Especially strangers. That was something Emily could understand. After what Abby and Sam had been through, it had led to her not being as personable. Yes, she continued to flirt. It was part of her nature. But look where that had led her to? She had begun to fight off the advances of someone she never wanted anything to do with. Or was it like that with Lena? Sadly, because of the cook’s duplicity, she might never know.
Without hesitation, Emily was kneeling before her son. She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I should have asked if you wanted to come here.” Nicky smiled. It was the sweet, shy smile she remembered seeing when they first had met. The same sweet, shy smile she had been graced with when she had gifted him the new notebook for school. It had been an attempt to make up for what she had done. It hadn’t been enough. It hadn’t even been a start.
“Thank you. I really do want to try some of the rides.” Nicky placed his fingers inside his lip and bit down. It wasn’t biting his fingernails. It was a nervous habit he had since he had been poked and prodded so much. It had helped ease the pain of the needles. “I just might need you and Momma to hold my hand. Just don’t tell the guys.”
The laughter bubbled up and spilled forth. It was a healing kind of laughter. The one born of stress. The kind that reaches through time and makes everything all right. Or at least certain moments in time. Emily hastily pulled her son into a hug. “Your secret is safe with us.” As she stood, Emily easily pulled Nicky with her. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to do this. You are getting too big to hold.”
It was awkward holding Nicky. He was bigger than Emily had thought. She quickly placed him on the ground. “Now, I suggest we start with something that’s not too fast or high. Ease our way into the ones that are faster. How do you feel about heights and speed?”
Once again, Nicky was gracing Emily with the shy, sweet smile. “Well, I’m not supposed to tell but Adam knows a way to climb on the roof of the bed and breakfast.” The young man paused, waiting for the yelling to begin. When he glanced at his momma and then his mom, he was stunned. Both were sporting matching knowing grins. “You knew, didn’t you?” Nicky shook his head. He didn’t need to be told.
“It’s a mother’s job to know.” Emily stumbled over the word ‘mother’. While she was nearly certain she had earned the right to be called that, she didn’t want to push Nicky. She didn’t want to undo the progress they were slowly making. When she felt the squeeze, she knew that her soulmate agreed with her. But would her son?
“Mom, can we go on the rides now?” Nicky took Emily’s hand in his. Emily nearly broke down right then and there. Somehow, she managed to contain the tears. She knew that later, when she was holding her soulmate in her arms, she would breakdown. For once, they would be happy tears. They would be celebrating finding what she had never thought she would be gifted with.
The family, hand in hand, slowly made their way back to the midway. There were so many rides, even for a small-town fair. Emily was true to her word. They started with the bumper cars and worked their way up to the faster moving rides or the ones that involved heights. There were the ones that included both. As the night wore on, the more fun the trio had.
There was another pair at the fair that evening. Rick was having a grand time with his new boyfriend. What he enjoyed about Middletown was how accepting everyone was. No one judged when they held hands. No one judged when his boyfriend stole a kiss or two. While California was accepting, it was his family that had not been. It had caused him to become the jaded person he had been.
It had caused him to not accept his sister’s lifestyle. And yet, Rick had always known, deep down inside, that he was attracted to men. The first time he had truly known was when he was watching his friends play a game of basketball. It was the movement of the men. Not even the muscles or the bare chests. It was simply watching the male form in motion. It had done something to him.
Something Rick had hidden deep within himself. It had caused him to become a bigot to anyone or anything that was different. It had especially made him hateful towards anyone in the LGBT community. It was sad but true. The passing of his step-father and mother had given him an unknown freedom. Being with his sister and in such a warm and accepting place had allowed him to accept exactly who he was.
“Have you ever been in the tunnel of love?” Rick blushed profusely. “I’ll take that as a no.” The mayor’s aid was nearly five inches shorter than his boyfriend. His brown hair was wavy. His hazel eyes sparkled in the moonlight. If this were only for his personal pleasure, he would truly be happy. Unfortunately for Jasper Thorton, this was pleasure mixed with business.
