by Jen Talty
“I figured.”
Those two words didn’t mean much, but the tone in which he uttered them spoke volumes.
He didn’t want it, or her.
“You’ve made it perfectly clear, in your direct text how you feel about me, but I will only encourage a loving relationship with your—”
“You have no idea how I feel about anything. Nine years ago, you chose the farm, my father over me.”
“That’s not true,” she said. “The day you found out about your mother, you up and left. You didn’t say good-bye. Didn’t try to talk with me. I didn’t hear from you for months. No one knew where you were.”
“I was at the State Police Academy.”
“I didn’t know that until out of the blue you roll in after being away for months.” Her fluttering stomach shifted to a throbbing pulse. “You had broken my heart. I loved you and I thought you felt the same way, so when you stand in your father’s office and tell me that either I leave with you right then, or we’re done…that’s not a choice.”
“You lied to me,” he said with a snarl. “It took me a while to get over that.”
“Don’t go there.” She waggled her finger under his nose. “It wasn’t my story to tell.”
“As the man you supposedly loved, you should have told me.”
“This conversation isn’t getting us anywhere,” she said, letting out a long breath.
He reached out and placed a hand on her stomach. She almost batted it away, but then his tender touch settled the unease she’d been feeling deep in her core. “You’re what? Three of four months?”
“Fourteen weeks-ish,” she whispered, staring at his hand covering her middle, his thumb gently rubbing tiny circles across her shirt.
“We know a condom broke that night, but weren’t you on the pill?”
“No,” she admitted. “I had no reason since I haven’t been in a relationship for a few years and if you recall, I didn’t do well on the pill when we were together.”
“That’s true,” he said with a knowing nod. “So, not to be a dick here, but you’re sure I’m the father.”
She nodded. “Without a doubt.”
“I don’t understand how you could have just found out, though. Don’t they have new tests that can tell you pretty much right away?”
“My period has never been regular and thought I had a light one but it’s what the doctor called spotting.”
“Everything okay? With you? The baby?” His words, even the inflection of his voice, made her want to believe he actually cared.
“So far, yes.”
“You feel okay?”
“Physically, I feel fine,” she said. “Emotionally, it’s been difficult. I’ve been stressed over telling you and not being able to reach you. Then, when your father…it’s been a long couple of weeks.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t answer your calls.”
No point in staying angry over that, but there was still one thing she needed to know. “How do you feel about this? About having a child?”
He pulled his hand away and his head hit the glass with a resounding thud. “I have no idea,” he said. “It’s not real to me, but I know it’s real. If that makes any sense at all.”
“Makes perfect sense.”
“I need time to think.” He pushed away from the window. “I get you’re going to have this baby. I do want to be a part of its life, but I need some time to sort this all out. You’ve had a couple of weeks. I’ve had less than an hour.”
She brushed the seat of her pants, then slipped her hat over her head. “There is no pressure.”
He nodded. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Seriously. No reason for you to stay—”
He cupped her mouth with his hand. “Until I know you, our baby, and my father are safe, you’re stuck with me. I still have to work, but when I’m not on duty, I’m with you at the farm, staying in the cabin.”
She shoved his hand away. “I’m not stupid,” she said. “I understand we’re not safe, which is why I’m not going to fight you on coming to the farm, but I would prefer you not stay at the manager’s residence. If you insist, you get the couch, but don’t ever shut me up like that again. Next time I’ll bite your hand.”
He laughed. “You always hated being hushed, even when I did it with my mouth.”
“You’re so infuriating.”
“So, I’ve been told.” He strode to the elevator and hit the button. “I’ll be at the farm by seven. Stay here until I text you that I’ve made it home.”
She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath until she let it out in a swoosh as the doors dinged closed. Most things in life didn’t go as planned, something she understood well, only she didn’t know how to file this unexpected encounter. It wasn’t good. But it sure as hell wasn’t bad.
Jake took one last look around the Heritage Inn property. He’d been looking forward to staying in this spot for a few months, but in a single day, his life had taken a hundred and eighty-degree sharp turn. He tossed the last of his bags into the back of his red pick-up. He laughed, understanding now why he had to have the red one. Waited an extra two weeks just so the dealer could find him the exact model with all the accessory’s he wanted…and it had to be fire engine red.
The same color as Kenzie’s Jeep.
The sun beat down on the lake, causing a blinding glare. He wiped his brow. So many things raced through his mind he couldn’t seem to focus on any one thing. He was going home. He was going to stay under the same roof with Kenzie. He was going to have a baby.
With Kenzie.
He inhaled sharply. The humid air filled his lungs. In one day, his whole world had profoundly changed.
Stacey waved as she waddled down the pathway, one hand on her back, the other on her belly. “You better get your ugly ass to the main house. Reese and Patty will be insulted if you don’t.”
He laughed. “It’s really hard to picture foul-mouthed Sutten as a mom.”
“I’ve cleaned up my act.”
“Only because your husband makes you pay him a dollar every time you swear.”
“He’s just afraid our kid's first word will be douchebag.” She reached her hand out. “Come on. You’ve got to give the keys back to Reese, so no backing out.”
