Devin let go of her chair and stepped toward the back door. “You stay here.”
She grabbed him by the arm, stopping his forward motion. “You’re not going out there alone.”
He turned to her, worked his arm free from her grip, then slipped his hands into hers. “I don’t know what or who might be out there, and I’m not willing to risk you getting hurt, especially after my vision this morning.”
“But you’re not completely healed, Devin. It could be dangerous for you.”
He lifted a hand and cupped her check, brushing a thumb over her lips. “I’d rather risk my life than yours. Now, stay here while I go investigate.”
Before she had time to protest further, he’d disappeared out the back door. She stood still for only a second, then the reality of the moment sank in and she raced for the phone. Devin was outside in the cold, unarmed with God knows what. She needed help.
She grabbed the cordless from its base and raced back to the kitchen while she debated on calling Eric or 9-1-1. Her fingers hovered over the phone buttons. She should have gone out with Devin instead of allowing him to go alone. What if the person had a weapon? What if there was more than one person? Enough what ifs! She pushed talk and had half of Eric’s number dialed when the back door swung open. Her gaze darted from the phone to where Devin entered with his hand wrapped around the hood of a teenage boy’s jacket.
“Look what I found.” Using more strength than she thought possible he swung the kid around to face her, nearly taking the lad off his feet in the process.
She pushed the off button on the phone and set it on the table. “Aren’t you the kid from the music shop?”
With his head hung low, he nodded. The motion caused his hair to fall down, blocking her view of his face.
Devin pushed him into the kitchen and let go. “Sit.”
The kid plopped down onto the kitchen chair, but refused to look up.
Devin began to pace. “It’s Jason, right?”
The kid nodded.
“Okay, Jason. Do you mind telling me what you were doing lurking outside Tess’s house in the dark?”
He produced a digital camera from his pocket and held it out in his hand. “I wasn’t going to do anything bad. I swear. I wanted to take a picture of you.”
“Why?”
“Because the tabloid magazines are offering a lot of money to the first person who can produce a post-accident picture of you.”
Tess leaned against the counter and crossed her arms. “Not only is it an invasion of his privacy, but you’re also trespassing on my property. You could get into a lot of trouble.”
His eyes went wide, and he jumped from his seat. “Please don’t call the cops. I’m on my last year of probation, and if I get picked up they’ll send me back to juvy.”
“If you were worried about going back to jail, why would you take the chance?”
Jason sank down onto the kitchen chair and dropped his hands into his lap. “Look, I’ll admit I’ve made some mistakes, but I haven’t had the most supportive home life either. My dad is an alcoholic and doesn’t work. My mom works two jobs and is never home. If I want to go to college, which I do, then I have to pay for it myself. What the tabloids are offering would not only put me through community college or a good trade school, but also give me enough to live on while I did it.”
He leaned forward and dropped his head into his hands. “When I found out Mr. McFadden was staying here, I figured I could sneak a picture through the window without bothering anybody.”
As much as she didn’t want to, Tess was starting to feel sorry for the boy. It wasn’t as if he were trying to steal from her or hurt anybody. He was simply trying to capitalize on an opportunity to better his own situation. “Why didn’t you call and ask for the picture?”
“I would have, but Mr. Goodwin keeps all the clients' info private, which means asking him for your phone number. He would have went off if I’d even suggested the idea. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good man. He did give me a job and take me under his wing when everybody else wrote me off as a troublemaker, but he also agreed to keep Mr. McFadden’s visit private. I don’t want to screw up what little time I have left there.”
Devin stopped his pacing and shifted his attention to Jason. “What do you mean what little time you have left?”
“Mr. Goodwin is retiring in the spring. In two months, he’s closing the store and moving to Florida and I’ll be looking for a new job.”
“Really? Why doesn’t he sell the business?”
Jason shrugged. “I don’t know. I think he tried, but nobody was interested. It’s a real shame too because he has a solid base of repeat customers.”
“Wait a minute.” Tess pushed off the counter and held up a hand. “We’re getting off topic here, and I want to know how you managed to find my address but not my phone number.”
“Mr. McFadden bought the Marshall half stack you two couldn’t carry. Mr. Goodwin wrote the address on a piece of paper for the deliveryman. I got a look at the paper and memorized the address.” He turned his attention to Devin. “Right now, I don’t have much of a future, but the money from the picture could change things for me.”
For several long seconds, Devin looked at Jason, as if considering what the boy had to say. Then he looked to Tess. “Can I talk to you privately?”
Wondering what he could possibly have to say that he couldn’t in front of the kid, she followed him out of the kitchen and down the hallway.
“I’m going to let him take the picture.”
Her eyes went wide. “Excuse me? Do you know what kind of risk you’re taking?”
Devin nodded. “The kid has to promise not to tell where he got the picture from.”
“And if he does.” Tess folded her arms over her chest.
“We’ll have to scare him into thinking that if he does, we’ll press trespassing charges. It’s obvious he wants to better himself, so jail is the last place he wants to be.”
