Second Chances: A PAVAD Duet

by Calle J. Brookes

  “Why?” Her cheeks turned red and he realized she hadn’t meant to blurt it out the way she had. “I mean, what’s in it for you? He’s a middle school kid with a chip on his shoulder and immature tendencies. What could you—someone with your background, your life, your job—possibly gain from befriending Ted?”

  “Absolutely nothing but helping Ted. There are people in this world that do care about others, and aren’t out for what they can get.”

  The color on her cheeks deepened, and he sighed. He deliberately took the bite out of his next words. “Ted is a good kid, and for whatever reason, he’s comfortable talking with me. But if you’d prefer I not encourage that, I understand. After all, he is your child.”

  He’d disconcerted her, that was easy to tell. But she hadn’t shrugged off his hand. That was a good sign.

  There was something about this woman that brought out conflicting instincts. Part of him wanted to fight—her, himself, whomever. Part of him couldn’t get past the feel of her warmth beneath his hand, past the floral scent of woman tickling his senses.

  It had been a while, maybe even decades, since he’d been that conflicted about a woman. He pondered that for a quick moment, half losing what she’d said. “I’d prefer it if Ted bothered you as little as possible. If you’ll recall, this ten-week thing wasn’t my idea.”

  He didn’t miss the tiny touch of hostility behind those words. “No, but your son also needed to learn that you weren’t the only one who could deal out consequences. Are you saying this is a bad thing for him? If you’d prefer he not be here every day, we can work something else out.”

  She paled. He stopped, stared down at her. “Marianna, I’m not saying it would be something on a legal basis...I’d never let them send Ted through the court systems!”

  He didn’t miss the way she trembled slightly, the way her eyes darted everywhere, avoiding his. “No, this is fine. Ted can continue for the full ten weeks.”

  He stopped her just inside the first floor doors. “I’m not a bad guy, doctor. Despite the rumors you may have heard, I’ve never hurt someone who didn’t truly deserve it, and most of the people who work for me will admit that I am fair. There’s no reason why you and I can’t be friends. It will take every one of us working together, trusting each other, to keep the PAVAD division running. I can promise you we’re on the same side, ok?”

  He waited until she nodded. “Good. I’d better be going. I have a meeting with Hellbrook and Reynolds. They should be back at any moment. I’ll see you in the morning...No. Well, yes, I guess I will. I believe tomorrow is the kindergarten day carnival at Brynlock. Mattie has insisted his entire family be there.”

  “So you and your daughter and Agent Hellbrook?”

  “The McLaughlin’s, too. I think Matthew wants to show off the baby.” He laughed. “I did draw the lines at the puppy, though. Of course, I wouldn’t put it past him to put the pup in his backpack and carry him in.”

  Her face relaxed, and she smiled a little more fully, her smile beautiful, her eyes having just a touch of sparkle. “Bobby speaks of him often. They seem to be hitting it off well.”

  “Matthew does the same. From what I can tell, you son sounds a bit more calm than my grandson. That’s good for Matthew. Sometimes I worry he’ll be too much of a daredevil.”

  “And I worry Bobby will be too reserved.”

  “It’s the nature, isn’t it—that we worry about them constantly? All this gray hair...it’s from Georgia.” He ran a hand over his hair. “I’m afraid I have no more room left for Matthew. But you—I’m wondering how you’ve done it without the gray.”

  “A good beautician.” She smiled once more before turning toward the lab hallway. “Thank you.”

  “What for?”

  “It’s not easy for me.” Her face turned earnest, he stepped a bit closer. “To let go of them at times. And I worry about Ted the most. He’s the most like me, you see. And sometimes, I think I worry too much about them so I go to the wrong extreme. In here,” she motioned to her head, “I know this is a good thing for Ted, but in here,” her hand covered her heart quickly, “In here I can’t help but be scared for him. I keep thinking someday that fear will go away, but...”

  “Take it from one who knows—that fear never goes away. Ever. I worry about my daughter every time she leaves this building. And even when in it. But Marianna, you’re doing a wonderful job—at least with Ted, and from the sounds of it, Bobby, too. Chances are good then, that you’re doing fine with the other five as well. Now, I’ve truly got to go. This case was a bad one for the CCU. I need to check and make sure they weren’t burned too badly.” He nodded once, then turned and walked away.

