Against Me (Cedar Tree Book 3)

by Freya Barker

  "Yeah, well, the physical chemistry was all there. No complaints on that front, but when his phone kept blowing up during dinner and souring his mood, and then some bimbo eventually stopped at the table demanding to know why he wasn't answering 'his wife's' calls, I figured it was time to call it a night."

  I think we all gasped at that, but of course Arlene piped up.

  "Joe is married? No shit! I've known him for years and I would know if he was. Are you sure she wasn't some disgruntled ex pissed at being passed over?"

  "Pretty damn sure. In fact, he tried calling afterward for days, which I ignored. Until finally he cornered me in the ER, wanting to explain. I said there was only one thing I needed to know and that was whether he was married, and that that answer only required a yes or a no. His answer was yes, so I told him I had had enough of adulterers for a lifetime and left him in the hallway. That's the end of that." A shrug of her shoulders indicates she is done with it, but a shadow in her eyes tells me the experience still stings.

  In an effort to steer the focus away from what seems to be an uncomfortable trip down memory lane for Naomi, I bring up a sure-fire topic, "So what's this about special chocolates?" And with a loud cheer of approval, the girls get out of the pool and make their way to the dressing room, leaving me to call after them, "Hey! Excuse me, some help here please?"

  "Neil? The fuck is going on there... Neil?"

  "Yeah. Sorry man, I got your message. Reception is for shit up here. Been checking my phone every couple of minutes while the women were in the pool."

  I blow out the ball of tension that has been sitting on my chest like an anvil. The instant relief makes me almost light-headed and I bend over, leaning on the hood of the car.

  "Everyone good? Haven't seen anything out of the ordinary?" I prompt him.

  "Nah man. Just these crazy broads having a good time, why? Something happen?" The concern is evident in Neil's voice.

  "Keep your eyes peeled. Make sure you have connecting doors in the hotel or sleep on the goddamn floor of their room if you must. I'm guessing they'll all be bunking like a bunch of schoolgirls, yeah?"

  "Guess so," he says with a snort, "although I can't for the life of me figure out what's so fun about that."

  "This time, just be glad they do weird shit, because I'm not sure we can get more coverage up there on short notice and we might be in a shitload of trouble. I got a call tonight, I pegged it as a Duarte family member or someone closely connected, telling me to back off and the promise I would be left with some incentive. I'm worried about Katie. If they've had eyes on me the whole time, they would've had them on her too. You hearing me?"

  "Loud and clear. Want us to head back tonight?"

  "No. Safer to bunk down for the night and travel in daylight but it might be a good idea to split the women over two cars. Did Katie bring her sidearm?"

  "Didn't see it, but that doesn't mean it's not there. I'll have her in the car with the doc and Emma and Arlene can get in the truck with me, and I'll be behind the doc."

  "If she has her gun, then yes that's a good option."

  "Want me to talk to her?"

  I'm pretty sure this is not something I can leave Katie out of, nor do I really want to. She has every right to know that she might have an even larger target on her head now.

  "Hand the phone to her. I'll talk to her, but Neil? You give Gus a call and let him talk to Ems after. He's been trying to get through too."

  "Sure."

  I can hear him call out to Katie and a minute or so later I can hear her out of breath voice on the line.

  "Hey you. How come you're calling on Neil's phone?"

  Always sharp on details, she knows right away something is off.

  "We may have some trouble heading your way, sweets. Nothing specific, but I was given the message that something might be coming down in connection with this cartel business. You'll see a few missed calls on your phone from me too. Couldn't get a hold you, apparently your reception sucks there."

  "Fuck. You safe? Do you need back up?"

  I chuckle at that, because I am likely better covered here, with the Farmington PD as well as the Feds backing me up should I need it.

  "I'm good, little one. You, however, are a bit exposed. Are you carrying?"

  "Brought my baby with me. In my bag, but she'll be on my hip from here on in."

  I want to say much more but I have another call coming in so I have to cut it short.

  "I've got a call, gotta go. Discuss course of action with Neil, okay?"

