Poke Checking

by Kristen Echo

  They trusted Meagan to protect Connie when they couldn’t be around, and for the past few months it had been great. The girl had worked in childcare for a few years and aspired to work with special needs children as a speech therapist. She was a perfect choice. Her only drawback was her age. At eighteen Meagan lacked the maturity of the previous care workers, but her heart and common sense made up for the missing years of experience.

  Caroline hugged her father tightly, wishing they weren’t in this predicament. He held her close, letting her cry on his shoulder. “Thanks for coming so quickly. Did you talk to your sister today?” He pulled her away and then his eyes landed on the man behind her. “Oh, I didn’t see you, son. Martin said he would make some calls, but you’re fast. He’s in the den. Please go talk with him, and he’ll fill you in. I need a moment with my daughter.”

  “Of course, sir. I’m here to help any way I can.” Nico touched the small of her back. “Will you be all right?”

  The answer was no. She was anything but all right. She needed his support to stay upright, but she knew the danger of coming out to her father without his consent. Nico wasn’t ready to be open about their relationship and rushing him would push him away. But she needed him so badly.

  “I’m fine,” she said between sniffles. Caroline wanted to say thanks for the ride, for being there and for holding her hand through her nightmare; but she couldn’t. Instead she said the only words she could say. “Thank you… for asking.”

  He walked away and her heart plummeted. She didn’t expect him to step up and hold her hand in front her of father, but he did nothing. The day kept getting worse.

  “Connie called me this morning and asked me to come over. She said you were meeting with one of the players later and she wanted to go play outside. I’ve been busy with the band and working late. I said no. Oh, God. What if I never get to see her again? What if that’s the last time I hear her voice?”

  “Stop that right this instant. Your sister will be home soon. The authorities are on it and we’ve got our NHL family coming to help search. I know I keep my personal and work life separated, but we need all the help we can get. I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding.”

  “Where did they go and how long have they been gone?” Caroline didn’t want to associate her sister and missing in the same sentence. “I can’t sit around waiting. I’ll… she really likes the new play structure a few blocks east. Did you check there?”

  “When Miss Loriner arrived for Connie’s lessons and Meagan didn’t answer my repeated calls, I walked there myself. They were only going for a quick walk and should've been home hours ago. If you can think of anywhere, please go. Bring our girl home. But bring one of the men with you; Martin and Nicolas are in the den. I don’t need two daughters missing.” He kissed her temple and Caroline wiped her tears.

  She needed to hold it together, falling apart wouldn’t help her sister. They lived in a safe neighborhood. Everything would be fine. But the news had reported a slew of recent disappearances. The loud beating of her heart gave her a headache. “You don’t think this has anything to do with the recent missing kids, do you? She’s too young. Aren’t they all teenagers and most likely runaways?”

  “The police refused to comment. Let’s not jump to conclusions. I’m sure they’re shopping and Meagan’s phone died. We’ll have a big chuckle soon.” He peered at the front door, willing their little girl to walk inside. It didn’t open.

  Caroline hugged him one last time before they walked into the den. The walls were lined with books and a wood burning fireplace crackled in the corner. Martin came over and gave her a hug. His open display of affection surprised her, but she needed the physical connection. She clung to him. “This is messed up. How are you holding up? Never mind; stupid question. What can I do?”

  “Someone needs to be with my father until more people come. He shouldn’t be alone, but I need to go find my sister. I need help.” She stepped out of his hug to find Nico at her side.

  “I printed off maps of the area while you guys talked. Nico and I highlighted the playgrounds and shops. We sent the GPS coordinate of the further ones to some of the guys. We’ll find her.”

  “The truck’s running.” Nico held up the map and took her hand. “Let me help you.”

  Her breath hitched as their skin connected. This was the grand gesture Maddy had mentioned. Caroline needed him and he was there for her. She gripped his hand, and they walked out of her family home together.

