Never Expected Love

by S. M. Stryker

  I stand to walk to the front door as Beckett follows. Beckett grabs the papers that need to be served if it is her. Beckett and I had discussed that if she did show up again, this would be the easiest way to serve her with the restraining order. I ask for the papers and looks through the peephole, I turn and look at Beckett and give him a nod that it is her. I tell Beckett to go back out with his guests, and that I will take care of his mother. I knew he wouldn't listen to reason, but at least I tried. I know the situation with his mother needs to be taken care of. He stands behind the door as I open it. Cheryl tries to push her way inside. I hold tight to the door to block her entrance. "Can I help you?" I ask.

  Cheryl looks at me, her eyes narrow with a look of confusion. She takes a step back to look at the house numbers then back at me. "Who are you, and what are you doing in this house?" she demands sternly.

  "I will ask again, can I help you?"

  "Beckett, my son owns this house, who are you and where is my son? And why are you in his house?"

  "Oh, so you're Cheryl Dalton?"

  "Yes, I am Beckett's mother. Now move out of my way so I can come in and talk to my son."

  "Well, Cheryl, I have something for you." She glares at me with a puzzled look. I pull the envelope out of my back pocket and hand it to her. "Consider yourself served. I would now like to ask you to leave the property before the police are called."

  By this time, Michael is standing behind me. I try to close the door, but Cheryl starts screaming and the neighbors start to come out of their homes to see what the commotion is.

  "Thank you, Richard, I'll take it from here. What are you doing here again, Mother? I told you to never come back here."

  "I'll leave as soon as you give me what you owe me," she says, her voice full of hatred.

  "Well, you'll be waiting a long time. You have now been served with a restraining order, and I have given you plenty of notice. If you don't leave immediately, I'll call the police again, and I believe your stay in jail will be longer this time." Pulling his phone out of his back pocket, Beckett starts to dial. "You have thirty seconds to get in your car and leave."

  Cheryl continues to yell, but Beckett has lost all patience with the situation.

  "That's it," he says as he starts to dial 911.

  Cheryl scurries off to her car, yelling the whole way.

  “What the hell was that about?" Michael asks.

  I can tell Beckett is embarrassed by the situation with his mother, there is sadness in his face. Shit, it has to be hard knowing that even after everything she has done to him, deep down there is still that small little boy who loves his mother. He explains what had happened the weekend before and what she wanted. Michael rolls his eyes and says something under his breath that I can't make out, but I can imagine what he was saying because I feel the same way. Beckett is a good kid, let me rephrase that, he's a great man, and with what he went through with his mother, I'm surprised he turned out the way he did. But I'm sure a lot of that has to do with Harlow and her parents.

  "Thanks, Richard, I appreciate the help on serving her."

  "Not a problem, I'm just glad I was here to help out."

  We walk back to the deck and Beckett starts to put the steaks on to cook. It's so nice to get together like this. I think I missed this the most after my parents died. Friends and family getting together with good food, good drink, and good company. This feels good, maybe this is the start of a new story for me.

  Beckett brings out a steaming hot berry cobbler fresh from the oven, it aroma teasing the air as Harlow follows behind with vanilla bean ice cream, bowls, and spoons.

  The evening is fun even with the issue with Beckett's mother. It's nice meeting Nicole's sister and brother-in-law too. They’re extremely nice, I can see where Harlow gets her sweet personality. To see them with Beckett, well, it's just too bad that his mother didn't show him the same kind of love.

  We spent the day at the zoo with Sophia and the kids. It was fun to see the expressions on their faces as they looked at all the animals. We made sure to take a lot of pictures of them with Sophia so they will always have that memory.

  We had lunch and at the animal themed café and the kids were in heaven with all the animal shaped foods they can order.

  Once we have finished, we take the train around the park and to the back side where there is a huge playground area with every playground toy you can imagine. Bridges, slides, tubes and swings, you name it, they have it.

  "I can't believe how much energy they have, no wonder parents are always tired," I laugh as I sit at the picnic table in the shade. Sophia looks exhausted. "Are you alright?"

  She looks up at me sadness clouding her features. "Yeah, I'm okay. Tell me about you and Nicole."

  I tilt my head to the side surprised at her comment. "We haven't known each other very long, but it feels like we've known each other forever.

  "How do you mean?"

  "She's like a worn pair of jeans that when you slip them on you feel so comfortable and you never want to take them off."

  Sophia laughs. I look up to find Nicole sliding down the slide with Skylar wrapped tight in her arms, a big smile on her face and Talon following.

  "I don't think she would like that analogy."

  I look back at Sophia. "She's home to me. I mean look at her with the kids. She loves them so much and is so concerned about not only them but you too." I look her in the eye. "That's why she wants you to move into her home so you don't have to worry about anything."

  "What about you?"

  "It didn't take much to fall in love with your babies, the way that Talon looks after Skylar at such an early age is astounding. You've done such an amazing job with them, you should be proud."

  "Thank you, Richard. I know she is concerned, but I don't want to take advantage of anyone. I already feel bad enough that she's taking off work being my babysitter and chauffeur, not to mention everything else you have done for us." She motions to the train and the zoo.

