Somehow, Tabby managed to pull herself together. As a nurse, she had to overcome hours on end without a break. She had to overcome too many patients and not enough coverage. As a mother, she had to multitask on so many occasions. She knew she had to reach deep down and use those strengths that had once come so naturally to her.
“I’m ok. Or I will be once we’ve proven my and Emily’s innocence. Once she is back in my life for good. Once Nicky realizes Emily isn’t like Helen or anyone else in the world.” Tabby allowed Jackie to guide her to the couch in reception. It was close to the secretary’s desk. It would mean Tabby could rest while she watched Steve study the document, after his wife had sent it to the proper people.
While Tabby wanted to contribute, something kept causing her to fall asleep. It was true she hadn’t had much sleep the past couple of weeks. Ever since Emily had been spending most of her time in California, she hadn’t slept well. It went back further than that. Neither of the soulmates had slept much when there was little to no hope of the two reconciling.
“That’s it!” Steve sounded extremely excited. It caused Tabby to stir. She felt like she was burning up. The former detective made his way to the nurse. He knelt down in front of her. “Are you all right?” It was with caution that he felt her forehead. “I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but you don’t look so good. Do you want us to take you to the hospital? Call your doctor at the very least?”
Tabby managed to shake whatever she was feeling off, at least for the moment. While she was thirsty, oh so thirsty, right now she needed to hear some good news. “What I need is to know what has you so excited. If this can help Emily and myself, then it can help Nicky. That’s what I need to know. So please, go on and explain what you’ve got.”
It was clear Steve didn’t want to continue. He wanted to assert himself. His wife’s hand on his shoulder caused him to close his eyes. When he had been at death’s door, it had been Jackie’s face that had gotten him through. It had been for his children that he wouldn’t allow someone else to end his existence. It was the same for Tabby. She was living, holding on for both Emily and Nicky. Anything that could clear them was something that could give her untold strength.
“I was looking at the signature on the will.” Tabby’s eyes were barely open. Steve wanted more than ever to take her to the hospital. He wanted to call for an ambulance. Something told him he needed to. Yet his wife’s touch and the pleading that had been in Tabby’s voice spurred him on. “It’s identical to her signature on her driver’s license.”
Both women waited for his explanation. “Everyone’s signature is similar, but never identical. The only way Helen could have signed both so exact was to have a stamp made. There’s no way that could have happened on her driver’s license, not with the way the government is so careful these days.” Steve took a breath before continuing. “It means that someone used the signature from her driver’s license. Most likely it was scanned, enlarged and copied to her will.”
For a moment, the words failed to penetrate Tabby’s suddenly cloudy mind. As her stomach threatened to rebel once again, she couldn’t focus. She didn’t realize that this could be both potentially positive and negative for both her and her soulmate. One could take it as they had nothing to do with Helen’s death and were being setup. One could also take it as they forged the will in order for them to inherit the money.
Tabby tentatively sat up. Blindly, she reached for her cellphone. She needed to call her soulmate. Emily was the only one who could clear her suddenly muddied mind. The cellphone fell from her lose grasp. “Emily…” The single word faltered. It was as if speaking was a chore. It was as if she couldn’t even say one word.
Before Tabby could attempt to say anything further, her body went limp. Jackie was feeling her forehead. “She’s burning up! Steve, call an ambulance.” The secretary reached for the cellphone. Emily’s face stared back at her. It was Emily Tabby had attempted to reach out to. It was Emily Tabby needed more than words could express.
But was it fair of Jackie to call Emily? Already, she had dealt with her father’s funeral. Her mother was gravely ill. Jackie held the cellphone tightly in the palm of her hand. Azure eyes closed before she finally hit the send button. She knew if it were Steve, she would want to know. And yet, how much more could two people survive?
Chapter 8
Emily stared at the cellphone. Could the day get any worse? Her father was buried only a few days prior. Her mother had now passed on. She never would receive the closure she needed from either of them. And now she was just informed that her soulmate had been taken to the hospital. She couldn’t just leave the hospital. Someone, herself, had to be responsible for her mother. But Tabby and Nicky needed her more.
Somehow, Emily had made it to the main waiting area. For some reason, she had expected to see her uncle sitting there. The few times he had accompanied her had seen Mitch remaining in the waiting room. Right now, she could use her brother, uncle or even her new lawyer and tentative friend. At the moment, she was on her own. At the moment, she had some difficult decisions to make.
The leggy blonde slumped back in her chair. There was only one thing Emily could do. While she now had a different perspective on her mother and even changed her feelings towards her somewhat, she was no longer living. It was cruel, but her soulmate was living and breathing back in Middletown and her mother no longer was. She could be fighting for her life for all Emily knew. Tabby and Nicky, again, were the ones that needed her.
Her phone alerting her to a text didn’t surprise her. The message, however, did. Rachael’s simple message informed her to haul her ass to the airport. There was a private jet waiting to take her back to New York City. From there, she would be driven to Middletown. The driver was under orders to take her wherever she wanted to go. The lawyer’s assistant would begin to make funeral arrangements. Ones that would be delayed until she could be there in person, if the charges against her placed her plans for travel on hold.
