Forbidden love for a Barkley
Part Thirty Five:
"Jarrod's Plan, pt. 3: Beginning Stage & a late Gift"
While he and Jarrod were talking about the cold blooded murders of Tom Barkley & Emilio Mangano, Paulie revealed that a deputy sheriff by the name of Frank Halloran was of no help to him and his family when they told him about the murder of Emilio and who was responsible. This didn't surprise Jarrod at all, because he would reveal that Halloran was anything, but human and worthy of the badge he once wore. In fact, Jarrod would say in so many words that Frank Halloran was a disgrace to the badge, to Stockton as their mayor, and the human race as he: 1) Never helped those who weren't white, 2) Had an affair with the notorious Jessica Ballinger while he himself was married, 3) Was very abusive to his wife, 4) Was a racist, 5) Was very crooked and corrupt, hence why he got thrown out of office as mayor & more recently, got his deputy sheriff badge revoked, 6) Was a notorious alcoholic/drunk, and 7) Was very tight with the Ballingers and their crowd & if they committed any sort of crime such as the murder of Emilio Mangano, he would sweep it under the rug and let them go scot free. All of those things were the sole reason Sturgis, Clevenger, Reardon, and McIntosh were still running around free and why there was no justice for Emilio. Jarrod also revealed to Paulie that had he and his family met up with the regular sheriff, Fred Madden, Sturgis and the others would be sitting behind bars for the rest of their lives to which the latter asked if Santo would still be alive had Sheriff Madden taken care of Emilio's killers to which the former said that as much as he would love to give that reassurance, he couldn't for certain say that, that was so in regards to Santo. Dismayed, but understanding, Paulie admitted that while it hurt him to hear Jarrod say that, he appreciated and respected his honesty. Jarrod would make more revelations about Halloran; One, his bigotry & hatred would intensify after he failed to get the killer of Hiram Ballinger's wife, Patricia, who was rumored to be either a disgruntled Italian servant the Ballingers fired or their Russian neighbor whom they were feuding with prior to Mrs. Ballinger's murder and that Jessica & Hiram have held it over Halloran's head ever since hence why he feels he owes them and that his racism is justified, Two, Fred had tons of dirt on Halloran that practically piled to the ceiling, and Three, since Halloran was known to hide reports and cases, Fred and Jarrod may be able to find the written report on what happened to Emilio versus what Sturgis & that bunch said, possibly notes as well, especially since, he (Halloran) was also well-known to write down his doubts or thoughts when it came to cases or anything for that matter. In essence, if Jarrod could get his hands on all of that, he could sort through it then eventually take it to the circuit judge, thus starting to reveal his plan. Meanwhile, upstairs, Stefania asked Nick why he was surprised at her and he told her that he was surprised, because after everything they told each other and everything they have been through thus far, she would think he would want to move on to another woman if or when she began to show signs of carrying a baby which was far from the truth. Very far from the truth, because when he promised himself to someone, he was loyal, devoted, and faithful to that person, forsaking all others. Stefania obviously didn't believe him, because: A) He had never been saddled down to an expectant woman beforehand and had to deal with everything that comes with the package and B) He was a man and all men tend to abandon their expectant wives or girlfriends for "skinnier and prettier" women. They don't want to deal with the morning sickness, the pains, the moods, the cravings, and the likes. All men want to be free of that and have as many girls as they want. After listing those reasons out, Stefania would ask Nick what made him any different than his fellow men. Now, the ball was in Nick's court to answer Stefania's question and Jarrod to finish revealing his plan. The questions that remain are as follows: Will Jarrod finish revealing his plan?, Will Paulie and the Mangano family accept the plan and go along with Jarrod?, Will Carmine show up, hear Jarrod out, and maybe have a change of heart?, and most importantly, will Nick manage to convince Stefania that he is not like most men? Stay tuned and find out!
Author's Note: I do NOT own The Big Valley or its characters. I ONLY own this fic and the characters of: Stefania Mangano, Carmine Mangano Sr, Carmine's friends, Paulie Mangano, Italia Mangano, Emilio Mangano, Serafina Mangano, Chet and the men Heath rounded up, Jess and Mavis Chaney, the Animal Team, Leonard Barkley, Seth & his gang, and the Mangano family. Also too, as you can very well see, this is the third part to however many parts to another multi part chapter saga. Full disclosure, I'm not a legal expert or lawyer by any means, so please, bear with me during the parts involving Jarrod putting on his lawyer hat.
