Family Affairs

by Pamela G Hobbs

  “Oh no. God, please no . . . He found me. He found me. I thought it was over. Oh, God, no. No. No.”

  “Mum!” Dev yelled out to the kitchen. “Caro! Get in here, quick.”

  He carefully manoeuvred Frankie towards the large den chair, an oversized old-fashioned rocker, and sat her down. Briskly, he rubbed her arms as she shook with what he assumed was both cold and shock. She seemed to be having another panic attack and he was really glad his parents and sister were here to help this time.

  Jo, Caro, Patrick and Toby came charging through the door.

  “What? What’s wrong?” Caro took one look at Frankie, white as a sheet, and went into mum mode. “Dad, get Frankie some brandy. Mum, grab some blankets from the living room. Toby, find a face cloth in the bathroom, run it under cool water and bring it straight back here.” She elbowed her way past Dev as the others jumped into action. She knelt beside Frankie and wrapped her arms around the shaking woman. “Hush, sweetie, everything’s going to be okay now. Everything’s okay now. We’re all here with you and no one’s going to get you.” She gently rocked Frankie back and forth in the age-old way of comforting a child.

  Dev looked on helplessly, raking a hand through his untidy hair. “Will somebody tell me what the fuck is going on here? Jesus Christ! Caro. What’s happening? Who isn’t going to get her?”

  With Frankie’s head cradled against her shoulder, Caro turned towards her brother. “She hasn’t told you?”

  “Told me what, for Christ’s sake?”

  “Shh. Take it easy. I can’t believe she hasn’t told you about the stalker.”

  “Stalker? What stalker? Jesus, Caro, what’s this about?” Dev swivelled round and bent towards the laptop. “Is there something on here? Where? Who is this stalker?” Dev scrolled down the mail, not even knowing what he was looking for.

  Frankie raised her head from Caro’s shoulder as both Jo and Patrick returned with the blanket and brandy. She was wrapped in the chenille throw and handed a glass half full of Patrick’s best cognac. Toby arrived with the cloth and passed it to Jo to administer to Frankie, pressing the damp cloth to her clammy forehead.

  Frustrated, Dev turned from the computer and crouched down in front of Frankie. He gripped her hands in his own and spoke directly to her. “Babe, you have to talk to me now. Look at me.”

  She raised blank, dull eyes to his. The fear he read there chilled him to the bone.

  “Give me a name, anything. Show me where to look. Frankie, please, concentrate. Talk to me.”

  Caro was kneeling by the laptop ready to open whatever mail Frankie mentioned. She looked over her shoulder at her friend, waiting.

  “Open Jinx. He calls himself Jinx.” Her voice cracked.

  Caro quickly located the email and clicked on it. “Oh, dear God.” She scanned the words in front of her and turned towards the others. “Here, read this.” She angled the screen away from Frankie.

  “No. Don’t. I need to know what it says, too.” She took her hands from Dev’s and levered herself from the chair.

  There was silence as the gathered group read the email in question:

  BITCH BITCH BITCH. YOU CONTINUE TO PISS ME OFF. EVERYONE THINKS YOU’RE QUEEN OF THE WORLD BUT YOU AND I KNOW DIFFERENT. YOU’RE THE SELFISH BITCH. I KNOW WHERE YOU ARE NOW SO IT’S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME.

  There were various gasps as each of the Fitzgeralds read the note.

  Dev was the first to react and swung round to Frankie. “Right. Enough of this crap. Sit down,” he ordered, manoeuvring her back to the chair. “Now, start at the beginning and don’t stop till we all know what the hell is going on.”

  Frankie inclined her head slightly towards the youngest member of the family. Dev put his hand on Toby’s shoulder.

  “Tobias, go put the kettle on and make some seriously strong coffee. Add a drop of this brandy to each mug.” He handed his nephew the bottle and pushed him gently towards the kitchen.