  When they got in the truck, he kissed her before closing her door. The chaste kiss helped her focus. “Daddy said he already checked the park she likes the best, but if they were trying to stay close, they might have gone to King’s park. It’s not far, but we usually don’t go there in winter. It might be a long shot.”

  Nico typed something into his phone before they took off towards the park. “I sent her picture to a few of the guys from the team. They will meet us there. It will be dark soon enough and it’s a big park. We’ll need more eyes.”

  “Don’t remind me. Connie hates the dark. She also doesn’t do well with strangers. If they find her before we do they should call me.”

  “I’ll tell them once we get there. You two look a lot alike with the light hair and eyes. You’re tall like your dad, and you have his oval face.”

  “Yeah, my sister’s tall for her age too. I guess it runs in the family.” Her family needed Connie to be okay. She was the little ray of sunshine that brightened the day and made life better. Caroline couldn’t suffer another loss. Another tear fell, and she wiped it with the back of her hand.

  The drive didn’t take long. A few minutes later, they arrived, parked and headed down one path. She’d forgotten how many miles of terrain and countless trails there were. Her sister could be anywhere. The way the NHL community came together so quickly was awe inspiring. It made her heart so full to know dozens of people were out searching for Connie and Meagan. All the parks within a twenty-mile radius had people searching and Nico held her hand through it all. She leaned on him for support and he willingly stood by her side. Caroline was beyond thankful to have him, but as the minutes ticked by and they hadn’t found her, her spirits deflated.

  Then her phone rang. “Hello,” she said to an unknown number.

  “We found them,” a deep male voice said and Caroline would have fallen if Nico hadn’t been there to hold her. “They were hiding in the woods on the outskirts of King’s Park. Someone chased them and well… they’re safe now. I’ll drive them home. Nico told me to call you when we found them. Do you want to talk with your sister?”

  “Yes. And thank you.” The tears fell anew and then the sweetest sound on the planet tickled her ear.

  “I missed piano, Caroline. We stayed out too long. Can I see you? I don’t want to get into this man’s car. I don’t know him. Meagan says we have to but I want you to come get me. I can wait. I swear I’m not cold.”

  Caroline laughed. Of all the things to focus on her sister picked the fact she’d missed her music lessons. “I love you so much, baby girl. We’re not far, I don’t think.” She looked to Nico, who had turned them around and was guiding them back to his truck. He held up his hand, indicating they were five minutes away. She thought they had made more progress than that, but it didn’t matter anymore. She quickened her pace. Her sister waited for her. “We’re coming, Connie. I’ll be there in five minutes.”

  “Okay,” Connie said and then she hung up.

  A second later Nico’s phone rang. “Yeah. We’re parked in the same lot. Thanks Joe, I owe you one. Call Mr. Northcote and let him know the good news.”

  They ran the last leg of the path and when Caroline saw her sister standing with a blanket on her small shoulders, the tears burst forth yet again. “Baby girl!” She wrapped her sister in a hug and kissed the top of her head. She mouthed thanks to Nico, who squeezed her shoulder.

  It was obvious Connie didn’t understand the reason for the fanfare. Meagan on the other hand, appe
ared rattled. “I’m so sorry Miss Northcote. We were out walking, minding our own business when two men approached us from the road. They opened their window and said some nasty things, even asked us to come closer. I didn’t like the way they looked at us, so we took the path towards the park. Then I saw their white truck in the parking lot and it seemed like they were coming for us. I didn’t want to take any chances, so I told Connie we’d play a game of tag. We ran down the path, but when I checked back, I noticed two figures running in the distance. They were fast, but we headed into the trees and lost em.”

  “We played hide and go seek, Caroline. It was fun, and I won!” Connie smiled. At least her sister wore her ski pants and parka. Other than bright red, wind kissed cheeks, her sister didn’t look any worse for wear.

  Meagan patted her arm. “That’s right, you did great. My phone must have fallen because when I went to call for help I noticed it was gone.”

