Distance of the Heart

by Agnes H Hagadus

  As Emily was waiting for the RV to fill up, a voice startled her. “You are a pretty little thing.” The therapist turned around to find herself staring up at a man who had to be nearly seven feet tall. The fact he was also nearing three hundred pounds caused her to swallow. It wasn’t exactly out of fear. But fear was definitely causing her to want to stop the gas pump and jump in the RV, forgetting about the change and coffee she had been craving.

  “It’s a shame you are all by yourself. Why don’t you join me?” The man reached out to touch blonde locks. Emily quickly took a step back. “I’m not gonna hurt you little girl. I just wanted to offer you a good time. Is that such a bad thing?” Emily didn’t hesitate. She reached for the extendable club. With one smooth motion, she had the metal club fully extended. “Why is it all blondes are either stupid bitches or ungrateful?”

  “Or maybe it’s men like you that give all men a bad name.” The man whirled around to find a gun pointed in his face. There was a tin badge pinned to the woman’s uniform. “Earl, how many times have I told you to leave the ladies alone?” The woman motioned with her gun. “Now get back in your truck.” When Earl appeared to want to say something, the woman in uniform hastily added. “Or I could always arrest you for disturbing the peace. Or even called your adoring wife and let her know what you are up to while away. Now get along. You have a schedule to maintain, if I’m not mistaken.”

  The tall man growled low in his throat before finally moving towards the many semi-trucks parked not far away. The woman in uniform watched him go before turning her attention to the tall blonde. “Sorry if I stepped in. You appear as if you can take care of yourself.” The woman with a badge nodded at the metal club in Emily’s hand. The therapist hastily retracted it before returning it to the hidden spot on her right hip. “I was watching you inside. The form fit of your black clothes attracts the wrong kind of element in these parts.”

  The accent was noticeable. But then the fact they were in North Carolina, one would expect some kind of accent compared to what some would say Emily’s Yankee drawl. “Thank you. I don’t normally dress this way.” Emily shrugged at the questioning look. There was no way she would be able to come up with a believable explanation. She decided it would be best to say as little as possible. “I’m heading back north. It’s going to be a long drive by myself. In fact, I think I’ll get a coffee before moving on. Again, thank you, Officer.”

  “I’m actually the Sheriff of these here parts.” Emily glanced at the badge. Sheriff Smitty. How unoriginal for a last name. And yet, for some reason, it seemed to fit the petite, grey-haired woman. “I’d suggest you take it to the main roads if you are to continue traveling alone. There are still too many like Earl out there in the world. Even though I know you can take care of yourself.” Sheriff Smitty bowed her head before turning to go. She’d done what she was there for. Which was to protect women from unwanted advances from the likes of Earl.

  “I can take care of myself.” Emily’s voice startled the sheriff into turning to face the leggy blonde. “But I’ve learned from good people that there is nothing wrong with asking for or receiving help. It doesn’t matter the situation. I’ll be grateful for watching out, not just for me, but any woman who Earl may have subjected himself to. Keep up the amazing work.” It was Emily’s turn to nod in salute to the sheriff.

  Something washed over the sheriff’s face before it was replaced by the stoic look Emily was so accustomed to. It was one she saw from Sam, Mitch and Max a majority of the time. Even Jarod had it down. Not as well as Sam. But then, no one could pull off the stoic façade as well as the former SVU detective was capable of. It wasn’t long before the sheriff disappeared back into the store.

  The fact the gas pump had clicked off was something Emily hadn’t even realized. She replaced the handle before covering the gas tank once again. After a quick trip to the rest room to freshen up, as well as buying coffee, water and some snacks for the road, Emily was once again behind the wheel of the monstrous RV. It wasn’t long before North Carolina was a distant memory. If Emily could push, she could make it back to Middletown in two days. But she would have to stop and rest. She would have to stop and take care of her soulmate.

