No rain for four days has spoiled me. Don't expect much from the title.
Jessica rolled over in bed and snuggled deeper in the bedcovers. Sleeping during winter was such a delicious experience. The warmth beneath her quilt coupled with the cool air in the room was a sensation she loved. It was even better when her late husband, Frank, was in bed with her. She sighed as she remembered cuddling into his arms during the night.
Tonight she was having a difficult time. She was sleepy but every time she began to drift off, she would jerk awake. It was Michael Haggerty's fault too. The MI6 agent was always getting her involved in his shenanigans, ignoring her pleas for information which usually meant she would be involved in murder, mayhem, and the threat of danger.
He was charming, she would give him that, and it was her own fault for her overeager curiosity usually, but this time it was different. She had been jailed because Michael wanted her there, supposedly for her own safety, but still. Being in jail was not an experience she wanted to relive. She had been fortunate, she had the cell to herself and the occupant in the next cell had been friendly and helpful.
She had been so happy to return home, safe and sound. Grady was home again too and probably staying there until he visited in the summer. She rolled over in the other direction. Peering at the alarm clock, she saw it wasn't even one in the morning. She sighed. Maybe some warm milk and a good book would help her sleep.
She got out of bed and went into the kitchen. Rummaging through her cabinet she found cocoa powder and began heating up the milk. She smiled at the thought of making cocoa for Grady when he lived in the house. A car door slammed and she looked out the window. Seth Hazlitt was walking up her path, coming around to her kitchen door. She hurried to the door and opened it.
"What has you up this time of night?" He asked, by way of a greeting. He closed the door, hung up his coat, and took a seat at the table.
"I couldn't sleep and gave up," she replied. "Care for cocoa?"
Seth shook his head. "I wouldn't mind a cup of coffee."
Jessica took out the coffee can from above the sink. "Out on a call?"
"Tanya Rivers had a bouncing baby boy an hour ago."
Jessica smiled. "I bet she was happy after having five daughters."
"I know her husband, Hank, was happy," smirked Seth. He frowned and abruptly changed the subject. "What's bothering you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You only drink cocoa when something is bothering you. When you can't sleep, you drink tea," he pointed out.
Jessica had to smile. He knew her well. "When I went to San Francisco, I ran into Michael Haggerty," began Jessica.
"And you were shot at, mugged, kidnapped, or ran off the road?" asked Seth.
"I was put in jail," she answered ruefully.
"Jail!" exclaimed Seth. He looked her over from head to foot. She was wearing a thick robe over her pajamas so she wasn't sure what he could benefit from looking at her. "Were you hurt?"
Jessica shook her head. "Just my feelings. He thought he was protecting me." She dropped her head down and fumbled with her fingers. "It was embarrassing and humiliating. The bedding smelled, the toilet was open to anyone wanting to look, and I didn't have a brush or anything." Her lower lip trembled but she closed her eyes for a moment and gained control over her emotions. She looked up at Seth.
He was angry, not the anger she was used to seeing either. He was angry at her. He pushed his chair back and stood up. "I'll see you later," he muttered.
She beat him to the door however and spread her arms across the doorframe. "I know you're angry and you're right. I shouldn't allow Michael to put me in those situations."
Seth crossed his arms over his chest. "But it means nothing because next time you'll do it again and then again.
"Seth…"
"No! You get into enough trouble on your own without having someone else doing it for you. You know I worry about you while you're away! You know and you don't care."
Ever so gently he moved her aside, grabbed his coat, and left.
Jessica poured a cup of cocoa and sat at the table. She knew Seth was right to be angry. She would have to apologize to him. He had been so angry, she mused. She had seen him angry plenty of times, heatedly angry but never directed at her. One of the things she loved about him was how he was careful of her feelings. She drank another cup of cocoa and cleaned up the pot and mug. She turned off the coffee pot that Seth never had a cup from and went upstairs.
She knew she'd never sleep now so she took a warm bath and tried reading. An hour later she was in her kitchen baking. Muffins and cookies and then a blueberry pie. She'd give them to Seth as an apology.
It was early when she packed everything up and secured it in the front basket of her bike. She rode carefully over to Seth's house. Even though he was out late at night, more than likely he was awake and dressed. She was right.
He came to the door and stared at her.
"Good morning, Seth," she greeted. She moved to enter but he stood in her way. "I…uh…wanted to apologize and baked you a few goodies."
"It's not necessary," he replied. "I need a little time, Jess. I'll call you." He started to close the door.
"Seth?" Her voice quivered and he opened the door wider. Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them back.
"Don't you dare!" he whispered, harshly. He was not going to let her tears erase how much he worried about her.
She bit her lip but looked at him. "I'm sorry."
Seth sighed. "I know. I just need some time."
Jessica nodded her head but urged the baked goods into his hands. "I'll see you later then."
She pedaled home as though there were demons after her. Seth was right. Before Frank died she hadn't been involved in any murders or anything dangerous actually. Amos solved crimes without her and when events happened she heard about it through the gossip channels like everyone else.
