And she couldn’t.
She passed another of her favorite statues, a small boy carrying a lamb across his shoulders. But she could hardly see it for her tears. Escape was what she needed, escape from the art she couldn’t share, the gardens she couldn’t share, the feelings she couldn’t share.
As she came around the corner and ran up the stairs to her front door, she nearly tripped over her father, who was seated outside waiting for her. Jess regained her balance and swiped at her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Sorry, Daddy. I wasn’t expecting you.”
Derrick held his arms out as if to steady her, but pulled back upon seeing she wasn’t going to fall. “Are you okay? Honey, what’s wrong?”
Jess shook her head. “I’m fine.” Squaring her shoulders for an argument, she was about to ask what he wanted but realized she didn’t have the energy. Instead she asked, “Can we please do this another time? I can’t argue with you tonight. I’m tired, I’m…” Miserable. She swallowed hard.
“I’m not here to argue.”
“You’re not?”
“May I come in?”
Jess was powerless to deny his request. She pushed open the door and Derrick fell in step behind. She ducked into the bathroom off the hallway to grab some tissues before following him into the study, where Derrick headed straight for the wet bar and Jess for one of her favorite couches.
“Drink?” he offered.
“Sparkling water, please,” with a Long Island Iced Tea chaser, she didn’t add. Alcohol would definitely take the edge off, but she wanted all her faculties for this conversation.
When he finished making his Gibson, Derrick brought Jess her drink and took a seat next to her on the couch. “Cheers,” he said, offering a toast. “Or should I say, cheer? It looks like you could use some.”
She clinked glasses with him. “I could use a friend.”
“How about a father? He went missing earlier but he’s been returned. The microchip was a good call.”
Jess wasn’t in the mood for his humor, which was a first. “I’m not going to tell you what you want to hear.”
“What do I want to hear?” Derrick asked.
“That I’m regretful. That I apologize. That I believe my actions have been detrimental to the firm.”
“I know her methods aren’t always agreeable, but Lilith’s understandably protective when it comes to the firm. Magnate wouldn’t be what it is today without her assets and connections.”
Jess’s jaw tightened. Derrick was putting his spin on things, as he always did. He was the consummate salesman, always trying to get you to buy. In this case, he was selling Lilith’s actions as reasonable. But she believed Lilith’s suggestion to be as acceptable as killing elephants for their ivory tusks. Was he trying to make Jess into an ingrate by reminding her of Lilith’s contributions to their collective wealth? She stilled her tongue for fear she’d say something to pit her against Lilith, which she desperately wished to avoid. She feared whom he’d choose if it came to that, and she couldn’t lose him, her bedrock.
Derrick set down his drink. “But I didn’t come here to defend her. I was hoping Lilith would back down when you didn’t. I didn’t want to berate her in front of Gary and Brooke, but I should have said she was wrong. Because she was. Before I walked down here, I told her as much and that it wasn’t open for debate.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m the one who’s regretful. I’m the one who should apologize. I should have stuck up for you sooner. The only thing I want to hear is that you forgive me.”
Rapid blinking wasn’t preventing more tears from welling. Full of emotion, Jess couldn’t speak, so she nodded.
Derrick moved closer to Jess on the couch and put his arms around her. Jess could no longer suppress her sobs, leaning into his chest and covering her face with her hands. He was finally being the father she so fiercely missed, so desperately needed, and she let go.
It was a bittersweet moment, feeling wrapped in the love of the most important man in her life yet melancholy over the state of things with TJ.
Finally ready to collect herself, Jess sat back on the couch and wiped her nose.
“Is it this woman?” Derrick asked.
Jess nodded and dabbed her eyes.
“I thought she made you happy.”
Jess half-laughed, half-sobbed. “She did.”
“What’s the problem?”
“She’s the guardian of her little sister, who’s in high school. She feels guilty for spending time with me because that’s time she could spend with her. Or something. I don’t know. And if she’s anything like me, she’s also feeling scared as hell because I mean something to her, and she doesn’t know what to do with it. So she put on the brakes.”
