Derailed (7 page)

“You honestly have to ask why? You can’t see how much Ryder has already begun clinging to you? I haven’t brought a man around him for that very reason. It’s actually much worse than I thought.”

Her voice cracked. Everett hoped she wasn’t on the verge of tears, but that hope became incinerated when the drops began to fall.

He pulled her to sit next to him on the bed and held her hands in his. “I’m not sure your plan worked out so well.”

“What?” Incredulous, she looked at him, her large blue eyes blinking.

“I’m just saying, he may be exceptionally curious about men since he hasn’t been around many, and that’s why he’s clinging so tightly to me.”

She stood and placed her hands on her hips, bending toward him at the waist. “So you’re saying I’m not doing a good job, raising him without a male figure in his life?”

Shit. He shouldn’t have said anything. Her eyes and lips were tight—she’d become defensive and angry.

“I think you’re a great mother. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry.”

She stared at him, contemplating. “You think I’m a great mother, but that’s not enough.”

“I never said that.”

“You implied it.”

“I did not.”

“On second thought, I think you should leave.” She pointed toward the door.

Fuck
. His life would be so much easier if he didn’t like this little doll of a woman—but he did. Even when she was angry she was inspiring. She did nothing halfway—her chest heaved and her face had become red as she tapped her foot and pursed her mouth at him. She was so tiny and yet she protected what she loved with fierce vengeance, using all she had at her disposal.

“I think there’s a possibility we may be able to salvage the evening—”

“No. You should go. I should have asked you to leave after dinner. This was a huge mistake.”

Everett sighed as he stood. He didn’t know what to say to her. The last time he’d spoken his true feelings he’d unwittingly hurt her. He walked to the door of the bedroom. Looking back he said, “I believe I was sorely misunderstood. I think Ryder is a wonderful child—your nurturing has everything to do with that. I can’t say I’m not a little hurt that you wished me gone at dinner, because I had a great time spending the evening with you and Ryder.”

Everett drove home feeling reluctant, given little Ryder’s pleas that he should stay. However, when he’d seen the fury in Fiona’s eyes he knew he was not going to be a welcomed guest in her bed or her home.

Maybe it was ignorant to imagine any kind of a future with Fiona and Ryder since he was currently living in limbo—a fact she’d mentioned more than once to Ryder. His Boston address seemed to not sit well with her. It was as if she thought he’d not take a commitment seriously. But he would, and he wanted to. If she’d let him he’d be the most committed guy on the planet. He’d be Ward Cleaver on steroids.

As he pulled up to the front of the house his phone began to ring. Caller ID told him it was Ashton.

“This is Everett.”

“I need to talk to you.”

“I’m all ears.”

“In person.”

“It’s almost eleven.”

“And you’re afraid you’ll lose beauty sleep?”

“Can’t it wait until morning?”

“What’s the perk of having a lawyer on retainer if I can’t speak with you whenever I wish?”

“You really are an ass.”

“I’m waiting.”

The line went dead. Everett was beginning to loathe Louisiana and everything in it—especially Ashton David. One thing was certain, he wouldn’t be taking the BMW. He went in search of his sister and found her in the family room. The television was tuned to a reality show that Everett couldn’t tolerate even when he’d been drinking. He turned it off. Still in her fancy royal blue suit, Courtney had fallen asleep on the couch.

“Hey Court.”

“Mmm, Sawyer.”

“Sawyer?”

“Oh, yeah, just like that Sawyer.”

Oh, shit! “Courtney.”

“Sawyer.” Her mouth was curled into a satisfied smile.

Everett leaned forward and gave her shoulder a shake. “Wake up.” She sat up board straight.

“Goddammit, Everett. How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to know you were having a wet dream about Sawyer.”

“You’re such a creep!”

“I’m a creep? Who the hell is Sawyer?”

“Just forget it.”

“I wish I could.”

She stood and grabbed her large bag. “I need to go over to Ashton’s and you mentioned another means of transpo.”

“The mule.”

“Yeah, where is that?”

“In the garage next to the golf cart.”

She gathered her overly-large bag and left the room. Sawyer.
Was she already dating again
? Good for her.

