by Lynn Emery
“Stalling me won’t help.” Talia crossed her arms. “I’m not going to stand by and let that high-class hoodlum—Oh!” She blinked rapidly.
“Now what?” Derrick stared at her with a dubious expression.
“All that stuff I dragged around with me as a kid!” Talia laughed. “Those darn social workers, bless their hearts.”
“What are you talking about?” Jim exchanged a worried glance with Derrick.
“I’m not cracking under the strain, guys. Listen up.” Talia dropped her purse. “Even if home is a hellhole, having familiar items is a comfort to a kid in foster care. So, social workers would always allow me to carry my bag of junk when I moved. Like I said, I was a pack rat.”
“Okay, you’ve still got your favorite stuffed bunny rabbit. How does that help?” Derrick sat on the edge of Jim’s desk.
“Funny guy,” Talia retorted. “I kept Monette’s old address book and some other stuff.”
“Another long shot, but it’s better than nothing.” Jim looked at Derrick. “I’ll go talk to Monette. You and Talia search through her ‘bag of junk.’ Maybe we’ll get lucky working both angles.”
“Let’s go.” Talia started for the door. She stopped when Derrick didn’t follow her. “Well?”
“I’ll let you look through your things, Talia,” he said quietly. “I’ll follow up on a few other leads and get back to Jim.”
“Oh.” Talia cleared her throat. “Yeah, that might work better anyway.”
“Right.” Derrick turned away from her. “I’ll call you if I find out anything, Jim.”
Jim glanced at Talia, then back to Derrick. “Sure. Maybe you two could compare notes later on. I know Monette will feel better if you work together.”
“I’ve got a few other private contracts to work. I’ll be in touch though. Bye.” He walked out before either of them could reply.
“I tried,” Jim mumbled, and scratched his head. “I’m a pretty clumsy Cupid.”
“You’re a sweet guy for a lawyer,” Talia said with a sad smile. “Our problems go a lot deeper than any Cupid could fix. I’m going to go home, change clothes, and root around a dusty attic.”
Talia patted his shoulder and left the office. The drive back to Rougon was long and lonely. She turned the radio up until music was blasting. For the next fifty miles she didn’t want to think.
“I don’t know why you don’t call him,” Mama Rose said for the tenth time in the past hour. She sat in an old cane chair next to Talia in her attic.
Talia sneezed when dust flew everywhere as she pulled out another box. “You need to have a serious garage sale.” She grunted with the effort of shoving aside an old trunk.
Mama Rose held up a huge ceramic rooster painted a strange shade of pink. She went to the small circular window and examined it in the light. “These are heirlooms.”
“I’m sure the Smithsonian would beg for that thing. I’d like to point out that you’ve got these ‘heirlooms’ hidden in the attic.” Talia sneezed again.
“Don’t be a smart aleck. And you should call Derrick. Not that you listen to me these days. If you ask me, you both should get out of this state.” Mama Rose wrapped the rooster in an old blanket and set it aside carefully.
Talia held a shoe box stuffed with papers on her lap. She sat on a short squat stool that had been owned by Mama Rose’s great-aunt. The woven tapestry that covered the cushioned seat was still comfy, though faded and moth-eaten. Under different circumstances, Talia might have enjoyed searching through Mama Rose’s collectibles.
“Derrick and I have talked, argued, made up, and talked some more. Let it go.” Talia put the shoe box aside and picked up another one. “We have.”
“Bull! You’re both hurting and too proud to reach out. Love is too hard to find in this world to just throw it away so easily.” Mama Rose shook a forefinger at Talia.
“You’ve been watching those Lifetime movies again,” Talia tossed back.
“You know I’m right.” Mama Rose was not deterred by her sarcasm.
“Mama, I appreciate your love and concern. But Derrick and I are adults, who can handle our own issues,” Talia said.
Mama Rose looked out of the window and smiled. “Of course, sugar. I’m sure you can.”
“That was easy.” Talia examined a stack of old letters.
“I’ll get the front door.” Mama Rose left, humming a tune.
