by Aimee McNeil
“When Giles told us what you were up to, there was no stopping us. You should have told us,” Teddy added. Jackson knew they were concerned for his clarity of mind. They knew his obsession with solving the case his father lost his life for, still open and far from having closure. No one wanted him to touch it. In fact, no one wanted to. Digging around John Stodden got you killed. His father, among others, was a testament to this.
“What’s the plan?” Dane asked. He was always ready to get down to business.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Fifteen years ago…
Jackson threw his baseball up into the air high enough that it looked like a tiny speck in the vast sky. Sometimes it looked like it would disappear for a moment, swallowed by the endless blue stretching as far as the eye could see, but it would always fall back down into his readied glove. Jackson found it in an old box years ago when he was looking around in the garage. He knew it was his father’s without even having to ask his mother.
He kept it, a possession he cherished. He brought the glove with him everywhere, even sliding it under his pillow at night. It gave him something real to hold onto when he barely had any memories of his father. He was so young when his father died. He only had fragments of memories. Small pieces that barely allowed him to picture the man his father was.
Jackson always stayed outside as long as he could. He didn’t like being inside his house. It felt cold, strange, and nothing like a home should feel like. His mother insisted on keeping the curtains closed and the lights dim. The walls were bare, not one picture to show that it was actually a home. She didn’t like any reminders of before his father died, and she hadn’t taken a picture since.
When night began to claim the sky, Jackson finally decided to go inside. He swung the door open and was surprised by the tantalizing smells that filled their normally stale house. It instantly made his mouth water and his stomach spin excitedly. “Mom?” Jackson called.
“In the kitchen,” she called back. Her voice was lighter than normal, floating in the air around him. He slipped off his shoes, placing them neatly by the door. He was careful not to disturb this strange sense of peace his mother seemed to be emitting. The house had never smelled this good. This was how his friends’ houses smelled like, not his.
He slowly walked into the kitchen and noticed his mother stirring a pot over the stove. Her hair was pulled up and curled. Red was painted on her lips, and she wore a dress with red flowers spattered over the material. She looked beautiful, and it brought a smile to his face.
“There you are. Sit. Supper is ready.”
Jackson quickly slipped into his chair. The table was set with candles and dishes he didn’t even realize they owned.
“It smells really good, Mom,” Jackson said softly.
“It’s your favorite. Spaghetti and meatballs, just like Sam’s mother makes.” She approached the table and collected the plates.
Every once in a while Jackson was invited to stay for dinner at his friend Sam’s house. Sam’s mother always made the most delicious food, and he always looked forward to it. He normally would eat cereal, granola bars, or whatever he could find in the cabinets because his mother never cooked. He didn’t even realize she knew it was his favorite, and it made his heart swell.
“Thank you.” Jackson could feel tears rise to the surface when his mother looked him in the eyes and smiled. He felt like it was the first time she really saw him. Her eyes were clear, without their normal dull cast. Her red lips turned up beautifully into a perfect smile. Jackson couldn’t help but wonder if this was what his mother was like before his father died. It was the first time he met this version of her, and he wanted to hold onto her forever.
She sat down across from him with her own plate as Jackson dove into his food. It was delicious, better than any food had ever tasted before. Every time he looked up at his mother, her smile would broaden as she slowly picked at her food. Jackson wanted this moment to last forever. He wanted her to see him every time she looked at him. He wanted her to smile at him because it made that pain in his chest ease. He felt loved. He felt wanted.
“Do you like it, Jackson?” she asked.
“It’s the best,” Jackson said after swallowing a mouthful.
“Good.” She set her fork down and stood up, smoothing out her dress. “Be a good boy, Jackson.”
Jackson nodded his head and watched her cautiously as she left the room. He stared at the doorway of the kitchen, waiting for her to return. Wanting desperately to see that beautiful floral dress and his mother’s face light up when her eyes fell on him. He wanted to feel the warmth of her love to burn away the chill that crawled over his skin. He was terrified to get out of his seat and realize the moment was over. His hope that she could be like other mothers was slipping through his fingers.
Jackson sat in front of his plate, his food untouched since his mother stood to leave. He watched the minute hand on the clock make a complete rotation before he dropped his fork. His stomach knotted uncomfortably with the realization that she wasn’t coming back.
Grabbing his plate, he set it next to the sink before he walked toward the stairs. He looked up at the unlit staircase. He knew something was wrong; he could feel it taunting him.
Jackson slowly climbed the stairs, grabbing hold of the railing to pull himself along. When he reached the top, he could see the bathroom light spilling from under the door across the hallway floor.
Taking a deep breath, he approached the door and knocked gently. “Mom?” Jackson looked down when a wet sensation pooled around his toes. He looked down to see a dark viscous liquid seeping out from under the door. Jackson’s heart beat so hard it felt painful against his ribs as he turned the knob and pushed the door open.
His mother was slumped against the vanity, her beautiful dress soaked in red that flowed from her wrists and puddled around her, covering the tiles. Jackson couldn’t avoid stepping in her blood as he reached for her. “Mom?” He grabbed her shoulders to give her a gentle shake. She didn’t respond. The red lipstick now looked so harsh against her pallid skin.
