“Doesn’t mean we don’t try,” Pike replied.
“Well, we need to get a move on. I know I do. I’ve got some calls to make.”
“Okay. I have an office downstairs you can use and while you’re doing that, I’ll whip us up some lunch.”
“A late one.”
“The best kind.” He kissed me then taking my hand, led me back downstairs to his office. “When you’re done, turn right out of here and come down the hallway. You’ll see the kitchen across the foyer from there.”
“Okay, this may take a bit.”
“That’s fine. Take your time. While I’m fixing us some food, I’ve got some calls to return too. One of which is to Sol.”
“Oh, right. Tell him I said hi.”
“Will do.” He left me alone.
I made my way over to the desk. There was a phone on there and I was glad because my phone was almost out of battery. As I sat down behind the desk, I found a charger so I plugged my phone in. However, I didn’t need to pull up my contact list to make my first call. “Hi Mom.”
“Thank God, Eryn! It’s about time. Are you okay? Really?”
“Yes Mom, I’m fine. I though Uncle David told you.”
“Yes, yes he told me what happened. But honey, you know. You know I had to hear your voice, had to have you tell me yourself.” Then my mom did something I hadn’t seen her do in years. This time I didn’t see her, but I heard the catch in her voice, and the breathy intake of tears.
I’m an idiot. I let my hormones rule me last night. “I’m sorry Mom. I’m sorry. I didn’t think. I’m fine, really. I wasn’t in my office when the bomb went off.” I should have expected this reaction from my mother. She had been two weeks pregnant with me when my father was killed. He never even knew his wife was pregnant.
I could hear her taking a deep breath trying to pull herself together. “No. Nothing for you to be sorry for. You’re alive. Fine. But some sonofabitch tried to kill you. I won’t have it. Do you hear me? I won’t have it! I want you home. I’ve already called Ross to find out what he can and I’m sending a couple of his people to come and get you to bring you here to Great Falls. They’ll stay with you until this piece of shit is caught and locked up. Killed even better.”
I was a little shaken up. My mother never cussed, ever, at least not that I can recall. Upset yes, but this rattled I’d never heard her. Which was probably why I didn’t want to talk to her last night. Didn’t want her to insist or guilt me into coming home. Knowing she would have gone off. Not that she’s not doing that this afternoon, but to a whole ‘nother level. My prim and proper mom cussing. I shook my head. At least I can deal with her better now, calm some of her fears. “I already asked Uncle David to contact Ross to see what he could find out. But I’m fine Mom. I’m safe, safer even than being with you in Great Falls.”
“Yes, I know Uncle David explained to me that you’re with this John Pike. And even I know who that is. I’m not stupid. He cannot protect you the way your family can.”
“Is that what Uncle David said?” I challenged. Knowing he didn’t. If he thought for one minute, I wouldn’t be safe with Pike he wouldn’t have agreed with my going off with him in the first place. “I’m safe here, Mom. I promise. Access to this place is limited and easily patrolled. Not so much where you live Mom. It’s not a gated community, and those woods behind the house and surrounding areas go on for miles and intersects with our neighborhoods, which intersects with a busy highway.”
“Then, we’ll go to the summer house in the Outer Banks. Better yet, head to Italy. Get out of the country for awhile.”
“No Mom. I’ve got clients. I have too much to do here and then there’s Babs…”
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. Yes, David told me. I’ve called her house, but no one answered. I figured they’re not talking to anyone right now. But I left a message. All right, I’m sorry. I do understand you have responsibilities. I’m so proud of you. It’s just—I can’t. I can’t lose you too.”
“You won’t Mom. Thank you for calling Babs’ family. I Love you. I’ll talk to tomorrow and try to see you this weekend.”
“All right, but if you come for dinner, bring this Pike person. I want to look him in the eye and know if he’s capable of taking care of my baby.”
