Untold

by Nancy Ann Healy

  “I don’t need a lesson,” Candace bit. “I’m well-aware of the intellect he likely possesses. That in no way engenders confidence in this idea you have.”

  “Let me do it,” Jameson chimed. All eyes turned to her.

  “What?” Candace asked her wife. “Let you do what?”

  “Shell said she told this guy I might have some work for him. Let me offer him something.”

  “Are you insane?” Candace asked.

  Jameson shook her head. “It would get him away, Candace. Marianne is leaving for Scott’s tomorrow morning. I can come up with some project to do at the house.”

  Candace stared at her wife in disbelief. “I’m not risking you either.”

  Jameson nodded. “Can we have a moment please?”

  Alex looked at Shell.

  “That means get out now,” Shell said. “Coffee?” she asked Alex. Alex nodded.

  Jameson waited for the door to close.

  “No,” Candace said. “It’s too risky.”

  “Alex is not going to let anything happen to me. Besides, I can take care of myself.”

  “Jameson…”

  “Candace, you know that I’m right. You heard Alex. There are at least thirty victims if she’s right. If I can help; I have to.”

  Candace sucked in a shaky breath.

  “I know that house like I know you,” Jameson said. “I’ve been in every nook and cranny. Alex will be able to put people close without him knowing. It’s their best chance to end this without anyone else getting hurt.”

  Candace closed her eyes. “I don’t have to like it.”

  Jameson moved to her wife. She pulled Candace close. “I’ll be fine. Just think how much it’ll piss off Jed Ritchie.”

  Candace chuckled nervously. “Promise me that you will do whatever Alex says.”

  “I promise.”

  “I mean it, Jameson.”

  “I promise. Now, let’s go talk to Alex. And, Candace?”

  “What?”

  “This is not her fault. Don’t put this on her. Alex is just…”

  “I know.”

  ***

  “Alex? You sound out of breath. Are you okay?”

  “Just tired.”

  “Did you just finish your morning run?”

  “No.”

  “What happened?”

  Alex closed her eyes. “If all goes as planned, I’ll be home tomorrow.”

  Cassidy shivered. “Alex, what aren’t you telling me?”

  “A lot,” she said. “But I promise I will tell you everything when I get home.”

  “Are you still at Jameson’s condo?”

  “Just got back here a few minutes ago.”

  “Are you telling me that you haven’t slept? It’s seven-thirty in the morning.”

  “No. Some things came up.”

  Cassidy sat down in a chair at the kitchen table. “Did you find him?”

  “We found him. We just haven’t apprehended him yet.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I know. I’ll fill you in when I get home. I just wanted to hear your voice.”

  Cassidy closed her eyes. She didn’t need any details. Whatever had transpired since they had last spoken, whatever Alex suspected was about to unfold, it was weighing on Alex’s mind. “Just be careful.”

  “Always.”

  “Let me know when you’ll be home. I’ll make tacos.”

  “Yeah? Do I get ice cream for dessert?”

  Cassidy laughed even as a few tears rolled over her cheeks. “Vanilla,” she replied.

  “Perfect. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  “I love you, Cassidy.”

  Cassidy felt a weight on her chest she had not experienced in years. “Je t’adore,” she promised.

  “French,” Alex commented. “See you tomorrow.”

  Cassidy set her phone down and put her face in her hands. Whoever is listening, please keep her safe.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “Overnight, Connecticut State Police made a grisly discovery—not far from where the bodies of seven women were found buried just over a week ago. Sources say the remains of an unidentified male was found in the barn of a vacant property nearby. Investigators are working to piece together the puzzle of how the man ended up there,” a reporter said.

  The morning news anchor threw him a question. “Is this related to the other victims?” she said

  “Difficult to say. We have seen an FBI presence here, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they suspect the two are related. My sources say that until they determine the identity and cause of death; it’s unclear if this individual met with foul play at all.”

  “So, it could be an accident?” the anchor inquired.

  “At this point, they are not ruling any possibilities out.”

  Candace looked at her press secretary. “I hope that works.”

