The Right Woman Part 3

CHAPTER THREE.

THE NEXT MORNING Daniel rolled out of bed feeling good and he knew he'd made the right decision. He put on a pot of coffee and after his shower, wrapped a towel around his waist, grabbed a cup and went back to the bathroom to shave.

He rubbed shaving cream over his rough stubble then looked at himself closely in the mirror. There were lines around his eyes that he hadn't noticed before. Worry lines-that's what they were called. Well, he had plenty of worry in his type of work so he wasn't surprised, nor did it bother him.

He wondered how Brooke Wallace was this morning. It was only five, so he hoped she was sleeping, getting some rest, because she had a rough road ahead of her. As he sc.r.a.ped the stubble away, he found himself unable to stop thinking about Sarah. She could help Brooke-Daniel knew that she would. But would it bring back painful memories for her? He threw his towel on the bathroom vanity. No, he wasn't going to do this. He wasn't worrying about Sarah Welch anymore. Her life was none of his business.

In the bedroom, he saw that his answering machine light was blinking. He listened to several messages before his mother's voice came on. "Daniel, we're still in Paris and having a great time. Your father is enjoying seeing his old friend, Jon Paul. His daughter, Yvette, is asking about you. She remembers you from her visit to America. She likes you a lot and she's so beautiful. Wish you were here. Please think about your father's offer. You work too hard and your job is so dangerous. Not sure when we'll return. Don't forget to check on Drew. Goodbye."

Turning off the machine, he sat for a moment and stared into s.p.a.ce. His father had been trying for years to place him at the helm of Garrett Enterprises. His grandfather had started a construction company then expanded the business to erecting shopping malls in Texas, eventually venturing in to other states and to Europe. Recently the company had scaled back on construction projects, but his father still managed extensive interests all over the country.

Daniel had always felt he wasn't cut out to be a businessman. Ever since he was small, when people would ask what he wanted to be when he grew up, he'd always say, "A policeman." His parents thought he'd outgrow this particular ambition, but he hadn't. After getting a degree in criminal justice, he'd entered the police academy, much to his parent's dismay. Then something happened that had changed his life forever.

Growing up, Daniel had spent a lot of time watching out for his brother, Drew, who was five years younger. But in college Drew got in with a bad crowd and started to do drugs. For a long time, Drew hid this from Daniel and their parents. One night at a party, Drew overdosed on heroin and almost died. He'd been in a coma for days. When he'd finally come out of it, his brain had been affected and he'd ended up with the mental capacity of a ten-year-old. He still had a problem putting words together and he stuttered until he could form the thought in his head. Those first years had been difficult as Drew had struggled to find a way to express himself. They'd all been very patient and grateful he was alive.

That had been fifteen years ago and not much had changed. Drew would be a child for the rest of his life. For Daniel, a lot of things had changed. He'd gone into narcotics and spent the past fifteen years trying to take down the big drug dealers. Every time one was put in prison, though, another popped up. It was a losing battle, but Daniel had fought tirelessly-until now. Was he giving up? No, he needed a break from that world.

And Sarah didn't want him around.

For a moment he let himself feel just how much that hurt. How much it had influenced his decision. How much he'd been hoping that, last night, she'd reach out to him. But he knew he was the last person she'd turn to for anything.

He ran his hands over his face as thoughts of her did their usual number on his control. The day they'd rescued her, Daniel's only thought was to make sure she was alive. He'd laid his ear against her chest-not even aware her robe was open. Now, sometimes, late at night, when he was tired and drained, he could actually feel her satiny skin and the softness of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. And he knew Sarah had made a profound effect on him. Serena had, too, but not in the same way.

Serena was soft-spoken and had a sweetness that went all the way to her soul. They were identical in looks, both beauties, but not in personality. Sarah had a coolness, a reserve about her that was intriguing, mystifying and sometimes intimidating. He knew it was only a facade she'd acquired over the years to protect herself from life and its disappointments.

