by Hall, Roni
He headed to the airport with a hopeful heart.
When they finished at the hospital, they took a cab to his hotel. Jamie agreed wholeheartedly with this idea, at least for tonight. He arranged for two adjoining rooms and they kept the door open. Jamie’s blouse was bloodied so he lent her a tee shirt to sleep in. Hugging Ben good night, she thanked him. “I don’t know what I would have done without you today.”
In the morning, Ben ordered room service for breakfast and went to the hotel gift shop to purchase Jamie a new shirt. They sat around the hotel room, watched old movies on the tube, and ordered more room service for lunch. Jamie enjoyed the time relaxing with Ben since he was always entertaining and kept her laughing. After a long hot shower, she cringed when she looked at herself in the mirror. The laceration over her eye looked okay and the stitches were holding, but there was now some bruising around her eye and Derrick’s handprint on her neck.
“Never again, Derrick. Never again.” She didn’t realize she spoke out loud. As she exited the bathroom, Ben hung up his cell. Wondering who he was talking to, he looked a little sheepish and answered, “More room service.” Jamie laughed, hoping he was joking. She could not eat another thing.
“How about we go for a walk? We’re right across the street from Central Park, and it would be a sin if I don’t see it.” He looked at her with a puppy dog face. How could she say no to that face?
“Okay, but stop with the puppy face.” She laughed and put Kevin’s jean jacket over her new white tee. As she headed out she wished she had a scarf to hide her neck but instead flipped the jacket collar up.
They rode the elevator down, walked through the lobby and out into the street. The early afternoon sun was bright, lifting her spirits. Only a block from Central Park, Ben held onto her arm in the crowd as they crossed the street and entered the park. As usual, the park bustled with a diversity of people going in every direction. This park never ceases to amaze me. It’s so big, so beautiful, and so alive with people. People walking, riding bikes, roller blading, all kinds of dogs, Frisbee, baseball. I did need this. I live in New York but don’t come here near often enough.
“Thank you, Ben. What a great idea . . . I needed this.” She turned to look at him and his face was lined with worry.
“I need to tell you something.” Ben started and his voice caused Jamie to be concerned.
“You know I had to call Kevin after what happened yesterday.” This did not surprise her and she shrugged her shoulders in response. But Ben wasn’t finished. “He had to see for himself that you were okay.”
She was confused; she didn’t understand what he was trying to say. “Go ahead.”
“Kevin’s here,” Ben blurted out.
“Kevin’s in New York?” she asked, not sure if this was good or bad. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to face him.
“One up on that.” Ben pointed straight ahead. “He’s here in the park.”
Chapter 28
Jamie looked up and Kevin stood about 100 feet in front of her, not moving, looking directly at her. Ben walked ahead to greet Kevin and they shook hands. They spoke for a minute but Kevin’s eyes never left her. Ben picked up his duffle and headed back toward her.
Jamie looked at Ben nervously as he approached and he reassured her. “Jamie, it’s okay, it’s Kevin.”
Ben left the two staring at each other. Jamie looked at Kevin, her chest tightening; she had left her heart in Montana and now he’d brought it back. Slowly she walked toward him but stopped a foot short. He visibly winced as his eyes focused first on her eye, then the handprint on her neck. Finally he looked into her eyes.
She spoke first. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself,” he answered quietly.
She took the final step, leaned in, and pressed her face and body against his chest. Circling her arms into his open jacket and around his back, she hugged him. Pulling him in close to her chest, the empty hole from the last few weeks was now filled. He closed his eyes as he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close, inhaling deeply. They stood in the middle of the walkway embracing, neither letting go. Finally they loosened their embrace but kept their arms entwined.
“Are you okay?” Kevin asked as he looked at her, again wincing as he looked at her battle scars.
“I am now.” He pulled her against him again.
“Let’s walk,” he suggested and she hung on to his arm as they walked in silence. They came to some stone tables and chairs. Kevin motioned for her to sit and she did. Sitting across from her he pulled her hands up on the table so he could hold them.
“Ben told me what you told him yesterday about Derrick, and why you left.” Jamie nodded and looked at him. “You should have told me.” He looked at her and Jamie shook her head from side to side.
“I couldn’t take that chance. He told me he’d kill you. After the fire and the truck, I couldn’t take that chance. I knew I was dealing with an irrational being and he was too impatient.”
He looked at her and swallowed hard. “I still wish you would have told me. I hate that you were all alone in this.” He squeezed her hands. “I spoke to the sheriff back home to have the fire and truck officially investigated. I also told them about his assault on you and forcing you back to New York. They contacted someone here and gave me his name, he’ll meet with us tomorrow.”
“It’s not over, Kevin. He’s still out here and he’s still crazy. I can’t even imagine what he’s like now after what happened yesterday.”
“Maybe getting a taste of his own medicine will make him think twice.”
“I wish that was so but I doubt it. He was never this bad. It’s sad to see what’s become of him.” Jamie looked off into the distance, thinking of a kinder Derrick. “I hope I didn’t hurt you or anyone else by leaving so abruptly.”
“I won’t kid you, it stung pretty badly. I thought we were good so it took me by surprise. I couldn’t figure it out. I always thought you were one to tell it like it is rather than hold back.”