  It was nearly three in the morning when Emily finally decided to call it a night, reluctantly. The caffeine wasn’t working. Neither was having the window open, allowing in the coolish night air. Already, the air was changing. It was still more humid than she was accustomed to. But it was becoming more like home.

  No. Home was the woman lying on the bed in pain. Emily decided it would be best to remain somewhere somewhat public, but didn’t want to chance a motel room. The therapist drove to the nearest all-night big chain grocery store. It would give her access to medical supplies, should she need them. And even if not busy, there would be enough people if something were to happen to once again attract the wrong element.

  Emily made certain the windows and door were secured before cautiously sitting on the edge of the bed. The contented purr caught her attention first. “I’m going to have to get you some food, aren’t I Midnight?” At the use of the kitten’s name, the tiny black head turned to look into azure eyes. The eyes were nearly the same color. “You’ve stolen my heart. Just like your mommy did a long time ago.”

  While Emily wanted to love on her newest child, she knew her soulmate needed her more. “You behave for a little bit while I tend to your mommy’s wounds.” It was as if Midnight understood the importance of what she had been told. The black kitten made her way to the foot of the bed and proceeded to give herself a good washing. “I’ll need to get you cat litter as well.” Emily watched the furball for several more moments.

  It was a way of stalling. Her natural instincts were to love. To take care of others. It was part of the reason she had become a nurse. It was why she had chosen to study to be a therapist. If she maintained her credentials, she could help to heal a person, both physically and mentally. It was appealing on so many levels.

  And yet, when it was the person that mattered most to you, it was difficult to see the pain. Whether it was staring into pain-filled eyes or if it was seeing a body that had been abused, either way the pain was as great as if it had been inflicted on one’s self instead of your soulmate. Emily shoved those thoughts aside. Tabby had needed rescuing. Now she needed tending to. And beyond just loving and being with her.

  Emily removed the soiled clothes, if one could call what Tabby was dressed in clothing. Not trusting the water in the tanks, the therapist used the water she had purchased from the truck stop. Tabby moaned at the coolness before she attempted to roll onto her side. “Oh no you don’t, Sexy. You need your wounds tended to.”

  It was a struggle. Partially because Tabby fought her nearly every step of the way. Partially because each touch caused a moan or flinch. It was hard on Emily’s soul. But it had to be done. The spots in which her soulmate had been Tasered were the ones most difficult to treat. They had to be treated as electrical burns and the therapist didn’t have the proper means. Would the store have them?

  As Tabby stretched, she wrapped her arms around Emily, pulling her lover tight. At first, Emily resisted. For one, her soulmate was undressed. For two, the therapist wanted to purchase new clothing for herself and her lover. She needed to purchase more food, water and supplies for the kitten. But there was this pull. It was as if Emily had only thought she had been tired. She’d never felt anything like it. This need to sleep. But more so, to join her soulmate in the Realm of Morpheus.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Emily had managed to get some food down her soulmate before taking to the road once again. Midnight was a constant companion. It was as if the kitten was Tabby’s personal protector. For that, the therapist was grateful. Not that Midnight could do much other than claw and bite someone. Sometimes, that was all one needed to do. Needed to scratch, claw and chew one’s way to the top.

  Or if not the top, at least for a happily ever after. That was what Emily n
eeded now. She needed a happily ever after. There were so many things that had to fall into place before that could happen. One, Tabby needed to recover from being tortured the way she had been. Two, Nicky had to hopefully forgive her for once again causing harm to his mommy. Three, everyone involved in her prison stint needed providing for. In the Sarge’s case, it was a matter of keeping her true identity a secret. In Sally’s case, it was having her case reopened with Rachael’s help. Then there was Tessa.

  Tessa was the most complicated. It wasn’t even murdering a police officer, even though that was more than enough to complicate matters. It was the fact the woman who had acted so proud and tough was actually terrified of whoever had paid her to make Emily slip. To cause the therapist to do something where she would wind up behind bars for a very long time. Luckily, it hadn’t worked, but still.

