Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.
Chapter 12- I've Got Your Back
"I'm sorry Elizabeth, but you're dead…" A familiar voice in the background sounded as the light came up in the room.
Still standing in the doorway, Elizabeth looked much like a deer caught in headlights as she glanced across the room now illuminated by overhead lighting. There he was, Steve, sitting in a chair against the opposite wall holding a gun, albeit a prop, and it was still pointed in her direction.
She looked down just to be certain that there was no gaping hole in her chest. Finding herself still intact she turned her attention to Captain Philpotts.
"You need to be more cautious, Ms. Thatcher," Captain Philpotts stated as he stepped forward. "But don't be too hard on yourself, because you certainly aren't the only one who died today. As a result, though, we'll need to do some refresher training before I release everyone tomorrow."
Elizabeth turned to leave, "Wait Ms. Thatcher, let's try this again," Steve called out stopping her in her tracks.
"What should you have done?" he asked.
"I shouldn't have stepped inside for one thing…" she responded.
Steve stood up and walked toward her, "There didn't have to be a gun. You could have stepped inside and someone may have been waiting for you behind the door. Just think how surprised you'd be if someone was waiting for you and caught you off guard," he added. "You should always be prepared, at work, at home…no matter where you are."
"Thank you," she stated as she again turned to leave.
"Wait, you didn't do it again," Steve stated.
"Detective Fisher, I think she's been through enough. We'll go over the safety principles again tomorrow," Captain Philpotts stated. "Go and enjoy your evening and we'll see you tomorrow."
"Thank you…" she stated before quickly leaving.
She rushed out the door, down the stairs and out the closest exit door. She didn't want to cry, but the visual of Steve holding a gun and pronouncing her dead certainly weaseled its way into her head. Although she knew that she wasn't the only one to fail, she wondered if Steve was the one who 'shot' them as well.
"Elizabeth, wait…" Steve called to her as he rushed out the exit into the courtyard.
"I can't; Jack's waiting on me," she stated, as she continued practically running, praying that Jack was in the parking lot.
Steve grabbed her arm and turned her around, "Stop running; I just want to talk to you."
"Look Steve, I thought that we could be friends like we were years ago, but as time has passed, things aren't the same between us. I don't know what happened to you, but please, just leave me alone," she stated. "Now…please let go of my arm or I will use some of the things that I did learn today…"
"I just want to tell you the truth…"
"Hmm, what a novel idea; but then again I'm gullible, so I'll believe anything, right?"
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that," he commented as he released her arm.
"I have to leave," she stated as she turned to walk away.
"Wait," he again grabbed her arm.
She pulled away, "Steve, I have to go…"
"Are you rushing off like you did that night on campus?"
She felt the air rush from her lungs. Spinning around she glared at him, "What are you talking about?"
When he did nothing but sneer at her she continued. "How do you know about that?" she asked doing her best to seem calm, while on the inside she was frantic.
"Oh, you told me about it."
"No, I didn't; I haven't told anyone about it," she stated as she backed away. "My parents don't even know."
"Maybe it was in the paper. I was up in Rehoboth around that time and Villanova isn't that far away."
"Steve, it didn't warrant a newspaper article…" she stopped for a moment.
"Maybe you running away wasn't newsworthy, but the girl disappearing certainly was."
"What do you know about that?"
"Nothing really," he replied with a smirk that gave her 'fingernails down a chalkboard' chills.
"How did you know I was still at Villanova?"
"Maybe your mom told me when I stopped by; I don't remember," he remarked.
"Was it you? They arrested a guy on the groundskeeping staff, but it was you the whole time; wasn't it? What did you do to that girl?"
He simply shook his head back and forth, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Steve was standing in front of her and as she attempted to slip to the side, he continued to block her way. "Please just let me get by," she practically begged. Looking around she wondered how it was that she was all alone. Couldn't there be someone else outside to observe this exchange?
"She caught glimpses of people in the cafeteria, but they apparently had more interest in the plate of the day than what she was dealing with in the courtyard.
"Look Elizabeth, I just want to talk…"
"Well I don't want to, so please just leave me alone."
"Kind of ironic that both of us are here in the same city for work," he mentioned.
"Did you know I was coming to Virginia Beach for a job?"
"Not until I saw you in the office," he stated. "Don't make it sound like I followed you here. If anyone followed anyone here it was you who followed me."
"Steve, I didn't know you were here until I saw you in the office. I'll have to admit, I was happy to see a familiar face," she stepped back and began to whisper, "but I don't know what happened to you."
"Nothing happened to me, Elizabeth. Oh, unless you want to count my mother always wanting to control my life, Amanda cheating while I was on deployment, and you promising to love me forever, and then you walk away."
"I don't know that I can believe anything that comes out of your mouth," she stated, feeling her anger rising as she looked around praying that she wasn't alone with him. Finding that she was, she stood tall and pretended that he didn't intimidate her as she brushed past him, "I have to go."
"Elizabeth, I'm not a bad guy."
"Okay, let's leave it at the fact that you aren't a bad guy. If that's truly the case, please just leave me and Jack alone," she stated firmly as she turned and walked briskly to the parking lot.
"If you hadn't butt in, everything would be okay," he whispered as he watched her disappear around the corner of the building. "Maybe it's time you were put in your place."
Standing in the parking lot looking at all the vehicles she didn't see Jack's SUV. Walking to the front of the building she stepped just inside the door to await Jack's arrival.
Having walked into the building through the back entrance, Steve continued down the hall toward the front entrance. "Need a ride?" he asked.
"No, I'm fine; thank you," she stated, realizing that she would rather walk than get into a vehicle with him. Stepping outside to begin her walk, she observed Jack's SUV enter the complex.
Leaving him standing outside on the front entryway, Jack pulled up to the building to pick her up. "What's he doing here?"
"Can we just get out of here?" she practically begged.
As they pulled out of the parking lot Jack asked, "What happened?"
"I don't want to talk right now…"
Having spent the day at Ridgeview Park, Jack pulled out of The Academy and headed toward S. Magnolia Avenue and one of the most picturesque parks he believed he had ever seen.
Although Elizabeth stared out the window, she was paying no attention to where they were going. Once he parked his SUV she suddenly asked, "Why are we here…?"
"This is Ridgeview Park. Let's take a walk," he suggested.
"Okay, but I don't feel like talking," Elizabeth was adamant as Jack opened her door and she stepped outside.
"That's fine; I'm here if you need me, but…"
Elizabeth turned back to face him. Her arms draped over his neck as she pulled her body close, "I'll always need you."
"Honey, what's wrong?"
"I died today in training."
"Excuse me?"
"We had a scenario and I messed up really bad and I was shot."
"Well, I guess if you get shot it's best to have it happen in training than in real life."
