Friday, April 16, 2010

Minutes seemed like hours and the four walls of the lounge closed in on him until he was unable to think or to breathe. Should he be home waiting for a ransom call from an jilted lover or here waiting on word of his wife. His mind swirled with thoughts of Kathy, Nicky and Angel. His stomach knotted at the thought of Nicky in the hands of someone capable of murdering his mother. His first thought had been a crazed fan or someone seeking revenge for his past until he saw the glass figurine. Nick jumped up when the door opened but it wasn’t the doctor just a fed from the looks of him.
“I’m Special Agent Bill Mallory,” he said extending his hand to Nick. Nick started to reach out but realized his hand was clutching his cell phone. “Sheriff Dempsey I want to say how sorry I am for what’s happened to your family. We’ll do everything in our power to make certain we get your son back to you and your wife safely. Are you up to answering a few questions?”
Nick nodded his reply. “I’ll do whatever it takes. I just want to bring my son back to his mother.”
Mallory reaches into his pocket and pulls out the evidence bag with the figurine in it. “Does this mean anything to you?”
Nick shook his head no. “I’ve never seen it before.”
“It’s just a very odd thing to leave behind. Could it be related to any of her movies? We want to go through all your wife’s fan mail. I don’t even know where to begin with you. I pulled your file and you have quite a history. Vice, sniper training.” He shook his head. “What’s your gut telling you Sheriff. Is this about money or revenge?”
“Neither, both how should I know?” Nick sat and stared straight ahead.
Agent Mallory looked to Jack. He could see from the expression he was going to get no answers from either man. “They’re working on your house now. The phones covered if something comes through we’ll send it to your cell. We‘re here to help.”
Nick stood and stared at him for a moment. He had no time for the feds. Kidnappings rarely ended well and his own personal experience with Meyers had made him untrusting. Finding his son would be his job. But first he had to find Angel. “I’ll let you know if anything comes to mind.”
The Dr came through the door as agent Mallory was leaving. He stopped outside to listen knowing he’d get no information from Dempsey.
“We got your wife stabilized for the moment. We’ve called in a neurosurgeon. He’s scrubbing in now. She was shot and the bullets lodged behind her ear. This is going to be touch and go for quite a while. Is there other family members or clergy you can call to be here?”
Nick stared at the doctor blankly unsure what his words meant. He shook hi head no. “Her father passed away last year. There’s only me and our son.” Damn him. He couldn’t even bring Nicky to her. “What are her chances?” Nick asked the question but wasn’t prepared for an answer.
“I don’t know Mr. Dempsey. Does she have a living will. Do you know what her wishes would be should things not go as hoped?”
“You do whatever it takes to keep her alive.” They’d never discussed such things. He never could have imagined anything this serious happening to her.
“Why don’t you come with me you can see her before they take her up.” Nick followed the Dr. from the room.
Jack steeped out into the hall spotting Agent Mallory perched close to the doorway.
“I’m not going to get any help from either of you Am I?”
“If there was anything you could do we’d be more than happy to help. You need to see what the evidence at the house tells you. Any prints on the figurine.”
“Yes but they aren’t in the system. I can’t believe whoever went to this length would leave prints behind. Tell him I hope she makes it. I’ve seen this before. It might be a blessing if she doesn’t.” Agent Mallory left Jack leaning against the wall. He felt like all the life had drained out of him. How had things gone so wrong in the few minutes they were gone. This was a well thought out plan carefully orchestrated with neither one picking up on surveillance or a tail. Maybe they both had gotten soft with age.
They dressed Nick so he could spend a few moments with Kathy. What he saw shocked him more than he ever had been. She was a mass of tubes and machines. So little of her could be seen. He took her hand and brought it to his lips uncertain he’d ever taste her skin again or feel the warmth of her next to him in bed. Tears slid down his cheeks and he kissed her hand. “Don’t leave me, baby. I need you…Nicky needs you.” A nurse came in and led him from the room. “Dr. Jordan is one of the best there is. We’ll take good care of her.”
Nick wandered the halls unsure how he found his way back to Jack and the lounge.
Jack put his arm around Nick and led him inside. “You don’t trust him do you?”
