Chapter Twenty-Four
Monday, January 17, 1977
Jack settled into his bed with muffled grumbling that was followed by a long, contented sigh.
"Good t'be home?" Ennis asked softly, leaning over to tuck the blankets under Jack's chin.
"You got no idea," Jack said, his eyes closing briefly before popping back open. "You come get me if I'm still sleeping when Janie and Travis get here."
"I will."
Jack glared at him from narrowed eyes. "I mean it, Ennis. I want ta be down there with ya'll."
"I promise," he leaned down and kissed Jack gently. "Ben is ready to take Bobby into town to do some errands."
"Good," Jack said, finally allowing his eyes to close.
"Get some sleep," Ennis murmured, kissing him again. Jack was asleep before he'd left the room. He left the door ajar, in case Jack woke up and needed anything. He sighed and scrubbed his hands down his face and through his hair. He was dreading what was coming and wanted nothing more than to curl up in the warm bed next to his man.
Janie arrived just after lunch, while Ennis, Franki, and the girls were cleaning up. She removed her heavy wool coat, hat, and mittens and left them, along with her boots, in the coat room.
Ben drained the last of his coffee and pushed away from the table. "You ready to go into town with me Bobby?" he asked.
Bobby glanced up the stairs, looking uncertain. "Maybe I should stay here, in case daddy needs me."
Ennis knelt down next to Bobby's chair. "I'll make sure he don't need anything, okay? Ben might need some help hauling feed or picking out a new hammer. We can't seem to find a one around here. Maybe you oughta get two or three," Ennis told him seriously.
Bobby still looked skeptical, but he nodded and asked, "Can we get ice cream?"
"It's the middle of winter!" Ben protested.
Bobby frowned. "What's that got to do with eating ice cream?"
"It's cold!"
"So, I'll get ice cream and you get hot chocolate," Bobby suggested, his tone implying that Ben was a big baby.
Ennis smiled and Ben laughed. "I might get pie, too."
"I guess that's okay," Bobby said, nodding, following Ben to the coat room.
"Hat and mittens," Ennis reminded Bobby.
"But I'm only going to the car," Bobby whined.
"It's freezing outside. Hat and mittens."
"Fine," Bobby mumbled, donning boots, hat, mittens, and parka.
"How about a cup of coffee?" Ennis asked Janie.
"Sure, if you've got some made already," she agreed.
"Almost always have a pot ready around here," Ennis told her, reaching for a mug. He poured her a cup and pointed to the cream and sugar on the counter.
"I remember," she said, smiling at him.
"Junior, Frannie, you remember Janie? Beau's sister?" Ennis asked. They both nodded.
Janie smiled at them. "Hello girls. I think you've both grown since I saw you last! Hi, Franki," she greeted.
"Hi Janie," Franki greeted her with a warm smile.
"Travis should be here any minute," Ennis said. "I'm gonna go wake up Jack."
Ennis started toward the stairs but stopped when he realized both girls had started to follow him. He turned and took Junior's hand when she held it out to him. Her other hand held Frannie's tight. He could see the fear in both of their faces. He gave a soft tug and pulled them both into his arms.
"I'm scared, Daddy," Junior said, so softly he barely heard it.
"I know, darlin'. I know you're both scared. And there probably ain't nothin' I can say that'll take that fear away, but I want you ta know that you did the right thing, tellin' Aunt Franki. Can't say I agree with ya'll takin' the bus by yourselves, but I see why ya did it. And now that we got an idea what's been goin' on, the adults are gonna take over, okay?"
"But, Daddy, what if Travis makes us go back ta live with … him?" Frannie asked, tears limning her words.
"He won't." Ennis started to snarl, then softened his tone. "You trust me?" Frannie and Junior nodded. "I won't let him hurt you no more, okay? I'm gonna protect you. Okay?" He pulled them both close and hugged them tight. "Now, why don't you go make yourselves each a cup of hot chocolate. Ben had a good idea. I think there might even be some whipped cream in the fridge you can put on it." The girls nodded and stepped out of his arms. "I'll be right down."
