Family Under Fire

by Jane Godman

  His note of caution turned out to be justified. Although Kennedy allowed Alyssa to tuck her into her crib, as soon as either of them tried to move away, the baby’s big blue eyes opened wide and she hitched in a tearful breath.

  “Maybe we should sit on the bed and wait it out until she’s fully asleep?” Everett suggested. “How long can it take?”

  * * *

  Two hours later, Everett rolled from his back onto his side.

  “Serious question. How are we going to get pizza and beer into this room without Kennedy noticing that one of us has gone?”

  Alyssa, who was sitting propped against the pillows, pressed a finger to her lips. “Shhh.”

  He lowered his voice. “What do you say, Lyss? We place a takeout order and, when we hear the buzzer, you cause a distraction while I make a run for it. I’ll do it. For your sake.”

  She snorted. “For the sake of your stomach, you mean.”

  “Look at me.” He took her hand and placed it on his rock-hard abs. “I’m wasting away.”

  The heat of his flesh against her palm did something sinful to her nerve endings. The only light in the room was the soft glow from Kennedy’s night-light. She hoped it was faint enough to hide the blush that stained her cheeks. Touching Everett was a dangerous pleasure. One she shouldn’t allow herself.

  “Make your call. We’ll find a way of getting to the pizza when it arrives.” She chuckled. “It’s better than trying to explain to Casey how come you’re too weak to crawl to the door in the morning.”

  “Yeah. If he found us shut in here, he might suspect my exhaustion had another, more physical, cause.”

  Alyssa gasped. “You wish.”

  “Oh, come on. You never could resist this body.”

  She was still smothering her laughter in the pillow when he finished his call to the pizza parlor.

  “Do you remember the night we met?” Everett’s whisper and the dim light made the question intimate and secretive.

  “Of course I do. I nearly got thrown out of my apartment. My landlord really did not appreciate it when you decided to serenade me from the sidewalk at four o’clock in the morning.”

  “How else was I supposed to find out which apartment was yours?” He edged ever-so-slightly closer and she pretended not to notice.

  “I’d already given you my number. You could have called me,” she pointed out.

  “There you go again. So unromantic. Although, you were quite poetic in the pool hall, when I sat next to you at the bar.”

  She rolled her eyes. “And you love to remind me about it.”

  “I told the bartender to keep the alcoholic drinks coming until you said I was handsome.” Even in half darkness, she could tell he was grinning. “And you said you only needed water.”

  She turned her head, unable to resist his smile. “I must have already been drunk.”

  Everett shook his head. “You picked the wrong guy for that line, Lyss. I know you too well. I’ve seen you tipsy a handful of times, but you don’t get drunk.”

  The silence between them lengthened and became meaningful. When he reached up and twisted a strand of her hair around his fingers, she sighed. She’d always loved the feel of his hands on her hair.

  “Tell me what you’re thinking.” His voice was husky and persuasive, his breath warm on her cheek.

  Did he really believe she was capable of thinking right now? “It’s not important.”

  “Everything about us is important.”

  His lips were achingly close and all she could think about was how they would feel on hers. She knew his kisses so well. His mouth was demanding and passionate, but it could be tender at the same time.

  Four years ago, she had walked away from the vulnerability she felt around this man. Now he was back in her life and her defenses had been stripped away once more. She was standing on the edge of a chasm, unsure whether to step over the edge, or turn and run.

  I’m so tired of being safe.

  She touched her lips to the corner of his mouth. Instantly, Everett’s arms came up, drawing her tightly into his embrace as he pulled her down next to him and took possession of her...and safety became a distant memory.

  Although the kiss was soft and slow, desire reverberated through her and she clung to him. How had she survived four years without this? Without being held and cherished? Without feeling passion burning through her veins? Without her heart developing an insistent extra beat?

  Her lips parted, welcoming him inside, and she savored the velvet heat of his tongue. Memories of other intimacies flooded back, and she murmured softly. The kiss was a sweet, familiar dance, exploring and retreating, fanning the flames between them.

  Cradling Alyssa’s face in his hands, Everett broke the kiss. He was so close, she could see the tender light in his eyes and feel his warm breath on her cheek. The kiss had taken them closer to the edge and this was a now-or-never moment. Was she ready to keep going?

  “I can guess what you’re thinking,” she murmured.

  “I imagine you probably can.” His voice was shaky.

  “That pizza’s taking too long. Am I right?”

  * * *

  It was dawn when Everett woke with his arms full of Alyssa. They were both fully dressed—except for his missing sweatshirt—and she’d kept him firmly at arm’s length after they’d kissed. He didn’t care. The kiss had been magical, and she’d fallen asleep next to him. After four years apart, just holding her was a dream come true. Anything else could wait.

  The one thing he wasn’t happy about was the reason they’d been forced to share a bed. Although he’d joked about making a dash for the pizza when it was delivered, it hadn’t been far from reality. As soon as he’d left the room, Kennedy had started crying. Their little girl was only happy when she had both of them with her.

