“You mean to follow Greg?” she asked.
“Exactly. To keep tabs on what he’s up to. I thought for sure he’d have a court date by now, but Tom or whoever is handling his case is probably trying to get it pushed back.”
We talked it over and decided it was a good idea. I called Reese and he gave me the PI’s number. I made a note to call him in the morning.
In the morning, after we did our usual routines at home, I left for the office and the first thing on the agenda was to call the PI. He wasn’t in yet, so I left a message and approximately thirty minutes later, he returned the call.
“Mr. West, this is Case Jordan. What can I do for you?”
After I told him who referred me and what I was interested in, he took down all the information and said he would start assessing everything that day. “I’ll get back to you first thing tomorrow with what I have. It sounds like you have a real issue on your hands.”
“You can say that again.” I also informed him of the bodyguards I had on Rose and Montana.
“I was going to recommend that so I’m glad to hear you’ve already gone that route. Are they there twenty-four hours a day?”
“Yes, and they accompany them everywhere. Rose even has one at work, and of course Montana has hers at school all day too.”
“Excellent. Let me get started on what I can find and I’ll get back to you in the morning on my recommendations.”
“Thank you.”
He chuckled. “You won’t be thanking me when you get the bill.”
“Money’s not an issue. The only thing I’m concerned about is Rose’s and Montana’s safety.”
“I hear you loud and clear.”
Miles and I were working on a case similar to Rose’s. The ex was a real douche and we were trying to get total custody. It was currently fifty-fifty, but he rarely showed up, and when he did, he was usually drunk. The mother was afraid to allow him to take the boy, and he’d end up getting violent with her. This had been going on for six months. The local women’s shelter had called us because she had gone there to hide out from him. We were doing the case pro bono.
“Hey Pearson, check this out,” Miles called out. “This dude is in arrears for child support.”
“How long since he paid?”
“By the looks of it at least a year.”
“He’s going to be one pissed off daddy by the time we’re through.” I didn’t get why they had kids and then refused to pay for them.
“You can count on it. Maybe even jail time for him on this.”
“Is Mariana still at the shelter?”
“Yeah, and I’m suggesting she stay there until this is resolved. The guy is unstable, particularly when he drinks,” Miles said.
“Has he been served yet?”
“No, and that’s why she needs to stay there. When he is, that’s when the shit will hit the fan.”
“Oh yeah. Doesn’t it always. How is she?”
Miles shook his head. “Not good. She’s talking about going home, but we keep telling her not to.”
“Hey, how about I get Rose to talk to her?”
Miles looked pointedly at me. “You know that’s an excellent idea. I can bring her and her son over. Would that be okay? It might work better to see Rose and how happy she is in her own environment.”
“Let me call her, but I’m sure she’ll agree, not to mention we have the added bonus of her being a psychologist.”
Miles snapped his fingers. “That’s right! I hadn’t even thought of that.”
I made a quick call to Rose and luckily, I caught her between patients. She was more than happy to do it and suggested that evening, if Mariana was available. I passed the news on to Miles who said he’d give her a call.
At seven, Miles brought Mariana and her son Charlie over. Montana latched onto him, even though he was seven, and after we all ate a dinner of pizza and chocolate chip cookies, she tugged him into Rose’s bedroom to watch some movies. I was worried she would try to make him dance, but Petey was there to chaperone and get things back to the movie if she did.
Rose brought the conversation around to Mariana’s ex. “I understand you and I have a great deal in common, Mariana.”
“That’s what Miles said. I wish I were as brave as you.”
Rose tapped her arm. “You have it all wrong. I’m not brave at all. If it weren’t for those two men, I’d still be stuck, not seeing my daughter. My ex had sole custody and it was a mess. He made our lives miserable.”
Mariana stared at Rose. “I thought I had it bad. Jeremy is very abusive.”
“Mine was extremely abusive too. I was a regular at the ER while we were married and even afterward. If I can impart one piece of wisdom to you, it is to let Pearson and Miles do their jobs and listen to what they say. You won’t regret it and, in the end, you’ll have your son.”
“I’m so afraid of what Jeremy will do.”
“That’s why you’re staying at the women’s shelter. He can’t hurt you there,” Rose reminded her.
“Yes, I know, but there’s always that nagging feeling in the back of my mind.”
“I know that feeling well. Just put your trust in them and they’ll make it work for you. And if you ever need to talk or just want to come over and hang out, the door is always open.”
She threw her arms around Rose and hugged her. Miles took her and her son home about thirty minutes later.
“Thanks for doing that,” I said to Rose.
“It’s not necessary. I wish I’d had someone to talk to when I was going through it.”
I frowned. “You had me.”
She leaned into me and kissed me. “Yes, I did. But it’s different having another woman who experienced the same thing. Don’t think I didn’t appreciate you though. I totally did.”
I kissed her back. “I know and I appreciate you too. Let’s go tuck in the little one.”
We went to her room and Petey was reading her a bedtime story. They looked perfectly content together.
“Hey, monkey, did you have a good time with Charlie?” I asked.