On his way out to the garage he spotted his mother and an attractive woman sitting on the porch that overlooked the swimming pool. They were laughing at something. As late as it was he was curious, so he walked toward them.

As soon as his mother spotted him she said, “Everett, you remember Harmony Clark from school?”

“Oh hey, Harmony. It’s been a while.”

“Twelve years.”

“Harmony is taking over for me as principal when I retire.”

“Catholic school principal. You’ll have your work cut out for you.”

“Not as much, since the Davids have all graduated.”

“This is true.”

“Say Mom, I’ve got to run over to Ashton’s place and Courtney says I should use a mule?”

“Keys are in it. Knock yourself out.”

“Is it like the golf cart?”

“It’s got more substance than a golf cart.”

“Do you know if it has lights?”

“Honey, that thing has more features than my Mercedes.”

“Mind if I go with you?” Harmony asked.

“Have you seen him since you left town?” Mom questioned.

“No, but I’ve heard.”

“Oh honey, I’m afraid he’s a shell of the man you once dated.” Mom patted Harmony’s hand in consolation.

Harmony stood. “I want to see him.”

Mom cut her worried gaze to Everett. “If anyone can turn that poor soul around, it’s you. Be careful.”

Everett kissed his mom on the cheek. “We’ll be fine.”

Harmony and Everett walked to the garage, Everett slowing to Harmony’s pace. In heels and a skirt, she was careful as she stepped.

“So, you’re moving back to the bayou country.” Everett queried.

“I am.”

“Got to be a let down coming from California.”

“Actually, I miss it and am excited to be moving home.”

“Is it the heat you miss, or the giant radioactive mosquitos?”

She smiled derisively, “That’s funny.”

He opened the door to the garage and gestured for her to pass. Inside were Dad’s truck, Mom’s Benz, the golf cart, and a camouflaged metal abomination. “I guess that’s the mule?”

Harmony walked up to it, sat behind the wheel, and ignited the motor. “Get in, fancy pants. I’ll drive us.”

Before he conformed to her demands, he depressed the button to open the garage bay doors.

After she backed out the mule, Everett climbed in next to her. He searched for a switch. “I’m not sure how you turn on the headlights in this thing.”

“I got it.” Harmony flicked a button and the path before them was lit.

“I take it you’ve driven one of these things before?”

“When I come home on holidays I don’t sit around looking pretty in a suit.”

“Touché. Your family still have the riding stables?”

“We do.”

“You still ride?”

“I rode this weekend. I actually rode to the edge of your property.”

“You know you can ride anywhere you like on the property.”

“I know.”

The motor was quiet for an all-terrain vehicle and Everett could hear the sound of twigs breaking under the weight of the tires. It was more than a little spooky and he shuddered, trying hard to diminish the outward signs.

“What’s wrong? You’re not scared, are you?”

“Even you have to admit it’s kind of creepy out here.”

“Are you afraid of the crickets?”

“I’m more afraid of the Headless Horseman, Jack the Ripper, vampires, voodoo”—

“Wow Everett, I don’t remember you being such a nerd in high school.”

“Hey, you have to remain alert. That’s all.” A howl broke free in the dark night somewhere behind them.

“What was that?”

“I’m pretty sure that was an owl.”

“It was a howl, not a hoot.”

“No, it was a hoot.”

“No, it wasn’t. Stop trying to make it into something small.”

“Okay, it was a howl.”

“Do you really think so?” Everett scooted closer to the inside of the vehicle. “What do we have out here that would howl?”

“Maybe it’s a werewolf.”

“Fuck.”

“Jesus Everett, you act like you didn’t grow up here.”

“And you act like you didn’t either. You know there are alligators, water moccasins, bats, and various other night crawlers—things that will not hesitate to attack us.”

“Well suck it up Ebbwet, we’re almost to our destination.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“What’s wrong, still can’t say your name?”

“Let’s just get this over with.”

“You’d think since he was expecting you he would have put on some lights.”

“I don’t think being hospitable is a top priority of Ashton’s.” Everett dug out his key ring that also doubled as a flashlight.

“You’re prepared.”

“Boy Scouts.”

“What?”

