Loss & Family
Dana Bell
Cassie loved planting flowers on Jake's grave. The cool earth on her fingers was soothing and she knew how lovely they'd look. Pansy's with their yellow and purple faces, Marigolds sparkling in sun like forgotten treasure and Baby's Breath as innocent as a new born. Their white would be a lovely contrast.
She sat back on her heels and wiped her hands on her jeans. The sun above was warm, exceptionally warm for early springtime. Normally the ground was still slightly frozen and the temperatures nippy.
"He loved you very much."
Cassie started and turned her torso to stare at the stranger standing beside a huge gnarled tree. He wore all white and she didn't miss the redness of his eyes. Getting to her feet she greeted the older man with a warm smile. "Hello."
"You are as lovely as my…as Jake," he stumbled over the name as if it were unfamiliar, "described."
Patiently she waited, hoping her visitor would introduce himself. He seemed to know her.
"I could not attend his funeral." He stepped forward, treading lightly despite the sandals he wore. "It would not have been safe."
"Safe?" She frowned puzzled.
"For Jake. For you. For the children." He sighed heavily. "I knew when he died."
Since she sometimes knew things before they happened, she didn't doubt his last comment. Still, who was he and why would he have known when her husband died?
"You seem to know me." She extended her hand.
Lightly his rough hand took hers. "I am Caine."
Caine? Something tickled in her brain. A vague comment Jake had made once and then quickly laughed off. There had been a look a fear on his face and though she'd waited patiently, known he kept a secret from her, he'd never spoken of it again.
"Welcome to Middleton."
A sad smile tugged his lips. "I can not stay."
"Why not?"
"I will not bring danger upon you and my…your children."
"What danger could I possibly be in?" She crossed her arms over her blue t-shrit.
Caine cocked his head. She noticed the wispy Grey hair and the wrinkles lining his face. "He never told you."
"I really have no idea what you're talking about." She decided to switch tactics. "Why don't you come to Grey House. I'll fix you something to eat." He did look like he didn't eat often. His body was thin.
Uncertainty, fear, and hope all crossed his weathered face. "Thank you."
"My car is over here." She led him out of the graveyard with its many weathered stones and still bare trees. The drive to her home was quiet. He stared out the window, lost in thought.
When she reached her white and brick home, she took him to the kitchen and put on the pot. Tea was always good and she so enjoyed coming up with her own blends. Her guest sat at the bar, both at ease and ready to flee. She placed the delicate cup in front of him, the contents steaming. Cassie offered him a smile. "Best drink it while it's hot."
Again he cocked his head to the side, a smile tugging on his lips. "Thank you." He sampled his tea and nodded his approval. "Mint, black tea and a touch of ginger."
She blinked. Not many figured out her combinations.
"I am an apothecary."
"So you know about herbal remedies and teas." It wasn't often she found someone as familiar with them as she was.
"Yes." He sipped more of the tea, glancing around the room.
In some ways, she missed the old cozy kitchen, but converting Grey House into a B&B had meant updating and modernizing. She could now bake easily to entertain her guests.
"Hi, Mom," Grace bounced into the room, dumping her backpack on the tile floor before she stopped and stared at the older man.
"Grace," Cassie introduced. "This is Caine. This is my daughter Grace."
"It is my great pleasure to meet you." He extended his hand.
Her daughter took it and an odd expression flashed over her face. "Do I know you?"
"We have never met." He pulled his hand away and again picked up the cup.
"But," Grace stopped, shaking her head, her blondish brown hair framing her face. "You're so familiar."
Caine finished his tea. "I thank you for your hospitality." He picked up his bag. "I should be going."
"Nonsense." Cassie knew he needed to stay. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. I insist you join us."
His gaze uneasily rested on Grace. "I should not."
Grace squared her shoulders. "Of course you should. I smell apple pie. Does that mean Lori, Brandon and Tara are joining us tonight?"
"They are. Would you set the table, please?"
