Catch Your Breath

by Shannyn Schroeder

  He pushed off the chair, feeling much older than he should. “I love you, Norah, and I’m willing to do anything for you, but that’s one decision you have to make for yourself.”

  Jimmy left the room to wait for the rest of the family downstairs. The information would be better coming from him so Norah wouldn’t feel bullied. Although they meant well, Tommy, Sean, and Kevin would run over Norah to the point she wouldn’t be able to think for herself.

  They all needed to step back and treat her like the adult she was—whether or not they were ready to admit it.

  Moira’s week flew by in a flurry of events and people. Her schedule was more jam-packed than usual. The upside was that she had plenty to write about and wouldn’t run out of words. The downside was that she hadn’t seen the mystery woman once.

  Except for his one lame message, Jimmy hadn’t called or texted or shown up with a pint of ice cream. Not that he’d said he would, but she’d hoped. She wouldn’t have been able to make up the date this week anyway because of her scheduled events, so it was for the best that he hadn’t called. At least that’s what she kept telling herself.

  All she had to do was get through this beach party for another animal shelter. Sunday would be a day off, except for family dinner at her mom’s house. At least once a month, they all had dinner as a family. Their mom demanded it. It was her way of making sure they stayed close.

  She’d been looking forward to this beach event. She’d missed it last year because of another function, which had been so boring she couldn’t remember it. This fund-raiser garnered a lot of attention in the city. She could get behind any facility that worked to get animals into good homes. Plus, beach.

  She loved North Avenue Beach. A crowd almost always filled the space, but the lake was gorgeous. She could watch people play volleyball. And the ocean-liner beach house was amazing. The blue and white building made her feel like she stood next to a cruise ship.

  Today, many of the partygoers brought their pets, which made it more fun for Moira. As soon as her feet hit the sand, she took off her sandals, carried them by the straps, and walked barefoot. Maybe not the most professional, but again, beach.

  A guy ran by with his dog on a leash, both kicking up sand that sprayed her ankles. She wove through the crowd and tried to decide whom she wanted to talk to. Radio personalities chatted with guests, and some TV news reporters interviewed shelter workers. She watched the scene before her and wondered if her job had become irrelevant. Being a reporter was all she ever wanted to be, but no one had any idea who she was.

  Had she expected to be famous? She thought about it for a moment and knew she hadn’t, but she’d always thought she’d at least be respected, and she didn’t feel she’d accomplished that.

  She felt someone standing behind her, a little too near, seconds before she heard his voice.

  “Hey.”

  Jimmy’s low, deep voice made her want to crawl onto him. How did he manage to do that with one syllable?

  “Hi.” She turned and smiled at him. “What are you doing here?”

  He rolled his eyes. “My wife Gabby is a huge animal lover.”

  Hearing him call Gabby his wife made Moira twitch a little. Knowing it was a lie didn’t ease the twitch. “I see.”

  She turned back to her path toward the party. Jimmy walked beside her.

  “Sorry I haven’t been in touch. I did call once. Left a message. Things have been crazy.”

  “I know.”

  “Are you pissed?”

  “No. Why would I be?”

  “I left things a little unsettled between us. I meant it when I said I wanted a rain check for our date. I just haven’t had a free moment.”

  She squinted against the sun as she looked at him. “Believe it or not, I’ve been busy too. I have better things to do than sit by the phone and wait for your call.”

  As soon as the words slipped, she cringed. She hadn’t meant to sound like that.

  “See, you are pissed.”

  “No, I’m really not. I’m just tired. This is my eighth event this week. I’m talked out, I guess.”

  “I can’t believe Mouthy Moira ever gets tired of talking.”

  The childhood nickname brought back childish feelings of being excluded, usually by him. She pasted on a smile. “Being mean again.”

  “That’s not mean. It’s a term of endearment.”

  “Better not let your wife hear.”