“I didn’t hear anything.” Talia glanced up in time to see her disappear down the narrow stairs. Seconds later the door chimes sounded. “Now she’s psychic and a relationship expert, too.”
Talia brushed a thick layer of dirt from the top of a vintage hatbox. She removed the lid and found stacks of receipts from the sixties. Mumbling about Mama Rose’s penchant for holding on to useless paper, she dropped it. A familiar object caught her eye. The leg of a stuffed toy the color of swamp mud stuck out of a cheap blue overnight case.
“Monkey Muggs!”
Talia climbed over boxes and shoved aside an old coat rack. Cracked blue vinyl flaked away in several places as she picked it up. She sat down on the trunk. The fragile old metal clasp popped apart and broke when she opened the case. Inside were bittersweet memories from her childhood. Here were things that had given her some small measure of comfort. Talia stared at the stuffed toy chimpanzee on top. Monkey Muggs, modeled after the puppet character on a Baton Rouge kiddie show, had been her favorite toy. With a sigh, she cradled him the way she’d done at age five.
“I see you found that stuffed bunny.” Derrick stood in the doorway with both hands in the pockets of his black jeans.
Talia held up the toy. “Monkey Muggs. Mr. Muggs to you.”
“’Scuse me. Can I intrude on the moment?” His full lips curved up in the hint of a smile.
“Come on in. M and I have the rest of our lives together.” Talia gave Monkey Muggs another squeeze, then perched him carefully on a broken chair next to her.
“Lucky monkey,” Derrick said softly as he walked toward her.
Talia pretended not to hear. “So what are you doing here? I thought you intended to avoid me at all costs.”
“I started to,” he answered. He took a seat on the cane rocker.
She looked at him. “Honest answer.”
Derrick nodded. “Something we’ve always had between us. The real deal, right?”
Talia looked away from him. She sorted through the open case without really seeing any of the items. “Right. So what changed your mind?”
“Two reasons. First, Mama Rose called and ordered me over here to help you.”
“I’m going to have a serious talk with that lady!” Talia glanced at the stairs with a frown and back at him. “You said there were two reasons.”
“I figured staying close would keep you out of trouble. You just might get the crazy idea to threaten Barron.” Derrick tilted the chair back.
“I don’t need a baby-sitter these days,” Talia retorted.
“I’m not so sure.” Derrick picked up Monkey Muggs and shook him until he seemed to dance.
“Funny guy. Don’t worry about me.” Talia coughed when a puff of stale air mixed with dust wafted up from the case.
“Can’t do that. Worrying about you is a habit with me,” Derrick said. He stood, cleared a pile of old curtains from a table, and held out a hand. “Let me help.”
Talia gazed up into his eyes. She read her life in the coffee brown gaze. Derrick had held out his hand to her in the same way years before. He hadn’t let her down since that day. She might question his method, but never his motive. Strong arms, a sincere heart, and deep passion wrapped up in his fine muscular frame made him one hell of a man. Her body felt as though warm honey had been poured down her back. She touched her fingertips to his palm. The tingle became an electric shock strong enough to curl her toes. He grasped her hand and gently pulled her up. Talia held her breath when he circled her in an embrace. Like a slow-motion romance scene from a movie, his sensuous lips parted
as his face moved closer to hers.
“I love you more than I can say. I’d better show you, since I’m not so good with words,” he whispered.
“Derrick,” she whispered back.
“Yes?” He brushed his lips across hers once while staring into her eyes.
“I don’t know if we…What I mean is…”
Talia lost her train of thought when he nuzzled her earlobe, nipping it tenderly. He proceeded to kiss the nape of her neck. Pushing her long hair back, his mouth grazed her skin, making a circle like a necklace of fire. Indeed she felt scorched all over when his large hands stroked her lower back. She gasped when he stopped short of touching her bottom.
“Sorry, you were trying to tell me something.” His deep voice was muffled since he continued pressing his mouth against her throat.
Talia tipped her head back and closed her eyes. “We’ve talked about our…differences,” she finished weakly.
“Umm-humm.” Derrick kissed the hollow of her throat.
