Family Under Fire

by Jane Godman

  Alyssa experienced a new rush of warmth toward this good-natured couple. She also felt a profound sense of relief. Kennedy’s problems weren’t over, but perhaps they weren’t as severe as she’d feared.

  “Maribelle tells me you and Everett have adopted this little lady.” Ryker patted the sofa cushions, inviting Alyssa to sit next to him.

  “That’s not quite how it happened.” They were both so easy to talk to that, under their interested stares, she found herself pouring out the whole story. Minus Creepy-Elevator Guy, Teddy-Bear-Delivery Guy, Parking-Lot-Attempted-Murder Guy, Cheating-Lawyer Guy and Villainous Aunt. She didn’t want to see those smiles turn to looks of horror as they grabbed the baby and headed for the nearest social worker to explain that this poor child should not be left alone with some woman who made up wild stories.

  “It’s quite a commitment,” Maribelle said.

  “One that will do Everett good.” Ryker’s voice was firm.

  Alyssa bowed her head as an unexpected rush of tears threatened to overwhelm her. After everything they’d been through, hearing those words from Everett’s traditional, upright father meant more than she could say. When she looked up, he gave her an understanding nod.

  “You have quite an adventure ahead of you.”

  She gave a shaky laugh. “You have no idea.”

  “Oh, I know my boys.” The smile deepened. “I know I can’t contact either of them this morning. I also know Georgia Dodd is back in court today.”

  Alyssa gave a start of surprise, but before she could answer, Maribelle shuddered. “Don’t say that name in my presence. Casey is better off without her, but when I think of what she put him through—”

  Ryker patted her hand. “Let’s not think of it, my love.”

  “I’m happy to turn my attention to this little one.” She bounced Kennedy on her lap. “You’ll join us for the holidays? Casey is bringing his new girlfriend. It would make it such a special occasion to have the whole family together. After all...” She turned to Ryker with shining eyes. “This is our first grandchild.”

  “Alyssa and Everett may have other plans,” he said in his gentle way.

  “We haven’t really talked about it—”

  “Then it’s agreed.”

  Maribelle clasped her hand. “How wonderful to see both my boys settled.”

  A blush heated Alyssa’s cheeks. “We’re not... Everett and I...” She floundered. Taking a deep breath, she continued. “We’re not in a relationship.”

  “Goodness.” Maribelle looked at the baby for long, silent moments. “Don’t you think it would be better if you got married?”

  Alyssa’s initial reaction was to instantly dismiss the suggestion, but she didn’t want to hurt the other woman’s feelings. Maribelle came from a different generation. If only life was that simple...

  In some ways, taking responsibility for Kennedy meant they had to act like they were married. Their lives had become intertwined, they now divided up the labor in a way that made sense, and, at some point in the near future, they would have to do something similar with the finances. Alyssa hadn’t thought through their own futures, but either of them dating seemed out of the question for the moment, or, at the very least, a complex arrangement. Even so, getting married for any reason other than love felt plain wrong.

  Guess that means I never get to go wedding-dress shopping.

  It was a fleeting thought with only a tiny sting in its tail. How could she be sad when her no-wedding reason was Kennedy?

  “Kennedy came to us in an unconventional way, as part of a civil contract,” she said. “For that reason, Everett and I feel we can raise her together without the need for a marriage certificate.”

  Although she hoped there was enough finality in her tone to end the discussion, she could tell Maribelle was already in wedding-planning mode. “But, my dear, have you really thought it through? About how it looks to other people? What about when she starts school? Other children can be so cruel.”

  “Alyssa is a teacher, remember?” Ryker intervened in his soft-spoken way. “We can trust her to deal with any issues that arise.”

  It was clear that Maribelle wasn’t finished with the subject, but she turned her attention back to Kennedy, asking questions about health checks and doctors. Thanks to Delilah’s diligent record-keeping, Alyssa was able to answer them all easily.

