An Unfinished Life

by Wasowski, Mary

  The laughter ceased, and the entire room went on lockdown after my very bold declaration of love for Zoey. Please say something, baby. Don’t leave me hanging.

  “What took you so long? I love you too!” Zoey replied.

  “Yes!” shouted Tenley. I couldn’t help smiling, and then I looked over my shoulder to her father. Zoey was his only child, and I knew that he loved and fiercely protected her.

  “Well, go on, son. Kiss her, for crying out loud.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  She was giggling again with that precious laugh of hers. I couldn’t kiss her the way I wanted to, so I went in for gentle, but she wasn’t having it. Zoey pulled me down and crushed her ruby lips to mine. I was so lost in her kiss, I felt dizzy.

  With one kiss, she had my complete submission. In that moment I knew I would do anything for her. Tenley hit me on my shoulder to give me a hug, and then hugged her friend. Jagger shook my hand and said his goodbyes to Zoey. Next to leave were her parents, and then Duffy made his discreet exit.

  Her doctor examined her before I arrived in her room. The drugs were completely out of her system, and all she would need now was rest to recover. While she was sleeping, her bruises were slowly fading, and all her scans came back clean. She was anxious to be released and return home. The bigger question would be: where to…home to New York, or to my home with me in Colorado?

  I knew in my heart that I wasn’t going to change my mind about walking away from the FBI. Having to relive Minela’s death and to be taunted by that sick bastard, Marino, I then realized I had seen my fair share of ugliness to last me a lifetime. I only wanted a fresh start, and I hoped Zoey would want to share her life with me. If her kiss was the first clue showing me that she wanted the same thing, then I was on the right track of making her mine.

  After we were left on our own, I got as close as I could to Zoey without disturbing the IV lines that were attached to her. The sight of them made my stomach turn, and my heart hurt more.

  “I was so scared. I thought I lost you before we even began. Zoey, I meant every word I said to you. I love you…so much, and all I see is you for my future.”

  Tears were beginning to form in her beautiful eyes, and she raised her hand to touch my face. Just her touching me made me feel whole again. I would do everything in my power to hold onto this feeling.

  “Jake, maybe it’s time we have that conversation.”

  And with that, I felt like I had crashed and burned. With just a few words, the future I was envisioning with Zoey had come to a crashing halt. She didn’t feel the same way?

  “Jake, stop. Whatever you are thinking, stop it now. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. Please allow me to explain?”

  And then she gave me hope. Of course I would listen. She guts me to my core with just one look, and damn if her touch doesn’t make my dick crush hard against my zipper.

  “Soon, baby. Soon,” she said to me.

  “What?” I tried to hide my obvious physical reaction to her.

  “You know what I mean, lover, and like I said, soon. As I was saying, let’s talk.”

  “No, I believe you were staring at a certain body part I possess. You are practically drooling.”

  “Okay, now I am officially distracted. Take off your pants,” she said.

  She laughed. And I broke out into laughter to the point I had tears in my eyes. It felt good to laugh, to feel anything other than the worry I’d been through this past week and then some. I kissed her again, and she moved over so I could slide in next to her. She was so small, she easily fit perfectly to my body. I put my arm over her and pulled her as close as her IV lines would allow. I was home.

  “Jake, I meant what I said too. I love you. I’ve kissed a lot of frogs, and now I have found my prince. Before I woke up, I was dreaming about being back in New York when you were working the case with Tenley. She actually thought I was crushing on Shane, the other cowboy in her life.”

  Just the mention of the possibility of Zoey liking someone else made me see red. I hadn’t introduced my jealous side yet, but knowing Zoey, it probably would turn her on.

  “The entire time Tenley was speaking, all I kept thinking about was you. You kind of took my breath away, and then after the night we shared, I knew you probably ruined me for other men. I know it’s been a whirlwind flash romance, but it just feels right, you know? When I left New York, I swear at that very moment, I was just setting out for an adventure, not knowing what I would find once I got out there. I worked too much and had no life. I never realized how lonely I was until I saw what Tenley had with Jagger. I wanted what she had, and when we met, I actually believed I could have it…with you. Does that scare the shit out of you, or what? I know I must sound like a lovesick girl, but I swear to you, Jake, I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”

  How is she real? I thought as I wrapped my arms around her tighter.