  He almost swore he felt her eyes on him the whole way down the hall.

  And it actually took him a great effort to avoid looking back.

  Chapter 8

  Marianna met Kelly in the hallway just outside her office after having collected Ted. She had fifteen minutes to get to the day care facility to pick up the younger twins and Bobby, before heading over to the high school and getting the older twins and Nate after band, soccer, and football practices.

  That was the life she led—by day she ran a crime lab, by night she was a taxi driver. With only seven fares.

  Kelly was paler than Marianna had ever seen the redhead. “Kel? Everything ok?”

  “No.” Kelly jerked her head back and forth. “My sisters are in town; Emma apparently kidnapped Grace. Ally’s taking them to my father’s, and you need to get Aislin and Ryan.”

  Nine fares. Good thing Ally’s children went to the same daycare as hers.

  “And you?”

  “I need to find...my father’s...tenant...and get the key to his house. Because apparently he has custody of my youngest sister. My mother can’t remove her from my father’s house. Not legally, anyway.” She frowned, “I don’t even know who my father’s tenant is.”

  “Paige Daviess.” A voice said from somewhere behind Kelly. They turned to see Ed Dennis’s daughter standing just outside the stairs. “She’s the tall, skinny dark-haired girl on Lorcan’s team. Goth clothes, pretty face. Have any of you seen my father or my husband?”

  Marianna thought the woman looked exhausted. Dark rings were beneath the eyes that reminded Marianna of the woman’s father. “Not for a couple of hours.”

  “Thank you. I’ve looked all over for the two of them. Odd that they’d both be missing together. Unless they’re off somewhere screaming at each other.” She frowned again. “Dammit.”

  “Screaming?” Marianna would be the first to admit to being confused. Ed didn’t seem the type to yell, just give the worst sort of icy freeze out to someone who’d displeased him.

  “My father and my husband have some volatile history between them. Although, at times, I half think they like yelling at each other. Weird.” She shook her head. “Anyway, if you’re looking for Paige, she’s one floor up. She’d be happy to do anything to help Dan. They’re pretty close.”

  “Why?” Kelly demanded. Marianna didn’t have to be a profiler to understand what the younger woman was thinking. The girl Marianna vaguely remembered meeting was beautiful, and around Kelly’s age. Surely Dan Reynolds wasn’t involved with a girl the same age as his daughter? It wasn’t unheard of, but Marianna didn’t understand it.

  “Dan is the closest thing to a parent Paige has ever had. And Dan needed that. He’s always been so alone. Some of the younger agents help him get past his....well, past. And he provides a mentor for them.” Georgia sighed. “Still, it’s not the same as having his own children back. It could never be.”

  Marianna’s hand tightened on Ted’s shoulder. Dan Reynolds would always have Marianna’s sympathy. She’d heard the story, had been shocked the first day she’d been in the St. Louis building to learn that the older man had spent years searching for his children after his ex-wife had taken them and disappeared. For the longest time, losing Ted and the rest of the boys had been her biggest fear. On some level
it still was. Probably always would be. Ted shifted at her side, looking bored with the adult conversation. “No, it isn’t.”

  The two mothers shared an understanding look. Georgia continued. “I need to be going. Dr. Glendower, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at the carnival.”

  “Have a good night.” Marianna said as Georgia. “Kelly, I need to be going if I am going to get the kids. Where exactly is Ally going to be?”

  “She’ll be at my father’s, I guess. Wherever that is.” Marianna felt for Kelly, understanding how displaced the girl felt. Kelly was the type who needed structure, for all that her Goth clothes and unconventional appearance shouted defiance and confidence. It was a lie, and Marianna knew it.

  “Go find Agent Daviess and find out. I’ll drive you over there. We can give Ally back her children, and get your sister settled in.” Marianna checked her watch quickly. “I’ll call the daycare; tell them to have Ally’s kids ready.”

