigate this investigator. If we can discredit him, it'll go a long ways toward discrediting any information he gathers. I've already made a phone call to another P.I. in Tulsa who owes me a favor. He's digging up all he can about the illustrious Mr. Hawk."

  "What about trying to discredit Jake? I'm sure he's the one who hired him."

  Henry shook his head. "I did a little checking into his background when you first told me he was Madeline's father, and he looks solid as a rock." Henry wheeled his chair closer. "My advice, Annie, is still the same. You need to work out an amicable custody agreement with him."

  "I thought I was. I mean, I thought we were getting along. This is coming out of the blue."

  Henry slowly shook his head. "Try again, Annie. The best thing you can do is work this out with Jake."

  "The best thing I can do, Helen, is put as much distance as possible between myself and Jake." Annie pushed a pink teddy bear into the black duffel bag she was packing on the floor of the nursery. Madeline handed her a large Winnie-The-Pooh doll, thinking the packing was a game.

  It had been only twenty-four hours since Annie had learned about the private investigator, but it seemed like a lifetime ago. The discovery had turned her entire world down.

  Helen watched her from the rocker, her eyes mourn- ful. "But, Annie—this is your home!"

  "This might be my home, but Madeline's my child. If it comes to losing one or the other, it's no contest."

  Helen nodded sadly. "But, Annie—this is so sudden! And New York is so far!"

  "That's the idea." Annie pushed a striped zebra into the bag, then reached for a green gorilla. "The farther away I am, the harder it'll be for Jake to get his hands on Madeline."

  "You hated living in the city before."

  "I know. But I hate the idea of sitting here, being a sitting duck, all the more. And New York is where I can make the most money."

  She'd called her old boss at the ad agency, and he'd jumped at the chance to rehire her. Next she'd called an old friend, who'd offered to let Annie and Madeline stay at her place while she searched for an apartment.

  Helen's forehead creased with worry. "Annie, is this really a solution? Running away seldom is."

  Annie pushed a lock of hair from her eyes. "I know. But the ranch is barely breaking even. If I'm earning a salary, I'm in a better position to fight this thing financially. And if I've moved out of state to take a well-paying job, Jake can't claim I moved just to avoid him or because I'm unstable."

  Helen sighed and slowly nodded. "I can't say I wouldn't do the same thing if I were in your shoes." The grandfather clock in the foyer chimed twelve times.

  Helen rose from the rocking chair, leaning heavily on her cane. "I've got to go. Ben is driving me to Tulsa this afternoon for a follow-up appointment with my doctor. What time does your flight leave tomorrow?"

  "Three in the afternoon." Annie rose and walked her friend to the door. Madeline followed along behind.

  Helen turned at the door.. "I'm going to miss you, Annie."

  "I'll miss you and Ben, too." Annie .gave her a tight hug. When she pulled away, both women's eyes were wet.

  Helen wiped her cheek and pasted on a warm smile. "I'll come by tomorrow morning to help you finish packing."

  The doorbell rang the next morning as Annie dabbed a. blob of applesauce off Madeline's chin. "Come on in, Helen," she yelled. Madeline banged her covered sip cup on her high-chair tray, splattering drops of milk everywhere, then laughed delightedly at her handiwork.

  Annie eyed her with mock exasperation. "You really want to put me through my paces this morning, don't you?" Annie turned toward the sink to grab a dish towel.

  "Ink! Ink!" Madeline yelped, her chubby legs kicking the high chair excitedly. "Ink! Ink! Ink!"

  Only one person got Madeline that excited. Annie turned around, a feeling of dread in her chest, to see Jake standing in the kitchen doorway, grinning at the baby.

  "Good morning, sugar." He crossed the room and kissed the baby's plump cheek, then straightened and smiled at Annie. "Morning, Annie."

  No man had the right to look so handsome. Against her will, she felt a flash of attraction, His gaze was so direct, his smile so sincere that it disarmed her. If she
didn't know better, she'd never believe he was plotting behind her back to steal her child.

  Annie realized she was standing like a statue, staring at him, a blue dish towel in her hand. She shouldn't let on that she knew about the detective, she thought. "Good morning. I, uh, wasn't expecting you." She quickly knelt and began wiping up the splattered floor.

  "I have a meeting later in Bartlesville, so I thought I'd swing by." Eyeing her quizzically, he grabbed a paper towel and knelt beside her to help. "What's with all the suitcases in the entry hall?"

  Annie kept her head down as she rose and turned to the sink. "Nothing."

  "Sure looks like something to me."

  Annie rinsed'out the dish towel, trying to decide what to tell him. She didn't expect to be able to hide from him. She did, however, hope to get out town before he discovered her plans. If he found out she was leaving, he'd try to find a way to stop her.

  Jake looked at her warily. "Looks to me like you're planning a trip."

  There was no point in denying it. The suitcases were irrefutable evidence. "Oh—well, yes, I am. I'm, uh, going to California for a few days to visit an old friend."'

  "Looks like you've packed enough to be gone a month or two."

  Annie shrugged. "I've never been a light packer. I've always thought more is more."

  "Madeline's going, too?"

  "Of course."

  "Where in California?"

  "Oh, the, uh, southern part."

  Jake's eye's narrowed. "Where, exactly?"

  "Ummm ..." Oh, dear. If she told him the name of a town, he was likely to check it out. "It's a little town. I can't remember the name of it. My friend is picking us up at the L.A. airport."

  Jake's lips flattened. His eyes were skeptical. "This is kind of sudden, isn't it?"

  "Umm, yes. My friend's, er, brother died. I'm going for the funeral."

  "Is that right."

  "Yes."

  "That sounds a little different from just going for a visit."

  "No" She was speaking too fast and sounding defensive. She needed to slow down, to act casual. "I mean, not really. I'm going to visit her." Annie turned to the sink, unable to look him in the eye. "To—to comfort her."