by Lara Sweety
LeGrande had cooperated and given them what he had. Witnesses were lined up ready to testify, and the arrest was imminent. Jake sighed, hoping they could put the guy away for life.
It was time. About mid-day, the big flat screen in Laurel’s family room was switched on to CNBC. Jake called in his men, all the support staff, everyone.
“Brian just got word they are on their way and the media is all over it. The evidence and witnesses are in place. I’m sure this guy is going down.” Jake pointed at the flat panel on the wall.
The reporters, asking for commentary, were rushing toward the man in dress whites who was being cuffed. He was flanked by other officers and attorneys. “Breaking news at this hour, Admiral....” Laurel watched Jake take a big breath and let it out. His shoulders dropped and the tension he held diminished.
“They got him. Good work, people. Our contribution to the sting will make a difference. People can do their jobs in peace.” Only this was over, he knew. The problem would persist no differently than the age-old problems in the Middle East persisted. Hate never gave up. He had watched Robert stare at the TV, smile gently, bow, and shake his head, then return to his usual professional demeanor. Jake muted the TV and everyone watched as he talked.
“We’ll be wrapping up things here today. We believe the Laughlin’s were the threat to Laurel. Steve Laughlin was assassinated, that was confirmed by our investigative team. Senator Arnold Laughlin is being arrested in the sting as well. Additionally, he’s now tied to the death of Jen’s parents.” Jake thumbed his hand back toward the TV monitor showing the senator being cuffed at his Washington, D.C. office.
“I need everyone to pack it up. Transport will be here shortly. Close down everything. Everybody gets thirty days leave. You’ll be expected to report for duty at the end of that time. Assignments will be forthcoming. Congratulations, folks. I know this was difficult, but everyone has done a great job. Flights will be coordinated through Morrison; Tanner will be handling the windup. Those of you staying here for a while yet, will meet this evening after we’ve packed up and shipped out everyone else.”
The announcements were accompanied by a lot of back pounding and high fives. Brian didn’t waste any time giving instructions to move all the equipment out. Laurel watched the exchanges with a sigh of relief. She’d finally get her life back and her house back, although there were going to be a lot of repairs needed. She watched as assault rifles were packed with extra gear and stowed in the transport trucks.
Ben came in with Ellia asking to speak to Jake, Laurel, and Jen. They moved to the family room before Ben began his announcement.
“Jen, I know you have already said you want to hear this, but you might want to sit down.” She stiffened and remained standing. Ben’s eyes met hers and she nodded for him to go on.
“Angie Smythe has been arrested. She started singing like a canary when I went to question her. It was Arnie Laughlin that was behind the wheel of the Camaro. At the very least, she’ll serve for obstruction of justice. She has covered for him the entire time. She was in the passenger seat, too drunk to function. He drove drunk and it was pouring down rain. They both had known the Malibu went into the ravine after they hit it. They got out to look and then took off again. The vehicle flooded a couple of minutes later. Had they been pulled to safety, Jen’s parents may very well have lived.”
“Cause of death is listed as succumbing to injuries incurred in the accident, but we have a different story now. After interviewing the coroner’s assistant for this case, who is the current county coroner, we believe manslaughter charges for Laughlin and Smythe will be forthcoming. The coroner remembered the case well, because the circumstances bothered him. He said it wasn’t their injuries that killed them, their lungs were filled with water. He was certain and noted both were buckled in and the vehicle had been retrofitted with shoulder harnesses. We are interviewing witnesses from the rally after-party now. There are already two witnesses that say Laughlin got behind the wheel “stagger drunk”. Angie’s original statement says they fell asleep in the car and never left, but all the evidence we have now proves otherwise. We’ve proved the tags on the Camaro were switched by a chop shop so there looked like nothing had happened to Laughlin’s car. That’s how they originally evaded prosecution.”
