by Angela Smith
“The interim chief is a decent guy, I think. Why would Garret want to be police chief? I wanted to be enough for him.”
“You are enough for him. You’re the perfect couple. But, I don’t know, I think he wants to feel like he’s doing enough for the community. He has a strong sense of character. Like everything he does matters. Not just for one person.”
“Not just for me.” Reagan’s voice was quiet, hushed. Winona understood what she meant, but didn’t understand how to make her feel better. She shot down her drink and nodded at the bartender for another. “I like the interim chief, Keith something-or-other. He seems like a good guy. He wasn’t involved in all that jewel heist crap. And I think he really wants it. So why would Garret even consider taking his place?”
“He’s considering all angles.”
The bartender set her drink on the counter and Winona stole it to take a sip. She screwed her face at the sweetness of it and gave it back to Reagan.
Reagan wrapped her hands around the glass and sighed heavily. “You’re probably right. You’re a lot like him. So observant and smart. I swear you are more blood related than he and Chayton. Or even you and Chayton.”
Winona laughed and sipped her water. “I guess Naomi told you her news?”
Reagan turned to her, eyes wide as anger melted out of her. “About their engagement? Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Absolutely.”
Reagan bowed her head into her drink and studied the ice clinking against the sides. Her smile faded, eyes narrowed. “That’s why I’m so worried. Things have been so great. So perfect. It doesn’t seem possible to be this happy. I’m afraid something is going to come along to fuck it all up.”
“You know, a lot of people create drama where there is none for that reason.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, people expect their world to fall apart at any moment, so they do what they can to make themselves unhappy or create their own problems so when the worst does happen, they expected it and feel they can deal with it. It’s no less traumatizing, by the way. You’ve all been through so much. I mean, you were almost killed, Garret was kidnapped at his own wedding. You have plenty of reasons to worry, but you’ve got to enjoy every moment of the good stuff.”
Reagan pushed away her drink. She stood and nodded her thanks to the bartender. “Can you charge this to my room?”
“Sure. Just need you to sign your ticket.”
“You’re right,” Reagan continued as she waited on the bartender. “I can’t ruin the good moments.” She signed the ticket, looped her arm through Winona’s, and pulled her from the barstool. “Let’s go back to our men.”
• • •
“God, I need a drink,” Garret said as he opened the wet bar and grabbed a bottle of whiskey. “Do you mind if I take this? I’ll pay for it.”
“Of course not,” Jake said. Yesterday, it would have posed a problem. He was stronger today, and attributed that fact to Winona. “Go ahead, but don’t worry about paying for it. As far as I’m concerned, you deserve it after dealing with Lillian.”
“And then Reagan,” he said, laughing as he twisted off the top and plopped into the hotel’s cushy chair. He looked at Jake and his face fell. Scooting forward on the seat, he sat the drink on the floor. “Oh man, I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?” Jake asked. He knew what Garret felt sorry about. He’d had to endure contrition from people over the years when they realized they were drinking around an alcoholic.
“For …” He gaped at the floor.
“For wanting a drink after a tough day? Don’t be sorry. I choose not to because I know I have a problem. You don’t have a problem. You know when to quit. So don’t feel guilty about enjoying life’s little pleasures.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Jake interrupted. “I’ve learned to control myself. Like a smoker who has quit smoking.”
He noticed and appreciated that Garret had set aside his drink and left it untouched, but a deep part of him resented that Garret felt he had to make a sacrifice.
“So you’ve been offered the job as police chief?” Jake asked, moving on to the subject that brought Garret here in the first place.
“I’ve been asked to consider it, so I’m considering it. I mentioned it to Winona and Naomi, getting their take on what to do and how Reagan and my brother would feel.”
“Why didn’t you ask Reagan how she would feel?”
“I did. She went ballistic.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t ask her first.”
Garret sighed and swiped a hand over his face, leaning back in his chair. “I don’t think it would matter. She wouldn’t like it even if she did know first.”
