Chapter 7
Trisha tipped her head back and studied Bobby's face while she waited for his kiss. Chocolate brown eyes met her gaze but rather than desire she saw contempt. Instead of a gentle caress, she felt his fingers close around her wrist a bit more tightly than she had expected and heard the cold tone of his deep voice as he stated coldly:
"You could never understand the connection Charli and I have – intellectually and sexually. You use – Sex is a toy that you use to get what you want – you don't care who you hurt in the process. I happen to love my wife and won't ever do anything to jeopardize what we have."
Bobby released his hold on her wrist, moving away from where she stood.
"Don't – ever think that I'm like any of the men you've taken from Charli in the past. She's more of a woman – more exciting as a lover than you could ever be."
"You have no idea the things I'd be willing to do for you," Trisha tried again to touch him, but Bobby side-stepped her attempt.
"Is everything OK in here?" Charli stood in the doorway, studying her husband and her sister. It was hard to discern what she had or had not heard.
"I came up to get a peek at your little ones," Trisha replied, rubbing her wrist absently. "I didn't know your husband was going to follow me up here."
"Bobby followed you?" Charli looked from her husband to her sister.
"He did – and I know you won't want to hear this but he tried to kiss me," Trisha took a step towards Charli. "He had some suggestions for things we could do since you aren't able to satisfy him when it comes to sex."
"Really?" Charli's voice grew soft and Bobby couldn't take his eyes off her. Did she believe Trisha? "What sort of things did he suggest?"
"You really don't want me to repeat it – he's quite explicit in his desires," came the older woman's reply.
"I know he is," Charli stated. "And I also know him far more intimately than you ever will. My husband would never be unfaithful to me – with you or anyone else."
Bobby watched her as she spoke and knew she was struggling to control her temper. He stood behind Trisha and made no attempt to speak. Charli was standing up for herself, and him, and he was relieved to know that she trusted him.
"You don't know him as well as you think," Trisha began but Charli shook her head, not wanting to hear anything further.
"I know my husband better than anyone else – and I know that he loves me. I know that he's too much of a man to ever cheat on me," Charli said. "You need to leave my home before I tell you exactly what I think of you."
Trisha studied her youngest sister in surprise. Charli had never stood up to her, ever. The one constant in Trisha's life had been her ability to take anything Charli possessed without a fuss. The woman who stood before her now was confident and self-assured in the love she shared with her husband. Trisha opened her mouth to speak but thought better of it before she swept by Charli and left the room.
Bobby waited like a child caught misbehaving, fully expecting Charli to be angry with him. Instead, she simply smiled up at him, saying:
"You were handling yourself very well, but I couldn't resist seeing the look on Trisha's face."
"You heard – How long were you here?"
"Long enough to wonder if you were actually going to kiss her, but certain enough to know that you wouldn't," Charli watched him approach her. "I saw her follow you up here and knew she was up to no good."
"I was afraid – I wasn't sure you had enough faith in yourself, in us, to know that I could never…" he laid his hands on her hips and pulled her towards him.
"I have enough faith in you to know that you would never hurt me like that," she smoothed her hands over the front of his shirt. "I know that Trisha is extremely tempting…" she began but Bobby laid a finger on her lips to silence her.
"To some men, I'm sure she is, but not to me – There's a difference between being attractive and attracting attention," he leaned down and kissed her deeply, his tongue parting her lips to possess the warmth of her mouth.
"OK, this is not something I needed to see," Kaitlyn's voice drew them apart. Bobby hung his head and rubbed the back of his neck, while Charli blushed hotly. "I wasn't sure what sort of damage Trisha may have wrought up here, but I can see that she failed miserably." Waving a hand in their direction, Kaitlyn smiled: "Carry on, you seem to know what you're doing – I'll make sure things continue smoothly downstairs."
Once Kaitlyn had left the room, Charli looked up at her husband only to be graced with the boyish grin on his handsome face. She couldn't help but return his smile even though she felt the heat as her blush deepened. Before she could walk by him, he took gentle hold of her wrist and drew her back into his arms.