“Never mind.” She’d only tease him more if she knew he’d made it all the way to Eagle Scout.

They exited the mule and climbed the steps to the porch. Everett reached his hand out to grasp the knocker, “Man I’m really getting tired of playing with this lion’s head. It kind of looks like the eyes are glowing.”

Harmony reached her hand around his and used the offending décor to knock on the door.

“He just texted for me to come in.” Harmony stepped back and let Everett take the lead, for once. Inside a dim glow at the back of the house was barely visible down the long entryway. Everett followed the trail of light that became brighter with each step.

“Ashton?”

“In the back.”

The floors creaked and leaves crunched beneath their feet. Shadows on the wall made him jump until he realized the hulking figures were made from the tree limbs outside, the moon casting their shadow.

Finally at the den, he found Ashton on the old worn couch. Soft jazz music filtered in from somewhere. As usual, Ashton didn’t stand to greet Everett, so he walked to the couch across from him and forced himself to sit. Harmony took the cushion next to him.

“Ashton, you remember Harmony.”

His expression smoothed as his eyes widened at the sight of her. For several moments he did nothing but stare at her, unblinking. He slowly stood aiming a remote somewhere behind them. “Leave. Both of you.”

Everett wasn’t really the type of guy who usually reacted to absurdity, but despite his good intentions he’d been unwanted more than once today and that proved to be one time too many.

He stood. Ashton was just about out of the room when he said, “I’m not leaving until you tell me why you’ve brought me here in the middle of the night. If I don’t like the answer, you’ll need to get yourself another lawyer.”

“I told you before not to bring anyone here but yourself and you deliberately went against my wishes.”

“Honestly, if Harmony hadn’t come with me I would have never made it here tonight.”

“Still, you broke my rules.”

“Your rules?”

“Yes. Rules. I’m your client. You are to conduct yourself according to my wishes. My business with you is to be kept strictly confidential and now two outside parties are privy to my information. I’m suing you.”

“It’s true. You’re fucking bat-shit crazy.”

Ashton proceeded to storm out.

“It upsets you that much to see me?” Harmony’s voice was clear and soft and stopped Ashton in his tracks.

He turned slowly. “Your father ruined my family.”

“No, he didn’t. Your father did that.” She replied.

Shit. Everett had forgotten the events that had led to their separation. Ashton was red hot and seizing with anger, all of it directed at Harmony as he approached her. Everett stepped in front of her. “Ashton?”

“Get her out of here!” He lifted a thick glass ashtray and threw it somewhere behind them. Everett heard a large amount of glass shatter. In a flash Ashton was gone. Hearing Harmony crying next to him he placed his arm around her. The sound of the shattering glass had startled him and left him more than a little stunned so he couldn’t imagine what Harmony felt at Ashton’s reaction to her.

“I’m sorry. I never should have let you come here.”

She removed her hands from her face, making her wet lashes visible to him. “It’s not your fault. I should have known. I just thought maybe enough time had passed that he’d …” She inhaled a sickening, ragged breath laced with much pain. “The hatred has eaten right through him.”

Everett drove them back across the expansive property while Harmony cried beside him. His natural reaction was to console a woman when she was upset, but he didn’t know if there was anything that would make her feel better after what had happened.

He parked the ATV and stood, but Harmony stayed seated with no indication she would be following his lead. “Do you mind if I sit here for a bit and gather a little composure?”

He sat next to her.

“You don’t have to stay with me.”

“Do you actually think I’d leave you out here alone?”

“You’re very kind.” She smiled—a lovely, slightly crooked smile that gave her a distinct character. With her dimpled cheeks and big brown eyes, she was extremely attractive.

“Ashton thinks your father ruined his family?”

“My father was the first cop on the scene. Mr. David was intoxicated. Ashton wanted Dad to sweep that bit of information under the rug.” She inhaled raggedly. “I begged my father to do it, but he wouldn’t.”

Her tears flowed faster down her face as she recanted the pain of her past. Everett got the tissues from his mom’s car and handed them to her.

“Thank you.”

She shuddered with the efforts of a good cry and he took her into his arms. “I know Mr. Clark is your father, but that doesn’t mean you’re to blame for the events that occurred that night.”