Forever, Alabama

by Susan Sands

  Richard couldn’t actually do anything to her, could he? No, of course he couldn’t. She was safe. Sabine stepped into the shower and let the hot shower cleanse her worries away.

  “You gonna leave me a little hot water?” Ben’s face peeking inside the shower nearly made Sabine scream bloody murder.

  She threw the bar of soap at him. “You asshole. You scared me to death.”

  “You’ve been in here twenty minutes.”

  “So? I’m not done yet. I’ll let you know when I am.” She pulled the curtain shut.

  He shut the bathroom door. Sabine realized he was used to fighting for the bathroom with his sisters, so he likely did get cold showers pretty often throughout his lifetime. She smiled again. He was also just as likely used to not getting his way all the time.

  They encountered the Bergerons once they’d arrived downstairs on their way out to dinner. “Oh, don’t they look beautiful together?” Mrs. B said to Mr. B.

  “Eh?” Mr. B asked, and adjusted his hearing aid.

  “I said they’re a nice-looking couple,” she nearly yelled.

  “Why, yes they are. You don’t have to blow out my eardrums, dear,” Mr. B answered.

  “Pascal’s has your reservation. It’s about three blocks left out of here toward St. Charles Avenue. If you went the other way, you’d cross Magazine Street and head toward the river.”

  “Thanks so much, Mrs. Bergeron; we appreciate your help,” Ben said.

  “Oh, and dear, you might want to bring a light sweater. The air conditioning in Pascal’s can be a little tricky,” she said to Sabine, who wore a lightweight jersey knit dress with three-quarter length sleeves.

  Sabine nodded. “I’ll run up and get one.” She did tend to get cold in restaurants and hotels. Sabine glanced at Ben. “I’ll be right back.”

  “I have a quick phone call to make, so I’ll meet you outside,” Ben said.

  He walked out the front door and headed toward the parking area the Bergerons had indicated earlier, should they need it. They would need it as a precaution. Ben dialed the number of the car rental.

  He had to let them know they were in town and where to bring the car. Some of the lengths they were going to felt a little silly but, overkill or not, these precautions might make all the difference in how this trip turned out for Sabine.

  “Yes. Please leave the key at the front desk in an envelope with my name on it. Thanks. You have my number; text me in case you need to reach me.” Ben hung up.

  Howard had contacted this company, as they’d used them locally before he’d retired when he’d had official business in the Greater New Orleans area. He said they were trustworthy and discreet.

  Sabine came outside then, and he brought her around to the parking area in back. “I wouldn’t have even known this was here,” she said. “It’s like they have an extra lot just for parking, but it’s made to look like part of the house and landscaping.”

  The driveway curved around back, and it appeared the house was larger on one side than it actually was. But the wall cleverly hid the parking area. It might have been added to trick the city to prevent code violations for the B&B’s business. Parking in this area was so limited and sought after; this solution was nothing short of brilliant. The thick vegetation and tree coverage on the sides and in back helped to hide any odd visual imbalances from the addition of the wall extension.

  “Should be a perfect place to park. I just spoke to the car service, and they will deliver while we’re at dinner.”

  “Sounds good. Are you ready? I’m starving.” As if to punctuate her words, Sabine’s stomach growled noisily at that moment.

  “Well, let’s get you to the restaurant. I’d like to think I helped you work up that appetite.” He grinned at her.

  Sabine blushed. “A real gentleman wouldn’t point that out, you know.”

  “Ah, but it’s so much fun to ruffle your feathers. You always have such a perfectly intact facade. I love it when you go all human and flawed on me.”

  “I’m human and flawed all the time,” Sabine protested.

  “But you’re very buttoned up and proper most of the time. You don’t let your hair down much, or let your ‘freak flag’ fly often. Except where sex is concerned. Then, of course, I consider myself a very lucky man.”

  Sabine sighed as they strolled toward the restaurant hand in hand. “Well, I guess that’s true enough. I’ve always been a somewhat proper person, and worried about embarrassing my parents. Ha! Can you imagine? The whole family has ended up on the evening news. I guess I don’t have to worry about my embarrassing family anymore—my father at least.”

