The Broken Road

by Melissa Huie

  I took what she said to heart. Shane had gone down a wrong path and now he was setting himself straight. I‘m sure he could escape the confines of dealing and gangs, but would he want to? Yes, I resolved. But I wasn’t going to sit around and make assumptions about the future. We would talk after the trial. We’ll make amends and we’ll be a family. I ignored the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach. I refused to think the worst.

  I showed Kate where she could sleep, in the barely used guest room, and set out fresh linens. She took my suitcase and I followed her back down into the living room where Tommy and his partner, Rick Sims, were pouring over some papers. Rick, a six-foot-five-inch-tall man with short brown hair and brown eyes, had a presence that commanded respect. Tommy made the introductions and then continued the conversation. They were talking tactics and weapons. It was all gibberish and I felt so stupid listening because I didn’t understand any of it. I set about packing Penny’s belongings. In a canvas bag went her leash, a large plastic bag of dog food, her Kong and favorite treats, and, finally, her woobie. I set the bag, along with my suitcase, next to the front door.

  I felt like I was in the way. I decided that fixing dinner would be the best thing to do. My anxiety was getting the best of me and I needed to keep busy. When I was stressed, I ate, and since I couldn’t eat much, I cooked instead. I made chicken, broccoli, and cheese casserole; macaroni and cheese for the trip; and steak fajitas. I took out the frozen ground turkey and ground beef. We could take most of the food with us.

  More agents stopped by as the night wore on. They came through the back door. The vehicular traffic had died down considerably, but Tommy didn’t want to take a chance of them being seen. To the unknowing, I was leaving on a vacation and would be coming home to an ultraclean house. They wouldn’t realize that I had stowed my most precious family treasures in the bottom of my suitcase. That I had packed up most of my albums and genealogy documents in a bag that Kate would give to my uncle. I could feel the panic and fear choking me as I gazed around my home. Yes, items could always be replaced, but home is where you live, where you love, and where your family is. In a short time, I had built a life, a home, and at one point, I thought, a future.

  Tommy came over and gave me a hug. His arms didn’t feel comforting, but I didn’t want to be rude. “Get some sleep, Megs. We’ll be leaving at 4 a.m.” Tommy patted my shoulder and then headed into the kitchen. By then it was close to midnight and there were two other agents in the house. With the lights dimmed, they took their positions in the living room. Tommy sat in the kitchen going over paperwork and, with Kate upstairs with me, I should have felt secure. But I knew that if Reggie wanted me dead this thin blanket of security wouldn’t stop him.

  Chapter 24

  I HAD BARELY CLOSED MY EYES when Kate shook me awake. “Megan, it’s three thirty. We need to get going.” My eyes flew open. I rolled out of bed as carefully as I could. With adrenaline as my caffeine, I dressed quickly in the dark and headed down the stairs with Penny in tow. Tommy threw my bags in the trunk of a blackened SUV and put Penny in the back seat. He came back to the mudroom and hustled me out to the SUV and into the backseat as well. He locked up the house and jumped into the passenger seat, all in under five seconds.

  We headed toward the main highway and made it to Baltimore in twenty minutes, an unusual feat regardless of the time of day. Then we veered west toward the mountains. The sun was rising as we crossed the Allegheny Mountains. I knew immediately we were going to Deep Creek Lake, a beautiful vacation spot in the mountains of Western Maryland. I hadn’t been there since I was a little kid.

  “I figured you were due for a little vacation. Since your mom was going to Ocean City, I figured the mountains were a safer alternative,” Tommy said as he glanced at me in the rearview mirror. We stopped off at McDonalds for breakfast then drove another five minutes, turning down Crows Point Road to a secluded lake front area. We pulled into the driveway of a typical A-frame mountain home with a spectacular view of the lake from the backyard. I held Penny’s leash while she sniffed around. The cool air filled my lungs and cleared my mind. With a two-story back porch, beautiful patio, fire pit, and expansive windows, I was in love. I could see myself enjoying a vacation here, if it weren’t for the minor fact that some bad guys were looking for me and all. Tommy came up beside me and smiled.

  “Isn’t this amazing?” Tommy said as he took a deep breath. “I love coming up here.”