"We need to go back downstairs," she said.
"We do," he agreed even as he lowered his mouth to hers.
Kaitlyn met Marti's anxious gaze as she came down the stairs and offered her a reassuring smile, mouthing the words 'They're fine'. Breathing a sigh of relief, Marti returned her smile and continued her conversation with Bailey. Kaitlyn located Jacob and Maggie, wanting to continue their earlier discussion to plan their visit to Kaitlyn's home in Virginia.
Releasing his hold on Charli, Bobby studied her eyes and saw the desire in their green depths. Satisfied, he took her hand in his and led the way back downstairs. If anyone had noticed their
absence, they gave no indication and, for this, Charli was grateful. Bobby slid his arm around her waist when they joined her sisters and Bailey.
As the number of guests dwindled throughout the afternoon, Charli took into account those who remained and couldn't help but smile. Those were Alex and Logan, of course, along with Megan Wheeler, Captain Deakins and Ron Carver. Bobby stood talking to his life-long friend, Lewis, while Charli stood with her sisters, Carolyn and Mitchell, Bailey, Jacob and Maggie. These people were their friends and family and Charli felt a sense of pride to know such loving people would be involved in her children's lives.
"Is there anything I can do?" Bailey located Charli in the kitchen. Charli smiled at her friend, saying:
"You've done more than I can ever thank you for already."
"It was nothing," Bailey shrugged. "I know how hectic things are at times like these and I'm just glad I was able to help out."
"I don't know what we would have done without you," Charli replied.
"Anytime you want time away, all you have to do is give me a call. I'll be happy to watch Jake and Emma. Molly was a bit upset that she was staying with one of her friends rather than coming to see them."
"You're welcome anytime. And we'd be more than happy to keep Molly for you," Charli offered. "She and Bobby really seem to enjoy each other's company."
"I've noticed that my daughter is a bit taken with that husband of yours," Bailey chuckled.
"Just make sure she knows he's taken," the younger woman chuckled. "I'm not willing to give him up."
"Give who up?" Bobby asked, carrying a large platter into the kitchen.
"That would be you," Charli smiled up at him. He set the platter on the counter and kissed her lightly. "We think Molly might have designs on you."
"She just likes me for my swing pushing abilities," he teased.
"I'm heading out," Mike came into the kitchen.
"Thank you for being here," Bobby stepped forward, shaking his friend's hand. "And for everything you're doing."
"I'm just doing my job," Logan shrugged. "What do you say we meet for breakfast tomorrow morning?"
"Sounds good," Bobby agreed easily. "When and where?"
After they'd set a place and time, Mike kissed Charli's cheek assuring her that everything would work out, before he turned his attention to Bailey.
"Do you need a ride?"
"I – I was going to call a cab," she began, but Mike shook his head.
"It's not like it's out of my way. I'm ready when you are."
"I'm set," Bailey said. Turning her attention to Charli, she added: "I'm serious. Anytime you want me to watch the twins, just give me a call."
"Thank you," Charli closed the short distance that separated them and hugged her friend. "You've been a God send."
The house was quiet once again. Kaitlyn and Marti had borrowed the SUV to go to the grocery store while Jacob and Maggie visited in the living room with Carolyn and Mitchell. Charli straightened up the kitchen while Bobby took down the caterer's tables and set them on the back porch to be picked up the following day. Standing at the sink, Charli rinsed her hands before reaching for a towel to dry them. She became still when Bobby's hands came to rest on her shoulders and massaged them lightly.
"That feels good," she whispered.
"You've had a hell of a few days," Bobby placed a kiss on her temple. "Things should quiet down now."
"I hope so," she leaned back against him and he slid his arms around her. "I'm ready for quiet."
"I was thinking maybe we could take the twins and go to Jacob and Maggie's cabin for a few days," he said. Charli turned in his arms and laid her hands on his chest.
"Really? That would be heavenly," she smiled up at him, but then her smile faded as she remembered: "I'm not sure I'm allowed to leave the state yet."
