Her Hero

by Hildie McQueen

  A smile curved her luscious lips and he had to fight not to press his over them. “Of course. Yes...we do need to discuss some things.”

  “Awesome,” Chad replied, reaching for her hand. Just then, behind Sophia’s left shoulder, he saw a man..

  “There’s a photog behind you. “

  All the blood drained from Sophia’s face and her eyes rounded. “Where?”

  “Behind your left shoulder. I’m going to act as if I’m introducing myself. Shake my hand.” He smiled at her and held out his hand, which she shook with her trembling one.

  “I better go.” Sophia slipped sunglasses on and bent her head forward and looked to the ground while reaching for the door handle.

  “I’ll get it.” Chad opened the door for her and she struggled to get in with her gym bag still on her shoulder. “Hey, relax. He didn’t get anything.” She managed a weak smile.

  Chapter 13

  When she arrived at her office, she gathered her tote and purse just as a ding sounded.

  Sophia’s cell chirped a second time and she answered it quickly even though she didn’t recognize the phone number.

  “Sophia Ramirez?”

  Just the fact that the caller used her old last name sent chills down her spine. It had to do with her father, of course. Why else would anyone call? She tried to breathe, but choked.

  “Yes. This is she.” Her voice was hollow, without emotion, dry like the desert.

  “Gary Jones from... Your father has been rushed to surgery...”

  Her mind raced over the details the man spouted off. Her father had a heart attack. Although she’d been listed as only relative to contact, mostly by him, she’d rarely heard from the prison. Now the prison hospital called and all she could think of was why did they try to save the life of a man who was on death row?

  “I don’t know what you’re expecting from me.” Sophia made it to her car and slid into the seat. “I don’t want anything to do with him.”

  “I understand, ma’am. But he’s not expected to live. We thought you’d want to know.” The man cleared his throat. “Would you like to be notified whether he lives or dies?”

  Eyes closed, Sophia pushed her head back to the headrest. “Yes. Thank you.” Her thumb hovered over the end call button just as the man spoke again. “Mr. Ramirez insisted we call you. I apologize for bothering you. I see here on the file, you have requested not to be called.”

  “Has it been publicized?” Her heart raced with the implications of her father’s health making the news.

  “I’m not sure, ma’am. That’s not my department.”

  Sophia ended the call and remained without moving for a few minutes.

  Once the media got hold of the information, they’d publicize it. Of course, her picture taken on the horrible day her father was taken into custody, meant her picture would be splattered all over the news.

  As much as she’d wished for him to be gone forever from her life, Sophia couldn’t help but find the irony that he’d manage to reenter at the worst possible time.

  Only a month. That was all the time she’d had with Chad. Now she had to find a way to let him know what happened.

  His tour was about to start with much fanfare and publicity. Although it was possibly a good distraction for the press, her truth could send it all into a tailspin.

  Hopefully, the photographer didn’t catch her face and Chad’s attempt to make it look innocent could have worked. However, it could still be spun differently.

  “I can’t believe you haven’t told him,” Mandy shouted. “Are you crazy? If he finds out, he’s going to be so mad.”

  The presence of the photographer had shaken her. The reality was so stark that she’d considered cancelling dinner with Chad.

  Sophia couldn’t blame her friend for being upset at the moment. Like Mandy, she, too, was annoyed with how hard it was to tell him. “I tried to call him several times today, but his phone is turned off or something.”

  A part of her had expected the worst. That even without knowing her ugly truth, he would decide the conquest was over and lose interest. There was the possibility Chad had no plans to pursue a relationship.

  “It’s too soon. We’ve only just gotten to know each other. For all I know, he may not be looking for a relationship, anyway.”

  The incredulous look on Mandy’s face made her squirm. “Why are we repeating this conversation? You’ve been seeing each other for weeks. The man is definitely interested in more than just sleeping with you. And...you know darned well it could ruin his career. You’re already halfway in love. What if he dumps you at this whole thing getting out?”

