Excess Baggage

 

I nearly dropped my fork at the sound of the front door slamming shut followed by footsteps. Theo walked briskly through the loft, singing out, “I’m late. I’m late for a very important date.” I shook my head in amusement and resumed eating my dinner.

Theo halted at the foot of the stairs. “Is Knox home?”

“Nope. He dropped me off after work but didn’t stay.”

“Oh, hmmm,” Theo said, dropping his satchel on the stairs and walking toward me. “I was planning on attending a lecture for extra credit tonight, but I can skip it and stay home with you.”

Sighing loudly, I responded, “I’m perfectly fine spending the evening alone. And, I could never stand in the way of your academic success,” I added with a smile.

Theo laughed and leaned over to snitch a roasted potato wedge from my plate. “Fine. You convinced me.” I playfully swatted him on the butt as he ran off toward the stairs.

Twenty minutes later, Theo bounded down the stairs, freshly showered and ready to go. “Alright, cupcake. If you’re sure it’s okay . . .”

I shooed him toward the door. “Yes, now get going before you really are late.”

“Any questions on the security system?”

“I’m good. Knox showed me everything last week before you guys left for Thanksgiving.”

And, boy, was that eye opening, I thought. Jackson had told me that the loft had a sophisticated alarm system, but even that seemed like an understatement. In addition to exterior lights and cameras that were sensitive to the slightest motion, there was a network of motion sensors and cameras inside the loft. Fortunately, as far as I could tell, the cameras were confined to the public spaces; there were none in the bedrooms or bathrooms.

Knox gave me the security code and instructions on how to arm and disarm the system, as well as the front door camera, through my phone. Then he showed me how to access the other cameras on a laptop. When he mentioned that the cameras still recorded even when the system wasn’t armed, I cringed. Apparently when I was snooping around on one of my first days at the loft, I was justified in feeling like I was being watched.

“Great. Call or text if you need anything.” Theo grabbed his keys and glanced at me, waiting for confirmation, so I nodded.

He called, “See you later,” then shut the door behind him.

Not long after Theo left, my phone rang, and I was surprised to see Jackson’s name on the display. I was tempted to ignore it, but knowing how rarely he called and that it may concern my dad, I fumbled to answer before it stopped ringing.

“Hello?”

“Haley, this is Jackson.” Wow, his phone voice is velvety.

“You must have big news; I don’t think you’ve ever called me.” I was trying to keep things light, but inside I was freaking out.

He chuckled. “Nothing major. I was calling to let you know that you can expect to see an e-mail from Chase shortly. He’s forwarding the Douglas file with some redactions, of course.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. “Of course,” I said, trying to bite back the sarcasm. I knew it was a big deal for them to share the file with me at all; hopefully they hadn’t redacted much.

“I also need to remind you of your confidentiality agreement. You cannot, under any circumstances, share this file or any part of it.”

“Yep. Not a problem,” I replied, antsy to hang up the phone so I could pore over the file I had been waiting weeks for.

“Chase will include special security instructions for access.”

“Great, thanks.”

“I know it’s taken longer than you would have liked, but I hope you find it useful. Let us know if you have any questions.” Jeez, since when is Jackson so chatty?

“Will do.”

“I’ll check in with you later.”

“Okay. Bye, Jackson.”

“Bye, Haley.”

Almost immediately after I hung up, my phone pinged, alerting me to a new e-mail from Chase. I sprinted down the hall to my bedroom to retrieve Theo’s spare laptop. While it slowly fired up, I tapped my fingers on the edge of the couch. After waiting impatiently for the login screen to appear, I entered the password, annoyed by all the obstacles standing between me and the file.

Finally, I was in, but I wasn’t sure where to begin. There were a number of sub-files organized topically, and several even had files within them. I decided to start with my dad’s file.

I skimmed through the documents, focusing on the ones that seemed most important. There was everything from news clippings on our fatal car “accident” to legal documents and evidence on specific cases. My dad’s departmental file showed a string of solved cases and commendations for him and his partner. I made note of the few unresolved cases and planned to review them in more detail later.

Next, I picked through Douglas’s file and the information on his known associates, but it wasn’t nearly as extensive as the material on my dad. Gerald Douglas was an effective and aggressive DA—in fact, he hardly ever lost a case. Everything I read seemed to bolster what little my dad had told me, along with what Douglas shared with the guys.

Most of the documents contained useful, but mostly mundane, information, and nothing jumped out at me until I got to the one labeled “Vincent DuBois.” When my dad and his partner went undercover, Vincent DuBois was a “rising star” in the local crime syndicate. Suspected of murder, as well as the laundering of money, drugs, and weapons, he was an ideal role model for any aspiring criminal.

