Lies That Bind

by Shirley Wine

  ‘So what do you suggest?’

  ‘As I said: invite Ian’s parents to visit the children here and stay a few days.’ She gave him a conspiratorial grin. ‘I take it they like to make an impression?’

  ‘Do they ever.’

  ‘So why not invite them to visit the children, stay a few days and attend the Whitby garden party while they’re here?’

  Luke eyed her with dawning respect. ‘That could work.’

  She grinned and her dark eyes sparkled. ‘Besides, inviting Ian’s parents to the social extravaganza of the year will give you the moral high ground.’

  ‘And give them a chance to preen.’

  Brooke laughed. The low, husky sound hit him square in the gut and stirred a purely masculine response. As the shadows in her eyes lightened Luke realised that she didn’t laugh nearly often enough.

  ‘Preening doesn’t hurt anyone,’ she said, her amusement fading, ‘but allowing Rose and Otto to meet with their grandparents in a social setting not only gives you the chance to overtly supervise their visit, but it is a public demonstration that you’re prepared to help promote a healthy relationship between the kids and their grandparents.’

  The thoughtful observation gave him pause. ‘Can you guarantee that such a visit will work?’

  Brooke hesitated. ‘Only time can answer that, Luke. There is no magic bullet to resolve these situations.’

  Luke rose and paced to the window to stand staring out at the land, his hands thrust deep in his pockets. Anger and fear churned in his gut. Was Brooke right? Would he do better to invite the elder McLellans to visit with the kids out here on Whitby Downs? The thought was enough to bring him out in a sweat. He could foresee so many pitfalls. At last he turned to face her.

  ‘I work long hours,’ he said, scowling. ‘How can I be on hand to supervise such a visit?’

  Brooke rose and crossed to his side. ‘This applies regardless of where a meeting takes place.’

  ‘I guess.’ He looked down and her warm, encouraging smile eased his apprehension.

  ‘Look at it this way: here on home turf you also have the added advantage of extra pairs of eyes and ears—mine, Dad’s and Rio’s.’

  ‘So I do.’

  This was something else he’s not considered. His anxiety eased another notch. For so long he’d felt like he was floundering in quicksand, all alone. Having Brooke to talk to, to discuss his fears, to listen to her clear-sighted views, and consider the options was one advantage of her sharing his home that he was really learning to appreciate.

  ‘Rose and Otto are not stupid, either Luke. They know they can turn to any of us at any time. You could also ask Ian’s parents to give you an undertaking that they’ll put no pressure on the children.’

  ‘I can’t see them agreeing to that,’ Luke muttered. ‘They regard me as some washed-up ex-cop with an unsavoury past.’

  ‘They’ve come out and actually said that?’

  Luke nodded.

  Her eyes clouded with confusion. ‘Did you leave the police force under suspicion or something?’

  ‘No—’ he grinned and shook his head, ‘—my discharge was honourable. I applied for and was granted immediate leave because of the change in my family circumstances.’

  ‘Then that’s one claim that won’t hold water.’

  Her vehemence made him chuckle. ‘The way Duncan McLellan sees it, undercover work is akin to walking on the dark side.’

  ‘Maybe, but necessary nonetheless.’ She smiled and shook her head. ‘And is it?’

  ‘Is it what?’

  ‘Walking on the dark side?’

  Her expression, the way her head tipped to one side as she studied him with suddenly serious dark eyes, loosened something dark and painful knotted inside him.

  ‘Working undercover means living in a murky world where every step is fraught with danger. For every minute of every day, you live with the acute awareness that each breath you take could very well prove to be your last.’ His raw words sat between them. He saw Brooke’s throat work in a convulsive swallow. ‘Criminals do not like narks in their midst.’

  A fleeting look of horror crossed her face and the hand in her lap clenched. Had he been too brutally honest?

  ‘I can imagine.’

  ‘Can you?’ He turned on her, filled with a raw anger. ‘It’s like nothing you can imagine, Brooke. It’s a life filled with evil that defies description. I’ve seen things, done things, taken part in things so vile and depraved—’

  He broke off, turning away with hunched shoulders and a sullen scowl. He wished to God that the memories would go away and leave him in peace. He gripped the back of his neck, and welcomed the pain. At least it was physical, and not like the mental anguish that tormented him.

