Through The Pieces (12 page)

Chapter 23

Scott

He’d sent Claire the pictures, but she had no proof who left them, so he got a warning from the Sheriff to stay away. Scott snorted out a laugh at the thought of a warning. Like that was going to scare him. He lit a cigarette and stroked the picture in his hands. He wasn’t even sure why he continued to pursue her anymore. She'd obviously moved on without him. He should just let her go, but his father's voice popped in his head, calling him weak. Calling him a loser. He placed the photo on the table and stubbed out his cigarette. He rubbed his face harshly with both hands. A knock at the door got his attention. He smiled when he saw who it was.

"Can I come in?” she asked nervously.

"You know you don't have to ask, Jenny." She sure looked good to him. He wasn’t sure when he began to like her, but she wasn’t so bad. Always wearing skin tight clothes and letting her boobs hang out.

"I came because I don't know if I can do this. I--I'm afraid someone might get hurt." She looked nervous and weak. Her vulnerability sent adrenaline coursing through his body. He would never admit it, but he sometimes felt the same way. This pissed him off.

"What the fuck is this about?"

"I just thought we were breaking them up, then I see them together and I know they have something. I just don't want to do it anymore." His hand shot out and grabbed her by the throat, pinning her in place. Jenny squirmed, but he wasn't about to let go.

"Let’s get one thing straight. We
will
finish this, and if you are thinking about not holding up your end of the bargain, you will regret it." The terror in her eyes let him know she was on board. Scott released his grip and she immediately brought hands to her throat to rub the soreness away.

"When?" she croaked.

"Soon. Very soon. Now come back to the bedroom. I have something I need you to do."

After Jenny left, Scott found the photo he had discarded earlier and stared at Claire's beautiful face. She’d made this hard on herself. She would come back willingly or she would pay. Anger and rage consumed him. It was her fault for not giving him another chance. God, he just wanted her back. He couldn't understand why she wouldn't give a little. He set the picture down and decided it was time for a few drinks.

Chapter 24

Claire

It had been a few days since I’d reconciled with Buck. I kept hoping the sick feeling would go away, but it didn't. I was beginning to think it was from the stress of seeing the photos and knowing that Scott had been spying on us. Buck had spent every night since at my house or we went to his. His presence should have alleviated some of my anxiety, but I still had this constant feeling of being watched. My nerves were on overdrive. On the days Buck worked and I was off, I went to Annie's. With Maggie in school, I needed something to do with my time.

I drove over to Annie's after dropping Maggie off at school that morning. Annie was in the kitchen, fixing up a plate of scrambled eggs. The smell sent my already nauseous stomach into cartwheels.

"You look green. Are you okay?"

"I just have an upset stomach." I sat down and Annie scraped the eggs back in the pan.

She came over with the coffee pot and two mugs. "No problem, how about some coffee?" She looked at me with a raised eyebrow when I declined. "Since when do you say no to coffee?"

Not sure myself, I shrugged.
Since when did I ever say no to the dark liquid from the Gods?

"Now don't get mad, but can I ask you something?"

I nodded.

"Have you and Buck been safe? Like does he use protection when you have sex?"

OH SHIT! Did we? No, we did not!
"No! Oh, Annie, I could be pregnant!" It was beginning to make sense, everything but the coffee.

"Yes, and there is one sure way to find out. I happen to have an unopened test kit. Matt and I have been trying again. No luck yet, but we certainly don’t mind all the practice."

"Okay, can you get it for me? I am about to start panicking. What if I am? What if Buck gets mad? What if he doesn't want a baby? What do I tell Maggie? "

"Easy now. First take the test, then we’ll come up with a plan." She reached across the table and squeezed my hand. "Breathe Claire, just breathe."

I took the test in the bathroom, Annie following me for fear I would pass out. We put the test on the sink and sat nervously waiting for the results. As we waited, I envisioned carrying Buck's child. He would be the most amazing father. I bet if I had a craving in the middle of the night, he would go to the store for me, no complaints. Did I want a baby with Buck?
Yes!
It was too soon in our relationship, but I loved Buck. Wait, did I just admit to myself that I loved him? I love Buck! I love William Buckingham!