As they made their way towards the small, makeshift tunnel of love, the happy trio walked by. Nicky was busy eating cotton candy, while the two mothers shared a passionate kiss. Jasper nonchalantly snapped a bunch of pictures. While he knew nothing was incriminating, it was helping setup a timeline. If they couldn’t get to them through Nicky, there were other ways.
It wasn’t even about Emily and Taby. At least not on a personal level for Jasper and for his employer. It was about two people. Who seemed to command a following like no others. Who seemed to do the impossible. To survive the unthinkable. For if it wasn’t for Sam ad Abby, Jasper never would have begun his descent into organized crime.
Jasper wrapped his arm around his lover. Well, his soon-to-be lover. They hadn’t yet consummated their relationship. If it were up to the mayor’s aide, they wouldn’t. At least not until the truth were revealed. And when it was, it could be too late. When the truth was revealed, it would shatter Rick’s world. It would, in turn, shatter Jasper’s.
Then why go through with it? Jasper had been involved in crime. He had been doing things that weren’t what most people would consider above board his entire life. Partly it was because of who his family was. No, they weren’t mobsters or anything even remotely close. In fact, they were the opposite. His father had been a beat cop. His mother had been with the Crime Scene Unit. And his only sibling had been head of the lab for NYPD.
Was rebellion why he had always been in trouble with the law? Jasper felt the breath on his neck. This was what he had dreamed of. It seemed he and Rick simply fit. It was as if they had been made for one another. It made him want to be a better man. But what was a better man? Was it someone who maneuvered within the law? Or was it someone who took care of everything he could, no matter the means?
As they exited the tunnel of love, laughter caught Jasper’s attention. Once again, he was discreetly filming the trio. Once again, he felt a twinge of guilt flood through his body. A family, a true family, was so difficult to come by. Was a little bit of revenge worth destroying that? Were his own selfish gains worth what was so apparently meant to be?
Jasper’s stomach began to roil as they slowly made their way towards the midway. It seemed everywhere they went, Tabby, Emily and Nicky were. One time, Rick would see them. Would he introduce him? Would there be an interaction? As close as Emily was to those in the Walker Agency, he needed to maintain his distance. He needed to remain a hidden boyfriend.
Yet they had already been seen on the streets. Jasper steered his boyfriend to the baseball toss. It was something he had been good at when he was younger. It was something he wanted to do for Rick. When Emily sauntered up next to him, their eyes met. It was clear the leggy blonde was attempting to figure him out. Was it because of what they were going through? Or was it because of Rick?
There were three others that were vying for the ultimate prize. After two tries, both Emily and Jasper had knocked down five out of the six bottles. They both had one more chance to knock them all down to win the big prize. After they had been reset, both took their time. It was Jasper who chose to go first. Once again, he left one standing. Emily was the one who won the grand prize. Jasper wondered if that was foreshadowing or merely coincidence.
Emily handed the overstuffed teddy bear to Nicky. Jasper grasped Rick’s hand. He attempted to lead his boyfriend away from
the trio. Emily whispered something in her soulmate’s ear before she made her way in front of Rick and Jasper. “I’m sorry you didn’t win the big prize.” Emily offered her hand. “But maybe you have. I’m the big lug’s older sister.”
“Older by how long?” Emily’s gaze reluctantly left the stranger. She didn’t even know his name. The fact he worked for the mayor and carried a concealed weapon was enough for her. Even before Sam had informed her of his connection, she had known something wasn’t right with him. Now was the time to confront him.
“It doesn’t matter, little brother. All that matters is the fact that I am older.” Emily wanted to say it gave her the right to protect her brother. To be the one to approve of his relationship. But that wouldn’t go over well. It wouldn’t go over well if the roles were reversed. “And that I want to have a moment here with your new friend.”
