The Change: Better Part 2

Her body jerked to face me. What do you mean? she whispered.

No matter how good you looked that night, the drugs would have interfered. In all likelihood, he was impotent.

So it wasnt me? It was the drugs.

She said it so quietly, I wasnt sure Id heard her correctly. The shooter didnt pursue you?

Her body jerked as she refocused on the events of the night, No, I was in a long black nightgown, and the staircase lights were off. Brian hadnt bothered to turn on the lights in the entranceway either, so it was pretty dark. The only light came from the porch. I sort of froze. If I made a sound, he didnt hear me, and then he turned and ran.

The report said that you went back into your bedroom. You didnt check on your husband? I wanted to hear this part in her own words.

She rocked back and forth a few times. I couldnt help him. I knew, just knew that the gun was too close and pointed right at his chest. Then the shooter put another in his head. She touched her index finger to the middle of her forehead. There was nothing I could do. She glanced at me and bit her bottom lip as she gauged my reaction. He was gone. Christ, Id already lost him to the drugs, and then right there in our entrance way, I watched him die. She started to cry softly.

I moved around the coffee table and sat on the arm of the sofa beside her. I slowly put my arm around her shoulders, because I didnt know whether she would accept my touch.

Layla didnt move away. She cleared her throat and continued, I hid in the shower. The police had to knock the bathroom door down. She started to wipe her eyes. G.o.d, Im so tired of crying over this, over him. Then she cried some more.

This time, I slipped onto the sofa, pulled her head against my chest, and listened to her cry.

When the sobs stopped, she sat up and wiped her eyes. Im sorry. Im just so tired of being caught up in this. Im trying to move on, but I dont know if Ill ever be able to.

The trial date is in a month. After the conviction, you can move on, I said, knowing full well she might never get over the events. I paused for a minute then asked, Ramon Moreno"does that name mean anything to you?

She sniffed as she shifted farther from my body, and I let my arm slide off of her back. No, is he related to the shooter?

Brother. Hes the one who attacked you and Zoe Alessi. That bit of information had been easy enough to ferret out.

Have you told the police? she asked, sounding tired.

I will in a little while. I planned on picking him up and delivering him to the precinct myself.

Is this because I can identify his brother?

She was a smart woman. I think so. Im going to talk to the detectives in charge of your case to get a few more drive-bys, and Ill have my a.s.sociate call the prosecutor.

You think Ill have more problems, dont you? Her eyes were now slitted, as if her brain was in overdrive thinking of what could happen.

I didnt like that she sounded resigned. Why dont we revisit the offer of protective custody that the city offered? I wanted her to take it, but she had to be willing.

Forde, you probably know how I grew up. Im not stupid. If the Cancerberos or the Morenos want me dead, theyll find me whether Im here or locked up in a room paid for by the city.

Layla, I dont think youre stupid. Stubborn maybe, resigned absolutely. With protection, you have a deterrent that might make any Moreno still out there think twice about coming after you. I touched her again, placing my hand on her elbow. Dont give up. Not for him, not for anyone, I said with some heat.

Im not giving up. Im not responsible for any of this. I just dont want anyone else to get hurt because of Brians weaknesses.

I heard the steel in her voice. That made me smile. Good to know. Ill have my people drive by to keep an eye on things, too. The increase in traffic may help. I got up. Now tell me where your light bulbs are. Ill change that one for you.

In the kitchen cabinet. She jumped to her feet. Wait, you dont have to. Im perfectly capable She followed me to the kitchen, turning on the light.

I started opening cabinet doors.

She threw one open so hard the door slammed against the one beside it. Clearly she didnt want me to do this for her.

I dont doubt that you can change it, but why dont you let me do it? You fed me delicious cookies, so let this be my way of showing grat.i.tude. I raised my eyebrows as if I was asking her permission.

She handed me a fresh bulb and followed me back the living room. Well then, okay, thank you. She was stomping a little to let me know she wasnt happy with this, but she allowed me to help.

Not totally defeated, and the feistiness was cute. I fought off a laugh as I screwed the bulb in, and the room was once again illuminated. I put the burned-out bulb on the table and headed to the front door. Ill let you know when I get this all tied up.

Thank you. Id appreciate it, she said, following me.

At the doorway, I turned. Layla, be careful. Program my numbers into your cell and keep it charged and on you at all times. Hear me?

I will, she said, not meeting my gaze.

G.o.d that really bugged me. I waited.

Finally, she looked up. I will, but it sounds like you can close this case tomorrow.

This case is far from closed.

