Because of You

by RaShelle Workman

  I quickly dial Evan’s number, but it goes to his voicemail. After the beep, I yell into the phone, “What’s going on?” I press End and hand the phone back.

  “Any ideas?” Agent Smythe asks.

  There’s a house Evan’s family owns that’s been sitting empty for years. Evan and I use it to party once in a while. It’s the only place I can think of. “I have one.”

  Maddie

  There are gunshots and yelling somewhere above and behind me. I’m wondering who else Evan is hurting. Grateful that Kyle isn’t here.

  The door behind me bursts open, whipping my hair in my face.

  “Clear.”

  “Clear.”

  “Check the prisoner.”

  “Maddie! Freckles! Let me get by.”

  A familiar voice and a sob escape my throat. It’s Kyle. I’m relieved, and frightened, and sad, and horrified, and plain worn out. Because it feels like everything in my life has been leading up to this moment. I was a pawn in a very twisted, very real chess game, and luckily—or not so luckily—I didn’t die. But everyone else did. My mom and dad. My aunt and uncle.

  Tears leak onto my face. Deep, heaving sobs escape my body. “Kyle. I-My…” I can’t find the words to tell him everything that’s happened. How my heart is broken. That I’m relieved he’s okay.

  Kyle

  Seeing Maddie’s body tied to the chair, her face bruised and bloodied, it’s all I can do not to kill Evan. Once she’s untied, I lay her on the floor and rest her head in my lap. “She needs an ambulance,” I shout at no one in particular.

  “We’ve called for one,” Agent Smythe says.

  “Thank you.” I nod, and then return my focus to Maddie. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

  She swallows. I can hear it. “It’s okay. I’m fine.”

  I shake my head. Tears line my lashes, and I clear my throat. Forcing myself to be strong for her. “You aren’t fine. And it’s my fault. I should’ve known.” What I don’t say is that I shouldn’t have looked the other way when it came to my family. I should’ve found out what was really going on. Knowing that Maddie almost died because of me, because I chose to give my family the benefit of the doubt, is almost more than I can bear. That’s what it boils down to. How could I have been such a fool?

  My biggest concern? Did my father really kill her parents? And if he did, how could she ever love me? If the tables were turned, I might not be so understanding. “Can you ever forgive me?”

  “Kyle, I love you.” Maddie takes my face between her hands. “You. The man you are. Not your father. Not your family. But you.” Her voice is tender, and I can’t hold back the tears any longer.

  “I love you too, Freckles.”

  Maddie

  find myself in an interrogation room. My psychologist, Abigail, is here, as is another psychologist from the FBI. His name is Mr. Turner. Bitchy Spears is there too. Turns out she isn’t an English professor, but is in fact an agent for the FBI. Placed undercover four years ago, when Evan started school at the University of Bellam Springs. She’s been the agent in charge since my parents died all those years ago.

  I give her my statement.

  “Do you know where we can find this key?” she asks.

  I squeeze my hands together. “It might be somewhere in my uncle’s truck or in the DVD case for Remember the Titans.”

  She raises her eyebrows. “Why do you say that?”

  “It’s a guess. My uncle used to say it a lot at seemingly random times.” I shrug. “Other than that, I have no idea where else to look.”

  “Let’s go check it out.”

  “First, can you tell me about Kyle? I want to make sure he’s alright.” They took him away in handcuffs. Told me it was protocol, and that they would release him as soon as they were done questioning him. I know he’s innocent, but I’m worried about where his mind is going. I told him it wasn’t his father who killed my parents, that it was actually his uncle. The news didn’t seem to lift his spirits any.

  “Kyle is fine,” Bitchy Spears says. Her real name is Smythe. She’ll always be Bitchy to me. “He hasn’t done anything wrong…surprisingly.” She grunts. “He certainly had plenty of chances.”

  We pull up in front of my aunt and uncle’s house. It’s a blue two story with black shutters. The ache in my heart increases. Agent Spears pulls the tape off the front and I unlock the door.

  Everything looks the same. Clean. Modern. White walls. Large bone tile in the entryway. A grouping of mirrors over a sleek black entry table. I turn right to head toward the kitchen. Green apples, lemons, and limes sit in a black wire basket atop the granite island. Clorox stings my nose. Like someone had cleaned.

