Road to Peace

by Piper Davenport

“Someone cut your break lines and disabled your airbags, and this person knew enough about new cars to do it,” he said.

  “So, you think this was intentional?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Who on earth would try to hurt me? And Poppy?” I bit back tears. “Who?”

  “I don’t know, baby. We’re workin’ on it. Can you think of anyone who might want you out of the way?”

  “No.”

  “Think, Maisie. Has anyone ever made any threats? Given you the creeps? Anything?”

  “I’m the CEO of a sex toy company, Hatch. I’ve had to deal with a few kooks, but I’ve never had death threats.”

  He frowned. “How many kooks?”

  “Not many. My lawyer handles these things. Stephanie, my assistant, doesn’t even show them to me anymore, she just forwards anything like that to him. The only reason I know she gets them is she gives me the weekly kook list tally. Usually, I only have one or two a month, maybe.”

  “Okay, anyone want into your panties?”

  I choked on a cough. “What?”

  “Men, Sunshine. Anyone who asked you out and didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer?”

  “Alison seems to think a client of ours, Jeremy Marville, wants to date me, but he’s a nice man who went through a nasty divorce. We had one lunch and he sent me flowers. I highly doubt he’d do anything like this.”

  “Gonna check that out,” he said.

  “Go easy, okay?”

  He nodded. “How did you start the business? It just doesn’t seem like you.”

  “It’s not really. I had a business degree from Oxford.” I sighed. “It was a drunken night out with Niall. I said we should design funny condoms and call them Spiffy Stiffies, then he said we could make stencils for women and call them Posh Pussies.”

  “You’re shittin’ me.”

  “He quit his job, ran with my idea, and here I am today.” I shook my head. “It was started as joke, believe it or not, and there’s no one more surprised than me that it went anywhere. I ran the business, he ran the think tank and it worked. Weird, right?”

  He chuckled. “It’s different.”

  “I don’t know anyone who’d want to hurt me and Poppy, Hatch. Honestly. I’m pretty low-key.” I bit my lip. “I don’t advertise what I do for a living. I wanted to sell it after Niall died, but honestly, the job kept me distracted.”

  “Okay, Sunshine. We’ll keep diggin’.”

  “Mummy,” Poppy cried, and rushed into the room. “You’re awake.”

  “I had a good night’s sleep.” I smiled at Hatch over my daughter’s shoulder as she gently hugged me.

  Alison greeted me and Hatch as Poppy released me and smiled up at him. “Thanks for looking out for Mum.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said. “I’m gonna take off.”

  “Can you stay?” Poppy asked.

  “I can’t, baby girl. Gotta get back to the shop.”

  “Hatch has to work, Poppet.”

  She sighed. “Okay.”

  He smiled. “As soon as your mom’s out of here, we’ll all go somewhere, yeah? Dinner or something.”

  Her face lit up. “Really?”

  Hatch nodded. “Sure.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ll see you later, Maisie,” he said, and without even a glance back, he left the room.

  I spent the next few hours hanging with Poppy while Alison headed off to run errands and grab some things for me from home.

  After Poppy and I enjoyed dinner together, Ali picked her back up, and I was able to take a shower. The nurse even helped me wash my hair and by the time I climbed back into bed I felt like a whole new person.

  I flipped on the television and settled in for a quiet evening. I didn’t typically watch TV, so this was a bit alien for me, but I found myself transfixed by a dating show. The women lived in bungalows and men were flown in on a helicopter for the women to choose… a bit like a lobster in a tank awaiting the pot of boiling water.

  Hatch walked in mid-way through the program and leaned down to kiss my cheek. “Hey, Sunshine.”

  “Hi.” I smiled up at him.

  “What are you watching?”

  “Some dating show. It’s like a modern day Timber.”

  His eyebrows dropped. “I’m sorry?”

  “You know, that dating app? You swipe left or right?”

  Hatch cocked his head. “You mean, Tinder?”

  “Is it?” I giggled. “I always thought it was Timber.”

  “Nope. Tinder.” He grinned and pulled the chair close to the bed.

