by Kailin Gow
“It’s alright,” I said into his chest. God he smelled good. Masculine, clean, and a little musky.
He looked down at me, “Summer…” he began, his eyes filled with pain. “There’s something I…”
I held my breath.
“Oh hi!” Rachel walked out of her room with a duffle bag. “I was just heading out. I booked a commercial, and it’s up at San Fran so I’m flying there right now.”
“Rachel!” I went to her. She didn’t smile, and I didn’t blame her. It had been awkward between us, when I broke up with Drew and refused to talk to him for weeks, which she was against.
“Um, Astor will be at the Academy covering for my class so…”
“That’s nice of Astor,” I said, actually relieved I did listen to him and sold a part of the Academy to him.
“Yeah,” Rachel said carefully. “Astor’s been incredible. It was a shame how you had to break up with him.”
“He broke up with me,” I said.
“Whatever. He’s too nice of a guy to deserve having his heart broken.”
“What?”
“Well, hopefully he’d be different once I come back from San Fran,” Rachel said. “Because it seems, you’ve already moved on from him, from Drew, and even Nat!” She glanced over at Cooper who had taken a seat at the kitchen island…the seat Nat usually sat in when he was here. How appropriate, I thought.
For a moment Rachel seemed frozen as she looked at Cooper. Then she shook her head. “Nah, it couldn’t be.”
“What couldn’t be?” I asked.
“Never mind. I must be just seeing things. Anyways, I’m outta here, and um, whoever you are…”
“Cooper,” I said.
“Nice to meet you,” she said. “Just know you’re in line with some pretty amazing guys for her so if you even want a chance with her, you treat her right, not like my knucklehead brother Drew.” With that, she walked out the door.
Despite whatever was going on between me and her, whatever was going on between she and Astor, or even with Drew; I still loved her like a sister. And she still had my back.
Cooper had an amused grin on his face as his eyebrows cocked up in a question. “So…what’s going on with her?”
“She’s my best friend from babyhood, and she lives with me here now that she’s going to USC for her freshman year. But she and I…we just went through some pretty heavy stuff, not just about my ex, who happened to be her twin. And my other ex, who happened to be her older brother. I think me not being with either one of them had strained my relationship with her.”
Cooper smiled. “Rachel, is it? She seems pretty tough yet vulnerable inside. I can understand what she’s going through, but in the end, it’s your life. You can’t live your life to please Rachel. In the end, whomever you end up with will be your choice and no one else’s. Give Rachel some time. Check up with her, talk to her, be her friend and sister. It seemed she needs you more than she let on.”
I nodded. “You’re so wise,” I said. “Are you sure you’re not an old man in some hot young guy’s body? Oh, did I just say that?”
Cooper laughed. “So you think I’m hot?”
I blushed.
He came up to me and took my arms in his hand, leading me to sit on the sofa next to him. “Do you think I’m as hot as that Peacock in class?” he whispered close to my ears. “I have to admit, Sum, I find you pretty hot yourself…”
“I’m…”
The front door opened, and I jumped up from my seat. Who could that be?
A beautiful woman in her mid-40s with long flowing chestnut hair and green eyes walked in. She was clad in a khaki linen suit that flattered her trim athletic frame. From how glamorous she looked, you wouldn’t believe she was an officer in the army, but in special intelligence.
“Mom!” I cried, running to her.
“Summer!” she said, hugging me tight. “I still can’t get over how big you’ve gotten while I was out fulfilling my missions.”
“Are you going to stay before taking off again?” I asked. “I mean…”
“I know what you mean,” she said, patting my cheeks. “I have some time off, but I will be sent off again. It’s my call of duty.”
“I know. I understand,” I said.
“I’m just glad you got a chance to grow up with your Aunt Sookie when she was alive,” she said. “She was a remarkable woman, Summer. I see a lot of her in you, and I’m glad she rubbed off on you like you were her own child.”
