Vigilant

by Sara Davison

  “So, Eleanor. We were high school sweethearts. We met the first day of ninth grade and dated all through high school. By the middle of our senior year, we had started planning our wedding, and we got officially engaged the day of our graduation.”

  Daniel’s eyes widened. “You were engaged to this woman?”

  “Briefly, yes. That summer I went out to B.C. to plant trees. The plan was I would make a pile of money, and then come home, we’d get married, and I’d start at the Academy. Well, things took their usual course. Eleanor wrote me almost every day at first, and then the letters started to come fewer and further between. The last one, in late August, was a Dear John. She was breaking off our engagement to run away with Tommy Wilkinson.”

  The look on his dad’s face when he said the name, like he’d breathed in some foul odor, made Daniel laugh, easing the tension in his chest slightly. “Let me guess. Tall, dark, handsome, captain of your high school football team?”

  “Baseball, actually. And blonde. Otherwise you’ve got it pretty much right. I didn’t have time to fly back from B.C. before they up and married, which was probably for the best. I might have rammed my fist down his throat, or worse, if I’d come home and seen them together.”

  “Yeah. I get that. Today I told Sharleen I’d really like to kick the groom’s teeth in.”

  His dad chuckled. “Anyway, their wedding night was definitely a long, dark night of the soul for me. There’ve been others, of course. Kind of hard to live on this planet for very long without facing a few of them, especially in our line of work.”

  “Oh yeah?” Daniel yawned and reached for a pillow to stick behind his head. “Tell me about them. Unless you’re tired. I don’t want to wear you out, old man.”

  His dad waved a hand at him. “Old man,” he said scornfully. “I’m not so old I can’t take you, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know. You’d take me or break a hip trying, wouldn’t you?”

  “In a heartbeat.” His dad’s eyes lit up.

  Daniel grinned at him affectionately. His dad had never been one to back down from a fight. Although he had let Eleanor Russell run away with another man. He sighed. Maybe the smartest fighters were the ones who knew when the battle was lost before it was fought and who bowed out gracefully. Good thing for me. If Dad hadn’t let his first love go and ended up marrying his mom, Daniel might never have been born.

  He sighed. Tonight that idea was kind of appealing.

  Pop was talking again, telling another story about a rough night he’d once had at work. Daniel tried to focus, but his unruly thoughts continued to float off in their own directions, oblivious to his attempts to control them. Suddenly some of the words his dad was saying caught his attention. “What was that? What did you say about those boys?”

  “Yeah, bad case. Two young boys, brothers. When my partner and I got there, the house looked like a war zone. Their mother was lying on the kitchen floor dead. Upstairs, we found the father, who had been stabbed and killed with a jackknife, and two of the most traumatized little kids I’d ever come across. One of them had been knocked out cold by his dad and left in a pool of blood. The other had been nearly choked to death.” His dad stopped and shook his head. “I’ll never forget those two little guys. Even bleeding and barely conscious, the older one crawled over to his little brother and put his arms around him, and the two of them sat there together, rocking back and forth, staring up at us with these big, dark eyes. When we came over to talk to them, the big brother attempted to fight us off, trying to protect the little one. Fought like a tiger, he did, even with blood dripping down his face.”

  His dad’s features softened as he remembered. “It took both of us to calm him enough so the paramedics could take a look at him. Even then, he wouldn’t take his eyes off his brother, and he wouldn’t let us take him away. He became hysterical until we let the younger one go with him in the ambulance. Never saw anything like it before or since.”

  Daniel could barely draw a breath. He hadn’t even bothered checking to see who the officers on the scene were, he’d been so distracted when he realized both Gage and Holden’s profiles fit his theory. So his dad had been the one to go in and find them? Of the hundreds of cops in Toronto at the time, what were the chances of that? And what he’d said about Gage being so heroic, well, that was definitely not what Daniel wanted to hear tonight. He pressed his fingers against both temples, trying to push back a surging headache.

  “Son?”

  The concern in his dad’s voice brought Daniel’s head up quickly. “I’m okay. It’s just …” He dropped his hands into his lap with a sigh. “I know that guy.”

  “What guy?”

  “The older brother. Gage Kelly, right?”

  His dad frowned in concentration. “Kelly. Yeah, that was it. How on earth do you know him?”

  The look he gave his dad was one of pure misery. His dad studied him for a moment before his eyes widened. “No. It couldn’t be. He’s the one your girl married today?”

  Daniel swallowed hard. “She’s not my girl, obviously, but yeah, he’s the one.”

  “Well, I’ll be. He survived. I mean, I knew he lived, but I couldn’t imagine what his life would be like. I heard he and his brother went into the system, but then I lost track of them. Kind of figured they’d end up on the wrong side of the law or something, but if he got married to a girl good enough for you, he must have turned out all right. Although …”

  “What?”

  “You didn’t say how you knew him. Or her, for that matter. Anything to do with that big investigation of yours?”

  Daniel grimaced. “You know I can’t talk about that.”

  “Yeah, I know, but you did answer my question. Hmm. Interesting.”

  “How so?”

