by Lacey Legend
Her best friend would want to know.
“Hey girl,” Tembi said.
“Hey. Bad news. My mother died.”
Tembi gasped. “I’m so sorry, Kendra. My goodness.”
“Thanks.”
“Are you having a funeral?”
“Just with Cliff and me. I don’t want to endanger anyone else.”
“Okay, Kendra. I understand. If you need anything, call me.”
“I will.”
Kendra called the funeral home that the woman had texted her. She made all of the arrangements. Sacha busied himself doing the dishes. She wished he’d sit. He was looking a little pale. Even for him.
She disconnected her last call. “Sacha, I’ll do the dishes.”
“No, I’m fine.”
“No, you aren’t. Please sit. You’re making me nervous.”
He smiled. “I’m almost done.” Then his smiled dimmed and he grabbed the counter.
Kendra was by his side. “Dizzy?”
“A little. Okay, I’ll go sit on the couch.”
“I’ll be in there in a minute. We can watch a movie together.”
He nodded, then left her. She finished the dishes. When she entered the living room, Sacha was asleep on the couch. She found a throw blanket and put it on him. He murmured, but didn’t wake up.
She studied him. He was a strong, handsome man. So odd to see him this weak, but he had to take time to recover. Even if his memory was back, he was still healing physically.
His eyes fluttered open. “You’re staring at me.”
“I am.”
“Come snuggle with me.”
“I don’t trust you to just snuggle.”
He smiled that smile that told her what he was thinking and it wasn’t about snuggling. “Promise. We’ll just snuggle.” He lifted the blanket for her to crawl underneath it.
She did, facing him. He put his arms around her.
“Thanks for being here, Sacha.”
“Where else would I be?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Let’s get some sleep. We’ll just snuggle,” he said.
She laughed. “You must not feel well if you’re content to hold me.”
His eyes were half-open. “I’m not feeling well, but I’m better now that you’re here. We can help each other out, Kendra.”
“Mm.”
He didn’t say anything more, just let out a little snore.
***
Sacha knew he should rest more, but now that his memory was back, he wanted to find his son. He wanted to visit the Bermans again, the couple he was sure had adopted him. They’d named the boy Ethan. Sacha liked the name, but he believed the couple had lied to him. They knew where he was and he needed to confront them again.
That’s why, against Kendra’s advice, Sacha took the car and drove back to New Jersey. He had a little trepidation about leaving Kendra by herself, but he was on a mission. He’d alerted the local police and the chief had insisted he would send a car out in that direction regularly. Sacha made a contribution to the local Police Benevolent Association to ensure the chief would remember.
He’d driven within sight of Manhattan and it still had the pull. His mouth watered. He missed the noise and the restaurants, even though he liked to cook. But Kendra wasn’t there. Kendra was waiting for him at his house. A house he was beginning to think of as home. Because Kendra was there.
That was dangerous. She was going back to her life when this was all done. They were closing in on Lopez. They would find him. Kendra would be safe. She’d go back to that other job. Back to her life. She and Cliff would find a place to live.
Hopefully, by then he’d find his son. He wouldn’t be alone. He heard kids were babe magnets. Maybe his son would find him his next woman.
The house looked the same as it did last time. For this visit, he didn’t call. Mrs. Berman answered the door. She was dressed in a shabby housecoat. The place hadn’t been vacuumed in what looked like weeks.
She sat down across the coffee table from Sacha.
“He isn’t here. Whoever you’re looking for isn’t here.”
“Where is he?”
She started to cry. That silent cry that had tears running down her face, but no noise coming out of her. “He’s with Social Services. He’s probably in a foster home by now.”
“What happened?”
“The lady came. She took him away. For no reason.”
“I don’t believe that,” Sacha said.
Now he was angry. His kid was with strangers. Probably scared. Could he find him today? She sighed. “Bud hit him. He was still bruised when the lady came so she took him.”
“Guess he didn’t lie for you.”
“No, he didn’t.”
That’s my boy.
He left her crying on the sofa. She was not his concern. His son was. He went to the county Social Services office house in an old white building with Doric columns on the front.
“Can I help you?”
A petite woman behind a counter looked at him expectantly. She had on the brightest shirt he’d ever seen.
“Yes, I’m trying to track down a child that should be in your system,” Sacha said.
“Name?
“Mine or the child?”
“The child.”
“Ethan Berman. He was taken from his adoptive parents’ home and might be with foster parents.”
“Are you the lawyer for the parents?”
“No, I’m the boy’s father. I signed away rights when he was born. I was young and stupid.”
She stopped with her fingers poised over her keyboard. “So you have no legal rights to the child?”
Sacha frowned. “No, I don’t, technically.”
“Then I can’t tell you where he is. Here’s what I would advise. Get yourself a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the law and come back. He’ll know what to ask and what to do.”
Sacha leaned closer, giving her a big grin that he knew melted hearts. “Can you recommend anyone?”
She looked around as if she didn’t want anyone to hear her. “Yes. Look up Tom Fleischer. He’s local and he’s been able to get kids back for people in just your type of situation,” she said.