"Thank you, Daddy," Frannie said. Ennis was relieved to see they both looked a little less upset.
Ennis pushed the bedroom door open when he got to it and took a moment to just look. Jack was sleeping, but Ennis could tell it wasn't an easy sleep. Jack shifted and made a low sound and without thinking about it, Ennis was at his side, sitting on the side of the bed. He slid his hand under the blankets to grasp Jack's hand that was fisted lightly on his chest. Jack startled and opened his eyes, confusion clear for a split second before his eyes met Ennis's.
"Hey," Ennis said softly.
"Hey."
"How're you feeling?"
Jack made a disgusted noise and yawned. Ennis used his free hand to run his fingers through Jack's thick, black hair. "Maybe you wanna go back ta sleep?" he suggested.
"No, 'm awake. Just need a sec." He shifted and reached out to take Ennis's hand. "They here?"
"Janie is. Travis should be here soon. Ben took Bobby into town."
"Okay. Help me up." Ennis pulled the covers back and helped Jack sit up, careful of the bandage covering his right shoulder. Ennis thought Jack looked rumpled and adorable in his sweatpants and t-shirt, not that he'd ever voice that opinion. "You sit here, I'm gonna get you some socks. You want a sweatshirt?"
"Yeah, one of those zip ones."
Ennis rummaged for a pair of socks in their drawer and knelt at Jack's feet to help him put them on. Jack snorted. "I feel like a damn baby—having you help me put my socks on."
Ennis smiled up at him and paused to caress Jack's ankle and his calf before he finished with the other sock. "I like helping you. And that you let me." He leaned up and kissed Jack before he stood and reached for the thick, gray sweatshirt and helped Jack slip into it. He helped Jack to his feet and zipped it before pulling him into a loose embrace. "You take it easy, okay? Keep this arm still and if you start ta get tired, you let me know."
Jack rolled his eyes and said, "Yes, mother hen."
"I mean it, Jack. You don't wanna end up back at the hospital, do ya?"
"No," Jack agreed quickly. He put his head down on Ennis's shoulder and relaxed a bit, putting his good arm around Ennis's waist. "Thanks for taking care of me."
"Hey," Ennis said, and met Jack's lips when he lifted his head and met his eyes. The kiss was gentle, but deep, and Ennis was very satisfied with the whine he heard in Jack's throat right before it ended. "I'll always take care of you," he told Jack. "Now let's get going." He turned to the door but kept one arm around Jack's waist.
"Hey, how's my hair look?" Jack asked.
Ennis stopped and turned back to him with a grin and a little shake of his head. He ran his fingers through the spot where it was sticking up a bit and smoothed it out. "Looks fine," he said and helped him down the stairs, where he helped Jack settle into the easy chair, with orders to stay put.
"Where d'you think I'm gonna go?" Jack groused.
"Do you want a blanket?" Ennis asked, ignoring the question.
Jack snorted a no. "I could use some coffee, though."
Ennis nodded and went to get him a cup, emptying the pot. "Frannie, bring this to Jack, wouldja?"
"Sure thing, Daddy," she said, taking the cup carefully and making her way to Jack.
Ennis rinsed out the pot and started a new one just as there was a knock on the door. He looked out the door and noticed the sheriff car in the driveway. "Janie, would you mind getting that, please?" he asked.
"Of course," Janie agreed. Ennis was sure she realized it was more-than-likely Travis. He finished the coffee and put it on the stove as Travis and Janie returned. Travis carried a briefcase with him.
"Coffee'll be ready in a bit," Ennis told him. "Thanks for coming out."
Travis nodded and said, "Sorry about the circumstances, Ennis."
"Me too," Ennis agreed. "So, how's this gonna work?" Junior slipped under his arm, her arms going around his waist. Franki and Janie stood nearby, but not intruding.
"I'm going to interview each of the girls, separately. Janie will be present and you, as their parent, can be present. I'm going to record it, so there's no question of what's being said."
Ennis nodded, but his voice was rough when he said, "That's about what I expected."
