Tell It Like It Is

by Stanalei Fletcher

  Chapter Twenty

  Two days later, Shelby was back in her own apartment near Little Tokyo, sifting through her mail. The laptop on the counter displayed a ready connection for a video chat. She put the mail down as the connection completed.

  “Shelby!” Allison’s cheery voice defied the tinny-sounding speakers and brought a smile to Shelby’s face.

  “Hi Allison! Is that the new munchkin?” Cradled in Allison’s arm was a tiny burrito, the scrunched, pink face barely showing a sleeping newborn.

  “Meet Braeden Sloan Cartland.” Allison lifted the baby to face the camera. “Braeden, this is Shelby. A very good friend of mine.”

  Tears welled in Shelby’s eyes as she heard the tenderness in Allison’s voice. She couldn’t quite wrap her head around what was happening to her. Most of the time she liked the isolation and independence of being across country from Northstar’s headquarters, but today the loneliness was overwhelming. “He’s beautiful. You did a good job.”

  “Hey!” Sloan Cartland poked his head into view. “We both did a good job.” He looked tired, but beamed with pride as he stroked a large finger down his son’s cheek.

  Shelby laughed. “Silly me. What was I thinking that poor Allison was the only one who carried that critter around for nine months, and endured hours of labor?” She paused and grinned. “Congratulations to you, too, Sloan.”

  “Point taken…but thanks.” Sloan gathered the bundle and disappeared from view.

  Allison turned her full attention to Shelby. “How are you?”

  “I’m good. The case is wrapped up and I’m taking my vacation now. How is everyone else there?”

  “Byron is still filling in, but Caitlin will be out next week as arranged, to help cover some of the workload. We should have planned better. Everyone thought the baby was going to be premature, but according to the doctors, he’s just fine.” A blush filled Allison’s cheeks. “We just got the due date wrong.”

  “I couldn’t be happier for you.” Shelby peered closer to the screen. “You’re drained, and here I am yakking your head off. Get some rest. Oh, and tell Hicks if you see him that I’ve sent those sand dollars I promised.”

  She said her goodbyes and closed the laptop. The emptiness of her apartment crept in again. What was the matter with her? Maybe if she went down to the gym, or drove over to the children’s home for a visit, it would put her head on straight. Glancing down at the counter, she acknowledged there was the matter of her backlogged mail to deal with first.

  She paused at a gilded-edged envelope, recognizing Rosalee’s spidery handwriting. An unfamiliar shiver of excitement raced through her. Dropping the other mail, she tore open the envelope. Inside was an invitation card. As Shelby opened it, a photograph fell out. She reached down to pick it up and her legs went weak. The picture was of her and Kane kissing under the mistletoe.

  She saw something in the picture she dared not name. Something she’d never dreamed existed—a woman in love. For several moments, she stared at the image then shook her head to clear it. It was an illusion. A trick of the camera’s lighting. Expecting something to come of her and Kane was like wishing for Christmas every day of the year. It would never happen.

  Laying the picture aside, she read the invitation requesting her presence to attend Rosalee’s New Year’s Eve party.

  Conflicting emotions raced through her. She wanted to see Rosalee again. There was a kinship with the author she’d never felt with anyone before. And Kane. Would he be there? They’d never really acknowledged the sparks they’d generated. She hadn’t forgotten his kisses. More than that, she remembered how he’d trusted her—allowed her to protect his dear aunt.

  Could she see him again—offer her appreciation without revealing her true feelings for him? Doubt crowded in and she grabbed a pen and paper to send off a refusal. Then she stopped, recalling the cute little black dress Rosalee had bought her for the Christmas party.

  Why not? Technically, the assignment was over and she had a few more days before reporting for duty. Uncharacteristically, she was actually enjoying this rare downtime.

  Although she’d missed Christmas at the children’s home, she’d stopped in to visit the kids after returning Rosalee safely back to her house. She was surprised at how much she’d missed them. Her interactions came more naturally, and she committed to visit once a week when she wasn’t on assignment. One little girl in particular, Sarah, had been overjoyed. Maybe it was time for a more active role in other areas of her life.

