by Mimi Barbour
“Give me the key.”
Yep, she was smart. He threw it over and she put it in her pocket.
Then she sat across from him and picked Lily up once more. Her own gun she kept in the well of her crossed legs.
“Now what?” Kai asked. She looked his way.
“I don’t want any fuss. My husband is a good man and hasn’t had anything to do with this. It was my choice. I don’t want him implicated.”
“He won’t be. At this point, it’s just between you and me. But I can’t promise for how long we can keep it quiet. You know Lily’s mom is a cop—”
The calm women from a moment ago disappeared to be replaced by insanity. “Don’t you talk to me about that cold-hearted bitch! And my baby’s name is Lucy.” In one instant, nice, easy-to-talk-to Jane had regressed from a reasonable person to nuttier than a pecan-covered ice cream treat.
“Come again?” He had no idea what this wild-eyed lunatic was talking about! Should he commiserate and pretend to be on her side? Tell her he lived in LA because he couldn’t stand being with Aurora. Maybe suck up to her by agreeing. Muscles tensed, he waited for her to elaborate.
“I watched her being a cop.” She spit the word out like it tasted bad. “In the doctor’s office, when some poor lady had her baby stolen, that cop strutted around like she was queen of the place, threw her baby at me to look after and threatened me to stay where I was and not to move. I held her…” For a second Jane’s eyes clouded over and she lifted her hand to her head. Then she looked down at Lily who let out a happy humming sound.
The baby’s waving arm struck her chin and as soon as Jane felt the touch, she lowered her face and it seemed as if Lily stroked her cheek. It darned near brought the tears to his eyes to see the tiny person connect with the heartbroken, spirit-sick Jane.
Wanting to keep her talking, he softly questioned. “Did the cop try and help the other mother?”
“Help her? I-I don’t know.” Jane blinked repeatedly. Her lip trembled until she bit down hard. “She left her baby with a stranger. A person like that doesn’t deserve to be a mother.”
He smiled gently. “Of all the women around, what made her trust you?”
“I-I don’t know.” Tears filled Jane’s eyes and she hugged Lily to her and began to hum softly.
Chapter Forty-One
Aurora heard Ham’s voice describing Kai’s dangerous situation and instantly unparalleled rage erupted. Lily and Kai were both at the mercy of a lunatic and she stood powerless below. Her already stretched nerves couldn’t take another hit. God—will this torture never end?
Cory approached and touched her shoulder before she was even aware he had arrived.
“Aurora. Turn your radio on to Channel F9. You need to listen to this. Kai’s recording her.”
Quickly, Aurora switched and heard the words… “Don’t you talk to me about that cold-hearted bitch!”
What followed almost broke her. Hearing Lily murmuring in the background started the tears and listening to Jane’s contempt made her swallow them. Her emotions seesawed until the inside of her cheeks were raw and her temper completely frayed.
As if there wasn’t already enough to worry about Alan Haynes moved over beside her and Cory. “I’ve got my men positioning roadblocks and stopping everyone from entering the zone. We’re setting up the SWAT team for a shooter at the apartment where Detective Hampton is stationed and there’ll be another on the roof. The media—”
Cory voice boomed and startled Aurora from her listening. “No snipers and absolutely no media. The whole area is to be kept clear. You got that? If that woman sees a hint of any other police beside Kai Lawson, there’s no telling what she’ll do.”
“Pardon me Lieutenant Ashton, but I’m calling the shots here.” Haynes bristled as if someone had shoved a sawed-off broomstick up his ass.
Stepping in front of Cory, Aurora moved to face Haynes. “Boss, let me explain the situation to this dimwit.” Anyone who knew her would recognize that the softer she spoke the more they’d need protection.
“Now, Aurora.” Cory put his hand out. He did try and stop her… sort of. Knowing her boss, she was aware the warning didn’t ring true. And even if it had, it was far too late.
“Haynes, you little turd! If you let one of your men come anywhere near this operation and endanger my family, I will make you very sorry.”
