TWENTY-FOUR

Conniving Ways

 

 

“Bailey, turn that down,” Jack shouted from the kitchen. I smiled to myself as I lay in bed, listening to Jack and Bailey fight over the noise level of the TV. The theme song to “Sons of Anarchy” was playing loudly down the hallway, and I knew that Bailey had won.

It’d been one day since I was discharged from the hospital, Jack insisting that I recoup at his house so he could help Bailey take care of me. I didn’t tell either of them I felt fine. Just a little tired and sleepy still, but no more so than if I’d had stayed up all night, working on a story, and needed coffee to get through the day.

It had been a week and a half since I’d fallen down that hole and Dr. Harrison said I’d recovered quickly because of Jack’s pre-hospital presence of mind to start an IV and oxygen on me; all were parts of the therapy they’d prescribed for the brain swelling I’d endured.

Jack was making soup, home on his lunch hour from the station, and Bailey was supposed to be working on a paper she had to turn in once she left for South Bend and college life at Notre Dame. I heard the doorbell ring and then voices. I tried to hear who was at the door, but Jack’s bedroom was at the back of the house.

“Mom, can Ben come in and see you?” Bailey bellowed down the hall.

Thinking about what Ben had lost and also the guilt he seemed to be carrying around with him, I answered immediately. “Sure, send him back.” Straightening my blanket and propping pillows behind my head, I waited for Ben to make his way down the hall.

I heard a knock on the door before it opened a bit and Ben ask, “You decent, Jenny?”

“Come in, Ben, it’s fine.” Ben entered and smiled, and then moved to the bed to sit on the edge near my legs.

“I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were doing ok.”

I didn’t hesitate: I moved forward and wrapped my arms around his big neck and tried to reassure him that I was fine. Shocked, but fine.

“Ben, I’m all right. I’m feeling stronger every day, and the doctor said if I’m up to it, I can go back to work at the beginning of next week.”

Ben slowly wrapped his arms around me and patted my back, saying, “Good, good. That’s good to hear, Jenny girl.”

I held him for a moment and decided I needed to address the elephant in the room. Ben’s friendship with Gerry had lasted a long time, over twenty years, and he had to be feeling used and lost just like I did.

“Ben, please don’t blame yourself for Gerry’s actions. He fooled all of us, and even though he was a monster in the end, maybe it was more of a sudden snap and the person you were friends with just got lost in there.”

“Always looking for the good in people, even when they murder five people. This is why I kept an eye on you. You’re too sweet for your own good.”

Rubbing tears from my eyes, I saw Jack at the door, and he looked amused.

“What?” I sniffed, searching for a tissue.

“Nothing, babe. Just wondering how many men are gonna fall in love with you before you notice.”

“What are you talking about, Jack? Honestly, you talk in riddles sometimes.” Jack barked out a laugh and moved farther into the room.

“Just pointing out that Ben here sees what I see: he saw your innocence and sweetness and fell for it too. Lucky for me, he’s too old, so he fell in a fatherly way.”

“I keep trying to tell you I’m not naive, and certainly not innocent. My twenty-year-old daughter in the other room proves that.”

“There she is.”

“There who is?”

“My Jenn. Ready to fight with me over anything. It’s good to have you back.” I narrowed my eyes at him, and he smiled.

I rolled my eyes and looked at Ben. “You see what I have to put up with?”

Ben looked between Jack and me and smiled. “I’d say Jack is right: you’re just fine.”

Honestly, men stick together tighter than women do.

“Whatever,” I replied, and both men laughed.

***

“I’m bored,” I whined in the phone.

“I can hear that,” Jack replied, all but ignoring me.

It was day three since my release, and bed rest was for the birds. With the exception of hot sex, I’d insisted the only fun I was having had been tormenting Jack and Bailey by ordering them around just for the hell of it. Watching them try and bite their lips to keep from yelling at me, because everyone knows it’s bad manners to yell at a sick person, was fun. Yeah, I know, childish, but still fun!

“Jack, are you listening to me?”

“If I say no, will you hang up and let me get back to work?”

Oh, no, he didn’t?

