A Fine Balance

by Susan Johnson

  “About that. I have a little money from investments, so buy whatever you want. I’ll drive you into the city.”

  He said the word, investments, with the smooth urbanity she imagined rich people commonly used. Although, after stalking him on the internet, she knew he had a share in the family vineyard that routinely put out wines rated in the high nineties. “I don’t want your money. I’ll sign a pre-nup. It’s only fair when I’m more or less destitute.”

  He smiled. “You’re ruining the mood.”

  “I’ll sign. I just want that clear.”

  Unlike all the other women of his acquaintance who’d be more than willing to share his wealth. “Just so you know, I’m not obligated to accommodate you. It’s my money.”

  “Actually, I may not be completely destitute.” A quick grin. “I filled out some teaching applications lately.”

  “Yeah?” He knew better than to say You don’t have to work with the bright cheer in her voice. “Where?”

  “At my old school for one, then Boonesville and Mendo. The budget crisis apparently is easing up.”

  “Todd Zimmer still principal at the grade school in Bragg?”

  She nodded. “He’s a great guy.”

  “You should have just called him.”

  “Uh-uh. I didn’t want to well—embarrass him if he had someone else in mind.”

  “I understand.” Fuck if he did. “Fingers crossed, then,” Jack said, although luck wasn’t going to be an issue. He’d donated the funds for the new swimming pool last year. Jim Zimmer owed him a favor. “Oh, shit, my mom must have seen the headlights; she’s flicking the porch lights off and on.” He dropped the shift into drive. “If she asks you anything embarrassing which she’s likely to do, just tell her you’d rather not answer.”

  “I couldn’t.”

  “Then I will. She’s can be super curious. Oh, one more quick question. Feel free to say no. You may not have heard, but the man who was murdered at the dump, left a nine-year-old brother behind. I found Luis hiding in the woods near Westport and brought him to my mom’s. He has no family left so I was thinking, if he wants to, he could live with us. Although he might prefer staying with my mom and my younger brothers and sister. I don’t need an answer right now and either way, I’m fine with your decision.”

  “Do you think he’d like to live with us, or more to the point, you?”

  “I don’t know. I hadn’t considered it before. My bachelor life wasn’t exactly a perfect family setting.”

  “Ask him. If he’d like to live with us, I’m all for it. Zeke could use an older brother.”

  “Goddamn, you’re loveable.”

  “Thanks.” Her smile flashed in the shadowed car. “You can keep saying that. I won’t mind.”

  He laughed. “Same page, Jillybean. We’re gonna get along.”

  Chapter 52

  The moment Jack opened his car door and stepped out, Sam landed beside him in the drive. “Take it easy, buddy. We have to get Jillian.” Walking around the front of the SUV, Jack opened Jillian’s door. “End of a long day, Mama Bear. Let’s go see Zeke.”

  Sam played trained pet with aplomb, walking sedately at Jack’s side as he escorted Jillian to the front door where his mom stood on the threshold a broad smile on her face.

  “I’m so pleased to meet you,” Leslie Morgan said, giving Jillian a warm hug before stepping back and holding her at arm’s length. “I hear Jack had you in a pickle. I’m so glad you weren’t hurt.” She glanced at Jack. “Really, dear, I do wish you’d consider some other line of work.”

  “We’ll talk about it later, Mom. Jillian wants to see her son.”

  “Of course. Forgive me. He’s sleeping in the bedroom at the top of the stairs. I check on him every five minutes and so far he hasn’t stirred. Please,”—Leslie Morgan gestured—“this way.”

  As Jillian began ascending the stairs, Jack about to follow, his mom tugged on his arm and said under her breath, “May I send out invitations for your engagement party?”

  “Jesus, Mom, we just got here.”

  She clapped her hands. “I won the bet.”

  Jack audibly sighed. “I don’t want to know.”

  “I’ll tell you anyway. I bet Wade you’d be married soon. He said, not soon. I said ten bucks he was wrong.”

  “Okay, you’re ten bucks richer, but you have to talk to Jillian. Not tonight,” he added, sternly. “And don’t pressure her. She’s too polite to tell you off, but I’m not.” He smiled. “Sorry, Mom, I’m beat.”