  I chuckled. “What, do you bring all your troubled ex-girlfriends up here? I’m amazed the FBI has such a nice place. I would have thought more along the lines of the rundown homes that you see in the movies.”

  Tommy scoffed. “The FBI can’t afford this. This is my place. And, no, I don’t bring all my troubled ex-girlfriends up here. You’re the first,” he replied with a smile.

  “Your place? I didn’t realize the bureau paid this well,” I replied as he led me around the front and into the two-story foyer. The main level was beautifully decorated with walnut floors and leather furniture. I followed him into the kitchen where he set down the cooler. The cabinets matched the floors with beautiful black granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The look that crossed his face was slightly uneasy. I guess finances were still a sore subject with him. Tommy’s family was very wealthy and very pretentious and not at all happy with Tommy’s career path.

  “Yeah, it doesn’t. I was lucky enough to have some investments pay off. Plus, with the economy the way it is, people are practically giving away houses,” he muttered as he put away the food. In an attempt to change the subject, he took me on a tour of the house. Not only was the house immaculately furnished, but it also had a top-of-the-line security system in place. Monitors, a weapons case, and computers and communication equipment took up the entire basement level. When I commented on the excess of it all, Tommy just shrugged. “Yeah, when it comes to the FBI, we don’t mess around.”

  On the second floor Tommy showed me the four bedrooms, each equipped with a spa bathroom. He set my bags in the master bedroom. I protested, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. The beautiful room was decorated in rich, warm tones with a four-poster, king-size bed. There was even a plush dog bed.

  “Have you always had this here?” I asked, curious. Knowing that Tommy was allergic to dogs, I was confused. Sheepishly, he shook his head.

  “I had it brought here last night. We have a liaison of sorts, someone who runs our errands and sees to our needs. I want you, your mom, and Penny to be comfortable. With the situation as tense as it is, there is no reason why you can’t try to relax in the meantime.”

  I was touched. Through everything that had happened, Tommy had been there for us. It meant a lot. I turned and threw my arms around him.

  “Thank you, Tommy. For keeping us safe, for allowing us the use of your home, and for making us feel comfortable,” I whispered.

  “Megan, regardless of what happened between us, I still care a lot about you. I wouldn’t let anything happen to you,” he murmured. Feeling somewhat awkward, I moved away and changed the subject.

  “Speaking of Mom, do we know when she’ll get here?” I asked as I stared out the window. The lake view was absolutely breathtaking. I couldn’t wait to go and dip my toes in the water. Penny was going to love it too. Then I realized I didn’t bring a bathing suit. I guess it didn’t matter, considering I was almost two months pregnant. I doubted I’d be able to fit into my bikini much longer.

  “They are about an hour out. They were able to leave when the sun came up. Apparently, your mother pitched a fit about having to wake up at three thirty. She threatened bodily harm and lack of apple turnovers if someone so much as nudged her that early.”

  “Yep. That’s my momma,” I chuckled, then yawned loudly. Despite the plush interior of the SUV, I didn’t fall asleep during the ride. I turned to Tommy and he laughed.

  “Yeah, you’re beat. Take a nap. You’ll be fine.” Tommy walked toward the door, then turned. “I’ll wake yo
u up when she gets here.” He shut the door gently behind him.

  I sighed. I could try to fool myself into thinking that this was just an impromptu vacation, but it wouldn’t work. There were too many factors. Too many uncontrollable entities at play. I wish Shane were here with me. I climbed under the luxurious down comforter. I melted and the weariness of my body eased. Through my lashes, I saw Penny settle into her new luxurious dog bed. It wasn’t long until I followed suit.

  Chapter 25

  I WOKE UP FOUR HOURS LATER and, honestly, if I hadn’t had the urge to puke, I would have kept sleeping. After I brushed my teeth and rinsed my mouth, I slowly headed down the stairs. I needed something to settle my stomach. Mom was in the kitchen, her safe haven. She sat at the massive island, lost in thought. She didn’t hear me coming and I startled her.

  “Mom,” I said as I held her tightly. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

  “You were exhausted and you’re pregnant. You need your rest more than you think. How are you feeling?” she said with a small smile.

