by Kylie Parker
“All this needs to be investigated.” Olivia said with a touch of sadness in her voice. “Pete’s just a college student. We need to find a very skilled investigator, who won’t be afraid to challenge the official account.”
“I can’t afford one.” Helen sighed, running both hands through her hair.
“Awww, poor thing,” Olivia spoke in her most comforting voice, reaching to caress her hand. “Do you really think I hadn’t thought of that?”
Helen’s face became slack in disbelief, her mouth open wide as she stared at her friend. Once again, Olivia had proven her love to her. Unable to force a single word out of her throat, she put her fingers over her lips, as Olivia’s smile turned into a huge grin.
“I talked to James about it, yesterday morning.” Olivia went on. “He said he’d been thinking about Marcus’s case, since they saw each other on our wedding. He’s found an investigator. His name is Dan Warrick. I’ll ask Peter to contact him today and hand over everything’s he’s found so far.”
“I can’t thank you guys enough for this.” Helen said, her voice a soft whisper, as she felt tears rising up in her eyes.
“Anything for my friend,” Olivia uttered in a whisper as well when she placed her hand over Helen’s. “I pray this goes well; for both of your sakes. Marcus has been on the run for too long and you? You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
At that point, Helen’s phone rang. It was her mother.
“Hey, mom. What’s up?”
“Hi, sweetheart. All is fine here.” Debbie’s voice came out somewhat faint. “How about you?”
“Not much has changed since last night. Mom, you sound a little off. What is it?”
“Nothing important, pumpkin.” Debbie put a little force in her voice, before her sigh sent shivers of worry through her daughter. “It can wait. Don’t you worry, ok?”
“Mom!” Helen raised her tone. “What is it?”
“Like I said, it’s nothing urgent. You take care, child. Bye.”
“Ok, something’s seriously wrong.” Helen murmured, tossing her cell phone across the table.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Olivia’s smile vanished, as she leaned closer to her friend. “What do you think it is?”
“I don’t have a clue.” Helen shrugged her shoulders. “She said it’s not urgent. She picked one hell of a time to call me, that’s for sure.”
“What are you going to do?” Her friend’s question was the one she had been asking herself, since the moment she hung up the phone. Helen might have been having the greatest time on this trip, spending her time with her friends and Marcus; but, in her mind, that question only had one answer.
“I’m going back to Shandaken,” she announced. “I’m worried about them.”
“What?” Olivia screeched. “Really? Because of a hint?”
“Liv, they’re my family!” Helen exclaimed. “What am I supposed to do, turn my back on them? And it’s not just a hint. My mother never talks like that, unless something’s gone seriously wrong.”
“It’s your call, Helen.” Olivia clenched her jaw. “I’m fine with it, but, what about Marcus? How are you going to tell him?”
“I’ll figure it out.” Helen stated, her heart sinking at the thought of her conversation with him. “Let’s just go back to the hotel.”
Chapter Sixteen
The unexpected turn of events sent Helen’s heart into a downward spiral. Very soon, she would have to say “goodbye” to her friends and Marcus alike. She hoped that the problem between her parents was minor and that she would return to Los Angeles as quickly as possible, but Helen couldn’t deny to herself that resolving it could likely require a lot of time. There was a good chance that she would not be able to join her friends again, at least not until Michelle’s tour was over. Nevertheless, even if Helen decided to ignore her mother’s words, she could not enjoy herself, knowing that there was a problem back in Shandaken. Despite the fact that the everyday routine in the small town had tired her, she loved her parents fiercely and she wanted to stand by them in this dark hour.
Helen and Olivia found Michelle and James in the living room of their suite, laughing and obviously having a good time.
“There you are!” Michelle cheered, pointing up at Olivia. “Where have you guys been?”
“Santa Monica.” Olivia said with a sigh. “How was the rehearsal?”
“Awesome!” Michelle winked at her. “I think we’re ready for tomorrow night. Helen, can I talk to you for a second? In private?”