  “I don’t think you could do anything that would bring ruin on anyone.”

  “What if everyone in Ministry finds out who I am?” Sabine asked Ben.

  Ben frowned. “I don’t know. I really don’t. Small towns are fickle sometimes. They judge, but mostly they protect their own. When Steve and Lisa got together, the entire town, I kid you not, pretty much shunned them. I was so hurt and angry that I was okay with that for awhile. But I realized later how unfair it was for an entire population to judge them, in favor of my hurt feelings, and make their lives miserable enough to make them leave their childhood home.”

  “That does sound harsh.”

  “To your point; I don’t know if the town would judge you for keeping secrets and punish you for your father’s or husband’s sins, or pull you in and shun them for trying to hurt you—one of their own. And I don’t know if it’s worth the risk yet to try and sway public opinion to your side because it might backfire.”

  Ben hated to tell Sabine this now, but he’d seen Ministry do some good and do some pretty rotten deeds in mass public opinion.

  “Group mentality is a tough thing. Nobody has to take individual responsibility for the actions of many,” Sabine said. “So, if they hurt someone, no one has to face that alone.”

  “Exactly. Let’s wait and see how this goes before we open all the confession cans of worms,” he agreed.

  Pascal’s Manale, home of world famous barbecue shrimp, sat alongside the lovely homes of Napoleon Avenue. But as soon as one approached, there was no doubt they’d arrived someplace special. The rich buttery aroma likely pulled tourists off the streets day and night. It was completely impossible to resist following one’s nose.

  Inside the restaurant, they were shown to a cozy corner table. They laughed and talked together as if this trip were a romantic getaway instead of what it really was. It proved to be an opportunity for bonding and the two of them learning details about each other’s lives.

  “You did not let mice loose at your sisters’ slumber party.”

  He nodded, grimacing at the memory. “I did. Emma and Maeve both have birthdays in January, and they share a lot of the same friends, so it was a tradition to celebrate together with a noisy, screamy, girl party. Of course, I was too young at the time to appreciate all that that entailed. So, I did what any irritating ten-year-old brother worth his bratty reputation might—I came up with ways to cause mayhem in the hen house.”

  “That was horrible.” But Sabine doubled over with laughter despite her words.

  “I felt sorry for the mice, quite frankly. They didn’t deserve the violence directed their way. They were the true victims in the situation. But I admit I was to blame for any harm that befell them. But, really, they would have likely otherwise been food for reptiles and pet snakes had I not bought them from the pet store.”

  “Oh. I hadn’t thought about that either. Did you have a cat in the house?” Sabine grimaced.

  “Unfortunately for the poor creatures, we did.” He shuddered. “An abysmally thought-out decision all around. I was grounded and put into my sisters’ servitude for two weeks. My mom knew how to teach an effective lesson.”

  “I had cats too. James was abusive to them, so I had to keep them mostly locked in my room.”

  “He sounds like a real charmer.”

  Sabine rolled her eyes.
“He’s the same as when he was a child, only full-grown and good-looking enough to charm men and women into believing the things he tells them. He has zero conscience. But looking at him, you would never know. I feel sorry for anyone who gets mixed up with him.”

  “What’s he involved in?” Ben asked.

  “Who knows? Whatever he can get away with, most likely. Whatever pays the most money. Some legal and some illegal things. I know he’s been on my dad’s payroll since college. He doesn’t really have an official job title that I know of, but then, I really try to stay as far away from James as possible. He only comes around when he wants to stir up trouble or my dad sends him as a messenger.”

  “Too bad. Family is important.”

  “He’s not my family—not in any real way. He doesn’t feel love or genuine emotions. He’s not capable, unfortunately. He’s like a cold-blooded reptile. Best not to forget that.”

  “Good to know. What about Rachel?”

