Cassie stood and walked to her husband. Bringing her arms around his neck, she sighed. “I just wish that for once I could give you something special first. You keep doing things for me that mean so much to me, you know that?”
Rick was always uncomfortable with compliments, but none so much as when Cassie complimented him. “Don’t say that, Sass. You give me something special everyday. You love me and that’s the only thing I want. Don’t thank me for this.”
Cassie sighed. “I wish you’d accept praise now and then. I’m not trying to embarrass you. I just want to make sure that you know I appreciate the things you do.”
“I know you do, that’s enough,” he looked around the room. “So, what do you think of the place? I figure we can use it as a safe house, too, since we’re far enough from the city.”
“You are thinking positively, aren’t you?” Cassie commented seriously. “Rick, unless Luther drops dead tomorrow, no place is completely safe. You know that as well as I do, don’t try to sugarcoat things for me.”
Rick laughed. “If Steve could hear you say that. I’ve never sugarcoated anything in my life. Some places are safer than others, Cassandra, that’s all we can hope for.” His expression also became serious. “Let’s try to enjoy a few days here though. You wanted this and so do I. It’ll be good for us both.”
Cassie smiled and nodded. “I suppose swimming in the ocean will be exercise.”
“Mmmm-hmmm.” Rick slid his tongue down Cassie’s neck until he reached her shoulder then reversed the action to trail his lips up to her mouth. He kissed her deeply before pulling back slightly. “Swimming isn’t quite the exercise I had in mind.”
“My goodness,” she said with a soft moan, “what’d you have for breakfast this morning?”
“As I recall,” he mumbled huskily, “you.”
For the first time in days, the trademark Rick smirk made an appearance and they both laughed. It had been too long and it felt good.
When he woke, Rick reached across the bed and was surprised to find he was alone. Sitting up he looked around the bedroom expecting to see Cassie, but she wasn’t there. He smelled coffee. How she could have snuck out of bed without him hearing her? Then again, she could be quiet as a mouse or wake the dead when she wanted. It all depended on her mood when she awoke each morning. And pregnancy had nothing to do with her constant source of keeping him on his toes trying to figure her out.
In the living room, Rick looked out the window toward the beach and found who he was looking for. Coffee cups in hand, he walked outside. As he approached, he noted Cassie wearing his shirt and a blanket wrapped around her waist as a skirt. She wore no shoes. He stood just behind her and extended his arm around her, offering her an empty coffee cup.
“Oh that’s very funny,” she quipped. “I want coffee and I want it now. I don’t see what all the fuss about caffeine and pregnancy is these days. My mother drank coffee when she was expecting me and…”
“You just answered your own question, darlin’.” Rick laughed.
“You take a funny pill or something, Ricky?” Cassie started laughing as well and turned to face him.
“Just a good dose of you.”
“Sleep well?”
“No,” Rick answered, his smile turning into a leer. “And thank you, again.”
“My pleasure, again.” She looked down. “You’re barefoot, good for you. There’s hope for you yet, Mr. Jarrett. Come on, I want to show you something.” Taking Rick’s hand, she led him down the beach.
They walked toward the side of the cliff that protruded out into the ocean as Rick had described the night before. Leading him around the edge of a rock, Cassie moved into a small, cave-like enclosure and spread the blanket out on the sand.
“You know, when the tide comes in, this place is underwater,” Rick observed, looking behind him at the ocean.
Cassie patted the blanket beside her. “You think you can last that long?”
Rick’s eyebrows shot up. “I can if you can.” They both grinned. Sitting next to her he took her hand and kissed it then noticed her expression. “What’s wrong?”
Cassie only smiled and put Rick’s hand on her stomach. “He’s moving. Do you feel that?”
“No, not yet. I will soon. I’m glad you can feel it though, tells me the kid’s got spirit kicking you early.” He took his hand away and lifted it to her face stroking her jawline. “I love you.”
Cassie turned her head in surprise. “What brought that up?”
