My tone was mocking and flippant. Hell, it was downright mean, but Ty just stood there with his hands on his hips and let me rant, never once retorting with a biting reply. His patience made me hate myself even more, but I couldn’t seem to control my outbursts. I knew it was probably time to get back on the meds, that I should muscle through the side effects, but I couldn’t stomach the idea of months of sleepless nights and endless nausea. And I didn’t want the baby exposed either, even if there were currently no known risks. You never knew what would be discovered in the future, and surely, a little anger and frustration was preferable to exposure to chemicals.
“Okay, look,” Ty said. “I can move our desks out of the den and that can be the nursery for now. I’ll get a storage unit and clean out the entire house, make it safe. It won’t be forever, Jill. I promise. It’ll all work out, you’ll see. And if that’s not enough, maybe we can just rent a bigger place until we get a loan approved again. All right?”
I rolled my eyes. “And keep flushing our money down the toilet? Yeah, that’s a great plan, Ty. Terrific.”
“Come on, work with me here. It won’t take that long, only a few more months or so. In the meantime, I need you to focus on the baby, on staying calm. Okay? For me?”
I groaned in reply, but nodded for his sake. I’d already tried it his way, to let it go, to make the best of a bad situation, but that didn’t work for me anymore. I wasn’t going to just accept it and wait for things to get better on their own, or worse, wait for the cops and DA to get off their collective bureaucratic ass. I would figure something out on my own, and God help that woman when I did.
Chapter Nine
Jillian
I lay in bed all night thinking, staring into the darkness, but the solution to my problem was elusive. I thought about asking Uncle Joey for help. He would love the opportunity to demonstrate his influence, to bang a few heads together for the benefit of a loved one. But my father complicated that idea. He barely tolerated his brother. It was all I could do just to get Uncle Joey invited to my wedding. My dad was embarrassed by his brother’s entanglement with “the family,” a nefarious organization that had been operating in the neighborhood for countless generations. He believed it endorsed the Italian-American stereotype he tried so hard to disprove through honest, hard work.
My father had seen up close and personal just how Uncle Joey and his associates operated, several times from what I remember. I’d heard my parents arguing over it when I was little. My dad worried endlessly that my mom, sister, and I would be exposed to such a dangerous element, so I knew he would be disappointed if he ever found out I had used Uncle Joey to work around the law. And I couldn’t delude myself into believing that Uncle Joey wouldn’t take the first opportunity to tell my dad either. It was a matter of pride between brothers. Uncle Joey always wanted to show his worth, to give credence to his value and choice of lifestyle. That his brother’s daughter would come to him for help, instead of her own father, would provide years of bitter resentment and conflict. So, as tempting as it was, Uncle Joey was definitely out.
Then there was Nick. I was very reluctant to involve him, as well, but at least it wouldn’t get back to my father if I did, though Tyler was a different story. Just like my dad and his brother, Ty would never approve of me involving Nick. After everything that had happened and the choice Nick had made, there was no way Ty would accept his brother sticking his nose into our business. But I couldn’t think of a better alternative.
Always the one to follow every rule, Tyler was unwilling to do anything but wait, and the authorities would likely sit on my case for months. I couldn’t just accept that someone out there was screwing with my life, that she could steal our dream of owning a home. Next, she would likely take the very food from our mouths. That was unacceptable. The stress and frustration of doing nothing consumed me. My stomach blazed with it in constant irritation. And though I burned through too many bottles of Tums to count, I still wasn’t willing to start back on my anxiety meds. Surely dealing with and solving my own problem was far healthier for me and the baby than relying on drugs.
After turning over every detail and possible scenario, I finally decided to call Nick in the morning and at least ask his advice. Besides Uncle Joey, I didn’t know anyone else who associated with criminals, and the way I figured, who better to deal with one felon than another? So after Ty left for work in the morning, I called Nick and invited him over for coffee. Half an hour later, he was knocking at my door.
“Hey Jilly. You look lovely, as always,” he said, greeting me with a kiss and a bear hug. “God, I’ve missed you.”
His green eyes sparkled, and he beamed his signature grin. Save his eyes, Nick’s face was the very image of his brother’s, only younger, but he stood nearly two inches taller, all bones and wiry muscle, like he hadn’t quite grown into his body yet. Whereas Ty’s close-cropped hair was dark, Nick’s was a dusky, burnished gold, bleached in the blazing sun of his youth. It hung in long, thick waves across his forehead and over his collar, brushing the black leather jacket that fit snugly across his shoulders. He looked both playful and dangerous all at once.
But it was his speech that exposed the greatest difference. Nick’s twangy Australian accent was considerably sharper than Tyler’s, which, true to his Anglo roots, sounded more British, though even that had softened and was now slightly nuanced with an American timbre. Ty was twelve when his family moved from London to Melbourne. Nick was so young—not quite four years old—that his speech was more affected by the move. And Nick hadn’t been in the States as long, just over four years compared to Ty’s ten. But stranger still was the clipped tone Nick had taken on lately, which I assumed was due to time spent with his new Russian friends.
“Thanks for coming over, Nick. I really appreciate it.”
