by Carolina Mac
She strutted off to the kitchen and was back moments later with a bottle of Shiners, a glass and a napkin.
“Thanks, I don’t need a glass.”
“You seem quiet and distracted, Jesse. Not like you. When you’re in the office you seem more outgoing.”
“Umm…did you see the news?”
“The news has you this upset?” She sat down next to him and set her cooler on the table. “I saw the bulletin about the huge gang arrest the Violent Crime Squad accomplished. Did something else happen?”
“No, just that. That was my team, the Blackmore Agency, and it went well. The thing is…”
Jan reached for his wrist and held it gently. “I wish I had my stethoscope here, Jesse. You don’t have a modicum of color and you’re starting to worry me.”
“After a big case like that closes, the team always goes out to celebrate, and I was wondering…”
“Is that it? Of course, you can’t miss it. We’ll have dinner another night. I completely understand.”
“Postponing our dinner is one solution, but there is another option,” said Jesse. “I wondered if you would object to us joining my boys.”
Jan smiled. “Not at all.” She touched her dress. “But I might need to change. What do you think?”
“You look gorgeous to me, but we’re going to the steakhouse for dinner, then to a roadhouse afterwards where my brother’s band is playing. Your call.”
“Ooh, this is getting better all the time. Drink your beer and give me ten minutes.”
She came downstairs minutes later wearing snug black jeans, a frilly white blouse and beautiful hand-tooled boots. “I feel more myself now. Always hate it when I have to wear a suit or a dress for a meeting. Goes against my grain.”
Jesse grinned. “Either way, you look amazing.”
“Thank you, Jesse. You’re generous with your compliments.” She locked the door when they stepped onto the porch. “Will I be the only woman in your group?”
Jesse grinned. “Mary should be there. She’s our liaison to the media, and also Lil, my partner’s personal assistant.”
“I’ll get to meet the super cop?”
Jesse opened the passenger door for her and said, “Don’t say that out loud, okay? He hates any kind of attention.”
“I won’t. I swear.” She winked at him. “Unless I’m drunk.”
The Steakhouse. Smithville.
THE CREW sat around a long table against the back windows of the steakhouse with drinks already in front of them when Jesse arrived with Doctor Wagner.
Blaine jumped to his feet to give Jesse a hug. “Hey, partner, so glad you made it.”
Jesse smiled and introduced the doctor. She’d already made it clear in the car she just wanted to be ‘Jan’—no ‘doctor’ attached. “This is Jan Wagner.” He went around the table, Blacky, Carm, Farrell and Mary, Rick and Lil, Travis, Fletcher, Andy, Greg and Jack.”
“Nice to meet everybody,” said Jan, “and congratulations on your big bust today.” She gave them a thumbs up.
Jesse held her chair for her like the gentleman he was, then sat down next to her. Their server hustled over and got them drinks to catch them up.
“Nice to see the boss with a date,” said Farrell, “Wasn’t sure he could get one.”
Jan giggled, and Jesse gave Farrell a hand signal.
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
ANNIE cleaned up the kitchen after dinner, then bathed the kids and put them to bed. She read them three stories instead of two trying to fill the time. Neil was in study mode in the office, striving to make up for time wasted while the Dog made him take a side trip to California.
Annie was at loose ends wondering what to do with the rest of the evening, when she remembered Tyler’s other band was playing at Boots. He’d played with her house band for years, but he also played with some boys from Giddings and they were super good. Maybe she’d change her clothes and go have a drink at Boots and listen to Tyler sing.
They’d had a thing a long time ago, but he’d ended it, not her. How many times had she been dumped? Trying to remember made her more depressed.
Boots and Saddles Roadhouse. Giddings.
AFTER A LONG relaxing dinner at the Smithville Steakhouse, the Blackmore Agency and guests moved to Boots and Saddles south of Giddings. Tyler’s band was scheduled to start at nine and they were already into their first set when Jesse and all the gang arrived. The dancefloor was packed and most of the tables were occupied.