"Yeah, but what freaked me out was that it was Steve holding the gun, and he just looked at me and said, "I'm sorry Elizabeth, but you're dead."
"What was he doing there?"
"Someone called in sick; they contacted the Police Academy and Steve volunteered," she stated as they started walking toward the bridge that crossed the lake. "Jack, it just gave me an eerie feeling; he was smiling as he pointed the gun at me and seemed happy to tell me that I was dead."
"Will he be back tomorrow?" Jack asked.
"I don't know, but I don't want you to get involved. He's already told me that he could have had you arrested for assaulting him and you don't need any negative publicity."
"But Elizabeth, I'm not going to let him scare you like this," Jack's tone was firm. Leaving him to walk down toward the water he asked, "There's something else wrong; what is it?"
She kept walking until he took hold of her hand and turned her back to face him, "Please tell me what it is."
"Shortly before I graduated from Villanova there was a situation on campus," she looked down and swallowed trying her best to wet her desert dry mouth.
"What happened?"
"I was volunteering in the counseling center when this girl came in. At the time I didn't know her name because everything was done based on assured anonymity; she told me her name was Sparkles."
"Sparkles…?" he wanted to laugh, but something told him that this story was no comedy.
"Go ahead, laugh; I know you want to."
"No, I'm not laughing, but why Sparkles?"
"Well, she never said, but she came in and I was the only one in the office. On the desk was one of those lava lamp type things and it sparkled; I guess it was supposed to be relaxing," she stated. "Anyway, I asked her name, and she looked at the lamp and suddenly said, 'Sparkles.' So, Sparkles was written down on my paperwork."
"What happened?" he asked.
"She said that she needed help with a situation involving her cousin. She never identified her but said that she was involved in an abusive relationship. I told her that the most important thing to do first and foremost was to get to a safe place," Elizabeth walked around scuffing her tennis shoes on the dirt path.
Jack remained quiet as she continued with her story. "She assured me that they were both safe, but she wouldn't give me any further information. I told her that they needed to report the abuse to the police, and I offered to do it and stay with her while she talked to the detective. Initially she agreed, but when I went to the front of the office to unlock the door for the detective, she disappeared out the back. I never saw her again in person."
"What happened to her?"
"She disappeared and it was speculated that she was killed, but they never found her body."
"Did you ever find out her name?"
"Yes…"
"What was her name…"
"I'm sorry Jack, but I think that's still confidential."
"Elizabeth, was it in the papers?"
"I never saw it, but I think there was an article written when she disappeared."
"Okay, then I could have seen it. So, it isn't confidential anymore."
"Are you saying that as a Judge because you know it's okay to divulge it, or as my boyfriend who just wants to know?"
"Probably a little bit of both…"
"Her name was Amy Pittman."
"What about her cousin; what was her name?"
"I don't know."
"Do you not know, or do you just not want to tell me?"
"I don't know…"
"Did they ever charge anyone?"
"They charged a young guy on the groundskeeping crew, but I think he only ended up being convicted of Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest," she explained.
"There's something else; what is it that you aren't telling me?"
"Well, besides the obvious safety issues, around the time when they were searching for her, I was walking through campus one night after class and I felt certain that someone called out my name," she stated. "I was the only person on the walkway that was lined with tall shrubbery, and it was like 'Children of the Corn;' I kept hearing them whispering my name."
Holding her hands, he could feel her body shaking. "What happened?"
"I ran; I heard footsteps behind me, but I didn't turn around," her respiration became more rapid. "Whoever it was got closer and I was so scared, but I ran around the corner and right into Donnie Holbrook…"
"Donnie Holbrook…?"
"He was a guy in one of my master's classes."
"Was it him?"
"No, the person was behind me, it couldn't have been him. After that, I just started walking with someone on campus and it never happened again."
"Did you report it?"
"No, my friends told me that I was hearing things, and since I was obsessed with the missing girl, they were certain that I had let my imagination take over."
"I'm glad you told me, but why did you think about that now?"
"Steve was talking to me and made some comment about me running away like I did that night on campus," she pulled her hands away to wipe her eyes.
Jack held her close, "Shh, it's okay."
Her tears continued, "Jack, I don't know what's wrong with him. He's nothing like the person I remember."
"The military can do that to you…"
"He lied about that, or at least I think he did. I don't know if any of it was the truth."
"So, honey if you didn't tell him about that night and he knows about it, he must have been there," Jack stated. "How long ago was this?"
"It was last spring," she advised.
Jack stepped away from Elizabeth and pulled his phone from his pocket. Dialing Lee's number, he felt as though it was time to get to the bottom of everything.
"Hey Jack; or should I say, 'Your Honor?'" Lee asked.
"Stop it; I'm still 'just Jack.'"
"Are you and Elizabeth working things out?" Lee asked.
"How did you know?"
"Rosie and I went to Carson and Faith's for dinner last night. I love that puppy of Elizabeth's. So, what's the deal with you two?"
"We're fine, but there have been a few issues with Detective Fisher."
"Steve…? I've always thought that he was a nice guy, but I can't say I know him well."
"Can you check on something for me?" he asked.
"Sure, what do you need?"
"Last spring, on the campus of Villanova there was a female student who disappeared. Elizabeth said her name was Amy Pittman," Jack advised.
"Okay, but what am I looking into?"
"I need to know who the woman was; if they ever found her," he turned away and walked slightly downstream from Elizabeth. "And Lee, I need to know if she has any ties to Steve Fisher or his wife."
"Okay, I'll look into it…"
"Thanks man; I'm tired of what he's doing to Elizabeth."
"Hopefully I'll have something for you when you get back in town?"
"Thanks, Lee; I appreciate it."
After ending his call, Jack walked back to Elizabeth. He took hold of her hand, "Let's go for a walk."
Elizabeth forced a smile, "What did you do today?"
"Actually, I spent the day out here thinking…"
"What were you thinking about?"
"Us, the new job, us…"
"You said 'us' twice," she teased.
"That's because I thought about us twice as much as I thought about the new job."
"Jack…"
"Hey, I called the office and talked to the partners. They wished me well, but they want to keep Elise working for them."
"Did you talk to Elise?"
"Yeah, and she wants to come to Juvenile Court with me. I mean, I think the retirement through the judicial system would benefit her more."
"What's she going to do?"
"She's talking it over with her husband tonight and she'll let me know."
They continued down the path to the chain link fence enclosed bridge. Crossing to the middle they stopped and glanced down at the creek; standing quietly as the water continued to run downhill.
"This may not be the time to tell you, but I do have to go away for my own training soon," he advised realizing that it was certainly not the best time, but completely out of his control.
"Where is your training?"
"Washington D.C.," he responded.