My mom was something. “We’ll see.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Pike
I didn’t reschedule the rehearsal since it was going to be at the studio anyway, but I did end up rescheduling the recording time. Thank God for Sol, he’d already rearranged that from ten this morning to four this evening. I’d had a chance to have a brief conversation with him yesterday to let him know I was okay and would be heading to the Cove.
I had a couple of hours before we had to leave to go back downtown. Because I was taking Eryn with me. I didn’t really want to leave her alone. Even though I knew, she would be safe here in my place. Instinct told me she wouldn’t stay, not unless I pushed and could convince her. I knew she had a life, a partnership in a law firm and clients who depended on her, office blown to shit or not. Then there were the people who worked for her. Damn. I might not be able to keep her at my side. What really shocked me was how much I wanted to.
I picked up my phone again to call Sol. I also needed to call my dad, but my phone buzzed as soon as I touched it. “Hey, Sol. I was just about to call you. Thanks for making the arrangements at the studio, but rehearsal is still on.”
“Yeah, good. I’m just glad both you and Eryn are okay. Jesus dude. When you decide to get attention you go big or go home!”
I laughed. “Not this time, not my intention.”
“Listen, I’ve been getting calls from some major news agencies and talk show hosts, they’re all clamoring for an interview with you and Eryn.”
“What. No…one sec.” I could hear shouting coming from the front of the house.
“Where the hell is he?”
I recognized that gruff voice.
“Oh yeah, also forgot. I spoke to your dad. He couldn’t reach you and called me,” Sol added over the phone.
“He’s here,” I said rubbing my hand over my face.
“Yeah, so I hear. I’ll get back to you later today with some details and I’ll see you at rehearsal.”
I could hear Tank’s reply that I was in the kitchen seconds before I heard the heavy threads of my father’s boots on the tiled flooring. “Morning, Dad.”
That’s all I got to say before he crossed the room and pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged him back. He was still too skinny. I stepped back. “You hungry? I’m fixing a late lunch.”
My Dad dropped the bag he’d been carrying in his hand. John J Pike was a no nonsense kind of man. He rarely spoke but when he did everyone damned well listened. “Damn it Pike. I have been trying to reach you since last night. It was Sol I finally spoke to, who calmed me down. Why didn’t your ass call me to let me know you were fine? Since I didn’t hear from you I called the chopper to come and bring me here, so I could see how you were for my damn self!”
I ran my fingers through my hair, shocked at my father’s outburst. “I’m sorry, Dad. I—I just didn’t think. I didn’t even know you’d realize I was involved. I know Sol called you.”
“No, I called Sol. And how else do you think? It’s been plastered all over the god damn news. The office building, your face standing on the sidewalk in front of the building talking to the fire chief and the cops, you going back into the building with a pretty lady.”
“Oh, shit! I’m sorry.” I hugged him again. I should’ve known. That’s why Sol was talking about getting calls. I pulled one of the stools out. “Sit Dad. I didn’t know. Didn’t realize the press knew I was there, at least not so soon.” I’d already gotten the ingredients prepared for a Spanish omelet but I opened the fridge and got out a couple more eggs to add to it and a few more pieces of chopped ham, green and red peppers.
“It was all live, the news stations were carrying it all day yesterday.
It had already been going on for about an hour before I saw it. I tried to call you and got no answer. Then I finally, called Sol, who told me you were fine. How are you involved in this shit?”
I mixed the additional ingredients into the bowl. “What did Sol tell you?” Not that I told him much.
“He told me that you were in the building when it exploded, but that you weren’t hurt. And he had to get that information from Tank, your goddamn bodyguard because at that point, he still hadn’t spoken to you. He knows a bomb went off in the office of the law firm that you just hired to represent you.”
I sighed. “Yeah, all that’s true.”
“Well son, seems to me you need to find another lawyer. This one seems to have some real whack jobs for clients.”
