Rekindled

by Jen Talty

  The smell of coffee hit her nostrils when she opened the door and started down the long hallway toward the stairs. She’d always thought it would be exciting to turn this place into a bed and breakfast. The few college courses she’d taken had been in business. She had a fascination for the hotel environment, but had never had the chance to pursue it.

  “Good morning,” Emma said, smiling.

  “Morning.” Kaylee glanced around the kitchen. She’d have to do some remodeling, but it would be easy to break the kitchen apart and have a large, separate eating area. “Where’s Toby?” Kaylee poured herself a cup of coffee and mentally noted the things she’d have to change. As if she’d be able to stay here.

  “Riding around the property, making sure we don’t have any company.”

  “Oh.” Kaylee looked out the window at the lake. The ice had started to melt, and a slight ripple across the water indicated a breeze. She hoped it was a spring breeze.

  “Kaylee.” Emma ran her fingers through her ponytail. “I spoke with Agent Thompson this morning. You need to call him.”

  “Now?” Kaylee asked. Her stomach jolted the coffee back up her throat. “I’m not ready.”

  “I went over every document you gave me and did some of my own research. Nino De Luca is one bad apple, and you have the power to stop him.” Emma’s stare was paralyzing, but Kaylee could see behind the cold exterior to the warm woman who existed behind it.

  “How can I stop him?” Kaylee’s body trembled. Instinctively, she rubbed her lower back.

  “By testifying. You’re an insider with paper proof. You lied about this man and need to make that right. You’ve also got enough here to lock him up.”

  “He’ll kill me.” Kaylee slumped down at the table. “Did you tell Thompson where I was?” Kaylee asked, hearing her own defeated voice shaking when she spoke.

  “I informed him of the situation, and he’s giving us until Monday night.”

  “That’s tomorrow,” Kaylee whispered. “What’s going to happen to me?”

  “You’ll be taken into protective custody—”

  Kaylee slammed her coffee down on the table. “Arrested!”

  “They won’t be arresting you. They don’t care about what you did; they want Nino and his family. They’ll protect you from him until the trial.” Emma’s voice was as soft as her hand pressing firmly on Kaylee’s arm.

  “What if he gets off? He’s good at getting people off.”

  “I’ve been informed you are just the icing on the cake. All you have to do is testify.”

  Every mob or FBI movie Kaylee had ever seen flashed in her memory. She’d be taken to some “safe house” and wouldn’t be able to see her family. She wouldn’t be able to see Blaine. She’d be caged, unable to do anything but sit around and wait.

  Blaine would never wait for her again.

  “When De Luca is found not guilty, I’ll never get to come back, will I?” Kaylee asked, realizing that no matter what happened, she’d lose Blaine once and for all. If she ran, he wouldn’t follow. If Nino got off, she’d be processed into the Federal Witness Protection Program, not much better than running. “I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”

  “I’ve contacted a friend who works for the Chicago District Attorney’s office. It’s highly unlikely Nino will walk. He might not go away forever, but he’ll be behind bars, and you’ll be on your way back here.” Emma locked gazes with Kaylee. For once, her pale eyes didn’t hide a single emotion. “To start over in this house and with Blaine.”

  “I wish my life were that simple,” Kaylee said.

  “I think we can make it that way,” Emma said.

  The door rattled, and spring air filtered into the house when Blaine stepped inside.

  “You look like shit,” Emma said to Blaine. “I’ve got some things to do.”

  Emma disappeared through the kitchen door.

  He locked gazes with Kaylee as he leaned back against the counter and ran his hands through his hair. “You okay?” he asked.

  “Not really. I’m a little wigged out about Reverend Hicks possibly being my father, which makes Rachael my sister, who had an affair with my father.” She took in a deep breath, sucking up the fresh air that Blaine had brought in the house.

  “A new twist. It’s possible Hadley is Rachael’s father.”