“Yeah, but he only likes to throw balls. He’s not a dancer.”
“That’s okay. I’ll teach you how to throw balls one day.”
She scrunched up her mouth. “Is that cool?”
“What do you mean?”
“I only want to do cool things.”
“Where is this coming from?” Rose asked.
“Sallie in school. She says she only does cool things.”
“Is that so?”
“Uh huh.”
“I think throwing balls is real cool,” Petey said.
“You do?” Montana asked.
“Yeah,” he said back.
“So do I,” I chimed in.
“Me too,” Rose said.
“Then it’s unanimous,” I announced.
“What’s you namus?” Montana asked.
Rose answered, “It means we all agree. But now it’s lights out.”
“But Mommy, Petey’s almost done.”
“Okay, but as soon as he’s finished, lights out. Kiss me goodnight, Pop Tart.”
She gave us both a good night kiss and we watched them from the doorway. When Petey finished, he kissed her cheek, tucked her in, and turned off the light. As he was leaving, she called out, “Love you, Petey.”
“Love you too, squirt.”
My heart clenched. I was happy she found Petey to be her great friend, but I was also jealous of their bond. Childish? Of course, but I couldn’t help but want her love for myself. Would I get over it? Yes, because I wanted the best for that little girl, no matter what.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Rose
* * *
Today was Montana’s birthday, so we were going to Pearson’s parents’ house. I had suggested a restaurant, but Paige insisted on having the party there. Pearson explained there would be no changing her mind, so I accepted her kind offer under the condition that I’d bring the cake. S
ince it was a Saturday, Hudson and his family would be able to come out too.
Rick would be grilling hot dogs and burgers for everyone and it would be a fun day for the kiddos. I got her favorite ice cream cake, but the best surprise would be waiting for us when we got there. We were arriving at two, but everyone else, along with the surprise, would get there at one thirty.
“Do you think I need my clicky shoes?”
“Bring them just in case,” I said as we were leaving. We piled into the car and left.
When we got to Paige and Rick’s everyone’s car was already there, along with the surprise.
“What’s that?” Montana asked, pointing to a truck with a trailer behind it. It was a good thing she couldn’t read everything yet.
“You’ll see,” Pearson said.
We went in through the front door and I stuck the cake in the freezer. Then we headed out to the back yard where everyone waited. It was decorated with balloons and they all yelled, “Happy Birthday, Montana,” when we walked out.
Then Montana’s eyes landed on the pony that was saddled up and waiting to take her for a ride.
“Mommy, Mister, look. A pony!” She ran straight toward it and the man helped her up as he walked her all around the yard. It was a tan Shetland pony and cute as could be. I was snapping photos like crazy. The other kids waited patiently for their turns and when Montana got off, she ran to thank me.
“Pop Tart, you need to thank Mister. This is his present to you.”
She ran up to him and he picked her up, swinging her high in the air. The pony turned out to be a huge hit. It ended up being the best babysitter ever, leaving us girls available to hang out.
“Rose, how are the dance lessons going?” Milly asked.
I groaned. “I’m sure Marin can tell you more than me.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Oh, God. She’s awful.”
Milly laughed. “Wiley’s afraid of Kinsley because she made him dance too much.”
“Unfortunately, my daughter loves it.”
Marin came up to us and said, “Are you discussing clicky shoes?”
“Yes,” I said. “But let’s change the subject.” Then I laughed.
“So how is Pearson?” Marin asked.
“He’s great. He has been my lifesaver in getting full custody of Montana. And he’s doing really well in NA. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
“We’re so happy to hear that.”
Rick called out that the food was ready so we had to prepare plates for the kids. After lunch, I served up the birthday cake. Montana had good luck blowing out all the candles.
The kids got to ride the pony again for a little while before the man left. It was around six o’clock so everyone started heading home.
“Paige, let me help you clean up,” I said.
She batted a hand. “There’s nothing to clean. That’s why I used paper plates today,” she said with a smile. “I’m just so happy you let me do this here.”
“You? I’m so thankful you offered.” I hugged her. “Thank you for the hospitality.”
“Anytime.”
We loaded up the car with the presents Montana received and headed on home. The little tyke was exhausted and didn’t make it to seven thirty that night.
Sunday flew by and I dreaded Monday because it was going to be a busy week ahead.
On Monday, Pearson left to go running at six a.m. and I started my yoga workout. When I was finished, I took a shower and got ready for work. I checked the other bathroom because by this time he was usually finished with his shower and getting dressed, but he wasn’t home yet. That was strange, but I didn’t think much about it. I poured a cup of coffee and started Montana’s breakfast. Then I woke her and got her clothes ready.
“I don’t want to get up, Mommy.”
“But it’s a school day and Petey will be here soon to eat breakfast with you.”
“Can he just come and sleep with me instead?”
“Not today, honey. Up and at ‘em”
She groaned but crawled out of bed. “Do I gotta wash my face today?”
“Yep.”
“And brush my teeth too?”