  After having traveled for another four hours, Emily decided it was time to secure much needed supplies. As she made her way up and down the aisle ways of the massive store, she couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened had it not been Sarge who had aided with the fight. It was partially why the FBI agent was there. But there was more to it than that. If anyone else had been on the take and witnessed the fight, Emily could have been sentenced to some prison time. Even though Max had arranged for it, certain things can’t be overlooked.

  The therapist had become so engrained in her thoughts the shopping cart hitting hers startled her. The person standing there was the last person she thought she would see. Emily wondered how she had been tracked. Her cellphone had been left in Middletown. As far as she knew, there was no way of tracking her. Emily stared at the man who at one time had given her best friend and her wife such a difficult time.

  “Before you ask, Mom sent me.” Emily nearly burst into laughter at the thought. Robert raised his eyebrow. He understood the amused look on Emily’s faced. It was well-known that everyone did what Melissa wanted. Even the strong and defiant Sam. But then they had a special bond. The eldest of the Walker children was a principal at the elementary school and the last one the therapist thought she would see. “Max placed a little something in that club she gave you. It’s how I knew where you’d be.”

  The thought of Max and Melissa insisting she wasn’t on her own was touching. Emily wouldn’t expect any less. However, sending Robert was more than surprising. “No offense, but I’m surprised Kera allowed for you to be gone. Isn’t this vacation time for you both?”

  It was meant to ease the tension of the moment. And the shock of seeing the principal there. Robert understood. He hadn’t always been the most understanding man in the world. In fact, there was a certain act he would regret with his dying breath. Even if his mother and sister had forgiven him. More importantly, his wife and daughter had. “Everyone else was busy saving the world.”

  The laughter could not be contained. Emily swatted her friend on the arm. “Well, I’m glad someone is here. But I don’t want to place you or anyone else in further danger. And I know, being a Walker places you in some kind of danger.” Robert merely stood mute. He was waiting to see what the therapist’s plan was. “I need to gather a few things. Unless you brought them.” Robert shook his head. “Let me guess. Flight to the nearest city followed by a taxi ride.”

  “That was one expensive taxi ride.” Robert followed as his friend began walking once again. “But well worth it.” When they paused at the pet supply department, Robert couldn’t help but ask. “Did you do more than rescue Tabby?” He watched as Emily piled cat litter and food into the cart. There was also a litter pan and a few other essentials. It added up to an unusual grocery list. But then, the situation wasn’t exactly commonplace.

  Though it was now past noon and the sun was shining, Emily remained cautious as they made their way to the RV. Robert held open the door and followed his friend into the house on wheels. “I’ve always wanted to drive one of these. Why don’t I do just that while you tend to Tabby.” He’d heard the moans the moment they had entered. It broke his heart knowing the woman had been mistreated. He only hoped it wasn’t what everyone was fearing. That his sister was once again behind it.

  “I’d appreciate that.” Robert nodded in response. It didn’t matter who was behind everything. What mattered was the fact both Tabby and Emily were hurting. The only reason he wished it wasn’t Sam and Abby’s fault was because they both blamed themselves for so many things. But what they sometimes failed to realize was how many people would be so much worse off if they hadn’t been in their lives. These thoughts plagued the principal as he slowly eased the RV into gear.

  Though Emily knew Robert would respect their privacy, the therapist closed the curtain to the bed area. Midnight greeted her by rubbing against her arm. “You only want some food.” Instantly, the kitten began to purr. “I don’t blame you. It’s been a long night.” Physically that was true. But emotionally? There was no describing how Emily was feeling at that moment. And she wouldn’t know until all of this was over and she was safe in the arms of love. For eternity.

  It didn’t take long for Emily to sort things out for Midnight. The kitten made quick work of her first meal. Emily cursed herself for not feeding the poor thing sooner. Even though Midnight begged for more, the therapist thought it was better to allow her to digest the first meal. It wasn’t only in about eight hours. As a stray, who knew how long it had been since the little furball had eaten.

