Take a Chance on Me (21 page)

“I don’t want you to be frightened,” she said, “but someone else would like to talk to you for a minute.”

“A cop?” His voice cracked a little. “How did a cop get in here?” He lifted the gun back to Jessica’s side.

“Not a cop,” Tom said quietly, stepping into the dim stage light, his empty hands held in front of him. “Hello, Mark.”

“Mr. C?” Mark’s mouth dropped open. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to talk to you, just like Ms. Martin said.” Moving slowly, eyes trained on Mark’s face the entire time, he walked to the edge of the stage and sat on the other side of Mark.

“I’ve really messed up, haven’t I?”

Tom nodded slowly. “It’s pretty bad right now. But you can make it right.”

“How?”

He placed his hand on Mark’s shoulder. “Give me your gun. Walk out of here with Ms. Martin and me. Take the first step towards resolving this situation.”

Jessica felt Mark relax by degrees until the gun was dangling from his fingers, away from her side. She sucked in a deep breath as he placed the weapon in Tom’s outstretched hand.

“Okay,” Tom said, sliding off the stage to stand atop the flooring that covered the orchestra pit when it wasn’t in use. “Now we go face the music together.”

Mark stood also, shoulders squaring as he prepared to turn himself in. Tom reached out a hand to steady Jessica as she maneuvered off the stage in her now-dusty formal gown. Together they flanked Mark, beginning the walk up the long, narrow aisle.

“We’re coming out,” Tom shouted as they neared the door. “Weapon is contained. Hold your fire.”

Cautiously, Tom and Jessica pushed the doors open and guided Mark into the fray.

“No, I don’t believe he was going to hurt me,” Jessica repeated patiently. “Mark was suicidal, not homicidal.”

“Tell me again why he took you hostage, if that was the case,” the police interviewer asked.

“He panicked.” Jessica looked around for Tom, but he was nowhere in sight. As soon as they’d walked through the doors, the three of them had been separated for questioning.

“I see,” the cop said, although his tone said the exact opposite. “And how did Mr. Cameron break into the theater?”

“He didn’t break in,” she replied hotly. “He knew an alternate entrance and came in to help.”

“Convenient.”

Jessica sighed. The cops had been furious at Tom for entering the building after being told to stay away. Nothing she said in his defense seemed to make a difference.

“I suppose that’s everything,” the interviewer said, flipping his notebook closed. “If there are any further questions we’ll be in touch.”

Jessica stood, wrapping her stole around her shoulders. With a nod, she walked briskly to the main entrance.

Mark had been hustled out through a back entrance soon after he’d turned himself in. Now she saw why. It was a madhouse out front.

Students in formal wear milled around in the parking lot, mingling with several news crews from local stations. Residents of neighboring houses, drawn by the sirens and flashing lights, clustered near the yellow crime scene tape set up by the police in an effort to keep onlookers contained.

For a moment she considered ducking back inside rather than facing the questions and media attention. But her arrival had already been noticed and suddenly she was in the spotlight.

A crowd of people rushed forward, shouting questions and shining camera lights in her face. She squinted, shading her eyes as she walked down the stairs. Hundreds of faces stared up at her, but she didn’t see Tom.

At the base of the stairs, a figure ducked under the crime scene tape and launched herself at Jessica. “Thank God you’re all right,” Ana cried, wrapping her arms around Jessica’s neck in a fierce hug. “I was so worried about you.”

Jessica hugged her back. “I’m fine,” she said, dashing away a quick tear. “I just can’t find Tom. Have you seen him?”

“Not since he went in to rescue you,” Ana said with a grin. “That boy really loves you, you know.”

“I hope so,” Jessica admitted.

A cry went up again from the gathered crowd. Jessica tipped her head back to squint at the top of the stairs. There, standing alone in the media lights, was Tom.

“Go get him,” Ana whispered, nudging her back to the stairs. “Then the two of you can give me an exclusive.” With a wink, she slipped back into the crowd.