  He rolled his eyes again. “Why have you been so busy? I thought you only did a couple of these things a week.”

  She lowered her voice. “I’ve been looking for that escort woman I told you about. I know she’s around—”

  Moira stopped her feet and her mouth at the look he gave her. The muscle in his jaw twitched, and she could almost hear his teeth grind. Really not good.

  “I told you to stay away from my investigation.” His whisper sounded more like a threat than a sweet anything.

  She straightened her spine. He would not intimidate her. “I’m not doing anything with your investigation. I know nothing about it. How could I get in the way? I’m working on a totally different story, one that has nothing to do with you.”

  “Moira—”

  She backed up and waved at him. “Sorry, have to go. People to interview. Talk to you later.” Then she did her best not to stomp in the sand.

  She wasn’t treading on his investigation. At least not as far as she was aware. He hadn’t given her enough information to know what was going on. His eyes burned a hole in the back of her head as she made her way through the crowd. She saw some people she knew and went to say hi.

  After about an hour, Moira caught her second wind. She was having a blast playing with all of the dogs, throwing Frisbees and discovering all the good the shelter did. She enjoyed this part of her job most: talking to people who were passionate about something. It came across in every word they spoke, and their eyes lit with excitement.

  She wanted to capture that passion on a page with words. Would she ever be good enough to accomplish that?

  A gentle tap on her shoulder had her turning around. She knew it wasn’t Jimmy before she turned. The air wasn’t vibrating and she hadn’t felt watched. The guy standing behind her was from the zoo last week. Mike. “Hi.”

  He wore khaki shorts, an olive-colored polo, and thick leather sandals. He smiled as he pushed his glasses farther up on his nose. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. Our walk last week was interrupted, and I’d hoped we could continue.”

  Moira felt the burning stare rolling off Jimmy from the other side of the crowd. He neared, and Moira put her arm around Mike’s elbow, leading him away. Jimmy had to be more careful or he’d blow his cover.

  “I’d like to take you out on a date,” Mike blurted.

  “Well, I’m kind of seeing someone.”

  “Kind of?”

  “We haven’t actually had our first real date yet. You know, life gets in the way sometimes.” The sand beneath her feet was starting to cool.

  “He’s not here tonight, is he?”

  “No,” she answered too quickly, afraid she’d blow Jimmy’s cover. They’d moved away from the crowd and Jimmy. “I’m technically working today, so it’s not the best time for a date.”

  “But we can walk, right? I’m not taking you away from an important interview, am I?”

  She liked his thoughtfulness and consideration of her job. “No. I’m about done.”

  Jimmy was about to burst through the crowd to follow Moira. He knew it was a mistake, but his feet kept going. All he’d been able to hear of Moira’s conversation was that she was seeing someone who wasn’t here tonight. Then he felt Gabby’s hand link with his and he stopped.

  Maybe that’s why Moira was pissed. Not because he hadn’t called, but because he continued to show up at these parties with Gabby. As long as he was undercover, he couldn’t be seen with Moira.

  “Oh, honey, I saw
the most adorable dog. They have a book showing the animals available. I think we should consider adopting.” Gabby’s voice was a little high-pitched and whiny. Everything he knew Gabby wasn’t. “Come on.”

  She tugged his hand and pulled him in the opposite direction from where Moira walked.

  He grit his teeth, but allowed her to lead him.

  With a sunny, fake smile on her face, she said through her teeth, “No one is going to believe we’re happily married if you keep chasing Moira.”

  “I know that. And I wasn’t chasing her.”

  An eyebrow disappeared behind her bangs.

  “She makes me crazy. I can’t think straight when she’s around.”

  “Falling for her already? I thought you hadn’t even gone out yet.”

  “We haven’t. I’m not falling for her. She keeps butting her nose into the investigation, and it’s going to be a problem.”

  “What are you talking about? She’s been nothing but helpful.”

  “Whatever.”