Tess looked from him to the opening leading to the kitchen and back to Devin. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
Devin glanced back at Jason and nodded. “If it hadn’t been for my music, I could have been that troubled kid when I was his age.”
“But you didn’t come from a troubled home. You’re parents loved you.”
“Honey, you don’t need to have a shoddy past to turn bad.”
He had her there. How many kids had she seen come through the emergency room or end up in ICU that had come from good homes, but ended up with the wrong crowd? “Okay. It’s your life, not mine. You think giving him the picture is the right thing to do, I’ll stand behind your decision.”
With a hand against her spine, Devin followed her back to the kitchen, then stepped in front of Jason. “I’ll give you the photo.”
Jason lifted his head and looked up, his expression one of surprise. “Really?”
“Yes, really. But you have to agree not to reveal where I’m staying.”
Jason shook his head. “Oh no, Mr. McFadden, I promise not to tell anybody.”
“Good. Now let’s take the picture, then over dinner you can tell me more about Mr. Goodwin closing his store.”
Chapter Eleven
Tess curled up on the couch and snuggled against Devin’s shoulder. “Well that was an interesting evening.”
“Yeah, sorry about dinner, but after Jason explained things, I felt bad about sending him home without eating first.”
She rested a hand over his chest. “You always did have a good heart.”
He placed his hand over hers. “I could see myself in him, Tessa. The desperation to make something of himself, the drive to keep from allowing the situation to drag him down, I had the same thing when I was his age.” He squeezed her hand. “I don’t know how, but deep down, I know he’s a good kid who needs somebody to give him a chance.”
“And you’re going to give it to him.”
He shrugged. “What’s a picture? If he can ma
ke some money by selling a photo of me, then what’s the harm? I’d rather see him earn the dough than those paparazzi who hover like vultures waiting for the perfect shot.”
For several minutes, they sat in silence enjoying the movie, then he spoke again. “Did I tell you my brother called today?”
Tess bolted upright and looked at him with wide eyes. “Gavin called you?”
“Yep. Apparently, he recently returned from his project in Australia and learned about the accident. He was worried when he realized I hadn’t called.”
“You explained everything to him, right?”
Devin nodded. “He said he wants to fly up and spend some time with me.”
Tess reached out and rested a hand on his. “How do you feel about that?”
He shrugged. “Okay, I guess. After all, it wasn’t his fault my parents did what they did.”
“You’re right, but I’ve always wondered why they didn’t send both of you to your grandfather?”
Devin’s lips tipped into a cock-eyed smile. “Gavin was eleven and could be of some help to dad while mom spent time in the hospital recovering from her mental illness. I was a holy terror, and looking back, I don’t think Dad could've handled dealing with me on top of everything else.”
“Yeah, but after she got better they left you in Ireland. I never understood how they could do that.”
“They didn’t want to screw me up even more by making me come home after I’d finally settled in there. Now I’m older and I can see that, but back then, I assumed they didn’t love me anymore.”
“That must have been a horrible feeling for you.”
Devin’s eyes clouded over, and he dragged her to him, burying his face in her hair. “It was, but my grandfather did an awesome job raising me and for that I’m thankful.”
Her heart ached for him, and she wished more than anything she could make him feel better. “Well, there’s one good thing about you spending ten years in Ireland.”
“What’s that?”
“You came back to the states with one sexy Irish accent.”
He laughed and when he pulled away, wiped his eyes. “You always did know what to say to make me laugh.”
For several seconds they stared at each other, the tension rising around them. Devin slipped a hand behind Tess’s neck and leaned forward, brushing a soft kiss over her lips.
Knowing all too well where he was heading, Tess pulled away. Another night in bed with him would only add another crack in her already fragile heart. Until she could be sure he meant what he said about staying, she needed to continue protecting her heart. “You promised me a night of snuggling on the couch watching television.”
He grinned. “Considering I’ve broken enough promises to you already, I don’t want to add anymore to the list. Come here and get cozy.”
She snuggled next to him and yanked the throw off the back of the sofa to cover them. With remote in hand, he flipped through channels while she positioned the blanket just right.
He settled on an old eighties teen movie. As they watched, Tess’s mind continued to race from topic to topic and she couldn’t stop the hopeful curiosity building. “I can’t believe you’re thinking about buying the music store.”
“Why is that?”
“I don’t know. I guess I assumed when all the hype blew over you’d go back to California.”
Devin angled his head toward her, curled a finger beneath her chin and tipped her face up. “I told you, I’m here to stay, Tessa, and I meant it. Yes, I’ll have to go back to Cali and sell my house, pack my stuff, but Mechanicsburg has always been my home, and I want to settle down here.”
She opened her mouth only to have the ringing of the phone interrupt her. Shifting, she reached behind her and grabbed the cordless off the base sitting on the sofa table. “Hello?”
“This is Andre Thomas, Mr. McFadden’s lawyer, is he there?”
“Yes. One moment please.” Tess put her hand over the speaker “It’s your lawyer.”