"Okay, it's done. Do you want to look or should I look? Or we could look at the same time."

"I will." I took the tiny plastic pee stick and glanced at Annie. She was just as nervous as I was. I peered apprehensively at the indicator. Wait, what the hell did it mean? I looked at Annie in confusion.

"What does it say?" Annie demanded to know.

"I don't know. Shouldn't it say yes or no?"

"No, let me look." She grabbed it from me.

"Annie, any day now."

She giggled and her arms shot around me. "You are having a little Buck!"

"Really? Oh God! I’m having another baby! Annie, I’m having a baby!"

"Yes! Yes you are. Now, when are you going to tell Buck?"

"I don't know. I need to go to the doctor and make sure. Let me do that, and I will tell him afterward, okay?"

"All right, go now! Well? What are you waiting for? Go!"

Annie shooed me out of her house and I giggled at her eagerness. I went to my doctor and had blood drawn. They said they would know shortly, and if I was, I needed to get a prescription for prenatal vitamins. I decided to go to the boutique next door while I waited. I looked through the racks of clothes and found an adorable dress for Maggie. I was going to purchase it, but after checking the price tag, discovered that it was way too much. I reluctantly put the dress back on the rack and turned to leave when my phone buzzed in my purse.

"Hello?"

"Claire, this is Nancy, the nurse. Your test came back positive. Congratulations! Now, I will leave your prescription at the front desk. You will need to make an appointment with an OBGYN."

"Thank you, Nancy." I was really pregnant. I felt light-headed and wasn't sure if it was from excitement or the fact that I hadn’t eaten anything. I was about to leave the store, when I spotted baby clothes. I walked over and found a yellow onesie with a fawn on it. Buck is having a fawn. I giggled and walked up to the register. When I left the store I immediately called Annie.

"Hello?"

"I am officially pregnant."

"Oh wow! I have the perfect plan to tell Buck. I will make a big dinner. When you ask Buck to pass the salt, you can then say, ‘By the way, I am having your baby.’"

"Umm, I think I will tell him myself, but thanks."

"But I have to be there!"

"No, you just want to be. Now how about I pick up the girls from school. We can still have supper with you. Then I will tell Buck.
Alone
."

"Fine, you know you sucked the fun right out from under me, don't you?" she huffed.

"I’m kind of almost sorry. I have to go pick up my prenatal vitamins. I’ll see you tonight."

"Fine."

"Aw, come on, Annie. How about I let you tell Matt afterward?"

"That might help soothe the pain you have inflicted. Fine, it's a deal. See you about five."

I laughed and hung up. After getting the prescription filled at the pharmacy, I sent a text to Buck.

Me: Dinner at Annie's 5pm

Buck: I never turn down good food. Want me to pick you and Maggie up?

Me: No, we’ll meet you there

Buck: okay:( I miss my Lotus

Me: I miss you Buck

Smiling to myself, I got in my car and took the onesie out. I just hoped Buck would be as happy as I was. Wrapping the onesie up, I stuffed it in my purse along with the prenatal vitamins. Now to pick up the girls.

Chapter 25

Claire

I parked my car in an empty spot at the school and entered the building, smiling at the excited chatter from the children. Maggie and Rose weren’t in the designated pickup area, so I went to find the teacher. "Excuse me, Miss Turner, I was sure I was picking up the girls today."

"Let me check. I was taking a phone call in the office. The teacher's aide was here." She went over to a girl who looked to be no older than sixteen. Returning to me, she said, "Claire, she said an uncle came and got the girls."

Relief washed over me. "Thank you, Miss Turner." I went to my car and fished for my phone. There was a missed call from home. Odd, no one should be at my house. I called home quickly, wondering what was going on. I wasn't sure why Matt would go to my house. We were having supper at his and Annie’s tonight. The phone rang a few times and then someone picked up.

"Mommy?"

"Maggie? Why are you home? We are supposed to have supper at Annie's. Can I talk to Matt, honey?"

"Matt isn't here, Mommy."

"Maggie what is going on? Miss Turner said you went home with an uncle." Confusion swirled through me. "Maggie?" There was a pause and some noise coming from the phone. I pulled it away from my face to make sure I was still connected.