“I’ve never been here before,” said Jan, “but I like to dance and check out the local places. Austin is a goldmine for live music.”
Jesse nodded. “I’m not much of a dancer but I love live music. My brother, Ty, is the dancer in our family. Paulie’s pretty good too.” He pointed at the stage, “That’s Tyler with the guitar.”
“Not too much light in here,” said Jan, “but I’d say you look a lot alike.”
“Yeah, we do. More than any of my other brothers.”
“He married?”
“Nope. Never tried it.” Jesse sat her down in a booth and waved the next wave of the crew over. “The booths ain’t big enough to all sit together.”
Jan smiled. “That’s okay, as long as I get to sit next to you.”
“Not many women have said that lately,” said Jesse.
“Maybe it’s time one did,” said Jan squeezing his arm.
“Could be.”
The rest of the Agency crew filed in and filled up the next two booths. Blacky and Carm sat across from Jesse and Jan.
“You drinking wine, my Carmelita?” asked Jesse.
“Si, Jesse, rojo.”
“Jan? You were drinking coolers at the steakhouse.”
“I think I’ll change into my superwoman persona and go with Petron.”
Jesse grinned. “Oh, a daredevil.”
Jan giggled.
“I’ll stick with Corona,” said Blaine. “I’m not up for a gigantic hangover.”
“Tomorrow is Saturday,” said Jesse. “What does it matter?”
“It matters to my head and my guts,” said Blaine.
ANNIE SAT out of sight in the corner booth and watched her ex-husband walk in with another woman and she knew it shouldn’t bother her. She and Jesse were never getting back together. Ever. Jesse said so, and both of them should be picking up the pieces of their lives. But it still hurt.
Then all Blaine’s people came in too.
Must be a night out that I wasn’t invited to. I’m like a fuckin pariah. Annie ordered another beer and held her position in the shadows of the dark corner booth.
She’d come in about a half hour ahead of the others and had a couple of beers with Tyler. She could always depend on him to cheer her up. She loved him before she had fallen for Jesse and she always would love Tyler. There was no denying it.
Tyler gave her the high sign and she set her beer down and walked across the dance floor to the stage. She climbed the three steps and stood next to him as he introduced her.
“Tonight, we’re lucky enough to have a special guest and she’s gonna sing a couple of duets with me. Let’s hear it for Annie Coulter.”
ANNIE BELTED out the first few bars of ‘Trying to Live my Life Without You’ and Jesse felt the blood drain from his body. He wanted to go to the men’s room and heave his dinner, but he was far too weak to move.
“Are you okay, Jesse?” asked Jan in a whisper.
“Feel a bit faint,” he mumbled. “I’m fine.”
“I’ll get you some water.” She was gone in a flash to the bar and came back with a bottle of water. “Drink this.”
Jesse tipped the bottle up and drank half straight down. “I’m okay. For sure.”
“You’re missing a good song,” said Jan. “That girl is really good. She sounds fantastic with your brother.”
Jesse nodded and said nothing.
“You okay, Jesse? Want me to drive you home?”
“I’m good, Blacky. I’ll be fin
e. Just give me a couple of minutes. Don’t want to… never mind.”
Annie’s song ended, and the crowd hooted and hollered and gave her a round of applause. Farrell waved his arms and hooted at the top of his lungs.
Blaine scooted across the dance floor and met Annie at the bottom of the steps when she stepped off the stage. He held her in his arms and kissed her hair. “That was great, Mom. I didn’t know you were singing with Ty tonight.”
“He asked me a few times before, then when I showed up tonight to watch him, he insisted on it. I didn’t know y’all were coming…” she cast a glance in Jesse’s direction… “with everybody.”
“Don’t let Jesse bother you, Mom. He’s moving on and so should you.”
Annie nodded. “I’ll sit at my table. I have another song in the next set.”
“Come say hi to everybody before you hide in the corner.”
