Redemption Rains

by A D Holland

  “I will testify Captain,” she glanced over at the detective. Noting those heavy lids now veiled his eyes, hiding any hint at what he was thinking. She pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. The Captain gave her arm a slight, reassuring squeeze.

  “I am glad to hear that. Now, we need to get the details straight and find out what the FBI have setup for you. I’m sure that this thing won’t take that long.”

  He turned back toward his desk, reaching for the phone. Detective Kane walked toward her slowly. Still unable to decipher the look in his hooded eyes, Elizabeth drew the blanket tighter around her to shield her from what, she was not sure. Hating this feeling of intimidation the detective was so bent on impending on her, she turned toward the captain again.

  “Before I go any further in this excursion Captain, I need to contact my family. If what you are telling me is true, it will be a very long time before I get to see them again,” her voice quivered a little as she spoke. She rushed into her next sentence. “I have a few things at my parent’s ranch that I need to get, clothes and personal items. I just don’t think that a night gown and a blanket suit the situation,” Elizabeth raised her eyebrow and looked directly at detective Kane. “I would be happier if I were dressed appropriately for this meeting that will determine the rest of my life.”

  “No,” Detective Kane barked the order surprising both her and the captain.

  “I’m sorry Miss Windsor,” the captain said on a sigh. “I think that it would not be wise to draw your family into this now. It will only put their lives in danger.”

  Elizabeth could not believe what she was hearing. Not see her family! If this Servano knew who she was already, then he would surely know that she had a family. This brought a frightening thought to her mind, realizing the danger she had unknowingly put her mother and stepfather in. The fear reflected in her eyes as she instinctively turned to Detective Kane and grabbed his arm.

  “They’re already in danger, aren’t they?” she shook his arm. “What if something has happened to them? What if this man has wasted no time and taken his vengeance out on my family?” Fear had pushed her beyond the edge as tears ran down her face.

  “This . . . this is all my fault!” She stared up at the detective with huge, tortured blue eyes. “I have to go . . . I have to go and make sure they are . . . they are . . . all right,” this last was released in a whisper.

  Trying to turn and leave the office, Elizabeth found herself blocked by detective Kane. She was too slow and before she could side step him and escape, he wrapped his arms around her pinning her arms to her sides and causing her face to slam into his chest knocking the wind from her. Gasping for breath, Elizabeth fought for her release but her efforts were useless. His strength over powered her.

  “Elizabeth,” was that his voice that whispered her name? She stilled against his chest.

  “Elizabeth, you have to calm down,” yes, that was him speaking to her in soothing tones.

  He lifted his hand to her hair and massaged the nape of her neck. Shock waves radiated down her spine as his long fingers expertly rubbed the fear and tension away. Tentatively, she laid her cheek against his chest. She could feel his steady heartbeat, calming her. She breathed in his masculine aroma, tangy from some aftershave but mixed with a scent that was only his. She relaxed into the embrace. She released a sigh as she felt his strong body support her softer one. Rock hard thighs pressed against her, causing little shock waves along her nerve endings.

  “We have already sent someone out to your family,” Captain Dye’s voice was like a bucket of cold water, splashing her back to consciousness. “They are fine and will have protection around the clock.”

  She jerked back, stepping away from the warmth enveloping her. Suddenly embarrassed for her reaction, she eyed the detective through her lashes. His hands that had been so soft and soothing were now shoved into his pockets. She looked up at his face. Jaw clenched, his lips were pulled into a thin line. She was startled to see his dark eyes boring into her full of contempt. She repulsed him, she was sure of that. Trying to control her raging emotions, she directed her attention to the captain.

  “I am thankful that you have taken care of my family Captain,” her mouth lifting at the corners in a smile which did not reach her haunted eyes. The need to see her family grew stronger.

  “If there is a guard already watching my family there will be no harm in my going to the ranch, collecting a few things and seeing them,” it was more a demand than a statement.

