Eric was the first to get up. He took out his wallet and offered his card to Rosemary. If you or Mr. Atkins change your mind and would like to talk to us, you can call me on this toll-free number.”
Before Rosemary could grab it, Martin swiped it away, tearing it in four pieces. “No, we won’t.” He escorted them to the door.
As Jessica and Eric descended the front porch steps, they could hear the Atkins arguing through an open side window.
Martin was chastising Rosemary for being so trusting of strangers, letting them into their home. She scolded him for being so cold and uncaring. They were Beth’s kids and deserved to know the truth.
Jessica pondered what exactly did Rosemary Atkins mean by that.
Chapter 14
Jessica stared at her reflection in the full length mirror in her bedroom wondering if it was too much. She’d changed three times since waking up this morning, trying to find the perfect attire that made her look pretty but not sexy or desperate.
At first she’d chosen a low cut black dress that complemented her curvy hips and long legs, but found it too dressy for a lunch date. It was more an evening gown than a casual dress.
Then she went the other extreme by wearing yoga pants, a black T-shirt, and running shoes. She looked like she was heading out for her tri-weekly run instead of touring the city.
On her third attempt she put on black linen capris with a sleeveless red blouse that tied in the back and high heel black pumps.
She and Vincent would be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing. High heel pumps were hardly the way to go.
She kicked them off, walked over to her closet searching for a comfortable pair of flat ballerina shoes when the doorbell rang.
Thinking it was Jason, she stormed to the front door. He had left a message on her phone that he wanted to pass by to talk today.
Swinging the door open, she said in a firm tone, “I texted you not to come over. I have things to do today!”
A surprized and disappointed looking Vincent stood at the door. “I’m sorry. I didn’t get your text message.”
She cupped her cheeks in embarrassment. She gulped her breath. “I am so sorry. I thought you were someone else. You’re early.”
He glanced at his watch. “Yeah, I know I said I’d be here at noon, but my meeting ended early.” He motioned toward the hallway. “I can come back in half an hour if you’d like.”
She gently grabbed his forearm before he could pivot his body toward the left side of the hallway. “No, that’s okay. I just need to put on my shoes and I’m ready.” She waved behind her. “Want to come in to wait?”
He shook his head, he furrowed his thick eyebrows. “No, that’s okay. I’ll wait out here.” He seemed preoccupied. Jessica wondered what was bothering him. Did he regret inviting her out? It wasn’t a date, really, so he didn’t have to worry she would get the wrong idea by it.
“I’ll just be a minute,” she said not knowing what else to say. She walked away to her bedroom, her mind churning with reasons why she should cancel the tour.
When she got back, Vincent didn’t seem to hear her approach. He was looking keenly at his cell phone screen. She said, “Okay, I’m ready to go.”
He didn’t hear her. She coughed audibly. He tore his gaze away from his phone and smiled at her. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were there.”
She gave him an inquisitive look. “Is this a bad time? Would you like to reschedule your tour for tomorrow?”
Frowning, he shook his head. “No, my flight back is at seven this evening.”
“If you’ve got more important things to do before you leave, that’s fine Vincent. I understand.”
Offering her a bright grin, he grabbed her arm. His hand was warm and gentle. “There’s nothing I’d like better than to spend my afternoon with you, Jessica.” He tucked her arm in his. “Shall we start the tour?”
She laughed bowing her head when she felt heat rise to her cheeks. Her stomach fluttered with giddiness, a sensation she hadn’t experienced in years. Nodding, she replied, “Yes, let’s go.”
Jessica thanked her lucky stars she hadn’t worn her high heeled pumps when she and Vincent sat in the café facing the American Museum of Natural History.
These flat suede shoes were the most comfortable pair she owned apart from her Nike running shoes and yet her feet were sore.
“Ah, it’s good to sit down,” Vincent remarked rubbing his lower back. “We must have walked ten miles today.”
She half-laughed. “We’ve only visited two museums and one art gallery. There is still a lot more to see in the city.”
He took a sip of cold water. The glass he held dripped condensation onto his hand. “If you’re still willing to be my tour guide on my next trip here, you can show me more sites.”
Excitement made the back of her neck tingle. He was coming back and wanted to see her again. “Oh, you have another meeting scheduled?” she probed hoping he’d be returning soon.
“No, not really. But I was planning to come back to visit more of your lovely city and to see you again. That’s if it’s okay with you.” The charming smile he served her made her swoon. If she wasn’t careful she could fall for Vincent real fast. He was super smart, witty and extremely handsome. Whenever she looked into his cerulean blue eyes she melted.
In the five some hours they’d spent together there wasn’t any awkward, silent moments. When they weren’t discussing the museum or art gallery exhibits they talked about work and family.
She feared he’d ask her questions about her father and how it was growing up with him in jail. Instead, he never once broached the subject. She was grateful and relieved. Vincent was obviously a very sensitive, empathic soul. She wished there were a lot more people like him in this world.
She grinned, resting her arms in her lap. “Of course it’s okay. I’d love to show you the Empire State Building, Times Square, and a ton of other sites.”