Though he seemed reluctant to let go, I backed out of his embrace and looked into his eyes. He stared back with a curious longing I had never seen before.
“Sure, sweetheart. It’s never a problem. You know that, don’t you?”
He reached out and, with remarkable tenderness, tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear. Then his fingers traced along my jaw before his hand fell back to his side. The gesture felt intensely intimate, even for Nick. I stuffed my hands into my pockets and took a step back, dropping my gaze to the floor as a warm flush swam through me. Nick sighed, but it sounded like frustration to me. I peered back up and tried to smile.
“So, what’s all the drama about?” he asked.
“Well, I um… I have a problem, and I can’t figure out a way to fix it. I was hoping you might help me out somehow.”
“Yeah? What’s wrong? Ty not treating you right?” His tone was light-hearted, but I picked up on a subtle signal that he was only too willing to step in and save the day, should I ask.
I waved my hand. “No, everything’s good there. My problem is with someone else.”
I took a few minutes and told Nick about the house Tyler and I had found, and how we’d lost it. I explained Erin Anderson’s role and the DA’s unwillingness to move forward. He acted just as sympathetic as his brother, but unlike Ty, Nick didn’t just leave it at that.
“And what would you like me to do about it?” he asked, his posture as forthright as the unspoken word in his eye that told me he would do whatever I asked.
But I wasn’t quite sure how to ask, because I really didn’t know what I was asking for myself. I stammered, unable to find the right words, and embarrassed that I would stoop to begging for his help when all he’d ever received from me and Ty was harsh judgment for his poor choices. It felt hypocritical, to say the least, but I felt I had little choice.
Nick closed the gap between us and captured my hand. “Spit it out, Jilly. There’s a reason why you asked me to help and not Ty.”
“That’s the problem right there. Ty won’t do anything. He won’t even try, and he doesn’t want me to either. According to him, I’m just supposed to suck it up and wait for
the authorities to take care of everything.”
Nick chuckled. “Of course. You know Ty. A regular Dudley Do-Right, that one.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Can’t say I expect anything different.”
“I can. I expect him to help. I am his wife after all.”
“Well, I would do anything for you, Jilly. You only have to ask. You know that, right?”
I could only nod silently.
“So, what’ll it be then? You want me to talk to that woman, straighten her out a bit?”
He had a hard glint in his eye, easily considered mean if you didn’t know him, and I wasn’t so sure I did any more, so it even made me a little nervous. But I suppose that was exactly why I had called Nick in the first place.
I bit my lip, unable to keep my eyes level with his. “Well, something like that, I guess. I mean, I’m not really sure. I just want her to admit what she’s done, you know. I want her in jail where she belongs. And I want my life back,” I said, throwing up my arm.
He snickered. “I don’t know if I can manage all that, but I’m sure my friends and I can scare the holy hell out of her anyway. Not sure what good it’ll do, but I can try, if you’d like.” Nick winked and pulled my hand up to his lips. “I’ll do whatever you need me to, Jilly.” He stroked my cheek with the back of his fingers.
I attempted to snatch my hand away. “Nick, come on,” I scolded. While I was used to his casual flirtations, his latest effort had ticked up considerably, and it was making me very uncomfortable. “I’m serious.”
“What? You think I’m not?” He dropped my hand and smoothed over the hurt look in his eyes. “Okay, I get it. Message received, loud and clear.”
I reached for his hand. “No, Nick, that’s not what I meant.”
He raised both hands in the air. “No, it’s okay, really. I understand.” He wagged his finger back and forth between us. “This is business, right? Well, I’m your man, whatever you need, sweetheart. I’ll just go pay Ms. Anderson a visit and see if we can...work something out. I’ll let you know how it goes. Good enough?”
I nodded once more, feeling guilty, but oddly relieved.
“Good. Now come here.” He held his arms out wide. “I promise not to bite.”
I walked forward and Nick folded his arms around me once more. He placed his chin on top of my head like I was his kid sister, though the way he rubbed my back felt much more intimate.
“I’ll take care of everything. You’ll see.” He kissed my forehead, slow and tender.
“Thanks, Nick. I knew you’d help.” I rested my hands along his waist. “I’ve missed you, too, you know. So has Ty.”
He snorted in disbelief. “Yeah right.” He clamped his arms down around my expanding belly and started to tickle me around the ribs.
My initial giggling quickly turned into sharp squeals as I twisted to escape his arms. We were both laughing hard when the door to the garage swung open and Tyler burst into the room. His eyes shot back and forth between me and Nick. His look of surprise morphed quickly into suspicion as his eyes narrowed and his lips pressed together. He didn’t look too happy to see Nick, especially with his arms locked around me. I tried to break free, but Nick tightened his grip, smiling at his brother with a greeting.
“Ty, old man. How the bloody hell are you?” Nick pushed me back at arm’s length and winked before turning to Ty with a wide grin splitting his boyish face.
“Nick,” Ty acknowledged dryly as he shook his brother’s outstretched hand. He shot me another suspicious glance before he turned back to Nick. “It’s been a while. What brings you here?”
