Don't Forget Me

by Stacy Claflin

  “You two are together?” asked the doctor.

  “Yeah.” Zoey rubbed her temple. “Why?”

  “Would you be interested in a paternity test? To find out for sure whose babies these are. Maybe set your mind at ease if they’re actually yours.” She glanced at Alex.

  Alex gave her a double-take. “You can do that? While they’re in the womb?”

  “Yes. There is a slight chance of miscarriage, but it’s very low. This procedure is common. It’s how we check for Down’s Syndrome.”

  Zoey turned to Alex, worry in her eyes.

  Alex squeezed her hand and turned to the doctor. “Will it hurt Zoey?”

  “Not at all. Nor the babies.”

  “Unless I miscarry.” Zoey’s hand tightened in Alex’s.

  “It’s a very low likelihood.”

  She turned to Alex. “What do you think?”

  “It’s up to you.”

  The doctor leaned closer. “Any chance they’re his? This could help you make the best decision.”

  “I’m not ending my pregnancy. Doesn’t matter how the results come out.”

  “How long does it take to find out?” Alex asked.

  “Depends on the lab. I can send it to the one that will process it faster. You could know in a few days.”

  Alex and Zoey exchanged a glance.

  “It’s up to you.” Alex squeezed her hand again. “I’m here no matter what.”

  “Even with twins?”

  Pressure squeezed from his temples to the back of his head. Their love was about sacrifice. She’d put up with a lot of his crap, forgiving him for far more than he deserved. Now it was his turn to step up to the plate and sacrifice for her. “Even with twins that aren’t mine. All I want is you, and the babies are part of you.”

  Zoey turned to the doctor, her hands shaking in Alex’s. “Let’s do it.”

  Lunch

  The waiter brought over a basket of bread and set it in the middle of the table. “Are you ready to order?”

  Maisie’s dad turned to Tony and Gayle. “We are. Are you?”

  Tony turned to Gayle. “Did you decide?”

  “I did.”

  Tony smiled widely. “Looks like we’re all set.”

  “Great.” The waiter brought out a pad of paper and turned to him. “What are you having?”

  Everyone ordered, then dug into the bread. They made small talk about the weather and the church service. Maisie worked hard on the various activities on her menu. She worked with such diligence, she hardly seemed to notice the adults. A rare quality in a child her age.

  “Are you new to the area?” Maisie’s mom asked. “I haven’t seen you two around before.”

  Tony swallowed his bread and smiled. “Funny you should ask, Emily. No, but we don’t live too far away. I am, however, considering this as a possible location.”

  Gayle gave him a double-take.

  He ignored her. “Tell me, Emily. Is this a good area? Do you feel safe? Is it a good place for kids to grow up?”

  Gayle shot him another look, which he ignored by focusing on Maisie’s mother.

  Emily nodded while sipping her soft drink. “It’s great. We love it. It’s the perfect community for raising a family.”

  “Wonderful.” He reached for another piece of bread. “That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear. And Ryan, is this a good place for many things like hunting and fishing?” He turned to Maisie’s dad.

  “I wouldn’t know. There are some great tracks for racing, if you’re into that. Bikes, cars, and even buses.”

  “Daddy likes to race his motorcycle.” Maisie looked up from her coloring. “He wins a lot.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t say a lot.” Ryan chuckled.

  Tony asked about his bike and noticed Gayle and Emily exchanging a bored glance. Maisie, on the other hand, was happy about the discussion and piped in with praises for her dad’s racing skills every so often.

  The food came, and as they ate, the women changed the subject then dominated the conversation. Typical.

  Tony had really missed out by not being born in a time where men were allowed to be men, and everyone else kept quiet unless spoken to.

  He took a deep breath and tried to enjoy his salmon. It wouldn’t be long before he would have Maisie to himself. Then he could raise her to be a proper young lady. The kind of girl that was sorely lacking in today’s society.

  It was a shame. A real shame.

