by Kylie Parker
Nevertheless, despite their best efforts to get rid of any evidence, the federals agents were able to find skid marks, on the road outside the mill, from motorcycle tires and also some footprints, which belonged to Clay’s men. One by one, the bikers were brought in for questioning, but naturally, they all denied knowing anything about the arson. Unable to prosecute them for anything, the NCIS had to let them go. But still, they wouldn’t leave. In fact, twelve days after the murder, they widened the search area, and one day afterwards, they found Rivers’ body and dug it up.
Jake was concerned, whereas Clay did not seem to worry at all, maintaining that, even so, his guilt could not be established, because he had wiped the serial number off his shotgun. The NCIS could not match the bullet to his weapon. Still, no matter what his friend told him, Jake could not shake the feeling that something had gone wrong. Two weeks to the day after the murder, he discovered that he had every reason to do so, as he found a thick, brown envelope in his storage room. It was from Holly. It contained a number of pictures and a few hairs in sealed, plastic bags and also, a letter from her.
“My dear Jake,
I’m really glad you didn’t ask for that key back. If you had, I wouldn’t know how to do this. The closest neighbor to your bar is two hundred yards away, but your place is at the end of the street.
First of all, you should know that I know everything about that night. The Sheriff told me all. That marine had kidnapped Allison, and he was about to kill you both, when Clay showed up. The Sheriff has known him for a long time, and thinks he is being honest with him. I believe him, too. I have seen you with him: I know how close you guys are. That is why I had to steal all the evidence the NCIS had found against him.
You see, one of Clay’s men was sloppy and a little stupid, not to mention greedy. I’m talking about Tom Farris. He stole the money from Rivers’ wallet, but he didn’t take the wallet. He put it back in Rivers’ pocket. The NCIS were able to recover fingerprints. Don’t worry, they only found these about an hour ago. They were too tired to run them through the system. That procedure could take hours. I stayed at the station after my shift and ran the fingerprints. That’s how I know they belong to Farris. Also, the hairs in those bags are grey. Clay is the only biker with grey hair. He got lucky, though. The power went out, just when the feds where about to test those hairs for DNA. They postponed the test for tomorrow morning. Please, don’t tell anyone I gave these to you. I could lose my job. By the way, you should burn all the evidence, including this envelope.
I’m really happy you found the guy behind everything. I wish you’d told me, so I could give him a piece of my mind. That man ruined the best thing that’s ever happened to me. No, sorry. I did that. I believed that picture, when I should have given you a chance to explain yourself. I keep asking myself why I did that, but, every time I do that, I end up crying. Life has been very hard without you. I wake up in the morning, hoping to see your face, but you’re not there. Every time there’s a thunderstorm, I remember our first kiss. My God… you took me in your arms and I felt like I was being pulled away from this world. After that, all I could think of was seeing you again, kissing you again, touching you, feeling you…
You were right to accuse me of not trusting you. I am usually a lot less insecure than that. I was just scared of losing you. But please, try to understand, Jake. It’s happened to me before. I’m not saying you’re the same as that moron I used to date. It’s just that you and Allison had been together for a lifetime. I found it hard to believe you wouldn’t get back together with her. Yeah, I know… You said you wouldn’t. I should have believed you back then. I regret it now.
I heard that song you mentioned to me that night. God… I can’t even begin to describe how I felt; so full of pain, so emotional, that I started crying before the first chorus. Then that chorus hurt more: much more. Because no one will hold me from dark until dawn, baby. No one will love me like you. You never said it, but you didn’t have to. I saw the love in your eyes, Jake. I saw it when you talked to me, when you made love to me. I saw it in your tears, the day I came by the bar. I heard it in your voice. God, how I’ve missed that voice… I miss you so much… I’ve never missed anyone so much in my whole life.
I love you with every beat of my heart.