I cross-checked the unresolved cases in my dad’s department file and found Vincent’s name there as well. Considering the timing, there was no doubt in my mind that my dad had been working undercover, infiltrating Vincent DuBois’s organization when our “accident” happened. I set the computer on the coffee table, my mind spinning to process the deluge of information.

Based on everything I had discovered, I was able to draw three conclusions. One: My dad was a top-notch detective, and considering the blurry photo from the LAPD evidence warehouse, he was still working this case. Two: Gerald Douglas seemed just as determined as my dad to pursue justice, and I wanted to believe he intended my dad no harm. Three: Vincent DuBois was responsible for my mother’s death and our subsequent life in hiding.

I felt overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and angry, while another part of me was almost relieved. After all this time of living in hiding from an unknown enemy, I could put a face and name to the man responsible. But whatever relief I felt quickly dissipated. If DuBois was guilty of even a fraction of the things he was suspected of, he was not someone to be crossed, and my dad was right to fear him.

But where was DuBois now? Clearly he had eluded my dad and Douglas all those years ago. While there was limited current information on Gerald Douglas in the file (I assumed it was redacted for his confidentiality), there was absolutely nothing on Vincent DuBois. Apart from a dated photograph, all I had was his name.

An internet search revealed next to nothing, apart from the names of several businesses he owned. Personal details were nonexistent, and the lack of news articles seemed to indicate that he had evaded arrest all these years. What was stopping the authorities? Bribery? Corruption? A lack of evidence?

I got up to refill my water when the doorbell rang, startling me from my thoughts. Since I wasn’t expecting anyone, I accessed the security system and peered at the camera feed for the front door. Jackson? What is he doing here?

When I opened the door, Jackson held up a brown paper bag. “Mint chocolate chip is your favorite, right?”

I stepped aside to let him in. “Yes, I can’t believe you remembered,” I said, my astonishment obvious. The only time I had mentioned my usual flavor was when we stopped for ice cream with Chase and Theo the night we went to the Boardwalk. I wouldn’t have expected Jackson to have paid attention, much less remembered the fact.

Following him into the kitchen, I noticed that he was dressed in a pair of fitted sweatpants with a navy pullover. His curly hair was in disarray, making me think he’d taken the top off the Jeep for the drive over. Although it wasn’t the look I was used to, I found it strangely charming. Standing in the kitchen scooping ice cream with his mussed hair and casual clothes, he was an altogether different Jackson. Less intimidating and warmer somehow.

“You don’t have much faith in me, do you, Haley?” His tone was inquiring more than accusatory, and I struggled to form a response to his abrupt question. My head was still trying to catch up to his unexpected arrival.

“Can you blame me? You’ve always been aloof with me. And, you haven’t exactly been forthcoming . . . unless it suits your purposes.”

“Actually, no, I don’t blame you,” he replied, handing me a bowl heaping with ice cream.

We moved into the living room, and Jackson selected one of the chairs while I sunk into the couch. I savored the first bite as it melted in my mouth. As much as I loved trying new things, I could never go wrong with mint chocolate chip. We ate in silence, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing here and why he’d brought my favorite ice cream.

“You know, I wasn’t always like this—so overbearing and closed off,” Jackson said conversationally, setting his empty bowl on the coffee table.

“Really?” I was sure he heard the doubt in my voice.

“As a child, I was reserved, but I liked school and loved to read. As a teenager, not much changed, but I dedicated myself to becoming the perfect Zenith team leader, almost to the point of obsession. I studied more and trained harder than anyone else in the youth program.”

I noticed a slight twitch at the corner of his lips, as if he was withholding a smile. “There were many times Uncle told me to stop working so hard and enjoy my youth. But I knew if I was going to live up to his legacy, I had to prove myself. I didn’t want anyone to think I was handed the position or given special treatment because of Uncle.”

He paused and shifted in his chair. I waited, hoping he would continue.

“Once I graduated the program at the top of my class and formed the team with Liam and Knox, I found myself relaxing, confident that I was more than prepared for any assignment handed to me. Liam was, of course, happy for the return of laid-back Jax and encouraged my lackadaisical attitude. We were still doing our job, finishing each assignment with success, but we weren’t taking all of the precautions that we should have. And we knew better. Knox—always the responsible one—picked up the slack and moved into the role of co-leader without me even realizing it.

