Jamie (28 page)

Pleased, Jamie watched as everyone began to smile.

But not Cyn. She took a step forward. “Nice tactic, Jamie, but I still want to know—”

He gave Bryan an apologetic shrug and said, “Shay's pregnant, too.”

Bryan's mouth fell open.

Startled, Shay said, “I am?”

Funny that Shay hadn't even realized it yet. But she would have soon, Jamie assured himself. Rubbing his face, he gave up his guilt and pointed first at Luna, then at Shay. “Girl, boy.”

Bryan continued to stare. He looked blank-brained, ready to keel over, pale and shaken. In a rasp, he said, “We're going to have a son?”

“Yeah. In about seven months.” And then to Joe, before he could ask, “Five months.”

“Five!” Joe set Luna back on her feet and held her shoulders at arm's length away. “How long have you known, woman?”

Luna glared at Jamie again. “We weren't trying, so at first I thought I'd just missed a period or two. By the time I got an appointment with the doctor, I was a few months into it. I found out for sure only yesterday. ”

Joe looked ready to hit the roof. “So why the hell didn't you tell me?”

Eyes on Jamie, Luna growled, “I had a romantic night planned and would have told you then, if
someone
hadn't ruined it.”

“Congratulations,” Bruce offered.

Cyn looked like a deer caught in the headlights, and Jamie took pity on her.

“No, Cyn, neither you nor Alyx is pregnant, so you can relax.”

Bruce laughed and hugged his wife. “I wasn't worried. When it happens, I'll welcome fatherhood. But it is fun to see the others.”

Joe rubbed the back of his neck. “Given Alyx's ... enthusiasm around Scott, I'm just relieved to hear she isn't pregnant, too.”

“They'll have plenty of kids,” Jamie told him. “After they're married.”

“And that'll be... ?”Joe asked with some skepticism. “Last I saw, Scott was still playing hard to get.”

“Not anymore.” Jamie could feel Faith trembling behind him. Keeping his composure wasn't easy. He had a feeling that whoever had fathered Cory, he wasn't going to like it. But he wouldn't pin Faith down in front of everyone. “Scott proposed to Alyx today.”

For the second time, surprise jolted Joe. “You don't say!”

Luna leaned into her husband. “Gee, I wonder if Alyx said yes?”

And while Joe rolled his eyes, everyone else laughed.

Jamie worked hard at keeping himself contained, at balancing the need to know the truth, while protecting Faith, with his attempts to distract the others. That probably accounted for why he jumped along with everyone else when the car horn beeped.

As one, they all turned to see who had joined them now.

The minivan pulled up behind the other vehicles. When the driver's window rolled down, an older woman—with faded red hair—stuck her head out. “Hello. Could one of you tell me how I might find Jamie Creed?”

Gasping, Faith pushed her way out from behind Jamie. “Mother!” With obvious joy, she rushed to the vehicle.

Standing where Faith had left him, Jamie mentally reeled. Mother? A ton of bricks couldn't have flattened him more. He was about to meet Faith's mom. Which meant he'd finally be face-to-face with Cory.

The menace that had plagued him all day darkened and thickened, swirling around him in an ominous cloud.

A small face haloed by black curls poked out the window. Dark eyes zeroed in on Faith, and a smile put dimples in rosy cheeks. “Mommy!”

And Jamie knew. Faith didn't have to tell him a damn thing.

One look at Cory, and anyone could see who had fathered her. It didn't even require psychic ability.

Jamie was a dad.

 

 

Cory was out of the car with her arms open by the time Faith reached her. Scooping her up, Faith hugged her tight, relieved, anxious, and so scared she felt ill. If Jamie hurt her daughter's feelings, she'd—

Thin arms went tight around Faith's neck, and a wet kiss landed on her cheek. “It'll be all right,” Cory said, and Faith laughed.

Settling Cory back on her feet, Faith smoothed her wild tumble of dark curls away from her face and kissed her nose. “It will, huh?”