  “I wanted to prolong being with him. My heart is about to be shattered into a million pieces, But it’s not fair to him that I put his career in jeopardy.” Sophia leaned forward and covered her face with both hands. “It’s not fair.”

  “No it isn’t, honey. I’m sorry,” Mandy whispered. “Not fair at all to both of you. When do you see him again?”

  “Tonight.”

  They worked for a couple hours on an upcoming commercial filming the following week. After locking up the office, they walked to the parking lot.

  Mandy hugged her tightly. “Good luck tonight. I’ll be praying for you.”

  Despite the situation, Sophia managed a chuckle. “I’m sure, other than being shell-shocked when he dumps me, I’ll live.”

  Her heart lurched when she turned to a group of photographers and flashes. Apparently, the news was out. At the same time, her phone dinged several times with texts and then a familiar ringing tone sounded.

  After ducking into the car, Sophia put the phone to ear.

  “I’m sorry to inform you. Your father has passed.” The same man spoke in a careful tone. Although she’d told him she didn’t care about her father, it was obvious he spoke expecting a reaction.

  “Thank you for letting me know. Somehow the media already received notice.”

  “Yes...I’m sorry...the warden just had a short press conference. I tried to call you earlier, left a couple messages.”

  “I know, thank you.” She ended the call, put the car in drive and pushed the accelerator, speeding past the sea of cameras.

  It was too late. She had to speak to Chad. It was imperative he hear it from her first. Sophia sped toward his house only to pull over when blue lights flashed in her rear view mirror.

  Chapter 14

  Tyrone hit his drumsticks together to signal the beginning and Chad strummed his guitar and began the familiar refrain. Their sound was incredible. Everyone was ready to go on tour and excitement always made for a great sound.

  They finished the song and moved around, slapping palms together or, in the case of Tyrone, fist bumping.

  Charley rushed in, her heels clacking on the tile floor. “Need to talk. Now.” Her odd stance made him exchange looks with Tom, who shrugged.

  “Something wrong?” He went to his sister, who led him toward the door.

  Charley let out a shaky breath. “I don’t even know how to tell you this. Yeah, something’s very wrong.”

  He held his breath, waiting to hear what she’d say.

  “Sophia’s real name is Sophia Ramirez. Her father is Orlando Ramirez. That name ring a bell?”

  “Sounds familiar, but no, I can’t say I know who he is.”

  “Damn it, Chad. Damn it.” Charley looked away. “Shit. Orlando Ramirez is the LA Strangler.”

  Every beat of his heart vibrated his entire body. Nothing registered. His mind suddenly devoid of anything other than the news reports and nationwide manhunt for the man who’d killed dozens of people, including his own wife.

  “How can this be possible? Are you sure?”

  Charley nodded and let out a long breath before handing him her cell phone. “He died today.”

  Picture after picture of Sophia filled the screen. Some at her mother’s funeral, others of her leaving the courthouse. The last one was of her visiting her mother’s grave. It
was Sophia, there was no doubt about it.

  “Why didn’t she tell me?” It explained her constant requests for absolute privacy, no dates other than at her house or his. The wariness about her. It was all perfectly clear now.

  “Damn it all to hell.” He pushed the cell phone back to his sister and looked to the three band members who watched him with interest. “Let’s call it a day.”

  Chad stormed out of the practice room to step outside, his sister on his heels.

  “Don’t do anything stupid. Above all, do not go anywhere near her right now. You need to keep your distance. This could be a deathblow to your career right now.”

  He swung toward her. “I need to talk to her.”

  “Fuck her,” Charley spat out. “If she gave a damn about you, she would have warned you about this. Sophia knows damned well she is not good for your career. She should have at least given you the information so that you could make a wise choice.”