Sacha held out his hand. “Thank you.”
She gripped his hand for a moment, her smile big, her eyes fluttering. “You’re welcome.”
He’d been around long enough to know that women responded to his smile. He kissed her hand, then left her blushing. He climbed into his car and put the lawyer’s name in the search engine on his phone.
He had an address. He clicked on it to navigate to the man’s office. It was only a block away, so he walked. The office was in a storefront. Shutters inside blocked the glass windows. Sacha opened the door and was surprised by the office. It was paneled with wood and the lawyer had a receptionist. It didn’t look that good from the outside.
Normally he’d go for a high-priced New York lawyer, but he needed someone local.
“Can I help you?”
The woman behind the desk had the reddest hair that Sacha had ever seen.
“I don’t have an appointment, but I was hoping I could speak to Mr. Fleischer. The woman at social services recommended him.”
“Well, you’re in luck. He’s here and he’s free.”
She led him to a back office where a large man sat behind a large desk. He struggled to his feet to shake Sacha’s hand. Sacha told him his tale of woe.
“I can take the case. Before we do anything, we have to prove he is your son. That requires DNA testing. A blood test. You willing?”
“Yes.”
“We’ll have to get the court to get one from the boy.”
“Whatever needs to be done,” Sacha said.
When he left the man’s office, Sacha felt he was the closest he’d ever been to getting his son. He climbed into his car, tired from the day, but exhilarated also. He called Kendra.
“Hi.”
&
nbsp; “Hey, beautiful.”
“You sound like you had a good day,” she said.
“I did. I’ll tell you all about it over dinner. I should be back there in about three hours.”
“I’ll have something ready.”
“Good.”
He hung up and couldn’t wipe the grin off of his face if you held a gun to his head.
Chapter12
Kendra looked in the mirror one more time. She wore a black dress for her mother’s funeral, of course. Sacha was coming with her. Viktor and Alia were bringing Cliff. She’d talked to him two nights ago. He was having a blast.
Kendra felt guilty since Alia was due in a month. They insisted that they’d be fine with Cliff and the baby, but Kendra wasn’t so sure. Hopefully, this would all be over by then. That gave Kendra a twinge. That would mean that she would have to leave Sacha.
She was used to Sacha being around. She was getting used to this lifestyle. She could get a better job and provide this lifestyle for Cliff. Now that her mother was no longer alive, she had some more freedom.
And she could pay Sacha back for the funeral expenses. He’d paid for it, just giving the funeral home his credit card. The man was generous. She was beginning to feel guilty. He hadn’t even tried to have sex with her.
She knew the doctor had cleared him. What was his problem? She was itching to have sex with him. She suspected that she’d have a long dry spell after she left his place. Might as well have as much sex as possible now.
Especially today. She was burying her mother. At a younger age, than she’d ever thought possible, but that was the problem with early onset Alzheimer’s. Kendra’s heart hurt.
Sacha appeared behind her. He put his arms around her. “I’m here, Kendra.”
“I appreciate that.”
If it weren’t for this man, she would be dead. Someone would be burying her. He kissed her head. “You ready?”
“I am.”
He took her hand. “I’m here for you, Kendra. You tell me what you need and I’ll give it to you.”
She smiled. “Just be here.”
He drove her to the cemetery. Viktor and Alia were already there. Cliff ran over to Kendra when she climbed out of the car. He hugged her. “Alia said that Grandma is in a better place.”
“She is, Cliff.”
He held her hand as they walked to the gravesite. Sacha was right behind her. It felt like a family. She kissed Alia and Viktor. “Thank you for bringing him.”
“No problem. He’s a really good kid. We’ve been having fun,” Alia said. She glanced at Viktor. “We bought a game system and I’m not sure who is having more fun with it, Cliff or Viktor.”
Viktor smiled. “What? Someone has to play with the kid.”
“Right. Taking one for the team,” Alia said, winking at Kendra.
What a sweet and easy relationship they had. Sacha squeezed her hand. Cliff was bounding around at her feet, dressed in a suit. A minister walked over to the gravesite.
“I’m Reverend Stone. I’ll be officiating,” he said.
He was a gray-haired man dressed in black. He did most of the funerals for the burials in this cemetery, so that had been good enough for Kendra. She wasn’t religious. She didn’t have any contacts at any churches.
Besides, the ceremony wasn’t going to be long. It was just them, but Kendra needed a little closure. Even if she’d been expecting this day to come for five years.
The minister did his best, but he hadn’t known her mother. Kendra herself hadn’t known her mother for some time, but remembered how she’d been. The minister left. They each put a handful of dirt onto the coffin. Then they all gathered around Kendra.
She appreciated the warmth of the family feeling. She’d miss these people.
“Tell me about your mother, Kendra,” Alia said.
They stood by the gravesite. The day had dawned warm, but not too hot to be out in the sun. Kendra thought for a moment. What could she say about her mother? What would make them understand what an amazing person she’d been in her prime? Before this awful disease had taken her from Kendra and Cliff.