That facade was firmly in place, though, and no man was getting behind it. Greg had, but he'd been killed. Now, Sarah didn't want to feel any more pain.

He had to stop thinking about her. The only way to do that was to start seeing other women-women who actually liked him.

His mother had said that Yvette was asking about him. She was blond and blue-eyed and had an incredibly s.e.xy voice. Muriel had been distressed for years about his single status and he'd avoided her matchmaking efforts at all costs. Her taste in women wasn't the same as his. Yvette just might be what he needed, though. Maybe he'd buy a plane ticket, pick up Drew, and surprise their parents.

The more he thought about it, the more he liked the plan. He'd talk to the lieutenant about his decision on Monday. Since this was Sat.u.r.day, Daniel didn't want to bother him. He'd type his letter of resignation tonight and have it ready. Then he'd fly away to France and Yvette.

First, he had to attend to a couple of things.

SARAH TRUDGED TO the kitchen for coffee. It was 5:00 a.m. and she'd only slept a couple of hours. She wanted to get to the hospital before Brooke woke up, though. Putting the coffee on, she turned as her grandmother came into the kitchen.

Aurora Farrell wore a long, beige-silk robe and gown. Her white hair hung down her back and her posture and features were elegant, almost regal. It was hard to believe she was in her seventies.

"Morning, Gran," Sarah said, kissing her cheek and grabbing the teakettle. Gran preferred tea while Sarah favored coffee in the mornings.

"Morning, darling." Aurora took a seat at the kitchen table. "What are you doing up so early? It's Sat.u.r.day. Surely you're not starting to clean the house at this hour of the morning."

"Partly. I've stripped my bed and have a load of laundry going, but I have to run to the hospital for a bit. I have a patient to see."

Sat.u.r.day was her cleaning day. It was the only time she had to do housework and she couldn't afford a cleaning lady. The house was so big and Sarah was finding it difficult to maintain the house on her salary and with her busy schedule. This had been Gran's home since she'd married Henry Farrell and Sarah wanted her to stay here as long as she could. Sarah wanted to be here, too. It's where she should have been raised as a child with Serena. Staying here wasn't going to bring her childhood back, though. Serena wanted her to sell the house, but how would she tell Gran? Over the past five years they'd formed a good relations.h.i.+p and Sarah couldn't see changing any part of their lives.

At times, she felt as if she'd stepped into Serena's place-worrying about Gran, taking care of her. When she and her sister had met, Serena had been at her wit's end trying to pay the note and bills on the house. Before his death, her grandfather had borrowed a lot of money he couldn't pay back and, unfortunately, Gran was used to a certain lifestyle. She was a compulsive shopper and spender. The situation had come to a head with the bank threatening to foreclose on their home.

Then Sarah found out that Greg had left half his life insurance to her. At first she hadn't wanted to accept it, then she and Serena had a long talk. Greg wanted her to have the money, to have a better life, and Serena'd thought Sarah should spend the windfall on herself. Sarah had other plans. She took the money and paid off the note on the house and all the bills, with Serena protesting the whole time. It had felt good to be able to help Gran and Serena, but she was still struggling to stay afloat with the upkeep of such a large house. In the summer, it was worse with the pool and yard to maintain.

"I'll strip my bed and finish the laundry while you're gone," Gran said.

Sarah placed a cup of tea in front of her. "Thanks, Gran. That would help a great deal."

"As you know, I'm not fond of housework, but I'll help all I can." Aurora stirred honey and lemon into her cup.

Sarah knew that. Gran had lived a life of privilege and it was difficult for her to adjust to a different lifestyle. But these days she stuck to a budget that Sarah planned for them. It was the only way they could manage, so Sarah was grateful for Gran's cooperation.

"Just don't tell any of my friends."

"I promise." Sarah smiled. "You're up early. Do you have plans?"

