Chaos (25 page)

“That’s it, Flynn,” Shane encouraged. “Good shot.”

“I did it, Dad!” Flynn grinned across the pool table,
pleasure showing on his face.

“You sure you haven’t played before?” Brett questioned.

“It’s cheating if you don’t admit it,” Jesse added.

“Never, I swear,” Flynn insisted.

“Why can’t you guys just accept defeat gracefully and
acknowledge that my kid has hidden talents?” Shane beamed proudly.

“Because it’s embarrassing, being beaten three straight by a
guy who’s rusty and a kid who never picked up a pool cue until an hour ago,”
Brett grumbled.

“Ease up, Brett. It’s our celebration,” Shane reminded them.

“True,” Jesse agreed. “We’ll get them next time.”

“You didn’t let us win, did you?” Flynn asked suspiciously.

“Damn, Shane, a month with you and Flynn’s already
questioning my integrity,” Brett teased. “No, I assure you, I have never thrown
a game in my life.”

“Me either,” Jesse added. “I don’t think that was Shane’s
influence though, Brett. Flynn seems to have a mind of his own.”

“Is that bad? Dad said I shouldn’t hesitate to speak my mind
as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody. I figured, since you guys are here and know
all about me and Alyssa, I could say things to you.”

“You can,” Shane assured him.

“Absolutely,” Brett stated. “Flynn, I hope you know I meant
it when I said you should stop by any time you feel like it once we’re all
moved. Since you’re Shane’s son that essentially makes me your uncle. I want to
spend time with you so don’t think you have to wait for your Dad to come over.
I think I will have to get that pool table I’ve been considering so I’ll expect
you to give me a game now and then.”

“Cool!” Flynn grinned. “I guess I can’t really hang out in a
place like this when I want to play again.”

“I wouldn’t advise it.” Jesse laughed at Shane’s expression.
“Your dad may have resigned but I doubt he’ll approve of you frequenting bars
without him until you’re twenty-one.”

“I know. This rule stuff is going to be a bitch sometimes.
Oops.”

“It’s okay, Flynn. Guys’ night out entitles you to relax and
ignore Grandma’s anti-swearing policy,” Shane declared with a wink. “As long as
we keep it to ourselves and you remember once we get home, it’s fine.”

“I can’t believe you brought me here,” Flynn said for the
fourth time, snagging another piece of pizza.

“Why?” Jesse asked. “We knew the final papers came through
today. As the only other two people who know about this there was no chance we
were going to let it go without some sort of recognition.”

“I’m sure Jordan and Kiley will throw a party when you tell
them. We didn’t want to wait for Alyssa to get home though,” Brett explained.
“It’s not every day that one of us adds a new family member. This is a big deal
for all of us, not just you and Shane.”

Flynn sat and ate silently for a few minutes, letting the
conversation continue without him. “You had to give up all your friends for
me,” he finally said, turning to Shane.

“Not the ones that matter the most,” Shane replied. “And I
gained a hell of a lot more than I gave up. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. You
gave up more than I did.”

“No, I didn’t have anything. You sure you don’t mind? Aren’t
you going to miss them?”

“If I minded I wouldn’t have offered to personally help you
in the first place. Flynn, the first time I said I would get you away from the
city if you ever asked me to I knew how my life could change. By then, you
already mattered more to me than the rest of it. When I saw the gun flash and
knew I couldn’t protect you, I thought my heart was going to stop. The day you
told me you wanted me to adopt you was the best day of my life so far. I haven’t
given up anything that would be worth missing out on you for. We’re in this
together now and there’s no place I’d rather be.”

“Believe him, Flynn. Shane would never do any of this if it
wasn’t exactly what he wanted,” Brett chimed in.

“You need to learn to accept that your life is different
now,” Jesse advised. “It’s not going to disappear and turn back into the
nightmare it was before.”

“Do you think Alyssa…” Flynn wasn’t sure how to say what he
was thinking.

“Will come to her senses once she’s home and admit she loves
your dad?” Brett supplied.

“Yeah, I guess.” Flynn shrugged. “She makes him nuts every
time they talk to each other.”

“That’s nothing new as you know.” Jesse chuckled. “I doubt
that she’ll stop, even after they get married.” Shane groaned.

“Do you think she’ll want to be my mom? I know they can get
married and she doesn’t have to adopt me.”