Her teenager grinned and set about getting the table ready. "Caine, there's an empty room up the stairs at the end of the hall." He opened his mouth to protest. "No argument. Join us when you're ready."
He hesitated then his shoulders slumped in surrender. "As you wish," he said as he left the room.
Since she didn't hear the door open, she assumed he'd gone upstairs. She checked the roast she had on and pulled the potatoes off the stove. They needed to be mashed.
Humming she got the meal ready, placing each dish in its own bowl or platter. A touch of grief hit her heart. She remembered the trip she and Jake had taken to buy them. The front door opened and she heard Lori, Brandon and his wife Tara laughing in the hallway.
"Hi, Cassie," Lori greeted. She grabbed a bowl and headed for the table.
Brandon snatched a bean and Cassie frowned at him. "Yumm," he complimented as he popped it in his mouth.
"I thought you'd been taught better manners," his wife teased. She grabbed the bowl he'd swiped from and took it the table. The couple had split up for a long while. Cassie had arranged for them to spent a day at the ice rink. Luckily her ploy worked. They were back together and living in Middleton.
He grinned at Cassie. "Can't resist your cooking. Where's Abigail?"
"Working tonight." Her cousin had been in town for several months. First she'd worked for Sam at the clinic and recently Stephanie at the local coffee shop, the Bistro.
Hearing the door again, George puttered in. He gave his family a huge smile. His hair was a bit more gray and he'd put on a bit of weight, despite how active he was. Cassie caught whiff of dirt and sweat.
George sniffed. "Smells wonderful."
"Almost ready." She handed the pot roast platter to Brandon who walked importantly to the table. George took his seat and Cassie grabbed the last dish, a relish plate.
Caine appeared in the doorway all in black, with a top showing a tiger and dragon.
"Who's this?" Brandon asked. His tone was guarded yet welcoming. No doubt part of his police training. At least he was out of uniform and Cassie was glad of that. Family time should be relaxed.
"This is my guest Caine." She took her place at the head of the table. A flash of regret went through her. Jake should be sitting there.
Her guest bowed taking a seat next to Grace. Cassie picked up the potatoes, put some on her plate and passed them to her daughter.
"Where are from Mr. Caine?" Lori put some green beans on her plate and passed them to her brother.
"Just call me Caine."
"Where are you from?" Brandon pressed. His dark hair dangling of his forehead reminded Cassie again of her dead husband.
"You are much like your father. He too, was good at interrogation."
"Were you someone he interrogated?" She could see her police step-son getting suspicious.
"Brandon, he's a guest," Tara reminded her husband.
"No." Caine passed on the meat and took some more veggies. "I understand your concern, but I am no danger to any of you."
Grace frowned, starring hard at Caine. "I swear I know you."
"I have never been in Middleton before."
"Well, wherever you're from," George's Irish brogue sneaked in. "If Cassie invited you to eat with us, then there's no need for questioning." His tone brooked no room for argument.
The conversation changed to sharing what was going on in everyone's life. When dinner was finished, the girls cleared the table and then Cassie served apple pie with coffee or tea.
"I love your pie." Brandon smacked his lips to make his point. Tara rolled her eyes.
Lori playfully slugged him. "Watch your manners."
"How are things going at the paper?" Cassie was delighted to have all her children home although saddened it had happened because of her husband's unexpected death.
"Okay." Lori pushed her plate away and sipped her coffee. "I was thinking of writing an article about mom." She cast a guilty look in Cassie's direction.
"I think that's a good idea. You should remember her." Jake had been widowed when they'd met and raising two young children. She'd come to think of Lori and Brandon as her own.
"Yes, you should," George agreed. He picked up his plate. "If you'll excuse me, time for me to get to bed so I can tackle the roses tomorrow and fix the back gate."
"I can help you, if you would like," Caine offered.
"I'd like that." George ambled off.
"I've got homework." Grace finished her final bite, but took her tea with her.
