Chapter 22
JACK CRUISED ALONG the Pacific Coast Highway, fiddling with the document lying on the seat beside him with one hand and navigating the car with the other. He couldn’t be sure, but he thought Isabelle was warming up to him. Or maybe she was just pitying him because she’d made her choice. She was, after all, bringing her husband home. But no matter, Jack was leaving anyway. His request for new orders had just came through.
He silently reviled and revered the folded papers as he glanced at them. They assured his departure for Florida a week after his birthday. There were advantages to Isabelle residing in California and Jack in Florida. Putting a whole country between the two of them was the best thing that could happen. He had to accept it, but that didn’t mean he had to like it.
Thankfully, she’d been able to fend off Hadley’s unwanted advances. Jack felt better knowing she could physically hold off the sturdiest of men, keeping them at bay. He wouldn’t always be there to protect her. But Harry would. In its own weird way, that comforted Jack. He envied that Harry would have the job he wanted most.
Nevertheless, Jack had no intention of letting George off so easily. He doubted he’d sleep a wink, in anticipation of confronting him. The man definitely had some explaining to do, whether he wanted to or not.
E
arly the next morning, Jack treated himself to a hearty breakfast before heading to the hangar, where he knew he’d find George Hadley. Kicking the door in—not to mention Hadley’s ass—was much easier on a full stomach. Jack didn’t know why, it just was.
The door bounced off the file cabinet in the corner. Hadley’s eyes darted up, the look of a startled, scared cat shaded his face. “Baker?” Nerves cracked his voice, and he cleared his throat.
Jack stormed across the room and slammed his palms against the desk. He leaned in toward Hadley. Anger and loathing hardened the muscles around his face. “You harm one hair on her head and I’ll kill you!” He stayed where he was, projecting his intimidating stare, intending it to burn Hadley’s ego.
“How’s it feel to be a useless hero?” Hadley asked, goading him on.
The remark surprised Jack, and angered him all at the same time. He was done controlling himself. He no longer cared what it cost. A few days in the stockade would be worth it if it meant he got to beat the hell out of Hadley.
In one swift move, Jack climbed across the desk and pinned Hadley against the wall. “As I recall, being slammed against the wall is becoming the standard with you.” His words spewed into Hadley’s face. Jack tightened his hold, choking Hadley. “How’s it feel to be manhandled by a woman?” he asked, getting down into the mud with Hadley.
“Look, Baker...” George threw his hand up in surrender. “I know you mean well. But you have no idea what you walked in on,” he added, tossing Jack a smirk.
That shit-eating grin of Hadley’s pissed Jack off. “I know better than you think.” How dare he? Jack knew first-hand all about Isabelle’s sexual preferences. What he wanted to know was, if Jeannie had something to do with planting that nonsense into George’s head. “Where’d you get a foolish idea like that?”
“Izzy.”
Jack forced his arm into George’s throat. “Try again. If I hadn’t come upon you two last night, you’d be talking like a girl right now.”
“It’s just part of the game, Baker.” George was sticking to his story, really arrogant for someone in his current position. “Maybe that’s why she dumped you...you didn’t give her what she wanted.”
Jack’s rage hit the boiling point. He slammed George against the wall and tossed him over the desk. The door opened as Jack climbed across the desk after George. A couple of guys grabbed Jack, preventing him from doing any further damage.
“Take it easy, Baker. That’s enough.” Hadley’s rescuers coached him in unison.
Take it easy
!
Take it easy
? “Let me go so I can give him what he’s got coming.” Jack fought to get loose, but two airplane mechanics against one flyer one was not a fair fight.
“Hadley, you’d do well to get out of here,” one of the guys said, “I don’t know how much longer we can hold him.”
Jack watched, disillusioned as George scrambled out of the office. “You should’ve let me kill him,” he said, as they loosened their grip, but didn’t release him entirely.
“Baker, I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but you need to relax.”
It wasn’t what Jack wanted to hear, but it was sound advice. While he’d truly like to kill George, the guy didn’t pose any real threat to Isabelle. Surprisingly, she was quite capable of defending herself.
Something about that was so arousing.
Chapter 23
IZZY HAD COME to call Jeannie’s Saturday morning disposition, her “weekend face”. Her jovial nature grated on Izzy’s nerves. The world around her was falling apart, why did Jeannie have to rub it in with her excessive cheeriness?