I gulped, not wanting to cry, remembering Aunt Sookie, her illness, and her sudden death.
“But duty calls in another way,” Mom said. “The Donovans. We’re very close, Summer, you have to remember that. They’ve helped me out so much when I needed help, like getting me back home to you this last time, so I’m going out there to help take care of Nadine. Since Nat left and since Drew moved here, she’s now being taken care of by a live-in nurse. Nothing against that nurse, but she’s not family so I’m going there to stay with her for the next few week or even a month or so before I get sent overseas on another mission.”
“That’ll be what Mrs. Donovan needs,” I said. “Yes, you should go. Don’t worry about me.”
“I came here to see you and to tell you where I’m going. I also see you seem to be doing just fine. I know you are. We Jones women, we’re from pretty strong stock, you know,” Mom said. “Aunt Sookie, myself, and you. We are survivors, don’t you forget that.”
“I won’t!” I hugged my mother tightly.
“Good, because, Summer there will be days when it’s tough and you don’t know how to go on, as well as the most happiest days in your life, so what you need to remember when faced with the ups and downs, is that it will all work out.”
“Thank you, Mom!” I said. “I’ll remember.”
“Good,” she said, wiping at the corner of her eyes. She noticed Cooper then and stood up straight. No one will get to see the soft side of Major Jones if she can help it.
“Hello,” Cooper came up to shake Mom’s hands. “So nice to meet you Mrs. Jones. I now know where Summer gets her beauty and strength of character. You must be so proud of her.”
“I am,” Mom said, looking Cooper up and down. She had a quizzical look on her face as she stood back to take Cooper in. “Have we met before?”
“No,” Cooper said. “I tend to look like everyone’s best friend, ex-boyfriends, or sons so that’s probably why you think I look familiar.”
“Okay,” Mom said, still looking confused. “Well, I’m late for my flight, but I’ll call you, Summer, and let you know how things are going in San Fran.”
“Keep an eye on Rachel, too,” I said. “She’s going up there too for a while.”
“Ah Rachel,” Mom said. “I will. Nice to meet you Cooper, and please, don’t let Summer get you down. If she does, do what makes her happy and she’ll come around!”
My face was red then. “Thanks, Mom!” I shut the door, and faced Cooper.
“Nice family you’ve got there,” he smiled. “You are indeed lucky.”
Chapter 12
Nat
Ever since that night I visited Summer at the Pad, I’ve been sorely tempted to reveal myself to her, to take her back into my arms and ask her to forgive me, to be with me the way we were before I left.
When it comes to Summer, she can break down any barriers I’ve erected. Any resistance I have set up, comes crashing down when I hold her in my arms, when she looks at me with those eyes full of love.
Visiting her that night made it loud and clear for me that I can’t leave Summer alone. She had taken sleeping pills…not to kill herself with, but because she needed them to sleep. Anxiety? Insomnia? That wasn’t Summer. She never had to use anything to go to sleep. She was always on the go, full of energy, non-stop energy that she expended on volleyball for school, teaching and running Aunt Sookie’s Academy, and studying for school. They kept her so busy that by the time she fell asleep, she was bone tired.
Someone like the Summer I used to know never used sleeping pills.
So it alarmed me. Summer wasn’t taking care of herself. She wasn’t sleeping right. She wasn’t eating right. She wouldn’t let Drew in to check on her, too, I bet. And Rachel? Drew was supposed to eventually let Rachel know about me, but I have no idea if he had.
When Rachel gets angry, she expresses herself through clothes, through her hair. She doesn’t actually hurt herself by starving or not sleeping. Rachel, as much as everyone underestimates her, loved herself far enough to not let her body go. She wasn’t self-sacrificing like Summer was. And she had Drew to fall on. As much as the twins dissed on each other, they were also their greatest supporters.
