All But the Fall

by Kim Turner

  “Pop’s been cleaning every gun in the house.” Gabe shrugged. “He knows what’s going on too, though I’m not certain as to how much.”

  “Sarah knows too.” Aaron had told her everything all along, so she would know to protect the children if it came to that.

  Gabe nodded the direction of the film shack. “Come on let’s look at the video. We’re not accomplishing shit out here.”

  Nausea hit him in a strong wave once more, his knees weak. Watching himself fall was one thing but watching Maxus’ struggle wasn’t going to be easy.

  Gabe entered the wooden shack where quick film edits were done. “Boys.”

  Jack stood and stuck out his hand when Aaron entered behind Gabe, “Aaron, how ya doin’ man?”

  “I’m good.” He tried to sound convincing.

  “Well, I think you look like shit.” Eric chuckled.

  Aaron gave him a shove into his chair and moved in behind him appreciating the razzing to remove a bit of his nerves. He swallowed hard.

  “Aaron, I thought that was you. So, how are you?” Drake Masters trotted in behind them with a big toothy grin.

  “Better every day,” Aaron answered, still unnerved at what he was about to see, but surprised at Drake’s arrival.

  “I was at the hospital when you were pretty out of it, but I didn’t want you to think I wasn’t concerned,” Drake added.

  Aaron shook his head. “I appreciate that. I don’t remember much the first few days.”

  “Slow-motion that footage.” Gabe sat down in front of the monitors, twisting a few dials beside Jack.

  Aaron walked to stand behind his brother, the air in the small outbuilding a bit thin. He focused to suck in a deep breath. It’s just a film. Let it go, Aaron.

  Gabe leaned forward, waiting on Jack to get the footage started.

  Aaron studied the screens where the ramp remained empty and then as the first glimpses of Maxus’ front legs appeared moving onto the screen frame by frame. The picture was blurry from the slow speed. Seconds later he and Maxus were in full view, climbing the ramp. His gut clenched and he held his side, his heart racing.

  “Here’s the ride up…and here, the ramp is good, but here!” Gabe touched one of the large screens and the footage stopped.

  Aaron struggled for a breath, the first implosion below him and the horse. Son of a bitch.

  “There’s the fist spark there then the other six or so most within the three seconds,” Gabe escalated, pointing again.

  Bile rose in Aaron’s throat as the footage continued. He watched as he pushed himself to fall away from Maxus, hitting the ramp and then falling vertical to the ground. Maxus remained on the ramp, startled and rearing, then stamping his front paws in panic. Aaron looked away. He’d kill Vince Hanson if given the chance.

  It was then Drake Master spoke up. “FBI’s all over the place, but there’s reason to take a look at the flower deliveries again.”

  “What about the flowers?” Gabe turned, fixing his gaze on the actor, folding his arms, and tilting his head in question.

  Aaron held his side trying to hold it together after seeing Maxus’ struggle.

  Drake glanced from Gabe to the other men and back. “I was getting ready to watch the jump and Doug Forrester, the security guard, was walking back toward the set. It made me wonder, even though he’s security, why he’d be walking away from the jump, with everyone else wanting to watch. He’s in your footage.” Drake twisted one of the dials and reversed the film. “There.”

  Gabe ran the footage back again reaching for the controls from Jack.

  “And he had a large bag. I’m not placing blame here but wondering the story.” Drake pointed out Forrester in the corner of one of the screens walking opposite a few extras.

  “I hadn’t given him a second thought. He checked out clear on background.” Gabe ran the video back.

  “He’s carrying a bag and it kind of made me wonder why he was even near the ramp,” the actor explained further.

  Aaron couldn’t breathe. The confinement of the small wooden room and seeing Maxus had nearly done him in. His chest felt tight. There was pain. He was going to pass out cold. Breathe Aaron, breathe.

  He made his way toward the door to get outside in the cold air. If that bastard of a security guard had done this—helped Hanson somehow…

  “Aaron?” Gabe called to him, but he pushed his way out the door past the other men, holding his side, thinking he might lose what little breakfast he’d eaten. He stopped and concentrated on taking in air, bending to put his good hand on a knee for long enough to steady himself. Then he stood and headed toward the security shack.