  For once, Toby didn’t quarrel. He was scared and was pretty sure everyone in the den was, too. He hated seeing his grandma and grandpa look so helpless and was glad Uncle Dev seemed to be taking control. What was weird was that his mum seemed to be the only one in the loop. His mum was so steady, so strong, that Toby knew that if Frankie had confided in her she’d definitely done the right thing. His mum would help her sort things out. She always sorted him out in a calm way. Not actually interfering but just ready with the right answers, sometimes before he even asked the questions. Toby reached for the kettle and heard the door close behind him.

  In the den, Frankie slowly related the tale of her stalker, going back as far as the first letter received, the police involvement and how they’d stopped since Stephen’s death. The assembled Fitzgeralds listened in shock. Only Caro, who knew most of it, was calm. Frankie finished updating them and sank back in the chair, exhausted. She turned her head towards Dev and tried not to wince at the look on his face. Stone-cold anger and a large dose of bitterness were evident in his tight-lipped glare.

  Galvanising into action, he swung towards the phone, punching in Flynn’s number. As he waited for the mobile to be answered, Jo and Patrick clucked around Frankie and Caro stepped back as Toby came in with the coffee.

  “Thanks, love.”

  She took the tray from his slightly unsteady hands and cleared a space on the desk. She was well aware he’d waited outside until Frankie had finished speaking and she didn’t blame him one bit. She handed her friend a cup of the laced drink as Dev finally reached his brother.

  “We have a situation with Frankie and need you here, now. No. Yes.” He paused. “How the hell do I know? Just get your ass to the lodge, pronto!” He clicked his phone shut. “Right. I want a word alone with Frankie.”

  He glared at Caro as she began to protest but his look silenced her. She quickly handed around the other coffees and began ushering her family back out to the kitchen. Ignoring the pleading look sent in her direction from Frankie, she quietly closed the door behind her.

  The wall clock ticked loudly in the sudden quiet.

  Dev paced the floor of the den, briskly rubbing his hands over his unshaven face then raking his fingers through his hair.

  “Dev, I . . . I know you’re angry with me, but the very reason I said nothing was because you overreact to everything.”

  “Overreact? Overreact?” Dev swung the chair towards him and placed his hands on either arm, leaning in towards Frankie. “Fuck it, Frankie, how the hell did you expect me to react? Some fucking lunatic has been frightening the bloody life out of you and when that pisses me off you think I’m overreacting? Jesus!” He softened his voice, hunkering down before her. “I realise you’ve had time to deal with this but remember, this is the first I’ve heard of it and I’m scared shitless.”

  Frankie leaned forwards and stroked the hair away from falling in his eyes. He immediately lifted his hand to grasp hers in his own, bringing it to his mouth to brush a kiss over her clenched knuckles.

  “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, resting her forehead against his.

  His arms came around her, holding her close, and for the first time in what seemed like forever she allowed herself to be gathered in and comforted. Whether it was the shock of the email, the relief of having told her story or the strength of those arms wrapped tightly about her, Frankie felt her eyes fill and great racking sobs rose from deep inside and finally escaped.

  “Oh, God,” she hiccupped. “I’m sorry, Dev. I don’t know why I’m behaving this way . . .”

  Dev tightened his arms, stroking one gently up and down her back as he laid his head on top of hers, his eyes closed tightly. “Shush, baby, shh now. Just let it out. I’ve got you. Everything’s going to be okay now.” He gently rocked her back and forth, continuing to talk in a soft tone, reassuring her over and over that all would be well.

  Having thoroughly soaked the front of Dev’s shirt and feeling completely wrung out, Frankie’s weeping bout finally blew itself out. With a shudder, she ea
sed herself away from Dev’s embrace and groped for a Kleenex tissue in her back pocket. Blowing her nose furiously and wiping her drying tears with the back of her hand, her eyes met Dev’s. He tenderly brushed some stray drops from her cheeks with his thumbs and smiled crookedly at her.

  “I promise we’ll work this out together. We’re all in this as a family now.”

  Frankie managed a return smile. “I thought you made it very clear you didn’t want me to be a member of your family.” She peeped at him from beneath her lashes and blinked at the intense look in the cobalt eyes staring back at her.

