Letting Go

by Kennedy, Sloane

  Amanda had been the surprise though. Her malleable nature, a direct characteristic inherited from her weak father, had made her an easy, albeit less desirable, target for Elliot’s twisted passions. But when the girl had just up and disappeared after giving birth to their grandchild, Caroline had been stunned. To find her in the home and protection of Devlin Prescott had been infuriating to say the least. But the ungrateful girl had been smarter than she seemed. She’d known that seeking shelter in the arms of one of her drug-addled lovers or among her socially challenged friends would have made her an easy target. Elliot and Caroline had played the mental instability card once and she had known they wouldn’t hesitate to do it again, this time to get their hands on her child. So she had fled to the one place they couldn’t touch her, their own social circle.

  Caroline hadn’t known Devlin Prescott well, although not for lack of trying on her part. The man had the ability to move in any circle he wanted but often had to be forced by his business needs to come out of the woodwork to attend a function. The combination of his power, money and good looks had attracted Caroline like a bear to honey. She doubted someone like Devlin was interested in anything more than a no strings attached fling but the thought didn’t bother her. Caroline had always had a way of getting extra perks from her sideline affairs. Elliot hadn’t known of course, but he was no more innocent than she since even she couldn’t always meet his insatiable, twisted needs. Yes, Devlin Prescott would have been an interesting conquest but then Amanda had gone and ruined it all. Caroline and Elliot had kept a low profile in terms of Amanda once they found out where she was. But her untimely death had left the door wide open and Caroline had no intention of losing Isabel to the likes of Prescott. But then, she hadn’t counted on Casey’s arrival either.

  Her younger daughter had always been her trial and tribulation. Even her first husband’s discovery that Casey wasn’t his had been the little girl’s fault. Upon discovering Caroline’s indiscretion with Peter Caulfield, then a young, recently widowed Lieutenant at the same fort where her husband held a temporary command post, James Carver had been infuriated and had insisted upon a divorce. She’d managed to talk him out of it and draw out the marriage for another year but then James found out about the other affairs and called a divorce lawyer. Luckily, his sudden death of heart failure three days later had prevented him from filing the papers as well as removing her as the benefactor of his will.

  While the inheritance had been mediocre, it had been enough to finance a new look which earned her a new husband with deeper pockets. James’ death had been hard on both girls but his newfound disgust for the daughter that wasn’t his had been confusing for Casey. She hadn’t known who her father really was so she had never understood why the only father she had ever known had suddenly started to despise her. Caroline had been sure to remind Casey of that fact every chance she got. But it had been inevitable that the stubborn streak of pride that Casey inherited from her real father would take root. While Elliot’s ever-growing violent nature had come in handy to keep the rebellious teen in check, Caroline had always known she would ultimately lose control of her daughter. But Casey was back now in the form of Devlin’s supposed secret weapon. He had no idea what he was in for. Besides, she and Elliot had some secret weapons of their own. Caroline let out a soft laugh as she took a sip of her coffee. Her husband glanced up from his paper but said nothing.

  ***

  Casey would have been content to hide away in her room for the rest of her stay but Monday morning found her once again in the presence of the man she was trying so hard to avoid. Mason had scheduled an early morning appointment with a doctor to have the scars on her back examined and photographed. Humiliated by the whole ordeal, the only relief she was granted was when Devlin and Mason remained in the waiting room. Having them bear witness again to the evidence of her inability to fight back against her parents would have been too much to take. Within fifteen minutes, the experience was over and she left the room.

  As she made her way to the waiting room, she saw Mason and Devlin involved in a deep discussion with which Devlin was less than pleased. When he saw her, he asked, “You okay?”

  She nodded. “What’s going on?”

  Mason opened the door and led them from the doctor’s office. He looked at Casey as he explained. “I talked with the Medical Examiner’s office this morning. I was trying to obtain a copy of Amanda’s autopsy results.”

  “Right – to prove that her back looked like mine.”

  “Yes, well, unfortunately the Medical Examiner can’t seem to locate the report,” Mason said.

  “Can’t locate my ass,” muttered Devlin as he flung open the door leading out of the building.

  “What does that mean?” Casey asked.

  “Well, without evidence to back up your claim about how you came by the marks on your back, it means it’ll be your word against theirs,” Mason explained as they followed Devlin outside.

  “Damn it Mason, you know they got to that ME. The man’s on staff at the same hospital as Dane for God’s sake!” Devlin shouted.

  Mason was beginning to lose his cool. “You find proof of that Devlin and I’ll be more than happy to introduce it in court.”

  Devlin snapped his gaze away from them and brought himself under control before glancing back at Mason. Mason accepted the unspoken apology and returned his attention to Casey.

  “I’m filing the injunction this afternoon - we should know more by week’s end.”

  Casey nodded in understanding. Devlin shook Mason’s hand and then led Casey to the car.