  “And why wouldn’t you be.” She patted his arm. “Sleep late. When Zeke wakes up, we’ll keep him busy. Same with Larry and Em.”

  “Thanks.” A glance upward. “Gotta go.” Taking the stairs three at a time, Sam on his heels, he caught up to Jillian as she reached the second floor and taking her hand, led her to the bedroom, quietly turned the knob and pushed the door open.

  Standing in the doorway, tears welled in Jillian’s eyes. “He looks the same,” she whispered.

  “He’s a resilient kid thanks to you. No angst.” At a small sound, Jack glanced to his right and saw Luis in his pajamas standing midway down the shadowed hallway. Acknowledging him with a nod, Jack raised two fingers in silent communication. “I’ll bring a chair for you near the bed, then I’ll go talk to Luis. He’s out in the hall.” He met Jillian’s gaze. “You okay here alone for a few minutes?”

  “I’m a million, billion times better than okay,” she said, with a happy sigh. “Take your time.”

  Moments later, when Jack left the bedroom, he found Sam and Luis sitting on the floor, side by side, Luis’s arm around Sam’s neck. “You’re up late.” Jack smiled at the young boy. “Did we wake you up coming in?”

  “Nah, I heard your mom talking to Wade earlier and knew you were coming to Philo so I waited up.”

  Jack held out his hand. “Let’s get you back in bed and I’ll give you a quick report on what went down.”

  After Luis was tucked in, Jack pulled a chair up to the bed and was debating how best to begin the conversation when Luis blurted out, “Did you kill’em all?”

  Not his preferred opening, but obviously Luis’s major concern. “Yeah, I took care of the men who”—Jack hesitated, searching for an appropriately sensitive verb.

  “Murdered my brother.”

  Blunt but true. Jack nodded. “They won’t be hurting anyone else. A friend of mine and I made sure of that.”

  “Thanks.” Luis’s jaw quivered for only a second before his mouth firmed and he said, fiercely, “I’m glad they’re dead! They deserved it.”

  “I agree. Although I don’t want you to think that law enforcement is like some video game. I rarely use a weapon. Most cases are solved without shooting. Tonight was an exception.”

  A straight look; a child wanting to believe in trust. “Because you promised me you’d get’m. Right?”

  Jack didn’t immediately answer; there was no easy answer. If not for Remington’s preemptive strike on Jillian, Remington and Tweedy probably would have been dealt with in court. Instead, he’d done what he did tonight for personal reasons; Luis, Jillian and Zeke figuring largely in his calculus. “Yup, a promise is a promise,” he said because it was simpler. The truth was complicated.

  “But it’s over now. For good. Marco can pull his guards.”

  The kid wanted reassurance. “Absolutely. Case closed. No more guards.”

  “Will you still come and see me sometime?”

  A little boy alone in the world, his voice a little shaky. “Of course. Or you could come live with me if you like.”

  Luis sat bolt upright and stared at Jack. “You mean it? For real?”

  “For real. I just asked Jillian to marry me tonight, so if you decide to live with me you’ll be joining a ready-made family.” Jack smiled. “It’ll be a big change for both of us. You might have to pitch in and act like a big brother too. That’s not always easy.”

  “I can do it. I know about big brothers.”


  “Me too,” Jack said, pleased Luis could talk about his brother without visible despair. “I’m a big brother. You learn to suck it up when the younger kids want something different than you. It’s not hard, I’m not saying that. It’s just part of the deal.”

  “I don’t care if it’s hard, I’ll do it. I’ll babysit Zeke anytime--no problem.”

  “Good. So we’re okay with being a family? You, me, Jillian, Zeke?”

  “For sure.”

  Suddenly, a single tear slid down Luis’s cheek. He looked away and swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his composure. But a heartbeat later, his defenses crumbled, his tears spilled over, and with great heaving sobs he broke down.

  Reaching out, Jack lifted Luis onto his lap with only a mild wince thanks to the powers of Oxy. Wrapping his arms around the weeping boy, he gently rocked him like he had years past when they had babies in the house. “There, there,” Jack murmured. “Everything’s okay, life’s gonna be good from now on. All the bad stuff is over. We’re going to be a family--all of us together.” Gently rubbing Luis’s back, Jack softly repeated the comforting words, reassuring him that nothing bad would ever happen to him again.