Cory nodded. “Come on, Grandma. Let's say hi.” She caught the older woman's hand and urged her out of the car.

Faith's mother gave her a quick embrace. “You're okay?”

“Yes.” Faith didn't want to turn to see Jamie. She couldn't bear to do that yet. “I'm fine.”

Her mother didn't look convinced, but she smiled all the same. “Cory's been bouncing in her seat for the last five miles. I'm glad you were here, where she thought you'd be, so we didn't have to go any farther.”

Reluctantly, they both turned and found the entire group clustered together—around Jamie. Did they already know? Probably. Cory was the spitting image of her daddy, right down to the dark eyes that could see into your soul.

Though no one looked particularly hostile, Faith held back, intimidated. Her mother also hesitated, wary.

But Cory, standing between them, one of her hands clasping Faith's, the other holding her grandmother's, showed no reserve.

Towed in the wake of an almost-eight-year-old's enthusiasm, Faith approached the group.

She cleared her throat. “Everyone, this is my mother, Tracy, and my daughter, Cory.”

Tracy nodded. “Hello.”

A round of reciprocal greetings followed, but few could take their eyes off Cory. Not that Cory minded. Unlike her father, she reveled in attention and adored large gatherings. Flashing a big toothy grin, she said to Faith, “They like you.”

Amused at Cory's optimism, Faith smoothed her hair. “Not yet, sweetie. But I'm getting there.”

Cory turned to peer at everyone and then moved away from her mother and grandmother to stand within inches of Joe. Tipping her head back, she stared up. “You're all Jamie's friends. You're worried about him, huh?”

Spellbound by this small, dark-haired psychic, everyone spoke at once, rushing to reassure her, to put her at ease.

Separating himself from the others, Joe crouched down, facing Cory. He tugged at one long, twining curl that hung over her shoulder. “You're a cute little munchkin, aren't you?”

Faith alternated between watching her daughter interact with Joe and seeing Jamie's reaction. As immobile as a statue, he stood right behind Joe. Faith couldn't tell if Jamie was angry or not, or if he felt deceived.

Luna, Shay, and Cyn crowded in close around him, with Bryan and Bruce behind the women.

Jamie didn't acknowledge any of them. All his concentration centered on Cory. When she answered Joe's question, saying “Yep” without a single speck of modesty, Jamie's mouth twitched, but the smile showed mostly in his eyes.

Cory tipped her head at Joe, making more curls bounce. Her face scrunched up as she scrutinized him. “You got a daughter, huh?”

Joe hid his surprise well. “Yes. And a son.”

“Can I visit with 'em?”

“Anytime you want.”

“Thanks.” Turning serious, Cory put her small hand to Joe's cheek. “You like Jamie a lot, doncha? ”

“He's a very, very special friend.”

Satisfied, she patted his cheek. “Good. Don't go away, 'kay?”

Tugging at his earring and fighting a laugh, Joe straightened back to his full height. “Trust me, munchkin, wild horses couldn't drag me away.”

Bristling with sudden impatience, Jamie nudged Joe aside and sank to one knee. He didn't say anything. He just waited, looking stern and unapproachable and as distant as Faith had ever seen him. She held her breath, anxious over how Jamie would react to the news of fatherhood. She prayed that he'd understand why she hadn't told him, that she couldn't have told him until recently, after Cory gave her directions to find him. No one had known where to find him.

Her mother's hand slipped into hers and, thankful for the support, Faith clung to her.

Cory looked around at everyone before finally settling her gaze on Jamie. Suddenly shy, she eased over next to him. Toeing the dirt, she whispered, “Hi.”

Jamie swallowed hard. “Hi.” He crossed his arms over his bent knee, assessing her. “I'm Jamie.”

“Yep.” Cory glanced up, lifted her shoulders. “It's good to meet you. In person, I mean.”

“Yes.”

