28 Days: a romantic suspense (21 page)

3
:00pm

Q
uinten clutched
Saige’s hand in his as they rode the elevator up to Saige’s apartment in Tampa. He’d been nervous to leave the beach house and the wide-open space of the beach and ocean for an apartment building in the much larger city—he hated it.

If it hadn’t been for the report from Dr. Erikson, then he doubted they’d have come back so soon. But here they were and he tried to keep his apprehension to himself, although with the quick glances Saige kept giving him, he didn’t think he succeeded.

She squeezed his hand, and smiled as the doors of the elevator opened and they stepped out.

“We’re right here,” Saige said, and opened the door.

He was surprised at the wide-open layout of the apartment when they stepped inside. Floor to ceiling glass walls along two sides of the apartment opened it up even more, and he could see Tampa stretching out on the horizon to the ocean. Everything was in white and pastel, but it was the brown, leather chair that held his gaze. It was so out of contrast to the rest of the apartment that he smiled to himself.

“The chair”—she smiled, and wrapped her arm around his waist—“something told me I had to bring it with me. Now that I have my memories back, I’m glad I did.”

“I am as well. We really got to know each other on that chair.” Quinten smiled, and bent his head to kiss Saige on the top of hers. Not only had they spent time talking, but he sat in that chair with Saige in his lap every night for a month in frustration—every smile, every touch, had affected him deeply.

Movement from the corner of his eye, drew his attention.

Saige lifted her head, but kept her arm around his waist. “Tamsyn, I wasn’t sure if you were home.”

He frowned because the other woman didn’t look too friendly, and his suspicion was confirmed when Saige moved further away from him—her fingers intertwining with his.

“What’s wrong?” Saige asked.

Tamsyn disappeared and a minute later returned with two large suitcases. “I’m sorry to do this, Saige, but I’ve found somewhere else to live. I know how it looks and I guess you’d be right.” Tamsyn glanced at Quinten and back to Saige. “I didn’t want to move. I love living here and we get on well, it’s just that I can’t stand the constant harassment every time I leave the apartment. The press wants to know where you are. How you’ve been living? If your memory loss was real? I can’t do it anymore. I’m sorry.”

Tamsyn tugged the cases to the door and turned back to Quinten. “I’m glad you’re both back together...I’m sorry.” She left.

“You okay?” Quinten glanced at Saige’s stunned expression.

“I can’t believe she left.” Saige bit her bottom lip, and he reached out and rescued it from her teeth with his finger. “We were friends, not best friends, but...” she sighed and he saw tears shimmering in her eyes. Then she shook her head and said, “At least we have the place to ourselves.” She smiled and shrugged. “C’mon, I’ll give you a tour.”

He followed Saige and tried to hide the panic that had started to build inside of him. He’d never been claustrophobic before but he had a feeling that that was what was wrong with him. The large windows in the main part of the apartment had views of other apartment buildings, and the other side the ocean. He spotted the lounge chairs on the balcony, and he knew where he’d be coaxing Saige to sleep tonight.

1
0
:00pm

S
aige worried
with Quinten having sat out on the balcony since they’d reached her apartment hours ago. He’d made all the right noises as she showed him around, but now she felt that something was off with him.

They needed to talk.

Grabbing two beers from the fridge, Saige made her way toward him and smiled when he tugged her down onto his lap instead of the separate lounger. His arms tightened around her as he nuzzled into her neck. “I love holding you like this, smelling you,” he chuckled.

“Smelling me, huh?” Saige made herself comfortable so that she could see his face and offered him an amused smile. “What’s wrong?” She caressed along his brow and down the side of his face, tracing along the faint scars down his cheek.

“Honestly, I’m finding all this difficult.”

“Oh.” Saige dipped her eyes and wondered what he referred to as being difficult.

