Joe was silent for a moment. “I’ll check into it. You and Jennifer just keep doing what you’ve been doing. If there’s a problem, I’ll let you know. And, Alex? Thank you for expressing your concerns. Call me anytime.”
“Okay, Joe. Keep us informed, please.” She disconnected the call. She was tired of being “handled” by the deputy marshal. He was as close to them as an uncle, but he wasn’t real family. She’d been responsible for taking care of Jennifer her whole life, and if she was involved with someone working for a drug dealer, something had to be done about it. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do, but she’d figure it out. Somehow.
*
“That was a great wedding wasn’t it?” Kristen and Debby sat on Kristen’s porch, sharing a pitcher of iced tea.
“Yeah. I was a little nervous about not knowing anyone, but it was fine.” Debby took a sip from her glass and watched the birds at the feeder battling for the best perch.
Jaylin came out of the house and pulled a chair close to Kristen. “I started the grill for you, babe.” She kissed her lightly on the lips. “How’s Alex, Deb?” she asked.
“She’s fine. She had to work today.”
“We’ll have to plan another day so you can both come over.”
The truth was, Debby hadn’t told Alex about Kristen’s invitation to dinner. Her growing feelings for her unsettled her, and Alex’s apparent mistrust of her convinced her to distance herself for a while. Spending time alone with friends felt good. There was no reason to complicate things.
“Can I help with anything?” Debby asked.
“I’ve got it covered, but let’s go sit on the back deck.” Kristen stood and she and Jaylin followed her.
“I’m going to get the salad ready,” Jaylin said.
Debby settled on one of the chairs at the outside table and watched Kristen place three sizeable steaks on the hot grill.
“So, how’re things going with Alex?” Kristen asked.
Debby considered a short vague answer, but Kristen was her friend and she trusted her to tell her if she was off base. “Not so well. I spent the afternoon at her place yesterday.”
“That doesn’t sound bad. Did something happen?”
“Not really. We ordered pizza and read for a while, just hanging out, really. She seemed upset when I first got there, so I asked her about it and she told me there were things she couldn’t talk about. Basically, she can’t be honest about who she is, and that’s important to me.”
“She knows about Evelyn and you probably expressed the importance of honesty, so maybe whatever she’s not telling you isn’t about her.” Kristen flipped the steaks over.
Debby thought back at her conversation with Alex. She had said there were things she couldn’t talk about, not that she didn’t want to. “Maybe. I can’t remember her exact words, but the message that she doesn’t trust me came through loud and clear. I did tell her I’d work on acknowledging her boundaries, but I’m still bothered a bit by it all.”
“Well, you guys’ll work it out, or you won’t. I kind of hope you do. I like Alex and it would be nice to have her around more often. Just remember, you don’t have to know everything about someone just to be their friend. Let’s eat.” Kristen piled the steaks on a plate just as Jaylin came out with the salad. “Perfect timing.”
Debby hoped she and Alex could work out their relationship, too. If she thought about it, Kristen was right. If she and Alex were to only be friends, pushing her to disclose everything about herself was fanatical. She just wasn’t sure anymore that all she wanted with Alex was friendship.
*
Alex considered calling Debby, but decided to wait until she contacted her. She didn’t want to seem pushy or needy, and if Debby didn’t like that there were things she couldn’t discuss, then it was best they didn’t spend a ton of time together anyway. The thought made her sad, and she wanted to talk to someone who understood. She settled on her couch with Abby and punched in her father’s number.
“Hi, honey. How’re things in Northville?”
Her dad’s cheerfulness surprised her. “Good. I was calling to say hello and ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
“Does the name Miguel Martinez mean anything to you?”
“I’ve heard the name, but it’s a common one. Why are you asking?”
Alex wondered if her father was hesitating because he was hiding information. “I met him and his wife at their wedding at the convention center where I work. I told Joe about it and he’s checking on him. Something feels strange about him.”
He was silent for a moment. “Huh. I think you should trust Joe, honey. He’ll keep you safe.”