Nick shrugged. “I don’t know who I can trust, Jack. I‘ve got to get some air.” Maybe this was all a strange coincidence maybe Angel wasn’t involved.

He had no blood family left. The last of it had died with his mother. All he had now was Jack and the little family he created for himself. They were more precious to him than his own life but now they were separated and it felt as if his heart had been torn from his chest. Nicky was gone somewhere beyond his reach held captive by a vengeful ex-lover. He had left his precious family for only minutes and now they were scattered like seeds in the wind. Kathy was safe for now but he could do nothing for her. His own life was meaningless they had to survive. The loss of his son would be a wound too deep to heal. If it took his last breath he would bring Nicky back to his mother. He knew Kathy could beat this she was a fighter with a passion for life but without Nicky all would be lost.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Meyers hit the button and pulled into the garage. He didn’t move until the door was safely down. He looked at Angel in the rear view mirror. She hadn’t taken her eyes of Dempsey’s brat the whole trip home. The kid had finally stopped screaming and was sound asleep again.
Angel carried him into the house and the room she‘d set up for him. It was nothing grand and posh like the room she’d taken him from but it was the best she could do. This was a temporary situation and Nicky would go back to his father in the end. How would he explain to his son his mother was dead? She placed him in the crib and covered him with a blanket. She was uneasy about the whole thing now that it was happening. How could she have allowed herself to be talked into something so insane? Desperation did crazy things to people.
Meyer’s grabbed a bottle of vodka from the cabinet and took a long pull. Things hadn’t gone quite as planned. He was nervous about killing Dempsey’s wife but more so about Angel being a witness to that. He wiped his sweaty hands on the kitchen towel and took another drink. He flipped on the TV and waited for the shit to it the fan. The police scanner buzzed with activity.
Angel walked into the kitchen and checked to make sure she had everything she needed when Nicky woke up hungry. She couldn’t bring herself to look at the man who had murdered his mother although she’d wished Kathy dead a thousand times in the last 7 years. She’s held the gun in her hand at the mansion and wanted to pull the trigger but the thought of Nicky losing his mother stopped her. Meyer’s thought she was going to kill Kathy, but she couldn't. She better than anyone knew a child should have a mother’s love.
Meyer’s grabbed her arm and spun her around. “Don’t give me any attitude. You’re in this just as deeply as I am.”
Angel never flinched. She looked him straidht in the eye. “Let go. You’re hurting me.”
There was something in her gaze that frightened him but he made certain he didn’t show it. “Just remember if I go down. You’re going with me.”
“When Nick finds out what we've done. He’ll kill us both.”
His phone vibrated on the kitchen table. He recognized the number and knew he hadn't drank enough liquid courage to answer.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Nick walked out into the cool night air. His chest felt tight and he couldn’t breathe. His son was gone.
Seconds felt like hours and Nick was doing more harm than good. Terrorizing the maid and contaminating the scene. “Nick you need to back off and let them do their job.”
Nick shook his head and stepped back into the house.
Jack hated himself for doing it but he sucker punched Nick and caught him before he hit the floor. “Somebody take him out to the car for me.” The room grew quiet.
“I know you all know what you’re doing but this is one of our own,” Jack said looking from man to man. They nodded and went back to work. Two cops stepped up and walked the groggy Nick to Jack’s car. Jack kneaded the ice pack and headed out to the car.
Nick grabbed the ice pack angrily from his hand. “You get one of those a lifetime.” Nick glared at him like a cat after a bath. The look of betrayal in Nick’s eyes stung him.
Jack slid in behind the steering wheel. “You didn’t leave me a choice.”
“He’s gone Jack and Kathy…”
“We need you Nick. Don’t shut down on me now.”
It didn’t take long for the media to get wind they descended on the hospital like ants at a picnic. They whisked them off to a private lounge away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi
Nick paced back and forth nervously. “I gave that figurine to Angel. This doesn’t make nay sense. Angel wouldn’t do this she couldn’t.”
“Hell hath no fury…”Jack interjected.
“Why now why after all this time. She killed Carlos to protect me why steal Nicky and hurt Kathy?”
