I look around at the patio which is starting to get crowded with Sunday morning breakfast patrons. “Let’s go grab one of the booths in the back so we’ve got some privacy,” I suggest.
“I’ll go talk to the manager. I come here so often I’ve got one in the back corner that practically has my name engraved on it. How do you take your coffee, Tristan?” she asks over her shoulder as she’s walking away.
“Black, as strong as it comes,” I answer.
I watch as Rogue has a visceral response to my answer. I can see her full body shudder.
She shakes her head in disgust, “I don’t know how you can drink that stuff. In my opinion, it should be used to strip paint,” she retorts.
I laugh at the sour expression on her face as I remark, “Remember how I told you I never slept in college? I never said that I didn’t have some help from industrial-strength caffeine.”
Rogue turns back toward Marcus and asks, “The usual?”
He responds, “Make it a double.”
Rogue’s eyes widen in surprise as she asks, “Marc, don’t you have Nicola’s back-piece this afternoon?”
“Why do you think I asked for the double?” he answers. “Somebody I know got me out of bed before my alarm clock went off.”
Rogue looks concerned but eventually shrugs, “Well, wouldn’t be my choice before a back piece, but I’m not you.”
As she walks away, Marcus looks over at me and comments, “Women can be such nags.”
If you were to look up the definition of a no-win situation. This would be it. I could have a little male bonding moment with him and agree. But, I also know he is Rogue’s best friend and any disloyalty to her will reflect badly on me. There is no good option here. I elect to do what any prudent person would do under the circumstances. I look down at my phone and I check my text messages. I hold up my finger as I say, “Just a sec, this might be important.”
I can’t help but smile as I read the incoming text from Kelly. It looks like our budding remote videographer was in a little bit of panic to leave his latest victim and left some coding strings behind. Since every programmer tends to code slightly differently, this could potentially be a big break.
I look up and notice that Marcus is studying me intently. He raises an eyebrow at me as he inquires, “Good news?”
I nod as I confirm, “Extremely. I’m closing in on a pedophile who’s terrorizing high school and college women in three states. If all goes well, he’s about two hours from being caught.”
For the first time, I actually get a friendly smile from Marcus as he replies, “That’s pretty epic. Congratulations. What’s going on with Rogue? She doesn’t usually trust anyone. I knew her six months before she let me close enough to hug her. I don’t even know you and I find her in your arms?”
I try to contain my sigh. I wonder if Rogue knows that her best friend is more than a little in love with her. “Look, I know where you’re coming from. It’s not really my story to tell. Today’s been a really rough day and I think I was just a person for her to lean on in a time of crisis. I don’t know that there’s anything more to it.” I reply trying to avoid an awkward turf war with her best friend.
“But, you think she’s hot, right?” Marcus probes.
Now, I’m thoroughly confused. I decide to just roll with it and answer honestly, “I’ve got eyes. It’s hard not to appreciate what’s in front of me, but today isn’t for that kind of stuff.”
“Under different circumstances would Rogue be your type?” Marcus pushes.
“In a New York minute,” I confirm. “But these aren’t different circumstances and I have to deal with the ones I’m dealt.”
Marcus nods. “Still, your circumstances are only temporary,” he argues.
Scrubbing my hand over my face, I reply, “It’s complicated. I don’t know how long our lives will be enmeshed. I know it’s not my business, but it’s pretty obvious that you love her, why isn’t she your girlfriend?”
Marcus chuckles as he announces, “I like you, man. You don’t play any games. You’re right, I fiercely love Rogue. I would go to hell and back for her. The only problem is that I’m not ‘in love’ with her. She’s like my sister and my buddy rolled into one package. Would I like to find somebody just like her that I had romantic feelings for? Absolutely! Sadly, Rogue and I simply aren’t couple material.”