  The truth of his sister’s word sunk in, along with his stomach. Tightness around his chest constricted and he tried to keep from gulping for air. By Charley’s pained expression, she felt just as bad. “I’m so sorry, Chadpole. I’m so, so sorry.”

  She hadn’t called him that since they were teenagers and he smiled at her. “It’s all right. I’ll be all right. Just do what you can for damage control.”

  “Where are you going?” The words rung with warning and he understood.

  “Into the house to get some whiskey.”

  Tom and Tyrone walked out. The drummer still limped. Although they didn’t ask, Chad knew they had a right to know. It could affect their careers, too. “Come inside, guys. We need to talk.”

  Eight o’clock came and went. By nine, she knew Chad would not be coming. He knew. Sophia didn’t bother putting dinner away. Instead, she wrapped a blanket around her shoulders and stared blindly at the television screen. Every once in a while, her father’s face would pop up, sending her entire body to shake with a mixture of fury and the need to scream.

  How she hated the man. He’d taken not only the lives of innocent women but also killed her mother. A woman who’d always cared for both him and her with a fierceness that left no doubt how much she loved them. He’d professed regret afterwards, sobbing while asking for Sophia’s forgiveness.

  Not only had she never forgiven him, but now, as her life spiraled back down the rabbit hole, she hated him more than ever. Her phone dinged and, once more, Mandy checked in. She’d be over soon if Sophia didn’t reply. However, no matter how hard she tried, her fingers wouldn’t obey her commands.

  When the doorbell rang, she trudged to it expecting Mandy. Instead, it was Don and his wife, Annette, who walked in with a sullen look. “Saw the news. Thought you’d need family right now.”

  Her cousin and his wife, the only relatives who dared spend time with her, walked in with carry out and a bottle of wine. Immediately, Sophia burst into tears. Annette rushed to her. “Come sit down. Everything will be fine.”

  “You’ll have to fire me.” Sophia knew Don didn’t want to, but there was his firm to think about.

  He huffed. “Why would I do that? Once people find out you work for me and that Orlando is my uncle, we’ll get all kinds of free publicity. It’s a marketing firm’s dream.” Although he meant it as a joke, no one laughed.

  “Tonight is about you, sweetheart. We’re here to make sure you are not alone.” Annette pushed a glass of wine into her hand. “I don’t know. Maybe we should be making tea. Wine is a depressant.”

  Don lowered to a chair next to the couch where Sophia and his wife sat. “Well then, you’re about to have two depressed fools on your hands.”

  It was hard to remain upset around Don. Sophia chuckled. “There’s something I have to tell you both. I have been dating Chad Hunter.”

  Annette and Don exchanged looks. Her cousin leaned forward. “Please tell me he knew about Orlando.”

  The next morning, Sophia felt better. Not about Chad, but about her job situation. Don had assured her the firm could weather the storm. Either way, he was wealthy and didn’t mind the dip in business the news could bring.

  “The next big story will come in no time. The short attention span of these people will ensure that nothing about a dead serial killer will be news.” her cousin had assured her.

  Unfortunately, the morning shows not only rehashed the entire LA Strangler story, but also promised specials that week in their evening broadcasts.

  Chad had yet to return her call or message her. True, he was about to launch into his tour and Sophia had no doubt his sister had all but forbid any contact between them.

  There was also the fact that he was angry with her. Had every right to be furious at Sophia for not telling him about her father. Sophia clung to the hope that the one reporter who had videotaped the meet and greet was not yet aware of who she was or had decided it was not a story worth the time.

  From the kitchen window, she caught sight of reporters camped in front of her condo. Neighbors had been gawking toward her house since the day before. Most probably knew who she was now since, no doubt, journalists had interviewed them.

  Her doorbell rang again and Sophia ignored it. When someone banged at her back door, she ran to her bedroom and dove under the bed. If only everyone would just go away. Why did she have to continue to be victimized by her bastard of a father?

  “Hello?” Mandy called out from somewhere in the house. “Sophia, are you in here? I let myself in...”

