After the Fire
Disclaimer: I do not own Crossing Jordan, her Characters or her universe. This is only for personal entertainment.
NOTE: In my Crossing Jordan world, Nigel is very psychic. All of his books, knowledge and curiosity help him to prove forensically what he already knows to be the truth.
AFTER THE FIRE
Nigel paced back and forth in agitation across the floor. He had only been home a short time, just long enough to shower and change from the ash and dirt stained clothing he had worn for countless hours at the crash site.
"Nigel, you're going to wear a hold in the carpet." The woman chided as she sat on the sofa. She watched him with concern.
"If you haven't noticed, it a hardwood floor." He barked back un-amused. "And I really don't recall asking for your opinion."
"You really need to calm down." She tried to sooth him as his pace picked up.
"You weren't there." He almost shouted. "You didn't have to sift through dirt, inhale the fumes from fuel, hoping to find something, anything that could identify those people." He growled at her. "Dammit! We searched so hard but we couldn't find everyone."
"Everyone, or just her?" The words caused Nigel to stop in his tracks and glare at her. "You're more upset because you couldn't find her. Aren't you?"
"You don't know what you're talking about." His voice had dropped low.
"Of course I do." Her voice remained even and calm. "I know you better than you know yourself." She smiled and patted the sofa next to her. "Come over here and give the floor a rest." He hesitated, running long fingers through his hair nervously. "Come on Nigel, come over here and talk to me." Finally he gave in, sitting with as much distance as he could between them. "You have to let her go Nigel."
"She wasn't supposed to go like that." For the first time since he witnessed the fireball in the night sky, he allowed the feelings to begin to surface
"You don't know that." She cooed softly.
"I know that if she hadn't run away like that, maybe someone could have helped her." He settled into the cushions, turning slightly to face her. "She just needed to open up to someone, anyone. She needed to be able to talk and share what she was bothering her. She didn't have to face whatever it was alone."
"Really?" Her eyes sparkled. "And who have you opened up to? Is there anyone you have told your secrets to?"
"Don't turn this back on me. That's not fair. I'm not the one who ran away." He sulked for a moment then looked at her with tears welling in his eyes. "Could you at least tell me if she…"
"You know that's against the rules." She started to reach out and pat his knee but stopped when he suddenly pulled away. "I'm sorry."
"Don't." He sounded guilty. "I'm sorry, but you know I hate it when you touch me."
"I know." She smiled softly then stood. "I have to leave now, Nigel. There are other things I have to attend to, you know."
"You're going back to him, aren't you." Nigel questioned, never looking at her directly. "I don't know why you bother. He's arrogant and…"
"You really should call him." She interrupted waiting for him to look up. "The two of you need to talk."
"And what would we talk about? We have nothing in common." He was angry as he spoke. "I've spent most of my childhood trying to please him, and most of my adult life trying to just forget him."
"He's you're father Nigel. That should be enough." She chided, placing her hands on her hips. "I really do have to go. Take care of yourself Nigel. Don't wait too long to call him." She smiled sadly as she began to disappear into thin air. "I love you Son."
He stared at the place where she had stood. "I miss you so much." He curled himself into the sofa as he muttered softly. "I love you too Mum." As he began to drift off to sleep, a single tear fell down his cheek as he whispered. "Take good care of Devan, Mum."