  Gabby led him through the crowd and then oohed and aahed over the pictures of dogs in the book provided. All he could think about was Moira trying to convince him to adopt a dog. A dog wouldn’t be the worst idea. It would get his dad out of the house and walking every day. He let Gabby flip pages while he looked at the crowd for Moira. He didn’t like her running off with some guy.

  Knowing it was the same guy from the zoo made things worse. Moira had said she was going to kiss men until she found the right one. He didn’t want her to even give this guy a chance. Not before Jimmy got another chance.

  Chance for what?

  The quiet little question reverberated in his brain, but used Moira’s voice. He didn’t know what he wanted from Moira or where it would go, but he wanted to see. She was certain Liam wouldn’t care, and Liam had been his greatest concern. Could Moira be the woman he’d been looking for?

  He had no idea. He didn’t know what she wanted for her life, so it was time to find out. Scanning the crowd again, he found her on the outskirts, still holding on to the guy’s arm, but now they faced each other. The guy fingered Moira’s hair, brushing it from her face.

  Jimmy’s blood ran hot and he swallowed hard. He couldn’t keep attending these parties and focus on his job as long as Moira was there, especially if she flirted with other men.

  “James,” a voice called, and Jimmy looked up to see Stan Decker walking toward him.

  None of the usual people had arrived yet, so in a way, Jimmy was relieved to see Stan. The closer he could get to that clique, the better his chances for drawing out the thieves. “Stan, I was beginning to wonder if I’d run into anyone I know.”

  “The wife likes animals. Looks like it’s the same with yours. Buy you a drink?”

  “Definitely.” He looked at Gabby, who nodded. He kissed the top of her head. “Be back soon.”

  As they edged away from the shelter workers, Stan said, “Len told me what was going on. Is there any way I can help?”

  Jimmy stiffened, not sure what Stan thought he knew. All of the victims had been told not to reveal anything to anyone—especially Jimmy’s role. “What do you mean?”

  “I convinced Len to come forward. I know about all of them. I know who you are. I’m asking if I can help.” Stan ordered a couple of beers. When the bartender handed over the bottles, Stan tilted his head to get them farther away from the crowd.

  At least he wouldn’t be able to see Moira.

  “I appreciate the offer, Stan, but I can’t comment on an ongoing investigation.” He drank from his beer and watched the waves on the lake.

  Stan studied the label on his bottle as he spoke. “I knew about Len, but I didn’t know there had been other men. Otherwise, I would’ve pressed him to come forward sooner. I’ve done some discreet asking and I have this for you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.

  Jimmy took it. A list of phone numbers.

  “I asked some people I know to refer me to places of business if I wanted some company. I thought the numbers might help.”

  Jimmy tucked the paper into his pocket and sighed. Everyone wanted to butt into his business, and it irritated him. “Thanks, but I need you to let me do my job. If I need some help or information, I’ll ask, but the more people that start asking unusual questions or digging in the wrong place could spook the thieves. I don’t want to drive them away. I want to bring them to me.”

  Stan nodded. “I just want to help.”

  Jimmy patted his shoulder. “I know.”

  They walked back to find their wives. Jimmy was itching to leave. He looked for Moira but couldn’t find her anywhere. A sick feeling plunged into his stomach as he thought she might’ve left with that guy.

  He and Gabby said good-bye to Stan and Karen.

  “What did Stan want to talk to you about?”

  “Len told him everything. He said he helped convince Bitger to come forward. Then he gave me a list of phone numbers to escort businesses that cater to this crowd.”

  “That’s good. It might be promising, right?”

  Jimmy shrugged. “If it were that easy, one of the victims would’ve given us a number. This outfit is too slick. They have a wide enough network of women that they’re not overlapping.”

  They walked to the parking garage and to their separate cars.

  “Do you want me to run the numbers?”

  “Nah. It’ll keep until Monday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

  “You too. Doing anything interesting?” She wagged her eyebrows. “I noticed Moira wasn’t at the party anymore. Is that where you’re headed?”