  ***

  Unnerved by the events of the last few days, Casey remained secluded in her room. When she didn’t come down for lunch or dinner that Monday, a tray of food was sent up and the pattern continued as each day passed. She spent the days reading and left the room only after everyone had gone to bed in order to get more books from Devlin’s collection. He made no attempt to talk to her and he must have told the children not to disturb her because she didn’t hear a peep out of them. Isabel had also stopped sneaking into her bed in the middle of the night and Sampson had abandoned her, presumably to sleep in Isabel’s room. She was surprised by the loneliness she felt. Alone she could handle but loneliness was new and it was unsettling.

  Late one evening as she was about to go on her second excursion to seek out another book, she ran straight into Devlin when she opened the door to her room. An ache started in her chest as she studied him. He looked tired and seemed hesitant to be around her. She knew it was unreasonable since he was only doing what she asked but part of her was angry at his defection.

  “I just wanted to let you know that your parents aren’t contesting the request to suspend their visitation.”

  Her irritation with him was momentarily forgotten as she opened the door wider. “They’ve agreed to stay away from Isabel until the custody hearing is over?” she asked, clearly shocked.

  “It appears so.”

  “It doesn’t make sense,” she said as her mind was already at work trying to figure out this unexpected turn of events.

  “They’re probably just trying to get in the judge’s good graces by saving him the time of having to deal with another hearing.” Devlin noticed the book in her hand. “Were you headed down to get another book?”

  Casey glanced at the book and then shook her head. She closed the door in his face without so much as even a thank you.

  ***

  By the end of the week, Casey started to feel the guilt of ignoring the children. They were probably confused by her sudden desertion and it wasn’t right to take her anger with Devlin out on them. She didn’t want to dwell on what it meant that she missed them as much as she did. Her decision made, she went in search of them but found only Isabel in her room. The bandage from the side of the little girl’s head had been removed and the wound was healing quickly although it would leave a small scar as Dr. Bob had warned. When Isabel looked up from the doll she was playing wi
th and saw Casey in the doorway, she stilled. Neither of them said anything for a long moment.

  “Can I play?” Casey finally asked. Clearly wary, Isabel nodded carefully. Casey went into the room and sat across from the little girl. Her eyes came to rest on the doll in the little girl’s hands. It had been Amanda’s favorite doll. “That’s a pretty dolly.” Isabel perked up at the compliment.

  “She’s Mommy’s.” Isabel handed the doll to her. Casey knew they were on dangerous ground but she took the doll anyway and studied it. As old as the doll was, it was still relatively clean. Her hair was neatly braided in the design that Amanda had come up with herself and then taught to her.

  “What’s your dolly’s name?” Emily.

  “Emily.”

  “That’s a real pretty name.”

  “Mommy went to take care of the angels,” said Isabel matter of factly.

  “I bet you miss your mommy, huh?” She handed the doll back to Isabel who nodded slowly even though the concept of death still seemed to be beyond her.

  “Mommy used to make the special braid,” said the little girl as she trailed her fingers gently over the doll’s braided hair.

  “Do you want me to try your mommy’s special braid on your hair?” Isabel nodded again, a small smile tugging at her lips. Isabel turned herself around and scooted back against Casey.

  That was how Devlin found them. He had just come home from work and had been on his way to his room when he heard their quiet voices. Seeing that Casey had left her room pleased him but he was more surprised to find her in such close proximity to the child she had clearly wanted to avoid during her stay. Isabel was sitting in between Casey’s outstretched legs, her back to the young woman whose long, nimble fingers were twisting and coiling the little girl’s soft curls into the same style he had often seen her wear while her mother was still alive. Isabel put her hands down on each of Casey’s knees to support herself as she sat with a straight back and upwardly tilted chin. Devlin saw Casey glance at the two small hands on her knees but she didn’t do anything about it. An idea took root in his mind as he watched the sight and a smile spread across his features. It stayed with him as he moved on to his own room.

  ***

  Peter Caulfield stepped out of his car and hurried across the driveway to the shelter. The blustery wind followed him into the shelter as he opened the door. He pulled it closed and then turned to scan the waiting area. It was quiet. “Hello?” he shouted.

  Seconds later, Jonas walked through the swing door, his arms wet and soapy. He stopped when he saw Peter. “Senator Caulfield,” he chirped.

  “Hey Jonas, how are you?” He extended his hand.

  Jonas quickly wiped his hands on his jeans and then shook Peter’s hand. “Fine sir, how are you?”

  “Good. I believe you have some adoption papers that my wife left behind when she picked up Gomer last week?”

  “Yeah, yeah, right. How’s he doing?” Jonas asked as he made his way around the counter and rifled through some papers on the desk.

  “Good. Settling right in.”

  Jonas nodded politely as he continued his search. “I’m sorry. Casey’s usually the one who takes care of the paperwork,” he muttered.

  “Where is she today?” At his question, Jonas hesitated as he tried to figure out what to say.

  “Um, she’s out of town. Family emergency,” he said, sticking to the truth as closely as possible.

  “Everything all right?” At the concern in his voice, Jonas almost smiled. If Casey had been here she would have been a puddle on the floor by now. Jonas had always known that Caulfield had a soft spot for Casey but she had never believed it. Oh, if only he could tell the Senator the truth and then maybe he could magically set everything to rights.

  “Yeah, fine. Nothing major. Ah, found `em. Here you go.” He handed the papers to Peter.

