by T. M. Cromer
* * *
Mason explained the conversation he’d had with Billy and John during the early morning hours. He also admitted to roughing her cousin up as a warning against future attempts to harm Shonda, and to rethink the error of his ways when he finally was released from prison. And sonofabitch if she didn’t fall in love with him all the more. Not that any good would come from that little factoid.
John had spoken to another attorney friend of his, and together they came up with a solution for Shonda’s potential legal problems. Because there was documentation for all the incidents, they believed the outcome to be fairly cut and dried. His paralegal typed up a statement for her to turn into the department heads and the human resources department.
She took their advice and spent the morning placing calls and video chats in an effort to keep herself from being the target of legal action. Unbeknownst to Billy, Mason had caught his smug confession on his phone’s recorder. The video helped when Shonda played it back, but not much. In the end, she was asked to submit her resignation and turn Billy over to the police for his nefarious behavior. She immediately agreed, owing no loyalty to the little pissant for what he’d done to her.
When she’d finally finished, it was well into the afternoon. Her headache had grown exponentially, and she was sure her head would explode at any moment. Or she had a brain tumor. Or she was in line for an aneurism to burst. At this point, it would be a welcome relief.
None of it really mattered. Shonda was ready for a change, and being unemployed allowed her to explore other options, but first, it allowed her to mourn the sister of her heart.
“So what do we do with him?” she asked with a tired sigh, after closing her laptop.
Mason cut a sharp, lethal glance in Billy’s direction. “Say the word and they’ll never find the body,” he drawled menacingly. It was wrong on every level, but she reveled in the terrified look on her cousin’s face.
“You’d do that for me,” she laughed. “I’m honored.”
“Perhaps we should put him in your new car, blow it up, and say he was setting a second bomb.”
Billy’s fear-filled eyes flew wider if possible.
“Nah. I’m partial to my new baby. I think jail should be good enough. It’s going to take him a while to get out for attempted murder. GenCon has a whole team of lawyers willing to send him away for a good long time for the theft alone.” She approached Billy and jerked the gag down. “Want to explain why you would do that to me? I thought…” She stopped, unable to voice her pathetic feelings. Yes, she thought he cared about her. Another in a long line of people who’d let her down on that front. She seriously had to lower her expectations of people so as to stop being devastated when she found out they didn’t give two shits about her or her feelings.
He didn’t disappoint. He went for the Oscar with his acting. “I’m sorry, Shonda. I love you. You’re my cousin. The only real family I have. It’s just that I needed the money…” He whined on for another few minutes. Mason snorted and made disparaging remarks when her cousin would pause. She was unmoved. Numb to everything at the moment.
She untied him and pointed him to the bathroom down the hall. “Go get cleaned up.”
Triumph shone bright in his moss-colored eyes, so like her own. He had the nerve to bend and attempt to kiss her cheek.
“Don’t. Don’t you dare touch me,” she warned. “You need to get cleaned up for your mugshot. Can’t have anyone thinking you were beat up to coerce a confession.”
Hatred replaced the elation. His eyes went dark with the ugliness tainting him. He summed her up, cast Mason a calculating glance, and stormed off in the direction of the bathroom.
She collapsed in the seat he’d vacated. Her palms cradled her forehead, and she stared at the floor, wishing she could cry. The tears wouldn’t come. It seemed she was cried out. The sound of a chair sliding back brought her head up. Mason made his way to her, and for the longest minute, neither spoke. When he opened his mouth, the words were cut off by a thud and an “Oh, fuck!”
A race to the bathroom showed it empty, the window open, and the screen missing.
“Motherfucker!” Mason ran for the front door as she peeked over the edge of the sill. Billy had just dusted himself off and was now loping in the direction of a vehicle sitting a half block away. Mason would have to be pretty damned fast to get to him in time.
“So much for turning him over to the police,” she muttered. She shut the window and turned off the faucet with a heavy sigh.