(Flashback to part 34)
"Father was a very very tough man and hard headed, too. Heh, Nick and to a lesser extent, Audra, inherited that trait from him. Mother has always been afraid that due to inheriting that trait from father, Nick will God forbid end up like him, if he isn't careful." Jarrod ran a hand through his hair, "Anyways, before I begin to trail off a bit further, father went off to have a showdown with Septimus and Dr. Drysdale's killer in Strawberry despite the fact that we all were voicing our concerns to him and staunchly against it. If he only listened to all of us, father would be still be alive now."
"Sounds like my papa. If he listened to Carmine and me, he'd still be alive, too." Paulie sighed, "Sturgis, Reardon, McIntosh, and Clevenger murdered him in cold blood! I live with rimorso eterno!"
"You're damn right they did." Jarrod nodded in agreement, voice breaking a little, "Paulie, did you tell Sheriff Fred Madden about it and if I may ask, what does rimorso eterno mean?"
"Rimorso eterno is Italian for everlasting remorse and to answer your other question, no, Jarrod. We never met Sheriff Madden before, but we did encounter a sheriff named Frank Halloran." Paulie replied.
"Frank Halloran?" Jarrod's eyes got big.
"Yeah. Do you know him?" Paulie was taken aback by Jarrod's reaction.
"Know him? Paulie, he was a deputy sheriff who lost his badge two months ago due to being accused of shady dealings, getting inebriated on the job, and refusing to help victims, especially those who happened to be other than white, thus showing he was a bigot. Unfortunately, the bigotry wasn't reason enough to get him thrown out of any kind of office, because besides being a deputy sheriff, he was also the mayor who only served an extremely short term and got voted out immediately due to money laundering allegations. He was always known by his nickname "The Boss"." Jarrod told him.
"Did you say he was known as "The Boss"? That's what I heard Sturgis, McIntosh, Reardon, and Clevenger refer to as they were practically running off after murdering my papa, knocking Carmine out, and assaulting Serafina. Do you think-" Paulie was cut off.
"I don't think, Paulie. I know that's who they were referring to, because he has ties to Hiram Ballinger, who funded his mayoral campaign and Hiram's daughter, Jessica, is rumored to have had an affair with Halloran, who, as per usual when these things play out, had a wife named Gabriella. He cheated on that poor girl on a regular basis and when he was home, he was said to be very abusive and extremely controlling towards her, especially when drunk or after she would confront him about his whereabouts. So, you have that connection right there." Jarrod replied.
"Yeah, you do. Sturgis, Clevenger, Reardon, and McIntosh murdered my papa and the corrupt deputy sheriff Halloran is buddy buddy with the Ballingers who are friends of those others." Paulie started putting two and two together.
"Uh huh and that's why Halloran didn't help you and your family out after the murder of your father. He knew Sturgis, Clevenger, Reardon, and McIntosh were very capable of what they did and that they often behaved the way they did around you, your father, Carmine, and Serafina. In other words, he knew they were bigoted towards anybody who wasn't white and refused to step in, because he was the same way. Halloran knew they committed a murder and refused to do anything due to his prejudice plus if he were to step in and do what was right, Hiram Ballinger would find out and well, that would mean disaster for Halloran as Ballinger and his daughter are bigots who have it in for anybody non white and non American. They held the murder of Hiram's wife, Patricia, over Halloran's head for a long time, because he wasn't able to capture the killer who shot and wounded Fred Madden prior." Jarrod added.
"Wow! However, what does-" Paulie was cut off, again.
"Hiram and Jessica claimed Patricia's killer was either their recently fired servant who just happened to be of Italian heritage or their neighbor who just happened to be of Russian descent. They were feuding with their neighbor prior to Patricia's killing. Now, whether or not it was their fired Italian servant or their Russian neighbor, nobody knows, because both individuals suddenly disappeared when that was going on and Halloran, their best buddy, was not able to catch the killer. It was, because of that, that Hiram and Jessica would hold Patricia's murder over Halloran's head, saying that he let her killer get away which led to Halloran's bigotry and hatred becoming intensified hence why he refused to help you and your family get justice for your father. He feels he owes it to the Ballingers to be that way and has vowed to get or refuse to help anybody who isn't white or American in order to pay for his mistake in their eyes." Jarrod continued.
"You mean to tell me this whole thing started all, because of the murder of Jessica's mama?" Paulie asked.
