Jesse sent her a brilliant smile. “No thanks. I’m leaving, but he’ll need a big one.” He nodded toward John and threw a hundred dollar bill on the table. “This one’s on me little brother.”
He started to leave, but for effect paused and leaned down to whisper gruffly into his ear.
“Oh, and I know who and where you daughter is. Only you’re to stay away from her. Do you understand? You’ve done enough.”
John watched his brother’s back as he exited the patio lounge. Shell-shocked couldn’t come close to describing how he felt. He’d waited his entire adult life to find her.
He knows where she is! He knows where my daughter is!
Everything in him told him to run after Jesse and shake the information out of him, but thought better of it after remembering his brother’s ice-cold eyes.
I need to wait. She must have contacted him. If I wait, maybe I’ll have my chance to contact her too.
John ordered a stiff drink and contemplated his next move. There was no way that his big brother would keep him from his daughter. He’d waited too long to miss this.
Chapter 33
Timothy pulled into his parent’s driveway in Oklahoma City, and turned off the engine. He sat for a few minutes before opening the car door, dreading the conversation to come. He hadn’t been home in a couple years, and knew his mom’s radar would be up.
She’s going to suspect something and I’m never going to hear the end of it. He grasped the door handle, and told himself, “It’s now or never Banks.”
After swinging his duffle bag over his shoulder, he rounded the garage to his parent’s front door.
“Hey guys. I’m home! What’s for dinner? It smells good,” Timothy yelled, and dropped his bag inside the doorway.
“Timothy Matthew Banks. Get in here and give me a hug!” His mom rushed in and wrapped her arms around his waist, before yelling through the kitchen, “James, your son is here.”
Timothy’s father came into the foyer, and pulled his son into a warm embrace.
“Hi dad.” Timothy sank into his father’s large frame; similar to his own, and then grabbed his mom to wrap his arms around her once more.
As Janie Banks felt her son’s ribs, she backed away to look into his eyes.
“I bet you’re starved. They don’t feed you on those flights anymore. I have dinner in the oven. Get in here.” She motioned her husband to take Tim’s bag, and pulled her son to the kitchen to eat. “So tell me. What on earth is going on?” She put her hands on her hips and gave him her no-nonsense stare.
“Nothing like being direct mom!” He laughed and sat down at the kitchen island. “Can’t a guy just miss his parents and want to visit?”
His mother stared him down and leaned in. “I know this is bigger than missing your parents. You’ve been too busy with your practice to take any trips home for over two years.”
She shook her head and continued, “Now don’t get me wrong ... I am glad to see you, but before you leave you’ll tell me why you’re really here.”
“Janie, leave the poor boy alone and let him eat. I’m starving too. Please, fix our plates and let us catch up.”
James smiled and sat down next to his son. He knew the best way to ease his wife’s curiosity was to bring up law or politics. It was two of the things he liked discussing most with his son … not only because they could have an engaging conversation, but also because he knew his wife would bore with it. She would soon tune them out, which meant they could have their time without any unnecessary interruptions.
“So, how’s your practice going?” The Colonel asked while pulling his chair up.
“Pretty good. I actually got a case that has ties here locally, so I am in town to finish up the final paperwork and legalities.”
“So that’s why the quick trip home? Well, good … whatever it takes to get you here for a few days.” James placated him, knowing something else going on than just routine paperwork.
His son was his own man, who was driven hard to succeed at whatever he put his mind to. He also knew that Timothy didn’t waste time with paperwork when he had staff to finalize that for him. If he were in town to see someone about a case, than James would bet that it was to see a woman. He also would lay money on it being more than professional interests he had in her.
I am interested to see what will come from this weekend, James thought and started talking about the local current events to pass the time with his son.
Timothy was glad his dad decided to run interference, but all he really wanted to do was to go upstairs and get settled. It would give him the opportunity he needed to call Chastity and surprise her.
I can’t wait to see her.
He had to focus to keep up with his dad’s conversation. It took everything he had to answer his questions, when all he could think about were Chastity Wayne’s eyes … and the way he got lost in them.
Chapter 34
Timothy rounded the car to open Chastity’s door. He could hardly sleep last night in anticipation of seeing her today. He called her as soon as he could slip away from his parents, claiming to be jet lagged.
Dialing her cell was the hardest thing he could remember doing in years. Not knowing how she would respond to his arrival in town, his fingers were a little jittery. It was all for nothing though. He could hear the warmth in her voice when she answered, and when he told her where he was she showed genuine excitement.
They talked until midnight and made plans to see each other first thing the next afternoon. Chastity had asked him to bring her down town to visit the Murrah Bombing Memorial. Although not your typical first date, he was more than happy to be her tour guide for the afternoon.
From Chastity’s viewpoint, she could see straight down Fifth Street through the park’s entrance. The entryway was engraved with the time of 9:01, which represented the minute before the bombing. She knew she should have chosen somewhere more light-hearted for their first date, but was still thoroughly looking forward to paying her respects.
