The Shooting (27 page)

She’d spoken to her parents right after it had happened and had told the therapist most of it, but the sickening feel of his hands on her breasts, the terrifying way he’d pinched her nipples… No, no one would ever know about that. And that’s the way it would stay.

* * *

Brandon stared down at the phone in his hands and frowned, wondering why no one at Tom’s house had answered his call. According to his mom, both of the kids and his father were home. One of them should have been able to come to the phone.

He glanced across at his brother and was relieved to see that he was asleep. Brandon knew how much Tom wanted to see Lily, but the truth was, he needed the rest. Opening a new message screen on his phone, Brandon sent his mother a text.

Tom back from surgery. All went well. Called Tom’s home number. No answer. Where’s Dad?

A moment later, his phone buzzed and he read the incoming text from his mom.

Great news about Tom. Lily asleep right now. Sleeping, not unconscious. Told her about Tom’s operation. She kept asking for him. Thought it was better to tell her why he wasn’t there. She was shocked, but okay. Not sure why Dad or the kids aren’t answering the phone. Perhaps they went out? Will call Dad on his cell.

Brandon read the message and nodded. Of course, the day was almost over. He’d spent all of it inside the hospital, waiting with Tom and then waiting for Tom. Brandon’s belly rumbled and he was reminded that he’d had nothing to eat all day but a packet of crisps and a couple of candy bars from the vending machine in the hall.

It was almost dinner time. It made sense Dad had taken Cassie and Joe out to eat. It explained why no one was answering the phone. His cell buzzed in his hand with another incoming text and he glanced down at the screen.

Just spoke to Dad. He’s at Tom’s, along with the kids. He was asleep. Didn’t hear the phone ring. Maybe the kids had their music too loud or headphones on? Dad thrilled all okay here at the hospital. What’s Tom up to?

Brandon read the text, relieved that nothing untoward had happened at home. The Munro family sure as hell didn’t need any more drama. He shot off a quick reply.

Tom’s asleep. I told him about Lily. He wanted to come right down and see her of course, but the doctor won’t allow it, yet. Best for Tom to get some rest, anyway. Glad to hear all good with Dad and the kids.

A moment later, his mom sent back a smiley face emoji and Brandon grinned.

* * *

Joe Munro sat hunched over on the cold brick steps that led down into the paved outdoor area situated in his backyard and tried not to think about how quickly his life had spiraled out of control. Night was closing in and he wrapped the dusk about him like a comforting cloak. In the dark, he was anonymous, insignificant, nothing of importance. The dark could hide him, help him disappear.

His dad and his mom were both in hospital. His granddad hadn’t wanted to tell him why Dad had left with Uncle Brandon in the early hours of the morning, but Joe had pleaded with him and cajoled him, unwilling to be put off. Eventually, he’d worn Granddad down and he’d admitted Dad needed an operation.

Granddad hadn’t given Joe any details, but if it wasn’t serious, it wouldn’t have been kept from him in the first place. It wasn’t like he was a baby. He was fourteen. Almost fully grown. At least, that’s what his dad always said whenever they stood side by side.

Joe was proud he looked like his dad. He had way darker coloring than his sister. Cassie had taken after their mom—all blond hair, fair skin and petite. Joe’s hair was a dark blond, like his father and his skin color had also come from the Munros. His granddad was a full blooded aboriginal. The height had also come from the Munro side. Joe was still a teenager, but he towered over most of the boys in his class. He liked being tall. It made him feel strong, invincible. Braver than he dreamed he could be.

It was one of the reasons why he was mad at himself for hiding outside. He should have been inside, demanding an explanation from his sister. Joe had opened the door earlier that morning to some skanky, scary kind of guy who said he was Cassie’s friend. Joe recognized him as being one of the senior boys at their high school who was known to run with a wild crowd. What he was doing with his sister, Joe really didn’t want to know.

His thoughts shifted to his mom and dad and a band of emotion squeezed him around the chest, so tight he couldn’t breathe. Was his mom ever going to wake up? Would he get to speak to her again? As for his dad—what awful thing was wrong with him?

Joe blinked back a sudden rush of tears and wrapped his arms around his legs. He hugged them to his chest. Dropping his head, he rested it on his knees and dragged in a shaky breath.

There was no use crying about stuff like this. Crying was for babies and little kids. He had to man up and face whatever came his way. The first thing on his list was finding out just what the hell was wrong with his dad.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Seventeen years earlier

“Is it always so green around here? And look at those majestic trees. They must be over one hundred years old.”

Tom glanced across at Lily where she sat in the passenger seat of his pickup. She had taken a little convincing, but she’d finally agreed to come with him to Grafton to meet his parents. The baby was due in seven days, but he was determined to show her the way marriage could be. Even after more than two decades of togetherness, his parents still had the same level of commitment and devotion towards one another that they’d had at the beginning of their married life.

His parents were expecting them and he was relieved when his dad had assured him he’d broken the news of Tom’s impending fatherhood to Tom’s mom. Even though he was sure his mom was too well bred and well mannered to ask awkward questions, he didn’t want any uncomfortable scenes when he introduced her to Lily.

“It looks like they’ve had some recent rain. It’s freshened everything up, but yes, it’s often green around here. Those trees lining the river are jacaranda trees. Grafton’s famous for them. They even have a Jacaranda Festival and crown a Jacaranda Queen. It’s held later in the year. Mom can’t wait for the day my younger sisters are old enough to take part. The trees come out in big clusters of pale purple flowers. It’s really kind of special.”

“You love this place.”

Tom blushed and kept his gaze fixed on the road. “Yeah, I guess I do. It’s home, you know?”

“No, I don’t. When my mom left my dad, we moved around so much, I didn’t ever have a home. I never had the chance to lay down roots or get attached to any one place enough to call home. At least, not until Mom married Tony.”