  “Just … interesting. You’ll tell me when it all breaks, right? As soon as you’re able to discuss it?”

  “Sure, Pop. So you know, they both turned out okay. Gage is a crown attorney and Holden is a child services worker.” Exhaustion suddenly pressed down on Daniel so hard he could barely lift his head. He started to push back the blanket. “I think I better head home.” He yawned again.

  His dad stopped him with a firm grip on his arm. “Why don’t you stay?”

  The thought hadn’t occurred to him, but suddenly there was nothing in the world Daniel wanted more. Pop understood what he was going through, had even been there himself, and Daniel needed a little empathy right now. What he didn’t need was to go home to an empty apartment. To walk through the living room, past the spot where, only two nights ago, he and Nicole had … He nodded. “Sure, I’ll stay. If I won’t bother you.”

  “Not at all. You comfortable there?”

  “Yeah, fine.”

  His dad switched off the light. Daniel stretched out on the couch and pulled the blanket over himself, listening to the rhythmic ticking of the clock that had hung on the kitchen wall of the home he’d grown up in. As exhausted as he felt, he couldn’t close his eyes. When he did, all he saw was Nicole, smiling at him, green eyes glowing, blonde hair drifting around her shoulders. Which was funny since, other than that day in front of her building, Nicole had never really looked at him that way when they were together. More often than not she’d been angry, her eyes glittering slits of emerald. Then later, she’d mostly been confused and in pain.

  The La-Z-Boy creaked as his dad shifted in the chair.

  Daniel winced. He’d never meant to cause her any of those feelings. What an idiot he had been to let things go as far as they had. He’d never for—

  A strong hand settled on his shoulder. Daniel started, then relaxed back on the couch, a smile turning up the corners of his mouth. He may have wanted his mother when he was heartbroken or sick, but when he’d had a nightmare as a kid, it was his dad he called out for. Pop would search all around the room, under the bed and in the closet, until Daniel was assured that the monsters were gone. Then, to convince him they wouldn’t return for him, his dad would pull up a
chair beside the bed and rest a hand on his shoulder until Daniel went to sleep. He hadn’t thought about that for years, but the sense of being safe—of being loved and cared for and not alone—that his dad’s hand on his shoulder always filled him with came rushing back to him now.

  With the weight of that comforting hand pushing all other thoughts out of his head, for tonight at least, Daniel closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Nicole’s uneasiness had started out by wrapping itself around her shoulders like a scratchy wool shawl. By dinnertime it had become more like a noose, heavy around her throat and threatening to cut off her oxygen supply.

  With their wedding happening so quickly, Gage hadn’t been able to schedule time off work yet, although he promised he would soon. They’d spent all day Sunday locked in their hotel room but had to return home early Monday, so Gage could go to work. He’d called her from the office to say that he wanted to see her tonight so he would be coming home to eat, but only for a couple of hours. He needed to get back to meet with his team so they could go over a case they were working on.

  Her stomach twisted into knots as she pulled items for a salad out of the fridge. Gage wouldn’t be considering anything illegal, would he? Not two days after they had gotten married. Not when he had so much more to lose now. Nicole kicked the refrigerator door closed and set the vegetables on the counter. Of course he wouldn’t. The man was a lawyer, and he had a case to work on. He was going to work late some nights. She couldn’t let herself get so worked up every single time.

  The apartment door opened, and she took a deep breath to settle her nerves before Gage came into the kitchen. When he pushed through the French doors, she managed a smile. He dropped his briefcase right inside the door, strode across the room, and grabbed her around the waist. Pulling her to him, he kissed her soundly. The feel of his strong arms around her pushed back her fears and she relaxed into the embrace.

  When he finally let her go, a grin crossed his face. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” Nicole reached up and pushed back the unruly curl that always fell across his forehead.

  Gage caught her hand and lifted her palm to his lips. “I love coming home to my wife.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.” He leaned in and kissed her again. “I could use some food too.”

  Warmth flooded her cheeks as she laughed.

  Gage pressed his lips to her forehead and stepped back. “Do you mind if I have a quick shower before we eat?”

  “Sure. I’ll make the salad. Dinner should be ready when you get out.”

  “Sounds good.” Gage started to push open the door then swung around to face her. “By the way, I’m expecting a packet of legal documents to be delivered here that I need tonight. If they come while I’m in the shower, would you mind signing for them?”

  Heaviness settled in her stomach, but she met his gaze and smiled. “Sure.”

  “Thanks. Oh, and they’re confidential, so don’t open them, okay? That would get me in big trouble at work.”

  “Of course not.” Nicole stood and watched the French doors swinging back and forth behind her husband until they slowed and stopped moving. Her hands felt weighted down as she turned to the counter and pulled a knife out of the block. Maybe it had been a mistake, marrying Gage so quickly. As much as she loved having him come home to her, she couldn’t deal with this dread that snaked through her chest at any hint he might be doing something that would mean he might never come home again.

  When the doorbell rang, the knife slipped from her fingers and clattered to the floor. Calm down. You are being ridiculous. After drying her hands on a towel, she headed into the living room and pulled open the door.

