Sins of the Father

by Melissa Barker-Simpson

  The sound of footsteps came a moment before Detective Potts appeared. He walked directly to Brad’s side to place a restraining hand on his shoulder. “I’ll take it from here.”

  He didn’t need to be asked twice. Brad relinquished control so he could return to Alicia. “Are you hurt?” he asked, checking her over as he untied the binds.

  “No, I’m not hurt. I just need to get out of here.”

  He lifted her into his arms, careful not to squeeze too tightly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Alicia couldn’t answer. She buried her face in his chest and held on for dear life. There were no words to describe how afraid she’d been.

  Brad ran a soothing hand over her hair and felt her tremble. “I’m going to get you out of here.”

  He walked straight past Paul Meeks without giving him another glance. He couldn’t hurt anyone now. The man could barely form a coherent sentence.

  Alicia had recovered enough to lift her head by the time they’d made it to the first floor. She didn’t need to be carried any further, but she couldn’t seem to ask him to put her down. He was as reluctant to let her go.

  “What happened to JJ?” she asked, tired now that it was over.

  “He’s fine.” He lowered her to the ground. “I’m going to take you out through the back. Detective Potts has it cordoned off pretty tight out there, but you’ve been through enough.”

  “I’m okay, now that it’s all over, I’ll be fine.” She rested her head against his chest. “I knew you’d come, I just didn’t know if there’d be time-”

  “Shh, I’m here.” He tightened his arms around her.

  “No, it’s not that.” Alicia pulled her head up so she could look at him. “I didn’t know whether I’d see you again, or if I’d get the chance to tell you that I want to be in your life. I want you.”

  Brad came undone at those three simple words. He buried his face in her hair and allowed, just for a moment, his emotions to rule him. “I thought I’d lost you.”

  She felt his body tremble and moved her hand in a soothing motion up and down his back.

  They stood that way and allowed time to pass them by; they both needed the contact. Brad had purposely led her away from the route they would take Paul Meeks. She didn’t need to see him again.

  “I’m sorry I put you through that.”

  He shifted so he could see her face. “I was scared because I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it. I’m not afraid anymore.” He lifted her into his arms again before she could protest. “There’s just one more thing before I get you the hell out of here.”

  The kiss was unexpected and sweet. He lingered only a moment or two, teasing her lips with his own.

  “Take me home,” she whispered against his mouth.

  “It would be my pleasure.”

  Justin was waiting for them when they got to the back door. If he’d parked any closer he’d have been in the building. It was enough to make her smile. He opened the door so that Brad could lower her into the jeep. His face held a secretive smile, one she only understood when she saw her brother waiting anxiously in the back.

  Jack dragged her across the seat as soon as she’d touched down. He clamped his arms around her so tight she could hardly breathe.

  “Hey, what’s all this? It’s over now, honey. We’re okay.”

  “I hate that this is what you went through when I got hurt. The pain of almost losing you was unbearable.”

  She waited calmly until he’d loosened his grip. Then slipped her hand into his and held on tight. “But you didn’t lose me, baby brother. If we agree never to do that again will it make you feel better?”

  Jack smiled because he knew she was making an effort to help him through the shock. “Nobody, and I mean nobody, is ever going to keep us apart again,” he said fiercely.

  “No they’re not.” She laid her head on his shoulder and looked at Brad through the rear-view mirror.

  They began to move slowly through the traffic, weaving in and out of the obstacles until Alicia felt her eyes drooping.

  “I know you need rest, but I promised we’d stop off at Burton House first. Everyone is waiting to see you.”

  “So our families have been waiting it out together,” Alicia said with a smile. “That’s nice.”

  “It made the most sense.” Jack kissed the top of her head. “An hour tops, and then you can get out of there. It’s either that or the hospital, because Sarah insisted on getting you checked over.”

  Alicia’s eyes flew open in surprise. “She has Dr Fisher with her, doesn’t she?”

  “You bet.”

  She couldn’t help the chuckle. There was no point arguing. If that’s what it took to put Sarah’s mind at rest, it was a small price to pay.

  “Okay, wake me up when we get there.” Alicia settled further back into the seat and allowed the steady rumble of conversation to lull her to sleep.

  Chapter 25

  The hour turned into three. She held fatigue at bay, hovering between a state of elation and blind panic. It was over, but though her head seemed to accept that, her heart was still trapped in the basement.

  Her friends were supportive. They smothered her in affection, and made it impossible for her to feel alone. It took a great deal of cajoling to get Sarah unglued from her side.

  She loved her friend, but when at last it was time to leave, she was glad of the escape. Her emotions were like a pressure cooker and her family weren’t helping the fight to keep it under control.

  Brad took her home. It was the first time she’d seen him behind the wheel of a car and he handled it like he did everything else, with a quiet competency.

  She was silent as he followed the familiar path to her home. She tried to remember the last time she’d seen it. She was used to leaving for weeks at a time, but she couldn’t remember ever wanting to be home quite so much.