“Not you, Saige.” He cupped her chin. “I need space—” He quickly cut off his words and tightened his hand on her hip. “I’m not explaining myself very well.” He closed his eyes and tucked her head under his chin. “I’ve spent years in a small space where I had to wear chains if I left the cell. Now that I’m free, I need open spaces, and I’m struggling being in the city with so many people. I’m struggling being inside this apartment.” He kissed her forehead. “But for my need of peace and quiet with you, I’d love this place. You’ve only half made it a home though, right?”

She was surprised he remembered what they used to talk about—her dream place. “I used to want a lot of color and
space
with our books sharing shelf space, and the old, brown leather chair close by so that we could both curl up and snuggle together while reading or just relaxing.”

“That’s right, and the only thing you got right was the chair,” he observed and she realized it wasn’t a criticism but a genuine observation. “When we start to build a home together we’re going to have that color. I’m going to build us the most amazing bookcase for your books—I’ve no idea where mine are—and it’s going to our place. It’s going to be ours, babe. I can see it now.”

Her tears would soon start to soak into Quinten’s shirt but there was no way he wouldn’t know so she lifted her face and let him see how much his words affected her. “I want that more than anything.”

He smiled and wiped her eyes with his thumbs, or rather he tried to. She laughed and knocked his hands away. “I’ve got this.”

He watched her closely and asked, “So, have you given any thought as to where you want to live?”

She smiled and straddled his lap, her hands held loosely on his shoulders. “What about Montana? It’s full of large spaces and less people. We can choose somewhere that isn’t over populated.”

“Are you choosing Montana because of what I just said about needing peace and quiet or have you given it some thought?” Quinten tipped his head and watched Saige closely.

“I was thinking a complete change to Florida. Somewhere that has nice summers, but cold winters. I think we’re both ready for the change and we’ll be able to choose whether or not we want to be around people or not. Have a town close by with a convenience store. Driving distance to a larger city maybe for a once a month large shopping trip, and we need schools close by.”

Quinten threw his head back and laughed. “You do have it all planned. Anything else?” he asked, his eyes darkening the further his hands slipped up her thighs.

She grinned. “I know you really won’t like this but you’ll just have to live with it for now.” She watched him frown and continued, “This apartment is mine, Quinten. I bought it with money that had been left in a trust for me when my mother died. I’m going to sell it and get us a home in Montana that we both love. I know you’re a proud man, but until we get ourselves sorted, you’re going to have to forget about where the money is coming from and just enjoy being with me.” She bit her lip, hoping he would just agree.

“I can do that for you...but as soon as the money I’m owed comes through and I’m working, we’re going fifty-fifty, and that isn’t open for discussion.” He grinned. “However, what I might let you open for discussion is how much I want you, how much you drive me insane, how much I’ll always need you by my side, and what we’ll never discuss is who loves who the most because I’m pretty certain we’ll never agree on that one.”

Saige silently agreed and swooped down to capture the lips that always captivated her.

2
:00pm

A
fter phoning
Coulter to see if they could go back to his beach house for a couple of weeks, Quinten helped Saige pack her things up. He didn’t have much—a week’s supply of clothing, as well as sneakers and work boots that Saige had bought him as soon as she knew he’d be released. Alex would have the rest of his gear ready to go with them when they moved to Montana.

The minute Saige had suggested where they should move to, he’d liked the idea without even having to think about it. He’d probably be able to get more carpentry work out there as well because they tended to keep within a country theme. Although his specialty was woodcarvings, he used to build kitchens, and made to order furniture. He was pretty sure it was a skill that one didn’t forget.

The worry about their future was there, but he felt more positive about it and about being able to provide for Saige, and any children that might follow.

He’d love to see Saige pregnant with his child and he refused to think about what they’d already lost through no fault of their own. His girl was strong, stronger than anyone he knew, but he couldn’t help wonder if she was really all right.

Her father could go to hell for all he cared, but at the end of the day, Quinten would follow Saige’s lead because, until she’d met him, her father had raised her well.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Saige asked, snapping his attention back to her delectable bottom as she leaned over the bed, watching him over her shoulder. “And don’t go getting any ideas,” she chuckled. “Coulter will be here soon to help us down to the car and away from this place.”