"It won't be for a week or two anyway – and I've got connections. I'll put in a good word for you," he teased.
"That's very decent of you," she graced him with another smile. Bobby lowered his mouth to hers, his tongue stroking her lips apart to deepen the kiss as his arms tightened around her. Charli came up on her tiptoes to slip her arms around his neck and give herself up to his kiss.
The back door opened as Marti and Kaitlyn returned, carrying several bags into the kitchen. Before Bobby could release Charli, Kaitlyn took in their embrace asking:
"Don't you guys ever give it a rest?"
"I think it's romantic," Marti winked at Charli.
"That's only because you have a man of your own," Kaitlyn grumbled. "People in love are too sappy for me."
"You're just jealous," Marti goaded the oldest Donovan sister.
"Not me – I'm happy on my own. No responsibilities, no headaches…"
"No one to listen to you, no one to hold you when you're sad…" Marti countered.
"No one to leave dirty underwear all over the place and drink the last of the milk only to put the empty carton back in the fridge…" Kaitlyn added.
"Well, you two can fight this out on your own," Charli chuckled. "It's about time for the twins to eat." Bobby released her easily and waited while she retrieved a bottle from the refrigerator and warmed it.
"You can't tell me that your husband has no bad habits?" Kaitlyn challenged in an attempt to draw Charli into the debate.
"None that I can think of," the youngest of the sisters smiled before leaving the kitchen with Bobby close behind her.
Charli looked forward to the times that she and Bobby fed the twins together. They spoke softly, about everything and nothing. They would tease each other or fall into an in depth conversation about their future.
Bobby gave Jake his bottle, talking softly to him and caressing his cheek with a long, gentle finger. Charli's gaze strayed from her daughter to her husband and their son. She felt the flush sweep up her cheeks at the look she saw in Bobby's eyes as he studied Emma nursing at her breast. Her heart was filled to overflowing with love for the man seated across from her.
"I – I go to see Dr. Hawthorne this week," she told him.
"I remember," his brown eyes moved from Emma up to meet her gaze.
"We – need to make a decision about birth control. I've never had to worry about it before," she pointed out needlessly.
"You don't – You can't possibly want…" Bobby's voice trailed off as he searched for the proper words.
"I can't possibly want – what?" Charli was curious.
"You want more children?"
"Of course I do," she nodded. "Not right away but … Don't you?"
When his gaze fell away from hers to look down at Jake, Charli waited a moment before she prompted him for an answer.
"Bobby?"
"No, I don't. We have two perfect, beautiful children – I came closer to losing you than I want to even think about. I won't – I can't take that chance again." His tone was gentle but firm as he spoke. "I think we should consider our options - to prevent any future pregnancies."
Charli listened to his words as she studied his face and saw the pain reflected in his brown eyes. The thought of not having more children saddened her but she knew that it was too soon for Bobby to even consider the idea. She fell silent, looking down at Emma, who was studying her mother with wide green eyes.
"What time are we supposed to be at the house tomorrow?" Marti asked later when they all sat around the kitchen table picking at the leftovers.
"Mr. Blailock said he'd be there around 11 o'clock," Charli said. She was not looking forward to returning to Harris' house but the attorney had been insistent. Jacob and Maggie had offered to sit the twins. They'd be leaving in less than 48 hours and Charli knew she was going to miss them terribly. She and Bobby had already discussed renovating the storage area over the garage into an apartment so that they would always have someplace to stay when they visited.
"Will Tornado Trisha be there?" Kaitlyn reached for the pitcher of iced tea.
"As far as I know," Charli nodded. "And Carolyn."
"Why would Mom need to be there? The old man hated her," Kaitlyn wondered aloud.
"Your guess is as good as mine," she shrugged.
Charli was already in bed when Bobby slid between the sheets several hours later. She went into his arms willingly and settled against him.
Bobby knew he had startled Charli with his revelation that he didn't want any more children. He heard the sadness in her voice although no one else seemed to notice. He knew if given time, he could make her understand his reasoning. She was much too important to him. Life without her wouldn't be worth living for him.