As Mason watched the blue Maxima speed away, he wondered at the odds of that being the car he and Shonda had been making out against. By the time he reached the top landing of her apartment complex, he was in a full-blown rage. One, because they would probably never be making out again. Two, because he was exhausted from lack of sleep. Three, and this one pissed him off the most, was that Billy had outsmarted him.
Since Mason had always used the master bath, he hadn’t realized there was a window in the guest bathroom. And really, did the kid have a death wish, jumping from three stories up? How did he not break his damn neck?
Upon entering her apartment, he found Shonda fluffing pillows and generally straightening her already pristine place. She appeared to be on autopilot.
“Shonda.”
She halted her cleaning and shifted in his direction.
“Why don’t you take it easy today?” he suggested gently.
“I can’t. I have to keep moving. I want the place nice for when Erica’s parents arrive.”
She didn’t tear up as she mentioned her friend’s name, and it had him concerned. She was being too stoic. Too matter-of-fact when she should have been a basket case.
His phone rang, stopping his train of thought. The Sutton’s would be arriving the following day in the early afternoon. He informed them he’d already lined up a ride and a place to stay. Hearing their gratitude for so simple a gesture made him uncomfortable.
“Shoot me a text with the flight number and time, and I’ll pick them up.”
Shonda’s voice jerked him from his quiet musings. “I can get them.”
“You have enough to do, Mason. I’m not an invalid,” she informed him and savagely flung a newly plumped pillow down on the couch. “I think I can drive myself thirty minutes to the airport, retrieve a grieving couple, and bring them back here without your help.”
“Look, I’m trying to be supportive here, love. But I won’t take your shit either.”
“My shit?” Her voice rose an octave. “My shit? You have some damn nerve. This…” She waved her index finger rapidly back and forth between the two of them “…has been your way from day one.” A fist to another pillow emphasized her rage. “‘I don’t do long term. If you want this, know that it’s only for the duration of our stay,’ ” she said in a deep voice, attempting to mimic him. “We’ve played it your way. Now I’m asking for you to respect my wishes. I want to be done with you popping in and out of my life on a whim, all under the guise of checking up on me.”
Shonda’s fury died out. Her hollow-eyed expression said more than words ever could. Still, she continued, saying the words he dreaded hearing.
“I love you, Mason. I can see by the horrified look in your eyes you don’t feel the same. The thing is, after everything that’s happened, I couldn’t go another day without saying how I feel.” She sat, suddenly drained. “I also know you’re going to run for the hills and avoid me like the plague from here on out. It’s all good.” She swallowed hard and stared out her sliding doors. “Could you please go now? You don’t have to try to smooth things over or make life better for me. You can’t. I need time to be alone. To process everything that’s happened.”
She was correct. He wanted to make things easier for her. But the fear lodged in his throat made it impossible to speak.
“I’ll text when I pick up Pete and Mary. You can give me directions to where Zack wants to meet up to discuss arrangements.”
Chapter Twenty-T
wo
The drive to Dane’s house the following day only took ten minutes. Mason didn’t have time to think about the problems surrounding Shonda and him. As it was, he was working on two hours sleep. Going to bed last night had been an exercise in futility. All he could do was stress about Billy returning to murder Shonda in her sleep. When she sent him a text asking for the flight info to pick up the Suttons, he breathed a sigh of relief.
He arrived as Zack rejoined the living. Mason informed him Shonda had left to pick up Erica’s parents at the airport, pulled him in for a tight hug, and went to help their mother set up the meal for the family.
A slamming car door drew everyone’s attention.
“Shonda shouldn’t be here yet,” Mason stated.
A frown marred Zack’s handsome face as he moved to peer out the window.
At ringing of the doorbell they all funneled down the hall to see who their visitor was.
Dane opened the door to admit Bucky and Officer Tidwell.
“Bucky, Marty, what’s up?” Zack asked.