  Gabe followed. “Aaron, wait, you’re in no condition.”

  “He did this right under our noses, the son of a bitch!” Aaron held his side, nausea making his head spin. Gravel crunched under his boots as he made his way to the security guard hut, Gabe on his heels.

  Aaron fumed, fighting off the nausea taking him. If Doug Forrester was behind it, he’d have some answers and he’d have them today. He banged on the locked doors with his good fist.

  Doug Forrester jerked the door open, a smile across his face. “Good morning gentlemen…”

  Aaron didn’t wait a second but smashed his fist into the man’s jaw sending him backward to the floor and taking his own breath with the score of pain through his ribs.

  “Aaron, no.” Gabe pulled him off the man.

  “What the hell?” Doug held his bleeding mouth, jumping up, struggling to gain his balance.

  Aaron shrugged free of Gabe. “What do you know about the ramp blowing?”

  Doug wiped blood from his lower lip with the back of his hand. “What are you talking about?”

  Drake entered the guard shack, followed by Jack and Eric.

  “You were seen shortly before the jump and had some bag over your shoulder. I want some answers and I want them right damn now,” Aaron spat, shaking hard from the adrenaline coursing through him.

  Doug backed up, shaking his head. “I was there to make sure it was clear when you jumped. I had nothing to do with anything else. You guys have the wrong guy here. I haven’t done anything wrong here.”

  “Well, let’s see about that.” Drake held up the blue canvas bag from the corner of the room, unzipping it.

  Forrester defended, “Wait, that’s not mine.”

  Drake lifted pliers, and a cordless screw driver and explosive putty.

  The security guard held his hand up in protest, glancing at Aaron and back to the actor. “You have to believe me; I don’t even know where that came from. I’ve been set up, man. I found it near the ramp wondering what the hell it was and removed it because I thought it might be in the way of the jump.”

  Aaron burst across the room again, Gabe shoving him aside to grab Doug himself. He slung the man in the office chair and slammed it against the desk. “And you couldn’t bother telling us what you found? My brother nearly lost his life!” He grabbed Doug’s hand and slammed it on the desk, pulling his knife from his belt.

  Doug swallowed hard. “You can’t do this. Look I am not even a real cop, I’m just a guard and I didn’t even know what that stuff was. I found the bag when I made rounds on the ramp before the jump like I told you.”

  Gabe put the knife across the joint of Doug’s thumb and pressed. “You know it’s our thumbs that separate us from the other animals.”

  Doug tried to pull away. “I know nothing more, I swear. Please, I need this job and I was just trying to keep debris clear of the jump area.”

  Aaron gripped his right hand into a fist again, stepping closer. “You found a bag with explosives and didn’t bother to tell us or the FBI?”

  Doug dropped his gaze. “I…I thought I would be in trouble because the FBI would think it was mine and I didn’t even know it was explosives, like I said I’ve…not had any formal cop training. Look, I will testify or whatever, I just don’t want to be in trouble here.”

  Gabe lifted the kni
fe away. “He’s telling the truth.”

  Doug jerked his hand free eyeing his thumb and shook his head. “I was just trying to do my job.”

  Aaron held his gaze for a long moment. “You owe me a horse.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Jenna ran her hand across Maxus’ jaw. He rocked his large head and settled to her attention. She’d seen Aaron off to the set in Gabe’s truck, as he hadn’t ridden his bike, given his injuries. He’d needed to get to the set to check on the Thor, who remained for the last few days of filming, but she hadn’t been able to shake that he’d been more than distant for the last week or so. He’d blamed it on watching the footage of the fall, but she hadn’t been so sure.

  “He’s a good man, isn’t he?” She scratched her nails across the velvet fur of Maxus’ snout, surprised the horse allowed it. She glanced at the ring on her finger. Maybe she was doing better too since things had been quiet. It seemed Vince had disappeared back to his hole somewhere and even the FBI couldn’t find him and now he was national news. The hopeful for a senate seat, now a wanted fugitive.

  She shivered. Vince was here. She could feel it. Maybe he’d been here all along, but if so what was he waiting for? Why hadn’t he come and found her and did what he had to do?