With an expression laced with challenge, Derrick asked, “What do you plan to do about it?”
“What can I do?” Jess said, exasperation evidenced by raised decibels.
“Fight for her.”
When no other words seemed forthcoming, Jess felt as lost as a small child dropped into the middle of Grand Central Station.
“You might get hurt, honey, but you’re already hurting. You have to ask yourself if she’s worth it. If the answer’s yes, you’ve very little to lose and everything to gain by fighting for her.”
Few of Derrick’s words mirrored Lilith’s. So few, Jess was compelled to confirm her understanding. “Even if it impairs Magnate’s reputation?”
“It won’t.” Derrick stood as if needing a break from all the sentiment. “For every Jerry Falwell, we’ll find a Muriel Manchester. And we’ll be stronger for it.” He took a final swig of his drink before setting it down and holding his arms out to her. “I haven’t said this in far too long, but I’m proud of you.”
The new tears threatening were those of joy. “Thank you, Daddy.” Jess practically leapt into his embrace.
“Thank you for giving your old man another chance. I never want to disappoint you.”
“You never will.”
“Now figure out a way to get your girl.”
“I’ll try.”
Chapter Twenty-one
Jess’s phone started playing “Fun, Fun, Fun (Till Her Daddy Takes the T-Bird Away).” Dillon. With a smile, she answered. “Hey, handsome.”
“Have you seen Kara?” Dillon sounded frantic.
Jess gripped her chair’s armrest. The ridiculousness of the question and its serious tone quashed a sarcastic reply. “No. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“She stole my GTO.”
Wide-eyed and immediately thinking the worst, Jess stopped herself from asking whether he was certain. Dillon wouldn’t make such an accusation otherwise. “How long ago? Have you called the police?”
“According to the security cameras, about an hour ago. And no, I haven’t. Yet.”
Jess wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved. If the police were apprised, Kara would get into serious trouble. If they weren’t, she could get seriously hurt. Or worse. “Why haven’t you?”
“You tell me. Why am I in this mess to begin with?” Dillon asked accusingly.
The remark stung. Jess wasn’t responsible for Kara or Kara’s actions, and Dillon had no right to insinuate differently. But she had used her influence to encourage him to give Kara a chance. “I’m sor—”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. It’s not your fault.” Jess heard him expel an exasperated breath. “I wanted to talk to you before I did anything.”
Jess smiled sadly. Dillon’s kind-hearted nature was shining through as always, and she wasn’t sure she deserved his decency on the matter. Although she’d taken an immediate liking to Kara, she’d done so in part because she was intrigued by her sister. At the time Jess had hit up Dillon for the favor to employ Kara, how much did Jess really know about her? “Thanks, but I need you to do what’s right for you. She’s old enough to know right from wrong, and she has to face the consequences of her poor choices.”
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Jess heard the hesitation in his voice. “But?” she asked.
“She’s a smart kid. She’s seen the security cameras. She’d know I’d know it was her. So why do it?”
“You think she’s trying to get caught?”
“I don’t know.”
“Have you told her sister?”
“Yes. She was surprised and extremely apologetic. She said she didn’t think Kara would skip town, and when she checked her room, nothing seemed missing, as in, she hadn’t packed anything. She was going to call some of Kara’s friends and then head out to some of Kara’s favorite hangouts to see if she could track her down.”
TJ must be frantic with worry. Not only could Kara get into trouble with the law over this, but she could get hurt. If she really was trying to get caught, she might be in a frame of mind to do something stupid—not that she wasn’t already killing it on that front. “That makes sense. What can I do?”
“There’s not much that can be done except wait things out and call the police.”
“Then call them.”
“And if she’s out for a joyride? I’d hate for her to get charged with grand theft auto. It’s a felony, Jess.”