“Zack, we’re sorry to disturb you at a time like this, but can we talk to you?”
He sent a sharp look Mason’s way.
“Sure. Right through here,” he said as he lead the way to the living room. “What’s going on?”
“The coroner pulled DNA samples from the bodies found on the scene. We’d like to test yours against the boy they found.”
“Is that all? A phone call wouldn’t have sufficed?” Dane asked.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Zack wanted to know.
The two officers exchanged a speaking glance.
“Buck,” Zack growled.
“The DNA came back to a woman who’d been reported missing four months ago. We’re still waiting on that of the boy.”
Silence reigned as the implication sunk in. Erica was still alive. It could mean Jacob was as well.
“I can go to the hospital or to the station right now,” Zack told them.
“Actually, that’s why Marty’s here. He’s part of our forensic science team. He brought the swab kit.”
“Let me get this straight. You’re saying the woman found in the ruins after the explosion was not Erica?” Connie asked.
“That is correct, Mrs. Sharp,” Bucky confirmed.
“So, it’s probable she’s still alive. If that’s the case, maybe my grandson is, too?”
“Yes.”
Connie started to cry. Zack jumped up to hold her close. “It’s a good thing, Mom.”
“I know. I just…” She shook her head, and no words were needed as hope flooded into the hearts and minds of the family. “I have to tell Charlie.”
“No!” Marty said, standing. “We want to keep this under wraps for the moment.”
“But Charlie is Jacob’s grandfather. He has the right to know,” she protested.
“Mrs. Sharp, no one but those in this room can know that we suspect the bodies belong to anyone other than Ms. Sutton and your grandson. It could hamper our investigation and alert Christie we’re on to her deception. Do you understand?” He asked, not unkindly.
“Yes, but we can swear Charlie to secrecy,” she said, patting Zack’s chest and gazing at him for support.
“Marty’s right, Mom. We need to keep this under wraps until we find them. If Christie finds out, she might hurt them for real.”
“What about Erica’s parents and Shonda? They’ll be here any second.”
Mason observed the other men’s faces. Saw what they didn’t want to say and did the honors. “I don’t think we should tell them, Mom.”
“Mason! You can’t keep something like this from Erica’s parents or your girlfriend,” his mother said, shocked.
“Shonda’s not my girlfriend! For Christ’s sake, Ma,” he shouted, unsure why he was so enraged, except for the conversation about their relationship, or lack thereof, was getting tired.
Those were the words Shonda and the Suttons walked in on. They all saw the immediate hurt on her face before she composed her features into a blank mask.
Mason rubbed the spot between his brows in agitation, and Shonda made an excuse to be on her way.
“Shonda, hold up,” Mason barked, trailing her outside.
“I’m fine. We discussed it all yesterday. It’s not like I haven’t known the score from the start. Nothing’s changed. Go take care of your family, Mason,” she said sharply before heading to her vehicle in an attempt to flee.
“Goddammit!” he swore. “I said wait!”
“Good grief, Mason. Please, don’t let’s rehash this.” He could hear the weariness in her voice, see it in her dull, green eyes. “I really am fine with the decisions we’ve both reached regarding the last weeks. I just hate that every time I’m walking in a room, I have to hear how loud you’re protesting. It’s a little humiliating, if you want the truth. You make it sound as if I’m throwing myself at you at every opportunity.” She paused to inhale deeply. “I’m not doing that. You need to know that. The situation is shitty, and I… well, there’s nothing more to really say is there? Please tell Erica’s parents I’ll give them a call to find out what they and Zack have planned for services.” She smiled, a sad smile of goodbye.
Panic settled in his chest. She really intended to walk away. The finality in her expression cut him in ways he didn’t care to think about.
“Erica’s not dead,” he burst out. “They still haven’t found her, but the DNA of the body in the morgue wasn’t hers.”