  “Rachel is great. She and I are very different, but we’re close. She took our dad’s fall from grace very hard. Rachel was a daddy’s girl. She had blinders on when it came to him. She didn’t see it coming, and didn’t want to believe the charges and accusations, even when it was obvious they were legitimate.”

  “That makes it so much harder. The denial. I deal with it every day. Even when I’m defending a client of charges, it helps when the family understands the possibility of at least some of the charges sticking. Often, there is some wrongdoing or a degree of guilt that brings a case to court. Especially in family court. It’s rare that one party is at zero fault.”

  “We certainly deal with two sides of the same coin don’t we?” Sabine mused.

  “Yep. I think it’s why we understand each other so well. The burdens of others we carry affect us.”

  “And our own—burdens.”

  “Those too.”

  “I’m considering adopting a cat once I get settled. Do you have an issue with that?” Sabine grinned at him.

  “None, whatsoever. I actually have a few feral rescue cats in my barn that I feed. They mostly handle the rats and other vermin, but they stay warm and dry. I have to warn you though; I’m a dog person. How would you feel about a big, lopey coon hound, or maybe a retriever? My sister, Emma has one named Big Al and he’s the best dog ever.”

  “I’m familiar with Big Al and, yes, he’s a love, but he’s really big. I mean, I’ve seen him take Emma down, right off her high heels onto the floor.”

  Ben laughed. “Yep, that’s Big Al for you. Emma allows him a bit too much exuberance, if you ask me but, heck, she’s got to live with him. Well, I guess Matthew’s got to live with him now too.”

  “Matthew’s a good guy, and he seems to get along fine with Big Al.” Sabine hadn’t been around them a lot, but she’d seem them together walking the oversized blonde pup around town.

  “You’re welcome to come and meet my barn kitties any time,” he said.

  Sabine was interested in the fact that Ben housed feral cats. “Barn cats, huh? I’m not familiar with that concept, but I guess I could go by and check them out.” The idea that Ben rescued cats just added a tiny bit of soft padding to her already dopey feelings she was currently feeling during this discussion of their future animals.

  “You dodged and avoided my dog question. Would you consider having a dog?”

  Sabine thought for a moment on how to answer. “Dogs intimidate me just a little because they expect so much from their people all the time. I mean, there’s no downtime with dogs. They’re on a hundred percent besides when they sleep. They want to be fed, they want to play, or be held or petted.”

  “Uh, huh. Who else does that sound like?” Ben’s expression made her face turn beet red.

  Sabine was horrified that she’d just loosely described how full-time and needy children would be. “Oh. I didn’t mean—well, this is embarrassing. You think I’m really afraid of putting that kind of time and effort into the commitment of having children. But I’m not, you see. I want children above all things.”

  “You do?” Ben’s smile could have lit the entire room.

  She nodded, but then her expression turned serious. “Do you?”

  “More than anything. I want everyday, mundane homework, playtime at the park. I know it’s what I want because I’ve been the outsider uncle helping out with it for a long time now. I’m ready to have it for myself. It’s not especially sexy, I know, and who would have thought a single guy like me just wanted to be not single and saddled with a couple kids and a wife?”

  Sabine laughed then. “I really had no idea this was your dream above all things. When I met you, I would have said you were living it then.”

  “Sabine, you have to know I’m crazy about you, and I want us to work so badly.”

  “I’m having pretty dreamy thoughts right now about you too, Ben. But, let’s get through this trip before we make any life-changing decisions, okay? It’s so much to think about and I don’t want to hex the divorce with—” How could she say it?

  “With my getting down on one knee before you’re free to accept?” Ben’s eyes sparkled.

  She realized he was serious in his intentions then. He really wanted to make a future and have a family together. But there were issues before them. More than he even realized.

  “Hold that thought. Don’t change your mind, okay?”

  He grabbed her hands across the table. “Sabine, I’m not changing my mind.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Their lovemaking that night was slow and intentional—a passionate joining of two souls who planned to make a lifetime commitment savored; quiet and unrushed, they lingered, finding the other’s sweet spots and sighs.