“Jesus, Dillon. She stole your car. How can you be so understanding?”
The response was so slow in coming, Jess considered repeating the question in case they’d lost their connection briefly. But then she heard him say, “I think you know why.” For her. He was doing it for her. She loved him for it. She and TJ might not be together, but that didn’t prevent her from caring about TJ and, by extension, Kara.
“How about you give her until midnight, and if she or it hasn’t turned up, call the police. If she’s joyriding, she should be back by then,” Jess said.
“That’s what I was thinking.”
“Great minds.”
“That’s you, Spaulding. I’m simply the meathead with the muscle cars.”
“Ideally with the same number you started the day with. Call me if you hear anything, and I’ll do the same.”
“Will do. Love you,” Dillon said.
“Love you too.”
Jess considered calling TJ. But what words could she offer? She felt impotent, unsure of what she’d say or how she could aid the situation. Then again, she had unlimited resources at her disposal. Perhaps she could hire a private-investigations firm. No, they wouldn’t have more eyes on the streets than the police, and if Kara was tucked away somewhere to hide the car, the extra eyes wouldn’t help.
Maybe she could offer to split the task of scouting Kara’s usual hangouts to cover more ground more quickly. This idea had merit, though TJ’s pride would likely interfere. Still, wouldn’t TJ rather find her sister and accept assistance, even if it came in the form of Jessica Spaulding? Jess thought so. Kara was probably the only thing in TJ’s life that would cause her to swallow her pride. She placed the call, which went to voice mail. She left a message saying she’d spoken with Dillon and offered to help search for Kara.
Jess returned to the book she’d been reading, though it held no appeal. She wanted to be doing something. Was it a mistake not to call the police immediately? If Kara wished to be caught, involving the police would expedite her apprehension and get her off the road sooner, back to safety. Or would she be incarcerated, in which case her safety was not assured? The penal system had a terrible reputation for inmate safety. Kara didn’t belong behind bars, and a felony record would seriously mar her otherwise strong prospects. What was the girl thinking?
Setting the book down after attempting to read the same page a dozen times, she went into her study to work. It was the best way she knew to get her mind off Kara’s whereabouts.
As was often the case when she worked, Jess lost track of time. When the buzzer at the gate entrance signaled a visitor, it was after eleven. From her laptop she pulled up the security cameras’ feed to see who was dropping by at such a late hour. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Kara’s image popped onscreen, the first angle capturing her head and shoulders, as well as a portion of the GTO’s roof and driver’s side mirror. The other cameras made it clear the GTO was intact. Nearly overwhelmed with relief, Jess felt some of the tension in her shoulders ease. Pushing the audio button, Jess said, “Kara? Are you all right?”
“I’m sorry to come by so late, but can I come through?”
“Of course. One sec.” Jess hit the key to open the gate.
As Kara pulled into the estate grounds, Jess considered her predicament. This seemed like the kind of thing an aunt or grandmother should help with. In movies, the Kara character would have an older, wiser woman to turn to. Jess was not that person. How was she supposed to proceed? Should she berate Kara for her stupid behavior? Should she call the police and let the situation work itself through the juvenile justice system? Should she play dumb and pretend not to know what Kara had done and see if she came clean? Speaking of movies, should she cuff Kara to a pipe and call TJ to handle it?
The doorbell chimed, pulling Jess from her oscillating thoughts, except the lingering one that said she should have taken a shot of liquor. She rubbed her hands on her thighs in an attempt to wipe away her nervousness and calm herself. She’d follow Kara’s lead but wouldn’t let her off the hook.
Jess opened the door to a haggard Kara. “Come in.” Deciding not to sidestep the issue, Jess asked, “Kara, did you take that car with Dillon’s permission?” She needed to know off the bat whether Kara would be honest. Jess didn’t doubt TJ’s probity for a second, but she had very little experience with her sister.
Kara flicked her eyes to Jess before shoving her hands in the front pockets of her jeans and returning her eyes to the floor. She shook her head. “No.”