  I sat down next to her on the tall barstool. “I feel like crap. I’m in pain. I’m nauseated, exhausted, and hungry all at the same time. I can’t stop thinking about Shane. I’m worried to death about you and whoever is looking for us. I can’t wrap my head around this baby. I’m…. just overwhelmed,” I said grimly. I felt like a four-year-old child, whining to her mommy about things she couldn’t control. I heaved a sigh.

  My mom had the audacity to chuckle. “Well, the nausea and the exhaustion are typical pregnancy symptoms. It’s going to wipe you out for a while. We should have picked up a pregnancy book for you.”

  “Oh! That’s right. I had Kate pick one up for me. It’s in my bag. I’ll grab it later. I need something to settle my stomach,” I said as I laid my head on the island. My stomach was rolling and it was all I could do to hold it together.

  Again, she seemed to find it hilarious that I was feeling like crap. “Oh honey. You gave me the worst morning sickness. I was throwing up day and night with you until I passed the second trimester. This is just payback.” My mom got up and rummaged through the fridge. She found a can of cola and handed it to me. “The cola syrup will help with the nausea. You’ll have to read your book. I’m sure you’re going to be limited on what you can eat and drink.”

  I stifled a groan as I recalled Jen’s pregnancy. She couldn’t drink, or eat sushi or soft cheeses. And there were times that I’d thought she’d kill me for a cup of coffee. “Yeah, I know. Speaking of pregnancy, I’ll need to talk to Tommy. I haven’t seen an OB yet, and I’m not sure if I should wait until we’re back home.”

  Hearing his name, Tommy came up from the basement.

  “There is a clinic up the road that we can use. We’ve already done a background check on the doctor. Your appointment is for next week. I’ll be escorting you myself.”

  I raised my eyebrow in disbelief. “Why you? Why can’t Mom go with me?”

  Tommy chuckled as he reached in the fridge for a soda. “Because, dingdong, you’re being hunted. The first thing Reggie is going to look for is an unwed single mother going into a backwoods clinic by herself. I’ll be joining you as your loving husband.”

  The irony of the whole situation was laughable. Tommy, who really could have been my loving husband, was now pretending to be that guy. The loving husband who puts his wife and family in front of his own wants and needs. I nodded. I didn’t want him to think that I was ungrateful for his help. He was doing everything he could to keep me and my mom safe.

  Mom got up and started puttering around in the kitchen. She pulled out the casseroles and put them in the oven for heating. It was past lunchtime.

  “Tell your coworkers that lunch will be ready in twenty minutes,” she told Tommy with a no-nonsense tone in her voice. Tommy understood that he couldn’t say no to Mom. Even though he was in charge of this operation, she was in charge of the kitchen, and while she was here, no one would be left hungry.

  “Yes ma’am. There won’t be many here for long. We’re getting everything set up then we’ll be heading out.”

  I was surprised. I thought for sure he was going to stick around and watch over us. My face must have shown my reaction, because Tommy continued. “Kate and Rick are going to stick around here with you. I need to keep in touch with headquarters and keep an eye on Reggie. I can’t do that out here in the sticks. Don’t worry. I’ll be back for your appointment.”

  He made sense. Reggie was dangerous and there was no telling what could happen if he was left unattended.

  Twenty minutes later the large dining room table was full of FBI agents digging into the lunch buffet mom had created. Mom handed me a plate, but I shook my head. My stomach hadn’t fully recovered and the mere smell of the chicken and cheese made my stomach churn. I nibbled on some crackers and sipped my cola. The general consensus of the room was that Tommy and most of his group would head back to Annapolis and regroup. Tommy was looking into who Reggie worked for, but the man was as elusive as smoke. No one knew his name or what he looked like. They hoped that by following Reggie he would eventually lead the agents to his boss.

  * * *

  After they loaded up their SUVs and were about to head out, I stood outside with Tommy. Night was falling and the sunset was beautiful, almost romantic. As always, the thought of Shane went from the back burner of my mind to the forefront. My heart ached and loneliness lodged in the pit of my stomach. I miss him so much. Regardless of his stupid acts and shady past, I knew in the bottom of my heart that I needed him. Even more so now with the baby on the way.