“You never told me she killed Carlos.” Jack looked angrily at Nick.
“You didn’t need to know. Christ Jack if I would have known how old she was. I never would have touched her.”
“I saw her Nick. I never would have guessed. You were just trying to do the right thing when you sent her home.”
“She couldn’t have done this. I thought I was doing it for her but maybe I did it for me out of guilt or shame. I don‘t know. She couldn‘t have,” Nick muttered. “When are we going to hear something?” He ran his hand nervously through his hair.
“You were pretty screwed up after that one. I’d never seen you like that.”
“Too much coke, too much booze, too much blood. If Kathy hadn’t come along and put me in the spot light I don’t know what would have happened to me. I guess I would have kept going until someone or something killed me.”
“Hey you’ve been clean and sober ever since.”
Nick never had the luxury of rehab. He spent a month with Jack detoxing. He frightened himself as much as he frightened Jack. He knew enough not to go though that again.
“If anything happens to her,” he said clenching his fists. Just a taste to stop the pain. Even after all these years it called to him; a siren’s song of death. It never ends that simply. He wasn’t sure he could stop again if he ever started.
“You’ve got too many people depending on you to screw up now. We got the best people working on it. I don‘t think this was about money, Nick.”
“I know I don’t think she’d hurt Nicky she wasn’t like that.”
“People change Nick it’s been along time.”
A cop knocked on the door. “This is from the sketch artist. She’s very beautiful.”
Nick shook his head staring at the picture. It was his Angel. “Yeah, beautiful,” Nick repeated lost in time and lost in memories. She’d lost that innocent child like quality. She was still so young to have had such a difficult life. Could it have been so cruel it turned her into a stone-cold killer? Part of him doubted that, maybe the most important part his heart. She had killed once to protect him would she kill again to extract her revenge? He always hated the fact she had to live with the same kind of guilt, the kind that could only come with the taking of a life. Self preservation and guilt made strange bedfellows. Instincts demanding you survive and conscience always wondering if you deserved to. Did the fact you were able to take a life negate your right to survive. It was a dilemma that no doubt plagued mankind since the first life was taken. Nick could only hope one day there would be no need for someone like him. Someone who could kill. A cold shiver shot through him, maybe he needed to worry.
Nick and Jack pulled in to the restaurant parking lot when Nick’s cell phone rang.
“Dempsey,” he answered. “What? When? Get your asses over there and send the police. I‘m on my way.” Nick threw the car in reverse and barreled out of the parking lot.
“What is it Nick?”
“It was the security company. The alarm just went off at the mansion.” Tires squealed as he roared into traffic. Horns blew as he ran through a red.
“Maybe it’s just a false alarm and you’re going to get us killed for nothing.” Jack hit he door as Nick slid around a corner. He reached over and snapped his seat back in place
“I’ve had a bad feeling Jack ever since we’ve been back. The whole movie thing was just B.S. we found out yesterday.”
Jack had known Nick long enough to know to listen to Nick’s instincts.
Nick pulled up behind cars in traffic. “Damn, damn,” he said pounding on the steering wheel. He punched in the number to the house and it rang and rang. He tried Kathy’s cell phone and got voice mail.
“This isn’t good, Jack.” An ambulance blew by them when they were a block from the house. “Kathy’s in there,” he groaned. He was torn. Follow Kathy and the ambulance or return to the mansion and check on his son. His paternal instincts won out. He pulled around the waiting cars and drove into oncoming traffic to his son.
“Jesus, Nick.“ He flinched as a car swerved around them. “How do you know?” Jack shook his head hoping his friend was wrong but knowing he wasn‘t.
“I just know. It‘s bad.” Nick threw the car into park and hurried past the cops on the scene. Police, security and rescue cars littered the driveway. Jack hurried into the house behind him. Nick stood momentarily dazed at the puddle of blood in the foyer, was it Kathy’s or Nicky’s. “No, no,” Nick moaned.
Jack kept his eyes on Nick while he pumped cops on the scene for information. Jack hurried back over to Nick. “She’s been shot in the head small caliber bullet from the casing they found this in her hand. Jack held up a clear plastic bag and inside was a crystal figurine of angel. Nick stepped back and bumped into the wall behind him. “No.” Nick’s eyes grew wide with surprise.