  “Are you okay, Jake? Do you want to run for the hills?”

  “I’m better than okay, baby. I’m perfect. I’m just screaming in my head right now and fist pumping in the air to the fact that you are here with me. I love you. Zoey, and I want exactly what you want.”

  She wiggled in my arms to give her some room. She turned over and placed her head on my chest, where she stayed for the remainder of the night. She slept soundly, and I didn’t care how my neck would hurt in the morning. As long as she was okay, all was right in my world.

  My phone vibrated in my pocket several times. I ignored whoever was calling me and tried not to disturb Zoey. When I finally opened my eyes, she wasn’t in bed with me. I jumped out and called out for her.

  “I’m here, Jake,” she called out, walking slowly out from the bathroom and pushing her IV pole that she was still connected to.

  “How did you get out of bed without me knowing it? You need to get back in bed, now.”

  “Hey, caveman! Just because I said I loved you, that doesn’t mean you get to boss me around. Okay, I take that back. You may only boss me around in bed. Any other areas are off limits.”

  “Very funny, sexy girl, but I’m serious, Zoey. Get back into bed. And just so you know, I fully intend to dominate every inch of your tempting body.”

  “I never doubted you for a second,” she replied. “I can’t wait to get these IV’s out. They are always in the way.”

  I leaned down, scooped her into my arms, and gently placed her back in her bed.

  “This I know. Zoey, there is so much I want to share with you. I need to tell you parts of my past that I’ve shared with no one. It needs to be said, but this is not the place to do it.”

  “It’s okay, Jake, we have all the time in the world.”

  Yes, we do.

  “I would like to talk to you about one thing if I may?” I asked.

  “Of course, you know you can.”

  “Bringing up your ordeal is the last thing I want to do, but I need to know. The last morning we were together, you told me you were going back to the condo where you were staying. How did you end up here in Chicago?”

  She began to tremble, and I immediately got back into bed to hold her.

  “I’m sorry, Zoey. You’re not ready to talk about it. This could wait until you are feeling better.”

  “I’m okay, Jake. I just need to breathe. After you left for work, I took a shower, ate breakfast, and then walked down to the parking garage. I was unlocking my door, and then I was grabbed from behind with a rag being placed over my mouth. The next thing I remember, I was on a private plane. I was dizzy and disoriented. I tried to focus on the man sitting in front of me, but I couldn’t. I was seat belted but my hands were tied in front of me. I didn’t know where I was when the plane landed, and then I felt a stick to my arm, and I was out again. The next time I woke up, I was in that room. I tried to fight back, Jake, I really did, but I didn’t even know who was holding me prisoner. He hit me hard against my face, and I fell back to the mattress. He was on top of me, ripping my clothe
s off. I thought he was going to rape me or kill me right there. He hit me again, and then it went dark. I was beginning to wake, and that’s when I felt the tight ropes crisscrossed over my body. I couldn’t move. He kept saying over and over again that it would soon be over, and his nightmare was just beginning. I was foolish to scream because it only angered him, and then he covered my mouth. The pungent stench of urine was filling my nostrils. I was then wishing to be knocked out again so I would forget where I was. I didn’t have to wish for long, because he injected me again. And then I woke up almost nine days later. You rescued me, my hero.”

  “I was terrified and just wanted you to wake up and see me, but you barely had a pulse. I’m so sorry he hurt you because of me.”

  “It’s not your fault, Jake, and I swear he didn’t take anything from me. The bruises will fade, and I will heal.”

  To experience that day was hard enough, but to hear it again with Zoey reliving all that he did to her was just slicing my heart to ribbons. I wanted that motherfucker’s heart ripped out from his chest. Too bad I didn’t get the chance. Jack had all the fun, making sure Marino got what he deserved.