Jess worked her mouth, contemplating how best to proceed. What would TJ do? Jess doubted TJ would shake Kara’s shoulders and scream at her. Though it might feel cathartic in the moment, Jess knew it wasn’t appropriate behavior. “I have to call him.”
Kara’s eyes shot up. “Can you wait? I was hoping to talk to you first.”
“No, I can’t wait. You can’t take things that don’t belong to you. He’s already told me you took it, and he’s extremely worried.”
“I’d never hurt it.”
“I mean about you. Of course he’s upset you took his car, but what if you got into an accident? You could get hurt, or worse. And TJ—does she know you’re here?”
Kara shook her head. “I turned my phone off.”
“Kara…” Exasperated and overwhelmed, Jess fought to maintain her temper. Kara was acting like such a teenager. The fact that she was a teenager didn’t make her actions any more palatable. Although she knew Dillon would wait until midnight per their pact, Jess said, “The police might be looking for you.”
Tears welled in Kara’s eyes, but she lifted her chin defiantly. “I’m ready for that.”
“Well, I’m not. If there’s a warrant out for your arrest, I could get in trouble for harboring a fugitive.” It was complete BS, and Jess nearly laughed saying it, but the situation left little room for humor.
Slumping and speaking in a low voice, Kara turned for the door. “I don’t want to get you in trouble.”
Satisfied the girl still had something of a conscience, Jess grabbed her upper arm to stop her. “Stay. Give me two minutes to call Dillon and TJ to let them know you’re okay. And hand me the keys.”
“Please don’t call her. Please.”
Kids! Why were they so hard to say no to even when you were angry with them? No way could Jess sit on the news Kara was alive and well and with her. “Tell you what. I’ll call Dillon and have him tell TJ you’re okay but not divulge how he knows. Okay?”
Kara pressed the key into Jess’s palm. “Thanks.”
Jess lightly tugged Kara into the house. “Come on.” She swept her phone from the entryway table and took Kara to one of the couches in the living room. She walked down the hallway to make a quick call to Dillon. Once she returned, she asked, “Can I get you
anything to drink? Water? Soda?” At Kara’s head shake, Jess sat on the edge of a nearby leather lounge chair. “Talk to me. What’s going on? Why did you take Dillon’s car?”
“Did he call the police?”
“No.”
“Is he mad?”
“Yes. But mostly he’s worried about you.”
Kara’s chin trembled before she set it, and her eyes gleamed rebelliously. “I don’t need anyone worrying about me. I can take care of myself.”
“Not until you’re eighteen.”
“I can petition to be an emancipated minor.”
“I’m fairly certain you have to demonstrate your ability to be financially independent.”
“I can be. I already know as much about cars as most of the mechanics in Dillon’s shop.”
“That may be true, but I’d be willing to bet you’re not exactly looking at a glowing letter of recommendation at this point. You can’t take what doesn’t belong to you.”
“I did it to get back at her.”
“At TJ?”
“She said I can’t work there anymore. Today was my last day, my last chance, and I…I don’t know. I wanted to hurt her.”
“By taking it out on Dillon?”
Kara jumped to her feet. “By taking it out on everyone! Why do I have to quit? Why do I have to give up what I want to do because she made a promise?”
“Sweetie, slow down. Start from the beginning.”
“I don’t know what to do.” Kara wrapped her arms tightly around herself and began pacing a path behind the couch. “I got crummy marks on my last two tests. TJ said my job’s impacting my grades and made me quit. But I don’t want to! I’ve already learned so much. Dillon’s showing me how to convert manual brakes to a power system on a sixty-nine Camaro. There’s so much to think about and master. Leave them as drum or convert to disc? If disc, how much assist? Single diaphragm booster or dual? Eight-inch or eleven-inch or something in between? And what bore size do you need? It’s all connected and so awesome.
For Money or Love Page 23