  “Delivery for Gage Kelly?” A young man in a brown UPS uniform greeted her.

  “I’m his wife. I’ll sign for it.” Nicole took the stylus he offered and wrote her name on the line at the bottom of the screen. “Thanks.”

  He nodded and turned away. She kept her gaze on him as he headed for the elevator, but he didn’t look back. Biting her lip, she shut the door behind him. Nicole carried the delivery into the kitchen and set it on the counter. She picked up the knife from the floor and tossed it into the sink, then grabbed another one and returned to making her salad. Every few seconds, she found herself stealing a glance at the large yellow business envelope. Finally, she set the knife down on the cutting board with a thump. She listened carefully until she could make out the sound of water running in the shower, before edging around the counter to stand in front of the envelope.

  Father, show me what to do. Nicole reached out a trembling hand and turned it over. Her breath caught. It wasn’t sealed. She could take a quick look inside and Gage would never know. Don’t do it, Nicole. The papers inside were almost certainly what he claimed they were, legal documents pertaining to the case he was working on. What if she tore the envelope, or left some other sign that she had opened it up? Even if she didn’t, she would know that she had broken the law and, more importantly, his trust, by not keeping them confidential. Nicole set the envelope down on the counter quickly.

  But what if they’re not what he says? What if they had something to do with the abductions? He was working late tonight. It was possible that the envelope in front of her contained information that she could use to stop him from doing whatever he was planning to do, keep him from getting arrested or even killed. Nicole clenched her jaw. She would do anything, even break the law and betray his trust, if there was a chance she could protect him by doing so.

  She drew in a deep, quivering breath as she snatched up the envelope, lifted the flap, and stretched the opening out far enough that she could read the first page. After a few sentences, she let out her breath in a rush of relief. They were what Gage claimed, documents filled with legal jargon. She didn’t grasp most of it but understood enough to see that it was information about a case.

  A door closed in the hallway, and Nicole jumped. She slid the flap down inside and dropped the envelope onto the counter.

  Her heart still pounding, Nicole rounded the counter and picked up the knife again, chastising herself for her inability to let go of the suspicions she still harbored against her husband, without any kind of proof. Her teeth clenched. Why did Daniel Grey ever have to come and see her and plant these crazy doubts in her head? When the police did arrest the right man, she was going straight to him to let him know exactly what she thought of him, his shoddy detective work, and his careless disregard for the mental health and well-being of innocent people and the ones who loved them.

  She brought the knife down hard on the cutting board. Enough, Nicole. If you really want to be happy with Gage, you have to let these doubts go. On the other hand, she could be placing them both in danger by letting her guard down and not watching for the signs that might lead her to the truth. She sighed. If only the police could track down the real perpetrator. All she knew for sure at the moment was that she couldn’t live with this uncertainty much longer. Either she would drive a wedge between her and Gage because she couldn’t give herself to him completely, or she would drive a permanent wedge between fantasy and reality and lose her mind. Sooner or later something would have to give.

  I could ask him. Nicole grabbed a carrot and set it on the cutting board. I’m his wife. I have a right to know if he is involved with something that might rip us apart forever. Gripping the knife tightly, she started to chop, the blade thumping loudly against the board with every swipe.

  Gage walked into the kitchen, his hair damp from his shower. “Good, they got here.” He picked up his briefcase and set it on the table. After clicking it open, he grabbed the envelope off the counter and tossed it inside, then snapped the lid shut and set it on the floor.

  Nicole concentrated on chopping the carrot.

  “Everything okay, Nic?”

  “Yeah, fine. Sorry.” She started to cut again, more softly this time. Gage opened the cupboard and took down some dish
es, but she felt his eyes on her for several more seconds. She held her breath until he closed the cupboard door and walked over to the table.

  “Ah!” The sharp blade sliced into her left index finger. “Shoot.” She grabbed for the paper towels and fumbled with them for a moment before the roll slipped to the floor.

  “Here.” Her husband rounded the counter and scooped the roll up from the floor. “Let me see.” He tore off a couple of sheets and held out his hand for hers.

  Terrified the fragile restraints holding her together would snap if he touched her, Nicole quickly turned to the sink and smacked on the tap. The cold water stung but she was glad for the pain. “I’m fine.”

  “Hey.” Gage took her by the shoulders and turned her around. When she stubbornly refused to meet his gaze, afraid of what he might see on her face if she did, he lifted her chin with his fingers. Confusion and concern filled his eyes. “You’re not fine. Let me take care of you, okay?”

  The noose around her neck loosened slightly and she took a shaky breath. “Okay.”

  Gage reached for her hand and used the paper towel to gently wipe off the blood still dripping from the gash. After winding another one around her finger, he wrapped his hand around it and held it tight. “Better?”

  “Better.” Nicole gave him a weak smile. “I guess I wasn’t paying attention.”

  His eyes searched hers. “You’ve been distracted since I got home. What is it?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  He shook his head. “Don’t. Please. Don’t pretend there’s nothing bothering you when clearly there is.”

  Her shoulders slumped, and she leaned against the counter. Gage moved with her, his fingers still holding hers tightly. “What is it, princess?”