All my love,
Holly”
31
“He’s never going to call you, sugar. You’d better suck it up: move on; this is not healthy,” Cathy’s emphatic tone did not go down well with Holly. Heated arguments between the two friends had become part of their everyday routine. Place or time didn’t matter. Holly claimed there was still hope, whereas Cathy expressed her doubts. As usual, she was being quite blunt. “Man, I’ve met my fair share of stubborn people, but this guy? He’s as stubborn as a mule.”
“Here we go again,” Holly sighed, gazing out her living room window. “You call him that every time we meet. Aren’t you tired of repeating yourself?”
“Not when it comes to him. You made one mistake: just one,” She raised her index finger in the air. “And he doesn’t want to forgive you. Doesn’t he make mistakes? Who is he, God?”
“Why don’t you put yourself in his shoes?” Holly would still not raise her voice, preferring to look up into the cloudy, evening sky. “What would you do if you found out your boyfriend doesn’t trust you?”
“I don’t know, Holly,” Cathy sighed (it now being her turn to do so), using a sweeter tone than before, as she handed her friend a mug of tea. “I wouldn’t like it. That’s for sure. But, break up with him? I don’t think so.”
“I broke up with him,” Holly corrected her, lifting the mug to her lips. “I hurt him; I said he wasn’t true.”
“He has too much pride,” Cathy concluded. “That pride has built a wall between you.”
“He’s a military man,” Holly stated, turning to her friend. “He may be retired, but, in his heart, Jake will always be a marine.”
“So, what: marines are made of stone?” Cathy’s voice was reeking of sarcasm. “They’re human, aren’t they?”
“Seriously, are you pretending to not understand?” Holly wondered, a hint of annoyance in her voice. “I insulted his honor. That’s the worst thing you can do to a man like him.”
“I thought honorable men didn’t hang out with criminals,” Cathy scoffed.
“Jesus!” Holly replied in a raised her tone, shaking her head. “You don’t let up, do you? That ‘criminal’ saved his life the other day. Jake would be dead if it hadn’t been for Marshall.”
“You’ve told that story a million times already,” Cathy complained.
“That’s because we’ve had the same conversation a million times already,” Holly remarked, furrowing her brows. “Frankly? I’m sick and tired of arguing about the same things, over and over. I know how you feel. Just stop reminding me on a daily basis, okay?”
“I’m only looking out for you, honey,” Cathy said in a much nicer tone, raising her hand to her friend’s face. “You haven’t been the same since you guys broke up. You don’t smile anymore. You don’t eat. You hardly sleep. You always bring him up. Why are you doing this to yourself?”
“Because: it’s the only way for me to feel closer to him,” Holly replied, her voice low and wobbly, as tears welled up in her eyes. “Every time I talk about him, I think he’ll just…” She faltered. “Walk through that door.”
“Awww; baby,” Cathy whispered, opening her arms. She took her in her embrace, as two tears rolled down Holly’s cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Cathy,” Holly said, her voice broken as she rested her head on her friend’s shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m sorry,” Cathy put a little force in her own voice. “I should be trying to change the subject, instead of calling him names all the time.”
“Could you go get me some water?” Holly politely requested. “I don’t feel so good.”
“What’s wrong?” Cathy spoke, a touch of worry in her tone as she leane
d back.
“I’m fine,” Holly sighed, wiping her tears off her face. “I’m just a little tired, that’s all.”
“Sit down,” Cathy whispered. “I’ll be right back.”
Holly bent her knees, attempting to ease her mug down on the living room table to the right, as her friend made her way towards her kitchen; but as she did, the world around her darkened. She closed her eyes, as the mug slipped through her fingers. It landed on the table. Hot tea spilled all over it and the carpet, as Holly’s body swayed backwards. She landed hard and flat on her back, her arms close to her waist, her legs slightly apart.
“Holly!” Cathy’s voice was riddled with tension and fear, as she sprinted across the living room. “Oh, my God!” she cried, dropping to her knees beside her friend. “Open your eyes, baby. Come on. Open your eyes for me,” her words tumbled over each other as she gently slapped her friend. Holly’s eyelids twitched. Cathy cupped her cheek and put her free hand on her wrist.