  "Gotcha. And Caleb?" Her voice dips down to almost a whisper, "please try hard to come home to me."

  I love you is in my heart and on my lips, but no way in hell am I going to tell her over the phone. She knows anyway.

  "Always."

  With a quick glance at my phone to see who's calling, I answer the other line.

  "Gus. They're fine. Just talked to Neil, they have dick all in reception up there." I quickly fill him in.

  "Thank fuck for that. Tell 'em to stay the night?"

  "Yeah I did. Neil's gonna be calling you soon. I'm heading back inside. It's getting fucking cold here in the parking lot."

  I can hear his chuckle coming over the line, "Bags packed and ready to roll, right?"

  "Absolutely," I admit.

  "Figured you weren't gonna listen when I told ya to wait. What else is new? Stay safe; I'll see to it we get some more eyes on the girls for tonight. I'll be in touch."

  I slide my phone in my back pocket, open the back door to my Tahoe and am about to haul out my bags again, when I hear a car pull up beside me. Cops.

  "Caleb Whitetail?"

  "That's me." I notice the young officer who addressed me is doing his best to avoid my eyes.

  "Sir, we need you to come with us."

  Just then I notice the second officer standing by the patrol car.

  "What's going on?"

  "Detective Jonas asked us to pick you up. There's been a problem at your family home."

  Fuck.

  "I'll follow you." I move to get into the truck when the other officer's voice stops me.

  "We were instructed to drive you."

  I throw him a scathing look. "I'm not getting in the fucking patrol car with you unless you're willing to give me better information than you just did. My guess is you won't. So you either lead the fucking way or shoot me as I drive over to my parents' house where, as you point out, there is 'trouble'. I'm sure your Detective Jonas as well as the FBI, with whom I am working closely together, would be thrilled about that." Fucking son of a bitch little punk ass cop thinks he's gonna sit me in the back of his patrol car.

  I tear out of the parking lot in the direction of Shiprock with the cops on my tail trying to keep up. They wanna lead, they're gonna have to go faster.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  I can see the thick plume of smoke from a distance. Fear and anger course through me as I pull the truck in behind a collection of emergency vehicles and jump out. There is fucking nothing left of my parents' house. Not a damn thing but a pile of burned out and smoking rubble.

  Walking up to the remnants of my childhood home I barely notice my name being called until a hand is slapped on my shoulder.

  "Hold up, son." A familiar deep rumble comes from behind me.

  Detective Manuel Jordan is probably only ten or so years older than I am, but has a fatherly way about him.

  "Where are they?"

  My eyes closely scan the small crowd that has gathered, but the slight pressure of the hand on my shoulder warns me that I won't find my parents' faces among them.

  "Your father was found just outside the door and has been taken to Farmington. No sign of your mother outside. Waiting for word from the Fire Marshall to go in and look for possible remains. I'm so sorry."

  I haven't left the safety of my Tahoe since filling Manny Jordan in on the threatening phone call and suggest he call Gus to inform him of the latest. I just don't have it in me to talk to
anyone right now. I'm not sure how long it's been; likely hours. Silently I watch as a group of three men starts sifting through the rubble in what I know to be a search for my mother's body. All the while I try to honour her with memories of who and how she was before my sister's death broke her. I don't really need the confirmation; I can feel she's gone.

  My eyes shoot up when I hear a yell and I see one of the men standing in the still smoking remains of our house, his arm in the air, marking the location where my mother died. It's her; don't need the confirmation, I know. Rubbing my hands over my face, I'm surprised to find them coming away wet with tears, and that makes me pissed. Why the fuck was my father out the door, but my mother still inside?

  "Caleb?" Manny is standing in the open passenger side door, a look of concern on his face. "Can't confirm until the coroner has done his thing, but it looks like it might be her."

  I simply nod at him and get out. "I want to see her." I start walking toward the group of men now huddled around their find, but Manny holds me back.

  "I hear there isn't much left. Not a good idea, Caleb."

  Shrugging his hand off my arm I walk on. "Not negotiable," is all I say.