"Oh, that's nice. I'm sure you'll have a great time."
"Well, I don't really want to go, but I'm required to, so I might as well get it over with; which leads me to a question…"
"What is it?" she asked.
"The training will be Monday-Friday, and then Saturday night there's going to be a formal dinner and dance and I'd like you to come with me."
"I'd love to, Jack. Do you know when it will be?"
"I assume that it'll be a few weeks away."
"Okay, enough time for me to find the perfect dress. Is it formal, or cocktail formal?"
"It's formal."
"Okay, I'll look forward to it."
"Good, when I firm up the date, I'll get you a plane ticket to DC, and then we can drive home together," he suggested.
"That sounds perfect."
"Do you know what else sounds perfect?" he asked as he stepped closer.
"No…what?" she replied.
"It sounds perfect when you say that you love me."
"You like hearing that…?"
"I do…"
She glanced around, "Well Jack Thornton, I do love you…" she yelled out before wrapping her arms around his neck.
He picked her up and spun her in a circle. Placing her feet back on the ground he held her hands, "I love you Elizabeth Thatcher, and I don't ever want a day to go by where you doubt how I feel about you." His hand slipped behind her head and pulled her closer; his lips pressed firmly against hers.
Though the kiss was firm, there was still a gentleness, a tenderness that Elizabeth always felt in his touches. Although she occasionally questioned why he was interested in her, the way he treated her never made her feel as though she was an inconvenience.
Any worries she had were based solely on her own insecurities and had nothing to do with anything Jack had done or said. The fact was, he always made her feel as though he was the luckiest man around to be able to spend time with her.
Jack cradled her face in his hands; he kissed her forehead, then her cheeks before leaning back slightly. "I know you're worried about Steve," his thumb brushed away several tears that slipped down her cheeks, "But I promise you, I won't let him hurt you."
"I worry about you too though. I don't want him to do something to derail your appointment to the bench; it would kill me if I was the reason…" she stepped away.
"Elizabeth, don't you know that you mean the world to me? I thought I wanted to be a Judge." He stopped momentarily and took a breath, "I do want it, I'll admit that, but not if you aren't beside me," he stated as his hand on her arm turned her back to face him
"I just don't want to be responsible for you losing it," she stated as she rested her head against his chest. Feeling his arms holding her securely against him, she began to relax.
"Elizabeth, none of this is your fault, and I don't want you blaming yourself," he whispered. "We'll get through this."
"I hope you're right."
They stood quietly listening to the water flow below them. Wondering what was going through her mind he couldn't help but to be worried. That was until she asked…
"Jack, if you're available, would you come with me to Rehoboth next weekend?" she asked. "I'd like to introduce you to my parents."
"I'd love to go with you. Speaking of meeting parents, are you up for meeting my mom?"
"I'd love to meet your mom," she stated with a pleasant smile. Her eyes watered as she continued, "I'd like to thank her…"
"For what…?"
"For raising such a kind, thoughtful and respectful son," she released a soft laugh. "Jack, you are the best man I've ever known, and at lease some of that comes from how you were raised."
"Do you want to go back and have some dinner?" he asked.
"You know, that actually sounds good. I threw my lunch away today, so I'm kinda hungry," she replied.
"Why did you throw your lunch away?"
"I couldn't eat after Steve sat down."
"He bothered you at lunch too. Damn him…"
"Please don't let him upset you; one of us has to think straight," she responded.
"I can't guarantee anything; but come on; let's get home. I'd like to spend some time with you tonight; maybe we can talk," he suggested.
"We're talking now," she replied as she turned back toward the path leading to the parking area.
"I want to talk about us, and I don't want Steve or Sara to enter our conversation…"
She took hold of his hand and shook it, "Agreed."
A short while later they pulled into the parking lot of the B&B. Upon exiting his SUV, Fancy was beside them, tail wagging and the only thing she didn't have in common with the local Wal-Mart greeter were the lack of stickers used to decorate the shirts of visiting children.
Carrie stepped out on the front porch with a picnic basket and a blanket in hand. "It may be presumptuous of me…I fixed you something for dinner, but it's such a beautiful afternoon and I thought you might enjoy some time alone. If you want to stay here, that's fine, and I'm sorry if I overstepped my bounds," she stated waiting on either of them to say something.
Jack smiled and climbed the steps two at a time, "Thank you so much. This is perfect," he looked back at Elizabeth and observed her broad smile.
"Um, where can we go where we are most likely not to have to share dinner with Bertram?" Elizabeth asked.
"I saw him a little while ago down the way in Jed's far field. He's probably there for the night," Carrie advised. "I'll tell you; the best place is down at South Park. You go out the driveway and take a left and go about ten miles. It's peaceful, and rarely is it occupied."
"By people or bears," Elizabeth asked.
"Both," Carrie replied. "The scenery is beautiful, so I included a pair of binoculars. Oh, and there is a sweet treat inside that I made for you. Have fun…"
"Thank you," Jack stated as they headed back toward his SUV.
"Fancy, you stay here," Carrie called out as Fancy disappointedly returned to the front porch.
Jack followed the directions given him and as Carrie stated, ten miles down the road they pulled into South Park. He grabbed the picnic basket from the back seat, draped the blanket over one arm and held Elizabeth's hand with the other as they walked down the path toward the picnic area. Although there were picnic tables available, as there was not one else present that they could see, Jack spread out the blanket and they took a seat on the plush grass.
Opening the basket, Jack found sandwiches, chips, cheese, grapes, wine and a plate of beautifully decorated chocolate covered strawberries.
Jack opened the bottle of wine and poured two glasses, "Here…" he stated as he handed her a glass. Clinking their glasses together he toasted…
"Because I love you truly,
Because you love me, too,
My very greatest happiness
Is sharing life with you."
"I love you," Jack stated as they both took a sip from their glasses of wine. He then took her glass from her hand and sat them inside the picnic basket. I've thought about doing this all day," he stated as his finger under her chin turn her head and lifted her lips to his.
Tasting the fruitiness on his soft lips she replied, "Well we did kiss earlier, but I am by no means complaining. I personally don't think there's enough kissing going around."
Jack edged closer, "I could get used to moments like this with you."
"Oh, you'll get tired of me…"
His hand slipped behind her neck as he cradled the back of her head. As their breaths mingled; he whispered, "You're in my heart; I'll never get tired of you."
As soon as the last syllable escaped his mouth, his lips captured hers. The kiss was tender, but more passionate than the last as his hand behind her head pressed her closer. His tongue slipped through the slight opening between her soft, plump and enticing lips and he easily lost himself in her, in the moment.