When had she decided her life was expendable? She didn't want to die, did she? She shook her head. No, she didn't want to die. If Frank were alive, would she be running around trying to solve murders? What would Frank have done? She smiled. She and Frank would have a verbal disagreement
to rival war in a small country if she had gotten into even one of her scrapes. He had been very protective. He didn't come back from war to be killed in an accident. He told her that many times. He told her he came back for her. He came back because she was waiting for him, praying and pleading that he would return to her safely.
It had been a horrible time in her life. She didn't know if he was safe, hurting, hungry. Oh, how she worried about him. There had been no promise that he would return and now what was she doing? She was running off to have her adventures. The fact that so many led to murders were not her fault and she didn't blame herself because it was never her intent to get involved until it happened.
And Seth was home, worrying about her. Her conscience began to nag her. He told her many times that he would check on her home, her bird, make sure everything was perfect for her return. He worried about her, checked in as often as he was allowed, and looked relieved every time she returned home. She was finally acknowledging that their relationship wasn't just an ordinary friendship, they were closer, more intimate than casual friends. She had to admit she had begun thinking about him more and more in a not quite platonic way.
The adrenaline rush had been unexpected the first time a murder was solved. The satisfaction of justice served was exhilarating too. Frank had told her how satisfying flying had been for him. She remembered the long nights wondering what he was doing, if he was safe. She sighed. She hadn't given too much thought to how much Seth worried. She got impatient when he told her to lock her doors, take a cab and not walk, check her windows…the list went on and on. How many bargains had she made with God? She would go to church more often if Frank came home safely. She would never ask for another thing if Frank was safe. She didn't keep her bargains with God and Frank did return to her safe and sound.
But it didn't last forever. She thought she would have him forever or at least another thirty years. When he died she didn't want to be dependent on anyone. Her faith had suffered and her prayers were quick and impersonal for a long while. God had let her down.
She closed off her heart. She had starts and stops but never the well oiled organ that filled with all encompassing love again. She didn't want to be disappointed. Again.
She grabbed her coat and scarf and decided to take a walk along the cliffs. The brisk cold air would be invigorating. She walked several miles, waving to friends and declining rides. It was on her way back that she decided to climb Tremaine Cliff. It wasn't much of a hike but the views were lovely and the boats would be heading back to the pier about now.
Nearly to the top, she tripped. She fell hard and only her hands stopped her from injuring her shoulder against a group of rocks. Her ankle wouldn't support her weight though and she had to hobble over to a rock to sit down. Trying to catch her breath, she removed her gloves. She felt her ankle and knew it was at least sprained. She didn't want to remove her shoe in case she couldn't put it back on so she sat on the ground and raised her leg against the rock. Why didn't she bring her cell phone? After half an hour she stood on one foot and gingerly lowered her other leg. Nope, bad idea. She looked around for a stick but found none. She wondered how far she could hop.
The discovery that she could only hop a few yards was discouraging. She raised her hands to her mouth and yelled every few minutes but she wasn't close enough to the road. It will be dark soon. Maybe crawling? She was certainly desperate enough to try.
She went a few more yards on her hands and knees but had to stop. Think Jessica! An idea came to her but she wasn't sure how effective it would be. She looked around and found a few flat stones. Taking off her shoe and sock, she placed the cold rocks on her ankle and bound her scarf around it. She pulled as tightly as she could. Every step was agony but she made it so the road was visible. She just had to wait for a car to come along. Her coat kept her warm but her scarf no longer covered her head and neck.
Fifteen minutes later she saw headlights and hoped she was still visible in the waning light. It was a patrol car. She yelled for all she was worth and the car stopped.
Sheriff Mort Metzger had very good hearing. He heard the shout but didn't see anyone. He grabbed his flashlight and left the car.
"Who's there?" He shouted.
"Mort! Help!" Jessica started sobbing in relief. She wouldn't have to spend the night on the cliffs.
Mort rushed over. "Mrs F, what happened?" It was pointless to ask since she was crying and he couldn't understand her but he saw her foot and knew she was injured. He spoke into the handheld radio and soon an ambulance arrived. Knowing the Doc would want to know, he also called him. He awkwardly patted her shoulder while they waited. He was happy he decided to patrol the cliffs early instead of near midnight.
Jessica was bustled onto a gurney, driven to the hospital, and wheeled into the emergency room as soon as they arrived, with staff outside waiting. She had been wrapped in blankets until she was covered up to her neck but she pulled the covers to her eyes while she was being wheeled inside. She looked like a wreck if Mort's eyes were an indication. She knew her face was tear stained and that's never a good look for anyone.
She was poked and prodded and she wanted to ask why they were taking her temperature when it was her ankle that hurt but they had just unwrapped the scarf securing her ankle from movement when a medical student assisting the physician touched it. She couldn't contain the loud pain filled shriek that was emitted but the sight of Seth, in surgical scrubs, arriving almost made her faint. He was angry. She wanted to tell him it wasn't her fault this time but the medication injected into her iv was making her loopy.