  “Physically, she’s fine. We’re just a little concerned about the impact of her parents’ deaths,” she explained. “We’ll watch her closely and seek professional help if necessary.”

  “At this age, there’s no substitute for lots of love and cuddles.” Maribelle put action to her words by snuggling Kennedy close.

  “I’m going to add my professional support to that opinion,” Ryker said. “And now, we’ll leave you in peace. I do hope we’ll see you during the holidays.”

  “I hope so, too.” As she took the baby from Maribelle, Alyssa realized that she meant it. Since her father’s death, she’d never really known a family Christmas. Her mother had tried hard, but her declining health had made it difficult. Spending time at Everett’s childhood home would be a pleasure.

  As they got ready to leave, Ryker stooped to pick up a folded piece of white paper wedged halfway beneath the door.

  “Looks like someone couldn’t wait for you to go down to the mailbox.” His bright eyes scanned Alyssa’s face as he handed it to her. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She tucked the note into the back pocket of her jeans. “Everett will be sorry he missed you.”

  Ryker laughed. “We all know that’s not true.”

  Maribelle kissed Alyssa’s cheek. “Twins are such a blessing. If you like blessings that team up and make you spend your whole life worrying about them.”

  When they’d gone, Alyssa leaned against the wall and released a long, slow breath. Reaching into her back pocket, she withdrew the piece of paper. She studied it for a moment or two, debating whether to unfold it. There was no reason to suspect it contained anything sinister, but the way things had been going lately...

  She could just wait for Everett to get back. But that wouldn’t change anything. If the note contained bad news, she might as well find out now. Tentatively, she opened it and read the words that had been written in black felt pen.

  Enjoy playing happy family while you can. Dead babies don’t play so good.

  * * *

  The Cactus Creek courthouse was close to the sheriff’s office, and Casey was waiting outside when Everett arrived. He held cups of fast-food coffee in each hand and as his brother approached, he held one of them out.

  “Turbocharged. Three sugars. No cream.”

  “There are days when I’m glad you’re my twin.” Everett accepted the beverage gratefully.

  “There are days when I almost feel the same way.”

  They stood on the sidewalk for a few minutes, drinking their coffee and watching the entrance to the courthouse.

  “How do you feel about this?” Everett asked. “Seeing the woman you almost married up in court on such serious charges has to be hard.”

  Casey continued to sip his drink for a moment or two. Everett wasn’t concerned. He knew his brother would give him an honest answer.

  “It just feels like that part of my life happened to someone else, you know?” Casey shook his head. “We were childhood sweethearts, me and Georgia. Getting married was what we were meant to do. Don’t get me wrong, I knew she had a wild side. But I figured she’d settle down. Now I’m happy with Melody and I look back and wonder how I could have been such a jerk.”

  “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You loved her.”

  “Did I? I’m not so sure.” Casey drained his drink. “I loved who I thought she was. I sure as hell didn’t love the woman we’re about to hear about in this courthouse.”

  They went thro
ugh the double doors and into the marble-tiled lobby. Casey checked his gun at the reception desk, and they signed in, using their badges as identification. Passing the Court in Session signs, they entered the main courtroom. Judge Morley Ackerman was already seated at the bench talking to the district attorney, Warren Marano, and a younger man.

  “That’s Jacob Cardell, Georgia’s defense attorney,” Casey murmured.

  “Good? Bad?”

  “Expensive.”

  They had just taken their seats when Georgia, escorted by a female prison officer, was led in through the rear doors. Immediately, Jacob Cardell was at her side, first pulling out a chair and then pouring her a glass of water.

  Everett studied the woman whom he’d known since she’d had pigtails and been missing her front teeth. Now, as an adult, there was no doubt about Georgia’s physical beauty. She had tawny skin, sultry eyes and a slim body. As she licked her lips and glanced about, the way she tossed her dark wavy hair around was more reminiscent of a nightclub than a courtroom. But that was Georgia Dodd. Her wild-child tendencies couldn’t remain hidden for long.