Emily was careful of her choice of words. Merely saying ‘boyfriend’ might be too much for Rick. If Rick hadn’t officially come out to her, she didn’t want to make it known she knew. The struggle of acceptance begins with one’s self. It continues with family and friends. And then there’s the world. Unfortunately, the only acceptance one could count on would be the one gained through themselves.
It took a moment for Rick to recover. “Emily, this is my good friend, Jasper. Jasper, this shy young woman is my sister, Emily.” Rick watched as his boyfriend hesitated in taking his sister’s hand. It could be because he was shy. It could be because he was in the closet. But with the way they had been so affectionate, was that the reason for the hesitation? Or was it something more…personal?
Finally, Jasper took Emily’s hand. Her grip was a tad stronger than he had anticipated. Looks could be deceiving. The old saying was very true when it came to the therapist. He wondered what she was after. If it was anyone else, he might think she wanted money. But there was something about Emily that informed him money was the least of her motivators. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“And it’s nice to meet you.” Emily maintained her grip. She led Jasper away from the crowds. It wasn’t until they were a safe distance away that Emily pulled up. She stared into hazel eyes. She had to give Jasper credit. He maintained her gaze. “I’m not going to ask your intentions. I’m not going to tell you to stay away from my brother. What I am going to do is warn you. I might not seem it, but I’m dangerous. Or at least I know people that can be dangerous. You break my brother’s heart; I’ll make certain they find out everything about you. And anyone you should happen to work for.”
Emily took several steps back. When Jasper moved, she noticed the gun. She had been certain he was carrying. But to see it startled her. Especially after the threat she had given. It had been partially a joshing way. But mostly, it had been the truth. It had been a valid threat. “I think I’ve made my point. I really want to be your friend and to see Rick happy. But I’ve been through too much. My friends have been through too much. So, please think before you act. That’s all I’m asking.”
There was only a slight hesitation before Emily made her way towards the midway. It wasn’t long before she was swallowed by the crowd. Jasper attempted to relax. His first instinct had been to reach for his gun. As the lead bodyguard for the mayor, that was a positive thing. But as Rick’s boyfriend, that should be the last thing he should ever do. And yet, it was his first instinct.
“You’re lucky you didn’t play with that piece.” Jasper turned around. His hand was once again on his gun. It disgusted him how easily he went for his weapon. This time he had reason as the barrel of a gun was aimed between his eyes. The man was someone he wasn’t familiar with. He had been expecting Rick’s uncle. But this man was a stranger. “And now it’s time we have a little chat.”
Before either could say or do anything, a gunshot pierced the night. With the sounds coming from the midway, it was difficult to hear. And yet Emily had been close by. She had slowly been making her way back to her family. But something had told her to remain near. Something had told her there just might be trouble.
When Emily made it to where she and Jasper had had their conversation, he was nowhere to be seen. But there was a crumpled body on the ground. Her old nurse’s instincts instantly kicked in. When she carefully rolled the man onto his side, she froze. “Leon?” Emily could see the pain in the man’s eyes. She retrieved her cellphone and dialed nine-one-one.
Emily tore off part of her T-shirt and pressed it against the gaping wound. It was made by a large caliber handgun if she had to guess. It was the kind someone like Jasper would carry. And did carry. The thought caused her to nearly be physically sick. She was nauseous and feeling emotional upheaval. How had the man who had come to her aid in California somehow made it to Middletown?
After calling Tabby to tell her to take Nicky home and the reason why, Emily continued to administer to Leon. A man who instantly had gone from a stranger to a friend. Her mind went over every conversation they had had. While she had told him some things about her, she had never mentioned Middletown specifically. It had always been New York or New York City. Had he followed her?
The next thing she knew; Emily was being roughly grasped by each arm. She was being read her rights as metal handcuffs were being dug into her wrists. It was all becoming too much for her. If it weren’t for images of Nicky and Tabby running through her mind, she wasn’t certain she would be able to cooperate with the police. Even though she knew it was vital for her to prove her innocence.