  "So glad you guys convinced me to come," Arlene is laying with her head on Emma's lap, a goofy smile on her face. I'm pretty sure she's three sheets to the wind with the white wine and truffle combo she's been hitting.

  Neil and I managed to get our rooms changed to a suite with two bedrooms and a pull out couch, which put us all within the same walls and that makes protection a shit load easier. Only one door to watch. I feel bad about leaving the others in the dark, but Neil was right when he pointed out there was no use in spoiling everyone's night. Wasn't like we weren't gonna say anything tomorrow. They're likely to find out when they get wind of the driving arrangements that something is up.

  Not wanting to dull my rusty reflexes even further, I made up the excuse that I couldn't drink because of medication, something that was quickly accepted in this group.

  We're lounging on the big king-sized bed in one of the bedrooms and just finished watching some sappy movie on the big flat screen when Arlene sighs, "I used to be like that you know? All lonely and frustrated... Sad, really. Having to go without two or three good orgasms a day should be a crime."

  Naomi and I burst out laughing, but Emma just smiles dreamily, "I used to get so fucking horny, I'd wonder with every guy that passed me on the street or stopped next to me at a light, how he'd be in the sack. Some of those fantasies would be so hot; I'd live off them for weeks. Nowadays, who has time for fantasies?"

  Ahh. Slightly uncomfortable for me, knowing exactly what she has... or maybe that's not fair. I don't really. There is no comparing what I thought I had with Gus and what he and Emma have. No comparison whatsoever.

  "I have an admission to make," Naomi slurs next to me, "I'm on a dry spell that's going on–" She starts counting the fingers of both hands before she says, "four years now, and I get turned on in the produce section of the grocery store, imagining random shoppers doing me in the potato bin."

  I'm laughing so hard, tears are running down my face and I'm pretty sure I peed my pants a little. Arlene just manages to catch Emma before she rolls off the bed in hysterics and with a loud snort and a shake of his head, Neil finally has enough and pulls the bedroom door shut on our raucous laughter. Of course this is only ‘cause for more hilarity. To think I didn't even have one sip to drink.

  Not five minutes later I am grateful for that fact when Neil sticks his head back in the door.

  "Need you in here for a minute, Katie. Business call," he says, giving me a pointed look that takes all the giddiness right out of me. I scramble to get off the bed and in my chair, and with the others barely noticing I'm leaving, I head into the other room.

  "What's up," I question Neil when I notice his cell phone laying on the table.

  "Gus just called. There was trouble in Shiprock."

  At my panicked gasp Neil throws up his hands and adds quickly, "Caleb's fine, but his parent's house was burned down. Nothing's been confirmed but arson is suspected and his father was found unconscious just outside the door. He's in the hospital in Farmington."

  I know there is more when he keeps looking at me with his solemn eyes.

  "His mother?" I have to know.

  "Remains were found inside the home and are en route to the coroner's office for positive identification, but the general consensus is that it's her."

  My heart breaks for Caleb. I know his relationship with his parents has been non-existent for most of his adult life but there was a time when they were a happy family. I know he loves his family regardless. This must be killing him. I wheel myself into the other room to start packing my bag when Neil stops me.

  "What are you doing?"

  "Have to get to Farmington," I say without looking up from my task.

  "We can't. Katie, think. I get it, I do, but things just got really serious and you and I are all that's between these three women in there and potential trouble."

  He's right, I know he's right but I'm so fired up, I need to do something, I need to be with Caleb right now. Fuck, why is this so complicated! Any action impeded by circumstances, I have nothing left but to give in to my emotions. Big tears of sadness and frustration start rolling down my face and Neil looks on in shock, but soon is kneeling next to me, awkwardly wrapping his arms around me in comfort.

  "I'll have you know I hate this feeling, shit. I just started and it's not working out so good right now," I mumble in his shirt, making him laugh quietly.

  "You were always too much of a hard ass for a girl. Gotta say I like you better like this."

  "What? Weepy and weak?"

  "No. Beauty, balls and heart. You know; the whole package?"

