Not Quite Right (Indigo Love Spectrum)

by Tammy Williams

  She shrugged. “It’s been a while since you’ve seen her. I just figured you’d—”

  “Mom…”

  “Hey, it’s none of my business. I can tell she’s special to you, and I think she’s wonderful. You’ve never shown this much interest in anyone, and the way you are with Darci, the way you look at her…” She smiled. “Your father used to look at me the same way.”

  “You’ve been thinking about Dad?”

  “I always think of Matthew. I loved him, and I always carry a part of him in my heart.” Beth pressed her hand to Steed’s cheek. “I know you’ve had your issues believing that because I married Josh.”

  “I’m sorry about that. I was…”

  “A sad and very angry teenager. You’ve grown so much, Steed, and best of all, you’ve found someone to love. You always kept your heart so secure, and since your father died, you’ve never said more to me than you had to.”

  Steed lowered his head. He’d spent a lot of years angry at his father for dying and angry with her for marrying Josh and giving him a child. An overpowering emotion that blinded him to any and everything else. How many times could he say he was sorry? “Mom…”

  “I’m not trying to make you feel guilty, Steed. I just never had the opportunity to do this, and now that I do, I want to do it right.”

  “Do what?”

  “I was on my way to your room to leave this.” She reached into her pocket and extended a red jewelry box. “Open it.”

  Steed lifted the lid to find the one and a half carat diamond engagement ring his father had given his mother almost forty years before. The same ring his grandfather had given his grandmother, and his father before him. “Mom?”

  “I’m sure Matt would want you to have it.” Beth smiled. “I have a strong feeling it will be put to use very soon, and I’m so grateful, because I was afraid the name your father gave you would become a curse. I’ve wanted you to have someone special in your life for so long. Someone who could tame that restless spirit in you. You’re almost there, Steed. Don’t let whatever is leading you to New York destroy what you’ve found with Darci. Don’t go back, son. Go forward.”

  “That’s what I plan to do, Mom.” Steed pocketed the ring. “That’s exactly what I plan to do.”

  CHAPTER 26

  “Get outta the way, moron!”

  Steed and Darci exchanged looks as their taxi driver, who looked like Santa Claus right down to the unlit pipe held tight between his teeth, played a speedy version of dodge car through the late morning New York traffic. Christmas was over a week away, but the man drove as if he had billions of stops to make before the day ended. The snow falling and covering the street didn’t slow him down one bit.

  Steed inched closer to Darci as they bounced around like bobblehead dolls in the back seat of the car. “You should have stayed at the hotel,” he said. “It would have been okay.”

  “And leave you to take care of your ‘business’ without me?” Darci shook her head. “No way.”

  “And this is so much more fun.” Steed gave her free hand a supportive squeeze. “I’m sorry.”

  “Even with the years I’ve lived here, I never got used to these taxi rides. And I didn’t drive in the city, so I’ve had plenty of them.” She groaned. “Roller coasters are less scary.”

  The driver cleared his throat and glared into the rearview mirror at them.

  “But I’d go through anything to be here for you,” Darci said.

  “That means a lot to me.” Steed thought of the precious ring tucked safely away at the hotel. Visions of white picket fences and giggling brown-skinned, dark-haired children danced in his head. “You mean a lot to me.”

  The taxi came to an abrupt stop as he leaned over to kiss her. “That’ll be seven fifty-five,” Santa Hack said.

  Not having correct change, Steed reluctantly handed the man ten dollars and suggested he slow it down. The man grumbled something under his breath as Steed ushered Darci into Pete’s apartment building.

  The former cop lived on the fifth floor of a luxury high-rise. Steed had never wondered how an ex-cop could live so well. Now he felt foolish that he didn’t. He drew a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

  Darci’s hand slid into his. “You okay?” she asked.

  “I’ll know when I finish talking to Pete.”

  Moments later a young, pretty brunette in a blue satin robe opened the door. She smiled brightly at Steed. “Hiya, honey,” said the woman with a Queens accent as thick as the frosty gloss coating her lips. “You lost?”