“You know about Martinez, don’t you?”
“I told you, I’ve heard the name, but I don’t know anything ‘about’ him. The drug guy that I helped put away was a Gonzalez, and yes, there was a Martinez involved somehow after that, but it’s a common Hispanic name. You and Jennifer are just going to have to trust the marshal.”
“All right, but I’m worried. I saw him today, and Phil, Jen’s new boyfriend, was with him. I don’t know how to tell Jennifer. I’m concerned he’s a dirty cop.”
“I think you should talk to Joe. The guy you saw might not be involved in drugs at all. Maybe he’s someone Phil’s protecting or something. Plenty of cops take guard type positions to make some money on the side. Talk to Joe, honey.”
“I’ll try to be patient and wait for him to get back to me, but I’m nervous, Dad.”
“I understand, honey. I’m so, so sorry you have to go through this. I love you, you know that don’t you?”
“I love you, too, Dad. I’ll wait for Joe, but like I told him, I may be calling him every day.”
She disconnected the call and grabbed Abby’s leash to head to the park.
Her suspicions about Phil frightened her more than running into Martinez. If he was a dirty cop on the take by the drug cartel, Jennifer could be in danger. Martinez might be off doing his thing at some warehouse while Phillip was wooing Jen in her own home. She had to make a plan to protect her. Just another reason to keep Debby from getting too close.
Chapter Fifteen
Debby closed her laptop and stood to stretch, causing Buddy to meow his displeasure at having his naptime disturbed. She had made good progress in her studies for the geriatric pharmacist exam and hoped to complete her certification by the end of the year. She made herself a cup of tea and thought of Alex. Would she be at work today? She had left a message on Alex’s voice mail with Jan’s contact information as promised, in case she wanted to take Abby to the nursing home. She had spent the week in the pharmacy without even leaving for lunch, both because she was so busy and because the desire to call Alex was too tempting. Her avoidance of Alex seemed less important now that they’d had no contact for over a week, though. She missed her and questioned how essential it was to know everything about her. Couldn’t she simply accept Alex for who she was and be friends? She was a kindhearted, gentle, and caring person. Couldn’t that be enough? She picked up her phone and texted her.
Just wanted to say hello. Did you talk to Janis about Abby visiting the nursing home? D
She rolled out her new yoga mat on the floor and loaded her new yoga DVD into her player. She thought of Alex again when she reached the meditation segment. She lay quietly, attempting to empty her mind when her phone chimed. She picked it up while lying on her back and read the text.
Glad to hear from you. I hope you’re well. I did talk to Jan, and Abby and I will visit Serenity Care on Friday. A
No indication that Alex wanted to see her. Debby finished the yoga DVD and returned to her lessons.
Her phone interrupted her concentration just before her planned break for dinner and setting Shadow up for the night. Alex’s number showed on her readout.
“Hello.”
“Hi, Debby. I wanted to know if you’d have time for lunch on Friday. I’m planning to be at the nursing home about ele
ven o’clock. I figured Abby could visit a few residents for an hour and then we could go to lunch.”
Debby faltered for a heartbeat. “Yes. I’d like that. I’ll plan to see you on Friday.”
“I’ll make sure we find you. See you then.”
Debby disconnected and contained her eagerness at the prospect of seeing Alex. I can let go and just let people be who they are. I can.
*
Alex paced her living room while Abby sat watching her from the couch. “Debby agreed to meet us for lunch Friday, Abby. I guess I’m still her friend.” She smiled at Abby’s tilted head.
She tried to figure out a solution to the situation with Phil as she paced and mentally checked off details. She had seen Phil with a possible member of a drug cartel. She didn’t know for sure, however, that Miguel Martinez was a member of the Knights Templar. There was a chance that Miguel was just another Martinez without connections to the offshoot of La Familia, but there was the drug filled warehouse Joe had told her about.
The speed of her pacing increased as her anxiety escalated.