“Oh, come on, do I really need a reason to see my big brother and his lovely bride? Actually, I just wanted to see how fat little Jilly was getting,” he explained as he rubbed his palm over my extended belly. Nick laughed when I slapped his hand away. “I think the old girl is filling out quite nicely, don’t you, brother?”
Ty stepped toward his brother. “Nick,” he replied as a warning.
Nick raised his arms up in mock surrender. “Apologies. Didn’t mean to offend,” he said, but there was a sulky twist to his lips, and mischief twinkled in his eyes.
Tyler turned toward me. “Jillian, what the hell is going on here?”
He had a short fuse when it came to Nick, always distrustful of his brother’s motives. I opened my mouth to speak, but Nick interrupted, his eyes darting from me to Ty.
“Relax, old man. Jilly’s just been filling me in on the house hunting, that’s all. No worries. Sorry to hear it’s gotten so...complicated.”
Tyler stared at him for a moment before raising his chin in understanding. He was instantly in Nick’s face, pointing his finger in warning.
“You stay out of it, Nick. I mean it. This is none of your business or your concern.”
Nick pushed his brother’s hand away. “I’d be careful if I were you, brother. I’m no longer that weak boy who followed you around like a lost puppy.”
Tyler reacted swiftly, surging forward and pushing Nick back against the wall. His lips were pressed together in an angry line and he spoke through clenched teeth.
“You stay the fuck out of my affairs, you hear me? And stay away from my wife! She doesn’t need your kind of help.”
They stood facing each other, nose-to-nose. Ty’s face twisted in anger, but Nick looked unfazed, even amused, a smirk pulling up along one side of his mouth.
“Funny, Jillian doesn’t seem to agree with you,” he countered. There was a defiant challenge in his eyes as he stared unafraid at his older brother, a new level of confidence for him. A reward of standing toe-to-toe with the Russians, I would bet.
“Nick, Tyler, please. Stop this!” I squeezed my hands between their bodies and tried to separate them.
After a long, tense moment with Nick still pressed against the wall, Ty took a step back and held his arm out toward the door. “Nick was just leaving. Weren’t you, Nick?” he said, his eyes still locked with his brother’s and his jaw ticking in agitation.
“Yeah, right.” Nick stood still, his eyes unwavering and locked onto Ty. Finally, he stepped away and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. “G’day, sweetheart. We’ll talk soon.” he said, his voice sweet once again. “Remember what I told you,” he added in a soft whisper. He took another step and glared hard over his shoulder before he walked out the door.
Tyler turned toward me, his face red and his eyes blazing with anger. “You keep him out of this, Jillian. Do you understand me? Under no circumstances is Nick to be involved. Everything he touches turns to shit and you know it.” He pointed his finger at me, just as he had done to Nick. “You let this go, once and for all, you hear me? You let it go.”
He stared at me for a few seconds more then walked past me into the den. He retrieved some building plans and left the house without another word, slamming the garage door behind him.
I clenched my hands into fists and heaved a sigh, trying in vain to cleanse the frustration from my head and the acrid burn from my stomach.
“Oh well,” I murmured in resignation, “Guess I’ll be taking care of this one on my own.”
Chapter Ten
Jillian
Tyler and I didn’t talk about Erin Anderson again. Nor did we discuss Nick, the police, or the District Attorney. My case was off limits now. He thought a warning was all I needed to let the whole thing go, to accept what fate had decided best. But as he slept beside me later that night, I continued to lay awake, silently working on how best to approach Erin.
The following evening, we had another huge blowout, and I spent the night alone while Tyler slept on the sofa. During those long hours apart, I decided I would just go ahead and do what Nick had been planning. I would talk to Erin, scare her a little. I’d tell her the cops knew about her and were going to arrest her soon, and if she just confessed, they would go easier on her.
Better yet, I would tell her about Uncle Joey and even Nick and his Russian friends, explaining that there were many who
wouldn’t mind putting the screws to her if she didn’t step up on her own. It wasn’t altogether a lie. And the message would be the same, just a different messenger, since there was no way Nick would ever cross his brother now.
I had no intention of telling Tyler. He’d just worry. What’s worse, he’d be pissed. He’d never allow it, and I really hated when he’d try to control me in his self-righteous, paternal way. I could handle him even if he did find out. I’d take care of everything on my own and be back before Ty came home from work. I worked through all the things I would say to that woman during the hour-long drive up to Napa. If I confronted her at the spa where there were other people—guests and fellow employees—I could use the threat of embarrassment to keep her calm and force her to listen. It seemed like the best plan, for now anyway. I didn’t know what else to do, but I did know I couldn’t just let it go, no matter what Ty had ordered.
I parked out front of the spa and entered the spacious lobby. Erin wasn’t at the concierge or reception desks where I had seen her on my last visit. I walked up to the check-in counter and smiled a pleasant greeting.
“Excuse me. Do you know where I can find Erin Anderson?”
“Oh, you just missed her. She left on her break,” the young woman said, but then she glanced at her watch. “But it’s only been maybe five minutes. You might be able to catch her out back in the employee parking lot.” She swung her head toward the rear doors.
I hooked my thumb over my shoulder. “Back that way?”
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