He leaned her back as his hand behind her head cushioned her, the blanket still resting between her body and the ground. The area around them was quiet, no sound except her soft, gentle moans as his lips covered hers again and again. His hand rested along her hip as his upper body pressed against hers.
The moment he pressed his lips to hers he felt as though his brain had been lit on fire and the flame began to consume him. He was addicted and he couldn't have felt more blessed. However, he also knew that she was both his salvation and his torment; he lived for her but without her he felt certain that he would disappear.
Usually one to keep moving, rushing from one thing to the next, he had no desire to rush this…to rush her, but he couldn't help wanting more. He wanted to touch her, to run his hands through her smooth autumn layers and feel her perfect softness underneath. He savored her, everything about her and he was mesmerized as her breath quickened, matching his own.
Separating slightly, he brushed loose strands of her auburn locks behind her ear. Elizabeth glanced into his eyes; the expression was soft, but the feeling behind them was easily recognizable, much like he was longing for something.
"You will always be the most important person in my life," he whispered, his breath was shallow and slightly rushed.
"I…" she couldn't finish her sentence as her hands on his face brought him closer. All she could think of was his lips, soft and tender; the top one somewhat thin, with the bottom one slightly plump and his perfect teeth visible through his casual smile.
She felt intoxicated, but certainly not by the wine; it was him; it was how safe he made her feel; it was how his touch brought her to life, and it was how completely she trusted him. For if he told her that the sky was green, she would believe him without question, knowing that some cosmic revelation must have happened to bring about such an occurrence.
He couldn't get enough of her; he couldn't get enough of her lips, her scent, her touch, and he was certain that if he wrapped her body within his it still wouldn't suffice.
Without saying a word, her eyes begged for more. Unable to resist her, his mouth covered hers with a passion that both craved but were previously too afraid to pursue. His hand behind her head pressed her closer, deepening their connection.
He touched his forehead to hers as they both gathered some much-needed oxygen. He felt the world around them stop as if it ceased to exist; it was just them, no grass, trees or sky. He leaned back but his eyes remained locked on her face; her Cupid's bow lips and a smile that opened a world of memories with just one glance.
Elizabeth adjusted her rumpled clothing; although nothing inappropriate occurred she was aware that it could have as she wanted him every bit as much as he wanted her. Jokingly she commented, "I guess it's a good thing that we're alone out here; somehow I don't think that was family friendly."
"I'm sorry; I let myself get carried away," he stated as he reached into the basket and pulled out their food.
"Jack…" she called out, but he didn't respond. She reached over and placed her hand on his, "Jack, look at me."
He glanced up into her beautiful crystal blue eyes as he felt her hand rest along his cheek, "I'm sorry…"
"Jack, I'm right here with you, so it's not just you, and you aren't taking advantage of me."
Hearing a family walking up the path toward the picnic area Elizabeth and Jack sat quietly and enjoyed the dinner of chicken sandwiches, chips, grapes, cheese, and wine.
Sitting at least an arms distance away they talked about everything except the elephant in the room, their desire to be together.
"So, how are you going to decorate your new office?" she asked.
"Decorate?" he responded.
"Yeah, do you have pictures to hang, plants to bring in, you know, things that can use to make it feel like yours?"
"I can fill my bookcases with law books," he stated.
"That's great, appropriate, but boring…"
"Well what do you suggest?" he asked.
"Oh, maybe some plants to put on the window ledge, and some pictures on the walls."
"I have a picture of Thomas Hobbes hanging in my office," Jack stated, apparently proud of this possession.
"Uh, who's that?" she asked with a giggle that she attempted to suppress.
"He's the Father of Law…"
"Oh, that's special, but you know, I personally think we should take some pictures at the beach and frame them."
"Why the beach; I'd rather have pictures of you…"
"Well, isn't the beach your calming place? I think of your chambers as being where you go to think and regroup, and I'm not thinking that Thomas Hobbes is going to do it for you," she teased. "But then again, we haven't known each other for very long; maybe I don't know you as well as I thought."
Forgetting about the family who settled approximately a football field away, he scooted closer, "You do it for me; so, can I have pictures of you in my office?"
She smiled, "As honored as I would be to have my picture in your office, I don't think it would be very appropriate, do you?"
"I guess not, but I can have your picture in my wallet, on my phone, iPad, and computer and as soon as I move over to Circuit Court the pictures of you will come out."
Elizabeth smiled, feeling proud that he'd want to display her picture in his office. "Well, until then, lets get some pictures of waves and beautiful scenes out here in the country and I'll get them framed for you. Maybe on the weekend we can go in and I'll help you decorate."
He moved his hand tenderly up and down her arm, "Are you embarrassed for anyone to see you in my chambers?"
"Well, if it's work related that's fine, but there won't be any social calls," she advised.
"Do you mean that we can't have lunch together?"
"Jack, I just don't want the rumor mongers to start anything, so I'm thinking that at work you are "Your Honor" and "Judge Thornton," but at home and after hours you are…"
"Just Jack, I know…but you will come when they swear me in, won't you, please?"
Elizabeth smiled, "I think we are supposed to be there anyway, so yes, I'll be there."
"I don't want you just to be in the gallery; I want you as my date. I mean, you'll be standing beside me, right?"
"Jack, your mom will be there, and she'll be standing beside you."
"That's important, but Elizabeth, you are the woman I love, and I want you to hold the Bible when they swear me in. Besides, people already know I'm crazy about you."
"Okay, I'll be there beside you," she leaned over and captured his lips. "I love you, and I'm so proud of you." She shivered slightly, "Hey, it's starting to get a bit chilly. Maybe we should head home…"
He stood up and held out his hand which she happily took. Once on her feet, she started putting everything in the picnic basket. Suddenly she felt his jacket covering her shoulders. She slipped her arms through, and turned to face him, "Another reason I need to thank your mother; you are such a considerate man."
He snuck in a kiss before asking, "Will you dance with me before we go?"
"I'd love to but unless you want to dance to the birds chirping and the breeze slipping through the trees, we don't have any music."
"Just a second," he stated as he grabbed his phone off the blanket and started going through his music file.
Jack took her hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist. Resting her head on his chest, they moved to the music, as the parents of the family that recently passed by admired them from a distance.
Hold On by Michael Buble´
Didn't they always say we were the lucky ones?