“Oh, God…” Helen let out a huff of exasperation, crossing her arms over her chest, as she sauntered towards the glass French doors. “What is it, Michelle?”
“Are you ever going to tell me what happened between you two in his apartment?” The whispering voice in her ear brought a bitter smile to her face.
“Now’s not the time.” Helen said softly as she stared down at her feet.
“But, it’s never the time!” Michelle complained in her squeaky voice. “Come on! You’ve been dodging this conversation since yesterday!”
“Damn it, Michelle!” Helen cried, whipping her head left to glare at her. “Feel the tone! I can’t talk about this kind of stuff when I’m…” Her voice broke, as she bit her lower lip. She tore her gaze away from her friend’s startled face and looked out the glass doors, struggling to fight back her tears.
“I’m sorry.” Michelle whispered, reaching up to put her arm around Helen’s shoulders. “I just wanted to gossip. What’s the matter?”
“I...” Helen croaked, as a tear streamed down her cheek. “I have to leave L.A. Something’s going on back home.”
“Oh, no,” Michelle whispered in despair, tightening her hold around her. “You’re going back?”
Helen murmured assent, before her friend leaned over, stroking her shoulder as she laid a soft kiss on her cheek.
“Is there anything I can do to change your mind?” Michelle asked in a mellow voice.
“I’m really sorry.” Helen said on a hard exhale. “They’re my family, Michelle. They need me there.”
“We need you here, too.” Michelle whispered. “What am I going to do without my personal assistant? Who’s going to lift my spirits if you leave?”
“Come on…” Helen admonished with a small smile on her face, as she turned her head to the left to face her. “You don’t need me, girl. Besides, Liv is here.”
“I’m not as good at giving pep talks as you.” Olivia interjected mildly as she walked up to them. “I hate to say it, but…” she paused, “I respect your decision. Family comes first.”
“Thanks a lot, Olivia.” Helen muttered.
“Why don’t you turn around, blondie?” The sweetness in Olivia’s tone was too hard for Helen to resist. She obliged, but she would not raise her eyes to Olivia’s. Before she knew it though, Olivia had circled her arms around her back. “Don’t cry. You will come back. Have you told Marcus yet?”
“No.” Helen sniffled, easing out of her embrace. “I still haven’t figured out a way to tell him.”
“I’m afraid we’ve just saved you from the trouble.” James’s stentorian voice forced her gaze to the left, as he emerged from the kitchen. “He called me. He overheard Olivia saying ‘Helen’s leaving’. He asked me; I couldn’t lie to him. I’m sorry. We messed up.”
“I can’t get mad at you, James.” Helen told him. “Or you, Olivia. You’ve been amazing to me. I’m kind of relieved he knows, really. What did he say?”
“Well, not much.” James smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets. “He just said he’d come over tonight.”
“When?” Helen asked in a high-pitched voice. “He gets off from work pretty late.”
“That’s what he said.” James continued. “Have you booked a flight yet?”
“Not really.” Helen replied, wiping her tears off her face. “Damn it. I need to start packing.”
“Aren’t you going to miss this sweet little face?” Michelle te
ased her, hugging her from behind. “All the squeaky little noises she makes when she’s upset are just adorable.”
“I am.” James confessed with a firm nod. “But, I agree with Olivia. Family’s the most important thing in the world. Helen, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. Now, excuse me. I need to go over my sheet music.”
“This is so weird.” Michelle spoke in a low voice, as James made his way to the bedroom. “I’ve never seen him so calm. He doesn’t even yell when I make mistakes at the rehearsals. Mr. Grumpy has lost his will to bitch about things.”
“Actually, I call that the ‘Olivia’ effect.” Helen smiled, looking down at her over her right shoulder. “He’s been a lot different since they got back together.”
“Thank you.” Olivia bowed before them. “Finally, someone noticed.”