“At the moment, Flynn, I think you have a better chance than
I do,” Shane concluded. “She’s barely speaking to me these days.”

“She needs to come home. It’s been six weeks since she was
here last. I’m beginning to think she’s hiding from you, Shane. Last time I
talked to her, she said she had some great photos that would be perfect for
what she is trying to show.” Brett said what Shane had been thinking.

“I suspect you’re right,” Shane agreed grimly.

“Why don’t you surprise her with a visit?” Jesse suggested.
“You said you were in touch with Brian. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if she left
them for a few days.”

“I’ve considered that but decided against it.”

“Dad says he wants to wait for her to come home. He’s going
to tell her about me as soon as she gets back and we think she’s going to want
to see me.”

“If I go to her, I wouldn’t feel right telling her about
this without Flynn. It would seem like I’m hiding him from her and it’s bad
enough now.” Shane sighed. “I’ve been trying not to pressure her over the phone
but it’s harder not to beg her to come home every time I talk to her.”

“I’m so glad it’s you and not me.” Brett couldn’t stop
himself.

“I’d shut up if I were you, Brett,” Jesse said. “We’ve seen
Jordan and Shane go through this in a span of a few months. Hasn’t that taught
you that life is unpredictable? Did you ever expect this from either of them a
year ago? I’m not going to say anything against any of this, just in case fate
decides it’s my turn next. If you torment him, I’m sure it’ll be worse when it
happens to you.”

“You really believe in fate?” Flynn was amazed.

“Sure, don’t you?” Jesse asked. “You must after the way you
were forced to hang with Alyssa. Think of the way Shane was the one cop who
kept trying to protect her when she clearly didn’t want him around. Then, when
she should have never bumped into him again, her cousin hooks up with his
brother, forcing them back together. What about the way you decided to start
calling him? And don’t forget that you’re the one who was told to kill him. If
all that isn’t some kind of cosmic scheme, I don’t know what is.”

“Wow, this is so cool,” Flynn decided.

“Yeah, it is,” Shane agreed. “You better watch it, Brett.
You don’t want to offend the powers of the universe. It’s pure hell, going
through this uncertainty with Campini. I can’t imagine how it would be if they
were out to get you.”

“All right, I think it’s time to go soon,” Brett announced.
“You’re all getting too spacey for me. Besides, some of us have to work in the
morning.”

“Aw, poor Brett.” Shane laughed. “I’ll have you know that
Flynn has been working very hard with the Millers every day this summer.”

“How’s it going?” Jesse wondered.

“Not bad.” Flynn shrugged.

“Stop being modest,” Shane spoke up, obviously proud. “They
tell me that Flynn’s more than ready for school in the fall. In fact, they’re
afraid he’s too ready.”

“They think I’m gonna be bored, after the way I spent the
last year. They say school is going to seem tame to me and I have to stick it
out until I find something I like about it.”

“It will be a different experience for you.” Shane hoped he
wouldn’t hate it completely.

“Yeah but at least I’m not gonna have someone breathing down
my neck, saying he’s taking me out all the time. I think I can get used to
that. And Dad says I’m going to be busy, making friends. Want to hear my
story?” When Brett and Jesse nodded, he continued. “We met when Shane the cop
was doing the big brother thing. My dad took off when I was real little. He
left to be in the army because he didn’t want anything to do with me. My mom
was sick all the time, which is why she signed me up. After Shane got promoted
and stopped being a plain cop he had to quit the group so I spent lots of time
on my own, getting into trouble and cutting school most of the time. When my
mom died and the social workers came to find me I asked them to get him, since
he said I should call him if I ever really needed anything. He kept me instead
of letting them ship me off to strangers and that’s how we ended up together.”

“What do you think?” Shane asked Jesse, knowing he’d get an
honest opinion.

“Sounds good. Not too far from the truth so it won’t be
difficult to remember. You actually were a big brother for a few years too,
weren’t you Shane?”

“Yep. I’ve been telling Flynn about the things we used to do
so he has some background if he ever needs it.”

“I wish my mom had signed me up instead of sending me to
those people,” Flynn admitted. “I hated them. I had a dream the other night
that he switched places with Grampa and was attacking me. Can you believe that
Grampa stayed up and talked to me all night?”