Eyes narrowed, lip jutting out and a squeak in his outrage, Haynes fought back. “You can’t speak to me this way, Detective. I’ll have your badge.”
Maybe if he hadn’t made the mistake of jutting his chin too far into her space, or, maybe if he hadn’t put his hand on her arm as if he had the right to get her attention, she might not have attacked.
Nah—she would have!
First she grabbed his hand and twisted it up behind him, making sure his fingers would take a few days for the pain to recede. Then she forced him to his knees and put a strangle hold around his neck from behind.
“Let him go, Aurora.” Cory’s no-nonsense voice still didn’t ring true.
She grabbed his full head of hair and made sure Haynes paid attention. “No one is looking this way right now you stupid asshole. If I let out any kind of noise, just maybe some of your men might notice your compromised position. Could be embarrassing… So tell me right now, you going to back off and let us do our jobs?”
“He’s trying to say something, Rory. Give him some slack so the man can answer you.” Cory nonchalantly blocked the view of the skirmish as he leaned against the closest vehicle and added, “Besides, you’re wasting your time with our friend here and missing some good stuff on the radio.”
Instantly, Aurora loosened her hold, gave Haynes a shake to make him speak up and waited impatiently.
“We’ll leave.” He croaked the words, and when she let him go, he slowly stood. Then he brushed his knees off carefully not using his fingers. “Just so you know, I’ll be making a full report to my supervisors on both of you.”
When Aurora made another move in his direction, he backed away quickly and limped to where his men were all gathered.
Cory’s big hand soothed her as he stroked her back. “It’s getting interesting. I think Kai is working his magic.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Instinctively, Kai knew what had made Aurora trust Jane. He waited for a little while to let the poor woman enjoy the special connection she had with his daughter and then he broke the spell.
“I know why Aurora chose you.”
His words caught her attention and Jane looked at him. “What?”
“You said you didn’t know why my wife chose you to look after our baby. I do.”
“Why?” Jane’s gentle hand held the Lily’s tiny fingers and she caressed them as if they were precious.
“Because you love babies. I’ve never met you before but I can see it clearly. Aurora is the most intuitive person I’ve ever met, it’s one of her most fascinating qualities and so important in a good policewoman. She gave Lily to you because she knew you would never let anything happen to her.”
“I wouldn’t. She’s the most beautiful baby in the world.” Jane leaned over and kissed the fuzzy hair on Lily’s head. “I’ve wanted a child for so very long.”
“Tell me.”
Jane’s eyes cleared and she moved to lean her back against the nearest chair. Not realizing she’d left the gun under the teddy-bear blanket not far from Kai, she reached for a chew ring and handed it to Lily who lay across her knees fully contented.
“My husband Marc and I had been trying for a baby for fifteen years. When I found out I was pregnant with Lucy, we were over the moon. I’ve never been happier than I was for the nine months I carried my little angel. Never had a sick day during pregnancy and…”
Before she could sink back into despair, Kai quickly prompted. “Why did you call her Lucy?”
“Pardon me?” It took a moment for the clouded look to fade and awareness to return. “Lucy? Lucy is my second name. An
d it was my mother’s name. Once we knew we were having a girl, there was no decision.”
Kai smiled and nodded. “Makes sense to me. We called our baby Lily because it was Aurora’s favorite name that came from an adored friend she’d had growing up.” Just as he had made up the story about his marriage with Aurora, Kai wove another story about Lily’s name. “When Aurora was young, she lived near a nurse who, like you, cared for sick people. Her name was Lily and every day she would leave the hospital about the same time as Aurora left school. They would often walk home together. Lily lived in the apartment next door to Aurora. The lady treated Aurora so kindly that my wife loved the gentle soul. Since Aurora didn’t have a mother growing up, just a mean old drunken father, Lily became her saviour.”
“Poor little girl. I was very lucky to have a good mother.” Jane paid attention to his words as if mesmerized.
“Not everyone is as fortunate as you. It must be why you have such a loving nature. Aurora lived with a bastard for a father who treated her horribly. I guess that’s why her friend Lily became so important to her.”