“Of course. You don’t want stinky breath, do you?”
That brought a giggle out of her. She plodded to the bathroom and took care of things. By the time she came back, she was a bit more chipper. I’d laid an outfit out for her, but she asked, “Mommy, can I wear my cow outfit?”
“I don’t see why not.” She had a top with black cow spots on it and pants to match. Running to her closet, she located it and pulled it off the hangers. Then she pulled the shirt on, followed by the pants. It was adorable. “Aw, you look so cute in it. Let me fix your hair.”
“Can I have pigtails?”
“Now why would you want pigtails when you have on a cow outfit.”
She frowned for a second until she understood my little joke, then her giggling started. “That’s funny, Mommy. Maybe I should have cow tails instead.”
“That’s a great idea.” I gave her braided pigtails. “How’s that?”
“Good. Can I eat now?”
We went to get breakfast and she asked, “Where’s Mister?”
“I don’t know. He hasn’t come back from his run yet.”
“Oh.”
Petey knocked on the back door and I let him in. After I filled Montana’s bowl with cereal and milk, I went into the bedroom and called Petey back there. Then I told him about Pearson not showing up.
“Do you know where he went running?”
“No, but he likes to run on those trails near Benson Park.”
“I know the ones. Let’s give him some more time. Have you called Miles?”
“Not yet.”
Petey said, “If he’s not back by the time I leave, call Miles and then let Axel know. He can call someone to drive by there. Maybe he fell and got injured.”
“Oh, hell.” I grabbed my phone and called Pearson. He always ran with music so he’d have his phone with him. But it went straight to voicemail.
“No answer?”
“No. It went straight to voicemail. That’s really odd. He’d answer if he had his phone with him.”
“The battery must be dead,” Petey said.
“No, he charges it every night.”
“Maybe he forgot.”
“Yeah, maybe,” I said, but still not convinced. It was bothering me, but I had to get Montana off, and Axel would be here any minute. My patience ran out and I called Miles.
“Hello.”
“Miles, it’s Rose. Have you talked to Pearson this morning?”
“No, why?”
“He never came home from his run.”
“Hmm. Maybe he sprained an ankle or something. Let me call the emergency rooms in the area. If he’s hurt, he may have gone straight there.”
“Good point. I tried his phone, but it went straight to voicemail.”
“That’s not like him, but maybe it’s dead.”
“Yeah, that’s what Petey said. Let me know if you find out anything.”
“I will and you do the same.”
Axel arrived and Petey left with Montana. I explained the situation to Axel, and he said he’d call in to have someone run by the park just to check.
I arrived at work, anxious as hell. I’m not sure why, but I had a terrible feeling that something awful had happened to Pearson. My bodyguard, Rex, was with me and asked if I needed anything.
“Yes, find Pearson.”
“We’re on it, Ma’am.”
“I know.” I didn’t stop at my office but went directly to Sylvie’s. One look at me and she instantly knew something wasn’t right.
“What is it?”
“Pearson went for a run this morning and never came back.”
“Maybe he twisted his ankle or something.”
“That’s what everybody keeps saying, but why didn’t he call?”
“Okay, don’t panic yet.”
&nb
sp; “I am panicking. This is not like him at all. His phone goes directly to voicemail. He hasn’t done this ever. Miles hasn’t heard from him either.”
She tapped a pen on her desk and said, “I’m going to call Grey. Maybe he knows something.” I watched and listened. I didn’t like what I heard. When she ended the call, she made the next one to Hudson. That one didn’t go well either. “Neither of them have heard from him. Grey is going to call the local ERs to see if he’s there.”
“That’s what Miles was going to do but Grey may have more leverage. The company that provides our bodyguards is sending out someone to check the area where he runs. Oh, Sylvie, what if something happened to him?”
“You don’t know my cousin very well. He can probably kick anyone’s ass. Have you seen him? I mean really seen him?”
I flashed her one of those are you serious looks. “You’re really asking me that?”
“Right.” She let out an awkward laugh. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“Just because he’s built like a brick wall doesn’t mean a thing when someone holds a gun to his head.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked.
“You remember that crazy fool I was once married to? I wouldn’t put a thing past him.”
Sylvie stood and came around her desk to hold my hand. “Rose, I don’t think Greg would do anything as foolish as that.”
“Then you don’t know him at all. He’s a wild card and capable of anything.”
She pulled me over to the chairs and made me sit. “The best thing right now is for both of us to remain calm until we find something out.”
We sat there, silently, but my mind churned with all kinds of horrible things. If something happened to him because of me, I’d never forgive myself.
Sylvie finally asked, “When’s your first client?”
“Shit!” I checked the time and blew out a breath. “Not for another twenty minutes.”
“Perhaps you should cancel. You’re not in any condition to counsel anyone right now.”
She had a point. “True.”
“Let me handle this.” She started to leave, and I asked where she was going. “I’m getting the director to reschedule your patients today.”
“Thank you,” I said, relieved.
From Smoke To Flames— Amazon: A West Brothers Novel Page 25