He tilted his head to the side looking at her animatedly with his dreamy eyes. She lowered her gaze, picked up her cup, focusing on the steaming hot brew. She feared she would begin to drool if she continued to stare into his eyes.
“There is a lot to see. You’re sure your fiancé won’t mind?” he inquired.
She almost choked on the mouthful of coffee she swallowed it. “Fiancé? Who says I have a fiancé?”
“Well, you did when we were at my father’s place.”
She had forgotten she had said that. “No, we broke up.”
She sighed, resting her cup in the gold rimmed saucer. “We had been engaged for more than five years, but we ended things over a month ago. Correction, I ended things. Jason is still in denial.”
Vincent tapped his chin with his index fingers while he observed her for a moment. It was as if he could see right through her right to her core, her soul. She wasn’t frightened by the intenseness of his stare. Instead it warmed her and excited her.
“I guess that’s who you thought I was when you opened the door this morning.”
“Yeah, I’m so sorry for scaring you like I did.”
He chuckled, like her claim was preposterous. “You didn’t scare me. But you did surprize me.”
She reciprocated his laughter then asked, “What about you? Do you have a girlfriend, or fiancée?”
His merry eyes suddenly saddened. He focused on the napkin in his hands, twirling it between his fingers. “I’m a widower. I was married for seven years. She passed away two years ago.”
Jessica’s heart wrenched. She touched his hand wishing she could comfort him. “I’m so sorry.”
She could see his eyes misting. He was silent for several moments. He was obviously trying to compose himself.
She didn’t move or speak, simply waited until he was ready.
He took a deep, long breath then expelled it quickly. “Thanks. It was really hard to cope with Rachel’s death. But with Sarah’s and my dad’s help, I was able to heal.”
“Who’s Sarah
?” Jessica asked wondering if she were his sister.
“Sarah is my daughter. Rachel died from complications of childbirth a day after Rachel was born.” He smiled, wiping his eyes with his left hand as he picked up his cell phone. “Would you like to see a picture of her? It was taken just last week.”
“Yes, I’d love to.”
Vincent handed over his phone once he finished swiping images on the screen. A beautiful little girl with soft bouncy blonde curls, holding a teddy bear in her grasp, smiled brightly in the portrait. “Oh, she is so adorable!”
He grinned proudly. “Thanks. She looks a lot like her mother.”
Jessica peered closely at the picture. “She looks a lot like you, too, you know. She has your eyes.”
“Yeah, she does.”
Jessica handed him his phone. “You have a very precious daughter.”
He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Yes, I do.” He paused for a moment, then said hesitantly as if it was hard to put into words what he was thinking. “Um, so…ah.”
She leaned forward. “What?”
He cleared his throat before replying. “I’m going to be blunt about this.” His eyes fixed on hers. “I like you, Jessica. I like you a lot. I know you’ve just come out of a long-term relationship and aren’t ready to date.”
She was about to agree, but remained silent, unable to pronounce any words. All she did was stare at him.
His lowered his gaze to his napkin again when he continued. “And to tell you the truth I’m not ready to date, either. I have to focus on Sarah right now.”
Words finally formed in her mind. “Yeah, Sarah should always be your main concern,” she agreed not knowing where he was going with this train of conversation.
He took both her hands in his. Hers looked so small compared to his strong ones. She could feel her heart jump in her chest with their contact. When she met his gaze, he said in a soft compassionate voice, “But I want to continue seeing you, Jessica. I enjoy spending time with you. I think we’re really hit it off. And even though there are hundreds of miles between us, I think we could become great friends.”
Her heartbeat slowed when she realized he wasn’t pressuring her into committing to something she was nowhere near ready for emotionally. “I think so, too,” she said serenely grinning.
He exhaled languidly as if he had been holding his breath wondering what she would answer. He raised his glass of water in a cheer. She followed suit with her cup of coffee.
They gently clung them together being careful not chip either of them. “Here’s to the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
Chapter 15
Agent Wally Falkner waved his hands before Eric’s eyes. “Earth calling Eric Firth. Hello, are you in there?”
Drawing out of his dark thoughts, Eric shook his head, trying to purge them if he could. “What did you say?”
“I was saying that I’ll work on the Hansen case during this week.”
Eric had asked Assistant Director Gray if he could take a week off starting tomorrow. It was super short notice, but Assistant Director Gray allowed it when Eric mentioned it was for personal reasons. Knowing that Eric had been in therapy for most of his life because of the traumatic experiences of his childhood, plus his fiancée perished in an accident none months ago, Eric’s supervisor thought Eric was feeling the pressure at work and needed to clear his head.
She’d told him he could take two or three weeks if he needed more time. Although Eric was grateful for his supervisor’s understanding and kindness, he declined saying one week was all he needed. At least he prayed that’s all he and Jessica needed to crack this cold case.
They’d already paid two visits to Whitewater in the past two weeks. It was almost a day’s round trip drive. He and his sister were getting tired of the commute, so they both decided to take this time off work and spend it in Whitewater investigating.
Wally stared unblinking at Eric, apparently waiting for Eric’s feedback on his suggestion. “Sure, that sounds like a good idea. If you need any feedback just text me,” Eric said, scooping up the last forkful of mashed potatoes.