  “I’m so sorry this happened to you.” She was as responsible for this animal’s injuries as she was for Aaron’s.

  “A penny for your thoughts.”

  Jenna turned as Sarah walked up.

  “I’m afraid my thoughts are a bit tangled these days.” She tried for a smile, quickly turning to brush away the tears.

  Sarah glanced at Maxus and back to her. “I’m sure living here and looking over your shoulder makes each day difficult.”

  “Aaron wants us here to keep us safe, but I fear I am bringing danger to everyone.” She’d been at the ranch for a time now, but all the reasons why were a common topic of conversation when the family was together. “I feel so responsible for everything. I never wanted any of this to happen, not to Maxus either.”

  Sarah nodded. “Aaron is healing and Maxus will come around, the Vet said he has some peripheral vision so he can still be ridden, once Aaron has some time to work with him. And this is what Gabe and Tucker do. I won’t say it doesn’t frighten me for all of us, but let’s give them a bit of time. I’ve seen them work. They’re very good.”

  She nodded. “I knew one day this would all come back to haunt me, but I was so afraid and there was Mason to think about. I suppose I thought I could disappear out here and Vince would go on about his career.”

  “Aaron confided to tell me all of the details.” Sarah turned back to face her. “Amos knows as well, and we are here to support you Jenna. You and Mason in any way we can. You are family now and we Deckers stick together through thick and thin.”

  “That’s the problem. Aaron…he almost died and I couldn’t face another day if he had.” Her voice cracked and Sarah wrapped an arm around her.

  “It’s gonna be fine, Jenna, in time.” Sarah sounded so certain.

  She nodded and quickly wiped her eyes.

  “Come on, let’s get some breakfast and wake those two beautiful sleepyheads inside.” Sarah tugged her along. “Aaron will be back from the set in a while and we’re going to grill out this afternoon. Gabe and Jeremiah are supposed to be home later today too. You can help me put together steak and chicken shish-kabobs.”

  Jenna smiled. It did sound like fun and it would get her mind off things. She followed Sarah inside where Lily was coming down the steps, towing Mason by the hand.

  “Good morning, Sunshine. Hold onto him careful. He’s still little, remember.” Sarah went to assist.

  “And he is smelly and needs his diaper changed.” Lily helped him to the floor at the bottom step and held her nose, grinning at them both.

  Jenna scooped up Mason who giggled and fought the playful kisses she covered his cheek with. “Come on, we’ll get you a diaper change and then some breakfast.”

  “I’ll start on things. How do chocolate chip pancakes sound?” Sarah turned to Lily who cheered as Jenna took Mason back up the stairs.

  In no time, she had Mason re-diapered and dressed for the day and was helping Sarah in the kitchen. “I hope it’s okay, I tossed in a bit of wash for Mason and myself.”

  “Oh, of course.” Sarah flipped the pancake in the skillet. “Lily, find the syrup and butter and put them on the table.”

  “Okay.” Lily scampered over to open the refrigerator, singing along, and of course Mason followed her every step as she found the syrup and handed him the small tub of butter. “Come on, we have to put it on the table.”

  “She is quite the little mother, these days.” Sarah turned to look at the children with a wise smile.

  “They are adorable together,” Jenna agreed and turned with the ringing of the doorbell.

  Sarah wiped her hands and headed out of the kitchen to the living room toward the door, her voice lifting an octave. “I don’t know that we are expecting anyone.”

  Jenna glanced at the children who were off to the toys in the corner of the kitchen and peered into the living room where Sarah peeked out the curtain and then back to her.

  Sarah opened the door with caution. “Yes?”

  “Flowers, ma’am, for a Jenna Wilder.” A young voice came through the door.

  Jenna froze her heart in her throat. Oh, God, he knew she was here and Mason. Her pulse raced as Sarah took the flowers and set them aside, bolting the door and double checking.

  Jenna held her gaze as Sarah glanced down to lift the card reading it.

  “Oh, God…no,” Jenna whispered, terror scoring through her. They were alone; Aaron and his brothers off to their work and even Amos had been dropped at the local diner for the day. They were alone with the children.