  She tucked her trembling hands into the folds of the blanket. She would not back down. This could be the last time she saw them and she was not going to let the detective stand in her way.

  “But you are wrong Miss Windsor,” the detective said. “You going to your family will only endanger their lives more and make it harder to protect you.”

  “No!” Elizabeth lost control. “You are wrong Detective Kane. You do not dictate my life. I have some rights here and I am going to enforce them or you get nothing,” during this speech, Elizabeth had walked up to the detective squaring off in front of him. “I will go to the ranch, I will get my things and I will see my family. If I have to go out there and steel a patrol car, I am going.” She raised her finger and poked him in the chest to clarify her meaning. “Not even you will keep me from doing this!”

  CHAPTER 4

  Standing in front of the full-length mirror in her old bedroom, Elizabeth looked at her reflection. She had chosen a straight skirt in navy blue that fell just at her knee and a creamy silk blouse that tucked into the waist and buttoned up the front. It was an old outfit that her mother had bought her several years ago as a present. As with all the clothes her mother tried to push off on her, Elizabeth had never worn either the blouse or the skirt before. Elizabeth preferred more comfortable clothes, long broom skirts usually topped with a big, bulky sweater or an oversized blouse, but all of her favorite clothes had been destroyed in the fire. Now she was forced to pick from the dozen or so outfits she had left behind at the ranch when she had moved. The whole ensemble was too tight for her comfort. She had never been comfortable wearing these kinds of clothes and now she looked at herself with criticism. She did not see how the skirt hugged her hips with the belt cinched at the waist bringing attention to her voluptuous curves or the way the cream of the blouse accentuated the flawless skin of her face and long neck visible where she had swept her hair up into a knot.

  All she saw were the bulges that stretched the material too tight. How in the world was she going to sit down in this? Shaking off the question, she searched through her closet for a pair of navy flats to go with her navy stockings. She turned to her suitcase, which lay on the bed and threw the lid shut. She would just have to be happy with her selection until she had a chance to stop and buy something more appropriate.

  Elizabeth took one last look around her room for any forgotten object she might need. In a few short hours her fate would be decided, sadness filled her heart as her gaze came across the picture of Samuel. This was her favorite photo and she kept a copy of it in a frame next to the bed. The original had been lost in the fire.

  How happy she was the day it was taken. She was seventeen and Samuel was twenty-four at the time. They had just come in from riding in the fields when her stepfather snapped this picture. Life was so good then. When she was with Samuel, she never worried about her weight, or what she looked like. He would never have looked at her with contempt or disgust as Detective Kane had done. Mad at herself for letting the detective interfere with her happy memories, Elizabeth grabbed the photo in its gold frame and stuck it in her carry all bag. She had been told too only get essentials. This was essential to her; it reminded her of a life that was happy.

  Lifting her suitcase, she headed out the door and down the landing to the winding staircase that led to the lower level and out into the foyer. As she neared the bottom, she could hear her mother talking with the detective.

  “I am so grateful that you too
k the time to bring Lizzy out here,” her mother made Elizabeth sound like a little girl who needed to be baby-sat. “It is so reassuring to know that such a strong, capable man is taking care of her. She is always getting in such messes.”

  Elizabeth flushed as she speeded up her footsteps, hoping to intervene before her mother could go on. She came into the living room, steeling herself against what she might find there. In her imagination she saw her mother lying on the couch with a cloth over her head looking like a lady right out of a Victorian novel. What she found when she entered the room was actually worse than her imaginings.

  Detective Kane was seated on the couch sandwiched in between her mother and her sister. They were both fighting for his attention. Mother had her hand resting on his arm, talking incessantly and her sister, bolder as usual had a hand resting on his thigh. Alexis looked adoringly up at the detective. Gees! You think they had never seen a man before.

  Elizabeth sat down her suitcases and went to her stepfather who was resting one arm along the mantle above the fireplace. He looked up from his drink as she drew near.

  “Elizabeth, you look so lovely. Have you been able to find everything you might need?”