She moaned at the sensation, trembling when his hold on her started to tighten. Somehow, she summoned up the strength to push away from him. “No. We can’t pretend.”
He brushed his long fingers through her hair. With a sigh he let both arms fall to his sides. “You’re right, of course.”
“We’ve discussed this from all angles.” Talia stepped back from him and cleared her throat. “Nothing’s changed.”
“Maybe not. But I have one last point to make.” Derrick wore a solemn expression.
Talia gazed at his full mouth, the strong jaw, and the way the soft curls of hair on his head resembled fine lamb’s wool. She took him in as though imprinting the vision on her brain. They might not see each other for a long time, if ever again. Was that a good-bye in his eyes? Talia steeled herself for the big blow.
“Go ahead.”
“I don’t want to be without you. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you with me.” Derrick let out a long breath when she continued to stare at him. “I know what you’re thinking.”
“Do you?” Talia put a hand to her chest. Her heart hammered like a drum.
“I’m a rescuer, and I take stupid chances. Once we have a family, I’ll be more careful.” Derrick paced the floor as he spoke.
“Wait a minute. I missed the engagement and we’re already out of the delivery room!” Talia’s mouth hung open.
He seemed not to hear her. “I can’t stand to see people kicked when they’re already down, you know that. I can’t promise to change overnight. You see what I’m saying?” Derrick stopped pacing for a moment then started again.
“Well, I guess. I mean…, well, yeah…” Talia’s voice trailed off. She felt dazed.
“Okay, so I can’t just stop being who I am. We both have to compromise, Talia.” Derrick faced her. “Do you want to live without me?”
Talia blinked as though he’d given her a hard shake. He had. One simple yet profound question that led to others. Did she want to continue running from the past? If she stopped running, how would she handle the memories, the pain that went with them?
“We should deal with the past, our past, together. I’ll be stronger with you by my side, and so will you. What do you say?” he asked.
“I’m not sure how to stop running, Derrick,” she whispered.
“I don’t have all the answers either, baby.” He reached out to her.
She stood gazing at him for several seconds. “Let’s not make any decisions right now. All I can think about is Barron and what he’s trying to do to Monette.”
He nodded slowly and lowered his arms. “Fair enough. Just don’t run from me again. Will you promise?”
“Yes.” Talia swallowed hard and fought for control. “The best thing is to sort through everything and try to make sense out of it.”
“Together,” he said, a glint of hope in his dark gaze.
She could only nod in response. Talia wanted to feel hope, but she couldn’t lie to him. Fear ruled instead. The light in his eyes dimmed, and he turned away. They sorted through more dusty boxes in silence.
Chapter 24
“Nothing.” Talia fell against the cushioned sofa back in surrender. “Dust, a few dead bugs, and a lot of frustration. Three hours of searching.”
Mama Rose came into the den. “You look good together!” She beamed at them.
Derrick smiled back. He sat on the floor nearby, surrounded by old notebooks and papers. “Yeah, we do make a cute couple.”
“I cooked a pot of gumbo just the way you like it, cher. Lots of shrimp and sausage. The hush puppies are coming right up.” Mama Rose wiped her hands on the floral apron tied around her middle.
“Hmm, nothing better. Can I take some home to mama?” Derrick stretched his legs out with a small grunt, then stood.
“Sure you can. I haven’t see her in months. You ought to bring her by.” Mama Rose was in full swing to take care of the world.
“Sounds like a winner. She needs to get out more and—”
“Excuse me,” Talia broke in. “May I remind you that we haven’t taken care of business here.”
“We’ve still got a lot of stuff to look through, baby.” Derrick looked down at the floor. “A lot.”
“Lord have mercy. I had no idea what was in that attic.” Mama Rose threaded her way through four piles of items on the floor.
“Me either,” Talia grumbled. “Look at it. A fire hazard and not much else.”
“Don’t be discouraged, sugar.” Mama Rose sat down in a large chair. “Here, I’ll help.”
“Don’t waste your time. We won’t find anything.” Talia stared at the ceiling with a morose expression. “Of course, there is another option.”