I can’t travel to Oklahoma and not come here, she reminded herself. And to be honest, I couldn’t see myself coming here with anyone other than him.
She watched Timothy approaching, and couldn’t help but notice how ruggedly handsome he was. His strong features would have been enough to get her attention, but that smile of his sent her over the edge.
Since she never opened up to men, it was eye opening to find herself wanting more time with him. He gave her the sense that she could trust him, which was completely different than what she was used to. She looked through the windshield with complete adoration, knowing he could never understand how comforting it was to be near him.
Chastity knew it was because he was key in helping her cope with her mother’s secrets. By helping her through the news of her inheritance, he had won a small piece of her over, which wasn’t something she took lightly.
Staring down the street to the entrance of the park, she felt peace.
Being here with him feels right.
She smiled, as he offered a hand to help her out of the car. His grip was firm but gentle, and as he pulled her toward him all she could think about was how his hands would feel on her skin. Her stomach dropped, as if she’d jumped out of a plane. She shook her head, pushing any desire from her mind. It was too soon.
She waited until he closed her car door, to drop his hand, wishing she could have held it longer.
It’s a good thing we only planned the afternoon together. It’s less pressure than dinner and drinks.
She inwardly groaned as her mind wandered back to the idea of his hands exploring her body.
It will be less tempting too, she reminded herself.
Timothy slid his bankcard into the electric parking meter, and led her toward the entrance.
“I’m a cheap date, huh?” She bit her lip.
“Nothing about you is cheap, Ms. Wayne.” He looked at her from under his eyelids.
His slight drawl shook her to the core. Man, what is he
doing to me?
“Is that a hint of an accent I hear?” She grinned and spun around to walk backwards in front of him, flirting with a few more ideas in her head.
He liked where this was going. “Yeah, I’m back for two days and it comes out like I’ve been here all my life."
“I kind of like it. It’s cute.” She nodded and turned back to walk beside him.
“Great … cute! That’s just what I was going for.” He rolled his eyes and laughed.
As quickly as they fell into each other’s company, they fell into solace just as fast. Silence overtook them, as they walked through the double archway of the memorial.
Chastity glanced up, noticing how high it loomed over the two them, making them look insignificant. They stepped up the winding ramp through the second archway and into the park.
“Wow,” she whispered to herself.
“Yeah, this is the first time I’ve been here since this was erected. The last time I was here it was just a chain link fence after most of this was torn down. It was so sad seeing the perimeter, as it was covered with items left by family or friends.” He let out a deep breathe. “It’s still so hard to believe someone could attack our own families and their children.”
She nodded her head in agreement. “I remember watching it on the news and thinking - how could anyone do that?”
“Well,” he paused. “They’ve done a beautiful job commemorating it all. Look, this wall is up for the survivors.”
Timothy pointed to the northwest corner. “This is the only part of the building they kept as part of the design. Its the last piece standing.”
Chastity stared up to the last remnant left in place, which the blast didn’t overcome, and realized they were standing in what used to be the basement. She couldn’t help but feeling the helplessness that the victims must have suffered.
“It feels like we’re in a hole,” she offered softly. I wonder how many were stuck down here waiting for rescue. She drew in her shoulders and winced.
Seeing the look on her face, he knew what she was thinking. He gently guided her toward the survivor tree across the other side of the park. As they walked up the path, they stood in solitude next to one another … close enough to touch, but far enough away that they didn’t.
“This was the one thing left unharmed, in all this chaos.” He paused. “It’s a true symbol of strength ... of this community, this state, of humanity.”
He turned his head to look in her direction. She’s strong too ... having to go through losing her mother so young - having a surprise inheritance dropped in her lap. She’s probably still reeling.
He wanted to grab her hand to pull her close, but didn’t know if he should. So, he did the next best thing to get closer to her.
“Come on,” Timothy whispered in her ear. “Let’s go sit next to the reflection pool. It will give us a chance to talk.”
The second he leaned in, it felt like an electric current ran down her back. If the feel of his breath on her neck was enough to give her a jolt, she was ready to find out just how his lips would feel. As he led her down the steps to the reflection pool, she was determined to find out how his kisses affected her.
The sound of water, trickling down the length of the pool, was mesmerizing. Instead of talking, the two of them sat in silence staring into the reflection, enjoying the moment. As the wind picked up, Chastity gained a sense of strength, like the spirits of those that had been taken too soon were suddenly surrounding them ... telling them that it was okay to live, to feel, and to survive against everything that threatened that survival. It was the most amazing feeling Chastity had ever encountered. She looked up to the clouds, wishing her mother had known what it was to feel this, to understand this.
The overcast sky was enough to allow every image in the city skyline to reflect perfectly along the water’s surface. It was so pristine that it looked like you could step in to walk through. If it weren’t for the two ducks sitting in the middle, Chastity could have sworn she could have.
