Chapter Twenty-Five
Emerson
I had the day off, and I made breakfast for the two of us. Dominic didn’t eat more than a few bites, and I didn’t have much of an appetite either. After cleanup, we lay on the couch, and I decided to do something I’d been putting off for weeks.
“I need to call my mom. I want to tell her about us. And about my father. I thought about going for a visit, but I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’m okay. You should take the day and go visit her if you want.” Dominic, who’d been stretched out with his eyes closed, opened them and fixed me with a ghost of his rare, beautiful smile. “But you don’t really want to, do you?”
My lips twitched. “I love her, but she’s a little much. It’s better doing it long distance.”
“Do you think she’ll be upset about us?”
“I have no idea. She’s never treated my cousin Marshall and his boyfriends differently over the years, and she was excited to tell me about his engagement.”
“But?”
“But some people are fine when it’s not affecting them personally. When it’s part of their immediate family, that’s when the problems pop up.”
His gaze turned sympathetic. “Do you want to do it alone?”
“No. I want you with me so she can see us together. I have no idea what she’s going to say about my father.”
He squeezed my hand. “That has to be hard for you.”
“I’m scared about her reaction, but she deserves to know the truth.” I blew out a nervous breath. “I’ll FaceTime her.” I hit the button, and it took three rings before her worried face popped up.
“Is everything okay? You never call me in the morning.”
“It’s all good, Mom. I haven’t spoken to you this week, and I have the day off. I thought we could talk.”
She sat at the same Formica table we’d had since I was a child. Matter of fact, very little in her life had changed since those days.
“I love talking to you, but I have a feeling there’s something else on your mind other than how I’m doing.
You have that serious crease between your eyes that always appeared when you were thinking hard.
Even when you were a little boy trying to figure out a math problem, it was there.
So tell me.” Her hands flew to her cheeks.
“Wait. Have you met someone? Are you getting engaged and you’re calling to tell me? ”
Excitement brightened her eyes and brought a pink flush to her face. I reached out a hand, and Dominic took it.
“Well, not quite. I have met someone, but we’re not getting engaged.”
She clapped. “This is so wonderful. I’m so happy for you. Tell me all about her. Where did you meet? What does she do?”
I chewed on my lip. “Uh, it’s not like that.”
“Not like what? Ohhh. I understand.”
Surprised, my brows shot up. “You do?” How the hell had she guessed?
“It’s okay, honey. I didn’t expect you to find a Jewish girl up there in such a small town. But I hope maybe if you have children, you’ll at least consider raising them in both religions?”
Letting go of my hand, Dominic fell over laughing and stuffed the corner of the pillow into his mouth. I couldn’t take it anymore.
“No, Mom, that’s not it. I-I fell in love with a man. And he loves me too. It’s Dominic. Dominic Starr.”
She sat still, unblinking, and I wasn’t sure what to say, so I remained silent. Finally, she folded her hands in front of her. “Oh. How did that happen? I thought you two didn’t get along.”
I ran a hand through my hair. “I don’t even know how, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I’ve never felt like this about anyone, and he’s the kindest person I’ve ever met, and…I-I love him.”
“I guess it doesn’t matter who you love as long as you’re happy. That’s all I ever wanted for you.” Her expression grew fierce. “And he loves you too? This isn’t all about you giving your beautiful heart to someone who doesn’t appreciate what a wonderful man you are, is it?”
“Mom,” I agonized, but Dominic snatched the phone from me.
“Mrs. Kane—”
“It’s Klein. I use my maiden name.”
“Ms. Klein. It’s a long and involved story—how Emmy and I got together—but I love him so much, it’s scary sometimes.
I’ve never been in a relationship with a man before either, but there’s something about Emmy that’s unforgettable.
He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
I hope you’ll be okay with the two of us together because I don’t plan on letting him go. ”
I watched her eyes soften as Dominic spoke, and I knew things would be all right. She smiled after he finished.
“That was very sweet. I remember you from school with Emerson, even though you weren’t friends. And now over ten years later, you meet again and fall in love? It must be fate. That’s very much a part of our religion. Finding the one you’re meant to be with.”
“Ma,” I warned, but Dominic shook his head.
“It’s fine. I’m not a very spiritual person, but that’s something I can get behind. Because I definitely believe Emmy and I belong together.”