“I wanted to talk to you anyway.”
He followed her back to the main house on the Heritage Inn property, which was owned by Reese and Patty McGinn. Jake had worked with Reese two winters in a row in the Adirondacks while on snowmobile duty. Good cop, but Jake hadn’t thought of him much as marriage and father material. He’d always been a bit of loner. But things happen. People change. The question was: what was Jake going to do about his current predicament? He was never opposed to marriage. Or kids. Just never met anyone that made him want to live in one place. Not since Kenzie.
He rounded the corner to the front porch where Reese sat with Patty, who was holding a baby girl. “I’m sorry about your dad,” Patty said as she blew a strand of hair from her face. The rest was pulled in short ponytail. Jake had only met her a few times, but she was the kind of person everyone just liked. Warm. Inviting. Kind. And funny, too.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” He bent over and patted the little girl on the head. He was rewarded with a bright smile, then she buried her face in her mother’s neck. He chuckled. He could see so much of both her parents in her bright eyes. She was definitely a little bit of a devil. Made him wonder what his and Kenzie’s kid would be like. His heart skipped a beat.
“Emily? Can you say hello?” Patty prodded.
Emily just buried her face deeper.
“Glad she looks like you and not Reese,” Jake said, his mind racing back to sitting in the hospital with his hand protectively over Kenzie’s middle. As confused as he was about everything, he knew in his heart he wanted that baby.
Jake focused on a small boy running around the front yard, chasing Stacey’s husband, Doug.
Small talk wasn’t Jake’
s specialty. While he knew everyone sitting on the front porch, he wasn’t social with them. He kept them all at a safe distance. He’d kept everyone at arm’s length. Yet, just the thought of a little boy chasing him around the yard, or a little girl being shy and coy, sent a warm tingle across his skin. It made him want to get to know people again. To make a connection. No time like the present to change his ways.
“I can’t believe it’s been four years since you did your first dive,” he said to Stacey who had plopped herself in an oversized chair that seemed to swallow her small frame whole, leaving only her belly.
“That was an unpleasant experience,” she said, waving her hand in the air. “And I didn’t finish the dive.”
“It all worked out,” he said, extending his hand to Doug as he made his way up the front porch with Reese’s little boy darting between his legs, laughing.
“Really sorry to hear about your dad,” Doug said. “If there is anything we can help with, just ask.”
“Will do,” Jake said.
“Who are you?” the little boy asked, standing directly in front of him. “I’m Justin.”
“That’s Sergeant Prichard,” Patty said.
“Nice to meet you.” Jake had always enjoyed being around kids. They had a way of reminding an adult how fabulous life could be, something he’d forgotten.
“Come on,” Patty said. “Let’s get you cleaned up for supper.” She took the boy's hand, the baby still perched on her hip. “Sure you can’t stay for dinner? Just about everyone from the station is coming, and we have plenty.”
“Sorry. I got to get back to the farm.” In the past, he’d always turned down invitations like this, now he was wondering if he wanted to accept them.
“It’s hard for me to believe you grew up on a farm, much less a little rich boy,” Stacey said. “And never told any of us. That’s just rude.”
“Prichard is always rude,” Frank said as he and his wife rounded the corner to the front porch. Frank was a about the same age, but the man rarely cracked a smile. His wife on the other hand was easy going and laid back, from what Jake could the few times he’d met Lacy.
Jake shrugged. “I’m told it's a family trait.”
“How’s your old man doing?” Frank asked.
“Holding his own.” Jake cringed at the thought of Kenzie being in that hospital. Lye coursing through her veins, poisoning the baby as well. Not that he liked seeing his father there any better.
“So, what’s going on? What did you want to talk to me about?” Stacey asked.
“Always direct.” Something Jake both liked about her, and hated. “My father doesn’t think he was the target of the poisoning.”
“Then who?” Reese asked.
“The farm manager.”
“Who is that, exactly?” Stacey still rubbed her belly, but this time she did it with her husband’s hand. It was hard not to stare. Jake didn’t mean to. Probably wouldn’t have thought twice about it except now he was going to be a father. He shook his head. He reached into the cooler and pulled out a water. He could use a cold beer after the day he had, but he wouldn’t be staying long.
“The woman who came to see me today. Kenzie Chorley. All she’s ever wanted was to run that farm.”
“Since you’re estranged from your father—”
He cut Stacey off. “Who said I was estranged?”
She tilted her head with that look she always got when she called someone out on their bullshit.
“All right. We’re estranged.” He didn’t like that word for some reason.
“So, what is there to gain if she’s dead? Is she named in the will? Get the farm?” Stacey was good at rapid fire questions. Not so good at waiting for answers.
“Not really. The farm and estate are willed to me.”
“Then why try to poison her if she’s not a threat?” Reese asked.
Jake leaned forward, elbows on his knees. He wasn’t sure he was ready to announce to anyone what was going on in his life, but if wanted their help, they’d need to know all the whys. “When Doug was accused of murder, you hired a PI. Who was it?”
