Fugitive: A Bad Boy Romance (Northbridge Nights Book 2) (15 page)

After Kara ran off again, I asked Bianca, “Do you have a picture of Kara by any chance? So I can show Kieran when I see him again?”

Bianca frowned. “No, not with me. But I can text you a photo when I get home.”

I nodded. “Take care of yourself, Bianca. Don't get burnt out.” I turned to leave.

“Tell Kieran I said thank you, and that we'll be waiting for him when he gets out.” Bianca was so emotional she choked back tears. Her whole body shook. “We’ll be waiting.”

I nodded. “I will. I’ll update you on his case when I get home.”

Once I left Denny Park, I made my way toward the nearest public telephone booth. I'd kept a hundred bucks, in case I needed to catch a Greyhound back to Northbridge. Lifting the greasy phone off the cradle, I slipped a quarter into the slot and punched in the only number I knew by heart.

Terri picked up after two rings. “Hello?”

I was so glad to hear her voice I almost cried. “Terri, I need your help. I'm in Seattle.”

“
T
hank you
, Rose,” Sierra said, examining her gift. She turned the cardboard box around, reading each side. After a pause, she asked, “Umm…what...
is
it?”

“It's a breast pump,” Rose explained. “In case you wanted to breastfeed the baby.”

I looked at the funnel-shaped, silicone object and laughed. “Sierra, looks like you still have a lot to learn about raising babies. Sheesh, who knew they were so much work?”

“I babysat my cousin Laney for years,” Rose explained. “I've seen it all: tantrums, diaper rash, spit-ups. Once, the little devil flung poop at the wall.”

“And I helped raise my little brother,” Terri added, “So I've seen my fair share too. If it's a boy, remember to cover up during diaper changes, or he might pee all over you. You can buy those Pee-Pee Teepees to fix that problem.”

Everyone laughed. I didn’t help my parents with Chris, so I didn’t share their experiences. As a child, I was very self-centered, and I hated that I had to share my parents’ affection with my bratty brother. Now, as an adult, I liked kids, but I certainly wasn't ready to have one of my own anytime soon. I was happy for my friend and my boss though; they were more in love than ever. I’d never seen a couple so enamored with one another. They were an inspiration to the rest of us.

“Pee-Pee Teepees?” Sierra groaned. “Let’s just stop right there.”

For her baby shower, Sierra wore a nautical stripe maternity dress with a satin blue sash. She looked absolutely stunning, as usual. She’d complimented the outfit with a matching tote, which was now overstuffed with gifts. Sierra shifted from side to side on the armchair, clutching her massive belly. “Ow-ow, cramps, ow.”

“Do you want a heat pack?” I offered.

“Sure, that's be great,” Sierra replied. “Goddamn Braxton-Hicks contractions.”

“Just wait till the real thing starts.” I winked and Sierra scowled at me. I stood up and made my way into the kitchen. I had one of those aromatherapy bean bags somewhere…After rifling through the cupboards, I found it inside one of the lower shelves and popped it into the microwave for a minute.

I'd offered to host Sierra's baby shower at my new apartment. The event doubled as my housewarming party, though I insisted my guests didn’t need to bring me anything. My new place needed some visitors to add a bit of life inside its drab cream walls. It was a mere six-hundred square foot space, and it needed a lot of work, but it was mine. Terri and Callista had helped me decorate the space with pink and blue tissue flowers and some snazzy custom banners and helium balloons. Colorful, wrapped gifts had been stacked in a corner by the window. Most of them were opened now, and Sierra sat amidst a sea of torn paper, looking like a queen.

There were fifteen guests in all, including me, Sierra, Terri, Rose, Callista, and some of Sierra’s other friends.

“Don't forget the cake,” I called out, gesturing to the fridge. “We made it special.”

“Oh, don't worry, I'm so hungry all the time I could eat the whole damn thing by myself.” Sierra laughed.

Her due date was in less than three weeks and she was very energetic, despite her huge belly. Her and Asher had decided not to find out the sex of the baby. I thought it was a bit risky, since they'd have to get everything in gender neutral colors, but they loved the idea of keeping it a surprise.

“Why don't you bring it out now?” Terri said. “We're almost done with the gifts.”

“Sure.” I dove into the fridge and took out the massive lemon meringue cake. It was shaped like a baby bump and featured a laser-printed ultrasound photo on top. Cost an arm and a leg for the custom print job but it was so worth it.

I couldn't believe how quickly time had flown. Seemed like just yesterday when I'd heard about Sierra's pregnancy announcement. Now the baby was coming any day now. The newest addition to the Morgan family. Asher was the proudest dad I’d ever seen, and he worshipped the ground Sierra walked on. I envied her sometimes, wishing I had a man who’d treat me so well. It’d been four weeks since I last saw Kieran, and my whole life had turned upside down since then.