"Well, yes and no. Yes, because Halloran is best friends with the Ballingers as are the others and he made a promise he couldn't keep & No, because like Hiram and Jessica plus the others, he's always been bigoted and shady. This whole thing would've happened regardless of whether Patricia was alive or dead." Jarrod shook his head in disgust.
"That's a shame. That truly is a shame." Paulie replied.
"It is, but unfortunately, there's people like that in this world. I'm sorry you had to deal with Halloran and that whole bunch. If Fred hadn't have been wounded, your father would've gotten justice, Halloran would've been kicked out on the spot, and Sturgis & that bunch would've been charged with murder and sent to San Quentin for life." Jarrod nodded.
"You mean if Madden had handled it, Santo would be alive?" Paulie asked.
"I would love to say "yes", but considering that Santo encountered the Ballingers and that Hiram has a way of buying & paying for people, I can't say for certain that had Sturgis, Clevenger, Reardon, and McIntosh were charged and locked away your brother wouldn't have been lynched. I just can't as much as I want to give that reassurance." Jarrod gave him a sad look.
"All things considered, I understand, see what you mean, and appreciate your honesty. I cannot deny that it hurts, but at least you didn't gloss over it like most lawyer types tend to do." Paulie ran a hand through his hair, "Well, what's your plan?"
"For starters, I know that Fred has a lot of dirt on Halloran. I mean he has so much dirt that piles right up to the ceiling when it comes to Halloran. Plus, not only that, but for a while now, he also has had suspicions that somewhere in the office, Halloran hid some cases and reports from him. If my hunch is correct, we may be able to find a written report on what happened to your father versus what Sturgis and that bunch said. Maybe even notes from Halloran as he was always one to take notes and write down his doubts or thoughts when it came to cases or anything. If I can get my hands on that, I can sort through it then take it to our circuit judge here in Stockton. Judge Amos Hagerty to be exact." Jarrod started.
*Upstairs with Nick and Stefania*
"Nick, why are you surprised at me?" Stefania asked.
"I'm surprised at you, because after everything we have told each other and have been through thus far, you would even think for a minute that I would want to be with another woman if or when you begin to show signs of carrying a baby." Nick told her.
"Well?" Stefania said.
"Well, that's not true. Not true at all." Nick shook his head.
"Oh, don't play with me, Nick. Please, don't." Stefania sighed.
"Stefania, I'm not playing around. I mean it. I would never bail on you. Ever. When I promise myself to someone, I'm loyal, devoted, and faithful to them." Nick replied.
"Yeah, because they weren't expectant after being r*ped like I was." Stefania retorted.
"Stefania..." Nick said.
"They didn't get fat and ugly like I will!" Stefania turned away from him, "You didn't have to deal with that."
"Stefania..." Nick said while folding his arms.
"You were never saddled down to an expectant woman. You never had to deal with the sickness in the morning, the cravings, the moods, the pains, the months, the-" Stefania was cut off.
"Stefania, get a hold of yourself. Where is all of this coming from?" Nick was very surprised to hear his girlfriend talking like this.
"Nick, you're a man. You're of the male persuasion." Stefania started.
"So?" Nick asked.
"So, men tend to abandon expectant women for more prettier ones. They don't want to be saddled down to a woman who moans, groans, has moods, has cravings, and the likes. Men do not want that. They want to be free and have as many girls as they want." Stefania walked over to the window and stared out of it, "You're a man. What makes you any different?"
"What makes me any different?" Nick repeated Stefania's question, albeit slightly raising his voice.
"Yes, Nick. What makes you any different from your fellow men who abandon expectant women? All men do that. You can't tell me that there's one man who wouldn't." Stefania shook her head.
(Now)
"Stefania, do you want to know what makes me different?" Nick asked.
"Yes, I do. I do want to know, because I do not believe that there is one man who would stay by a woman who is carrying a child or even sick or injured." Stefania looked down at the floor.
"Oh, is that so?" Nick asked while nodding.
"Yes. That is so." Stefania replied.
"Well, Stefania, let me tell you something...you're wrong. Wrong by a long shot. While I do admit that there are men who do that kind of thing which is very wrong and cold plus selfish, there are also men who actually stand by their woman, come hell or high water. There are men who take care of their wives or girlfriends, who love them no matter what, and are willing to go as far as to sacrifice their own life for their woman. There are good men in this world and I am one of them." Nick said, while walking around the entire room, "I am one of the good ones. Yes, I've never had to deal with a woman carrying a child, because my previous relationships never got to that point. This is very new to me, but that doesn't mean I'm going to go after another woman and cheat. When I am with somebody, I'm devoted to them and only them. I'm not shallow. I'm with you as of now and I promise with all my heart and soul that I will be there for you through it all. I'm not going to abandon you. Ever."