"Well, I think we should just get started. No use dragging this out," Travis said. "Is there a room I can use?"
"The office, if that would work?" Ennis said.
"Should be fine," Travis said.
Ennis looked down at Junior and clenched his jaw at the sheer terror in her eyes. He fought to relax and sound calm when he started to say her name. His voice broke and he had to clear his throat before beginning again. "Darlin, will you go first?" he asked.
Junior nodded, the tears that had gathered in her eyes spilling over.
"Good girl," he said, hugging her to him. He met Franki's eyes over her head, but Franki turned away when her eyes overflowed, too. "All right, let's go," he said, leading Junior out of the kitchen through to the living room. He glanced at Jack and was relieved, and a little worried about his injury, when he found Frannie snuggled into the chair with Jack, clinging to him. Jack held her tight and murmured soft words into her hair.
Jack jerked, waking himself and stirring Frannie, who was dozing on his lap. He glanced at Franki, who was sitting on the couch, holding onto her coffee cup like it was a lifeline. She glanced over at him and tried to smile.
"Didn't mean ta fall asleep," Jack said, a little embarrassed.
"You weren't out long. 'Sides, you just got out of the hospital, Jack. No one faults ya for being human," Franki assured him.
They both looked up when the office door opened on the second floor. Ennis lead the way, a look on his face that Jack had never seen before and it scared him. There was anger. No, it was fury. But there was also a bleak helplessness that broke Jack's heart. Junior followed, her face red and blotchy from crying, but white as a sheet underneath, and she was shivering. Franki was on her feet and met Junior at the foot of the stairs.
"Come on, sweetheart," Franki said, putting her arms around Junior and leading her toward the bathroom, "let's get you warmed up. You take a hot bath and put on some warm flannel jammies. I'll make you some cocoa and you can get in bed for a nice nap. How's that sound?"
"Okay," Junior said dully. "I'm cold, Aunt Franki."
"I know, honey. We'll get you warmed up. Everything's gonna be okay."
Ennis took a deep breath and shook himself a little. Jack could see the effort it took for him to calm inside before he leaned over Jack and Frannie and gave his daughter a little shake. Jack ran his hand up her arm and helped wake her.
"Daddy?" Frannie asked. To Jack's ears, she sounded so much younger than her twelve years.
"Your turn, angel," Ennis told her, helping her up.
"Where's Junior?" she asked.
"Aunt Franki is taking care of her."
"Help me up, too?" Jack asked. "I need to move around a little, get a fresh cup of coffee."
Ennis helped him to his feet, then pulled him into his arms in an uncharacteristic show of emotion. His body felt brittle, it was so tense. All he said, though, was, "Don't overdo it."
"I won't," Jack whispered back. "You okay?"
"No, but …"
"Daddy?" Frannie said, her voice uncertain.
Ennis broke from Jack and turned around. "Come on, darlin', let's get this over with."
Jack watched them until Ennis shut the door to the office. He stood there a moment longer, before getting his mug and going to the kitchen. He rinsed his cup and was pouring a new cup when Franki came from the bathroom.
"How is she?" Jack asked.
Franki put her hands to her face as a sob broke from deep within. Jack put his good arm around her and pulled her close, making a soothing noise.
"Oh, Jack. She told me …" her voice dropped and she cleared her throat. "She told me what he did. I couldn't bear it. I couldn't …" Her hands fisted in his shirt. "I could kill him."
"I know, I know."
She drew back and met his eyes, terror in hers. "We have to keep Ennis from killing him. He'll want to, but he can't. He has to be here—has to protect them and give them a safe place." Her eyes widened and more tears spilled over. "What if they have to go back? I mean, what if Alma stays with Monroe? And the law or the courts or whoever makes them go back?"
Jack didn't know what to say at first. When he finally spoke, he sounded more sure than he felt. "We'll talk to Travis about it. He'll know what to do to protect the girls. Okay?"
