Imperfect Truth

by C. A. Popovich

Alex and her dad stood at the end of the bed, giving Jennifer and Phil some space. “I’m glad you’re doing well, Phil. We were worried about you.” Alex smiled and squeezed his foot through the covers. She loved seeing Jen so happy, and knowing Phil was one of the good guys after all meant the world to her.

  “I’m kinda tough. It takes more than a few bullets to keep me down.” Phil looked serious as he spoke to their dad. “I’m sorry about your friend, Mr. Reed. Willy wasn’t a bad guy. He just got caught up in a ruthless gang.”

  “Is he dead?” Her father looked so sad Alex rested her hand on his shoulder in support.

  “Yes. I’m sorry. He was in the line of fire along with a dozen or so others of Martinez’s crew.”

  Phil looked like his pain medication was kicking in, so they said good-bye to give some of his friends time to visit. Before they left, Jennifer leaned down to kiss him again. He held her face in his good hand and said, “Forever. I meant it.”

  Alex put her arm around Jen as they walked down the hall, helping her wipe away her tears of joy and laughter.

  The waiting room looked as full as it was when they left, but Alex was only looking for one person, and she was sitting in the same chair as when they had left.

  “How is he?” Debby asked as she put the magazine she was holding on the seat next to her and stood.

  “He’s going to be fine.” Alex took her hand, intending to never let go.

  Joe joined them in the seating area, and Alex cringed. Would his presence ever mean anything good?

  “Don’t look so scared, kiddo. I think the threat is over. I’m afraid you have no apartment to go back to, though.” He looked at their joined hands. “Somehow I don’t think that will be a problem.”

  “So we don’t have to go back to the safe house? We’re okay now?” Alex reined in her excitement in case she had misunderstood.

  Joe called her father and Jennifer over to speak to them all. “Martinez is dead, and his gang is, too, mainly, or in custody. There’s no reason I know of to keep you in the safe house. All of your belongings are in storage, but we had to give up your apartments.”

  “What about my place in Plymouth?” Their dad looked lost.

  “We kept that for you, sir. I know the deputy marshal you’ve been working with is there now ensuring it’s safe. I’ll give you all a ride back to the house to collect your things and take you wherever you want to go. Just remember to check in with me and always let me know where you’re living.”

  “I’ll take Alex,” Debby said. “If you want?” She looked at Alex, her gaze both adoring and hopeful.

  “I’d like that,” Alex said.

  “I’m sorry, Alex. I can’t allow her to take you to the safe house, because of its importance as a secret. I’ll take you all to the safe house to get Abby and your things, and then drop you off wherever you want to go.”

  Debby nodded and squeezed Alex’s hand. “In that case, I’ll go home and get the house ready.” She gave her a lingering kiss, eliciting a few whistles from the crowd of officers. “I’ll be waiting.”

  Alex could think of nothing she liked the sound of more.

  *

  “Come on, Abby. We’re out of here.” Alex walked through the house to double check that nothing was left behind. She stopped at the couch where she and Jen had sat and drank wine on New Year’s Eve, hardly able to believe it was only hours ago. She ran her hand over the worn Formica table where they’d played Scrabble, discussed their predicament, and ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner since November. She wouldn’t miss a thing about the place except the time spent there with her father and sister. There was one last task they needed to finish there. Ready it for whoever needed shelter from the threats of the world.

  Joe gave them each their own cell phone and collected the burn phone from Alex. He programmed each of their new numbers into his phone. They would probably be in the program for the rest of their lives, but she had control of her own life now, even if it was as Alexandra Reed, and that control could slip one day, if the cartels came looking. But being Alex Reed was her truth now, and she looked forward to sharing it with Debby. She pulled the door closed and waited for Joe to do the last walk through and lock up. It was a safe house she hoped she’d never need to see again, but she was glad it would be there for anyone else who needed it.

  Joe dropped Jennifer off at Phil’s condominium, Alex at Debby’s, and then left to drop her dad in Plymouth. Each stop involved hugs and promises to get together that Alex knew would be kept.

  Debby opened the door and Alex fell into her arms. “Welcome home.” Debby waited until Alex hugged Joe and her dad before taking her hand and leading her into the house.