  Brad watched her from the corner of his eye. She was still too pale for his liking. He could see the strain that control was putting on her body and wondered what he’d do when that control began to crack.

  She lived in an apartment on the edge of the city. He’d driven past it often enough, but he couldn’t seem to picture Alicia being part of such a community.

  He’d seen her in different environments. He could picture her living in a moderately sized house, at peace with the solitude he knew she favoured from time to time.

  Perhaps it was because his mind was wandering and the picture he painted was a place to come home to – to her. It scared him a little. Their relationship was not something he’d wanted or expected. Now he didn’t want anything else.

  Still, it helped that the security for the building was airtight. It seemed they were both having difficulty believing it was over.

  When they pulled into the parking garage, he saw her settle a little. Here, at least, she was on familiar territory.

  “Thank you, Brad. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am.” It was the first time he’d heard the polite tone from her and he didn’t care for it. Maybe because he didn’t say anything her nerves kicked in. “You don’t have to stay. I’d appreciate if-”

  “No, I don’t have to stay.” He turned her face to look at him. “I’m not here because I have to, but because I want to be.”

  He could see the relief in her eyes, but there was the gratitude she’d spoken of. He didn’t want it, and because he didn’t know how to deal with it, he did the only thing he knew how. “Let’s get you inside.”

  It wasn’t until they were outside and Brad took her hand in a supportive gesture that she felt her control slipping. It was all too much. The moment they were in the lift, the floodgates opened. She sank to her knees, neither acknowledging nor caring where they were.

  Brad hit the emergency stop button and sat down beside her so that he could pull her into his lap. He felt her tremble as the sobs wracked her body and held on tight. He didn’t say anything. He simply stroked her hair and waited it out. />
  Eventually, the crying subsided. Alicia had her head buried in his chest; and was curled in a tight ball. But her breathing was even again and her body was slowly beginning to relax.

  “Better?” he asked, kissing her hair.

  She looked up at him with a small smile. “Much.”

  Even with eyes all puffy and red, she looked beautiful. He was toast.

  Alicia saw the moment his expression changed from simple concern to desire. She felt her heart accelerate in response. There weren’t any barriers this time, so she saw or felt none of the hesitation.

  His mouth claimed her almost possessively; there was a need in him, matched only by her own.

  Brad repressed the emergency button to release the lift. He was impatient to get his hands on her, but they seemed incapable of finding a private spot. It occurred to him that Alicia was in a compromising position, so he pulled her away gently.

  “Perhaps we should take this to your apartment before I lose my mind and ravish you on the floor of this lift.”

  She laughed wickedly, standing as he did. “Maybe I want to be ravished.”

  “Hold that thought.”

  The subtle ping of the lift was like sweet music. It may have been a private elevator but he didn’t appreciate an audience, no matter how far away.

  The door opened into a small alcove just behind what he presumed was the living room. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her forward, blind to anything but Alicia and his own desire to take.

  “This’ll do.” His voice was rough and impatient.

  It sent a thrill racing up her spine. She’d never seen him like this; without a rein on his control. He looked glorious; dark eyes shining as he stood by the couch.

  “I knew there was a reason I bought this. It always seemed so big-”

  She broke off when he pulled her towards him, his hands winding into her hair. His lips were as urgent as he was. She answered his demands willingly, falling with him onto the soft couch and sinking into him. She was seeking a different kind of comfort now and he was more than willing to give it to her.

  ***

  They made it to the bedroom eventually. Alicia lay snuggled into the crook of his arm, drifting in and out of sleep.

  Her eyes flickered open when he started to stroke his hand up and down her arm. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Mm,” he answered, skirting on the edge of sleep himself.

  “Is JJ okay?”

  Brad opened one eye as he considered the question. “Yes, JJ’s okay.”

  “It’s just that I didn’t see him earlier and I wanted to. There’s something I need to say to him.”

  “He’s having a few days off.” Brad propped himself up on his elbow. “It’s a difficult time for him. He’s still struggling with what he views as a failure in protecting-” When she started to protest he shook his head. “It’s what he does. It doesn’t mean he’s right. He’s also going through something personal. It’s the anniversary of his sister’s death this week, so he normally takes a few days.”

  He saw the sympathy cross her face and though he appreciated it, he knew JJ wouldn’t.

  “I’d really like to talk to him. Do you know where he is…please, it’s important to me.”

  “I can hazard a guess, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. We usually steer clear for a day or two.”

  She considered that, weighing it up in her mind. “Can you tell me where he’s likely to be? I want to see him.”

  “Why?”

  “Just trust me on this. I know we’ve known each other less than a month, but he feels like family and I need to set something straight.”

  It touched him more than he could tell her. Because he didn’t have the words he leaned down to kiss her. “Okay. I have to warn you, though, he might not like it.”

  “Just leave it to me,” she said, nipping him lightly on the chin.