"Nick, what you said is beautiful and sounds promising, but they're solo parole." Stefania still had her back to him.
"Solo parole? What does that mean?" Nick asked.
"Solo parole is Italian for just words and what you said..." Stefania turned around to face him, putting her hands on her hips, "are just words, Nick. Actions speak louder."
"You're right, Stefania. Actions do speak louder and I'm all about actions speaking louder than words. Look, I'm going to prove myself to you. I'm going to prove that I'm not like others." Nick put his hands on her shoulders.
"I hope so, because I don't like having these fears and thoughts. I used to believe there were good people in this world and while I still do-" Stefania was cut off.
"I know what you mean, Stefania. In fact, I feel the same way. I also used to think the world was full of good people and while I still do believe there are good people, I've encountered a lot of bad ones that ruin it. It's like a few bad apples in the bunch. You can't let those bad ones ruin the whole bunch, but it's hard not to. My father's murder was enough to make me more aware of the fact that not everybody is as good as they seem nor will they always be your friend. I mean a family friend turned sour and murdered my father over a feud. A feud that could've ended in a more civil manner, but what's done is done unfortunately. Just like a lot of things such as what happened to you." Nick sighed.
"Nick, you know that wasn't your fault." Stefania looked into his eyes.
"I know and just like it isn't your fault either, but that doesn't mean I don't feel bad. I have everlasting guilt over it, because I promised to protect you and I failed. I failed terribly just like I failed my own father." Nick sat down in a nearby chair and put his head in his hands, "Nobody has any idea of how much guilt I carry. Yes, I'm working on forgiving myself and not having the guilt, but no matter how hard I will keep on trying, there's a part of me that will always feel it and not to be rude, but your father does a good job reminding me of what happened to you and how I failed to protect you plus still believing that I'm friends with McMahon and his bunch & solely responsible for it all."
"Nick..." Stefania walked over to him, lifted his head so that way they were making eye contact, and cupped his head with her hands, "I understand your feelings completely, but what happened to me and the murder of your papa are not your fault. You had no way of knowing. I know you would've done anything to prevent both things, but sometimes, things are far beyond one's control."
"I know, but deep inside, I'll always harbor the guilt. That being said, I mean it when I say I will stick by you and I am devoted to the one I am with. I mean every word of it. In fact, I promise you that I'll prove that I am not other men and I vow to make it up to you." Nick looked into her eyes.
"You don't have to make anything up to me." Stefania shook her head.
"Oh yes, I do. I do, Stefania. I wasn't there when you were being attacked and r*ped, but I'm here now and I will make it up. I'll right a wrong in two ways. One is being here for you and the other is...going back to my plan of finding McMahon, my uncle Leonard, and the others & making each of them pay." Nick got a look of determination in his eyes.
"Nick-" Stefania was cut off.
"In fact, I best get started now." Nick slowly stood up.
"Nick, don't you dare go anywhere. You're hurt." Stefania grabbed his arm.
"I don't care. Injured or not, my plan remains the same and I won't let a broken leg stop me." Nick grabbed his gun belt and put it on along with his black gloves.
"Nick, I won't let you move a muscle. Take your gun belt and gloves off. You're injured as it is and if you go out in your current state, you may get injured some more or worse." Stefania tightened her grip on his arm.
"Stefania, I made a promise and this one I plan on keeping." Nick insisted.
"I know, but you also promised to stay by my side and during the recovery process, you promised to stay off your feet which you are going to do. Now, get back in your bed." Stefania reminded him before pointing at Nick's bed.
"Ahhhh, but Stefania." Nick sounded like a whiny child while trying hard not to.
"Nick, get back into your bed! I will not have you moving around and aggravating your already broken leg." Stefania sounded like a mother.
"But Stefania-" Nick was cut off.
Stefania, still pointing at Nick's bed, didn't say word and instead, stomped her foot in response.
"But-" Nick was cut off, again.
Stefania stomped her foot, again. Knowing he wasn't going to get out of this, Nick reluctantly took his gun belt and gloves off before limping over to his bed and getting into it.