  “That’s crazy.” Kaylee shook her head. “What about the computer stuff?” She lifted her coffee mug to her lips, savoring the freshness. She needed something real, even if it was as simple as coffee.

  “One of my guys is working with the State Police, and they’re going over everything. I’m hoping they might have something for me before we head to church.”

  “I don’t want to go. I’m afraid I might fly off the handle and say something really stupid.” Her hand trembled, so she placed her coffee back on the table.

  Blaine’s strong arms pulled her to his chest. She hadn’t realized she was crying, but her body shook and her words were broken by sobs.

  His chin rested on the top of her head, all the while his hands held her close. She could hear his heart beat in a wild rhythmic pattern that was neither fast nor slow, but calming. “I think Dave and I are onto something.”

  “That will tell me who my biological father is? Who killed the man I called ‘Dad?’” Kaylee pulled away and folded her arms across her chest. “We have until Monday, and then I have to go back to Chicago.”

  “I’m surprised we have that long.” He held out the newspaper.

  Taking the black and white print into her hands, she unfolded the paper. “Chicago Times,” Kaylee read, glancing at Blaine for an explanation.

  “The front page says the Grand Jury is expected to file charges against Nino and at least five others by Tuesday afternoon. I’m sure you’re wanted there ASAP.”

  She nodded. There wasn’t another choice. The only way she’d ever truly be free from her past would be to face it head on. Something she needed to do with Blaine right now. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry, babe. You’re doing the right thing.”

  She shook her head. “Am I? Or am I running again?”

  “Kaylee,” he said with such softness in his voice, she wanted to smack him. “One thing at a time.”

  She sipped her coffee. By the time she got around to dealing with her feelings for Blaine, it could be years if she took the one-thing-at-a-time route.

  “Tell me about your parents’ relationship with the Hickses.” Blaine said, snagging a piece of crumb cake from the kitchen table.

  “My father never went to church, but Jack came by the house often. He’d pray with my mother. He’d go hunting, golfing, and fishing with my father, like other men.” Kaylee stared across the room and out the window. The lake glistened in the sun.

  “Tell me about everyone’s relationship. The way you saw it.”

  “I didn’t really pay attention. The Hickses came to the house often and made appearances with my parents, but she was a bitch. Mrs. Hicks would always call me ‘the poor child’ and shake her head at my mother. Especially when Mom would be in deep with the voices.” Kaylee watched the birds flutter for a spot at the bird feeder. “Do you think Mrs. Hicks knows who my father is?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I remember after Deslin died, Reverend looked me square in the eye and told me that the children shouldn’t have to pay for the sins of their parents. He said Deslin wasn’t the only child to suffer.”

  “What?” Blaine’s eyes widened.

  “I don’t really understand what he meant. Between finding that damned check, finding out my father wasn’t really my father, and dealing with losing you, I just kind of let that one slide. I hope some day you can forgive me.”

  Blaine uncrossed his legs and pushed himself from the counter, planting his hands firmly on her hips. “There is nothing to forgive, not when it comes to our son. I loved him as much as I loved…love his mother.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered. “I loved…
love his father, too.”

  Blaine had stopped by his apartment to get his uniform. He probably should have showered and shaved there, but he wanted to be with Kaylee. Emma had filled him in on her revelations about Kaylee’s life over the last few years, and he knew he’d have to turn her over to the feds by Monday. Technically, she was already in police custody, but he wouldn’t tell her that. Not yet anyway.

  He strapped his gun in place and glanced in the mirror. He never much cared for his uniform, and lucky for him, working in such a small town meant he didn’t have to wear it often.

  The State Troopers had pretty much started calling the shots in this case. In many ways that pissed him off, but Thief Lake wasn’t a big city and didn’t have the budget, means, or manpower to hold an investigation long. He knew the State boys, and they would work together. However, that didn’t make Blaine feel better.

  The State had pulled something off Rutherford’s computer and would be discussing it with him and Dave before church. Blaine got the distinct impression that something big might be happening at church today, something that called for him in his most official capacity. He just hoped it wasn’t making an arrest of Kaylee. He wasn’t sure he could handle that.