  Without taking his eyes from hers, he clarified, “You’ve always been a part of this family, but I’ve never thought of you as my sister.”

  Before she had time to draw breath, his mouth covered hers in a crushing kiss. Shock had her gripping his arms for balance as her senses were swamped. His mouth moved achingly over hers, dragging responses from deep within her. Her lips parted instinctively and his tongue wasted no time in discovering the tastes and textures that were hers alone. One hand moved to hold her head in position while his other gathered a bunch of fabric from the back of her shirt, holding fast.

  Frankie’s arms crept up to wrap around his neck and she took a fistful of silky hair. She didn’t know if the gasping noises were from him or herself – she just knew that the sensations shooting down her body were making her more aware of her physical needs than she’d ever been.

  With a groan, Dev dragged his mouth from hers and held her face in his capable hands. His heart was pounding, his blood was on fire and he wanted nothing more in life than to continue kissing Frankie senseless.

  But somewhere deep inside a little voice was crying out for sense. And he knew he had to listen to that voice.

  “Christ, I’m sorry, Frankie. I’m really sorry. I should never have done that. You’re in no fit state to be practically attacked by the very person you should be able to trust.” He pushed her away, shoving his hands in his pockets, avoiding her eyes now that physical contact was broken.

  Frankie looked bewildered and uncertain, her moist mouth slightly swollen.

  “Dev, wait,” she said as he turned to the door. “Of course I trust you.” She took a few steps towards him but he stopped her in her tracks.

  “I’m going out for some air. I’ll send Caro in to you.” He yanked open the door and strode through without another word.

  Frankie sank back down on the nearby chair. God, he can’t wait to get away from me. How embarrassing. How simply mortifying.

  What a mess.

  What an even bigger mess than before.

  Chapter 7

  The skyline looked amazing. Puffy white clouds suspended on an azure background. A light breeze ruffled Caro’s chin-length chestnut hair as she turned to walk backwards in front of Frankie.

  “Hey, are you doing okay?” she asked her friend.

  “Define okay,” Frankie answered. “I mean, yes, I feel better having told your parents and Dev, but it really doesn’t change anything, does it?”

  “No, I suppose not, but with Flynn on his way down, I’m sure he’ll take control and use his resources and contacts to get some answers.”

  Caro’s faith in her brother was touching, but Frankie wasn’t buying it.

  “What can one Irish cop do that all those assigned to the case in the NYPD couldn’t? Come on, Caro, it’s not as simple as that.” Frankie took Caro by the arms and turned her to face the direction they were going. “You’ll break your neck on this rough ground and I won’t be the one to add more stressful news to your family!”

  “Our family,” Caro corrected with a smile and a quick hug.

  They were walking along one of the many trails around the area of their property. This particular one ran parallel to the ocean and the Bens were just off to the left, looming up from sea level in glorious shades and tones of blue and navy and even violet, depending on the shadowing clouds. The women had opted to take a walk to clear their heads and get a chance to process the latest development. Toby had wanted to tag along, but Patrick had vetoed that notion and roped him into a spur-of-the-moment fishing trip. It had been almost funny watching the struggle on her Toby’s face – he’d really wanted to be near his mum to support her, but fishing with Grandpa? Well, that was a treat never to be missed.

  Frankie walked on, swinging her arms loosely by her sides. Her thoughts constantly returned to Dev, the kiss and his obvious regret that it had taken place. Frankie admitted that she was confused as to where all these sudden feelings for him were coming from. Part of her was shocked that he’d kissed her at all, especially after what he obviously thought of her after last night. Part of her was unsure as to the “rightness” of supposed family members kissing and part of her was trying to deal with the little jumps her stomach was doing every time she remembered the touch of him.

  Bloody hell! This was a complication she really didn’t need in her life. She turned to face away from Caro as she felt the heat rising in her cheeks. Hopefully, the brisk breeze would account for the extra glow.

  “What? What are you gawking at?” Caro asked.

  Frankie gestured towards Caro’s fingers, held up in counting mode as she did her mental addition.

  “Oh. This. Yes, well, I was just counting the ways I know Flynn can help and obviously didn’t realise that my counting props from junior infants were in action!”

