by Jamie Hill
“What are you going to do?”
“I have no flipping idea, other than keeping them safe—or die trying.”
“No one’s dying on our watch. Try to get a grip. You still have a job to do.”
“Oh, I’ll get a grip, all right. A grip around Rivers’ throat when I choke him.”
His chief chuckled. “Now that might get you fired. I wouldn’t recommend it.”
“I’m not sure I want this job anymore, boss. For fifteen years I’ve been proud to be a US Marshal. Tonight I’m nothing but embarrassed, and humiliated.”
“Take your own emotions out of the mix, Doug. It doesn’t matter how you feel. The safety of the witnesses and the integrity of the case, those are the things that count. I know—it sucks that we’re the only ones who seem to be concerned about the witnesses. Remember, everyone has a different job to do. The FBI has an agenda, as does the District Attorney. Sometimes, they get mixed up. The important thing is we’re still on track. Your witnesses are fine. Talk to the mother. Once she’s calmed down, she’ll be thrilled to realize her son wasn’t really abducted.”
“Thrilled. Right.”
“Doug. Let it go. What’s done is done.”
“If you tell me ‘it is what it is’ I’m going to hang up.”
Another chuckle. “I hate that expression too. Go, try to relax and get some rest. With three marshals there now, you should be able to sleep in shifts.”
“Rivers is staying?”
“Oh yeah.”
“You’re letting Ben stay, too?”
“Of course. You should never have gone alone. This thing ended up bigger than any of us realized.”
Doug exhaled a rush of breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. “Thanks, Chief.”
“Talk to you tomorrow.” The call ended.
He returned to the front room where the family had gathered around the sofa and were chattering loudly. Ben and Rivers were talking quietly off to the side.
Ben glanced up. “Everything cool?”
“Not exactly. But I’ve been told to sit tight and remember the family is still in danger.”
“Nice.” Ben rolled his eyes.
He glanced at Rivers. “I understand FBI agents have their own agenda. I’ve just never been lied to by members of the Marshal’s Service before. It’s like a betrayal.”
“I wasn’t in favor of it, myself. I was just doing as instructed. Sorry to leave you hanging. I feel bad about it.”
Doug smiled grimly. “I was informed our feelings don’t matter, and that we need to keep an eye on the big picture. I’m trying to do that. But I can’t help wondering, how did they get the ransom note with the picture of Ethan and Lillian?”
Rivers blinked. “What picture? They were never out of my sight.”
Ben pulled out his phone and showed him.
“It’s photo-shopped. You can tell by this line right here, and these marks. See those?”
Doug squinted to see what he talked about. “Not really. How can you tell so easily?”
“Digital imagery is one of my specialties. I didn’t do that one, but I could have. Could have done it better, in fact.”
Doug glanced at Ben. “It was good enough to fool me.”
Ben shrugged. “Me too.”
With one more look toward the family, Doug said, “I’m hungry. We never had lunch.”
“We didn’t have much,” Ben agreed. “No one was in the mood to eat. We were just talking about making an early dinner. Rivers here is also an accomplished cook. He said he could whip up a fantastic chicken and pasta dish in no time.”
Grudgingly, Doug nodded. He still wasn’t convinced he could trust the man, even though his superiors assured him he could. He told Ben, “Watch him.”
Ben grinned. “You got it.” The two of them went to the kitchen.
Doug joined the family.
Christine appeared calmer, with her kids stationed on either side of her. The grandparents sat next to Ethan at the end of the couch. He suspected they’d all be joined at the hip for a while. She gazed at him questioningly. “Did you find anything out?”
“A little bit.” He sat in the chair facing them. “The FBI was behind what they called a ‘stunt’. They were fishing for information. I told them I didn’t appreciate their tactics, but what I think really doesn’t matter. They got something, and therefore the mission was successful in their eyes.”
“What did they get?” Christine bit her lip, a habit Doug recognized as one of her nervous ticks.