Just when I think this case or this day can’t get any weirder, it does. Of all the things I expect him to do and say, backing off and encouraging me to take a run at Rogue is not one of them. It’s kind of like when I was a kid and my brother and I used to play opposite day.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all when Rogue comes back to the table carrying drinks. I immediately stand up. It’s a force of habit. My dad drilled it into us when we were kids that when a lady enters the room, a gentleman always stands. Everyone my age thinks it’s bizarre, but I can’t seem to un-train myself. Rogue seems to notice the gesture. She winks at me and playfully slaps Marcus on the shoulder as she puts two cans of Red Bull in front of him.
“Marcus, are you paying attention? It’s those kind of manners that attract a woman of substance,” she instructs.
“What? The dude stood up. Maybe he had a muscle cramp,” Marcus argues.
Rogue rolls her eyes, “Geez, Marcus do you pay attention at all? Let me walk you through this from a woman’s point of view. Here’s what Tristan’s gesture said to me. First, it indicated he cared whether I came back. Second, it showed he was anticipating my return. Third, it showed he was watching out for me. Fourth, it showed he was being respectful. Fifth, just for bonus points, Tristan’s eyes lit up and he smiled the minute he saw me enter the room even though he didn’t know that I had seen him yet. Do you know what that kind of attention does to a girl’s ego? It’s a thousand times better than a ‘Hey baby, I think you’re sexy. Let me buy you a drink.’”
When I go home for a visit, I’m going to take my dad out for his favorite pizza just to thank him for his stellar dating advice.
Marcus looks completely gobsmacked. “Seriously? All of that because he stood up? What does he get if he helps you put on your coat?” he asks, somewhat sarcastically.
Yet, Rogue doesn’t take the bait; she just continues answering the question in the same even tone, “Well, it depends. If he’s only doing it to get brownie points, probably not much. If he helps me get my coat on because he’s truly being a gentleman, who knows? We tend to notice the little things, and they add up over time. For example, today without being asked to when I was feeling ill, Tristan made sure I had some juice to drink and a cookie. When he thought I was cold, he took off his jacket and put it around my shoulders. But just as importantly, he didn’t pair all of that with some cheesy pickup line. He was just nice with no strings attached.”
It is totally bizarre to hear my behavior analyzed from the female perspective. Helpful, but bizarre. It also makes me really glad that I’m operating under the constraints of professional behavior. Had I been left to my own devices, I probably would’ve laid it on a little thicker and I might have blown my chances, so I’m glad I chose to show some decorum today.
Marcus tries to high-five me as he says, “I think she likes you, dude.”
I don’t usually leave someone hanging on a high five, but I had to let him fly solo on this one. I couldn’t embarrass Rogue like that.
Rogue gasps and hides her face when she hears his comment. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. This one has absolutely no filter. I can’t take him anywhere. It’s like traveling with the 10-year-old class clown,” she laments.
“Rogue, it’s fine, really. I’m not going to hold you responsible for the antics of your friend,” I assure her. “But, for the record, it would be totally cool with me if you did like me.”
“Ooh the boy’s got game!” Marcus teases.
Simultaneously, Rogue and I hiss, “Shut up!”
Marcus looks hurt. “Dude, I’m trying to help you out,” he pro
tests.
I try to hide my grin as I say, “Oh, was that what that was? I appreciate your efforts, but I think I’m doing all right.”
Before I can say anything else, Marcus interrupts me again. “You know what, I’m already in the doghouse so I might as well go for broke... Hey Ro... Guess what? Tristan really likes you too.”
I hear a low growl before I see Rogue get about two inches from his nose and state very deliberately, “Marcus Taylor Brolen! This might be a good time for me to remind you that you are grown-ass man and not a third grader. Did someone hit you with a stupid stick this morning? I don’t care if you are my boss. You don’t get to embarrass me like that. The next time you pull a stunt like that, I’m gonna call your mama and tell her I’m concerned about all the caffeine you drink and how it might be affecting your arrhythmia,” Rogue threatens.
Marcus blanches as he processes her words. “You wouldn’t,” he stammers.
“Just try me” she responds as she glares at him with her arms crossed defensively across her chest.
Slumping down in his seat, Marcus takes a long sip of his Red Bull. He starts to mess around with his cell phone. Rogue is shredding a napkin into a small pile of confetti in front of her as she’s making a concerted effort not to have any eye contact with Marcus.