Her eyes widened in surprise. Then I watched her gather her strength to speak up. I cant afford you, and Nora shouldnt have to pay for more of your time. I mean, thats really kind of you, but you cant do any more.

I leaned closer. Lay, some really bad guys have you on their radar. I dont like it and you shouldnt either.

She continued looking at me, searching my face like she wanted to see something there.

If I can help keep you safe, then Im doing it. My bottom line is my concern, so dont worry about it.

She pulled in her bottom lip and bit it so hard that I was worried it was going to bleed. Thank you.

Lock up, babe. I wont leave your porch until I hear both locks click.

Kay. She looked a little overwhelmed as she closed the door and threw the locks.

Chapter Four.

I slammed the rentals backdoor and threw the deadbolt. Could this day get any worse? I asked aloud. Not expecting an answer, I grabbed the only Sprite left in the fridge and headed to the sofa. I dropped down onto the deep cushion and rested my head against the padded back, closing my eyes tightly. Not going to cry, I muttered, not this time. I dont know if I was saying it to bolster my control or to impress the G.o.ds. How much more can I take? Now, no job. What the f.u.c.k am I going to do?

I dont know how long I sat like that. When I finally pulled out of the funk, my stomach was growling. It was after seven. I got up and headed to the kitchen to put the lasagna in the oven to heat. Cooking calms me, plus Im kinda good at it. When the call had come earlier that morning from the human resource manager at Emtees, Id felt nervous. Id hoped that she wanted to see me to offer me a fulltime position, or even better, a promotion, but with my luck Id doubted it. I had this feeling of dread, and I was starting to pay attention to my sixth sense. So to avoid thinking about the meeting, Id gone to the store and bought the supplies to make lasagna with garlic bread. Avoidance, you are my new best friend.

After setting the oven on pre-heat, I walked to the dining room table; my calculator and bills were sitting at the far end. I sat down, took a deep breath, and held it for the count of five. I dug in my purse for my checkbook. I couldnt put off trying to budget my limited funds while I started a job search. My balance told me I couldnt be picky. I needed a job, any job. I didnt have Wi-Fi; Id cut that out two months ago. So, it looked like first thing in the morning, Id go to the library to start my job search. I could always call Aunt Nora to see if she could use me around her office. I chewed on my bottom lip for a moment. My stomach churned. Id have to use every bit of patience that I had. Nora had an established business, but she was a demanding and grossly unorganized boss. I would be spending most of my time hunting for a missing doc.u.ment or trying to find an e-mail that should have been dealt with two days prior. I could do it, but it wouldnt be easy. Filling in at her office here and there was doable, but every day? Id just have to pull up my big girl panties and endure. c.r.a.p, I hated to ask her for yet another favor. Growing up, it was my only source of pride"I paid my own way. Now, I felt like I was always taking and doing, no giving.

My cells generic ringtone sounded. Great, the screen read: Fordes Cell. I wanted to answer, sounding professional and cool; however, I was anything but. The man sparked my interest, and it had been a long time since Id felt that way. I didnt have the time or energy to pursue that curiosity. Besides, I had no idea what Id do with a man like him.

I took a deep breath. Mr. Forde. I could be straight to the point, all business, as I tried to ignore the flutter in my stomach.

Theres no parking in front of your place. Ill be at your back door in ninety seconds. Dont unlock until I knock and identify myself. His deep voice didnt mask the command behind his words.

Another order. Geeze, was it so hard for the man to make a polite request? No, Im not busy, please stop by, I answered sarcastically. Id had just about enough of people pushing me around today.

Door, Layla. Then he clicked off.

I estimated that I had about thirty seconds to get to the door. I didnt even want to think what would happen if I made him wait.

He knocked twice. Its Forde. Open the door, Lay.

I did and stepped back. Forde entered my kitchen, and I swear the air in the room changed. It was like everything was supercharged with his energy. He took three steps inside and flashed a smile in my direction, and then headed to the refrigerator. He opened the door and did an inventory of the meager stock.

Can I have a water? Please? He had the plastic bottle in his hand and was in the process of uns.c.r.e.w.i.n.g the top when he finished his question.

I glared at him. Sure, apparently my water is your water. I couldnt help it, his arrogance p.i.s.sed me off.

As he took several long drinks, he watched me. I felt like he was cataloging what I was wearing: khaki capris and a short-sleeved chambray shirt that had snap closures up the front. I stopped my hands before they moved to smooth the closures over my big b.o.o.bs. It pulled a little tight and would sometimes gape.

I like the att.i.tude. Its cute. He smiled.