  “We must be,” said Darci, stepping forward and wrapping her arm around Steed’s in a show of possessiveness that brought a smile to his lips. “We thought Pete Mulhaney lived here.”

  “He does. You all friends of his?”

  “My father was,” answered Steed. “Is Pete around?”

  “He’s in the shower.” The woman stepped aside. “Come in and sit. I’ll go get him for ya.”

  They took a seat on the couch while the barefoot brunette padded down the hall.

  “I take it that’s not his daughter,” Darci said.

  “Only in the context of his being her sugar daddy.” Steed looked around. The sight of ill-gotten gain turned his stomach. How would Pete lie his way out of this? Would he try?

  Darci jiggled his hand. “What are you thinking?”

  “I don’t know. What I’m going to say. Maybe wondering why I didn’t call the cops to meet me over here.”

  “You know why I think you should have done that.”

  “Yes, I know,” he said, remembering her displeasure when he’d tucked a gun in his waistband. “Don’t worry, I won’t shoot him.” He kissed her cheek. “I promise.”

  “Steed!” Pete entered the room wearing a sunshine yellow knee-length bathrobe and rubbing a light blue towel through his damp hair. At sixty-two, Pete looked like a retired football player, stocky but a bit worn out. “Angie told me I had company, but I never imagined it was you.” He smiled at Darci. “You look familiar.” Pete snapped his fingers. “You did the news. Clarke, right?”

  “Yes. Darci,” she said.

  “That’s right.” He gave Steed a broad smile. “I didn’t know you knew her, but it’s always nice to see a pretty lady.” Pete sat in the wing chair across from them, showing way more of his pasty pale thighs than Steed wanted to see. “So, what brings you to town?”

  “I have some questions about the man who killed my father.”

  Pete’s pursed his lips and draped the towel around his neck. “I don’t know what more I can tell you. He died in prison many years ago.”

  Steed’s jaw clenched. He wanted to toss Pete out of the windows offering a stunning view of the city. As if sensing his growing ire, Darci gave his hand a gentle squeeze, and like magic, he calmed. Steed kept his gaze on Pete, hoping his previous emotional battle didn’t show on his face. “And you don’t know anything else about the man who killed Dad?” he said.

  “You know everything I know.”

  “Indeed I do, you despicable bastard!” Steed erupted, unable to keep up the friendly façade a moment longer.

  “What are you—”

  “Don’t even try to deny it!” Steed sucked in breath and lowered his tone. “I know the whole story. The boy who killed my father is now a man in the Sterling jail.” Pete’s eyes widened. “That’s right. He’s being held on numerous charges. Ironically, he falsified a death.”

  Pete’s face grew ashen. He lowered his head. “Steed…”

  “I can’t believe you!” Steed shot off the couch. “I looked up to you and trusted you, and you did this to my mother, my sister, and to me. For money!” He waved his hand about the room. “Was it worth it?”

  “Not taking the money wouldn’t have brought Matt back. Those folks were desperate to save their son, and that boy was troubled. He needed help he couldn’t get behind bars.”

  “So you were being magnanimous? You can’t clean this up, Pete. That boy didn’t get an
y help. None! You committed a crime, several of them, and you will pay.”

  “You saying you want a cut?”

  “Don’t insult me.”

  “Then what?”

  “What do you think? I don’t want your blood money, Pete. I want you to spend what’s left of your miserable life in the prison the man-child that killed my father should have been in. Put on some clothes, we’re taking a trip.”

  “A trip to where?”

  “Downtown. You’re about to make a confession.”

  “I…I can’t do that. You know what they do to cops in prison, and I’m an old man now.” Pete managed to squeeze out a single tear.

  Steed grunted. Pete made him sick.

  “Please, don’t do this. Son, I’m pleading with you.”

  Anger engulfed Steed’s body with a speed and intensity that scared him. He pointed a quivering finger. “Don’t you dare call me son!” he said through gritted teeth. “Now, either you’re going to walk out of here under your own steam, or I’m going to drag your ass outta here.” He pulled out the gun. “One way or another, you will go to jail.” He waved the gun. “Start walking.”

