WPCTS14

Harvey groaned the moment he tried to move his head and was instantly awake even though his eyes remained closed. The sharp pain lancing through the side of his neck reminded him of where he had spent the night. He had a vague recollection of putting on a Grateful Dead bootleg when he got home, but little else. He slowly rolled his head around and groaned again. Now it was a debate on which hurt worse, his neck or his head.

He opened one eye just a fraction to look into the next room and saw that it was still dark outside. That was a plus. He guessed that he had at least an hour or two before he had to be to work and he was going to need the time to work out the kinks. A hot shower was the first thing on his agenda.

He started to stretch as he blinked his eyes open, then froze. Sitting at his feet was one of Jerry’s huge teddy bears staring back at him. Harvey had a staring contest with it for the longest time. His mind wasn’t even beginning to process how the bear had gotten into his Dead room while he was asleep when he noticed Jerry’s Rolie Polie Olie blanket pooled at his feet. “Okay. I’m starting to have a flashback,” he said slowly, uncertainly. It had been a long time since he couldn’t remember what had happened the night before.

He thought about the beer that he had grabbed after work, but he couldn’t remember drinking it. He looked down half expecting to see a pile of empty beer bottles, but the floor beside him was clear. “I was sure I brought one in here.”

That made him hesitate again as he looked back at the stuffed bear. “If I had known you could keep house, I would have bought you a jar of honey months ago,” he said to the cheerful toy. “Or a honey of your own.”

Harvey smiled to himself and started to stand from the beanbag chair when he noticed a note in the teddy bear’s lap. “Have you already made up a list of demands for negotiation?” he asked the bear suspiciously as he reached out for the white card.

“I’m sorry” was all that was all that was written on the note, but his heart skipped a beat. Rachel had been there sometime during the night. He drew in a deep breath and could almost catch the scent of her perfume on the simple note. It had only been a day since he had seen her last, but he missed her.

He stood, picking up the blanket and catching the teddy bear by the arm as he walked out of the room. He looked the bear in the face. “You led me on,” he said accusingly.

He tossed the bear and the blanket back into his son’s room as he passed by, then walked into his own to get ready for work. He flipped over the Grateful Dead tape already in the player and clicked it on. He was surprised to see that it was only five-thirty in the morning. He felt like he had been asleep for days.

When he went to his dresser to pull out a fresh change of clothes, the carved box on top caught his eye. He pulled out his clothes for work, then he took a moment to admire the engagement ring he had bought for Rachel.

The roses and vines were so intricate, so detailed. It was obvious that it was crafted by someone who loved what they did. That was one of the reasons why the ring was so perfect for Rachel. It was as if it was made specifically for her, for someone who loved what she did. He had seen the passion in her eyes on many occasions while they worked together. She enjoyed the job just as much as he did. But it wasn’t just the job. It was the place, the people. It was Nash.

Harvey shook his head at the irony. It was no wonder his world felt upside down. Everything that he had grown to love and trust was suddenly missing from his life. The stability was gone just when he needed it most, now that he was going for full custody of Jerry.

It was a cruel twist of fate in the timing. He could still hear his attorney’s voice inside his head. “If you could get married in the next few hours, that would help tremendously.” He knew that Greg was only joking, but it had stuck with him. If he proposed to Rachel now, would she think that he was only doing it so that he could get custody of Jerry? Even if she knew that he wasn’t, she would be marrying into a ready made family. That would be intimidating enough. He just didn’t see how she could say yes in either case.

He flipped the lid closed on the ring with a snap and put it back into the carved wooden box. A one day visit to the Twilight Zone had been enough to disrupt his life, but he wasn’t going to let it destroy it.

* * *

Harvey leaned up against the door jam as he looked down at Rachel standing on his front porch a few minutes after six in the morning. Her hands were filled with donuts and coffee and the morning paper was tucked under one arm. “I brought a peace offering,” she said cautiously. She knew that he had every right to slam the door in her face and that possibility alone had her standing out there for ten minutes before she had the nerve to press the doorbell.

“That had better be a latte,” was all that he said as he stepped back and held the door open for her.

“A double,” she returned, her spirits lifting. She had made it through the front door. There was still hope. She deposited her cache on the kitchen counter, then turned to hand him his coffee. “I wanted to fix you breakfast this morning, but I thought that we could spend the time talking instead of cooking.”

Damn she looks good, he thought as he stood there, leaning against the counter and holding the foam cup without moving. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her and forget the last two days had happened, but there would have to be some changes in their relationship if they were going to make it.

“I don’t even know how to start,” she admitted.

