A Promise Remembered

by Elizabeth Mowers

  Betsy’s beaming face materialized at the forefront of Annie’s mind, her daughter’s rosy complexion and dancing eyes as warm and sunny as a summer day. And James’s shy smile, as he peeked up at her from the living room floor with ships scattered around him, was as clear and real as if he were truly before her right now. She wanted to clutch their little faces between her palms and smoosh her face against their cheeks. She wanted to drink in their innocence and reassure them that their total dependence on her was solid. Whisper again and again in their ears as they slept that she loved them and would protect them from every bump in the night.

  The panic began to lift as Annie raised her head to stare at her reflection in the living room mirror. Her children needed her to be bold now. Bold, brave, unwavering. No matter what anyone might say about her, she would do what it took for their best interests. She had come here with a purpose, she decided, and she wasn’t leaving until it was done.

  “Come on, Heiress,” she muttered, her fingers wildly skimming through papers in Sean’s office. “Help me find it.”

  Once Annie had found what she was hoping for, she called out to Sean, still in the shower, her excuse at the ready.

  “You’ll have to give me a raincheck on that date, Sean. Marjorie’s just phoned to say James has a stomachache and I’ve got to go. You know what you’re always telling me about how I should be a good mother.”

  Less than a beat later, Annie was zooming down the stairs, but she was sure she could hear Sean cursing her name.

  * * *

  WILLIAM ROLLED UP beside a gas pump and surveyed his surroundings before cutting the engine. The farther west he traveled and the smaller the towns he passed through, the more likely someone could remember him or at the very least remember Old Red. As he filled the tank, he checked the number of miles until the next stop. He had slept a few hours in Duluth before hitting the road again and cruising west along Route 2 for what he knew would be hundreds of lonely miles.

  There was no plan, no solid destination. He’d keep his eyes open for places to rest and do his best to keep his nose clean, thus avoiding any encounters with the law. When a place seemed right, he’d stop and find work. Before the end of summer, he’d maybe head southwest, making his way south of the border.

  North Dakota was breathtaking in the summertime. He was thankful for the distraction, though the natural wonders would never unshackle the emotional chains from Chinoodin Falls. Between the Black Hills, roaming buffalo sightings and stretches of wide-open spaces unfolding before him, he had plenty to admire, but never in his life had he felt more trapped. Each mile constricted, and all because of a pining for the woman he’d left behind. He feared no amount of mileage could outrun the hold she had over his heart or soul.

  William slid money across the counter to the old man for gas and beef jerky and had no sooner turned to leave when his cell phone rang.

  “Brandon?” he asked, heading out again into the early-morning sunshine.

  “Will.”

  The seriousness of his voice cut through the line, so unfamiliar from Brandon’s usual comic flare. Throughout their friendship, William had never heard Brandon begin a conversation without a quip or quick joke. The mere sound of his own name made William stop short in the parking lot.

  “What is it?”

  “It’s Annie.”

  The words nearly knocked him out cold. With his heart suddenly a lump lodged at the back of his throat, William waited for Brandon to continue and when he didn’t, William scrambled for words of his own.

  “Out with it!”

  “Something is seriously wrong.”

  “With Annie? What?”

  Brandon groaned into the phone. “She’s talking crazy, man.”

  “Spit it out, Brandon.”

  “I took her to see a lawyer a couple of days ago. I thought she wanted to hire one since Sean filed for full custody of James. But the lawyer she met with doesn’t specialize in family law. He’s a criminal lawyer.”

  “Okay.”

  “She was saying all these things about taking control of her life and protecting James and...”

  “And?”

  “She had called me after seeing an article in the paper and asked me all these questions about what Sean does at City Hall and who he hangs out with. She wanted to know what kind of professional reputation he has. I had foolishly spouted off about things I suspected about Sean. It just fueled her questions. I don’t remember everything she said, but one thing sticks out pretty clearly now.”

  “What?”

  “She said someone has to make Sean pay.”

  William scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “She was serious, man. I tried getting her to talk last night, but she had an eerie calm about her. She’s resolved to do something, but—”

  “What?” William paced the parking lot, oblivious to the car pulling past him until he nearly smacked the front fender. He chucked his beef jerky at the fleeing back windshield before hustling back to his bike.

  “I have a sick feeling about it, man. I stopped by her house this morning, and she didn’t come home last night.”

  “The kids?”

  “With Marjorie.”

  “Did she know where Annie was going?”

  Brandon hesitated for a moment before muttering, “Sean’s.”

  William strained to recall anything out of sorts the night he had said goodbye to Annie. He replayed their conversation and searched for an inkling that she was preparing the unthinkable. He had been drawn to her heart, her goodness, the love bubbling inside her. But he also knew the love she had as a mother might push her to the brink. He had to get to her before she maybe did something reckless.

  “She isn’t answering her phone,” Brandon went on. “She’s so worried about James, I’m not sure she’s thinking clearly.”