So, of course, I was worried about Summer. I could feel her loneliness even when all I did was sleep next to her that night. I was just going to talk to her, check up on her, and leave, as Drew requested. But I couldn’t. She needed me then, and I couldn’t leave no matter what.
So, I made the call.
A call that may change everything.
“Hello Lamar?” I said into my phone. I had swept my place earlier this evening, making sure there weren’t any bugs or surveillance anywhere.
I’ve been doing this since I moved into my low-profile condo. Upon entering my condo, I sweep the entire place before I could let out my breath and relax. When I found a suspicious-looking device buried into my roommate’s plant at the dorm, I knew I couldn’t live in a dormitory with roommates and no privacy. Not with the kind of danger I was in.
So now in my small condo, looking out to the ocean, with a clear view of the beach, I can live in peace, yet still feel like I was part of the place I grew up in with Summer…the Pad. The place wasn’t cheap, but it was a few blocks away from the Pad, and from where I was on the top floor, I could even see the Pad’s beachfront backyard, see Summer’s car in the driveway, and the front door.
In other words, I chose this place so I could still watch and protect Summer. Drew didn’t even know it. Lamar didn’t even know.
“Hey kid,” Lamar said in his deep booming voice. He suited his position well…an FBI handler who had arranged and organized everything for me to disappear without a trace so I can start my life all over again without being Nat. “What is it?”
“When can I reveal myself to Summer?” I asked. “When can I have my old life back?”
“Ahh, so this is what you called me for,” Lamar said. “I know it’s hard for you with this new identity, but proceedings are going too slow. You have to hold on a while longer. But there is another matter, and you calling me now is good timing. This news literally just came up this afternoon.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“Word is out that one of the top bosses, Xavier, has escaped and had entered the U.S. seeking revenge, especially for the guy who shut down his center overseas. And guess who that guy is? You. So, now’s not a good time to come out and announce to the world, ‘Hey World, Nat’s back!’ especially when these guys were able to get a photo of you. You don’t even know how grave your situation is, do you, kid?”
“I have some idea,” I said. “It’s grave enough you guys had to kill me off so they won’t come after me.”
“You do get it, then,” Lamar said. “I figure you would since you’re a genius, but when it comes to matters of the heart, you’re vulnerable, and that vulnerability can get you, your father, your mother, your brother and sister, and Summer killed.”
My heart dropped hearing Lamar hit it on the head with what I was thinking. I was being led by my love for Summer to risk getting my entire family killed, not to mention anyone associated with me. There was no way I could reveal my identity to Summer and my family now.
“So, this Xavier…what does he look like?” I asked, ready to arm myself against him if I ever see him.
“That’s the thing with these criminals. They are hard-core enough they change their looks with plastic surgery every once in a while. The last time anyone has spotted him or surveillance camera had picked up on him, he was dressed down, blending into whatever culture and country he was in. Mostly in non-descript shorts and t-shirts. I’ll send you a virtual postcard with his face in a crowd. He’s the third from the left edge. Third from the bottom edge. And we’ll make it easy for you to get a license to carry weapons. You will need one just in case. These guys mean business so if you have to defend yourself against them, you will at least be equipped.”
“That would help,” I said dryly.
“Good we need you to stay alive, Nat. You are providing a great service to your country and internationally. Your genius and expertise is rare. We will take good care of you, no doubt. Are you fine with your new identity?”
“I wasn’t at first, but things are getting better,” I said.
“That’s good you’re blending in and adjusting,” Lamar said. “It makes your cover believable.”
“I am definitely blending in,” I said, not mentioning how I was able to visit Summer at the Pad without her seeing me.
“Good, blend in, and before you know it, you will be a new person, safe to roam anywhere you want to go. Beats having you sent to a witness protection program or get accompanied by security men all the time”
“Alright Lamar,” I said. “In case you didn’t know, I moved out of the dorm and into my own condo for safety’s sake.”
