“He’s my son, too. He’s your half-brother.”
Jon’s words hung in the air, and his eyes were fixed on Stephanie’s face, watching as her mouth fell open, closing reflexively before she spoke.
“Jay…….? He’s your………my……..” She looked at the three boys beside her, then back at her father. “He’s our brother?”
“Half, yeah.” Jon muttered.
“I……..uhhh……wow!” Stephanie blinked at her father, her thoughts jumbled, then one came flashing to the front. “Okay, first? Ewww! I mean, he’s my brother, and I wanted………uhhh…..” She blushed bright red, not finishing that thought, turning more serious. “Second….how long have you known, dad?”
“I…..well, I guessed when he first signed for the Soul.” Jon explained. “But I only knew for certain after he got hurt. That was when his mom came up from Kansas.”
“Is this why you’re getting divorced?” Steph asked, looking at her mom now, seeming reassured when Dot shook her head.
The three boys hadn’t said a word, but from their expressions Jon could see they couldn’t exactly see the big deal here. So they’d just gained a brother - so what?
“So when do we get to meet him?”
“Huh? You’ve met him before, Stephy.” Jon frowned, and she rolled her eyes.
“Well, yeah, dad, as a player. Never as our brother! When?”
“Whenever you like.”
At those words, Steph got off the couch and came over to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
“I still love you, daddy.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “And I can’t wait to meet my big brother!”
Unfortunately the understanding response of his teenage daughter was nothing more than a fleeting fantasy in Jon’s mind, and as he blinked out of the momentary daydream, he heard her true reaction.
“Dad! How could you?!” Steph was virtually screaming at him, her face scarlet with rage as she leapt to her feet. “How could you………how could you fuck around on mom and not even have the sense to use protection?”
“Stephanie!” Jon gasped, the hatred on her face breaking his heart. No more than you deserve, dickhead.
“Stephanie, don’t speak to your dad that way!” Dorothea snapped, and Steph turned her tear-stained face to her mother.
“He’s not my dad! He’s………I don’t know what he is, but my dad wouldn’t do that! No! It’s not true! He wouldn’t……..” Her voice trailed into helpless sobs, her childhood view of her father as, well, not a saint by any means, but as a ‘good man’ suddenly tarnished by this very concrete proof of his infidelity.
Dorothea got up from the couch and went over to her sobbing daughter, wrapping her arms around the girl’s shoulders, hushing her as she led her from the room.
His own eyes burning with emotion, Jon looked at his sons, seeing Jesse sullen, Jake confused and Romeo……well, Romeo clearly didn’t understand what was going on.
“Wha’s wrong with Stephy?” The youngest Bongiovi asked his daddy.
“She’s…….she’s kinda mad with daddy right now.” Jon said lamely, and Jesse snorted derisively.
“Y’think? Gee I wonder why, dad.” And with those less than comforting words he got up and left the room also.
“Shit.” Jon muttered under his breath, raking his hands through his hair, then looking across at Jake. “Jake?”
“I……..I…….” The young boy’s eyes were brimming with tears. He was just old enough to understand what had been said. Not to understand the details of how his dad and this Billie had made Jay, perhaps, but certainly old enough to know that they shouldn’t have. His dad and his mom did that - not his dad and anyone else. “Is it true, dad?”
Jon sighed. “Yes, Jake. It is. Jay is your half-brother.”
His lower lip quivering, Jake nodded sadly, getting to his feet, no longer meeting Jon’s gaze.
“I’m going to my room.” He mumbled, leaving without another word.
Sweet fuck, what have I done? Now I understand why Billie tried to make me keep it secret. She knew it would rip my family apart. Dear God, how can I ever make this right? With any of them?
Jon had his head buried in his hands, clenching handfuls of hair to keep from screaming his anger - anger at himself - into the room. He jumped when he felt a touch on his knee, jerking his head up to see Romeo’s serious little face close to him. His youngest, not quite five years old yet, looking at him with what Jon could only describe as compassion.
“S’okay, daddy.” He said in that sweet, still babyish voice, holding up his hands to be picked up.
Oh, thank you Lord. Thank you for making one of them not hate me.
Reaching out, Jon picked up his son, pulling him into his arms and holding him tightly. He felt Romeo’s little arms wrap around his neck, and he raised his eyes to heaven, fighting back the tears at the trusting innocence still in this one. This youngest one who still saw his daddy as just his daddy.
“Daddy?”
“Yeah, Romeo?”
“Daddy, will Jay teach me foo’ball? Teach me be a cottabak like him?”
Jon gasped in pain, but forced himself to answer as evenly as he could.
“We can always ask him, buddy.”
Romeo made a small sound of contentment, snuggling closer to Jon for a moment, then the chirp of Jon’s cellphone sounded, and he fumbled it from his pocket, never letting go of his son. Reading the display, Jon flipped the phone open.
“Rich?”
“Yeah, bro. Your lawyer did his thing - and that lady cop did hers too - and we’re on our way back to Jay’s place. No charge, no arrest, no nothing.”
“That’s good.” Jon mumbled, then Romeo tugged at his hair, hearing the voice through the phone.
“Unca Mookie?”
“Uh, yeah, Romeo, it’s Uncle Mookie.” Jon tried to smile. “Wanna say hi?”
“Uh huh.” The little boy’s tone of voice said more than the couple of syllables. Said ‘uh, yeah dad, of course I wanna say hi’. Much in little.
Jon held the phone to Romeo’s head, swallowing hard as he listened.
“Unca Mookie! I miss you!”
“Hey little guy!” Jon could hear Richie’s voice. “How you doin?”
“I okay.” He carried on, guileless and honest as only a child can be. “Stephy’s mad at daddy.”
“She is?!” Oh fuck……he’s told them…….and it doesn’t sound like it went well. “How ‘bout you let me talk to your daddy again, Romeo? I’ll see you soon, bud.”
“Okay.” Romeo pushed the phone away, wriggling from Jon’s arms. “Unca Mookie wants talk to you, daddy.”
“Thanks, Romeo.” Jon smiled at his son as he wandered from the room, then raised the phone to his ear. “I’m here.”
“And did Steph actually kick you in the balls, or do you just feel like it?” Richie asked insightfully.
“I wish she had.” Jon sighed. “It wouldn’t feel so fucking bad. What have I done, Richie?”
“What you had to.” His friend replied firmly. “What? You’d rather they’d found out from Mary Hart?”
“No, but……..” Jon threw himself back on the couch, covering his eyes with a forearm. “Fuck!”
In the back of the car, Richie winced sympathetically. Thankfully, he’d never been in this position, though finding out from a reporter that your wife had filed for divorce wasn’t a pleasant experience either. But this? This sucked big-time. Sure, okay, Jon had been stupid, but it stung that he was now having to pay for a mistake he’d made two decades ago. Rubbing his forehead, Richie spoke more gently.
“How bad was it, bro?”
“As bad as I expected. Times about a thousand.” Jon cleared his throat, feeling the tightness there as he voiced his greatest fear. “I don’t know if I can make this right, Rich. I don’t know if they’ll ever forgive me.”
Friday, May 11, 2012
Chapter 57
Richie looked up as the door opened, the man there unfamiliar but, by virtue of the suit and briefcase, he guessed it was Jon’s lawyer. Finally. About fucking time the guy showed up.
“Mr Sambora, I’m Thomas Vale.” The guy walked in, offering his hand.
Sliding his butt from the table, Richie shook hands with the lawyer, then his eyes caught sight of someone else behind the lawyer and he realised the lawyer hadn’t just arrived, but had already taken care of what he’d been brought here for. Walking into the waiting room was Jay - a handcuff-free Jay - with a tentative smile on his face.
“Mr….” Jay broke off at Richie’s suddenly stern expression, a smile flickering on his face as he remembered. “Sorry. Richie.”
“That’s better.” Richie looked from player to lawyer. “So………”
Any response was forestalled by the arrival of Detective Kellogg, her face flushed with embarrassment and just a hint of fear. A fear which was explained by the guy following her, everything about him screaming that he was in charge. And no doubt he’d just given his detective a lecture about procedures and protocols. And possible disciplinary action.
“Mr Kelsall.” She said quietly. “You’re free to leave.”
“Uh huh.” Jay replied cautiously, wanting to thank her, but knowing he couldn’t.
“I want you to be aware that we don’t tolerate that kind of violence in my city.” The boss-looking guy snapped, sneering at the female cop. “And the only reason you’re not being charged is this detective’s apparent disregard for the rules.”
“It’s hardly my client’s fault that your detective was so keen to obtain a confession she failed to ensure my client had been properly mirandized before interviewing him.” The lawyer said disdainfully, with definite emphasis on the ‘my client’ and ‘your detective’, laying the blame back at the feet of the chief of detectives.
The man looked at the lawyer briefly, then swung a harsh glance at Kellogg.
“Would you please escort these gentlemen outside.” His lip curled angrily. “If you can manage that.”
“Yes sir.” She replied quietly, not looking him in the eye. Not so much afraid of his anger, but afraid he’d see the truth in her eyes. The truth that she’d not forgotten to mirandize the suspect, but had done it - or rather not done it - deliberately.
Her boss turned on his heel and left the room, and she sighed in relief, glancing at the floor before looking up at the three waiting men. The lawyer still looked disdainful - but, hell, he was a lawyer! - but Richie and Jay just looked grateful, Richie grinning conspiratorially.
“Thank you.” Jay murmured, and she nodded once.
“This way.” She headed to the door, unable - unwilling - to say anything more here in the police station.
She led them into the foyer, and Richie was the one who hesitated.
“Uhhh…..I don’t mean to be a pain in the ass, but is there a back door to this place? The press are pretty much camped outside of here and, Jay, I don’t know if you want to…….”
Looking outside, the detective shrugged slightly. “If it helps, there wasn’t any media around until you and Mr Bongiovi arrived - so they’d probably think Jay was just helping with enquiries over his mom’s assault. Assuming that’s made the news.”
“Uh, yeah, it has.” Richie confirmed, and Jay looked at him in surprise.
“It has?” He’d been either closeted in the hospital, waiting for news, or in the police station - except for the brief trip home to sleep - and he’d seen no TV or papers since this all happened.
“Yeah. They haven’t gotten your mom’s name yet, but there was a news piece about a woman being assaulted in her room at the Carlton.” He tilted his head consideringly. “Might be best if they hear it from you, though.”
“Y’think?” Jay looked at the waiting detective. “Is that okay?”
“So long as you don’t accuse……anyone……..I don’t think there’s a problem. Just that you were here because your mom was attacked and we needed to take your statement should cover it.”
“And me and Jonny because Jay’s part of the family.” Richie winced at his poor choice of words. “The Soul family I mean.”
“Well, yeah.” Kellogg was a little confused. There’s something I’m not getting here. I know there is. Damn it, something I should have noticed, but…….
“Okay. Let’s do this, then.” Jay said, decisive as his father. As both of his parents, really. “Let’s get it over with.”
“Wait.” The detective halted them again. “You don’t have any transport, right?”
“No. Came over in a cab.”
“Okay. If you want to go out and do the press thing, I’ll bring a car around and get you out front.”
“Well, I have a car waiting.” The lawyer interrupted, somewhat miffed that, now he’d done as requested, getting the player out of trouble, he was being ignored. Not just ignored but….well, it seemed like everybody knew something he didn’t, and that pissed him off. “So I’ll be on my way.”
“Shit!” Jay exclaimed, cautiously offering his bandaged right hand. “Sorry, Mr Vale. Thanks for everything. If you hadn’t realised that the interview wasn’t legal……..”
“Yeah, thanks, Thomas.” Richie shook hands, too. He’d play along that the guy was a wonderful legal eagle, but he’d be damned if he’d call him ‘Mr’.
“You’re……welcome.” He replied. There was definitely something else here, but it wasn’t his concern. Quite frankly, he couldn’t wait to get back to the city - Philadelphia may be historic and wonderful and up and coming - yawn - but to him the only place worth being was New York. “I hope I never see you again.” He said, as close to a joke as he ever got, and Jay grinned.
“I’ll take that in the vein it was meant. Goodbye, Mr Vale.”
The lawyer left them there, heading outside to the car which was parked across the street, the driver in his seat waiting patiently. Richie and Jay exchanged glances - Jay’s smirk so like Jon’s that Richie wondered again how in the hell nobody had ever seen it before - then Kellogg interrupted them again.
“I’ll give you a few minutes then bring the car.”
“Are you sure? I’m sure you have better things to do than play chauffeur.” Jay objected mildly.
“Honestly? I think I’m best out of here for a little while. Before my boss nails me again.”