“Let’s give her a hand with packing.” Michelle suggested, dropping her arms. Helen looked around her, in the hope that this would not be the last time she would be in that luxurious suite. However, even if she couldn’t manage to return to the city of angels, the young blonde would take many happy memories with her. The few days she had spent there had been full of fun, music, emotion and passion. Helen had been blessed with the good friends that she had made and, although she would be separated from them for a while, she would always remember this vacation.
Keep your chin up. Ok, it’s awful that I have to leave, but it’s not the end of the world. You’ll see them again. Who cares if it’s in New York, Shandaken or anywhere else? I am dying to know what in the world is going on back home. Patience, Helen. You’ll soon find out.
Chapter Seventeen
Helen called the airport and booked a ticket on the next available flight to New York. Happily for her, she would get to spend one more night with Marcus, as her plane was scheduled to depart the following afternoon.
The first red, orange and pink colors of the sunset were in the clear sky of Los Angeles, as the three friends decided to go out for a last cup of coffee together. Helen had only just put her heels on, when the distinctive rumble of Thunderheaders rocked the busy neighborhood.
“There are more Harleys in this world other than Marcus’s.” Michelle’s voice was reeking with sarcasm, as Helen glanced at her.
“It is him.” Helen spoke in emphatic tones. “I know that sound.” Without wasting any time, she turned around and strode through the bedroom door. Too impatient to run down the stairs, she chose to head towards the balcony. A simple glance down to the road confirmed her suspicions. It was Marcus. He even looked up at her and curled his index finger.
“What the heck…” She mumbled to herself. “What is he doing here?”
Baffled and in need of an explanation, Helen turned around again. She crossed the living room in seconds and stormed out of the suite, trying to guess why he was there, much earlier than he was supposed to be here. In fact, she was so curious about his visit that she didn’t use the elevator. Helen preferred to run down the stairs, feeling her adrenaline rushing through her veins. The lobby door slid open sideways, before she stepped outside. With a heavy heart, she crossed the street, believing that this would be the last time she saw Marcus.
“Um, hi…” She waved her hand hesitantly. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work or something?”
“Nope,” Marcus croaked, as a sly smile spread across his face. “David owed me two weeks leave. Today’s my first day.”
“And you wanted to go out with me before I left?” Helen wondered as curiosity colored her voice.
“No,” He said, his eyes glinting with amusement. “We’re leaving together.”
A gasp of surprise left her lips, as her eyes darkened with shock. Stunned into stillness, Helen stared at him, unable to utter a word. Marcus reached towards her, his shadowy eyes locked on her face, as his smile widened more by the second.
“You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” He teased her.
“Oh, my God…” Helen spoke too fast. “You want to…”
“Visit your town.” Marcus finished her sentence.
Feeling her heart pounding like a drum, she spoke no more. Helen took a short step towards him and wrapped her hands around his back, resting her head on his shoulder, as he put his left arm around her waist. The scent of leather filled her nostrils, as she struggled to come up with a rebuttal. However, Helen was in such a state of shock that she could not do so. She held him tightly in her embrace, thanking her luck that she had met him.
“You think I was going to let you leave like that?” Marcus inquired, his baritone going up an octave.
“You really are something, you know that?” Helen stated in a wobbly voice as she leaned back.
“Go tell your friends.” He winked at her. “I’ll be waiting.”
“Waiting?” She squinted at him. “I’ve got plans with them. I wasn’t expecting you so early. I need to call the airport.”
“Whoa!” Marcus raised his hand in front of her face. “Airport? Nuh uh. Too public; too many cameras. Besides, James said you were not in a rush to get there. We’re riding.”
“Riding?” Another soft whisper escaped her, as she realized what he had only just suggested. Riding across the states had been a childhood dream for Helen, one that she had very little hope of fulfilling. Marcus was offering her a chance to add some adventure in her life. And Helen would not let it go to waste.
“Are you going to hug me again?” He teased once more.
“I’d love to,” Helen uttered, smiling down at him. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“Actually, I do.” Marcus said with a nod. “Go get your suitcase. We have a long ride ahead of us.”
