Chapter 12

Bill is waiting in the baggage pick up on Charlette's plane to land. The DNA results came back from the lab, but no matches were found in the system. That meant the person's DNA wasn't on file, but if he had a suspect, he would be able to compare the results. The case was making progress, just not as fast as he wanted. He also spoke with Tom again concerning Charlette, this was causing him some anxiety. He was not looking forward to this.

"Where's my boy?! Bill! Where's my boy?!"

Bill lowered his head and knew he was in for it. He slowly stood and waved his hand to gain her attention. "Charlette. Let me help you with your bags."

"Thanks Bill. Where is my boy?" She demanded.

"Which one?" He sassed.

She stared at him for a moment then smacked him on the arm. "Which one? Which one? The one that was shot."

"Charlette. He was not shot! You need to calm down."

"Calm down!" She asked incredulously. "How can I calm down when he was shot?"

"Charlette. He was not shot!" He stated loudly enough that several people stopped and looked in their direction. "What happened the last time you went all mama bear on Jack?"

"Mama Bear?" She stared.

"Yes, Mama Bear. What happened when you went all mama bear on Jack the last time he had an incident at work?"

She lowered her head. She knew she could get very protective when she was scared. She couldn't help it. She was scared. She lost her husband and was afraid Jack was going to share the same tragedy. "He locked me out of his apartment."

Bill laughed. "Yes. He locked you out because you tried to give him a bath."

"So? I gave him a bath all the time when he was small."

"Yes, but not at the age of twenty three!"

She lowered her head with a little smirk.

"Then you slept in the same bed with him in case he needed something."

"So?"

"Didn't you cut up his food for him in the restaurant?"

She didn't answer him this time.

"And didn't you go through the hallway at the hospital screaming, "Where's my baby? Where's my baby?"

She remembered how embarrassed Jack was and how frustrated he was with her antics. Her youngest son would get frustrated with her too when she went mama bear on him too. He would avoid her for weeks. She was never that way when they were little, only after her Tom died.

"And didn't you..."

She cut him off before he continued. "So, are you telling me I need to calm down?"

"Yes, ma'am. He is your son, and you will worry because you are his mother, and a great mother at that, but you also need to keep your mind and stop panicking over him."

"So, who is this Elizabeth woman Tom has told me about?"

"I know her very well. She is a school teacher. A great young lady."

"And they are dating?"

"Charlette, I am not sure of their relationship. You need to talk to your son."

"He isn't returning my calls or my texts."

"Really, mama bear?"

"Ok. Ok. I get it. He just never dated anyone before. She must be very special."

"I believe she is. Talk to your son."

…

The ride to Jack's apartment was quiet. Charlette had a lot of things running through her mind. She was trying to calm down the mama bear that was trying to rear its head. That was a job all by itself. She was trying to work through this young lady, Elizabeth, who has taken her son's heart. She always wanted him to have someone special in his life, he just never allowed it. Now, he is dating someone after just four days. He either lost his mind or lost his heart. She was hoping it was the later one.

After an almost perfect morning with Elizabeth, Jack went home to shower, clean himself up, and go to the station for an hour or so. Elizabeth was coming over later to meet his mom. He was scared to death. Not because his mom wouldn't like her, but he was afraid of the mama bear version of his ma. He was very willing to lock her out of his apartment again.

…

When he was at the station, he learned of the blood drop on the wall and found there were no matches but was encouraged that they had a DNA sample to use later. He made a few calls to local hospitals hoping they had someone come in the ER with a gunshot wound, but there were no one that was admitted or seen.

Jack arrived at his apartment with about an hour before his ma was to show up and about thirty minutes before Elizabeth was set to come over. He didn't have to straighten up because he always was a neat person. Jack sat down and texted his brother.

J – so, how bad is this going to be?

T – You know mom

J – yeah

T – don't worry. You can always lock her out again

J – very funny

J – but I'll do it again if I have too

T – you know mama bear

J – yeah that's what scares me

J – do you think she'll like Elizabeth?