“Sorry I bothered you. I’m sure someone else will talk to me. Oh, look, the mayor’s been calling me. Bye, Jack.”

Yeah, that was childish, but I was so bored. Sitting there, looking around the room, I decided enough was enough. I was going out. Screw Jack and his “stay in bed or else” orders. Bailey was out, I was home by myself and I craved human interaction.

My phone buzzed a text message, so I looked and saw it was from Jack. I swiped the screen, read it, and laughed.

<Babe, ignoring everything but the “sorry”. See you tonight. >

Well, now what? I needed to either wash my clothes and haul them back up to my cabin, or haul them up to my cabin and then wash. While pondering this dilemma, my phone rang, and I pounced like a puma.

“Hello.”

“Hey girl, you done healing?” Mandy’s cheerful and much needed voice rang out.

“Yes, but if you tell Jack or Bailey, I’ll deny it.”

“Gotcha, mum’s the word. So if you’re feeling better, you wanna grab some lunch?”

No sweeter words had ever been spoken.

“Sounds good, but can we do it in CB? I need to haul some of my stuff back to the cabin to get ready for work next week.”

“Works for me. We can go to McGill’s for lunch.” I hesitated when she said that, and she caught it immediately.

“Jesus, Jennifer, I’m such an ass. Forget I said that.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine, I can’t avoid it forever. I haven’t been there since everything happened…In fact, I don’t even know if Ben goes there anymore.”

Deciding to meet this head-on and rip it off like a Band-Aid, I replied with more conviction than I had before, “McGill’s it is.”

***

“So, what will it be?” Rosie asked.

We’d arrived at McGill’s, and when we walked in, I tried not to look over at Ben’s normal spot, but being a glutton for punishment, I did.

It was empty.

Sadness ran through me when I turned and headed to the table. I looked at Mandy, she looked at me, and we grabbed a chair and sat down.

Band-Aid ripped off. Rosie brought us menus, and we ordered our lunch.

“Turkey Club for me,” Mandy said to Rosie.

“I’ll have the chicken salad, please.”

So here we were, sitting at Ben and Gerry’s table, and nothing bad happened…

Then my phone rang. I looked and saw it said “Bossy Calling.”

Yikes.

“Hello.”

“You wanna explain to me why you’re not at home?”

“Mandy called and we went to lunch.”

“You wanna explain to me why you’re not at home?”

Apparently Jack was on repeat. Two could play that game.

“Mandy called and we went to lunch.”

Jack sighed. I smiled. See, it’s fun.

“You wanna explain why you aren’t resting instead of being out running around?” Jack asked through his teeth.

“I called you, and I told you I was bored. I rested in the car while Mandy drove, and now I’m resting in a chair at McGill’s waiting on my sandwich, and I will still be resting while eating that sandwich.”

“You trying to test my last nerve or is this just your general disposition when sick?”

I thought about that, and I wasn’t actually sure to be honest, so I answered truthfully.

“A little of both. Did you need something or is this just your general disposition when you’re bossy?”

There was a pause; then he barked out a laugh.

“Christ, if that doesn’t turn me on too.”

“What? I didn’t apologize.”

“No, you just know how to push my buttons, and you do it without a care in the world about how pissed off I’ll get.”

This was true.

“That’s true.

“No sorry for making me mad?”

“Um, no, because I’m not.”

Jack sighed and then moved on.

“You gonna be out all day?”

“Probably not. I don’t want to overdo it.”

“Then I’ll see you tonight.”

“Sounds good.”

“Later, babe.”

“Later, Jack.”

“Jesus, it’s like listening to an old married couple,” Mandy laughed.

We were laughing as Rosie walked up with our food, and I looked up and saw Ben walk in with Lorraine. He looked right at me and smiled, then brought Lorraine over and joined our table. We looked at each other with sad smiles and then moved on.

“So, Lorraine, you and Ben dating now?” Mandy asked around a bite of sandwich. Lorraine smiled a crafty smile and Ben coughed.

“We’ve been getting to know each other better, yes.”

“I’ll bet,” Mandy mumbled in her napkin. I coughed, Ben looked to the ceiling, and Lorraine chuckled.