“Yes,” Brett said without hesitation. “That’s the way it
should be. You’ll see. You found yourself a real good bunch.”

“Don’t I know it! I can almost remember that I’m not
dreaming most of the time. I can’t wait until the day comes that I don’t have
convince myself that this is really happening every morning.”

“Amazing, isn’t he?” Shane commented when Brett and Jesse
both looked surprised by his statement. “I have to tell myself that he’s only
eleven all the time.”

“You are a very wise man, Flynn. I’m so glad you decided to
stay with Shane. I’m going to enjoy watching you grow up,” Brett stated honestly.

“Me too,” Jesse agreed. “Come on, Brett. I’ll drive and you
can get some sleep in the car.”

“Yeah, we should head home too.” Shane noticed the time.
“Mom is going to be all over me for keeping you out so late, Flynn.”

Flynn started to giggle. “Sorry, Dad but I love it when she
yells at you. Makes me feel better when I screw up.”

“Gee thanks.” Shane tousled his hair. “I’m so happy to
entertain you again. I’d forgotten what it’s like to live with parents in the
next room.”

“Think of it as a crash course for when you guys move,”
Jesse suggested as they headed out. “Congratulations again, guys. Thanks for
letting me be a part of this.”

“Who better to celebrate this with?” Shane asked.

“Dad told me how you helped, Jesse. I should thank you,”
Flynn said seriously.

“Don’t mention it. I’m glad I was available.” Jesse
shrugged. “Shane, let me know how it’s going with Alyssa and when you’re
moving.”

“Will do. Thanks for coming. Brett, I’ll see you soon.”

“Count on it.” Brett draped an arm around Shane and Flynn.
“I’m happy for you guys. This really is one of the best things ever.”

“Yeah,” Flynn and Shane agreed together.

“Is she really going to yell at you?” Flynn asked as Brett
and Jesse drove away.

“Big-time,” Shane assured him. “I took you to a bar to teach
you to play pool. Not to mention that it’s after ten. I’m definitely in for
it.”

“Then why did you take me there?”

“I had to. We needed a place to celebrate with Brett and
Jesse. Would you rather we took you to Chuck E. Cheese’s? You’re not exactly a
typical kid. Sometimes I’m going to do things with you that I might not with
someone else your age. Mom’s going to have to learn to accept that.”

“But she’s going to yell at you.”

“So? It’s not the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the
last. I don’t make a habit of deliberately doing things that will anger her
but, in this case, I think it was worth it. Didn’t you have fun?”

“Hell yeah! Do you think we can get a pool table too? I want
to practice.”

“We’ll see.” Shane laughed. “Campini might not approve of
the idea of our son being a pool shark.”

“Think she’d be pissed?”

“Maybe. I’d rather ask her opinion first, before we go out
and get one. I may be willing to have my mother annoyed with me but I assure
you that it’s different when the woman in question is, hopefully, my wife and
your mother.”

“I guess I’m gonna have to learn this stuff.”

“I think we’re both going to have to do that. It’s kinda
nice though, talking like it’s a done deal.”

“I’m not worried, Dad. You’ll talk her into us. You got me,
didn’t you? I don’t think she’s as scared as I was.”

“I’m not sure about that. I’m certainly going to try
everything I can think of to make it happen.”

“Aren’t you the one that said I had to have faith? Shouldn’t
you too?”

“Eleven, you’re only eleven. Thanks, Flynn. I’m glad you’re
around to remind me of this stuff. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Me too, Dad.”

“Hi.” A small voice snagged Alyssa’s attention. Looking
down, she found it belonged to the prettiest little girl.

“Hi yourself.” Alyssa squatted so she was eye level with the
child. “I’m Alyssa. What’s your name?”

“Cherlene.” She smiled shyly, hiding behind her doll.

“Ooh, such a pretty name for such a pretty girl. Does your
friend have a name too?”

“Dolly.”

“Hello, Dolly. It’s nice to meet both of you.” Alyssa
scanned the people nearby but no one seemed to be paying any attention to them.
“Where’s your mommy?”

“Don’t got one. Daddy neither.”

“Oh my.” Alyssa fought to hide her concern. “You’re too
little to be here alone. Did you wander off from someone?”

“Dunno.” She hid behind Dolly again.