I shook my head and sighed. “No, it’s a hell of a lot more complicated than that.” Something made me glance over toward the entryway. Eryn stood there. I’d felt her presence before I even saw her. I smiled to let her know she was welcomed and she smiled back.
I turned the stove on. I’d already prepped the omelet pan. Moving around the counter, I took her hand, drawing her to me and kissing her hard on the lips like I hadn’t seen her in days as opposed to an hour. Grinning, I moved back a little and turned to my dad. I don’t know if I’ve ever really introduced my father to any of the girls I was with. Then again, I didn’t do girlfriends, relationships. I didn’t do go meet the parents or introduce them to mine shit. I don’t think I’ve introduced him to a girl, at least one that I brought home since I was sixteen. “Dad, this is Eryn Gunn.” I kept one hand wrapped around her waist claiming her before my parent. For the first time in my life, I wanted to tag on, my girlfriend but too soon. “Eryn, this is my father. John J.”
Dad opened his eyes wide at the way I’d laid a claiming hand on her I’m sure. And he knew I never ever brought women to either his home or this one. The few women he’d seen me with were the groupies if he joined me on tour. Which he’d done from time to time. When I could get him away from his carpentry business or fishing.
He got off the stool and stepped forward his hand outstretched, a wide grin plastered on his weathered face and a twinkle in eyes that mirrored mine. “Hello. It’s a real pleasure to meet you.”
“You too, Mr. Pike.”
He took her hand in both of his and chuckled. “None of that, I’m John J and I’d like to call you Eryn.”
She smiled. “Of course, thank you John J.” She glanced back and forth between my dad and me. “You all are almost book ends, are you a Junior or a third?” Eryn asked me.
“Neither. We have different middle names.”
“I didn’t want us both saddled with the same name,” my dad explained, releasing Eryn’s hand moving over to the stool next to his and pulling it out for her. “Come on sit down. This son of mine makes a mean omelet.”
“Yes. Sit. This will be ready in a few minutes. There’s coffee or tea if you want it.” I kissed her temple one last time before moving back over to the stove. The pan was now hot enough for me to add a little butter then some of the egg mixture to make the first omelet.
“What can I do to help?” she asked.
“If you want toast, it’s in that bread box over there.”
“What you’re fixing smells delicious, more than enough, but do you want any? How about you John J.”
“No, baby. I’m good thanks.”
“Thank you, but no,” my dad said. “Now, come sit by me and let the boy work.”
She sat down. “I still can’t get over the fact that you can cook. Can you cook too John J?”
Dad shook his head. “Unfortunately, I can barely boil an egg and call the local restaurants for delivery. Pike pretty much learned on his own, always seemed to have a knack for it. There was a time I thought he was going to be a chef, but then when I heard him sing at a school talent show…Well, I knew my boy might be something else, didn’t matter though, I knew he’d be great at whatever he choose.”
I smiled as I flipped the omelet. My dad was making light of it all. I learned to cook because it was either that or eat cereal or peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast lunch and dinner. After awhile it got old. So, I learned through trial and error, lots of errors, but I improved. I took care of myself and my dad. I happened to glance over at him at the same time he looked up and stared at me.
His features softened and I knew he was thinking the same thing.
We’d come so far. He’d been doing so well lately with his depression. I felt even worse now, that I caused him more worry. I slid the cooked omelet onto the plate and passed it to Eryn. “Ladies first,” I said and winked at her.
There was cutlery in a hanging carousel on the breakfast counter and she helped herself to some.
Dad opened up one of the side drawers and took out a few cloth napkins for us. “So are you both really okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, Dad. Told ya, I’m fine,” I said as I flipped the second set of eggs for him. I knew he wasn’t going to let this go. So, we might as well talk about it and try to reassure him. Besides, as more information came to light, I’m sure it will get plastered all over the press. Best he hears it from me. I checked the time.