As Emily stood there staring at her phone, unsure of how to respond, part of her wanted to escape in her baby. But for now, her baby would have to return to storage. It couldn’t be left at the mansion. In fact, it was something else the therapist would have to do, sooner rather than later. She would have to see if there was anything she wanted from the house.
Emily decided that it would be too expensive to store her baby in the long-term parking at the airport. It was too bad Rick had been living at the mansion or she could always leave it at his place. The headache that had been threatening at the diner was now turning into a full-blown migraine. It was rare she was cursed with one. Already her thoughts were murky as she stared once again at her cellphone, wondering what to do.
“Can I be of service?” Emily literally jumped at the sound of the familiar voice. She had, in many ways, been expecting her uncle to come to her rescue. Rick was shifting his weight from one foot to the other. It was clear he was uncomfortable. Was it because he knew somewhere in the hospital was their mother’s body? Or was it because they had never truly been siblings and offering assistance was foreign to him?
For a moment, Emily couldn’t help but stare at her brother. It had only been a few short weeks since they had been forced into one another’s lives, at least on a more personable level. They had maintained contact. But was sending a text message or message via skype truly remaining in contact? It wasn’t until Emily had been forced to return to attend to family business that they had grown closer. Had become the siblings Emily had always craved.
“I have a private jet waiting for me.” When Rick’s jaw nearly hit his chest. “I don’t have the money for that, and sadly neither do you.” The message was clear. They hadn’t spoken since the meeting with their father’s attorney that morning. Though her brother had most likely expected it. His expression returned to neutral. “Rachael, my attorney, has offered to let me use her jet. Tabby has been taken to the hospital. I need to be there for her and Nicky.”
Ri
ck didn’t hesitate in placing his arm on his sister’s shoulder. This was the moment. One that had happened in the past. The one where he should have told their father and mother to help Emily. Again, he had been too weak. And to discover Lucas wasn’t even their father…There would be time to lament his past. It was about taking control in the present and ensuring a bright future for both himself and for his sister.
“I need to get away from here. Obviously, there’s nothing left for either of us. Dad saw to that.” They stared into one another’s eyes. Lucas would always be their father, even though he wasn’t their blood father. Irony since Sam’s blood father would never be her father. “I can pack up what little stuff I have and anything you have and, if you trust me with her, I can drive the pink demon to Middletown. I promise to take good care of her and take my time.”
The offer surprised Emily. But she understood it was both because they were becoming closer as siblings. It was also because Rick was being selfish. He needed a fresh start. Already they had discussed him making that start in Middletown. It would be beneficial to them both if he did drive it. The costs would be of gas, hotels and food. It would still be cheaper than leaving it in storage for who knew how long.
The only drawback for Emily was a dream she had had. It was almost akin to a fantasy. While right now it would be impossible because of how Nicky still felt about her, she would have loved to have a family vacation of sorts. For the threesome to drive across country, hitting all of the major attractions along the way.
There was still a possibility they could one day share that together. It was just taking away from what she had wanted to do. Emily smiled sadly. “Looks like we need to head to the mansion.” There was no reason to call it home. It was never, nor would it ever, be home. “I don’t have much. I took what I wanted when I moved to New York. Still, one last look would help with closure. Then you can drop me off at the airport. Do you need any money for the trip back?”
“I’ve got money covered.” Rick cleared his throat. While it was true he hadn’t had many expenses over the years remaining at home, he hadn’t been frugal with his money, either. The fact his room was practically empty spoke to where his money hadn’t gone. It had gone to something Emily wouldn’t like. It was something he was ashamed of. It had started out as a way to relieve stress and make himself feel like a real man.
Dealing with people he shouldn’t deal with. Luckily, it had never become a habit. After realizing he had gambled a year’s salary away in a matter of months, Rick had stopped cold turkey. Now, he only placed a bet here and there. Mostly it was on football games. While he had to be cautious with the amounts he bet, it wasn’t like when he was betting on basketball, hockey, football and pretty much any sport. It hadn’t mattered if it was pro or college.
There was something about the words Rick had chosen. Emily stared at her brother. Was it something they had in common? Was it something they both had in common with Simon? For her brother’s sake, she hoped she was reading something into nothing. The fact her brother had been seen with someone who was most likely mob connected didn’t help ease the misgivings Emily suddenly had.
And yet, Emily was more determined than ever to let her brother learn the hard way. Would she be there for him should there be a fallout? Of course she would. It wasn’t even because they were siblings. That had never mattered in the past. It was because to her he was like a child. Someone who still needed guidance. And yet, sometimes the only way for a child to learn was to make their own mistakes.
“The offer stands.” Rick nodded, a way of dismissing the topic. “Let’s get moving. I want to be on a flight by three if I can be.” The siblings hastily made their way into the oppressing day. It was difficult to believe that only a couple days ago there had been rain as they buried their father. But then, that was California. A place known for severe droughts.