  I turned my head toward him. “So you’ve used it, then.”

  “Hell no. I don’t date and I don’t need an app to hook up.”

  I smiled. “No, I don’t suppose you would.”

  “How are you feelin’, baby?”

  “I managed a shower, so I feel really good.”

  He chuckled. “Nice.”

  “They told me I’m being released in the morning.”

  “Yeah?” Hatch frowned.

  “You don’t want me to be released in the morning?” I asked.

  “How secure is your place?” he asked.

  “I live in a building with a doorman and security. You have to have a code to park.” I sat up a little. “Are you worried?”

  “Yeah, Maisie, I’m worried,” he said. “Don’t know who tried to kill you, so don’t know where they got to you.”

  I sighed. “Poppy’s scared as well.”

  Hatch leaned forward. “What kinda scared?”

  “Scared, scared. She’s having a hard time leaving me alone. I get that any kid would feel that way after an accident, but I think her fear goes deeper. Poppy has an amazing sense of people and situations. She’s my litmus test. If she doesn’t like you, you’re probably a pretty awful person.” I smiled at Hatch. “She adores you.”

  His eyes softened as he linked his fingers with mine. “She’s cool. I like her too.”

  I held his hand a little tighter. “I’m not this person, Hatch,” I whispered. “I’m not the person who has someone trying to kill them. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “I know. We’re gonna figure it out.” He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my palm. “In the meantime, you okay with me drivin’ you home tomorrow?”

  “Ali’s bringing Poppy by early. She said she’d come back and pick me up, but I bet she’d like the break. If you’re okay with taking us both, then yes, that would be appreciated.”

  “Yeah, I’m good.” He raised an eyebrow. “You okay with me bein’ in your space, though?”

  “You mean because we only met five minutes ago and now I’m taking you back to my place?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah.”

  I hit my pain pump and relaxed into my pillows. “Since nothing we’ve done has followed any sort of a normal timeline rule, I’m good. I trust you, which could be my downfall, because I don’t really know you, but I feel like I do. Does that make sense?”

  “Complete sense.”

  “Really?” I cocked my head. “Because I feel like I’m high.”

  He dropped his head back and laughed. “Damn, baby, you’re funny.”

  “I’m not really. It’s the drugs.” I smiled. “Are you going to show me all your skeletons now that I seem to be showing mine?”

  “Don’t think you wanna go there, Sunshine.”

  “I would very much like to go there.” When he tried to pull his hand away, I held tighter. “What happened with your ex-wife, for example?”

  He sighed. “Long story short, she told me she couldn’t get pregnant.”

  “So you divorced her?”

  He frowned. “Sunshine, she told me she couldn’t get pregnant, but what she actually did was have two abortions.”

  “What?” I gasped.

  “We were married for five years. She started steppin’ out on me, but she came back cryin’ sayin’ she loved me, so I took her back. But when I got a call that she’d been rushed to emergen
cy, I arrived to find out she was there with excessive bleeding due to an abortion. It was apparently her second.”

  “Oh, Hatch, I’m sorry.”

  “Kicked her ass to the curb and never looked back.”

  “I don’t blame you.” I shook my head. “What a bitch.”

  “I think that’s generous.”

  “Yes, I think you’re right.” I yawned. “I promise I won’t ever have an abortion. I mean, I don’t plan on getting pregnant again, but even if I did, I’d never have an abortion.”

  I don’t know if he responded because I fell asleep almost before I got my words out.

  Maisie

  I AWOKE THE next morning having slept through the night without pain again. Hatch wasn’t in the room, so I called the nurse and she helped me freshen up and then get back into bed. Ali and Poppy would arrive in less than an hour and I was looking forward to heading home, even if it wouldn’t be for several more hours. Even though I liked the ease of having the pain pump, I couldn’t wait to get rid of my IV so I didn’t have to drag it with me everywhere.

  I was a little confused as to where Hatch was. Normally my guard dog was close in the morning. I smiled when he walked in just as the thought flitted through my brain.

  “Hi,” I breathed out, surprised by how relieved I was to see him.

