Distance of the Heart

by Agnes H Hagadus

  Emily’s grip tightened on her soulmate. It was so surreal. This was happening. This was real. This wasn’t a television show. This wasn’t a movie. This wasn’t coming from someone’s imagination in words on paper. This was threatening her way of life. This was something out of her realm. And it made her want her father. Well, not her step-father. But her idea of a father.

  Who would that be? The conversation continued. There were other officers, even the chief, being mentioned. A grand corruption it appeared Sam and Abby would return to. Would that be Mitch? Would that be Jarod? Who would be someone she would want as a father? Was there anyone? The stranger, who quickly became her friend, entered her mind. Emily hadn’t even discussed Leon with her soulmate. Not that they had had a great deal of time to discuss things.

  Azure eyes closed. For a moment, Emily blocked out everything happening around her. The voices of her two lawyers and the detective faded away. Melissa had been mysteriously quiet during the entire ordeal. But then the matriarch somehow always seemed to know when to be vocal in her support and when to merely let things play out the way they did. It was a gift she had picked up over the years. Or was it lessens learned from raising three rambunctious children?

  It was an image of a place Emily should have been. It was only a few weeks ago, but it should have been where the therapist was. Why had things happened when they had? Why had her mother’s health taken a turn for the worse? Why had her supposed father survived a plane crash, only for her to realize he had been being slowly poisoned? When it should have been her there with her soulmate and their son. What if she had been able to attend Nicky’s birthday celebration?

  The laughter of a child caused Emily’s eyes to open. Unfortunately, they were still in the same grey building. They were still listening to the experts discuss what they thought was happening and the best way to proceed. She was still facing losing a family she had never thought she’d find. Why? While being reunited with Nicky was all she wanted, she also needed to know why this was happening to her and Tabby.

  It wasn’t because they didn’t deserve it. No one deserved to be terrorized. No one deserved to be kept from the ones they loved. No one deserved to be denied their basic human rights. And yet, it happened every day. Emily wanted to run. She wanted to scream. She wanted to do anything she could to block out what was happening to her. But what good would any of those do? They needed to stay and fight with every fiber of their beings.

  “Nicky Smith?” Both Emily and Tabby hastily stood at the calling of Nicky’s name. Mr. Applewater moved with even more speed than his two clients. The bailiff looked the man up and down. There was no doubt the man came from money. He was obviously a lawyer. “The judge is ready to hear all parties involved in the case of the minor known as Nicholas Smith. If you’d please follow me.”

  Mr. Applewater hesitated a moment. He leaned in to whisper to his clients. “I know it will be difficult, but allow me to do all the speaking. Just as in the criminal case, they will attempt to have you say or do something you might regret.” It was an unnecessary warning. And yet, the way Emily was feeling, it was probably quite necessary. There was so much pent up inside the therapist, she wasn’t certain she could contain herself during the proceedings.

  And that was when she felt it. Emily smiled as all it had taken was the squeeze of her hand by her lover to calm her. It had aided in centering her. It had been enough to cause her to remember what was the most important thing. That was the little boy who was sitting at a table. The same lady who had taken him away sitting next to him.

  Oddly enough, it was the same judge who had presided over Adam and Conrad’s custody hearing. That was a good sign, Emily hoped. It had been made clear Judge Edwards was not someone who could be bought. But testimony can be. Evidence could be manufactured. So many variables to play out. And it all had to do with the safety and happiness of one little boy.

  It took a moment for everyone to settle in their assigned area. The judge watched with a great deal of interest. She remembered the tall blonde from a trial not that long ago. Or was it that long ago? It had been well over a year now. And yet, there was something about the young woman. She had definitely made an impression on the judge.

  “I was surprised when I was contacted for an emergency removal in this case.” Judge Edwards continued to stare Emily down. The judge gave her credit. The azure eyes never left hers the entire time. “Even though it’s only been a few hours and I’ve had to review other cases, I’ve had ample time to scan through the documentation. I seriously have to ask. What are Miss Smith and Miss Dunst doing here? Why has the minor child been removed from custody?”