"I'll help with the dishes." Lori needed to talk about something. She often hung around afterwards when she did.
"Tara and I need to go as well. Both our days start early." The couple grabbled each other's hand and headed for the door.
"Good night." Caine silently padded out.
"He's an odd one," Lori said.
"Yes, he is," Cassie agreed. "Let's get the dishes done and then we can talk."
At the paper office the next day, Lori re-read her mother's obituary. It didn't say much. Just that she'd died and left behind her father, George, a husband and two young children. There weren't any other articles and Lori had a hard time remembering why her mom had died. Had it been an illness? An accident?
All Lori remembered were the dreams about monsters and how Cassie had helped her get rid of them. Granted the bunnies had gotten tiresome and so had the puppies, but as least the monsters hadn't chased her anymore.
Her boss was out for the day following the mayor around. Martha Tinsdale could be tiresome and although she had a good heart, she tended to go overboard at times. Luckily, someone always seemed to be around to rein her in.
Not inspired at her meager findings or her musings about their mayor, Lori decided to do a search on their new guest at Grey House. Not many were off the grid so there should be something on him.
She found several articles about Caine. Most were about a young cop while there were some that mentioned an older one who practiced Oriental healing. On one page she saw a picture of the younger one and couldn't believe what she saw. It looked exactly like her father! Younger, but the same.
Without thinking she sent it to the printer. Cassie would want to see it. Was it possible there were two men who looked alike? Maybe they were twins. She had to find out!
Her day dragged after that and she hurried out mid-afternoon, locking up the office. She noted the odd green convertible parked across the street. Must be someone passing through. No one she knew in Middleton had a car like that.
She reached Grey House and found Cassie in the kitchen. "You tend to live in this room."
"Heart of the home." She brushed flour off on her flowered apron. Lori liked Cassie's shorter haircut. "How's your article coming?"
"Not finding much." Lori pulled out the picture and pushed it across the counter. "I did find this."
Cassie gasped, grabbing the edge of the counter.
"Looks just like dad huh?"
"It does." Her step mom picked up the picture and stared at it. "Couldn't be though. Jake grew up in Middleton."
"You know," Lori bit her lip. "Dad never really talked much about his childhood."
"Most adults don't." Cassie put the article down. "They do say everyone has a twin in the world."
"Then what is Caine doing here? You don't suppose," she stopped, not wanting to finish her thought. "I mean, you don't suppose he's… " The thought staggered her. "My grandfather?"
Cassie paled. Her hands shook. "Your father would have told me."
"Not if he thought he was protecting us." Lori had known he always had.
"It's a coincidence. It has to be."
The dark haired man in the back of the Bristro made Grace nervous. He was in a dark suit, with gray touching his hair just above his ears. She couldn't see his eyes. They were hidden behind sunglasses.
"Hey." Nick shyly reached out and touched her arm. "You okay."
Grace shook herself. "Fine." Her best friend, Anthony, had moved out of town thanks to his parent's divorce, so she and Nick, who lived next door, had gotten used to hanging out together at the coffee shop and doing their homework.
"That weird dude seems to be getting all your attention."
"I'm sure he's just passing through."
"I could talk to him for you."
"Don't. He's dangerous." Grace wasn't sure how she knew that.
"How do you know?"
"I just do." She packed up her books, stuffing them into her backpack. "It's getting late."
"Not that late."
"Nick, I want to go home."
"Fine." He packed up, tossing the offending stranger a dirty look.
"Don't antagonize him."
"He isn't going to do anything."
The bright green convertible had been sitting across the street from shop, Bell, Book and Candle, for a couple of hours. Normally, Cassie would have gone home by now, but the shipment she'd been waiting for had come in and she wanted to go through it. The new ingredients she'd ordered had arrived, as had the limited editions she'd ordered to give to Grace for her birthday.
