Where One Road Leads (10 page)

Releasing his hold on Krista’s hand, Matt grabbed Ricky by the arm, but Ricky yanked himself back.

“No, it’s time we get some things aired out. You think everything was so perfect between you and Jay?”

Krista curled her fingers into fists, anger roiling through her stomach and gathering in one tight, hot ball. So he wanted to keep pushing her. The confrontation was long overdue. She didn’t want to do it here. “You feel the need to talk? Fine, outside.”

Ricky ignored her. “Did you notice how often he drank? Why do you think he did that?”

“He drank every day, Ricky. For a long time.” She kept her voice low. Maybe if she started backing him toward the door, he’d follow.

She noticed a few others paying attention to the confrontation. Rachel and Mr. Crowe—Ricky’s father—had been talking to another man, but now they strode across the room. Whether they were coming to back Ricky or not, she wasn’t sure. Tom, one of Matt’s coworkers, had made his way through the crowd and stood near. Krista would put her money on Tom and Matt in a second when it came to physically handling Ricky, but the senior Mr. Crowe had a lot of power. She wasn’t too keen on facing it again.

“Yeah, he drank, all right,” Ricky insisted. “But not as much as he did when he found out you were pregnant.”

Talk about pulling the rug out from underneath me.
“Oh God,” she whispered.

There seemed to be a collective intake of breath from those who heard. Even Rachel paused, her eyes growing wide. Krista couldn’t look at Matt, who’d remained close by her side. Instead she wrapped her arms around herself.

“Shut up,” she croaked. She stood her ground, anger pushing against misery.

Ricky ignored her request. “He used to tell me he couldn’t stand how you thought you two would make a happy little family with the baby. Shit, Krista, the last thing in the world he wanted to be was a father. He thought you’d ruin his life. Before you picked us up that night he told me he planned to break up with you. And I supported his decision. So did Tanya Rickford. Remember her? She was chomping at the bit for Jay to be single. Of course things were already pretty hot and heavy between them before that night.”

“Shut up,” she repeated hotly. She wanted to throw herself at him and pummel him until he stopped talking, but she couldn’t seem to move.

“If it weren’t for you, he and Liz would still be here. Jay wouldn’t have been out drinking so much if you weren’t so into keeping that baby.” Ricky leaned in closer, the grin on his face sharper, nastier. “Funny, isn’t it, how crashing took care of the very problem Jay was trying get away from. A real hoot.”

Matt’s fist stopped Ricky’s rant and suddenly the room seemed to burst into commotion. Krista watched in stunned disbelief as Ricky went down like a rag doll. She could’ve sworn she felt the floor rock when Ricky dropped. She backed up, too confused to join in the fracas.

Matt advanced on Ricky, the expression on his face telling her he was intent on getting another piece of him. But Rachel knelt at Ricky’s side and caught his arm, Thomas Crowe taking the other, trying to help him stand.

Then Tom was reaching for the disoriented Ricky and pulling him up, yet Krista knew his intention was to remove him from the building. Nothing more.

Cameron appeared and grabbed Matt before he could do more damage. Gretchen wrapped an arm around Krista’s shoulders, pulling her away.

“I don’t believe this,” Krista murmured. “Why did he have to do this?” She pushed away the hot flood of tears that stung her eyes and reluctantly leaned against Gretchen.

“Shh, honey. Come on, let the men sort this out. Let’s go find Patricia and she’ll take care of you. And I’ll take care of the other guests.”

“I can’t let you do that, Gretchen,” Krista protested, but Patricia had already appeared and was leading her away. She had no clue how Gretchen planned to handle damage control, but the woman oozed confidence. Between her and Cameron, Krista figured her presence wouldn’t be missed for a few minutes until she managed to pull herself together.

Grateful to Cameron and John for keeping him away from Ricky, Matt still wanted to kill him. One punch, no matter how well landed, hadn’t been nearly satisfying enough. But messing with Ricky was risky business, especially with Thomas Crowe right there to protect his son.

Cameron guided him outside with a firm hold on his shoulder, John following behind. Frigid air surrounded them along with the dim light from the streetlamps.

Matt didn’t want to talk about Ricky’s accusations. Not with these two men anyway. He swore as he leaned against the wrought iron railing, then yanked the tie off and loosened the top button of his shirt.

“Of course, nothing is going to happen to him. Again. I doubt I’ll get off so easily,” Matt growled.

Cameron leaned next to him. “Why do you say that?”

“Nobody touches that guy without any repercussions. Ricky would just as soon have my badge and see me behind bars.”

“Well, I can’t see that happening,” Cameron mused.