I watch as Marcus’s eyes fill with pain. “Rogue, please look at me,” he pleads. As she raises her eyes to meet his, he continues. “I never meant to hurt you. I was only teasing. The only thing I’ve ever wanted for you is for you to be happy. I just didn’t want you to miss the fact that this guy could be good for you.”
Rogue’s expression softens and she reaches out to ruffle his hair. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it, Marc. But, good Lord, could you take half a second to think about what comes flying out of your mouth? It’s frightening sometimes. One of these days, you’re going to get yourself into some real trouble. How many times have I told you that you’re not responsible for my happiness? I’ll figure it out—eventually. Until then, I’ve got bigger issues going on and I’m going to need you as my best friend, so don’t screw that up,” Rogue says as she leans in and kisses Marcus on the cheek. “By the way, I accept your non-apology, apology.”
“Hey, I said I was sorry!” Marcus protests.
I catch his eye and shake my head slightly. He glances at me and whispers, “I didn’t?” I shake my head again. “Oh Geez!” he murmurs “No wonder she’s ticked at me.”
Marcus clears his throat, “I’m sorry I’ve been talking much more than I’ve been listening today, and I’m sorry I embarrassed you. You called me for help and I haven’t really been there for you today. What do you need from me?”
Rogue’s eyes fill up with tears as she replies, “That’s all I wanted Marcus. I just needed to know you really heard me, because that little drama we just went through is nothing compared to what I’m about to tell you, so I need to know that you’re going to be a grown-up about this. I need the Marcus that I can count on to be my rock, not the one who can burp the alphabet.”
Not for the first time in this conversation, I begin to wonder if my presence is intrusive and wrong. I’m feeling very much like a third wheel. I softly clear my throat because they seem to have forgotten that I’m even there. “I have some business I could do in my car if it would make you feel more comfortable,” I offer.
Rogue looks panicked. “No, Tristan, please don’t leave. I want you to be here when I explain the situation to Marcus. He’s probably going to have questions I don’t know the answer to,” she says as her eyes plead. She grabs my hand and holds on tightly. “Please stay.”
“I just didn’t want to intrude on your private conversations,” I explain glancing back and forth between Marcus and Rogue.
“I suspect there’s going to be very little that’s private between us over the next few months. I think we’re probably going to be living out of each other’s pockets. I believe that after today none of our lives are ever going to be the same. You may both regret the day you met me, “Rogue responds frankly.
I look directly at Marcus, “How do you feel about me being all up in your business?” I ask.
Marcus shrugs as he replies, “If Rogue is cool with it, I’m down with it too. You seem like a straight shooter to me. I know this goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. If you hurt Rogue in any way, you’ll have to deal with me.”
“Understood,” I state. “I would never intentionally hurt her, but she’s going to be thrust into the middle of a very emotionally charged situation. Things could get dicey and communication may break down. It’s going to be tough on everyone. We’ll all have to work hard to pull together instead of apart.”
Marcus looks back and forth between us and lets out an exasperated sigh. “Will you two stop talking in code and just tell me what’s going on?” he demands.
I lean over and murmur into Rogue’s ear, “Relax, you can do this. I’m right here if you need some help. Remember, Marcus is a friendly audience.”
Rogue squeezes my hand and takes a shaky breath as she says, “Remember that strange picture of me on BrainsRSexy.com?”
Marcus nods. “I don’t know why you object to that picture so much. I think you look amazing in it.”
“Oh, I agree. I think both the dress and the makeup are phenomenal. But it’s not me.”
Marcus squints at the picture as he comments,” I don’t get it. You go on lots of modeling gigs where you wear other people’s clothes. I’ve never seen you act this way before. What’s the big deal?”
“No, I don’t mean I don’t like the style. I mean it literally is not me,” Rogue clarifies.
Marcus picks up the picture and studies it more closely. After a couple of minutes he carefully sets the picture down. I notice his hands are trembling.
