“Enough!” The four women who were pummeling Sally froze. Sarge’s hand left Emily’s shoulder. In that moment, Emily had made a decision. It was something she knew she was capable of. Even if there were four or five against her, she could defeat them all. The only one who gave her pause was Tessa. And it wasn’t because of her physical stature. “Leave my woman alone.”
Tessa hastily stood. She slowly made her way to Emily. “I thought you were the latest flavor for Silly Sally.” The woman towered over her. Not really, but it felt that way. In fact, the height difference wasn’t unlike how Sam was with her. And the eyes were a nice shade of cerulean. Close to the former detective’s, yet not even close as Sam’s were hypnotizing. “What could her bitch possibly do to stop all five of us?”
Something snapped inside of Emily. Was it her being called Sally’s bitch? Was it the fact there were five of them attempting to take out two? Or was it something she had buried deep within? Emily had always been about love and forgiveness. There was also this protective side about her. There was a fighter, even though she was more of a lover.
With the snapping unleashed something Emily only had ever experienced when she was sparring with her uncle. Or the few times she and Abby had taken self-defense classes from Sam. There was a warrior inside of the young woman. It was just something never allowed to see the light of day. And now with the breath of fresh air, she was more than a fighter. She was a demon in disguise.
All it took was one solid punch to Tessa’s nose to bring the tall woman to her knees. Emily elbowed Sarge before she could move. Both her hands came down on each side of Tessa’s neck. The move caused her foe to see stars and have issues breathing. Sarge had recovered only to find she had a face full of Emily’s heel as the therapist executed a perfect roundhouse kick.
Not out for the count, Sarge was dazed and stunned. Two of the ones attempting to take out Sally were now headed towards Emily. Before Sarge could move, Emily hit the back of her neck. It caused the guard to succumb to blackness. Tessa groaned on the ground, but could not move. It took forever for the two women to come at her. In move out of a movie, Emily leapt into the air. Her momentum caused her to land one fist on the top of one woman’s head while her heel made contact with the other woman’s.
Sally had managed to recover and had taken out the final woman. Though the dark-skinned woman was bruised and bloodied, she managed to limp to where Emily was standing. She shook her head. “Well, you’ve succeeded and you’ve failed.” Emily tilted her head in question. “You failed at becoming my sweet Em. But you’ve succeeded in becoming the new empress of the prison. I hope you are prepared for that.”
Her cellmate was still shaking her head as she slowly limped towards the exit. It took Emily a moment to realize what had just happened. She was now the ruler of the prison. She had made a greater enemy of Tessa than before. Sarge would now have it in for her. Sally wouldn’t be able to protect her. Would Max be able to? Or was she now going to die in prison? And what of Tabby and Nicky?
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Tabby was frozen in place. For one, the dead weight made it impossible for her to move. For two, she was still uncertain if she was being rescued or if she was in more danger than before this entire situation had begun. And that said something. Aligning herself with Jenny had already placed herself in more danger than she thought was humanly possible. But with Emily in prison, it could lead to her being a target.
There were muffled sounds. Some she recognized as someone running. The others, she wasn’t certain what to make of. In the back of her mind, she was attempting to remember that there were those out there protecting her. While Sierra remained undercover, she would do what she could to keep her friend safe. There were those that worked for the Walker Agency. And there was Max. The other person no one had seen or heard from was Emily’s uncle.
The thought of Mitch coming to her rescue actually helped to calm the young woman’s nerves. Tabby wouldn’t actually be able to relax until she was reunited with Emily. Even being with her son at this point would only help ease the sensations flowing through her body so much. It wasn’t only the physical pain. As a mother, she had a high threshold for pain. Placing the needs of her son above herself.
It was, as always, the most difficult thing for a majority of people to deal with. It was the emotional side of things. It was easy to wait for a broken bone to heal or a cold to finally run its course. But to have one’s fragile heart and soul trampled upon, it took what seemed like forever for the healing process to even begin. With Tabby, it had taken meeting her true soulmate before she could even think of beginning to truly move on. To take a chance on love once again.