  “I don’t know. Things are complicated.”

  “So what? Loosen up and have some fun.”

  “See you Monday.”

  In his car, his muscles tightened again. Moira had left the party while he had been busy with Stan. It didn’t matter that they hadn’t had a date yet—the intention was there and they’d agreed to go out. Why the fuck would she leave with another guy?

  Jimmy sped to Moira’s apartment, determined to find out. He didn’t have it in him to play games. Her car was parked in front of the building, but she didn’t answer her door. He knocked again, intent on interrupting whatever she had going on.

  Afraid he’d lose his temper and draw attention from the neighbors, Jimmy went back to his car. Why would Moira bring her car here and then not stay? He called her phone.

  “Hello.”

  “Where the hell are you?”

  “On my way home.”

  “From where?”

  “Uh . . . North Avenue Beach. I saw you there, remember?”

  “Try again. I’m sitting in front of your apartment looking at your car.” He gripped the steering wheel, anger mounting again.

  “I took the bus. I didn’t want to deal with traffic and have to pay for parking.”

  He released a slow breath, glad she was alone, but then he realized she was taking the bus through the city. Alone. “Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.”

  “I’m stepping off the bus now. I’m at the end of the block. Why are you at my house anyway?”

  “I wanted to talk to you.”

  “About?”

  “You continuing to flirt with other men. Especially in front of me.”

  A heavy breath came across the phone so hard he could almost feel it. “Just . . . ugh . . . give me five minutes.”

  He got out of his car and leaned on the hood. Looking down the block, he tried to see which shadow might be her as dusk fell and the sky darkened.

  A moment later, the moonlight glinted on her head, but even without the help of her bright hair, he would’ve known it was Moira. She barreled down the sidewalk, and he could almost hear her sniping and mumbling.

  As if she had a reason to be pissed. He hadn’t been pawing Gabby. If he’d even tried, Gabby would’ve kicked his ass. He hadn’t so much as looked at another woman since he’d kissed Moira.

  He stepped awa
y from the car and met her in the middle of the sidewalk in front of her apartment. Her eyes flashed, and before he could say anything, she started. “How dare you get huffy because I talked to—not flirted with—some guy? You don’t own me, Jimmy. Hell, I’m not even your girlfriend. More often than not, you’re dodging me and I don’t even know why.”

  She paused, one hand fisted like she wanted to hit him. “I was not flirting. He asked me out, and I told him I’m kind of seeing someone. Not that I should have to explain a goddamn thing to you. You said you wanted a rain check for our date a week ago and then you dropped out. Except your two-second message saying hi.”

  “You said you weren’t mad.”

  Her arms flailed. “I’m not.”

  He liked her best flustered and he smiled. “You sound pretty mad.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I’m mad because you’re accusing me of I don’t know what. I’ve been busy and you not calling to make plans didn’t make me mad, not until you start trying to assert some kind of control over my life.”

  She stared at him, chest heaving, and he had no idea what to say. Then she stormed up the stairs to her apartment without another word. She was in the building before he realized what happened.

  His stunned disbelief kept his feet rooted where they were. She left him as if their conversation was finished. He turned and stormed after her, searching for the right words for his anger. He got to her door and turned the knob, but found it locked. Of course, today of all days, she remembered to lock up. Hell of a message to send.

  His fist thumped against the wood, and she swung the door open without asking who it was. The cold look in her eyes made him swallow the reprimand. They had other issues to sort out. She stood with one hand on the door, braced to slam it on him, and the other on her hip.

  “I’m not trying to control your life. I’m trying to do my job, and you’re making it difficult.”

  “I’ve done nothing but help you.”

  He held up his hand to stop her. “Seeing you flirt with other men drives me over the edge. I can’t concentrate on doing my job and being James Buchanan when all I can think about is being Jimmy and taking you up against the nearest wall.”