by E L Bossert
The last sentence hit Boo, shaking her sense of ease with Jamie.
“I can leave. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, especially in your own home. I’m not here...” She wasn’t here by choice exactly, although she had needed a place to stay and Jamie seemed to have freely invited her.
“Boo, this is not about you. I want you here. I enjoy having you here. I feel comfortable around you. In fact, I have probably taken advantage of you not knowing about my career and I am sorry for that. I think maybe I have kept you somewhat isolated so I could keep you all to myself.” It felt cathartic and scary to Jamie to reveal her true feelings.
“I’m confused. Why are you telling me this now?”
“A couple of reasons. First, there was a picture online of me arriving at the hospital this morning, which means there is a paparazzi looking for pictures to make some money. So, if you are with me, your picture could be posted anytime.”
“Okay. Is that bad?”
“Not necessarily, and in fact it plays into my plan for finding out your identity. My mother told me there’s an art show opening in town on Thursday. It’s just a local show, but if you show up with me, there will be pictures, and those pictures will be posted online. Although you will be attending as a friend of the family, some people will speculate that you and I might be dating. If people think I might be dating someone new, it tends to go viral.” In Jamie’s mind it sounded innocent, but when she said it out loud she realized how much the plan reflected her true desire—to be with Boo as more than just a friend.
“Are you sure people will take pictures?”
“Oh, trust me, they will. Most local people don’t care because they have known me since I was a child, but some people can’t resist. Plus, we’ll tip off one of the local reporters. It’s an efficient way for a lot of people to see your picture. We think someone might recognize you and try to contact you, especially if they have been looking for you. If not, we’ll move to Plan B.”
“What’s Plan B?”
“I’m not sure yet. We’ll figure it out if we have to. This just seems way better than Chief posting your mug shot on a milk carton. That brings out the whacko’s. This is a different kind of crazy.”
“Okay. If you think this is a good plan,” Boo put on her best brave look. “Will Shon dress me for my big debut?”
“I am sure they will love this assignment.”
Chapter Fourteen
AFTER DINNER, JAMIE and Boo settled next to each other on the sofa in the TV room. Fred, who had not left Boo’s side since she returned home, was at their feet.
Jamie dimmed the lights, lowered the brightness level of the TV screen, and found three of her movies to stream. Not wanting to overload Boo with loud yelling or flashing quick-cut images, Jamie picked a couple of popular, light-hearted comedies that had success in the theaters and been shown on TV several times. If Boo were to have seen any of her films, these would be the most likely candidates. After watching ten minutes of each, with Jamie’s characters prominently on screen, Boo showed no recognition.
“That’s really amazing how you can change your whole persona. Did you study acting?”
“Lots of study and lots of on the job training.” Jamie remained humble about her skills.
Next, Jamie choose an animated film where she voiced one of the characters.
“I recognize this movie.” Boo closed her eyes to listen to the movie dialogue. “Is that your voice? It doesn’t sound much like you.”
“I’m the bear’s voice. I’m surprised you recognize—hey, are you saying I sound like a bear?” Jamie teased Boo, remembering how hard she worked to create a voice unrecognizable as her own.
“No, you don’t sound like a bear—much,” Boo dead-panned her reply. “I remember the movie. I took my nephew when he was little.”
“Okay, well, we seem to have found your genre of choice. Let’s try this one.” Jamie streamed another animated film where she performed the voice of a dolphin.
“I remember this one, too. I must have the movie taste of a five-year-old.” Boo was excited by the discovery. “Should I have known who you are from these movies?”
“Unless you read the credits, there’s no reason you would connect the movie character to my voice.” Jamie felt oddly relieved the movies Boo recognized were not movies where she appeared in character. “Shall we call it a night? I don’t want to disobey doctor’s orders. We don’t want your headache to come back.”
“I am tired...why didn’t you tell me before?” Boo’s face held a mixture of hurt and curiosity, trying to understand if Jamie thought she was a bad person who was out to hurt her.