  “We’ll call Aaron.” Sarah turned for her purse, lifting her cell phone.

  “What did it say?” Jenna could hardly force the air from her lungs to create words and she wasn’t sure she wouldn’t pass out.

  Sarah shook her head and read the card in a whisper. “Peek-a-boo.”

  Jenna’s knees went weak. “He knows about Mason. Oh my God. I have to go and now. Sarah…I can’t… Oh, God.” She turned a full circle glancing at all the windows. He was probably watching right now. Mason. That was it, she had to leave and without any delay.

  Sarah grabbed her by both arms “You are going to sit right here until I get Aaron on the line. Then we’ll decide what to do. I’m here, Jenna, it’s all right.” Sarah scampered over to the stove and turned it off, sliding the skillet away from the heat. She then went to the alarm system setting it with them inside.

  Jenna glanced at Mason, panic scoring through her enough to take her breath. He and Lily were oblivious to what was going on. She needed to gather their things. She needed to see what Aaron said. She needed to…

  “Aaron, Oh, thank God.” Sarah’s voice held a hint of relief. “Flowers came... Yes, she’s here and the children. Amos is still at the diner. Yes, everything is locked tightly, yes. Be careful, Aaron.” Sarah hung up the phone and turned back to her speaking just above a whisper. “Aaron parked Gabe’s truck on the set and when he got back to it, there were more flowers. He’s about ten minutes from here. He wants us to pack for me and the children.”

  Jenna’s heart sank along with her body and her next breath wouldn’t come. She couldn’t stand and sat nearly falling onto the bottom step. She couldn’t stop shaking her head. Pack to go where? It wouldn’t take her long as she and Mason were still living out of suit cases. But more flowers at Gabe’s truck. “What did those flowers say?”

  Sarah scuttled back to the kitchen, ignoring her question and began cutting up pancakes, making quick plates for Lily and Mason. “Lily, you and Mason eat right here at your doll table. Here’s a sippy cup for both of you.”

  “Sarah?” Jenna quickly wiped her eyes, sucking in a gasping breath.

  Sarah turned, glanced at the children who
were now sitting at the small table with tiny chairs. “Lily, eat slow so that Mason will take his time. Show him how to dip the pieces in syrup. Jenna and I will be right back.”

  Sarah turned to her then and led the way into the living room once more. “Jenna, Aaron’s on the way. He’ll know what to do.”

  “What did the card say, Sarah?” Jenna shook visibly in meeting Aaron’s mother’s gaze.

  Sarah took a deep breath and let it out. “Little Boy Blue.”

  Jenna blinked the pain so profound through her chest that she couldn’t force herself to breathe. She collapsed to her knees with Sarah by her side.

  “Jenna, Aaron will be here. We have to get things together.” Sarah patted her face. “Look at me. We have to protect you and your precious son. Now, wipe your face and let’s get to it.”

  Sarah’s stern words brought her back to the surface. She nodded and let Sarah pull her to her feet. “I’ll get the children fed. You go and pack up for yourself and Mason. I’ll put together some food and milk for the children. You can watch them while I get Lily and me packed.”

  Jenna could hardly remember touching the stairs. She glanced at her suitcase in the corner. In seconds she had tossed in her clothing and toiletries and began working on Mason’s clothing, tears streaking her face. What did this mean? Maybe Vince was even watching right now. Maybe he was in the house. Oh, God, she should have left weeks ago as she’d thought to, but Aaron had been so sure she would be fine at the ranch.

  Jenna finished packing their bags, her heart in her throat, unsure she could let Mason go. She grabbed the packed suitcases and headed down the stairs as Aaron came through the front door. He bolted it tightly behind him and set the alarm. He turned and she dropped both bags on the floor, diving for him and bursting into silent tears.

  “It’s all right.” He held her as tightly as he ever had and spoke to Sarah who came from the kitchen. “I think it’s time for plan ‘B’.”

  Sarah nodded saying nothing.

  Jenna lifted her head and sniffled, brushing her face free of tears once more. She couldn’t panic worse— she had to see what was next as she couldn’t think clear. “Plan ‘B’?”