Please Remember Me (24 page)

Jaden covered her face with her hands. So many crushing moments came to mind. Ira Lambert had worked for Rexx and never bothered to tell her the truth. He didn’t want her any more than Rexx had. Even though her heart broke, she needed more answers. “So why let me run wild? Why did you let me act like a fool in front of the entire world?”

“Because I thought I didn’t care. Each time you screwed up, I blamed it on Ira. I couldn’t bring myself to believe I allowed you to run loose.”

She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “But you’re my father.”

“And I’m sorry I ruined your childhood. My actions screwed up everything.” He shook his head, leant forwards and braced his elbows on his knees. “The reality of Marlon’s phone call and Pia’s pregnancy made me see things in perspective. This little person will grow up and make choices. I can’t allow the same stupid decisions I made with you ruin another life. Things between you and me will never be perfect, but I’d like both my children to know I love them.”

Stunned by his confessions and his apologies, Jaden’s voice broke into a whisper. “So why did you have that man create that internet clip? You not only destroyed my faith in you, you obliterated Marlon’s life.”

“I told him to catch you two in the act of making out—not sex. Too many things happened with Pia, finding out she’s was pregnant, doctor’s appointments… I let the goons have too much leash and they bit me in the ass for it. Blinded by my own stupidity, I tried to believe that he somehow got your okay for the video, even though I knew otherwise in my heart.” He crossed the room and wrapped her in an embrace. “Please let me make this up to you. I can’t bring your mother back and I can’t fix my mistakes, but I can help you with your dreams.”

The change in his demeanour shocked her. She couldn’t process the gravity of his statements, but if he wanted to be a part of her life in a positive way, she’d make him work for it. “You want to help with my wishes or buy my love?”

Rexx’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he cleared his throat. “Little girl, I can’t buy what I don’t deserve.”

“You’re right.” She stood and smoothed her skirt. “You don’t deserve my forgiveness.”

“Jaden, please?”

He’d said the magic words. She turned slowly and looked him straight in the eye. “Let one of your many vice presidents—one you truly trust—take over the magazine for a while and come with me to Ohio. Bring Pia. The fresh air clears the mind and heals the body. Call it a honeymoon of sorts.”

Rexx bobbed his head. “Might be a good place to raise the baby.”

“Good place to be a grandpa, too.”

He froze and his eyes widened. “What? Did you say…?”

“That’s the funny thing about the video. I can’t erase it, but it hardly seems important in the grand scheme of things, and no, I’m not pregnant.” She brushed the tears from her cheeks. “Even if I don’t get Marlon, it was worth it.”

“Did you know he called me?”

“I was there. I heard it all.”

Rexx rubbed the dusting of hairs on his chin. “I don’t think so. He called about two hours ago. Made a pretty convincing case.”

“For what? Your head on a platter?”

“For your hand in marriage. He said the children needed a stable home. How—how did I not know about four children?”

“I have two cats and two dogs. Four furry kids.” She spun her mother’s ring around her middle finger. Marriage. Marlon still wanted her? Even after everything? “I hope you told him it was my decision.”

“I did.”

“Good. I’m not ready to be married anyway.”

“You put the man through hell and won’t marry him? You’ve got your mother’s sense of humour.” Rex stood and tugged her out of her chair, wrapping his arms around her. “You look more and more like Darby every day. I’m glad I didn’t lose you completely, too.” He stroked her hair. “You said you had a plan for your money. What do you want to do, honey?”

“Create an animal oasis for older folks who don’t want to give up their pets and a shelter for pets whose owners can’t take care of them anymore. It’ll be a place for those animals who have done nothing wrong but have nowhere to go—kinda like me.”

“I’m so sorry I made you feel so alone.” Her father tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear. “I’m in. What do I need to do?”

“Come with me to Ohio. There’s someone I want you to meet, but first, can I use your phone? I need to make a call.”

Chapter Twenty-One

“Sunday nights suck.”

Marlon checked the blank screen on his cell phone as he walked out of the department towards his Jeep. After the three months since the fiasco at the hospital and the phone call to Rexx, he still felt like shit. He’d got his job reinstated, so he should’ve been on cloud nine. He replayed Mac’s words over and over. “Your drug test came back negative and the clip looks spliced. Your record in the last ten years speaks for itself. I’m glad to say, welcome back.”