“Sorry, I……”
The glare from Kellogg shut Jay up instantly, her tiny headshake saying ‘not here’, and she opened the main doors of the station for them before retreating into the building, heading for the parking garage to collect her car. With a deep breath, Jay stepped out into the glare of flashbulbs, feeling the comforting presence of Richie at his side.
“Just keep it short.” Richie murmured to him before raising his hand to beg silence from the reporters. As they quieted, Jay cleared his throat to speak.
“I just have a…..a short statement to make.” He said nervously. Dammit, but he’d never been a big one for public speaking.
“Jay! Jay, were you arrested?” A voice yelled.
“Who……?” Jay pinpointed the questioner and shook his head. “No. My……my mother was attacked in her hotel, a few nights ago, and I was asked to come down to make a statement. Mr Sambora - and Mr Bongiovi - came down to give me some…..moral support, I guess.” He shrugged, smiling slightly. “As you know, the Soul is like a family, and I guess things like this bring out the best in families.”
“Is your mom okay?” A female voice this time, sounding genuinely concerned, and Jay gave the woman a smile.
“The doctors think she’ll be okay.” His voice softened. “And thanks for asking.”
“You said hotel…….was your mom the woman who was raped in the Ritz Carlton?” The first voice again, and Jay’s fists balled as much as they could in the protective wrapping of gauze and tape.
“Cool it.” Richie grunted so only Jay heard him, and he forced himself to relax his jaw before replying.
“Mom was……assaulted in the Ritz Carlton, yes. And I’m sorry, but that’s all I have to say.”
With relief, Jay saw Kellogg standing by the curb, holding open the back door of an unmarked car, and without another word to the press, he headed for the car, Richie following, his hand on Jay’s shoulder as they passed through the crowd. There were various voices yelling questions, and as Jay got into the car Richie turned to face the press, his expression sad.
“C’mon people - give the kid a break. His mom’s in hospital and he doesn’t need anything except to see her get better.” He said before following Jay into the backseat.
Kellogg got into the front of the car and drove away, just wanting to get out of the area - finding out their actual destination could wait a few minutes. In the back of the car, Richie clapped his hand onto Jay’s shoulder again, a comforting grip, then he spoke softly as he pulled his phone from a pocket.
“I should call him, let him know you’re out.”
“Yeah.” Jay breathed, grabbing out his own phone. “I need to find out how mom is.”
“Mr Sambora, I’m Thomas Vale.” The guy walked in, offering his hand.
Sliding his butt from the table, Richie shook hands with the lawyer, then his eyes caught sight of someone else behind the lawyer and he realised the lawyer hadn’t just arrived, but had already taken care of what he’d been brought here for. Walking into the waiting room was Jay - a handcuff-free Jay - with a tentative smile on his face.
“Mr….” Jay broke off at Richie’s suddenly stern expression, a smile flickering on his face as he remembered. “Sorry. Richie.”
“That’s better.” Richie looked from player to lawyer. “So………”
Any response was forestalled by the arrival of Detective Kellogg, her face flushed with embarrassment and just a hint of fear. A fear which was explained by the guy following her, everything about him screaming that he was in charge. And no doubt he’d just given his detective a lecture about procedures and protocols. And possible disciplinary action.
“Mr Kelsall.” She said quietly. “You’re free to leave.”
“Uh huh.” Jay replied cautiously, wanting to thank her, but knowing he couldn’t.
“I want you to be aware that we don’t tolerate that kind of violence in my city.” The boss-looking guy snapped, sneering at the female cop. “And the only reason you’re not being charged is this detective’s apparent disregard for the rules.”
“It’s hardly my client’s fault that your detective was so keen to obtain a confession she failed to ensure my client had been properly mirandized before interviewing him.” The lawyer said disdainfully, with definite emphasis on the ‘my client’ and ‘your detective’, laying the blame back at the feet of the chief of detectives.
The man looked at the lawyer briefly, then swung a harsh glance at Kellogg.
“Would you please escort these gentlemen outside.” His lip curled angrily. “If you can manage that.”
“Yes sir.” She replied quietly, not looking him in the eye. Not so much afraid of his anger, but afraid he’d see the truth in her eyes. The truth that she’d not forgotten to mirandize the suspect, but had done it - or rather not done it - deliberately.
Her boss turned on his heel and left the room, and she sighed in relief, glancing at the floor before looking up at the three waiting men. The lawyer still looked disdainful - but, hell, he was a lawyer! - but Richie and Jay just looked grateful, Richie grinning conspiratorially.
“Thank you.” Jay murmured, and she nodded once.
“This way.” She headed to the door, unable - unwilling - to say anything more here in the police station.
She led them into the foyer, and Richie was the one who hesitated.
“Uhhh…..I don’t mean to be a pain in the ass, but is there a back door to this place? The press are pretty much camped outside of here and, Jay, I don’t know if you want to…….”
Looking outside, the detective shrugged slightly. “If it helps, there wasn’t any media around until you and Mr Bongiovi arrived - so they’d probably think Jay was just helping with enquiries over his mom’s assault. Assuming that’s made the news.”
“Uh, yeah, it has.” Richie confirmed, and Jay looked at him in surprise.
“It has?” He’d been either closeted in the hospital, waiting for news, or in the police station - except for the brief trip home to sleep - and he’d seen no TV or papers since this all happened.
“Yeah. They haven’t gotten your mom’s name yet, but there was a news piece about a woman being assaulted in her room at the Carlton.” He tilted his head consideringly. “Might be best if they hear it from you, though.”
“Y’think?” Jay looked at the waiting detective. “Is that okay?”
“So long as you don’t accuse……anyone……..I don’t think there’s a problem. Just that you were here because your mom was attacked and we needed to take your statement should cover it.”
“And me and Jonny because Jay’s part of the family.” Richie winced at his poor choice of words. “The Soul family I mean.”
“Well, yeah.” Kellogg was a little confused. There’s something I’m not getting here. I know there is. Damn it, something I should have noticed, but…….
“Okay. Let’s do this, then.” Jay said, decisive as his father. As both of his parents, really. “Let’s get it over with.”
“Wait.” The detective halted them again. “You don’t have any transport, right?”
“No. Came over in a cab.”
“Okay. If you want to go out and do the press thing, I’ll bring a car around and get you out front.”
“Well, I have a car waiting.” The lawyer interrupted, somewhat miffed that, now he’d done as requested, getting the player out of trouble, he was being ignored. Not just ignored but….well, it seemed like everybody knew something he didn’t, and that pissed him off. “So I’ll be on my way.”
“Shit!” Jay exclaimed, cautiously offering his bandaged right hand. “Sorry, Mr Vale. Thanks for everything. If you hadn’t realised that the interview wasn’t legal……..”
“Yeah, thanks, Thomas.” Richie shook hands, too. He’d play along that the guy was a wonderful legal eagle, but he’d be damned if he’d call him ‘Mr’.
“You’re……welcome.” He replied. There was definitely something else here, but it wasn’t his concern. Quite frankly, he couldn’t wait to get back to the city - Philadelphia may be historic and wonderful and up and coming - yawn - but to him the only place worth being was New York. “I hope I never see you again.” He said, as close to a joke as he ever got, and Jay grinned.
“I’ll take that in the vein it was meant. Goodbye, Mr Vale.”
The lawyer left them there, heading outside to the car which was parked across the street, the driver in his seat waiting patiently. Richie and Jay exchanged glances - Jay’s smirk so like Jon’s that Richie wondered again how in the hell nobody had ever seen it before - then Kellogg interrupted them again.
“I’ll give you a few minutes then bring the car.”
“Are you sure? I’m sure you have better things to do than play chauffeur.” Jay objected mildly.
“Honestly? I think I’m best out of here for a little while. Before my boss nails me again.”
“Sorry, I……”
The glare from Kellogg shut Jay up instantly, her tiny headshake saying ‘not here’, and she opened the main doors of the station for them before retreating into the building, heading for the parking garage to collect her car. With a deep breath, Jay stepped out into the glare of flashbulbs, feeling the comforting presence of Richie at his side.
“Just keep it short.” Richie murmured to him before raising his hand to beg silence from the reporters. As they quieted, Jay cleared his throat to speak.
“I just have a…..a short statement to make.” He said nervously. Dammit, but he’d never been a big one for public speaking.
“Jay! Jay, were you arrested?” A voice yelled.
“Who……?” Jay pinpointed the questioner and shook his head. “No. My……my mother was attacked in her hotel, a few nights ago, and I was asked to come down to make a statement. Mr Sambora - and Mr Bongiovi - came down to give me some…..moral support, I guess.” He shrugged, smiling slightly. “As you know, the Soul is like a family, and I guess things like this bring out the best in families.”
“Is your mom okay?” A female voice this time, sounding genuinely concerned, and Jay gave the woman a smile.
“The doctors think she’ll be okay.” His voice softened. “And thanks for asking.”
“You said hotel…….was your mom the woman who was raped in the Ritz Carlton?” The first voice again, and Jay’s fists balled as much as they could in the protective wrapping of gauze and tape.
“Cool it.” Richie grunted so only Jay heard him, and he forced himself to relax his jaw before replying.
“Mom was……assaulted in the Ritz Carlton, yes. And I’m sorry, but that’s all I have to say.”
With relief, Jay saw Kellogg standing by the curb, holding open the back door of an unmarked car, and without another word to the press, he headed for the car, Richie following, his hand on Jay’s shoulder as they passed through the crowd. There were various voices yelling questions, and as Jay got into the car Richie turned to face the press, his expression sad.
“C’mon people - give the kid a break. His mom’s in hospital and he doesn’t need anything except to see her get better.” He said before following Jay into the backseat.
Kellogg got into the front of the car and drove away, just wanting to get out of the area - finding out their actual destination could wait a few minutes. In the back of the car, Richie clapped his hand onto Jay’s shoulder again, a comforting grip, then he spoke softly as he pulled his phone from a pocket.
“I should call him, let him know you’re out.”
“Yeah.” Jay breathed, grabbing out his own phone. “I need to find out how mom is.”
Chapter 56
Riding the elevator up to the apartment - if twenty four million dollars’ worth of Soho luxury could be classified as simply ‘an apartment’ - Jon tried to gather his thoughts. Unfortunately, the ride took less than a minute, so he was still stuck on the ‘how in the fuck do I tell the kids?’ part when the elevator doors slid open. He stood there, hesitant, for so long that the doors began to close again, and he shook himself from his thoughts with an effort, stepping forward and thrusting his hand between the doors so they opened again.
He stepped from the elevator, heading into the apartment and almost immediately hearing Dot call out from the living room, saying that they were in there.
“Great.” He muttered sourly. “Nothing like jumping straight into the lions’ den.”
But he knew it was for the best. May not be the most comfortable thing for him, but it was no doubt the best thing for the kids, in the long run. And that was what was important, right? That this was made easy - as easy at it could be - on the kids. His heart sinking with every slow step, Jon walked into the living room to find his wife sitting with their four children lined up on the opposite couch. With a tiny gesture, Dot invited him to sit beside her, to present at least the appearance of a united front in this.
“Hi guys.” He said softly as he sat down next to his wife, and four somewhat subdued voices replied with various versions of hello.
The kids looked troubled - even scared - and Jon gave them what he hoped was a reassuring smile as he clenched his hands together between his knees, forearms braced on his thighs as he leaned forward, facing them squarely. Drawing a deep breath to steady his nerves, but finding it didn’t help worth shit, Jon decided to just cowboy up - hell, even at this moment the phrase made him think of Billie - and get on with this.
“So I know you gotta be wondering why mom and I wanted to talk with you all like this.” He flicked a glance at Dot, seeing her patient expression as she let him do it himself. “And I guess there are two main reasons.”
“Are you getting divorced?” Stephanie interrupted, blurting out the words like they burned her tongue, looking stricken by her own outburst.
Jon gave her a tender smile and the tiniest nod.
“Yes, we are.” He said. Shit. Okay, that was the first bombshell, and the kids look……..okay, they actually look fairly cool about it. I guess, these days, it’s not such a big deal. “Your mom and I have decided to divorce…..but we both still love you guys just as much. It’s not anything any of you have done or…..”
“Dad - it’s cool.” That was Jesse, and Jon blinked in surprise at his eldest - shit, his second eldest! - son. “Most of the kids in my class, their parents are divorced.”
“Like dad said, we both still love all of you.” Dot put in. “And we’ll work everything out so you spend equal time with us both.”
Yeah, if they want to spend time with me when they hear about Jay. Jon thought sadly. That part went waaaay too easy - why do I get the feeling the next little bit of news won’t go down so well? Doesn’t matter that Dot has been fucking some other guy throughout our entire marriage - because I’d never tell the kids that - but they’ll hate me for cheating on her. For cheating that resulted in a half brother they never knew about. That I never knew about, dammit!