With a smile she put the books into her bag and frowned as she caught sight of the dark haired stranger who wore sunglasses, despite the fact it was dark out. He lounged against the brick building where he had he could watch her shop. She didn't exactly feel in danger. More, curious.
She finished putting several items in their proper place and locked up. Halfway down the street her watcher got into his car and drove past her. It didn't surprise Cassie to find the convertible parked in front of Grey House.
"Have a spare room for the night?" he asked when she stepped up to the door.
"I think I can manage to find one." Cassie gave him a welcoming smile. "I can even find something for your dinner."
"Not hungry."
"I don't think that's true. You were in parked in front of my shop most of the evening."
His mouth opened. Before he could protest she added, "Your car is easy to spot."
His jaw clenched. "Yeah."
"I'm Cassandra Nightengale. Welcome to Grey House."
He silently whistled when he stepped into the foyer before following her to the registration desk. He filled out the card and paid cash.
"Kermit," she said. "Odd name."
A slight smile tugged at his lips. "Please, no frog jokes."
"Wouldn't dream of it." Might explain the bright green car. "Now let's get you some dinner."
In the kitchen she found the crockpot she'd left to simmer. The soup's rich smell filled the kitchen.
Her guest perked up. "That smells great."
"My own recipe." She got out three bowls.
"Expecting someone?" He sat at the bar.
Shrugging, she filled a bowl and handed it to him. "Thanks." He took a sip. "This is very good."
"Thank you." She stood across from him. "What brings you to Middleton?"
"Unfinished business."
"Hmmm." The soup turned out better than she hoped. "Hungry, Caine?" Cassie had sensed the older man, even though his tread hadn't betrayed him.
Kermit's spoon dropped into his soup. "What are you doing here?"
Caine seemed startled as well. "Passing through."
Some hidden communication passed between the two men. Cassie sensed they knew each other. She put soup in the third bowl and handed it to Caine. He dipped his head and mumbled, "Thank you."
Mysteries were nothing new to her. In time, she'd find out what the two men were hiding.
"Morning, Sam," Cassie greeted her new neighbor. She closed the mailbox, taking note of the various bills she'd received. Luckily her shop made enough to cover them. Barely.
"Morning." The town's new doctor unlocked his car and hesitated. Sam had been a little awkward around her since the night of the party. Cassie still wasn't sure exactly what had happened between them or what they were going to do about it.
Her friend Ryan had been a little distant as well. She knew he'd been hurt. He really liked her and had been hoping it would develop into a romance.
"Have to get going." Sam gave her a quick smile and drove off. Cassie knew he'd stop by the bistro for his usual Danish and coffee.
With a sigh, she went back inside. Grey House was filled with familiar scents and a lingering memory of her husband Jake. She still missed him.
"The heart remembers." Her eyes drifted to the carpeted stairs. Caine stood there. "You have many happy memories."
"I do, yes. Hungry?"
He nodded and followed her to the kitchen. She pulled her blueberry muffins out of the oven and placed the pan on trivets. They'd been Jake's favorite.
"I too, lost my spouse." His face shadowed. "And my son."
Cassie started, swaying a bit.
"Are you all right?" Caine was beside her, his arm around her waist
"Fine," she mumbled.
The older man released her. "He never told you, did he?"
"I knew everything I needed to know about Jake."
"Caine." Looking up, Cassie saw her guest standing in the doorway. She wondered if all he ever wore were dark suits. "If I might have a word."
"Of course." Caine stepped away and the two men vanished out the door.
She closed her eyes and took a deep steadying breath. Had Jake kept secrets from her? Did she really want to know the truth? What if she learned something she really didn't want to know about the man she'd loved? How would Grace, Brandon and Lori react?
Although, if Caine was their grandfather, didn't he and her children, have the right know each other?
Cassie hurried away from counter and into the foyer. Kermit and Caine were both there. They didn't seem to be arguing exactly. More like a stand-off between alpha males.
"You don't have the right to endanger them." Kermit made a circular motion with his arm.