“I guess I’ve just had lots of bad experiences with people wanting to be close to me for the celebrity of it. I learned to not trust people. It’s been nice to meet someone with no expectations or preconceptions. It was selfish of me. I am truly sorry if I hurt you.”
“No, I understand...I think...I mean, I can’t really understand what it’s like for you, but you certainly need to protect yourself, and Max and your family. Is this why Sarah doesn’t want me around? She thinks I want to use you?”
“Yes. She’ll come around.”
Boo took Jamie’s hand in hers and slowly raised it to her lips for a kiss. The whole evening had been unintentionally romantic. The atmosphere, with the lights dimmed and sitting next to each other, created an amorous closeness. Boo’s gesture was intended to be reassuring, but given her track record as Boo Charming, it’s effect was more lovingly tender than chivalrous.
Neither woman wanted to part for the night, but both were certain that they must.
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING, Boo wandered into the kitchen where Jamie was making breakfast. While Boo had slept through the night, mostly due to sheer exhaustion, Jamie tossed and turned all night wondering if she had done the right thing, if this was the right time, and what would happen next. Jamie exhausted herself with what-if’s.
“Good morning. How did you sleep?” Jamie inquired.
“I slept well, thank you. And yourself?” Boo noticed the careful politeness with which they were approaching each other.
“A little restless,” Jamie shaded the truth. “Breakfast?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like a hug with that? You know, since Max isn’t around for the morning honors.” Jamie tried to make it seem like she was a mere stand-in, though she offered more for her own desire to hold Boo than as a substitute for Max.
Boo slipped her arms around Jamie’s shoulders, who reciprocated with an embrace of Boo’s waist. The contact generated a heat that threatened to catch fire. They stood in the embrace for a long minute until Jamie smelled a bagel burning in the toaster.
“We better not set the house on fire. It would be embarrassing if we had to call the fire department.” Jamie forced herself to step away from Boo.
“Or, if I end up back in the ER because I tried to save you.” Boo leaned against the kitchen counter, breathing in the scent of Jamie’s body lingering in the air between them. “Are you sorry you told me?”
“No, I’m glad I told you. I’m just scared that things might change.” Jamie paused to consider whether she was being over-dramatic. “Things will change. That’s the whole point of finding your identity, finding María, and your home. Plus, eventually I will have to start a new project, and probably leave for a while for a job. I think I’m just being selfish. You’re the first person to come into my life in a long time...” Jamie could not think how to finish the sentence gracefully.
“Shall we change the subject, for now?”
“Yes, please.” Jamie brought bagels and fruit to the table, reciting the plans for the day, “Gabriela and Max will arrive soon. We’ll ask Shon to work on finding clothes for you for the gallery opening. Shon and my mother will make some calls to the press. We like to support the local arts so this will all look normal.”
“What can I do?”
“How about you take it easy? Hopefully, no on
e will need saving today.” Jamie turned her attention to the morning newspaper.
Boo stared out the window, feeling more optimistic than she had in a while that she would soon learn her identity. After the breakfast table was cleared, Boo stepped out on the patio. She enjoyed the fresh morning air before the sun became too bright. She closed her eyes and took long deep breaths to clear her mind.
A few minutes later, Jamie placed two cups of tea on the patio table and joined Boo to take in the light blue of the dawn sky. Slipping an arm around Boo’s waist, Jamie pulled Boo close to her.
Boo looked at Jamie. It had not occurred to her before, but she could see the movie star beauty in the soft strength of Jamie’s face. All Boo had focused on before last night was the warm, caring person who was generous beyond measure. The woman she had grown to love was still standing here in front of her.
Leaning in, Boo kissed the top of Jamie’s forehead. She closed her eyes and left her lips pressed against Jamie’s soft skin.
“I really want to kiss you.” Jamie had the thought many times, but this was the first time she voiced it out loud.