  He was her dad and he wanted to make things right for her, but it gave them a real problem, and not just in terms of the baby’s emotional well-being. Apart from the logistics of day-to-day living, there was the immediate issue of Georgia’s court appearance. Everett intended to be there, but he didn’t plan on taking Alyssa and Kennedy along. If, as he suspected, Georgia had played a role in Sean’s and Delilah’s deaths and Kennedy was a witness, he didn’t want the child anywhere near her aunt ever again.

  Of course, Georgia had declared her intention of filing for custody of her niece. Everett was confident she wouldn’t get it, but stranger things had happened. It meant he couldn’t be completely confident about keeping Georgia away from Kennedy.

  He was uncomfortable about the reason for the forthcoming court appearance. He didn’t trust Georgia Dodd. Now that Sean was dead, was she going to pull a stunt and blame all their crimes on him? Everett wouldn’t put it past her. He could almost hear her now, claiming that her brother had forced her to help him steal cattle and kill a ranch hand...

  “What time is it?”

  The sensation of Alyssa’s body stretching against his drove every other thought out of his head.

  “Early.”

  She turned her head to look at the crib. “She seems to be in a really deep sleep. I think you could sneak out now.”

  He gave an exaggerated sigh. “Kicking me out of bed, Lyss?”

  “Go get a shower and take your beer bottles with you. And, Everett?” He had started to move away, but he turned back to look at her. “Do it silently.”

  An hour later, he was making toast for Kennedy while Alyssa took a shower. Although the baby was still inclined to be cranky if one of them wasn’t around, it wasn’t the big drama it had been on the previous day. She was currently distracting herself with a new activity.

  “I see. You throw the teething toy on the floor and shout for me to pick it up,” Everett said. “As soon as I give it back to you, we start all over again. Great game. The rules are a little one-sided and I�
��m not sure anyone over six months old would find it fun. But maybe I’m missing something.”

  Kennedy gave him her cheeky grin and melted his heart a little. When he placed the toast in front of her, she studied it before carefully smearing one of the small squares onto the tray.

  “I guess you’re wondering how anyone can spend so long in the shower?” he asked. “I used to ask myself that when I first got together with your mom. Alyssa-mom, not your other mom. I think it has something to do with all the mysterious bottles she keeps in the bathroom. They fill the place. I expect you’ll be the same when you get older.”

  Kennedy gurgled and waved her toast.

  “It’s okay. I’m allowed a razor, toothbrush and deodorant. I found a little space for them at the back of the cabinet.”

  “What are you guys whispering about?” Alyssa emerged from the bathroom in jeans and a T-shirt with a towel wrapped around her head.

  “It’s daddy-daughter stuff. Moms are not allowed,” Everett said. “I have to go out soon. You know what to do, right?”

  “Keep the door locked and don’t answer it to anyone I don’t know.” She recited it like a poem. “Where are you going?”

  The moment of truth had arrived. “Georgia is appearing in court this morning.”

  Alyssa moved closer to the high chair. “Will she be released?”

  It was tempting to be protective and tell her there was no way that could happen. But she had asked him for honesty.

  “I’m not sure what today’s hearing will be about. Although we suspect there may be new evidence relating to Sean’s and Delilah’s deaths, I haven’t reported those findings yet. That means the charges against Georgia haven’t changed. My guess is that this will be related to her bail.”

  “What does that mean?” Alyssa asked.

  “When Georgia was originally granted bail, the judge would have taken into account a number of factors. He considered the seriousness of the charges, Georgia’s criminal history, if she presented a danger to the community and if she could be considered a flight risk. He’d also have been trying to weigh whether she was going to turn up for her trial. She was given bail, but she broke the conditions by attempting to leave town.”

  “He sent her to jail, so he must have considered her a flight risk,” Alyssa said.

  “Exactly. But her attorney may have put together a case for why bail should be offered now. If he can suggest ways the court can mitigate the danger of flight risk and harm to the community, the judge may agree.” He watched her face, hating the nervous look that came into her eyes. “That means she would be released again.”

  “She killed Sean and Delilah. We know that.” She drew in a shuddering breath. “And if Kennedy saw what happened, she may come after her.”

  “As far as the law is concerned, we know nothing.” He went to her and took her hands in his. “I seriously don’t believe Georgia will view Kennedy as a threat to her safety or freedom. Remember what Patty Griffiths said? Most people don’t think very young children can remember things that have happened to them.” His lips hardened into a line. “Although Georgia is trouble, she’s not stupid. She knows she’d have me to deal with if she tried anything with Kennedy.”

  He could tell she wasn’t convinced, but it was the most he could do. Part of him wondered if the best scenario might be for Georgia to be freed and attempt to harm Kennedy. Even though it was the last thing he wanted, he knew he would be able to deal with her and then put her back where she belonged for a long time.

  “What made Sean and Delilah turn out the way they did?” Alyssa asked. “People aren’t just born bad.”

  “When we were growing up, Sean and Georgia weren’t raised with the same sort of boundaries as me and Casey. At the time, I envied their freedom. It’s only when I look back that I can see what a nightmare their childhood must have been. Their dad was always out chasing the next quick buck, or a new woman. Left to bring up two kids more or less on her own, their mom resorted to desperate measures.”

  “In what way?”

