Truth
Jake remained silent as Malachy ushered him towards the car. He knew Leslie would hate being in hospital- she always avoided the places unless there was no other option. The memory of her laying in his arms as his father drove to Nikki's house would haunt him forever. He closed his eyes, trying to push the memory of her blood soaked shirt out of his mind. He had been too slow. Pickard had been a dirty cop; intent on making her look like the bad guy. He shook his head sadly.
"Rose said she will stay with Leslie until you get to her."
"Good." Jake meant it. His step mother was a force to be reckoned with. Canadian with Irish roots she had the formidable presence he wished he had. "You and Rose."
"Yeah?"
"After Mom. After Mom died how did you know?"
"Know what son?" Malachy ignored a traffic light as he spoke.
"How did you know that you and Rose would work out? That you'd be ok?"
"Honestly? I didn't and I still don't. I loved your Ma. With everything I had I loved her and I always will. You, Christian and Kathleen were kids, babies really. Meeting Rose and everything that happened since." He paused. "I sometimes wonder if your Ma sent her to us because she knew how useless I'd be with the three of you on my own."
"That's true."
"Hey."
"Well, you said it."
"What's this about?"
"Nuffin."
"Jacob Doyle."
"What if I mess things up? Like I did with Nikki? What if I'm a crap father?"
"I've seen you with Sloane and Tinny. You are a good dad." He paused. "And as for you and Leslie? She'll keep you in check and if you mess her about I'll kill you. Ok?"
"Thanks Da." Jake smiled slightly as his father pulled the car into the hospital car park. He just prayed that Leslie was ok.
Xxxxxxxx
Rose sat quietly in her chair as Leslie dozed. The surgery and analgesic had wiped the younger woman out. She hoped the girl could get some peace; knowing life with the Doyle family was always a challenge. She looked up as Kathleen re-entered the room.
"I just spoke with Tinny. She's fine. She's with Des and Christian."
"Ok." Rose smiled slightly. She had a feeling things would work out for the hapless detective and the young police officer. She hoped so.
"I also just saw Dad's car in the parking lot."
"Good." Rose got to her feet. "I think Leslie and Jake could do with some peace." Kathleen nodded, knowing that her brother still didn't know about the twins. She briefly wondered what type of Auntie she was going to be. The door opened as Jake rushed in.
"Leslie." Jake rushed to her beside, barely recognised his sister and stepmom. Malachy ushered his wife and daughter out of the room as Jake sat at Leslie's side. The blonde woman remained sleeping as Jake lifted her hand, kissing the knuckles as he watched her face for any sign she knew he was there.
Xxxxxx