  Perhaps Duncan McLellan is right; I’m not a fit person to be entrusted with the upbringing of two vulnerable children.

  Brooke touched his arm, the gesture tentative as if she was unsure how he’d react.

  God, have I scared her too?

  He turned slightly to look at her, but didn’t see a hint of the revulsion he expected. ‘What is it?’

  She flinched at his snarled words, but undaunted she asked, ‘Was it necessary, the work that you did while you were undercover?’

  Of all the questions she could have asked, somehow he’d not expected this one.

  ‘For sure: drugs, prostitution, money laundering, gun dealing—these are crimes that destroy our communities for decent law-abiding people.’ He laughed—a harsh humourless sound that echoed off the walls. ‘Hell, even way out here in the boondocks, the work I did was needed.’

  Brooke gripped his arm; the gentle pressure of her hand made the back of his eyes burn. She was first to break the ensuing silence. ‘And all this haunts you?’

  ‘Sometimes.’ The admission was grudging. How could he explain the nightmares that plagued him? He looked down at her as he raked unsteady fingers through his hair.

  ‘And working out here on Whitby, in the clear open spaces, does this help?’

  How does she do it, listen to my angst and turn it into a rational conversation?

  ‘It’s certainly more peaceful—’ he shook his head, baffled and bewildered, ‘—and sure beats the hell out of constantly having to watch your back. I wish to hell I knew for certain what is the right way to deal with the kids’ grandparents.’

  Brooke increased the pressure of her grip, her fingers digging into his flesh. ‘In the first instance, you do need to give Ian’s parents the benefit of the doubt.’

  ‘And if that proves to be a huge mistake?’

  ‘Then you will have solid grounds to go to court and ensure that they only have supervised access.’

  Luke stared down into her upturned face, surprised and touched by her faith in him, and the calm good sense of her observations. ‘Yet one more angle I’ve not considered.’

  ‘Then it’s high time you did! Have your lawyer contact theirs, informing them that they are free to visit their grandchildren out here at Whitby Downs. In return you’re asking them to consider the children’s best interests and not discuss any custody issues with Rose and Otto.’

  ‘As a pre-emptive strike?’

  Brooke nodded, her expression grave. ‘That’s one way of looking at it, but by giving the children the chance to visit with their grandparents, you’re also showing Rose and Otto that you trust their judgement.’

  Now she really managed to surprise him. ‘In what way?’

  ‘Rose and Otto are astute and more mature than other youngsters their age. In allowing them contact with Duncan and Margaret, you are giving them tacit permission to forge a relationship with their grandparents on their own terms. The children’s opinions, the way they interact with their grandparents will be different from yours, but that doesn’t mean their interactions are any less valid.’

  Brooke’s quiet, considered words hammered at the ingrained antipathy and contempt Luke had always felt for the McLellans, and forced hi
m to face an unpalatable truth. How much of this antagonism was personal and justified, and how much was because of his loyalty to his dead sister?

  Luke found he was hard pressed to answer objectively.

  Brooke’s observations set him back on his heels and forced him to question if his view of the older couple was valid, or if it was it merely a knee-jerk reaction.

  ‘You may have a point,’ he said at last.

  ‘I know it’s not what you want to hear—’ she shook his arm in emphasis, ‘—but you need to remember that should a custody dispute eventuate, Rose and Otto are of an age where their wishes will be considered. By giving them the chance to meet with Margaret and Duncan, you’re also giving the children the means to make an informed decision.’

  As much as he disliked the idea, Luke had to admit that Brooke’s suggestions and reasons were sound. ‘Do you think that Rose and Otto will prefer to live with me regardless of any inducements their grandparents may offer?’

  ‘Categorically?’

  He nodded.

  When she hesitated and nibbled on her lower lip, a hollow, sinking sensation invaded his gut.

  ‘No-one can guarantee which way the dice will fall,’ she said, her voice soft and hesitant, ‘but to my way of thinking love trumps material possessions, always.’