“Let’s just say the plumbing is in order.”

I choked down my bite, Mandy hooted, and Ben excused himself and went the men’s room.

“Spill,” I whispered when he was out of hearing range.

“Man spent all those years eating like a hippie, and the good foods he grew, taking care of his body, paid off. I am just as satisfied at sixty-eight as I was at forty.”

I sat back, mouth open, and then turned to Mandy, who had the same expression on her face.

“Close your mouths or flies will get in,” Lorraine laughed.

“You’re a dirty whore and I want to be you when I grow up.”

Lorraine burst out laughing at Mandy’s declaration, and I still sat there trying not to think about the fact that Ben and Lorraine were, um, having sex, doing the nasty, hitting the business. Pondering this, I wondered who was on top, and the image of Lorraine riding Ben and shouting “yee-haw” while he slapped her butt hit me. I closed my eyes to get that image out of my head when Ben walked up.

I knew I couldn’t look him in the eyes, so I stood up and said, “Excuse me.” I ran to the bathroom and laughed my ass off. 'Cause, honestly, it wasn’t funny—it was awesome—but I knew them, and I didn’t want to know that, so I needed bleach and I needed it now!

Five minutes and a shit-load of tissue paper to dry my eyes and wipe my smudged eyes free of makeup later, I walked out to the table and found Lorraine on the phone. She had a pen and notebook out and was writing furiously while replying to someone.

She hung up, turned to me and announced, “Some idiot is robbing the credit union and has hostages. The sheriff’s department’s been called in, and Bob wants me down there to cover the story.”

I didn’t even think; I stood up and said, “Let’s go.” Then I grabbed my purse and turned to Mandy.

“You wanna come or do I need to catch a ride with Lorraine?”

“Hell yeah, I’m coming. I’m not missing this.”

We all jumped up, threw money on the table and headed to our cars. Lorraine and I discussed how to approach the story, then jumped in our vehicles and headed off down the highway. It wasn’t until we were almost there that it occurred to me that Jack would be there and probably unhappy to see me. Oh well, he needed to get used to it because I had every intention of moving my way up the editorial page at the paper, and, hopefully when Lorraine retired, win her spot.

We reached the credit union twenty-five minutes after the first phone call, and found the sheriff’s department had cordoned off the streets two blocks in both directions from the bank. Lorraine and I got out and headed to the barrier with our press passes around our necks, and our game faces on. Grady was standing guard, and when he saw us walk up, his jaw got tight and he shook his head.

“I got no comment, ladies.”

“When can we expect a comment?” Lorraine asked.

“Sheriff won’t make any comments until this standoff is over.”

“So it is a standoff?”

“I’m not commenting.”

“Gosh, I hope no children are inside,” I innocently said to Lorraine. She gave me big eyes and nodded in return.

“Gunman let them go ten minutes ago,” Grady explained quickly to alleviate my worry.

“So there were children inside? Where are their mothers?”

“Still in there.”

“Poor things they must be so scared. Do you need help with them?” I asked, using my best mom voice.

“Got them in the diner with some uniforms. They might need a woman’s touch, though.”

“Are they talking?”

“I told you I couldn’t comment on anything that’s happened, Jenn.”

“Of course, Grady, I'll leave you to it. I'll just head over to the diner and see if they need help with the kids. Anything I can tell them to ease their fear?”

“Tell them we’re talking with the man who’s holding their mothers and that the sheriff will make sure they come out unharmed.”

“Thanks, Grady. Will you call ahead and let them know we’re coming?”

“Sure thing, Jenn.”

I nudged Lorraine, and she came with me, whispering, “You’re good. I’d love to see what you’d drag out of him if he had permission to talk.”

“Like taking candy from a baby,” I laughed.

We entered the diner two blocks down and found three children aged six to nine, all looking scared, and it tugged at my maternal heartstrings. Lorraine and I sat down in the booth with them while two highway patrolmen stood guard. Two boys and one girl sat with coloring books and stuffed animals the patrolmen kept in their cars for just such an emergency, and they froze when we sat down.

“Hi, I’m Jennifer. I just wanted to check on you and see how you’re doing.”

“Is my mommy coming out soon?” the little girl asked.