If Martinez was a drug dealer, and Phillip was involved with him, he certainly wouldn’t tell Jennifer. Jennifer had said she trusted him. What if she slipped one night and he found out who she really was? Her life could be in danger, but the more she thought of it, the more she doubted Jennifer would slip up. She and Alex had been through too much for her to jeopardize their safety.
Phil knew them as Alexandra and Jennifer Reed. Miguel knew her as Alex, a desk clerk at the Hyatt. Joe knew about Phil and he knew about Martinez. They’d entrusted their lives to him for two years, and she had no choice but to continue to do so.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly. There was no way Martinez could find out who they were. Whatever Phil was doing with Miguel was his business, but Jennifer needed to be warned, just in case. She snatched her phone to call but got her voice mail.
“Hi, Jen. It’s Alex. I just have something I’d like to talk to you about. Give me a call when you get this message. Love you.”
Alex hung up and collapsed on the couch next to Abby. Between her flip-flopping feelings about Debby and her concern for Jen, it felt like she was spinning wheels in mud. It would have been so nice to be with someone she could talk to. But if the thing with Debby was any indication, that could never happen.
*
“My name’s Alex Reed. I’m here to see Janis Smith.” Alex held tightly to Abby’s leash even though she sat quietly by her side. She noticed the faint scent of antiseptic as she waited for the nurse on duty.
“Hi, Alex. Debby told me you were coming in today. I’m Kelly, and this must be Abby.” Kelly squatted to Abby’s level and was rewarded with a whine, a wagging tail, and a paw placed on her arm.
“I’m glad to meet you, Kelly. I met your sister and MacIntosh at the last barrel racing event at the fairgrounds.”
“Cool.” Kelly stood and leaned back against the nurses’ desk. “I’m sorry I missed meeting you before this. It would have been nice to get to know each other.”
Is she flirting with me? Alex felt the blush creep up her neck. She was saved from replying by Jan’s arrival.
“Hello, Alex?” Janis’s sincere smile put Alex at ease.
“Yes. Janis Smith? It’s good to meet you. This is Abby.” Alex pulled on Abby’s leash so she was standing.
“I’ll see you later, Alex. Have fun.” Kelly grinned and winked as she turned to head away from them.
“Please call me Jan. Thank you so much for bringing Abby today. We have several residents who had to leave pets behind when they moved here. Needless to say, they miss them terribly. Have you met Tory and MacIntosh yet?” Jan automatically reached to pet Abby when she leaned against her leg.
“Yes, I have. Are they here today?”
“No. Tory has some school event today. Come on, I’ll give you a tour.”
Alex followed Jan along the hallway. The building reminded Alex of a square donut. The center was an open outdoor patio space where a few residents sat in wheelchairs enjoying the fresh air. Spotless ceiling to floor windows gave the nursing staff a full view of anyone outside. The residents’ rooms were off to their right, with every door wide open. Each room had a number painted above the entrance and a plastic name tag in a holder mounted on the wall next to it. A nurse’s call light hung above each door like a beacon. She shivered, awash with empathy for the apparent lack of privacy as they passed a woman sleeping, mouth agape.
Janis must have noticed her discomfort because she gently rested her hand on her shoulder. “Is this your first visit to a nursing home?”
“Yes.” Alex took a deep breath, surprised to feel herself trembling.
“Come on. I’ll get you a cup of tea.”
Alex followed Jan to a closed door labeled break room. Like the rest of the building, the tiny room was spotless. The walls were painted a seafoam green, and the cream-colored sofa and matching cushioned chairs with forest green accent pillows were positioned facing a window overlooking a landscaped area with ornamental trees and a pond.
“Sometimes we need a peaceful place to decompress. Have a seat.” Jan smiled as she spoke and handed Alex a cup of delicious smelling tea. “It’s my special blend I call ‘relaxation.’”
“This is awesome.” Alex sipped her tea and felt the tension leave her body. Abby curled up at her feet, seeming to understand she wasn’t allowed on this furniture.
