27. Roller coaster
Roller coaster
Wade
I find a wide spot along the road and pull over, then rest my forehead on my arms propped across the steering wheel.
None of what happened in the last twelve hours is anything that I expected.
From finally getting to taste Elena, to finding out I’m a father.
To losing Elena because of my past.
Talk about a fucking roller coaster.
I couldn’t sleep last night, just tossed and turned in a bed that smelled like her.
The temptation to stretch out in the back seat is strong, but I can’t.
Elena’s right. I should use the fact that I could be Cynthia’s biological dad to find her.
Maybe that’s the ace in the hole I needed.
Damn this is all so convoluted.
I pull out my phone and stare at the screen.
Who should I call? My mind races through all of the social workers, CPS agents, and lawyers I’ve crossed paths with through the years.
“Hey, Wade. Bright and early?” Blue sounds chipper at seven in the morning.
Makes sense now that he’s on a dairy’s schedule.
“You got time today? I need to pick your brain.” I don’t know if he’s the best one to bounce my problems off of knowing Elena caused so many problems for him this spring.
But I need a friend.
“Anytime, bud. Lunch at Hilltop?” He doesn’t sound upset.
Going way back probably helps.
“Sounds good. Thanks.” As I end the call, I feel a little bit of weight lift.
I know Blue is a no-bullshit kinda guy.
Mason might not be a bad one to call either since he’s been a dad longer than any of my other friends.
Ah hell. I’m gonna have to tell my own. I might save that one until I know more.
Bypassing the office, I drive directly to the District Attorney’s office.
“Pete? Ya busy?” Rapping my knuckles lightly on his open wooden door draws his attention up from his phone.
“Not yet, come on in. I have court in an hour, so make it quick.” His gray bushy eyebrows raise as he leans back in his leather chair, sliding his cell into his chest pocket. “Any news on the extortion case and that girl?”
I’m always impressed with his memory. After thirty years, he still has perfect recall of every file he’s looked at.
“That’s what I came to discuss.” I slump into the opposite seat, the exhaustion of the night is heavy on my shoulders. “I’ve narrowed it down a bit, Max Simmons is looking like a strong possibility.”
I’ll give Cade the benefit of the doubt, for now, unless something comes up.
Pete tuts, shaking his head. “That’s a hell of a can of worms to open up. You know the judge will come in to play.”
Lifting my hat, I run my fingers through my hair before dropping it back over my ears.
“I hate how fucking corrupt this county is, Pete. Matt got off on nearly killing his ex-wife without so much as a slap on the wrist. And let’s not even talk about that pack of assholes who raped and murdered that gal behind the bar a few years back.
” My jaw tics in frustration knowing that half of them got off because of that judge.
Pete lets out a long exhale. “I hear ya. I need something Pilgrim Rock solid to pin to Max if you have something.”
I pick at my thumbnail, avoiding his gaze. “I think I do. The biological father of the girl that’s missing. We can use that to try and gain custody the old fashioned way.”
Pete leans forward, intertwining his fingers on his desk. “Well, that would be amazing. Except I know Quincy’s long out of the picture.” His nostrils flare subtly.
I wonder if he knows how Quincy came up missing.
Pete’s never said a word to me about it through the years.
“He ain’t the dad.” I raise my eyes to meet his. “I’m pretty dang sure I am.”
His lips form a silent whistle as he falls away, reclining his office chair before he twists to look out the window.
“Holy shit, Wade.” A squeak emanates from under him as he rocks idly. “Wild, but helpful. We’ll need to finally put in an official submission of records for the child.” When he turns to face me, his eyes spark with ideas.
“This could work. Excellent diversion from Elena. I’ll help you get the ball rolling.
” His smirk tugs at this salt and peppered mustache.
“We’ll get that kid safe one way or another.
If Max has her, it’ll free us up to pin that bastard to the wall.
” His palms flatten on the oak surface before him and he pushes himself up.
“I have to run, but congratulations, papa,” he chuckles.
“Thanks,” I say wryly as I leave.
Who knows what kind of shit storm this is going to start?
And how will Elena and I weather it?
Will this convince her to give me another chance, or does all of this change things permanently?
I can still almost taste her, and feel how hard her sweet little pussy squeezed my fingers.
But the part I’m going to miss is her smile, her playful banter, and the way she always seemed legitimately interested in my day.
All over something that happened more than a decade ago.
The rest of the morning goes by in a blur.
Paige, thankfully, keeps to herself and disappears before noon.
There aren’t any calls, so I’m able to catch up on some paperwork.
My stomach is growling when I pull into the parking lot at Hilltop.
Shit, no wonder. I don’t think I ate anything other than Elena last night.
Damn it.
I’d starve myself from all food if I could have another meal of her.
Blue’s propped up near the wall with a menu when I walk in.
“Hey, no more sling?” I ask as I spin a chair around.
He smiles, lifting his arm into a circle. “Been off a couple of weeks. Doing a lot better.”
“How’s Libby handling you now that you’re back up to full strength?” I pull off my hat and set it on the table next to me.
“Amazing. Our baby is starting to show.” His grin grows even wider. “It’s kicking my ass into gear working on renovating the house.” He flips the plastic coated page over to me. “I’m getting a whole one myself.”