“What’s your plans for today?” Jeannie talked as she folded her laundry and put it away. “You seeing George?”
“No.” Izzy sat up and massaged her eyes, trying to rub the memory of last night out of her thoughts. “George and I had a little disagreement last night.”
Jeannie cut her eyes toward Izzy and froze with a risqué nightgown in her hands. “About?”
“I just had a little trouble convincing him that I’m off the market.” Izzy, still in bed, threw the covers back and slid her feet into the slippers on the floor.
“Off the market?” Jeannie laughed.
Izzy pushed off the bed and raised a hand at Jeannie as she headed for the adjoining kitchenette. “Don’t start.” She snatched up the percolator and grabbed a coffee cup.
What I wouldn’t give for a Starbucks right now
. Izzy wrinkled her nose as she filled the cup. After doctoring it up with cream and sugar, she tasted it and turned her attention back to her sister.
Laundry finished and put away, Jeannie was now fixating on her reflection in the mirror, doting on her hair. “You want to do some shopping? Maybe grab some lunch?”
Izzy hesitated. Jack’s upcoming birthday party prattled in her mind. She did need to get him a present. “Yeah, okay,” she said, since she didn’t have a gift to give.
Jeannie’s curious gaze scrutinized Izzy, coercing her confidence. Izzy had to keep her cool. She couldn’t tell anyone, not even Jeannie, about her plans. Among other things, but more importantly, Jack’s career might depend upon her silence. She couldn’t trust herself not to expose her secret, so she decided to say nothing.
Izzy dressed in a simple, front-buttoning blouse of blue silk and the Levi’s she’d bought at Marshall Field’s. She pulled her hair back and tied it into a pony-tail with a rubber band.
Maybe I can find some Schruncies
. They’d be easier on her hair.
Izzy grabbed her purse and turned to Jeannie. “Ready?”
“You going to wear your hair like that?” Jeannie ran a hand over her own hair, smoothing her tresses.
“Yeah.” Izzy didn’t see the problem and she glanced at Jeannie for clarification. “What? You don’t like my hair?” She opened the door and moved into the hallway. “I’m going like this. Are you coming?” She peered over her shoulder.
“Yes.” Jeannie straightened her stature before breezing out into the hallway past Izzy.
She led the way with quick heavy steps, and they hiked the two blocks to the bus stop on Main Street in silence. Marshall Field’s was a good five blocks from there, and Izzy knew Jeannie didn’t relish the thought of walking the distance either—the only thing they seemed to have in common. Odd for sisters.
Jeannie leaned down and ran her hand over her calf. “I need new hosiery.”
“Where can we get some pantyhose?” Izzy’s face brightened, lighting with anticipation.
“I have no idea.” Jeannie turned to her, suspicion hardening her facade. “What you’re talking about.”
For a second, Izzy thought she’d found a kindred soul. One who understood her curious ramblings. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
Izzy chuckled. “Me neither.”
They waited in silence for a while, both observing their surroundings. “I think I’m going to go to Jack’s birthday party.” Izzy continued to stare straight ahead as she spoke.
“What?” Jeannie scoffed. “Why?”
“Because it’s the least I can do.”
“Why do you feel so beholden to him?” Jeannie turned toward Izzy, vying for her attention. “Are you that smitten?”
Izzy couldn’t afford to be one hundred percent honest with Jeannie, not knowing her true motives. Hesitation washed over her as she dug deep for an adequate answer. Finally she came up with a passable response. “Because he was there for me when no one else was.” That much was true, from her first memories and right up until last night.
“Well, I think it’s a mistake.”
“Mistake or not...I really don’t care.” Izzy held firm with a stern voice. “I’m going.”
“Well—” Jeannie stood as the bus approached, “ —Nobody’s ever accused you of thinking logically.”
Izzy refused to dignify her jab with a response. She couldn’t vouch for the old Izzy—the one before Jack—but this one—the one since Jack—was not the reprobate her sister claimed.
They climbed aboard the bus and spoke very little during the short ride to Marshall Field’s. When the bus rolled to a stop in front of the department store, Izzy chuckled softly and followed her sister off the vehicle. Wait until Jeannie figured out she was shopping for a birthday present.
Heat from the mid-morning sun blazed against her face, an effect of the desert terrain, she supposed. She was thankful for the wisp of cool air breezing past as they entered the store.