Pulling out of his thoughts, Jon realised the four kids were watching him closely, waiting expectantly for the next revelation. Bracing himself, he started to speak again.
“Okay, well, obviously that was the first thing I - we - wanted to tell you. The second…….” How the hell do I say this? “You all know Jay Kelsall, from the Soul, right?”
“Uh, yeah, dad.” Jesse again, rolling his eyes just like Jon himself did. And like Jay. “Our ‘junior’ quarterback? The one who got hurt? Sure we know him.” He swung a sneaky glance at his blushing sister. “Maybe not as well as some of us would like to, but we know who he is.”
“Oh, shut up, Jesse.” Stephanie muttered, blushing bright red. Oh, great, just what I need - my idiot brother telling dad I have a crush on the quarterback. Dad’ll never take me to another game!
“Yeah, okay Jess.” Dot interrupted firmly. “Enough.”
Shit, shit, shit! Dot was right - Steph has a crush on him…….on her brother! Half brother, anyway. Whatever…….
“Thing is………” Jon let his thoughts veer off at a slight tangent. “Well, you know mom and I have talked about what we always call my ‘grey summer’? When I took off on my bike, to try to get my head straight?”
Four slightly confused nods, and Jon could see them trying to figure out where the hell he was going with this.
“When I was gone on that ride, I stayed at a ranch for a week or so. Just me and the rancher, Billie.” He could see from their expressions they didn’t get it - probably partly because the name sounded like a guy’s name. Dammit all, but he was going to have to say the words. “Billie, by the way, is with an ‘ie’, not a ‘y’. Billie’s a woman.”
“No, Daddy!” Stephanie breathed, realisation hitting her first.
Well, it would, wouldn’t it? She was female and therefore more intuitive than the three boys put together. Of course, Jon was pretty sure her understanding was only as far as his infidelity. Never in a million years would she guess the whole truth.
“Billie and I…..we……y’know……” Yeah, kids, daddy was fucking her, in every conceivable place and position we could think of. No, Jonny, that’s probably not what they need to hear. “And, well…….aw, hell, there isn’t any easy way to say this. Billie’s name is Kelsall. Jay’s her son.” He looked Stephanie straight in the eyes, knowing she’d take this hardest. “He’s my son, too. He’s your half-brother.”
He stepped from the elevator, heading into the apartment and almost immediately hearing Dot call out from the living room, saying that they were in there.
“Great.” He muttered sourly. “Nothing like jumping straight into the lions’ den.”
But he knew it was for the best. May not be the most comfortable thing for him, but it was no doubt the best thing for the kids, in the long run. And that was what was important, right? That this was made easy - as easy at it could be - on the kids. His heart sinking with every slow step, Jon walked into the living room to find his wife sitting with their four children lined up on the opposite couch. With a tiny gesture, Dot invited him to sit beside her, to present at least the appearance of a united front in this.
“Hi guys.” He said softly as he sat down next to his wife, and four somewhat subdued voices replied with various versions of hello.
The kids looked troubled - even scared - and Jon gave them what he hoped was a reassuring smile as he clenched his hands together between his knees, forearms braced on his thighs as he leaned forward, facing them squarely. Drawing a deep breath to steady his nerves, but finding it didn’t help worth shit, Jon decided to just cowboy up - hell, even at this moment the phrase made him think of Billie - and get on with this.
“So I know you gotta be wondering why mom and I wanted to talk with you all like this.” He flicked a glance at Dot, seeing her patient expression as she let him do it himself. “And I guess there are two main reasons.”
“Are you getting divorced?” Stephanie interrupted, blurting out the words like they burned her tongue, looking stricken by her own outburst.
Jon gave her a tender smile and the tiniest nod.
“Yes, we are.” He said. Shit. Okay, that was the first bombshell, and the kids look……..okay, they actually look fairly cool about it. I guess, these days, it’s not such a big deal. “Your mom and I have decided to divorce…..but we both still love you guys just as much. It’s not anything any of you have done or…..”
“Dad - it’s cool.” That was Jesse, and Jon blinked in surprise at his eldest - shit, his second eldest! - son. “Most of the kids in my class, their parents are divorced.”
“Like dad said, we both still love all of you.” Dot put in. “And we’ll work everything out so you spend equal time with us both.”
Yeah, if they want to spend time with me when they hear about Jay. Jon thought sadly. That part went waaaay too easy - why do I get the feeling the next little bit of news won’t go down so well? Doesn’t matter that Dot has been fucking some other guy throughout our entire marriage - because I’d never tell the kids that - but they’ll hate me for cheating on her. For cheating that resulted in a half brother they never knew about. That I never knew about, dammit!
Pulling out of his thoughts, Jon realised the four kids were watching him closely, waiting expectantly for the next revelation. Bracing himself, he started to speak again.
“Okay, well, obviously that was the first thing I - we - wanted to tell you. The second…….” How the hell do I say this? “You all know Jay Kelsall, from the Soul, right?”
“Uh, yeah, dad.” Jesse again, rolling his eyes just like Jon himself did. And like Jay. “Our ‘junior’ quarterback? The one who got hurt? Sure we know him.” He swung a sneaky glance at his blushing sister. “Maybe not as well as some of us would like to, but we know who he is.”
“Oh, shut up, Jesse.” Stephanie muttered, blushing bright red. Oh, great, just what I need - my idiot brother telling dad I have a crush on the quarterback. Dad’ll never take me to another game!
“Yeah, okay Jess.” Dot interrupted firmly. “Enough.”
Shit, shit, shit! Dot was right - Steph has a crush on him…….on her brother! Half brother, anyway. Whatever…….
“Thing is………” Jon let his thoughts veer off at a slight tangent. “Well, you know mom and I have talked about what we always call my ‘grey summer’? When I took off on my bike, to try to get my head straight?”
Four slightly confused nods, and Jon could see them trying to figure out where the hell he was going with this.
“When I was gone on that ride, I stayed at a ranch for a week or so. Just me and the rancher, Billie.” He could see from their expressions they didn’t get it - probably partly because the name sounded like a guy’s name. Dammit all, but he was going to have to say the words. “Billie, by the way, is with an ‘ie’, not a ‘y’. Billie’s a woman.”
“No, Daddy!” Stephanie breathed, realisation hitting her first.
Well, it would, wouldn’t it? She was female and therefore more intuitive than the three boys put together. Of course, Jon was pretty sure her understanding was only as far as his infidelity. Never in a million years would she guess the whole truth.
“Billie and I…..we……y’know……” Yeah, kids, daddy was fucking her, in every conceivable place and position we could think of. No, Jonny, that’s probably not what they need to hear. “And, well…….aw, hell, there isn’t any easy way to say this. Billie’s name is Kelsall. Jay’s her son.” He looked Stephanie straight in the eyes, knowing she’d take this hardest. “He’s my son, too. He’s your half-brother.”
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Chapter 55
Jon left the room resolutely, looking back at the door to raise his hand in a goodbye wave. Dammit, but everything in him wanted to go back over and pull his son into a hug, but outside of the fact he’d probably find himself in handcuffs right next to Jay for flouting the ‘no touching’ rule, he was more worried that the kid would lash out - verbally at least - and the tiny bit of progress they’d made would be destroyed.
Detective Kellogg was waiting outside, and she studied his face as she spoke carefully.
“I’m going to question Mr Kelsall now.” She told him, seeing in his eyes that he knew what she was doing. What she was doing, of course, was taking a chance with her entire career. Questioning a suspect when she knew perfectly well he’d not been mirandized. Taking his statement - his confession, no doubt - when she knew it would never see a courtroom, once the rockstar’s lawyer got involved.
“Okay.” Jon said just as carefully, wanting to thank her but all too aware of the other cops around, not wanting to drop her in the shit any more than she was about to do herself. Hell, if they fired her over this, he’d employ her, if she wanted to work on the security side of the company. A woman would be far better armored against the wiles of persistent groupies anyway. “I need to head back to New York, but I’ll come back here later, if that’s allowed?”
“Shouldn’t be a problem.” She smiled. “Just……give me a call first? Here.” She handed him a card with her cell number. The implication was obvious - call me in case he’s been released already.
“Will do. Bye, Detective.”
He left her standing there, heading downstairs to find Richie still waiting. Quickly, he filled him in on the conversation with Jay, telling him he was headed back to the city. Unsurprisingly, Richie just nodded placidly, still sitting on the table.
“I’ll wait here for him.” He said. “Lawyer should be here soon, right?”
“Yeah. That lady detective is questioning Jay now, so I’m sure once that’s done……”
“Uh huh. Well, I’ll hang here until there’s any news.” He grinned. “And, yes, I’ll call you when there is any news, Kidd.”
“Thanks, bro.” Jon murmured, and Richie finally got off the table, moving to hug his friend.
“Good luck.” Richie said softly, squeezing Jon’s shoulders a little harder before stepping away and looking at him more closely. “And can I suggest you get something to eat, too?”
“What are you? My mom?”
“Fuck you. You look like shit, Jonny. Far as I know all you’ve had since Billie got hurt is coffee and booze.”
“I…….” Jon paused. Shit, he’s right. He hadn’t realised it, but it was true, and with that realisation came a sudden pang of hunger. “Yeah, okay. I’ll get something on the way back home.”
On the way downstairs, he’d called the limo company he used, and they’d made a fast arrangement with their sister company in Philly, promising the usual dark-tinted SUV would be waiting outside in ten minutes. Those minutes were gone, and Jon left Richie, heading out through the front of the police station…….and straight into the waiting jaws of the media sharks.
“Jon! Jon! Can you tell us what’s going on? Has Richie been arrested again? What are the charges?”
That was the clearest question he heard, and he ground his teeth together angrily. Dammit, but he’d not thought of that - the automatic assumption of the media that, since he’d gone in there with Richie but left alone, his wingman must be the one in trouble.
“No comment.” He growled repeatedly, then he made it to the sanctuary of the dark car, breathing a sigh of relief as the driver closed the door. “Shit!” Jon yanked his phone from a pocket, dialling Richie’s number.
“Jonny, you just left!”
“I know. Listen, bro, just a heads-up……..the press are camped outside, and because I left you in there…..”
“They’ve decided I been arrested again, huh?” Richie actually chuckled, then grew serious. “I’ll call mom, let her know it’s…….one of the Soul guys. I’ll let Heather know, too.”
Ending the call, Jon flipped the switch to speak to the driver, asking him to stop at the first drive-thru they came to, and by the time they hit the freeway he was munching on an outsized burger, his belly growling at the delicious smells as he ate. Sure, he loved sushi and all kinds of ‘nice’ foods, but sometimes the only thing a guy wanted was a juicy burger and a pile of fries. Not forgetting a good, creamy chocolate shake, of course.
With his hunger sated, Jon wiped the grease from his face and hands before picking up his cellphone again. This call could be rough. Leaning his head back on the seat, he dialled.
“Hello?” A sweet and familiar voice answered, and Jon felt an icy fist clench around his heart. Please, God, don’t let me lose her. None of them.
“Hey Stephy.”
“Dad? Where’d you go? Mom said you went to see Uncle Mookie - is he okay?”
“He’s fine, baby. Is mom there?”
“Uh huh. Hold on……..” She paused. “When are you coming home?”
“I’m on my way now.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll get mom. Bye dad.”
“Bye, baby.” Jon pinched the bridge of his nose as he waited, then he heard the phone being picked up again.
“Jon? Where are you?”
“I’m heading home, Dot.” He felt a flash of a smile as he remembered Jay saying about having ‘his own’ name for his girl, too. “I’ll be there soon. Can we……..I need to talk to the kids, Dot. I need to tell them about Jay, before they find out from the TV.”
“Why the sudden need to tell them now?”
Dot sounded suspicious. He couldn’t really blame her.
“You’re not with any of the kids now?”
“No - I’m in the bedroom. What’s going on, Jon?”
“The reason I came up to Philly…….” He decided to tell her it in the order that made sense, not the way he’d found out, in disjointed bits and pieces. “Someone found out about Jay, Dot. He was blackmailing Billie, and…….”
“Blackmailing her, not you?” Dot was surprised. “Does she have that kind of money?”
“She has some, yeah, but he didn’t want money. He wanted her…….wanted a toy.” The unmistakable disgust in his voice told Dot just what kind of ‘toy’ he meant. “Wanted her to do what he wanted, when he wanted…….and she did, at first. He came around again, though, and she told him to get lost…….so he beat and raped her. Raped and worse.”
“Bastard.” She murmured. Really, Dot didn’t have anything against this Billie, but even if she had……hell, no woman deserved rape. Or ‘worse’, whatever that meant.