"There you go. Was that so bad?" Stefania smirked before grabbing a pillow, walking over to his bed, and gently placing it under Nick's broken leg in order to elevate it.
"Very." Nick folded his arms and pouted.
"Now, don't have a temper tantrum, Nick." Stefania fluffed the pillow.
"Who's having a temper tantrum? I just don't like laying around." Nick slightly chuckled.
"Nobody does, Nick, but sometimes, we all need to rest and recuperate." Stefania pulled a light sheet over Nick and started tucking him in.
"I know, but I don't want to go too long without going through with my plan." Nick told her.
"I know you don't, but all plans need to be put on hold while you're on the mend. No ifs, ands, or buts." Stefania finished tucking Nick in, "There you are, Nick. All tucked in as snug as bug in a rug, especially your broken leg. Wouldn't want to expose it to the elements."
"Yeah. We don't want my leg to catch the sniffles." Nick joked.
"Oh, Nick." Stefania laughed a little and shook her head before giving him a peck on the lips, "Now, you stay here and I'll go see what is taking Jarrod so long to bring you your sandwich that I made special."
"He probably ate it." Nick replied.
"And how do you know?" Stefania asked.
"I know Jarrod and I know he likes food." Nick told her.
"That sounds like my sister Allegra. Well, if that's the case, I'll make you another sandwich and bring it to you. Be right back." Stefania walked over to the door and opened it, "And don't you dare move while I'm gone."
"I won't. I promise." Nick told her.
"Good and-Wait a minute. Are you crossing your fingers?" Stefania raised an eyebrow.
"No." Nick shook his head.
"Good." Stefania said before shutting the door and going downstairs.
Knock, knock at the door.
"Come in." Nick said.
"Hi, Nick." Audra came in and shut the door, "I just wanted to check on you. Is everything okay?"
"Well, I'm all tucked in and elevating my leg." Nick replied.
"I see that, but I wasn't referring to your leg. I was referring to you and Stefania. It sounded like you both were arguing." Audra sat on Nick's bed.
"Nah, we weren't arguing. We were having a conversation. A serious one that only couples have and let's just leave it at that." Nick leaned against his pillow.
Audra opened her mouth to say something only to be cut off.
"Audra, had you married Chotaro Kubota or if you were still with Carl Wheeler and you had one of those private conversations with either of them, the rest of us would mind our own. We don't poke our noses into other's affairs, so never you mind. Besides, nobody likes a buttinsky." Nick firmly told her.
"Nick, I wasn't trying to be a buttinsky. I just wanted to make sure things between you and Stefania were okay. You know how much I hate it when couples fight." Audra stood up from the bed and walked over to the door.
"Well, in that case, I understand completely and appreciate your concern, Audra. Also too, I know how much you hate it when couples fight, because whenever mother and father would argue, you'd be the first one in tears." Nick nodded.
"That was when I was little." Audra blushed.
"You call 12 years old little?" Nick chuckled.
Audra lightly laughed before leaving Nick's room and heading down the stairs.
"Hi, Audra." Stefania was coming up the stairs with the sandwich she made for Nick.
"Hi, Stefania. Is everything alright?" Audra asked.
"Yes." Stefania nodded.
"Stefania, I don't mean to be a meddler, but my woman's intuition is telling me otherwise." Audra folded her arms.
"What do you mean?" Stefania asked.
"You say you're alright, but I can tell that there is something on your mind. Something you'd feel more comfortable telling another woman than you would a man." Audra told her.
"It shows, huh?" Stefania sighed.
"Like snow on a mountain top." Audra nodded.
"Well, you're right. I do have something on my mind and would you mind if I took a few minutes of your time to talk about it with you? Woman to woman." Stefania moved a piece of her hair to the side.
"If I minded, I wouldn't have even suggested it." Audra smiled.
"Alrighty then. Let me get this sandwich to Nick then we can have the talk." Stefania replied.
"Absolutely. I'll be waiting out in the garden." Audra said before continuing to go down the stairs.
Stefania nodded and continued her way up the stairs.
*Back in the study with Paulie and Jarrod*
"So, this Judge Hagerty, is he reliable?" Paulie asked.
"One of the best circuit judges there are, Paulie. All we need to do is inform Fred then he and I will dig through the office and once we find everything we need to find, I'll have my secretary, Miss Violet Pascucci, send a wire to Judge Hagerty informing him of the case and once he gets the wire, I'll take everything I gathered and we'll go from there. If my gut instinct is correct, he just might reopen the case, subpoena the perpetrators, and a trial may start." Jarrod told him.