“Mmmm, me too,” Boo’s words reverberated from her lips against Jamie’s skin, “but I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to find out...I can’t...” The sentence was left suspended before Boo could add what she truly wanted to say, “before I fall in love with you.”
The moment was interrupted by the sound of Sarah’s car approaching.
AT THE EDGE OF THE woods, two eyes watched the two women in their intimate embrace.
JAMIE AND BOO WERE in the kitchen by the time Sarah let herself in the front door.
“Don’t you knock?” Jamie glared at her sister. Lessa had told her about Sarah’s actions, accusing Boo of a heinous act. She was also annoyed that her sister interrupted an intimate moment with Boo.
“How’s Gee?” Boo asked the question to break the tense standoff between the sisters by focusing on important concerns.
“Gee’s fine, thanks to you. We promised her she would see you today. She wants to thank you herself.” Sarah looked down as an uncomfortable silence enveloped the kitchen. “I need to apologize, Boo, I have treated you unfairly.”
“Really? You think?” Jamie could not resist interjecting her indignation against her sister.
“Please, I do not want you two to fight anymore.” Boo needed to put an end to the sister drama.
“No, it’s okay. Jamie has every right to be angry with me. And so do you, Boo. I have acted deplorably. I rushed to judgment about you. I was scared but that is no excuse.” Sarah words were deliberate and heartfelt. “I will not ask you to forgive me. I will have to earn your trust.”
“I very much appreciate what you just said.” Boo ignored Jamie’s look of disbelief and addressed Sarah directly, “It means a lot to me. I’m glad we can move forward from here. Jamie told me some about why you worry. I appreciate you were scared and I hope I have earned your trust.”
“You have. Thank you for finding Gee and her friends. God knows what would have happened if you had not found them when you did. You put yourself in a lot of danger out there.”
“Well, I couldn’t have done it without Fred.” Boo scratched the big dog’s head.
Fred had quietly entered the room when Sarah came in. She must have remembered the last encounter between Sarah and Boo because she sat down at Boo’s side to monitor the proceedings.
“Would you please join us for family dinner this evening?” Sarah looked to Jamie. “And you and Max and Gabriela, too.”
Sarah’s use of the word family was not lost on Jamie, who softened slightly toward her sister. She was still pissed off, but the hot anger subsided.
“A family meal would be very nice,” Jamie reinforced the use of the word family. “By the way, I told Boo last night, about my work. No more secrets.”
The revelation caught Sarah off-guard but before she could react, Max burst through the front door.
“Boo!” Max ran into Boo’s arms.
Gabriela entered the kitchen behind Max. She was met with a warm hug and wet kiss on on both cheeks from Jamie, and customary nose to the crotch from Fred.
“Oh, it’s great to be loved. Speaking of which,” Gabriela smiled, turning her attention to Boo and extending her hand, “hi, I’m Gabriela. I don’t believe we have formally met.”
“I’m Boo, although I’m sure you know that since I have already declared my love to you.” Boo winked at Gabriela and charmed her with a pleasing grin.
Sarah, confused by what appeared to be Boo openly flirting with Gabriela in front of Jamie, immediately scowled until Jamie broke out laughing. Sarah looked at Jamie out of the corner of her eye.
“I hope you will clear this up for me later?”
“I hope we clear up a lot of things soon,” Jamie replied.
Chapter Fifteen
AFTER SHON DROPPED Gabriela and Max at Jamie’s house, they immediately reached for their phone.
“Hey Chief. I saw a car parked at the lake this morning. It looks like the same car I spotted cruising past the house a few times yesterday. Maybe someone around here has a new car, but it looks like a rental to me. I thought it might be the paparazzi guy who’s been lurking around town.”
“Thanks, Shon, I’ll check it out.” Chief was at the office early catching up on paperwork that had accumulated on her desk while she was indisposed the day before.