He shrugged. “I’m not really sure. I didn’t have my listening ears on when the chief tried to fill me in. I was still pretty hot.”
Stan frowned. “It was a cruel and heartless trick, that’s what it was. I hope you gave them hell for it.”
“I did, for whatever good that accomplished. They reminded me that we should be happy knowing Ethan and his grandma were never in any danger. That’s supposed to pacify us.”
Christine slipped an arm around her son. “It does, for now.” She kissed the side of his head. “We’ll deal with the other stuff later.”
Doug nodded. “I’ll be briefed tomorrow and can get more details then. Tonight, we’re going to relax and celebrate the family being together again.”
Peyton spoke up. “Can we go out somewhere? I’m so tired of being cooped up!”
“I’m afraid not. Your witness status hasn’t changed. We’re still on lockdown until the outcome of the trial is determined. It’s scheduled to begin on Monday.”
Groaning, she flopped back onto the sofa.
“Ben and Marshal Rivers are making dinner for us. They promised it’d be good.”
“Is Rivers staying?” Christine asked.
Doug nodded. “Apparently so. He was only doing as instructed. I don’t agree with his actions, but I’m not going to shoot the messenger.”
Ethan glanced up at his mother. “I heard you talking about Dad. Did you see him?”
She hesitated, her gaze seeking out Doug’s before she answered.
He gave a small shrug. Ethan was a bright kid. He wasn’t sure how much they should try to keep from him.
Christine nodded her acknowledgement. “Yes, honey, we did. He’s still in prison. I talked to him for a few minutes.”
Peyton piped up, “How does he look? Is he okay?”
“He’s thinner. His hair is longer, and he’s got a mustache and a full beard.” She scrunched up her face.
Ethan laughed. “A beard? Cool! I’m going to grow a beard someday.”
“Gross.” Peyton sniffed. “He never wore a beard. They must not have given him anything to shave with.”
Doug recalled being told Stewart hid his cell phone in a fake can of shaving cream. He didn’t comment, just listened. It felt good to hear normal conversation again. They’d been on high alert since this thing started, but the drama ramped up a notch when Peyton took off. Finally, they were able to slow it down and achieve some level of normality.
His phone rang and he pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the Caller ID. Jordan. He smiled and answered. “Hey, partner! How’s the ankle?”
“Sabelotodo! Causing trouble in the windy city, I hear.”
“Yeah, well, being a ‘smarty pants’ beats the alternative I guess.”
She cackled. “I’ll bet you’re cursing my name and fact that I went hiking that unfortunate Sunday.”
“No kidding. Course all that would have changed is that you’d be here instead of Ben, because I never would have let you come alone.”
“Let me?” She laughed. “When have you ever ‘let me’ do anything? Are you pulling that protective big brother crap on Christine? If you are, she’s the one who’s cursing my name. I’ll bet you’re driving her crazy!”
“We’re managing just fine, thank you.” He wanted to tell her that Christine and he were driving each other crazy, in a different way. But all eyes were upon him as he spoke, and he couldn’t confide in his partner just then. “Would you li
ke to talk to her?”
“I would. I heard what happened. I thought she and the kids could use a little buffing up. You too. You hanging in there?”
“I’m fine. Not happy, but dealing with the betrayal.”
“Yeah, I got that. I’m off the pain meds now and on crutches, so call me if you need anything, or just need to talk. You hear me?”
“I hear you. Thanks Jordan. I’ll talk to you soon. Here’s Christi.” He handed the phone across the coffee table.
She blushed as she accepted it and said, “Hello? Hi! Yeah, he calls me that…”
Doug leaned back and smiled, watching her as she talked. It was pleasing to see her calm and happy again. He’d move heaven and earth to prevent further heartache for her if he could.
She ended her conversation and handed the phone to Ethan, who was bobbing up and down for his chance to talk. Regaling Jordan with tales of their adventures on the road, he ended with the all-you-can-eat Rocky Road story.