“Let me give you a hand,” Terri said, popping up behind me and digging into the cupboard for plates and cutlery. She looked terrific, as usual, in her slimming sweater dress and four-inch heels.

“Thanks, Terri.”

“How are you holding up?” Terri whispered.

I forced myself to smile. “Fine. I'm fine.”

“You've barely spoken to any of us since you came back. I'm still waiting for some answers,” Terri continued. “What happened in Seattle?”

“I don't want to talk about it.”

“Did you really run off with Kieran?”

“I didn't run off with him.”

“So he took you?”

“No.” I'd resolved not to tell the whole truth when I returned to Northbridge. The last thing Kieran needed was to add kidnapping to his list of charges. “Me running off had nothing to do with him. I panicked. Got cold feet, that's all.”

Terri’s perfectly-plucked brows knitted together. “Rachelle, you're freaking all of us out. Talk to us.”

“Sorry, I don't mean to,” I said.

Terri rested her hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “We love you. Open up to us.”

I bit my lip. “Nothing really happened.” Lie. Big lie. I added, “There is something I'd like to do and I need your help to do it.”

“What is it? Anything.”

“I need a ride to Maxfield Penitentiary.”

Terri clasped her hand over her mouth.“Why? To visit Kieran?”

I nodded. “No one can know.”

“Rach, people are going to find out. They always do. You can’t avoid the subject forever.”

“I just want it to be as discreet as possible. Think you can help?”

“I'll try...but...why, Rach?”

“I want to see him again. Talk to him.” I didn’t tell her the whole truth, which was a) the guilt was eating me alive and b) I missed him. Yes, I, Rachelle Wu, goody-two-shoes-extraordinaire, missed a convicted felon. Shamelessly. Hopelessly. Desperately missed him.

“Do you have feelings for him or something?” Terri asked, folding her arms across her chest. “You do realize he's a criminal.” She practically spat out the last word.

“He's innocent. Well, mostly. I—I just need to see him again.” Truth was, I hadn't slept well in weeks. Every time I closed my eyes, I'd see his face. Haunting, strikingly handsome, and sad. I wanted to see how he was doing, even though it was probably a bad idea. Last I heard, (from the news) he had to serve the rest of his twelve-year sentence in prison, without parole. He’d be at Maxfield for the next two years. I’d asked Asher if he could help out, but he was busy with his own cases, and said that Kieran’s case was pretty open-and-shut. He’d pled guilty all those years ago. That had sealed his fate.

“What will Rob think?” Terri asked. “He’s going to freak.”

Fuck what Rob thought
.
Rob had been nothing but a mondo jerk ever since I came back. He spent a whole week berating me for humiliating him and our families. And wasting all that money. Then he shamed me with hurtful epithets and demanded to get his engagement ring back. I threw it at him and told him to get out. Turns out, Kieran was right about him after all. At the first sign of trouble, Rob turned on me, calling off our engagement and distancing himself from my tainted image. I should’ve seen it coming. I moved out two days later.

I was relieved. At least now I wouldn't have to worry about what he thought of me. What anyone thought of me. It wasn’t important anymore. The damage had been done and I would suffer the consequences.

Besides, ever since I'd come back to Northbridge, I'd been consumed by thoughts of Kieran. I didn't even cry when Rob left me. I'd been expecting it. I was a pretty and safe status symbol for him, nothing more. We’d had a drama-free, mutually beneficial relationship for six years. But clearly that wasn’t enough of a history to stay with me when things got tough. Oh well.

When I’d returned to Northbridge a month ago, I made a quick phone call to my parents and grandparents, to reassure them that I was safe, but that I didn't have the courage to face them yet. They freaked out and refused to listen to anything I said. My mom called me every single day, three times a day for a week, before I temporarily blocked her number. It was a very irresponsible thing to do. I was being irrational and irresponsible. Selfish, even. I wasn’t answering to anybody but myself.

And it felt good to finally be free.

I was no longer trapped under Robert’s thumb or his family’s unrealistically high expectations. Or my family’s expectations. I could just
be.

And I was happy.

Better for it.

I even made a Singleton Bucket List. It was chock full of outrageous things I’d probably never got around to, but hey, I was single now. I had options. Maybe I’d even hunt down a one-night-stand and give it a whirl. I could afford to be reckless now. Rob dumping me was the best thing that ever happened to me.

The world was my oyster, and I wanted to go pearl diving.

After I’d left Bianca and her kids that day, I phoned Terri and she’d driven straight to Seattle, and picked me up around two in the morning. Like I said, she was my best friend. The only one I could trust to stay on my side, no matter what. I knew the world was probably against me, but Terri would always have my back. She didn't even ask any questions at the time. Just hugged and kissed me and bawled her eyes out. Chastised me for being irresponsible and for not calling her sooner. But happy that I was alive and well. I didn’t tell her about Kieran. I didn’t know what to say to her. What could I say to her?