Marcus is watching us with the scrutiny he would give a street magician in Vegas. His narrowed gaze travels back and forth between us like he’s hoping for an early arrival of April Fools’ Day. He performs a cursory search of the room for cameras as he demands, “Are you guys punkin’ me?”
Rogue is squeezing my hand so tight my fingers are numb. I’m a little awestruck by this small act of trust.
We both vigorously shake our heads no.
Marcus stands up aggressively and grabs the front of my shirt as he growls, “Just what kind of scam are you trying to pull here? I thought you were going to look out for Rogue.”
Rogue looks a little shell-shocked at his outburst, yet I’m really not. I’d be suspicious as hell too. In this day and age, it is remarkably easy to doctor photographs.
“Marcus Taylor Brolen! Apologize right now!” Rogue demands.
“Rogue, there’s really no reason for him to apologize. He’s just worried about you. He doesn’t know me from Adam. For all he knows, I could be some world-class scammer. I’m not, but he doesn’t know that. He doesn’t know I routinely work on projects with the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service, or that I have the highest level of security clearance that exists outside of the president’s detail. I’m not going to jeopardize that just to mess with all of you.”
“Well, La-Dee-Da, Mr. Super-Secret-Spy-Guy,” Marcus snarls. “What are you doing with the likes of us?”
“I’m trying to help solve a mystery,” I respond quietly.
“Why would you take on a case like Rogue? She’s got no money for you to drain.”
The corner of my mouth quirks up at the audaciousness of his suggestion. This statement even earns a strangled giggle from Rogue. She sighs as she cautions, “Seriously, Marc. Just stop. You’re digging yourself a really big hole here. Tristan is on our side. Please just try to listen without marking me up like a fire hydrant.”
Marcus makes a face as he responds, “That’s disgusting Ro.”
“Yeah? Then I suggest you sit your butt down and hear us out Macho Boy,” she commands as she scowls and points to a chair.
Reluctantly, Marcus lets go of my shirt and sits back
down in his chair. He takes a long drink of his Red Bull, before setting it back on the table and scooting it away. He picks up the picture and studies it again. “You’re right. Whoever this is, it isn’t Rogue. This person has a scar over her left eyebrow.”
I’m impressed. I looked at those pictures for almost three weeks and didn’t notice the tiny discrepancy.
“So, who is this mystery woman?” Marcus asks impatiently.
“We think she’s probably my twin,” Rogue announces with more clarity than I expected.
Marcus looks at me with skepticism as he probes, “You think or you know? Because as far as I know, Rogue isn’t even adopted. This could all be some elaborate identity theft.”
I can’t help but smile at the irony of his accusation. It seems as if we’ve now come full circle. “Funny you should say that, because that’s exactly the puzzle Ivy asked me to figure out. She was trying to determine whether Rogue was trying to steal her identity,” I explain.
Marcus’s eyebrows shoot to his hairline and his jaw drops to the floor. “What?” he exclaims. “That’s insane! Rogue is the most honest person I know. She would never do anything like that.”
“I don’t believe that Ivy Montclair would either. We think that they were victims of a weird twin telepathic phenomenon which resulted in a computer glitch. This caused their dating profiles to merge online. If it weren’t for that bizarre coincidence, they might not have ever found out about the existence of the other,” I clarify.
“So, does this Ivy know about Rogue?” Marcus asks.
“Rogue and I just put those pieces of the puzzle together a few minutes ago based on additional information she gave me. I haven’t had a chance to tell Ivy. I think that’s something I should do in person,” I say, as I straighten the papers in the file.
“I think I should be there…in case she wants to meet me,” Rogue suggests as she squeezes my hand.
“I don’t know if that’s such a great idea,” I caution. “This news might come as a huge shock and she may not be ready to meet with you yet. I don’t want you to be disappointed. I do a fair amount of skip tracing and adoption reunions, and the one thing I can predict is that they’re always unpredictable. They are often emotionally charged and volatile—especially if she’s not expecting you to be there.”
Sheltered Hearts (A Hidden Hearts Novel Book 2) Page 30