Jackson grabbed a towel and tried to wrap her wrists. He knew it was too late. His mind knew that her chest failed to rise and fall with breath. Her color did not speak of life, only death. The realization that she had been happy because she decided to leave him squeezed tightly around his heart. Her smile was not because she suddenly saw him after all these years. It was not because she had suddenly decided to live but because she’d decided to give up. The first time he thought he saw love in his mother’s eyes was the joy of saying goodbye to him.
Anger stabbed him hard and fast as tears welled in his eyes. She was all he had, and she left him alone in a world that wanted him even less than she did. Jackson looked down at his hands, completely covered in his mother’s blood. There was blood everywhere. He couldn’t breathe. He tried to pull air into his lungs, but his chest constricted painfully. The pain pulled him inside out as he collapsed on the floor.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Lexie
Lexie peered over the top of the aisle, watching Jackson in a hushed conversation with the other two men. The three of them together was a sight that was hard to ignore; they looked scary beautiful. All three men towered over her in height, built of power and intensity that thrummed in the air around them. When Jackson said he was expecting a few men, she wasn’t exactly prepared for what arrived. They were all attractive in their own right. Jackson drew her eye the most with his dark, enchanting features that spoke of danger and sex. When he looked at her, it was as if he could see all her secrets and she was naked before him. He was an obvious weakness for her, which explained her actions of late. The one Jackson referred to as Dane had close shaven hair and the bluest eyes she had ever seen. She knew they must be real because he did not look like a man that would take care with contacts. The other, Teddy, had blond hair. He threw an easy smile her way when he noticed she was watching them. She looked away and turned her attention to
the rows of products in front of her. Heat crawled across her face.
Lexie noticed the cashier looked nervously at the three men huddled close in the back of his store. He obviously picked up on the energy these men exhibited and probably feared their intentions.
Lexie busied herself looking at the items lining the shelf, trying to hear what Jackson and the others were discussing, but they were too far away. She noticed a row of nail polishes sitting on a shelf with a handful of cosmetics the store carried. Her stomach stirred with an emotion when she saw the color she had been searching for. Revlon Knockout stared back at her from the white metal shelf. Lexie looked down at her toes. She hadn’t even noticed the last of the color had disappeared. She didn’t understand how she could not have realized. Guilt carved away painfully at her.
“Alex,” Lexie whispered.
Lexie looked up past the nail polish to Jackson’s handsome face. He was standing on the other side of the shelf watching her. Those deep dark eyes searched hers. His face was unshaven, and she could still feel the delicious burn on her face from his rough kiss. He was absolutely stunning. He couldn’t have been more perfect if she’d created him herself. She wanted to walk up to him and throw herself in his arms. She wanted to know what it would feel like to be loved by a man like Jackson. So strong, brave, and able to take life on like it was made to bend to his will.
The very thoughts twisted the blade deep inside her. Her heart belonged to Alex. He gave his life to save her, and she was thinking of another. How could she even consider wanting to find comfort in the arms of another?
“We have to head out, Lexie,” Jackson said softly.
Lexie looked up at him before dropping her gaze back toward the polish. She ran her finger over the label. Jackson grabbed the four bottles remaining on the shelf.
“What are you doing?” Lexie asked, surprised.
“Making your decision easier.” Jackson walked over to the cashier and placed the polish on the counter, along with a couple bottles of water and bags of almonds. The cashier was probably no more than eighteen. His hands shook slightly as he watched the three men standing in front of him, intimidating in every way.
Lexie was scared to know who Jackson really was. She just wanted to hold onto what they had right now because it felt so real. It felt so raw and imperfectly perfect. It made her feel something other than sadness again. Lexie’s emotions pulled her in so many directions she felt brittle and confused. The only thing that reminded her she was alive was looking into Jackson’s dark brown eyes, feeling his skin against hers. Listening to that voice that plucked strings so deep within her that she felt the hum of life again. Jackson made the deep chill that settled in her bones thaw, but she knew it was time to start asking questions.
Lexie slipped into the front seat of Jackson’s car. She watched Dane and Teddy walk toward a different vehicle. “Are your friends coming with us?”
“Yes. They’re here in case we need backup.”
“In case John’s men find us?” Lexie turned toward Jackson as he started his car.
He nodded before passing her the bag that held her nail polish.
“When are you planning on using us as bait?” Lexie asked, opening the bag to retrieve the bottles. She looked up and noticed Jackson’s eyes on her. “I know that’s your plan. It’s the only thing that makes sense.” Lexie picked up her purse from the floor by her feet. “Can you promise me something?”
“What?”
“To keep my mother safe.” Lexie dropped the polish in her purse and zipped it closed.
“What about you?” Jackson ran his hands down the steering wheel.
“I can take care of myself.”
“It seems as though your mother has done a good job of taking care of herself so far.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. I think the only thing she has ever done was take care of me.”
Lexie wrapped her fingers around Jackson’s hand that he rested on the gearstick. He placed his hand against her cheek. She wanted to feel closer to him as she leaned in to his touch. “Do you think beautiful can grow from horrible beginnings?”