After a nervous giggle, Cory darted a quick look back at Faith, looking for reassurance. Faith's heart beat so hard she wondered that everyone didn't hear it.

Nodding, she reminded Cory of what she'd said to Faith minutes before. “It's okay, Cory. You told me so.

“I remember.” Cory drew a deep breath of contentment, turned back to Jamie, and held out her arms.

Jamie showed no hesitation. As if she were the most precious thing he'd ever seen, he gathered Cory close and held her. For once, Faith knew what he felt as he relished the small, warm body against his heart, the silky dark curls against his cheek.

Silence swelled in the air around them. Everyone seemed as absorbed as Faith, drawn into the special moment.

After a minute, Cory pushed back from him, and Jamie finally released her. “You're squishing me,” she said with a smile.

“I'm sorry.” Jamie held her small hands in his. “I didn't mean to.”

Sounding so much like her daddy that tears burned Faith's eyes, Cory said, “I know.”

A chuckle sounded from those who watched, because they'd heard those very same words from Jamie many times.

Jamie glanced back at them with a grin. Cory tugged at his hand. “You have to be ready.”

“Okay.” Running his big hand over her head, Jamie pushed the wild curls away from her face—curls the same color as his own hair. “Ready for what? ”

Cory bit her lip, gave her mother a guilty glance filled with apology, and shrugged. “For when they hurt her.”

Faith frowned. For when they hurt whom? Apparently, Jamie wasn't the target, since Cory said “her.” And it didn't sound like she wanted protection for herself.

Jamie jerked back, breathing deep. He looked at Faith, his sudden perception rolling over her like a warm breeze.

She was
the target? Oh, but... that didn't make any sense.

Fierce with determination, Jamie lifted Cory onto his knee. “Someone is going to hurt your mother?”

Cory put her arms around Jamie and pressed her face into his shoulder, her hold desperate. “I don't want Mommy hurt.”

Jamie's expression could have been carved from stone, but he rubbed Cory's back in gentle comfort. “No, sweetheart, I swear to you. I won't let anyone hurt her.”

But Cory clung tighter and her voice wavered. “Please. You gotta help her.”

With Cory secure in his strong arms, Jamie stood. “It's okay, baby. Can you tell me what will happen?”

Cory sniffed and rubbed at her eyes. “You have to care.” She pushed back, her chin trembling. “You do, doncha, Jamie? You care 'bout us?”

“I care.” His gaze met Faith's again, and for her it was a physical touch, a promise, maybe even forgiveness. “Very much.”

But he didn't know it all, Faith thought with ill misgivings. And now wasn't the time to tell him. She hadn't planned on Jamie's learning any of this with a group surrounding him. She wanted time alone with him, to explain, to make certain he understood her reasons. But it appeared her time to explain had run out.

Faith had no idea what to do. Her mother put her arms around her as if she could bodily protect her, and already Joe and Bryan had moved closer, shielding her while searching the woods.

Why would anyone want to harm her? She didn't have any psychic ability. She had nothing ... except Cory.

Oh God. Did someone plan to use her to get to her daughter? The awful possibility chased away her fear. She'd die before she'd let that happen.

Jamie gave her a long look, and said one word: “No.”

But Faith would do what she had to. She closed her thoughts to him and prepared herself for any eventuality.

Angry, Jamie turned away from her and instead cupped her daughter's cheek. “Cory?” He turned her face up to his. “I need to know when it will happen.”

Nodding, Cory gulped down a sob, squeezed in tight to Jamie's neck again, and whispered, “Now.”

Chapter Seventeen

Remembering the gunshot he'd heard in his head earlier, Jamie blanched. He sought the scene, pulling it from the future, hearing the harsh, ugly sound as it reverberated across the still mountain air, very real and very much a threat.

A female voice yelled, “Faith Owen, come to me and no one else will get hurt.”

Everyone reacted at once. Bruce pulled the women to the ground and stationed himself in front of them. Joe and Bryan dragged Faith and her mother to the side, crouching low, using the minivan as concealment.

