It took a moment for emerald eyes to soften. They had been the shade of the forest after a thunderstorm. Darkness had filled them. A symbol of the rage and anger she felt at what she perceived her own shortcomings. And yet, Tabby should be relieved. She should be happy. She had her soulmate coming back to her. Yes, they had so much to face, but at least the physical distance would be no more.
“Look at me.” Rachael had been saying the three words for the past five minutes. Ever since Tabby had attempted to smash the window. What was her motive? Was it to cause property damage? Was it to punish herself? The fact the detectives were now standing in the doorway and had witnessed the outburst didn’t bold well for their case. Even if it was Emily that was actually accused of murder. Her co-conspirator being violent didn’t help.
Finally, Tabby realized fully what she had done and the consequences. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” The young woman was shaking. Rachael gently guided her friend to the hospital bed. She glared at the detectives, daring them to say or do anything. “I was thinking of how out of control everything seemed. And the things I could have done differently. The next thing I knew; you were restraining me. I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry to interrupt.” The deep, male voice startled Tabby. She managed to glance around her friend. The man was tall, taller than the imposing six-foot Samantha Walker. He had auburn hair that was peppered with gray and a matching mustache. She hadn’t had much interaction with Charlie, but he was Sam’s old partner when she was a detective with the Middletown Police Department.
Rachael placed herself fully between her client and the detective. While she hadn’t had much personal interaction with the man, she had done her research on every member of Middletown’s force. There was no way she would allow to happen what had nearly happened to her wife. The New York City Police Department had been loyal to Sam and had attempted to make a case against Amanda when there wasn’t much of a case at all.
While Rachael was certain there was no personal animosity between any of those on the force, one never knew who was willing to take a bribe. Charlie was a good man. Even without his connection to Sam, he had proven it on numerous occasions. Her research had included a financial bio on each member. Charlie was a typical cop. He had what he needed, but nothing he shouldn’t. That included bank accounts that were somehow padded.
“I know you need to ask Miss Smith questions, but now is not a good time.” Rachael stood with her arms across her chest. It wasn’t reminiscent of Sam. No, it was more like Abby. It was more like an Amazon waiting to do battle. Only it wouldn’t be a battle with a weapon. That wasn’t true, as words can be the greatest weapon anyone has at their disposal. “I want to take her to see her son. What say we meet in two hours?”
The other detective that was with Charlie, a tall, skinny man with sandy blond hair, appeared to be reaching for something. Rachael watched the man as he played, first with his gun, then with the case that held his handcuffs. The message was clear. This man was by the book. He didn’t like the special treatment that Tabby and Emily were receiving. And yet, if the detective was honest with himself, everything was a little fishy. There was no reason to have the two soulmates arrested. Questioned, yes. But detained?
“Back off.” Rachael had at first thought Charlie was speaking to her. The younger detective looked at his partner. “I’m the lead detective, Frank. So just back off with the little threats. I told you when we were partnered, I don’t work that way. And neither will you.” The young man threw his hands up in the air in defeat. He glared at Rachael before storming out of the room. “Sorry about that, Ladies. I would prefer to get this over with, if only because the mayor has taken a special interest in this case.”
Tabby cautiously stood. She leaned against her lawyer. “You mean the mayor of Middletown has taken an interest in the possibility that Emily and or I have killed someone from another city? When there are how many other crimes that are perpetrated by locals?” Rachael managed to squeeze her client’s arm. It was to hopefully keep her from saying anything more.
“I understand.” Charlie had a look upon his face. It was one Tabby had seen on both Sam and Sierra’s faces. It was something to do with being a detective and things not adding up properly. There was corruption in Middletown still. But where did it extend to? Apparently the mayor was involved. But was there more than just the mayor? How far outside of Middletown did it reach? “I’m trying to do my job. To the best of my abilities.”