  Edward took her into his arms in a strong bearlike hug, giving her an extra squeeze. She loved this man who had been more a father to her than anyone else. He was so warm and safe and was always there when she needed comforting. What would she do without his hugs? This thought brought tears to her eyes. Trying to shake them with humor, she leaned back and looked into his face.

  “Now father, you know better than to tell fibs,” she smiled up at him. He looked at her and shook his head.

  “Elizabeth, I never fib. You are my beautiful girl; especially in that outfit.” Edward reached down and gave her hip a little squeeze making Elizabeth jump and let a little noise of surprise.

  “I know Father, you are constantly telling me to just shut up and take the compliment, thank you,” she stepped away from Edward and toward the group at the couch. “Mother, I guess I can finally say that I am thankful for all of those outfits you bought me in the past, they will definitely be put to use in this situation.”

  Elizabeth braced herself for the reproach her mother would send in her way. For once her prayers were answered and no response was heard from her mother. Elizabeth looked at Margery, noting the surprised look in her eyes. But her sister could not seem to resist slamming her one time.

  “Lizzy, are you wearing a girdle? I can’t believe you fit into that outfit,” the vindictiveness could not be missed in her sister’s voice.

  Feeling her face grow hot with rage and embarrassment, Elizabeth struggled for a response and found none. Edward stepped up and took Elizabeth by the waist saving her.

  “Alexis, don’t be hateful. You are just jealous because you have never been able to pull off an outfit like this without looking like a stick.” Alexis gasped.

  “Mother, you cannot let him talk to me like that.”

  Elizabeth was grateful for once Margery did not speak up to defend her favorite daughter; instead she directed her face toward the detective.

  “Have I said how thankful we are that you are taking care of our Lizzy?”

  For the first time since entering the room, Elizabeth looked directly at Detective Kane. His jaw worked as his lips stretched into a thin line. Not being able to read anything in his half-closed eyes, which were pinned to her, Elizabeth looked away.

  “I think you should say your good-byes, Miss Windsor,” Detective Kane looked at his watch. “We have a meeting to attend.”

  With this said he turned away from the women standing next to him, walked over, and picked up her cases before narrowing his gaze once again on her.

  “I will take these to the car. It was a pleasure meeting all of you,” then he was out of the room and out the front door.

  “Well, I guess this is it honey,” Edward reached into his wallet and pulled out a wad of bills and handed them to her.

  “Father, I don’t need your money.”

  “Nonsense,” Edward responded. “I will not have my girl depending on the government for anything. No telling where they might stick you, they are so cheap.” Elizabeth reached to give her father a hug and then turned and hugged her mother.

  “Lizzy, please remember to try and behave yourself and contact us when you can,” Margery’s attempt at warmth was astounding and brought tears to Elizabeth’s eyes. Her mother was not perfect, but she was the only one she had.

  “I promise to call or write as soon as they have said it is okay.” Stepping back from her mother, she looked around. “Please try and remember to be careful and listen to what the police say. I don’t know what I would do if I knew there was a chance of any of you being hurt.”

  Elizabeth grabbed her purse off the coffee table and headed toward the front door without looking back. When would she see her family again? No one could answer that question.

  It was decided. Elizabeth would be taken to an undisclosed destination, attended only by a “body guard” until the time of the trial. The only hitch in the plan was the bodyguard part.

  “You cannot be serious about this Captain,” Detective Kane’s reaction to the announcement that he was the best man for the job. Elizabeth had looked up at him, startled by the sudden show of emotion from the detective. Sure, he wasn’t her first choice either, but you didn’t see her shouting at the captain. After this outburst, Elizabeth was certain that the animosity felt between her and the detective would not be good, so she voiced her opinion, in a somewhat more calming manner.

  “Captain,” she began. “I think that the Detective is needed here for the investigation more than with me. I’m sure that you could find some nice police woman to take this job,” she spied the detective out of the corner of her eye.