  “I’m on my way,” William told him and shoved his phone in his jacket pocket to fire up Old Red. Swinging back down the lonely highway he’d just covered, he punched the gas without reservation. He knew he wouldn’t make Chinoodin Falls until the evening if he drove straight through and even to do that, he needed to fly. He just prayed he wouldn’t be too late.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  WITH THE SUN at her back, Annie arrived in Chinoodin Falls a new, albeit exhausted woman. She rubbed her tired eyelids and rested her head against the seat. One yawn accompanied another as she closed her eyes for a few quick winks. But as much as her weary body tried to sleep, her mind was restless. Peeking open a mascara-crusted eye to study her cell phone, she dialed Marjorie.

  “Good mornin’, sunshine.” Marjorie’s voice reassured with each lovely lilt. “Are you okay?”

  It was too much effort to keep her eyes open as she pressed the phone to her ear.

  “I’m good,” she murmured.

  “When will you be home?”

  “Later today. I have one more thing to do.”

  “Honey, I’ve been so worried about you, I haven’t slept a peep.”

  “I’m fine. Really. I crashed at Karrin’s and was up early this morning to take care of some out-of-town business.”

  “The children woke up asking for you, and I’ve been stalling.”

  “Put them on the line, would you?” Annie smiled. She had attempted to come home after leaving Sean’s, but a suspicious car had been parked in front of her house. If the man inside was the one after William, she couldn’t afford to get involved. Not until she was finished. This was the only insurance policy she had, and she couldn’t let anything detour her plan. Luckily, Karrin had made up her couch for her, no questions asked.

  “Mommy?” Betsy asked. “Where are you?”

  “I’m running some errands, sweetie. Did you eat breakfast?”

  “Marjorie made us French toast and strawberries.”

  “I
t sounds delicious.” Annie wanted to reach right through the phone and squeeze her in the longest hug Betsy would afford her. “How’s your sidekick?”

  “He’s playing with his boats again. Do you want to talk to him?”

  “Hold the phone to his ear.”

  “Hi, Mom,” James mumbled. “When are you coming back? I miss you.”

  “I miss you, too, sweetheart. I’ll be back later today. Be a good boy for Marjorie, okay?”

  She could hear a shuffling as Marjorie returned to the phone.

  “Annie,” she whispered, “everyone has been calling for you.”

  “Who?”

  “Joyce. Brandon.”

  “I’m fine, Marjorie. I’ll be home later today. I have to go.” She hurriedly said goodbye to Marjorie as another call interrupted them. She drew an excited breath as she answered it. “William.”

  “Thank you for answering your phone,” he breathed. “I just pulled over in Duluth.”

  Annie sat forward. The choppy lake water tossed with a gray, dismal hue. It matched the sky for miles, but all she could see when she stared out over it was William’s perfect face.

  “Why are you calling, William? Are you okay? I thought you’d have made it farther than Duluth.”

  “That’s what happens when you start driving back the way you came.”

  “You’re coming back? You can’t.”

  “Brandon said you wouldn’t answer your phone, Annie. He thinks you’re talking strange. What on earth is going on with you?”

  “It’s none of his business,” Annie huffed. “And I’m fine.”

  “Then tell me you didn’t see Sean last night.”

  “What?” she replied, nearly laughing from nervousness. “I...I had to talk to him about James. What’s gotten into you?”

  “Me? I’ve been doing eighty for the past few hours, all the while sick with worry about you.”

  “William, turn around. If you come back to Chinoodin, you’ll be arrested. We made our clean break the other night, and it was beautiful. Let’s leave it at that.”

  “Whatever you’re doing, I can help, Annie. You don’t have to take matters into your own hands.”

  “Oh, but I do,” she whispered. “I love you, William. I always have. My feelings have never waned even after all these years. And that’s why I’m begging you to turn around now. The man after you is parked outside my house. I’m sure of it. You can’t come back here without him finding you. Please.”

  “Denver is there?”

  “Who else could it be?”

  “I’ll meet you somewhere else.”

  “Goodbye, William. I know you’re a good man, and you’ll make the right decision. Take care of yourself.”

  Annie stared at the phone in her hand, releasing her finger from the darkened screen. How she willed herself to compartmentalize her feelings. To hide. To bury. To postpone. She couldn’t mourn the loss of William today. She could lose herself in a frenzied oblivion tomorrow. She could dive beneath the covers and sob until the places in her soul that mourned his loss were exhausted.

  Today she had to finish fixing her Sean problem. Her plan wasn’t over yet, and the last part would be the most challenging thing she’d ever have to do.

  * * *

  ANNIE FIDDLED WITH the stem of her water glass, running her fingers along it as she rehearsed her speech in her head. To be convincing she couldn’t sound rehearsed. But reminding herself of the key points ahead of time couldn’t hurt, either.

  The waiter returned to her table, glancing at the wine menu she hadn’t yet touched.

  “Still waiting on your companion?”

  “Yes.”

  “May I place a drink order for you?”

  “No, thank you.” Annie returned her gaze to the front entrance as the waiter moved on to his next table. She couldn’t allow herself to sip a glass of wine no matter how desperately she craved it to calm herself. She needed her wits about her completely.