"They have the right to know."
"Peter's gone. No one will look for his family in Middleton."
"They why are you here?"
"Promised the kid I'd keep them safe."
"Safe from what?" Cassie demanded, striding across the room and joining them. She put her hands on her hips and tried to look stern.
Kermit and Caine exchanged looks. The dark haired man answered. "You're safer not knowing."
"Why not let me be the judge of that." She ushered them into a small side room and closed the double door. "Lori found several articles on a Peter Caine. He looks very much like Jake."
A long silence followed. Cassie waited knowing one of them would break and tell her the truth.
Caine sighed. "Jake, Peter,"
Kermit held up a hand. "Stop. Look Cassie, your husband wanted his family safe."
"Knowing the truth will keep us safe. " They both kept quiet. "You might as well tell me. If not, Lori will figure it out eventually." Cassie was playing one of her cards. Her step-daughter was a very good journalist.
Kermit faced Caine. The older man shrugged. Taking off his sunglasses, he strolled to the fireplace, leaning against the ornate scroll work before facing her. "Peter was the only witness in a high profile murder. When the man was convicted, he swore vengeance and there were several attempts on Peter's life, despite the Chinese community's protection. The DA finally got him into the witness protection program."
Cassie followed the logic. "They gave him a new identity as Jake Russell." Mixed emotions raced inside her. Pride. Anger. Betrayal.
"Yeah." Kermit rubbed his eyes. "He almost left Middleton when his first wife was killed. He was certain it wasn't an accident, but could never prove it." He shook his head. "Peter also wasn't sure whether or not Lori witnesses what happened. He found her safe yet hidden."
Lori's dreams about monsters when she was younger suddenly made sense. Cassie felt sympathy for her. If the young woman had seen anything, she'd long since forgotten.
"I wanted to come." Caine's face reflected his grief. "Peter told me to stay away. It would be safer for all of us."
"Luckily Caine here is hard to trace." A half laugh escaped Kermit's lips. "No one in China town knew where he was."
"Nor did Peter."
"Then how did you…?" Cassie asked.
"I too, have abilities as do you." He sighed deeply. "So did Peter."
Little things she'd noticed about her husband began to fall into place. His easy acceptance of her and her healing herbs. His total respect of her secret place in their home. Other subtle actions that now made total sense.
Kermit spoke. "Above all else he wanted to keep his family safe. We've already told you more than we should have."
"I'm sure Jake won't mind." She went to the window looking out through the lace curtains. The vines lining them were beginning to turn green. Cassie loved the way they hugged the house. Made it feel more like a home.
A figure passed by and vanished into the garage. Her mind dismissed it as probably being George. He was working outside fixing a few things.
The implications she'd just heard meant many changes for her family. Most important, she glanced at Caine, her children had a grandfather. One they deserved to know. He knew things about Jake, Peter, they should know. Question was, how was the best way to let them know, without them spending the rest of their lives looking behind them for a danger that may or not be there?
Kermit took Caine to dinner at the Bistro. Since there weren't any other guests at Grey House, it gave Cassie a chance to make dinner for her family. She'd called Brandon and Tara earlier and invited them over. Lori had the night free and Grace had just gotten home from studying at the library.
Cassie put the last bowl on the table and smiled when Grace entered, followed by her siblings. "Have a seat."
"No guests tonight?" Brandon held Tara's chair for her before he sat himself.
"Just us tonight." Cassie took her place, happy Abigail was working. What she had to say to her children was important and her cousin's presence would have been a disrutption. "We have something we need to talk about."
Lori threw a look at her step-mother. "I was right, wasn't I?"
No need to keep it a secret. "Yes." Cassie took a deep breath. "It seems your father had another life before he came to Middleton. He was a detective named Peter Caine."
"Wait," Brandon interjected. "I thought dad grew up here."