"You really think he will reopen it?" Paulie sounded hopeful.
"I'm sure he will, because he is known to reopen and try cases that don't seem quite right. However, I cannot promise anything." Jarrod held his hand up.
"I understand completely, Jarrod. I hope we can try the case, but even if it doesn't see the light of day, at least you tried." Paulie nodded, "At least, you cared enough to try."
"That's all any of us can do in this life, Paulie. That being said, if the case does get tried, you, Carmine, and Serafina are going to have to testify. That unfortunately means reliving the whole thing all over again." Jarrod replied.
"Oh, yeah. I forgot about that possibility. Well, I'm willing to testify. I'll have to speak with Serafina and Carmine. Heck, I'll even bring them here and have you tell them." Paulie stood up from his chair.
"That's a good idea, but how do you know Carmine will agree to any of it?" Jarrod asked.
"I'm very good at convincing him or at least, I hope I am." Paulie shrugged.
"I guess we'll just have to wait and see." Jarrod sighed, "Now, while we know the story of your father, we need to know the story of Santo. The full story. That being said, if you'd rather talk about it another time, I understand."
"Thank you, Jarrod." Paulie smiled a little.
"No problem, Paulie." Jarrod stood up from his chair and walked over to Paulie.
"You have no idea how much this means to me and what it'll mean to my family knowing you care enough to get something started. Of course, there are no guarantees of anything, but that'll be okay, too, because at least, you showed interest. However, I do want to delve into Santo's story, but I want to wait for a little while. Not too long, of course, but just until I can recover from telling about my papa's murder. I can never delve into their stories at the same time." Paulie took a deep breath.
"I understand completely, Paulie. Whenever you're ready, you can come over here and come into the study or if I'm out and about and we bump into each other, we'll go somewhere private and discuss it. Of course, I would love it if Carmine showed up." Jarrod said.
"I'll try and get him to show up." Paulie replied.
"Well, let's let him heal up first then go from there. Okay?" Jarrod suggested.
"Deal." Paulie nodded before opening the door, "I best get home and tell Carmine what we discussed so far. Besides, he'll be wondering where I am and I've taken up too much of your time anyways."
"Oh, nothing of the sort, Paulie. I did say I had a plan and so far, I'd say that it is in the beginning stage." Jarrod smiled.
"I'm glad to hear it. Well, I'll be off." Paulie walked to the main foyer and towards the front door only to stop, turn around, and extend his hand, "Thank you, Jarrod."
"You're welcome, Paulie." Jarrod shook his hand, "Take care and like I said, when you're ready, I'll be all ears."
Paulie smiled and nodded before leaving. Jarrod took a deep breath and turned to go back into the study.
"Jarrod?" Victoria walked over to Jarrod.
"Yes, mother?" Jarrod turned to his mother.
"Was that Paulie who was just here?" Victoria asked.
"Yes. We discussed the beginning stage of my plan right after he told me the story of Frank Halloran not doing anything after Emilio's murder and what happened that led up to it." Jarrod sat down on a nearby chair.
"Everything alright?" Victoria placed a hand on her son's shoulder.
"Yes except that Emilio Mangano may have been the Italian version of father." Jarrod told her.
"Why do you say that?" Victoria asked.
"He was very protective of his family and those he cared about just like father was. He died trying to protect Stefania's cousin Serafina from the likes of Sturgis, Clevenger, Reardon, and McIntosh & paid the ultimate price. Fred would've handled it all differently." Jarrod stared at nothing in particular.
"No question. Now, you said that your plan is in the beginning stage, right? What does that mean exactly?" Victoria was curious.
"How about we discuss it over that dinner I previously promised to take you to on mother's day before I got called to that case in San Francisco and was gone for a while?" Jarrod grabbed his hat and coat.
"I would love that, Jarrod, but why tonight?" Victoria gave him a quizzical look.
"I've been wanting to do it for a while, but a lot of things have happened as of recent and I figured now is as good a time as ever." Jarrod kissed her on the forehead.
"Well, it sounds good, son. I'll go get my good shawl and then, I'll be ready." Victoria walked up the stairs.
"Alrighty and mother?" Jarrod nodded.
"Yes?" Victoria stopped and turned around.
"Happy belated Mother's Day." Jarrod smiled.
"Thank you, sweetheart." Victoria smiled and continued her way up the stairs.
To Be Continued...
Happy 2025, everybody!