  “Seriously your honor?” The woman who had taken Nicky stood slowly. She began rifling through the paperwork. “These photographs haven’t been doctored. Do you have a copy of them?” The judge motioned her towards the bench. She held out a hand. The woman handed her the pictures, a smug smile upon her face. “As you can see, the boy is often left on his own. Plus, he spends time all by himself at the local diner and…”

  “I can see for myself.” Judge Edwards made constant eye contact. Penny Knocks was known well to the judge, but not in a good way. There had been several investigations into how she conducted herself. So far, her background was clean. But the judge knew it was only a matter of time. The only picture that caught her attention was one. Nicky appeared battered and bruised. But the date on the picture informed her it had only been taken a week prior.

  Judge Edwards sat back in her chair. She glanced at the couple holding one another’s hands. It was a similar picture as to what had taken place with a similar, loving couple. Soon, she was to retire. When she did, she was seriously thinking of seeking out a consultant job with the Walker agency. After all, they were the ones always in trouble. They were the ones always fighting corruption. They were the kind of people she wanted to align herself with.

  “You are telling the court that you, or anyone you know, has not doctored these pictures?” Penny somehow managed a smug smile. Judge Edwards wondered if she even realized what one of the pictures was. Or what it meant for her. “Then I suggest we take a look at your bank account. And the bank accounts of everyone associated with you. And we check into your back ground. And we investigate all of your old cases.”

  Penny stood there, her mouth hanging open. It was clear she wanted to say something, but no words were forming. “Bailiff, I want all those who brought these ridiculous charges held for questioning. I want the detectives at the Middletown Police department to be included. I suggest everyone retain an attorney. Next time, you make certain none of the pictures you give me as evidence are so clearly falsified, Miss Knocks. Since it’s so late, I suggest Nicky be released to his mother. And we are adjourned for the day.”

  The sound of the gavel pounding caused Penny to jump. Her mouth still was agape when the bailiff forcefully took her into custody. Nicky stared at the judge. Judge Edwards motioned with her gavel towards Emily and Tabby. The young boy hesitated. He had so many questions. He needed to know what was happening. But what he needed most was to be with his moms.

  Moms? Nicky smiled as he realized something. It had only been a few hours since he had been taken away from Emily. Yes, he had been taken away from his birth mom. But it was Emily that had been attempting to make him see. It was Emily who had spoken to him like an adult. It was Emily who had been honest with him. Even at such a young age, he knew what she had told him was very personal and private. It was something he would only share with his birth mom.

  It was Emily he wanted as his second parent. Nicky had had quite a bit of time to think about that. Ok. It had only been a few hours since they had spoken. But if he had been honest with himself, it had been the truth for as long as he could remember. But what now? Did he run into his mother’s arms? Did he allow Emily to hug him? He needed to know what happened after they were able to hug. Would he be abandoned once again by either Emily or Tabby?

  And just like that, Nicky found himse
lf the center of a very pleasant sandwich. He had missed this. He had wanted this. Why had he allowed his fears to push his mom and Emily away? It was complicated. Even for a child, emotions and reactions to situations were complicated. Not knowing what he was supposed to think or do. And even when it was pointed out exactly how silly he was being, it was still difficult to finally admit all the things he had been feeling.

  In the background, Nicky could hear the other adults speaking. He knew who each of them were. Lawyers. One had helped Adam and Conrad. There was a picture of him with Sam, Abby and the boys hanging at the bed and breakfast. The other one had spoken to his mother a lot as of late. But he had never been allowed to be around when those conversations had taken place. He had heard some of the things that had taken place and knew a little about what was happening. But he needed to know everything.