Jamie shoved Cory behind him. Rage afforded him an eerie calm. He didn't understand everything that was about to happen. But he believed what Cory told him, and he trusted that his caring, a caring he couldn't deny, would play into keeping Faith from harm.

He'd known all along that Faith wasn't Cory's mother. Not only had she been a virgin, but eight years ago, he hadn't known Faith, much less made love to her.

Eight years ago, only one woman had known him intimately.

In the back of his mind, the truth dawned, there for Jamie to examine. But he shied away from it. Right now, the identity of Cory's mother didn't matter.

Protecting Cory and Faith did.

Two people, a woman and a man, emerged from the woods across the road. The woman yelled, “Faith Owen? Come on now. This can all be very simple if you'll just cooperate.”

Lifting his head, Jamie saw them—and it all became clear. He knew what to do. He knew how to do it.

“Bruce?”

“Right here, Jamie.”

Easing Cory away, Jamie said, “Stay with Mr. Kelly, baby. He'll keep you safe.”

“No. ”
Crying, Cory tried to cling to Jamie, but he pried her skinny arms loose and handed her over to Bruce.

“All of you, stay out of this.”

“You can handle it?” Bruce asked.

And with utmost confidence, Jamie nodded. “Yeah. I can handle it.”

Cory's big dark eyes watched Jamie, taking his measure, evaluating his promise. She sniffled, but stopped crying. She put her arms around Bruce and let him pull her close.

“We'll be fine,” Bruce told Jamie. And to the women and Cory, he said, “Come on. Quiet now. Let's move over here behind these rocks.”

To Jamie's relief, no one argued.

Except Faith.

She fought Joe, trying to break free, more than ready to sacrifice herself in order to protect Cory. Joe held her with one arm around her waist, his other hand clamped over her mouth. Leave it to Joe to handle things, Jamie thought. He gave his friend a nod of approval.

Appearing harassed, Joe nodded back, whispered in Faith's ear. Finally, she quieted, drowned in misery and the worry only a mother could feel.

Jamie knew her panic, the wild beating of her heart, the uncompromising love she felt for Cory. He knew she'd willingly die for her daughter and that she would entrust Jamie with Cory's care, should it come to that.

He wasn't about to let either of them be hurt. Bruce would keep Cory tucked away safe, so Faith would have no reason to be a martyr.

Jamie pushed to his feet and started toward the gravel road without a single sign of caution. “What took you so long? I was beginning to think you wouldn't show.”

The woman, a blond bombshell reeking confidence and edgy with malice, laughed while waving a 9-millimeter gun. The man with her looked grim and out of his element. He was tall but slim, dressed in jeans and a faded gray T-shirt, a thick black watch on his wrist. He wore glasses, and his light brown hair was long and thin.

He tried to look as confident as the woman, but the facade didn't work. Jamie smelled his nervousness, could see the stark fear in his eyes. More the creative sort than a killer, he posed no real threat.

Knowing it would spook him more, Jamie trained his probing gaze on the man's face and smiled. “Hello, Doug.”

Ready to faint, he turned to the woman, urgent and pleading. “Maybe we should—”

“Be quiet.” She steadied the gun, aiming at Jamie's heart.

Sweeping his gaze over her, Jamie assessed her before giving her the full focus of his attention. “Hello, Becky.”

“Nice try, Creed,” the woman said. “But I'm not buying it. If you knew about us, if you expected us, then how did we take you so unawares?”

“Who says you did? ”Jamie kept walking, getting closer and closer. He stopped when only the width of the road separated them. “I knew you were in town, dressed in a disguise and dark wig, tormenting the locals.”

“I wanted you off that damn mountain.” She grinned. “And here you are.”

“You didn't realize that Deputy Royal was on to you, did you?”

“Oh shit,” Doug said. “I told you that you should have avoided him.”