  “Let’s sit by the fireplace.” Alex settled on the couch and reached for Debby. “I’m pooped.”

  “I bet you are. You’ve had a stressful few weeks.” Debby pulled her close and held her while she dozed off.

  She woke with her pulse racing.

  “Hey, babe. It’s okay. You’re safe now.” Debby cradled her head on her chest.

  “I was moaning in my sleep, wasn’t I?” Alex rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

  “Yeah. You okay?”

  “I couldn’t be better. I’m sure the dreams will go away, eventually.” She smiled up at Debby knowing her words couldn’t be truer. “I love you.” She pulled Debby’s head down for a kiss.

  “You rest a while. I’m going to run out and feed Shadow then I’ll be back to start dinner. Then you can fill me in on everything that happened.” She moved out from under Alex and gently set her head on a pillow and kissed her.

  “I want to help,” Alex said when Debby returned. She stood and stretched and laughed at Abby sound asleep on the floor. “I think she’s exhausted, too.”

  “You can come into the kitchen and have a cup of tea while you tell me the whole story while I cook.”

  Alex thought about all that had happened in the last few days and couldn’t remember what she’d told Debby already, so she decided to start from the beginning. She took the cup of tea from Debby and sat at the table. “You know about WITSEC and Joe already. Miguel Martinez was a big drug dealer, and he had a warehouse full of drugs north of Novi.” Alex had to stop and think about how much to disclose to Debby. The less she knew, the less likely she would ever be in danger. “The FBI raided the place and killed Martinez and his main guys, and Phil was shot in the raid.”

  “Huh. So, Fernanda’s grandson was a drug dealer. She died from a bad heart, by the way, and now I see why Janis wasn’t able to get in touch with him. He may not even have known that she died.”

  “Joe didn’t know about her until I told him. I guess Miguel’s wife disappeared, and their house has been cleaned out.” Alex stirred some honey in her tea and took a sip. She loved watching Debby fiddle around the kitchen. It felt like…home.

  “I suppose I don’t blame her for getting away. We’ll never know if she knew anything about her husband’s drug dealing, but I find it hard to believe she wouldn’t.” Debby checked the chicken roasting in the oven.

  “My bet is that she got away while she could. That’s pretty much all I can tell you, except that the threat is over, and I’m free.” She walked up behind Debby, wrapped her arms around her waist, and rested her soul.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Alex rolled over and nestled close to Debby, comforted by her soft snores and her warm butt pressed against her belly. She was hers. She thought of the journey she had traveled to get here, not only to her bed, but to her heart. She still had the issue of the WITSEC program but that only involved talking to Joe once a week. There didn’t seem to be anyone else from the trial who would want a crack at them, so the restrictions weren’t as stringent anymore.

  She glanced at the clock radio. Seven. They had time. They would always have time now. No more fear of being taken away at a moment’s notice or having to close pieces of paper in the door to lookout for intruders. Debby was now her safe house. She pulled her close and
slid her hand under her nightshirt to cup her breast. She was rewarded with a moan as Debby covered her hand with her own, pulled her closer, and turned on her back. Alex decided she liked her in that position. She circled her firm nipple with her fingers and then stroked the inside of her thigh. Debby raised her hips and Alex answered the plea. She stroked her soft, slippery folds and fondled her clit until it grew hard and pulsed. She squeezed and released and moved to her opening. Debby writhed beneath her touch, fueling her own desire.

  She slid one leg over her and slipped a finger inside while kneading her clit with her thumb. She rubbed her throbbing center on Debby’s firm thigh and whimpered as she came close to the edge.

  “Come with me, baby.” Debby’s words were muffled by her attempt to hold back.

  “Oh yes.” Alex ground her clit against Debby’s leg and stroked the spot inside of her to make her come. They held each other tightly as they spilled over into oblivion.

  Debby stirred and Alex pulled her closer. “We need to get up, love.” She didn’t move.

  “I know, but this feels so nice.” Alex snuggled closer.

  “I love you.” Debby kissed her forehead and traced her ear gently with one finger. “It doesn’t matter to me that your name wasn’t Alexandra Reed before. I don’t even care where you came from. I’m grateful that you’re here with me now.”