  The subject was forgotten, as was everything else when she began tracing opened-mouthed kisses down his neck. He was fully awake now.

  “I can’t seem to get enough of you,” she murmured against his skin, setting his blood on fire.

  He was incapable of speech. Her hands were exploring his body with an urgency that stole his breath.

  Alicia slapped at his hand when he started to reach for her. It was her turn to give pleasure and she intended to obliterate any thread of his remaining control.

  “Al…”

  “I want you to forget about everything but me…” She travelled briefly up to his mouth to tease his lips with hers. “I’m going to blow your mind.”

  He didn’t have the strength to tell her she already did, that under normal circumstances all he saw was her.

  What she was doing to him now, with her slow journey down his chest, was as painful as it was pleasurable. He wanted to touch her, too. When he thought he could stand it no longer, he reached for her and this time he didn’t allow her to distract him.

  They rolled together on the bed, laughing as their need for each other made them both fumble. There was nothing else now.

  ***

  Alicia walked through the cemetery, trying to calm the voice in her head that was her doubt. She could see JJ ahead of her, making her nerves flutter uncomfortably in her stomach. He was sitting on a bench, slumped against the backrest, his eyes downcast. His whole aura was dark and unapproachable. It only made her more determined.

  He didn’t acknowledge her presence, but that didn’t deter her either. She would say what she needed to and leave him in peace.

  She noticed that his hands were resting in his lap, so she reached out in the only way she knew how and took one into hers. JJ didn’t object; although the grip was loose he curled his fingers around hers.

  They sat that way for a time. She somehow sensed he needed the contact and nothing more.

  “You told me once that I hadn’t earned the right to know you, and I accepted that,” she began, speaking softly so as not to disturb the peaceful tranquility. “What I’ve learnt anyway, is that you’re a loyal man who feels a great deal of responsibility for those in his care. You might have earned a name among your comrades, and I’m sure you had a hand in finding me, but I only see you as the guardian.”

  She paused for a moment, her eyes lingering on the grave a few yards from where they sat. “The only reason Paul Meeks succeeded is because I made the mistake of letting my fear prevent you from doing your job.” Alicia sighed, trying to get the image of JJ’s unconscious form out of her head. “I’m responsible for my own safety too, JJ, and I’m sorry if I let you down. I should have trusted you enough to let you help, and I won’t make that mistake again.” There were tears in her eyes when she felt JJ’s hand tighten around hers. “I hope you’ll still allow me to get to know you,” she whispered.

  “You know me well enough.” His voice was so low that the wind carried it away, but not before she allowed it to wash over her.

  “Thank you. I know in our own way, we all take responsibility for what happened, and I understand that part of you always will. I just wanted you to know that I don’t blame you for putting your trust in the men that should have had your back.” She squeezed his hand one last time and released it. After a few moments she stood. “Brad told me what you said earlier, and I’m going to hold you to it. I’m back, JJ, I’m okay, so we’re good.”

  She saw a smile play at the corner of his mouth and that was enough. Silently, she made her way back to the car, relieved now that she had unloaded some of her guilt.

  Brad was resting lazily against the passenger door, watching her approach. He had a camera in his hand.

  “Where did you get that?” she asked.

  “It seems we didn’t arrive here alone after all. I found a reporter taking shots of you, so I relieved him of his equipment for a while.”

  She smiled, trying, but failing, to feel sorry for the person who had trespassed on his friend’s privacy. “He got off lightly, then.”

  She stepped easily into h
is arms, and laid her head against his chest. “Thanks for bringing me. It means a lot.”

  “How did it go?” he asked, resting his cheek on the top of her head.

  “Better than I expected. I found some peace, and now I’ll leave him to his.”

  Brad laughed lightly, giving her an affectionate squeeze. “Then let’s get back. I have the day off for good behaviour and I’m feeling pretty tired.”

  “In that case, we’d better get you straight home to bed. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of you.”

  He brushed her lips with his. “I trust you completely.”

  She grinned when he opened the door for her, and knew better than to touch him until they were somewhere a little more private.

  Epilogue

  Sarah straightened the scarf around Alicia’s neck, fussing with the collar of her jacket. “I can’t believe this is the last time I’m going to be here with you at one of these gigs,” she said, wringing her hands now that she had nothing to do.

  Alicia hugged her tightly, struggling with her own emotions. “Just because you won’t be working with me anymore, it doesn’t mean you can’t come along for moral support every now and again. We’re friends, first and last.”

  “I know, but I already feel lost, and I haven’t made it through my last day yet.”

  As they were given a two-minute call, Alicia walked with her friend so they could have a moment of privacy. “That’s why the holiday is a good idea. A few days on a beach, and you’ll be filling the spaces with plans to organise other mere mortals.” She paused to wave at Jack who was right on cue. “I’m going to miss you too, though, honey. I might ring at the most inappropriate times with the lamest excuse I can think of.”

  “You can always come and work with me,” Jack said, judging their mood and trying to lighten it.