  Although her attorney was talking earnestly, her gaze continued to wander. When it finally fell on Everett and Casey, her eyes widened slightly and a tiny smile touched her lips. Everett kept his eyes on hers, answering her with a cold, stony stare of his own. Georgia’s smile faded and she looked away first.

  Score one for the good guys.

  The public seats were mostly empty. There was plenty of interest in the case because there was a murder involved and the double suicide of Georgia’s brother and his wife had gripped the imagination of the citizens of Cactus Creek. But since today’s hearing was likely to be administrative and over quickly, only a few journalists and the most hardened court watchers had shown up.

  Judge Ackerman called the court to order and announced that the session was in progress. He asked Cardell to state why he had requested this additional hearing.

  “She wants bail,” Everett murmured.

  “Ackerman is a tough nut to crack,” Casey whispered back. “Once he’s made up his mind, he’ll take some convincing.”

  “Your Honor, my client fully understands the reasons behind your decision to impose a custodial sentence after her bail conditions were broken.” From the sulky look on Georgia’s face there was a possibility that Cardell’s opening statement may have lacked truth. “However, we would respectfully request a review of that ruling.”

  “On what grounds?” Judge Ackerman was clearly a man of few words.

  “Firstly, my client is willing to submit to any additional conditions the court may impose, including relinquishing her passport, wearing an electronic monitoring device or daily reporting to a police station.”

  “Big deal,” Casey muttered.

  “Secondly, my client wishes to appeal to the court for leniency on compassionate grounds. As you are aware, her brother and his wife died recently in tragic circumstances, leaving their infant daughter orphaned.” Everett sat up straighter. What did any of this have to do with Kennedy? “Although the baby was left in the care of others, my client wishes to overturn the will and apply for custody of the child. It will be easier for her to go through the legal processes involved if she is not in jail.”

  Anger burned its way up from somewhere deep inside Everett’s gut. By the time it reached his face, it was so red-hot he was in danger of giving off steam. His knuckles whitened as he clenched his fists on his thighs and gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain silent.

  Casey sent him a sidelong glance. “You want to take a few minutes? Maybe step outside?”

  Slowly, he shook his head. “I need to hear this.”

  Judge Ackerman scribbled a few notes. “You said the child is in the care of others, Mr. Cardell? Presumably this was in accordance with the parents’ wishes?”

  Before Cardell could answer, Georgia tugged at his sleeve. Everett could see her muttering furiously to him. “Yes, Your Honor, but my client feels—”

  “Was this in accordance with the parents’ wishes, Mr. Cardell?” the judge repeated.

  “Yes, Your Honor.”

  Ackerman scribbled again. Georgia, clearly feeling that her attorney had let her down in some way, scolded him under her breath while they waited. When the judge looked up, Cardell flapped a hand to silence her.

  “Your offer to submit to conditions doesn’t influence my decision. As for the care of your client’s niece, I don’t feel that there is any pressing need for this to influence your client’s custodial status. The child is currently being cared for by the people named in her parents’ will.”

  Although Georgia gave an audible hiss, the judge continued.

  “In case you hadn’t noticed, Mr. Cardell, your client is facing some serious charges here. There will be time to consider overturning her brother’s will, if she manages to walk away from them a free woman.”

  “Your Honor, may I ask—”

  “You may not. Your request for reconsideration is denied.”

  “What?” Georgia got to her feet, facing the judge with wild eyes. There was a ripple of interest in the seats near Everett and Casey. “They got to you, didn’t they? The FBI agent and his kid-brother deputy...”

  Cardell quickly pulled her back down into her seat, and the prison officer was at her side in a flash. Within minutes, she was being led out of the room.

  “Whew. Nothing to see here, folks.” Casey got to his feet. “At least she showed her true colors and she stays behind bars. She can’t hurt you while she’s in prison.”

