"That's exactly what Angela said.” Beverly told him, putting her dress back on and sliding off the piano. “So..."
"So, Jason is staying here with Shauna, and we have a plane ticket to Philly that's going to waste.” he grinned at her.
"Justin? Are you...” Beverly began.
"I fell in love with you this weekend. I'm not letting you go. I demand that you come to New York with me.” he put his arm around her waist and she placed her hands on his broad shoulders.
"Really?” she asked. “Where will I stay?"
"Yeah, really.” he bend his head down and kissed her. “And you will stay with me at my place on the Upper West Side. I'm serious Beverly. Will you come with me back east tomorrow?"
"Yes.” she nodded and kissed him firmly on the mouth. “I love you, Justin."
"Me too, kiddo."
* * * *
They relaxed in her bed watching the late night news. They had ordered a couple of shrimp cocktails from room service, then Vicodined out. Now the two of them were just relaxing and channel surfing. There was a story about some psychopath who held a girl at knifepoint at the Hotel Del Moor. The pretty brunette newscaster told the story and showed clips of Michael at the hospital in handcuffs.
Jason held Shauna tight. “Are you sure you want to watch this?” he asked her.
"Yeah. I need the closure,” she told him, taking a sip of bottled water. “I just wish you hadn't been there. He could have killed you."
"He wasn't about to.” Jason laughed, reaching over and patting his gun that was resting on the night table.
Shauna turned over on her side, facing Jason. “I talked to my Uncle John. He said you can stay with us as long as you want to. He even suggested that you run for Los Angeles chief-of-police,” she said.
"No, thank you. I know what that job entails, and I don't want it.” he replied.
She snuggled up close to him, immersing herself against his strong, rugged chest. “Good, I don't want you to get hurt.” she said.
Jason flipped through the channels and tossed the remote on the bed. “Free HBO, wanna check it out?” he asked. She shrugged indifferently. “I just want to get your mind off things, hun.” he told her.
"I'm just glad you're here. I don't know how I would have handled this weekend if you weren't with me.” she told him.
"I'm glad I could be here for you.” he squeezed her shoulder. “So Shauna?"
"Yes?"
"Have you decided what you are going to do?” he asked her.
"About what?"
"For starters, what are you going to do about Robert?” he teased her.
She gave him a knowing look. “Robert who?” she asked, gently elbowing him.
"Good girl. Next, what are you going to do about school?” he asked her. “I think you should transfer to UCLA. and be close to the family. I think the change would do you good."
"Really?” she eyed him innocently. “I've been thinking about a transfer to U.C.L.A. But a move across the country? What about you? Don't you have to go back to New York eventually?"
"I'm not with the N.Y.P.D. I can live where I want. How about this? We stay with your uncle until both you and your father are better, then we give it a shot—live together and see how it goes.” Jason smiled affectionately, grabbing her bottled water and taking a drink.
"Really? Where do we stay?” Shauna asked him, smiling slightly.
"Maybe we can crash at Joe's pad in Benedict Canyon when he and Angela leave for New York in the fall.” he stated.
"How do you know they're going to New York?” she inquired.
"I'm trained to read peoples faces and figure out what their next move is going to be. Trust me, I know.” he laughed and hugged her tighter.
"What else do you know?"
"Well, I could have busted Joe for possession of marijuana, but I didn't.” he shrugged.
"How did you know he had pot?"
"I am all knowing.” he grinned, his puckish eyes sparkling.
"Okay. Mr. ESP, then tell me what my future holds?” she smiled.
He took her hand and read her palm, fortuneteller style. “You and a tough-talking, Philly boy in the FBI are going to live happily ever after in Los Angeles, and then you are going to write a book about your ordeal and wind up on Oprah.” he winked.
"Jason, I want you to be with me. It may take me a while to get over this, and I need you to be there.” she told him seriously.
"Don't worry, I will be.” he leaned in to kiss her.
She closed her eyes and cuddled into him. Yes, she thought to herself, this is the magic I always dreamed about. Falling in love with Jason this weekend was magical. She reached up and kissed him on the lips. For obvious reasons they could not make love, so he held her solidly in his burly arms until they both fell asleep.