  Luke exhaled a slow, uneven breath, wishing he possessed the ability to clearly see into the future. Were Brooke’s suggestions the right ones? Or would they be one gigantic mistake? Only time would provide the answers.

  For the first time, Luke realised with a feeling of sick helplessness that the final decision may well not be his to make.

  ‘Okay, we’ll play it your way,’ he said, his voice gruff. ‘I’ll issue the invitation. Whether Ian’s parents accept is entirely their decision.’

  Brooke smiled at him, still gripping his arm. ‘I’m sure you won’t regret this. You have my full support, and Dad is solidly in your corner.’

  He covered her hand with his, touched by her warm sincerity. ‘That means more than you can know.’

  Delicate colour stained her cheeks before she looked away. Did she feel this attraction as deeply as he did?

  It had been this way for days now. Looking, but not looking. Wanting but not touching. At least it was this way on his part. And he was too aware that his quiescent libido was fast making its demanding presence known.

  This would be a mistake.

  For him and for Brooke.

  His life was in a state of turmoil and he was in no position to even contemplate starting a relationship. Besides, he needed to remember that Brooke’s presence here was only temporary. Once Rose and Otto no longer needed her skills she would leave. Who in their right mind would willingly remain here in this rural backwater when they had another more lucrative option?

  After all, hadn’t her employers at the Epsom clinic taken pains to impress upon him that Brooke’s position remained open, that they’d welcome her back at any time?

  Chapter Ten

  Several days later, Brooke stood on the threshold of Cherry’s Cafe. The cafe was crowded with lunchtime patrons and for a few moments she dithered.

  You have as much right as anyone to live and work in Sweetwater … it’s your home.

  Buoyed by the memory of Luke’s words, Brooke squared her shoulders, lifted her chin and stepped inside. Ignoring the whispers, she walked up to the counter. ‘I’ll have a latte and a roast beef on rye.’

  A harried server gave her a quick smile as she rang up the order, made change and handed Brooke a number. ‘Coming right up.’

  As she turned to face the crowded restaurant, she saw a woman waving madly. ‘Brooke? There’s a seat here.’

  Gratitude and something very like relief filled Brooke as she lifted a hand to indicate her acceptance of Molly’s welcome invitation.

  ‘It’s sure busy here today,’ Brooke said, clutching the order number as she slipped into the seat opposite the blonde librarian.

  ‘It always is during the lunchtime rush. So what brings you into town?’

  ‘My father needed his prescription refilled and young Rose asked me to get her a few personal things while I’m here.’

  ‘How are those kids doing?’

  ‘Improving, slowly.’ Brooke smiled at the other woman. ‘Otto is up on crutches most of the time, but Rose …’ She broke off, unsure how best to describe the girl’s mercurial moods.

  ‘She’s up and down?’ Molly tilted her hand from side to side in demonstration.

  ‘Exactly.’ Brooke looked up as the server arrived.

  ‘Do you require anything else?’ the server asked as she slid Brooke’s lunch onto the table in front of her and picked up the order number.

  ‘No, thank you.’ Brooke waited until the server was out of earshot before leaning closer to Molly. ‘Luke seems to think something else besides the accident is weighing on the girl’s mind.’

  ‘And you? What do you think?’

  Brooke stirred sugar into her coffee as she sought the right words. ‘At first I thought he was indulging in a flight of fancy, that weighed down and overwhelmed as he was with all his new responsibilities, he was imagining things, but now …’

  ‘Now?’

  ‘I’m not too sure.’ She glanced at her companion. ‘After working one-on-one with Rose for the last couple of weeks, I’m beginning to think that Luke may well be right.’

  ‘The girl hasn’t confided in you?’

  ‘No, and you can’t exactly ask a kid to spill her guts. It’s a curly one for sure.’ Brooke frowned as she sipped at her coffee, before picking up her sandwich and biting into it.

  They ate in companionable silence amid the buzz of conversation intermingled with the clink of china and the intermittent strident calls of “order up” that emanated from the kitchen.