She heard Seth growling and tears fell before sleep claimed her.
Seth had spent the morning getting back on an even keel. He knew he couldn't stay angry with Jessica. That would be impossible and she was soon forgiven. He wouldn't change her even if he could. He thought about how animated she became when telling him about her adventures. He knew she was editing what she told him. He drove over to her house but she wasn't there. Her bike was parked out back so she must have taken a cab. Maybe she went for groceries. He drove around town looking for her but didn't see her so he went home.
Early in the afternoon he went to the hospital to deliver a baby and was about to leave when Mort called him to tell him Jessica was injured and they were on their way to the hospital. His heart leapt into his throat but he finished charting and hurried into the emergency department.
Dr. Edmonds was the physician on duty but he had three students working with him and Seth wanted to make sure everything was done to his satisfaction. He had just reached the curtained off area reserved for celebrities and other VIP patients when he heard Jessica's cry of pain and he burst inside. His eyes immediately found her tear stained face before seeking out the cause of her agony.
The medical student had immediately lifted his hands off her ankle but Seth knew it was him that caused her pain and he immediately lit into him. Other personnel had taken a step back when Seth arrived. Everyone, and that meant everyone in the hospital, knew Jessica was his number one patient. He dished out a severe diatribe to the student before standing close to Jessica. She was almost asleep thanks to the medication.
Her foot and ankle were x-rayed as well as her shoulder since a large bruise had formed. Seth had her admitted since she wasn't awake to complain and followed the orderly to her room. He stepped out while the nurse got her settled for the night but returned shortly afterward.
Jessica opened her eyes slowly. She knew immediately that she was in the hospital. Her arm was strapped to the arm rail on the bed and she was hooked up to an iv. She saw Seth sitting up in a chair, asleep. Her heart swelled knowing he stayed with her.
"Seth," she said softly.
Seth immediately opened his eyes. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. I'm sorry Seth. I tripped and hurt myself. I wasn't investigating a murder."
"I wouldn't mind if you were, Jess." He moved closer to the bed and she almost rolled her eyes when she saw he was checking her over. "I feel like this is my fault. You wouldn't have been outside alone if I hadn't been such a stubborn fool."
"Don't you dare blame yourself, Seth Hazlitt. It wasn't anyone's fault." She smiled bleakly at him.
He picked up her hand and kissed her fingers. "When Mort called me I realized that you're inquisitive, intelligent, and I need to have more faith in your abilities. It won't stop me from worrying but I don't want you to think you don't have my unwavering support."
Jessica smiled slightly. "I did some thinking too. You've always taken such good care of me. It's time I returned the favor by not worrying you so much."
He smiled in return before adjusting her bed higher and offering her a cup of water. He told her there were no fractures, just bruising and a sprained ankle.
"How did you get me admitted? What reason did you give?"
Seth smiled. "No one had a chance to ask you how long you'd been lying out in the elements so I admitted you for exposure. You'll be discharged today and I expect you to stay off your feet for three days."
"Three days! Seth!"
Seth gave her a wink. "Two days if you're really good."
"Are we okay?" She asked nervously. "I realize I was taking you for granted."
Seth looked deeply into her eyes. "Better than okay."
She picked up his hand with her free hand and gave it a squeeze.
"So, tell me the whole story about your adventures in San Francisco," urged Seth. "The unedited version if you don't mind."
Jessica smiled sweetly at him. She told him without leaving out even the smallest of details.
"So, I'm guessing it wasn't jail so much that upset you. It was the fact that Haggerty was able to persuade Grady to do things his way, 'betray' you, so to speak. After all, MI6 is capable of keeping civilians safe through other means especially since they wanted to capture this Cobra person." Seth was looking at Jessica with sympathy.
"I know Grady is trusting, it's a lovely trait, but maybe I babied him too much?"
"You and Frank did a good job, Jess. Grady's a fine young man, a little young and inexperienced but he's getting there." Seth made a mental note to speak with Grady the next time he saw him.
"Thanks Seth."
Jessica made motions to get up from the bed before Seth halted her. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to the bathroom," answered Jessica.
Seth stood and reached beneath her bed. He brought out a bedpan and handed it over.
"If you think I'm using that…that…thing! You better think again," demanded Jessica.
Seth started laughing. "Alright Jess, just this once I'll help you." He assisted her out of bed and had her leaning on him. She hopped to the bathroom with his help.
"The shower is so close, Seth." She looked at him, pleading with her eyes.
"The only way you're getting in the shower is if I get in there with you," declared Seth.
Jessica looked at the shower, then back at Seth. "You'll wash my back?"
Seth began sputtering as Jessica closed the door on him. He could hear her laughter and couldn't help smiling. He would bet that the shower would start in the next few minutes.