  Dana nodded. “It’s the truth,” she said. “All I did was make certain it filtered down that way.”

  Candace shook her head. “I wish to God it was the truth.”

  Dana regarded her boss thoughtfully for a moment. Candace prided herself on honesty, even when it was uncomfortable. There were times when politics required artful spin. Reality existed in perception. It was Dana’s job to shift perception in Candace’s favor. “Candy, you heard Alex. She suspects it’s this Brad Lawson person. They don’t know anything yet. It was the truth.”

  “Truth is a funny thing sometimes, Dana. They say it sets you free. Sometimes, it just bites you on the ass. Let’s hope we don’t have to deal with the latter on this one.”

  ***

  He sipped his cup of coffee as he listened to the local morning news. He hummed a note and began his verse. “Badly Bradley, with the girls he tried, I told him to wait until they cried; But when the girls screamed his name, Badly Bradley ran away.” He sighed and then laughed. “Oh well.” He stood and placed his coffee cup in the sink, flipped off the small television and made his way to the bathroom. “Well, Bradley,” he looked at his reflection. He turned on the water and splashed his face. He reached for the towel draped over a nearby bar and dried his face before looking back in the mirror. “Hickory dickory dock, the cops are on the clock,” he said. “Before the clock strikes one, you’d better finish what you’ve begun.” He grinned. “Hickory dickory dock.”

  ***

  “Are you sure that you’re ready for this?” Alex asked Michelle.

  “I think so.”

  “All you have to do when he shows up is smile and tell him that Jameson is looking for some last-minute help. Jane will be here in less than an hour. She’ll give you cover if you need it; okay?”

  “What if he doesn’t show up?” Michelle asked.

  Alex forced herself to smile. “Then we go to plan B.”

  “Is there a Plan B?”

  “There’s always a Plan B. Listen, Shell… Agent Robbins and Agent Johnson are here. They know how to blend in, just like Jane knows how to work this.”

  “What about you and JD?” Michelle asked. “If he goes to the house…”

  “I can take care of myself,” Alex assured her. “Jameson can handle this. Claire will be close to her the whole time without him knowing. There’ll be a small invisible army ready to take him down. Trust me; I have no intention of pissing off your mom.”

  Michelle chuckled nervously. “Did you try the address he listed?”

  “It doesn’t exist,” Alex said. “Sorry, Shell. That would’ve been the easy way.”

  “And, Plan B?”

  “Not for you to worry about,” Alex said. “I’ll see you later.” Alex made her way to Agent Robbins. “Claire gave you the green light,” she said.

  “But you have your doubts.”

  “This isn’t a chance for you to make a name for yourself,” Alex said. “It’s your responsibility to give me ears, and to keep Michelle steady if needed. That’s it.”

  “I got it.”
/>
  “Make sure you do, Robbins. You and Johnson aren’t the only eyes I have in this office,” she warned him. With a deep breath, Alex turned and walked out the door. Please let this work.

  ***

  Cassidy shook her head and laughed at Abby and Connor as they ran through the backyard.

  “They certainly have a lot of energy,” Helen Toles observed.

  “That, they do.”

  “You seem a little quiet today,” Helen said. “Anything wrong?”

  “No,” Cassidy lied.

  “You’re a horrible liar, just like Alexis.”

  A deep sigh preceded Cassidy’s response. “I think Alex and Claire are planning to try and apprehend someone today.”

  “She told you that?”

  “More or less. She called early this morning right before I took Kenzie to school.”

  “I don’t need to tell you that Alexis and Claire can handle themselves, and likely anyone else they encounter.”

  “No, you don’t,” Cassidy replied. “That doesn’t make the waiting easier.”

  “You’re not used to her being away so much.”

  “No, I’m not,” Cassidy admitted. “To be honest, it’s been much harder than I thought it would be this time.”

  “I understand.”

  “I miss her.”

  Helen patted Cassidy’s knee. “You’re not the only one,” she said. “We all do. Are you regretting that she went back to the FBI?”

  Cassidy shook her head. “No.”