“I know,” Lamar said. “That was fine. Like I said, being in your situation you’re free to roam and live life as you once did, but only as your new identity. Moving to a condo is your own choice, and at least you can have privacy again, instead of being at the dorm. Good thinking, Nat. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go. Until next time!”
“Until next time,” I said hanging up.
As soon as I ended the call, another call came through. “Hey Nat, there’s been a breakin at the Academy.”
Drew.
“Any idea who was behind it?” I asked.
“No, that’s why I’m checking it out.”
“Taking any men with you?” I asked, meaning some of our security men from Donovan Dynamics.
“Probably when we get the entire place wired for a new security system installation. You should be there to get your fingerprints scanned so you are cleared in the system.”
“Don’t worry,” I said. “I’ll find a way to handle that.”
“Suit yourself,” Drew said. “Anyways, I got some news about Summer…she’s been hanging out with a guy who seem a bit mysterious. A classmate of hers. Don’t know how far into this relationship she’s been, but they are moving fast.”
“Don’t concern yourself with who she is dating or seeing, Drew. It’ll drive you crazy. Just make sure she’s fine, and if the guy isn’t for her, she’ll figure that out quick.”
“You’re taking this all pretty calmly.” Drew said.
“There isn’t any other way I can take it right now.”
“Okay, well, I hope to see you soon, Bro.”
“Me too,” I said.
When the call ended, I breathed a sigh of relief. Drew didn’t suspect a thing.
Chapter 13
Summer
Drew called me the following day after my weekend helping Cooper film.
“Summer,” he said. “I want you to know, there’s been a breakin at the Academy, and I think the security system we installed had been compromised. I’m heading there to check it out. I thought you should know.”
“I’ll go with you,” I said. After all, Aunt Sookie’s Academy was my responsibility. “Thank you for telling me.”
“I know you’re busy and all, and that you have other things on your mind, so I wanted to take care of this for you, Summer,” Drew said. “But if you want to come out to the Academy, that’s up to you.”
“I’ll go,” I said. “I’ll see you there in 15 minutes.”
“Okay,” Drew said. “See you there.”
I quickly changed into jeans, a tank top and my leather jacket, grabbed my purse and keys, and hea
ded out to my SUV. Thanks to it being late at night, there wasn’t much traffic, and I was able to arrive at the Academy earlier.
I walked in and checked out the door. It didn’t seem as if it had been tampered. Yet, thanks to Donovan Dynamics’ sensitive security system, it triggered an alarm that notified Drew, who was in charge of the system. I turned on the lights of the old theater which was converted to an acting school, and walked around, trying to see if anything looked like it was out of place.
The front room which was the lobby seemed like it had always been for years. I walked into the classroom, which was the theater’s main room consisting of the stage, seating, and an area behind it for concessions. Nothing seemed different.
Now I had to go into the back rooms where Aunt Sookie’s office was, where it had become my office. I shouldn’t be nervous about going in there, but last time I did, I found my computer hacked with warnings from a stalker named Sloane on the screen.
And also, the attack…the one where I was nearly raped by Sloane. Until Drew came in, fought Sloane off, and saved me.
Drew…Drew…Drew, how we went through so much together. How he had always been there for me.
I walked to the very spot where I was attacked and had been forced on my back to the ground, and Sloane was pressing down on me, breaking my arm…
A sound.
My skin suddenly got goosebumps.
My hair stood on ends.
I couldn’t breathe. What if it was Sloane who had come back to finish me off?
It couldn’t be, he was sent to jail, or so I thought. I never did see what happened to him. I didn’t want anything to do with him after his second attack on me at the USC campus.
I trusted Nat and the authorities to put him away.
Drew was too distraught and shaken up to handle it. He nearly killed Sloane, and I was in no condition to face him, either.
Another footstep.
I bolted up from where I was kneeling on the ground checking out some strange residue and ran straight to the hallway only to run into something hard and solid. Then arms came around me, trapping me in place.