“Cherlene!” a frantic woman called as she rushed toward
them. “What did I tell you? You know you have to stay with me!”

“This Alyssa,” Cherlene told the woman as she grabbed
Alyssa’s hand.

“Hello.” Alyssa stood. “I was just asking Cherlene and Dolly
who they were here with.”

“I’m Sally. I swear in all my years as a foster mother I
never had one that was so slippery. Every time I turn my head for more than
half a second, she disappears. You’re the first person she’s latched on to
though. Thanks for grabbing her.”

“Actually she grabbed me. I didn’t even know she was next to
me until she said something.”

“Hmm, she told you her name and Dolly’s too. I’m amazed.”

“Why?”

“Cherlene isn’t exactly what I’d call friendly. It took
almost two months before she started talking to me without me speaking first.”

“Lyssa.” Cherlene tugged her hand. “Ice cream!”

“Cherlene, hush,” Sally scolded gently. “It’s not polite to
beg from people we don’t know.”

“It’s all right, Sally. I think she’s absolutely precious.
I’d be happy to keep an eye on her for a few minutes while we get some ice
cream, if you’ll let me. I’m here with the team of storm trackers who did that
presentation a little earlier.”

“You chase tornadoes?” Sally looked horrified.

“Not really. I’m a photographer. They hired me to take
photos that show how dangerous a tornado can be. They want to put something
together that will discourage inexperienced people from thinking what they do
is fun. They hope to explain that this isn’t some sort of adventure and that
tornadoes are truly life-threatening when you get too close.”

“It’s about time.” Sally relaxed. “There are plenty of
idiots who come through town every year and wind up dead from their own
stupidity. I’ve met Chris and Brian several times. They have a little boy.”

“Lyssa!” Cherlene fidgeted, demanding attention.

“I guess it would be all right if you’re sure you don’t
mind. My husband and I are right over there, next to the pavilion. Please join
us.”

“Thanks. We’ll be over as soon as we get our goodies. I’d
like to know more about Cherlene, if that’s okay. If you’ll let me, I’ll take
some pictures and send them to you after I’m home and have a chance to print
them.”

“That would be great. I’ll see if I can find the rest of the
bunch. Dave and I have three of our own and there are two other short-timers
with us at the moment in addition to Cherlene. Sometimes they come and go so
fast I don’t get a chance to snap a picture of all of us together.”

“Take your time. We’re settled for the night and planning on
hanging out for the whole picnic. Can I bring anything for the rest of you?”

“Thanks, no. We have more than we can possibly finish
already.”

Alyssa spent the rest of the day with her new friends. She
took numerous photos of the whole group, as well as several of Cherlene alone.
The child was absolutely adorable, no matter what she was doing. She kept up a
constant stream of chatter until she finally collapsed in Alyssa’s lap for a
nap.

“If she gets too heavy just shift her to the blanket. Once
she’s out, she’s dead to the world for an hour. I still can’t get over how
taken she is with you.” Sally seemed fascinated with the girl’s reaction.

“She’s fine where she is. Tell me more about her.” Alyssa
felt the unexpected need to hold her as close as she could.

“Well, as she told you she’s alone. Her daddy died when the
grain elevator exploded when she was still an infant. Then she lost her poor
momma in a car accident out on the interstate last winter. She’s been with us
ever since. We don’t usually keep our foster kids more than a month or so but
they just can’t seem to place her. Cherlene usually shies away from people so
they can’t just put her with anyone.”

“But she’s such a sweetie.” Alyssa cuddled Cherlene in her
sleep. “How can anyone not love her instantly?”

“Honestly, this isn’t at all like her. She’s very withdrawn
and aloof most of the time. The few families who have come to meet her didn’t
want to take her on because they were afraid that she was unreachable. She’s
never been this friendly to anyone before, us included.”

“Then I feel honored that she spoke to me.”

“You wouldn’t want to take her home with you when you’re
done, would you?” At Alyssa’s startled gasp, Sally squeezed her hand. “Just
kidding, honey. You’re probably much too busy to be saddled with a terror like
Cherlene.”

“Well, um,” Alyssa gulped, “you may not believe this but the
guy I’ve been seeing keeps telling me how he’s going to stay home with our kids
once we have them and take care of all of us.” Why the hell was she telling an
almost stranger what Shane had declared? “He just resigned from the police
force and is planning to take a break before he decides what to do next.”