  His weeping slowly came to an end and sitting up straight, Luis brushed the wetness from his face with his pajama sleeves. “I’m not usually such a baby,” he said, sheepishly.

  “It’s okay. Everyone cries once in awhile. Me included.”

  “No way.”

  “Heck if I don’t. Sometimes I even get misty eyed over a sad movie. Wait and see.” Jack couldn’t remember when he’d last cried, probably pre-school, but Luis didn’t have to know that. If any kid had the right to a few tears, it was Luis; his life had been hell. “Come on, let’s go see Jillian and tell her our news.”

  “You sure she won’t mind?” In Luis’s experience, good fortune had been scant and always suspect.

  “Nope. In fact, she was worried you might not want to join the family.” A white lie wasn’t really a lie if it helped someone feel better; Social Intelligence 101.

  “She doesn’t have to worry. I’m in a thousand percent.”

  “Great. She’ll like that.”

  When Jack and Luis reached the open doorway to Zeke’s bedroom a few moments later, Jack said, quietly, “Come say hi to Luis.”

  Turning in her chair, Jillian smiled, then rose to her feet and walked out into the hall where Jack and Luis had retreated.

  “We have some great news.” Jack looked at Luis. “You tell her.”

  “I’d like to live with you and Jack and Zeke.”

  Jillian’s grin was a flash of happiness. “That’s just wonderful! I hope you won’t mind having a little brother. Did Jack warn you that Zeke can be a handful at times.”

  “Jack already told me about how to be big brother.” Luis straightened his slender shoulders. “I can do it.”

  “Well, Zeke’s going to be super thrilled. Me too. I haven’t had a family for so long, I’m really looking forward to all of us doing stuff together. Going places. Having fun. And if I ever say something you don’t like, just tell me. I won’t mind.”

  Jack knew Jillian had spent a lifetime mollifying and calming people, forgiving them when some things shouldn’t be forgiven. “I’m going to put in my two cents worth here,” he said, a little brusquely. “Jillian’s the adult, so if she tells you to do something Luis, just do it. She’s way too nice anyway, so it won’t be anything unreasonable.” He held Luis’s gaze for a second. “Got it?”

  “Really, Jack,” Jillian interposed. “I like independence in a child. It’s perfectly fine for Luis to speak up.”

  “I understand. We both do, don’t we?” he murmured, one brow raised in Luis’s direction.

  “Sure,” Luis said. “No problem.”

  “There. See.” Jack smiled at Jillian. “Everyone’s on board.”

  “Jeez, I hope you don’t go off like that often?” she said, mildly. “Jack didn’t mean it, Luis.” A gentle smile. “He’s just tired.”

  “You’re right, sweetheart. Sorry.” Jack gave Luis a telling glance. “I didn’t scare you, did I?”

  Luis had lived by his wits all his young life. He knew the correct answer. And, truthfully, Jack didn’t scare him; he was his personal savior. Luis shook his head. “I’m not scared.”

  “All better now?” Jack drawled, dipping his head in Jillian’s direction. “Peace restored?”

  She nodded. “Although for future reference, I do like independent children.”

  He grinned. “That’s not a news flash.” At her admonishing glance, he held up a finger. “I didn’t say it was a problem. Now I’m going to take Luis to bed, then come back and collapse. Okay? It’s been a long day.”

  “Oh dear, how selfish of me to forget.” She wasn’t aware of all he’d done to rescue her, but Agent Fedin’s queries concerning the deaths at someone called Tweedy’s house along with Jack’s combative stance with Remington, suggested hostilities of some kind. “Good night, Luis. We’ll see you in the morning. Pleasant dreams.”

  When Jack returned, Jillian was in the bed opposite Zeke’s. Immediately putting her finger to her mouth, she reminded him the toddler was a light sleeper.

  Acknowledging her warning with a nod, Jack sat in a chair near the door, pulled off his boots, and swallowed a groan. Damn, he’d forgotten to bring in a pain pill. But no way was he going to his car when he was damn near asleep on his feet. Swiftly undressing, he slipped under the covers, and turned to give Jillian a kiss.

  She was sound asleep.

  He smiled. They’d both been running on empty.

  He never had trouble sleeping; tonight was no exception.