“Not a good idea. I don’t think Jesse would want me to.”
“I want you to.” He took her hand and led her across the dancefloor. She stopped at the first two booths and said hello like the people sitting there were strangers when they were anything but, then moved on to Blaine’s table where Jesse was sitting with his date.
Blaine stood at the end of the table with his arm around Annie’s waist and introduced her to Jan. “This is my mother, Annie Powell.”
Jan offered her hand. “Lovely to meet you. Great job on the duet. You sounded so professional.”
“Thank you.”
Jesse nodded and said nothing.
“Nice to see you, Jesse,” said Annie in barely a whisper.
Blaine walked her back to her table, slid in across from her and held her hand. “Jesse is trying, Mom. He’s trying to have a life without you. You have to let him try.”
“I will, honey. I’m not calling him or going anywhere near him. It’s too painful for both of us.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Saturday, February 21st.
Jan Wagner’s Residence. Austin.
IT WAS very late as Jesse drove Doctor Wagner back to Austin convinced he’d ruined their date and eliminated any chances of seeing her in the future. She was a nice person and lots of fun, and he desperately needed someone in his life.
“You’re quiet, Jesse.” She reached over the console and touched his arm. “Maybe I should have driven.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t have more fun. And I realize it’s entirely my fault. We should have danced… but after… never mind. I’m too depressing to hang around with.”
Jan laughed. “No, you’re not. You had a bad moment. Everybody has those from time to time.”
“I have more than most.”
“I’m in my doctor mode now. Explain to me exactly what sent you into your tailspin.”
“Umm… I don’t know if I can talk about it.”
“That much of an emotional issue. Okay. You can’t get well until you get rid of all the old baggage you’re carrying. It’s crushing you and destroying your health.”
“Do you think I need a shrink?”
“You have to learn to let go of things that cannot be changed. Cannot. Sort out what cannot be changed and work hard to let it go. That’s step one.”
“Okay. Makes sense.”
“You got upset when Annie Coulter or Powell or whatever she goes by started singing on the stage. Blaine’s mother. We’ve talked about your bad divorce. We’re you married to Annie?”
“How did you figure that out?”
“It wasn’t that hard. You crumbled when you saw her. She’s talented and beautiful and I can see where she’d be difficult to get over. We have to build you up.”
Jesse turned and stared at her in the dark. “Do you think we can?”
“With your heart in the shape it’s in, Jesse, we have to.”
The Blackmore Agency. Austin.
IT WAS AFTER two a.m. when Blaine crawled into bed, a little drunk but he’d had a good day with the big bust and a fun night out. He hadn’t checked for messages since dinner, so he glanced at his phone before shutting his eyes and there was a missed message from Misty.
It’s even later in Louisiana.
He called anyway, and it took a couple of rings before she answered in her sleepy voice.
“Hey, sweetheart, is something wrong?”
“No, I missed your call and I wanted to talk to you before I went to sleep.”
Misty giggled. “You sound drunk.”
“Maybe a little. We went out tonight—the whole team.”
“I missed it.”
“I’ll make it up to you. Are you still in Houma? Where are you?”
“Back in N’Orlean in my favorite hotel.”
“I’m coming today—like when I get up.”
Misty squealed. “Are you? I’m so excited. How long can you stay?”
“That’s always an issue, so we’ll have to play it by ear.”
“I’m happy with any alone time, even a couple of days,” said Misty. “That miserable Hammer person isn’t coming to follow us, is he?”
“Definitely not. I fired him.”
“His aura was foul.”
Blaine chuckled. “I thought so too.”
Quantrall Ranch. Giddings.
JESSE WOKE with a calmness he hadn’t felt in a while. Jan seemed understanding and willing to help him work through his issues, and God knew there were a lot of the fuckers grinding him down.
“Da,” Charity hollered for him from the next room and he smiled. She’d be standing up in her crib waiting for him to come get her. Maybe he’d invite Jan over for Sunday dinner to meet his daughter.