“I’m sure I can keep my hands to myself for an hour or so...I’m happy, Saige.” He dropped his ass to the end of the bed and met her gaze when she paused in what she was doing. “I’m finally free to be with you after so long.” He held his hand out to her, which she took and sat beside him. “But, I’m also worried about you and what your father has done to the relationship between you both.”

Saige shook her head. “As long as I have you by my side then I’m happy too, Quinten. When I had no memory of you, there must have been something there because I brought our chair with me to Tampa. As soon as I started to remember, I longed to be with you, and then when I remembered everything about our time together, I knew nothing would keep me from you once you were free...I’m heartbroken about my father and really don’t know what’s going to happen, especially after I give Coulter the report.”

Quinten wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kept her close. “What they did to you was illegal, and I’m guessing Coulter will make sure they don’t get away with it...He’s your father, Saige, are you sure that you’re okay with that?”

“You think I should just ignore what he’s done.” She tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let her.

“No, I’m not saying that. I want your father to pay. I’m angry with him and I’ll never want him near you or any children we may have in the future. He somehow manipulated the evidence against me, which lost eight years of my life with you. He did the unspeakable to you, so no, I don’t want you to ignore what he’s done.” He inhaled and slowly exhaled to calm his temper at the thought of her father. “I just want to make sure you’re okay with taking this further, but I’m going to be right by your side no matter what happens. Do you hear me?” He slipped a hand to the nape of her neck and cupped the back of her head.

Saige swallowed a few times, but he was relieved that, for once there were no tears. “I’m angry and upset that he isn’t the man I thought he was. There’s still part of me that feels I should protect him, but I can’t.”

He sighed in relief because he knew that he would have had to say something to the detective if Saige had decided against it. Quinten wouldn’t have been able to walk away without making sure Saige was protected.

“I’m glad that’s cleared. Let’s buzz Coulter in,” Quinten said, and after a quick kiss to her lips, he did just that.

2
:30pm

C
oulter smiled
when Quinten opened the door to him and Amber, showing them inside. Minutes later he watched as Saige led Amber out onto the balcony to admire the view of the ocean.

“You’re looking a lot better than the last time I saw you.” Coulter observed.

Quinten had looked gaunt when they’d met him at the prison for his release, and even though it had only been five days since then, Colter noticed that the other man had been well taken care of and even had a bit of a tan.

“That’s what happens when you have the love of a good woman who believes in you.” Quinten smiled and offered him a seat. “Thanks for coming to help us get away from here. It’s like a zoo out there. With Paul’s confession and my innocence being announced, the press is everywhere, trying to get an exclusive.”

“Yeah, the front of the station is a nightmare as well.” Coulter sat forward and stared at the envelope on the coffee table between them.

He knew what was inside because Saige had already told him, which made him angry. He never would have expected that of Richard Lockwood. The man had never come across as anything but the loving father. His attitude toward his wife, Christina, had given Coulter thought, but hell.

“It hasn’t been opened?” He glanced at Quinten.

“No.” Quinten ran his hand over his face and glanced toward Saige. “She didn’t want to read in detail what had been done to her.”

“And you?”

“I just got out of prison...I think if I read that, I’d end up back there, and I’d be guilty this time.” Quinten leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs, his head dropping into his hands.

He let Quinten get himself under control, and picked the letter up. Keeping it sealed, he put it in his pocket and placed a receipt for the letter on the coffee table. Nothing would prevent the current investigation from being followed by the book. Everyone involved would be named and he’d leave it up to the DA to wade through the charges, and to decide just who needed to pay. Although, Coulter had the feeling everyone would after the mess of the original investigation.

“Hey.” Saige placed her hand to the back of Quinten’s neck, a look of concern crossed her face, “Everything okay?”