The words caused Tabby to relax. She could understand where exactly Charlie was coming from. She was a nurse. Even while taking money from Jenny, her first thought was of the patient. Even if it had been a criminal, her first thought was to the patient’s well-being. When it had been Sam she was entrusted to care for, it had been different. There had been something about her. It was what finally had caused her to have enough of Jenny’s tainted money and attempt to regain her life once again and her very soul.
“And we appreciate that. That’s why we want to fully cooperate. However, my client is still a little emotional.” Rachael maintained Charlie’s gaze. She knew she didn’t have to say it had nothing to do with the hospital stay. It had everything to do with the fact Emily was still not by Tabby’s side. The fact they knew she was all right was a bonus. But it didn’t mean there weren’t regrets in the way things were handled. “See you at three then?”
Charlie took in Tabby’s stance. It was something Sam had taught him, even though he was nearly two decades older. Just by the eyes, one would tell the entire story. One could see into the soul. There was no way this woman could intentionally kill someone. Could she kill to protect her family? There was no doubt in his mind that she would defend her family to the end. “Three will be fine. I’ll supply the coffee. You bring the donuts.” The wink caused Tabby to relax considerably.
Rachael watched the detective leave the room. Her phone was instantly in her hand. First she called Steve to let him know what had just been said. The mayor being involved changed everything. It meant their strategy for defense would have to be tailored to fit a mob connection. Not that they hadn’t factored that in already. It was what Sierra had discovered that had sadly ensured they were working with some level of mob connection. Now they needed to discover who was behind it all. Did it go above the mayor? Or was there someone worse?
The second phone call was to Rachael’s personal detective. Not that she didn’t trust those at the Walker agency, it was that they were all busy with their own cases. She needed someone who didn’t have any true stake in this, outside of the paycheck. It was a risk, especially if Lena was what Mitch thought she was. But for now, it was for the best. She was informed that Emily was still with this Leon. Someone no one knew anything about.
“Let’s get you some real food. Then we can see your son. Then we’ll do the dance.” Rachael’s eyes lit up for a second. Tabby shook her head. She wondered what it was that appealed to anyone to argue so. That’s what made an excellent lawyer. Someone who could argue and relished it. “This is all my treat. So no arguments.” Rachael glanced at her watch. “Time’s money. Better get moving.”
It was a few hours later. Tabby had spent only a precious half hour with her son. Nicky was pushing her way. There was no other way to describe it. Something had to be done about the young boy. And soon. Hopefully with Emily returning, they could do something together. Hopefully whatever had kept her soulmate in Sacramento would no longer need Emily’s attention. For Tabby and Nicky needed her entire focus.
Tabby, Rachael, Charlie and Frank were all sat in one of the interrogation rooms. There was a recorder capturing every word that was said. The questions so far had been vague. Mostly of the past, but were now entering into the present. Charlie glanced at his notes before leaning against the table. “There are witnessed that will testify that Emily struck the victim. And you are one of them, correct?”
Rachael nodded as Tabby once again looked to her lawyer before answering. “Actually, it was the othe
r way around. Helen slapped my girlfriend. It took restraint, but Emily never went after her.” Tabby stopped herself from adding more. The restraint wasn’t easy. Sometimes the nurse was too free with her words. It was the gift of gab as some would call it. And yet, it was simply her nature. As a child, easily trusting. Now, not so much.
“So, according to you, Helen did physically assault Emily.” Now it was Frank’s turn to ask the questions, though the look on Charlie’s face informed Rachael it wasn’t expected. “Was your ex-girlfriend always so violent? Was she mentally abusive? Is that why you two broke up? Because she assaulted you both physically and mentally?”
Emerald eyes closed. She took a deep breath, remembering what Rachael had told her. The detectives would use whatever they could to cause her to say something she would regret. “All I’ll say about my relationship with Helen was she wasn’t as supportive as she could be. She left when the strain of having to help support a sick child, both monetarily and emotionally, became too great. I hadn’t seen her since she left. I had no contact with her and didn’t know she was coming to Middletown or for how long she’d be here.”
