by J. A. Coffey
"She's in good hands with you." Jayden sipped his coffee, his eyes never leaving Chloe.
"How'd it go last night?"
Jayden glanced at Carla. "She was relaxed and slept well, if that's what you mean." He sighed. "She's still keeping me at arm's length. I don't know how to get through to her."
"You don't. She'll come around." Carla leaned on the counter. "Tony was sitting outside when we got here this morning."
"I figured. He's still there." Jayden played with the mug. "Can you get back to my place without him tailing you?"
"I don't see why not. Where's David in all this?"
"He's following up a lead in Portland for me. He should be back tonight."
Carla nodded.
Jayden turned on his stool as Chloe joined them and sat next to him. "Long day?"
"Yeah, but it feels good to be out and doing something instead of hiding away."
Jayden nodded and Carla smiled. He looks happy, something she hasn't seen in a long time. "You're looking tired again. I thought you slept good?"
"I did. Just not used to being on my feet, I guess. I'm fine. Stop hovering."
"I am not hovering. Just stopped in for coffee."
Chloe winked. "Yeah, you keep telling yourself that."
"Are you complaining?"
Chloe's cheeks turned pink. "Not at all."
Carla smirked. "You can take off now if you want, Chloe. I'm sure Jayden can drive you to his place. I will be along in an hour after I close up."
Jayden glared at Carla.
"That's sounds good." Chloe stood, untying her apron. "Do you mind, Jayden, or are you busy working?"
"I'm not too busy to drive you home, but I can't stay and I would prefer you not be alone."
"It's an hour. What can it hurt?" Chloe stood with her hands on her hips.
Jayden stared at Carla. "Really? You want to explain that to her?"
Carla shrugged. "An hour, Jayden...what can happen?"
Jayden ran his fingers through his hair. "A lot can happen in an hour. He's sitting right out there and will follow us. Come to the station with me, Chloe. Carla can pick you up there."
"I might as well stay here and work then. Can't you just trust me for one hour?"
Jayden sighed. "It's not you I don't trust, it's him. Can't you see that?"
Chloe laid her hand on his arm. "Jayden, please. I can't hide behind you and Carla for the rest of my life."
"Why not? I'm happy to protect you the rest of your life."
Chloe shook her head. "Please, don't go there."
Jayden closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine. I'll be in the car and will drive you home when you are ready."
She squeezed his arm. "Thanks."
*****
Chloe watched Carla as Jayden left. His concern and peace overwhelmed her when he was close. She needed to get through this by herself. Part of her hoped Tony would try something when she was alone before she had to make a decision about meeting him, get it over with so she could either move on or...she shuddered at the thought of what he could do to her.
"You okay?" Carla's voice broke her train of thought.
"Yeah."
"You don't have to do this."
"I have to, Carla. I will never be through with this until Tony makes a move."
"Chloe, you're purposely hoping he comes for you?" Carla's eyes grew large.
"I don't think he will with me being at Jayden's house. Please, keep it to yourself. I have a feeling Jayden won't go too far."
"Chloe, that's not fair to Jayden. Have you told him about the baby yet?"
Chloe looked down at her hands. "No, I haven't. I don't know how to bring it up. He's so overprotective right now and I don't want him to feel obligated."
"He loves you. Can't you see that?"
Chloe met Carla's eyes. "Yes, I see it. I feel it every time he is close by. I need to get through this thing with Tony before I can even think about that."
"You love him too, don't you?"
"I don't know. I'm not sure I would recognize what love is at this point. I know I want to be with him, I love the warmth and security when I am near him. But I don't want to jump into another situation where I can't be in control of my own life, Carla. I need to get through this thing, whatever it is, with Tony."
"I understand that, and Jayden would too."
Chloe shook her head. "Please, let me work through this my own way."
"To what end? I can't bear the thought of something happening to you or your baby."
"You think I can?" Chloe trembled. "I can't lose this baby. It's my whole life."