John chuckled. “Thomas Crowe likes to flex his political muscles. On anyone he thinks offends him or his family.”

Cameron waved his hand in dismissal. “I know his type. I see them on a daily basis. Child’s play. I can have him permanently off your back in five minutes. You stay here. I’m going inside to give Gretchen a hand trying to reestablish control over this party. I think I’ll also have a word with the Crowe boys and salvage what we can from this night.”

“Krista?” Matt thought of the horror on her face when Ricky had broken the news. It had to be a blow to her.

“I saw her go off with Patricia. I’m sure she’s fine. She’s a fighter, that one. One spoiled brat boy with a big mouth isn’t going to get to her. Hell, I’ve seen her stare down a lot worse without blinking an eye. This won’t flatten her for long.” Cameron headed inside.

No matter how much faith Cameron had in Krista, Matt suspected he was way off about this.

A baby.

He rubbed his palms over his face. Naturally he and Jay hadn’t ever discussed things like that. Jay never would’ve confided to his big brother about such things. He’d always considered Matt too straight-laced.

Matt racked his brain to recall if there’d been any indication of things going wrong. His brother had always liked to drink but Matt would have no way of knowing if Jay’s alcohol consumption had become worse. They hadn’t been living under the same roof; why would he notice?

“I need to talk to her.” He stood.

John nodded and followed him through the door.

Cameron was in a huddle with Ricky, Rachel and Thomas. None of the three from the Crowe party appeared particularly pleased. Matt did have the pleasure of seeing the results of his handiwork. No doubt by the next day Ricky would be wearing a perfectly lovely bruise on his jaw.

As he walked by, Matt caught the dark, hot look of hate in Ricky’s eyes. Matt turned away, but not before Ricky’s lips turned into a wicked smirk.

Things weren’t over yet.

Chapter 9

Gretchen proved to a perfect hostess under pressure. People continued to look uneasy, but the music had begun to play again and a few couples returned to the dance floor.

Dean and Suzette stood close together, silent and serious. Matt hadn’t realized they were there. He waved an unenthusiastic hand to them as he walked by. He didn’t stop to talk; he’d try to explain later.

He strode past them, heading toward Krista’s office, not sure what he’d say to her. Maybe she wouldn’t even want to talk to him, or have him in the same room. He’d worry about that if it happened.

He tapped lightly on the door. After a moment, Patricia opened it. She stood back and let Matt in. John was right behind him.

“Come on, honey, let’s go home.” John took Patricia’s hand. With a smile to Matt, Patricia left with her husband.

Matt stood in the doorway, studying Krista for a moment. She was at her desk, rummaging frantically through the drawers, muttering to herself. Her hair had come loose from its elegant style and she’d discarded her shoes by the sofa.

“Thank God,” she exclaimed with a relieved sigh, not directed at him, he figured, but at the pack of cigarettes clutched in her hand. He didn’t think she even knew he was there.

“You don’t need those,” Matt said and shut the door behind him.

“It’s exactly what I need,” she retorted and removed one from the carton. “I think I know what I need. Matches. You have any matches?”

Matt shook his head. “I don’t smoke. Sorry. Now why don’t you put them down?”

Krista paused and glared at him. “Why are you in here anyway? You should be pissed at me.”

Matt frowned as he strode across the room to her side. He took the pack from her hand and put them on the desk.

“Why should I be pissed at you?” he inquired, genuinely perplexed. “You weren’t the one putting on a show out there.”

Krista eyed the cigarettes but didn’t make a move toward them. “The baby. I never wanted anyone to know.”

Matt sighed. He didn’t understand why she thought he’d be angry with her. Finding out she’d been pregnant back then and had lost the baby in the crash was a definite unexpected turn, and would have been shocking blow for her.

Ricky was right about one thing. Jay hadn’t been father material; that much Matt knew. It probably would’ve driven him to party harder, drink heavier. It surprised him that Krista hadn’t seen that about him. Maybe Ricky had been exaggerating about her desire to have a happy home, with Jay and baby making three. Had she actually lived with the loss of that perceived future?

“Honey, I could never be mad about that. No one here has any right to be angry with you. Why would you even think that?”

“You heard what Ricky said out there, it was my fault Jay drank so much. I was so stupid.” Her gaze flicked to him. He didn’t think she actually saw him. Her mind seemed focused on something a million miles away. Or maybe fifteen years in the past. “I never had a clue he didn’t want to be a father. I mean, he was young and all, but so was I.”