“Yeah.” Jon sighed. “Anyway, quick version is that she was found, in a pretty bad way, and brought to hospital - that was when Richie called me, because he didn’t have a number for Jay.”
“Richie? Why was he involved?”
“He found her, Dot. They’ve gotten to be friends, and he went up to her room, to see her.” No point telling Dot he went to tell her I’d called. “He found her bleeding, and when she collapsed he got help.” He sighed. “So we got Jay up there, too. He found out about……about me……then a bit later the fucker who raped her showed up at the hospital. Luckily, the cops had arrived to speak to Billie, so they arrested him. Jay arrived, put two and two together and got himself arrested for attacking him.”
“And how’s….Billie?”
“I don’t know. Bad, I think. The doctor was with her when Jay’s girlfriend called to tell Richie he’d been arrested. That’s why I need to tell the kids now, Dot, because soon as the cops start questioning Fabian he’ll tell them about Jay, about me, and it’ll be on ET before you can blink. The closest thing I have to good news right now is that the cop who arrested Jay seems sympathetic - I think he’ll get off with this, because she’s deliberately not read him his rights before questioning him. So the lawyer will take about five minutes to get him out of there.”
“Fabian?” Dot asked, frowning as the name sank in. “Nick Fabian?”
“Yeah.”
“He was the one attacked her? The guy from the team?” Dot’s voice was getting angrier with every word. “The one who was coming on to Stephanie?”
“That’s him.” Jon said simply. There wasn’t anything else needed - Dot had been there when Jon first saw how he was being around their teenage daughter, and if he hadn’t warned Fabian off, she’d have done it herself. He looked out through the tinted window as the car slowed. “I’m home, Dot.”
“Okay.” She sighed. God, I hate this, but we need to do it. The kids do not deserve to find out from the TV. “I’ll get the kids together……..and…..Jon?”
“Yeah, Dot?”
“I may not like this - hell, I don’t like this - but I’ll back you in front of the children.”
“Thank you, Dot.” Jon closed his eyes in relief. Maybe this would be okay after all. “I’ll be up in a few minutes.”
Detective Kellogg was waiting outside, and she studied his face as she spoke carefully.
“I’m going to question Mr Kelsall now.” She told him, seeing in his eyes that he knew what she was doing. What she was doing, of course, was taking a chance with her entire career. Questioning a suspect when she knew perfectly well he’d not been mirandized. Taking his statement - his confession, no doubt - when she knew it would never see a courtroom, once the rockstar’s lawyer got involved.
“Okay.” Jon said just as carefully, wanting to thank her but all too aware of the other cops around, not wanting to drop her in the shit any more than she was about to do herself. Hell, if they fired her over this, he’d employ her, if she wanted to work on the security side of the company. A woman would be far better armored against the wiles of persistent groupies anyway. “I need to head back to New York, but I’ll come back here later, if that’s allowed?”
“Shouldn’t be a problem.” She smiled. “Just……give me a call first? Here.” She handed him a card with her cell number. The implication was obvious - call me in case he’s been released already.
“Will do. Bye, Detective.”
He left her standing there, heading downstairs to find Richie still waiting. Quickly, he filled him in on the conversation with Jay, telling him he was headed back to the city. Unsurprisingly, Richie just nodded placidly, still sitting on the table.
“I’ll wait here for him.” He said. “Lawyer should be here soon, right?”
“Yeah. That lady detective is questioning Jay now, so I’m sure once that’s done……”
“Uh huh. Well, I’ll hang here until there’s any news.” He grinned. “And, yes, I’ll call you when there is any news, Kidd.”
“Thanks, bro.” Jon murmured, and Richie finally got off the table, moving to hug his friend.
“Good luck.” Richie said softly, squeezing Jon’s shoulders a little harder before stepping away and looking at him more closely. “And can I suggest you get something to eat, too?”
“What are you? My mom?”
“Fuck you. You look like shit, Jonny. Far as I know all you’ve had since Billie got hurt is coffee and booze.”
“I…….” Jon paused. Shit, he’s right. He hadn’t realised it, but it was true, and with that realisation came a sudden pang of hunger. “Yeah, okay. I’ll get something on the way back home.”
On the way downstairs, he’d called the limo company he used, and they’d made a fast arrangement with their sister company in Philly, promising the usual dark-tinted SUV would be waiting outside in ten minutes. Those minutes were gone, and Jon left Richie, heading out through the front of the police station…….and straight into the waiting jaws of the media sharks.
“Jon! Jon! Can you tell us what’s going on? Has Richie been arrested again? What are the charges?”
That was the clearest question he heard, and he ground his teeth together angrily. Dammit, but he’d not thought of that - the automatic assumption of the media that, since he’d gone in there with Richie but left alone, his wingman must be the one in trouble.
“No comment.” He growled repeatedly, then he made it to the sanctuary of the dark car, breathing a sigh of relief as the driver closed the door. “Shit!” Jon yanked his phone from a pocket, dialling Richie’s number.
“Jonny, you just left!”
“I know. Listen, bro, just a heads-up……..the press are camped outside, and because I left you in there…..”
“They’ve decided I been arrested again, huh?” Richie actually chuckled, then grew serious. “I’ll call mom, let her know it’s…….one of the Soul guys. I’ll let Heather know, too.”
Ending the call, Jon flipped the switch to speak to the driver, asking him to stop at the first drive-thru they came to, and by the time they hit the freeway he was munching on an outsized burger, his belly growling at the delicious smells as he ate. Sure, he loved sushi and all kinds of ‘nice’ foods, but sometimes the only thing a guy wanted was a juicy burger and a pile of fries. Not forgetting a good, creamy chocolate shake, of course.
With his hunger sated, Jon wiped the grease from his face and hands before picking up his cellphone again. This call could be rough. Leaning his head back on the seat, he dialled.
“Hello?” A sweet and familiar voice answered, and Jon felt an icy fist clench around his heart. Please, God, don’t let me lose her. None of them.
“Hey Stephy.”
“Dad? Where’d you go? Mom said you went to see Uncle Mookie - is he okay?”
“He’s fine, baby. Is mom there?”
“Uh huh. Hold on……..” She paused. “When are you coming home?”
“I’m on my way now.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll get mom. Bye dad.”
“Bye, baby.” Jon pinched the bridge of his nose as he waited, then he heard the phone being picked up again.
“Jon? Where are you?”
“I’m heading home, Dot.” He felt a flash of a smile as he remembered Jay saying about having ‘his own’ name for his girl, too. “I’ll be there soon. Can we……..I need to talk to the kids, Dot. I need to tell them about Jay, before they find out from the TV.”
“Why the sudden need to tell them now?”
Dot sounded suspicious. He couldn’t really blame her.
“You’re not with any of the kids now?”
“No - I’m in the bedroom. What’s going on, Jon?”
“The reason I came up to Philly…….” He decided to tell her it in the order that made sense, not the way he’d found out, in disjointed bits and pieces. “Someone found out about Jay, Dot. He was blackmailing Billie, and…….”
“Blackmailing her, not you?” Dot was surprised. “Does she have that kind of money?”
“She has some, yeah, but he didn’t want money. He wanted her…….wanted a toy.” The unmistakable disgust in his voice told Dot just what kind of ‘toy’ he meant. “Wanted her to do what he wanted, when he wanted…….and she did, at first. He came around again, though, and she told him to get lost…….so he beat and raped her. Raped and worse.”
“Bastard.” She murmured. Really, Dot didn’t have anything against this Billie, but even if she had……hell, no woman deserved rape. Or ‘worse’, whatever that meant.
“Yeah.” Jon sighed. “Anyway, quick version is that she was found, in a pretty bad way, and brought to hospital - that was when Richie called me, because he didn’t have a number for Jay.”
“Richie? Why was he involved?”
“He found her, Dot. They’ve gotten to be friends, and he went up to her room, to see her.” No point telling Dot he went to tell her I’d called. “He found her bleeding, and when she collapsed he got help.” He sighed. “So we got Jay up there, too. He found out about……about me……then a bit later the fucker who raped her showed up at the hospital. Luckily, the cops had arrived to speak to Billie, so they arrested him. Jay arrived, put two and two together and got himself arrested for attacking him.”
“And how’s….Billie?”
“I don’t know. Bad, I think. The doctor was with her when Jay’s girlfriend called to tell Richie he’d been arrested. That’s why I need to tell the kids now, Dot, because soon as the cops start questioning Fabian he’ll tell them about Jay, about me, and it’ll be on ET before you can blink. The closest thing I have to good news right now is that the cop who arrested Jay seems sympathetic - I think he’ll get off with this, because she’s deliberately not read him his rights before questioning him. So the lawyer will take about five minutes to get him out of there.”
“Fabian?” Dot asked, frowning as the name sank in. “Nick Fabian?”
“Yeah.”
“He was the one attacked her? The guy from the team?” Dot’s voice was getting angrier with every word. “The one who was coming on to Stephanie?”
“That’s him.” Jon said simply. There wasn’t anything else needed - Dot had been there when Jon first saw how he was being around their teenage daughter, and if he hadn’t warned Fabian off, she’d have done it herself. He looked out through the tinted window as the car slowed. “I’m home, Dot.”
“Okay.” She sighed. God, I hate this, but we need to do it. The kids do not deserve to find out from the TV. “I’ll get the kids together……..and…..Jon?”
“Yeah, Dot?”
“I may not like this - hell, I don’t like this - but I’ll back you in front of the children.”
“Thank you, Dot.” Jon closed his eyes in relief. Maybe this would be okay after all. “I’ll be up in a few minutes.”
Chapter 54
“Hi.” Jay replied hesitantly. Somehow, now that Jon was actually here, he wasn’t sure why he’d asked for him. Just some instinctive reaction that he was the one person who could help him right now. “Thanks for coming, uh…..boss……I mean……” Shit. What do I call him?
“Jon’s fine.” Jon said, seeing the confusion and accurately guessing the cause. “I wouldn’t presume to expect anything else, Jay, but maybe ‘Jon’ is better than ‘boss’?”
“Jon.” Jay repeated, his relief palpable. ‘Boss’ hadn’t felt right, and there was no way in hell he could imagine calling him ‘dad’. Sure, he was his father, but he wasn’t his dad. Besides, it wasn’t a word he’d ever been accustomed to using. One thing about his mom - she’d not been one of those single moms whose kid had to endure an endless chain of ‘uncles’. Maybe that was partly why he’d excelled at sports, finding in his coach the closest thing he’d had to a father-figure.
“So…..d’you wanna tell me what happened?”
“Not much to tell.” Jay blew out a breath, looking Jon square in the eyes for the first time since he’d arrived. “I went up to the hospital to see mom, and the cops were just hauling Fabian out of her room. Mom had already told us he was the one who…….who….that he………”
“S’okay, son. Jay.” Jon winced at his slip, but Jay was lost enough in his thoughts that he missed it.
“She told Desi and me it was Fabian who’d hurt her, and when I saw him there…..I snapped. Only got a couple punches before that lady cop yanked me off him.” A smile flickered briefly, then died just as fast. “From what she said on the ride in, he was already hurtin’, ‘cause Desi had kicked him in the balls when he introduced himself to her.”
“Who’s Desi?” Jon had to ask.
“Kadie.” Jay shrugged. Already ‘Desi’ was how he thought of her, and he forgot nobody else used the name. “Her name is actually Karenza Desiree. Most folk use her initials - kinda - and call her Kadie, but…….”
“But you needed a name only you used for her.” Jon finished for him, Jay looking at him in surprise until Jon grinned. “My……wife. Everybody used to call her Thea, back when we met. Was only after we got together I started calling her Dot - or Dotty - and it kinda stuck. Then, of course, the fans got a hold of it and that was that.”
Jay smiled suddenly, for the first time seeing Jon as just a guy. Not a rockstar, or his boss, or a newly discovered, and instantly, impetuously hated, father. But a guy who was trying to help. Maybe it was seeing his mom so dangerously ill again, or the shock of his own instant attack on Nick, but a lot of Jay’s anger at Jon had evaporated. At least for now. Yeah, being hauled off to jail - or close to it - gives a guy some perspective, he thought wryly.
“But one of the last things mom said to me……”
“Last things?” Jon interrupted, blanching. “She’s not……”
“No! God, I hope not! I just meant, last time I saw her, she said…..”
“Oh, thank God.” Jon’s voice was gusty with emotion, the words heartfelt, and Jay felt a prickle of empathy as he realised that Jon actually did care about his mom. Well, realised it or allowed himself to believe it. “Sorry, Jay. What did she say?” Jon continued.