Carla took a deep breath. "Chloe, I've been there. Don't try to do this on your own."
"Come over when you're done working and we can talk some more then."
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Jayden sat in his car watching Tony watching the diner. He knew Tony would follow them and didn't know if he could leave her at the house alone. He picked up his phone and punched in Dave's number.
"How far away are you?" He jumped right to the point as soon as Dave answered.
"Just leaving now. Will be there in about an hour. What's up?"
Jayden cursed under his breath. "I have to work and Chloe is insisting on being at the house by herself."
"Call Joce and get her over there." Dave paused before he continued. "The word is that he thinks Chloe related his dealings to you. He will kill her if he gets his hands on her."
Jayden closed his eyes. "I can't protect her, Dave."
"You can and you will. This isn't the same situation, Jay. Come on, man. Get a grip."
"There is more than she's telling me. Maybe she does know something. If she would just open up we could arrest him at least on stalking charges."
"I think I have enough to do that, but don't let him near her. It will have to wait until I get there."
Jayden sighed. "Here she comes. Call me as soon as you're close."
"Gotcha. Bye."
Jayden put down his phone as Chloe opened the door. "All set?"
Chloe buckled her seat belt and turned towards him. "Yes. Thank you for doing this."
Jayden watched her carefully. "I don't think I can do it, Chloe. I just can't leave you alone."
She reached for his hand. "Please, Jayden, I need to do this."
"He's dangerous. What is it that he thinks you have betrayed him on?"
"Betrayed him? I don't know. Tony doesn't always think logically, in fact he rarely thinks things through before he reacts."
Jayden sighed. "Which makes him even more dangerous. Can't you see he is going to come after you when you are alone?"
"Jayden..." She closed her eyes. She had to tell him. "I don't know how..."
Jayden released her hand and started the car. He put it in gear and started towards home. He kept one eye on the rearview mirror and watched Tony pull out behind them.
Chloe's mind raced. She wanted to tell him, but it caught in her throat. He needed to know before he continued to profess his love for her. He would want to be rid of her, carrying another man's child. He wouldn't want to take that on. A lone tear slipped from her eye and coursed its way down her cheek. She closed her eyes and wished her parents were still alive. Her mother would know what to tell her.
Jayden pulled into his driveway and shut off the car. "Chloe."
She glanced at him. "Are you staying?"
"We need to talk. I know you have things you haven't said, and either don't want to tell me or don't know how. It's time to get it all out in the open."
"Jayden, it's not that easy."
"Of course it is. Let's go in. Tony's right down the street."
Chloe glanced around. "He followed you?"
"Of course. Did you think he wouldn't?"
Chloe trembled as they started in. Jayden's hand on her lower back was a welcome warmth. As soon as the door shut behind them, Jayden pulled her into his arms. "Chloe, talk to me."
She wrapped her arms ar
ound his waist and held tight. She could feel his breath on her neck as he held her close. "Jayden, I'm afraid."
She looked up and met his eyes. The love that shone from his dark eyes gave her courage. She pulled away and hanging onto his hand walked to the living room. She sat on the couch and gestured for him to sit next to her.
She was silent as Jayden waited. It was killing him to be patient, but she wracked her brain how to start.
"I care for you, Jayden, I do. You tell me you love me and it scares me. I don't know how to love. I've never been in love." She paused and still he was silent. His hand held hers and his thumb rubbed encouragingly over her palm.
"I don't know what Tony thinks I told you. I know he is into things that are illegal, but I don't know the details of anything. He must think I do, but I really don't. I have tried very hard to stay away from anything that would give me information. I didn't want to know. I thought I would be safe if I didn't."
"You're not safe, though, Chloe. As long as you're alive, he will feel you're a threat. I can't live with the thought that I could lose you."
Chloe sighed. "I know. I left because I thought I could protect myself and disappear from him."
"Protect yourself from what...if you don't know anything?"