She nodded and wiped her eyes. He handed her a Kleenex for her nose and when she'd cleaned herself up a little, he helped her make a pot of cocoa. When there was noise from the bathroom, she poured a cup for her and Junior and took them into Junior's bedroom. She reappeared moments later with flannel pajamas for Junior and when they both emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, Junior looked better, but sleepy.
The loud jangling of the phone startled Jack. He reached for it quickly, knowing it was also ringing in the office. "Hello?"
There was a pause before a female voice asked for Ennis.
"He's busy right now. Can tell him who's calling?" he asked, knowing full well who it was.
"This is Alma and I want to talk to my daughters," she snarled.
"They aren't available either right now. I'll let Ennis know you called." He started to hang up, but heard her call out.
"What?" he barked, losing patience quickly.
"Jack? Is this Jack?"
"Yes."
"Are …" she suddenly sounded hesitant, "are the girls all right?" And Jack was hit with the thought that she knew. She knew something was going on with her girls; maybe had known for a while, and it made him angry.
"No, they ain't all right."
A sharp intake of breath sounded over the line. "What d'you mean?"
"Alma, I think you know exactly what I mean." He took a deep breath. "And I ain't the one needs ta be tellin' ya. I'll have Ennis call you when he can." He didn't wait for her reply, just hung the phone up.
"Who was that?" Franki asked, having returned from Junior's room.
"It was Alma."
"Alma? Shit," Franki breathed. She took the mugs she was carrying to the sink and rinsed them out. "Junior's sleeping. I think Frannie will probably need the same treatment when she's done. I'm gonna get the tub ready for her."
"Yeah," Jack agreed, still thinking of Alma's call.
Franki turned out to be right. Frannie looked just as bad as her sister when they all emerged from the office and Ennis looked, if possible, worse than he had before. Franki took charge of Frannie while Ennis disappeared out the door. Jack started to follow him—Ennis hadn't even grabbed his coat—but Ennis held up his hand and hissed, "I'll be right back." Jack watched him until he disappeared around the far side of the garage. Sighing, he turned back to Travis and Janie.
"You guys want some coffee?" he asked.
"I want a drink. And then about ten more," Janie said, dropping into a chair. "But I guess I'll settle for coffee," she sighed.
Travis just nodded as he joined Janie at the table. "Where is Junior?"
"She's sleeping," Franki said, emerging from the bathroom. "Frannie's gonna take a bath and then take a nap herself."
"When Ennis comes back, we need to talk. I just want to make sure the girls can't hear us."
Jack and Franki served coffee around and just finished as Frannie emerged from the bathroom and Ennis came in from outdoors. He went immediately to the sink and rinsed his mouth out, then took a long drink of water.
"That was fast," Franki told Frannie, meeting her in the living room. "Did you even have time to warm up?"
"I just washed up. I wanna lie down, Auntie Franki. I'm tired."
"All right, sweetheart. You want some cocoa while I brush your hair?"
"No, thank you." Frannie started for the bedroom she shared with her sister, turned at the last moment and headed back to Ennis to throw her arms around his waist. "I love you, daddy," she said.
"I love you, too, angel," he said, hugging her back, his voice hoarse. The pain in his eyes and his voice near broke Jack's heart. "You go take a nap, now. You'll feel a lot better when you wake up."
"Okay," she agreed and followed Franki into her bedroom.
Ennis sat at the table next to Jack and reached for his hand and pulled it over onto his own thigh. Jack very carefully didn't react. Through unspoken agreement, they waited until Franki rejoined them before anyone spoke. Even then, they were silent until Jack turned to Ennis and asked, "How bad?"
Ennis's jaw clenched. "Bad. Worse than." He started to speak, but couldn't. Finally, he looked at Travis and said, "Tell them."
Travis took a breath and began, "The girls have accused Monroe of sexually molesting them. It started almost from the beginning when Alma married him. He went further with Junior—"
"He raped her," Ennis suddenly snarled. "He ra …" he couldn't get it out. "My little girl. And he touched Frannie. Made her touch him. Sick goddamn fucking bastard!" he snarled, breaking down. Jack saw him collapse in on himself and, though his own heart was breaking and he felt the fury rising up like a red tide, he put it aside to grab Ennis and hang on for dear life as Ennis lost his battle with tears and sobbed brokenly in his arms. Jack held him for long moments, until he broke away and wiped his face with the Kleenex Janie handed him. She handed some to Jack for his tears, too.