Her mouth pinched. “Don't be an ass, Doug. Scott has no clue who I am.”

“The deputy is not a stupid man, taken in by a conniving woman. He might not have realized your identity right away, but Alyx had been following you, and she surely told him. He's alerted the sheriff, and Clint is on his way here right now.”

“Shut up.”

“Have you met Clint Evans?” Jamie taunted. “He eats people like you for breakfast.”

Doug began breathing hard, wringing his hands.

Jamie focused on him, then shook his head in mock regret. “It's a shame, Doug.”

The lie came from Jamie's mouth smooth as silk. “You won't live through this.”

Blanching, Doug floundered back a step. “What are you talking about?”

“You're going to die.” Jamie shrugged. “Not by my hand, but you'll be dead all the same.”

Several deep breaths only heightened Doug's sheer terror. His voice went high and shrill. “This is insane.”

“He's bluffing you,” Becky insisted. “He doesn't know shit.”

“He knows our names!”

“That's all he knows. Now be quiet.”

Jamie took pleasure in proving her wrong. “You're Becky Kline, Professor Kline's daughter. You want the files that Delayna gave to Faith.”

Doug sagged. “Oh God.”

“I will have them,” Becky told him. “By rights, they're mine.”

“Faith destroyed them.”

Savage hatred distorted the woman's beauty. “The fuck she did! Those files were important to her, because they apply to the kid, too.” Gathering herself with a deeply inhaled breath, Becky smoothed her blouse and composed her features. Her anticipatory smile turned Jamie's stomach.

Stealing her thunder, Jamie said, “It's no use, Becky. Your father was wrong.”

Blank surprise wiped away the smirk. “What are you talking about?”

“He told you that emotions ruined my perception, didn't he?” Easing a step nearer, hoping to get Becky—and the gun—within reach, Jamie stated, “He couldn't have been more wrong. You see, the closer I am to someone, the stronger my abilities.”

She whispered, “No.”

“Afraid so. Your plan is about to backfire.”

Doug moaned and started looking around for a way to escape. Jamie ignored him and instead glanced at Faith. She slumped on the ground beside her mother, her balled hands pressed to her mouth, her eyes wide as she stared at Becky.

She had her thoughts blocked, but this time it didn't do her any good. Jamie didn't need to be a psychic to know that Faith would still sacrifice herself if she thought it necessary.

Becky's shoulders stiffened, and her trigger finger twitched. “So then you know who the kid's mother is? That's what you're saying?”

Unease sank into Jamie, but he kept his manner inscrutable. Convinced of what he'd find, he delved into Becky, wading through the ugliness and the malevolent spirit to steal her memories. The planned demise of her immoral father had robbed her of her heritage and her accustomed social standing. She felt cheated of a plush lifestyle and the recognition Professor Kline might have received as a great scientist.

Now she wanted retribution.

Faith had hidden Cory's talent so well, Becky didn't realize the depth of what the little girl could derive. But she knew Jamie's reputation—and she knew...

Jamie stiffened, accepting the inevitable.

Delayna.
Of course she had to be Cory's mother; he hadn't been intimate with any other woman during that time period. Knowing it for fact didn't make it more palatable—but knowing Cory did.

“Ahhh,” Becky purred. “So you didn't know? Faith didn't tell you.”

Jamie narrowed his eyes at her. “She didn't have to. I can do math.”

Either Becky didn't hear him or her grasp on reality slipped further away. “Her experiments with you left her knocked up, and like a stupid bitch, she gave away everything my father accomplished to birth the brat.”

“Careful,” Jamie warned. “Or you just might die with Doug.”

“What's this? You're already playing proud papa? That's so... pathetic.” She laughed, thrilled with the turn of events. “How does it feel, knowing two women would lose everything rather than admit that the infamous Creed had spawned a prodigy?”

Jamie wanted to seek out Cory, to tell her to ignore the nonsense spewing from Becky's mouth. But taking his attention off Becky, even for a moment, wouldn't be wise.