  “Mom? Emily?” Both women reluctantly pulled back so they could look their son in the eyes. “Is there someplace we can go? Maybe talk?” Nicky felt odd to be the one asking. Normally it was an adult who made suggestions like that. He knew he needed to grow up. How much and how fast remained to be seen. But if whatever was happening was so serious, he needed to at least try and be a young adult.

  “I think that’s long overdue.” Emily cupped her son’s cheek. There was a glint of something in Nicky’s eyes. It was something she had seen before. Before she had made a mess of things. Correction. Before she and Tabby had made a mess of things. She had to get used to the fact it takes two to tango. It takes two to build a relationship. And it takes two to continue to build a relationship.

  While only one can destroy it, in their case it was little to big things each one of them had done or not done. Or things they had said or not said. It had taken both of them to destroy what the fates had set in motion. It would take both of them to finally put back in place what the fates had placed in motion. What continued to be achieved one lifetime after another. Something, that even in death, could not be broken.

  “Let me just check with our friends.” Emily wondered if the sudden plan in her head was such a good idea. There was a need to discuss things. But there was also a need to reconnect with the little boy. Perhaps even attempt to make up for what they had missed out on. Though certain things can never be made up for, she hoped what she had planned might just be able to at least alleviate the grief everyone had because of the past.

  Emily hated to leave Nicky even for a second. The look upon his face informed her she was nearly forgiven. Had she been? Had she been accepted? Only time would tell. Hastily, she made her way to where her two lawyers were discussing things, Melissa also listening. “I want to know what happens next.” The two had halted their discussion as soon as she was in earshot. “I need to know. Both for us as a family and us freedom wise.”

  Rachael glanced around the taller blonde woman. Nicky was standing in front of his mother, her hands on his shoulders. The boy had grown in the short time she had known him. He was already to the chest of his mother. Nicky was going to be a tall one. And he was going to be a strong one. “We were just discussing things. My assistant texted me. The one who is in California. The arrangements have been made. But I doubt the police will allow you to travel.”

  The thought of her mother’s funeral zapped some of the joy and energy Emily had been gifted with at the thought of Nicky finally accepting her once again into his life. More importantly, accepting her as his second mom. Life had a way of doing that. Even when everything was going as planned, there were setbacks. There were things one cannot control. And they leave you feeling helpless. If not worse.

  “I think it’s best that she be buried and leave it at that. I was there for my…father’s. It didn’t give me closure. And being at her funeral won’t either. If it’s not too much trouble…” Emily didn’t have to finish the thought. Rachael had reached out and squeezed her arm. “Thank you. Now what about the here and now? What about the custody? Is that for good? Or do we have to worry about further attempts.”

  Mr. Applewater cleared his throat. “In my humble opinion, I’d say we have seen the last of the futile attempts to gain whatever it is this person wants through your son. For one, it was a very inept attempt. Two, I think these are distractions. More than anything else. That being said, I’m willing to stay in town for the next few weeks. I do have a couple cases I’ll have to return to New York City for. But if you need me, anytime, you give me or my compatriot here a call. If you’ll excuse me ladies, I want to attempt to have a conversation with the judge. One just never knows what allies one needs.”

  The wink caused Emily to smile as she watched Mr. Applewater walk towards where the judge had disappeared. “He’s right about the allies. Even though Judge Edwards is a family court judge, she is quite influential in this city.” Emily turned back towards her criminal lawyer. “I think the evidence will stop now.” When Emily tipped her head, Rachael continued. “This was blatant. For the judge to see it so easily…Whoever is behind this won’t be happy. I’m hoping that means they’ll make a mistake. Either way, it helps the criminal case against you both.”

  Rachael glanced once again at the boy and woman waiting for the one who meant so much to the both of them. “I think they won’t do anything until Monday. If they do, you just remain near the city. Make certain one, if not both, have a cellphone on. And let someone know where you are at all times. I hate to intrude in your private lives, but when you are fighting for your freedom and for love, one has to do what one has to.”