  “Hey, caveman, you are crushing my bones. Have you forgotten that you are over six feet in height and feel like a brick wall?”

  “Oh my God! I’m sorry, Zoey. Did I hurt you?”

  “No, I stopped you just in time. Jake, it’s over. I’m okay, and I’m safe. He’s gone, so please stop reliving it in your mind. Once was enough for me.”

  “Dammit! It’s my phone again.”

  “You’ve ignored it all night and a few times this morning. Don’t you think you should answer it?”

  “Nothing gets past you now, does it?”

  “I’m a bad ass lawyer from New York City, so what do you think?”

  “Point taken,” I responded to her as I picked up my phone. “This is Paulson. Yeah, hi, Jack.”

  I detangled myself from Zoey, mouthed to her that I would be right back, and took the call outside.

  “Yeah, I can meet today, but you have to come here to the hospital. I’m not ready to leave Zoey. Okay, I’ll see you in an hour.”

  “You know, caveman, I’m not some fragile piece of glass that will shatter at any moment. I’m fine. You need to get out of here for a while and take some time for yourself. At least go grab a hot shower and some food.”

  “I appreciate the concern, but I’m fine. I have showered, and Tenley has made me eat.”

  “Okay, sue me for caring,” she said, trying to look hurt, but she couldn’t if she tried.

  “Your pout is freaking adorable. Please do that again when we are in bed, and I promise you, I will not let you leave it for a week.”

  “Oh, lover, I am going to hold you to that.”

  “I would expect nothing less.”

  I loved the easiness I had with Zoey. It brought me back to a time I shared with Minela, but these two women were so different in many ways. There was no comparison.

  Tenley and Jagger said their goodbyes to Zoey and me. They needed to get back to their ranch, and after all, they were still newlyweds. I was so thankful for her friendship. Jagger was slowly warming up to the idea of being friends with me, but I think he was still a little pissed at me for trying to one up him back in Wyoming.

  The girls promised to see each other soon, wherever that may be. I still hadn’t had the chance to really talk with Zoey, but that would happen as soon as she was released. Her father couldn’t convince her to return to their family home. Zoey made it clear she was an adult and could take care of herself. She was still on leave from the firm and mentioned no plans of returning to her life in New York.

  We finished our breakfast, and then my phone buzzed again. It was Jack telling me he was waiting for me downstairs in the lobby.

  “I have to go, baby. Will you be okay on your own?”

  “Of course I will. Go, and don’t worry about me. I’m being sprung from all these wires today. When you were in the shower, Dr. Witt came in with my labs. I’ve been completely cleared and should be released later tonight.”

  “Zoey, we haven’t even talked about our plans, or your plans.”

  “We will. Do you have a hotel room?”

  “I do. I’m staying at the Drake.”

  “Then no worries. That’s where I’ll be.”

  God! I loved this woman. After leaving Zoey, I practically skipped all the way down to the lobby. I even took the stairs, I was so high on Zoey, and I needed to release some energy. The needy side of my manhood couldn’t wait to be buried inside of her again.

  Jack was waiting for me by the revolving doors.

  “Hey, Jack, thanks for coming down.”

  I shook his hand, and then he pulled me into a hug, which totally caught me off guard. It wasn’t like we were close or anything, he only showed that sign of affection toward Simon.

  I said to him, “Hey, big guy, we don’t have to hug if it’s all the same to you. Just last week, I was the bad guy, remember?”

  “You were never the bad guy, Jacob, and I’m very sorry for how Tommy and I treated you. You are family, and I knew you had a job to do.”

  “Thank you for that, Jack, but no apologies necessary. I’m just happy we got through it.”

  “I’m sure you are. Thank God your girl is okay.”

  “And your wife? How is she feeling?”

  “She’s great, never better.”

  “And the Neighborhood Bar & Grille? Has it risen from the ashes?”

  “It’s coming along. Sara will have it up and running in no time.”