  Kelly nodded, a slightly overwhelmed look in her green eyes, before entering the stairwell. Marianna pulled her cell free of her bag, placing a quick call to the child care facility as she rushed Ted out to the parking garage. She’d deliver Ally’s kids and help Kelly adjust the best she could.

  Then it was home to do homework and chores and baths. Marianna was immensely thankful for the routine of it all. She loved being a mother, loved being able to give her kids the kind of life they deserved. The kind of life she somehow doubted Kelly and her sisters had had. It made her doubly angry on Kelly’s behalf.

  Kelly and the younger members of her team were like Marianna’s children—she cared for them all. But if she admitted it, she was closer to Kelly than the rest. The girl was just so wounded, and Marianna understood the signs of chronic abuse.

  Someone had mistreated Kelly, made her fearful and distrustful. Made her cling to those she was close to, yet still not trust them fully. Marianna could definitely understand that. From experience. Kelly needed her friends, was going through a difficult time. Marianna made a vow to be there for the girl as much as she could.

  Five minutes passed before Kelly and Agent Daviess arrived in the parking lot. Marianna studied the two as they walked side by side. Except for coloring, the two were very similar. They were both tall, though Kelly stood slightly shorter. Both wore similar clothing, dark black with silver jewelry. Both were edgy, darting eyes around the parking lot. Agent Daviess’ hand rested on her weapon, telling Marianna she felt threatened. Kelly abhorred guns and refused to wear one in the field, but she had the same watchful look about her.

  The two were a lot alike, and Marianna wondered whether they’d become fast friends, or whether they’d be too much alike. She hoped for the former, as it would probably help Kelly adjust to the changing relationship between her and her father if someone was there to act as a buffer.

  “Mari—you can follow us to my...father’s.” Kelly hesitated. “I’ll ride with Paige.”

  Half an hour later, Marianna pulled the van full of children—her seven plus two—into the driveway of a two story log cabin with natural stone accents and large windows. It was a beautiful home, both modern and rustic at the same time. The yard was large, at least two acres—a rare find, even on the outskirts of the city. A partial basement was visible, complete with sliding doors and more windows. Probably where Agent Daviess lived.

  It was a shame that only one man and a tenant shared such a large home. It was meant for a family.

  She unloaded the four-year-old Aislin from the back seat, wondering briefly what Ally would say when she saw the purple streaks in the preschooler’s strawberry blonde curls. Apparently Ryan and Ted had given her the idea—and Timothy and James had executed the experiment. Just like Kelly’s, Aislin had said, referring to the Goth’s own altered hairstyle.

  Kelly took the child, probably as a subconscious buffer against her father. Marianna sent a sharp look over at the younger twins as they started to unfasten their seatbelts. “We’re not staying, boys.”

  “Why not, Mom? Agent Reynolds is cool!” Ted said. “He’s got real bullet holes and everything!”

  “Because this is family time for Kelly.”

  “But Aunt Ally’s here! Ryan gets to stay!” Ted continued. “Please!”

  “Please stay,” Agent Reynolds said, as he walked up beside Kelly. Ally stood at his shoulder, her body language catching Marianna’s attention. Something about the way Ally leaned toward Agent Reynolds had Marianna’s eyes narrowing. The two stood close, nearly touching shoulders. Close. Agent Reynolds continued, “I have plenty of hot dogs and hamburgers in the freezer. Josh and J.T. are in the back yard trying to figure out the grill. And the doc has agreed to stay, as well.”

  Marianna hesitated, looking toward Ally. The blonde shrugged. “It’ll help Gracie and Kelly, I think, to have people around, for a little while.”

  Marianna thought about it for a while, thought about Kelly. She nodded. “Ok. We appreciate the invitation, Agent Reynolds.”

  “Please, it’s Dan. And make yourselves at home. Kids, there’s soda in the fridge, and lemonade.”

  Marianna checked her watch. It was nearly six, they’d stay for a few hours, and then head home to baths and homework. Chores could wait for one night, especially since tomorrow was Saturday. And she’d just look at this as a way of getting to know some of the new people she worked with. Even if it made her highly uncomfortable to have the kids mixing with people she didn’t really know. The kids needed to know people in this new town. Needed to feel comfortable. Shouldn’t they?