For a long moment, Rick didn’t answer her. He only smiled and continued stroking her face. Cassie’s brow creased slightly and that seemed to make Rick smile more. Finally he took her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Let’s take a walk.”
Instead of walking out of the cave, Cassie put her hands on Rick’s shoulders and gently pushed, indicating they should sit back down on the blanket. After a kiss she lay down, pulling him down with her. “I don’t need a walk with you, I need you. And, I love you too.”
Neither of them was smiling. Smiles usually meant happiness and while they were not unhappy, they didn’t feel the need for a smile to convey what they meant to each other. The day began and ended the same way, with a feeling of contentment neither had ever hoped to have.
* * * * *
Their days passed quietly with relative peace until Cassie brought out the book of baby names.
“Rick, this baby isn’t getting any younger,” she noted. “We need to pick a name or names. You can’t keep saying we’ve got months. We need to decide on something.”
“Fine,” Rick said, sighing heavily. “Suggest something.”
“I meant you suggest something.” Seeing Rick wasn’t about to talk, she continued. “Oh, all right. How about really naming a child Cassiopeia?”
Rick’s eyes shot sideways in her direction, but he said nothing. Instead he playfully threw a pillow at her. “Don’t push it, lady.” Lying on the couch, he put his arm over his eyes. “How about Gabrielle?”
“I like that,” Cassie’s eyes lit up. “What made you think of it?”
“Because if she’s anything like you we can call her Gabby.” Rick peeked out from the arm covering his face to see Cassie give him a dirty look. “We’ll name the baby when we hold it. Now let me take a nap.”
Cassie made a small noise and walked outside. “Don’t go too far!” she heard Rick yell after her. At the edge of the water, she removed her shoes and sat down. With a small stick she began writing names in the sand before the waves lapped up, erasing what she had written.
Names were important to Cassie. Even naming pets as a child she had to find the perfect name. A German shepherd had been named after nearly two weeks of constant arguing between her and her father. She refused to name the dog something mundane. They only agreed on a name after Blake found a name in a book written about a girl with a strong appreciation for things done properly, which as he translated, meant things done her way. The character’s name had been Hildegarde, but in keeping with wanting something original, Cassie added her own special touch. The dog was named Hilda-Guard, Hilda for short.
Smiling as she remembered the story of her dog, Cassie was not aware that she had company until she noticed one bare foot on each side of her. Before she could move, two arms came from behind and closed together in front of her. She didn’t move, but instead arched her head slightly giving the person full access to her neck and shoulder. She wasn’t disappointed. Several kisses warmed her shoulder before the person stopped and rested his jaw against the side of her face.
“You’re going to get into trouble someday sneaking up on people like that.” She laughed.
“In my line of work most people don’t expect me to kiss them,” Rick said lightly.
“Most?” Cassie gave him a disapproving look. “You mean some do expect you to kiss them? If that’s the case, husband, you’d best find yourself a new line of work.”
Rick nudged her with his chin and took the stick. “There is a
name for a boy that I’ve always liked. But I don’t think you’ll like it.”
“Don’t think for me, Rick,” Cassie said, taking the stick back.
“Mac,” he whispered. “I can’t tell you why, but I like the sound of that name.”
Cassie didn’t respond, but Rick knew what she was thinking when she started writing an M. Sure enough, she continued with two more letters to spell Mac.
“I’ll think about it,” she said seriously. “Thank you for finally coming up with at least one useable suggestion. Mac, huh?”
“Mac, huh,” Rick said and stood up. “I’m going in to town. I want to get a newspaper to catch up on current events. Plus, we’re out of milk and I promised Martin you’d drink a lot of it. I shouldn’t be too long. Want to come along?”
“No thanks, I’m kind of tired,” Cassie answered. “I think I’ll finish that nap you started. And don’t buy whole milk. I know Martin means well, but that stuff’s like drinking cream. And buy some frozen pizza and cookies. Real cookies, not those low fat things that think they’re cookies.”