Quinten smiled and, sitting back, tugged Saige down to his lap. Amber sat beside Coulter on the sofa and slipped her hand into his. Coulter turned, offered her a smile, and squeezed her hand to reassure her things were fine.

“Coulter has the report,” Quinten said, but Coulter figured it had been unnecessary because Saige had looked at the table as she walked over with Amber.

“Can you tell us what’s likely to happen now?” Saige asked as worry marred her brow.

“Paul Lewis is...different from other murderers I’ve arrested. He’s guilty, I’m still not a hundred percent convinced that he’s guilty of everything he’s been charged with...except this time around, there is a lot more evidence that the man we have is guilty as charged.” Coulter shrugged. “He actually said that he wanted to lead us to Alex because he was the evil brother. Do you know what that means?”

Quinten frowned and sighed. “Alex could be an asshole when he wanted to be, and he’d always have a dig at Paul whenever he came across him, until I put stop to it. I’m the younger brother, but I’m sure that I was the more mature one.” Quinten sat back and closed his eyes. “Alex changed and I realize now that it must have been when he started having an affair with Christina. He grew up.”

Coulter nodded and accepted Quinten’s explanation. For a man as unhinged as Paul Lewis, that would be a good enough reason to want to get back at Alex.

“I know you both want to put all this behind you, but it will have to wait for a while.” He glanced from one to the other. “The governor via the DA has talked to internal affairs, who have launched an investigation into the disappearance of the original statements during the original trial, which has opened up another investigation.”

Coulter was annoyed at himself for not realizing at the time what had gone on. Amber had pointed out that he couldn’t be everywhere and know everything, which he’d conceded was true. It didn’t help the claw in his gut when he thought about it though.

“The DA discovered that the detective who took the original statements died of a heart attack within days of doing so. His partner was then bribed to replace the other two with statements saying that Quinten hadn’t been where he said he had. There’s more to it but that’s the gist of it.”

“Who bribed him?”

Coulter glanced at Saige and her eyes widened in surprise. “No,” she whispered, her hand covering her mouth.

Quinten snapped his gaze to Saige and back to him, questions in his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Saige. Your father paid him. I was involved in the original investigation, so other detectives will be sent to question your father...It doesn’t look good.” Coulter was glad that Amber was with him because, after everything that had happened, he felt like he’d become friends with Saige and Quinten, and he wanted to help them, except now he felt sick to his stomach that he had to tell them about Saige’s dad.

“He didn’t want me with Quinten,” Saige whispered. “I knew that he wasn’t keen on the idea of me being with him because of Quinten’s situation at home, but I had no idea to what lengths he’d go to just to keep us apart.”

Saige wiped at a tear and rubbed her fingers over Quinten’s beard. “I’m sorry. What happened to you really was my fault.”

Amber leaned into Coulter, and wrapped around his arm. Coulter unwrapped himself and tugged her into his side, an arm wound around her shoulders while they watched the emotion on Quinten and Saige’s face.

Quinten shook his head. “No,” he hissed. “You are a victim in this as much as I am and in some ways more. I was kept safe in prison. It could have been ten times worse, but it wasn’t. It makes me see red when I think about what that bastard did to you.”

Saige dropped her forehead to Quinten’s and minutes ticked by before Coulter watched the other couple pull themselves together.

“Thank you for telling us,” Saige said. “I know you’ve trusted us with information you weren’t supposed to, from the start really, and we both appreciate that.”

Coulter stood and tugged Amber up with him. “It worked both ways, Saige.” He smiled. “Let’s get you both out of here, and I meant what I said, you both can use the beach house for as long as you want to.”

Saige moved over to them, reached up, and hugged him. “Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to us.” She stepped back and hugged Amber.

“Let me wash up and get some shoes on, then we’re ready to go.”

He watched her leave the room and turned to Quinten, whose eyes also followed Saige.

“She’s stronger than me. She’ll be fine,” Quinten observed.

They’d all be fine, eventually.