Coming Home (Norris Lake Series)

  “You’re not serious. Damn it to hell,” Dominic said starting towards the cruiser. “Caitlyn, give David a call again. You know where the bail money is kept.”

  Ben put a hand on his chest stopping him mid-stride. “Pscyh, man, yeah, I’m kidding you. Thanks for your help in solving this. I don’t ever want to know how you did it. If you told me I’d have to arrest you and then owe you one for knocking me down. I’d say you were crazy. Someday I’ll make it up to you. Caitlyn, take care. Bob, Michael, Jesse, Dominic, Stephen. Come see me tomorrow afternoon at the station and make a formal report. I’ve got a lot of paperwork to do yet tonight, so I’d better be going.”

  Stephen turned and walked towards his car. “I need to give my attorney a call. Robert, I will stop by tomorrow and we’ll work out the business details.” Robert nodded and stomped up the stairs on his crutches. “Michael, you coming?” Michael nodded. “Caitlyn lock up when you come in,” he called over his shoulder.

  “Stephen, you want to come over to my house for a while? I have some photo albums and a diary you might be interested in.”

  “Jesse, I would love to.” He put his arm around her and walked her to his car.

  “That leaves just you and me, Caitlyn,” Dominic said.

  “I know. It’s always just down to you and me in the end isn’t it? No matter what trouble we get ourselves into, it just seems to happen. It’s just you and me leaning on one another.”

  “Come home with me baby. I love you. You know that now.” Cat leaned over and kissed him solidly on the lips then she thought for a moment. “No, Dominic. I can’t. I love you too but it’s not the right time.”

  He shrugged. “I am through begging, Caitlyn. This is the end. If you come back it will be on your own. I won’t ask you again. He climbed into his viper and pulled away without looking back.”

  She watched him leave and then went into the house turning off the lights.

  A few days later, at twilight on a Monday evening, Cat heard sounds at her front door. “Knock, Knock, Knock.” Caitlyn set down her glass of juice and turned off the TV. She pulled the afghan to one side and went to answer the door. She was surprised as she pulled it open.

  “Rose, it’s nice to see you. I didn’t expect to see you here. I haven’t seen you in a long time.” She grabbed Rose’s hand and held it warmly. She’d always loved Rose and considered her one of her closest friends as well as a confidant. At first Caitlyn thought Rose was a saint for mothering Dominic and being a supportive wife to Billy for so many years. Now she was sure that Rose was an angel sent from heaven.

  “How’s Dominic?” Caitlyn inquired.

  “He’s not good Caitlyn. Can I come in?”

  “Oh, I am so sorry. Where are my manners? Come in, please.” She opened the door wide and closed it behind her company. “Have a seat,” she said gesturing to the couch. “Would you like something to drink or eat?”

  “No, thank you, Caitlyn. I need to talk to you about Dominic.”

  “What is it? You sound so serious. Is he all right?” Caitlyn worriedly took a seat opposite Rose.

  “He’s functioning. He’s pretending to carry on but he’s so unhappy, I can’t tell you. I worry about him every day. He’s working himself to death to keep from thinking about you.”

  “Rose, I didn’t mean…” Caitlyn started.

  “Hear me out. He thinks you don’t want him around and he doesn’t want to force you to come back to him. He realizes that he let his job take over your lives. He knows now what’s important in his life. He knows that success means nothing without you in his life.”

  “If he realizes all of this and has had such revelations, why hasn’t he told me? He hasn’t said what I need to hear. He hasn’t said he was sorry. He hasn’t promised that it won’t get that bad again. I have more to think about than just myself.” Caitlyn put a hand protectively to her mid-section.

  “He thinks he has. He’s a man. You and I know they aren’t too bright and often think they’ve done something right when we both know it’s been a botched job at the best. He thinks he’s told you all of these things. I’ve read some of the emails he sent you and I knew he hadn’t told you what you needed to hear. I came here to tell you that he would say it if he was capable. He wants you back, dear. I know. I have been there in the mornings to watch him go to work and wonder why each morning that you haven’t returned.”