As she looked to Timothy, the power of all the emotions she felt pelted her through and through. She felt free for the first time since she could remember. Her light heartedness prompted her to do something unlike her. Instead of running away … putting up walls … and shutting someone out … she wanted to lean into him to get as close as she could. If there ever was a moment for the perfect kiss, this was it.
She turned her face toward his and was about to lean in, when something caught her attention. From the corner of her eye, she saw a photographer shooting in their direction. He was above them behind the wall, which surrounded the survivor tree.
He’s been there since we arrived, she told herself. That, in itself, wasn’t unusual. There were tourists and photographers with cameras all over the place. But the fact that wherever they had been, so had that same photographer, which was a little unnerving.
The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and as much as she would like to think it was due to her stimulating partner – it was her radar going off. She had been on the run long enough to know when something wasn’t right.
Timothy was about to cradle her face with a kiss, when he saw her mood change. He watched her eyes narrow with distrust, and turned to see what she was staring at.
As Chastity faced the man, who was taking pictures of them, the feeling of empowerment she’d had a few moments ago disappeared.
He’s not taking random shots of the park. His camera is pointed right at us. This can’t be a coincidence. Not with my gut telling me something’s off!
Timothy watched her quizzical look and was about to ask her what was wrong, when she stood to start up the stairs back toward the tree. The man, who had been taking photos of the park, packed his gear up in a hurry.
Chastity noticed his urgency too. She watched him scamper, as fast as his body would let him, back to his car. As he crossed the street, she watched him run with a limp, which triggered a memory from deep inside her. Suddenly, she realized why the sight of him made her ill.
While she may not have recognized the man, she definitely recognized the stride. It stuck out like a soar thumb, making her feel as if she was going to pass out.
“Wait!” She started to run in his direction. “What are you doing? Leave me alone. Do you hear me? Whoever you are, tell them to leave me alone.”
As Timothy caught with her, the car drove off in the opposite direction.
“What’s going on?” He stared at her, in disbelief. “Who was that?”
She only shook her head in response and teared up.
She’s at her breaking point. He gently wrapped her in his arms, and rested his head on hers.
Timothy would never know how much she needed that. He was the anchor to the storm, which was raging inside of her. She let go and sank into him. All she wanted to do was lay her head onto his chest and forget about her past. She wanted these feelings of haunted memories to go away.
After a few minutes, he broke the silence. “Are you okay? There’s a park ranger over there ... do you need me to go get him? Should I call your uncle Dave?” He gently lifted her chin to search her eyes. They looked a million miles away.
“I remember now... leaving one of the only secure places I knew as a kid.” She closed her eyes. “I must have blocked out the memories, but after seeing him ... his limp ... I remember.”
Timothy knew not to ask too much of her right now. She just needed to be held, so he pulled her back to the survivor tree. Whatever she was going through right now made her feel weak, and he wanted to remind her of the tower of strength that she was.
What he didn’t know was that the image of that man, with the camera, opened the floodgates for Chastity. She never knew why she and her mother ran away from the first of many homes they had, until today. Her mom’s journals gave her history … gave her logic, but Chastity never truly understood first hand until this afternoon.
“Can I ask what this was about? Do you want to talk?” Timothy was tread
ing through unfamiliar waters.
Chastity’s green eyes turned to steel. “The other side of my...” She hesitated before finishing. “lineage … family - what ever you call it - are worthless. I thought it was just my biological father and grandfather, but now know the rest of them are as well.”
She saw Timothy’s confused expression and gave the best explanation she could.
“By chance, I saw my uncle for the first time a few days ago. I thought he didn’t know who I was, but I guess he did and now he’s trying to hunt me down too.”
“Okay,” he slowly responded, not knowing what any of it meant. “Have you tried a restraining order?”
“It’s not that simple, trust me.” Her voice was a small whisper. She laid her head back on his shoulder.
“Okay then, how about we go back to the car? Let’s go sit for a while. You can tell me what ever want, and we’ll figure out what to do next.”
She shook her head with determination. “I know what I’m going to do next. I am going to put this whole thing to a stop. Can you just please take me back to Cheryl’s? I’m sorry to have put a damper on today.”
“Sure.” He took her hand in his, and led her back to the car.
Chastity smirked and leaned her head back to look to the sky. “Ugh. What a first date I made.”
He squeezed her hand for reassurance, and opened her door. “Well, no one can call you boring – that’s for sure.”
“I’m sorry. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
He blinked down at her, wishing he could spend more time with her today, but he understood.
“You have nothing to be sorry for. That jerk that ruined our day is the one who should apologize. We’ll try again tomorrow?”
“Sounds good.” She leaned in to thank him for being exactly what she needed. He scored more points with her today than he’d ever know.
It was a soft short kiss, which told them both they had plenty of time.
Chapter 35
Finding Kylie Page 15