“She said that we should talk. She said the three of us, but I guess that won’t be happening right now. I know she’s really worried about your kids finding out from the media, though. Finding out about me, I mean.”
“Yeah, they don’t deserve that. She told me the same when I first saw her up in your hospital room.” Jon buried both hands into his hair for a moment, looking down at the scratched metal tabletop, the next words muttered almost to himself. “She’s been protecting me a long fucking time.”
Suddenly sensitive to Jon’s feelings - not even sure why - Jay refrained from reminding him just how badly she’d allowed herself to be treated in her attempts to protect him from his youthful indiscretion, but it turned out he didn’t know Jon that well yet.
“I swear to Christ…….” Jon snapped suddenly, painfully. “….I get my hands on him……Jesus, what she let him do, to protect me…….protect my family…..”
“I think the cops have a good case against him.” Jay said softly. He wouldn’t explain it here, when he wasn’t sure whether conversations were recorded, but on the ride over Detective Kellogg had been unprofessionally honest about the evidence against Nick. Okay, so they hadn’t yet checked his DNA against the evidence gathered by Doctor Riviello, but given the circumstances of Nick’s arrest - partway through attacking Kadie - he certainly looked as guilty as sin.
“And what about against you?”
“Uhhh……well he was kinda already cuffed when I hit him……”
“And the cops saw you do it?”
“Ohhh yeah.” Jay blushed.
Jon lowered his voice slightly. “Have they read you your rights yet?”
“Uh….no!” Jay said in surprise, looking closely at Jon. “The detective and Desi seemed to be doing one of those woman-to-woman secret communication things about that, but I didn’t……”
“That’s what I thought. Just don’t mention it, ‘kay?” Jon said.
“Okay.” Jay replied. Jesus, he’s just as cryptic as they were. What the hell am I missing here? If they don’t read me my rights, what difference does it make? I’m still under arrest. Not really like I can deny it, since two cops saw me do it……so they question me and I tell them the truth. I assume Jon has arranged for a lawyer, but he can’t really get around it - not like they need much physical evidence, so no chance of getting off on a ‘technicality’……. His eyes widened suddenly as the penny finally dropped, and he looked at Jon incredulously.
“Yeah, I needed it explained to me, too.” He smirked, nodding at Jay. “So just shut up about it for now.”
“Yes, boss.” Jay smirked back at him, the similarity of their expressions startling Jon.
It really was like looking in a magic mirror, showing himself 20 years ago.
“So, I called my lawyer.” Jon said, covering his astonishment at seeing ‘himself’ so much in Jay. He’d never seen it in Jesse, Jake or Romeo - Stephanie was turning out like her mom - but maybe that was just because they were still kids. “He’s on his way over now. But we need to talk, Jay, about what we tell the media.”
“Nothing.” He said flatly.
“That won’t fly, and you know it.” Jon chided him. “Hell, ignoring anything else, you’re the rising star quarterback on the Soul, Jay, and you were brought in here in handcuffs. The papers will be all over it.”
“Shit.” Jay said succinctly, then looked across the table. “You need to tell your kids. Soon. Hell, soon as they start questioning Nick, you know he’s going to spill his guts about it, don’t you? Won’t take long for it to hit the media then.”
“I know.”
“I think…..” The younger man’s voice was suddenly resolute. “I think you should go home, Jon, and talk to your kids. Do it now, before there’s even a chance of them finding out in the news.”
“But I can’t leave you here…..”
“Why not? Not like I’m going anywhere.” He smirked again. “Your lawyer’ll be here soon, right? I assume you explained the ‘situation’ to him, so he’ll take care of it.”
“Yeah, I told him.” Jon said slowly. Dammit, he’s right. I hate that he’s right, but he is. Steph, Jesse, Jake and Romeo need to be told now. Hopefully they won’t hate me as much as Jay does……. “Okay. I’ll be back, though, soon as I can. You have my cell number, right?”
“No.”
Jon dug a card from his pocket and laid it in front of Jay, mindful of the ‘no touching’ rule. He stood up, looking down at his son. His son, dammit!
“Once we get this squared away, d’you want to meet them?” He asked suddenly, blue eyes meeting identical Bongiovi blue as Jay looked up in surprise.
“I……..” He looked away. Do I? Do I want to meet his children? His other children. My……Jesus…..my brothers and my sister…….half-brothers and sister anyway…… Looking up again, Jay saw Jon waiting patiently for his response, and he drew a deep breath before saying something he knew could have a huge impact on his life. “I guess that’ll depend if they want to meet me.”
“Jon’s fine.” Jon said, seeing the confusion and accurately guessing the cause. “I wouldn’t presume to expect anything else, Jay, but maybe ‘Jon’ is better than ‘boss’?”
“Jon.” Jay repeated, his relief palpable. ‘Boss’ hadn’t felt right, and there was no way in hell he could imagine calling him ‘dad’. Sure, he was his father, but he wasn’t his dad. Besides, it wasn’t a word he’d ever been accustomed to using. One thing about his mom - she’d not been one of those single moms whose kid had to endure an endless chain of ‘uncles’. Maybe that was partly why he’d excelled at sports, finding in his coach the closest thing he’d had to a father-figure.
“So…..d’you wanna tell me what happened?”
“Not much to tell.” Jay blew out a breath, looking Jon square in the eyes for the first time since he’d arrived. “I went up to the hospital to see mom, and the cops were just hauling Fabian out of her room. Mom had already told us he was the one who…….who….that he………”
“S’okay, son. Jay.” Jon winced at his slip, but Jay was lost enough in his thoughts that he missed it.
“She told Desi and me it was Fabian who’d hurt her, and when I saw him there…..I snapped. Only got a couple punches before that lady cop yanked me off him.” A smile flickered briefly, then died just as fast. “From what she said on the ride in, he was already hurtin’, ‘cause Desi had kicked him in the balls when he introduced himself to her.”
“Who’s Desi?” Jon had to ask.
“Kadie.” Jay shrugged. Already ‘Desi’ was how he thought of her, and he forgot nobody else used the name. “Her name is actually Karenza Desiree. Most folk use her initials - kinda - and call her Kadie, but…….”
“But you needed a name only you used for her.” Jon finished for him, Jay looking at him in surprise until Jon grinned. “My……wife. Everybody used to call her Thea, back when we met. Was only after we got together I started calling her Dot - or Dotty - and it kinda stuck. Then, of course, the fans got a hold of it and that was that.”
Jay smiled suddenly, for the first time seeing Jon as just a guy. Not a rockstar, or his boss, or a newly discovered, and instantly, impetuously hated, father. But a guy who was trying to help. Maybe it was seeing his mom so dangerously ill again, or the shock of his own instant attack on Nick, but a lot of Jay’s anger at Jon had evaporated. At least for now. Yeah, being hauled off to jail - or close to it - gives a guy some perspective, he thought wryly.
“But one of the last things mom said to me……”
“Last things?” Jon interrupted, blanching. “She’s not……”
“No! God, I hope not! I just meant, last time I saw her, she said…..”
“Oh, thank God.” Jon’s voice was gusty with emotion, the words heartfelt, and Jay felt a prickle of empathy as he realised that Jon actually did care about his mom. Well, realised it or allowed himself to believe it. “Sorry, Jay. What did she say?” Jon continued.
“She said that we should talk. She said the three of us, but I guess that won’t be happening right now. I know she’s really worried about your kids finding out from the media, though. Finding out about me, I mean.”
“Yeah, they don’t deserve that. She told me the same when I first saw her up in your hospital room.” Jon buried both hands into his hair for a moment, looking down at the scratched metal tabletop, the next words muttered almost to himself. “She’s been protecting me a long fucking time.”
Suddenly sensitive to Jon’s feelings - not even sure why - Jay refrained from reminding him just how badly she’d allowed herself to be treated in her attempts to protect him from his youthful indiscretion, but it turned out he didn’t know Jon that well yet.
“I swear to Christ…….” Jon snapped suddenly, painfully. “….I get my hands on him……Jesus, what she let him do, to protect me…….protect my family…..”
“I think the cops have a good case against him.” Jay said softly. He wouldn’t explain it here, when he wasn’t sure whether conversations were recorded, but on the ride over Detective Kellogg had been unprofessionally honest about the evidence against Nick. Okay, so they hadn’t yet checked his DNA against the evidence gathered by Doctor Riviello, but given the circumstances of Nick’s arrest - partway through attacking Kadie - he certainly looked as guilty as sin.
“And what about against you?”
“Uhhh……well he was kinda already cuffed when I hit him……”
“And the cops saw you do it?”
“Ohhh yeah.” Jay blushed.
Jon lowered his voice slightly. “Have they read you your rights yet?”
“Uh….no!” Jay said in surprise, looking closely at Jon. “The detective and Desi seemed to be doing one of those woman-to-woman secret communication things about that, but I didn’t……”
“That’s what I thought. Just don’t mention it, ‘kay?” Jon said.
“Okay.” Jay replied. Jesus, he’s just as cryptic as they were. What the hell am I missing here? If they don’t read me my rights, what difference does it make? I’m still under arrest. Not really like I can deny it, since two cops saw me do it……so they question me and I tell them the truth. I assume Jon has arranged for a lawyer, but he can’t really get around it - not like they need much physical evidence, so no chance of getting off on a ‘technicality’……. His eyes widened suddenly as the penny finally dropped, and he looked at Jon incredulously.
“Yeah, I needed it explained to me, too.” He smirked, nodding at Jay. “So just shut up about it for now.”
“Yes, boss.” Jay smirked back at him, the similarity of their expressions startling Jon.
It really was like looking in a magic mirror, showing himself 20 years ago.
“So, I called my lawyer.” Jon said, covering his astonishment at seeing ‘himself’ so much in Jay. He’d never seen it in Jesse, Jake or Romeo - Stephanie was turning out like her mom - but maybe that was just because they were still kids. “He’s on his way over now. But we need to talk, Jay, about what we tell the media.”
“Nothing.” He said flatly.
“That won’t fly, and you know it.” Jon chided him. “Hell, ignoring anything else, you’re the rising star quarterback on the Soul, Jay, and you were brought in here in handcuffs. The papers will be all over it.”
“Shit.” Jay said succinctly, then looked across the table. “You need to tell your kids. Soon. Hell, soon as they start questioning Nick, you know he’s going to spill his guts about it, don’t you? Won’t take long for it to hit the media then.”
“I know.”
“I think…..” The younger man’s voice was suddenly resolute. “I think you should go home, Jon, and talk to your kids. Do it now, before there’s even a chance of them finding out in the news.”
“But I can’t leave you here…..”
“Why not? Not like I’m going anywhere.” He smirked again. “Your lawyer’ll be here soon, right? I assume you explained the ‘situation’ to him, so he’ll take care of it.”
“Yeah, I told him.” Jon said slowly. Dammit, he’s right. I hate that he’s right, but he is. Steph, Jesse, Jake and Romeo need to be told now. Hopefully they won’t hate me as much as Jay does……. “Okay. I’ll be back, though, soon as I can. You have my cell number, right?”
“No.”
Jon dug a card from his pocket and laid it in front of Jay, mindful of the ‘no touching’ rule. He stood up, looking down at his son. His son, dammit!
“Once we get this squared away, d’you want to meet them?” He asked suddenly, blue eyes meeting identical Bongiovi blue as Jay looked up in surprise.
“I……..” He looked away. Do I? Do I want to meet his children? His other children. My……Jesus…..my brothers and my sister…….half-brothers and sister anyway…… Looking up again, Jay saw Jon waiting patiently for his response, and he drew a deep breath before saying something he knew could have a huge impact on his life. “I guess that’ll depend if they want to meet me.”
Chapter 53
Of course, with them being up in Philly and his lawyer having to come in from New York, Jon and Richie were at the police station first, ignoring the incredulous glances of just about everyone they passed as they entered the building. Each of them did, however, wonder privately how long it would take before the media were camped outside, making up their own stories for why the two main men of Bon Jovi were in a Philadelphia police station. It was a pretty fair bet, though, that not even the worst of the entertainment ‘reporters’ would come up with the truth.
Following signs to the enquiries desk, Jon spoke quietly with the desk sergeant, asking to see Detective Kellogg. After making a quick call upstairs, the sergeant looked across at his two famous ‘visitors’, curious as all hell but professionally expressionless.
“Might be best if you wait in one of the interview rooms, the detective said.” He explained, walking around from behind his desk - and his protective plexiglass screen - to lead the way. “She’ll be with you soon as she can.”