When Krista crashed on the sofa, Matt sat next to her. He didn’t care if she wanted him there or not. “Stop blaming yourself, Krista. He had choices as to how to deal with things. He never had to take a drink. He did willingly. If you hadn’t picked them up that night, they would’ve found a ride with someone else. More likely would’ve been one of the other kids at the party. The end could’ve been the same, Krista.”

He examined her closely. Her red-rimmed eyes were dry despite a crying spell. A telltale smudge of mascara marred one cheek. Right now she looked worn, pale and very sad, her blue gaze lost somewhere. Reaching out, he put his arm around her shoulders. She let him draw her to him until she cuddled against his side, but he didn’t think she even noticed. She could sit there for as long as she liked while the party continued on the other side of the door.

What was going on with Ricky?

Matt knew Cameron would have Krista’s back, and probably do an admirable job of keeping Thomas and his son at bay. In fact, he’d bet his paycheck on Cameron before Thomas Crowe.

Krista remained so quiet he thought she’d fallen asleep, but when someone knocked at the door she sat up, pulling herself away from him, then stood.

“Come in,” she said.

She took several steps away and Matt found he regretted the end of their intimate moment. But his attention turned to the door and he released a fast rush of breath when his boss walked in.

“Sorry to disturb you,” Reg Camarillo said.

Matt rose from the sofa and crossed to him. He hadn’t expected to see Reg there.
Well, this might not bode well.
Who had called the cops? Thomas or Ricky, no doubt.

“I’m sorry you were called here, Reg,” he apologized.

The chief shrugged. “I wanted to come to the party anyway,” he admitted.

At that point, Matt realized things were going to be okay. Chief Camarillo didn’t get that spark in his eyes when he was truly angry.

“So, what’s going on out there?” he asked the Chief.

“Well, Ricky’s dad insisted I stop by and listen to them whine. I’ll tell you one thing, completely off the record, that little bastard got what he deserved. I heard you laid him out pretty good. It’s a good thing you weren’t in uniform. On the record, I’m here to tell you to take some time off until this blows over.”

“Aw, come on, Reg, that’s ridiculous—”

The chief held his hand up. “No, Matt. Right now I need you to just take a breather. I had to promise that in order to convince Ricky to not press assault charges against you.”

“Crap,” Matt ground out. “He gets to walk free after coming in here and talking trash about Krista and I have to go into hiding.”

Reg turned to Krista. “Your friend Cameron is quite a guy. Thomas practically cowered at his feet. I don’t think we’ll have too much trouble with him now.”

“Small comfort,” Krista muttered.

“They’re gone now. Matt, I’d suggest you leave, too. I’ll call when I want you back. It’ll be paid leave, but leave nonetheless.”

Matt nodded. He didn’t have much of a choice.

“Okay. I’ll be in touch. Krista, I’m sorry things turned out this way. If it’s any consolation, things are going well out there.”

She smiled weakly.

“Goodnight, you two.” Reg closed the door quietly behind him.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Matt paced to the window and stared out at the streetlights that dotted the road.

“Let’s get out of here,” he said and turned to her.

“What?”

“Let’s take off. I’ll drive.”

“But the party.” Krista gestured toward the closed door.

“Everything is under control. Do you really want to go back out there?”

“Well, no.”

“Come with me.” Matt took her hand and squeezed it gently.

Krista shrugged. “Okay. I rode here with Cameron and Gretchen, so let me leave a note to let them know I’m catching a ride with you, and we’ll go.”

She had no idea what she was doing in Matt’s car. At the time, escape had seemed like a good idea. She really hadn’t wanted to stay around the party and jumped at Matt’s offer to take her home. When he headed off in the completely wrong direction she took notice.

“Where the heck are we going?” she asked, searching the darkness for any indication of where they were heading.

“North.”

“North?” Krista shot a glance at Matt’s face, cast in the pale green glow of his dashboard lights. “What do you mean north? Why aren’t you taking me home?”

“I think we need a change of scenery. Just for a little while.”

“How long is a little while, Matt?” She didn’t need the added confusion and Matt was being a bit too elusive.

“Till the morning.” he replied evenly.

Krista released a reluctant chuckle. “I only have this dress. I can’t sleep in it and wear it again tomorrow. This is crazy, Matt.”

Matt took his eyes from the road briefly and smiled at her. “What part of this night hasn’t been crazy? I have a credit card and there’s a Wal-Mart on the way. I’m not going to wear my tux all night either.”

“All night,” she murmured. What did he have in mind?

“Where’s your sense of adventure? My parents have a cabin on Lake Sunapee. Don’t worry, it’s a two bedroom place.”

“I should call Cameron.”

“No phone calls. For one night, no phone. We’ll be back tomorrow morning in time for the open house. No one will even realize we’re gone.”