Peyton waved her hands for a turn, and soon she was giving Jordan her own earful. Animated and lively, both kids obviously liked his partner very much. He enjoyed their smiles for a change. Seeing them happy made him feel good.
He realized Christine was watching him, and he grinned. She smiled back, batting her lashes. He liked what he saw in her eyes.
Before he got carried away, he rose and went to the kitchen to check on Ben and Rivers, and the tasty aroma wafting from the room. “Smells good.”
“It looks good,” Ben agreed. “How’s Jordan?”
“Better. Off the pain meds and using crutches.”
“Great, that’s good news. About twenty minutes or so and dinner will be ready.” He nodded his head to the side, and they moved to the other end of the room.
Ben stood so he could keep an eye on Rivers. “So where’s this heading, you think?”
Doug shrugged. “No idea. Both chiefs said they’d keep in touch, and that the three of us are on duty until something’s resolved at the trial. I get the feeling Larry Stewart is in deeper than anyone was led to believe.”
Ben shook his head. “That’s all well and good, but I wasn’t talking about the case.”
“What then?”
A hint of a smile played on his lips. “I was talking about Christine, and the fact that you’re in love with her.”
“What? You’re full of it.” Doug tried to brush the comment off, but knew his face was reddening even as they spoke.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. Interaction with a witness isn’t allowed, but she won’t be your witness forever.”
“There hasn’t been any ‘interaction’.”
“Yet. I see the way you two look at each other. It’s only a matter of time.”
“Stop it.” Doug was decidedly uncomfortable in this area. He’d never crossed that particular line before, and felt unsure about doing so now. On the other hand…“You think she feels the same way?”
“There’s no doubt about it. Now that her kid is safe and her mother’s back, it’s easy to see it. When she was frantic, I wasn’t so sure. But when she’s happy, everything shows in her eyes.”
He smiled. “I thought so, too. Not sure how it happened, really, but I can’t say I’m complaining.”
“Take this piece of advice from one single man to another. Don’t base a relationship on what you’ve been through this week. This is nothing like normal life. The excitement is going to die down, and there’ll be a woman with two kids, carpools, baseball practice, dating, teenage angst and all the drama that goes along with it.” He motioned around the room. “When all this goes away, that’s what you’ll be left with. Make sure you can live with it.”
Doug chuckled. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”
“I’m just sayin’…”
“I know. Thanks.” He stopped for a moment to envision the life Ben had outlined. He already knew the kind of teenaged drama to which Ben referred. Peyton oozed it, and would until she went off to college. By that time, Ethan would almost be a teenager. But he had a ways to go. Six more years until he could drive meant daily trips to and from all the activities a boy might want to be involved in. Life in their house was certain to be busy, hectic, and full of ups and downs. For some crazy, unknown reason, it sounded like something he’d like to try.
Their dinner was as good as promised. When everyone was full and satisfied, the family congregated in the living room while the marshals cleaned up. Ben went to catch a nap and Rivers remained in the kitchen. Doug leaned against the doorway, enjoying the view of Christine and her family.
“Come and join us.” She waved him over.
He shook his head. “I’m fine.”
Lillian and Stan rose. She said, “You’re probably exhausted, and here we are monopolizing the sofa where you’re going to sleep. We’ll turn in and hopefully you can get some rest.” She squeezed his arm as they passed. “Thanks for everything you’ve done. We appreciate it.”
He shrugged modestly. “Just doing my job.”
“You’re a good man.” Stan nodded, and after telling everyone goodnight, they went to their room.
Christine put her arms around her kids. “I know it’s going to be a little crowded, but I’d like both of you with me tonight. I don’t want to spend another night apart.”
Peyton stood. “It’s cool, Mom. Give me five minutes to get changed?”
Her mother smiled. “Of course.”
As the girl walked by Doug she paused to give him a peck on the cheek. “Thanks for bringing us back together.”
The gesture startled him. “I didn’t do anything.”