“Why don’t you start with how you went from my bed into Nash’s arms within a matter of hours,” he said. He couldn’t believe the words had come out of his mouth. That wasn’t what he had been thinking at all, but he didn’t regret them. Sometimes he felt like he was the only one fighting for what they had together. He needed to know if she wanted their relationship as much as he did. Enough to fight for it.

She closed her eyes at the direct hit. She knew that it wouldn’t be easy to face him, but she knew that she had to. “Fair enough,” she said softly, glancing up at him and getting a steady gaze in return. “I’m not sure how it all started,” she began, but Harvey pushed away from the counter and started out the door. “I was scared!” she practically yelled to stop him. Her heart thumping so loudly in her chest that she was sure he could hear it.

Harvey turned back around to look at her. He could see it in her eyes, the desperation, and he nearly gave in to his impulse to reassure her. But he needed to hear the truth. “Go on.”

She could feel her throat tighten. She knew how crucial the next few minutes would be and it terrified her. Nothing would ever test their relationship as this had. “Our lives had become so hectic these last few weeks that I lost sight of what I had. After everything we had been through, it never even occurred to me that I actually had everything that I ever wanted. I was able to get closure with my past, with Hyun, and I finally got to meet my son. That left me free to take on the future and there was only one that I wanted. After this weekend, I saw what I had and what our future could bring. I was stunned by the enormity of it. The passion. The joy. The fun. For that one moment, I realized that everything was perfect. Absolutely perfect...and that terrified me. It only made matters worse when complete strangers seemed to have some sort of insight into our relationship. I had gone from having a very private life that everyone guessed about to having a very public life that everyone felt that they had a right to comment on.”

Rachel paused for a moment as she steadied her breathing. He was listening, really listening to her. She could only pray that he was hearing as well. “What I lost sight of is the fact that it doesn’t matter what anyone else knows or think they know. What mattered was that you were in my life and I’m a better person because of that.” She swallowed hard as tears stung at the back of her eyes. She had to remain calm. She didn’t want him back out of guilt. She wanted him back because he wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him. “You are everything to me and I will do anything to make this right.”

He sat his latte down on the counter then looked her straight in the eye. “What if I ask you to quit the SIU?” he asked softly.

Rachel didn’t even hesitate. She pulled her cell phone out of her jacket pocket and dialed Nash’s number. “Nash it’s Rachel. I....” was all that she got out before Harvey grabbed the phone.

“It’s Harv,” he said when Nash started to question her.

“I like the fact that the two of you are in the same room,” Nash said. “Am I to assume that the negotiations are going on?” he asked knowingly.

“You could say that.”

“Be careful what you ask for, bubba. You just may get it.”

Harvey’s lip curled as he clicked off the cell phone, then tossed it on the counter. They were just getting started and he wasn’t going to risk getting interrupted. “I don’t want your job McCabe. I want my partner back. I want to know that I can trust you without hesitation on the job and off. I want to know that I won’t be getting another note on Christmas Eve.”

Rachel dipped her head as she fought to control her emotions. She drew a deep breath, then looked back into his eyes. She knew it was useless to make promises. The only way that she could make up for anything was if he let her. She boldly took a step closer to him. “I didn’t have a clue what love was until you looked at me,” she said softly, ready to bare her soul. No matter what he decided, she had to tell him how she felt. “When you’re not there, I anticipate the next moment that I get to see you.” Her eyes searched his. She had to get through, to let him know exactly how special he was. “My heart jumps at merely the sound of your voice and I can’t imagine spending a single day without you in it.” She sighed. There was no way for her to put such intense emotions into words. “It’s so Jim Croce, but every second that I have, I would save to spend with you.”

He didn’t know what to say. Her words touched the very core of him, causing his heart to start pounding in his ear and his breath to become more shallow. He forgot why they had been arguing for just an instant as he reached up and lightly touched her cheek. When she turned her head to press her lips against his palm, his fingers slipped into her hair. In the next instant, his lips were devouring hers.

He had been starving for the feel of her in his arms, the scent of her, the taste of her. He couldn’t resist the temptation of her any longer. His passion was stoked even hotter by her ardent response. They held each other so tightly that they could barely breath. That forced them apart moments later, both gasping for air. Harvey widened that gap, moving her to arms length. “There’s something that you need to know,” he said as he fought to regain composure. He took another step back, letting his hands fall away from her shoulders. It was his turn for a confession. “After I left here the other night, I didn’t come straight back here. Anna called.”

She tried to mask her surprise, but failed miserably. “Why don’t I like the way this conversation has turned?” she said softly as the butterflies began beating at her stomach.

He slipped his hands in his pockets as he explained. “Jerry was running a fever and she was out of Tylenol.” He could tell from the way she was nodding that she knew where he was leading.

“No doubt she found some reason to be in something scanty,” she said before she could stop herself.