“And how do you think Chayton will feel?”
“He’ll hate it. He’ll hate me. Our father was killed on the job. My partner was killed during an investigation. Hell, I can’t tell you how many times my life was on the line. But I think the chief of police of Tanyon is a relatively safe job. Besides the fact the last one was crooked.”
Jake leaned down and collected the bottle, handing it to Garret. “Drink. It won’t bother me. And besides, it’s a good bottle of whiskey.”
“Yeah, well, a good bottle of whiskey isn’t going to solve my problems.”
“Very true.” Jake set the bottle on the table and leaned back, propping his feet on the table and resting his hands behind his head. “When I first started my program, I’d never be able to make it around that open bottle. Wouldn’t even be able to stay in this hotel, with a minibar. Couldn’t go to a restaurant that served alcohol. Brandon threw out any cough syrup or medications with alcohol in them. And pills. Lord, he even threw out my aspirin. It was hell for months, but nothing like the hell I’d been through with my addiction, and I’m a better person now.”
“You should be proud of yourself,” Garret said. “You’re a huge influence on people. On kids. The fact you haven’t hidden that part of your life speaks volumes about who you are.”
Jake nodded. “Yeah, that’s what Brandon always said.”
“And he was right.”
Jake stared at the table until the lines started moving. He shook his head and refocused, refusing to dwell on Brandon and the pain his death had caused. Refusing to relapse into gloom. He hated to feel anything when others were present and make them feel awkward, like they needed to offer condolences or something.
He’d had his first drink the other day—one vodka—and it hadn’t affected him. He didn’t crave it any more or any less than he had in the past. But Winona had a lot to do with that, he was sure, because now he only found himself craving her.
“You’re tired.” Garret stood. “You need rest. The girls will be back later, I’m sure. Or maybe I’ll go to the bar and see if I can find her. But you should rest for your breakfast tomorrow.”
Jake stood and shook Garret’s hand. “I want you and Reagan there. If you want to be.”
“Of course. We’ll meet you in the lobby in the morning.”
“Thanks. Take that open bottle with you, will you?”
Garret laughed, winked at him, and grabbed the whiskey. “Good night.”
“Oh, and Garret?”
Garret stationed his hand on the doorknob and turned to look at Jake. “Yeah?”
“You’d make one hell of a police chief.”
Chapter Ten
Winona bustled around Jake’s hotel room, straightening the bed and pillow and clutter as she waited for Jake and Garret to return with Amy. They’d decided the men would collect Amy and meet the girls back at the hotel, where they’d find a place to eat breakfast.
Reagan sat on the bed with a pillow in her lap, watching as Winona shuffled from one task to another, often repeating a task.
Doubts plagued Winona. Would Amy like her? Would she like Amy?
Her nerves seesawed back and forth between what difference it made and how important it was. Winona wanted Amy to like her, even if she wasn’t su
re where she fit into Jake’s life.
Reagan punched the pillow and hugged it tighter as she drew her knees inward. “Why in the world are we staying here hiding and letting our men manipulate this woman? Or is this woman manipulating our men? Should I be concerned?”
“Absolutely not. I’m positive she’s not Garret’s type.”
“How can you be positive?”
“She’s … unnatural. Too much makeup. Too much hairspray. Dark purple eye shadow and thick eyeliner. I don’t think Garret cares for her type.”
“Okay, well, why is he trying to hide his wife from this woman?”
“He wears his wedding ring.”
“So?”
Winona sat at the edge of the bed next to Reagan. She understood her fears. She’d thought Lillian and Jake had a past until she’d met the woman. Even after meeting her, she questioned Jake to be certain.
“So he’s not trying to hide you. But a woman like this won’t open up to a man when his wife is just a few feet away.”
“I don’t want her to open up to my man.”
“I’m sorry. I know this is hard on you, and I appreciate everything you guys are doing. We wouldn’t be here today, with Jake getting to see Amy, if it hadn’t been for Garret. But you can stop worrying. She can’t hold a candle to you.”