  He was standing rigid, with his fists clenched at his sides. She rushed on with her explanation, wanting to deter the anger that was emanating from the detective.

  “In fact, I would prefer a woman,” she flicked her hand and lifted her shoulders edifying an air of nonchalance, “I think that if this thing drags out too long, I would be more comfortable,” with that said, Elizabeth took a deep breath.

  Detective Kane barked out a laugh in response to her speech. The Captain quickly took control of the situation by dismissing Elizabeth to a chair outside his office and closing the door. The walls did little to contain the heated discussion going on in that office. She could hear the muffled voice of the captain followed by the detective’s louder one.

  “Captain, there is no way I am going to give up on this case and go hide out with a woman who doesn’t even like men!” This statement brought a flush to Elizabeth’s cheeks. She quickly looked around her to see if anyone else had heard this comment.

  “Now, Kane, I think that you are being a little harsh. She is a nice woman who is putting herself in danger to help your case. The least you can do is help protect her,” the captain’s plea was a bit disdainful.

  “You know how long I have been working on this Captain. I want Servano. I want him to pay for what he did. I refuse to be stuck off somewhere with that woman, when I could be here making sure that Servano did not slip through my fingers again,” Detective Kane’s voice contained a hatred that Elizabeth had never before experienced.

  “You will listen to me Devin Kane. I know what you have lost because of that man. You do remember that your father was my best friend and it eats at my guts every day because I could not stop Servano from destroying him . . .” the captain’s voice lowered and became muffled to the point that Elizabeth could not make out the next comment.

  Shifting in the chair, tugging on the too short navy skirt, Elizabeth soaked in this piece of information. No wonder the detective was so filled with bitterness and hate. Apparently this Servano mob boss was responsible for hurting his father. This was not a normal case, it was a vendetta, and she did not like being stuck in the middle.

  The door to the Captain’s office swu
ng open. Elizabeth looked up to see Captain Dye standing over her. The look on his face was grim.

  “It has been decided Miss Windsor that Detective Kane will be taking care of your safety.”

  Riding beside Detective Kane in the front seat of his car, Elizabeth was certain that she could cut the tension with a pair of scissors. It was terrible; she couldn’t go on like this. There was no way that she could take another two hours closed in this car with a man who radiated such anger that it burned her like a fire. The white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel was evidence of the control that Detective Devin Kane was showing at this very moment. His jaw clenched in anger, mouth grim and eyes never wavering from the road led her to believe that she was leaving one hell for another. She had to do something to break this tension. Elizabeth felt her nails digging into her palms. She looked at him again.

  “I’m sorry Detective Kane that this has happened,” her apology was met with silence. The only response was the ticking of his pulse in his tight jaw.

  Elizabeth took an unsteady breath and continued.

  “If there is anything that I need to do to make this easier, please tell me.” There, that was not so hard. She was getting better at this talking to men thing.

  “Miss Windsor, the only thing that you can do is pray that we get an early court date so we can get this farce over with,” Detective Kane said this not with anger but with a voice that had no emotion at all. His eyes never left the road. “I have more important things to do than baby-sit.”

  Squeezing her hands tighter, the nails embedding themselves in the soft flesh of her palms, Elizabeth’s face flushed. But instead of the feelings of embarrassment or self-pity she usually had when someone talked to her that way, she realized that she was experiencing uncontrollable rage. She did not deserve this kind of treatment from this man. She was the one risking her neck for his case. Drawing strength from her anger, she lashed out at him.

  "Oh, and I don’t have more important things to do than be stuffed off somewhere with some sexist, macho Dirty Harry wanna be? Is that what you’re implying?” Proud that her voice did not waver, Elizabeth jerked her head back to the window. “Well, Detective Kane, you are wrong. I have a life and a family and I am not a man hater. I love men,” directing a glacial look at him she continued, “What I do hate are self-absorbed, egotistical, gun toting brutes who are hell bent on settling some kind of vendetta.”