"I don't have all the details." Neither Caine nor Kermit had given her too much information. "He testified in a very important murder case. For his own safety he was put in the witness protection program." She put mashed potatoes on her plate and handed them to Grace.
"Why didn't he ever tell us?" Brandon looked hurt. His expression reminded Cassie of Jake.
She reached out putting her hand on Brandon's. "He was protecting us. Just like you do every day." Her step-son had followed his father into the profession.
Lori put some veggies on her plate. "Then Caine is our grandfather."
"He is and he'd like a chance to get to know his grandchildren."
"Where had he been all these years?" Brandon demanded.
"Brandon," Tara leaned toward her husband.
"He was keeping us safe." Cassie didn't know any other way to explain. "They both were." A branch wobbled and she assumed it was the wind.
"Why come now?" Brandon served himself some beans.
Grace sat forward. "Caine is my grandfather?"
Cassie smiled at her teen age daughter and nodded.
"Why isn't he with us tonight?" Brandon wanted to know. His wife took his hand and he squeezed it.
"He wanted to give us a chance to talk." From the look on Brandon's face, Caine's decision had been a good one. "I know this is difficult for all of us. Your grandfather is family. We need to welcome him, whatever the circumstances."
"Does Grandpa George know?" Lori asked.
"Not yet." Cassie intended to talk with him in the morning. Abigail too.
Brandon's gaze drifted out the window. The branches fluttered. He shook his head. "Good dinner, Cassie."
"Thank you." She'd made one favorite dish for every child. There was a tap on the window. Her eyes darted to it. Nothing there. Maybe knowing Jake had been hiding was affecting her or the fact they could all be in danger. She couldn't live that way. "I made a surprise for dessert."
Grace smiled knowingly. She'd probably noticed the different smells. Her daughter's gifts were developing.
"How was your day, Brandon?" Lori asked her brother.
The rest of the evening was filled with normal conversation. Cassie had gotten them thru the hard part. Winning their trust and hearts would be Caine's challenge. Somehow, she suspected he was ready for it.
Moonlight filtered through the lace windows and touched Cassie's face. With a sad smile she pulled them aside to gaze out over her garden. The trees had budded and soon flowers would spread their rainbow colors.
"Jake," she whispered. "I miss you."
Crawling into her bed, she reached for Jake's pillow. She cradled against it, feeling the need to cry, yet not allowing herself to give in. Too many tears had been spent already. Happy ones needed to replace them.
Her eyes dropped closed and she fell asleep to the familiar creaks and groans of Grey House. It was the unfamiliar that woke her. Heart beating, she moaned as if she were having a bad dream and sneaked a look at the clock. Only two. There was a rustling sound and she gasped, now afraid her intruder knew she was awake.
Weight settled on the bed. Against her will her body began to shake. Was this the unknown danger both Caine and Kermit had warned about?
"Easy, Cassie." Jake's warm voice whispered in her ear.
Must be a dream, she told herself. Her fingers reached over, turning on the lamp. She jolted up, staring at the man beside her.
"You're dead!"
His hazel eyes held sadness. "I'm so sorry. It was the only way to keep you and the children safe."
Her head felt dizzy. His hands grabbed her shoulders and forced her to lie down. "Take deep breaths," he gently ordered.
"But…" The world swam. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. The dizziness left.
"I'm sorry," Jake said again.
Anger boiled up in her. She wanted to hit him. Instead, she sat up and glared at him. "I don't understand."
He sighed and got off the bed. Strolling to the window he checked outside before returning to her side. "The shooting was supposed to look like a cop related killing."
The implications swam through her mind. "Your shooter was sent to kill you?"
"He was." Jake touched her cheek. "I always carry a bit of toxin in my pocket. I used it when I realized what was going on."
There were certain fish toxins she knew about which could make it appear as if he were dead.
"When I woke up I called my handlers. They took care of the rest."
"Why didn't you take us with you?" Tears dripped down her cheek. "Jake…" She threw her arms around him not daring to allow herself to realize he was real. His familiar warmth and musty scents filled her nose.