  Her thoughts drifted to William, offering his help to her and nearly pleading for her to accept it. She wished she could, but she had to protect him the best way she knew how and that was by not involving him at all. She was alone on this one, but nothing had felt lonelier than the night before, snooping around Sean’s apartment. It had been eerily silent, except for her shuffling among his papers and files. The memory made her shudder as she glanced around at nearby patrons, grateful to have their company.

  She glanced down at the red halter dress still clinging to her body. Denver had been outside her house, and meant she couldn’t return home until this deal was done. First she’d hug the children, then she’d scrub away the last twenty-four hours and let it circle the drain.

  “Are you ready for that raincheck?” A familiar voice snapped Annie alert again. She cringed as Sean kissed her on the cheek and tickled his fingers down her back.

  “What makes you say that?”

  “Your dress doesn’t lie.”

  Oh, but it does, she thought as Sean took a seat across from her. He immediately motioned for the waiter and ordered two whiskey sours.

  “Thank you for meeting me, Sean.”

  “I got your text, but I would have preferred an invitation in person.” He leaned back in his chair, arrogance saturating his large frame. But from the softness in his eyes, she knew he wasn’t certain about what was really happening here. It was a bluff.

  “You and I didn’t get a chance to discuss James last night,” Annie began, sitting straighter in her chair.

  He smiled through hooded eyes. “We were a little distracted.”

  “I don’t know if you’ve noticed recently, but he’s been withdrawn.”

  “That’s just who he is. He needs a man in the house.” Sean shrugged, reaching for his first glass of whiskey and sour. Annie fiddled with the frayed edges of her dinner napkin as Sean slugged back half the glass. “We should talk about that, baby.”

  “I can take care of James and myself,” Annie replied with an eye roll. “You’re the last thing I need in my house, Sean.”

  “So what was last night? What’s this all about?”

  Annie readjusted in her seat, inclining her head. “Testing the waters.”

  “Really?” Sean chuckled.

  “I have no intention of ever getting close to you again, Sean. In fact, I’m planning on burning this dress as soon as I get home.”

  Sean shot a look around the crowded restaurant as if to spot whether anyone else was listening.

  “Is this some kind of tease, Annie? Because I don’t think you want to play with me.”

  “I’ve done nothing but try to make things work with you, Sean, for the sake of all of us, especially James. But all you do is bully me and torment him. Do you get some kind of pleasure out of it? Because you’re breaking his heart.”

  “Is that what we’re doing here?” Sean scoffed, tossing back the rest of his drink. “Were you trying to butter me up last night? You should have tried a little harder, Annie.” Sean leaned heavily on the table, his whiskey breath easy to smell. “Maybe I take that job in California, huh? You’ll see that kid twice a year if you’re lucky and if you can afford to buy the plane ticket. Though you probably won’t be able to without my child support keeping you afloat.”

  “I’m his mother. How could you do that to me? To him.”

  “Nobody pushes me around. You think you can parade about town with that swabbie and then cuddle up to me to get your way with the kid? Have fun paying a lawyer without my money comin’ in every month. You’re finished. James will be asking ‘Mommy who?’ before I’m done with you.”

  As Sean pushed back his chair to leave, Annie took a manila envelope out from beneath the table and placed it on his bread plate.

  “I wouldn’t leave without this, if I were you, Sean. You wouldn’t want it falling in
to the wrong hands.”

  Sean’s eyes sharpened as he stared at the envelope. “Tell me what it is.”

  “No.”

  “What’s gotten into you?”

  “Get on with it already,” Annie ordered, drumming her fingers on the finely pressed tablecloth. She was grasping for anything she could think of to help her keep her cool. Sean had to believe her and believe her enough to be scared. No. Not scared. Utterly terrified.

  Sean pulled the manila envelope closer. After taking a swig of his second glass of whiskey sour, he peeled open the top of the folder and peeked inside.

  “It’s not going to bite you,” Annie said calmly. “It’s like ripping off a bandage.”

  “I like watching you like this.” Sean smirked. “You’re trying so hard to be...what? Mysterious?” He laughed, making her draw a sharp breath. “You’re not in control, baby. I appreciate this act you’ve put together for me, although I don’t really know why. Maybe you’re having regrets about us at last?”

  “No, that’s not it at all, despite how this may look to you.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.” He waved the envelope at her. “I think you wanted to work out an arrangement because you’re getting desperate. Do you really think you can keep James from me? Nobody in this town would ever cross me.” Sean guzzled the last of his drink, his face slowly reddening from his neck up to his cheeks and oblong nose. “You had better think long and hard about crossing me, baby. You’re nobody in this town.”

  Annie’s eyes narrowed. “I’m James’s mother. And given you’re his father, I’m the most important person in his life.”

  Sean laughed. “Your father left you. Your loser boyfriend bailed when he found out about Betsy. I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to you, and perhaps—” he looked thoughtfully off into the distance “—I’m the best thing for James now.”

  “I’m his mother. You know I love him more than I love myself.”

  “You’re barely holding it together!” Sean scorned her. “I’m a professional, a citizen in good standing, and I can provide him with a life you could never dream of. A private school, a beautiful house on the beach, every opportunity available.