They strolled through the various departments and Izzy browsed nonchalantly, a dress or two catching her eye. She thought about buying a new one for the party, but Jack liked her red polka-dotted outfit so much that it seemed a shame not to wear it for his birthday.
What was she going to buy him anyway? Clothing wasn’t her idea of an idyllic birthday gift, but what else was there?
As if by magic, Izzy happened into the sporting goods section. Anticipation swept through her and escaped in her sigh.
God, look at all this guy stuff.
She wandered to the counter without much notice from Jeannie, who’d disappeared amidst the women’s clothing.
Izzy’s attention drew straight to the case in front of her, displaying LL Bean Hunting Knives. Images flashed through her mind of the ill-fated flyer who’d claimed to have been killed when his plane accidentally crashed. Hadn’t he said something about an LL Bean? If he’d just had one, things could’ve turned out differently.
A conquering urge overpowered Izzy. She had to buy Jack an LL Bean. Nothing else would do. “Can I see one of those hunting knives?” she asked the clerk, feeling like she was in a trance-like state.
She pretended interest as he placed a couple of knives on the counter and commenced his sales pitch. “This is your average hunting knife. It serves its purpose and comes with LL Bean’s money back guarantee,” he stated proudly, but his demeanor took on a newfound hope as he directed her to the other knife. “This is Bean’s newest model. Its intricate design and detail make it an excellent selection for those who only want the best.”
“A knife?” Jeannie scoffed, slipping in beside Izzy. “What on earth are you going to do with a knife?”
“I’m thinking of getting Jack one for his birthday.” Izzy stiffened, feeling invaded upon. She hadn’t asked for Jeannie’s two-cents and didn’t appreciate the intrusion.
A look of disgust colored Jeannie’s face as she blinked her eyes shut momentarily. “You’re kidding, right?” She moved painfully slow and turned to Izzy.
“No.” Izzy remained firm.
“I can’t believe this. Have you learned nothing?” Jeannie asked, under her breath.
Izzy hands went to her hips and she blew exasperation out in a huff. “There’s nothing wrong with giving a birthday present to an acquaintance.”
“It is wrong and you can’t do it,” Jeannie said through gritted teeth.
Izzy’s head snapped back to the clerk. “I’ll take that one.” She pointed, without hesitation, to the more expensive knife.
Jeannie’s face paled and she swooned. “Nice try,” Izzy said, thinking she was trying to pull a fast one, and kept her focus on the clerk. “Can I get it gift wrapped?”
“I’m not feeling well,” Jeannie said, her voice trembling.
“Go home. Take a nap.” Izzy gave her little thought as she thumbed through the money inside her purse, counting out enough to pay for the knife.
“Izzy, I’m serious...you have to help me.” Jeannie grabbed at the counter with one hand and the other flew to her forehead like a magnet to steel.
“Just one sec, dear.” Izzy latched onto Jeannie’s arm without looking at her. “Here, sit down until I’m done.” She dismissed Jeannie, pushing her to the floor.
“Is she okay?” the clerk asked. “Should I get help?” The look on his face suggested he was starting to get a little worried.
“She’ll be fine.” Izzy’s headshake was minimal, but it was enough to ease the clerk’s tension. He began to smile and she continued her mantra. “She just hasn’t had any breakfast. It’s that low sugar level thing. I’ll take her to get something to eat after we’re done here.” She issued a promise, urging the clerk and he continued the sale’s process.
Izzy took her time finalizing the purchase. After obtaining directions to the store’s gift wrapping department, she glanced down at Jeannie.
“Why? Why’d you do it to me?” Jeannie whimpered.
Izzy studied Jeannie, feeling no empathy for her, still believing this was some kind of ploy. “Good Lord, Jeannie... quit being such a baby. There’s nothing wrong with you that a little food won’t cure.”
Truth be told, Izzy was enjoying turning the tables on her sister. So many times in the last few weeks, Jeannie had been an absolute bitch, taking cheap shots at Izzy every chance she got. Now, finally, Izzy was feeling some vindication. God, it felt good.
A
fter lunch at Marshall Field’s trendy restaurant, Jeannie still looked peaked. “Are you coming down with something?” Izzy asked her, and turned immediately toward the passing waitress. “Oh, Miss, could I get a slice of apple pie a la mode?”