PART FOUR
MONDAY MORNING
CHAPTER 18
Stephen was eating blended eggs for breakfast. It was hardly appetizing, but he managed to choke it down anyway. As he was sipping his orange juice, there was a knock at the door. “Come in.” he called. Andrew opened the door, smiling. “Andy! Good morning.” he chirped at his friend.
Andrew made himself comfortable in a plush chair next to a big picture window. “I see they moved you to a private room, nice."
"Thanks to my dear, old brother. So, what's so important you needed to talk to me today?” Stephen inquired.
Andrew let out a long deep breath. “It's over. Donnie McCoy is in jail, and he will be there for a very long time.” Andrew revealed.
"What happened?” Stephen winced in pain as he tried to sit up.
Andrew grabbed a pillow and placed it under his shoulder. “He was arrested last night. To make a long story short, he had been continually beating and molesting his daughter for years. We have her statement, pictures of bruises on her legs, the works—plus his attempted murder charge. Also, his wife turned up dead."
"Donnie killed his wife? I knew it!” Stephen exclaimed.
"Now hold on. I have some other news.” Andrew pulled the chair up to the bed and looked his friend in the eye. “Michael was arrested last night, too."
"My Michael? What on Earth?” Stephen responded surprised. Andrew told his friend the whole, long, sordid story. He told him that the serial rapist ‘John Smith’ and Michael Peterson were the same person, and the semen found on Shelly McCoy matched Michael's DNA profile. He also revealed what his son had done to Shauna.
When he was finished, Stephen broke down into sobs. “Is my daughter okay?” Stephen asked, trembling.
"Shauna is fine. As a matter of fact, Jason has been taking very good care of her.” he explained.
"Is Michael going to be locked up for life?” Stephen asked tearfully.
"I'm afraid so, Stephen. I'm sorry.” Andrew answered his friend.
"Oh, God, what did I do wrong? I'm a terrible father.” Stephen buried his face in his hands and wept.
Andrew reassuringly patted his friend on the back. “It's not your fault, man. You did nothing wrong.” he told him gently.
A nurse came into the room to check Stephen's temperature. “What's going on?” she asked Andrew.
"My friend just got some upsetting news. Can you give him something?” he inquired.
"I'll be right back with some Valium.” she stated and quickly left.
"My poor baby. I've got to go to her.” Stephen tried to get up. Andrew held him by the shoulders and gently laid him back down. “Shauna is in good hands right now. Everybody is looking out for her. She and Jason are going to stay with your brother in Beverly Hills until she gets better.” Andrew explained.
"Oh, God, poor John. Having to put up with all this shit in his condition.” Stephen wailed.
"What condition?"
"John's dying of cancer. That is why he had the family come here.” Stephen revealed.
"Jesus, really?” Andrew stared at Stephen in shock.
"Yeah."
"Maybe Shauna and
Jason shouldn't stay with him then.” Andrew said to himself.
"No, John has a huge estate. There is plenty of room,” he told him.
"Are you sure it is no inconvenience? They are welcome to stay with me in Philly.” Andrew said.
The nurse returned with a cup of water and a little yellow pill. “Here, take this. It will help you feel better.” Stephen gulped down the pill and the water at the same time. The nurse stuck a thermometer in his mouth.
"Listen, you go get some rest. I'm going to talk to John. He really has bent over backwards for us and I want to let him know how much I appreciate it.” Andrew gave his friend a pat on the back and headed out. Stephen tried to sit up, but a pain shot through his shoulder and the nurse had him lay back down.
"You rest. I'll be back later.” Andrew nodded. Stephen managed to wave goodbye to his friend.
* * * *
Lilly got a good night's sleep for the first time in years. She slept in Jason's bed; Beverly and Justin curled up in the other. When she woke up, she didn't know where she was at first. Then she realized that she was in a safe, wonderful place. She knew she would never again wake up to her father's vile hand running up her thigh.