Jan sat opposite her in one of the chairs. “We have room for forty residents here, and we’re usually at full capacity. We have people with family who visit regularly and patients who have no one. They all have health issues that prevent them from caring for themselves and require nursing care. We aren’t an Alzheimer’s facility. We send those patients where they can get specialized care.” Jan sipped her tea and looked past her to the window.
They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes before Jan stood to collect their cups. “Let’s go visit someone.”
Alex had no reservations about Abby’s behavior with strangers, but she was astounded by her interaction with the wheelchair bound elderly woman. Her tail never stopped its quiet waving as she gently nudged the woman’s arthritic hand. She nuzzled her head underneath it and rested her muzzle in her lap. The woman’s cloudy eyes sparkled when she looked up at Alex and beamed a toothless smile.
She watched in awe as Abby tipped her head so the hand could slide down to her neck and back. It was as if she realized the woman’s pain and offered relief with the warmth of her body.
“Abby is very good at this.” Jan had supervised their first visit, introducing them to various patients throughout the facility.
“She is. I figured she’d be good, but I’m impressed.” Alex loosely held her leash.
“It looks like Abby’s got everything under control. I have a staff meeting to get to. If you have any questions just ask one of the nurses or assistants. It was great meeting you and Abby, and I look forward to seeing you often.”
“Thanks, Jan. I think Abby would never forgive me if I didn’t bring her back.”
Alex let Abby visit another ten minutes before thanking the woman for her time and going in search of Debby. A familiar figure pulled her attention away from the signs directing her to the pharmacy. Miguel Martinez walked directly toward her, concentrating on a paper in his left hand.
She pulled Abby close to her and ducked into one of the rooms. A man slept soundly in the hospital bed, and she moved farther into the room and listened for voices in the hall. She could make out Miguel’s heavy accent, but he wasn’t speaking English. What is he doing here?
Alex’s paranoia threatened to overwhelm her, and she took several settling breaths. She reminded herself that he only knew her from the Hyatt. She waited until the only sound was the man’s snoring and led Abby out the door. The hallway was empty, so she continued on her way to the pharmacy.
“Hey. How’d it go today?” Debby hung her lab coat over the back of a
chair and turned to face Alex in the doorway. “Everything okay?”
“Yes. It went well. Janis is wonderful and Abby loves visiting.” Alex glanced behind her for the second time.
“Good. I’m sure that whomever you visited enjoyed it, too. You look a little nervous. You sure you’re okay? If it’s about last week—”
“No. Thank you for that, by the way. I’m sorry I was such a crybaby.”
“No problem. Ready for lunch?”
“I am, but I didn’t think about the fact that I’d have Abby with me today.”
“Come on.” Debby led Alex to the back of the pharmacy where she had a small table set with paper plates, silverware, and bottles of water. Two small pizza boxes sat in the center.
“Wow. This is great.” Alex filled a bowl with water for Abby and settled onto a chair.
“So, how many residents did Abby visit today?”
Alex watched Debby bite into a piece of pizza. She refrained from reaching to wipe a drop of sauce off her lip. “Only a few, and Jan supervised. I think she wanted to make sure Abby was trustworthy.” Being with Debby helped settle her apprehension, but she couldn’t help waiting for Miguel to kick in the door and execute them both. Alex blinked to dispel the vision.
“Are you all right? You still seem jumpy.”
“I’m fine. I guess I’m a little tired. I’ll probably head home soon.” She set her unfinished piece of pizza on her plate.
“I wanted to ask you something before you go. The U.S. women’s soccer team is playing this Sunday. Would you like to come over and watch the game with me?”
Debby’s question surprised her and brought her back to reality. “I’d love to. I watched as many of the World Cup games as I could.” She grinned, and for the first time in days, felt more anticipation than fear.
“Great. I’ll order carry-out and we’ll cheer for our team.” Debby wrapped the remaining pizza in foil and handed it to Alex. “For a snack later.”
Imperfect Truth Page 10