  “What about the baby? He never wanted a baby. I don’t want him coming back just because he is obligated.”

  “He’s not obligated. He’s in love. To tell the truth I never thought he was capable of loving someone. He had such a poor childhood with the violence of his parents fighting over him. He’s lucky he’s not some sort of psychopath or serial killer. He withstood it all and he’s a survivor. He’s just confused - as most men are. I’ve lived with him since he was a child. I saw him through all of those years when a young man thinks he’s fallen in love. He never felt about someone the way he has felt about you though. He is truly completely in love. Regardless of the bad things he does, Dom will do inappropriate or bad things because one he was raised improperly and two he just seems to have that knack of finding trouble. His father taught him to mistreat women. Cat, your husband is trying to work against those things that are ingrained in his very being. It’s hard to stop being himself just because he loves you. He’s trying to be a different person for you. Give him the chance to be that better person. You’ve made it through the really hard times with him. Don’t throw that away. You have a strong love. Believe in it. Give him another chance.”

  “Rose, I love him. I have never doubted that. I have just always doubted that he loved me. There are times when he has said some things that are so hateful. If he really feels those things then he can’t love me.”

  “There’s a fine line between love and hate. He hates you sometimes because he loves you. You make him vulnerable which is something that frightens him. His father taught him that you can’t be vulnerable no matter what. It’s a sign of weakness. By loving you, he’s weak. It’s a controversy in him that he fights every day. You love him. He loves you. I think he’s changed, but you’ll have to make that determination on your own.”

  “Does he know you are here?”

  “No, Caitlyn. He would adamantly have objected to it. He wouldn’t have wanted me to come. You know that without asking me.”

  “Yes, I suppose so. I just don’t know, Rose. It’s a big decision. It’s not just what’s right for me but what’s right for my child now.”

  “I know. I went through the same thing, Cat. I married Dominic’s father and took responsibility for him. I didn’t know what was right for the boy, but did my best.”

  “Dominic’s dad is much like him. There was a time when I didn’t know if it was the right thing to stay. In the end it was the best for the boy to have me there to counter his father and to be supportive. I believe that it’s best to know your heritage good or bad rather than wonder all your life.”

  “I hear you, Rose. I understand and I respect your beliefs. I just need time to think. I want to make the right decision for the both of us.”

  “All right, honey. Well I have to go. I have horses to feed.” She hugged Caitlyn close. “You take care of yourself and call me if you need anything, whether things work out between you and Dominic or not. You are very special to me Cat; I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

  “Thank you,” Caitlyn said as Rose left. She waved good bye and closed the door.

  About few hours later there was another knock on her door. She sat for a moment wondering if she should answer the door. She wasn’t sure if she could deal with the stress of another visit.

  Knock. Knock, Knock. Okay, well she’d throw the dice and let it ride. She walked to the door and opened it.

  “Jesse, hi, how are you, she sighed. I am so glad it’s you.

  Well, thank you, child. I haven’t had such a warm welcome in a long time. Why are you so glad it’s me?”

 
“My mother-in-law stopped by earlier today to talk to me about Dominic. It was stressful. I was glad you weren’t another visit like that.”

  “We’ll thank you I guess. That’s a compliment. No, I am not another visit like that. I came by to see how you were holding up and to tell you some good news about Stephen and I.”

  “Wonderful. Good, then come in. Come in. I could use some good news today.” Would you like some iced tea?

  “I would love some. I am parched.” Jesse took a seat in the living room and Caitlyn poured them both some iced tea. Carrying two glasses, she handed one to Jesse and sat heavily down in the brown leather rocker.

  “Okay that’s taken care of now what about you and Stephen? I am dying to know all of the details.”

  “He and I spent a day pouring over photo albums and my great grandmother’s diary the other night. It was eye opening. He’s so much like me Caitlyn. I love him so much. I have only known him a short time but I feel we’ve been together forever. I can see his face in every picture of my ancestors. He’s had such a hard time of it and overcame the adversity of life to become so successful. You can’t but admire him and love him.”