  To Brooke’s relief and wry amusement, no-one appeared to even notice her presence. Have I created a bogey that exists only in my own mind?

  ‘Have you suggested to Luke that the girl could benefit from counselling?’ Molly asked tentatively when she’d drained her coffee cup and stacked it on the plate.

  Brooke frowned again. ‘Personally, I think all three of them need counselling, although how Luke would react to such a suggestion is anyone’s guess.’

  ‘What makes you think he’d react badly?’

  Brooke toyed with the teaspoon on her saucer. ‘Luke doesn’t take kindly to what he perceives as criticism.’

  Molly’s eyes widened, her grey eyes magnified grotesquely through the thick, bottle lenses of her glasses. ‘Because of the pending custody battle?’

  The breath caught in the back of Brooke’s throat as she stared at the other woman, her mind suddenly in turmoil.

  Custody battle? What the hell does Molly know that I don’t? Has Luke been holding out on me?

  ‘Is there going to be a custody battle? That’s news to me.’

  Molly coloured. ‘There is, according to the scuttlebutt doing the rounds. I’ve heard Pat spouting off about it.’

  ‘That woman should learn to shut her mouth!’

  ‘In what universe?’

  Brooke couldn’t help laughing, but she quickly sobered. ‘Where did Pat get that crackpot idea?’

  ‘You don’t know?’

  The way Molly avoided her gaze as she fiddled with the handle of her empty cup made Brooke more than a little nervous.

  ‘What don’t we know, Molly?’ Brooke leaned across the table, uncaring of how revealing the anxious question was.

  Molly glanced up, and it was clear to Brooke that she was torn.

  ‘You know I hate repeating gossip, but you and Luke need to know what is swirling along Sweetwater’s grapevine.’

  Her expression filled Brooke with dread. ‘What’s the current scuttlebutt?’

  ‘I’ve heard Pat spouting off about old man McLellan digging and finding dirt on Luke.’

  ‘How does Pat know McLellan? It’s not like he’s from around here.’
/>   Molly gave her a quick, frowning glance. ‘Just because he doesn’t live here, doesn’t mean he’s not free to visit.’

  ‘True.’

  ‘She’s gotten mighty cosy with McLellan. The old guy’s been nosing around Sweetwater for a while now and he’s come into the library a time or two.’

  Brooke inhaled a slow, deep breath, her mind racing at nineteen to the dozen. She was willing to bet that this titbit of news had not yet reached Luke.

  ‘She’s been telling anyone who will listen that McLellan has unearthed plenty in Luke’s past that he plans to use when they mount a challenge to Luke’s custody of their grandchildren.’

  ‘Are people listening?’

  Molly shrugged. ‘This is Sweetwater.’

  ‘And that alone will ensure the story will grow legs, fast,’ Brooke said wryly.

  Molly chuckled. ‘Won’t it just.’

  ‘Luke is well aware that his sister’s in-laws plan to challenge his custody. If he does try it, rest assured McLellan will face a tough fight.’

  ‘Do you think he has anything on Luke, or is it just bluff and bluster?’

  ‘Who knows?’ Brooke drew a pattern on the table top with a fingertip. Too clearly, she could hear Luke’s voice—It’s like nothing you can imagine … I’ve seen things, taken part in things so vile and depraved …

  Doubts crowded in on her. Would Luke’s past work against him? She knew that whatever Luke had seen and been involved with was bad enough to leave an indelible mark on him and put shadows in his vivid eyes.

  Would McLellan rake coals best left untouched? Coals that if stirred could well put Luke, and all those close to him, in danger. From what little she knew about the man, Brooke guessed he wouldn’t care if he did break Luke’s cover. Was McLellan stupid enough to expose Luke, and the grandchildren he professed to love, to such risk?

  It was a thought chilling enough to make her very nervous.

  Brooke had been around enough to know that the criminals like the ones Luke had taken down were capable of anything, and had notoriously long memories.

  ‘Pat’s also been raking up your past—’ Molly flushed, her discomfort palpable ‘—telling anyone who will listen that you’re not a fit or proper person to be caring for those young people.’