Partners

by Kira Chase

  “You're welcome,” he answered politely. He looked intently at her. “Can I go back to live with my grandparents?” he asked.

  Johanna watched the caseworker's face. She knew they were trained to keep their personal feelings out of their cases, but it was obvious, even though the woman tried to hide it, that Bobby had tugged on her heart strings. It made it difficult to treat his case as another of many that Johanna assumed came across her desk.

  “Bobby,” she said gently. “I explained to you that I'm going to do everything in my power to help you, as is Sheriff Ryker.”

  He swallowed hard as he continued to look into her eyes. “I won't have to go back to Kyle and Brenna's in the meantime, will I?”

  “Definitely not, Bobby. That's not going to happen.”

  His lips trembled. “Thank you.”

  “Bobby, you're going to stay where you are.” She swept a hand in the direction of Johanna and Frankie. “You've mentioned several times how much you enjoy staying with them.”

  He nodded. “It's almost as good as being home with my grandparents.”

  Johanna blinked hard and caught a sideways glance at Frankie whose jaw twitched, confirming that she was battling her own emotions.

  * * * *

  “It's too bad George wasn't able to join us for dinner,” Johanna said.

  Frankie frowned. “I know, but it must have been an extremely important call he was expecting.” She paused. “Maybe he didn't want to take the call in front of any of us.”

  “Why?” Johanna asked.

  “I don't know, but I'm sure he'll let us know when the time’s right.” Frankie glanced over to where Bobby and Trey sat on the other side of the room, peering at something on the computer. “It was nice to see Bobby and Trey so relaxed at dinner, though.”

  “You're right…it was.” Johanna lifted an eyebrow. “It was quite a shock when Will relinquished all claims to Trey's house. I didn't see that one coming.”

  “I'd give anything to see the look on Kyle's face when he finds out,” Frankie replied with a gleam in her eye. “Priceless!”

  Johanna threw her head back and laughed. “Everything he hoped to get out of Will just evaporated. Maybe Brenna will just go back to Seattle. There's nothing here for her now.”

  “Don't forget she seemed surprised when we mentioned her moving to Charlestown and especially her social media presence.”

  Johanna nodded enthusiastically. “Kyle has been playing his wife, too.”

  “He's lied about everything.” Frankie frowned. “But she went along with the DNA test.”

  “I guess we won't know if she changed anything until we find out Will's results.”

  “That's true. I think George might be right when he said this could all be wrapped up quickly,” Frankie responded optimistically.

  “Do you think George is waiting for a call from the Seattle Police Commissioner?”

  “Could be.”

  “We're ready to connect to Bobby's grandparents,” Trey called from across the room.

  They walked over to where Bobby sat in front of the computer and stood on either side of him. Trey stood behind the women.

  “Everything set?” Johanna asked Bobby.

  “Yes,” he beamed. “I just called them.”

  “I can't wait to meet them, Bobby,” Frankie said.

  Trey smiled as he pressed a button. Almost instantly, the screen was filled with Bobby's Grammy and Grandpa.

  “Hi, Grammy and Grandpa.”

  “Hi, Bobby!” They grinned back at him.

  Frankie studied Bobby's grandparents. From the looks on their faces, they were elated to be chatting with their grandson. Bobby's grandmother had salt and pepper hair and a round pleasant face. She was an attractive woman. His grandfather was a handsome man with gray hair and a beautiful smile. His blue eyes twinkled as they swept over Bobby. There was no doubt in Frankie's mind the love they held for this boy.

  “You already met Trey.” Trey smiled and waved at them. “Now I want you to meet Frankie and Johanna.” They exchanged introductions. “This is their house and they are the ones who rescued me from Kyle and Brenna.”

  “I'm so thankful for the both of you,” the older woman whispered, choking back sobs. “We've been so worried about Bobby these past months.”

  “He's safe with us,” Frankie assured her. “In fact, he'll be staying with us until he is released back into your custody.”

  The woman's eyes brightened. “He's coming home?”