The waitress stopped abruptly and looked at Izzy with the most confused expression she’d ever seen. “A la what?”
“With ice cream,” Izzy explained politely.
The waitress’s eyes lit with recognition. “Vanilla?”
“Please.” Izzy clasped her hands together on the table and glimpsed at Jeannie. “You want some pie and ice cream?” she asked, dismissing the prospect of Jeannie being ill.
“I’m really not feeling well, Izzy.” Jeannie’s weakened voice struggled to speak the words.
Probably a buildup from all that meanness.
“Okay, okay.” Izzy groaned. “Just let me finish my pie, okay? Then I’ll take you home...I promise.”
T
he bright lights on the Cool Cat’s stage glared in Izzy’s face, as they always did during her shows. She’d grown accustomed to focusing her eyes so she could study the crowd while she performed. Seeing Jack come in as she neared the end of the song sent her pulse racing and her hopes and expectations soaring.
He settled into his usual spot at the bar and watched her the way he used to, with adoring eyes. His attention drew her in and she couldn’t help herself. When she was done, she left the stage and went straight to his side.
“Hello, Jack.” She propped her hands on her hips. “What’s brings you here?”
Jack stroked his fingers over his stubbled chin and surveyed her with an affectionate gaze. “You and I need to talk. When are you done here?”
She examined him with curious hesitancy as the urge to move closer escalated. The fear of ruining his career crept into her thoughts.
“It’s important, Isabelle,” he said, as if he knew the thoughts running through her mind.
A flood of uncertainty shooed her hope away, but she still saw the sincerity and desperation in his eyes. Something important was on his mind. Somehow, she knew she needed to listen.
“I can tell Carl I’ve got to go check on Jeannie. She was really sick today.”
“She okay?”
“Yeah, she’s just got a bug or something.” A trivial shrug overshadowed Izzy’s words. “Or all that meanness is catching up with her.”
“Why don’t you tell him you need to go check on her, see.” Jack paused to gulp his beer.
Moments later, Izzy and Jack left the Cool Cat together. He slid his hands inside his pockets, and she fought the urge to wrap her arm around his. She didn’t know what the sudden urgency was all about but she had to be patient, she couldn’t lose her cool now.
Patience
.
They approached his car, and for the first time Izzy waited for him to open her door without thinking about it. She could tell by Jack’s grin that he was pleased.
As he dropped the top on the car, she noted his unusually happy attitude. He sprinted around to the driver’s side and hopped in, rested his arm on the back of the seat and turned to her, grinning.
She stared at him, curious. “Did I miss something?”
“We both did.”
Izzy glanced over her shoulder. It wasn’t unusual for Carl to pop outside, and she didn’t want to be sitting in the parking lot when and if he did. “Look, whatever it is that you’re so mysteriously trying to tell me...can we do it somewhere else? I’m supposed to be checking on Jeannie. I’d hate to get caught goofing off out here with you.”
“Fair enough.” Jack started the engine and shifted the car into gear. He flipped the lights on and eased the car out of the parking space.
“Are we going to my house?”
He shook his head. “We need to talk before we run into your sister.”
Things were getting stranger by the minute. That worried Izzy.
They traveled in silence to a deserted cliff overlooking the ocean. Izzy fought with herself. She wanted to turn and face him, find out what all the mystery was about, but an element of panic—fear of the unknown—spooked her. She swallowed hard, gulping that fear back down inside her gut.
“Okay, Jack.” She cast her gaze back out over the ocean. It was calmer than the last time they visited. Still, she wouldn’t mind wading along the water’s edge, hand-in-hand with Jack.
Focus
. She pushed the rambling thoughts out of her head. “The suspense is driving me nuts, Jack. What is it?”
He killed the engine and hesitated. When he finally turned toward her, she understood why. The worried look on his face bothered Izzy. Her curiosity wanted him to tell her what had gotten him so excited, but the tiniest part of her still worried about the unknown.
“You’re scaring me, Jack.” She let the fear trickle into her voice.
“That’s not my intention.” He draped his arm along the back of the seat. The muscles tightened around his jaw. He had something to say but now it seemed he was having second thoughts. “I could hardly wait to tell you the news. I’ve been anxious about it all evening, see. But now that the time has come, I’m beginning to wonder if maybe I’m just looking out for my own selfishness.”