  “Thanks Jonas. Please give Casey my regards when you hear from her, okay?”

  “Will do.”

  Peter dropped some money in the donation jar on the counter and left the shelter. Jonas reached for the glass jar and held it up. Among the few pennies and dimes, were several one hundred dollar bills. Jonas smiled. A soft spot for animals seemed to run in both father and daughter. He put the jar back down and went back to work.

  Chapter 9

  When the knock came on her door that afternoon, Casey had been near her breaking point. She’d confined herself to her room for nearly a week in order to avoid contact with Devlin and even the tall stack of books on her nightstand and her few short visits with Isabel and Ryan weren’t enough to keep her from going stir crazy. Hating herself for her own fear of having to confront Devlin again, Casey just couldn’t force herself to leave the safety of her prison. So when she opened the door to find Devlin on the other side, a mix of irritation and relief went through her. She didn’t say anything and she didn’t invite him in. He didn’t care.

  “I have a proposition for you Miss Wilkes,” he said stiffly as he moved past her into the room.

  “We had an agreement Mr. Prescott.”

  He ignored her and continued. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about wanting to have a job while you’re here and I believe I have come up with a solution.” Moving to the window, he stared out of it as he assumed a business like posture with his arms behind his back, his hands clasped together. Casey remained by the open door but a glint of curiosity shone in her eyes. “Since all of this happened with Amanda, I haven’t had the time to seek a suitable replacement to care for the children. Are you interested?”

  “You want me to be your nanny?” she asked in obvious shock. He turned to face her.

  “It would be temporary of course. In the meantime, I would be able to do a prolonged search for the ideal candidate.”

  Casey bristled at his use of the word “ideal.” Clearly, this was yet another task he believed she wouldn’t excel in. “How much does it pay?”

  Devlin hid his smile at the tone of her voice. He knew she wasn’t interested in the money but he had offended her so she had to retaliate somehow. “Room and board plus three thousand dollars a month. You will also have use of a car and an adequate expense fund to use as you see fit in caring for the children.”

  She wanted nothing more than to throw the offer back in his face but the boredom she’d suffered this past week wouldn’t let her off that easy. “Four thousand,” she responded just so he wouldn’t have the upper hand.

  “Fine.” He moved past her and out the door but then he stopped and turned to face her. “I’ll be going out of town tomorrow to take care of some business and will to be gone at least a week. I expect your presence at dinner tonight so that we can go over the rules.” With that order, he was gone. Casey closed the door and leaned back against it. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He was leaving for a week, maybe more. No uncomfortable confrontations or prying questions or questioning stares! But she had also just increased her amount of exposure to the children that were already tugging at the damaged strings of her heart. She shook the thought from her head. It didn’t matter. It was work – it was something that would make the days go by faster. Anything that could make this nightmare end that much sooner had to be worth the risk, right?

  ***

  Devlin was already gone by the time Casey woke up the next morning. Her meeting with him the night before had been brief and to the point. He had outlined, in writing no less, all the rules the children were expected to follow and the manner in which he expected her to conduct herself while caring for them. She had merely nodded her head without a response and left the room. The piece of paper in which he had meticulously spelled out his instructions had been crumpled up by the time she had reached her bedroom. The only item of interest to her had been Ryan’s fear of cars. He hadn’t been in once since her sister’s murder. She had wondered why the little boy was being home schooled and why he never went to any activities outside the house. Devlin had indicated that he believed the child would b
e fine if left alone and given time to deal with the issue on his own. But Casey knew better and she was already formulating a plan of attack.

  ***

  Casey and Isabel were already dressed in their coats and mittens by the time Ryan rushed down the stairs. He went to the coat closet and pulled on his jacket. “Can we build a snowman?” he asked.

  “Maybe later,” responded Casey as she went out the front door followed by the two children as well as Sampson. Outside, she made her way down the walkway towards the brightly painted yellow taxicab parked on the curb. She pulled open the door and got in. Isabel and the dog climbed in after her.

  “Where are we going?” chirped Isabel.

  Casey’s eyes were on Ryan who had stopped about thirty feet from the cab. Pure terror was written all over his face. “Nowhere honey,” Casey said quietly to Isabel as she scooted past her and got out of the cab. She told Isabel and Sampson to stay put and then went to Ryan’s side. “Ryan, are you okay?”

  Only a strangled sound managed to make its way out of the little boy’s frozen mouth. “Ryan, I know you’re real scared but there’s nothing to be afraid of, okay?” When he didn’t say anything, she gave his hand a squeeze.

  “Isabel and Sampson and me are just gonna sit in the car for a while, okay? You can stay out here if you want or you can go back inside.” Casey forced herself to release his hand and went back to the car. Several seconds passed before she watched Ryan turn and hurry back to the house. She wasn’t at all surprised.

  “Where to lady?” asked the driver.

  “Nowhere.”

  “What do you mean nowhere?” he asked in irritation.

  “I mean, we just want to sit here,” she responded calmly as if it was a normal thing to do.

  “Look lady, I ain’t got time for this.”

  Casey reached into her pocket and pulled out a one hundred dollar bill. “This should cover it.”