“Thanks.” It was Richie who answered. “Appreciate it.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Jon said distractedly, looking around the clean but spartan room, then realising that the fewer movable objects, the fewer potential weapons for a suspect. Jesus, is this what Jay’s sitting in? Or worse? Have they put him in a cell? My son? Locked up with a crowd of fucking criminals? For what? He didn’t do anything wrong! All he did was what I’d have done in his place. He doesn’t belong in a jail cell!
Richie saw the flicker of emotions across Jon’s face - to most people he would seem to be perfectly calm, but when you’d shared almost three decades of someone’s life……well, their moods were pretty easy to read. Clearing his throat, he gave the sergeant a friendly smile.
“Hey, there should be a lawyer coming along pretty soon - can you send him here, too?”
“Sure. His name?”
“Uhh……..Jon?” Richie looked at his friend enquiringly.
“Sorry. Vale. Thomas Vale.” He glanced at his watch. “He should be here pretty soon, I think.”
“Vale.” The sergeant repeated. “I’ll see to it.” He looked around the room as if he were seeing it for the first time, or at least seeing it for the first time as they probably saw it. “We don’t exactly have a waiting room here, so this is the best we can do.” He offered lamely, wondering why he was even explaining. Seemed like there were some things you just did, though, when confronted with international rockstars - hell, he’d been a fan himself, back in the day. Back when being a Bon Jovi fan was something a guy could do without feeling the need to hide the fact from his peers - back before they abandoned their rock roots and got, well, pretty!
“No problem.” Richie said, taking a swift glance at Jon and seeing that he was lost in his own thoughts, not really listening to a word the cop said. “Thanks for finding us somewhere to wait.”
The cop just nodded and left them there, and while Jon paced slowly back and forth, Richie perched his butt on the edge of the table. Hell, it looked more comfortable than the chairs.
“Calm down, bro.” He said softly. “You need to keep it together, Jon.”
“What I need is to see my……to see my son!” Jon hissed, pitching the last few words low. “I need……I need to know what he wants me to do.”
Richie looked at him in surprise. That, he hadn’t expected. He’d expected rage, or Jon’s usual single-minded ‘fix it at all costs’ approach to a problem. He’d not expected this sudden attack of humility, the willingness to play this how Jay wanted it to go, not necessarily how Jon wanted it to go. Maybe he wasn’t about to witness the frightening sight of two male Bongiovis going head to head. He’d seen it once or twice before - Jon against his father, and more recently against his younger brother, Matt, when he’d found out just how badly his name - the band’s name - was being tarnished through his brother’s inefficient handling of the fan club. Of course, with Matt it had been a pretty one-sided fight, since as usual Matt displayed the backbone of a jellyfish, going from arguing to apologising, then finally to virtually begging when Jon snapped that he’d had enough, that he was handing control of the fan club over to a professional company who might actually know what they were doing.
“We’ll fix it, Jonny.” Richie murmured reassuringly, but any further conversation was halted when the door opened, a slender woman walking into the room.
“Mr Bongiovi, Mr Sambora.” She said. Hell, there was no point acting like she didn’t recognise them. “I’m Detective Kellogg……..and I’m not sure why you’re here?”
“Because Jay asked for m…..us.” Jon said, swiftly biting back the ‘me’. “He’s one of our team, Detective, and we’re a close ‘family’ at the Soul.”
“Ah, so when he said to call ‘them’ that’s what he meant.” She said, almost to herself. It kind of explained it.
“Can I see him?”
The blurted-out question made her look sharply at Jon, but there was no ‘rockstar’ attitude in his posture - just a guy who, for whatever reason, wanted to see someone - a friend - who was in trouble.
“Uh, yeah.” Hell, I’ve bent enough rules on this case already, what’s one more? Lends weight to the ‘technicality’ angle. She couldn’t even figure out why she was willing to - basically - lay her career on the line for this kid. Maybe it was just something about the sleazy piece of shit they’d picked up at the same time - like the fact that she’d have loved to give him some of the same treatment herself. Maybe it was just that any rapist deserved to be handed over to the husband or boyfriend - or in this case son - of his victim while the police looked the other way. Or maybe it was because the younger sister of one of her friends used to be a Soulmate, and now she had a pretty good idea why Kirsten had quit something she loved.
Jon was waiting by the door almost as soon as she’d said the words, and she shook herself out of the reverie, looking toward Richie almost apologetically.
“I can only take one of you up there.”
“I’ll wait here.” Richie said instantly. “I’ll wait for the lawyer, bro.”
“Thanks, Rich.” Jon was itching to go, to see his son, and he was relieved when the detective delayed no longer, opening the door and leading him from the room.
Upstairs he felt a surge of relief when they approached a glass-walled room, seeing Jay sitting cuffed but safe. A uniformed officer was in the room with him, but simply standing by the door to prevent any breaks for freedom. Outside the room, Kellogg paused, turning to Jon.
“There are a few ground rules, Mr Bongiovi. I need you to stay on the other side of the table from Mr Kelsall, and I need you to not attempt to touch him.” She flushed slightly - God, some of her friends would kill to be where she was right now. “I also need to search you.”
Without even a second’s hesitation, Jon raised his arms, and the detective quickly checked for any concealed weapons. Not that she expected to find any, but she had to be seen to do it. Okay and how often would a girl get the chance to run her hands all over that body, even fully clothed?
“Thank you.” She stepped back, opening the door. “You can go in.”
“Thanks, Detective.” He looked at the uniformed cop. “Does he have to stay?”
There was a plea in his blue eyes, and the decision only took a moment.
“He can wait outside. But please remember the rules I gave you.”
“Of course.” Jon walked into the room as the cop walked out. “And thank you.”
With Jay watching him every step of the way, Jon walked across to the table and sat down facing his son, wincing as he took in the blood staining the bandages on his hands.
“Hi.” Jon said softly.
Following signs to the enquiries desk, Jon spoke quietly with the desk sergeant, asking to see Detective Kellogg. After making a quick call upstairs, the sergeant looked across at his two famous ‘visitors’, curious as all hell but professionally expressionless.
“Might be best if you wait in one of the interview rooms, the detective said.” He explained, walking around from behind his desk - and his protective plexiglass screen - to lead the way. “She’ll be with you soon as she can.”
“Thanks.” It was Richie who answered. “Appreciate it.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Jon said distractedly, looking around the clean but spartan room, then realising that the fewer movable objects, the fewer potential weapons for a suspect. Jesus, is this what Jay’s sitting in? Or worse? Have they put him in a cell? My son? Locked up with a crowd of fucking criminals? For what? He didn’t do anything wrong! All he did was what I’d have done in his place. He doesn’t belong in a jail cell!
Richie saw the flicker of emotions across Jon’s face - to most people he would seem to be perfectly calm, but when you’d shared almost three decades of someone’s life……well, their moods were pretty easy to read. Clearing his throat, he gave the sergeant a friendly smile.
“Hey, there should be a lawyer coming along pretty soon - can you send him here, too?”
“Sure. His name?”
“Uhh……..Jon?” Richie looked at his friend enquiringly.
“Sorry. Vale. Thomas Vale.” He glanced at his watch. “He should be here pretty soon, I think.”
“Vale.” The sergeant repeated. “I’ll see to it.” He looked around the room as if he were seeing it for the first time, or at least seeing it for the first time as they probably saw it. “We don’t exactly have a waiting room here, so this is the best we can do.” He offered lamely, wondering why he was even explaining. Seemed like there were some things you just did, though, when confronted with international rockstars - hell, he’d been a fan himself, back in the day. Back when being a Bon Jovi fan was something a guy could do without feeling the need to hide the fact from his peers - back before they abandoned their rock roots and got, well, pretty!
“No problem.” Richie said, taking a swift glance at Jon and seeing that he was lost in his own thoughts, not really listening to a word the cop said. “Thanks for finding us somewhere to wait.”
The cop just nodded and left them there, and while Jon paced slowly back and forth, Richie perched his butt on the edge of the table. Hell, it looked more comfortable than the chairs.
“Calm down, bro.” He said softly. “You need to keep it together, Jon.”
“What I need is to see my……to see my son!” Jon hissed, pitching the last few words low. “I need……I need to know what he wants me to do.”
Richie looked at him in surprise. That, he hadn’t expected. He’d expected rage, or Jon’s usual single-minded ‘fix it at all costs’ approach to a problem. He’d not expected this sudden attack of humility, the willingness to play this how Jay wanted it to go, not necessarily how Jon wanted it to go. Maybe he wasn’t about to witness the frightening sight of two male Bongiovis going head to head. He’d seen it once or twice before - Jon against his father, and more recently against his younger brother, Matt, when he’d found out just how badly his name - the band’s name - was being tarnished through his brother’s inefficient handling of the fan club. Of course, with Matt it had been a pretty one-sided fight, since as usual Matt displayed the backbone of a jellyfish, going from arguing to apologising, then finally to virtually begging when Jon snapped that he’d had enough, that he was handing control of the fan club over to a professional company who might actually know what they were doing.
“We’ll fix it, Jonny.” Richie murmured reassuringly, but any further conversation was halted when the door opened, a slender woman walking into the room.
“Mr Bongiovi, Mr Sambora.” She said. Hell, there was no point acting like she didn’t recognise them. “I’m Detective Kellogg……..and I’m not sure why you’re here?”
“Because Jay asked for m…..us.” Jon said, swiftly biting back the ‘me’. “He’s one of our team, Detective, and we’re a close ‘family’ at the Soul.”
“Ah, so when he said to call ‘them’ that’s what he meant.” She said, almost to herself. It kind of explained it.
“Can I see him?”
The blurted-out question made her look sharply at Jon, but there was no ‘rockstar’ attitude in his posture - just a guy who, for whatever reason, wanted to see someone - a friend - who was in trouble.
“Uh, yeah.” Hell, I’ve bent enough rules on this case already, what’s one more? Lends weight to the ‘technicality’ angle. She couldn’t even figure out why she was willing to - basically - lay her career on the line for this kid. Maybe it was just something about the sleazy piece of shit they’d picked up at the same time - like the fact that she’d have loved to give him some of the same treatment herself. Maybe it was just that any rapist deserved to be handed over to the husband or boyfriend - or in this case son - of his victim while the police looked the other way. Or maybe it was because the younger sister of one of her friends used to be a Soulmate, and now she had a pretty good idea why Kirsten had quit something she loved.
Jon was waiting by the door almost as soon as she’d said the words, and she shook herself out of the reverie, looking toward Richie almost apologetically.
“I can only take one of you up there.”
“I’ll wait here.” Richie said instantly. “I’ll wait for the lawyer, bro.”
“Thanks, Rich.” Jon was itching to go, to see his son, and he was relieved when the detective delayed no longer, opening the door and leading him from the room.
Upstairs he felt a surge of relief when they approached a glass-walled room, seeing Jay sitting cuffed but safe. A uniformed officer was in the room with him, but simply standing by the door to prevent any breaks for freedom. Outside the room, Kellogg paused, turning to Jon.
“There are a few ground rules, Mr Bongiovi. I need you to stay on the other side of the table from Mr Kelsall, and I need you to not attempt to touch him.” She flushed slightly - God, some of her friends would kill to be where she was right now. “I also need to search you.”
Without even a second’s hesitation, Jon raised his arms, and the detective quickly checked for any concealed weapons. Not that she expected to find any, but she had to be seen to do it. Okay and how often would a girl get the chance to run her hands all over that body, even fully clothed?
“Thank you.” She stepped back, opening the door. “You can go in.”
“Thanks, Detective.” He looked at the uniformed cop. “Does he have to stay?”
There was a plea in his blue eyes, and the decision only took a moment.
“He can wait outside. But please remember the rules I gave you.”
“Of course.” Jon walked into the room as the cop walked out. “And thank you.”
With Jay watching him every step of the way, Jon walked across to the table and sat down facing his son, wincing as he took in the blood staining the bandages on his hands.
“Hi.” Jon said softly.
Chapter 52
Standing at the nurse’s station, Kadie dialled the number on the card Richie had given her, hoping he’d answer. Hoping even more that Jon was still with him.
She was still reeling from the sudden chain of events, from realising the guy in Billie’s room was the asshole who’d done this, through her own automatic attack on him, to his arrest, and never forgetting Billie’s brave declaration of his guilt. Then, of course, it had all turned even more to ratshit when Billie faded back into unconsciousness, followed by the unbelievable sight of Jay - her Jay, dammit! - being cuffed and arrested. The only ray of sunshine in the last half hour was the amazing suggestion from Detective Kellogg that, just maybe, her adherence to the rules may prove to be a little lax in this instance. Well, there was one other brightness in Kadie’s mind. The memory of the wonderfully solid impact of her knee into Nick’s crotch.
“Hello?” The voice was low and guarded. “Hello?!”
