Chapter 25

"AJ, my husband died seven months ago. I would have thought Clay would have told you?"

"Webb? Why would he have told me?"

"Because you are friends, and he and Scottie were fighting when Scottie died."

"Are you saying Webb killed your husband?"

"Well, not exactly. You see, Clay was protecting me from… and …well, he hit him and Scottie fell on the coffee table and a piece broke off and killed him. Your Colonel Mackenzie was there, I am surprised she didn't tell you."

"Mac was there when your husband died?"

"No, Clay called her, and she came over to the house as his lawyer."

"Seven months ago?" When she nodded, he shook his head, "No, I am sure that she didn't handle the case."

"She was in civilian clothes when she came over. Maybe she took the case on her own time?"

"Did it go to trial?"

"No, it was found out to be an accidental death, so there was no trial at all."

"Kat, I am so sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, AJ. I loved Scottie very much, but he was not always kind to me. Since his death I have been going to a support group, and that has helped me to deal with things."

"But it's still hard for you to talk about the things that he did to you, isn't it?" AJ gently inquired.

"Yes, for so long, I was afraid that if I talked about it or told anyone, he would just be more violent with me. Clay was always so worried about me. He would send Scottie away every time something happened, and he was there for me after Scottie died also."

"So you and Webb are dating now?"

"Oh, no! Clay is just a very good friend. He is like a brother I never had. There has been no one but Scottie. I mean, we were college sweethearts and married right after we graduated. We were married eleven years."

"You never wanted children?"

A tear slid down her cheek at that. AJ was stunned that his question had caused this reaction. "Oh, no, I love children and always wanted a houseful, it was just not meant to be for me, I guess…I was pregnant once, but I lost the baby. After that I was careful not to get pregnant again. I could live with not having children, but not with losing another baby."

AJ wanted to take her hands in his, but because they were both using sign language to communicate he could not and still ask her, "Kat, how did you lose the baby?"

"I was about four months along, and the baby had just started kicking so you could feel it if you touched my tummy. Another teacher at the school had just found out his wife was pregnant, also. We were in the lounge and the baby started kicking, and I reacted to it. When he saw that, he asked if I would mind if he felt it. It was the end of the day and I was waiting for Scottie to pick me up. Doug was touching me when Scottie came into the lounge. He was very upset. When we got home…I...um…he…" she could not go on.

Taking the crying woman in his strong arms, AJ rocked her back and forth, trying to comfort her. They remained that way until the sun was coming over the horizon.

To be continued…..