“Garret gets into his investigative mode with her.”
“Yes.”
She stretched her legs out in front of her. “He’s sexy in his investigative mode.”
Winona collapsed into the pillows beside Reagan and giggled. “Yes, he is.”
Reagan rested the top of her head on Winona’s and they lay together on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
This was a big day for Jake. He would see Amy again for the first time since Brandon’s death.
The little girl’s whole life had been destroyed, wrenched away in a heartbeat. Winona wondered if she’d remember when she reached Winona’s age. Winona had been younger when her life had changed, and thank God her memories were vague.
“I wonder if she’ll like me,” Winona whispered.
“Of course she will. What’s not to like?”
“What are we going to do today?”
“I don’t know. Have breakfast. Go to the mall. What child doesn’t like visiting the mall?”
“You don’t think Jake needs alone time with Amy?” Winona asked.
“He would have said so if he did. I think he’s fine with us being here. I think he even wants it. I know he’s excited to see her, but I don’t think today is going to be easy for him. Having breakfast with her, seeing her for the first time, and having to take her back to that monster of a woman.”
“So you think she’s a monster, too?”
“Absolutely.”
“But you haven’t met her.”
Reagan shrugged. “So?”
Winona giggled. “Are you and Garret okay?”
Reagan shifted to sit upright and folded her hands over her waist. She glanced at Winona and nodded. “We’re okay. Sorry about last night. I was just …”
“Angry?” Winona asked when Reagan’s voice trailed. “Hurt?”
“Pissed off,” Reagan blubbered. “And yes, hurt. Garret was with the FBI. Hell, he went undercover. I always worried he’d get bored once he quit.”
“That man is too busy to get bored. He took you rock climbing the other day, right?”
“Yes.”
“For the first time?”
“Well, for the first time with me.”
“And you had a fabulous time.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t get bored. Or miss his job.”
“I assure you he doesn’t want to go back undercover. I miss my job sometimes, but it doesn’t mean I’ll ever want to return. Don’t you miss yours, too?”
“Absolutely not. I might miss designing if I didn’t do it, but I’m drawing more than ever now. And it isn’t dangerous.”
“Rock climbing is dangerous.”
Reagan groaned. “Jeez, I get your point. You and Naomi both.”
Winona kissed her on the cheek and jumped when she heard a knock on the door, then Jake said, “It’s us.”
Reagan stood with her and they both waited as Jake slid his key in the lock and opened the door. Anticipation spiked her already-elevated adrenaline levels.
Jake entered first, then Amy, who stopped beside Jake. Then Garret, who stopped beside the two, Amy sandwiched between them. Two tall men and a petite child with a presence dominating the whole room. It had to be the smile, the childlike innocence, and the joy plastered all over her face.
“Amy, this is Reagan, Garret’s wife.”
Reagan kneeled before Amy and shook her hand. “Hey, Amy. Welcome. So nice to meet you.”
“So nice to meet you, too,” she said, all adult-like. She cocked her head at Winona, her smile faltering.
“This is Winona.”
Winona approached with a smile, but Amy cowered into Jake’s leg. Winona halted and waved clumsily. “Hi, Amy.”
“Hi.”
Winona tried not to feel affronted by the child’s behavior. Maybe she thought Winona was with Jake, since Reagan was with Garret. Maybe she was just as unsure how to act. Winona didn’t glance at Jake or indicate her disappointment.
“You ready for breakfast?” Jake asked.
“Yes.” Amy grabbed his hand and walked out the door with him. Reagan nudged Winona and gave her a reassuring smile.
Amy and Jake held hands to his truck, all the way to the restaurant. They took Jake’s truck instead of the rental car, and Garret drove, with Amy again sandwiched between the two men. Winona and Reagan exchanged a smile as they sat in the back and listened to Amy chatter about Barbie, GI Joes, and the latest superhero.
At the restaurant, Jake sat beside her with his full attention, and she relaxed.