“Oh, your cousin Marshall is going to be so happy. I can’t wait for you to tell him.”
I rolled my eyes, but then a sick feeling of dread curled in the pit of my stomach. “Look, Ma, that’s not the only reason I’m calling. Nothing to do with Dominic and myself, though.”
“What is it, then? Are you in some kind of trouble? You’re not sick, are you?”
“No, Ma, I’m fine. But…it’s…it’s about Dad.”
Her gaze turned to stone. “There’s nothing for us to discuss.”
“You’re right. Because I’m going to tell you some facts that are now incontrovertible from newly discovered evidence.”
“Emerson, I don’t want—”
“But I do. I need you to listen. Please.” After a moment, she gave a jerky nod, and I continued. “First of all, when I turned eighteen, I went to visit Dad, and after that, I made monthly visits until he was killed.”
She grew pale. “Y-you did? And you never told me.”
“Because I knew how upset you’d get. Like you are now.”
“I-I’m shocked.”
Dominic squeezed my hand in reassurance.
“He told me that while initially he had made the mistake with drugs, he’d gotten clean and never relapsed.
He was caught up in that sting, but he was actually acting as a confidential informant.
The arresting officers and the head of the department were corrupt.
Mom, he was framed so that the dirty cops could continue their business.
They stuck him in jail to prevent him from talking, and eventually they had him killed.
I know it sounds like excuse after excuse, but it’s the truth. We have the evidence.”
Tears poured from her eyes. “I can’t believe it. It can’t be true.”
“It is. I’m sorry, but Dad was innocent all along.”
“No, he couldn’t have been. Your father was always hanging out with criminal types.”
“Because he was an informant. He was playing a part and couldn’t tell you. He kept you in the dark to protect us. The people he could bring down were some of the most powerful in the entire NYPD. They still are.”
She continued to cry, and I began to regret not being there in person. I’d taken the coward’s way out.
“I’m sorry, Mom. I should be there with you.”
She wiped her face. “But…something’s not right. Isn’t Dominic’s father in that division? He’s very high up, isn’t he? Did he know? Couldn’t he help?”
Dominic motioned to me. “Let me do this.” He took the phone.
“Ms. Klein. You are correct. My father is the Chief of the Department. Nothing happens in the streets that he’s not aware of.
” He dipped his head for a moment. “My father was involved in the arrest, conviction, and subsequent murder of your husband. Right now, I’m working to have him caught and pay for his crimes.
I’m so sorry. I wish he wasn’t my father.
I hate him, and I want him in jail more than anyone. ”
“Shh, Dominic. It’s not good for you to hold such ugliness in your heart,” my mother soothed.
“I understand why you feel this way. But I can see you’re nothing like him.
From what I remember, your mother was a sweet and loving woman.
You take after her. You and Emerson found each other, and don’t let what happened twist that love between you to anything else. ”
“Mom”—I wiped my face—“I love you. And I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. You were a little boy, and I couldn’t take the risk of you coming into contact with drugs. I didn’t believe your father when he said it was a lie. You see, I lived through all the excuses before, when he was addicted.” She sniffled. “I wish I’d had more faith in him.”
“It was a no-win situation, Mom. You did what you thought was best. And Dad never held it against you. He always said, ‘Your mother did what she had to do. Maybe one day she’ll find out and forgive me.’ ”
She nodded. “I do. I really do. But please, both of you. Be careful. I don’t know what you’re doing to try and stop your father, Dominic, but it sounds dangerous, and if these people are as evil as you say, you must protect yourself.”
“I will. Thanks.”
“Mom, I’ll call you in a few days. I love you.”
“I love you too. Do you know why I named you Emerson?”
“No.”
“When I was in high school, my English teacher had us read Ralph Waldo Emerson, and he wrote about nature and success and finding oneself. I took everything he wrote to heart—it all made such an impact on me. He said that people need to rely on their instincts and trust their gut. I was dating your father, and my parents didn’t like him, but I had a feeling he’d change my life. ”
“Well, that was the truth.” Not for the better, I could’ve added but refrained.
“I couldn’t name you Ralph or Waldo—”
“Thank you for that,” I stated with sincerity, and Dominic snickered. I punched his side lightly.