  He went from wide-awake to oblivion in seconds flat. Sam, curled up on Jack’s clothes near the foot of the bed, stayed awake longer.

  He had people to guard.

  Chapter 53

  Zeke wasn’t the only light sleeper.

  Jack woke up when his mother tip-toed into the room before dawn, but he feigned sleep because he wasn’t up to an early morning inquisition. He still had to square some wedding details with Jillian before he dealt with his mom’s questions.

  After whispering something to Zeke, Leslie Morgan picked up the toddler and carried him downstairs.

  Cautiously easing out of bed so Jillian wouldn’t wake, Jack put his finder to his mouth as Sam came to his feet, and half-smiled at the pup’s ear twitch in reply. Seriously, Sam was smarter than a lot of people he knew. Quietly exiting the room, his canine shadow at his side, Jack went to his old bedroom, showered, pulled on some jeans, then picked out a blue long-sleeve shirt to cover his bandage. Slicking his wet hair back with his hands, he sat at his childhood desk, briefly weighed the odds his mother had time to listen on the landline, decided, no, and called Wade.

  “What the fuck time is it?” Wade muttered, half asleep.

  “Almost six.”

  “It’s still dark.”

  “Okay, five-ten.”

  “Christ, this better be good. Sorry, Daisy, my brother has no manners. Yeah, I’ll take it outside. Give me a minute, Jack.”

  When Wade came back on the phone he was wide awake. “I slammed a Red Bull. Hit me.”

  “I’m getting married in two weeks. I don’t know what Jillian has planned, but she’s talking a Cinderella dress so figure you and Ray are groomsmen.”

  “Cool.”

  “No surprise?”

  “Only the date, dude. Ray and I have a bet. By the way, Ray wants to marry Chrissy ASAP, so don’t shoot him down when he mentions it.”

  “Should we threaten her crazy ex?”

  “It wouldn’t do any good. Dolan lives in his own fucking world. I doubt he’d notice. We might be able to have him temporarily committed so the court could oversee the divorce. But enough of that. For now, just agree with Ray. So is that all? You woke me to tell me you’re getting married?”

  “I have a couple questions too. What happens with the prosecutor’s case now that Rem
ington and Hayes have skipped the country? Does the DA broaden the investigation to include Remington’s silent partners and criminal associates or shut it down? I’m asking cause I want out of this operation. I promised Jillian a trip to Venice.”

  “Let me talk to a couple people. See what they’re planning. I’ll get back to you.”

  “Can you keep me out of any due process bullshit if this case becomes a campaign slogan rather than a run-of-the-mill trial?”

  “Probably. You’re law enforcement, not a jurisdictional authority. I’ll check it all out, call you later. Anything else?”

  “Megan still has to be taken care of. I’d prefer you do it. I promised her something I can’t deliver. So do me a favor, tell her she’s safe now, then find her a job of her choice and give her a year’s rent for an apartment. Okay?”

  “Jesus, is that all?”

  “Listen, when it comes to favors, don’t forget all the teed off ladies I’ve sweet talked out of going after a piece of your hide. My advice--be more friendly when you leave’m.”

  “Okay, okay. Anything else?”

  “Yeah. Did you ever hear from that young girl Tweedy held captive?”

  “I did. Jordi’s going to pick up Eve—yeah, you couldn’t make that up; it’s her real name. Jordi’s driving her to Mendo this afternoon. Eve’s going to stay with Bonnie until she settles in. Bonnie’s good with kids who have trust issues. Her no bullshit style works for them. We’ll get Eve in school, signed up for dance lessons. I already talked to Giselle. She’s quirky, but super creative as a dancer; the kids love her.”

  “Great. A couple more things, then I’m done asking for shit. I need a passport for Zeke ASAP. Luis has a passport but guardianship papers would be useful. That’s it. Thanks for fielding all the legalities. And for everything else too.”

  “No problem. That’s what family’s for. I better get my tux to the cleaners. Two weeks? Right?”

  “As far as I know. I’ll keep you posted. Fill in Ray, will you? He never answers his phone before noon.”

  “They were at my house until late. He won’t be getting up any time soon. Oh, shit, I almost forgot. Liz has been trying to get in touch with you. She called me four, five times yesterday. I told her you were on the trail of some bad guys and incommunicado. But give her a call when you can.”