"I love you," Bobby whispered into the darkness.
"I love you," she replied softly as her hand smoothed over his chest. He felt her lips press a kiss against his shoulder but she fell silent.
"I hurt you – What I said earlier, you're upset with me."
"I'm disappointed," Charli admitted. "And more than a little sad," she added. "But if that's how you feel, I'll have to respect your decision."
"I never thought I'd ever be a father – but when I found out you were pregnant, I realized how much I wanted you and our baby. I'd love for us to have more children – but it's just too risky.
I'm too scared of losing you to even think about it." Even as he spoke, Bobby's arms tightened around her.
Charli said nothing but rather snuggled in closer, hugging him to her. The thought of adding to their family had been a foregone conclusion in her dreams of their future together. Realizing now, that Bobby had decided differently left her dismayed but at the same time, she knew it was because he loved her deeply.
The following morning, Bobby left the house to meet Logan for breakfast. Although he and Charli hadn't discussed the reason, she was certain it was to discuss the on-going investigation into Harris' death. Megan Wheeler had told her she was no longer a suspect, but Charli was wise enough to know that Harris' associates were powerful enough to keep her under their scrutiny until the actual murderer was arrested.
Walking Bobby to the Malibu, she asked:
"You'll be at Harris' house at 11?"
"I'll be there," he assured her. He kissed her gently. He pulled open the car door before he kissed her again, with more depth this time. "Your family is always welcome here but I can't wait to have you all to myself again."
"I feel the same way," she replied, reaching up to cup his cheek. He now sported a neatly trimmed beard since he hadn't shaved in more than a week. "Just a few more days."
"Can you – Do you think Bailey was serious that she'd babysit for us?"
"I could ask her – what do you have in mind?"
"I'd like to take my best girl on a date," he smiled down at her. "You think she'd be interested?"
"I don't know," Charli teased. "Maybe you should call and ask her."
Mike was waiting when Bobby arrived at the diner and waved his friend over to the table. Pulling out a chair, Bobby sat across from Logan before he asked:
"What's going on?"
"You know as much about the case as Wheeler and I do. Ross has the brass breathing down his neck for us to get this case closed but how the hell can we do that when all we have is a half-assed account of a woman seen leaving the house shortly after the gunshots were heard?"
"And no one else saw the woman leaving except for the neighbor who knows it wasn't the same woman who went in," Bobby sat back as the waitress filled his coffee cup. He thanked her and studied Logan thoughtfully. "Did Donovan have a significant other?"
"For being a public figure, the man's private life was just that – private. And if any of his colleagues do know anything, they aren't saying." Logan shook his head.
"Did you talk to Trisha? She's the only one of his daughters that was still speaking to him. Maybe she knows of someone that Harris might have been involved with – or someone who may have wanted him dead."
"Wheeler and I will track her down today."
"She'll be at Donovan's around 11 this morning," Bobby reached for his cup. "Blailock wants the sisters and Carolyn at the house. If you want to come with me you're welcome – Charli wants me there."
"Sorry I'm late," Jimmy Deakins said as he pulled out a chair and joined them. "What have you told him so far?" This was asked of Logan.
"Nothing, really."
"Told me what?" Goren looked from one to the other.
"This is rumor and speculation, from a friend of mine in the Mayor's office who does not want to be identified," Deakins began, but fell silent as the waitress filled his coffee cup. He waited until she left before he continued: "It would seem that your late father-in-law was involved in a somewhat kinky relationship."
"Kinky? What does that mean – Kinky in what way?" Bobby wanted to know.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Deakins shrugged. "My friend said that Donovan would make suggestive remarks about a woman he was sleeping with but he never took her anywhere public."
"Your friend didn't know any names?" Bobby asked, even though he already knew the answer.
"No, and it could just be locker room bravado. My friend didn't think so, though."
Charli stood on the sidewalk staring at the house, certain that she couldn't go inside. She glanced at her watch, wondering where Bobby was. It was a little after eleven and it wasn't like him to be late.