“Why’d he quit?”

“Simple frustration. He didn’t feel that he was doing a good
job anymore. He’s been working on a gang project and got closer to one of the
kids than he should have. One night there was a problem and both Shane and the
Kid were shot.”

“How awful!”

“Yes. Shane’s going to be fine but the Kid didn’t make it.”

“How can you stand being apart from him?”

“It’s been horrible but this project is so important. It
could keep someone alive so I couldn’t walk away from it. I was done yesterday
but Chris and Murray told me about this picnic so I decided to wait until
tomorrow. I haven’t told him yet. I want to surprise him.”

“You must be very excited.”

“Yes and no. I can’t wait to see him but I’m kind of
dreading it too.”

“Why? You sounded like you were planning to stick with him,
like you were talking about a family.”

“He is.”

“But?”

“But it’s such a big step.” Again, Alyssa wondered why she
was unloading all her problems on this woman. “I’m not as sure about all this
as Shane is.”

“Bah! Cold feet. Honey, take some advice from an old,
married woman. If he’s a good man who honestly loves you, don’t let him get
away. They’re hard to find. Ask yourself if he makes you happy even when he’s
making you absolutely crazy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been ready to
strangle Dave over the years. The only thing that stops me is knowing how much
I’d miss him if I ever went through with it. My man is pure aggravation but
worth every bit of it. Now don’t you go telling him I said that. I like to keep
him thinking he’s got one foot out the door and needs to charm me to let him
back in my good graces. And let me tell you, that is one charming hunk of man
when he pours it on. Whew, I’ll be blushing soon if I don’t head off those
thoughts. It’ll be hours until we get this mob settled and I get him all to
myself. Can’t start drooling now or I’ll make us all miss the fireworks.

“Seriously, and I know we just met, take a good long look at
what your life could be with and without him before you make any big decisions.
Let your heart sing for you. Sometimes it’s best not to overthink things.”

“Chris told me pretty much the same thing.”

“And, as I recall, she and her husband are quite content
together. Perhaps you should listen to us.”

“I know and I’m ready to admit that I’m willing to consider
it. Shane will probably run when I show up and tell him that. Part of me still
doesn’t believe he’s entirely serious. He might just be trying to shock me.”

“I would have to doubt that. I’ve never met a man who
mentions the whole shebang unless he’s ready. They usually avoid even the hint
of it when they’re not thoroughly prepared for it.”

“Lyssa.” Cherlene was suddenly awake. “You gonna see the
fireworks with me and Dolly? I likes fireworks but Dolly gets scared ’cause
they’re noisy.”

“Sure I will, sweetie. We’ll both hang on to Dolly so she
knows she’s safe.”

“Hmm.” Cherlene tilted her head. “You hold me and I hold
her. Okay?”

“If that’s what you think is best.” Alyssa saw Sally
smothering a smile.

“Yep. Let’s go feed the ducks. Dolly likes ducks. Can we
Sally? I won’t get lost. Lyssa can hold my hand.”

When Sally nodded, Alyssa hugged the child. “I’d love to.
But you can’t let go of my hand until we get to the pond. Then you have to stay
right with me. I don’t want to lose you and have Sally mad at me.”

“I promise. ’K, Sally?” Cherlene turned her huge brown eyes
on her foster mother.

“Okay but don’t you dare run off on Alyssa. She’s been very
nice to sit with you all day so don’t make her unhappy by not listening to
her.”

“I’ll be good. I love Lyssa. Can she come home with me? She
can sleep in my bed.”

“Oh no, silly girl. Alyssa has to go home to her own house.
She’s only here for a little visit.”

“You can come back.” Cherlene looked at Alyssa expectantly.

“How about if I promise that I’ll try to? Maybe I can bring
my friend, Shane, with me. Would you and Dolly like to meet him?”

“Is he big?”

“Yes, he’s very big. But he’s very nice too. He loves little
girls and I know he’d be happy if you talked to him.”

“Okay,” she agreed with a bright smile. “Can we do the ducks
now?”

“Sure we can.” As Alyssa let herself be led away, she heard
Sally’s laughter following them. What a sweet child this little girl was! It
would be so easy to let herself get attached to her. Wouldn’t Shane be amazed
when she showed him the photos she had taken of her unexpected friend?