  From the corner of his eye, Steed saw Darci approach. She touched his back. “Steed, is this really…”

  “Don’t worry, Darci,” he assured her. “It’s okay.”

  Pete laughed. “You bet it’s okay, sweet thing.” He left the chair and moseyed over to the fireplace. “You won’t shoot me, Steed,” he sneered, propping his elbows on the dark marble mantle, relaxing as if he had not a care in the world. “You care too much. You don’t have the balls to shoot me.”

  Without a word, Steed raised the gun and fired a single shot. The bullet whizzed by Pete’s ear before breaking the vase directly behind him.

  Darci gasped, wide-eyed.

  Angie rushed into the room, her robe replaced with a red wrap dress. “What’s going—” Her words ceased when she saw Steed, his gun, and the frightened, hunched-over Pete.

  “That shot missed you on purpose,” Steed explained. “If there is another, I promise I won’t miss. And then we’ll see who has the balls around here.” He jutted his head at the brunette. “You’re free to go.”

  “Petey?” she murmured.

  “Don’t you worry, Angie. I’ll be fine.”

  Steed clicked his tongue. “I wouldn’t lie to her if I were you, Pete. Extortion, obstruction of justice, tampering with evidence, and that’s just the beginning. Take a long hard look at him, Angie. I suspect the next time you see him there’ll be steel bars between you.”

  Angie hustled to the door and waved. “It’s been swell, Petey. Bye.”

  Steed made a call to the police station and then walked over to Darci and kissed her cheek. “You okay?”

  “You said you wouldn’t use the gun.”

  “No, I said I wouldn’t shoot Pete. I shot the vase.”

  “Semantics.”

  Steed took a long look at the weeping man. “I could almost feel sorry for him. The charges for the crimes against my father probably won’t stick because of the statute of limitations, but he’s nervous for a reason. I’m certain he’s done these same crimes and many others several times over, so something will stick. He’s getting what he deserves.”

  “Yes, he deserves this, but you’re really not going to let him walk out in twenty-degree weather wearing just a yellow bathrobe, are you?”

  “It’ll serve him right. A yellow robe for a yellow bastard.”

  “Steed, it’s freezing out.”

  “Don’t pout, Darci.” He pecked her lips and gave her a smile. “He doesn’t deserve your kindness.”

  “It’s not so much kindness as it is a public service.” Darci frowned as she looked at Pete’s pale and very hairy legs.

  Steed chuckled. “Point taken. I’ll let him get dressed. The citizens of New York don’t need to be subjected to that.” He gave her cheek a soft caress. “Consider that request the first of many presents coming your way today.”

  * * *

  The slamming of Pete’s cell door played like sweet music to Steed’s ears. He learned the D.A.’s office had been investigating Pete for a couple of years in connection with racketeering charges against a local crime lord; a crime lord who also had connections with Fritz. Extradition papers for Fritz were in the works, as was the promise of a lifetime or two in prison. For the first time in years, Steed didn’t have what felt like the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had closure, answers, and most importantly, justice for his father. It felt good, and it made him want to do something he’d put off for way too long.

  Steed hailed a taxi when he and Darci stepped out of the precinct. “I want us to make one stop before we head back to the hotel,” he said, helping her into the car.

  Darci nodded. “Okay. Where are we going?”

  “A family reunion.”

  Minutes later, the cab pulled up at West Hill Cemetery. “Here we are,” Steed said, escorting Darci out of the car.

  Steed stopped as he approached the entrance. He hadn’t been inside the cemetery since the day of his father’s funeral. He’d passed the gates many times, but overwhelming emotions kept him from going in. Today, he wanted and needed to walk through those gates with the woman he loved. He continued on.

  Darci squeezed his hand as they approached the family marker. “Are you okay?” she asked. “It’s been a long time.”

  “I don’t remember ever being more okay in my life.” His finger brushed her cool cheek. “I feel good, Darci, and though it might sound weird, I want to introduce you to him.”

  She smiled. “It’s not weird at all. Come on.”