“So you admit to the fact things were not good between the two of you.” Tabby slumped back in her chair. How had what she had said gone from being not supportive to not good. Of course they hadn’t been good, at least in the end. “It gives you the motive to setup your ex. And what a better way than to promise her one more good time.” Frank pulled out a document from a manila folder.
As both Rachael and Tabby scanned the document, they discovered it was an email. An email sent from Tabby’s personal account. It did indeed offer a onetime lovemaking session. It was to make certain that they both were happy with the relationship ending. And if things turned out both wanted more, there was a chance for that. It made Tabby ill to even read the words. How could anyone have done this?
It not only tainted what she and Emily had and were attempting to rebuild, it was not something she would ever do. Never before had she had a one-night stand. In her eyes, the night she had spent with Emily was never that. It had always been intended for more. And now someone was doing this to make her and Emily look guilty. No, it was to make Emily look guilty. But who? And how could they prove that it was false? If the person was good enough, would they be able to prove it wasn’t Tabby who had sent the incriminating email?
Chapter 10
Tabby sat in her room. It had not long ago been her and Nicky’s room. Her son had been residing mostly at one of the Walkers’ homes. It hurt that every single day was her waking up without her little boy. Part of her was glad as it shielded him from some of the negative things happening. The part of her that had once felt it was herself and Nicky against the world missed her son more than words could say.
The only positive thing happening was the fact Emily’s plane had arrived on time. It meant that soon Tabby would be in the arms of the woman she loved. And after they had reunited? What then? Would they make love? Would they talk? Would they be interrupted by the police? Tabby sighed as the unknown was becoming too great for her to tolerate on her own.
Slowly, the nurse made her way to the sliding glass door. The view from the second floor of the bed and breakfast was amazing. The view was nothing without her Emily holding her from behind. The height difference made it perfect for her soulmate to hold her from behind. It was as if they had been made for one another. It was as if they fit, body heart and soul. It was as if…
The young woman sighed heavily. There was no wonder at what Tabby desperately needed. It wasn’t lovemaking. It wasn’t reconnecting through the physical act. While that was greatly appealing, it wasn’t what her body and soul craved. It could be handholding. It could be snuggled on the loveseat watching television. It could be snuggling in bed as they allowed sleep to overtake them.
It was what both of them needed more than Tabby could express. Her body literally ached because she had not at least been in the presence of her soulmate in so many weeks. It had been a slow, painful process reuniting. They still had so far to go. And yet the strides were unreal. If Emily were here now, Tabby knew exactly what they would be doing. It wouldn’t be talking, even though touching would be enough.
Tabby slowly opened the sliding glass door. It wasn’t that long ago that everyone was being watched. There had been FBI agents everywhere in the woods. They had been assigned to protect everyone that was in the Walkers’ lives. While not everyone had accepted the protection and had regretted it, Tabby and Emily had.
As the warm, summer air kissed Tabby’s cheeks, she could remember other times. This bed and breakfast was so much more than a building. It was a place where three children had been raised. Melissa had experienced her childhood here as well. The things the walls had heard and seen. It was the intimate moments that the nurse was focusing on. Whether they were pleasant or not, there were so many secrets hidden in the building that was so much more than a house.
For a moment, Tabby felt completely relaxed. As she leaned on the wooden railing, it felt as if she was whole again. Part of her wanted to continue to live at the bed and breakfast. But there was another part of her that wanted her privacy. She wanted someplace where she, Emily and Nicky could be a family. A place where she and Emily could have their own room and their own time together.
So engrossed in her own thoughts, Tabby didn’t even hear the door open and close. Her mind was on one thing. Christening every room in whatever house they decided to purchase together. Was she getting ahead of herself? After all, they were finally just getting to that place where both realized they’d made mistakes and were attempting to make up for it. There was Nicky to think about. The possible trial.