“I can see that. Little girls are so impressionable.”
“Yes. When she told me about her friend, she sobbed her heart out. She admitted that Lily had saved her from becoming hard-hearted like her father. Having the woman’s gentle influence had made all the difference in the world. You wouldn’t know it by the way she acts when she’s working, but my wife is as mushy as a marshmallow bunny.” He laughed, encouraging her join him and felt exceedingly delighted when she did. Not wanting to break the momentum, he continued.
“At the scene in the doctor’s office was my wife kind to the poor woman who’d lost her baby?”
Jane thought for a moment. Her head leaned to the side and she blinked numerous times. “I believe so. I remember thinking that the other woman didn’t look so scared after your wife went to her.” Jane’s eyes widened and shock appeared. “Your wife, she hugged the poor dear. Held her close and calmed her. As a professional, I applauded her skill… her technique in taking charge. It’s so important to make the patient feel safe and that there’s someone in control.”
While Jane rambled on, Kai noticed that Lily had fallen asleep, most likely the sound of their voices talking had lulled her. “Your husband told us that you had that same type of skill. That your patients loved you and trusted you.”
“Yes. Many people complimented me on my nursing.” Jane’s back straightened and she lifted her chin. “Marc always told me how proud he felt. Where is Marc? He hasn’t come home for…” Panic appeared and Jane’s head swivelled toward the door.
Jumping into the quicksand of chance, Kai answered before he lost her. “He’s coming any moment. I saw him parking the car so he should be here soon. He’ll be anxious to see Li—the baby.”
Calmed by his soft tone once again, Jane replied. “Yes. He loves Lucy.”
“How could he not? She’s so beautiful. Does he like to hold her and rock her?”
“Yes. He’s very careful. Holds her head properly and rocks her so she won’t wake up. Oh yes. He’s a wonderful father.”
“I’m sure he has a key so he can come in without you having to stand and disturb the angel.”
“Uh huh.” Jane’s voice quieted for a minute and then she said. “Tell me more stories about your wife.”
“Ma’am, you certainly know how to make a guy happy. Talking about that woman is my favorite pastime.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Aurora shook with delight at the way Kai played his hand. That beautiful bastard was a freaking genius. Not able to stand being enclosed in the police van, she’d opted to stay outside, feeling nearer to Kai. Since Cory had elected to remain with her, she heard his grunt of approval and realized, she’d said the words out loud.
He turned to one of the others in their detachment. “Get Lelonde out here. He’s going in. And find a pick set for the lock.”
Aurora had seen Lelonde arrive earlier and had watched as they’d taken him into the SWAT van so he could follow what was going on.
Marc Lelonde approached with some trepidation. “Detective Morelli.” Hope shone as he nodded in her direction. He stepped closer to Cory. “Lieutenant, Please let me go to her.”
“I anticipated you’d say that, sir. You have to realize that your wife is very precarious right now. Our psychologist has been following the procedure so far and her message is a warning that you cannot make any sudden moves, no loud tones and very little talking. Let her carry the conversation where she wants. Your main responsibility is to have her pass Lily to you. Once she no longer is holding the baby, we can restrain her.”
“You won’t hurt her.” He stated a fact—didn’t ask a question.
Respecting his right to make himself clear, Cory answered in kind. “I can make no promises except to say, once she no longer has the baby, we will take every precaution to take her into custody as gently as possible. Can you tell me what you wife’s favorite drink is—tea, coffee?”
“She likes chai latte. Sometimes on the way home from work, I stop and pick one up for her as a treat.”
“Perfect.” Cory waved over a plainclothes rookie. “Can you get a chai latte and fix it up with a sedative?”
“Sure, Lieutenant. There’s a place not far.”
“Good. Make it pronto, but don’t turn on any siren.”
Within a very short time, Lelonde had been fitted with a vest worn under his shirt. When the goffer came back with the hot drink Aurora accepted it and passed it to Lelonde. The lock pick set arrived and Aurora held out her hand.