On the drive home, her mood continued to alternate between fury and relief. She couldn't understand why I'd done what I did, and my sombre reticence did little to soothe her nerves. In the following three weeks, she'd called me at least four times a week to check up on me. Each time, I reassured her that I was doing fine. The truth? I wasn’t really fine, fine. Not because Rob had dumped me but because…well, I was going crazy not seeing Kieran. I wasn't sure why, but I ached for him. I missed him. Way too much. And I itched to be with him again, even if only for a while. It defied all logic, and I gave up trying to figure it out. I felt what I felt, and that was that.

I found myself wondering if he was doing alright at Maxfield…If the other inmates were treating him well. If he got enough to eat, and slept alright at night. It was absolutely ridiculous. Most of all, I wanted to show him that picture of Kara Bianca had sent me. Tell him how much she looked like him. Reassure him that everything would be alright once he got out.

“Rob and I broke up last week,” I confessed to Terri. “And to be honest, I feel relieved. I’m glad I didn’t marry him.”

Terri gasped. “What? Why didn't you tell me sooner?”

“Shh, keep your voice down,” I chastised. “Did you honestly expect a different outcome? I ruined a quarter-million dollar wedding and left him at the altar.”

“But it wasn't on purpose...You...It...”

“Relax, I’m over it. Let's talk about this later.” I reached for the cake and the two of us brought it out to the hungry guests.

“This conversation is not over,” Terri said. “You better tell me everything later.”

W
hen I was thirteen
, Mom showed me a documentary about police brutality and prisons in America. It was gory, violent, and chock full of expletives. She'd forced me to sit through all ninety minutes of it, and when we were done, I bawled my eyes out. Between raspy breaths, I dry heaved into the garbage can.

She'd turned to me then, eyes narrowed, and said, “This is what happens to bad people. Be a good girl, and you won't get into any trouble.”

Traumatized by what I'd seen, I nodded and said, “You don't need to worry about me, Mom, I'll never be bad.”

And I never was.

Trouble rarely cruised into my life. I led a sweet, carefree existence. I had a comfortable life. I’d graduated university without any debt. I worked hard in school, aced all my classes, hung out with all the right people, didn’t drink too much or do drugs, and I landed a great job at one of the best law firms in the city. Got engaged to my long-time boyfriend, who came from an uber-wealthy family.

What more could a girl ask for, right?

Then Kieran happened to me.

Trouble found me, even though I'd been so careful. It put me in the wringer, despite the meticulous, squeaky clean existence I'd led all my life…And somehow, I came out a better version of myself. Kieran somehow succeeded in stripping away the facade I’d clung on to for most of my life. Showed me what it was like to be free. To be myself. Now I could never be the old me again. I hardly recognized this new Rachelle. She went to bars and flirted with strangers. She went skinny-dipping alone in the Dalton. She took up night boxing classes. It was insane, the energy I’d freed up by letting go of my old self. Since I lived alone now, I stayed out more often and hung out with my friends more too. Met new friends, even. Struck up conversations with strangers the old me would never glance twice at. I didn’t have to answer to a fiancé or my parents. I was my own woman, and it was fucking awesome.

The clanging buzzer jolted me back to the present. I gripped Terri's hand as we walked inside the prison. It had been a tense two-hour drive up there with very clipped conversation. I bent down over a spiral logbook and scribbled my signature on the yellowed sheet. Terri took a seat in the waiting area.

I brushed the raised hackles on my neck. “Don't go anywhere, Terri. I'll be in and out.”

Terri nodded. “I'll be right here. You can do this, Rach.”

I turned back to the tall guard and said, “Okay, I'm ready.”

Prison wasn't as terrifying as it seemed to thirteen-year-old me. That documentary had been shot at a maximum security facility which housed some of America’s most wanted. Maxfield, by comparison, was much more lax. It was minimum security and the atmosphere was orderly and organized. I even heard laughter echo through the halls. Not the maniacal kind you heard at psych wards. It was just nice, friendly laughter. An amicable joke told between friends. I forced my shoulders to relax and held my head up high.

A female guard patted me down before I entered the visitation room. There were about ten round wooden tables scattered around the room. Jumpsuit-clad men of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities spoke in hushed tones to their visitors. A couple to my right pressed their foreheads together. The woman was bawling like a banshee. I shuddered.

I scanned the room and immediately noticed him. His unruly black hair and piercing gray eyes. Unsurprisingly, the prison outfit actually made him look pretty good. Rough around the edges and dangerously sexy. Just like how I remembered him. The clothes framed him well, showcasing his broad shoulders and muscular physique.
Did Maxfield have a gym? Because Kieran looked like he kept a strict workout regimen.