  “I don’t know all the details,” Everett said. “I just remember the kids were always given pitying looks.”

  Alyssa grimaced. “I can understand how stepping out from that shadow would have been hard for them. But lots of people have tough childhoods. They don’t all go on to steal cattle and commit murder. On the contrary, many of them are determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.”

  “Of course they do.” Everett knew she was thinking of herself. Of the hardships her mom had endured, and the way Alyssa had turned them into lessons for life. “But the Dodd kids were fighters who thought the world was against them.”

  “So Sean and Georgia had a poor upbringing, a bad example and a grudge against the whole town?”

  “And the arrogance to do something about it. Neither of them have ever lacked nerve.” Everett put on his jacket as he spoke.

  “But Casey was going to marry Georgia,” Alyssa said. “She must have some redeeming qualities.”

  He paused. “Although I never liked her, I truly think marrying Casey was the one thing that could have turned her around. My brother is one of the good guys.” He shrugged. “But she blew it.”

  She stepped up close, catching hold of the front of his jacket. “Even though we didn’t know who you were fighting, I used to tell you to be careful every time you went to work.”

  “This time the bad guy—or gal—has a name.” He lightly kissed her forehead. “Nothing else has changed.”

  “You think?” Even though she stooped to pick up mangled toast slices from the floor, he got the feeling she was talking about more than Kennedy.

  Chapter 9

  Since the weather wasn’t really warm enough for a walk, Alyssa didn’t mind staying indoors with Kennedy. Determined to keep busy while Everett was out and not focus on what might be happening at the courthouse, she sat on the rug with a collection of the baby’s toys and books.

  Kennedy was already sitting independently and, when she was lying on the floor, she could roll from her front to her back. She was also showing early signs of wanting to crawl, lifting her bottom in the air and rocking backward and forward.

  “I dread to think what life will be like when you’re mobile,” Alyssa said. “In this tiny space, you’ll be able to cause havoc in seconds.”

  It was a reminder that their living arrangements were temporary. She’d gotten her maternity leave and, after the holidays, they would need to have a conversation about what happened next. Although Alyssa knew it was necessary, she was oddly reluctant to move on. It felt like the rest of the world had currently been put on hold. Even though they were dealing with a menacing figure who wanted to disrupt their lives, the little apartment had become a place of safety. Within these walls they had learned to become a family.

  One of Kennedy’s favorite games was peekaboo. She never tired of searching for an object that had been hidden under her blanket and squealed with delight at her own cleverness when she found it. For the first time, when Alyssa clapped, the baby copied her, bringing her hands together in an aimless applauding motion. At first, Alyssa thought it was a coincidence, but Kennedy did it each time.

  “Oh, clever girl. You’re clapping. Wait until Ev—until Daddy sees this.”

  She was just withdrawing her cell from her pocket to take a video when the security buzzer sounded. She wished that noise didn’t make her so jumpy. Okay, so they weren’t expecting anyone, but Georgia was in court at this very moment. There were a hundred reasons why someone could be at their door.

  Which is why I should answer it.

  Checking that Kennedy was safe on the floor, she got to her feet and went to the door. Was there a way of sounding bright and confident? Unlike a woman alone with a child?

  “Hi.” That should do it.

  “It’s Ryker and Maribelle Colton.” She recogni
zed Everett’s dad’s voice. “Is our son home?”

  “He’s not, but please come up.”

  A quick glance around the apartment confirmed that it was clean and tidy, apart from baby toys on the floor. Alyssa picked up Kennedy and went to let in Everett’s parents with the baby on her hip. Maybe she should have been more nervous about the situation, but she had always liked Ryker and Maribelle. And it wasn’t like she was under scrutiny as a future daughter-in-law.

  With his usual old-fashioned courtesy, Ryker stood back to let his wife enter first. He was exactly as Alyssa remembered him. In his late seventies now, he was straight-backed and slightly disheveled, with a kindly face and a twinkle in his eye when he smiled.

  Maribelle’s gaze went straight to the baby. “Oh, I’ve been thinking about this little sweetheart ever since we last met.”

  “Would you like to hold her?” Alyssa asked.

  “My darling girl, there is nothing I would like more.”

  Ryker nodded approvingly as Alyssa handed Kennedy over. “Smart move,” he murmured as they all moved into the living area.

  “Can I get coffee for anyone?” Alyssa gestured to the sofas.

  “Is it too much to hope that my son has remembered to buy some English breakfast tea?” The regal effect of Maribelle’s words was ruined slightly as Kennedy yanked on her necklace, pulling her head forward.

  “Coffee would be perfect,” Ryker said. “For both of us.”

  While she was in the kitchen, Alyssa took a moment to straighten her ponytail. She considered sending Everett a text message to let him know his parents had arrived but decided against it. If he was inside the courthouse, his cell phone would be switched off. By the time he got the message, he would be on his way home, anyway.

  When she returned to her guests, Ryker and Maribelle were sitting close together and were both engrossed in the baby. Alyssa halted a few steps away and watched them. Where was her child’s fear of strangers that had been so apparent on the previous day? Although her smile was shy, there was no question about it. Kennedy felt comfortable with Everett’s parents.