Rick pulled Cassie to her feet. “Anything else? Maybe some pickles and sardines?” Smiling, he put his arm around her and they walked back to the house. Once inside, Rick put on his jacket. “Lock the door. I’ll be back in an hour.”
“You don’t like leaving me here, do you?” Cassie asked pensively.
“No, but I will. You’ll be fine.”
“I’ll be fine,” she agreed.
Locked inside, Cassie watched Rick climb the steps to the top of the cliff and disappear from view. She went to the couch and soon drifted off to sleep.
When she awoke Cassie found Rick sitting in a chair across the room. He was reading a newspaper and other than looking up when she moved, he didn’t react. Looking at the clock, she was startled by how long she had slept.
“Why’d you let me sleep so long?” she asked, standing up to stretch.
“I figured you needed the rest,” he answered. He didn’t look up. “I just got back a couple minutes ago, so I couldn’t have woken you up earlier anyway.”
“It took you three hours to get cookies and milk? Did you have to milk the cow?”
“No, I didn’t have to milk the cow!” Rick slapped the paper down. “I was delayed. Now please make our dinner, I’m hungry.” With that he walked into the bedroom.
From the first day Cassie met Rick, she learned that it was best to leave him alone at times. This was one of those times, but she didn’t know why. If he spotted danger in town, he would have moved them out immediately, but something was obviously upsetting him. Deciding to let him deal with his mood, she started dinner.
Cassie called Rick to the table and held her breath as he sat down. His hair was wet and he wore his after-shower sweatpants and T-shirt. He smiled at her, but made no comment.
They ate in silence. She attempted a few words, but he wouldn’t respond. Finally having had enough, Cassie dropped her fork on the plate loudly.
Rick looked up to find her staring intently at him.
“What?” he asked almost innocently.
“What?” Cassie responded in the same tone. “Rick, you haven’t said boo to me since I woke up. What’s the matter? Did you see something bad?”
“Everything’s safe here, don’t worry. I’m just tired. Good night.” That said he got up and returned the bedroom shutting the door.
Cassie’s mouth dropped open. It was only six-thirty and he was going to bed? Something was wrong. No, Mr. Jarrett, she thought, opening the bedroom door, We do not keep moods like this to ourselves any longer.
Rick was looking at a small piece of paper when the door opened, but quickly put it down before Cassie reached the bed. When she sat beside him he remained silent then pulled her close to him. He still said nothing, but he held her in a way that told her he wasn’t mad at her.
She must have fallen asleep because the next thing Cassie knew, she heard Rick in the living room. He was just putting their suitcases by the door when she entered the room.
“I thought we were staying another week,” she said softly.
“Change of plans,” Rick responded flatly. “Something’s come up. I have to go back.”
“You have to go back, Rick?” Cassie asked sharply. “Don’t you mean we?”
“Yes, we have to go back,” he snapped. “I wasn’t planning on leaving you!” Cassie jumped at his reaction and Rick bent his head. “I’m sorry. We need to go home now, okay? We’ll come here again soon.”
Cassie turned to go back into the bedroom, but stopped when Rick said her name. A moment later his arms came around her, squeezing gently. Though still confused, she leaned her head back against him just long enough to let him know she was okay. She hoped he would be too.
Chapter Nine
The return trip was quiet. Cassie knew Rick had something on his mind, but didn’t begin to feel fear until they headed straight for the office instead of their apartment. Once there, he waited for her to get out of the truck. He still hadn’t said much of anything to her since that morning.
Steve was in the hallway and greeted them. “You two have a good time?” His smile faded fast when Rick walked by without uttering a sound. Looking at Cassie, Steve raised his brow. “You two have a fight?”
Cassie shook her head. “If we’re fighting, he won’t let me in on it. He was fine when he went out yesterday, but came back in this mood.” She put her hand on Steve’s arm. “It isn’t me, he made that clear, but something’s got him upset. Steve, I’m scared.”
“Scared of what, Sassy Cassie?” Lori grinned as she walked up to them.