“Don’t start.” Derrick’s eyes narrowed when he looked at her.
Mama Rose glanced at Talia then at Derrick. “What is she talking about?”
“A real dumb idea that isn’t worth repeating. If we don’t find anything here or in Monette’s old stuff—”
“We won’t,” Talia said.
Derrick continued in a level tone. “And if we don’t, then Jim will go on with his defense.”
“Just tell me this ‘real dumb’ idea anyway.” Mama Rose sat back in an attentive pose.
“I—” Talia began.
“She was going to take a chance and have Barron go after her,” Derrick said quickly. “Which doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
“Talia Marchand, you’ve got to be kidding! Do you want to get yourself killed? That does it, you’re going back to Washington, D.C., on the next plane.”
“I agree,” Derrick chimed in.
“Alright, alright. Don’t jump all over me. Geez!” Talia pursed her lips.
“I’m glad that’s settled.” Mama Rose gasped. “My food! Lord, have mercy.” She dumped the stack of old papers from her lap and hurried out.
Derrick continued searching through boxes. Talia sorted through an old accordion file Mama Rose had found. The only sound came from the kitchen. Pots clattered, and the radio in the kitchen played gospel music, with Mama Rose humming along. Talia stole sideways glances at Derrick. He wore a serious expression, like a man on a mission.
He sifted through documents methodically. Every few seconds he would pause, scan an item, and put it aside. Talia had never seen this side of him, the investigator. Derrick and Mama Rose would do everything in their power to make it easy for her. Monette joined in to relieve her of any major responsibility, too. All she had to do was make a minor contribution. Talia thought about the plane ticket confirmation she’d gotten via e-mail that morning. Her schedule change completed, she would leave in five days. She sighed and stared at the assortment of old memories in her hands. Just go back to a normal life, climbing her way up the career ladder, dining with equally ambitious pals twice a week, and taking trendy vacations. Nice and neat.
“You’ve done a lot to help Jim. Not to mention all the work on mandatory-sentencing laws.” Derrick seemed to be on the same wavelength.
<
br /> She looked up to find him gazing at her. “Yeah.” Had she done enough?
Two days later, more searching, and they were no closer to finding answers. Talia watched the news with dread. Barron growled at a group of reporters.
“No one will find evidence to support her bizarre allegations because it doesn’t exist. This is a fairy tale cooked up by a drug dealer and addict in a desperate attempt to avoid what she deserves, a long prison sentence.” Barron barked out the words. “That’s all I have to say,” he snarled when reporters tossed more questions.
“Damn.” Talia pushed the MUTE button on the remote when the female news anchor went to another story. Feeling stifled by the four walls, she decided to get out for a while. She found her sunglasses and went onto the front porch.
A chilly October breeze blew. Blue skies and bright sunshine did nothing to improve her mood. She doubted anything could. Talia went down the steps and started walking. Before she got to the path behind Mama Rose’s house, Derrick drove up. He parked in the driveway and joined her.
“Hey. All packed and ready to go?” He fell in step with her when she started walking again.
“Yes.” Talia breathed in deeply and exhaled. “Somebody’s got a fire going. So familiar, the smell of burning wood, cut grass, fish, and muddy water all mixed up.”
“Phew! No place stinks like home.” Derrick grinned.
“Yeah, but where is home?” Talia said. “Sorry. I don’t deserve to whine. I got what I wanted.”
“No easy choices for us. We’re doing the best we can.”
They went on without speaking for several minutes. He grabbed a handful of plants as they went deeper into a small wooded area. Talia watched him. His long-legged stride was the same. He braided the long wild grass stalks the way he had as a boy. They might have been walking back in time.
“Still so vibrant,” Talia said. She followed his gaze across still-green trees. “When I tell people how warm it stays right into January they shake their heads.”
“I kind of like the snow myself. It sparkles in the sunshine, like a blanket of magic. Anyway, there’s lots of green where you live. Nice parks.” Derrick waved his newly fashioned rope. “And D.C. is the center of action.”