  “Thanks, Tommy. For everything,” I said softly. I hugged myself tighter against the chill. Tommy noticed and rubbed my arms.

  “Megs, it’s fine. You’re completely welcome. Enjoy your stay here. Relax. Rest. You’ve had a hell of a couple of weeks and you really need to get your strength up. Try not to worry too much about Reggie. Now that you‘re up here, we can focus all our attention on him.”

  I nodded. “Just make sure you get what you need quickly. I want everything to get back to normal as soon as possible.” Whatever that is, I thought.

  Tommy read my mind. “There is no such thing as normal now, Megs. Your life has changed for the better and the worse. The best thing that has changed is that you’re going to be a momma. That’s an honor right there. By the time that baby is here, you’ll be home safe and sound. Things will get back to normal then. But until then, just hang tight. Okay?” he said gently, then pulled me into a tight hug. “I’ll take care of you, Megs. I promise.”

  I closed my eyes and took that moment to believe him. And wished that it was Shane who was saying those words to me.

  Chapter 26

  AS THE DAYS AND WEEKS WENT ON, I barely heard from Tommy. His team was following lead after lead, and he never made it back to the lake house. Despite Tommy’s claim that a single woman at the clinic would have raised flags, the appointment went perfectly fine. There wasn’t a man in the entire office aside from the elderly doctor. After performing an ultrasound and some blood work, he concluded that I was eight weeks pregnant, with a due date of Valentine’s Day. It hit home then, the pain of the unknown. Not knowing if Shane would be able to come back to us, not knowing if he still loved me, not knowing if he would be happy if he knew that he was going to be a father.

  I pushed the unknown aside and focused on the now. At first it was awkward living in the house. We walked on eggshells around each other and were constantly looking out the window to see if we’d been found out. Eventually, tensions eased. We slowly started to laugh, to enjoy the lake, and generally tried to relax our vigilance. Mom and I hunkered down, only going out of the neighborhood with Rick and Kate as escorts. Mainly we stayed outside on the porch. Mom passed the time by teaching me new recipes and experimenting with making baby food. In exchange, my pants and shorts started to get snug. When I would complain about how much weight I was putting on, she would laugh at me. “Oh shush. You’re pregnant; you’r
e supposed to gain weight,” she’d tsk as she put a chicken into the oven to roast.

  The open windows let in the warm breezes. Even close to dinnertime the sun was as bright as if it were noon. The peace and quiet of the lake soothed me. We were secluded from the rest of the vacationers and only encountered other people when we went into town. We had the beach area behind the house all to ourselves. We spent the evenings in front of the fire pit reminiscing and learning more about each other. She told me stories about how my father courted her, stories of when she was younger, and stories of Kyle and me when we were children. I enjoyed it. It was mesmerizing to see her face light up as she recounted her memories. I laid my hands on my somewhat protruding stomach. I couldn’t wait to build on and add to my own memories.

  The stillness and the quiet did nothing to hamper my thoughts of Shane. I desperately wanted to talk to him. Kate always refused. I could write a letter to be hand-carried to Shane via a series of agents and officers, but I didn’t want that. I didn’t want the first time I told him that he was going to be a daddy to be via messengers. I wanted to be there to see his face, his expression, his reaction when I told him the news. I wanted to hold him, to make sure he was safe and sound. I wanted to make sure he knew I loved him.

  With rarely any updates from Tommy, we had resorted to keeping up with things on the internet. The case was barely making the local blogs and there wasn’t a blip from the national media coverage. Kyle, Sarah, and the rest of our family and friends suspected that Mom and I had jumped ship. They weren’t stupid. Of course, knowing the possible ramifications of contacting them, we simply left well enough alone. Our sole contact was my uncle, who had been a part of this process since the beginning. He kept us updated on all the happenings in the world that we had left behind. His letters, typed on the computer, seemed sterile, like he was holding back. There was never any mention of Shane or updates about the case. Just that things were coming along slowly. Perhaps he was afraid of the letter getting into the wrong hands. Kate did the best she could with the limited resources she had. Most of her information seemed secondhand, and I could tell she was frustrated. She was used to being in the field, not acting as a babysitter. I tried not to bug her. It was nice to have her around. The more I got to know her, the less intimidating she seemed.