Peyton smiled. “Yeah, right. G’night Doug.” She wandered down the hall.
He glanced at Christine. “Everyone’s being awfully nice to me tonight.”
“Ben may have mentioned how you put yourself out there going to bat for us. It was very sweet of you.”
He folded his arms across his chest. “I’m a sweet guy. Ask anyone.”
She chuckled. “What’s that word Jordan uses? For smart aleck?”
“Sabelotodo. She says it mean ‘smarty pants’.” He smiled smugly. “I kinda like it.”
“It suits you,” she agreed.
Ethan moved over in front of him. “Doug, I don’t understand why you got mad. Did I do something wrong?”
He knelt to face the boy. “Absolutely not! There’s a lot of stuff going on with the adults right now. Everyone’s getting ready for the trial your dad’s going to testify in. Both sides are hurrying to make their cases. It’s a big mess, but it’s nothing that you did or didn’t do.”
“But my dad did something, right? He’s still in trouble?”
Christine spoke up. “E, it’s getting late. Can we save this for tomorrow? I don’t have the energy to go into it tonight.”
He rolled his eyes at her. “You always say that.”
Doug took Ethan by the shoulders. “I tell you what. Tomorrow I’m supposed to be briefed on the case. If you go to bed tonight without a fuss, I promise to answer all your questions the best I can.”
Ethan made a face. “It’s always tomorrow.”
“Yep, sometimes it seems like it is. But listen, buddy. We had a really long day and your mom is beat. I made you a promise. Do we have a deal?”
“I guess.” He started to trudge down the hall when he turned and grabbed Doug for a hug.
The small arms around his neck had a tight grip. Doug closed his eyes and savored the moment. It was over too soon. He smiled at Ethan. “Good night, E.”
“Night Doug.” He headed for the bathroom.
Christine followed. “I’d better make sure he brushes his teeth and all that.”
“Sure. Good night.” He flopped onto the sofa and killed the lamp next to him. Groaning when he realized there was still a dim light on by the front door, he decided to rest for a minute before getting back up to shut it off. Doug closed his eyes and leaned his head back.
The room went black and hi
s eyelids popped open. Christine stood by the door, her hand on the switch. He could barely make her out, but a dim beam filtered out from the kitchen where Rivers was on watch. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. The kids are in bed. I had a couple things I wanted to say to you.” She moved toward him.
His gaze captured hers. “I’m all ears.”
She sat on the sofa, half a cushion away from him. “First of all, I’m sorry for blaming you last night. I was so distraught when Ethan and Mom were taken, I lashed out at you and I shouldn’t have. I know you’ve always had our best interests at heart.”
Sight adjusting to the dimness, he could make out her expression now. Sincere, and sexy as hell. He struggled to remain coherent as the blood flowed out of his brain to points south. “You were frightened. I understood. I’m still sorry as hell that it happened.”
She nodded. “Ethan and Mom are okay, and they weren’t traumatized in anyway. We were more upset than they were. It’s all right.”
“It’s really not all right, but no one asked me. I’m still getting over that one.”
A small smile creased her lips and she licked them. “Do you always need to be in control?”
He thought he might pass out. “Um, yeah, I guess. Part of my nature.”
Christine scooted an inch closer. “I’m sure it is. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for today. It wasn’t easy seeing Larry again. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Sure you could. You’re stronger than you know.”
“Maybe.” She shrugged. “Perhaps I didn’t want to do it without you. I’m getting used to having you around.”
“Yeah, me too. You, I mean.” I sound like a total idiot.
She chuckled, running a finger over his jean-clad thigh. “You’re nervous.”
He took a breath and let it out. “Only because you’re my witness and I’m the marshal assigned to protect you and your family. There are lines, Christi.”
She moved another few inches closer until their legs touched. “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about crossing them.”
He looked at the ceiling to avoid her intense gaze. “Only every day since I walked into your house and you accused me of not taking you serious enough. You were feisty that day, as I recall.”