  It was time to turn her attention exclusively on her soulmate. Emily hastily changed Tabby into the clothing she had purchased. It was nothing fancy but would keep her lover warm. It was clean and soft. And against the electrical burns, that was the most important thing. The bandages were checked before she was dressed. There wasn’t much to do. Though Tabby required food and water, there was no way Emily was about to wake her.

  Emily crawled into bed. Though she had only slept a few hours, she wasn’t tired. Even when she had Tabby wrapped in her arms, sleep wouldn’t overtake her. There were too many things running through her mind. The fact Tabby had been gone for as long as she had. The fact she wasn’t quite the fighter Emily was. Had she been sexually assaulted? Lena hadn’t exactly seemed the type. And yet, from the very beginning, Emily had known something was not right with the woman.

  Azure eyes closed. Emily still wasn’t tired. Her stomach was rumbling slightly. Soon, she would have to consume something. Though her stomach was making it known she needed food, she didn’t much feel like eating. Keeping up her strength for Tabby and Nicky was the only reason to even attempt anything at the moment.

  Emily glanced around in a near panic until she realized the warmth she felt in abundance was partly Midnight, but mostly it was her soulmate. Even as hungry as her body was, she had somehow managed to fall asleep. The images weren’t pleasant ones. They involved all the things Lena could have possibly done to Tabby. The thoughts caused her to nearly be ill. Somehow, she managed to settle her stomach enough to remain holding her soulmate. “Emily?”

  The voice was so quiet; Emily had thought she had imagined her name being called. “I’m here, Sweetie.” Emily kissed the top of Tabby’s head. “We’re still in the RV. But someone unexpected showed up to help us. Robert is here. He’s driving while you and I rest. Is there anything I can do for you? Is there anything I can get for you?”

  Tabby’s hand went to her head. Emily knew there must be a killer headache brewing in her soulmate’s head. “I’ll be right back with some pain medicine and water. When you’re up to it, we can both attempt to eat something. I even got those saltines you like so much.” Emily never had understood why her lover liked them so much. But they were easy on her stomach and in this case that was a plus.

  It took a moment for Emily to disentangle herself from both Midnight and Tabby. Once again, the kitten curled up next to Tabby in a most protective way. It was cute and adorable. Emily made quick work of retrieving the pain medicine she was glad she had remembered to purchase. There was also the bottled water. How she could use a coffee
. Darn her addiction to coffee. It was horrible. And yet, it didn’t harm anyone.

  It wasn’t easy for Tabby to swallow the two large pills. Her throat felt like the Sahara Desert it was so dry. She slowly drank the water she was offered, even though all she wanted was to down the entire bottle at one time. It was a long time before she could find her voice. “Not sure I can eat anything. Just glad you are here.”

  “I’ll always be here.” Emily once again gently kissed the top of Tabby’s head. “There’s a lot of lessons I’ve been taught the past month or two. One of the most important is that I don’t want to be without you. Ever. I want that family and forever after that Sam and Abby are working towards. I guess what I’m trying to say, not so eloquently, and not the best of places is will you marry me Tabby Smith?”

  There were tears in emerald eyes. If Tabby were honest, only part of them were because of the emotions created by her soulmate. It was what she had always wanted. To find the woman who wanted to be with her. No, who needed to be with her. And that was exactly what she had with Emily. Someone who treated her as equal. Who didn’t take her feelings for granted. Who wasn’t worried if things weren’t ever going to be easy for them.

  In fact, Emily had made it clear. She wasn’t in this relationship for the physical pleasures. Though when they did make love, it was like nothing either had experienced before. What Emily had wanted from the very beginning was a family. While she had that in a way with the Walker clan, it had taken losing her mother and the man she thought of as father to make her realize just how much Nicky and Tabby meant to her.

  And the same could be said for Tabby. The distance that had separated them was a blessing and a curse at the same time. When one is separated, especially from their soulmate, it makes all the small moments they had with one another take on an entirely new meaning. Not that either had ever taken the other for granted. It was a learning curve every couple has to go through.