Lilly quietly crept out of the bed, careful not to disturb Justin and Beverly, who were still sleeping. She went into the bathroom and softly closed the door. Her step mom was dead, her father in jail. She had no other family. Where was she to go? She washed her face and brushed her hair. It was a miracle that she had met Beverly and everybody, but the weekend was over and she had no place to stay now. She certainly didn't want to go back to Mississippi. All she wanted was to go back to school and have a normal life. Was that possible? Who would take care of her? Lilly hardly relished the thought of going back into foster homes, even though that was very well where she could wind up.
She tiptoed out of the bathroom and quickly dressed in the same pink dress that Beverly had let her borrow. It was then that there was a knock on the door. Lilly crept over and opened it a crack.
Standing there was a sympathetic looking Andrew. “Lilly, are my sons in here?” he asked her
"Justin is, Jason ain't,” she answered. “They are still asleep."
"Hmm, I wanted to see if they wanted to get some breakfast before we go to the airport. But if he's still sleeping, how would you like to join me?” he asked her sweetly.
"I'd love to,” she said, her tummy starting to rumble. She slipped on her shoes and gently shut the door, noticing that Beverly shifted in her sleep and threw her arm around Justin's chest.
They went downstairs and headed to the Velvet Room to the complimentary, continental breakfast that had been set up. Andrew grabbed a cup of hot coffee while Lilly had some milk and a jelly donut. They sat at a table next to the enormous picture window and watched the morning surf. Two blonde teenage boys were boogie-boarding and being reckless.
"So, Lilly, I've been thinking.” Andrew started.
"Yeah?” she asked, munching her donut.
"How would you like to come back to Philadelphia with us?” he asked her smiling.
"Huh?” she blinked, unsure of what she was hearing.
"I'd like to adopt you. You can live with me in Philadelphia; I'll send you to a good school. You can have a brand new life, clean new clothes—a safe place to sleep. How does that sound?” he asked her seriously.
Lilly couldn't believe her ears. Living and going to school in a big city? Having a new father? That would make Justin and Jason her new brothers. Tears stung her eyes and she was unable to speak. This was more than a dream come true, this was a miracle. Lilly got up from the table and went to hug Andrew, tears spilling over her cheeks. He gently rubbed her back and her hair.
"Thank you. Thank you.” was all she could manage to say.
"It's all right, girl, it's my pleasure,” he told her.
* * * *
The door closing woke them both up. Beverly noticed right away that Lilly was gone.
"Relax, she's with my dad. She couldn't be in a safer place.” Justin yawned.
Beverly kissed Justin sweetly on the mouth, and snuggled up close to him. He ran his hands through her soft blonde hair.
It was then the phone rang, the loud ring jarring them. Justin reached for the receiver. “Hello ... Yes, she is, hang on.” he handed it to Beverly. “It's for Piglet,” he teased. Beverly rolled her eyes and put the phone to her ear.
Allison seemed in a jovial mood on the other end. “Piggie Poop, how about you guys getting together with us for breakfast? I want to meet the famous Justin,” she said to her daughter.
"Okay, give us a minute. We'll be down soon,” she said sleepily.
"All right, Pigs, we'll be in the dining room. Taa taa.” Allison hung up.
"My mom wants to meet you.” Beverly told him. “Don't worry, she'll like you."
"How do you know?” he asked, squeezing her around the waist.
"Trust me, I know.” she snickered, throwing off the covers. “I guess I'd better take a shower."
"Want some company?” Justin grinned. Beverly threw a pillow at him playfully.
"If we make it quick,” she grinned. They threw off each other's clothes and jumped happily into the shower together. They embraced under the hot water and Justin immediately got a huge erection.
"Okay, so I lied. We'll be more than a minute.” Beverly giggled.
* * * *
They woke up naked in each other's arms. They were giddy, exhausted, sleep deprived, and madly and completely in love. Joe and Angela had made love like ravenous animals until dawn. This morning the sunlight was creeping through the window and woke them both up.
"So, dear?” Angela asked
"Yes, dear?” Joe answered.
