“I’ve asked Jaime. She had said she wants to see Tiffany ‘in her natural environment.’ She’s not a lab animal, ya know?”
The thought of Jaime also being there made the idea more palatable. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thirty minutes, soldier.”
Madeline clicked off, and he called Jaime. “I heard you need a ride.”
“Hello to you too?” Her voice was clouded with confusion. “A ride where?”
“You got an invitation to spend time with Tiffany. So did Aslan, and there’s no need for both of us to drive.”
“It would be more efficient.”
“Yep.” It’d also allow him to ensure she wasn’t followed.
“All right. I told her I’d be there in twenty minutes.”
“Make it thirty, and we can stop for ice cream on the way.”
“Sold, as long as it has peanuts and chocolate sauce.”
Chandler would gladly pay for those items if it meant more time with Jaime. “Be at your door in five.” He hung up and looked at Aslan. “Looks like you get a car ride.”
An idea flashed in his mind. Maybe he could do something for Jaime at the same time she did something for Tiffany. He went to his bookshelf and grabbed a copy of one of his favorite books. It might help her, and it certainly couldn’t hurt.
He clipped a lead on Aslan and then grabbed his keys and headed out the door. Aslan trotted beside him, tail high as if to celebrate the outing. Chandler popped open the door to the stairwell and dropped the lead, letting Aslan gallop ahead of him up the stairs. Chandler was huffing when he reached the top floor. “Hold up, boy.”
Aslan turned and looked at him while Chandler gulped a lungful of air. As he stepped into the hallway, Jaime jolted from her position next to her apartment door.
“You didn’t need to wait out here.” She must know he’d have knocked. “What if whoever followed you was waiting?”
“We do have security in this building, Chandler. Besides, I didn’t want to waste time.” A faint flush of color climbed her neck. Interesting. Aslan nosed up to her side, and she patted his ears. “Shall we go?”
“Absolutely.” There were so many layers to the mystery of Jaime Nichols, he wasn’t certain where to start. He’d thought that after their dance the night before, she might lower her guard. He hadn’t done anything that should put her on alert, but she was. All the time.
When they reached the garage, she scurried around his truck and hopped in the seat before he could open the door for her. An independent woman. He liked that she didn’t fawn over him, but he really wished she’d indicate some level of interest. But then . . . what was with that flush of color?
Jaime’s phone buzzed in her pocket before Chandler could start the truck, and she tugged the phone free. Tiffany collapsed into sleep. No need to come.
“Looks like we don’t need to go to Tiffany’s after all.” She typed a quick reply, letting Madeline know the message was received.
“Really?” The look on Chandler’s face caught her. It was a mix of concern, maybe fear, a little relief, and a strong dose of something she might call pleasure, but there was something magical about letting it remain unnamed. “I’d already planned to take Aslan over tomorrow, so Tiffany will still get her time with him. Would you like to join us? Madeline mentioned you need to spend time with Tiffany.”
“Where are you going?”
“The FDR Memorial, assuming the weather cooperates.”
She considered a moment. “I think I’d like that.”
“Great, I can drive. But here, I have something for you.” He didn’t start the truck, but instead pulled something from his jacket pocket and held it behind his back.
She bit back a smile at his antics and pivoted so her back was against the truck’s door and she could see him better. “Should I be worried?” She carved her features into a frown. “Surprises are too far out of my control.”
“This is one you’ll like.”
“Really?”
His grin took on an impish character. “I know you like to read.”
“How do you know?”
“Instinct. Things you’ve said.” He pulled a slim book from behind his back and held it toward her.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?” She looked at the cover, then flipped it over. “I’ve seen the movie.”
“Really? That’s great. What did you think?”
“I don’t remember much of it. We watched it during law school when some friends decided we needed a study break.”
“It’s one of my favorites. I promise the story will capture your imagination.”
“Huh.” She flipped it back over. “Isn’t this a kids’ book?”
“Give it a try.” He gave her some puppy dog eyes that would make Aslan proud. “For me?”
She laughed. “All right. Is this where Aslan got his name?”
“Maybe.” Then he sobered, and the change was dramatic. “Read it with an open heart, okay?”
“Why?”
“We all have questions about life. Big questions. Yours are hard ones. This little book might help.”
He was so sincere, she couldn’t have told him no, no matter how much she didn’t want to consider the big questions. Like where was God when she was eight.
“Have you been talking to Caroline?”
A small smile quirked his lips, but he shook his head. “Nope. We aren’t ganging up on you.” He held up three fingers. “Boy Scout promise.”
She looked from him to the book and back. “If it’s important to you, I’ll read it.”
“Thank you. No essay required.”
“That’s good.” She slipped the book in her purse. How much effort could a kids’ book be? She’d read it in a night or two, honor his request, and then forget about it. She smiled at him. “Since we’re not headed to Tiffany’s, does that mean no ice cream?”
As he smirked at her in that breath-capturing, Captain America way, she knew she was falling hard. Time to back away, as fast as possible.