The weight on top of her was slowly shifted. Tabby held her breath as she was finally released. Still, she remained on the ground. Still, she waited to discover what The Fates held for her. Had she been saved from a bullet, only to find herself facing death in a more despicable way? Anything was possible. After witnessing the torture Jenny was capable of, she knew there were many ways to die that were worse than a bullet to the head or chest.
“Are you all right, Darlin?” When Tabby finally lifted her head and took in the man standing before, she burst into tears. “Hush.” Mitch had his gun raised, uncertain if he’d scared away those who had attempted to kidnap Tabby. “I’ve already called for backup. There are three dead. But you are alive, Darlin. So is that stubborn niece of mine. And so is your amazing son.” He wanted to tell her to pull herself together, but she had every right to be emotional. Everything she had been through…
At the mention of her soulmate and son, Tabby managed to roll into a sitting position. When she glanced around, there were the three bodies, the one lying next to where she had been pinned to the ground. There were two others tied to trees and gagged. Her skin felt tight as the blood was now quickly drying. The hot summer breeze was seeing to that.
“Do you know who was behind this?” Tabby was grateful for the assistance offered by Mitch. Though she wasn’t physically harmed, outside of being sore from the weight falling on her, she remained emotionally shaken. Emerald eyes closed for the longest of moments as she gathered her mental equilibrium. It wasn’t as easy as maintaining one’s physical equilibrium she was quickly learning.
“I know.” Mitch continued to support Tabby with his free hand, even after she was standing. She was a strong young woman, but had been through more than an average person should live through in several lifetimes. “And the bitch is going to pay. But not today, I’m afraid. But she’s crossed the wrong person. And for the final time.”
Tabby’s head whipped around. The words could be taken as a threat. And in a way, she couldn’t blame Mitch. But was this continued violence the way? When would it end? Jenny had learned the way of violence. Her sons had as well. Even when one stepped outside the family, violence had been the way he had attempted to stop his mother. And Wild Bill. And Anthony. It was this continued violence. Where was it to end?
“Emily wouldn’t like…” Tabby trailed off when she took in the look in Mitch’s eyes. He was not the man who had rescued her not that long ago. Either he had changed since she’d seen him last or he had reverted to his old ways. Either way, she wasn’t certain what to say or do. Of course Emily wouldn’t want this continued violence. But she also wanted her family safe and worry free. If that last part could ever truly happen.
Before either could respond, there was the noise of someone traipsing through the woods. Mitch shook his head in disbelief. He’d never radioed that everything was all clear. Who were the imbeciles making such a racket? If he hadn’t secured Tabby and the area, who knows what would have happened to his niece-in-law. Since whoever was making their way through the forest with such noise, the bounty hunter decided it best to holster his weapon.
It wasn’t like he wasn’t a walking weapon. In some ways, Mitch was more dangerous without a gun or knife in his hand. It was a way in which he was quite a bit like Sam. If his niece allowed it,
Emily was also a walking weapon. She’d just never been given the inclination to do so. Had Helen lived, perhaps she would have. Now that she was in prison, her own choice, he hoped she wouldn’t have to rely on those skills.
When it was Frank Mathews who was the first to make it to the small clearing, Mitch nearly groaned audibly. The man was on the take. Max had informed him, not that he’d needed to be. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that a majority of the police force and city officials were under someone’s thumb. But who’s? That was the question. One that Mitch was determined to discover the answer to. No matter the cost.
“Seems you’ve been a busy boy.” Frank spoke into his walkie talkie. It wasn’t long before the rest of the motley crew was arriving on scene. There was one familiar figure. Mitch managed to hide the surprise from his face. “Guess you were saving on paperwork by instead needing body bags.” Now there was a growl that escaped Mitch. Frank didn’t know much about the man, other than he was Emily’s uncle. It would be fun to push his buttons. As fun as it had been to push Emily’s.