Devin pushed up from his seat and accepted the phone. “Andre. It’s good to hear from you.”
He moved the far side of the room. “Un huh, and what did they say?”
Losing interest in the movie, Tess picked up the remote and began flipping through the channels while she pretended to ignore his conversation.
“Did you tell them there was no way in hell I’d do that.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed him leaning against the doorframe separating the den and the dining room.
“When?” His gaze shifted back to her. He smiled and blew her a kiss. “Tomorrow?”
His grin quickly morphed into a frown, and Tess could feel the tension in the room rise. “Where?”
He let out an exasperated sigh. “You know, I don’t have a car, right?”
“Rental? Yeah, that won’t give away where I’m staying or anything. Come on, Andre, you’re my lawyer, can’t you do better than this?”
He put a hand to his head and rubbed. “Right. Okay. No, I’ll be there.”
Without saying goodbye, he pushed the off button and turned back to Tessa. “He has a meeting set up with the record company for tomorrow at one of his associate’s offices in Philly. I need to be there.”
She pushed off the couch and walked toward him. “Do you want me to go with you?”
He shook his head. “I’d hate for you to miss work.”
“How are you going to get there?”
“I guess I’m renting a car.”
“Do you think you’re healed enough to drive?”
He nodded.
“Well, instead of renting a car and running the risk of revealing your whereabouts, why don’t you take my car?”
“How are you going to get to work?”
Tess waved off his concern. “I’ll catch a ride with Tori.”
****
“I really appreciate you giving me a ride.”
Tori shook her head. “It’s not a problem. I’m happy to do it.” She drove away from the curb and turned down the side street toward the main road. “What did you say happened to your car?”
“Devin needed to borrow it. He had to get up early and drive to Philly for a meeting with his lawyer and representatives from the record company.”
“He’s well enough to drive, already?”
Tess nodded. “He’s still limping a bit, and his hand is still bandaged. Other than that, he’s not doing too bad, but he’s always been a quick healer.”
“I’ll say. It’s only been what, about two weeks or so since he left the hospital.”
Knowing if the discussion continued on its current path, she would have to reveal more about Devin’s powers than she wanted, she changed the subject. “So, how are things going with your church group?”
The corner of Tori’s lips lifted into a smile. “They’re going well. Thank you for asking.”
“I know how important your participation in the church is, and I remember you saying how this youth group was a big deal.”
“It is. We’ve already touched so many souls, Tess. You should come one Sunday and see for yourself. It’s beautiful to watch these children on their journey to find God.”
Tess gave herself a mental smack for picking the topic of the church. She knew once a person got Tori started there was no shutting her up. It wasn’t that she minded the idea of the Church and God. Even knowing Devin’s history and the fact he was a witch didn’t diminish her need to believe in a higher power. What drove her crazy was Tori’s incessant need to preach in an attempt to convert new believers.
“I’m sure it is.”
Tori made an abrupt left hand turn into a strip mall and headed for the end store. “Listen, I want to run through the drive-thru at Java Lava. You want anything?”
Thankful for the quick change in subject, Tess shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“No?” Tori arched a delicate brow. “Aren’t you the one who said you can’t function this early without coffee?”<
br />
“Usually, but I’m not in the mood.”
“Okay, so what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Why?”
“Because I know you and you never pass up the opportunity for a caramel latte, so what gives?”
“I guess I’m a little concerned about Devin’s meeting today. What if the record company holds him to the contract and he has to leave again?”
“I don’t see how they can. With his hand damaged and the rest of the band gone, I can’t imagine how it could benefit them to keep him bound to a contract he can’t fulfill.”
“True, but what if they claim breach of contract or something and try to sue him? From what I’ve heard, the music business can be brutal. I’d hate to see him lose everything he’s worked so hard for.”
“Why are you so worried about what happens to him anyway. Didn’t you tell me he broke your heart?”
“Yeah, but people change and he says he wants to stay here, settle down and start a family.”
“Really? And you believe him?”
“Yeah I believe him. For all his faults, Devin’s never lied to me.”
Tori angled into the drive through to order “Are you sure you don’t want anything?”
“No thanks.”
Tori ordered and drew up behind the car waiting at the window. “Hey, can you reach into the back seat and grab my purse for me?”
Tess leaned over to pull Tori’s purse from the seat and noticed a small duffle bag sitting open in the floorboard. She paused as she stared at the contents inside. What would Tori be doing with syringes and other medical equipment in her car? “What’s all this?”
Tori glanced over her shoulder. “Oh nothing. It’s my bag for when I volunteer over at the East Side Free Clinic.”
Tess could feel the frown coming on and did her best to hide it. Even if she did volunteer, it didn’t seem right that the clinic would allow her to keep equipment and medicines in her car. “How long have you been volunteering there?”
“Oh about three months I guess. It makes me feel good to help those who can’t afford or are afraid to seek out medical care.”
Tess straightened in her seat and handed Tori her purse. “I didn’t know you volunteered.”
Best of Intentions Page 11