  “Nice,” Kaylee said. “I forgot how sexy you look in that thing.”

  “I hate this thing.” He turned and smiled at her. “I know many cops who think the uniform gives them power.”

  “Anything that forces you to conform to the rest of the world makes you feel trapped,” she said for him.

  “Not true. I respect the law and uphold it almost to the letter. I just don’t look good in dark blue, kind of gets lost with the skin tone.” He smiled as she approached with a mischievous grin.

  “When you’re in that thing, getting handcuffed sounds like fun.”

  The image that popped into his head was anything but appealing. Knowing the feds were on their way to make sure Kaylee testified didn’t help his demeanor at all. His face must have shown where his train of thought had drifted because she stopped mid-step, and her beautiful smile faded to a frown.

  “Shall we go?” she asked, turning away, but not before he saw a tear bead down her cheek.

  When he placed his hands on her shoulders, she shrugged them off and then stepped toward the door. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, then glanced over her shoulder. “Please make sure I get to take care of my father’s ashes and visit Deslin before I have to leave.”

  Blaine stood frozen in time as the blonde angel padded down the hallway and out of sight. Soon she’d be gone, and in the end, he knew deep down inside she’d move past their little trip down memory lane and move on with the life she deserved.

  Blaine squared his shoulders, adjusted his belt, then headed down the same hallway, but he was determined to forget about the woman and only deal with the problem at hand, which was why he had her ride with Toby and Emma.

  On the ride to the church, State had contacted him letting him know they had three possible suspects—the same ones Blaine had—but had no proof. Fortunately, the State Police were able to find encrypted files that had videos of the entire Hicks family coming and going and arguing with Rutherford the day he died.

  It was time to take all three of them to the station for some official questioning.

  The church came into view just as Blaine rounded onto the main drag in town. The same drag where he’d first spoken to Kaylee, kissed her, and subsequently did everything he could to get her attention, including streaking.

  A line had already formed outside the church, and he could see Kaylee hooking up with his mother. He waved and then pulled into a spot where two unmarked cars were. Funny, unmarked cars were very identifiable, since no one in the world would pay money to own them. Dave pulled in right behind him and looked damned spiffy in his uniform.

  Blaine glanced toward his mother, who was eyeing Dave. Guess it didn’t matter the age; when you had it bad, you had it bad. He allowed himself a look at Kaylee. Beautiful wasn’t a strong enough word to describe the way Kaylee carried herself. Her striking blond hair was long and luscious, but never out of control. Her sensitive blue eyes always conveyed the emotion in her heart.

  Momentarily, they locked gazes. His breath hitched because the way she looked at him spoke of love and forever. Her eyes were always honest, and he only saw love.

  But they both had something else they had to do.

  “Blaine,” one of the state detectives said.

  “Nice to see you again, Andy.” Blaine took his hand in a firm handshake. “Tell me what you found.”

  “The last person in the house was Rachael. There’s no audio, but the conversation appeared heated. She paced and waved her finger in Mr. Mead’s face. He seemed placid, but had an eerie smile and he shook his head a lot,” Andy said, pulling a file from his car. “The only thing we really have is that they were the last three people to see him, other than his daughter.”

  “After he’d been killed,” Blaine said.

  “I’d still like to question her.” Andy rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I hear the feds are looking for her.”

  “They found her,” Blaine said, then added, “if you don’t mind, I’d like to question Mrs. Hicks.”

  Andy eyed his partner, who Blaine recognized as Detective Garret Newburg. They seemed to pass some silent language between themselves before Andy answered. “You and Dave can question her and Rachael. We’ll take the Reverend, and we do need to ask Ms. Mead a few questions.” Andy had a sympathetic look. “We’ll take them in after the service.”