T – you know mom

J – yeah

T – she always trusted you even when she didn't understand

J – I know I just want her to like her

T – she will

T – this is serious huh?

J – very

T – will you two beat us to the alter?

J – maybe

T – wish you the best

Elizabeth walked up the driveway of Abagail's house. Abagail stepped out of the house and approached her.

"Hey sis. How are you doing?"

"I'm great. Nervous about meeting Charlette."

"Great huh? What happened last night?"

"What do you mean? You know me."

"I didn't mean that, but something is different with you."

"Well" she mentioned while her face turned red.

"You haven't blushed this much ever."

"Abagail, he is the perfect man."

"Perfect doesn't exist."

"No, but he is perfect for me."

"You love him, don't you?"

Elizabeth smiled and she avoided eye contact.

"Do you think he loves you?"

"He told me he did."

Abagail squealed and jumped up and down while hugging her sister. She wanted this for Elizabeth for so long. She was such a great woman and deserved to be happy to its fullest, whatever that looked like. She was truly happy for her friend and sister.

"That's great. I'm happy for you. You told him too, didn't you?"

"What do you think?" She used the tone of a younger sister.

"The best moment of my life." Stated Jack.

The ladies turned and looked at Jack. "Are you being nosey, Investigator?"

"It's not being nosy when two women are squealing and screaming in my driveway." He stated with a smirk.

"In my driveway." Smirked Abagail. They all laughed at the exchange.

They chatted with each other for a few minutes until they noticed Bill's car coming up the road. Elizabeth inhaled a quick breath and instantly became nervous. Jack reached over with both hands and took her hands into his. "It will be alright Elizabeth. I promise. She will love you and I am here for you. Let's go Bella."

Charlette stepped out of the car and grabbed Jack by his shoulders and looked him over from head to toe, twice. She was making sure he was fine and not injured. When she was satisfied that he was unharmed, she grabbed him into a motherly hug that lasted a couple of minutes.

"Ma, please let me introduce you to Elizabeth and Abagail."

Charlette nodded her approval.

"Then you are going to have to let go of me first."

"Alright Mr. Sassy. Watch yourself." She stated pointing her finger at him.

Elizabeth laughed at the exchange. She decided at that moment she liked Charlette. She was still nervous.

"Ma, this is my girlfriend Elizabeth Thatcher and her best friend and honorary sister Abagail Hogan."

She smiled and hugged Elizabeth, much to Elizabeth's shock. She shook Abagail's hand with a smile. "Thank you for letting my boy stay in your apartment. I hope he is behaving himself."

"He has been perfect."

Charlette reached up and started to move some of his hair out of his eyes. "Jack, I think you need a haircut."

"Ma." Jack pleaded. "I don't need a haircut."

"But son, it's in your eyes. Plus, you have a loose button. Let me fix that for you later."

"Ma" he said a little frustrated.

Now Abagail and Elizabeth were laughing at the exchange between mother and son. Seeing the love between the two were easy to see.

"Elizabeth and Ma, would you please come up to my apartment? I have some lemonade for us. Please excuse us, Abagail."

Jack reached down and picked up his mother's suitcase and reached for Elizabeth's hand. She took it without hesitation. She smiled at his attention to her in the presence of his mother.

Once in the apartment, which wasn't large, but enough room for everyone around the small table. Charlette looked at Jack, "Honestly, how are you?"

"I'm fine ma. I wasn't hurt at all."

"That's good son. So, Elizabeth dear, is Jack treating you well? Like a gentleman is supposed to treat a young lady?"

"Yes, ma'am. I do believe he has learned every lesson you and Mr. Thorton taught him. I wouldn't ask him to change a thing."

"That's great dear. So, I hear you two are dating seriously after only four days?"

"Ma." Jack said in a warning tone.

"It's fine Jack. She's your mother and wants to get to know me. I would be the same way."