  Joe stepped next to her and showed her a pink bedazzled phone case. “I found this sticking out of the snow at the fork in the path. Is it yours?”

  Meagan snatched it out of his hands. “Oh my god. Yes!” She kissed the phone like it was her baby. “I had no idea it had gotten so late. Every time I heard a sound I got jumpy. I would never let anything bad happen to Connie and there was an article yesterday about another missing teen. I’m so sorry, please don’t fire me.”

  Caroline hugged Meagan. “You did everything right and you’re not getting fired. Thank you for protecting my sister. Now let’s get you both inside and warm. Daddy can’t wait to see you both.”

  Nico opened the passenger door for Connie and Caroline to slide into the backseat. “Connie this is my… friend Nicolas. He will drive us home, okay?” The word boyfriend had been on the tip of her tongue, but she caught herself at the last minute.

  Connie didn’t look at him but smiled. “I like your beard. I’m learning about voyageurs in school. You look like the men who settled here. Do you know how to paddle a canoe?”

  Nico laughed. “As a matter of fact, I do. Maybe this summer I can show you. Would you like that?”

  Connie nodded and Caroline’s heart soared. Future plans had to be a good sign for their relationship. She didn’t want to get ahead of herself, but the love she had for him doubled in that instant. Her sister rambled about music notes and a passage she was learning as they drove. The event hadn’t upset her in the least.

  When they arrived at her family home, her father rushed outside to greet his baby girl. They shared a family hug, and Caroline included Nico in the ensemble. He awkwardly hugged her back, but his body felt rigid.

  “Thank you everyone for coming and helping to bring my daughter home safely. I’m humbled and beyond grateful that you would all drop what you were doing, on one of your few days off, to help me and my family. Go home and enjoy your day; what’s left of it.” Her father’s smile lit up his face, but it faltered when he noticed Caroline holding onto Nico. “Girls, let’s get inside.”

  She let go of his arm and watched Nico shift from foot to foot, weighing his decision. She didn’t want to press him, but she hoped he’d take her hand and follow her inside. The way he avoided her eyes, and stared at his feet, didn’t leave her with high hopes. She wanted to tell her father about the man she loved. Caroline wasn’t ready for him to go, but she braced herself for that decision. Nico had been clear about needing time. A few days hardly counted.

  “Thank you for going with me to bring my sister home. I appreciate you being there for me.” Caroline tried to give him an easy out; a way to say goodbye with no awkwardness.

  He reached out and threaded their fingers together. The gesture took her off guard and her eyes shot to his. The silver danced in the fading sun, fighting the blue for real-estate. “I told you I’ve got your back, and I meant it. You and me, we’re in this together.” He kissed her knuckles with a sly grin.

  “Really?” She glanced up the steps to where her father lingered with her sister. Their backs were to them, but any moment he might turn and see.

  “Let’s break the news to your dad. Because if anything like this ever happens again, I want to be there to hold you through it all. I’m not letting another person I care about down. It fucking killed me to walk away from you earlier. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. You were there when I needed you, and you’re still here. That’s all that matters.”

  “I might not have a job, but yeah. I’m here.” He kissed her forehead and together they took the first step towards their future.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  A ll the heartache and the worry disappeared as they climbed the stairs. Caroline felt years younger and so darn happy she couldn’t hold back her smile. Everything was right in the world. Her sister was safe and the man she loved wanted to make their relationship official. Joy radiated from her pores. Until they walked inside and her father slammed the door behind them.

  The unified couple turned to face the scowl of Spence Northcote. He stared at their joined hands, and if looks could kill, Nico would have been six feet under. Caroline gripped her boyfriend’s hand and gave him a reassuring smile.

  Nico straightened his posture as if readying himself for battle. Perhaps they would have a fight on their hands, but Caroline hoped that would not be the case. Her father was a tall and intimidating man. He used that to his advantage in business, but it didn’t work at home. He was a big old softie.