"You ready to go in?" Kaitlyn laid a hand on her sister's arm.
"I'm going to wait for Bobby," Charli replied but Kaitlyn wasn't fooled.
"There's nothing in there that can hurt you."
"I know I'm being silly, but I can't help it."
"You aren't being silly. What you went through is very traumatic," Kaitlyn said. "But Harris is dead and Marti and I will be with you."
"I know but…"
"You want to wait for Bobby," Kaitlyn finished for her with a smile. "Have I told you how happy I am for you? I think I always knew that you two had feelings for each other – Bobby was great to me and Marti both, but with you he was – different. He was more patient with you – more willing to do things with and for you."
"Am I the only one who never noticed?" Charli asked with a hint of a smile.
"They say people don't see what's right under their nose," Kaitlyn told her. "And here he is," she nodded towards Bobby as he parked his Malibu at the curb behind the SUV. With an uncommon show of affection, Kaitlyn kissed Charli's cheek and whispered: "Don't ever lose what you have with him. It's once in a lifetime."
"Sorry I'm late," Bobby apologized as he joined them on the sidewalk. He kissed Charli lightly and offered Kaitlyn a friendly smile.
"The rest of the circus is waiting for us inside," she teased her brother-in-law.
Charli was aware of Bobby's hand on the small of her back as they entered the foyer of the house. Kaitlyn shook her head, her voice almost a whisper as she said:
"It's like stepping back in time. The old man didn't change a thing."
"I know," Charli agreed, her own voice as soft and solemn as her sister's. "I feel like I'm a teenager all over again."
"Oh, there you are," Carolyn came along the hallway. "We're in the dining room. Mr. Blailock is waiting."
Walking along the hallway meant passing the office where Harris was murdered. Although Charli attempted to keep her focus forward, her gaze strayed into the room and she felt a momentary sense of panic. The wall behind Harris' desk sported a large etched mirror. It took her a moment to realize the reflection looking back was her own and not someone else. Bobby's voice was close to her ear as he whispered:
"I'm right here, Chuck. You can do this."
Seated at the dining room table, they listened as Chet Blailock read the contents of Harris Donovan's last will and testament. The silence was deafening following the announcement of the Executrix of the Estate. All eyes turned to Charli, who shook her head in denial.
"Your father's wishes are very specific, Ms. Donovan," the attorney spoke directly to her.
"Goren," Bobby stated softly, but firmly. "Her name is Charli Goren. What would happen - What if she refuses?" Bobby questioned on her behalf.
"The court would be petitioned to appoint an Executor to act in Ms. Donovan – Mrs. Goren's stead. It will mean lengthy delays in the settling of Harris' affairs and additional costs to everyone involved."
"Just do it, Charli – it can't be that difficult and we all just want this unfortunate business behind us," Trisha's normally silky tone was harsh as she spoke.
"Your father's been murdered and it's 'unfortunate business'?" Kaitlyn turned her gaze on the oldest of the four sisters. "You always have been a heartless bitch, haven't you?"
"Me? I wasn't arrested for killing him, was I?" Trisha countered. "He has her appointed executor of his estate and she was arrested for killing the bastard."
Charli said nothing but felt Bobby's body tense. She laid a hand on his leg beneath the table in an effort to stop him, but his focus was on Trisha.
"She's been cleared of the charges," he stated, attempting to keep his tone calm as he spoke.
"And the fact that you're a police detective didn't influence that decision at all, did it?" Trisha countered. "Evidence turns up missing, information doesn't find its way into the file…"
"Stop," Carolyn's voice startled everyone. She had sat quietly alongside Mitchell throughout the reading of the will, silently studying her children. "Charli did not kill Harris."
"You can't be certain of that," Trisha's voice was full of contempt.
"Yes, I can," came the soft response.
"Carolyn," Mitchell studied his wife, his tone warning her not to continue.
"How can you be sure that Charli didn't kill Harris?" Mike Logan joined the conversation, standing in the doorway.
"Because I did," Carolyn Travis admitted. "I killed Harris."
End Chapter 7