I guess that we were once
Babe, we were once
But luck will leave you 'cause
It is a faithless friend
And in the end when life has got you down
You've got someone here that you can wrap your arms around
So hold on to me tight
Hold on to me tonight
We are stronger here together
Than we could ever be alone
So hold on to me
Don't you ever let me go
There's a thousand ways for things to fall apart
But it's no one's fault
No it's not my fault
Maybe all the plans we made might not work out
But I have no doubt even though it's hard to see
I've got faith in us and I believe in you and me
So hold on to me tight
Hold on, I promise it'll be alright
'Cause it's you and me together
And baby all we've got is time
So hold on to me, hold on to me tonight
There's so many dreams that we have given up
Take a look at all we've got
And with this kind of love
What we've got here is enough
So hold on to me tight
Hold on, I promise it'll be alright
'Cause we are stronger here together
Then we could ever be alone
Just hold on to me
Don't you ever let me go
Hold on to me, it's gonna be alright
Hold on to me tonight
They always say we were the lucky ones
As the song ended, Jack immediately kissed her sending chills of excitement down her spine. Then she thought for a moment, as her expression darkened slightly, she looked up into his eyes, "Thank you, but I thought we weren't supposed to talk about them."
"Honey, the song wasn't about them; it was that we need to remember to hold on to each other in good times and bad; when we have problems at work, with friends and family, or when we have disagreements between us."
"That's important; I just hope we can remember that," she replied.
As they cleaned their picnic area, threw away their trash and returned it to its pristine condition, Jack held the picnic basket in one hand, and her hand with the other as she draped the blanket over her free arm.
As they walked back toward the parking area, "Jack…look," she whispered.
Glancing in the direction where she was pointing, they watched a young doe standing just outside the security of the woods. She stood perfectly still, as if no one would see her if she didn't move. Hearing noises in the background, the doe took her opportunity to retreat into the security of the woods.
As they continued down the path toward Jack's SUV, they came upon a sign that they had somehow missed on their way in.
UNINVITED GUESTS
Bear Alert!
Several bears in this area have found human food. They can be aggressive and cause property damage. Be sure to follow bear safety guidelines.
"Whoa, do you think that's a picture of Bertram?" she joked.
"I don't know, but I guess he's pretty famous in these parts."
"In these parts? Have you gone country on me, Jack Thornton?"
He laughed, "I don't know about that, but I do wonder how we missed that sign on the way in," he muttered.
She leaned against his shoulder and kissed his cheek, "I think we had other things on our mind."
"Well, just so you know, it hasn't left my mind," he responded with a smile, a wink and a gentle squeeze of her hand.
She returned the smile and as they walked to the parking area, wondering all the while how she was going to wait until they were married to make love to him.
When they returned to Nellysford, it was as if Fancy had been waiting specifically for them. Standing just off the parking lot, her tail was wagging, and she happily greeted them.
"Hey girl; did you miss us?" Elizabeth asked as she squatted down and gave the black Lab some much deserved attention.
"Did you two have a nice time?" Carrie asked when she stepped out onto the porch.
"It was perfect; thank you," Jack remarked. He carried the picnic basket into the house and directly into the kitchen.
"Was the food okay?" Carrie asked.
"Everything was…well perfect," Elizabeth giggled.
"Oh, you didn't eat the decorated chocolate covered strawberries," Carrie stated as she pulled them from the iced container.
"Oh, I'm sorry; we didn't even see them," Elizabeth remarked.
"Well, they'll be in the refrigerator if you want a snack," Carrie stated as she put the container away. "If you don't need anything else, I'm going to head on home."
"No, I think we're fine; thank you…" Jack replied.
Glancing on the counter, Elizabeth wasn't certain how she'd missed it before, "That is a beautiful picture. Who is that?"
"That's Fancy when she was about a year old. We had taken a trip to Cape Cod," Carrie replied.
"WOW, that reflection is something," Elizabeth stated as she stepped closer to see the image of a younger Fancy standing on a rock formation with a mirror image of her in the water around her.
"Well, the picture is enhanced. I just love it though," Carrie added.
Turning to look at Fancy, Elizabeth stated, "You are very photogenic, girl."
Carrie grabbed her purse and keys, "Come on Fancy; I'll see you two in the morning."
Carrie walked out of the kitchen and was at the front door before she realized that Fancy was still standing beside Elizabeth. "Come on girl…"
"Is it okay if she stays?" Elizabeth asked.
"Are you sure?" Carrie asked as she looked back and forth between Jack and Elizabeth. "I don't want her to be in your way."
"She isn't; please…" Elizabeth squatted down and wrapped her arm around her new four-legged friend.
"Well, if you're sure, it's fine with me," Carrie stated as she disappeared down the steps and headed for the barn to check on the animals before going home.
Jack locked up the house and turned to Elizabeth, "What do you feel like doing?"
"Do you want to watch a movie?" she suggested.
"Not if it's Hallmark and I'm going to be accused of kissing and/or marrying another woman."
"Okay, I can't guarantee anything, so maybe we should steer clear of a Hallmark romance. Do you want to play rummy or poker? I saw a deck of cards on the buffet in the dining room."
"Knowing that he was a skilled poker player and hoping she wasn't he teased, "Strip poker?"
"Jack Thornton…"
"I'm just teasing…"
"You are? Too bad, I was willing to give it a try, but since you were just kidding."
"Well, wait, it couldn't hurt to play a few hands, right?" he asked.
"I guess it depends on who is losing their clothes. I don't really know what I'm doing, but let's play," she stated, internally laughing at the fact that she was a prize-winning poker player in college.
Assuming she was nervous, Jack went into the kitchen and poured two glasses of wine, thinking that the alcohol might ease her nerves somewhat.
She wasn't nervous playing poker but adding the word "Strip" into the game did concern her. However, she figured if things happened to go south for her, she'd just claim exhaustion and end the evening.
"Wait, before we get started, let me get…" her voice trailed off as she slipped into the kitchen. Standing in front of the refrigerator, she grabbed two chocolate covered strawberries and headed back to the dining room.
"Before we start, this is for you," she stated as she held the milk chocolate strawberry drizzled in blue milk chocolate confection to his lips.
"Mmm," that's good. I guess you get the white chocolate with your favorite color of green drizzled on top. He picked hers up and gently pressed it to her lips.
Without realizing it, she sensuously opened her mouth and bit into the strawberry. "Mmm, that is really juicy," she stated as his thumb under her bottom lip swept away a few errant drops of juice.
Unable to resist her, he leaned forward. His lips met hers gently, almost timidly at first. He could taste the chocolate, and fruitiness of the strawberry as his heart pounded and his mind went to things that he wasn't so certain she'd think was so gentlemanly.
He leaned back slightly only to recapture her lips once again, this time with much more passion, leaving each one feeling as though they were soaring above themselves.
She felt his hand slip under her shirt, resting directly against her skin on her lower back. She wasn't sure if it was safe or not, but she certainly had to admit she enjoyed feeling his touch on her body.
"Maybe we should call it a night," she suggested.
"I'm sorry; I'll control myself," he kissed her forehead. Leaning back, he pulled the deck of cards from their case and began to shuffle them. Before dealing, Jack reached over the back of the sofa and slipped his jacket back on.