"Today is the day. Are you sure you still want me to come with you?” she asked him, tickling his feet with hers.
"Of course.” he told her. “Who knows, maybe you'd rather go to U.S.C. Medical School."
"Not a chance. You're just gonna have to come to New York with me in the fall.” she told him, grinning and grabbing his buns.
"Sounds like a plan to me.” he said laughing and kissing her.
It was then the phone rang, interrupting their bliss. “I'm convinced. They know when we're in bed?” Angela laughed.
"I think so.” Joe shook his head and answered the phone.
"Joey Bear, it's Aunt Allison,” she sang.
"Oh, hey, Aunt Allison, what's up?” he asked her rolling his eyes at Angela. She stifled a giggle.
"Well, we are all meeting for breakfast before we say goodbye. I'd love it if you'd join us.” she said sweetly.
"Okay, give us a minute and we'll be there,” he answered.
"Okay, sweetie. See you then.” and then she hung up.
Joe and Angela shrugged and decided to be social. They dressed and joined the family for breakfast. Joe noticed that his father was sitting at a table with Andrew and Lilly. Allison, Patrick, and Paul were chowing down on bagels with his mother. They both grabbed cups of black coffee and sat down with his father at their table.
"Son, I have some news. We are going to have some guests stay with us for a little while.” John told his son.
"Really? Who?” Joe asked taking a sip of coffee. Angela sat quietly picking at a blueberry muffin.
"I have decided that Stephen will stay with your mother and me until he recovers. I have extended the same invitation to Jason and Shauna.” John explained.
"John, if there is anything I can do to help please let me know. I really appreciate you doing this, with your condition and all.” Andrew said.
"Jason and Shauna can stay with us at my place.” Joe volunteered.
"Us?” John raised an eyebrow.
"Well, Dad, I'm going to have a guest stay with me too, a very special guest.” Joe smiled and put his arm around Angela, who gave him a kissy face.
"I see. Interesting.” John smirked.
"John, let me come help out a little bit. I'll just stay until Step
hen is settled in, and you can get some rest. You shouldn't have too much excitement.” Andrew volunteered.
"You sure you don't mind?” John asked. “That's awfully kind of you."
"No problem at all.” Andrew said, giving Lilly a wink. “You go back to Philly with Justin and he'll get you settled in. Don't worry, you are going to be just fine.” Lilly gave him a smile. For the first time in her life, she was happy.
Justin and Beverly met up with Jason and Shauna in the lobby. They were all tempted to take a quick swim, but remembered they had planes to catch. They bounded into the dining room and met up with the rest of the guys. Justin and Jason sat down at the table with John and their father, while the girls raided the buffet table.
"It's good to see she has an appetite.” Andrew nodded in Shauna's direction.
"Yeah, she's doing very well. She is a very strong woman, she'll have no problem recovering at all.” Jason said.
"Jason, I am honored to have you and your father be my guests at my Beverly Hills estate. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish.” John stated firmly, taking a sip of his cappuccino.
"Thank you, sir. I just want to make sure everybody is okay.” Jason answered.
"You both are staying here?” Justin asked surprised.
"I'm going to help the family out a little bit. Make sure Stephen is all right.” Andrew answered.
"Then your ticket back to Philly is going to waste.” Justin protested.
"Actually, no.” Lilly piped up. The whole table looked at her and smiled. “I'm gonna use it."
"You?” Jason asked.
"Yup. I'm going back with ya'll.” she grinned.
"I have decided to make her part of the family.” Andrew smiled affectionately at her.
"That's great. Welcome to the family kiddo.” Justin smiled.
The girls joined them at the table and gobbled their breakfasts. “So, Beverly, we have to be at the airport by noon. You, me, and Lilly."
"Huh?” Beverly asked while chewing a piece of bacon.
"Lilly's coming with us. Dad is staying here with your Uncle John,” he explained.
"Excellent, awesome!” Beverly exclaimed, smiling broadly at Lilly.
"You have to relax on all the ‘excellents’ and ‘awesomes'. We don't talk that way in Philly.” Jason teased, sipping an orange juice.
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