“I’m sure your mommy will come and get you just as soon as she can, sweetie.”

“Is the man with the gun still yelling at her?”

I looked at Lorraine and then back at the little girl; she reminded me of Bailey when she was just a baby. I stroked her hair, hoping that would make her feel safer, and asked, “What was he yelling about?”

“He said he needed money and to put it in a bag.”

“Was he mean to anyone?”

“No, he just told everyone to get on the floor, and then when we started crying, he let us go. Said he couldn’t think with the crying.”

“Don’t know why everyone was so scared. It’s just a fake gun anyway,” one of the boys piped up.

“Why do you think it’s fake?” Lorraine asked.

“It’s an air gun. They have orange tips so the cops will know they aren’t real. He’d covered it with tape so you couldn’t tell, but I was standing right next to him when he pulled it out, and some of the tape was loose and you could see the orange.”

I looked back at Lorraine and nodded toward the patrolmen; she got my meaning, stood up, and walked over to talk to one of them.

“You’re a smart kid. I’m Jennifer. What’s your name?”

“Timmy, but I like Tim. Sounds more grown up.”

I smiled at how cute he was and then turned back to look at Lorraine and the patrolman. He was talking into his handheld. Figuring Lorraine had it from here, I raised my hand to the waitress and when she approached, I ordered Hot Fudge Sundaes for the table.

Twenty minutes and three messy faces later, I watched as Grady walked into the diner and then over to the table.

“Your mothers are fine. If you’re ready to go, I’ll take you to them.”

All three the kids jumped up, and little Allison grabbed my hand, dragging me with them. Timmy and Tommy—brothers—held hands as we left the diner and walked down the street to a holding area for the sheriff’s department. Lorraine was in-tow, talking in her handheld recorder, detailing the “Long steps as the frightened children were returned to the safety of their mother’s bosom.” A little dramatic for my tastes, but I was sure she’d work it like she always did.

Grady walked behind the barricade, allowed us to enter, and when the women looked up from talking with Jack, they jumped up and raced to the children, who in turn ran to them. Lorraine spoke furiously in her recorder, not missing a tearful touching moment, while I got choked up and watched. Then I looked at Jack.

He narrowed his eyes at me and growled, “Follow me,” as he passed me. I hesitated for a brief moment because A) I would miss what was happening, and I loved a great happily ever after story, and B) because he might throw me in a jail cell again.

I squared my shoulders and turned, head held high, and passed Grady who laughed, knowing what was coming. I gave him my “What?” look, and then followed Jack around the corner of the building. When we were out of earshot and sight, he grabbed my arm and pushed me back into the wall, pinning me with his body.

“You should be resting, but instead you’re at my crime scene talking to my witnesses without my approval, which, I might add, I will be talking to Grady about your manipulative ways, thus putting a stop to any further conniving on your part. So ask me, Jenn, why do I wanna fuck you instead of arrest you and tan your hide?”

“Why do you want to fuck me instead of arrest me, Jack?” I breathed out.

“'Cause the idiot had a fake gun, and when we confirmed it, I walked in there and took him down. Half the town was in the credit union, including the mayor, and when I walked in there and took the guy out, it put an end to whatever fucked up ideas the mayor had about taking my badge. But mostly, your interference got those mothers out of there and back to their kids, and that’s worth you not staying at home resting, so that’s why I want to fuck you instead of arrest you.”

“I’m sorry I tricked Grady.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Ok, I’m sorry you’re mad.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Ok, I’m not sorry you’re mad, or that I tricked Grady, but I am sorry you don’t know whether to fuck me or arrest me.”

Jack’s eyes went dark and he moved closer to me.

“I know exactly what I’m gonna do to you. Right now, I’m gonna kiss you, and tonight I’m gonna fuck you and spank that sweet ass of yours for disobeying me once again.”

I rolled my eyes, because honestly, where did men like this come from? Then I answered Mr. Bossy Badass Sheriff, ‘cause I really wanted a kiss.

“Whatever, kiss me already. I have a story to write.” Jack grinned, leaned in, bit my lip, and then thoroughly rewarded me for my conniving ways.