  “I’ve been so lost, looking for a way to be a new person with a new truth. My new name isn’t an issue. It’s the constant vigilance to disguise who I was and where I grew up. WITSEC has probably saved my life, but it stole my identity. That’s a difficult reality to live with.” She turned her head, grabbed Debby’s hand, and kissed her palm. “I feared I’d never find someone who would see me for who I am and accept my camouflaged past.”

  “My greatest fear was that I’d allow someone to deceive me again.” Debby turned on her side, propped herself on her elbow, and captured her gaze. “I made a list after Evelyn left me. It had all the things I’d require for someone to get close to me. I’ve been using it to protect my heart, but I now know that it’s been my tool to avoid commitment, thereby keeping love away. I don’t want to do that anymore. I want us to be together forever, baby. I want you to be mine.”

  Alex’s throat tightened as she forced back tears of joy. She’d hoped to hear words of love from Debby, but the overwhelming wave of emotions at her possessive expression left her momentarily speechless. She sighed heavily and found her voice. “Then I’m all yours. Now and forever.”

  About the Author

  C.A. Popovich lives in a northern suburb of Detroit, Michigan, with her partner and their two rescue dogs. She writes full-time, loves to read, and enjoys walking in a local park. Her stories can be counted on to be sweet with happy endings.

  capopovichfiction@aol.com

  Books Available from Bold Strokes Books

  Camp Rewind by Meghan O’Brien. A summer camp for grown-ups becomes the site of an unlikely romance between a shy, introverted divorcee and one of the Internet’s most infamous cultural critics—who attends undercover. (978-1-62639-793-4)

  Cross Purposes by Gina L. Dartt. In pursuit of a lost Acadian treasure, three women must not only work out the clues, but also the complicated tangle of emotion and attraction developing between them. (978-1-62639-713-2)

  Imperfect Truth by C.A. Popovich. Can an imperfect truth stand in the way of love? (978-1-62639-787-3)

  Life in Death by M. Ullrich. Sometimes the devastating end is your only chance for a new beginning. (978-1-62639-773-6)

  Love on Liberty by MJ Williamz. Hearts collide when politics clash. (978-1-62639-639-5)

  Serious Potential by Maggie Cummings. Pro golfer Tracy Allen plans to forget her ex during a visit to Bay West, a lesbian condo community in NYC, but when she meets Dr. Jennifer Betsy, she gets more than she bargained for. (978-1-62639-633-3)

  Taste by Kris Bryant. Accomplished chef Taryn has walked away from her promising career in the city’s top restaurant to devote her life to her five-year-old daughter and is content until Ki Blake comes along. (978-1-62639-718-7)

  The Second Wave by Jean Copeland. Can star-crossed lovers have a second chance after decades apart, or does the love of a lifetime only happen once? (978-1-62639-830-6)

  Valley of Fire by Missouri Vaun. Taken captive in a desert outpost after their small aircraft is hijacked, Ava and her captivating passenger discover things about each other and themselves that will change them both forever. (978-1-62639-496-4)

  Basic Training of the Heart by Jaycie Morrison. In 1944, socialite Elizabeth Carlton joins the Women’s Army Corps to escape family expectations and love’s disappointments. Can Sergeant Gale Rains get her through Basic Training with their hearts intact? (978-1-62639-818-4)

  Before by KE Payne. When Tally falls in love with her band’s new recruit, she has a tough decision to make. What does she want more—Alex or the band? (978-1-62639-677-7)

  Believing in Blue by Maggie Morton. Growing up gay in a small town has been hard, but it can’t compare to the next challenge Wren—with her new, sky-blue wings—faces: saving two entire worlds. (978-1-62639-691-3)

  Coils by Barbara Ann Wright. A modern young woman follows her aunt into the Greek Underworld and makes a pact with Medusa to win her freedom by killing a hero of legend. (978-1-62639-598-5)

  Courting the Countess by Jenny Frame. When relationship-phobic Lady Henrietta Knight starts to care about housekeeper Annie Brannigan and her daughter, can she overcome her fears and promise Annie the forever that she demands? (978-1-62639-785-9)