“This is still nuts.”

They stopped at the Wal-Mart along the way and, in their formal attire, each picked out an outfit for the next day, plus toiletries and pajamas. She was a little embarrassed by the intimacy of the whole thing, but in the end, as they stood there at the register, the clerk eyeing them suspiciously, Krista started laughing. She couldn’t help it. It bubbled up inside and rose up until she couldn’t stop it.

The unexpected humor didn’t mean she’d put the whole ugly night behind her, but the pressure that had built inside her needed a way to burst free, and she chose laughter.

“I don’t know what I’m laughing about.” She clutched her bag as they walked out into the dark parking lot. “There’s absolutely nothing funny about what’s going on.”

“It’s okay. We handle these things in different ways. I prefer your laughter.”

Krista nodded.

Matt unlocked the door for her and she slid into her seat, grateful to be out of the chilly night air.

“How much further?” she asked, fastening her seatbelt with a click.

“About an hour. Why don’t you close your eyes and sleep?”

She tried following his suggestion, but he turned on the radio and she was content staring out into the darkness and listening to the music.

What happened this evening? It began so promising, so exciting. The turnout for the gala had been better than she expected. Everyone loved the place, everyone had a good time. In nearly every way the evening had been a success. Until the end.

Yet now she and the man who used to hate, but now had some sort of feelings for her, were fleeing town. And her biggest secret had been uncovered. She felt rent open and naked, exposed.

There’d be questions, she knew. Matt would want to talk about it at some point and right now she didn’t want to. She wanted to hide her secret away again until everyone forgot it. Rehashing it wouldn’t do any good to her; how she felt when she woke in the hospital, torn and in pain.

They hadn’t told her right away about the baby or about Jay and Liz. In fact, they didn’t tell her much about anything. She had her suspicions, but she didn’t ask, not while her mother sat by her side, holding her hand.

Even her mother hadn’t known she’d been pregnant.

They told her about her friends first. It was a horrible blow and she cried for a whole day.

Her doctor had waited until her mom left the room before he told her about the baby. He must have suspected her mom hadn’t known. He figured right, and in her grief she appreciated his understanding.

And he’d been the last to know about the life that had lived so briefly inside her. Or so she thought. She never imagined anyone else knew.

Of course it made perfect sense for Jay to tell his best friend.

“I didn’t mean to ruin his life,” she whispered against the window, more to herself than to Matt.

“You didn’t ruin it, Krista. When are you going to understand that? He did it to himself.” Matt’s quiet voice calmed her frayed nerves.

“He wouldn’t have if I hadn’t gotten pregnant.”

Matt sighed. “It takes two to tango. If you’d known in advance how he would’ve reacted, what would you have done?”

Krista thought about it. “I don’t know,” she finally replied. “I don’t know. I was never much good at ‘what if’ games. What about you? What do you think you’d be doing now if that night never happened?”

“I don’t think I’d be too much different. I might be married now. Who knows?”

“Rachel. You were seeing her back then, weren’t you?”

“Yes, I was.”

Krista heard the tightness in his voice and wondered if it hurt to see his ex-girlfriend with Ricky now. She wasn’t going to ask him about that, not now when there were so many other complications.

“Are we almost there?” she asked, steering the conversation away from its potentially disastrous path.

“A few more miles to our exit. This drive used to take forever when I was a kid. Once we got there it was worth the trip. I still go a few times a year, kind of share it with my folks.”

“It must be nice to have a getaway.”

Her escape had always been on the road, sometimes overseas to war torn countries or places where disaster had struck. A place where she could bask in peace and quiet actually sounded like what she needed. She might find it for one night, but tomorrow she’d have to face Quail Ridge and God only knew what.

She’d been waiting for the day of the opening for so long. Maybe after it was over, she’d find her own little hideaway and just disappear for a while and rethink her life. Rethink whether she’d remain in Quail Ridge and run the center or entrust it to someone else’s hands and go back to her old life as a photojournalist.

It would probably be simpler to worry about the troubles of the world and shove her own back into the same dark closet she’d kept them in for years. Easier to go back to that life where the only people she let in were Cameron and Gretchen. Staying in Quail Ridge would mean opening herself up to others. She’d have no choice.

She didn’t know if she was ready for that.

By the time he pulled into the long, narrow drive that wound through the woods toward the lake, Krista had already fallen asleep. Though Matt hated to wake her, his alternative was to carry her inside. He figured she’d prefer to walk.

“Krista, we’re here.” He shook her gently.

Her eyes opened a crack and she nodded, straightening in the seat.