They were having a quick bite at a diner near to Wally’s place going over the fine points in their case. Eric wanted to make sure he didn’t leave Wally hanging where their cases were involved while he was off investigating his mom and brother’s murders.
“I will,” Wally said, “And the same goes for me. If you and your sister need my help when you’re in Whitewater, just give me a shout. I don’t mind searching the FBI databanks if you need any info.”
Although Eric hadn’t confided in his supervisor the real reason for his time off, he had with Wally.
They’d been on many dangerous assignments together in the past four years as partners. He trusted Wally with his life, so he didn’t hesitate telling him the truth about exactly what he would be doing during this week away.
Wally was as close a brother to Eric as someone could get. They’d helped each other with personal problems as well as work related ones.
“Thanks, Wally. We probably will take you up on that offer.” He wiped his mouth and tossed the crumpled paper napkin into his empty plate. “Okay, I gotta go see Jamie.”
Wally patted his arm before Eric stood. “Good luck with that.”
Eric thanked him. He’d need all the luck he could get.
Half an hour passed when Eric rapped on her door. Jamie opened the door a minute later wearing a long black negligee, her long red hair cascading in silky ringlets around her shoulders. She wore blood red lipstick that made her lips luscious and supple.
Damn, she took his breath away. She was so beautiful.
“Hi, tiger. Do you like my good bye present?” she purred tugging him into her apartment by his tie.
“Hello, sexy. Why yes I do,” he said in a deep throaty voice while he wrapped his arms around her tiny waist. He kicked the door shut behind him with the heel of his left shoe. He crushed her against his hard chest and tilted her head upward so he could kiss her passionately. His sexual desires igniting deep inside him. He wanted to make love to her like he’d never done before.
She obviously felt the same lewd desires because she murmured against his lips, “Take me to bed.”
Refusing to tear his lips away from her salacious ones, he continued to kiss her while he guided her backwards, leading them to their intended destination.
Once there, he stripped her of her flimsy negligee, sliding the straps off her shoulders, making it cascade down her voluptuous body. Then he proceeded to make passionate love to her over and over again.
She’d screamed out in ecstasy several times during sex Eric noted as he held her now in his arms in her bed.
Half asleep, she mumbled, “Stay with me tonight, Eric.”
As much as he wanted to spend the night holding, her, kissing her, making love to her once more, he couldn’t. The last time he’d slept over, he’d cried out in his sleep, almost divulging his deepest darkest secrets.
Although he’d made up his mind early he was going to come clean about his past, he wasn’t going to do it tonight. And he couldn’t risk letting it leak out through his nightmares, either.
No, he planned to tell her the moment he returned. Maybe he and Jessica would find the proof they searched for to exonerate their father. Then the news wouldn’t be so devastating to hear.
He kissed her sweetly on the lips and whispered in her ear, “I’m sorry, Jamie, but I’m leaving on the red eye tonight.” It was just a little white lie.
He wiggled his arm out from under her pretty head. His movements didn’t seem to jar her awake. Instead they appeared to swing her closer to slumber.
She mumbled a barely audible,” Okay, call me when you get—” Her last word was unpronounced. She was fast asleep.
He stared at the naked angel with her eyes closed, sleeping serenely. He didn’t want to leave her, be away from her for an entire week, but he and Jessica had to do this.
He ti
ptoed out of Jamie’s bedroom and then her apartment. Only when he sat in his car did he lash out. He slapped his hands aggressively against the steering wheel and cursed. “Shit! Shit! Shit!”
Suddenly it was all too overwhelming. He prayed he and his sister would finally find the answers they were looking for in Whitewater. Because if they didn’t he’d soon go crazy.
There wasn’t a therapist in New Jersey, or in the US for that matter, who could help him then.
Chapter 16
“So that means I’ll have to hear your snoring again tonight,” Jessica lamented as they stepped through the motel room’s door.
“I do not snore.” He dismissed her ridiculous claim with a toss of his hair.
“Yes, you do,” she corrected, tossing her compact red suitcase on the bed closest to the bathroom door.
The queen sized bed creaked. She huffed. She didn’t like the sound of that. She sat on the edge of the bed expecting the distended mattress springs to squeak once again.
To her relief they didn’t. In fact it was firm. She glided her hand over the clean and silky blue bedcover. “At least the bed is comfortable.”
Eric collapsed on his bed. The noise it released in retaliation at his assault made Jessica laugh.
He turned on his right side to face her. “Speak for yourself. Mine is horrible.” He twisted back onto his back and stretched his arms above his head, yawning. “But I’m so tired, I’ll sleep through anything.”
She lay down on her bed and turned to observe him, “So what do you want to do tomorrow?”
He rubbed his tired, red eyes. “Well, first off we are going to see the clerk at the front desk and demand we get two single rooms as soon as they become available. And the beds better be new and firm, not something that survived the Dark Ages.” He pushed down on his bed with both hands beside him. In not only creaked, a growling squeak channeled through it. She expected it would collapse any second.
He growled making her laugh hysterical. He rumbled. “This is not funny.”
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