  With perfect timing, Everett’s cell phone pinged to indicate the arrival of a message. When the picture from Alyssa appeared on his screen, adrenaline had him heading for the door at a run.

  “What is it?” Casey was close behind him.

  “You think Georgia can’t threaten us from a cell?” Everett showed him the message: Dead babies don’t play so nice. “Think again.”

  * * *

  “It’s been a stressful day,” Everett said. “We can cancel dinner with Casey and Melody. They’ll understand.”

  Alyssa shook her head. In the past, she’d have let the threatening note tip her world off-course, just as the sender intended. But things had changed the day she’d walked into Ray Torrington’s office and become a mom. Caring for Kennedy meant facing up to her fears, not running from them.

  “Georgia is not going to win this fight.” Stubbornly, she placed a dish onto the counter. “And I’ve already started preparing dinner.”

  He nodded approvingly. “There is one thing we have to consider.” She raised inquiring eyebrows. “Around the time that note was being pushed under the door, Georgia was being brought from the jail to the courthouse in a police car.”

  “We know she didn’t do it herself. That means she has an accomplice. We already considered that possibility.”

  “I agree that a sidekick is the most likely scenario,” Everett said. “I’d also like to pay another visit to Ray Torrington. And I think I’ll take Casey with me next time.”

  Alyssa’s brow wrinkled. “You’re the FBI agent, but Ray doesn’t strike me as the type to try to run you down in a parking lot.”

  “You’re probably right. He’s more likely to commit his crimes on paper.” He sighed. “How’s Kennedy been today?”

  “Really good. She loved seeing your mom and dad.” She pointed toward the bedroom. “She’s sleeping off the effects.”

  Everett shook his head. “My parents are incredible. How many times was Christmas dinner mentioned?”

  Alyssa laughed. “It may have entered the conversation.”

  He watched as she stirred the sauce. “Would it bother you if we went there for the holidays?”

  “Bother me? No. I’d like it.” She dipped a spoon into the pan and held it out for him to taste. “And I think it would be good
for Kennedy.”

  “You do?” He ran a hand through his hair. “Then let’s do it. Let’s take our little girl to her grandparents’ for the holidays.” He pointed to the pan. “More pepper, by the way.”

  Alyssa went to the window. “Oh, look! It really is snowing. And it’s settling.”

  Everett smiled. “It will be Kennedy’s first glimpse of snow. When we were kids, there was a freak snowstorm and my dad took us to make snow angels in Henderson Park. If we wrap her up warm, I guess half an hour in the cold won’t hurt her.”

  She was already running toward the bedroom. “She has the prettiest little snowsuit...”

  Henderson Park was close to the center of town. Everett explained that it was often used in summer for outdoor events, such as live music, or fireworks displays. Despite the fact that the snow hadn’t been falling for long, a surprising number of people were already taking advantage of the rare Arizona weather and were sledding, throwing snowballs and building snowmen.

  At first, Alyssa had dressed Kennedy in so many layers that the baby resembled a tiny sumo wrestler. Eventually, a more common-sense approach had prevailed, and the little girl now studied the white landscape from her stroller clad in her snowsuit and bundled in a blanket. A knit hat and matching gloves completed her outfit. She appeared unimpressed with her apparel and the world in general.

  “Great.” Everett studied his cell phone. “We have a series of images of you and me grinning like idiots while Kennedy frowns at us.”

  “That may well be the story of our lives from now on—” She let out a squeal as Everett caught her unaware by shoving a handful of snow down the back of her neck. “You...”

  As she attempted to retaliate, chasing him around the stroller with her own handful of snow, she reflected on how easy it would be for anyone watching them to imagine their lives were normal. Whatever that might mean. It certainly didn’t mean living in fear of the woman who had almost certainly killed Kennedy’s parents. A woman who was now dominating their lives.