CHAPTER 30
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
Jaime had caught up with Caroline over supper, read the first chapters of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and sunk into a sleep filled with dreams of what could be instead of nightmares from the past.
When he brought her home after their ice cream yesterday, Chandler reminded her of his invitation to join him today as he took Tiffany and Madeline to the Memorial. She hadn’t committed, but as she lay in her bed, comforter snuggled to her chin, she realized how much she wanted to go.
Maybe if she spent enough time with Chandler he’d prove he wasn’t who he appeared. That might be the best way to protect her heart. But even as the thought surfaced, she knew it wasn’t valid. He was who he appeared.
While he seemed to be hero material, she shouldn’t ignore he was military and let him draw her too easily to his side, longing for something she couldn’t have.
Still, she’d say yes today.
When should I be ready? She hit Send, and while she waited for a reply she heard the shower turn on.
Caroline must be getting ready for church. Her friend hadn’t asked her to go this week, and Jaime was glad and annoyed at the same time—she’d looked forward to telling Caroline no. Further proof of how broken she was inside.
She rolled onto her side and grabbed the book that rested on her nightstand. The thin volume felt weighty in her hands, filled with Chandler’s expectations of what she would find as she read. He wanted her to come to faith—just like Caroline and Hayden, probably Emilie too. He didn’t understand how impossible that hope was even if he thought he knew her story.
Her scars were too deep to be wiped away by an encounter with a novel.
She flipped the book over and scanned the back cover. She knew the gist of the story from a middle school English class and the movie. If she started reading again, she’d finish in a couple hours and could tell him she’d done what he wished.
&nbs
p; She held the unopened book like she clutched the quiet desperation that wouldn’t release her. Was it possible God could love her when He had ignored her pain? How could a God who allowed the horrible abuse truly see her and care?
These were questions she couldn’t reconcile, but she wanted to believe there were answers.
Her phone lit up and she grabbed it with one hand.
Pick you up at noon.
Okay. See you in a few hours.
She set her phone aside and as the shower turned off, turned her focus to what she’d wear for their excursion. It was supposed to be a perfect fall day.
Jaime opened the door at noon to find Aslan prancing beside Chandler.
“Hey.”
She loved the way one word from his lips could fill her with warmth. “Hey yourself. Let me grab my phone and keys.” She shoved the items into the pockets of her hooded vest and zipped it up, then nudged Simba back inside. “All ready.”
Chandler’s gaze slid down her with a smile, but it felt different from when so many men did it—like he really saw her. They made quiet conversation as they took the elevator to the garage.
“Have you noticed anyone around since Wednesday night?”
She shuddered at the memory of the blackout and fear. “No. But I was with my mom all day Friday and at the ball Friday night. And yesterday I didn’t leave the apartment except to go for ice cream with you.” She felt the warmth climb her neck at his knowing grin.
“That was a good reason to leave.”
She met his gaze and nodded. “So’s this.”
“Yeah.” The doors to the elevator slid open and Chandler stepped out, first holding the doors open while he scanned the space. “All good.”
A minute later they were in his truck and headed toward 395, the interstate spur that crossed the Potomac into the heart of Washington, DC. Instead of heading north into the city, Chandler drove south to Arlington and then through Seven Corners toward Madeline’s town house.
The ride was quiet but comfortable. Jaime didn’t feel the need to fill the space with words, and she liked that as they drove to the out-of-the-way section of the suburb where Tiffany and her mother lived. A row of small town houses folded into another row as one community street melded into another. Trees of a size that indicated they’d been planted thirty or forty years ago pushed the sidewalk up in uneven waves, and the townhomes appeared maintained if not in tip-top shape. The schools would be decent, though not up to the standards of those in some of the suburbs. It looked like a pleasant enough place for a young girl to grow up.
It was a safe if slightly depressed area similar to the neighborhoods Jaime had lived in at Tiffany’s age.
Jaime blew out a breath as Chandler pulled up to the curb and Aslan bounced against her seat. She laughed even as she brushed the golden fur from her sweater. “Too bad we had to bring Aslan along.”
“Really?” Chandler looked, and the small dimple in his chin appeared and she felt herself melt.
“I was just kidding.” Her thoughts turned toward Tiffany. “Aslan is so good for Tiffany, I just wonder if we’re doing the right thing.”
“What do you mean? Helping her is good.”
“Maybe, but we don’t know her story well enough.”
Aslan tried to climb out of the back seat, but Chandler nudged him back. “What do you mean?”
“We don’t know where her abuser took her or how he groomed her. You wouldn’t believe the places I refused to go to after my uncle was done with me.” She still had a hard time looking at arcades, let alone stepping inside one. “I guess I’m encouraging flexibility. We’ll have to watch for her subtle cues.”
Chandler took the words in and then nodded. “I see what you mean. It’s why I’m glad you’re here. You can keep me from doing or saying something that will harm her.”
As she waited for Chandler to open her car door, Jaime struggled to imagine him hurting anyone. While he had a steel core, there was such gentleness to the man. He was a study in contradictions.