Charlette gave her an agreeing nod and the first smile. Elizabeth told her the whole story beginning form the sketch and the first meeting between the two that was not a good meeting. Charlette let her tell the story only asking a couple of questions to clarify something. Mostly, she laughed at the situation knowing how much Jack hates it when people are rude.

"I am surprised he talked to you after that. He does not like rude people."

"Oh I know. He made me work at apologizing to him. I deserved it. He did nothing wrong, I was just freaked out."

"I don't blame you, dear."

Jack sat back and enjoyed watching his ma and his girlfriend get to know each other. They seemed to connect well, and he was excited that mama bear hasn't shown up. At least she hasn't shown up yet.

Charlette would catch Elizabeth and her son looking at each other with puppy dog eyes. Along with the looks, she noticed stolen touches between them too. She could certainly see the love the two had between each other.

Suddenly, Jack's phone buzzed. He looked down and notice he had a text from Bill.

B – I'm sorry to interrupt you with your mother in, but could you come in for a little bit? Something came in that may open up the case?
J – No problem I'll leave in five minutes.

"I'm sorry Ma, Elizabeth. I need to go into the station for a little bit. Elizabeth, I'll drop you off at your apartment on my way in and then maybe we can all eat at Abagail's café for dinner?"

"Nonsense, Jack. Lizzy can stay here with me, and we can get to know each other better."

Elizabeth could see Jack tense up a little. To be honest, Elizabeth tensed up a little too.

"Ma, it's Elizabeth you need your rest."

"It's ok Jack. Lizzy is fine." She never liked that nickname, but she was ok with it as long as Charlette was happy.

"Don't worry, Jack. We will be fine. I promise I won't eat her." She smiled.

This did not ease his concern at all. Elizabeth gave him a look he understood. "Fine. I'll text when I am coming back and then we can go to Abagail's."

After Jack left reluctantly, Elizabeth looked at Charlette and asked if she needed to rest for a while.

"No dear. I'm fine. I'm not as old as my dear son makes me. Would you take a walk with me?"

She smiled at the gesture and was wondering if this is where Jack got it from. "Sure Ms. Thorton. I would love to take a walk with you."

"Please dear, call me Charlette."

"Yes, ma'am."

Charlette gave her a slight smile of correction. "Yes, Charlette." Both women giggle at the exchange. Their relationship was beginning to form into one of respect and genuine liking each other.

Elizabeth had something on her mind she wanted to say to Jack's mom but was a little hesitate since they just meet minutes ago.

"Ms. Thorton, I mean Charlette. May I say something to you?"

"My dear, please feel free to say anything to me." She gave her a warm, motherly smile. That instantly put Elizabeth at ease.

"I know I haven't known Jack for very long. Four days exactly and the first day was awful because of me. But I want you to know I really like your son. He is a fine young man and I have fallen for him quickly. Even though it has been a short relationship, it is important to me. I respect him because he is such a gentleman to me and treats me better than I deserve."

Charlette stopped walking and held Elizabeth's hands. "My dear, thank you for being honest with me. It does my heart good that Jack is stepping up and treating a young lady so well. I can tell he has fallen for you too. But you are not being completely honest with me."

Elizabeth stared at her with disbelief.

"You have not just fallen for my son. You love him."

Elizabeth smiled but didn't say anything.

"I can see it in your eyes, and I see it in his eyes. And don't get me started with all the stolen glances and touches you two were doing earlier."

"Yes, ma'am. I do love him. I know it's been a short time, but I know in my heart I do."

"I know dear. I don't care if it has been a short time, the heart does not go by a calendar. Jack didn't tell you, did he?"

"Tell me what?"

"I knew I was in love with his father, Tom, the first time I meet him. We were engaged within a week and married in a month after first meeting each other. We were married until his death completely in love with each other. Over those years, our love only grew. Time does not equal love."