Charlie watched on as his partner ordered the arrest of Emily. He knew something wasn’t adding up. There was a new stranger in town already meeting with violence. It just happened to be when Emily was in a crowd full of people. And the only ones to give her an alibi would be her soulmate and her son. Not very convincing to some.
There was only one hope now. Charlie retrieved his cellphone. As much as he wanted to disturb Samantha on her honeymoon, he wasn’t about to do that. It was time to bust some heads. It was time to call in someone that had more authority than he ever would. The only thing? Would even the power this person had be enough? Or would Emily go down for crimes she obviously didn’t commit?
Chapter 12
The beeps of the monitors were unfortunately far too familiar to Emily. It wasn’t that long ago she was in her mother’s hospital room. The conversation they had had. It had led to her growing hatred for hospitals. And yet, she was here. She should be with Nicky and Tabby. She knew both were traumatized from the previous evening’s events. And yet, she knew at least Tabby understood why she had to do what she was doing.
And exactly what was Emily doing? She was standing, staring at a stranger. Yet, there was something so familiar about the man. There were his eyes. While they were closer to pale gray than her own blue, it was the twinkle in them. Was it more than that? It was how he had treated her. A stranger who had taken it upon himself to help her, no matter the cost to himself.
“I wish I knew if you were just a great guy or if there was a reason behind your generosity.” Emily slowly made her way to where Leon was lying, fighting for his life. Whoever had shot him had come close to his heart. It reminded her of another such injury. There was a person walking around like a miracle, so it gave her hope that Leon could make it.
It would be touch and go for the next few days, maybe even weeks. Emily pulled the chair near the bed. She took Leon’s hand in hers. It was cold to the touch. It wasn’t surprising. Someone dealing with poor blood circulation was bound to have cold hands. But there was that old saying. Cold hands, warm heart.
“I wish you would wake up. I know Charlie and Amanda have already cleared me of your shooting, but if you saw who it was…” Emily sighed heavily. It wasn’t exactly Charlie and her lawyer that had earned her her freedom. It was a simple test. There had been no gun powder residue. It was yet another way the setup of the former nurse had gone awry.
Or was it yet another distraction? Emily was beginning to wonder if this was about her and Tabby or if this was about Sam
and Abby. She didn’t want to blame her best friend and her wife for everything that had happened as of late. How could they be with Lena still on the loose? Definitely had nothing to do with her parents and the way things had unfolded with them.
But could someone who wanted revenge against Sam and Abby be behind Helen’s murder? Or if not revenge, to distract them from what was happening while on vacation? There hadn’t been much contact with the honeymooning couple the past week or so. It had Emily concerned. And yet, she knew they were more than capable of taking care of themselves.
The only reason it mattered was the method they used in discovering who was behind everything. Emily felt the squeeze of her hand. When she finally removed her gaze from their clasped hands, she fell into pale eyes. There was so much pain there. But there was something else. Was it fear? She didn’t know Leon well enough to even speculate the reason behind the fear.
“Hey there stranger.” Emily leaned in closer. Leon opened and closed his mouth as if attempting to say something. He ran his tongue against dry lips. “I’ll get the nurse. It should be all right for you to at least have ice chips.” When she attempted to stand, the grip on her hand tightened. “I won’t go far, I promise. But unfortunately, there will most likely be cops not far behind.”
Leon managed to shake his head. Reluctantly he released his daughter’s hand. If Emily was here, did she know of their connection? How could she, unless Mitch had finally discovered the truth and confided in his niece. It was a terrifying thought, if only for the rejection he might face. Worse, the anger that Emily could harbor against him.
Not that he could blame her. Leon had kept something major from Emily. It had been for decades, not just the short time she assumed they knew one another. It was a road he knew one day he would have to travel. But he wasn’t ready for it. He definitely wasn’t ready for it physically having just been shot.
Distance of the Heart Page 24
