“I thought we’d name him after his father,” I said, and Vulcan’s face dropped a little. I guessed he figured I meant Magic. “Lars Jakobsen.”
Vulcan’s light brightened again. “We should put Lars Jakobsen the Third.Min far (my dad)would be overjoyed.”
I loved seeing that happy smile. I’d break my back daily to ensure that Vulcan kept that happiness.
“Our daughter?”
“Laila, after your mother.”
Vulcan swallowed hard. “My parents will be so honoured.”
“Hope so.” I’d met Lars and Laila and didn’t think they liked me much. They were decent people, but obviously worried about Vulcan taking up with a desperate, pregnant woman. Naturally, I could understand that.
“Can I let visitors in? We’ve a crowd outside, includingMor and Far(Mom and Dad).”
“Introduce them to their grandchildren,” I said.
Within moments, Lars and Laila made their arrival, and each had taken a twin. I smiled, bone tired, as Vulcan stood proudly beside me and introduced the babies. Lars and Laila senior had two other children, and I was worried that they might take offence at us using their names. Instead, Laila burst into tears, hugged me, and kissed me.
Lars held me in a long hug and welcomed me to the family. He admitted being touched by my naming the twins after them. Well, I’d hardly use my parents’ names; that was a definite no. Aster and Kanon arrived next, and chatter swept the room as the twins were passed around. I smiled and said the right things, but a tiny part of me was withering and dying.
I missed Magic, and he was missing out on so much. Vulcan turned to me, almost as if he’d picked up on my thoughts.
I forced a smile.
Today was the last time I’d mourn what I had with Magic. It had been perfect and wonderful, but had burned itself out. Yearning for something I couldn’t have wasn’t conducive to a happy life, and I deserved that. Vulcan was my second chance, and I was taking it with both hands.
Chapter Five.
Magic – the same night.
Ipaced back and forth in the RV and finally slammed outside to pace. The stars twinkled overhead, but they failed to touch me. Something inside was restless, and it had a name—Jody. Somehow, I sensed she’d given birth this evening. I had children and had no idea where they were. Even with the distance between us, I could feel Jody and her grief. Jody had said goodbye to me tonight. I don’t know how I knew that, but I did.
Tears choked me. My mistakes had returned to bite me on the ass.
In trying to protect Jody, I’d forgotten how strong she was. Jody would have been able to handle what had been happening, but I’d been a blind fool. For six months I’d searched, and there’d been no sign of her. There were thousands of hospitals across the country, and I couldn’t call them all. I knew she’d passed her course because the certificates had turned up at the apartment. But there was no forwarding address for Jody to receive them.
I stopped and gazed up at the moon. “I love you, Jody,” I whispered. The wind carried my words away, and I hoped she’d hear them on the breeze.
Despite how hard I listened, there was no reply.
November 2008
“This is your last chance; work for me or pay the price, Magic. Just some money laundering, well within your expertise,” Mathews stated confidently.
“Does James Washington know you’re edging in on his turf?” I demanded. “I’m sure he’d be interested.”
“Washington has nothing to do with this,” Mathews snarled. Ah, so the threat was effective.
“He disagrees with that assessment.”
“You’ve spoken to him?” Mathews snapped, and I could detect a hint of worry in his voice.
“Yeah. All that type of shit goes through Washington for approval. He runs this state, Mathews.” I didn’t need James Washington in my corner, and I already had plans for Mathews. But out of courtesy, I’d checked with Washington before finalising them. Washington was an enemy nobody wanted. Not that I was frightened of him; if Washington came for me, it would cost him a lot. Mathews was about to discover that.
“Washington isn’t part of this. I’m giving you a last warning, Magic. My man will be there tomorrow.”
“If one of your men sets foot on my land, he’ll receive a bullet to his head. You’re warned.”
