by Lea Coll
I picked up the phone to call my mom to check in and make sure there wasn’t a reason Caleb walked out of the house alone, after not having done that since he was a kid. Glancing at the clock, I noted it was only seven A.M. here, but I was an hour behind my parents’ time zone so they should be awake.
“Taylor?” Mom’s voice came over the line.
“It’s me.” I should be at home, not calling on the phone.
“Why are you calling so early?”
“I wanted to make sure Caleb was okay.” Her call last night had rocked me. She’d reminded me of what I’d left to come here and live on my own. Was this opportunity worth leaving behind loved ones who depended on me?
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called you last night. I shouldn’t have worried you.”
Panic set in as my hand covered my rapidly beating heart. “No. I want you to call me.” I couldn’t handle it if I knew they were deliberately keeping me in the dark. “I want to know what’s going on with you guys. Please?” My voice sounded thin and desperate even to me.
“Okay, okay, I will.”
I sighed relieved. “Thank you. How are you guys this morning?”
“Still a little shaky. He hasn’t gone out like that in years.”
When he was a child he would get out because he didn’t understand how dangerous it was for him to wander the street or neighborhood alone. We’d installed a lock on the top of the door, but now he was too tall for that. My parents couldn’t stop him from leaving, which made the whole situation scarier. “What can we do?”
“Nothing. There’s really nothing we can do if he wants to leave. I don’t want to lock him in his room at night. He gets too agitated when I do that.”
“Hopefully, he was so scared he won’t do it again.” I made a mental note to find out if there was some kind of tracking device he could wear in case it happened again.
“That’s what I’m hoping.” I heard rustling, as if she was cleaning up the kitchen while we talked.
“I miss you guys.” Closing my eyes, I could picture myself in the kitchen, talking to my mom, catching up—discussing whatever happened that week in my job, with Caleb.
“We miss you too, but I don’t want you coming home. We’re okay.”
“I want to come home.” I needed to see that Caleb was okay but didn’t think it would be wise when I’d only just started this position.
“No. We don’t need you. I promise, we’re fine. How is the new job?”
“It’s a little disturbing honestly.” So far, I’d been reviewing my files and everything I’d seen made me sick to my stomach. I wanted to help people—especially children—but I didn’t know if I was cut out for this. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
“I have faith in you. Those kids need help and you’re the one who can do it.”
Pride filled me at her words. “Thanks, Mom.” I’d always been able to depend on her for words of encouragement. She may have not been able to give me the attention I needed all of the time growing up because Caleb always demanded more, but I knew she loved me.
“How’s the city?”
“I love everything I’ve seen so far. The French Quarter was amazing and I love the food.” The company on my tour of the city had been amazing too. “There’s so much more I want to see—the Art District, the colleges, the Audubon Zoo and Park, the cemeteries. I haven’t tried gumbo or jambalaya yet.” Would I get to do those things with Gabe?
“That sounds exciting.”
“I wish you could visit.” I wanted more than anything to show them the city I’d come to love in such a short time.
“We can’t.” Her disappointment came through the line.
Hearing that made me feel worse about leaving them. “I know. I didn’t mean to make you feel guilty.”
“You didn’t. You can still wish for things.”
“I should never have left.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them. It was like last night with Gabe opened the flood gates.
“Oh, baby girl. You needed to. You needed to leave and explore something on your own. You never had to stay here for school. I always wanted you to get out there and experience life.”
In law school, my parents had encouraged me to move out, but I never felt like that was a real option. Not when my presence calmed my brother.
“Of course. I like having your help but it’s selfish of me to keep you here. You need to have a life too. You did the right thing going to New Orleans.”
That was surprising. I knew my parents were happy for me, but they never said it was the right thing to do before.
“I wish you’d believe me. I’d never been prouder of you than the day you told me you’d taken a job in New Orleans. You didn’t ask if it was okay. You didn’t apologize. You just did it.”
I had. I’d never been more scared than I was on that day, or more excited to announce my plans. The only way I was able to go through with it was knowing I’d never get another opportunity like this again. And it was temporary. I’d go, experience life, and come back. “New Orleans reminds me so much of home. I know it’s a bigger city and there’s all of this culture here that’s different but the food, the history … it’s familiar.”
“Send me lots of pictures so I can experience it with you.”
I heard tears in her voice, but I didn’t mention it. “I will.”
“Alright. I’ll get off now. I need to make Caleb a snack, but let’s Skype soon, okay? Caleb would love to see you.”
“Me too.” We hung up but I was still conflicted. Did Caleb understand I wasn’t gone for good? That I’d come back? That I still loved him? I wasn’t sure he understood anything except that a constant presence in his life was gone.
Chapter Ten
TAYLOR
The next week, I stopped into Dean’s office to discuss Omar’s concerns that the police weren’t taking claims of theft seriously, and the disturbing side-effects of reports not being made and crime increasing.
Dean’s hands were pressed together, his elbows resting on his large desk as he thought. “It’s a perfect storm. You get a lazy cop who doesn’t want to deal with petty theft and then the criminals get wind of it and take advantage.”