After stepping from the truck, she walked with Chandler up the short sidewalk to the door, a shiver brushing her spine as their arms swung next to each other. It was the whisper that he was near and she was safe. Chandler knocked on the door, then knocked again when no one came.
There was a sound of footsteps within, and Jaime pasted on a smile. The door opened, and her smile disappeared. Madeline stood there, one eye almost swollen shut and an angry set of welts lacing her neck. “What happened to you?”
“Corey Bowman happened.” Madeline’s voice rasped as if she had a bad cold.
“Who?” Jaime glanced from Madeline to Chandler, who looked like he wanted to punch someone.
Chandler cleared his throat as he closed the door. “He’s the one who abused Tiffany.”
Madeline nodded, her hand creeping to her throat as if she could hide the welts.
“Isn’t he in jail?” Jaime’s thoughts spun as she took in the bruises. “Wait. Where’s Tiffany?”
“In her room watching a movie on my tablet. I knew we’d need to talk first.” Madeline’s eyes filled with tears that leaked down her cheeks. “He heard we’d gone to the police. Thought I’d back down, and when I didn’t he hit me.”
“Looks like he tried to kill you.” Jaime turned in a quick circle in the narrow hallway. “Ice. You need ice.”
“I’ve done all that. This happened last night.”
Chandler frowned. “Did you call the police again?”
“Yes. They’re looking for Corey, but I don’t know when they’ll find him.” The or if hung in the air.
Jaime rubbed her temples as thoughts pinged through her mind so quickly she wasn’t sure she could capture them. “Please tell me Tiffany didn’t witness this.” The trauma of watching her mother beaten or the police investigate might be too much for the poor child.
“She was asleep when he arrived.” Madeline started shaking, and Jaime led her to a chair at the tiny kitchen table. “I don’t know what to do. Until the police find Corey and put him in jail, he could show up again. And he’ll be angrier.”
CHAPTER 31
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14
Madeline stood frozen, looking shaken and confused. “What can I do?”
Jaime put a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “Madeline, go upstairs, grab enough clothes and toiletries for a few days, and then we’ll get you to safety.”
“Doesn’t Tiffany need to stay in her safe place?”
“We’ll tell her it’s a vacation of sorts.”
“But where can we go? I’m not taking my child to a shelter. And all of our things are here.” Madeline glanced around.
“I know the perfect place. Pack a bag for yourself and another for Tiffany. Make sure you include any stuffed animals or books that are special to her. Anything that will comfort her.” She stepped toward the front door.
“Where are you going?” Madeline asked.
“To make a call. We can leave as soon as you’re ready.”
Tiffany appeared at the top of the stairs, her nose crinkled and shoulders hunched. “Mommy?”
“We’re going on a little trip, baby. Let’s get your bag packed so we can leave with Mr. Chandler and Aslan.”
As Madeline headed up the stairs, Chandler followed Jaime out the door. “What’s your plan?”
Jaime pulled out her phone. “I’m calling my mother.”
She sank onto the front step, ignoring the cold that had worked its way through her jeans and vest, and tapped her mother’s number. The call went to voice mail, so she sent a text. You home and up for company? I need a favor.
Then she tapped her phone against her chin and tried to think of anyone else who might be willing to take the small family in for a few days. Emilie and Hayden didn’t have extra space, and Caroline was staying with her. Maybe Savannah? She sent a text to her with a quick update.
We need to talk. Developments with Tiffany. She needs a place to stay.
While she
waited for a reply, she couldn’t help wondering how her mom would react. Would she take this opportunity as a chance at redemption?
Her phone rang. Mom.
“Jaime, is everything all right?”
Ouch. Was she such a distant daughter that her mother assumed any call contained bad news? “Are you home?”
“Yes.” The word was drawn out.
“I have a favor to ask.”
“So you said. You know I’ll do it if I can.” The desperate edge to her mother’s voice broke Jaime. She wanted to end the distance between them but wasn’t sure how.
“I have a single mom and her daughter who need a place to stay for a few days.” She gave her mother the quick summary.
“This little girl is you? And I get a chance to do things right this time?” The quiet words knifed through Jaime.
“Yes.” Her whisper matched her mother’s. “I know it’s a lot to ask. Tiffany was already in pain, and now this. They can’t stay in their home, not when her abuser came back and attacked Madeline. Tiffany didn’t witness it, but she may be fully aware of what happened. If she is, then staying here could add to her trauma.”
“We can help her?”
“Maybe her mother too. Madeline is a single mom and so overwhelmed. Hearing your story might help her hold on, and she needs her own place to heal.”
“But I failed.”
“And that can warn her, while all the things you did right can help her.”
There was silence until her mother sighed. “I failed you completely, Jaime. I will be sorry until my last breath.”
“Then help make things right for Tiffany. We can make a difference for her, take the lessons we learned the hard way and shield her from the same mistakes.” She heard the door opening behind her and stood to walk away. “The woman needs our help, Mom. She simply doesn’t have the coping skills.”
Delayed Justice Page 17