Her soft words caught him in the chest. “I’m sorry. It must have been hard for you.”

“It was, but I was so young when we left, I never really knew what I was missing. Watching you, listening to you talk about your hometown, I realize how much I lost.”

He offered her a gentle smile and reached over to squeeze her hand.

“Don’t get me wrong,” she hurriedly continued. “I don’t blame Mom one bit. I’m grateful she was courageous enough to leave that abusive relationship and she certainly did it with my best interests in mind. Who knows what my dad might have done if we hadn’t run away? I can’t even bear to imagine how things might have turned out. Certainly not for the better; I’m sure of that.”

“I’m sorry you had such a tough childhood. I wish I could make the memories disappear,” Tom said quietly and meant it.

His heart ached at what she’d endured…and what she’d missed out on. His own childhood had been so full of fun and laughter and love. His parents had loved and respected one another and it had showed in many little ways. If he were honest, he’d admit he’d taken the security of his childhood a little for granted. It wasn’t until he entered the police force that he truly realized not everyone grew up in an idyllic home environment.

Lily turned to him and tears sparkled in her eyes. “Thank you, that means a lot to me. My only hope is that our baby never knows a moment of fear, of uncertainty, of insecurity. It’s what scares me about the whole marriage and happily-ever-after thing. What if it doesn’t last? How can we be certain it will? Neither of us has a crystal ball. We can’t see into the future.”

“You’re right, we can’t. All we can do is trust in each other and trust that the love and respect we have for each other will last the distance.”

“But—”

“Hey,” Tom interrupted and squeezed her hand. “Let’s not talk about it now. You’re about to meet my parents.” He offered a cajoling grin. “We don’t have to solve the problems of the world right now.”

To his relief, she smiled back and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. One-handed, he negotiated the turn into his parents’ driveway on the edge of town and brought his truck to a stop. Leaning across the console, he pressed a soft kiss against her lips.

“What was that for?” she murmured.

“Just because.”

“Because?”

“Because I love you and you’re the most beautiful, pregnant woman in the world and you’re mine. Nearly.”

She smiled and kissed him back. Within moments, the kiss turned heated and Tom reached out to draw her close.

“Ouch!”

He drew back. Lily rubbed her stomach. Tom frowned in concern. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, our baby was just making his presence felt, that’s all. Perhaps he doesn’t approve of his parents making out in the car?”

“He?” Tom asked, his heart beating fast.

Lily shrugged. “Or she. It was just a figure of speech. I didn’t find out the sex.”

Tom smiled and excitement shot through his veins. “I’m so glad. It gives us something to look forward to.”

They stared at each other for long moments and the blood ran back to Tom’s groin. With a groan, he wrenched his gaze away, knowing that they couldn’t possibly take things any further in the car.

“We’d better go inside,” he said with reluctance.

“Yes, we’d better. A woman I assume is your mom has been watching from the front window ever since we arrived. She’ll be wondering what’s keeping us.”

Heat crept up Tom’s neck and spread across his cheeks and he busied himself by climbing out of his truck. He didn’t know why the knowledge of his mom spying on him while he made out with his girlfriend in the car embarrassed him, but it did. All of a sudden, he felt like a seventeen-year-old, stealing kisses from his childhood sweetheart. It was stupid, but true.

Walking around to the passenger side, he helped Lily from the car and then collected their bags from the back. They’d barely reached the front steps when the front door swung open and his mom rushed out across the porch.

“Tom! How wonderful to see you. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown.” She pulled him into a vigorous hug.

“Mom,” he laughed and hugged her back. “I’m nearly twenty-three. I stopped growing a long time ago.”

“Nonsense, you get bigger and broader every time I see you. You haven’t been home since Christmas and that was eight months ago. And you must be Lily,” she added in the same breath, turning toward her and opening her arms.

They embraced a little awkwardly, then Marguerite Munro stepped back graciously and offered Lily a welcoming smile.

“You must be tired from your travels. Come in and put your feet up. I’ll put the kettle on.”

Tom swallowed a sigh of relief, only just realizing he’d been more than a little nervous about the meeting between Lily and his mom. He should have known his mom would welcome his heavily pregnant girlfriend—a girlfriend she’d only just been told about—with her usual affability.

His dad sat in his usual place by the fire and Tom bit his lip against a sudden surge of emotion when Duncan Munro stood and greeted him with a wide smile before pulling him in close for a hug.

“Son, it’s good to see you.”

Tom cleared his throat of its huskiness. “You, too, Dad. You look good.”

“Well, you know me, the day I’m too old to climb out of bed and go for my usual three-mile walk along the river is the day I’ll tell them they might as well put me in the ground.”

Tom laughed and his dad joined in. They’d always been close and as Tom had grown into adulthood, they were almost like mates rather than father and son. It was a relationship Tom cherished and was more than grateful for. He had plenty of friends and colleagues who could barely bring themselves to be civil to their father, let alone seek out and enjoy their company.

Turning, Tom reached out for Lily and drew her against his side. His arm lay protectively, possessively around her shoulders.

“Dad, this is Lily.”

Like his mother had earlier, Tom’s father greeted Lily with a genuine smile and shook her proffered hand.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Mr Munro,” Lily said quietly.

“And you too, Lily, but please, call me Duncan.”

Lily tilted her head in acknowledgement. Tom squeezed her hand.

“You live in a beautiful city, Duncan. I’ve never been to Grafton before but it certainly has an appeal. The river’s so wide and lovely. I bet you never get tired of watching it.”

“Yes, it is and you’re right. I love to sit out on the back porch and watch the ebb and flow of the Clarence. It’s tidal, you see. It runs all the way to the Pacific Ocean.”