When the arms wrapped round her and the long body pressed against hers, Tabby thought she was imagining things. It had to be hours yet before Emily was due to arrive in Middletown. And yet, the nurse would know that body anywhere. While she hadn’t memorized it as much as she’d like, she knew it well enough. The love she could feel and the safety, simply from being held, informed her it was her soulmate.
Slowly, relishing the sensations, Tabby turned in her lover’s arms. Emerald met azure. They gazed into one another’s eyes. There were the questions that needed answers. There were others that needed to know Emily was back, safe. There was so much they could or should be doing. And yet, holding one another was enough. Or was it?
“What time is it? Did time decide to speed up so that you could finally be in my arms?” Tabby could feel the moisture building in the corners of her eyes. “Or are you a dream? If you are, I don’t ever want to wake up. It’s been a nightmare, this physical separation.” The smile on Emily’s face informed the nurse she had been rambling. “I guess what I was trying to say was hello and that I missed you. Only horribly.”
“You were doing wonderfully.” Emily was so full of love and feeling ecstatic, she could barely contain herself. The only thing bringing her down was Nicky. She had seen him, briefly. The Walkers were playing out back. He had, not so politely, informed her that he was spending the night with his true family and that she and his supposed mom could have the night to themselves.
Emily needed to tell her soulmate how badly Nicky was still hurting. While she was still afraid she would never be able to show the boy her true intentions and her undying love, she was also certain that the woman she was holding was the one she would spend the rest of her life with. The separation had taught her several lessons. The greatest was holding on and never letting go.
“I managed an earlier flight.” Emily stepped aside so that her soulmate could see past her. Slowly revealed was something so unexpected. On the table next to Tabby’s laptop were a dozen red roses. “I had Rachael’s driver stop at the florist on my way. I also called ahead and asked Melissa to prepare something. It had been for a picnic for all three of us…”
There was no need to finish. Tabby wasn’t certain what their son had said or done, but she knew it was something to continue to push Emily away. Most
likely, he had also pushed his birth mother away as well. There would be time to make the young man see what he was thinking and doing was wrong. “Sweetie, we can’t force him. While he has to accept you in his life again one day, we have to be patient with him.”
Before Emily could respond, she found her lips captured. Azure eyes closed as she could feel it. There was the one thing she had been missing since the two had sadly not been communicating properly and had been separated by so many miles. It was the spark she had been missing. It had been what kept her believing in soulmates. Enough so that she had made certain the hotel clerk and police officer had believed as well.
“I don’t want to be patient anymore.” Tabby pulled back so that she could look into her soulmate’s eyes. “I know in certain areas we do have to be patient. Nicky will require the most patience. As far as everything else, we’ll get through it. Not only because we are innocent, I have confidence in Rachael. She’s been amazing. We’ll one day soon be able to put the courts behind us.”
“So what is it that you don’t want to be patient about any more?” Emily hoped it was the same thing she didn’t want to be patient for. There were so many reasons why they shouldn’t. And yet, there were so many more reasons they should. The therapist knew all the reasons why not to. But weren’t there so many more reasons why to? After all, physically reconnecting was just as important as emotionally.
“This.” Emily found herself pressed against the sliding glass door. She found her mouth once again was possessed by her soulmate. The feeling of Tabby pressed fully against her was enough to make the therapist’s heart begin racing. Her breathing was nearly out of control. Her clit was throbbing to the same rhythm the tongue was teasing her own.
Tabby relented the assault on her soulmate. When she tipped her head back, Emily’s eyes were closed. It reminded her of the first time they had made love. Tabby had pinned her soulmate to the hotel room door. It had progressed nicely from there. Sometimes the nurse still wished she’d known it was Emily’s first time with a woman. Could it have been more special? Perhaps. But it was in the heat of the moment. And it was two souls reconnecting after being separated for far too long.
Distance of the Heart Page 20