“She was supportive and loving,” Kendra said finally. “When I said I wanted to go to college, she never doubted that I could do it. When I applied to law school, she was behind me one hundred percent,” Kendra said.
Sacha held her hand. “She sounds like our mother. Whatever I said I wanted to do, my mother gave me encouragement.”
Kendra smiled, tears forming in her eyes. “I have already grieved for her most of the way. The woman I knew had been gone for a while.”
Cliff squeezed her hand. “It’s okay, Kendra.”
She looked down at her brother who had been her only family for the last five years. Then back to Sacha and Viktor. They seemed like family now and she regretted that she’d have to eventually say goodbye to them. It made her heart hurt even more.
Sacha must have sensed her feelings because he took her in his arms. “It’s okay, Kendra. We’re here.”
She took in his warmth. Then she stepped away. “Can I have a moment alone?”
“Sure,” he said.
They moved away from her, giving her space. She looked at her mother’s coffin. “Goodbye, Mom. I love you.”
Then a shot rang out. Kendra didn’t know what to do. Sacha ran to her, then grabbed her. He shoved her into his car. She looked back as they drove away. Viktor was getting Alia and Cliff into his car.
“What the hell?” Kendra said.
“Guess my security didn’t work,” Sacha said. “Damn them.”
“How could anyone find me up here?”
“I don’t know, sweetie, but I’m not happy.”
“You think we’re safe at the house?”
“Yes. We have lots of security. I feel safe there.”
She sat back, her mind whirling from the events of the day. It wasn’t even lunch time and she was wrung out already. This was nuts. She had to do something. She couldn’t just sit here.
Sacha put his hand on her knee. “Don’t get any ideas. I’m going to keep you safe and when they find Lopez, you’ll be fine.”
***
Sacha drove down the long driveway to his house. Kendra had fallen asleep not too long into the ride. She was probably feeling horrible after the day they’d had. His heart went out to her. She’d buried her mother and gotten shot at all in one day. Half a day, since it was just lunchtime.
This was the most serene he’d seen her in a few days. He was pretty sure taking care of him had taken a little toll on her. He’d make it up to her. Whatever she wanted today was hers. Money was no object, but he’d bet that Kendra wouldn’t choose things.
She’d choose experiences.
He parked the car in the garage, closing the door behind him. He turned off the ignition, but Kendra didn’t stir. He studied her. She was a beautiful woman. Sometimes he wondered what she saw in him. Why had she agreed to that contract? Did she feel obligated to sleep with him?
Since regaining his memory, he was having guilt about their arrangement. His ego wanted her in his bed because she wanted to be, not because she had to be. Should he tear up the contract?
She still didn’t wake. She must need the sleep. So he left her in the car to go fill up the bathtub. He put candles around it then lit them. A good soak would do her body good.
“What are you doing?” Kendra said.
She was in the doorway, sleep still in her eyes, making them darker than usual.
“I was drawing you a bath. It’s been a rough day.”
“Did you call Nik?”
“Not yet. I wanted to see what he had to say about your safety. I don’t want to move again unless we have to, but I will. We have other options.”
She yawned and stretched. “I’m hungry.”
She looked like a dark kitten. He smiled. “I’ll make lunch while you’re in here.”
“Okay. Thanks, Sacha. I appreciate your presence here. And Alia and Viktor.”
He kissed her nose as he left her to her bath. “No problem, sweetie.”
Had he just called her sweetie? It seemed natural and she didn’t call him on it. He made them some sandwiches, then went back to the bathroom. Kendra was in the tub, and he began to think about her naked underneath those bubbles.
No, this was about soothing her. That didn’t involve sex for a woman.
“I made lunch, but it can wait if you want to stay in there longer.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m good. I’ll be prune-like if I don’t get out soon.”
He took a towel off the warmer and held it out. She rose out of the water looking like a darker version of Venus. God, the sight of her naked took his breath away. He’d like to skip lunch, but he wasn’t going to ask that of her.
She’d buried her mother this morning. She dried herself off, then wrapped a robe around her. “I’m ready for lunch.”
Oh, God. She was going to be naked while they ate. He was in trouble because all he could think about was peeling that robe off her.
He held out his hand. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
He led her to the kitchen where he’d made grilled cheese sandwiches. Kendra’s eye lit up. “I haven’t had one of these in years.”
“American comfort food.”
“Tomato soup?”
“Yes.”
He poured soup into bowls for them, placing one in front of her.
“How did you know?”
“I looked it up on the internet. I figured you could use some comfort today. It’s been a rough one.”
She kissed him on the lips, her hands framing his face. “Thank you, Sacha.”
She picked up the sandwich then dipped it into the tomato soup. Sacha watched as she took a bite, her eyes falling closed.
“You dip the sandwich in the soup?” he said.
“Yes.”
“Why is this comfort food?” he said as he picked up the sandwich.
He’d cut them into quarters as he’d seen online.
“Because in the winter time, my mother used to serve this to me for lunch on Saturdays when I was home from school.”
“I see. It makes you think of home.”