"No." Aurora took a sip. "The older I get, the less I sleep." Gran wasn't known to be an early riser. Sarah wasn't, either, but she rarely got to sleep in. Her life demanded early hours and long days but she wouldn't have it any other way.

"Well, I'd better run," Sarah said as she noticed it was almost five-thirty. "I'll drink my coffee while I dress."

"Sarah?"

"Yes?" She stopped in the doorway.

"Have you heard from Serena?"

"Not for a couple of days."

"It's been three days since I've heard from her. I hope nothing's wrong."

"I'm sure there isn't," Sarah a.s.sured her. "But I'll call her tonight and we'll have a long chat and find out all Ja.s.sy's latest antics." At Gran's somber expression, she added, "That phoning thing-it works both ways."

"I know," Gran replied. "I called last night and I even called this morning, trying to catch them, and there wasn't an answer. I just can't imagine where they'd be at this hour. Ethan's father didn't even answer."

So that's why Gran was up early. She was worried about Serena. Now Sarah was, too. "I'll call as soon as I get back," Sarah promised and rushed back to kiss Aurora. "Stop thinking bad things. They're fine."

Aurora hugged Sarah. "I'm so lucky to have you."

"We're both lucky. Now I have to go."

THIRTY MINUTES LATER Sarah was on the way to the hospital. She didn't worry too much about Serena because she didn't have a sense that something was wrong. Even though they hadn't been raised together, they still had that connection, that special bond that existed between twins. It was one of the perks that delighted Sarah about being a twin. It was almost surreal at times-like when Ja.s.sy was born.

Sarah had woken up in the middle of the night and sensed that Serena needed her. The baby wasn't due for two weeks, but Sarah had immediately called the airport and booked a flight for her and Gran to San Antonio. Serena had gone into labor at the same time that Sarah had woken up in Dallas. They'd arrived there in time to watch Ja.s.sy make her appearance into the world.

They'd laughed about it afterward. Ethan had said he hadn't needed to call because Sarah and Serena had a physic connection. And they did.

So she wasn't really worried now. She felt that Serena and Ethan had probably taken a weekend away together and left Ja.s.sy with Molly, Ethan's sister. Molly had a little girl six months older than Ja.s.sy and they loved to play together. But Serena always called when they were going away and that was what was niggling at her. Still, she didn't let herself get paranoid. She had to put her personal life aside and concentrate on Brooke.

BROOKE WAS NOW IN A room upstairs and Sarah went to the nurses' station to get her chart. Reading through the contents, she asked the nurse on duty, "What kind of night has she had?"

"They brought her up about 4:00 a.m. and she never woke up, and I haven't heard a peep out of her."

"Are her parents here?"

"No, but Detective Garrett went in to see her a few minutes ago."

"What! The police are not allowed to question her without supervision." She was trying to control her anger.

The nurse held up a hand. "Hold on, Ms. Welch. I didn't say anything about someone questioning her."

"Why else would he be here?"

The nurse frowned. "You don't know Daniel very well, do you?"

"What?"

"I've worked for over thirty years in this hospital and I know Daniel Garrett. He often comes by to check on a patient-overdoses, victims of shootings and the like. That's the type of person he is. I can a.s.sure you he's not questioning Brooke Wallace."

Sarah took the chart and walked toward Brooke's room feeling duly chastised. The nurse was right-Daniel was always there for the victim. He'd been there for her during Boyd's arrest, his trial and the appeal. Through it all Daniel had been unfailing in his support, as he was with everyone. She'd admitted as much to herself yesterday, so why had she felt a flash of anger when the nurse had mentioned his name?

What was really bothering her? Did she want to be more than a woman in an endless line of victims to Daniel? Of course not. She just didn't want him to see her as a helpless female-that's all. She didn't want anything else from a man ever again-including Daniel.

She was lying.