  “You sound kind of biased.

  “Yes, well I am his mother. I am allowed to be biased. It’s a mother’s right.”

  “So down to brass tacks about why I am really here. What are you going to do about Dominic?”

  Surprised, Caitlyn said “I don’t know. Why do you ask?”

  “We’ll this may surprise you but I had a visitor the other night. It seems that your Dominic is a persuasive con man. He found out not only my address, but also my favorite meal and a 50 year old bottle of malt bourbon, brought them over to me at my house. He not only showed up with a catered meal of fresh lobster, crab and shrimp, but also brought gifts for Ranger and a new wireless laptop so I can write outside on my deck and also at my dock. He spent hours setting up the wireless system and computer himself. He’s quite a charmer.”

  “Yes, I know. That’s how I ended up married in the first place. With a hint of a smile Cat remarked, you realize that you’ve just experienced a sale from a used car salesman?”

  “Well, sales – con – whatever it was, I was impressed and told him I would come keep an eye on you. I thought I might be able to talk you and Pattycake into coming over and having leftovers with me while I show you my new toy. Then I can keep an eye on you and we can indulge”.

  “I would love too. Let me get my hospital bag just in case,” she said as she strained to get up out of the recliner. “I am sorry, you’ll have to give me a hand. It seems as if this old pregnant person is stuck in this chair,” she said holding out her hand to Jesse.

  Late Wednesday night, he knocked on the door waiting anxiously for her to open it. He held a bouquet of red roses on one hand and a box of candy in the other. It was her favorites, dark chocolate covered cherries. He pulled at his collar nervously and smoothed his pants legs. He shouldn’t be this nervous about seeing a woman he’d been married to for 5 plus years and slept with that long too. There weren’t many situations they hadn’t seen each other in from sickness to joy. So what was he nervous about? It was foolish. Jeez, he was acting like a scared school boy rather than a successful grown man.

  There was a sound on the other side of the door. Oh, here she is. He stood straight and plastered a smile on his face. God, let this work out right, he prayed.

  She opened the door and smiled at him. Thank god, he thought to himself, she’s in a good mood.

  “Dominic, how are you? Come on in.” She stepped aside to let him enter. Her heart beat hard in her chest. She hadn’t seen him since the hospital. In one hand she held a x-ray film with the results of her first ultrasound.

  “Come meet your son.” He grinned; he couldn’t stop smiling as he stepped forward. Everything was going to be all right. He’d closed the sale once again.

  Epilogue

  “I am sorry about Jeremy,” Jesse offered as she walked around her kitchen table to hand Caitlyn a glass of wine.

  “I am too. I think Jeremy just got pulled into something he didn’t understand or was enticed by something that he thought would make his life better. I believe it all started when Beth disappeared. I don’t know. He’s getting help. They committed him to Peninsula Asylum which is close enough for us to go visit him. He’s calm and quiet, but I don’t think he understands what he has done. It may take years to get him better.”

  “How is your father handling the issues with Michael and Stephen?” Jesse inquired.

  “He’s getting along. I think he’s still in denial about his business, but he and my mother, together believe it or not, have been talking about the issue with Michael. They want to present a united front of encouragement for him,” Caitlyn explained.

  “Did they ever find the bodies of the women who disappeared?” asked Jesse.

  “No. Jeremy may have been involved based on the postings on the forum, but they can’t locate any more bodies so there is not proof of homicide beyond the ones that we know about,” Caitlyn said.

  “How is Sarah?” Jesse prompted.

  “I stopped by to see her the other day. She’s still weak and doesn’t remember anything about the day on the houseboat. Physically, the doctors say she’ll be fine and her memory may come back to her eventually. I hope it doesn’t, for her sake.” Cat said quietly remembering the vague details of her own attack. It would also take her some time to forget.

  “So, changing the subject,” Jesse interrupted, “what about Ben?”