  Shelby didn’t know exactly what changed inside her during the assignment. Certainly, taking care of the older woman had affected her. Then there was Kane. Whatever it was, she wanted to enjoy more of it.

  ****

  Shelby entered the front door of Rosalee’s Long Beach house with a feeling of homecoming, as though she’d returned after a long absence, which made no sense. She hadn’t spent that much time in the house.

  Marta held her arms wide. “Mees Shelby! I am so happy to see you!”

  Shelby braced for the hug and returned it with gratitude. “Hi, Marta. It’s good to see you, too.”

  Marta ushered her in and closed the door. “The party will be in here.”

  She followed Marta into the gaily-decorated dining room, picking up the yummy smell of a turkey dinner wafting from the kitchen. Unlike the Christmas party, the dining room table took center stage. The Dickens Christmas tree still twinkled merrily in front of the big windows that Shelby had tried to secure in those first days of her assignment.

  “Mees Rosalee will be down in a moment,” Marta said. “She will be so happy you came.” The housekeeper wiped a hand down her apron. “I must get back to the kitchen.”

  “Let me help. I brought some wine.” She turned to follow, holding up the bottle, but Marta stopped her.

  “No, no. You are a guest tonight. Not on duty.” She gestured to the bar. “You can put the bottle over there and then make yourself at home.”

  “Why don’t you keep me company?” A deep voice spoke from the living room doorway.

  Kane.

  Shelby felt a moment of panic. She suddenly realized she wasn’t ready to face him. Their interactions had revolved around the assignment and protecting Rosalee. Now that the assignment was over, what would they talk about? How should she act? Swallowing her uneasiness, she turned to face him.

  He wore dark slacks and a forest-green turtleneck under a sport jacket that pulled across his muscular shoulders. She flashed back to their first encounter and marveled that she’d ever been able to take him down.

  “I never told you before, but that dress suits you.” Kane’s eyes gleamed with an appreciation that made her heart stutter.

  Part of her wanted to twirl, let the skirt swish around her legs in a fun little flirt. The more practical part kept her feet rooted as she dug deep to find a gracious smile. “Thank you.”

  “Let me take that for you.” He took the wine and then crossed to the bar on the other side of the Christmas tree. “Drink?”

  “Ginger ale, if you have it.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Are you sure you don’t want something stronger? You’re not on duty. Are you?”

  “No,” she replied. Then something made her add, “I should probably keep a clear head, though.” As she spoke, she realized just how untrue her words were. All Kane had done was enter the room and offer a small compliment that sent her head spinning like an ornament. Her heart pounded until she thought it would burst.

  Kane poured the drinks and held hers out. She stepped closer to take it, but he didn’t release the glass. “We need to talk.” His voice was quiet and serious.

  An alarm went off in her brain. “About what?”

  “Us.”

  She flashed on the picture Rosalee sent and the feeling of weakness it had generated. “There is no us.” Even as she said it, she knew it wasn’t true.

  Kane must have sensed the lie too, because he smiled. “I beg to differ.” He moved closer, hol
ding her captive with his dark gaze.

  “I just adore that dress on you,” Rosalee said behind Shelby as she entered the dining room. Oscar pattered at her feet. When he spotted Shelby, he pranced over, hopped on his hind legs, and yipped.

  “Hello, rat-thing.” Shelby reached down and scratched the dog behind an ear. “Glad you’re feeling better.”

  “We’re all doing just fine.” Rosalee smiled. “Thanks to you and Northstar.”

  Shelby glanced at Kane, wondering if he felt differently about her employer since they’d resolved his aunt’s case.

  Kane handed over her glass and raised his own. “To Northstar.”

  Shelby cradled the glass in both hands as she sipped the drink, wondering if he was joking or sincere.

  “Don’t look so skeptical.” He gave her a frown. “This was a job well-done.”

  “It was a joint effort,” she countered.

  “Of course, it was,” Rosalee added. “The two of you work extremely well together.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, Shelby saw Kane raise his glass again. “I agree.”

  She took a breath and pulled the conversation to less personal matters. “How was the book received?”

  “Very well,” Rosalee replied. “My publisher was delighted with the ending. He even suggested a sequel in another couple of years.”