“I’m sorry, Kevin. I wish I could have done things better.”
“Under the circumstances, I’d say you did pretty good.”
”I wish I could’ve said good-bye to Ben, Rick, Hector, Consuelo, Tommy, and Jack. How is Jack?”
“Jack’s fine, though he does miss you, I can feel it.” Jamie’s eyes widened and Kevin looked befuddled. “What?”
“I never heard you talk about Jack having feelings before.”
“You taught me that and I never would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.” He laughed.
“He’s a great horse.” Jamie looked off into the distance again. “And how’s Tommy? And Consuelo?”
“Tommy took it pretty hard when he heard you left.” Kevin was honest with her and this sobered her up quickly.
“Maybe I can call or write him. I do feel guilty about not saying good-bye to Tommy, but it all happened so fast.”
“Yes it did, and I’m sure everyone will understand, given the circumstances. But I was kind of hoping that you’d come back to see them in person once this mess is over.” Kevin looked at her and squeezed her hands tighter.
Jamie didn’t know what to say. Montana seemed so long ago. It was wonderful, but New York was her home. She couldn’t stay in her little cabin forever. She would have to think long and hard about making a permanent move somewhere and didn’t know how to answer him.
“I love your ranch, Kevin, and everyone there, I do. But remember I went out there for a four-day trip. I extended my trip and am so glad I did, but we both know I couldn’t stay forever.” She looked at him.
Kevin’s face tightened. “I know that’s not how either you or I planned it but things happen, things change. I didn’t expect to develop such strong feelings for you, but I did. So what happens now? I go back to Montan
a and you stay here? Is that what you want? I know you returned to New York because of Derrick’s threats, but what I’m asking is do you have feelings for me? Because if not, I need to know.” He looked at her and held his breath, his eyes penetrating hers.
“Kevin.” She bit her lip. “I can honestly say that I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. But the caution light is on because we haven’t known each other very long at all. You scare me because I feel you down to my core.” She held her fist against her chest. “You’re the missing piece to the puzzle of my heart. You seem to fit so perfectly. But I don’t think we’re ready to commit to each other. We need more time to see where this is going, but how do we do that? I need to remain independent and not be kept by a man. I can’t live at your place and live off your generosity indefinitely, no matter how much I love it there. There seems to be no middle ground and I’m at a loss at what to do. When I left and thought you were out of my life, I can’t tell you how lost I felt. Now that I see you here, I don’t want to let you go, not ever. I don’t know what to do.”
He took a deep breath and exhaled.
“From what you said, there is an us and that’s all I need to know for now. We’ll work out the details somehow. It will work out, somehow, someway.”
Standing up, he pulled her hands to urge her up and drew her close, hugging her forcefully. Feeling the safety of his powerful arms around her, the terrifying isolation of the past two weeks dissipated and she felt whole again.
He gently cupped her face in his hands, his eyes meeting hers. Pulling her close, his lips met hers lightly at first, then more firmly, pressing hard and holding her. Welcoming his strength, she felt secure, she felt home.
“Let’s walk.” Kevin suggested as he released her. He held her hand as they talked and explored Central Park, this time Jamie acting as the tour guide. Putting Derrick on the back burner, they actually had fun seeing the sights of the park. The daylight faded and it was time to exit the park.
“I’m getting hungry, how about you?” Kevin asked. Jamie suggested an informal Italian restaurant not too far away.
“What about Ben? Let’s call him. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him,” Jamie offered, her thoughts drifting to that awful scene yesterday.
“Good idea. Let’s call him.” Kevin dialed Ben’s cell and he picked up on the first ring.
“Hey, Ben.” Kevin started and put Ben on speaker.
“Kevin! How’s it going? Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Things are good. Hey, want to join us for dinner?”
“Yeah!” Then he recanted, “no, you two go alone. I’m sure you have lots to talk about.”
Kevin laughed. “We’re all talked out and we’re not taking no for an answer.” Kevin winked at Jamie, who returned his smile.
“Get your cute butt over here, Ben!” Jamie spoke into Kevin’s cell. “Meet us at Luigi’s at 4629 Evans Street. Take a cab, it will be faster. See you soon.” Kevin hung up his cell.
Since they were both speaking into Kevin’s cell, they were standing close. He pulled her closer and kissed her long and hard. As he loosened his hold on her he whispered, “I don’t want to ever let you go.” Hearing his words, she pulled back to look at him. Her eyes welled and she couldn’t speak. Nodding her head in agreement, she kissed him again. One more embrace and they were ready to walk.
It was a ten-minute trek to the restaurant and they waited outside for Ben. Within five minutes, a cab pulled up and Ben exited. Smiling at Kevin he shook his hand and Jamie met him with a bear hug before the three entered the restaurant.
It was a cute, cozy, and quaint restaurant with aromas making them drool on the spot. They sat at a corner table and took the waiter’s advice on the red house wine. As they toasted they made a pact not to discuss any Derrick issues. Tonight would be for fun, and it was. They ate and drank more than they should have and laughed until their bellies ached. Ben, the consummate entertainer, did not let them down. During one of Ben’s hilarious stories, Kevin caught Jamie’s eye and winked. It was great to be out having fun together. Kevin and Jamie were openly holding hands across the table.