“Don’t push me, Mathews.” Mitch was now holding his niece-in-law. Tabby was shaking. He knew he had to get her away from this. The scene of more violence. The scene of more death. And it could be a reminder of what Emily was facing in prison. “I have friends you don’t even know about. And beyond that, I am a man who can handle my own. Unlike someone we both know who needs to have his hand held.”
Frank’s hand went to his gun. It didn’t matter that some of the officers with him were not on the take like he was. If he needed to prove what a man he was, meaning a dirty cop, that could be arranged. The only thing keeping him from pulling his weapon? The fact his employer wouldn’t like it. There was no way he would survive to enjoy the money he had put aside. Sometimes he wondered if he would as he’d seen the face of the devil.
When he saw Frank’s hand slowly navigate away from his weapon, Mitch smiled. It wasn’t a friendly kind of smile. Had Tabby been looking at him, she would have been terrified. “Wise choice. For whatever reason you made it. Now, do you want to know who is behind this? I’d say your boss would be interested. The one who isn’t working for the City of Middletown.” Once again, the detective’s hand was making its way for his gun.
The squawking of his walkie talkie was the only thing refraining Frank from making the bounty hunter eat his words. And he could always get rid of Tabby in the process. But was that what his true boss wanted? “I told you the location. I need someone to escort the witness and the victim to the station. I’ll allow my partner to handle them while I take care of things here.” When Frank glanced at Mitch, he knew. The bounty hunter had won. He had to allow him to or he’d be the one who was under arrest. “I’ll see you later.”
“You’ll see me in your worst nightmares.” Mitch glared at the man. Even though he was a cocky man, Frank visibly swallowed. It was a threat. Without being a threat. Those were the best kind. “I’m sorry about that Darlin.” They were several feet away from the officer. “I wish I could have made it here sooner. There was damned weather in Los Angeles. Some huge fog not allowing any planes to take off.” Tabby only nodded absently. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
When either of the officers who had made it to them was to say anything, Mitch gave them each an evil grin. It was as if the man was death himself. “I know how to take care of evidence. If you’d send a female officer with us, we can have her collect the bloodstained clothing. Tabby can take a shower. And then we can be escorted to the station. If you have any issues, call Charlie, not Frank.”
When the two officers merely stood in their way, Mitch once again was giving them a look only Hades himself could manage. “I’m tired. I’m sore. I’ve killed, which I hate. My family isn’t safe and this little lady here has been through hell. Her soulmate is in prison and her son is still recovering from a serious illness. Do you want me to knock your heads together or do you want to get the Tartarus out of our way?”
A path finally cleared for Mitch and Tabby. The bounty hunter continued to hold his charge until they made it to his motorcycle. He wished he had his truck, but maneuvering in the woods was so much easier on the two-wheeled machine. “I’m sorry about the mode of transportation. But hold on tight and you won’t fall. The same can be said of Emily, you know.” When their eyes met, Tabby finally managed a meek smile.
In that moment, Mitch knew his charge would be all right. Facing all that she had already made her more than all right. She was a survivor, if nothing else. He was proud to call her family. As she gripped him tight, he was also glad that he had come back into the land of the actual living just when Emily had needed him the most. It was gifting him with both good and horrible things. But so far, Emily, Tabby and Nicky were the greatest gifts he could ever receive.
It wasn’t shocking that Melissa was awaiting them after the short trek from the woods to the bed and breakfast. The fact Nicky was absent was something Tabby was grateful for. The innkeeper maintained her distance. Being the mother of a detective had taught her many things over the years. Sadly, how to handle evidence was one of the most painful. “You go and have your shower. I’ll have coffee waiting for everyone. Including you nice officers. They’ll be in to-go cups so no arguments.”
The two officers were well-aware of who Melissa was. They knew she was even more formidable than her daughter. There was no arguing with her. So in tandem, both officers saluted and said, “Thank you Ma’am.” Melissa shook her head before making her way into the kitchen. Her mind was once again itching to call her daughters. Something wasn’t right with Sam and Abby. No contact in such a long time had her worried, especially with Miss Alex crawling all over the place.