  “And you agreed.” Shelby smiled.

  “Why, of course.” Rosalee took her arm and led her to the settee near the Christmas tree. “I just wish things had gone better for Manny.” Sitting, the author patted the place next to her.

  “I heard he suffered a heart attack shortly after his arrest,” Shelby said as she sat.

  “Poor man. He lived all his life with that secret, knowing it would ruin his family.”

  “I can’t believe you kept it for so long,” Kane said as he came to stand in front of them.

  Rosalee looked up at her nephew. “If I’d known he killed my father, I would’ve brought him down a long time ago, regardless of all he did for our family. I can’t forgive that. I feel like we were bought off with blood money.”

  “I am sorry you had to go through that.” Shelby touched Rosalee’s hand. “It’s not easy living with betrayal.”

  Rosalee looked into Shelby’s eyes. “I know you understand, dear.” She sighed and straightened. “But enough of that. We’re moving into a New Year and I want to focus on positive things. Which brings me to my next question. Have you returned to work yet?”

  Shelby took the change of subject in stride. “I’m on vacation for a couple more days. Why?”

  Rosalee glanced at Kane, then back at Shelby. “Well, I was wondering if you’d accompany me to New York tomorrow. I’ll pay for all your expenses. It’s totally on me this time, no obligation from Northstar.”

  “Aunt Rosalee told me how helpful you were when a horde of fans accosted her at the airport.” Kane’s warm compliment was accompanied by an even warmer gaze.

  Shelby smiled, remembering the incident. “I don’t know about helpful. I wanted to knock a couple of those fans on their butts.”

  “But you didn’t, my dear.” Rosalee chuckled. “You kept your cool and managed the situation perfectly. That’s why I’m asking you to come with me.” She touched Shelby’s arm, her bracelets jangling with the movement.

  The gesture warmed Shelby and she hated to decline. “I’d love to, but you know I don’t like to fly.” She looked expectantly at Kane then back at Rosalee. “Although, you really shouldn’t travel alone. Why doesn’t Agent Kane go with you?”

  “Can’t. I’m back on the job tomorrow.” He took a sip from his glass.

  Rosalee stood. “Then it’s settled. Meet me here at nine a.m. tomorrow. We’ll drive to the airport together.” She gave them a smile. “Now, I’m going to check on how dinner’s progressing.” Starting to turn, she glanced back at Kane. “Shouldn’t your father be here shortly?”

  He gave his aunt a smile. “He’s bringing a surprise for you. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”

  “Happy New Year!” A shout came from the front door. “Where is everyone?”

  “Speak of the devil, there he is now.” Kane nodded toward the entryway.

  Rosalee clasped her hands, her bracelets making a merry sound. “Oh! I love surprises.” With a flurry of energy, Rosalee headed for the entryway. “Nigel! What a lovely surprise!”

  Phillip Kane entered the dining room, followed by Rosalee and a man wearing the uniform of a U.S. Marine with captain insignia.

  “Shelby dear, meet my other great-nephew, Captain Nigel Kane.”

  Shelby stood. “It’s good to meet you, Captain.”

  Nigel grinned at her with an appreciative look from her head to her feet, which were still adorned with pink toenails. “Call me Nigel. And nice to meet you.” He stepped forward to take Shelby’s hand.

  Kane frowned as he stepped between them. “Hey, bro.” He took Nigel by the shoulder and steered him back a step before giving him a hug. “Glad you made it home in time for the New Year’s celebration.”

  Nigel shot a glance between Kane and Shelby, then winked at her. He turned back to his brother. “Looks like I’m just in time.”

  Rosalee swooped in, catching Nigel’s and Phillip’s elbows. “Come on, you two. Time to catch up.” She winked at Kane and Shelby. “We’ll be in the kitchen with Marta when you’re ready to join us. And Shelby, don’t forget about our flight in the morning.” She herded Phillip and Nigel out of the room, but paused at the door. “Oscar! Come here.” The dog perked up from his place beside Shelby’s feet and scampered across the floor, then disappeared into the kitchen with Rosalee.

  Kane grinned at Shelby. “Well, that was about as subtle as a blizzard.”