When they could eat and drink no more, they paid the bill, left the waiter a generous tip for putting up with all their silliness, and exited the restaurant. They walked a few blocks to get some air, and then took a cab back to the hotel.
They kept the adjoining rooms. Jamie stayed in her room and the guys were in theirs, but they kept the door ajar. Kevin went into Jamie’s room to make sure she had everything she needed. She had her cell next to the bed and she settled in for the night. Kevin reminded her that they would be meeting the detective at ten in the morning down at the station. They should leave by nine.
Kevin kissed her goodnight and their passion ignited, partially lit by the wine and fun evening. It was difficult to part but they both knew this was not the time or place for them and Kevin reluctantly left her in the big bed alone.
A faint buzzing noise woke Jamie and it took a minute to get her bearings. Her cell vibrated on the night stand and automatically she picked it up.
“Hey, sweetie.” Derrick’s menacing voice bolted her awake. “Surprised to hear from me? Do not hang up, you need to listen to me. I’m downstairs and we need to talk in the lobby. Don’t even think of standing me up or bringing your boyfriends. I don’t need much of an excuse to pay back your friend’s interaction with me the other day, do I? You know everyone’s not safe until you and I work this out. And in case you’re thinking of being a no-show, I bought myself a little insurance.”
Jamie held her breath, dreading his next words. “As we speak, a friend of mine is with your favorite pet . . . remember Jack? Who would’ve thought you like horses? Anyway, yeah, he’s there with him, waiting on my call. One call from me and Jack takes a bullet to the brain. He’s a beauty, it would be such a waste. But my buddy’s getting impatient, hiding out in the barn . . . I hope he doesn’t get trigger happy.” He repeated sternly, “Come downstairs now and come alone,” and hung up.
Not fully awake, she looked at her phone. Was this a nightmare or had he really called? She looked at her cell again and saw the evidence. She knew that he spoke the truth. Kevin and Ben didn’t fully comprehend what Derrick could do, but Jamie understood his capabilities. Without a second thought he would kill Jack. Oh Jack! Even though she knew Kevin would be pissed, she had to meet Derrick. She was the only one who had a chance at talking some sense into him. Besides, the lobby seemed like a safe place — there were always people around.
Jamie slid on her jeans and shoes and slipped silently out the door. Her watch read 3a.m. as she rode the elevator down to the main floor. Looking around cautiously, she headed toward the main lobby, all senses on high alert. Stealthily Derrick emerged from behind one of the lobby’s stone columns and without missing a step, wrapped his muscular arm around her and smiled like they were old friends. The unmistakable cold metal nose of a gun poked her side from his other hand, causing her to jump.
“Keep walking, darling, and don’t make a fuss.” He nonchalantly guided her out the door. Once outside, Jamie tried to talk some sense into him.
“Derrick, don’t do this. Don’t add kidnapping to your charges! This is serious.”
He laughed. “Kidnapping? Come on, Jamie. You’re such a drama queen. We’re just another couple having a lover’s spat.” More aggressive now, he pushed her toward his car. “Get in.” He ordered as he opened the door to a new sleek black car with tinted windows, obviously his signature car. Jamie did not want to get into the car with him, she knew her chances were better out on the street and Derrick read her mind. Grabbing her neck in a chokehold with his large hand he shoved her into the car, locking the door behind her. He controlled the locks since she tried exiting immediately, but it was locked tight. The passenger lock control was disengaged.
“Derrick!” She shouted as he climbed in the driver’s side. “Derrick, listen to me! Don’t do this. Let’s talk. Let’s talk here. You need to think about your future and what this could cost you. Kevin and Ben will know that you forced me to go and they’ll call the police. They know your name. Stop and think!” She tried to reason with him for his own good but he would hear none of it.
“Shut up, bitch! Shut up! I tried to warn you. I tried to tell you but noooo, you wouldn’t listen. I told you to stay away from him. You broke our agreement.” He was getting agitated. She tried the door again without success.
Attempting to regroup and avoid panicking, she tried again but he did not want to hear it. “Derrick, please. Just lis —”
“Shut up!” He threw his fist in her direction and her world went black.
Chapter 29
Kevin awoke about 7:30 but lay in bed thinking. Jamie and he were good. He could deal with anything else that life threw at him as long as he had her. Once all this Derrick shit was over they could get on with their relationship. He knew he loved her but dare he utter that word to her?
They had an appointment at the detective’s office at ten and Kevin wanted to leave early. Not knowing how long it would take them in traffic, he would order breakfast room service for all of them.
Kevin got up and showered. Let them sleep in a little more. God knows we drank enough wine last night. He laughed to himself, remembering some of the more humorous moments of the night. Once he finished his shower, he nudged Ben to wake up. Then Kevin knocked on the half-open adjoining door.
“Jamie?” he called softly. “Jamie?” he repeated louder and knocked again. Still no answer. Kevin peeked in and saw the empty bed. “Jamie?” He looked toward the bath but the door was open and the room was empty.