Kadie jerked herself out of reverie as Richie’s tone hardened. She’d been so lost in thought that she’d not heard him answer at first.
“Hi. Richie?” There was silence on the line, making her wonder if she’d misdialled, then she realised that maybe he was just being cautious. “It’s Kadie. Uhh…..Jay’s…..”
“Kadie!” Now it sounded like Richie. “I know who you are, darlin’. What’s happened?”
In the background, she heard another voice - sounded like Jon’s - echo her name, followed by a rush of questions. Questions she just didn’t feel like answering right now.
“Jay asked me to call you. Both of you.”
“Aw, fuck, no! She’s not…….”
“No!” Jesus, Kadie, get it together! “Billie’s fi……well, okay, she’s not fine. Doctor is with her again. But it’s Jay needs your help, Richie. He was just arrested.”
“He……what?” That wasn’t anything like Richie had expected to hear.
“Jay? What? What’s happened?” Jon’s voice was panicked, and Richie raised a hand to fend him off as he grabbed for the phone. “Goddammit, Rich! Gimme the fuckin’ phone!”
“Richie! Don’t - please!” Kadie blurted as she heard Jon’s voice. “I don’t need to deal with his emotional baggage right now - I need to tell you what’s happened. Jay needs his……..his help.”
“Okay, Kadie.” Richie glared at Jon, the anger in his normally placid face enough to make even a panicked, pissed Bongiovi back off. “Just gimme the CliffsNotes, darlin’. Details can come later.”
“Thank you.” She breathed. “Okay - short version. Nick Fabian showed up here, he threatened Billie, cops showed up and Billie told them he was the one who…… Anyway, Billie passed out again - she hurt herself trying to get Nick off me - and Doctor Riviello is in there again. Jay arrived and attacked Nick.”
“Shiiiiit. Wait.” Richie frowned as his mind flicked over her words. “What happened with you and Nick?”
“Oh. I recognised the name - Billie told Jay and I earlier that he’d attacked her - and he was obviously threatening her. So I kneed him in the nuts as hard as I could.”
“Go Kadie!” Richie muttered with a grin, then turned serious again. “And Jay?”
“He asked me to call you. Actually, he said ‘them’. So he wants…..Jon…to know. He needs his help, Richie. And…..” Her words rushed out. “The cop who arrested him was female, Richie, and she forgot to read him his rights.”
“Forgot?” Richie echoed, catching the heavy emphasis she’d used.
“Uh-huh. Accidentally on purpose. So if he gets a decent lawyer…….”
“On it.” Richie snapped, suddenly decisive in a way few people ever heard him. Not that he wasn’t a man of strong will, stubborn to a fault, but he usually found persuasion a far more effective tool. Right now, though, persuasion wasn’t fast enough. “Can you stay with Billie? We’ll see to Jay.”
“Of course. But let me know what’s happening, Richie!”
“I will. Promise. Where’d they take him?”
While Kadie read Detective Kellogg’s details to Richie, Jon paced back and forth across the living room, his eyes never leaving Richie’s face. By the time Richie closed his cellphone, Jon was chewing on a thumbnail, desperate for news but also afraid of what that news might be.
Richie blew out a breath, raking a hand through his hair as he looked at the notes he’d scribbled down. He turned his dark eyes toward Jon, seeing the fear on his friend’s face, and not sure if he was about to make it better or worse, hesitating before he spoke.
“Aw, for fuck’s sake, Rich, just tell me!” Jon exploded. “You’re makin’ me nuts here. What’s happened with.…my son?”
“He’s been arrested.” Richie said flatly, and Jon’s hand dropped from his mouth as he looked at his friend in shock.
“He’s what?!” Jon frowned. “What the fuck for?”
“Fabian.” Was the simple answer, but Richie knew it wasn’t enough. “He showed up at the hospital, threatened Billie. Kadie walked in on it and kicked him in the balls, then he was trying for a little payback when the cops showed up and arrested him. Billie managed to tell them he was the one before she passed out again. Jay showed up and had a go at Fabian, so the cops picked him up, too.”
“And who forgot what?” Jon asked, his attention having been snagged on Richie’s earlier words to Kadie, his tone having made it clear something was ‘up’.
“Yeah. Seems maybe the Bongiovi luck with the ladies runs in the blood.” Richie managed to smile. “It was a female cop arrested Jay - and she ‘accidentally on purpose’ forgot to mirandize him…….if he gets a decent lawyer…….”
“Where’d they take him?” Jon was already pulling his phone from his jeans, punching a speed dial for his lawyer. He’d not been in trouble with the cops in a very long time - since he and Dot got picked up years before for an extra-curricular visit to the ice rink - but in his position it made sense to keep some phone numbers close at hand.
“Sixth district - not far from the hospital.”
“Right.” Jon walked away a few steps as his lawyer answered, his voice low but unmistakably commanding as he gave the guy the necessary information - just enough to get his ass into a car headed to Philly. The lawyer balked when Jon said he’d meet him there, that he was already in the city and would go see if they’d let him speak with Jay, but Jon was adamant, even though he couldn’t - wouldn’t - tell the lawyer why.
Common sense be damned - his son needed him and he was going to see him.
She was still reeling from the sudden chain of events, from realising the guy in Billie’s room was the asshole who’d done this, through her own automatic attack on him, to his arrest, and never forgetting Billie’s brave declaration of his guilt. Then, of course, it had all turned even more to ratshit when Billie faded back into unconsciousness, followed by the unbelievable sight of Jay - her Jay, dammit! - being cuffed and arrested. The only ray of sunshine in the last half hour was the amazing suggestion from Detective Kellogg that, just maybe, her adherence to the rules may prove to be a little lax in this instance. Well, there was one other brightness in Kadie’s mind. The memory of the wonderfully solid impact of her knee into Nick’s crotch.
“Hello?” The voice was low and guarded. “Hello?!”
Kadie jerked herself out of reverie as Richie’s tone hardened. She’d been so lost in thought that she’d not heard him answer at first.
“Hi. Richie?” There was silence on the line, making her wonder if she’d misdialled, then she realised that maybe he was just being cautious. “It’s Kadie. Uhh…..Jay’s…..”
“Kadie!” Now it sounded like Richie. “I know who you are, darlin’. What’s happened?”
In the background, she heard another voice - sounded like Jon’s - echo her name, followed by a rush of questions. Questions she just didn’t feel like answering right now.
“Jay asked me to call you. Both of you.”
“Aw, fuck, no! She’s not…….”
“No!” Jesus, Kadie, get it together! “Billie’s fi……well, okay, she’s not fine. Doctor is with her again. But it’s Jay needs your help, Richie. He was just arrested.”
“He……what?” That wasn’t anything like Richie had expected to hear.
“Jay? What? What’s happened?” Jon’s voice was panicked, and Richie raised a hand to fend him off as he grabbed for the phone. “Goddammit, Rich! Gimme the fuckin’ phone!”
“Richie! Don’t - please!” Kadie blurted as she heard Jon’s voice. “I don’t need to deal with his emotional baggage right now - I need to tell you what’s happened. Jay needs his……..his help.”
“Okay, Kadie.” Richie glared at Jon, the anger in his normally placid face enough to make even a panicked, pissed Bongiovi back off. “Just gimme the CliffsNotes, darlin’. Details can come later.”
“Thank you.” She breathed. “Okay - short version. Nick Fabian showed up here, he threatened Billie, cops showed up and Billie told them he was the one who…… Anyway, Billie passed out again - she hurt herself trying to get Nick off me - and Doctor Riviello is in there again. Jay arrived and attacked Nick.”
“Shiiiiit. Wait.” Richie frowned as his mind flicked over her words. “What happened with you and Nick?”
“Oh. I recognised the name - Billie told Jay and I earlier that he’d attacked her - and he was obviously threatening her. So I kneed him in the nuts as hard as I could.”
“Go Kadie!” Richie muttered with a grin, then turned serious again. “And Jay?”
“He asked me to call you. Actually, he said ‘them’. So he wants…..Jon…to know. He needs his help, Richie. And…..” Her words rushed out. “The cop who arrested him was female, Richie, and she forgot to read him his rights.”
“Forgot?” Richie echoed, catching the heavy emphasis she’d used.
“Uh-huh. Accidentally on purpose. So if he gets a decent lawyer…….”
“On it.” Richie snapped, suddenly decisive in a way few people ever heard him. Not that he wasn’t a man of strong will, stubborn to a fault, but he usually found persuasion a far more effective tool. Right now, though, persuasion wasn’t fast enough. “Can you stay with Billie? We’ll see to Jay.”
“Of course. But let me know what’s happening, Richie!”
“I will. Promise. Where’d they take him?”
While Kadie read Detective Kellogg’s details to Richie, Jon paced back and forth across the living room, his eyes never leaving Richie’s face. By the time Richie closed his cellphone, Jon was chewing on a thumbnail, desperate for news but also afraid of what that news might be.
Richie blew out a breath, raking a hand through his hair as he looked at the notes he’d scribbled down. He turned his dark eyes toward Jon, seeing the fear on his friend’s face, and not sure if he was about to make it better or worse, hesitating before he spoke.
“Aw, for fuck’s sake, Rich, just tell me!” Jon exploded. “You’re makin’ me nuts here. What’s happened with.…my son?”
“He’s been arrested.” Richie said flatly, and Jon’s hand dropped from his mouth as he looked at his friend in shock.
“He’s what?!” Jon frowned. “What the fuck for?”
“Fabian.” Was the simple answer, but Richie knew it wasn’t enough. “He showed up at the hospital, threatened Billie. Kadie walked in on it and kicked him in the balls, then he was trying for a little payback when the cops showed up and arrested him. Billie managed to tell them he was the one before she passed out again. Jay showed up and had a go at Fabian, so the cops picked him up, too.”
“And who forgot what?” Jon asked, his attention having been snagged on Richie’s earlier words to Kadie, his tone having made it clear something was ‘up’.
“Yeah. Seems maybe the Bongiovi luck with the ladies runs in the blood.” Richie managed to smile. “It was a female cop arrested Jay - and she ‘accidentally on purpose’ forgot to mirandize him…….if he gets a decent lawyer…….”
“Where’d they take him?” Jon was already pulling his phone from his jeans, punching a speed dial for his lawyer. He’d not been in trouble with the cops in a very long time - since he and Dot got picked up years before for an extra-curricular visit to the ice rink - but in his position it made sense to keep some phone numbers close at hand.
“Sixth district - not far from the hospital.”
“Right.” Jon walked away a few steps as his lawyer answered, his voice low but unmistakably commanding as he gave the guy the necessary information - just enough to get his ass into a car headed to Philly. The lawyer balked when Jon said he’d meet him there, that he was already in the city and would go see if they’d let him speak with Jay, but Jon was adamant, even though he couldn’t - wouldn’t - tell the lawyer why.
Common sense be damned - his son needed him and he was going to see him.
Chapter 51
Standing alone in the elevator, Jay glanced at his reflection on the mirrored wall, tugging his shirt straight. He wasn’t sure whether he was checking how he looked to appease his mom’s likely concern over his obvious tiredness, or simply in anticipation of seeing Desi, but he didn’t much care. Though his mom was kind of winning out, since his face was pale with fatigue from hours of thinking way too damned much about everything that had happened in the last forty eight hours or so. Forty eight hours that had taken everything he thought he knew and flipped it up like a juggler, the pieces of his life landing on the ground again in a whole new pattern.
He raked a bandaged hand awkwardly through his thick brown hair, long strands falling forward over his left eye as usual, and he peered suddenly more closely, searching for a resemblance to ‘the Boss’. It almost angered him that he could actually see it now. Could see the similarity in their features, and most particularly the same blue of their eyes. How in the hell had he never seen in before? How had no-one seen it?
Turning impatiently away from the mirror and it’s disturbing truth, Jay shifted his grip on the bunch of flowers he carried. He’d shunned the more usual roses and gerbera daisies in favor of the massed yellow of sunflowers. They were more fitted to his mom than anything else he’d seen in the flower shop.
Finally the elevator doors pinged open, and Jay stepped into the hallway, turning right and heading to her private room. He was maybe halfway to the door when it opened, a woman he didn’t know emerging into the hallway, closely followed by someone he did know. Nick Fabian.
Jay opened his mouth to demand to know what Fabian was doing there, but the words dried in his throat as he saw the unnatural position of Nick’s hands, pinioned behind his back in the unmistakable embrace of handcuffs, and in that instant he knew that it really was true. It really had been Nick who had brutalised his mother so cruelly.
“You sick sonofabitch!” Jay snarled, the sunflowers hitting the floor as he lunged forward, the bandages on his hands forgotten as he swung a vicious punch into Nick’s belly, following up with an equally powerful blow into the unprotected face as Nick doubled over.