G.o.d, he did have a nice smile. I could see the lines at the sides of his eyes. It made him less intimidating and more approachable. Something inside of me wanted to make him do it again. Thats me, a real cutie. I turned on my heel and headed back to the living room.

He followed. Im glad I caught you. I wanted to report in about whats been going on. He sat in what I now thought of as his chair.

Well, uhm, thank you, but you could have just told me over the phone. I finished lamely. The wind had left my sails. I wasnt good at giving att.i.tude. It went against my hiding in the shadows personality.

Im here for selfish reasons. I was hoping to get some more cookies. He gave me another grin.

This one was mischievous, and I was totally disarmed. I returned his grin. I dont have any cookies, but if you want to stay for dinner, I made lasagna? Why the f.u.c.k did I just do that? It had to be the smile. It made me stupid.

You make it or buy it? He glanced toward the kitchen.

I made it. I hoped that I sounded outraged. I cook when Im nervous. I tried to glare at him. Me, buy lasagna? Was he crazy? Mine was awesome Whats made you nervous? His demeanor changed. He went from teasing to serious protector in the blink of an eye.

It was something at work. I glanced over at the table where I had dropped the offensive Notice of Dismissal letter.

The muscles at the side of his jaw were flexing, like he was grinding his teeth. If it wouldnt be too much trouble, Id like to stay for dinner. He lifted one eyebrow while he waited for my decision.

I nodded once. So whats going on with my case? I needed to get back to business.

We turned over our findings to Detective Eames, and Ramon Moreno was dropped off this morning at the station. I dont know if h.e.l.l bond out, but it was made clear to him that he doesnt know you.

What does that mean? I was happy that my attacker had been arrested, but I was confused. It was like Forde spoke a different language. I may have grown up hard, but I stayed far away from the streets. As he leaned forward, I couldnt help but notice the strength in his thighs; his jeans clung to the thick muscles.

What it means is that my guy Osi and I found him and made our feelings known. Youre under my protection.

I licked my suddenly dry lips. I wasnt used to someone defending me. I hope he got the message.

Forde gave an evil grin. I wont have a problem if he needs another lesson.

Yikes, I didnt even want to think about what that meant, but it sounded painful. Fordes grin was enough to make me believe that he would very much like to hurt Ramon.

How long will it take until the foods ready?

The quick change of topic made my head swim. About twenty more minutes. That would give me time to make the garlic bread. I wondered if he liked cheese on his. Id do some with and some without.

He stood. While we wait, Ill go to the store.

I followed him to the kitchen as he headed to the back door. Why? It seemed a little abrupt. Hed practically invited himself to stay, and now he wanted to go?

Need wine. Red okay with you?

I smiled. That was nice. Reds fine.

Wherere your keys?

This man made no sense. He was all over the place with his commands, his questions, and his kindness. Why do you need my keys?

His lips tightened. Lay, all the questions are cute right now, but later, youre gonna have to trust me and not fight me on every point.

My hand went to my hip, and I glared at him through slitted eyes. I just wanted to know. Geeze, theyre my keys. I let out a huffing noise, Theyre in my purse. I pointed through the doorway to the table.

His eyes flashed, Im not gonna paw through your purse.

Was he teasing me? I turned on my heel so quickly my hair swung into my face. Why not? Youve sifted through my entire life. I strode to the table to get my keys. I cant tell you how many people have called about being questioned about me. The first call was from Tony Alessi, Zoes husband. Hed told me that Id done good by hiring Forde.

Fordes deep chuckle followed me.

I returned and showed him which key worked which lock. He thanked me and left.

Phew! I finally had some time to get my head together. He made me crazy, and even worse, I think he knew it and enjoyed it. I checked on the lasagna then gathered the plates, silverware and napkins. The busywork calmed my emotions.

I dug through a drawer for matches. f.u.c.k me, this isnt a date. No candle light. I was acting like an idiot. I slammed the drawer shut.

I ran the water until it was really hot and scrubbed my hands. I needed to get control of myself. Feeling better, I cut a slit down the length of the bread. I felt back in control when I heard the lock turn on the door.

Forde swept into the kitchen and placed two bottles on my counter. Want me to put your keys by your purse?

Yeah, thatd be good. Thank you. I bent over to check on the lasagna in the oven. Its going to be about ten more minutes. This oven might be dying. I dont think its holding temperature.

He returned from the dining area which was really a table at the back of my living room before you walked into the kitchen. Gives us time for a gla.s.s before we eat. Where do you keep your wine gla.s.ses?

I pointed to the cabinet over the sink. Up there on the top shelf. Can you reach them?