I nodded because that’s exactly what had happened.
“What do you think should be done about it?” Dean’s eyes focused on me.
His question surprised me. I was new to this job, this city. I’d assumed I’d report my findings back to my boss and he’d take care of it or tell me what to do. “Um, someone needs to talk the officers and explain what’s happening and how there’s been an increase in theft.”
He looked pleased with my answer. “Do you think these officers will listen to you?”
I chewed my lip. Probably not. I was an outsider. “There’s a camera outside the store so I can have Omar mark each time it happens and save the footage to present to the officers.”
He smiled. “Great. Get on that.”
“Sir?” I couldn’t believe he trusted me to handle this myself. It was a great opportunity for me, and I wanted to prove that his trust wasn’t misplaced.
“Go talk to Omar about noting each time theft happens in a given week and then you can take the footage to the station.”
I cleared my throat. “Okay.”
I stood, ready to leave when he said, “Taylor?”
“Yeah.”
“I wouldn’t normally send a new attorney into the neighborhood on foot, but I wanted to help Isaac and thought it would give you a real feel for the neighborhoods, the business owners, and what the community needs. You expressed your desire to do community outreach in your interview.”
“I did. That’s what attracted me to the job.” Right now, it was my only bright spot at work.
“How are you doing with your regular caseload?”
“It’s challenging but I’m excited for my first trial.” I didn’t tell him that I found the subject matter disturbing because it was my job, and I didn�
��t want him to think I wasn’t happy here.
“You’re going to do great things here, Taylor.” He spun in his chair so he was facing his computer, effectively dismissing me.
“Thank you.”
It was close to lunchtime, so I told my secretary where I was going and took a cab to Omar’s store. Stepping out, I walked into the store where there was a steady line of people buying drinks, cigarettes, and snacks. I waited out of the way until the line cleared.
Omar smiled wide before coming over to me. “Ms. Leeds, what can I do for you?”
I was suddenly nervous. If he disliked law enforcement would he see my suggestion as unwanted interference? “I talked to my boss about the thefts at your store. He suggested you note when the thefts occur and save the footage from the camera outside.” I gestured toward the door where the camera was mounted.
“What good is that going to do?” he asked, his smile gone.
“We’ll keep a record for one week and then I’ll take your notes and the saved videotape to the station and talk to the officers.”
He crossed his arms, considering me. “You really think that’s going to make a difference?”
“I can be very persuasive.” I’d stood straighter at his question, hoping to invoke confidence.
“You’re right. The officers might listen to you. You’re a pretty girl.”
I’d hope it’s more than that. “They’ll listen to me because it’s the truth.”
“I like you. You’re tough.”
“Good.” I smiled. “Make sure you note each time it happens and save the footage, I’ll be back in a week.”
“You got it.”
I pushed open the door, typing notes about my meeting into my note app and feeling satisfied with my progress when I slammed into a hard chest before bouncing back.
Gabe’s hands reached out to steady my shoulders. “Whoa, are you okay?”
“Yeah, sorry, I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“Obviously.” Gabe’s lips twitched in amusement. “Where are you off to?”
“Oh, I was following up with Omar about his theft issues. I spoke to my boss and he had some suggestions about how to gather evidence and take it to the police.”
“Is Omar going to do it?” He cocked his head to the side.
“He said he was. Then I’ll talk to the police.”
“You will?” His tone was disbelieving.
“Yeah. Why? You don’t think I can do it?”
“I just don’t think a local cop is going to listen to you.”
I heard his unspoken words no local cop would listen to an outsider. “They will.”
“You’re confident.”
“I can be very persuasive.” Taking care of Caleb was difficult and I’d had to adapt to his moods and the situation to help him. Dealing with stubborn police officers should be doable.
“You’ll need to be. Where are you headed?”
“I’m taking the streetcar back to work.”
“You mind if I walk with you? I wanted to talk to you anyway.”
“Sure.”
“About the other night—”
“Spare me.” I knew exactly what he was going to say. It was a mistake. He was caught up in the moment. It never should have happened. “I get it.”
“What exactly do you get?”
“That you think it’s a mistake. It never should have happened. You lost your head or some other bullshit.” I wondered if I’d gone too far in calling him out.
He was silent for a few seconds. “Bullshit?”
I wouldn’t let him continue to pull me in and then push me away. “Yeah, it’s bullshit.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you swear.” A small smile played on his lips.
“Yeah, well, you drive me to it. So, am I wrong?”
“Not exactly.”
“I get too close. You freak out. You retreat. Repeat. Repeat.” Telling him the truth made my heart rate pick up. I wasn’t usually so upfront with guys about relationships. If I had been with my last boyfriend, we wouldn’t have lasted as long as we did. I knew he was frustrated with my attention to Caleb but I wasn’t honest. I didn’t tell him Caleb would always come first. Instead, I waited until he broke it off. This time, I would address issues as they came up.
He stopped abruptly. “This isn’t a game to me.”