"Sorry," Ennis said, his voice rough and broken.
"Nothing to be sorry for," Travis assured him. "No one blames you, Ennis. This is a hard, hard thing for a daddy to hear."
Ennis took a deep breath and reached for Jack's hand again. He cleared his throat and asked, "What now?"
"Well, we contact the Riverton police department and send them what we have. They'll bring Monroe in for questioning." He paused and clasped his hands together in front of him on the table. "I have to be honest, though, these kinds of cases …" he trailed off and took a breath. "Unless he admits it and pleads guilty, it's their word against his. It's very difficult to get a conviction."
"My girls ain't lyin!" Ennis snarled, half-standing before Jack pulled him back down.
"I believe them, Ennis," Travis assured him. "They gave very plausible stories, but I want you to be prepared for it if no charges are filed."
"What else can happen?" Franki asked. "I mean, where do the girls go from here? What if nothing happens to him and Alma wants the girls to come live with her."
Jack didn't miss the look Janie and Travis exchanged. "That is one possibility."
"Over my dead body," Ennis said, starting to rise again. Jack held onto him until he settled back in his chair.
"Another option is to talk to the girls' mother. Would she be willing to let them live here with you?" Janie asked.
"No, I don't think so," Ennis said, shaking his head, at the same time Jack said, "She called."
"What?" Travis asked.
"She called, while ya'll were talking with Frannie." Jack looked at Travis as he said, "I think she knows … something."
"Why do you say that?" Travis asked.
"Just … the way she asked how they were. It's just a feeling I got, that she was scared."
"How could she not know what was goin' on right in her own house?" Ennis sneered.
"Ennis, I know it's hard to believe," Janie said, "but it is possible she didn't know. Maybe she suspected something, like the impression Jack got, but she may not have known."
Travis spoke up then. "Ennis, I need to ask you to not talk to Alma until I've had a chance to call Riverton and get the ball rolling out there. We don't want to tip Monroe off that law enforcement is going to question him."
"Is it possible they won't do anything?" Franki asked.
"It's possible," Travis said slowly, "but with the evidence I'll give them, it's unlikely that they won't at least bring him in for questioning. Them filing charges is another story entirely. We'll just have to wait and see."
The table was silent until Ennis said, "I hate this. If I'd been there …"
"Ennis," Janie started, her voice firm, "you cannot blame yourself. You're not the one who did this."
"If I'd stayed with Alma, though—"
"She didn't give you a choice, though, did she?" Jack asked quietly. "She was the one who started the divorce, the one who pushed it. Right?"
"Yeah. But if I'd stayed out there, looked after my girls …"
"You can play 'what if' forever and still not stop bad things from happening," Travis said, his tone firm, but caring. "Believe me, I've seen a lot of bad things happen to good people. What you can do—what will be helpful right now, from this point forward, is to stop blaming yourself and do the right thing and make things better for your daughters. Support them, get them help, if they need it, and love them."
Ennis nodded.
"And you won't contact Alma? Or get in your truck and take off for Wyoming to go kill Monroe?" Travis prodded.
"I won't," Ennis promised.
"Okay, then I'm gonna get going and get things in motion. The girls will stay with you," Travis looked at Janie, who nodded, "and we'll keep in touch."
They stood and when Travis and Janie had donned their winter gear and left, Ennis took Jack's hand and said, "Come on, you look like you're about to fall over. You need ta get back in bed."
"I could say the same about you, Ennis," Franki said. "You take Jack up to bed and take a nap with him. I'm gonna start supper."
Jack thanked her and he was the one who lead Ennis up the stairs, urged him out of his jeans and into soft sweatpants. He didn't relax until they were both under the blankets with Ennis spooned carefully around him. He didn't know if either of them would sleep, but he knew they needed to just not move for and hour or two. He was sleeping moments later.