  “But?”

  “I suppose I got used to our life the way it’s been; Alex coming home in the evening, marching off to soccer games and track meets together. It’s selfish of me; I know it is. Sometimes, I wish it could be that way forever.”

  “Mm. It’s not selfish,” Helen disagreed. “Selfish would be holding her back.”

  Cassidy sighed. “Dylan asked me about what Alex used to do.”

  “You mean at Carecom?”

  Cassidy shook her head. “At the CIA. He overheard you and mom talking about Dad and Nicolas.”

  “What did he hear?”

  “He didn't say—enough to ask questions and draw some conclusions.”

  “What did you tell him?”

  “The truth, just not all of it.”

  “That's what has you worried.”

  “Not worried. Sometimes, I wish our lives were less complicated.”

  Helen laughed. “I'm sorry,” she said. “I'm not laughing at you. I've had that same thought so many times over the years.”

  “Really?”

  “God, yes and God, forgive me, sometimes I look at Nicky and Barb and I envy their innocence.”

  “Nick must have some idea about his father and Alex, particularly with Jonathan in the equation.”

  Helen smiled. “Oh, I'm sure he does. He's never asked and I've never offered details.”

  “Neither has Alex.”

  “Sometimes, I envy their world, Cassidy—only sometimes. I loved Nicolas for who he was. I love Alexis for who she is. I would never want to change Nicky or his world. But, I wouldn't want to live in it either.”

  “No?”

  “Would you? Honestly? I don't know. I used to think I didn't agree with the decisions Nicolas and Alexis made.”

  “And now?”

  “Someone has to make those decisions. Someone has to be willing to take those chances. Don't get me wrong; I'm sure I would have issues with many things they've done. I know they both made their choices for the right reasons. I wish the life they chose wouldn't come with so much pain at times, but pain comes in its own time anyway.”

  “Yes, it does,” Cassidy agreed.

  “I guess, I prefer seeing the world as the messy place it is. Maybe that's because that's all I've ever known. It isn't better from where I sit, but it is colorful,” Helen laughed. “It isn't selfish to look at the grass on the other side of the fence and envy it every so often. We all do it. The important thing is that you tend the lawn on your side, and remember to appreciate it.” She chuckled. “Even if it is full of weeds from time to time.”

  Cassidy smiled and looked back over at her children. She was grateful to have Helen Toles in her life. Having Helen in the family had meant the world to Alex. Helen’s presence had strengthened their family. In many ways, Cassidy saw her mother-in-law as the glue that held them all together. While Cassidy adored her mother, over the years, she had often confided her deepest fears in the woman beside her. She was worried about Alex. She was concerned about Dylan. She still had moments when she struggled to connect with her father. Helen provided both stability and solace for Cassidy. She was like a mother, but more than that, she was a friend.

  “I’m glad that you are here today,” Cassidy said.

  “Why? Think I can get those two under control?”

  “If anyone can, Mom—it’s you.”

  “True,” Helen agreed. “Alex and Claire will be fine,” Helen said. “Neither of them will want to miss out on the chance to drive the other crazy.”

  Cassidy laughed. “You caught that too, huh?”

  “They’re more alike than they think,” Helen observed candidly.

  “Yes, they are.”

  “And, neither wants to endure your wrath,” Helen joked.

  “True.”

  “YaYa!” Abby ran over.

  “Yes, my pumpkin?” Helen addressed her granddaughter.

  Abby put her hand on Cassidy’s stomach. “Kenzie says we get anudder sister.”

  “Oh, did she?” Cassidy asked.

  “Yep!” Connor called from behind his sister.

  “And, what makes Mackenzie think you will have another sister?” Cassidy wondered.

  “’Cause, she knows stuff,” Connor explained.

  Cassidy raised her brow. “Is that so?”

  “She’s smart, Mommy,” Abby said.

  Helen had to hide her face. Mackenzie was, without any doubt, the most precocious of her grandchildren. She suspected that Connor might give his parents a run for their money in time as well, but she kept that suspicion to herself.