"I didn't want any of you to have to look over your shoulders for the rest of your lives." He hugged her close.
"You came home," she sobbed.
"Yeah." His hand was in her dark hair. "I sensed you needed me."
"Oh, Jake, I've needed you so much." She pulled back to stare into his face. There were a few more lines around his eyes, a touch of gray above his ears. "Your father is here."
"I know." He sighed. "I felt my father's sorrow. If he'd managed to push it aside, he would have known the truth and searched for me."
"These people who are after you," did she dare say what she was thinking. "Will they come after you again?"
He shook his head. "I don't know."
"Jake the whole town thinks you're dead."
"I know. I can't come back here."
"Middleton is our home."
"I can't come back as Jake Russell." The devilish twinkle she knew so well appeared in his eyes. "However, Peter Caine can."
She frowned. "But wasn't Peter Caine the one who witnessed the murder and had to hide?"
He chuckled. "I know Kermit is here. I recognized his car."
"I don't understand."
"It'll be fine, Cassie."
"The children know the truth." She knew Ryan and Sam wouldn't take the news her husband was back very well. Ryan wanted her for a girlfriend and she wasn't exactly certain what Sam wanted.
An expression fluttered over his face. "I hadn't counted on that. Although," He smiled. "Might make this easier."
It dawned on her what he might be up too. "No. If you're coming back, you do so as my husband."
A moment passed. He nodded. "You have a point. Telling the whole town the truth and trying to keep it a secret wouldn't work." He went back to the window. "The only options is to take all of you with me, or to disappear out of your lives forever."
After losing him once and now having a chance to get him back, Cassie knew she'd have to make a very hard decision. She got out of bed and came to stand beside him. "I want us to stay together as a family, Jake."
"Peter," he corrected. "You'll have to get used to calling me that."
"You'll always be Jake to me." She kissed him. "Where are we going?"
He pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "You'll see."
Whispering on the carpet. It woke Peter. Cautiously he opened his eyes. A figure hovered next to the bed. Reflex kicked in as he saw the arm move. He caught the limb and forced the weapon out the attacker's fingers.
Hitting the floor was jarring. They tumbled across the carpet. There were several crashes. Peter hoped they hadn't broken anything too precious. He knew how Cassie felt about the few items she owned.
"Jake!"
"Get the girls and get out of here!"
His attacker slumped. Peter grabbed the closest item, noting it was a stocking and tied the man's arms behind him. Casting a look around the room, he wanted to make sure there wasn't anyone else lurking. He lurched to the bed, pulling on his clothes and shoes.
Three screams forced him out into the hallway. Cassie had the girls behind her, standing up to a dark figure blocking the stairs. The shape was large and held a long weapon . "Hello, beauties," he hissed.
Peter saw his father sliding along the wall. It was a bit of a shock to realize how old he looked. But then, it had been a long time.
"Hello, kid." Kermit's voice whispered in his ear. "Took care of the one coming in the back."
With a nod of thanks, Peter slid along the wall. At all costs he had to protect his family! Watching his father, he knew the stair blocker wouldn't stand a chance. In a few smooth moves the fight was over and the way clear.
"Cassie, go!" Peter ordered.
The three took off and raced down the stairs.
"It is good to see you again, my son."
"You too, Pop." A warmer reunion would have to come later.
The night air was brisk. Normal for early spring. Peter took a whiff wishing there was a scent of flowers. No time for fond memories. "Get to the car."
"I'll go after Brandon and Tara," Kermit said, heading for his green convertible.
Abigail appeared in the door, her long hair askew and a robe tossed on. Peter grabbed her arm and forced her into the car.
His father had vanished and Peter cursed under his breath. They needed to leave. Seconds later Caine dragged George, who was still half asleep, with him.
They packed into the car and Peter peeled out of the driveway. He saw the lights come on next door and saw the new doctor briefly shadowed in the doorway.