  “Mornin’, Sunshine,” he said, sitting on the edge of my bed. “What time’s Poppy comin’?”

  “Soon.” He looked pensive, so I asked, “What’s wrong?”

  “Besides someone tryin’ to kill you and me not knowin’ how to protect you without watchin’ you twenty-four-seven?”

  “My building’s secure, Hatch.”

  Before he could say anything further, the doctor walked in to determine whether or not I was free to be discharged. Hatch stepped over to the window while the doctor did his thing and then as soon as the doctor left, a nurse walked in with forms for me to sign. “I have your scripts, you can fill them here in the hospital or take them to another pharmacy. I’ll give you a dose before you go so you have some time,” she said.

  She removed my IV and informed me I was essentially released as soon as I signed the paperwork. No sooner had she given me all of my instructions, Alison and Poppy walked in, and Hatch and I never got to loop back to our conversation.

  “Why don’t I grab your drugs while you change?” Hatch offered.

  “Thanks,” I said as I signed the release paperwork as best I could with my left hand.

  Poppy and Alison helped me dress in regular clothes and I realized there was no way in hell I’d be able to do this alone. Poor Poppy was going to have her work cut out for her over the next few weeks as I healed.

  I flopped back onto the bed and closed my eyes.

  “Are you okay, Mum?” Poppy asked.

  “Just tired, love.” I smiled. “It’s tough work putting on pants.”

  She giggled. “Only for old people.”

  “Yes, darling, I’m so old,” I droned sarcastically.

  Hatch walked in waving a white paper bag right before a volunteer pushing a wheelchair. “Got your stuff, Sunshine.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’m Jim,” the volunteer said. “Are you ready, Mrs. Mann? I’ll wheel you down.”

  “I’ll get the truck and meet you out front,” Hatch said.

  “I’ve got my car,” Alison countered. “We can handle it from here.”

  “I’m comin’ with,” Hatch said. His voice was soft, but there was no arguing.

  Poppy’s face lit up. “You are?”

  “Yeah, baby girl.” He grabbed my bag by the window.

  “You’re off the hook, Ali if you want to head home,” I said.

  “No, I’ve got time. Nicole’s taken over things today so I could make sure you were good.”

  “I’m still comin’,” Hatch said.

  Alison rolled her eyes, her back turned to Hatch.

  “How about you follow us, Hatch?” I suggested.

  He frowned, but Poppy jumped in and said, “I’ll come with you, Hatch.”

  “Poppy, you should probably come with us,” Alison countered.

  “But Hatch doesn’t know where we live,” Poppy said. “I can show him.”

  “Would you both give me and Poppy a minute, please?” I asked.

  Hatch and Alison nodded and left the room… Jim the volunteer waited while I patted the mattress next to me. Poppy sat on the bed and wrapped my arm around her. “Are you sure you’re okay going with Hatch?”

  “Yes.”

  “You know you can tell me if you feel uncomfortable.”

  “Yes, I know.” Poppy smiled. “I like Hatch, Mum, and he will protect you.”

  “I’m not in danger, love.”

  “I know… because Hatch is here.”

  I sighed. “Okay, darling. If you feel safe with him, then I’m good.”

  She hopped off the bed and rushed to the door. Alison and Hatch walked back in and I settled myself in the wheelchair.

  “We’ll meet you in the parking garage,” Alison said.

  Hatch nodded. “Okay. See you in a minute.”

  “Someone’s got a guardian angel, huh?” Alison mused as she drove.

  I smiled sleepily. “Seems that way.”

  “Ryan says he’s totally clean. His club’s clean too.”

  “That’s good, right?”

  “Yes, but you just never know with these motorcycle club types… they’re glorified gangs.”

  I sighed. “So far, he’s been nothing but a stand-up guy, so I’m going to take him at face value. I like him… so does Poppy, and that means something.”

  Alison nodded. “Fair enough.”

  We drove into my garage and parked, Hatch followed in his truck and pulled into my guest spot. Before I got my door open, Hatch was there, virtually lifting me out of the car.

  “I can walk on my own, Hatch,” I bossed as he wrapped an arm firmly around my waist.