Cory stepped up and knocked it away. “Not a chance, Aurora. You know that ain’t going to happen.”
“Cory, I need this. And you have to admit, I’m the best with locks.”
“Makes no difference. You’re too close to the conflict. If Jane saw you, it could jeopardize the con and wreck all the progress Kai has made.”
Aurora swallowed the pleading words that had gathered in her throat and coughed. She blinked back the tears so close but not yet dripping. Without thought her hands came together under her chin as if she were saying a prayer.
“I’ll stay out of sight. I promise.”
“No.”
“God Cory, do you need me to beg. I will. I—”
“Dammit Rory, don’t do this to me.”
The next words she whispered. “I’d do it for you.”
Cory stood in front of her not moving. Then all of a sudden he grabbed her as if to shake her. Instead he hugged her close and also whispered, “You got me with the tears, Brat. Didn’t have to pull out the big ammunition. Go get your family.”
Chapter Forty-Four
For Aurora, the elevator moved slower than wind on a still day. Lelonde fidgeted and she spoke to calm him. “Marc, can I call you Marc?”
“Yes, of course.”
“First I’ll unlock the door and stay in the hall until it’s safe. You’ll enter the room as if it was a normal work day and she was expecting you home. Act as natural as possible. Hand her the drink in a way so she’ll accept it. Now be absolutely sure to call the baby Lucy. Tell her something like how you’ve been anxious all day to hold your daughter once again.”
“I can do that. But you must understand. My wife is very smart and can see through any ploy easily.”
“You heard your wife on the radio, Marc. She’s not at her best right now. She’s tired and caught between reality and make-believe. She wants to see you. If you play along that it’s a normal day, we’re hopeful she’ll follow your lead.”
“I’ll do my best, Detective.” Pale and obviously shaken, Marc first rubbed his forehead and then his eyes.
Poor man! He was a wreck. A person didn’t need to be a skilled detective to see he held on by a very fine thread.
Once they arrived, Aurora got to work and in a few seconds had the door unlocked. “Be gentle, Marc. Jane’s responded so well to Kai because his voice is pure corn syrup.”
A
slight smile lit up his face just as Aurora had hoped and he nodded. He entered and when he went to close the door behind him, she stuck out her foot to stop it from shutting all the way.
Then he sauntered into the room calling, “I’m home, Honey!”
Jane swung in his direction. “Marc!?? I-I don’t know… You’re here?”
“Yes dear. I’m a bit early.”
“You’re early? I-I have no dinner cooked.”
“It’s fine, sweetheart. I’m not hungry.” Aurora loved that he kept his voice monotone yet easy-going. “I brought you a nice cup of your favorite Chai tea. It’s hot and yummy, just the way you like it.”
So far he’d ignored Kai and she hoped that Jane would also.
“That’s nice of you! How did you know I was so thirsty?”
“You’re always thirsty for chai lattes.” Slowly, Marc’s voice grew fainter and Aurora knew he’d advanced to give Jane her tea.
Taking advantage of him being the center of attention, Aurora peeked into the room. It was easy to see Kai perched on the floor but moving ever so slowly toward a baby blanket not far from him. His hands were cuffed in front and he left them lying casually in his lap.
“Lucy is napping, Jane. Do you think it’ll wake her up if I hold her, very gently? I’ve thought of nothing else all day but cuddling my beautiful daughter.”
“She’s sleeping, Marc.” Jane began to sound a bit peeved. “Don’t disturb her.”
In the mirror, Aurora saw Marc lean over Lily and let his hand caress her hair so very tenderly. “She’s lovely, isn’t she Jane. So perfect.”
Jane breathed deeply, a shuddering sigh and astonished everyone with her next words. “We can’t keep her Marc, can we? We have to give her back.” A sob reared, so heartrendingly pitiful that it tore the last of the vengeance from Aurora’s soul. One mother’s pain spoke to another’s heart and compassion sprouted.
“Yes, my dear.”
“I love her so much.”
“Yes, I can see that.”
“Take her. Give her to her father. The poor man has suffered long enough.”