  But it wouldn’t be long before Maisie trusted him enough to climb into his car for the present and the new balloon. Both were now in his trunk, since he was driving Gayle around today.

  Later, he would try to bring Maisie to her new home. He had her bedroom all set up in the cabin. She would love it. Pink walls and bedding, posters of popular kids’ cartoon characters, lots of dolls and books, and other knickknacks kids these days liked. Maisie would be so happy, she wouldn’t even think about what she’d left behind.

  They would have each other and would have no need for anyone else. No mean girls at school, no pushy mothers who posted everything online for the world to see.

  If Emily wasn’t careful, she could really get Maisie in trouble. Someone with nefarious motives could find and hurt the sweet child. They were lucky Tony was the one to find her before anyone else.

  He would save her from becoming like every other woman in this wretched society of disrespectful women.

  Speaking of which, Gayle and Emily were still yammering on about something insignificant. A new hair product or something. It was hard to keep up with the conversation, as it kept moving from one superficial topic to the next.

  He turned back to Ryan and asked him something about motorcycles. As he’d hoped, Maisie joined in on the conversation, bragging about her dad’s bike and racing skills.

  The excitement in her eyes sent a warm chill down his spine. It was enough to make him wish he could take her right after lunch.

  No, he had to play his cards right. He had to wait until she was ready to come willingly. And that would still take a little time.

  When it did, nobody would give a second thought to a little girl climbing into a car on her own free will. And that was what he needed. To take her in such a way that was so normal, not a soul who saw would even recall it later.

  Today was not his day. But soon.

  Very soon.

  Progress

  Genevieve pulled herself from the futon and trudged into the kitchen. Her body actually ached from reliving her nightmare in the woods. She could feel some of the long-gone gashes and bruises. There had been so many. She was lucky she hadn’t walked away with any permanent damage—no lasting scars or any broken bones. Just sprains and cuts.

  Tears threatened again, but she wasn’t going to let them win. No, she was a tough officer of the law. Something that happened so long ago wasn’t going to knock her down again.

  It was bad enough that she’d broken down like that with Nick, but he’d proved to be the kind and caring man she’d known in her heart he was.

  Now they’d both seen each other at their weakest. Her, reliving the night in the woods, and for him, his daughter missing. His tragedy had brought them together, then pushed them away. It looked like her mess would bring them together. Hopefully it wouldn’t push them away from each other.

  She certainly loved being in his arms. Hearing his soothing deep voice whispering words of comfort in her ears. She could definitely get used to that on a regular basis.

  However, that would mean she needed to find a new precinct to work in before her time off ended. She wanted to kindle the sparks flying between the two of them far more than she wanted her current job. Given how understaffed most places in the area were, finding work nearby wouldn’t be much of a challenge. Especially not if she got a glowing recommendation from her current captain.

  She took a deep breath and went through the kitchen to see what there was for lunch. She wasn’t too hungry after eating so much for breakfast, but Tinsley
would be famished. The girl had been eating a lot lately—another fantastic change along with her speaking more.

  Genevieve poked her head around the corner. Tinsley was still reading on the futon, sprawled across it.

  “Hey, do you want me to warm up that casserole from last night?”

  “Yeah, thanks.” Tinsley didn’t look up from her novel.

  Genevieve tried to hide her excitement at Tinsley answering with more than a nod. If she brought attention to the speaking, she was afraid the girl might slip back into her shell. “Okay, it’ll be a few minutes.”

  “Okay.”

  Genevieve headed back into the kitchen, beaming about the few words. Tinsley had spoken twice in a row. That was huge!

  She bustled around the kitchen, warming the food up, glad to have some good things to think about. Between Nick and Tinsley, she was able to push the woods issue back as far into the past as it actually was.

  A few minutes later, she set the two plates on the table. “Come and eat.”

  Tinsley slid her bookmark into place and joined Genevieve. “Smells good.”