That statement reminded her of the previous relationship with Charles. It just wasn't love, no matter how long they would have dated. "I believe you are correct about time and love. I love him completely even though I do not know a lot of his back ground."

"Those things will come with time dear. May I ask you a question that may be a little personal?"

"Absolutely."

"Is Jack treating you well? With respect?"

"Yes, ma'am he is. I have never been treated this well before. He is so kind and thoughtful. He isn't pushy or controlling. He always thinks of me first and makes sure I am happy. There is nothing I would change."

"That's great to hear. I want him to be respectful and kind."

"He talks a lot about his father and the relationship you two had. He says he wants that type of relationship where he can't wait to get home. The love you two shared and he witnessed is something he wants.

"His father always said his favorite place on earth was beside me. He wasn't a perfect man, but he was perfect in loving me."

Both ladies giggled at the love they share.

"Jack calls me beautiful constantly, but he doesn't say it in English." She blushed with sharing an intimate aspect of their relationship."

"Really? I didn't know he knew another language."

"He doesn't. He only learns the word for beautiful. He has called me Bella, Belle, Bellissima, Nani, and Hermosa."

Charlette was shocked. That didn't sound like him. "That's very romantic. What languages are they?"

"Latin, French, Italian, Hawaiian dialect, and Spanish." She stated blushing.

"I never knew he was that romantic."

"I melt every time he calls me those names. I can't believe he takes the time and effort to learn them just for me."

"He has told you that he loves you, right?"

"With everything he does. And he has said it, last night. He said he learned not to take things for granted and to tell people how you feel because you may not have another opportunity."

Throughout their conversation, Elizabeth had a constant blush on her face. She was smiling so big her face hurt. Charlette was so proud of her oldest son. She was happy he found someone special. She was beginning to wonder if he ever would.

"Elizabeth, I want to thank you for loving my son. You seem to be perfect for my Jack. I know I come across as rough, but I just love my family and I want to take care of them. You seem like a great young lady and just perfect for him. Thank you." She said with tears falling down her cheeks.

"Charlette, thank you for raising him so well. He is a fine young man. You and your husband has done so well with him. I hope I can love him like he deserves."

"Give him a little sass every so often, and you will do fine."

They laughed and that broke the emotional tension. "How is he about sharing his thoughts? He was never good at that as a kid."

"He has been great. More open than I have ever known anyone to be. He doesn't think he is good at it, but he really is great."

Charlette smiled at this precious young lady. "Ok, since we are getting along so well, let's have a little fun. Please don't tell Jack about this or I will be in trouble with him."

Elizabeth leaned in with a smile, like Charlette was going to share a secret.

"What would you like to know about Jack when he was little?"

Elizabeth let out a loud laugh. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun, but I am going to get in a lot of trouble.

…

Jack walked into the station worrying about his mother and Elizabeth. He knew they would like each other, he just wished it was soon. He loved his mom and she was the best mom he could have asked for as a child and an adult. The thing is he has never brought a girl home. He didn't know how protective his mother would become. He was also worried that he hasn't seen the mama bear yet. He was thankful for that but didn't want Elizabeth to face that on her own.

Bill meets him at the door and escorted him back outside. "Jack, let's walk." Bill didn't give him an option.

"What's going on boss?"

"I believe we are getting close, but I think we may have someone inside sharing information to the suspects."

"What makes you say that?"

"Think about it, Jack. While their area of robbing is dwindling, they are still one step ahead of us."

"Maybe, but they could just be lucky. Elizabeth stated that the person with James Harvey is his brother, Jimmy Harvey. He has spoken to Elizabeth about being lucky. It is an important part of his life. He depends on it."

"Have you spoken to her about the case?"

No. Last night I was looking through the case file and showed her the picture hoping she would recognize him. I did not tell her about the card or any other details. I just showed the picture."

"Thanks, Jack. I think I am becoming paranoid."

"Sir, don't dismiss your gut feeling. We will keep an eye open for anything that seems wrong."