Tom’s steps slowed as he noted the crush of people on the sidewalk below. All the worst memories of the media frenzy following the shooting came rushing back. But it couldn’t be helped. He’d have to run the gauntlet in order to get to his car, parked in the back corner of the lot.

Jessica was standing alone on the near side of the yellow tape. He swallowed hard, wishing he could gather her close and lose himself in her kisses. Instead, he had to walk away.

The police had made it clear that he was facing charges for interference. Obstructing an officer—a misdemeanor, but serious nonetheless. Never mind that he’d gotten Mark to hand over the gun. As a civilian, he had gone where he wasn’t supposed to go. If the charges stuck, he would probably end up facing disciplinary action at work too.

Once again, he would be surrounded by scandal. He couldn’t risk Jessica’s job prospects by tainting her as well.

He walked down the steps at a brisk pace, slowing a little when the crowd surged around him. He ignored their shouted questions and pressed forward.

A hand on his elbow stopped him. He turned to find Jessica standing next to him. “Where are you going?” Her voice was wavery, as if the stress was just now starting to impact her.

“I’m in a bit of trouble here,” he answered in a low voice. “You should probably stay away until it blows over.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I wasn’t supposed to be in the building. I’m facing criminal charges, and I don’t want to involve you.”

Her only answer was a disbelieving snort. “Ana!” she yelled. “Get over here and bring your camera!”

Tom tried to pull away as the reporter elbowed her way through the crowd, but Jessica held on insistently. She motioned for Ana and her cameraman to set up their equipment. Other reporters angled in, holding their microphones in the hopes of picking up her comments.

At a nod from Ana, Jessica began to speak. “My name is Jessica Martin, and I was involved in the hostage situation at Summit High School tonight. It was resolved only with the assistance of Tom Cameron, security officer here at Summit. At great personal risk, he entered the theater and convinced the young man to hand over his gun. I am deeply indebted to him, and the community should be as well.”

She glanced at him, and he was stunned to see tears in her eyes. Jessica swallowed back her emotion and continued on. “I believe tragedy was averted tonight because of the dedication of Tom Cameron. He has my heartfelt thanks—and my heart.” She reached up and kissed him gently.

Reporters shouted questions at both of them as they drew apart. Inside, Tom could feel the wall around his heart crumbling. She’d had the option tonight to protect herself and her career, and she’d chosen to stand with him.

He brushed a trembling hand through her hair, the former updo completely undone by the events of the evening. “I thought I’d lost you tonight,” he said hoarsely. “Thank God you’re all right.”

“I am now,” she said simply.

And disregarding the onlookers, the cameras and the staff and students of Summit High, he kissed her with all the love in his heart.

Epilogue

Jessica stood on the empty stage, arms crossed. Her head was tilted to one side as she studied the balcony set. Behind her, the rows of seats were littered with discarded programs and wrappers from the baked goods sold at intermission.

The theater door opened. She turned, a smile on her face.

“Great job, Ms. Director,” Tom said as he entered the room.

“It went pretty well, didn’t it?”

“I’d say a sold-out performance and two standing ovations makes pretty well an understatement.” Tom reached the end of the aisle and stood at the base of the stage. He swung himself onto the stage in a graceful motion. Both walked forward, meeting under the spotlight. He slid his arms around her waist and drew her close. They stood for a moment, content in the circle of one another’s arms.

Jessica laughed softly. “Thanks for the flowers, by the way.”

Tom smiled. “I thought Amber was going to have a coronary when the bouquet went to you and not her.”

She punched him playfully on the shoulder. “Now, be nice. It was hard for her to give up her star status to be just a regular cast member. She did a great job.”

“Not as good as you did,” he returned.

Jessica lifted her face for a kiss, eyes closing briefly as their lips touched. The kiss deepened, passion rising quickly to the surface. Tom pulled back, blue eyes sparkling, and stroked one finger along the side of her face.

“There’s just something about this place, isn’t there?” He reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers as he led her towards the back of the stage.

“It’s where it all began,” she agreed.

“I have a surprise for you,” he said, letting go of her hand. “Close your eyes and hold out your hands.”