Chloe gripped his hand tighter. "Jayden, I understand after I tell you this that it is a very real possibility you are going to walk out that door and have nothing to do with me. I don't blame you."
"Let me decide that, please, Chloe."
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Jayden..."
Jayden's cell phone rang, "Hang on." He stood and walked to the window to look out. Tony's car was still there. Jayden listened carefully and swore softly as Dave told him he had been hung up in Portland and would be a little later getting there.
"I can't reach Joce. It will take Carla at least an hour to get here."
"Can't help it, man. Tell her to lock up and stay put." Dave paused. "I can't fill you in now, but Tony's there alone. Joe's in Portland."
"Okay. Let me know when you're back."
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Jayden walked to the couch and sat down. The tears that coursed down Chloe's face broke his heart. Whatever it was, she was scared. His stomach clenched with anticipation, his mind racing with worse case scenarios yet the only thing that would separate him from her death. He wanted her beside his side forever, no matter what the secrets were. The realization of the depth of his love startled him.
He reached for her hand and squeezed it. He waited for her to speak.
She wiped the tears from her cheeks, took a deep breath and faced him. "I left Tony because I needed a better life."
"I know."
"No, I needed a better life for...my baby." She watched his face as he absorbed the words she was saying.
"Is this the part that is supposed to make me run?" Jayden smiled. "A baby is a blessing, Chloe. I'm not afraid of responsibility."
"But it's not your responsibility. It's mine."
"Hey." His voice was soft. "Yes, it's your responsibility and you are going to be a great mother. You're already putting your baby ahead of any of your needs, but I'm not running, Chloe. I would love if you let me help you with this, be a part of your life, and the baby's."
The tears started again as his words impacted her. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, positive. I love you. I don't know how else to convey that to you." He pulled her close and kissed her lips softly. His lips caressed hers with a gentleness she didn't think was possible.
He stepped back from her, realizing the shadows in the room indicated how late it was getting. "I need to get to the station to finish up some things. Carla should be here any minute. Please stay in the house and keep it locked. Don't open the door for anyone unless you know it's Carla."
"I know. I'm fine." Chloe gave him a slight push. "Go."
*****
She sank into the couch. The burden lifted, and her spirits were high. She rubbed her belly, feeling so blessed to have met Jayden. He hadn't even flinched at the news. What a fool she had been to think he would. With a smile on her face, she slipped in a light sleep.
A knock on the door brought her sitting straight up. Tony? No he wouldn't knock. It must be Carla. She glanced at the clock and saw that a half hour had passed since Jayden left. She jumped up and ran to the door. Looking through the peephole, she saw Carla standing there. She swung it open and found Tony to the side, out of view of the peephole.
"Miss me?" Tony smirked and pushed Carla inside. He glanced around outside before shutting the door behind him.
"What are you doing here?" Chloe grabbed Carla and held her close.
"I'm here for you, my dear. Did you really think you could just walk out of my life and get involved with a police officer?"
"We're not involved." Chloe's eyes ran over Tony. She couldn't see a weapon, but that didn't mean there wasn't one.
"Well, I guess you will need to convince me of that." He pushed her and Carla towards the living room. "Why don't you have a seat and let me know all about it."
"I can't do this anymore, Tony. We didn't have a relationship, it was a dictatorship."
Tony chuckled. "Poor little girl. I have been the only one there for you. You've got no one else."
"That's not true. I don't need you. I can take care of myself." Chloe stood, fists clenched beside her.
"Give it a rest, Chloe. You couldn't take care of a dog, and certainly can't take care of yourself. You would have died a long time ago if it wasn't for me."
Chloe's mind raced with what to do. He must have seen Jayden leave. She glanced at Carla who was glaring at Tony.
"Come on. We're getting out of here." Tony grabbed for Chloe's hand. Carla pushed between them.
"You're not taking her."