  "But that's it, what we are doing isn't out of anything other than loving and caring for you and your children. It's not like an obligation and it's not charity. We care about you as if you are family, and family is always there for each other. We know that as time goes on, it's going to be harder for you to take care of yourself, let alone your babies. We just want to be there to help you so you don't have to struggle. In fact, I don't know how you keep such a positive attitude all the time," I say as I look up, giving her half a smile.

  "There are three things I learned a few years back. First is, 'There is no growth without struggle.' the second is, 'Things happen for a reason.' and the third is one I learned when I was pregnant with Talon, 'You need to be willing to let go of the life you designed in order to accept the life that is before you.'" She looks up at me with sad eyes.

  "Wow, so much understanding from such a young lady. How did you become so insightful?"

  "I've learned a lot in the last four years, I had to grow up fast. I was on my own and didn't have anyone to help, but I've always been optimistic even in the worse situations. Anyway, that's what I believe, I don't know how long I have, but I can either roll over or let it consume me, or I can be with my babies making memories with them so they might remember a tiny bit of me when they get older." She wipes a tear from her eye and forces a smile that doesn't reach her eyes.

  "I'm sure your lawyer will make sure whoever gets your children will tell them all about what kind of mother you were." I can't believe I am talking to her as if she were already dead.

  "Nicole told me what happened to her, I feel so sorry for her. She said that you wanted children and that you are staying with her even though she can't have any?" She looks deep into my eyes as if searching for answers.

  "Yes, I did want children, but I want Nicole more. I'm not some bastard that requires my wife bare my bloodline. If and when we get to that point there are a lot of children living in the system that need good parents that we will love and cherish as thei
r own."

  "So you don't care if you don't have a son to carry on you lineage?" she asks with a giggle.

  "I'm not one of those egotistical chauvinists that make sure his name is carried on, a child, that's all I care about. Besides, if Nicole could have had a child, it's not like we can really choose, it's a fifty-fifty shot. Do you know what you are having?"

  She twists a strand of hair around her finger. "No, I didn't want to know. I knew it would be harder on me if I did."

  "May I ask you a question? It's kind of personal."

  "Of course."

  "Can you tell me about the fathers?"

  "Well, I was in high school when I got pregnant with Talon, I had gone to a party and got totally wasted and passed out, several months later I found out that not only did I lose my virginity I was pregnant and no one saw anything. When my parents found out, they kicked me out of the house. With Skylar, I was involved with a guy I worked with, we always used protection, but one time it failed. He said the baby wasn't his and left, I ... I thought he loved me, I thought wrong. With this baby, I don't know if you heard about the home invasions a few months ago, but it was just my luck to have my apartment broke into. I was in bed asleep with my children when I felt a hand clasped over my nose and mouth. I saw the glimmer of a knife by the moonlight shining through my window. He told me if I made any sound he would hurt them so I laid there in silence hoping he would keep his word and leave when he was finished."

  "You didn't recognize him?"

  "No, he had a mask on but I knew he was older by the tone in his voice. The scary thing was that he knew my name, and as he was getting off me the moonlight hit his eyes and I could see that he had one blue eye and one green one. That's..."

  "Oh fuck!" I think all the blood drained from my face."

  "What? What is it?"

  "Were you going to school?"

  "Yes, I was taking some computer classes."

  "Have you told this to Nicole at all?"

  "No, she's never asked, and I haven't volunteered the information, why?"

  "I don't want you to lie to her if she asks, but please whatever you do, don't mention the eyes."

  She looks at me as recognition dawns in on her face. "Oh my God, you think it's the same person that raped her don't you?" Her hand flies to cover her mouth

  I can't even speak; I just nod my head in acknowledgment. I turn my head to find Nicole, and as usual, she senses me looking at her. I smile at her, but I know the smile doesn't reach my eyes. How the hell am I supposed to tell her this? That, that monster is still out there? Fuck!

  The next week goes by without incident. Nicole and I have been getting together with Sophia and the children on the weekends, which leave little time to ourselves.

  Nicole is still getting shit from her manager about her work schedule. She's been taking longer lunches and working later in the evening so she can take Sophia to the doctors. She has finished her time with the lawyer and has apparently made a video for each of the children which I think is a great idea to remind them about her as they grow up.

  I call Paul, my private investigator, about Nicole's rape in Seattle and Sophia's here in Hillsboro. I want to see if there have been other women attacked that can identify him by his eyes and if so, are there any suspects. All I know is he needs to be caught.

  The new tech guys, Carson, and Thomas¸ are doing a good job. Beckett has been training them on new applications that we have been working on. I've been putting in extra time covering the slack since Beckett's in training mode.

  Everything seems to be on track other than I miss holding Nicole, feeling her in my arms. I make plans with her to get away for a week or two. I know she doesn't like the idea because of Sophia, but I think it will be good for us. Sophia can use the Rover to get to her appointments while we are gone.