The trip to the mansion was made in silence. Mostly Emily’s thoughts were focused on Tabby and Nicky. There was a part of her that wondered what Rick had been through in the past. What had happened in Middletown. If anyone knew about love at first sight and things happening quickly, it was the therapist. She and Tabby had seemed to just happen. Or was it that they were discovering one another after being separated for an eternity?
Emily sighed heavily. She needed more than anything to be by Tabby’s side. The siblings separated as they made it to the second-floor landing. Neither even glanced at the other as they made their way to their respective rooms. The therapist was still amazed that her mother had maintained her room much like it had been in high school. Everything there was for her mother. Nothing was for her.
It wasn’t long before Emily’s bags were packed. While she was happy to be returning home, there were two reasons she hated it. One was the reason she was having to return in such a hurry, of course. The other was silly. It was the fact she never had been accepted. The fact she had never truly been wanted. At least she had never been wanted on Lucas’ part, once he had discovered the truth. But what about her mother? Had Monica wanted them? Or was it all about the money?
It seemed Rick had a similar issue. He was already standing on the landing. There was one large suitcase, a garment bag and a small tote. Emily wondered if her brother was taking anything but clothing. She hadn’t been in his room in years and again the distance between their hearts had led to not knowing what her brother was truly like. “Shall we go, Sis?”
“I’m more than ready.” Emily heaved her large suitcase and her small carryon. “Could you take the suitcase? I have enough clothing and there’s nothing in there of sentimental value.” Rick nodded in understanding. The moment they walked out of the mansion, they were leaving behind a part of them. It might have all been based upon a lie, but this was where they had grown up. This was where their memories, good and bad, lingered.
The siblings were hastily making their way through the back door when a familiar voice caused both of them to stop in their tracks. Lena was looking like anything but a cook in the outfit she was wearing. “I’m sorry to see you both leaving. I’ll be leaving as well. Your mother paid me well.” There was an expression on the cook’s face Emily couldn’t decipher. What was it she was attempting to convey?
“Mother always did pay for the best.” Emily took two steps towards the back door. Rick had placed himself between the cook and his sister. Did her brother truly care? Was it because he had seen his uncle do something similar? Whatever the reason behind it, Emily was grateful. “But I’ve discovered that the best things in life can’t be bought. The love of a good woman and a little boy who is hurting beyond words. So you can keep your money. And however else Mother paid you.”
It appeared Lena wanted to say or do something. She stared at Emily as if she were a piece of meat. Then there was nothing. No expression at all. It was as if all her emotions had been locked up tight. As if she no longer had emotions. “You might never know your true mother. And that’s too bad for you. As beautiful as you are, you could have learned several things from her.”
Rick didn’t even have time to react as his sister shoved past him. The slap was resounding. Yet Lena stood there as if nothing had happened. Even after several moments of silence and the telltale sign of a hand print across her cheek, the cook remained as if she were a statue. There was something in those eyes. Emily regretted her action immediately.
It wasn’t because Emily hated the thought of becoming violent. No matter one’s beliefs or control they maintain, everyone has a breaking point. The loss of two parental figures in less than a week’s time, added to the fact she wasn’t certain of her soulmate’s health, combined with the fact she was facing murder charges had simply become too much. “I’m sorry I struck you. But at the same time, I’m not sorry. You crossed a line. I won’t ever forget what you’ve done and said.”
“And I won’t forget what you’ve done.” As Lena took a step towards Emily, the distinct sound of a gun cocking was heard. The cook turned around to face a man she knew wasn’
t only trouble, he was the definition of trouble. Lena’s hand flinched as if she was reaching for something. She continued to stare at Mitch as if daring him to pull the trigger.
It was a battle of wills. Mitch had seen enough to know that Lena had said or done something to provoke his niece. Emily wouldn’t slap anyone without a good reason. Did it matter what Lena had done? It did, if only so that Mitch could continue to figure the cook out. There was so much more to her than what met the eye.
It was Lena that walked away. Mitch’s aim followed the retreating form of the cook. What he had discovered about the woman, he knew they hadn’t seen the last of her. He knew that she was the kind of trouble that Sam and Abby had sadly grown accustomed to. It was the kind of trouble he specialized in. And he knew there were those in Middletown that also specialized in her kind of trouble.
“Darling, you all right?” Mitch finally put the safety back in place. Emily was shaking. “Rick, get the car loaded. We’ll be along directly.” Rick stared at his sister for a moment. It was clear she was at her breaking point. It was clear she would need more support than he had originally thought. He swallowed hard, realizing it was time to grow up. It was time to follow through on the promise he’d made to himself.
The younger Dunst sibling made his way to his sister. Without saying a thing, Rick took Emily into a hug. They embraced for what seemed like forever. When they parted, Rick placed his hands on Emily’s shoulders. Something passed between them in that moment. Rick closed his eyes before hastily making his way out the back door.
Emily couldn’t be certain, but she had thought she had seen tears in her brother’s eyes. As soon as she knew if Tabby was all right and attempt to reconcile with Nicky once again, she vowed to have a chat with Rick. It wasn’t to deter him from dating anyone he wanted or seeking his true soulmate. It was merely to inform him of the pratfalls of dating someone with mob connections.
Distance of the Heart Page 16