“I’ll be right back.” Before the female officer could say anything, Tabby motioned to her. “Let’s get the part of you taking whatever evidence you need from me over with.” The officer merely nodded her redhead. Tabby felt like she was being violated as the officer took pictures, both before and after she was dressed. The fact there would be naked pictures of her out there…
“I’ll be down as soon as I can. Thank you for being patient with me.” The redheaded officer smiled shyly before she left Tabby alone. Instead of making her way to the shower, Tabby picked up her phone. She chose the photos section. She needed something. If she couldn’t touch or hear Emily, she at least needed to see her better half. She needed to see the smile that caused her to smile.
While she could imagine the touches and the tastes associated with her soulmate, Tabby knew she wouldn’t be completely all right until she and Emily were reunited. And not just for the short time they had been. While making love and holding one another had been heavenly, it had been fleeting. Tabby wanted the forever. She wanted the ring on her finger. She wanted eternity. She wanted to express her love in front of their friends and family.
Emerald eyes closed as Tabby imagined what it was like to be held. Emily was so gentle with her. While there was always a passion with them when they made the love, there was something else. It was…It was difficult to put into words. Perhaps the best word to describe how Emily always treated her was reverence.
It was as if Emily knew there was nothing like what they shared. There was nothing like what they were building with one another. And while they had both briefly forgotten that and were still attempting to make it back to where they once were, they would always treat one another with reverence. Like there was no one else on earth that could ever come close to taking them away.
The only one close was little Nicky. And that was only because any child was as important to a relationship as the love shared between two people. Whether by blood or adoption, the child was a product of their love. That child was the cornerstone of their relationship and therefore what made it as strong or as weak as it was. In their case, it was now stronger than ever. Because Nicky finally realized what he’d be missing if Emily wasn’t in his life.
Tabby finally awoke from her daydream. She placed her phone back on t
he charger before making her way into the shower. While she had promised to make quick work of cleansing her body, if not her soul, she couldn’t help but take her time. Soon, she would have to give samples of blood. And after so many days, she would once again. While the man who had been shot would be tested, there was now the chance Tabby had been exposed to some kind of blood disease.
Here they were all over again. Hadn’t they just overcome the fact Helen had lied about being HIV positive? Or at least having possibly passed it on to Tabby? Once again, the nurse found herself wondering what would happen if she would test positive for any disease, not just HIV. Emily loved her, of that there was no doubt. And they both had expressed not caring if the other was positive.
But still, it would affect Emily, Nicky and the entire Walker clan. Tabby quickly shoved those thoughts aside. After all, there was nothing she could do until they knew once again for certain. Why continue to worry and become upset with every ‘what if’ that came their way? Because that’s how much she loved Emily and never wanted to cause her harm in anyway. Even if it was through no fault of her own.
The spray of the water felt amazing. Tabby couldn’t help but think of the conditions Emily must be facing. Or did she want to think about that? What if someone were attempting to mistreat her? She knew Emily could take care of herself, even if she chose not to use that part of herself. But there was always someone out there that was better than you. It was a fact of life. Someone was always better.
The coolness Tabby felt wasn’t entirely from the lack of warm water spraying upon her. It was from the fear that was overtaking her. There was nothing she could do. The nurse would have to hope and pray to whatever powers that existed that Emily would be all right. That Max could follow through on her promise. Which was to protect both of them. And yet, if it wasn’t for Mitch, that promise already would have been shattered into a million and one pieces.
Long blonde locks were wrapped in a towel as the petite body was hugged by the terrycloth robe. Even with the layers on her skin, Tabby continued to feel chilled. It took her a moment to realize it wasn’t the breeze from the open bathroom door that was causing the nurse to be so chilled. The sliding glass door was open. The shadow that was emanating from the same direction had her even more chilled.
Distance of the Heart Page 28