Two uniforms helped the maid down the stairs. Her face bruised and bloodied. She broke free and ran to Nick. “I tried to stop them Mr. Nick but I couldn’t,” she wailed. Tears streamed down her face.
“Where’s Nicky, Maria? Where’s my son?”
“They took him. I tried.”
Nick grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “Who took him Maria?”
“You’re hurting me Mr. Nick.” Maria sobbed harder and Nick shook her harder.
“For Christ sake Nick. She doesn’t know,” Jack said trying to pry Nick’s hands from her shoulders. “Nick what about Kathy?”
“If he’s gone Jack she wont want to live.”

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Angel stopped in her tracks and shivered at the sound of the gun shot. She wanted to be happy but a part of her couldn’t be because she knew it would cause Nick and his son pain. She came face to face with the wide eyed panicked maid.
Maria’s lips curled into a snarl and she charged the woman with the gun. She would protect little Nick no matter what the price. Angel easily side stepped the older woman who flew past her and into the wall. Angel took out her rage on the helpless maid. She grabbed her by the hair and pounded her head into the wall until the woman stopped struggling. She slid to the floor leaving a smear of blood on the Venetian finished walls. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the child’s room. It was everything she ever could have imagined or wanted to give her child. She walked hesitantly to the crib. She choked back a sob at the sight of Nick’s son. The realization he’d grow up without his real mother tore at her heart.
“What the hell are you doing,” Meyer’s yelled from the bottom of the stairs.
Angel wiped away the tear and gently picked up the sleeping child. Nicky sighed and snuggled into her chest. Her body went limp and she almost couldn’t hold the weight of him. It was too late to turn back now. There was no where to go but to hell.
Angel made it to the kitchen with Nicky. “Oh my, God,” she said seeing Kathy in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor.
“Move your ass,” he said in a hushed tone. The last thing he needed right now was a screaming kid. “She saw me. I didn’t have a choice.” Meyers put the mask back on and the two hurried out to the car.
Maria groaned and pulled herself up on the hall table. She stumbled into Nicky’s room.
“Dios mio,” she cried, “Dios mio.” Nick Jr. was gone. She staggered to the alarm panel and hit the button before the room spun and faded into darkness.
Angel cradled the sleeping child in her arms with the sounding alarm Nicky woke with a start and began to cry. The two hurried away with the screaming child as the alarms from the mansion blared in the background.
“I told you to take care of the maid,” he snapped. He punched the gas and sped away from the house.
“I…I did. She wasn’t moving.” Angel was in the back seat and quickly buckled Nicky into the car seat
“You had a gun why didn’t you use it. It’s not like it would be the first time you killed someone. So help me. If you screw this up!”
She looked at him defiantly. “It was different. Carlos was going to kill me.”
He was going to kill Dempsey he wanted to scream at her. When push came to shove he knew she’d never do the same for him. Nicky fused and fidgeted in the car seat. “Make it shut up or else.” he snapped.
What did he expect Angel thought. They’d taken the sleeping child from it’s bed and hauled him into the darkness. She‘d done her best to shield Nicky from his lifeless mother on the floor. She resented the fact as a woman men always expected her to automatically know what to do. Instinctively on some level she did. She’d always been careful to keep her distance from children. The pain of her loss was just as fresh as if it had happened yesterday. She couldn’t help but hold and comfort Nick’s child. She looked into the tear filled chocolate colored eyes and saw his father staring back at her. The thick wavy hair and dimple had been passed on to the next generation. As she comforted the troubled child she fell in love with Nick all over again and she hated herself for what she had done.
Meyers and Angel hid in the darkness waiting for Jack and Nick to leave the mansion. Meyers and his FBI tools had listened in so knew they’d be gone long enough to get the job done. When Nick came back from getting food; his son would be gone. What was she doing? Stealing one child to get another back? Nick’s car pulled out of the driveway and the two slipped through the gate before it closed. Angel heart pounded so wildly she thought it would burst through her chest. Her palms broke out in a sweat. Meyer’s pounded on the back door hoping Kath would think it was Nick returning ,unexpectedly.