Chief grabbed the keys to her Sheriff’s car, then changed her mind. Wanting to pay a social visit to Jamie’s house after checking out the car at the lake, she made a quick change into civilian clothes and drove her personal car. Chief would not want to be accused of using an official vehicle for a private trip, or her uniform for the purpose of seduction.
Chief arrived at the lake parking lot, where a couple of local cars were parked in the main lot. She spotted the car fitting Shon’s description pulled off to one side, on the grass under a large tree. The car had a small sticker on the front window indicating it belonged to a rental car company. Chief peered in the driver’s side window, seeing several food wrappers, a large cup in the drink holder, and a duffle bag on the floor of the back seat with an airline tag on it.
Chief called the local tow company.
“Hey, Lyle, do you have time right now to drive out to the lake and tow an illegally parked car?...How soon will you be here?”
Chief cited the vehicle for parking in a restricted zone and then called the rental car company number to report the tow, as a courtesy in case the customer called to report the car stolen.
Lyle arrived in his truck within fifteen minutes. Dragging the car onto the truck bed for transport took less than ten minutes. Lyle, not the talkative type, hopped into his truck cab to finish the intake sheet for the city impound lot.
“Thanks Lyle. I’ll wait for a few minutes to see if this person shows up.” Chief intended to wait as long as it took.
Lyle grunted his goodbye and pulled out onto the highway toward town.
Invading anyone’s privacy made Chief angry. Invading Jamie’s privacy made her very angry. She was glad to be in civilian clothes, which would play into her plan.
THE CAR IN THE PARKING lot was rented by a paparazzi nicknamed Pops. At forty-nine, in what he called a young man’s game, Pops was considered old for a paparazzi. There were a few female paparazzi, but mostly it was a blood sport of young men with little or no compassion for others who wanted to make a quick buck. Hence, Pops stood out in the crowd of photographers who inevitably descended on celebrities or the victims of notorious crimes. He derived his nickname from the younger guys who couldn’t decide whether to look up to him like a father-figure or push him out of the way.
Pops had been a legitimate news photographer for years, but the layoffs from traditional newspapers and magazines made those jobs scarce. The expense of putting a kid through college and being nowhere near retirement age led Pops to forget his journalistic integrity and hit the streets. After a few lucky s
hots of a minor celebrity acting badly—throwing a couple of drunken punches at a security guard at a club—sold quickly and easily, he justified this dubious career move to his family and friends as, If I don’t do it, someone will. It might as well be me making the money.
Pops snapped pictures of Jamie at a couple of movie openings over the years. He liked Jamie because she played nice, posing for the photographers to take their shots. He also had been told that she was unavailable for the summer months, between projects and with no public appearances planned.
The news about Jamie’s son barely escaping death broke while he was on another assignment, causing him to miss attending the hasty news conference that was non-news anyway. This week he was in Fairfield to cover a concert tour when he saw Dani’s story about the dog rescuing Jamie’s niece. Smelling money, Pop’s added a day in Crestwood to his trip.
After searching public records, Pops used satellite maps to identify Jamie’s home. He drove by a couple of times to confirm his research and check out the terrain. He also befriended a local who was more than happy to gossip about the Jordan’s. That was where he first heard it was not Fred who saved the girls, but a mysterious stranger living with Jamie. The gossip confirmed recent speculation about Jamie having a new woman in her life. No pictures of this new girlfriend had surfaced yet, which meant money was there for the taking.
Lying in wait for Jamie and the mystery woman to appear in public might take several days. Pops decided to chart a course to get close enough to Jamie’s house to take pictures. Even with a long lens, he would have to be within a couple hundred yards to get a shot good enough to sell. That is, if there was a clear line of sight. The satellite view showed a clearing behind Jamie’s house. Although it would be tricky, Pops figured if he could make his way to the edge of the clearing, it should be close enough.
Early Monday morning was quiet at the lake. Arriving just before the sun peeked over the horizon, Pops tucked his rental car off the side of the parking lot, in the grass where it would be less noticeable. A dozen canoes rested on racks near the boat launch dock.