“Whoa!” The female detective grabbed his arm as he swung again, the ease of her experience using his momentum against him, spinning him face-first into the wall. “What the hell are you doing?!”
She held him there, pinned to the wall, and Jay heard Nick’s voice gasp painfully behind him, venom in his tone.
“That bastard assaulted me! I want him charged!”
“What’s going……?” Kadie appeared from the room, blanching as she saw the female cop reaching for cuffs. “No! You can’t!”
“He just assaulted the suspect.” The woman said, her voice a mixture of sympathy and confusion. “I assume you know this man?”
“Yes! He’s my……..he’s her son!” Kadie gestured into the room. “Please!”
“Hey, you both saw him attack me!” Nick yelled spitefully.
“Get him out of here.” The female snapped, closing a cuff around Jay’s left wrist as he stood unprotesting, hate blazing in his blue eyes as he watched Fabian.
As the male cop half-dragged Nick away, his partner closed the other cuff around her own wrist for now.
“One minute.” She muttered. “I can give you a minute here, no more.”
“Thank you.” Jay said, heartfelt, then turned to Kadie. “Mom…..?”
“She’s……..”
The answer was obvious as nurses and Doctor Riviello appeared, summoned by Kadie’s repeated pressing of the emergency call button. They headed into the room with barely a glance at the scene outside, far more important things on their minds right now.
“Oh, Jesus, no!” Jay’s knees buckled, Kadie darting in to help the detective steady him. “No! Mom!”
All three of them headed for the room, the two women supporting Jay, but as they got to the door Riviello appeared, closing it in their faces.
“Doctor!” Jay almost yelled it, and Riviello took pity on his obvious distress, allowing himself a few precious seconds to reassure the young man.
“You can’t come in right now, son. She’ll be okay if I can stop the bleeding, but you gotta let me work.”
Jay looked suddenly very young as his eyes searched the doctor’s face, then he backed shakily away.
“Tell her I love her.” His voice fell to a whisper. “Tell her I’m sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her.”
There wasn’t much Riviello could say to that, and he didn’t even try, just reaching out to grip Jay’s shoulder in a tight, comforting grip for a moment before backing into the room and closing the door, leaving them standing helplessly outside.
“Fuck!” Jay muttered, raising his right hand to punch the wall, but Kadie beat him to it, grabbing his arm.
“Stoppit, Jay!” She yelped. “I’m so sick of having to patch up those hands.”
“Look, I’m sorry, but I have to take you in, Mr Kelsall.” The cop said, and both Kadie and Jay turned to her in surprise.
“You know who I am?” Jay asked.
“Well, she said you were Ms Kelsall’s son…….but, yeah, I recognise you, too. That was one hell of a hit you took from Dixon.” She blushed suddenly. Damn, but she was spending way too much time around the guys at work. “Anyway, I can guess why you did what you did, but it doesn’t change the fact you just assaulted someone - right in front of two cops. I have to charge you.”
“I know.” Jay said, raising his cuffed wrist slightly. “And you need to put these on properly, too, right?”
“Uh, yeah. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. Your job, Detective……..”
“Kellogg.” She supplied as she took the cuff off her own wrist, cuffing Jay’s hands in front of him in deference to the obviously injured hands. And also mindful of the fact he’d been nothing but co-operative.
“Can I come with him?” Kadie asked deferentially, but Jay answered before the detective got the chance.
“Baby, can you stay with mom? I’d feel better if I knew you were here……..”
“You sure?” Her eyes searched his face, then she nodded. “Okay. I’ll stay. Wait! How can I let you know……?”
Detective Kellogg looked between the two of them. She knew she was supposed to stay professionally detached, but dammit……..she couldn’t blame the young player for his reaction to the guy who’d done this to his mom. Reaching into her jacket, she pulled out a card and offered it to Kadie.
“Here. My cell number. Call me - I’ll pass on the message.” She frowned slightly. “Just, for God’s sake, don’t tell anyone. He’s under arrest for assault.” Her brain flicked rapidly, coming up with a possible scenario, and solution, moments before Kadie spoke hesitantly.
“But…….you haven’t read him his rights yet, so how is he under arrest?”
“I’ll get to that. So long as he’s mirandized before we question him, then the lawyers can’t get around it.” The penetrating gaze she gave Kadie was blindingly obvious, at least from a woman to woman perspective, and Kadie’s eyes widened slightly at the implication.
“And if he isn’t mira…….if you don’t read him his rights?”
“Then a decent lawyer - even if your boyfriend here made a full confession - could get him released on a technicality. All down to my inefficiency.”
“But…?” Jay looked from one to the other, the mixture of silent and cryptic communication passing him by.
Kadie gave him a stern look. “Hush, Jay. I’ll call the detective when I have any news.”
“Thanks, baby.” He gave up trying to figure out what in the hell they’d been saying. Right now, his brain hurt from anger.
With a conspiratorial smile toward a grateful Kadie, Detective Kellogg took hold of Jay’s arm, leading him toward the elevator. As they walked, Jay suddenly twisted his head around to look at Kadie, and at the hurt in his eyes she followed them, catching them as they waited for the elevator. She hugged him tightly, kissing him tenderly before stepping back just as the elevator arrived, and the pair stepped into the enclosure. Just before the doors closed, Jay gave a twisted grin, reminiscent of his father.
“Maybe you should let………..them……..know what’s happened. I guess I could use a lawyer.”
Kadie’s eyes widened at his suggestion, his obvious meaning that she should call Richie, should let Jon know he was in trouble. Maybe this would be a first step to his acceptance of his biological father.
When the elevator doors were closed again, she headed for the nurse’s station to beg use of a telephone, pulling Richie’s card from her jeans pocket.
He raked a bandaged hand awkwardly through his thick brown hair, long strands falling forward over his left eye as usual, and he peered suddenly more closely, searching for a resemblance to ‘the Boss’. It almost angered him that he could actually see it now. Could see the similarity in their features, and most particularly the same blue of their eyes. How in the hell had he never seen in before? How had no-one seen it?
Turning impatiently away from the mirror and it’s disturbing truth, Jay shifted his grip on the bunch of flowers he carried. He’d shunned the more usual roses and gerbera daisies in favor of the massed yellow of sunflowers. They were more fitted to his mom than anything else he’d seen in the flower shop.
Finally the elevator doors pinged open, and Jay stepped into the hallway, turning right and heading to her private room. He was maybe halfway to the door when it opened, a woman he didn’t know emerging into the hallway, closely followed by someone he did know. Nick Fabian.
Jay opened his mouth to demand to know what Fabian was doing there, but the words dried in his throat as he saw the unnatural position of Nick’s hands, pinioned behind his back in the unmistakable embrace of handcuffs, and in that instant he knew that it really was true. It really had been Nick who had brutalised his mother so cruelly.
“You sick sonofabitch!” Jay snarled, the sunflowers hitting the floor as he lunged forward, the bandages on his hands forgotten as he swung a vicious punch into Nick’s belly, following up with an equally powerful blow into the unprotected face as Nick doubled over.
“Whoa!” The female detective grabbed his arm as he swung again, the ease of her experience using his momentum against him, spinning him face-first into the wall. “What the hell are you doing?!”
She held him there, pinned to the wall, and Jay heard Nick’s voice gasp painfully behind him, venom in his tone.
“That bastard assaulted me! I want him charged!”
“What’s going……?” Kadie appeared from the room, blanching as she saw the female cop reaching for cuffs. “No! You can’t!”
“He just assaulted the suspect.” The woman said, her voice a mixture of sympathy and confusion. “I assume you know this man?”
“Yes! He’s my……..he’s her son!” Kadie gestured into the room. “Please!”
“Hey, you both saw him attack me!” Nick yelled spitefully.
“Get him out of here.” The female snapped, closing a cuff around Jay’s left wrist as he stood unprotesting, hate blazing in his blue eyes as he watched Fabian.
As the male cop half-dragged Nick away, his partner closed the other cuff around her own wrist for now.
“One minute.” She muttered. “I can give you a minute here, no more.”
“Thank you.” Jay said, heartfelt, then turned to Kadie. “Mom…..?”
“She’s……..”
The answer was obvious as nurses and Doctor Riviello appeared, summoned by Kadie’s repeated pressing of the emergency call button. They headed into the room with barely a glance at the scene outside, far more important things on their minds right now.
“Oh, Jesus, no!” Jay’s knees buckled, Kadie darting in to help the detective steady him. “No! Mom!”
All three of them headed for the room, the two women supporting Jay, but as they got to the door Riviello appeared, closing it in their faces.
“Doctor!” Jay almost yelled it, and Riviello took pity on his obvious distress, allowing himself a few precious seconds to reassure the young man.
“You can’t come in right now, son. She’ll be okay if I can stop the bleeding, but you gotta let me work.”
Jay looked suddenly very young as his eyes searched the doctor’s face, then he backed shakily away.
“Tell her I love her.” His voice fell to a whisper. “Tell her I’m sorry. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her.”
There wasn’t much Riviello could say to that, and he didn’t even try, just reaching out to grip Jay’s shoulder in a tight, comforting grip for a moment before backing into the room and closing the door, leaving them standing helplessly outside.
“Fuck!” Jay muttered, raising his right hand to punch the wall, but Kadie beat him to it, grabbing his arm.
“Stoppit, Jay!” She yelped. “I’m so sick of having to patch up those hands.”
“Look, I’m sorry, but I have to take you in, Mr Kelsall.” The cop said, and both Kadie and Jay turned to her in surprise.
“You know who I am?” Jay asked.
“Well, she said you were Ms Kelsall’s son…….but, yeah, I recognise you, too. That was one hell of a hit you took from Dixon.” She blushed suddenly. Damn, but she was spending way too much time around the guys at work. “Anyway, I can guess why you did what you did, but it doesn’t change the fact you just assaulted someone - right in front of two cops. I have to charge you.”
“I know.” Jay said, raising his cuffed wrist slightly. “And you need to put these on properly, too, right?”
“Uh, yeah. Sorry.”
“Don’t be. Your job, Detective……..”
“Kellogg.” She supplied as she took the cuff off her own wrist, cuffing Jay’s hands in front of him in deference to the obviously injured hands. And also mindful of the fact he’d been nothing but co-operative.
“Can I come with him?” Kadie asked deferentially, but Jay answered before the detective got the chance.
“Baby, can you stay with mom? I’d feel better if I knew you were here……..”
“You sure?” Her eyes searched his face, then she nodded. “Okay. I’ll stay. Wait! How can I let you know……?”
Detective Kellogg looked between the two of them. She knew she was supposed to stay professionally detached, but dammit……..she couldn’t blame the young player for his reaction to the guy who’d done this to his mom. Reaching into her jacket, she pulled out a card and offered it to Kadie.
“Here. My cell number. Call me - I’ll pass on the message.” She frowned slightly. “Just, for God’s sake, don’t tell anyone. He’s under arrest for assault.” Her brain flicked rapidly, coming up with a possible scenario, and solution, moments before Kadie spoke hesitantly.
“But…….you haven’t read him his rights yet, so how is he under arrest?”
“I’ll get to that. So long as he’s mirandized before we question him, then the lawyers can’t get around it.” The penetrating gaze she gave Kadie was blindingly obvious, at least from a woman to woman perspective, and Kadie’s eyes widened slightly at the implication.
“And if he isn’t mira…….if you don’t read him his rights?”
“Then a decent lawyer - even if your boyfriend here made a full confession - could get him released on a technicality. All down to my inefficiency.”
“But…?” Jay looked from one to the other, the mixture of silent and cryptic communication passing him by.
Kadie gave him a stern look. “Hush, Jay. I’ll call the detective when I have any news.”
“Thanks, baby.” He gave up trying to figure out what in the hell they’d been saying. Right now, his brain hurt from anger.
With a conspiratorial smile toward a grateful Kadie, Detective Kellogg took hold of Jay’s arm, leading him toward the elevator. As they walked, Jay suddenly twisted his head around to look at Kadie, and at the hurt in his eyes she followed them, catching them as they waited for the elevator. She hugged him tightly, kissing him tenderly before stepping back just as the elevator arrived, and the pair stepped into the enclosure. Just before the doors closed, Jay gave a twisted grin, reminiscent of his father.
“Maybe you should let………..them……..know what’s happened. I guess I could use a lawyer.”
Kadie’s eyes widened at his suggestion, his obvious meaning that she should call Richie, should let Jon know he was in trouble. Maybe this would be a first step to his acceptance of his biological father.
When the elevator doors were closed again, she headed for the nurse’s station to beg use of a telephone, pulling Richie’s card from her jeans pocket.
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