  “That I know well.” Emily held out her hand. Rachael glanced at it before taking her client into a brief hug. “I’m off to have a fun-filled evening with my best girl and our son. Then tomorrow, we’ll have to start having some candid talks with Nicky. I’m afraid that was part of the problem. We both tried to shield him from the truth. That we both didn’t treat him as the young man he has sadly had to come before his time.”

  The lawyer sighed. It happened too many times. Rachael had seen it her entire life. It had been that way for Amanda. And yet, she hadn’t grown up at all. It had taken being obsessed with Abby and seeing the destruction it could cause for her to finally mature. It wasn’t sadly their first time being a couple when things had been far from a partnership. And had been far from ideal. But that was the past. This was the present.

  It wasn’t long before Tabby, Nicky and Emily were in the pink demon. The young boy had hated the color. But he had loved the vintage vehicle. There was something in his eyes. Emily had wondered if he would one day share in her love of cars. Not that she was mechanically inclined. But just the classic cars and the way they had once been built. It might be something else that could help continue to repair the fracture between them.

  It was early evening. The lights of the midway of the small fair were already lit. There were those calling out, attempting to entice someone to try their skill at whatever game they were presiding over. There were the sounds of the music from a concert of a group Emily had never heard of. There were the sounds of laughter. There were the scents of fair food. Greasy and fattening. The things normally avoided. But tonight, it was about having fun.

  “So? What do we do first?” Emily was standing, staring at the rides. She had been to more than her share of fairs over the years. But they were all large in scale. The ones she had attended in California were especially grand. Nothing was ever simple it seemed in the Golden State. Or was that her prejudice because of the manner in which she was raised?

  Nicky held tightly to his mother. He had never been to a fair before. There had been school bazaars. There had been fundraisers. But none of them had included rides. None of them had all the wonderful smelling foods. He didn’t know what he wanted to experience for the first time. After the past few months, it was nearly overwhelming the emotions he was experiencing. It was overwhelming because of the way the day had played out.

  When there was no response from her lover or son, Emily turned to look them both in the eyes. It was clear. Both were having issu
es processing everything. It was clear both were overwhelmed. Not saying anything but taking both by the hand, Emily led them away from the bright lights. She led them away from the sounds and smells. There was a small picnic space that was reserved for observing and enjoying the gourmet treats the fair had to offer. If one could call them gourmet.

  “Maybe this wasn’t such a good ideal?” Emily sat on the bench. She wrapped her arm around Tabby, who was snuggled up against her. Nicky was snuggled against his mother. Emily’s long reached allowed for her to place a hand on her son’s shoulder. “There are a lot of people here. There is so much to take in. I just wanted us to have some fun time. And tomorrow, I was going to have the serious talk we all need.”

  Emily leaned her head on her soulmate’s. She sighed heavily. Just when things were turning around for them. At least it seemed Nicky was that much closer to accepting her in his life. That was the most important thing. It was even more important than the reconnection she had experienced with her soulmate.

  Nicky swallowed. There was so much love emanating from Emily. How could he have ever wanted to push her away? Now was not the time to attempt to figure out what he had been thinking. Now was the time to fight for what he needed. And that was normal. At least what most considered normal. He knew from his two adopted older brothers that there was no such thing as normal.

  “I think I want to go on one of the rides.” Nicky tentatively stood. He managed to maintain eye contact with his mom. For that’s how he would begin to refer to Emily. His birth mom would be his momma. It was how Adam and Conrad distinguished between Sam and Abby. “I’ve never been on anything, other than the merry-go-round. They had one when there was that fundraiser.”

  Azure eyes closed. It was a start. As she held her eyes closed, time slowed down to a near crawl. Emily internally cursed herself. Why? Though she hadn’t been in either Tabby or Nicky’s life long, she should have known. She should have realized part of the issue. Middletown was no New York City or Sacramento in terms of population. Still, there were several people here tonight. With the way Nicky had to deal with everyone when he was sick, even a handful of people could be too much for him.