“Ok.” She chirped, her heart leaping with joy. Still trying to wrap her head around the idea of traveling across the states with him, Helen sprinted across the lobby. Eager to share the news with her friends, she jumped up the stairs, feeling like a child with a new toy. Her heart beat faster and faster, as the door to the suite became closer. Helen stormed into it, her chest rising up and down, as Michelle and Olivia turned to her.
“Guys…” She gasped. “I can’t come with you. We’re leaving.”
“You’re what?” Michelle squeaked.
“We’re riding to New York.” Helen explained.
“Helen, you’re not making any sense!” Olivia cried out, furrowing her brow. “I mean, riding all the way to New York? Are you crazy? It’s three thousand miles away, for God’s sake! You said you wanted to be there ASAP.”
“Girls…”
“Don’t!” Michelle grumbled, the stiff look on her face sending shockwaves down Helen’s spine. “Don’t be stupid, alright? Go tell him it’s out of the question.”
Her friends’ words acted like a wakeup call. In her enthusiasm, Helen was about to do something very immature and out of character for her. She closed her eyes and banged the palm of her hand against her forehead, trying to catch her breath.
“You’re right.” Helen heaved a long, heavy sigh. “That was stupid.”
With a heavy heart, she left the suite yet again. This time, she was in no hurry whatsoever. Helen had to find a subtle way to tell him that his plan was not an option.
Riding across the states, when you know your parents need you. What the hell were you thinking, Helen? That would be the dumbest decision you’ve ever made.
“Where’s your suitcase?” Marcus wondered, as their eyes met across the street.
She remained silent, struggling to work up the courage to speak to him, as she closed the distance between them.
“I can’t.” Helen shook her head sideways. “I can’t come with you.”
“Oh, man.” He let out a sigh of frustration, dragging his gaze away from her.
“I’m sorry, Marcus,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I shouldn’t have said ‘yes’. I’d love to do this with you, I really would. But, it would take us too long to get there.”
In a swift move, Marcus faced her again, reachin
g his arms towards her. Cupping her cheeks, he pulled her gently closer, tilting his head up. Their lips locked in a long, tender kiss, as Helen snaked her arms around his neck. Draping her hands over his back, she felt her heart fluttering, as he ran his thumbs across her cheekbones. His kiss made her feel warm inside, the sensation of his strong hands on her face comforting her, as the moisture from her eyes soaked his skin.
“I’ll find you,” he said, his voice a mere whisper, as he slowly leaned back.
“I don’t know if I can come back.” Helen breathed, pressing her forehead against his.
“You will.” Marcus put a little force in his voice, opening his eyes. “I’m going there. Wait for me.”
“You’d do that for me?” She asked in a soft, almost inaudible whisper.
“Absolutely.” He gave her a lazy nod. Moving his lips to her cheek, he pressed the “ignition” button with his thumb. Marcus planted a tender kiss on her skin, as the motorcycle engine roared to life. He spoke no more. Kicking his Harley into gear, he merely winked at Helen, as he rode off. She stood on the edge of the street and watched, the ample light from the cars behind him reflecting off his leather jacket, as his figure slowly faded in the distance.
A sea of bittersweet emotions rushed into Helen’s heart. Marcus’s will to ride all the way to Shandaken alone had given her a reason to smile. If anything, it proved that he wanted to share this epic journey with her and spend all of his leave with her. Still, she had rejected his proposal; it would take her at least five days to see him again. More than that, the situation at home had filled her mind with suspicion and negative thoughts. Completely clueless as to her parents’ problem, Helen could only guess on the impact that it could have on her personal life. However, she quickly chose to get rid of those unwanted thoughts. She had to focus on the situation and speculating was not going to assist her by any means.
You need to try and stay optimistic, Helen. Your parents love each other. Whatever it is they’re facing, they’ll get through it, like they always do. Be careful out there, Marcus. It’s a long, long way to Shandaken. I just hope we can spend more time together, while you’re there. Much more time…