“Shit, I’m hungry enough to eat a horse and wouldn’t be able to finish one.” I slide the menu to the side.
I’ve been here so many times I’m pretty sure I have it memorized.
“Yea, but you don’t have a pregnant woman at home who will gnaw your arm off if you come back empty handed.” He holds out his healed limb, flipping his knuckles over. “I just got use of it again, it’s too soon to lose it.”
“Fair,” I laugh.
“Hey, guys. What can I get for you?” Scott appears next to our table, a small spiral notebook poised with a pen.
I’m tempted to order a root beer, but the idea fizzles before it leaves my lips. “A bottle of water and a large supreme.” Maybe if I show up with leftovers, she’ll talk?
Or I’ll have dinner if she’s still pissed.
“I thought you’d be off to school already?” Blue glances up. “I’ll have a beer, whatever’s on tap, and a half-pepperoni, half-Hawaiian. Large, also, please.”
Scotty shrugs and jots our order down. “I started last week, but Val’s having a hard time finding someone else to work here, so I gotta keep driving down.” He leans over and drops his voice. “If my sister wasn’t such a bossy bitch, it’d probably be easier.” His smirk stays when he turns away.
Blue shakes his head, then looks at me. “So, what’s up?”
Shit.
The words freeze in my throat.
“Something pretty crazy, actually.” I fidget with the corner of the menu. “I found out I’m a father.”
His smile fades into a frown. Then his icy blue eyes tighten to pinpoints. “What the ever-loving fuck, Wade? You knocked up the bitch who attacked us?”
I take a deep breath and try to fight down the urge to punch him in the throat.
“First of all,” I grit out. “She isn’t a ‘bitch’. Call her that again and I’m gonna pop you in the nose like when we were kids.”
Except she sure was snappy with me earlier.
“Second of all, no. She isn’t pregnant.” I made sure to pull out.
Well, hell. Makes my dick twitch thinking she might be though.
Stop. I’ll deal with that thought later.
“Her little sister, Blue. I think she’s mine. The math works out, and she has red hair. I’ve got a paternity test started to verify.” I do have some small perks with being the sheriff.
Like the whole damn forensics lab.
He runs his palm over his face, then scratches his silver-laced mustache. “Jesus, Wade. That’s fucking wild.”
“Yea, it really is. That means that Cynthia and Elena are going to be a part of my life forever.” I watch him closely, hoping he understands what I’m trying to say.
His finger taps slowly on the table top. “You’re keeping the felon, too? Is she coming to Christmas dinner? Am I gonna be your best man at your wedding?” He glowers at me as he drops his chin.
“Maybe? You would though.” I have zero intention of marrying anyone.
But the innuendo is too much fun to pass up.
He wrinkles his nose. “Jack ass. You know I would. But don’t expect me to give best wishes to the happy couple.”
I can’t hide my laughter any more, and reach across to lightly slap his good shoulder. “You’re fine, man. No church music here. Hell, she barely talks to me.”
Last night it was more like a moan, but I guess that moment has passed.
Scott delivers our pizzas, giving us a chance to chew in contemplative silence.
“What’s your next move?” Blue tugs a new piece before threading the melting cheese into his mouth.
“I gotta get my daughter.” Damn.
That feels weird to say.
“But what about the guy that has her? Think he’s hurting her?” His brows raise in a “look”.
One I recognize.
“I’ll do anything to get her back. If he’s smart, he hasn’t touched a hair on her head.” I’ve never met her, yet there’s a driving new sense of protectivity over her.
She’s a part of Maria and a part of Elena.
Two people I care about, more than I want to admit.
His lips purse as he nods. “I get that.” Dropping the lid over the cooling remainder of his meal, he finishes the last swallow of his beer.
When he stands, he pauses. “I hope you find happiness. I’ll be there to help, no matter what.”
“Thanks, Blue. Tell Libby I said ‘hi’.” I stretch out my legs and contemplate having one more slice.
Val is the one who shows up to take the empty glass. Her bright hair is in twin pigtails falling on either side of her face.
“Any progress on finding the girl?” Val’s always been one to cut to the quick.
“Getting closer. Hopefully it blows wide open soon.” I decide against the last piece, closing up my box.
“Still have your girlfriend living with you?” Her hip tilts holding the shallow bin with the dishes.
“She’s not my—”
“Wade. I’ve known you for like…twenty years.” Her long purple nail circles as she points at me. “I can tell you got lucky. It’s written all over your face.” She leans closer, dropping her voice. “You know the bad side of people, I know the good. I’m happy for you.”
I can feel my mouth drop. “Well, she fucking hates me, so you need to tune up on those skills of yours,” I grumble.
Her laughter is loud and throaty, making other patrons glance our way. “She’s fiery, but definitely doesn’t hate you. I’d bet she’d be jealous as hell knowing you’re here.” Val winks, turning away.
“Doubt that.” I gather my leftovers and stand, pushing in my chair.
“Bet me,” she says over her shoulder. “If not, see if she’s looking for a job.”
I can still hear her giggling as she disappears behind the bar through the swinging doors to the kitchen.
Elena? Jealous of Val?
Hardly.
Maybe?