  Blaine glanced across the street; half the congregation was staring at them with wide eyes. “I’m going in.” Blaine glanced at Dave who nodded but didn’t budge. Blaine decided to let Dave handle the State boys for now. He needed Kaylee by his side, if nothing else than to warn her about the pending questions. Andy would be tough.

  Blaine took his seat between his mother and Kaylee, placing a hand on Kaylee’s knee. Sometimes life was good. Even if for only the briefest of moments.

  “Isn’t Dave coming?” his mother whispered.

  He planted a soft kiss against her cheek. “He’s taking care of business.”

  “You’re both scaring the heck out of the entire congregation. They are all sure you’re going to arrest someone,” his mother said. “Neither one of you ever go anywhere in uniform.”

  “I hope to arrest someone.” He put his arm around a stiff Kaylee and enjoyed the eyes and whispers from everyone around them. He figured no one would ever expect to see him and Kaylee near each other, much less arm in arm.

  Just then Mrs. Hicks walked down the aisle, eye to eye with Blaine. He held her stare.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Walker, you look lovely today,” Mrs. Hicks said to Shima. “Excuse me, but Officer Walker, would you mind leaving the gun at the door?”

  “I would. I’m on duty.”

  Mrs. Hicks looked to the front of the church, her eyes shifting uncomfortably. “Not many people in this town have ever seen you wear a uniform, especially in church, and frankly, you are making them nervous.”

  “Them or you?” Blaine didn’t smile, just stared into Linda’s eyes, reading the fear behind them. “Are you asking me to leave the church?” Blaine asked, not wavering.

  “I think it would be for the best if you and Kaylee left, but I’m not telling you to.”

  “Why?” Blaine asked.

  “I don’t want to say this in front of your mother.” Linda gave Shima a slight smile and almost looked like she gave a shit.

  “Don’t hold back on my account,” Shima said. “Say your piece.”

  “Well, frankly, the community is concerned with Kaylee’s status as a murder suspect.” Linda closed her eyes and held up her hand. “I know we are all innocent until proven guilty, and ultimately, it is God we must stand before, but someone found out about her dealings with the mob and the attacks on her life. We are just a little nervous for our own safety.”

  “Shouldn�
��t feel nervous. I’m here,” Blaine said. “Chief Whitcomb and two State Troopers are right outside.”

  “All because of her,” Linda said.

  “Actually, it’s because of you, your husband, and possibly your daughter, but we can get into that after church, unless you’d like to come to the station now?” Blaine flashed his smile. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see his mother’s disapproving look. He shifted closer to Kaylee. His mother’s pinching fingers were too close for comfort. Besides, he liked making Linda squirm, and imagined the look on her face if he tongued Kaylee right there in church. He almost laughed out loud.

  Linda pursed her lips and leaned in a little closer. “You should know that the Mayor won’t approve of the Assistant Chief of Police shacking up with a good-for-nothing gangster.”

  “That is not very Christian,” Shima said.

  “I imagine this congregation wouldn’t want a preacher who possibly murdered his best friend because he’d slept with his best friend’s wife and quite possibly could be Kaylee’s father.” Blaine leaned closer. “Now, either you take your place in the front pew and let your husband give these people what they came for, and I’ll escort you to the police station in private. Or maybe I’ll do it right now in front of the entire freaking town.”

  “Have it your way, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Then she turned her attention toward Kaylee. “Ask God to forgive you.”

  “The only thing I need to ask God for is the strength to sit through one of your husband’s hypocritical sermons,” Kaylee said. Blaine pulled her close when Reverend Hicks stepped into the church. Linda walked away, smiling and waving to the congregation. Blaine knew he’d rattled her. That was the point.

  16

  “We know you were in his house just hours before he died. We have the video to prove it.” Blaine shoved his hand through his hair. They’d been badgering Rachael and Mrs. Hicks for over an hour and hadn’t gotten anywhere.

  “When I left, Rutherford was alive. How many times do I have to tell you that?” Linda said, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I only wanted to frighten him.”