“Luke Cameron,” Stacey said. “I’ll text you his number. Good guy and really good at what he does.”
“He saved my ass,” Doug said.
Stacey poked her husband.
“Fine.” Doug raised his hands to the side. “You saved my ass.”
“That’s more like it,” she said. “But that still doesn’t explain why she’s the target. Sounds like you’d be the target.”
“Wouldn’t be surprised if I am. That said, there are so many provisions in my father’s will, but only one that locks it down, locking everyone else out, even me.”
“What’s that?” Frank spoke up.
“My child. The one Kenzie is having.”
If it weren’t such a serious matter, he’d laugh at the shocked faces. Probably looked much like he did just a few hours ago. Stacey opened her mouth three or four times, but slammed it shut. Nearly impossible to render that woman speechless. Reese didn’t move, frozen in time. Frank had the same contemplative look he always had when he had no clue what to say.
“How did that happen?” Stacey finally asked.
“I suppose the same way that happened.” He pointed to her middle.
“How long have you known?” Frank asked.
“Just found out today,” Jake admitted, forcing his gaze to the clear blue sky. Not a single cloud. Sweat beaded across his neck. Summer could be brutal when it came to the humidity, but so could connecting to other humans. “I have two concerns. First, she didn’t tell anyone except my father about the baby, and second, my father changed his will when he found out she was pregnant, protecting my child if I chose to walk away from the farm, from her, from everything.”
“Well, that’s interesting,” Reese said. “So, who benefits if she and your baby are out of the way?”
“From what I can tell, no one directly. That’s why I want to hire a PI. I can’t be at the farm twenty-four-seven, so I want someone there, watching. Investigating. Protecting.”
“What about your father?” Frank asked.
“Sheriff’s office has someone at the hospital, but I think they are going to release him in a couple of days and they aren’t going to keep someone around all the time. Might have a car drive by now and then, but we all know how that works.”
“Do you have any kind of help set up for your father?” Stacey asked.
“That’s another problem.” Jake chugged the water before glancing at his phone. “I don’t know who I can trust on the farm. There are new employees I’ve never met. When I left, there were over a hundred workers. I’m sure it’s more than that now.”
“Luke’s pretty amazing,” Stacey said. “He’s had many lives. Worked in IT, then became a cop, then a lawyer, and now a PI.”
“He’s a smart guy,” Reese said. “If he doesn’t have too much going on, this sounds like a case he’d like to work.”
“Have you talked with the detectives?” Frank asked.
“I have. Worked with one of them on a missing person’s case a few years ago. But, from what I can gather, the investigation has stalled and they are looking into theory number two.”
“Déjà vu,” Doug said. “You think they are going to come after your friend.”
“Doesn’t sound like they have any evidence to do so, which is good news, but you never know. Even I’ve had my doubts.” Jake didn’t like thinking it, much less saying it, but something he needed to consider.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” Lacy, Frank’s wife said with a scrunched nose. “Why would you suspect her?”
“Think about it. She kills my father. She’s got the heir right there in her womb. She gets the farm. Gets to live in the house. Will have some control over the money.”
“That would be very cold and calculating,” Doug said, arching a brow.
“Lots of people like that,” Stacey interjected. “But I don’t buy it. There ha
s to be someone who could step in if there is no heir.”
“There are some provisions my great-grandparents made in ownership, but not sure how solid they are legally. One was stipulation that only a blood descendent could own the farm and since it came from my mother’s side, that leaves me, and then my kid.”
“Who technically owns the farm then?” Reese asked.
“I’ve been assuming my father.” Boy, would Jake’s father be giving him a lecture about assuming anything. “But since he’s not blood, he’s not supposed to be owner, which I guess I knew, but didn’t really understand it.”
“It could actually be in trust for you, making it impossible to remove you from the will,” Reese said. “But how binding the other provisions are after he dies are a different story. You’d need Luke to check into all that.”
“I want to talk to him tonight, if possible. I don’t want to wait on this.” Jake figured the quicker he caught whoever poisoned his father, the easier it would for him to focus on what he wanted to do about Kenzie and his child.
Stacey held up her phone. “I texted him already. Also, sent you his contact information.”
“What kind of a relationship do you have with this woman?” Reese asked.
“I don’t. It was a one-night stand.” Not entirely true, but not a lie either.
“But you knew her before?” Frank asked.
Everything they were discussing; Jake had played over and over in his head since he’d left the hospital. But it helped to go through it with this group. They thought like he did, but they were so far removed from the situation they could be objective. “I did. She was my girlfriend for five years. I gave her an ultimatum. Me or the farm.”
“That doesn’t sound like a one-night stand,” Stacey said.
“That relationship ended nearly ten years ago, so I think one-night stand is still the better adjective for now.” Jake blinked, remember every detail about the night he’d spend with Kenzie and reducing it to a romp in the sack didn’t seem fair.
“What about you?” Stacey asked. “Considering all that Doug and I went through, you could be a suspect too.”
“I know. She and the baby are gone and I get the farm, the house, the money. But I get it anyway. I need to sit down and talk with the lawyer that drew it up. It sounds very convoluted.”