  I move to the garage door. Open it. Flip on the light. Uncle John’s black Titan looms large in its normal spot. Someone pushes the button to open the garage, letting in the bright light from outside.

  It’s midday.

  Abigail moves to stand next to me. She squeezes my arm, letting me know she’s there if I need her. I really appreciate it. Having her near has brought more comfort than I could’ve imagined.

  “Search everything,” Bitchy says.

  I stand back. Watch them rip through the truck like it’s a present on Christmas morning. One of the agents shouts, “Got something.”

  The key turns out to belong to a safety deposit box at the Titan Federal Savings Bank. Inside is all sorts of incriminating information, tapes, and papers. Stuff that proves Kyle’s dad, Evan’s dad, and even my parents were part of a huge drug ring. In fact, the FBI uncovers what turns out to be the largest police-related drug ring ever exposed in the United States.

  More than a million pounds of drugs are confiscated. Evan, his father, and twenty other employees of the Bellam Springs Police Department are arrested over the next several weeks.

  It makes me sad.

  Agent Bitchy and her partner drive Abigail and me back to their offices. I stare out the window, watching the houses, the trees, and the old buildings rush by. We’re in the old part of town, made to look like the Wild West. The fronts of the buildings are facades. I realize that’s how I feel about my parents. Everything I thought I knew about them was false. I can’t help but feel like my parents have died all over again. But it’s a different kind of death. I had this preconceived notion about what kind of people they were. They raised me to have values, to be good, do what’s right.

  “How you holding up?” Abigail asks, patting my thigh.

  I shrug, unable to look at her. Because words are too complicated right now.

  “Your mom and dad were more than parents. They were people as well. And people make mistakes. That doesn’t mean the good memories you have of them should feel false. They’re real. They loved you. Hold on to that, and realize that in the end they tried to do the right thing.”

  I nod, amazed how well this woman knows me. It makes me think that maybe she should talk to Kyle. He might need to hear some of the same things. I can’t even imagine how painful this must be for him, knowing his dad, his uncle, his cousin, and probably his aunt were part of this.

  “I feel betrayed,” I blurt out, pressing my head against the cold glass. And realize that’s probably how Kyle feels as well.

  “It’s understandable, Maddie.”

  She leaves it at that and removes her hand from my thigh. I look at her. She gazes out the window, as I’d been doing. I see sadness in her features, and for the first time I wonder what kind of a life she lives. Does she have a husband? Children? We never talk about her.

  I catch Bitchy regarding me in the rear view mirror and turn away. Her eyes look understanding, sympathetic, and I don’t like it. It doesn’t suit her. I prefer her bitchiness.

  Kyle

  The FBI questions me for hours until I decide I could fall asleep standing. My uncle and Evan are in custody, and that’s good, because if I ever seen Evan again I’ll kill him.

  What he did to Maddie is inexcusable. What he and my uncle have been doing behi
nd my back is the worst kind of treachery. Even though I’m glad I didn’t know, I feel like I should have. Reliving the past, I think deep down I knew something was off, but I wanted to believe so damn bad that my dad wasn’t what people said. Turns out he was nothing more than a pawn in a scheme that has tentacles throughout the state.

  At least my dad didn’t pull the trigger and kill Maddie’s parents. But he was there, which is unforgiveable.

  I hope Maddie does forgive me though, because she’s all I’ve got left.

  Maddie

  he theater is packed. Heavy black curtains hang on either side of the large stage. Two black grand pianos grace center stage. Bright lights shine on them. Kyle and I wait in the wings.

  Nervous butterflies flutter in my stomach. I lick my bottom lip, painted and shiny with red gloss. All of my makeup is heavy tonight. While Gina applied it, she explained I needed the drama. She also put big curls in my hair.

  From my position on the stage I can see people milling about, chatting, smiling as they take their seats. They are dressed in gowns and tuxedoes. Lights along the walls are dimly lit, giving an air of sophistication to the entire room.

  “Ready?” Kyle asks, gracing me with one of his perfect smiles.