"Are you cold?" she asked.
"No, but I'm not taking any chances…"
"What; in catching a cold?"
"No, we're playing cards…"
"Do you still want to play strip poker?"
"I'm prepared," he stated as the ungentlemanly thought of her clad only in her bra and panties consumed him.
"Jack are you okay?" she asked as he appeared to be preoccupied.
"Just putting my game face on," he responded.
With dessert finished and a few sips of wine consumed, the game began. An hour later and another glass of wine down, Jack sat minus his wallet, belt, left and right shoelaces, both shoes, his jacket, and one sock. Elizabeth, on the other hand, remained fully clothed, except for the blue sapphire birthstone ring gifted to her by her parents on her sixteenth birthday.
"I think we need to call it a night," she stated as she picked up his pile of clothing and giggled as she handed it to him. She then grabbed her ring, three blue sapphires in a row with a diamond on either end and set in a 14k white gold setting, slipped it back on her finger, called Fancy and started for the stairs.
"Hey, wait," he called out.
Elizabeth turned around and couldn't help laughing at his unplanned appearance. "You didn't want to play anymore, did you?"
"Have I been hustled?" he asked as he remained seated and began to thread the laces back through his shoes.
"By whom, me…?" she teased.
"I guess I deserved that," he responded. "Wait and I'll walk you to your room."
With each article of clothing that he'd lost in the game now held in the crook of his arm, he took her hand and led her up the stairs. Stopping at her room he waited for her to ask him to stay in her room. As difficult as it was to be in the same bed with her and not make love to her, he had to admit that at some point his body accepted the no touch policy and he slept better than he did without her.
"Well, I'll see you in the morning," she stated as she kissed his cheek and turned toward her door.
"Wait, are you going to be okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine, Jack. Besides, I have Fancy with me."
Jack leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. "What time do you get out of training tomorrow?" he whispered.
"Well, since I died, oh and I'm not the only one who did, we may have to do the exercise again. I was told that we'd be out by lunchtime, but I don't know now," she replied.
"Okay, if you get out early call me. Otherwise I'll pick you up at 4," he stated to which she smiled.
"If you get out early enough, do you want to go horseback riding?" he suggested.
"Well, I'm no equestrian."
"Oh right, like you're no poker player?"
"I'm sorry Jack; I didn't know how the game was going to go, but you shouldn't have assumed that just because you're a guy that you can play poker better than a girl."
"Not just any girl…my girl!" he stated firmly as he stepped closer.
She leaned her head slightly to the left as she welcomed his lips on her neck. Moving upward, his lips pressed against her cheek before capturing her lips.
As their tongues mingled, he tasted chocolate, strawberry and the caramel and fruity notes of the wine, and not only was he excited to be kissing her, but his mouth was delighting in the smorgasbord of flavors.
Not wanting to leave her, but knowing he had to, he turned toward his room, "Come on marriage…" he said in his head, not realizing that the words also escaped his lips.
"What did you say?" she asked.
With the typical deer caught in headlights look he quickly added, "Uh, we should take a ride in a carriage."
"Oh, I'd love that, and I love you for thinking about it. Sleep well, Jack," she replied before slipping into her room and closing the door.
Although he knew that it was best for them to sleep apart, he couldn't help feeling dejected as he walked down to his room, stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
He took a very quick cold shower before climbing into bed and laying there staring into the darkness.
Next door, Elizabeth soaked in her relaxing bubble bath as Fancy lay on the mat outside the tub. "Hey Fancy, do you think Jack would make a good husband?"
The previously sleeping dog lifted her head and rested it on the side of the tub. "You know," Elizabeth interjected, "I think so too."
Once out of the tub, Elizabeth dried off, but feeling quite chilly she slipped into her green, red, blue and white plaid flannel pants and her long sleeve blue t-shirt.
She turned on the TV to have sound in the background but wasn't paying attention and couldn't have identified the show playing if asked.
Elizabeth pulled her journal from her bag, stretched out on her bed and took a deep breath. In the midst of all the turmoil Steve was dishing in her direction, she and Jack had found a way to put him behind them, even if temporarily, and she felt them growing closer, much closer than she had felt with any man before.
Elizabeth flipped through her journal settling on the next blank page. Clicking her pen open, she inhaled, releasing a cleansing breath and asked that the words in her head and heart find their way through her hand and onto the page…
"I am appreciative for my right to free speech, my freedom to believe as I choose, and to act as I see fit, within reason, of course. Sadly, I do find it disappointing that we live in a world where contemplating which party to attend on a Friday night requires more thought than whether or not to lose one's virginity. To each his or her own, and I do not profess to have the answer for everyone. If the decision is made freely and with thought to the consequences, the answer decided upon must be viewed as right for those parties involved.
However, it is troubling that there is a double standard regarding what we choose to do with our bodies. Why does society need different standards for both men and women? A man loses his virginity and his friends flock to him to slap him on the back or give him a high five for losing this unvalued thing that many people think makes him a loser. They often have the masculine sex competitions to see how many women they can bed, or simply stated how many notches they can carve in their bed posts.
Flip the coin, and you have a woman who makes a conscious choice to give that special part of herself to a man, and she is often labeled by society as damaged, used, or no longer pure. Society places a certain stigma surrounding the topic and the shame that follows.
Even men have certain ideas regarding virgins. Some don't care and are simply performing the act to satisfy their natural needs and desires, with no emotional ties. However, there are men, albeit not many, who will run for the hills when faced with sleeping with a virgin. Whether it is because they are gentlemen and don't want to harm her emotionally; they consider her to be clingy after losing her virginity, or she is stigmatized as being inexperienced or undesirable, the results are still the same. She is viewed as precious by society for keeping it, and cold and unfeeling by many for not giving it away.
Once it's gone, it is gone forever; never again to experience that first time, never again to be able to give that sacred part of yourself to that special someone. However, once you find that certain someone, the man who turns your sadness into pure joy; that person who makes your heart flutter at just the mere thought of him, and the one who will put you first in his life, you very well may have found the one who can make every time feel like the first time."
I do love him, but is it fair to make him wait? I've never been this close with any other man, and I've never questioned my own morals and values before. People probably assume that Jack and I are sleeping together anyway. But then again, should I base my actions on the assumptions of others? I have waited this long for that one special night, that first night together, and what happens if for some reason Jack and I don't work out?" she thought out loud. Glancing next to her in bed Fancy was sleeping, "What, no pearls of wisdom?"
The following morning Jack was downstairs waiting on Elizabeth when she and Fancy entered the dining room.
"Good morning," Carrie called out from the kitchen. "I hope Fancy didn't keep you awake."