  “Well,” Cassidy said. “What if you have another brother?”

  “Nope,” Abby replied.

  “No?” Cassidy questioned.

  Connor shook his head. “This is a house of women,” he said seriously.

  Cassidy’s jaw dropped at the statement.

  Connor shrugged. “Kenzie says so,” he explained with a grin. He grabbed his sister’s hand and pulled her along toward the tire swing.

  Helen burst out laughing. Cassidy shook her head and laughed along. “Where does she come up with this stuff?” Cassidy wondered.

  “She’s creative,” Helen said.

  “That’s one way to describe it.”

  “Oh, she has a lot of you in there,” Helen said. “I know she’s a lot like Alexis. She is, but she’s articulate beyond her years. That, I think, she gets from you.”

  “I’m not sure I’d say that.”

  “I would,” Helen said. “Have you thought any more about writing?”

  Cassidy sighed.

  “You used to talk about writing a book. Why don’t you?”

  “Funny you should bring that up.”

  “Oh?”

  Cassidy smiled. “Candace asked me if I’d consider working as a speech writer for her.”

  “You should!”

  “I don’t know,” Cassidy shook her head. “I’ve never done anything like that.”

  “What do you mean? You campaigned for years for Christopher.”

  “I did, but…”

  “Did someone else write your speeches?”

  “No,” Cassidy said. “I had input, but no.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “This is different,” Cassidy said. “Candace is on the world stage. She deserves the best people on her team.”

  “Seems to me that’s what she’s asked for.”

  Cassidy chuckled. “There are people far better qualified tha
n me.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  Helen shrugged. “Well, I don’t know Candace Reid well, but she seems to me like someone who knows how to discern talent.”

  Cassidy sighed.

  “Do you respect her?”

  “Candace?”

  “Yes,” Helen replied. “Do you respect her?”

  “Completely,” Cassidy said. “She’s one of the most intelligent and thoughtful people I know.”

  “Oh…”

  “Oh, just say it.”

  Helen looked at Cassidy. “Then I suppose she would be intelligent and thoughtful enough to know you might be able to help her.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “What is it?” Helen wanted to know. “Would you have to travel?”

  “No.”

  “Okay. So, is this because you’re afraid you won’t be successful or is it because you’re afraid you might love it too much?”

  “I….”

  Helen nodded. “I know you, Cassidy—as well as I know my daughter, I think. You can love this family and support them and still have something for yourself.”

  Cassidy sighed.

  “It’s your decision. Don’t regret not trying,” Helen advised.

  “You think I should accept.”

  “I think you want to. I think it’s something you can do that is completely for you, and I think maybe you need that now more than ever.”

  Cassidy reached across the short distance and squeezed her mother-in-law’s hand. “Thank you.”

  “Cassidy, you already know what I am about to say, but I’m going to tell you anyway. I know that your mother and I tease you and Alexis endlessly. You’ll learn as the kids grow that it is part of claiming playful parental revenge,” she winked. “But don’t ever doubt that I love you every bit as much as I love Alexis, and I know that your mother feels the same way about my daughter as she does about you. We have a different vantage point than either of you do. We watched you grow up. And, one thing I do know, Alexis was floundering until she found you—not in her career, but in herself.”

  “She’s not the only one.”

  “Mm. I know that,” Helen said. “Some people just fit. They are meant to find each other. That doesn’t happen for everyone. There’s a big difference between loving someone and living your life with them. You can love and never be able to live with a person. You can live with a person most of your life and never be in love with them. I’ve seen both. The thing about loving someone the way you love Alexis is that you can sometimes forget that they love you just as much. Don’t give up yourself, Cassidy. I did that for too many years. As much as I love my children, and as much as I loved their father; I forgot that there was a me behind it all for a long time. I know you love your children. I know how much you love Alexis. One day, your children will need you differently, and unfortunately, one day you might be parenting them at a distance without Alexis by your side. I hope that day is a long, long time from now, but no one knows better than me that the day will come for one of you. Alexis has always had something outside this home to fall back on. You need that too.”