I’d spoken to detective Simons and he wanted to know if we could come down to the precinct he wanted to talk to both Eryn and me. He didn’t think it would take long. I told him I would call and let him know when we’re headed back in the city to see if he’s available. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be until tomorrow that I could see him. And since I didn’t plan on letting Eryn out of my sight for the rest of the day, that meant neither could she, since she would be with me.
I placed my dad’s plate in front of him and noticed Eryn hadn’t started eating. “Don’t wait on me, baby. Even if I start eating after you do, trust me I’ll be done before you are.”
My dad chuckled. “That’s true. You’d think he’d been raised in a barn the way he can shovel in food at times.”
I finished pouring the last of the mixture into the pan and waited for my eggs to cook. “So do you all know what really happened?” Dad turned to look at Eryn addressing his question to her. “The news said there was an explosion but it was limited to a section of the eleventh floor, F Street side and only one fatality.”
I wasn’t surprised when my dad continued his line of questioning.
“Yes. Babs. She—she was my friend and executive assistant.”
I heard the shake in Eryn’s voice. Before I could move to go and put my arm around her, Dad placed his hand over hers on the counter. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” She squeezed his hand back then released him. “The bomb, that’s what they believe it was, was placed in my office, Babs sits near my office I’m not sure if she was at her desk or even in my office placing whatever had been delivered. We saw video footage of a deliveryman entering the building a few minutes before the explosion. The guy in it carried a long box with the name of a local florist on it.”
“What the hell is this world coming to? You mean to tell me some asshole sent you a bomb?”
I sat on the rounded part of the breakfast counter near Eryn. I noticed while she was talking she still hadn’t started eating. “If you don’t eat my food, I might develop a complex,” I told her to try to shake her out of her misery.
“Can’t have that.” That touch of sadness left her gaze and she took a good helping of the meal on her fork.
I waited for her to finish the bite
Then she moaned before I had a chance to ask her how it tasted. “Wow! This is…” She took another bite. “Mmm. You can come cook for me anytime. If this music thing doesn’t work out for you, I can always use a chef.”
“Well, the music thing is working out for me, but I have no trouble being your chef.”
My dad cleared his throat as though to remind us both he was still in the room.
I snorted, because for a moment I did sort of forget. Then I remembered what we were discussing. “It’s really
complicated as I said. Eryn and I saw a woman being assaulted on the street a couple of days ago and intervened. We think the guy we stopped from dragging this woman into a car, is the same guy, who dressed as the flower delivery man on the security footage, delivering the bomb to Eryn’s office.”
“WHAT!”
Then Eryn told him the story of what had happened.
“Sonofabitch! If you all hadn’t been on that roof. Son of a bitch. That means that as soon as who ever did this knows Eryn wasn’t in that blast, he might try again.” Then his gaze narrowed at me. “That’s why you brought her here and that’s why you’re here too. Do you think he might try to come after you too?”
Nothing wrong with my dad’s brain. The thought occurred to me too. “We’re not absolutely sure if it’s the same guy or even if there’s a connection. We’re only guessing,” I said.
“Damn good guessing. Then I will be staying here for a bit. Fishing is great this time of year.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Eryn
Lunch was very interesting. I enjoyed meeting Pike’s dad. He looked a lot like Pike but there seemed to be an air of bone deep sadness to him. He kinda reminded me a little of my mother in that way. Like someone who’s suffered in the past and continues to do so. I wanted to ask about his wife, and Pike’s mom. But Pike and I weren’t close enough for that kind of discussion yet, we might never be. I wasn’t ready to tell him about my own family and exactly how I lost my dad. I know from interviews and articles written about him, Pike’s mom died of cancer when he was born and his dad raised him. That’s about it. In that we had something in common, both raised by only one parent, but while neither of us has siblings, I was surrounded by a herd of cousins. My grandparents on my dad’s side had seven sons. So, there were lots of Gunns around and they liked to procreate. It seemed to me like it was just Pike and his dad.
The Prison Guard's Son: Young Guns Book One Page 11