"No, she was a perfect bed partner," Elizabeth mentioned as Jack looked disappointedly from across the table, having slept alone in his bed.
Carrie entered with a plate of pancakes, bacon, and fruit. "Would you like coffee and juice?"
"Just coffee; I'm not really hungry this morning."
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine," Elizabeth replied as Carrie walked back into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked as he munched on his crispy strips of bacon.
"I just don't feel like eating," she stated.
Carrie placed Elizabeth's cup of coffee on the table and then excused herself to run down to the barn to feed the animals.
Elizabeth took two sips from her cup before periodically glancing at her watch. "We need to leave soon."
"Honey, it's only 8:00, and we're not far away, but I'll take you whenever you want to go.
Elizabeth stood up, "You eat your breakfast, Jack. I'll be outside when you're ready."
As she walked past him, Jack reached out and took her hand, "Are you worried about Steve."
"No, of course not…"
"E-liza-beth," he whispered.
"Well, maybe a little."
"Honey, I'm not going to let him bother you."
"Jack, you can't be with me all the time, and he waits until I'm alone."
"Well, if I have to sit outside the training room all day, I'm not going to let him near you."
"I appreciate it Jack, but I'm not a little kid; I don't need a babysitter," she stated. "I don't want him to think that unless he sees you around that I'm easy pickings."
"I understand how you feel, but I can't help wanting to take care of you. Please don't fight me on this," he stated, his tone was firm, but it was easy to see the love in his eyes and hear the concern in his voice.
"Okay; I'm sorry, I don't mean to be difficult."
Jack stood up and pulled her into his chest. She could feel his strong arms holding her, and it was almost as if the anxiety she felt evaporated. Sadly, she was certain that once he released her the anxiety of the unknown would again consume her.
"I forgot my notebook; I'll be right back," she stated as she kissed his cheek before heading up the stairs.
Jack pulled out his phone and dialed…
"Hey Jack," Lee stated when he answered the call.
"I'm sorry to call you so early, but have you found anything?" Jack asked.
"Jack you just told me about it yesterday."
"I'm sorry Lee; I'm just anxious."
"Well, it's lucky for you that you're one of my best friends…"
"What's that mean, did you find something?" Jack asked.
"I may have, but I'm waiting on a call from the Villanova Campus Police Department. I'll let you know as soon as I have anything."
"Please hurry; the hair on the back of my neck stands at attention whenever he's around, and he's after Elizabeth, I just know it," Jack's voice softened as he heard Elizabeth's door open. "I've gotta go…call me," Jack stated as he set down his phone and picked up his cup of coffee.
Elizabeth took a seat beside Jack, "I'm sorry that I've turned your life upside down; I never intended for that to happen."
Jack sat his cup back on the table and he turned in his seat to face her. His hands cradled her face as his thumbs gently brushed across her flushed cheeks, "You have turned my life upside down, but not in the way you think. I never knew that I could love someone so completely, so honestly, and yet, so unselfishly. You have made a profound difference in my life; you touched my soul and forced me to evaluate what's important in my life, and I can say without a doubt that I truly need nothing else but you." He put his arm around her and pulled her against his chest.
She could hear his heart beating strongly in his chest and somehow, she relaxed. "I appreciate you, and I love you more than I think you'll ever know. Please always remember that."
To Jack it was almost as if she was saying goodbye; like she wanted him to know how she felt in case something happened to her. He leaned over and gently pressed his lips to hers; "It's going to be okay; I promise."
"I trust you," she stated before she stood up, "I'll meet you outside. Take your time and finish your breakfast."
"I'm done," he replied. Jack stood up, took his plate into the kitchen before returning to the dining room. He found her standing by the window looking outside. As he approached, he slipped his arm around her waist, leaned in and whispered, "I've always got your back…"
He took her hand and lead her outside, hoping that where Steve was concerned her day would be uneventful.
It was 8:40am when they pulled into The Academy and he parked his SUV. She opened her door and prepared to say 'goodbye' when she noticed him exit the vehicle before her.
He opened her door, "What are you doing?"
"I'm going with you," he replied.
She liked thinking that she could handle herself, but she also had to admit where Steve was concerned, she was scared, but why she did not know. He was nothing like the boy she knew years ago, and sometime between then and becoming a man, his life took an unexpected turn; a turn that she felt he blamed her for.
Elizabeth took his hand, grabbed her purse and notebook and they headed toward the building. Passing through the courtyard, Elizabeth saw Captain Philpotts coming from the cafeteria carrying a cup of coffee.
"Good morning Ms. Thatcher. How are you this morning?" he asked.
"Well, I'm still alive, so I guess things could be worse," she responded. She turned to Jack, "Oh, this is my boyfriend, Jack…"
Captain Philpotts interrupted, "You're the new Juvenile Court Judge in Virginia Beach, aren't you?" he stuck out his arm to shake Jack's hand.
"Yes, I am, but how did you know?" Jack asked.
"I actually live in Chesapeake, and I drive up every morning when I have training classes. I saw your announcement on the news, congratulations."
"Thank you very much."
"Well, Ms. Thatcher are you ready for today?" Captain Philpotts asked.
"I think so," she stated. Turning to Jack she smiled, "I'll see you later."
As Captain Philpotts started to walk away, Jack called out, "May I speak to you for a moment?"
"Sure, is something wrong? And if it's about yesterday, I know she was upset, but I'm just trying to get them prepared and help keep them safe," the Captain remarked.
"No, you'll get no complaints from me for trying to keep her safe, but she and Detective Fisher have a bit of a past; nothing other than a friendship, but his behavior toward her has been somewhat erratic lately," Jack explained. Seeing an odd expression cover the Captain's face, Jack asked, "What, have you noticed something?"
"I don't know Detective Fisher, but when we sent out a request for help yesterday, he apparently jumped at the chance," Captain Philpotts advised. "I was surprised, because most of the time people come to training with the thought of doing nothing, and yet he jumped up to help."
"Well, I think it was probably just to be near Elizabeth," Jack advised.
"That's not all…"
Jack felt his heart skip a beat, "What do you mean?"
"I don't know if she told you about what happened yesterday, but…"
"She did…"
"Well, Detective Fisher was not a part of the exercise. At the very end, and she was the last person to go through the exercise, he asked to be the one inside the house with the gun," the Captain explained.
Seeing that he had Jack's full attention, he continued. "Detective Fisher took the prop gun from one of my other officers and sat down. I thought it was odd, but just assumed he was blowing off steam."
"What do you mean?" Jack asked.
"Before she entered the house, Detective Fisher laughed and said, 'Someone's getting ready to die.'"
"Will he be back today?" Jack inquired.
"No, I just needed help yesterday," the Captain responded. "I'm sorry; I hope I didn't cause her any problems."