Orange sunlight glistened off the windows of the department, but the chill of the November evening stirred around him. Without Jaden, things weren’t so sunny or warm. Who could he blame? The media? Not entirely. They intruded on his life, but they hadn’t shot the video. Her father? Damn straight. If he’d sent the goon, he could rot in hell. Still didn’t take the sting away.

The urge to call her and apologise for walking out nibbled under his skin, yet he didn’t press the buttons. She’d escaped enough stints in rehab and lied her way out of hospitals the last time she’d been in California. Would she ever really kick her habits?

As he neared his vehicle, the aroma of flowers danced on the bitter breeze and a figure moved in his peripheral vision. He knew the scent. “Jaden?”

His former lover, in the flesh and clutching an enormous navy purse in front of her stomach. She still glowed, but the light wasn’t as bright in her eyes. “Hi.”

“Hello.” His heart ached at the need in her voice and the way her chin quivered. Loneliness barely scratched the surface of his feelings.

“I thought we could clear the air a little.”

“You know my number.”

“What I need to say has to be said in person. Want to go to the diner? It’s warmer.”

“I’ll be all right here in the open.”

“I’m not sure where to start, but I just need you to listen.” Her knuckles whitened as she tightened her grip on the bag. “I love you, but I can’t accept your asking to marry me

“Because you’re seeing Bobby?”

“Bobby has nothing to do with the fact that you don’t trust me.” She dropped her voice to barely above a whisper. “You need time. I need time. Plain and simple. But I thought we deserved closure.”

A beep split the tension and made Jaden jump. “Oh my God. Dammit.”

“What?”

“It’s Bobby. One of the goons is unaccounted for.”

“Does he have a location on this person?” He braced his feet and shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. Marlon rubbed his temple and glanced at the line of cars parked on the opposite side of the street. “What did the missing goon look like?”

“Mid-twenties. Craggy eyes with thick brows. His name is Joe Sutton.” Her gaze snapped to his. “You have a bead on him, don’t you?”

He dropped his voice to a whisper. “Look to your right. Is that him?”

She turned her head a fraction of an inch and the colour drained from her face. The man fitting Jaden’s loose description sat in the driver’s seat of a green dented late eighties model Ford, a smile curling from ear to ear as he waved a silver device in his hand. His other hand rested inside his jacket. Did he have a gun, too? Marlon wasn’t sure and he refused to find out without some sort of backup.

“Take my phone and call Mac. Speed 2.” He placed his cell in her hand. “Get behind me and then crouch behind the car so he can’t hurt you.”

Based on the size and shape of the object, either Joe had a bomb detonator or a recording device. Both could do maximum destruction.

“What do I say?”

“I need back-up. The man suspected of videotaping Ms Weir is sitting outside the station. Could be armed.”

“I love you.”

Her words went straight to the empty spot in his soul. She still cared. Never stopped. If it killed him, he’d keep her safe. Then he’d smother her with kisses to make up for their time apart.

Moving as little as possible, Marlon removed his Glock from his shoulder holster and kept it hidden in his jacket. If this was indeed the cretin who’d taped them, he’d go down for invasion of privacy.

“Joe? Joe Sutton?” Marlon nodded to the man and palmed his gun. “Step out of the car.”

Using the hand holding the recording device, Joe pushed the door open. “Go play cops with the big boys. Forget I’m here.”

“I want to talk to you in connection with Jade Weir.” Inching across the quiet street, Marlon palmed his weapon. “I want to see both hands.”

“She’s here and I have a job to do.” No flinch, no backing down. The guy had guts.

“Rexx didn’t ask for a skin flick, now drop your weapon.” Marlon ground his teeth together. Where was Mac?

“Ain’t no law saying I can’t have a piece.” Hand still in his jacket, Joe clicked a button on the recorder. “I got a hundred K for that video. Easiest money of my life. Made a fool of both Weirs. Now it’s your turn.”

A pang of guilt surged through Marlon. She had told the truth. The private moment was meant to be just that—private. “You invaded her privacy.”

“She’s a public figure with a public ‘figure’ and I’m cashing in.”

“I don’t see a press pass. Are you admitting you illegally taped Ms Weir engaged in sexual activity? Why do you need a gun?”