The guard escorted me to the table and reminded me that there was only twenty minutes left before visitation hours were over. I took a seat, my hands gripping the edge of the table. Swallowing hard, I eked out, “Kieran.”

“Rachelle, you made it.” I couldn’t tell if his eyes were filled with gratitude or sorrow.

I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry it took me so long—”

“I'm glad you're here.” Kieran's large hands were laced together, thumbs crossed. In a lower voice, he asked, “Did you see her?”

I nodded. “Both of them are well. I gave them the money. Bianca didn't want it at first, but I insisted.”

Kieran's eyes twinkled. For a second, he looked like he wanted to hug me.
He was happy to see me.
“Thank you, Rachelle.”

“I...I still can't believe...”

“Hey, look at me, Princess.”

I looked into his gray eyes and saw my own reflection. “What was she like?” he asked.

I paused for a moment. “She looks just like you. Dark hair, gray eyes. She was so shy...But she had a great smile.”

“And the rest of her?”

I frowned, lips wobbling. “It wasn't terrible, but she did show signs of FAS.” I'd done some research when I got back home. Kara showed all the classic facial features of someone with FAS.

Kieran's hands clenched into fists. “Goddamn Trisha...”

“You could ask Bianca to bring her...”

Kieran clenched his jaw. “No. I'd rather die than to see my daughter for the first time in prison.”

“Sorry. I wasn't thinking,” I apologized.

“There's nothing you have to be sorry about, Princess. You've been good to me. Too good. You never even told the cops—”

“—There was nothing to tell,” I interrupted.

“How'd your fiancé handle everything when you came back?” Kieran asked, changing the topic. “I fucked everything up, didn’t I?”

“We broke up,” I said, shrugging. “I expected it.”

“Fuck. It's all my fault. Let me talk to him. I can—”

“No,” I said, a bit sharply, “it had nothing to do with you. What happened between us only helped me see Rob for who he truly was. All he cared about was his money and reputation. When I damaged it, he cast me aside. I'm glad I saw him for the superficial man he really was.”

“You're not mad I shattered your picture-perfect life?”

I almost wanted to laugh. “You didn't shatter it. You showed me that it was less than picture-perfect. I needed that. Now I’m building a new life. And…”

“And what?”

The guard behind us gave a five-minute warning.

“And you’re a part of it,” I finished.

Kieran's fingers brushed against mine for less than a second. “Promise me you'll come back.”

I hesitated. “Kieran—”

“You're all I've got,” Kieran said, placing his hand on top of mine. “Rachelle…I want to see you again. Two years is a long time...But if I have your visits to look forward to...”

“Okay, I'll come back,” I said. The truth was, I couldn’t stay away from him, even if I wanted to. I looked down at his hand and noticed a few yellow-green welts and bruises there. “What happened to your hand?”

“It's nothing. Just a little scrape,” Kieran said, pulling his hand away and putting them on his lap. “You've made my day—my week, Rachelle.”

“Oh, before I forget,” I said, pulling out a photo from my back pocket. “I printed this yesterday. Not sure if I'm allowed to give you this, but I thought you'd like it.”

Kieran looked down at the picture of his daughter and his eyes welled with tears. After a moment, he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and said, “If I could, I'd hug the shit out of you right now.”

I smiled. “I knew it'd cheer you up. Take care, Kieran.”

“See you soon, Princess.”

* * *

O
nce we were back
in the car, Terri asked, “Is there something you want to tell me?”

I shrugged. “No?”

“Twenty minutes with a felon and you look like you just had sex. You're glowing.”

I cupped my cheeks. They did feel a little warm. “I'm not
glowing.
”

Terri handed me her pocket mirror. “See for yourself.”

I checked out my appearance. I was blushing, and my skin did look more radiant than usual. “You're seeing things,” I told her, returning her mirror.

“So what did you talk about?”

“Secret,” I said.

“You've never kept secrets from me before. I'll weasel it out of you one way or another.”

I smirked. “Well, you'll have to weasel pretty damn hard to make me give up this one.”

“You like him,” Terri said in a sing-song voice.

“No.”

“Is that why you and Rob broke up? Because you realized you had feelings for another man?”

“I did—do not!” I hated that Terri was getting to me. “Just drive, Terri.”

“It's okay, babe. Chill. I never liked Rob that much anyway. But still, a felon wouldn't be my first choice...”

“Terri!”

“Just teasing, Rach. Lighten up. Nothing wrong with falling for a bad boy.” Terri winked. “You’re always reading about bad boys. Now you get to experience one firsthand…”

“Eyes on the road, Terri. And for the last time, I'm not falling for him!”