  Caro was turning over in her own mind the reasons why she felt Flynn’s input could only add positively to the mix. She mentally ticked items off her list: one, he had great contacts and access to the Garda computers, and probably those in the US also; two, he was thorough in everything thing he did – in fact, his attention to detail sometimes drove them all mad; three, he never gave up on a case and she knew he constantly went over cold ones, so that meant he wouldn’t give up; four, he cared for Frankie, so he definitely wouldn’t give up on this; five, he . . .

  She stopped suddenly as she realised what she was doing, all five fingers spread out and accounted for.

  Frankie laughed at her embarrassment and, throwing an arm over Caro’s shoulder, she turned her round to face home. “Come on, Einstein, you can fill me in on our way back. We’ve been out a good while and I want to check on Jo before Flynn gets here.”

  Jo was pottering around in the garden doing her best to look for something to keep her hands busy as she went over and over all that Frankie had revealed. The downside to Frankie’s maniacal weeding was there was little to do. The good thing was her daughters had been there for Frankie when she needed them. The bad part was Devlin was on the warpath, apparently very hurt that he’d been kept in the dark.

  Based on his fiery reaction, Jo could only assume that was the reason Frankie had excluded him. Well, the girl had a right to her own decisions, but it was hard for Jo to see two such loved young people upset. She yanked at a wayward weed and tossed it on the small pile next to her. How could there be more weeds when Frankie had done such a great job so recently?

  Sitting back on her hunkers, she put her hand up to shade her eyes as the sound of voices carried on the breeze. Ah! the girls were back. Good. She eased herself to a standing position and wandered down to the gate to meet them. Arms linked, Caro and Frankie waved cheerfully as they approached. Giving Frankie a quick hug, Caro veered off to the house, leaving her friend and her mum to have a much-needed chat.

  “I’m so sorry to bring all this hassle to your doorstep, Jo. I really thought it was over. I would never intentionally cause you or Patrick or anyone—”

  “Stop. Right now,” Jo interrupted her godchild. “Patrick and I just want you to be safe and happy, just as we want those things for all our children. Come on now; let’s go make a cup of tea and wait for Flynn in the yard. He phoned a little while ago and is just through Galway so should be here within the hour.” Jo put her arm round Frankie and together they meandered back to the kitchen to put the kettle on.

  “Where’s Dev?” Frankie asked quietly.
“I know he’s angry with me right now, but I just wanted my time here to be unspoilt by all the hassles that have been in my life for the last while.” She filled the kettle, switched it on and, moving to the cupboard, thoughtfully collected two china mugs she knew were Jo’s favourite for tea.

  “He’s headed off somewhere in the jeep. Pretty hot-tempered is our Devlin, but you know, he only has your best interests at heart, don’t you, sweetheart?”

  “Of course I know that. He was just so mad at me and I want to explain my reasons for keeping quiet. Perhaps it was selfish of me, but I really felt it was the right thing to do.”

  Jo sat down at the table and poured the tea. She always used a teapot, as more often than not a second or third cup was needed, and this seemed like it might be one of those occasions.

  “Don’t fuss about Devlin, pet. All this will get sorted out and things will get back to normal. Now, here,” she handed Frankie a cup of steaming liquid, “sit and drink this and catch me up on some celebrity gossip while we wait for my boy.”

  Flynn debated catching up with his younger brother before the family onslaught, but it was really a no-brainer. Dev was such a hothead that he figured he’d put that encounter off as long as possible. He drove his inconspicuous silver standard-issue car up the lane, hoping that Frankie would be up to hearing his take on things and be willing to act on his professional advice.

  He parked next to the professor’s Volvo and eased his long form out of the car. Damn, it had been too long since he’d been here last. He breathed deeply, turning to face the sea, letting his head fall back as he allowed the scents to overtake him. Unbidden, a flood of memories swamped him like a fast-forwarded movie. Snippets of his past tangled with his parents, brother, sisters and Frankie – and now he was being called upon to protect those he loved, here in this beloved place.