“I said it was easy money. Her dad paid me more to shut it down, but I kinda like this lifestyle.” Joe shrugged. “I gotta stay safe.”

Marlon clicked the safety on his gun. “Hands up so we can talk.”

“You can’t touch me, asshole.” He tipped his head. “Now move to the left.”

“You don’t give the orders.” Marlon’s heart hammered against his ribs. “Drop it.” Controlling his urge to attack the man, Marlon stared at Joe as Mac moved up behind the goon.

Joe’s eyes flashed in the orange light of the setting sun. “You fucked her and now it’s my turn to fuck you.” Yanking his jacket open, he tossed the recorder and aimed the gun. “You made a good blip, but her life was so much more exciting when you weren’t around.” The click of the safety disengaging split the air. “Goodbye.”

Marlon ducked as Mac charged Joe. The wild shot whizzed past his ear.

“No one kills my officers under my watch,” Mackenzie growled. The handcuffs glinted as he clicked them around Joe’s wrists. “Marlon, is Jaden okay? Check on your girl. I’ve got the son of a bitch.”

“Fuck.” Marlon jerked around, searching for Jaden. If she was hurt, he wouldn’t be held accountable for his actions. “Babe?”

“Down here.” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gave him two thumbs up from her crouch next to the car. “You did it. You got rid of my peeper.”

Marlon dropped to his knees and wrapped her in his arms. Fuck the rest of the world for a few moments. She was safe. He breathed in the flowery scent of her hair and basked in the softness of her body. God, he’d missed her.

“You’ll squeeze me to death.” Her muffled voice vibrated against his shoulder.

He inched back, releasing her from his tight grip. Tell her you love her, the voice in the back of his mind urged. “We need to go fill out paperwork.”

“Of course.” Grabbing his hand, she stood and brushed loose strands of hair behind her ears. “This makes you a hero.”

Her hero?

She wobbled and grasped his sleeve. “I need to sit.”

“You okay?” A quick glance from her head to her toes revealed no blood. He swallowed past the lump in his throat. “I can call the EMT.”

“I’ll be fine. Just a little dizzy.”

“Then let’s get you inside.”

“No, I came here to do something and I’m going to do it.” She took a long breath and let it out slowly. “When I came to Crawford, I felt complete. I felt like I was the woman I’m supposed to be. I can’t get rid of the circus, but I liked being lowbrow. I liked being with you.”

She sighed, the sound drawn out as she bowed her head. Resignation?

“Marlon, the internet leak wasn’t of my making. If I had my way, I’d erase it from public viewing. One of Daddy’s goons shot the footage. The order was to stop at sex, but he didn’t. I lost a part of me when that went viral, but I never meant to hurt you.”

She’d offered her heart and bared her soul. The words I love you lingered on his tongue.

“But we’re not meant to be. You think Bobby’s in the picture and I can’t be sure Sabrina’s not.”

“What are you saying?”

She placed her hand over his heart. “Please remember me when you find the woman of your heart. I want you to look back at our time together fondly.” Tears glistened on her cheeks. “Goodbye, Marlon.”

He moved his mouth, but no sound came out. She offered him a wobbly smile and wandered into the department to give her statement. Running after her sounded like a damned good idea, but his feet refused to move.

The woman of his heart had slipped right through his fingers.

* * * *

Eight hours later, Marlon sat at his desk digesting the turn of events. He clicked the button on his pen. In her own way, Jaden had saved his life. Dropping the writing instrument, he closed his eyes. God knew he needed the vacation. He had an ass-load of paperwork to catch up on first. Dammit. For one of the rare times in his life, he hated his job.

The squeak of footsteps on linoleum broke his train of thought.

“Jaden left something at the house and Mom asked me to deliver it.” When he opened his eyes, Steven stood before Marlon’s desk, hands behind his back. “You want it?”

“I don’t know when I’ll see her again.” His thoughts turned to Jaden. The moment she’d told him she loved him in the living room. The times she’d called him names on the front porch. Making his heart soar while sprawled on the dining room table. Damn. He missed the sounds she made while laying next to him. Remembering each whimper, sigh, and hum jerked at his heart.

The more he thought about it, the more he realised she’d always been a part of him. With Jaden around, things were fun. She turned to him when she needed someone. Not the celebrity playboys, not the millionaires she ran with before. She chose him.