He turned to Jen. “I’m sorry, Jen. I’m glad that we could help you put the case to rest. I’ll update you as I get new information. You and Laurel will be called as witnesses and expected to testify.”
Ben exhaled. He figured that report was one of the most difficult he had ever given. The implications for Jen and for Laurel were enormous.
Jen sat down in a big leather chair. Laurel propped herself on the arm and put her hand on Jen’s back in an effort to comfort her.
“It’s over, Jen.” Jen nodded. She felt as if a dark shroud had been dispelled from her world. A tired calm came to her. “I hope you can forgive me for not putting two and two together a long time ago.” Laurel slumped.
Adam was giving information to another team member and stopped when he saw Jen sit down hard. He went to her, sitting across from her.
“It’s over, Jen. Now we can move forward.”
“We?”
“You, me, everyone here.” Adam had meant we to begin with, but he knew she might not be ready to deal with any more than the here and now. She nodded and looked up. “Laurel, do I wish we’d found out a long time ago? Yes. Do I hold it against you that they picked you and your farm to execute their fraud? No. Not for a second.”
Laurel moved to Jake.
“Jake, I want to celebrate Friday night. A big party, I wonder if everyone can stay until then. Jen deserves a celebration. A celebration of closure.” Laurel didn’t just want a party; she wanted everyone to put this whole ordeal to rest.
“I think we can arrange that, sweetheart.” Jake grinned at her, understanding.
__________________________
Luckily, for the guests of Siddy Creek, it was one of the drier weeks of the Missouri summer, still not quite dusty, and the evenings had been tolerable. Early July was like everything else weather-wise in the state: a crapshoot. Luck was with them, and the evening was perfect.
As the sun went down and guests arrived, the temperature moderated into the mid-seventies. A perfect night for a summer party, Laurel observed. Long white tables and chairs garnered from City Creek’s catering business were covered with white tablecloths that fluttered in the light breeze. Candles sat in small glass globes hanging from handmade iron holders. Guests were greeted by bar staff that offered water, soda, mixed drinks, or beer.
“People need to dress up once in a while, even country folk.” Laurel grinned as she surveyed the guests from the deck.
“I’m glad it’s still barbeque, though.” Adam grinned.
“Me too.” Jake and Jess chimed in simultaneously.
Shannon MacClain beamed as she opened the French doors and stepped out onto the deck. Their heads turned to her. “Oh, wow Shannon, you look absolutely incredible!” Laurel smiled at her.
Jess wasted no time stepping to her to offer his hand. The woman took his breath away. Incredible isn’t the half of it, he thought. The strapless emerald-green dress suited her; the deep V showed gentle cleavage, her soft skin glowed. Matching her dress, Shannon’s eyes looked like shiny liquid pools of emerald. Her energy of her eyes sparkling from under the protection of long lashes.
Flaring at the hips to an easy swishing skirt, the dress she wore accentuated every curve and bared her fit long legs—a perfect fit. Jess couldn’t miss the sexy silver heels that revealed feminine brilliant red painted toes. Her hair was swept up with a few blonde tendrils framing her face. Jess was lost.
“Incredible doesn’t touch it.” Jess stared. He still couldn’t believe she’d said yes. Finding a little touch of chivalry from days gone by, he gave her a crooked grin with a twinkle in his eye for later and Jess offered up his arm for her hand, “Shall we?”
She easily
took his arm, smiling sweetly as her eyes met his, “Yes, we shall.” The two stepped off, leaving Adam, Laurel, and Jake to meet the rest of the guests.
Jake thought Shannon looked just like Laurel at that age, albeit a little taller. No wonder Jess finally admitted to being head over heels for her, he thought. He had watched Laurel beam when Shannon took Jess’s arm. Jake wished for them that their love would go the distance and, at the same time, wondered if the love between him and Laurel would rekindle as he’d hoped.
“Go ahead,” Adam called over his shoulder as he stepped toward the house. “I’m going in to check on Jen.”