"Jack, have you thought anything about what you and I discussed?"

"No sir. I haven't had much time to consider it with the shooting last night and all. When do you need an answer?"

"No big rush."

"I am strongly considering it. Honestly, if I had to decide today, I would take it, but I haven't made a final decision yet."

"Very well. Would it have something to do with an auburn hair woman you have fallen in love with?"

"Maybe, but fallen in love?"

"Jack, I am not that old." They both laughed.

…

"Elizabeth, do you know any of his stories from childhood?"

"No. I know this Jack, not that Jack."

"Oh, dear. Buckle up." She said laughing. "I guess the first think you need to know is his blankie."

"His blankie. Oh, I'm going to love this one."

"When he turned two, he received this blue blanket. It was so small it would barely cover him. Honestly, it was a doll blanket, but we didn't have the heart to tell him that." They both laughed very loudly. "He wouldn't go anywhere without it for a long time. I remember when he was fifteen and he went to bible camp at church. He was too embarrassed to carry it around, but I had to hide it in his suitcase."

"Please tell me you still have it." Begged Elizabeth.

"Oh, yes. I still have it. I wanted to give it to his child if he had one. Here," She handed her phone to Elizabeth, "this is a picture of his blankie, send the photo to yourself."

"That is so adorable. I can't believe it!" She exclaimed.

"I think the last time he had it was when he left for college. He wouldn't take it with him, but he did take a picture of it on his phone.

"That is just precious."

"Also, when he was a child, I couldn't keep clothes on him. Especially if it was raining outside. He would just strip down to his birthday suit and run around outside without a stitch of clothing on."

"Oh my, how old was he when he did that."

"He started that when he was a baby. When I went to change his diaper, he would take off and I always had to chase him to get clothes on him. It was always a struggle." Charlette laughed at the memories. The running in the rain began when he was about three. One day I went through the house looking for him but couldn't find him. I panicked and called Tom. He hurried home in the middle of his shift. He brought three other police officers with him to help him look for Jack."

"Where was he hiding?"

"Oh, that's the thing. He wasn't hiding. He was outside naked as a jay bird running and playing. When Tom and the three other officers pulled up, Jack came running from behind the house naked and soaked from the rain. He stood in front of the driveway like nothing was wrong."

"Oh…My…Gosh… I can't even."

"Yeah. I wanted to beat him, but it was so funny it took everything I had not to laugh. Since then, if he could sneak out in the rain, he would and always without clothes."

"He still doesn't do that does he?"

"Oh dear, I hope not. I know he still likes walking in the rain, but I hope he is clothed."

They walked for a couple of hours. Just talking about Jack as a kid, his work, their shared work as a teacher, a little about Elizabeth, and Jack and Elziabeth's new relationship. They enjoyed themselves so much they didn't realize the time. When they walked up the driveway at Jack's apartment, they were walking with their arms interlocked together. They noticed Jack sitting in a chair at the edge of the driveway.

"Good afternoon, ladies. That must have been some walk."

They both laughed remembering the conversation they had and how much Jack would dislike what they talked about. "It was great." They both said at the same time.

Jack looked at them with a skeptical look. He knew something was up. "What did you guys talk about?" He asked but wasn't sure if he wanted to know.

They looked at each other and laughed. This made Jack nervous. "This and that." They both said together again.

"You two are turning into the same person. I don't think you two should walk together anymore."

"Let's go to dinner son. Maybe we can find something that will comfort you." Charlette laughed before she finished the statement and Elizabeth snorted with excitement. "Text your brother and see if they would like to join us."

Jack stood looking at the two ladies and their shared laughter knowing he was in deep trouble. He leaned into Elizabeth and watched her smiling and giggling. "I don't think you two should hang out, ever again."

She swatted his arm. "Jack Thorton, we were just getting to know each other."

"That's what concerns me." He stated looking at her while she was laughing. He knew something went on that he wouldn't like.