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  “Sorry your aunt and uncle couldn’t be here.”

  I shrug and my black dress rustles. “It’s okay.” And it is. Sure, I’m sad my aunt and uncle can’t be here, but not too much. At least they’re alive. It was touch and go for several weeks. There was more than one close call. The bullet wound in my uncle was especially awful and caused a lot of internal damage. But after several surgeries, he’s doing better. He’ll recover. As will my aunt.

  I’m beyond grateful.

  Professor Jenkins walks by. “You’ll do great,” he says to us as he walks on stage and steps in front of a microphone. He taps on it. “If you can all be seated.” He waits while the patrons sit. Clears his throat. “Our final performance of the night will be a piano duet with Maddelena Martin and Kyle Hadley. They are two of the best and brightest students I’ve ever had the pleasure to teach. Please put your hands together and welcome them on stage.”

  He claps, and those in the theater seats follow suit.

  Kyle and I take the stage. Me in my dress and ballet flats. Kyle in a black tux. I keep sneaking glances his way. He looks incredibly handsome.

  “Here we go,” Kyle says.

  I follow and take a seat at one of two black grand pianos situated on the stage. I squint momentarily, waiting for my eyes to adapt.

  Kyle sits at his piano and looks at me. He counts quietly. “One. Two. Three.” Then he begins to play. I watch the stress leave his features. He visibly relaxes. Music is his drug.

  I come in at the proper time, and we play F Major, K. 533/494: III. Rondo. Allegretto. Like it was written for us.

  When we finish there’s a roar of clapping. The crowd stands. They are on their feet.

  Kyle and I stand next to each other. He motions to me with his right hand. I take a bow. He does the same. Gina walks on stage wearing a gorgeous green dress. She’s carrying a large bouquet of red roses. “Ya kicked ass,” she whispers, and places them in my arms.

  “Thanks, Roomie.”

  “Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!” people in the crowd shout.

  Professor Jenkins takes the stage. “A big thank you to Kyle Hadley and Maddelena Martin.”

  The clapping gets louder. I hear a “Whoot. Whoot. Whoot.” I try to see over the stage lights. They’re too bright, but I’m sure it was Gina. I smile in her direction, and hope she knows I mean her.

  Once we leave the stage, Kyle wraps me in a hug. “You’re amazing, Freckles.”

  “So are you,” I respond, and press him to me.

  “Wanna get out of here? I have something for you.”

  We should stay and mingle, but after what we’ve been through the past several months it’s doubtful anyone would be upset if we didn’t stay.

  I check his face. “What is it?”

  “Come home with me. I’ll show you.”

  I smile. Kiss him softly. “Can I meet you there? I told my aunt and uncle I’d stop by.”

  “Want me to come with?”

  It’s a testament to how much he loves me that he offered. My aunt and uncle know Kyle is the one who saved me, but they’re still wary. I’m hoping tonight’s conversation will help.

  My uncle is lounging in his recliner. A wooden cane leans against the armrest. He’s been using it to get around. My aunt is sitting on the couch next to him, crocheting. The yarn is baby blue.

  I can’t help but smile. If I hadn’t seen them get shot in this very living room, I never would’ve believed it happened.

  “Hi guys,” I say, leaning over and kissing my uncle on the cheek. He wraps his arms around me and squashes me to him. “Can’t breathe,” I say joking.

  Uncle John lets go. “Fine.”

  I do the same with my aunt and then sit next to her. “Whatcha working on?” The yarn is soft.

  “It’s a scarf.” Her eyes fill with tears. She sniffles and glances at my uncle.

  “Oh, Lizzie. I’m fine. But he reaches over and takes her outstretched hand, twining his fingers with hers.

  They adore each other. And seeing the way they are makes me want to bring Kyle around. He’s going to be in my life a very, very long time. Hopefully they will too. I want my aunt and uncle to understand how amazing he is.

  “How was your performance?” Aunt Eliza asks, going back to her crocheting. The tension is immediately thick, palpable.

  “It went well. We received a standing ovation.”

  Aunt Eliza pats my hand. “Of course you did.”