“Sorry I missed your swim meet the other day,” Amy said.
“Yeah? Me, too.” Jake’s voice cracked, but it was the only indication her words affected him.
“Are you mad at me?”
“Of course I’m not mad at you.” Jake ruffled her hair.
They ordered their breakfast, and the waitress brought a page for coloring and crayons.
“Color with me?” she asked Jake.
Winona watched as he hunched his shoulders over the page and outlined a cat in orange with a large pink bow.
“Cute,” Amy said, nodding at his creation.
After breakfast, they visited the mall. Jake held her hand and Winona, Reagan, and Garret fell behind.
“Can we go to Build-a-Bear?” she asked Jake.
“Great idea.”
Reagan and Garret visited other stores, having their own alone time and giving some to Jake and Amy. Winona felt like a third wheel and considered leaving the two alone, but Jake hadn’t acted weird, like he wanted her to leave. So she stayed outside the store and sat on a bench, watching as they perused their choices.
An employee approached and stumbled as she greeted Jake and Amy. Winona’s nerves tinged, but although the woman flustered around him, he didn’t seem to notice. Amy chose a monkey. The woman stuffed it and gave it the child. Winona saw her lips move, but had no idea what was being said. Amy shook her head and handed it back to the woman, who removed some stuffing. The woman returned it and Amy squeezed, jumping up and down, smiling as she whirled to Jake and handed it to him. He held the monkey up to his ear, smiled, nodded his thanks to the woman, and returned it to Amy. They held hands as they lumbered to the counter and checked out.
Winona’s heart swelled as she watched the two together. Jake loved this little girl like a daughter. He’d promised his cousin to watch out for her if he ever needed to, and Winona knew he’d risk his life to protect her.
Was she in any real danger? Winona prayed a catastrophic ending wasn’t their answer.
Winona stood as Amy danced out of the store and bounced to her, halting in front of her. Thrusting out her new monkey for
Winona’s inspection, she exclaimed, “Look what I got!”
Winona knelt to her level and eyed the monkey. “I love it.”
Amy squeezed it and handed it to Winona. “Want to feel him?” Winona took the monkey and squeezed. “He has a heartbeat.”
She planted her head on the stuffed animal’s chest and heard the faint beat. “He sure does.”
“I like monkeys.”
“I do, too.”
“My daddy always told me I was a monkey.”
Winona handed the animal over and stood, not sure how to respond. Amy hadn’t said it with sadness, and her face was still lit up with the innocence and passion of youth.
“Can I ride the carousel?” Amy asked, turning to Jake and reaching out her hand to grab his.
“Let’s go.”
Winona loitered behind, not sure what to do. Amy stopped and turned, holding out her hand. “Are you coming?”
Winona clasped her hand in the little girl’s, her heart blustering.
As they headed toward the carousel, Winona noticed two men watching them: one with short, cropped hair and pants too short, and the other with graying hair that curled into the collar of his flannel shirt.
Winona thought she was being paranoid. She stood in line with Jake and Amy for the carousel.
“Do you want me to ride with you?” Jake asked.
Amy giggled. “You’re too big for this thing.” She gazed at Winona, her blue eyes large and endearing. “Can Winona ride with me?”
“I’d love to.”
As Amy climbed onto the carousel, Winona observed the men again. She followed Amy and stood nearby as Amy mounted a horse.
Amy’s laughter filled Winona’s chest as the carousel began to move, but dread carved a hole when she noticed the men again. They caught her gaze and ducked into a jewelry store.
The carousel stopped and they bolted off. “Can I ride again?” Amy asked.
“Sure,” Jake said.
“I’ll hang back this time, if you don’t mind,” Winona said.
Amy shrugged. “Okay.”
The carousel wasn’t busy, so Amy was able to board immediately. Once she was out of earshot, Winona nudged Jake. “Do you know those men?”
“Who?”
She jerked her thumb to them. “In the jewelry store.”