Cocking out a hip and waving the gun at Jamie, Becky continued. “Seems Delayna didn't mind experimenting on you, but she didn't want the same to happen to her kid.”

Thank
God for
that, Jamie thought—and then he froze. Faith was making plans. She worried not only for Cory, but for him. Damn her. If she interfered now, one or both of them might be hurt, even killed.

Faith thought he would put stock in Becky's ravings.

She was wrong.

He'd fathered Cory. Faith had loved her. That's what mattered.

Later, there'd be time to sort through all the details. For now, Jamie had a promise to keep to his daughter.

He wanted to know how Becky had learned the truth. Faith wouldn't have left anything to chance, not when it came to Cory. Never would she have kept documents revealing Cory's parentage. And he knew firsthand that she wouldn't have told anyone—not even him.

Becky laughed again. “Gotcha with that one, didn't I?”

Jamie frowned in thought. “Not really, no.”

“Bullshit! You hated Delayna. That has to make a difference.”

Jamie locked his gaze with hers. “You're wasting your time, Becky. Your father was a madman, a sadist, and the world is a better place without him.”

Anger flashed in her eyes. “You shut up! My father was a brilliant scientist. I'll publish his life's story, detailing his work, and the whole world will understand everything he accomplished.”

“You're as insane as he was.”

“No, I'm smart. And soon I'll be rich.”

Jamie pointed out the obvious. “Someone went to great lengths to make sure your father couldn't reveal details. Do you really think you'd be dealt with any differently?”

Doug paled and folded his arms around himself. “Becky, maybe he's right.”

“No!” For only a blink of time, Becky took her attention off Jamie to glare at her coconspirator. “I already told you, we're safe.”

Before Jamie could react to her inattention, she swung the barrel of the gun back around. “I've made a pact with parties who'd rather stay anonymous. They know I have a contract with a publisher, and they know that if anything happens to me, their names will go public. As long as I get to write this book the way I want, I can keep their dirty little secrets.”

She edged closer to Jamie—and to her own demise.

“But I need the factual accounts of your time at Farmington to make it complete.”

“I don't have them,” Jamie reminded her. “Faith doesn't have them.”

“Maybe not.” Becky glanced behind Jamie, searching the woods. Her voice dropped. “But Faith remembers plenty. And if she wants her kid to stay safe, she'll tell me what I need to know.”

Absorbing the riot of Becky's memories, Jamie studied her. “You mean the way Delayna stayed safe?”

Doug hadn't moved. He now stood several steps behind Becky. Jamie addressed him, aware that he already waffled in his convictions. “You're a reporter, Doug. You think this is your big breakout story. ”

Doug gulped, and nodded.

“You're wrong.”

Sweat ran down the other man's temples. He glanced between Becky and Jamie before deciding to explain. “I'm going to do a documentary to coincide with the release of the book. Becky gave me exclusive rights. This will make my name in the industry. ”

“No,” Jamie said gently. “Dead men can't make documentaries. You'll die an unknown, and I doubt anyone will miss you.”

“Shut up,” Becky yelled, lunging forward, prodding the gun at Jamie. “Doug, don't listen to him. He's just messing with your head.”

Jamie pressed his advantage. “She killed Delayna, didn't she, Doug? And you know about it, so that makes you an accessory.”

“It was an accident,” Doug wailed. “We went there just to get the files on you.”

“To steal them, you mean?”

He nodded jerkily. “She was Kline's partner. Becky thought sure she'd have kept copies.”

“Shut
up,
Doug.”

But Doug was beyond hearing Becky. He babbled out the truth, maybe hoping for redemption, maybe out of a sense of guilt. “Delayna wasn't supposed to be home. But she didn't have the documents anyway. She... she had birth records, adoption papers.” He looked up at Jamie, his eyes blank, his voice hollow. “She had Faith's address. We were ready to go—but then she came home.”