Jessica rolled her eyes but complied, hands cupped to hold whatever he was hiding. She heard a rustle, and then a thick rectangle of paper dropped into her hands.

“What…” She opened her eyes and stared at the envelope in confusion.

“It was in your mailbox,” he said by way of explanation.

Shrugging, she ripped open the envelope and pulled out the sheaf of papers.

“Well?” Tom’s voice was laced with impatience, as if he was as interested in the contents as she. She skimmed the papers quickly, eyes widening as she comprehended it.

With a whoop, she launched herself into his arms. “It’s a contract for next year!”

He held her tightly, spinning her around as she laughed and cried and clung to him. “Congratulations,” he said with a grin.

“I can’t believe it,” she said, disentangling herself from his arms and flipping through the contract again.

“I can,” he said, leaning over her shoulder to take a look.

“So I guess we have another year of working together.”

He glanced away. “Actually, no.”

“What?” She fisted her hands on her hips. “Why not? Don’t tell me you’re still in trouble for helping me with Mark.”

“My warrior,” he said, smoothing her hair away from her face. “No, it’s nothing like that. I have a new job offer, and I’m going to take it.”

Jessica felt her heart skitter to a stop. “You aren’t moving, are you?”

He shook his head no, a smile tugging at his lips. “Evidently, the investigation of my interference made the police force realize that they could use a youth liaison to help out with situations involving teens. I start next month.”

“Working for the police department,” she said softly.

“Working as a cop again,” he corrected.

Her eyes misted as she pulled him close. “Oh, Tom.”

“Now, there’s a second part to your surprise,” he said. “But you have to be in a certain location for it to work.”

Puzzled, she glanced at him, but he was already nudging her forward. She looked up and realized where he was steering her. “Oh, no,” she said, digging in her heels. “Not the balcony.”

“Please,” he said softly. A hand caressed her shoulder. “For me. And for you.”

She drew in a deep breath and let it out again. Nodding, she began to climb.

Her heart raced as she neared the top, but from excitement, not fear. She reached the platform and stepped out, grasping the rail tightly.

“But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Jessica is the sun,” Tom recited, gesturing grandly for their imaginary audience.

“My Romeo,” she called down to him. If she reached over, she could almost touch the top of his head.

He gazed up at her, his heart shining in his eyes. “You’ve already received one contract tonight, love. But I was wondering if you had room for one more.” At her puzzled look, he reached into his pocket and drew out a square velvet box.

Jessica gasped, tears springing to her eyes once again.

He was standing in front of the balcony, his hand outstretched. “Will you marry me?”

Then he reached out, grasped the base of the balcony and pulled himself up with the help of the latticework front. She stepped back and gave him room to haul himself over the railing.

“Thank God,” he said, wiping his hands on his pants with a blown-out breath. “I wasn’t sure it would hold me.”

“You crazy fool,” she cried, wrapping her arms around him. “I love you,” she whispered, her face buried in the curve of his neck.

“I love you too,” he said. Pulling back slightly, he placed the ring on her finger. It caught the light, throwing sparks across the stage.

“The job of my dreams and the man of my heart,” she sighed. “Everything I’ve ever wanted, and then some.”

And in the empty theater, under the stage lights, they sealed their contract of love with a kiss.

About the Author

From food to fiction, Kate likes things spicy. She writes award-winning sexy contemporary romance, and has books available in both e-format and print. Her 2009 print release,
Lessons Learned
, was named Small Press Contemporary Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine. When she isn’t writing about strong, sexy men and women finding their happily-ever-afters, she spends her time playing with the kids and hanging with her hero husband (How’s that for alliteration?). You can most often find her in her natural habitat, Twitter
www.twitter.com/kate_davies
, on Facebook
www.facebook.com/katedavies1
, and at her blog
www.kate-davies.blogspot.com
. Stay up to date via her website,
www.kate-davies.com
, or by joining her newsletter,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KateDaviesUpdates/
.

Look for these titles by Kate Davies

Now Available:

Ritual Love (also available in Beginnings: A Samhain Anthology)

Home for Christmas (also available in The Perfect Gift anthology)