“Are you alright?” Cathy asked with her own eyes dark with shock, as her friend slowly opened her blurry eyes.
“What happened?” Holly whispered.
“You passed out,” Cathy gasped. “You look so pale… when was the last time you ate?”
“Last night,” Holly responded, her voice faint.
“What?” Cathy’s face loosened in utter disbelief, as she opened her eyes wide. “That was twenty hours ago! And a power bar doesn’t really qualify as ‘dinner’, does it? Jesus Christ, Holly! Hold on to me.”
Holly grabbed her left forearm, as Cathy pulled her hand away from her face. She reached down and took her friend’s wrist into her palms, before pulling her up.
“I think I can walk,” Holly’s said in a voice that was still somewhat faint, as Cathy helped her back to the couch.
“Don’t tell me what you think,” Cathy urged, panting for breath, as her friend seated herself.
“I’m scared,” Holly confessed, leaning her back against the couch. “I won’t be alone in a few months.”
“Oh, my God…” a whisper of deep concern left her lips, as she covered her mouth with her hands. “You’re…”
“Pregnant,” Holly finished her friend’s sentence, her voice broken, as a flash of lightning lit up the night. “I went to the gynecologist yesterday.”
“What are you going to do?” Cathy inquired in a barely audible voice. “Does he know?”
“I’m keeping it,” Holly’s answer was quick. “He doesn’t have a clue.”
“He’s the father. You have to tell him,” Cathy’s emphatic tone returned, as she leaned over her. “If you don’t, then I will.”
“I’ll tell him,” Holly whispered. “I just don’t know when.”
“The sooner, the better,” Cathy suggested, her voice firm, as a streak of lightning tore through the night. “In fact, I think you should go talk to him tonight.”
“Okay,” Holly said with a nod. “Tonight it is.”
32
A few minutes later, Holly felt better and decided to do as promised. Cathy had a point; Jake had to know. Still, she would not allow her to do this all by herself. She seemed a little too frail to drive and it had been pouring with rain. In spite of her objections, Cathy insisted she drive her to Jake’s bar. Holly was left with no choice other than to allow her to do so. Another heated argument with her would only make things worse. So, the two friends left her living room and went to her front door. As Holly opened it though, she saw a familiar face: Jake. He was standing next to his car, with his arms folded across his chest, getting drenched by rain.
“I’ll be inside if you need me,” Cathy said. Closing her front door behind her, Holly began to climb down her small staircase. As Jake started towards her, feeling cold water dripping down his face, his heart began beating so loudly that he could hear it.
“What are you doing here, Jake?” she asked, sucking in a deep breath. “Are you here to tell me off again?”
“No,” he replied, taking one last step closer to her. “I should, though. What you did was pretty reckless. You could get fired for it. But, it was also very brave. Clay and his crew owe you their freedom.”
“I don’t care about my job!” Holly yelled, her voice broken, as large tears brimmed up in her eyes. “I only cared about one thing: and I lost it.”
“We both did,” Jake nodded, keeping his voice calm and steady, as the rain pelted down around them. “I came here to thank you. You kept them out of handcuffs.”
“I didn’t do it for them,” Holly shook her head sideways. “But it doesn’t matter, does it?”
“Yes, it does,” he disagreed, his voice deep and soft, leaning over her, as rain drops rolled down her hair, her forehead and her cheeks. “Of course it does. You messed up, but I made mistakes, too. I shouldn’t have left that night. I should have stayed here, until you heard me out. I was just too shocked: too sad; I had lost…” He paused, feeling tears rising up in his eyes. “I had lost my angel.”
“I’m not an angel,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, as two tears rolled down from her eyes. “I’m just a girl, who fell in love with a boy.”