  “Good. I miss the burgers.”

  After sharing a lighter moment, Jack’s mood shifted to a more serious one.

  “Jake, we need to talk, and it can’t be here. I have a car outside. Can we talk in private?”

  He didn’t look like he would take no for an answer, so I followed him outside.

  “Okay, Jack, what’s on your mind?”

  “About Michael St. Clair…?”

  I stopped him right there and said, “Jack, I’m not at liberty to discuss Michael St. Clair with you, not ever. As I was told by my superiors back in LA and in New York, the investigation to his death has been closed. His father filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the prison, and I’m sure a settlement will be reached quickly. The obvious and only suspect was you. That was quickly determined after Marino dropped off the grid and the events that followed. Whatever my personal relationship with you is, does not, and will never convince me that you were blameless in this crime. You know it, and I know it, so talking about burgers is not going to make me forget that simple fact. You got away with murder, Jack, and if knowing that helps you sleep better at night, then good for you. Now, if it’s all the same to you, I have a beautiful woman waiting for me upstairs.”

  “Jacob, I have much more to say to you, and I’m asking you to listen.”

  I looked at my watch.

  “You’ve got five minutes.”

  “I think I’m going to need more than that, Jake. I’m just asking you to hear me out. You need to hear this.”

  “Okay, Jack, I’m listening.”

  “For the record, I don’t sleep well at night because of so much weighing me down, but after what I have to tell you, maybe I will. Years ago, I sealed my fate with Dante Marino when I broke the back of his kid brother. He never got over Mikey’s death and blamed me for three decades and vowed revenge.”

  “Jack, I know all this. It’s ancient history.”

  “Not for me, Jake. I am the very reason why Dante Marino came into your life, and just recently discovered the part he played in your fiancée’s death.”

  “You mean murder, right? Isn’t that what you should have said? I’ve been down this road already, Jack, every fucking day I was with him. The secrets of Minela’s death died with him in that fire on your damn roof.”

  “You’re wrong, Jake. His secrets are right here in this file.”

  Not again! I couldn’t do this a
gain, not with Jack fucking Vanelle. All he did was lie. I would be a fool to trust him, especially about anything to do with Minela.

  “Jacob, please look at it. It’s all in there.”

  I grabbed the file from his hands and began reading it. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Copies of ledger accounts dating back almost ten years ago and ending one year after Minela was killed. This couldn’t be happening, not him. Then my mind went back to Marino’s letter to me.

  Here’s a few breadcrumbs to begin the walk to her murderer’s doorstep: you weren’t the first man in her life she loved. There was another before you, and after her death, he was never whole again. You are a smart man, Jacob Paulson, I have no doubt you will not figure this out. He’s waiting for you.

  “This is all about her father? Joseph LaRocha was a dirty cop on the take? Is that what you are fucking telling me, Jack?”

  I threw the file back at him. His face said it all.

  “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”

  “I don’t believe it, Jack. It can’t be true. He treated his daughter like a queen. He would never sacrifice his own daughter for fucking money.”

  “Well, that’s exactly what he did, Jacob! Wake up! Listen to me! Do you honestly believe that I would be so cruel to make this up? What would I have to gain to rain down this hell on you? He was dirty and way in over his head. He had a gambling addiction and could not stop burying himself deeper into the hole. He used his position as a way to get out, but then he would go back and sink lower and owe more money. He mortgaged everything he owned, and it still wasn’t enough to pay back his loans. More favors were granted, but the debt would never be fully paid because he fucked his benefactors over, and that’s when they had enough.”

  “Who did it Jack? You fucking tell me, right now!”

  “It was a contract hit. One for you, and one for her. They got her first, and then you checked out for a while after her death, and the cases you were working on that affected their business got lost and buried under a thousand other cases. They didn’t feel you needed to be taken out after that, so you were left to grieve on your own, and it was back to business as usual. LaRocha remained on the payroll, but his purpose to them was short-lived. You know the rest, Jake. He had a breakdown and lost everything.”