  Johanna smiled. “Definitely.”

  “When? Do we need to pick him up?” her husband asked excitedly. “We'll catch the first plane out.”

  “We're waiting to hear back from Child Protective Services,” Frankie explained. “They're investigating Bobby's case.”

  Mrs. Martin nodded vigorously. “Someone from the CPS was here today, questioning us about what happened. I have to admit she gave us hope.”

  “Bobby's case threw a lot of red flags up,” Johanna said.

  “I told them everything, Grammy,” Bobby added.

  “That's good, son,” his grandfather replied. “What will happen to Kyle and Brenna? Do you know?”

  “That's a question Sheriff Ryker will have to answer.” Johanna looked at Frankie.

  Frankie knew it was a touchy topic since Kyle was their son. She tried to think of something to say that would ease the subject away from Kyle and onto a more pleasant topic.

  “I just want him far away from us and Bobby after what he's done,” the grandmother replied. “I know that might sound horrible coming from his mother, but after what he's done to us, I don't want to see either one of them again.”

  Frankie breathed a sigh of relief. “From what we learned, I don't blame you one bit,” Frankie firmly replied. “You two have raised a wonderful young man.”

  “Thank you,” she said with a slight blush coloring her cheeks. “He's been a comfort and joy to us from the minute he came into this world.”

  “I had to get a test today,” Bobby jumped in.

  “What kind of test?” the grandparents asked in unison.

  “To see who my real father is,” Bobby answered.

  “They swabbed him for DNA since Kyle insists that Will Benjamin is his father,” Johanna explained.

  Mrs. Martin pursed her lips. “Kyle knows that Will and Carrie were only friends. Bobby's father is Randall Corbin. We told Kyle that when Bobby was born.”

  Frankie nodded. “We know. We never doubted that Will is not Bobby's father, but for some reason Kyle has convinced Will that he is.”

  Mr. Martin's eyebrows drew together. “I have a feeling that whatever Kyle has been up to goes much deeper than any of us realize.”

  Frankie wondered how well they knew Blake Roman and decided to ask. “How well do you know Brenna's brother, Blake Roman?”

  “Not well at all. We tried to file charges against him for the abuse we suffered at his hands, but no one would listen to us because of those staged pictures.”

  “Well, we're just both relieved that Bobby is safe,” Mrs. Martin said softly. “Will we be allowed to keep up our communication with him until all of this is settled?”

  “Of course. Bobby has free reign and can talk all day and night if you want,” Johanna replied with a bright smile.

  “Thank you,” the grandmother said as her eyes swept over her grandson again. “I just can't stop looking at him.”

  Bobby blushed. “I'll be home before you know it.”

  * * * *

  “I wonder when the results of Will and Bobby's DNA tests will be ready.” Frankie shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

  “Patience, babe. Unfortunately, no matter how many times I tell you that, it proves it’s definitely not one of your virtues.”

  She stopped pacing and stood in front of Johanna. “I know, but I can't help myself. I hate waiting around for the second shoe to drop.”

  “How well I know,” Johanna said, cocking an eye.

&n
bsp; Frankie ran a hand through her hair. “Where's Trey?”

  “He said he'd be in his room if we heard anything. He's clearing up some emails,” Johanna replied. “Come sit. If you don't, you'll start pacing again.”

  “I'll try not to pace,” she answered with a wry grin. A peel of laughter from Bobby caused them to turn their heads in his direction. He sat, still chatting with his grandparents. “I love watching him. He's so happy.”

  “I know.” Johanna grabbed Frankie's hand and pulled her down on the sofa. “Now sit. We'll hear when we hear.”

  “Do you think it'll be tonight?”

  She shrugged. “It's getting late, so I doubt it.” She drew a deep breath. “My head is spinning from all of this.”

  “Trey was right when he said it's like a nightmare. I think when this is over, I will relish a string of boring cases like the one we have tomorrow night.”