"He'll probably call the police." Cassie cast a look behind them.
"Probably best." Peter concentrated on the road. He watched behind them for pursuit. He didn't see any. He just hoped Kermit remembered the meeting spot they'd agreed upon.
"There is no one following, "his father said quietly.
He trusted his father's instincts, but kept watch anyway.
"Dad?" He heard the fear and hope in Lori's voice.
"Not now. When we're safe." He turned a corner and darted under a stone bridge. He stopped the van and had to force himself not to shake. His family needed him.
Confused conversation followed with demands to know what had happened and how could he do this to them, followed by tears and awkward hugs.
"We'll sort it out later." Peter promised, not certain how long it might take the hurt to heal.
Wailing sirens passed above them, followed by more.
"That was the fire truck," Abigail said.
Cassie started to get out and Peter stopped her. "Don't."
"But I need to know."
"No. It's better we stay out of sight."
Three honks sounded. Peter pulled out and Kermit waved, then motioned for him to follow. They drove all night, using the darkness for cover. His family slept through most of it, except his father who kept watch.
Morning found them on a boat headed across the lake. Kermit had called some old mercenary buddies, collected a few favors and got them safely out of the state. Peter was grateful for his help and told him so.
"Least I could do," Kermit said as they stood on the bow of the ship, the damp breeze blowing around them. With a chuckle his friend added, "The fun part will be when the WPP discovers you're missing and can't find you."
"Something must have happened. We've been safe for years."
"I'll check into and take care of it."
Peter didn't ask. He knew better.
"You're a lucky man, Peter." Kermit pointed to group behind them, all dressed in new clothes and enjoying, to varying degrees, the trip.
"Don't I know it." Peter pulled his coat tighter. "Where are taking us?"
"Some place they'll never look for you."
Martha Tinsdale cried when she saw the ruins of Grey House. It had burned to the ground with only a few remaining bricks standing. As far as they could tell along with the confused testimony of Sam Radford, someone had left in Cassie's minivan. He hadn't gotten a clear look so he didn't know if Cassie's family had escaped.
There hadn't been any bodies found. Yet the fire chief had told her the fire had been so intense there might not be any remains. It saddened her. Cassie Nightingale and her family had been valued members of the community. Their loss was profound.
"Looks like I'll have to arrange another memorial service." The last one had been for Jake. Now it seemed his family had joined him.
Her husband put an arm around her. "I'm so sorry."
"So am I." She dabbed at her eyes and turned to face the news crews who were gathering. Good thing she'd had the sense to put on a decent suit and her makeup. Never knew when one had to appear on camera.
"Is this what you had in mind?" Cassie asked her cousin.
Abigail gave her a half smile. "Better."
"Don't suppose you'll share with me what you were planning." Cassie suspected Abigail wouldn't. She had her gifts as well.
"Nice when fate intervenes and prevents a huge mistake." Abigail wandered off.
Jake, Peter joined his wife. He pulled her close and she relaxed. Before them lay the ocean, the east coast a faint hint on the horizon. "Where are we going?" Cassie really didn't care as long as their family stayed together.
"Seems there's a senator who owes Kermit a huge favor." Her expression asked her question. "No, idea," Peter answered. "And I didn't ask."
"Will I be able to open a shop?" She regretted having to leave the Bell, Book and Candle behind along with her lost heritage of Grey House.
"New businesses are more than welcome." Her husband kissed her cheek. "I hear it's a cozy little town on the coast with a long rich history."
"Sounds promising."
"Hope so." He rested his cheek against her hair.
When he didn't continue, she asked, "So, what is the name of this cozy little town?"
"Collinsport, Maine."
A brief shiver ran through her. Cassie dismissed it. It was just the damp sea breeze. After losing Jake and getting him back, she intended to live each moment to the fullest. Starting now.
First published in the Fanzine Diamonds and Dynamite 4