  He gets up to get a box of tissues from the bathroom and I observe him as he hands them over.

  "You know you're gonna make some woman extremely lucky one day, don't you?"

  "Whatever," he says with a smirk, "come on, wipe the slobber and let's wait for Gus's call. He was going to make some arrangements while I talked to you."

  When we drive on to the parking lot of the San Juan Regional Medical Centre, it's near noon on Saturday.

  Gus met us in Durango where we had a quick late breakfast before I transferred my stuff to his truck. Gus had his hands full trying to calm down a pissed off Emma and Arlene, who had wanted to come for support. Explaining to them they'd be walking into a potential dispute between a notorious Mexican cartel and a well-known gang, went a long way to calming them down. Finally tucked into Naomi's fancy car with Neil ready to follow them back home, Gus and I finally get on our way.

  "So you never got through to him?" I ask again. I asked him last night too and tried calling myself a few times, but Caleb never answered.

  "No, Manny Jordan, the lead detective, who was working with Caleb already, mentioned Caleb had very determinedly turned his phone off. I've been in touch with Manny a couple of times though and know Caleb's here waiting for his father to regain consciousness. He's been out this whole time."

  "Is he gonna make it?"

  "It would appear so, although with some serious third degree burns and they haven't been able to assess the damage from smoke inhalation. He was drunk out of his brain, which is the only reason they figure he hasn't woken up yet."

  Gus walks up to a portly middle-aged Latino man who comes toward us in the lobby.

  "Detective Jordan?"

  "Manny. You must be Gus Flemming." They shake hands and Gus introduces me as his associate, immediately making me feel less awkward about being here.

  I'd been having second thoughts about coming, the closer we got to Farmington. Starting to doubt whether he'd even want me here, thinking he would've called or at least answered my calls if he needs me. I hate the uncertainty eating at me.

  "He's up on the third floor. Mr. Whitetail has still not woken up and they're keeping him in the ICU, but in a private room because of the polic
e investigation. Let's go up." Manny indicates the elevators on the far side of the lobby.

  "Actually," Gus suggests, "why don't we let Katie head up while we go over some things here. Okay with you, Katie?"

  I'm eager to see Caleb, but nervous as hell about how he's going to react to having me here. I simply nod and make my way to the elevators.

  There is no one stopping me on the third floor so I peek in the doors along the hallway until I see Caleb sitting beside a bed, his head in his hands. He must've heard something because his head shoots up and he looks straight at me.

  I stumble over my words, "Hi. Sorry to barge in, but I... I needed to see you."

  Without a word, Caleb gets up, walks over and grabs my chair, only to turn me out into the hallway again. That did not go well.

  Been sitting in this damn hospital room for hours listening to the beep of the various machines my father is hooked up to, thinking about how detached I'm feeling compared to another time in recent memory when I was sitting by the side of a hospital bed, waiting for a sign of life. I felt like my heart was being ripped out then, but this time, I feel nothing but a deep anger and sadness.

  The soft groan from the bed startles me. He blinks a few times before his eyes finally settle on me and without needing to hear the question, he answers it for me with the guilt that clouds his eyes and the hastily whispered, "Sorry."

  Nothing left now. I only stayed because I needed to know for sure. Needed to hear from him how he could save himself and leave my mother, his wife, to burn.

  I saw her body, or what was left of it. If there was any doubt, the horseshoe shaped picture frame clutched in her charred fingers confirmed it. She never went anywhere without that picture of my sister. Never. I hope it gave her some comfort in the end.

  A small sound from the doorway alerts me and I can feel my hard resolve crumbling when I see Katie there.

  "Hi," she says in a small voice, "Sorry to barge in but I... I needed to see you."

  Unable to speak for the flood of emotions coming at me, I turn her chair around, away from my bastard of a father and roll her into the adjoining small waiting room, which luckily is empty. I don't think, just lift her out of her chair and on to my lap as I sit down on the single couch in the room. Wrapping my arms tightly around her I bury my face in her neck and feel a shudder go through my body. I'm holding my family in my arms.