  “Yeah?” Johanna looked skeptically at her. “Since when have you ever been satisfied with a dull routine case?”

  Frankie laughed and turned her attention to Bobby who'd finished the chat and was heading toward them. He smiled as he took a seat on the loveseat across from them.

  “My grandparents are glad I'm here with you. They like you.”

  “We like them, too, and we are very glad you're here,” Frankie said. “Can I get you anything?”

  “No, thank you. I'm good. I liked that restaurant. That's the best Mexican food I ever ate.”

  “When you mentioned Mexican food, Frankie and I knew where to take you. It's the best around here and we're glad you enjoyed it.”

  His eyebrows drew together. “Are you sure I never have to see Kyle and Brenna again?”

  “Positive,” Frankie said. “I don't want you to worry about that. Okay?”

  “Okay, I'll try.”

  She smiled at him. “Hey, why don't you show me how to play that new game on the phone? I can't seem to get the hang of it and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.”

  “You play games on your phone, Frankie?” Bobby asked, surprised.

  “Doesn't everybody?” She feigned shock at his question.

  He laughed.

  “Come on. Let's go in the kitchen and I'll fix us a snack.” She turned to Johanna. “Do you want to come with us?”

  “I think I'll let Bobby help you with the new game.” She paused. “I already figured it out.”

  “Who would have thought,” Bobby said shaking his head as he followed Frankie to the kitchen.

  Chapter 21

  Johanna gazed out of the window. A bright flash of lightning lit up the gray sky, followed by a rattling crack of thunder. She watched a few pedestrians scurry for shelter in the coffee shop next door. She walked back to her desk and sat down. Once the rain let up, she'd lock up for the day. She was anxious to get home and relax for a couple of hours before heading out for the surveillance tonight.

  Trey would be staying with them for a couple of more days. Will had texted him and asked for a couple of days to find an apartment. Frankie and she had asked him last night if Will had mentioned Brenna's plans. He said he'd pressed Will for information, but Will claimed she hadn't said a word to him about her plans. Will did say that he informed Brenna that she had to get out, but she only seemed interested in Will's future plans, which he refused to disclose to her.

  It should be interesting, Johanna thought. If Brenna refused to vacate Trey's house, then George would have to step in. She hoped it wouldn't come to that because the only way she wanted George to have a confrontation with Brenna was when he arrived to slap cuffs on her and haul her off to lock up if their suspicions of Brenna's tampering with Will's DNA proved to be true. Otherwise, by state law, Brenna had thirty days to leave if she chose to drag her feet.

  George hadn't called yet with the DNA results or with any news for that matter. She also had to keep in mind that no matter how remote, the DNA test might prove Will was Bobby’s father. She doubted it, but there was the chance that Carrie Martin hadn't told the truth and possibly had a one-night stand with Will in a moment of weakness with her boyfriend so far away. She didn't really believe it, but she had to consider it. She prayed she was wrong because if not, it would blow the case against Brenna out of the water. The only thing they would have against her then was the tape with Bobby stating the abuse he had suffered.

  The bright spot was Will’s plan to relinquish custody to Bobby's grandparents. At least Bobby was going to come out of this okay. And Trey's house was fully back in his possession. Still, she wouldn't be able to rest until Kyle, Brenna, and Blake Roman paid for what they'd done to so many innocent people.

  Johanna glanced toward the window again. The sky was beginning to brighten a little, but the rain was still falling. It looked like it would clear, though. It had been a productive day and she'd added a few more appointments to their calendar for the next two weeks. Depending how long Bobby would be staying with them, most of the appointments could be handled separately so one of them would able to be home with Bobby.

  She sighed as she leaned back in her chair. What was taking George so long to get them some answers? She smiled to herself. Now she sounded as impatient as she constantly accused Frankie of being. She stretched, and then rose. After locking the office, she let herself out the back where they were fortunate to have their own private parking area.

  * * * *

  Frankie looked up from where she was seasoning a platter of ribs for the grill and smiled as Johanna walked over to her. “How was your day, babe?” she asked with a bright smile as she turned the ribs over.