  Shelby stared at the closed door, then glanced at Kane. “She really wants me to fly to New York with her? And she’s already bought that ticket, hasn’t she? What if I couldn’t go?”

  Kane smiled at her. “She’d have called O’Neal and demanded he give you more time off. Poor O’Neal wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

  Shelby laughed. “You’re right, there.”

  He joined in her laughter as he took her arm and steered her to the settee. “Sit down, please.”

  Her mouth suddenly went dry as she sat. When he joined her, she swallowed and moistened her lips, trying to gain some kind of control over her fluttering heart. Kane was just a man. If she could drop him to the floor once and nearly choke the life out of him, she could handle a conversation for a few moments.

  “About that talk…” Kane started.

  She cleared her throat. “You mentioned it earlier.”

  He gave a lopsided smile. “Yeah. Well, I don’t know how to say this and make it pretty, so here it is.”

  She looked at him, surprised at his nervousness. “Say what?”

  “Shelby…Justine…”

  She frowned at the use of her given name, but held her tongue.

  “Right.” He nodded and cleared his throat. “Shelby. The thing is, I’d like to get to know you better.”

  It felt as though her heart stopped, then raced again like Oscar chasing a cat he’d never catch. “G-get to know me?”

  “On a date,” he clarified. “The truth is, you’re messing with my head. I need to know if what I’m feeling is more than hormones.”

  Shelby choked on a laugh. “And you think dating is the answer?”

  “Well, I’d like to do a lot more, but dating is a good start.”

  She took a gulp of her drink then lowered her glass with a trembling hand, searching for the courage for what she had to say. “Look, Kane. There’s a reason I’m alone. I’ve been on my own for a long time. Too long. I have a tendency to mess up relationships—not much longevity, not even enough to hang a hope on. I don’t know if I can do this.”

  “You’ll never know if you don’t try,” he urged. “Give it a try, Shelby. Let’s see where this ride takes us.”

  “What if you don’t like the trip?
” She shook her head. “What if you don’t like me?”

  Kane slid closer to her, slipping his finger under her chin. “We won’t know if we don’t start the engine.” He leaned in, his mouth inches from hers. “Trust yourself,” he said gently. “Trust me.”

  Her breath stalled, but her heart hammered, assuring she was truly alive. She stared into his dark eyes—wishing—wanting this to not be a dream. “I’ll try.”

  He smiled and lowered his head. “I’ll help you do more than try.” Then he captured her mouth.

  The kiss was at once tender and demanding. Shelby spiraled through a vortex of emotion, each sensation more consuming than the next. She finally let loose of the tight control she’d clung to all her life, and gave in to the warmth and protection of Kane’s arms.

  “Hey!” A shout came from the kitchen. “Are you two going to join us?”

  Kane broke off the kiss with a slight frown. “Nigel. I’m so glad he’s home, and safe, but he has rotten timing.” He stood and tugged Shelby’s hand. “I suppose we’d better join them.”

  She stood beside him. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

  “Believe it.” Kane smiled. “Oh. Before I forget…” He pulled out a black velvet box from his pocket and handed it to her. “This is for you.”

  Her hands shook as she opened it. Nestled inside, on dark red satin, was an enamel black-and-white pendant. The Tao. The symbol of Yin and Yang. It was a never-ending circle of light and dark, regulation and unorthodox, like Kane and Shelby. She caught her breath, unable to speak for a moment. Then she looked up at Kane with a smile. “To use a phrase from our favorite author… ‘It’s perfect.’ ”

  He leaned down and captured her mouth in a breath-stealing kiss. When he came up for air, he smiled. “Come on. I can’t wait for Nigel to get to know my favorite Northstar agent.”

  Notes from the Author

  Although this story is a creation of the author’s imagination and a work of fiction, there are certain historical aspects that should be noted.

  Regarding La Cosa Nostra or the Italian Mafia in America:

  Virginia Hill, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, Frank Costello, and Carlos Marcello were actual mafia figures during the years in which the backstory of this novel takes place. Documentation confirms the association between Virginia Hill and Bugsy Siegel. However, to this author’s knowledge, no documentation links Virginia Hill to Carlos Marcello.