__________________________
He knocked on the master bathroom door where Jen was keeping herself, “Jen, are you okay?”
She opened the door and turned away from him. “Yeah, I’m fine,” she choked out.
He stepped inside putting his arms around her. Looking in the mirror over her shoulder at her blotchy red face, he knew she was upset. “What’s wrong?” He asked gently.
“I don’t know how to walk away,” she said in a rush.
Adam frowned for a moment considering the implications, “From?”
“Police work. I made Captain and very young. It was a big achievement for me, especially since I’m a woman. I hate the idea of just giving it up, but at the same time, I just want to be here. Is that silly?” Jen frowned at herself, growing more confused. “Adam, what are you going to do when your leave is up?”
“Well first of all, no, you’re not silly. You’ve been through hell, and Mom’s place is a safe haven of sorts. At least, I’d like to think of it that way. And I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ll have a new assignment at the end of my leave, but after that, I don’t know. Why?” Was she asking him for a commitment? Adam wasn’t used to thinking in those terms, but he was ready to entertain the thought.
“Would it bother you if I stayed here for a while?” Jen didn’t want to tell him that her heart had told her she was falling for him, while her brain was telling her to avoid relationships. She needed time to think and the city wasn’t the place for her to do it. She knew she would just bury herself in her work to keep from thinking. She didn’t want to be far from him either. It scared her and thrilled her at the same time. They hadn’t made love—yet. She wasn’t sure if that a good sign or a bad one.
“Stay. Take it one day at a time. Lean on Mom, she’s a good listener. I’ll give you space if you need it. I can always go spend some time with Dad before we have to get back to work. I really like you—really, really like you, but the last thing I want to have happen is for you to run off because you think I’m pressuring you. After all of this, you need a little time, I think, before you make big decisions.” She nodded.
__________________________
Just as the dinner prayer was being offered, Jen and Adam finally joined the group. It allowed them to sneak in quietly, without a lot of questions. Jen had done her best to cool her face and touch up her makeup. Smoke from the grill was making stomachs rumble, and the crowd was growing anxious.
Jess stood and scanned the crowd to make sure everyone was there before he started. “Before we eat, I have something to say.” He removed his hat, tucking it under his arm. Everyone’s eyes were on him and a hush fell. Usually a man of few words, most knew what he had to say was going to be interesting.
Shannon was sitting next to him with her hands folded in her lap and smiling up at him. What a man he’d become from the boy she knew. He looked down at her and smiled thinking that she positively glowed.
Jess thanked everyone for coming, thanked those that had volunteered time at the farm for the safety of others and all the work that had been done to put a couple of powerful scumbags behind bars. “I’d also like to extend an invitation to everyone here, but I need to ask a question first.”
He reached in his pocket to pull out the small box he’d been shuffling in his fingers all evening. “Shannon Ann MacClain,” he started, bending to one knee, handsome in his dress whites. Opening the brilliant green box, he finished, “I’ve already asked once, but you know I’m all about the details and I want to make it official. Will you marry me?”
She stood up from her chair and his eyes questioned her, eyebrows raised, she reached down to pull him up to her, glowing with joy, a brilliant widespread smile on her face and dancing eyes.
“I already said yes!” Shannon threw her arms around him and pulled him as tight as she could. “That was sneaky,” she whispered in his ear. She smiled at him and then kissed him passionately.
The clapping and commotion was thunderous, but neither paid attention as they pulled apart and he slipped the ring on her finger. He’d had a setting done just for her; a large marquee surrounded by stunning emeralds to match her eyes. The unusual shape left a slot for the wedding band to slip into. Shannon stared at it and back at him, speechless and teary at first.
“I love you. It’s perfect, you’re perfect,” she said into his ear as he held her tight, not wanting to let go. Jess was speechless, holding her, his face buried in her hair.