  Chapter 9

  His daughter had looked tired, her dark eyes weary and shoulders slumped. Ed had questioned her, not truly satisfied with the stock, ‘I’m fine, just tired.’ response she’d given him. Hellbrook had obviously echoed his concern as he’d pulled her to his chest, wrapping one arm around her.

  It still gave him a shock sometimes to see the man he’d fought with for years cuddling the most precious woman in Ed’s world. Hellbrook loved her; he had no doubt about that. And Georgia deserved someone who’d understand her. But she’d looked so tired, he couldn’t help but be a little worried.

  He’d bullied her into letting him take Matthew for the night. He knew she preferred to keep the boy with her when home—she was gone more than she’d like—and he understood that. But she’d needed the rest. He strongly suspected he’d be getting a second grandchild soon. He hoped. He knew Georgia wanted more than one child.

  It was good to see her happy. Even if it was with Hellbrook. His daughter and Hellbrook—would he ever have predicted that? Still, the other man took care of her and Matthew the way a husband and father should. That’s all he could have asked for.

  Matthew sat in the back talking to the puppy, both fastened in tightly. “Hey, Mattie, we’re going to make a stop on the way, then we’ll find something to eat, ok?”

  “Ok.” The little boy was more interested in the wiggling puppy than the conversation.

  Ed pulled into the drive of Dan’s cabin, surprised to find the driveway blocked by several unfamiliar cars. Matthew had his seatbelt unhooked and the puppy in his arms before Ed had even shut off the engine. “Buddy, it looks like Dan has visitors already, so we’re just going to give him this file and leave, ok?”

  “Ok, Grandpa. Then we can eat?”

  “Yes.”

  He knocked and waited. Soon the door swung open and Agent Daviess greeted him. “Hello sir, and little sir—have you come to join the party, too?”

  “Hello, Paige. I just need to speak with Dan for a few moments, then Mattie and I are headed to McDonalds. Is Dan around?”

  “He’s kind of busy right now.” Agent Daviess looked around before continuing. “All three of his kids are here! Gonna be living here, I guess. At least the youngest two will be. Come on in, everybody is in the back yard.”

  “Everybody?”

  “Yeah. Dan’s kids, and those two Indy lab geeks who were stuck in the elevator with Dan last week. Their kids, too.”
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  “Dr. Glendower and Dr. Brewster?” Sometimes he had a tough time following Paige’s conversations.

  “Yep. Josh and J.T., too.” Paige turned and led them deeper in to the house. Ed saw Dan seated on the deck, surrounded by several women—including Marianna and her friend Dr. Brewster.

  Dan’s shoulder touched the smaller blonde’s. His body language shouted tense to Ed, as Dan spoke with three younger women that he knew had to be his daughters. The oldest girl stood fidgeting, close to Marianna, as they all spoke.

  There were children everywhere. From a tiny little girl to who Ed recognized as the oldest of the Glendower boys. Agents Compton and Tompkins stood nervously by Dan’s grill. Ed’s eyes narrowed. Something about the adults was just off. Poor Dan; this kind of situation had to be difficult for his friend.

  “Dan.” He greeted his friend, eyes searching for tell-tale clues in the other man’s demeanor. “I brought the Gonzalez file.”

  “Great. Let’s step in the kitchen real quick. Hey Monster-Matt!” Dan ruffled Matthew’s hair and petted the wiggling dog the boy still held. “There’s quite a few kids running around who would love to meet your puppy!”

  “Ok, Uncle Danny!” The boy ran off and Ed followed Dan into the kitchen, sliding the glass door closed behind him once more.

  Dan limped to the fridge and pulled out two cans of soda. Ed waited, knowing Dan would say what was on his mind when he was ready. He finally spoke. “She beat my little girl.”

  “I’m sorry.” He hurt for his friend for a moment. What father ever wanted to be faced with the knowledge that his child hurt.

  “I can’t do anything about it, to erase it. I should have found them earlier. I should have thought to check with Phillips, but I didn’t. Dammit. I don’t know where to go from here.” Dan kept his gaze on the people sitting on his back porch.