Maybe I’m rushing it. I’ll wait.
He pushed the quilt back and sat up slowly on the side of the bed. His life was filmed in slow motion now. No rushing. No raising his heart rate. His cell signaled a message and he reached for it on the nightstand. Jan.
“How are you this morning? I was worried.”
“Fine. I’ll ride today and that always lines thing up for me.”
“Can I come?”
“Of course. Come for lunch and we’ll saddle up after.”
“I’m excited to see your ranch.”
“Can’t wait to show it to you.”
New Orleans. Louisiana.
BLAINE RENTED a Jag at Louis Armstrong International and programmed in the address for Misty’s hotel, the Fairfax Inn. He knew nothing about the Big Easy, but if it was Misty’s home, he was willing to learn.
He parked in the lot when he arrived and texted her.
“I’m in the parking area. Meet me in the lobby.”
“Oh, I can’t believe you’re here. I’ll be right down.”
By the time Blaine found his way to the lobby, Misty was standing by the fountain waiting for him.
“She’s so gorgeous,” he mumbled to himself as he walked towards her. He held her in his arms, then kissed her with passion, oblivious to people staring at them. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too, but I was homesick.”
“Let’s have lunch, then you can show me your hometown.”
“I love you, Blaine.” She took his hand and led him to the dining room.
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
ANNIE had lunch with Neil and the kids and she wasn’t saying much. Seeing Jesse, the night before at Boots had almost finished her.
“What’s wrong, Mom?” asked Neil. “You’re never this quiet.”
“The new me,” she said with half a smile. “I’m in quiet mode.”
“Bull…” he glanced at the two six-year-olds, “crap. Bullcrap, Mom. You’re not the quiet type. Something is wrong, and I want to know what it is.”
Jackson pointed a finger at Neil, “You almost said a bad word, Neil. No TV for a week.”
“But I didn’t say it, Jacks. I saved myself.”
“Doesn’t count,” said Lucy.
“Does so,” said Jacks.
“You two wash your hands and go play outside,” said Annie
. “I want to talk to Neil.”
“What, Mom?” Neil hopped up and filled his mug with coffee. “Did you just say that, or do you need to talk to me about something—like for real?”
“I’m concerned that you need more time off to get over your kidnapping. Anybody would, sweetheart.”
“Did Farrell say something?”
“No, but he’s going to. He called and said he’s coming over. He wants to take you to pick up your truck from the impound garage and then spend the day with you before you go back to school.”
Neil smiled. “Great. What time is he coming?”
“Soon.”
Quantrall Ranch. Giddings.
JESSE changed Charity into one of the new outfits Ty had bought on his last trip to La Grange. It seemed his brother couldn’t walk past a kid’s store without checking it out.
“You look so pretty.” He brushed her hair. “We should take pictures today.”
“Ty,” said Charity.
“Uh huh. We’ll take a picture of Ty too.”
The dogs barked on the front porch and Charity hollered. “Boobelle.”
“Yep, Bluebelle says somebody is here. Let’s go see.”
Jesse stepped out onto the porch as Jan was getting out of her car. “Can you say, ‘hi?” he asked Charity.
“Hi,” she said right on cue and Jan smiled.
“Hi, beautiful girl. I’m so glad to meet you.” Jan stared for a moment. “You look a lot like your handsome Daddy.”
“Da,” she said.
Jesse opened the door and held it. “Come in. Welcome to Quantrall.”
New Orleans.
BLAINE AND MISTY enjoyed a day of sightseeing and riding the streetcars, Misty showing Blaine all her favorite places in the city.
It was late afternoon when they stopped to rest at her favorite bakery and Blaine recharged with coffee and a warm pastry in a tiny walled garden.
“I could sit here with you forever,” he said. “I haven’t been this relaxed in a long time.”
Misty smiled. “I’m so happy you came.”
“You knew I would as soon as I had the time.” He reached across the small table for her hand. “I promised.”