  Johanna planted a quick kiss on her cheek. “Not bad. Our calendar is rapidly filling up for the month.”

  “Good.” She studied her. “You look tired.”

  “No, just one of those dreary rainy days that made me wish I could have been snuggled up in bed with you all day.”

  Frankie grinned. “It would have been nice, but right now a little impossible with houseguests,” she replied with a touch of laughter in her voice.

  “So, what did you and Bobby do all day?”

  “We watched a couple of movies, played some video games, and chatted with his grandparents. It was a good day.”

  “Sounds like fun. I'm glad he has his grandparents.”

  “Me, too. Kyle has put them through hell. Mrs. Martin called me after the chat to talk privately.”

  Johanna lifted an eyebrow. “Is everything alright?” she asked concerned.

  Frankie wiped her hands on a paper towel. “Yes, I had given her our number so we can stay in touch with Bobby after he goes home.”

  “Good. I definitely want to keep in touch with him. So, what did she want to talk about?”

  “Just more in depth abuse they'd suffered at Kyle's hands.” She bit her bottom lip. “It's bad. They're terrified of Kyle.”

  “Trey said Bobby had talked to him about the abuse and it shook him to his core. What I heard from Bobby was bad enough. I don't think I could bear hearing even worse.”

  “That's why I'm not telling you.” She swallowed hard. “I swear, give me a few minutes alone with Kyle, Brenna and Blake Roman…I won't be responsible for my actions.”

  “And no one would blame you.” She glanced around. “Where is Bobby?”

  “Where do you think? When Trey's around he gravitates right to him. He's out back with Trey, getting the grill ready. We're eating early since we've got to tail Harry Cosco tonight.” She sighed. “I wish George would call. But at least I'm not pacing,” she said wryly.

  Johanna chuckled. “No, you're not. But I understand if you were. I was thinking the same thing this afternoon.”

  “Why, Johanna! You shock me,” Frankie teased. “Are you admitting you're getting impatient?”

  “I admit it,” she conceded. “I thought we would have heard something by now.” She glanced around at the counter at the platters and bowls of food Frankie had prepared. “Do you need any help?”

  “No, I'm good.”


  “In that case, I think I'll grab a quick shower before dinner.”

  “Okay, babe. Dinner should be ready by the time you're finished. We're eating outside.”

  Frankie took the platter of ribs to Trey who waited by the grill, then headed back inside followed by Bobby who offered to help carry everything else out. They set the bowls and platters on the picnic table and then Frankie sat at the table while Bobby ran to the side of the pool to dip his feet.

  Trey placed the ribs on the grill and then walked to where Frankie was sitting and slid onto the bench seat across from her. “Nothing from George yet?”

  Frankie propped her elbows on the table. “No. If we don't hear anything from him by the time Johanna and I get back tonight, I'm giving him a call.”

  “The DNA test results should be ready by now, I would think,” Trey reasoned.

  “I agree.” She slowly shook her head back and forth. “This waiting is driving me nuts.”

  “Yeah, it's got to be tough on Bobby, too,” he said nodding in the teen's direction. “Bobby and I will probably hang out here tonight. In case you call and can't reach me, we're going to have a race.”

  Frankie smiled. “You've really taken to him.”

  His eyebrows drew together. “Will and I had talked about adoption.”

  “Really?” Frankie asked surprised. It dawned on her that they must have been close to marriage if they'd been talking about adoption. She saw the pain in his eyes and didn't press the topic. He was in pain and she had no right to invade his private thoughts.

  “It's so peaceful and beautiful out here,” he said changing the topic.

  “It's because of the work you did, Trey,” Frankie reminded him. “You transformed the area into something I could have never envisioned.”

  Trey's cheeks reddened. “I loved every minute I worked on it. Of course, it was a challenge to see if I could pull off how I saw it in my mind with what you'd said you wanted.” He rose. “I'd better check on the ribs.”