“I’m guessing the invitation was to your wedding?” Jake laughed, his voice booming over the crowd. “Well I’m hungry, so.... Good God, good food, good grief—let’s eat!” Laughter bounced merrily among the hungry guests accompanied by hearty applause.
Congratulations, hugs and kisses were given to the happy couple as everyone lined up to fill their plates. Men in uniform or slacks, button down shirts and exotic skin boots dominated the crowd. The gentlemen were all accompanied by lovely women in evening dresses and heels. There would be time to shuck it all later for more comfortable dress.
As the evening wore on, the heels came off in favor of flip-flops, glasses of wine were traded in for beer, dress uniforms and dress slacks came off in favor of shorts and t-shirts and dinner sax was traded for Shannon’s iPod mix—a little Brad, a little Trace and a lot of Blake.
Laurel already knew, as did the immediate family, that Jess had asked Shannon to marry him and that she’d said yes. Only Laurel knew more details than that. She hugged her beaming daughter, “You look so happy, babe! I’m so happy that Jess is the one putting a ring on your finger. I know he’ll treat you right.” Somehow, she knew that was the truth.
“I know, Momma. I love him so much and he loves me. I think we were meant to be together, no matter what. Now after all these years, we know we belong to each other. I am so happy. I wish daddy was here.”
“I know, baby. Me too. Me too.” She pulled back and smiled at Shannon. She looked at the glowing face of her daughter, and gently brushing back a stray strand of Shannon’s hair. She put her hand on Shannon’s cheek.
“Love him completely. Know that he is going to piss you off sooner or later. It happens; just don’t let it come between you. He’s a good man, Shannon.”
Laurel gave Shannon a bear hug before letting her go.
Shannon started to walk away, hesitated, and turned back to Laurel.
“—But Mom...it’s ok that you’re with Jake.”
Later, she watched them on the dance floor. Jess was holding Shannon close, dancing to a slow song meant for lovers. So much in love, she thought. She radiated joy and he was lost in her. She knew Shannon and Jess couldn’t have been happier at that moment.
Laurel thought about her own words, “...don’t let it come between you”. Jake was a good man, and the error of youth still came between them. She had to let go, she knew. It was her barrier, not his. It was time to work on their friendship, if nothing else. If Jess and Shannon were going to be married, she and Jake would at least need to build something of a friendship, even if the passion end of things didn’t work out.
“Let’s go for a walk.” Jake had found her alone and deep in thought. He watched for a while and then walked up next to her, smiling. He opened up his hand stretching his broad palm under hers, lifting her hand. He watched their hands intertwine as she slid her fingers between his, wrapping his strong hand gently.
“Where are we going?”
Jake winked at her. “The old red barn.”
~
Coming Fall 2013...
Faded Cotton inspired…
Siddy Creek
by
Lara Lee Sweety
Laurel and Jake decide whether or not they want to be each other’s future. Jen and Adam gain steam. Shannon and Jess find out life and love—don’t always go as planned.
Expected on Amazon Kindle—Late Fall 2013
Check for updates!
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Maralee’s Margarita
© 2013 Lara Lee Sweety
If you like marg’s you’ll love this one, by all means, indulge before you open the book!
In your blender, mix the following ingredients:
Tequila 1 cup
Triple Sec ¼ cup
Sugar ½ to 1 tablespoon
Fresh Strawberry’s 2 1/2 cups cut up (most of a 1lb clamshell)
Ice Cubes 12 cubes (depends on size)
Frozen Limeade 2 cups frozen (frozen in advance, made half strength)
Fresh Lime Slices 1-2 slices squeeze to taste
Salt 1-2 dashes to taste
This is such a wonderful recipe that I had to share. The taste is incredible. Fresh and sweet, without being over powered by any one ingredient, it hits the spot. I add a shot glass of Tequila to my 8 oz. glass if I’m feeling sassy. You’ll have to play with it, depending on your ingredients, but you’ll soon be saying, “aahhhhhh”!
Enjoy!