Shonda froze in her tracks. With her back to him, he couldn’t tell what her reaction was. But to leave her in the dark, regardless of logic, regardless of his decision to do so two minutes before, was wrong.
Chin up, she spun to face him. “What about Jacob?”
“They’ve come to get a DNA sample to compare to Zack’s for the boy’s body they have. We’re hopeful it’s not him either.”
One brief nod in his direction and a tight smile accompanied her next words. “Thanks for telling me. Have Zack or Dane text me when they hear anything more.”
“Shonda,” he called to her retreating back. “You’re welcome to stay.”
Again, she paused. She half turned. “No, Mason, I don’t think I am.”
“You’re exhausted and upset. Let me drive you home.” What the hell? Why was he practically begging her to not end this? Good Christ, could he be any more wishy-washy in his dealings with her? No wonder she was confused as to his feelings half the time. He didn’t know what he truly wanted either.
She ignored him and drove away. Never sparing him another glance. And didn’t that sting?
As he stalked back toward the house, he noticed Dane standing on the front stoop. His censure and disappointment were plain to see.
“Not a fucking word,” Mason snarled as he shoved by him.
“Asshole.”
He heard Dane, but pretended he didn’t. He was an asshole. Worse even. Shonda had told him plenty of times. Yet, coming from her, it almost always sounded like an endearment. And wasn’t that the crux of the matter? Whenever she called him on his bullshit, he adored her all the more for it.
Inside the house, Connie had created a spread to feed an army. On any given day, Mason would be the first to do it justice. Today was not that day. Today, he couldn’t force a single bite past his lips. The idea of food made his stomach churn. All because Shonda had called it quits, giving in and accepting what they’d had was casual. But it wasn’t casual. Not by any stretch of the imagination. As much as he tried to tell himself he could walk away, he always found himself back at her door. She was right. It was always under the guise of making sure she was okay. But because of him, she was a hot mess.
She loved him. He found it hard to wrap his brain around that one. He was probably the last man on earth any woman in her right mind would fall in love with. Under no delusions, he realized he was opinionated, domineering, and demanding. A few nicer qualities could be sprinkled in here and there, but overall, he was no pr
ize. But she loved him, and he couldn’t let her. For her own sake, he had to squash those feelings like bugs.
Coming to a decision, he tossed his plate on the counter, grabbed his keys, and drove to Shonda’s apartment. The lights were out, and he had a moment of worry. Had she never made it home? Had Billy come back and finished what he started?
He charged up the stairs to bang on the door, alternating fists and yelling her name when she didn’t answer right away. The only thing he disturbed was her closest neighbor, Jannaya.
“Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Shonda.”
“I think the whole complex got that,” she snarked.
“Have you seen her?”
“Afraid not.” She gave a careless shrug and closed her door.
“Thanks for nothing!” he hollered.
“I think you need to read the book How to Win Friends and Influence People,” Shonda commented from behind him.
Having never heard her open her door, she surprised a yell out of him. Christ, he was on edge.
“We need to talk.”
“Why this time? Have you not met your insult quota for today?” she quipped.
Her new jaded attitude pissed him off.
“Knock it off, Shonda. I’ve never insulted you. Not intentionally at any rate.”
“Shall I count the ways?”
Heaving a heavy sigh, he strode to stand within two inches of her person. “No. I don’t care to be reminded how much of a jerk you think I am. I’d like to tell you my reasoning.”
“Even if I didn’t already know, I wouldn’t care what your excuse is,” she said. She ran a hand through her hair, a sure sign of her frustration. “You’re an adult. You know how to reason. You know relationships, if you choose to have them, take work.”
“I don’t want the work. I want easy.”
“I’ve made it too easy for far too long. You come here, screw my brains out, remind me it’s nothing more than a casual fuck, and then go on your merry way.” She leaned forward, careful to make sure he was meeting her furious gaze. “That no longer works for me. I’m not your cum-dumpster. Find another idiot woman to casually fuck.”