With the back of his hand, Tony smacked the side of her mouth with enough force to send Carla to the couch.
"Stop!" Chloe pulled at his arm. "I'll go, but leave her alone. Don't hurt her."
"So protective of our friends, are we?"
"Please, Tony. Leave her alone." Chloe stood in front of him.
"Wow. I'm impressed. Suddenly so brave and fearless." Tony snickered and yanked her close. She stiffened as he ran his tongue along her earlobe. "Let's go, Chloe. See if you can save yourself as well as you save your friends."
He pushed her in front of him towards the front door, but turned back. His eyes flickered over Carla on the couch. "Phone lines are cut. Give me your car keys and your cell phone." He reached out a hand.
With hands shaking, Carla did as he asked. "Don't do this."
"You have a ways to walk to reach lover boy. We'll be long gone by then." He turned towards Chloe. "Move."
Tony shoved Chloe into the back seat before jumping into the driver's seat and starting the car. He watched her through the rearview mirror and she knew he saw a changed woman. There was no fear on her face or in her eyes anymore.
"You know he'll never find you in time," he sneered.
"I'm not worried about it. I don't need Jayden to save me, Tony. I'm not afraid of you. You have no hold on me anymore."
"Wow, sweetie. I'm impressed. Where did this sudden backbone come from? The baby?"
Chloe stared at him through the rearview mirror. "How..."
"Yes, I have ways that I know things. You weren't going to tell me?"
"No. I wasn't. This is my baby."
Tony snickered. "Your baby? Honey, you're a child yourself. You would never be able to raise a child by yourself."
Chloe raised her chin and met his gaze. "Don't be so sure."
Tony picked up his cell phone and punched in a number. "Meet me as planned. I have her." He hung up without waiting for an answer.
"Where are we going?" Chloe asked.
"You'll see. Don't worry, lover boy will find you soon enough. Just don't think he'll be in time."
Chapter Thirty
Dave knew what this trip to Portland would cost Jayde
n. However, it would be good for him to face his fears head-on so he could move past them. His mind wandered to that fateful night that Jayden, and he were involved in the incident. They had been partners then. Jayden always went by the book where Dave had tended to push the envelope a time or two. They made a good team. That night the perp had been running from them. They finally had him cornered when Jayden had his gun drawn on him. The perp had fired, forcing Jayden to return fire just as a child ran out from behind a car. The bullet hit the boy in the back.
The perp had been apprehended, but Jayden never moved from holding the young boy in his arms long after back-up had arrived. It was ruled accidental and Jayden had been cleared to return to duty, but he never did. He handed in his resignation and went back to Arden. Dave had been pleased when he took the Chief of Police position in Arden, but knew it was the safe job for Jayden. In his gut, he knew Jayden needed the adrenaline rush like they all did. After Jayden had left the Portland force, Dave had resigned also and moved into PI work.
Dave was startled when blinding lights hit his rearview mirror. The car was coming on him fast. It was too dark to see the car. He hit the gas to try and put some distance between them, but the car kept coming, gaining second by second. He braced himself for the impact. The car hit him hard. He used all his strength to stay on the road. He glanced in the rearview mirror to see the car pull back, only to see it come at him again.
"Dammit." Dave braked briefly at a sharp curve. He was hit hard again. The car slid on the gravel at the edge of the road. He managed to stop at the edge of the embankment as the car passed. Dave took a deep breath and reached for the cell phone, jumping from the car as the lights turn around and headed back. Sliding behind the brush at the end of the road, he sucked in a few deep breaths.
The car raced towards his vehicle and hit it hard, sending it over the embankment. Dave held his gun in front of him, waiting to see if anyone exited the vehicle. Instead the car backed up and drove off. No plate was on it and it was too dark to see the make and model. He swore softly.
He pulled out his cell and punched in Jayden's number.
"You back?"
Dave shook his head. "No, not yet. A bit of a problem. I'm carless. Want to come get me?"