"Claire, it's me." Scott cooed into the phone.

My heart began to beat frantically.

"Scott? What is going on? Why do you have the girls?"

"Shut up, Claire! I will do the talking. You will listen! Do you understand?"

"Yes." I choked out a sob and my hands began to shake.

"Now I need you to come to your place, and do not get any ideas of calling the police or anyone else for that matter. Then you and Maggie are going to your real home where you belong--
with me
." The phone line went dead. Fumbling, I attempted to insert the keys in the ignition. They dropped to the floor. Trembling, I snatched them off the floorboard, jammed them in the switch, and started the car. Distracted, I pulled out of the parking lot and into the path of an oncoming car, which served to avoid me at the last moment, horn blaring.

When I stepped out of the car, my legs were wobbly. I took the stairs two at a time, tripping on the last stair. I hit the floor hard, sending shooting pain up my wrists. The door swung open. I craned my head and saw Scott staring down at me. With frantic eyes, I searched the room and found the girls huddled together on the couch. My eyes teared when I saw the frightened looks on their faces.

Scott bent down and yanked me up by my jacket, my purse flopping around, pulling me into the apartment. I thought he was going to let me fall forward, but instead he pulled me close and nuzzled my hair.I glanced desperately around the room but couldn't see anything within reach to use as a weapon. His hand came around and gripped my throat. Maggie and Rose let out a whimper.

"Now, let's go to
our
home, Claire."

I pulled at his hands, trying to ease the pressure on my throat. "Scott,” I pleaded, “please leave the kids, or let's take them to Annie's."

"You think I am stupid?"

"I just thought we could have a few days together, then we could come back for Maggie." I could tell he was thinking this through. His grip loosened on my throat, and he spun me around roughly so that I was facing him. He looked down at me, desperation in his eyes. If I couldn't convince him to take only me, I was afraid the girls would suffer the same fate. He continued to stare at me, as if convincing himself that I would do what he wanted. Something caught his attention and his eyes narrowed. He pushed me aside and stalked down the hall. Pippi came waltzing down the hall her tail held high as if she were determined to make friends with him.

"What the FUCK is this thing doing here?" he bellowed.

Maggie jumped off the couch and ran to her beloved kitten. "Don't hurt her Daddy!" She shielded Pippi with her body.  As if in slow motion, his hand raised high in the air and came down swiftly, connecting with Maggie's face. The slap reverberated through the room. Something broke inside of me. I was unable to protect my daughter. Maggie flew backward and the kitten hissed up at Scott. I saw his foot drawback, and I knew Pippi was his target. I flew toward Scott, body slamming him, knocking him off balance. His foot barely missed the kitten. I stumbled and dropped my purse, the contents spilling across the floor. The bottle containing my prenatal vitamins rolled toward him, coming to a stop at the tip of his boot. He picked it up and read the label. His eyes cut to me, cold and accusing.

"You're
pregnant?
" His disgust was palpable. He flung the bottle across the room. I watched as his eyes turned from anger to something else. I had never seen them look so hauntingly. I could see the veins in his neck bulge.  Maggie watched him fearfully, the mark on her face an angry red. I needed to think. I needed a plan.

Scott glanced at me, betrayal in his eyes. He wore a look of surrender, of acceptance. A glimmer of hope swirled in me. Maybe he finally understood. He made his way to the couch and sat down bring his hands to his face.

"Maggie, get Pippi, then you and Rose go into your room. Do not come out unless I tell you to. Is that clear?"

Both girls nodded, Maggie scooped Pippi up, and they dashed down the hall. Maggie stopped at her door and turned to me. I nodded for her to go in and gave her a weak smile. Scott was now on his feet, moving toward me.

"Get up, Claire." He held out his hand out to me and helped me off the floor. When he had me standing, he forced me against the wall, his mouth crashing down on mine as if to punish me. Bile rose in my throat. He broke the kiss and pulled me with him to the door.

"Where are we going, Scott?"

"It's time to tie up loose ends."

"But what about the girls?"

"You don't need to worry about anyone anymore, Claire Blair."