  “Nicolas, perhaps you missed when I told everyone outside to leave. I’d like to be alone with my family for the remainder of the day.”

  “I heard you, Sir. Caroline and I would like a moment of your time.” The grip on her hand tightened, almost painfully.

  They had nothing to fear and soon Nico would relax. Everything would be fine once they explained themselves. She opened her mouth, but a loud thump interrupted her. Connie lay sprawled on the hardwood floor, struggling to remove her ski pants. Her giggles filled the house as Meagan rushed to help her.

  “I’ve got it,” she said through her laughter.

  Meagan held up her hands in defeat. “Fine, Connie, you do it all by yourself. I’ll run you a bath so you can warm up.” She leaned down and picked up the discarded pink jacket, mittens and scarf.

  “Awe, but it’s not bath time. Bath is before bed and it’s not dark out yet.” She wriggled out of her snow-pants and handed them over.

  “You love bath time and I promise to make you some hot chocolate too.”

  “Daddy, can I have extra marshmallows? And Nicolas needs to have a cup with me. I want to talk more about the voyageurs and portaging.”

  “You can have as many marshmallows as you’d like, but Nicolas will be leaving shortly. Sorry, peanut. Go have your bath and your sister and I will be here when you’re done.” His word was final and the two girls climbed the stairs to the second story, leaving Caroline with the two men she loved staring at one another.

  The standoff between Nico and her father had to end. “Daddy, let’s go into the kitchen and talk. Nico and I have something to tell you.”

  “If you insist.” Her father huffed and marched off down the hall.

  She let go of Nico’s hand to remove her coat. “His bark is worse than his bite, trust me.”

  “I’ve seen his bite, Caroline. He will trade me, and we’re so close to the cup. I swear our team will win it this year. Fuck, this is a bad idea. I’m letting the entire team down by pissing off your dad.” He scrubbed his hands over his face.

  “Oh, no you don’t. We will talk to him and tell him we’re dating. He’s going to accept that I’m in love with you and nothing bad will happen. You’ve come this far, please.” Her lip quivered. She expected her father wouldn’t take the news well, but he’d be mad with her, not Nico. Nico had done nothing wrong; she’s the one who broke her father’s rules.

  He took her hand again and kissed the inside of her palm. “You are amazing. Have I told you that today?”

  “A few times when we were in bed, but it�
�s nice to hear it again. Hold that thought until after our conversation. I’ll be even more amazing later.” They shared a chaste kiss before walking into the kitchen together.

  Her father stood behind the island, leaning against the stainless-steel fridge. “Don’t sit. I have a feeling I know what you’re about to say, so spit it out.”

  She’d never known her father to act in that manner. “You’re being awfully rude.” This was the first time she’d broken one of his rules. It hadn’t been intentional, but it wasn’t the end of the world.

  He slammed his hand flat against the granite. “Don’t start, Caroline. You will not like the outcome. Get on with it.” His tone was far harsher than usual.

  “With all due respect, don’t talk to her like that. She doesn’t deserve your wrath. We—”

  “Don’t you dare come into my home and tell me how to talk to my daughter. You have no right to touch her. In fact, your contract forbids it. I’d hold my tongue if I were you Mr. Ivarsson. You are treading on very thin ice.”

  Caroline loved that Nico defended her, but it hadn’t earned him any brownie points with her father. His eyebrow twitched, conveying the depths of his fury. “Daddy, I love him. We didn’t mean for it to happen, and we had no idea we ran in the same circles until we’d been dating for a while.”

  “Rules are in place for your own good, kids.” He shook his head from side to side, causing the white strands to cover his eyes. “I feared this day might come. How long have you been lying?”

  “I never lied to you. We waited until the relationship became serious.” Caroline’s eyes watered. She didn’t understand why her father was so against them being together.

  “You’re too young to know anything about being in a serious relationship. Nothing good will come from this. You understand you’re forcing my hand, right?”