  Dapper by Jenny Frame. Amelia Honey meets the mysterious Byron De Brek and is faced with her darkest fantasies, but will her strict moral upbringing stop her from exploring what she truly wants? (978-1-62639-898-6E)

  Delayed Gratification: The Honeymoon by Meghan O’Brien. A dream European honeymoon turns into a winter storm nightmare involving a delayed flight, a ditched rental car, and eventually, a surprisingly happy ending. (978-1-62639-766-8E)

  For Money or Love by Heather Blackmore. Jessica Spaulding must choose between ignoring the truth to keep everything she has, and doing the right thing only to lose it all—including the woman she loves. (978-1-62639-756-9)

  Hooked by Jaime Maddox. With the help of sexy Detective Mac Calabrese, Dr. Jessica Benson is working hard to overcome her past, but it may not be enough to stop a murderer. (978-1-62639-689-0)

  Lands End by Jackie D. Public relations superstar Amy Kline is dealing with a media nightmare, and the last thing she expects is for restaurateur Lena Michaels to change everything, but she will. (978-1-62639-739-2)

  Lysistrata Cove by Dena Hankins. Jack and Eve navigate the maelstrom of their darkest desires and find love by transgressing gender, dominance, submission, and the law on the crystal blue Caribbean Sea. (978-1-62639-821-4)

  Twisted Screams by Sheri Lewis Wohl. Reluctant psychic Lorna Dutton doesn’t want to forgive, but if she doesn’t do just that an innocent woman will die. (978-1-62639-647-0)

  A Class Act by Tammy Hayes. Buttoned-up college professor Dr. Margaret Parks doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into when she agrees to one date with her student, Rory Morgan, who is 15 years her junior. (978-1-62639-701-9)

  Bitter Root by Laydin Michaels. Small town chef Adi Bergeron is hiding something, and Griffith McNaulty is going to find out what it is even if it gets her killed. (978-1-62639-656-2)

  Capturing Forever by Erin Dutton. When family pulls Jacqueline and Casey back together, will the lessons learned in eight years apart be enough to mend the mistakes of the past? (978-1-62639-631-9)

  Deception by VK Powell. DEA Agent Colby Vincent and Attorney Adena Weber are embroiled in a drug investigation involving homeless veterans and an attraction that could destroy them both. (978-1-62639-596-1)

  Dyre: A Knight of Spirit and Shadows by Rachel E. Bailey. With the abduction of her queen, werewolf-bodyguard Des must follow the kidnappers’ trail to Europe, where her queen—and a battle unlike any Des has ev
er waged—awaits her. (978-1-62639-664-7)

  First Position by Melissa Brayden. Love and rivalry take center stage for Anastasia Mikhelson and Natalie Frederico in one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the nation. (978-1-62639-602-9)

  Best Laid Plans by Jan Gayle. Nicky and Lauren are meant for each other, but Nicky’s haunting past and Lauren’s societal fears threaten to derail all possibilities of a relationship. (987-1-62639-658-6)

  Exchange by CF Frizzell. When Shay Maguire rode into rural Montana, she never expected to meet the woman of her dreams—or to learn Mel Baker was held hostage by legal agreement to her right-wing father. (987-1-62639-679-1)

  Just Enough Light by AJ Quinn. Will a serial killer’s return to Colorado destroy Kellen Ryan and Dana Kingston’s chance at love, or can the search-and-rescue team save themselves? (987-1-62639-685-2)

  Rise of the Rain Queen by Fiona Zedde. Nyandoro is nobody’s princess. She fights, curses, fornicates, and gets into as much trouble as her brothers. But the path to a throne is not always the one we expect. (987-1-62639-592-3)

  Tales from Sea Glass Inn by Karis Walsh. Over the course of a year at Cannon Beach, tourists and locals alike find solace and passion at the Sea Glass Inn. (987-1-62639-643-2)

  The Color of Love by Radclyffe. Black sheep Derian Winfield needs to convince literary agent Emily May to marry her to save the Winfield Agency and solve Emily’s green card problem, but Derian didn’t count on falling in love. (987-1-62639-716-3)