“I don’t know.”
“Me either.” Lexie sighed.
***
Lexie looked out the window at the diner. Jackson had parked and turned off the car. He was quiet as his loaded gaze remained on her.
“What are you thinking about?” Lexie asked nervously, smoothing her hair.
“I’m making you nervous.” Jackson let a small smile play on his sensual lips.
“You keep looking at me like you have something to say, and yes, you always make me nervous.”
“Good.”
Lexie noticed Dane and Teddy walk into the dinner, looking casual as they carried on with one another. Their eyes never even glanced toward Jackson and Lexie, still in their car. Lexie looked back at their car; two other men still waited inside, smoking with the windows down. “Are they with you too?”
“They are just keeping eyes on the outside. Just pretend they aren’t here.” Jackson leaned closer and grabbed Lexie’s hand.
“What do you think will happen? Do you think John’s men will show?” Lexie tried to pull her hand free, but Jackson held tight.
Jackson said thoughtfully. “This meeting was kept tight. There should be no way John should catch wind of it. I just want to make sure we’re being careful.”
“What happens now?”
“I want to talk to your mother.”
Jackson’s words gave Lexie a sinking feeling in her stomach. “About what?”
Jackson leaned back in his seat and pulled his phone from his pocket. He glanced at the screen. “She’s inside.”
Lexie grabbed for the handle and opened the car door. Jackson followed close behind her as she walked toward the front door. She was excited to see her mother and couldn’t wait another moment. She pushed the door open and looked around the interior of the dated diner. The bright red material lining the booths was worn and cracked from years of use, and the floors showed years of traffic, but it had a certain charm that Lexie could appreciate.
She skimmed the faces of the customers, passing Dane and Teddy sitting at the end of the bar that ran the length of the interior. They were foolish to think they blended into the crowd. They looked ready to step into a ring and do some serious damage. Their physiques were honed to perfection and did not fit the sea of soft bellies that filled the dinner, gorging on pie and sweets. Lexie found her mother, tucked in a booth along the wall. An expression of relief washed over her mother’s face as she watched Lexie approach. She looked different from the last time Lexie saw her. Her hair was darker and cut just above her shoulders. Dark circles lined her eyes, and she looked exhausted. Her normal healthy glow was dimmed from the stress of the last few days.
“Mom.” Lexie wrapped her arms around her mother, who stood when she neared. These last few days had been a roller coaster, and seeing her mother was a huge source of relief. “You cut your hair and the color…”
“Who’s this?” Beth asked, pulling away, her eyes on Jackson.
In the excitement of finding her mother, she had forgotten that her mother would be thrown off by Jackson’s presence. “Mom, this is Jackson.”
Her mother watched him calculatedly. “Lexie—” she started, with heavy warning in her tone, before Lexie cut her off.
“He’s the reason I made it this far, Mom. You left me completely unprepared for any of this. He’s on our side.”
Her mother sighed. “Sit down, both of you.” Her mother slid back into the booth and made room for her daughter. Jackson sat down across from them. His dark eyes trained on Lexie’s mother as he clenched his jaw. Lexie was surprised to see anger in his gaze. Her stomach dropped.
“Jackson stopped the men at the cottage. I don’t know what would have happened if he wasn’t there,” Lexie whispered, waiting for Jackson to make a move. She could see his thoughts fuming for release.
Beth leaned back in her seat a
nd took a deep breath. “You know who I am, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Jackson spoke through clenched teeth. “I know exactly who you are.”
“Who are you and what do you want?” Beth asked, taking her daughter’s hand in hers. Lexie squeezed back as she watched her mother and Jackson intently, trying to place the pieces together.
“My name is Jackson Finley. I believe you knew my father.”
Her mother leaned back against the seat. “I should’ve known. You look like him.” Her mother smiled sadly.
“What’s this about?” Lexie looked between the two of them. Something was unfolding, and she didn’t understand how the whole situation felt like it was picked up and turned full circle.
“Jackson, what’s going on? What are you accusing my mother of? I don’t understand.” Lexie’s voice became frantic.
Her mother squeezed her hand. “Lexie, calm down. You’re drawing attention.” Lexie looked into her mother’s warm eyes. “I knew Jackson’s father a long time ago. He was trying to help me escape a bad situation. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.”
“You mean you shot him,” Jackson accused.
“I didn’t kill him.” Beth looked across the table into Jackson’s dark eyes. “I swear it. I had no reason to kill Officer Finley. He was helping me escape an impossible situation. I owed your father everything.”
Jackson narrowed his gaze. “Why should I believe you?”
Her mother took a deep breath and rubbed her forehead. “I didn’t kill your father, but I was the one who killed his partner.”
“What? Mom?” Lexie asked in disbelief.
“Rosh isn’t dead,” Jackson said with a heavy scowl upon his face. Lexie had never seen his anger boil so hot under his skin. “He’s alive and well and insists you are the one who killed my father.”
“Officer Rosh isn’t dead? But…of course he would point the finger at me. He’s the one who killed your father.”