  I sigh. “Kyle played beautifully. He’s seriously so good. I can’t wait for you—”

  “That’ll be the day,” Uncle John interrupts, flipping on the TV like we’re done talking.

  Anger bubbles to the surface and I stand in front of the TV. “Here’s the thing. I’m in love with Kyle.”

  My aunt covers her mouth. “No.”

  Uncle John grumbles something incoherent.

  “Yes. He’s amazing. Caring. Sweet. Kind. Gorgeous. Loving. Compassionate—”

  “We get it, dear. You’re smitten.” Aunt Eliza goes back to crocheting. Her eyebrows drawn together in consternation.

  I sit back down. Place a hand over hers. “It’s more than that.” She looks at me and I meet her eyes. “You used to say evil men raise evil kids, remember?”

  She balks and pulls her hand from mine. “Of course I do. It’s a fact.”

  “Maybe it usually is, but Kyle saved me. And not just my actual life, but in here too.” I press a fist to my chest, over my heart. Tears of frustration fill my eyes. I blink them away, but my voice breaks. “Without him I’m incomplete.” I turn my gaze to my uncle. “Without the two of you I’m incomplete.”

  He grumbles.

  “I need the two of you and Kyle in my life, and it would mean so much to me if you could give him a chance.” I look at my aunt. Her mouth is hanging open. “Please.” I wipe the tears that escaped off my face.

  “Alright.” My uncle gives my aunt a look, one that says, “It’s settled.”

  “Fine. Why don’t you bring him to dinner on Sunday? I’ll make taco sushi and chocolate cake.”

  I reach over and hug her. “Thank you. Thanks. I will.” Then I stand. Because Kyle is waiting, and I’m anxious to be alone with him.

  “You want some pie? I made apple.”

  I shake my head. “Can I take a rain check? I have someplace to be.”

  My uncle rolls his eyes.

  I knock on Kyle’s apartment door. It bursts open. I notice he’s still in his tux, but the bow tie is gone and the top button is undone. He yanks me in, crushing his lips to mine.

  I want him. Need him.

  “Hi,” he says between kisses. “How did it go?”

  I giggle. “Good. You’re in. They want you to come to
dinner. Taco sushi.”

  He makes a face.

  “It’s delicious,” I say, oozing sarcasm.

  “I’m sure I’ll love it.” He unzips my dress. Pushes it off my shoulders, and lets it fall into a pile at my feet. I step out of it. His lips are immediately back on mine, suckling my tongue.

  I slide his jacket off. He sticks his tongue in my mouth, and I grab hold of his hair. He groans. Cups my ass with his hands, pulling one of my thighs up. A hungry heat warms my lower belly.

  “I love you, Maddie Martin. More than I believed it was possible to love.” He whispers the words against my lips, and tears of joy fill my eyes.

  “I love you too.” I pull back and take in his face, his beautiful, ice blue eyes. “Thank you for waiting for me. For saving me. For being the first person to see all of me.”

  He kisses me tenderly, his fingers slowly moving up and down my arms. Goosebumps pucker all over. He looks at me, puts his hands on my waist.

  “Will you be my first time?” I ask quietly, unbuttoning his shirt.

  In answer, he pulls me to him, his hands in my hair and his tongue in my mouth. “I would be honored. In fact… well, let me say that I love you chose red. You look beautiful.” Kyle’s eyes slowly trail down my body, take all of me in. Slowly. Deliciously. Warm tingles spread through me. He grabs my hand. “Come on.”

  I follow him, glancing down at my lacy red bra and undies. Something Gina helped me pick out. “I’m so glad you like it,” I say and only blush a little. Because as much as I want him, I’m nervous.

  The light flips on and he stands off to the side. I walk past him, unable to help the large smile that pushes up my lips.

  Red rose petals are scattered across the white bedding, pillows, and floor. A bottle of something chills in a container next to the bed. Strawberries dipped in chocolate sit on a platter. It’s like every fantasy I’ve ever had. “How did you do this?”

  “Gina,” he answers, kissing my neck, trailing a row of hot kisses down my back. Then he turns me around, kneels, and kisses my stomach. Each tattoo. He leads me to the bed and lays me on it. The heady scent of petals fills my nose. “I love because I am loved?”