  “I think about him often. He’s still my first love and a good friend, but I have accepted that Dominic is my true soul mate. We were made for each other and are incomplete without one another. We may fight and feud and forget how important our relationship is, but in the end we want to stay together.”

  “How does he feel?”

  “Well, you know men. How do you ever know what they really feel? He says he feels the same and he’s feeling good about the future. We’re much better together now. At least, I know that he values and loves me. It’s enough,” Caitlyn admitted.

  “So what about you and George?”

  “George, who?”

  “Don’t give me that. I have heard the gossip. You’re dating George Springer.”

  “I am not dating him. I am fishing with him.”

  “Fishing for what?”

  “You have a dirty mind child. Remember my age.”

  “You’re not dead. You have the right to be happy, Jesse”.

  “I agree and I think I will be too. He’s a wonderful man. We are good together. In fact, now that you are being so nosy, he’s asked if I would like to move in with him.”

  “Oh my, are you going to?” Cat breathlessly inquired.

  “I just might. It’s been ten years since I lost my Thomas and I could use some regular loving.”

  “Spare me, please,” Caitlyn laughed.

  “Hey nosey, you asked!” Jesse chided back then said, “life is good, child. Embrace the times that are full of joy for they are few and far between. “

  “Yes, Jesse, I believe I have learned that over the past 6 months. Life is full of choices. We must look at all of the options and make the best choice. It may not be the road with the most money or the most fame, but it should be the one with the most happiness.”

  Dear Sherry:

  I want to meet you next month at that conference we discussed. I look forward to seeing you, it’s been a long time and we have a lot to catch up on. There have been a lot of changes since I saw you last. There has been love, there’s been loss and there has been rebirth. I hope you are happy.

  As it turned out Jeremy was behind several murders and a plot to destroy my father. He was not convicted after all, but found to be mentally ill and committed to a facility. I’ll have to tell you more about that in person.

  I think Jesse was the impetus behind Jeremy’s not being convicted. She found a facility in north east Tennessee where Jeremy will r
eceive excellent care and it’s close enough for Stephen and her to visit. I’ve seen it. The place looks more like an exclusive country club than a mental health clinic.

  Jesse and Stephen have become fast friends. Stephen bought a cabin over near her lake house so he could see more of her on the weekends. He seems at peace now that we found out what happened to Beth and he cleared his name. He’s off in New York this month making deals and more money.

  My father and Michael have made amends. Michael is finally exonerated and my father is trying to make up for years of not believing in him. He started out by sending Michael back to college to finish his degree. Michael still hasn’t decided on a major and in my eyes is probably on his way to being a professional student.

  I think Dominic and I have worked out a happy compromise. He’s going to cut back on the hours at work and spend more time with his family. He’s moved to a smaller dealership and has an ownership option. He and Stephen have gone in halves. Stephen is the money and Dominic is the experience. I think they have a chance in making both of them some money. At any rate, Dominic will be home at more reasonable hours. Furthermore, as the GM, even if it’s not as much money, he may feel more in control of how his time is spent.

  We had a little boy. His name is Conner after Dominic’s mom, which is her maiden name. Dominic’s smitten most of the time, but hates the diaper duty. My mother is going to watch Conner for a few days this month while we take a week for ourselves. We have an all-inclusive vacation in Bermuda and are going to renew our vows on the beach. We need the time to relax and be together. I will share the details with you when I get back. I am so content, I would never have believed it possible.

  Take care,

  Cat

  Sarah’s Bed and Breakfast

  Come see us again for the next book in the Norris Lake Novel Series.

  Sarah Jackson trades her job as a financial analyst in busy Nashville for a dilapidated bed and breakfast known to be haunted. With the help of a local carpenter, Sarah rebuilds the inn. Unbeknownst to Sarah, a family secret associated with the bed and breakfast puts her life in danger. Sarah and her friends unveil the real story behind the haunting and exposes the carpenter’s mysterious past. Will Sarah and the carpenter fall in love or will she find out that his past will be the death of her?