"I'm going to be completely honest with you; she's scared," Jack advised. "I'm prepared to stay here all day if necessary, but if you're sure he won't be here, I didn't want her thinking that I'm babysitting her, either."
"No, he won't be here today," Captain Philpotts assured him. "I'll keep an eye on her, and just so you know, I plan to release the group before lunch."
Jack again shook Captain Philpotts' hand, "Thank you again."
Captain Philpotts headed for the building as Jack returned to the parking lot. Initially, he turned the key in his ignition, but immediately turned it off and sat, watching the area and waiting on Lee to call him back.
At 10am, Elizabeth texted Jack…
"Will b released from training at 12. If u r busy, I'll w8…"
"I'll b in the parking lot w8ing…" he responded back without telling her that he hadn't left.
During her break, Elizabeth sat on a bench in the courtyard unaware that Jack was parked in the lot on the other side of the building. Taking the opportunity to firm up her travel plans, she called her mother.
"Hey mom, how are you and dad doing?"
"Oh sweetheart, it's great to hear from you," her mother practically gushed at the sound of Elizabeth's voice. "When are you coming home for a visit?"
"Well, actually I was thinking about coming home maybe next weekend. Will you and dad be home?"
"Really, next weekend would be perfect. Are you bringing Steve home with you?"
"Excuse me; why would I bring him home with me?"
"Oh, he's come by here a few times, once when you were still in school and the other time just after you moved. He was so excited when he learned you were in Virginia Beach," Mrs. Thatcher advised. "Have you seen him yet? You two were like two peas in a pod during school.
"Mom, I've grown up."
"You know, I really always thought you were better as friends, but I assumed that maybe as you got older…"
"Mom…mom stop, what are you talking about? Steve and I aren't dating; we never have."
"I thought when he came here just after you moved that he was looking for you, not as a friend, but a woman that he cared about."
"What are you talking about?"
"He stopped by and was somewhat insistent when I told him you weren't living here."
"Insistent…?"
"Well, maybe I should have said passionate."
"Mom, you knew he was married to Amanda."
"Yeah, but poor thing, he said that she had run off with someone from her work," she stated. "He was so interested in you, you know, what you were doing and your address and stuff, and I remember thinking how ironic it was that you two were now living in the same city."
"Did he tell you where Amanda was?"
"No, and I didn't ask; he just looked so hurt, but you could also see how angry he was with her."
"Mom, I don't want to talk about Steve anymore, but I do have someone special in my life that I'd like to introduce to you."
"You have a boyfriend…I'm happy for you. What's his name; what does he do; is he good to you?" she asked multiple questions, giving her no time to answer before she threw another one her way.
His name is Jack…Jack Thornton. He's an attorney, but he was just appointed to the Juvenile Court Bench, so he a Judge now, and he is…" just thinking about how wonderful Jack is to her brough tears to her eyes.
"Honey, are you okay?"
"Mom, do you remember telling us girls that when we found the right one, we'd know it?"
"Of course, I do; it happened to me with your father."
"Well, I do believe that Jack's the one for me. He's kind, and thoughtful, considerate and mom, when he tells me that I'm the most important person in his life, I believe him."
"Well I can't wait to meet him."
"Will you please make dad be nice to him?"
"I'll do my best, but you know how your father is with his girls."
"Yes I do, and that's why I'm asking you to please make him be nice to Jack," Elizabeth stated as she remembered back to a time when Viola brought home a boyfriend, and by the time her father was done grilling him, they never saw each other again. "Oh mom, I'm in training and I have to go back, but I'll check with Jack and make sure he's available next weekend. Hopefully I'll, I mean we'll see you in about a week."
Twenty minutes later, Jack received the call he was waiting for, "Hey Lee, did you find out anything?"
"Whoa Jack, I'm not sure what's going on, but did you know that the girl who went missing is the cousin of Detective Fisher's wife?"
"No, how did you find that out?" he asked.
"Well, Officer Carver from Villanova called me and in Amy Pittman's paperwork, Amanda Fisher was listed as her next of kin."
"How does that make them cousins?"
"Well, I did some checking, and it seems too much of a coincidence that Amanda's mother and Amy's mother have the same maiden name, Foster," Lee stated. "I am a detective after all, and not a lot gets past me."
Lee continued, "When their mother's married, of course their names were changed and if you didn't know them, then there would be nothing that said they were related.
"So where is Amy and where is Amanda?" Jack asked, as he began to feel even more anxious about Elizabeth's safety.
"I'm still trying to find that out," Lee stated.
"Please call me when you know something."
"One more thing…" Lee stated before ending the call.
"Please don't tell me that it gets worse."
"Jack, I'm going to tell you something, but if you repeat it, I'll deny telling you."
"Oh my gosh, what is it?"
"I called in a favor with someone from HR and I took a look at Steve Fisher's personnel file."
"Okay, what did you see?"
"He interviewed for a job with the police department in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware sometime during the summer. He accepted the job, but before leaving Virginia Beach he apparently changed his mind."
"Thanks for the information."
Jack remained in his car for another hour and a half, exiting his vehicle at 11:30. He sat on the bench in the middle of the courtyard until approximately 11:50 and then walked over to the building Elizabeth was in and waited just outside the door.
Like clockwork, Captain Philpotts released the group from training at noon. Elizabeth walked outside with the women from her group. Seeing Jack, she excused herself and immediately rushed to him.
In front of everyone, he kissed her, took her hand and then led her toward the parking lot.
"I'm so glad to see you; what did you do this morning?" she asked.
He didn't want to tell her, but then again lying wasn't acceptable, "I sat in my car waiting for you."
"You've been sitting in your car for three hours? I'm sorry, Jack," she stated as he opened her door and she slipped inside.
"I want you to feel safe," he squatted down beside her seat.
"I need to tell you something," she stated as she proceeded to rehash the conversation she had with her mother regarding Steve.
"So, he knew you were living in Virginia Beach?"
"Yes, but he was already here, so I guess it looks like I followed him here…which I promise you Jack, I didn't do that."
"He may have already been here, but according to Lee he accepted a job with the Rehoboth Beach Police Department, only he decided at the last minute not to go."
"Jack, what's going on with him?" she asked.
"I don't know, but we'll find out."
"Oh, while I'm thinking of it, are you available next weekend to meet my parents."
"Yeah, that sounds good."
"Yeah, I hope you can remain so upbeat after you meet my father."
To be continued…
NOTE: Several people have sent messages requesting that I update other stories, and unfortunately since you are not signed into this page and are only listed as "Guest" I have been unable to respond to you. I will move on to another story as soon as this one gets to a safe short term stopping point. I just wanted to let you know that I have not forgotten about the other stories or your requests...