  This morning, Ben understood Sabine’s nerves and her solemn demeanor. Richard once held her hopes and dreams in his hands, and he’d broken her heart. What he’d done required far more expletives, as far as Ben was concerned, but he’d leave it at that. The man was a pure asshole and Sabine deserved nothing less than a clean break. They were meeting at a local coffee shop. Sabine had refused to go to the house she shared with Richard, or his law office, for that matter. Richard hadn’t liked that she was being difficult, but at least she would be out in public, and not on his turf.

  And Sabine had insisted it be just the two of them without Richard’s lawyers. After all, fair was fair. Since, so far as he knew, she didn’t have one with her representing her interests—at his insistence. That had been one of the details Richard laid out initially for him to agree to even discuss divorce. She’d agreed, but Ben wished she hadn’t. He was so relieved to have Lisa and Steve within reach.

  “You ready to wire up?” Ben asked Sabine when she came out of the bathroom where she’d just brushed her teeth.

  She smiled at him. “I guess so.” She untied the bathrobe to reveal matching undies.

  “Wow, this is going to be harder than I thought.” He grinned, separating out the wires and earpieces Howard had so kindly provided.

  “Are you sure he won’t see this stuff through my clothes?” she asked, biting her lip.

  “Not if we do it right. Howard was very specific about placement and taping things down just so.” Ben gently placed the wires across her milky skin and just under her bra. They were beige, so they didn’t show when she put on her blouse. She’d chosen a loose, button-up shirt that tucked into a trim skirt, so it was a perfect foil for what was going on underneath.

  “Oh, that’s not too bad. A little itchy, but I’ll get used to it, I guess.”

  “Now, for the ear bud.” He handed her the tiny flesh-colored ear piece. It was nearly undetectable, even without her thick hair lying on top.

  “Will it fall out?” she asked.

  “It shouldn’t. Shake your head to be sure. There’s one a bit larger if that one is too small.”

  “No, this one’s good, I think.”

  They worked on getting wired up for another fifteen minutes or so. Ben had his own equipment ready. He’d
stopped by Lisa and Steve’s place right after the stop at Mom and Howard’s house, so they should be up and running anytime now. The trick would be not answering them if Sabine was nearby. Their earpiece would be in his other ear. Tricky stuff.

  “All set?” Ben asked Sabine.

  “I think so. I feel much more confident knowing you’ll be right there with me. I hope he buys it that you’re my driver and not my sexy man candy.”

  “I’ll do my best to stay in my place and mind my manners, ma’am.”

  They arrived at the Mojo Coffee House on Magazine Street at eleven sharp. Ben was dressed in basic black trousers, starched white dress shirt, black jacket, and of course, a driving cap. Sabine had agreed the more official he appeared, the more believable he’d come across. He also sported a tie pin that doubled as a camera and microphone with recorder, should it be necessary.

  Ben opened the door for Sabine, took her hand, and properly helped her out of the car. He’d parked alongside the curb just across the street, which was a near-miracle since parking in this area had proven to be a hellish nightmare, especially for a car this size. He’d circled the block four times before a spot opened up.

  “Do I look normal?” Sabine fussed with her hair near her ears.

  “I can’t see the earpiece or wires, if that’s what you’re asking. You look stunning, by the way. Can you hear my voice in your ear?”

  “Thank you, and yes. You?”

  “Loud and clear.”

  He helped her up onto the curb, since her shoes had a small heel, and if she wasn’t careful, would get stuck in any one of the many wide cracks and craters in the old, crumbling sidewalk. Clearly, infrastructure wasn’t something this city spent its tourist dollars on. Perhaps the potholes and patina in places where a fresh coat of paint might have prevented wood rot, was considered part of the charm.

  The bells attached to the door jingled when Ben opened it for her to precede him. He entered a respectable distance behind her. The walls were papered a deep red, while the floors were a dark, scuffed oak. The coffee bar was solid wood paneling painted a dark green and topped with an ancient planked oak. It smelled of history and coffee.