Kathy was setting the table when she heard the pounding. She hurried to the back door.
“What did you forget?” She threw the door open and found A woman and a masked man were standing there. Fear took over and she quickly tried to close the door but the man was too strong the force knocked her to the floor. Her only thought was of Nicky and to get to the panic button for the alarm.
“What do you want?” Kathy gasped.
He pulled Kathy from the floor and shoved her onto a kitchen chair.
“Do you know who my husband is? What do you want with my son?” she said defiantly.
“Why do you think I’m here, Kathy?”
Angel’s whole body shook as she stared at the woman who had ruined her life, stolen her life and the man she loved. Finally after all this time she could take her life back. All she had to do was pull the trigger and one part of her nightmare would be over.
Meyer’s watched as Angel raised her hand with the gun. The clenched jaw and the look of determination in her eyes said more than words ever could. It pained him to think Angel was going to have to die but her and Dempsey were two of a kind. Killers who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. A coupe of rabid dogs he’d have to put down. He was doing the world a service by taking them out. He just had hoped things would have gone differently with Angel. After all this time he had to admit she would never truly be his.
Sounds from the baby monitor brought them both back to the reality of the situation.
“Go get the kid. There should be a maid here somewhere. Take care of her.”
Angel turned to leave the room. Kathy screamed and lunged for Meyer’s and the gun. Angel kept on going. She wanted to see Nick’s son. To hold the child that should have been hers.
Kathy scratched and clawed and managed to get the mask from his face. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight. She knew this man and she knew he hated her husband. Why was an FBI agent in her home holding a gun on her? Why was he interested in her child. Kathy stomped his foot, breaking free she ran for the panic button.
“You really shouldn’t have done that.” He aimed his gun at the fleeing woman and pulled the trigger.
You get two of everything. It’s all I’m going to eat while I’m here,” Kathy said.
“Are you sure you’re not pregnant again?” Nick grabbed her and twirled her around until she giggled.
“Hey, another crack like that and you’ll be sleeping on the couch permanently. Wow, now I’m dizzy.” she sat down in the closest chair. She smiled and giggled again. He knelt down in front of her.
“I’m sorry baby. Are you okay?”
She grabbed him and pulled him to her. They shared a long passionate kiss.
“I came her to eat not watch live porn. It’ll be cold by the time we get there if you two don’t stop.”
“I think we need to find Jack a woman,” she teased.
“Okay I’m out of here.” Jack turned and headed to the door.
Nick took his keys and hurried after him. “I’m setting the alarm,” he yelled to Kathy.
“I want something with chocolate too,” she yelled after him.
Nick rolled his eyes and shook his head. “She’d tell me if she was pregnant again right?” He said to Jack.
“They tell us when they’re ready it’s got nothing to do with us. God, you two are nauseating.”
“Yeah but when was the last time when you were nauseated. It’s been too damn long Jack.”
“That’s just it. I’m afraid it’s been too long. There hasn’t been anyone serious since Ellen.”
“It’s going on thirty years for God’s sake. What are you a monk?”
“I said there was no one serious. I didn’t say I wasn’t getting any. Ellen died last fall, cancer. Suzy’s been emailing me pictures of the family. I’ve got 3 grandkids I still can’t believe it. Two girls and a boy. She wants me to come and see them but it sounds like Jim is still blaming me. Suzy’s a big fan of Kathy she couldn’t believe that I knew her.”
“I’m sorry about Ellen but maybe you can’t put the past behind you now start over with Suzy and Jim. I’ll get Kathy to sign some stuff if you think she’d like it. Hey they could come up and see us. I think Kathy misses her adoring fans that’s why we’re here. They spoil her rotten at home.”
“I know she’d love it.”
“That’s one thing you can’t get in Brody is Chinese food you have to drive all the way to the Cities to get it.”
Jack rolled his eyes. “You’re starting to talk like them I think you’re getting an accent.”
“They don’t talk funny,” Nick said angrily.
“You wouldn’t notice because you sound like them and Kathy’s career is going to be ruined.”
“Hey, she doesn’t sound funny either. There are plenty of celebrities from Minnesota.”