  They exchanged a smile before digging in. Genevieve considered saying something else about it, but was hesitant to attempt an actual conversation.

  When she was about halfway through her food, Tinsley looked at her. “Hanna’s funny.”

  “What did she do?”

  “She snuck up on the cat. It jumped this high.” Tinsley held her hand about waist-high and giggled.

  “That is funny.” Genevieve forced herself to laugh as she covered her shock at Tinsley speaking two full sentences in a row. Would this turn into a new normal?

  Tinsley giggled a little more before going back to her food.

  Genevieve made a mental note to make sure Tinsley had more time with Hanna. Even though they had an age gap—Tinsley was closer to Ava’s age—the two girls just connected more, probably because of everything Tinsley had been through. And besides how good their friendship was for Tinsley, it was also the perfect excuse to see more of Nick.

  Her heart skipped a beat at the thought. Nobody was perfect, but he was close. Gorgeous and commanding of respect, yet tender and compassionate when he needed to be. What wasn’t there to be enamored by?

  “Help with dishes?” Tinsley’s voice brought Genevieve back to the present.

  It took her a moment to process what the girl had said. “You want to help me with the dishes?”

  Tinsley nodded.

  “I can’t say no to that.” She smiled and pushed back her seat. “Wash or dry?”

  “Wash.” Tinsley grinned.

  They laughed and had fun cleaning up the mess in the kitchen, then Tinsley went back to her book, without a word, but smiling.

  Genevieve was about to check for nearby police openings when the front door unlocked. She expected it to be her mom, but it was her dad, returning from who-knew-where. Probably fishing. Again.

  “Where’d you go?” she asked.

  He hung his coat on the rack. “Took your advice. Went to blow off some steam where people would see me. Lots of witnesses.”

  She arched a brow. “Really? Where?”

  “To a park.”

  “A park?”

  “Lots of kids and parents.”

  “Why a park?” She studied him, trying to make sense of it.

  He shrugged. “I’m tired. Going to take a nap.”

  “Are you hungry? I can warm up that casserole. That’s what Tinsley and I had.”

  “I just ate. Couldn’t possibly have more.”

  “You ate? At the park?”

  “No. I ate at a restaurant.”

  “You said you went to a park.”

  He shook his head. “What is this, the third degree? I went to a park and then a restaurant with my friend Bill. We walked around the track a few times, then decided to grab lunch. I’m stuffed and ready for a Sunday afternoon nap.”

  At least he hadn’t gone fishing again. “Thank you for taking my advice.”

  He gave her a tired smile then put his hand on her shoulder. “I appreciate your concern. I really do.”

  Then he lumbered into the bedroom. A moment later, the shower started.

  Genevieve stared at the closed door. Maybe he would be taken off the persons-of-interest list if he kept this up.

  Hurry

  Alex glanced around the now-empty grocery aisle and scanned the rows of feminine products in front of him. He was supposed to pick up pads for Zoey’s bleeding.

  Which of the many, many products were the pads? Everything had different names, and all he knew was he wasn’t to get tampons.

  Why were the lights so bright? Were they always so bright?

  It was hard to think with so many choices. So many brands. So many colors.

  He pulled out his phone and texted Zoey.

  Alex: Which ones am I supposed to get?

  Zoey: I don’t care.

  A couple of teen boys walked down the aisle and snickered at him.

  Alex: Daytime or night?

  Zoey: Doesn’t matter.

  Alex: Help me help you. Please. People are staring.

  Zoey: Night.

  At least that was something. He reached for a package but then wasn’t sure if he should get that one or the one next to it.

  Alex: Do you care about wings?

  Zoey: No.

  Alex: OK. Be home soon. Hope I get the right stuff.

  Zoey: I’m sure it’s fine.

  “That’s what she says now,” he mumbled. Alex grabbed a black package with neon pink writing and shoved it under a hunting magazine next to the dinner he’d picked up at the deli. Alex wasn’t into hunting, but his shopping basket needed a strong dose of masculinity thanks to the nighttime winged feminine pads.