“Everything was fine until I made a critical mistake. I took Emily, my girlfriend at the time, on an assignment. Under normal circumstances, it shouldn’t have been a big deal, but I had failed to do the proper research beforehand, and things went downhill quickly. Emily ended up in the hospital, and I knew that things had to change.”

I sucked in a breath, unsure what to process first: Jackson’s admission about Emily or that he’d revealed any of this to me at all.

“What happened to Emily?” I asked in a gentle tone, when it seemed that Jackson wasn’t going to continue.

“Physically, she was okay. But, emotionally, it was all too much. Because of confidentiality, I couldn’t completely explain the situation—something you understand, I know—and she decided to end the relationship. Honestly, I was relieved by that point. It made me realize how difficult it is to maintain a serious relationship with someone while doing this job. And, I couldn’t take a chance that another girl would be hurt because of me.”

Jackson leaned forward in his chair and watched me intently. “I know that I haven’t handled everything with you as well as I could have. But, as soon as you showed up in Santa Cruz, it was like an instant flashback to my worst nightmare; you were another innocent victim of a botched assignment.”

“It wasn’t really your fault, you know. You found my dad, but you didn’t threaten him or force him on the run.”

“You’re right, the situation is different. But, we still could have done more research before providing Douglas with your father’s location. Ultimately, Douglas may have never found him if it wasn’t for us, and that’s something I now have to live with. Your life and your father’s are forever altered because of us.”

My mind wandered as I let his words sink in, imagining an alternate universe where I had never met the guys and was still living in Coleville with Dad. The thought left me almost breathless; while my brain allowed me to go there, my heart did not.

The leather cushion hissed as Jackson sank down onto the couch next to me, his thigh brushing mine. Surprised, I looked up, only to be mesmerized by his eyes, swirling with an undefinable emotion.

He took my hands and held them in his as he watched me closely. “I never talk about what happened, so I’m hoping it will help you understand why I’ve made the choices I have.” His lips slanted in a sly grin. “I’m not saying I’ll be perfect from here on out, but I will make a concerted effort.”

“Well that’s a shame,” I said, while trying to maintain a straight face, “because I expect perfection at all times.”

Letting my hands drop into my lap, Jackson reclined and outstretched his arms on the back of the couch. I was shocked when he kept his body shifted toward me with one arm behind my head. “Good to know,” he said lightly. Pointing to the laptop on the coffee table, his serious expression returned. “I assume you’ve already read through some of the file?”

When I nodded, he continued, “I thought that might be the case and was the main reason I came over. Is there anything you want or need to talk about?”

Momentarily stunned by his perceptiveness, I stared at him without saying anything. I was having trouble acclimating to the candid and supportive Jackson gazing back at me. Considering we were barely speaking to each other a few days ago, the suspicious part of me couldn’t help but wonder if he was somehow luring me into a trap. But as I studied his face, only inches from mine, all I could find was sincerity.

I drew in a deep breath. “I definitely have questions, but I need some time to digest the information first.”

Jackson nodded. “Sure. Let me know when you’re ready to talk.”

Selfishly, I didn’t want to ask my next question, but I felt compelled to. “Are you sure you’re okay with me crashing the San Francisco trip? I’m dying to go, but after everything you told me about Emily, I don’t want to stress you out or be in the way.”

Jackson looked thoughtful. “Haley, I wouldn’t have invited you if I thought it was going to be a problem. I want you to come with us, and you’re going to love San Francisco.”

I smiled. “Whew,” I said dramatically. “At least now I don’t have to figure out how to stow away in one of your duffel bags.”

Jackson smiled. “I wouldn’t put it past you.”

“Is there anything in particular I should bring with me to San Francisco?”

“I’m sure Liam will want to try some local restaurants, so maybe something a little dressy. Otherwise, definitely walking shoes, warmer clothes, and a rain jacket. Feel free to research and make a list of anywhere you want to eat or sights you want to see.”

“Really?” I asked, feeling even more excited at the prospect of visiting San Francisco.

“Absolutely. I won’t make any promises, but we’ll certainly give it our best shot.”

When I asked Jackson if he had visited San Francisco before, he described his impressions of the city and his favorite attractions. As he related a memorable visit to Alcatraz, I was laughing so hard my cheeks hurt. Where had this warm, caring, charismatic Jackson been hiding?

Wrapped up in the story, I didn’t even notice that Knox had entered the room until I heard the unmistakable tap of his boots on the wood floors behind us. I jumped slightly at his sudden appearance, and it made me realize how close Jackson and I had been sitting. Knox looked between me and Jackson, clearly surprised to see us getting along so well. I had to agree, and not only were we getting along, I was enjoying his company. Maybe there is hope for us yet.