“Yeah but aren’t they all named Anderson?”
“Ass,” Nick growled.
“I’ve really missed you too, Nick.”
“Come back with us invite Suzy and Jim up. I bought a pontoon you’ll love it. Wait until you see hockey on my big screen. When they take someone down it’s so real it almost hurts.”
“God, what have they done to you. Does Kathy know about the pontoon?”
“She bought it for my birthday she just doesn’t know it yet.”

Sunday, April 4, 2010

The hills were shrouded in fog, a late summer heat wave moved in. The air was damp and smelled like summer dying. There was a finality to the end of summer and coming of winter. Life like nature had made a full circle.
Nick ran his hand along the cool granite of Angie’s headstone. He brought flowers to her grave every week since her murder. He touched the smiling cherubs carved on its face in memory of the child that died with her. The chubby cherubs reminded him of little Nicky. His mother always said when God closes a door. He opens a window. He had taken something precious from Nick but he had given him a loving wife and beautiful son. Kathy played the role of mother and wife flawlessly as with all her acting roles but there was no acting now. Her love for him and their son was real and moved him beyond words. He came to Minnesota to escape the death and pain of L.A. leaving Kathy and the broken dreams of a life with her behind but fate had other plans for him. He had found a new love and a new life here if only briefly with Angie. Life had taught him a hard lesson; there was no escaping his past or who he was. No amount of water could wash the blood from his hands. He said his goodbyes and left the cemetery. It was time for him to rejoin the living.
Nick stood on the deck at twilight and listened to their howl. The song of the wolf filled him, called to him. He knew their song and knew their purpose. His spirit ran along with them lost in the thrill of the chase. Pure adrenaline driving them forward to their goal past the pain, past the fear they ran as they had since the beginning. Like him they would run until their end. He had found their dark primal place long ago. He felt the blood rush through his veins predator to predator they connected. Then came the kill and neither found pleasure in that. It was a matter of survival, no malice of thought only the need to exist. Survival at any cost was a concept he understood. He’d always lived in their world of kill or be killed. Embracing the primal side of himself is what allowed him to survive. That was the way it was only he doubted they gave a second thought to their prey. They went un haunted by the ghosts of those they killed. He was Sheriff, supreme predator and he hunted men.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Nick woke with a start. “No,” he groaned sitting up in the chair. He looked at his hands but there was no blood. It had been months since he’d dreamt of Angie and the child that died with her. When God closes a door; he opens a window his mother always told him. He looked around the room. Kathy and little Nicky were gone. Nick stood slowly his body protesting the hours spent sleeping in the chair. He gritted his teeth and took a step grateful Kathy wasn’t there to see him struggle. The clock on the wall said 10:00 and sunlight flooded the room. Nick looked both ways down the hall but Kathy and little Nicky were nowhere in sight. In the distance he heard the faint sound of Kathy’s voice.
“Please just leave us alone.” Kathy pleaded with the obnoxious man as she tried to shield little Nicky from his camera.
“Come on just one shot you owe it to your fans.”
“I owe them my talent. Not my life.” she hissed. The man reached out his hand to touch Nicky. A look of shock and fear crossed his face as he flew into the wall slide down onto his well fed ass. His camera hit the floor shattering into several pieces. Nick stepped over him and wrapped his arms around his wife and son. Kathy’s eyes welled with tears enjoying the safety she felt in his arms. A momma bear had nothing on her Nick.
“Send me the bill,” Nick growled. The terrified man nodded from his position on the floor.
“I don’t think he’ll bother us again.” Kathy said sniffing back her tears. She looked back over her shoulder to see two security guards help the man to his feet. Her husband was a man born centuries too late. A man who would have been king, a warrior king who would have taken the thrown by his own hands. A man who would have fought great battles and won. He stood there before her magnificent and powerful. So sure of his place in this world and she knew she’d never be able to deny him anything again. He had placed his future in her hands and for too long she had denied him his legacy, her legacy. She had watched a man die by his hand yet felt no fear. His fierceness tempered by a gentleness that moved her as he cradled their son. With Nick as his father all would be safe in his world.