Cassie cast a glare at Steve because of Lori’s remark. He looked like an embarrassed little boy. “Sorry, Cass.” He turned his attention to Lori. “Rick’s got another burr up his…under his saddle.”
Lori looked at Cassie, but Cassie stopped her question. “It wasn’t me.”
“Well, I sure wish I knew what it was,” Kevin’s voice sounded behind them. “He sent me to get you guys. And man, is he is a bad mood.”
As soon as Rick saw Cassie, he went to her. He didn’t say anything, but smiled slightly before taking her hand to lead her to the chair next to his. He continued holding her hand after they sat down. Rick waited for Kevin, Steve and Lori to take their places around the table.
Now all eyes were on Rick. Taking a deep breath he attempted to explain his mood.
“As Cassie knows, I went into town yesterday morning to buy a paper. It’s only about a ten minute drive down the beach, so that’s why I’d left Cassie. I didn’t expect to be gone more than forty-five minutes. Nothing eventful happened, but as I was getting into the truck, I noticed there was something in the back. I lifted up the tarp and found two kids hiding underneath. They weren’t really kids, they were probably around twenty years old give or take, a boy and girl.” Rick gestured at Cassie. “The girl was very pregnant. The boy begged me to drive them to the highway. They were afraid of something and I didn’t figure them for a threat, so I agreed.”
“You picked up hitchhikers?” Cassie asked, alarmed. “That could have been dangerous.”
Rick shook his head. “I didn’t pick them up and since they were in the back of the truck and I had a gun, I wasn’t worried. You didn’t see them either, they were scared senseless. I drove to the highway and pulled off to the side to let them out. They kept looking behind them the whole way, too. The kid offered to pay me. I said no, but he insisted and took out his wallet. His hands were shaking so bad that I’d had enough. I grabbed his arm to get his attention and asked what they were so afraid of.”
Rick laughed slightly. “I think they were hoping I’d ask too because the kid sighed and spilled his guts.” He let go of Cassie’s hand and leaned forward on the table. “The kid said that they’d been staying at a house for single expectant mothers.”
“Are you talking about the Greyson House?” Kevin asked. “That place has been operating for years and has a good reputation
for taking care of young women who have nowhere to go. My dad’s pharmaceutical company makes regular donations.”
“I know that,” Rick said. “But let me finish. These kids were alone and that’s how the ended up there. The boy said everything was fine for the first couple months they were there, but then they started hearing about how during the last few years a lot of the babies and mothers were dying—or disappearing.
“Two weeks ago the kid heard screams one night and snuck out to see what’s happening. He said one of the girls was being taken outside, put into a car and driven off.”
Cassie’s hand had absently moved to her stomach. Noticing this, Lori put her hand over it. “Go on, Rick,” she said.
Seeing Lori’s hand over Cassie’s, Rick sighed heavily then continued. “Well, the kid followed the car and saw them handing the girl and a baby over to another person. The next day, everyone was told that the girl had died in childbirth along with her baby.” A small mumble passed between those around the table before quieting enough for Rick to continue. “After hearing that, the kid and his girlfriend waited a few days and then ran away. They said they walked most of the way until they saw me drive into town and hid in the truck. I don’t know why they thought they could trust me, though.”
“Probably because of that kind smile you always wear on your face,” Steve suggested sarcastically.
“You said they had taken one of the mothers, too?” Lori asked Rick. He nodded. “Then they’re doing more than just selling babies. Well, you’re right, this needs to be checked into further. But isn’t it a little out of our league?”
“Not at all,” Rick disagreed. “It may be out of our usual field, but not really. Think about it, it’s still protecting. The only difference is the protected won’t know they’re being protected.”
“Well, maybe we can get someone to go in and snoop around,” Lori suggested. “Of course it would be better if we actually had someone who was pregnant.”
“You do,” Cassie said quietly, looking up at Rick. “This is why you were so upset, isn’t it? You knew I was the only person here who could pull this one off.”
My ShadowMy Love Page 12