  Today is kind of an odd day. A strange energy lingers in the atmosphere. My intercom buzzes. "Hey Richard, are you alone in your office?"

  "Yes, why?"

  "I need you to quietly come to my office, and can you please grab a bottle of water out of the fridge when you come?"

  "Okay, is everything alright?"

  "I don't know yet, but make sure no one sees you coming in here."

  "I'll be there in a minute."

  I slowly walk out of my office and to the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water. The halls are quiet, too quiet as I make my way to Beckett's office.

  I lightly tap on the door and walk in, Beckett is sitting at his desk and Raven is sitting in a chair across from him looking pale, her expression dull with a trace of fear and apprehension.

  "Raven, you look like you've just seen a ghost," I say. "What's going on?" I hand the bottle of water to Raven then look Beckett in question. .

  "I did something that I probably shouldn't have, but I had a gut feeling and went with it," she said as she slowly lifts her head to look from Beckett to me. She nervously fidgets with her hands before bringing the bottle of water to her lips.

  "You hired Carson and Thomas a few weeks ago. Well, a week ago Friday, after work we went out for drinks. I thought Thomas was cute, I mean he is, but I thought maybe we could get together. Anyway, the three of us went out. Carson left early while Thomas and I stayed a little longer. I really didn't drink that much, but I was feeling pretty good then Thomas and I went home together."

  "Raven, it's okay, we don't have a non-fraternization policy here if that is what you are afraid of," I say.

  "No, it's not that." She looks up at me.

  "Is he harassing you?" Beckett asks. As her eyes dart to his.

  "No, but, well…" she stammers. “Everything was going good, we had a couple more drinks at his place. He can't handle alcohol very well. Anyway he started asking questions about you," she says as she looks at Beckett.

  "What kind of questions?" he asks.

  "He started asking about you and Harlow. At first, I didn't think anything about it, but it was as if he was obsessed with her. He asked if I knew where she lived, where you lived, how long you had been dating. Then he asked me if I had the key to your office, what the alarm code was and what your cell number was..." she looks up at Beckett with a scared look on her face. "He also said something about your mother. Then I remember my first day here when you said not to put her calls through. I was just playing along to see what he would say or do."

  "He was talking about my mother? How would he even know who she is?"

  "He had had quite a lot to drink, he was kind of rambling. I don't know how he knows her, but he said he contacted your mother, and he was going to help her find you. It really freaked me out. Then he told me not to say anything to you. I knew I was in trouble, but I played along with it so he wouldn't suspect me of doing anything. Luckily he passed out before anything happened between us." Her head bows low, a look of shame on her face. "I called a taxi as soon as he passed out. It really worried me.

  “I didn't know what to do so I went online and Googled him. I went to a background search site, but I needed more of his information." Beckett and I look at each other and then back at Raven. "Well, last Monday, I pulled his personnel file to get his application and went back to the site that I found on the web. I looked him up again with the information in his personnel file." A tear rolls down her cheek as she quickly wiped it away. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been in the personnel files, and I know I'll get fired for this, but I just had a bad feeling. I had to check it out even if it did cost me my job. He isn't who he says he is. “She lifts her shirt exposing her waistband of her skirt, pulling out some folded papers setting them on my desk. I stand and walk over behind Beckett as he looks at the papers.

  The documentation that was pulled with the social security number on his application was for a Bradley Dillon Thomas from West Seattle. "Oh fuck."

  Beckett looks at me, then to Raven. "Do you know where he is right now?"

  "He said he had an appointment this morning, this was the soonest I could get to you, I just received the
information this morning, and I didn't want to bring attention to me by talking to you. He scared me when he said not to tell anyone."

  "How long has he been gone?" Beckett asks.

  "I came in here five minutes after he left. I just needed to print these off."

  Beckett picks up the phone and calls Harlow. He's pale as if all the blood had drained from his face. "Harlow, are you okay?" he asks. I see him take a big breath once he hears her voice.

  "Where are you?"

  "Do you still remember my alarm code?"

  "Please listen to me and do what I say. I want you to go to my house, there is a keypad for my garage door opener on the pillar outside. The code is your birthday. It will open the garage door. I want you to pull your car into my garage and shut the door before you even get out of the car. Disarm the alarm before you go inside, then arm the security system once you’re safely inside. Brad is in town. I'll send a security person over to the house. Do not open the door for anyone, not even if they say they are security, okay?"

  "I'll call you back soon, don't wait just go there now. I love you."

  He hangs up with Harlow and calls Mitchell letting him know about the documents in front of him. He then takes pictures of them and sends them to Mitchell.

  "He's sending someone out to the bakery, to Nicole's house, and to my house to keep watch over them," Beckett announces.

  "Raven, did you give him any information or addresses?" I ask as Beckett finishes the call with Mitchell.

  "No, but I don't know if there is anything in here that would have any of your information on it. I just played dumb because I was just hired too," she says. "I'm really sorry, but I needed to alleviate my curiosity. I'll go and box my desk up and leave," she says regretfully as she stands to walk toward the door.

  "No!" Both Beckett and I speak at the same time.