“Honey, your father and I might not have lasted, but he did change my life. Without him, I never would’ve had you. And you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I couldn’t imagine not having you as my child. I love you.”
“I love you too. I’ll see you soon.”
The call ended, and I set the phone on the table and lay with Dominic on the couch. He wrapped his arms around me, and the comforting sound of his heart only reminded me of the fragility of life and what might be in store for him in the upcoming days.
“I don’t like this,” I murmured and kissed his chest. “I’m scared.”
He tightened his hold on me. “Me too. But I’ve come this far already. I have to see it through to the end.”
“I know. And when this is all over, we’re going to be together and live our lives the way we want to.”
His fingers traced my spine. “Is that a promise or a threat?” he teased, then kissed the top of my head. “I want that too. I want it all with you.”
I rubbed my cheek against him. “What do you want to do today?” He grinned, and I smacked him lightly. “Besides that, you dog.”
He chuckled. “I want to go see Mr. Ackerman. It’s been a while, and I don’t want him to think I’ve abandoned him.”
“He’s a sweet man. I feel bad that he’s alone.” I got to my feet and stretched.
“As long as I’m here, he won’t be.” He swung his legs off the bed and rose to his feet. “Let’s get dressed and take him to lunch.”
“The two of us? I think that’s a bad idea. It should only be me.”
“Why?”
“First of all, we’re supposed to hate each other now.” Dominic’s face fell, and while it hurt him, it needed to be said. “But also, these are dangerous bastards, and there’s always a chance they could hurt Mr. Ackerman if they know you’re connected to him.”
He paled. “I never thought of that.”
“I don’t put anything past them, and going out in public exposes him as someone close to you. Mr. Ackerman can’t take care of himself if they come for him.”
Devastated blue eyes met mine. “You’re right. If something happens to him because of me, I’ll never forgive myself.”
I kissed him. “It won’t.”
**
“Oh, this is swell,” Mr. Ackerman said, gazing round with a joyful expression. “I haven’t been out for a meal in so long.”
People came by and made a fuss over Mr. Ackerman, telling him how much they missed seeing him and how good he looked. My heart broke for Dominic, knowing he sat at home, alone. An outcast. Mary Ann walked over with two coffeepots.
“So good to see you, Mr. Ackerman. You’re looking spiffy.”
He smiled and tweaked his bow tie. He’d gotten dressed up in a sweater vest and a tweed jacket with patches at the elbows.
“Thank you. I feel great. And I would love a cup of coffee, please.”
“Decaf, Mr. Ackerman,” I reminded him. “Remember the doctor’s orders.”
“Spoilsport,” he grumbled, and my lips twitched.
“Regular for me, please,” I asked.
“What can I get you?”
“I’ll have a burger deluxe, medium rare, please,” I ordered. Mr. Ackerman asked for a tuna melt. She walked away, set the coffeepot down, and returned to our table.
“I still can’t believe what I’m hearing about Dominic. I let him into my home—he met my daughter. Finding out he’s that type of man…who can anyone trust these days? I thought he was one of the good guys.” She burst into tears and hurried away.
Conversation resumed around us, and I tried to fill in the silence. “How do you think the Bills are gonna do this year?”
Mr. Ackerman’s bushy brows drew together. “Why did Mary Ann say those things about Deputy Starr? She must be mistaken.”
I opened my mouth, closed it, and tried again. “I’m sorry you had to hear that. Deputy Starr is having a bit of a rough time right now. I can’t talk about it, but it should all be over soon, and things should go back to normal.”
Mr. Ackerman’s wise eyes met mine. “If you say so, I trust you. What people think doesn’t matter as much as what you know is real. I learned that the hard way. If you can look at yourself in the mirror and like what you see, you’re doing the right thing.”
Dominic had told me of the pictures he’d found, and I wondered if Mr. Ackerman was thinking about his lost romance. I grew angry that because he was born at the wrong time, he lived a life of painful solitude instead of one filled with love and laughter.
We drank our coffee, and Mary Ann returned with our food. I picked up the ketchup.
“Let’s eat, and how about we stop by the store and you can chat with Theo?”
That returned the smile to Mr. Ackerman’s face.
This had to work. Dominic had to be successful. They needed to arrest his father, and his name had to be cleared. Anything less might break him forever.