  “I’m in here,” Sophia called back, giddy with relief to have someone there.

  Mandy walked in with two bags of M&Ms and a bottle of wine. “Have you had breakfast?”

  Chapter 15

  Chad spoke to his sister over the phone. “No one has connected the dots. I think we’re in the clear.” He’d played to a sold out crowd in Atlanta and they would be heading back to Nashville after performing in Greenville that night.

  “I don’t know.” Charley’s voice was flat. “I’ll be there tonight. We can talk. Mom and Dad are also attending, you know.”

  He smiled. “How could I forget? Mom texted me a picture of them both wearing matching Stetson hats.” Chad laughed, rolling his eyes. “Dad looked miserable.”

  “Yeah, he prefers baseball caps.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Hey?”

  “Don’t ask. I’m okay. Just need some time.”

  Later that day, he met his parents at a steakhouse for a late lunch. Sure enough, his mother was dressed head to toe in bright. teal blue, western attire. Somehow, his father had gotten away with only having to wear a matching hat.

  “I tried to get your dad to wear a beautiful, teal shirt I got him at Cattle Man’s, but he refused. Said it was too tight.”

  Chad met his father’s eye roll over his mother’s head. “I love your hats.”

  Just as they settled, Charley rushed in and plopped down. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic was bad.”

  “Don’t just drop into a chair. Lower like a lady,” their mother admonished. “One would think I didn’t send you to social grace class.”

  Social grace had been more of a punishment than a privilege and his mother had dragged them to it every week for a year until she was satisfied they could eat, drink and behave in public. It was their fault to be honest, as they’d taken glee in constantly stressing her out with their outlandish behavior.

  Once plates were placed in front of them, his mother studied him for a bit, her narrowed eyes moving between her children. “What’s going on with you two? Who are the lucky people?”

  “Mom, what are you talking about?” Charley recovered first. “Lucky about what?”

  “Ha.” Mary Hunter held up a finger. “I know my children. Either you’re both in love or you’re hiding something from me. I chose to think the first.”

  Chad slid a look to Charley who gawked at their mother. “I’m not in love and, other than the fact I am sleeping with someone regularly, I don’t think I am hiding an
ything from you.” Her cheeks colored at her outburst. “Ooops.”

  Their father laughed and looked to Chad. “What’s your story?”

  “Neither in love nor have a secret.”

  He could feel Charley’s gaze, but chose to ignore it. “I was dating someone, but things aren’t going to work out between us.”

  The server returned and refilled everyone’s glasses.

  “Bring each of us a slice of your apple pie. Ice cream on two,” their mother said to the server.

  No one contradicted her as their favorite dessert was apple pie. Both he and his father always preferred it with ice cream. This day, however, thinking about Sophia, the idea of pie was not as appealing.

  “Why did it not work out?”

  Before he could reply, Charley cut in. “Because she kept information about her past hidden from him. Information that could have caused and may still cause big problems for Chad’s career. The woman is selfish.”

  “Is it a secret that was easy to share?” his mother asked him, her warm gaze meeting his.

  Chad shook his head. “No. It’s pretty bad.”

  “Oh dear.”

  It was obvious his parents were curious, but were polite enough not to ask. However, Chad never kept anything from them. He lowered his voice even though they were in a private room in the restaurant. “I’ve been dating Orlando Ramirez’s daughter.”

  “No shit?” His father’s eyebrows shot up and his mouth fell open. “That’s quite a big secret.”

  His mother remained frozen since the server made an entrance and placed each slice of pie in front of them. The young woman’s eyes moved from face to face, seeming unnerved by their stoic expressions and silence.

  Finally, after offering coffee to shaking of heads, the relieved young woman left.

  “What kind of a person is this girl? I mean, for Lord’s sake, Chad, how did you get yourself into something like this?” Before he could reply, she turned to Charley. “And you? I thought you did full background checks.”