  He grinned. “More fun for me, though.”

  Alison’s phone buzzed in the car, so she leaned in and grabbed it. “Alison Clark. Hi. He did? Hmm. Okay. Either myself or my husband will be there as soon as we can. Thank you.” She hung up with a frown. “Merrick got tackled during P.E. He and his buddies were messing around and he did something to his knee.”

  “I got Maisie if you need to be somewhere,” Hatch said.

  “You okay with that, hon?” Alison asked me. “Because I’ll call Ryan.”

  “It’s fine, Ali. Seriously.” I smiled. “You’ve done so much for us over the past few days. Go take care of your family. I’ll call you later.”

  She hugged me and Poppy and then climbed back into her car, while Hatch helped me up to my condo.

  I settled myself in Niall’s chair and closed my eyes while Poppy showed Hatch around. A gentle touch on my cheek had me jumping awake. I didn’t realize I’d even fallen asleep.

  “Sorry, baby,” Hatch said with a smile. “I think you should take some meds.”

  I nodded. “Probably a good idea.”

  He opened my prescription bottle and handed me two pills. I took them and closed my eyes again.

  “You want me to go?” Hatch asked. “Or stay tonight?”

  “Stay,” I whispered as I succumbed to sleep again.

  * * *

  Hatch

  Hatch covered Maisie with a blanket just as Poppy walked back into the living room and frowned. “Is Mummy okay?”

  He nodded. “The meds make her sleepy. Want to see what we can find to eat?”

  “I don’t know what we have. Mum doesn’t do much cooking.”

  “Well, it’s a good thing I do.”

  Poppy nodded and led him into the kitchen. “There are a couple of restaurants around the corner. We have them deliver… a lot.”

  She showed Hatch where everything was and Poppy wasn’t exaggerating. There wasn’t a whole lot in the way of prepare-able food. At least they had milk, cereal, and coffee for the morning, but nothin
g as far as fresh veggies, fruit, or meat.

  “Our housekeeper comes on Fridays and usually picks up groceries on her way. Mum gives her a list on Thursday.”

  Hatch nodded. “Well, that’s a few days away, so I’m going to call Cricket… have her pick up a few things.”

  “Who’s Cricket?”

  “My sister.”

  “Is that her real name?” Poppy asked, her eyes wide.

  He shook his head. “Christina. We’ve just always called her Cricket ’cause she doesn’t stop hoppin’.”

  “That’s such a cool name.” Poppy sighed. “I wish I had a cool name.”

  “Beautiful name for a beautiful girl, Poppy,” Hatch countered. “Your mom and dad did right by you.”

  She blushed. “Thanks, Hatch.”

  “Now, what do you want Cricket to get you?”

  “Can she get Pop Tarts?” Poppy asked hopefully.

  “Yeah, baby girl. What flavor?”

  “S’mores.”

  “Got it.”

  Poppy glanced over her shoulder to a sleeping Maisie. “Don’t tell Mum. I’m not allowed that much sugar.”

  “Life ain’t worth livin’ without sugar.”

  “Right? I knew I liked you for a reason.” She beamed and then helped Hatch make a more substantial list.

  “What time do you need to go to bed?” Hatch asked. “I feel like I should make you stick to the schedule your mom set up.”

  “I’m not going to school this week, so I can stay up until ten.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I think so. I’ll check with Mum when she wakes up.” She leaned over the kitchen island. “You’re gonna keep Mummy safe right?”

  “Yeah, baby girl.” He smiled. “And you.”

  “Thanks, Hatch.” She pushed away from the island. “I’m gonna go call Grace.”

  “I’ll let you know when Cricket gets here, yeah?”

  She nodded and headed down the hall. Hatch texted a list to his sister, then settled himself on the sofa next to Maisie.

  He found the television remote (stuffed in a side table drawer) and hit the power button, making sure to turn the volume down low.

  About an hour into the slowest baseball game he’d ever watched, his sister texted that she was in the building lobby with groceries. He headed down the hall and knocked on Poppy’s door, pushing open the door at her quiet, “Come in.”