“You are…” Jake whispered, biting his lower lip as he lifted his hands to her face. “You will always be an angel. My angel…” his heart melted, as she more tears fell out of her eyes. Tilting his head down, he ran his thumbs across her cheekbones. Their lips locked in a long, tender kiss, as one more flash of lightning lit up the night. Holly wrapped her arms around his waist, as he pulled her closer. Jake’s right hand crept around her neck and into her hair, as a deafening crack of thunder tore through the night. Drowning in her scent, he let go of her cheek and circled his arm around her upper back, as she held him tighter by the second. A single tear streamed down his face, as he ran his fingers through her long, silky hair. Strands of it were brushing against his soaked skin, as he tasted her salty mouth. Jake kissed her upper lip and then laid a quick kiss on the tip of her nose, before taking her in his embrace.
“I love you, my angel,” he said in a loving whisper, as she rested her head on his chest.
“I love you too, baby,” She sniffled, as he circled his arm around her neck. “But, there’s something else you need to know,” she added, slowly leaning back.
“I’m listening,” Jake spoke in his baritone, as he caressed her back.
“There’s no easy way to say this,” She took a deep breath, as her gaze shot up to meet his. “I’m pregnant.”
“Pregnant?” He whispered: gazing deep into her eyes; his heart leaping with joy; as a small smile formed on his face. “I’m going to be a father?”
“Yes,” Her short response widened his smile. In a split second, it turned into a huge grin. He didn’t speak. Instead, Jake took her back in his arms and tightened his grip around her, laying a soft kiss on her cheek.
“That’s the best news I’ve ever heard,” he confessed, his sweet words bringing a broad smile to her face, as she ran her hands up his back.
“A wonderful father,” Holly said in a voice filled with bliss.
“My angel’s having my baby,” Jake allowed himself a small laugh. “I can’t believe this.”
“I didn’t know how to tell you,” She heaved a long, deep sigh, leaning back. “I didn’t want you to think I was using the baby to get you back.”
“I wouldn’t have hung you out to dry,” He assured. “Let’s go inside.”
“Oh, no,” she snorted. “Cathy’s in there. She doesn’t like you very much. Get back in the car and wait for me. This won’t take long.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he smiled, loosening his grip. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”
33
Ecstatic with the idea of paternity, Jake returned to his car. Nothing could wipe the smile off his face. His angel was back in his life and, more than that, she was pregnant with his baby.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better development. Or could I? I mean, I’m thrilled about the baby, but isn’t t
here anything else I can do to make this better? Yes! I can think of something that will make you happier, my angel.”
He hadn’t even finished his thought, when he saw Cathy emerging out of Holly’s house. Jake kept his gaze fixed on her, as she crossed the small pathway. And, much to his amazement, she did the exact the same thing. The stiff look on her face was not a good sign, but he would not look away. Finally, Cathy moved around his car and stopped, right outside his door.
“Um, hi,” he said, rolling his window down. A big smile spread across her face, before she bent her head in towards him. Incredibly, Cathy kissed him on the cheek.
“I guess you’re not such a dick after all,” she said in a mellow tone. “You better take good care of her, okay?”
“Always,” he nodded, as Holly entered the SUV. “Goodnight.”
“Nighty-night,” Cathy waved, as he started the engine.
“You’ve done the impossible,” Holly said, her tone lazy as she laid her head on his shoulder. “She hated your guts, until a few minutes ago.”
“Up until tonight, I wasn’t my biggest fan, either,” Jake said, driving off. “I made such a mess of everything.”
“If you’re talking about us, let me assure you that you didn’t,” Holly continued. “I agree; you could have forced the issue on your side, but I don’t blame you.”
“It’s not just us,” he pointed out, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “When I found out the hacker’s location, I got careless. I wasn’t thinking straight. All I wanted to do was beat the crap out of him. I should have been a hell of a lot more careful, but I just barged in there willy-nilly. I should have known he’d have eyes in the area. He was waiting for me.”
“Always a hothead,” she teased, putting her hand on his knee, “a really wet hothead.”
“Exactly; I should have kept my cool,” Jake admitted. “You’re not so dry yourself, missy.”