She groaned inwardly at the war going on inside her. Her emotions were like a tennis ball being constantly batted back and forth until she was exhausted from the struggle. She had to decide what she wanted from Daniel, what she expected from him. Because, like it or not, he was in her life. Their jobs threw them together and she had no right to tell him to stay away from her. She had to apologize. Of that she was very certain.

Just as she reached the door, Daniel came out. He stopped short when he saw her then walked on without a word.

She hurried after him. "Daniel."

He halted and slowly turned around. "I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd be here this early. I only stopped by to see how Brooke was doing. She's awake and I didn't ask her any questions about the rape. I only rea.s.sured her that we'd catch this guy."

"You won't, though."

He blinked. "What?"

"You're quitting the force. If you do that, you won't catch him."

He was watching her closely. "Russ has a good team and they'll find him."

"Russ is a macho idiot," she blurted before she could stop herself.

"He's also a good cop."

"No, he isn't, but you are." It came out almost as a whisper.

His dark eyes narrowed. "What is this, Sarah? Last night you told me to stay away from you in a voice that could cut gla.s.s and this morning you're saying I'm a good cop in a voice I don't recognize. To say I'm confused is putting it mildly."

"Could we talk for a minute?"

Daniel held up both hands. "I don't think so. We said all we had to say last night. You're right, I've worried about you too much and it's time for me to back away. Time for me to do a lot of things and some of them have nothing to do with you." He took a deep breath. "With Serena and Ethan being so far away, I wanted to be there if you needed someone. But you've made it plain on more than one occasion that you're fine and don't need anyone. You see-" he glanced down the hall "-I have this flaw-I want to help everyone. I've finally recognized that that's not always possible."

"Daniel-"

He cut her off. "If you have a problem with Russ, just call Lieutenant Bauer and he'll take care of him."

"Daniel..."

"Goodbye, Sarah. After today you won't see me again. I'll be flying to Paris on Monday and I'm not sure when I'll be back." He turned and strolled toward the elevators.

She watched until he disappeared behind the closing doors. She let out a long breath, not even realizing that she hadn't been breathing. For a moment she didn't know what to do. All she could think was that she hadn't had a chance to apologize. Daniel hadn't wanted to hear anything she'd had to say. She deserved that. She had been cruel last night, hurting him when he'd been nothing but kind to her.

At Boyd's trial, Serena had sat on one side of her and Daniel on the other, encouraging her and letting her know she had the strength to face Boyd and to describe in open court what he'd done to Greg and to her. She wondered now if she could have done it without him.

She moved toward Brooke's room. He'd said he was going to Paris. Did he have family there? Or was he taking a special woman? She suddenly realized that she didn't know anything about Daniel or his life. Did he have a family? He wasn't married, she knew, because Serena had mentioned it. Who was Daniel Garrett?

She shook her head as she entered the room. It really didn't matter. She had just severed all ties to the man and she felt an emptiness in her stomach at her thoughtless actions.

BROOKE WAS LYING on her side, staring at the wall. The IV was still in her arm.

"Good morning," Sarah said as she took a seat.

"Morning, Ms. Welch," Brooke responded.

"How are you feeling?"

"Sore, and my neck and throat hurts."

"That will heal with time."

"And the nightmare, the shame and horror-does it go away, too?"

No. It will be with you the rest of your life.

She should have been able to say yes with confidence, but she couldn't. The truth of that hit her like a slap in the face, the sting creeping into tiny crevices in her mind that she had boarded up against the pain. She hadn't dealt with what had happened to her. She could see that now. Daniel had seen it, but she hadn't.

She gathered her thoughts, her knowledge. "It will be hard." She spoke the truth and more truths followed. "You have to make a concentrated effort to move on with your life. You have to talk to people, especially when you're hurting, and don't shut people out." Like I did. "People want to help you." Daniel did. "It will take a lot of love and support, but eventually you will be able to put it behind you." Like I have to do now.

"I don't like talking about it."

"A good counselor or therapist will help you with that and you don't have to talk until you're ready."

"I like talking to you."