“Oh, I know. I’m sure you have your reasons.” His behavior came from somewhere—his upbringing, a bad ex.
“I do.” His eyes narrowed on me.
“I know you think they’re legitimate.” I wasn’t so sure why I was pressing him, not when I’d decided this morning a relationship couldn’t happen.
“They are. You don’t know me—not really. I was different when I was younger. I felt like the rules didn’t apply to me.” Then he sucked in a breath. “I was—I am a troublemaker.”
“Don’t you think that’s for me to decide? I’m a smart girl and I’m hearing everything you’re not saying. Someone told you that for so long you believe it. Or enough people said it along the way that you think it’s true.” I didn’t take my eyes from his so I saw when something raw flashed through his eyes before he looked away from me.
“It doesn’t change anything.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets, his shoulders slumped, as he took a step back from me. I knew I was losing him.
“Me telling you I think you’re a worthy person doesn’t change anything?” I shook my head. “Of course, it doesn’t. You need to believe it before you can be with anyone.”
“Stop pushing.”
“I will.” I sighed. I wasn’t going to push someone who didn’t want me.
We’d arrived at the front of Isaac’sjust as the bar door flew open and Isaac came barreling out. “There you are. I’ve been calling your cell.”
I took a step back, surprised. I’d never seen Isaac so upset.
“Is everything okay?” Gabe checked his cell.
“No, man.” Isaac glanced at me and then at Gabe and in a lower voice said, “He’s here.”
“Who?”
“Zach,” he’d said the name so quietly I almost didn’t hear it.
Gabe pushed past Isaac and through the door.
“Is he alright?” I asked Isaac. I wasn’t sure what I should do—follow him or text later to see if things were okay.
Isaac held up a hand before I could make a decision. “He will be, but I don’t think you should go in.”
I needed to get back to work and Gabe was clear he wasn’t interested in pursuing anything with me.
“If he wants you to know about it, he’ll tell you, but I’d let him handle this on his own.”
Isaac only wanted the best for Gabe so I trusted him. “Okay.” I chewed my lip, wondering if I was making the right decision. “Can you tell Gabe to call me if he needs me?”
“Of course.” His face softened. “You’re a good friend to Gabe.” He clearly needed people on his side, especially when he thought so little of himself.
“You are too. I hope he’ll come around.”
With that statement, I knew Isaac knew there was something going on between us. I wasn’t so sure it mattered if Gabe came around at this point. He was so set in his ways and his thoughts.
I said goodbye to Isaac and continued toward the streetcar stop.
Who was Zach? I walked down the sidewalk thinking for a few minutes before I had an idea. Did Gabe have a child? Why else was Isaac so private about it? If it was a friend, it wouldn’t be a big issue. Gabe wasn’t so young that having a child was inconceivable. Unless he wasn’t caring for the child or maybe he was still involved with the mother. My heart sank. It would explain why he’d backed away from me and didn’t want to pursue anything. And Isaac was right, if Gabe had a child with someone else, he needed to tell me himself.
Gabe didn’t owe me anything. I could text him later and ask him if he was okay and if I could do anything. I’d still help out with Omar’s theft issues, but otherwise I’d
take a big step back from Gabe’s life. Whatever was going on with Gabe, he needed to come to me or nothing could ever happen between us.
Chapter Eleven
GABE
The door to the bar slammed behind me. Zach sat on a stool at the bar facing away from me. “Zach? Are you okay, buddy? Why are you here?”
My heart was racing. He’d never sought me out anywhere other than my apartment and never at this time of day.
“Shouldn’t you be in school?” My first thought was that he was in trouble.
“I was suspended.” He stared into the glass of water in front of him.
“Why?” I sat next to him. If he was suspended, he’d gotten into a fight or something else serious. And if he was suspended, he wasn’t getting his free meals.
“Got into a fight.” His face was sheepish. He knew he was supposed to be avoiding trouble.
“Are those guys bullying you again?” If they were bothering him again, I didn’t think I could stop myself from heading down to his school and getting answers.
“I’m not being bullied.” He hadn’t moved since I walked in. His elbows rested on the countertop as he took a sip of his water. That’s when his sleeve moved up his arm and I saw writing on his arm. No, it was a tattoo. I grabbed his arm to get a closer look. “Are these gang tattoos?” Rage surged through me.
He jerked his arm away from me, slid off the stool, and pulled his sleeve down over his forearm. “They’re just tattoos.”
Why was he lying to me? Did he think I didn’t know what gang tattoos looked like? Did he think I didn’t live in his world and know how it worked? “They look like gang tattoos and you’re only fifteen. Who gave them to you?”
“My friends. It’s not a big deal.” He turned away from me with his shoulders hunched.
If he had a gang tattoo, it was a huge deal. In my experience, gangs didn’t necessarily tattoo teenagers. They might have them run drugs for them or do other small jobs, but they weren’t full-fledged members. At least that’s what I tried to tell myself before I went into a rage over him getting involved in a gang after everything I’d talked to him about. How to keep his head down, study, make sure he got enough to eat until he could graduate.