  He hurried toward the registers, but froze in place. “You have got to be kidding me.”

  Flynn again.

  He was comparing two greeting cards.

  Alex balled his fists. Having his friends send him texts wasn’t enough?

  He stormed toward the older man, acid churning in his gut. It would take all of his energy not to punch the weasel in the face.

  If he did that, he would get carted off to jail. He couldn’t afford that. Not when he was in the middle of the academy. Not when Zoey was lying in bed, waiting for him. For the pads. Bleeding with two babies inside of her.

  Alex took a deep breath and texted Nick, telling him that Flynn was there in the grocery store. To prove his point, Alex snapped a picture of him.

  But Flynn moved just as Alex snapped the picture, but all he got was the back of the jerk’s head. He waited, but Flynn didn’t turn back. Instead, he put one of the cards back and walked the other way.

  The phone buzzed with a text.

  Zoey: You almost here?

  Alex: Just about.

  He sent Nick the picture, even though it wasn’t much. The back of a head.

  If everyone at the station didn’t already think he was crazy about the Flynn thing—the man was supposed to be on death row—he would call them and report the sighting. And if Zoey didn’t need him right then, he’d confront the snake.

  How was he getting away with it? Walking around free?

  Anger pulsated through Alex as he made his way through the store to the registers. He barely kept his cool as he made small talk with the cashier, who thankfully made no mention of the pads.

  Alex looked for Flynn as he made his way out of the store. He couldn’t see him, but he knew he was there. Somewhere.

  Decisions

  Nick balanced the pizza boxes while the kids ran ahead and knocked on the condo door.

  “We have dinner!” Hanna yelled as she knocked.

  “There are neighbors,” Nick reminded her. “They don’t like yelling.”

  The door flung open, and Tinsley stood there. “Pizza!”

  “Yeah!” Hanna grabbed her arm and jumped up and down. “We got your favorite!”

  “Hawaiian.”


  Nick readjusted the boxes. “Yep. Can we come inside?”

  Tinsley ran inside with Hanna. The other two followed, then finally Nick. He kicked the door closed.

  Genevieve appeared around the corner. She wore a pale pink dress, and it was the perfect complement to her tanned skin and dark hair.

  She took his breath away.

  “Let me get those.” She grabbed the pizza boxes from him before he could protest.

  The kids had already gathered around the table.

  “Where are your parents? I got enough pizza for everyone.”

  “You’re so sweet.” She set the boxes down and pulled out some plates from the cupboard. “They went out to visit some friends. I’m sure they appreciate the thought.”

  “Well, you can keep the leftovers. I’m sure there’ll be plenty.”

  “No doubt.”

  His kids all talked over each other as they ate, and surprisingly, Tinsley even got a few words in. After devouring most of the pizza, the kids piled onto the futon and found a movie to stream.

  Genevieve and Nick picked up the mess and headed out to the patio. His ears rang from the sudden silence.

  Genevieve smiled at him. “Thanks for bringing the pizza over. Tinsley loves it when the kids come over. She’s been talking so much more lately.”

  Nick smiled. “I’m glad. Seems like you two are good for each other.”

  Genevieve shrugged. “I really haven’t done much.”

  “Haven’t done much?” Nick gave her a double-take. “You’ve brought her in and been her advocate. It’s no small feat going from living single to taking on a kid. Especially one with a past like hers.”

  Genevieve glanced inside. “I’m just glad I can help her. I was surprised she clung to me as she did, but I suppose we’re kindred spirits.”

  Nick rubbed her shoulders. “You certainly are.”

  Genevieve pulled close to him and sighed. “We probably shouldn’t do this while I’m still employed at the station.”

  Nick’s heart sank. “Oh. Right.”

  She spun around, a fire in her eyes. “That’s why I’m officially giving you my resignation. I quit, Captain. I already applied at the three closest precincts.”