Nick saw her staring at him. “What? He looked at her brows furrowed. “Am I doing something wrong?”
“No, I just realized I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”
Nick sat down with her on the bed. “It took you long enough.” He leaned down and gently brushed her lips. “I’m the luckiest man alive to have the two of you. I love you with all my heart and soul, baby, always.”
Tears slid down Kathy’s cheek and she touched Nick’s hand
“I’m trying to feed him but he’s not cooperating. They said it can take some time but I worry about him not eating. There‘s so much to learn.” she said letting out a big sigh.
“We’ll get through this together. If it was chocolate milk I’m sure we wouldn‘t be having this problem,” he murmured brushing his lip against hers. “Maybe it’s time for our first father son talk.”
“Ha, ha. If he’s anything like his father you’ll be having a lot more of those.”
“I hope to hell not,” Nick sat down next to her on the bed and took Nicky in his arms. “Listen young man you’re only a day old and you’re already giving your mother a hard time. That’s my job until you’re a teenager. We love you and want you to cooperate is that understood?” Nick tickled little Nicky’s belly and got a drool filled smile. Kathy unhooked her nursing bra hoping for success this time. Nick reached out and stroked her breast. Kathy closed her eyes and groaned.
“It’s been so long, baby,” he whispered, nuzzling her ear.
“I know I’ve just felt so…” he put his fingers to her lips.
“You don’t have to explain anything. But you’ve never been more beautiful or more sexy to me,” he said brushing his lips against hers.
He wasn’t like the others she had sensed that from the first time she’d looked into those dark, mysterious eyes. Kathy both hated and respected the violent side of Nick. Sometimes she felt his violent nature drew violence to him like sharks to blood. The malevolence seemed to be never ending. Even in this peaceful place it had touched him.
Kathy saw the look of love in his eyes for her and little Nicky and she felt sad she had wasted so much time ruled by her fear. She felt over whelming pride at being loved by this fierce, passionate man He had chosen her as lover and mate, to be the mother of his children. As she watched him with little Nicky she knew there would be more children. Nicky would be a big brother and guardian so much like his father. His strength and determination apparent at only hours old. He was his father’s son and because of that there would be battles to come.
Little Nicky’s arms began flailing and he let out a scream. “So this is how it’s gonna be.” Nick said shaking his head and smiling. “You’re up mom.” He handed the fussing baby over to Kathy and crossed his fingers. “Now the two of you just relax.” He stroked his son’s face as Kathy placed little Nicky to her breast.
Loud sucking noises came from Nicky and he stopped fussing. “I think it’s working.” Kathy said excitedly.
Nick smiled and shook his head. “I think we’re going to have our hands full with him. I think this was from that time on my desk when I was working late and you showed up wearing nothing but that coat,” Nick said gently rubbing his sleeping son’s belly.
She shot him an angry look. “You didn’t tell anyone about that did you?”
Nick cleared his throat and remained silent.
“Oh my God, they must think I’m the town whore,” she whispered so not to wake Nicky.
“No, baby they think I’m the luckiest man alive.”
“Men,” she said shaking her head in disgust.
“Just remember you’re out numbered now two to one and I think we need a pontoon.”
“I draw the line at a pontoon you can get a bigger boat. You’re getting into this Minnesota thing way too much. And don’t even think about hunting.”
“That’s my girl.” He loved it when she told him what to do. And right now he was so in love with her he’d jump off the roof if she told him to.
“Always, Nick.” She touched his face and kissed him. “I think this is the most perfect moment,” Kathy said wiping tears from her cheeks.
“I think we’ve earned it.” He rested his head on hers. “It is perfect isn’t it. Like it was always meant to be.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let him out of my sight not even when he’s thirty.”
“I know baby. I know,” He smiled down at their sleeping son.
They’d come so close to losing each other last year to death and to other people. There were no questions, no recriminations they both had strayed and it would either destroy them or bring them closer. They had survived it all with a stronger bond, one no one could sever and now there was little Nicky. Nick wasn’t a man to walk away from his child. Even through the one night stand with her ex or her dalliance with Ben he never questioned or doubted that the child she carried was his and she respected him for that. They had survived their brief affairs with others to create something so remarkable.