  * * *

  Fifth Avenue bustled with activity. Carefree shoppers carrying bags of brightly wrapped gifts and nine-to-fivers just ending their day’s work kept the flow of pedestrian traffic going. Darci missed this part of New York. The twinkling lights and festive decorations, the smiles on usually dour faces, and the feeling of clean the freshly-fallen snow gave the city. Christmas in New York. This was her favorite time of year, and walking hand in hand with Steed in the middle of it all made it even more special. If she’d worn on a heavier coat, this moment would be perfect. Her teeth chattered.

  “Darci.” Steed took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Why didn’t you tell me you were cold?”

  “You wanted to walk after we left the cemetery, and I wasn’t that cold then. I’ve been enjoying the walk. It’s just the temperature is starting to get to me.”

  “We’re less than a block from the hotel, so you’ll be toasty warm in no time.”

  “That being the case, what’s this about more presents coming my way?”

  Steed chuckled. “You’re direct, aren’t you?”

  “I try to be when I can. Do these presents have anything to do with all those calls you were making earlier? The calls you had to make in private?”

  “Sorry, no hints. You’ll have to wait and see.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so laid back.”

  “It’s closure, Darci. It works wonders on a person,” he said, guiding her inside the hotel.

  After a brief clandestine meeting with the concierge, Steed directed Darci to the elevator.

  “I guess it’s pointless to ask what that was all about,” she said, stepping into the car.

  Mischief shined in his eyes. “I love your perception.”

  Darci groaned. “Steed, what are you up to?”

  “You’ll find out soon enough.” Steed said nothing more on the short ride to the ninth floor. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, he blocked the door when they reached the suite. “You sure you want to know what’s going on?”

  “Yes!” she answered emphatically.

  Steed laughed. “Okay, okay.” He inserted the key card and moved aside. “Your wait is over.”

  Darci stepped into their luxurious two-bedroom suite to discover a beautiful world of flowers, music, and lights. Dozens of roses of every color fill
ed crystal vases and fragranced the air with their delicate scent. Candlelight cast a soft glow over an elegantly set round table for two. A huge Christmas tree, decorated with bright bulbs of red, yellow, green, and blue, added a splash of color, and the high-tech stereo system filled the room with jazz sax songs of the season. Darci’s mouth opened, but no words came.

  Steed closed his hands over her shoulders and kissed the back of her head. “Darci Clarke speechless,” he said with a laugh. “I think this is a first.”

  “I knew you were up to something, but I never dreamed…It’s beautiful, Steed.” She kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He pecked her lips and pointed at the tree centered perfectly against the large picture windows boasting the spectacular city skyline. “I believe there’s a little something for you over there.”

  Darci spotted a huge brightly wrapped box beneath the thick fir branches. “That’s a little something?” She walked over to the rectangular box and gave it a shake. “What’s in here?”

  “You’ll have to open it to see. Go on, you don’t have to wait until Christmas for this one.” He motioned toward her bedroom. “Open it in there.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s something I want you to wear tonight.”

  Darci gave the box another shake. It felt a little too heavy to be a negligee, but if by some chance the “something” fell along those lines, she didn’t see the point in making him wait to see what she felt strongly he’d be looking at long before the night was over. “Why don’t you come in with me.” She tucked the box under one arm and took his hand. “I might need some help with this something.” She winked.

  “Nah, I don’t think you’ll need any help.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “Steed.”

  “Darci, humor me. I took the liberty of having the maid service run a hot bubble bath for you. Take a few minutes for yourself, and I’ll see you back in here in,” he checked his watch, “at least half an hour. Please, indulge me.”

  Feeling more bold and brazen than she had in her life, Darci trailed her finger along the buttons of his shirt, stopping only when she reached the button of his jeans. “I’m trying to indulge you right now.” She dropped the box to the couch, and leaned into him. His masculine scent was like a drugging, invisible fog, the side effects being an increased heart rate, a rise in body temperature, and a huge spike in libido. Darci combed her fingers through his hair. The melted snow sparkled like diamonds against his thick raven locks. She kissed his neck. “I’ve reconsidered everything, Steed. I want…”