His mouth dropped open slightly. “Am I the only one that didn’t realize what a con she is?”

The corner of Rachel’s lip curled. “Pretty much.”

He shook his head. What a fool he had been. “Then it won’t be a surprise that one thing lead to another and we kissed.” He tried to read her face, but couldn’t. “It didn’t go any further than that,” he told her softly. “I left as soon as Jerry’s fever broke.” Now he was getting curious. She seemed almost distant. “It may interest you to know that Anna only did it because she was involved with Dabney Charles and she was trying to con me into helping her.”

Her brows drew together. “That might have been the incentive behind it, but I doubt that was her reason,” she argued. “Anna has always wanted you, Harvey. I’m sure that hasn’t changed.” She hesitated, then her voice dropped to a whisper. “The question is, do you want to be with her?”

That explains her reaction, he thought. She was more concerned that he would choose Anna then the possibility he was unfaithful to her. “No.”

She was able to breath again then. The thought that Harvey may want to be with the woman who was raising his son had always been a demon prodding at her. She could understand it completely if he did, but that wouldn’t stop the devastation. “So are we at a stalemate or a crossroad?” she asked.

He searched her face. “I think that’s up to us,” he returned. “But there is one other thing that you should know before making that decision,” he warned her. Now he would know just how serious she was. “It looks like Anna has dug a real hole for herself this time. When I confronted her about Dabney Charles, she told me that she had been arrested for prostitution.”

“You’re kidding?” she said, completely stunned. Nash had filled her in on Anna's association with Dabney Charles when they had been waiting at the hospital, but it was the first she had heard of the arrest.

He shook his head. “She claims that she was dancing at a party when it was raided. I don’t know if I believe her or not, but it doesn’t matter.” His eyes locked with hers as he took a deep breath. “I’ve decided to go for full custody of Jerry. I can’t take the chance that he will end up alone because of one of her schemes or if she gets busted. I’ve already spoken to an attorney and he thinks it looks pretty good for me getting him.

“Harvey, that’s wonderful!” rushed out of her mouth. She was actually excited for him. She knew how much he missed Jerry when he wasn’t around. It was like a gaping hole. Then she hesitated when she realized how traumatizing the entire situation was likely to be for Jerry and for Harvey. “Anna’s going to put up one hell of a fight.”

“I know.”

She thought it through even further. “It’s going to take up a lot of your time.” She saw him nod his head, the gravity of the situation apparent on his face. She knew then what he was attempting to do. “Are you trying to warn me or give me an out?” she asked.

He thought about that for a long moment. “My life’s about to change dramatically,” he told her as he folded his arms over his chest. “Jerry’s going to be scared and missing his mom. If Anna is connected to Charles’ death and goes to jail, Jerry’s not going to understand why he can’t see her anymore.” His eyes searched hers to see if he was getting through. “I’m going to do my best to balance everything in my life, but Jerry has to come first right now.”

“He should come first for you,” she agreed without hesitation. “You’re raising a human being. What he’s like when he’s twenty is directly related to what you do with him now. A responsibility like that has to come first.” She felt a pang inside for not getting that opportunity with Samuel. “Things would be a lot different for me right now if I had been given that chance. I admire you for taking a stand.”

He wanted to reach out for her again, but he held himself still. “You’ve got a decision to make here as well,” he told her. When she looked confused, he explained. “It’s going to be a hell of a bumpy ride from here on out. I can’t even promise you when we will be alone together again. Jerry and I are a package deal.”

She stepped closer to him. “You always were.”

“I need to know that you’re in this for the long haul,” he told her, his heart quickening at her slow approach.

She smiled. “I’m here as long as you want me to be,” she told him as she slid her hand across his chest, then over his shoulder. “I love you Harvey Leek. I don’t care what baggage comes with you and Jerry. As long as I’m with you, we can get through anything.”

He was mesmerized by her face as she pressed her body against his. Their talk had been just what he needed to relieve his fears and the love that he felt for her rushed back to the surface. He was drawn to her, the scent of her cologne intoxicating him. He watched as she brought his hand to her lips and lightly kissed his finger tips. Then she guided his hand down over her hip to her thigh which she rubbed suggestively against his. When she wrapped her arm around his neck and leaned back, he smiled.

“You told me to remember where we left off,” she teased.

“You’re insane,” he chuckled, holding her close as he dipped her back, the flame of passion was easily ignited between them. He looked at the long column of her throat, then his lips blazed a trail from earlobe to shoulder. Her hands were buried deep in his hair, then they were at the front of his shirt and buttons went flying in every direction. Hands fumbled with zippers and snaps as they stumbled against the counter, clinging to each other to keep from falling as they stripped off each other’s clothes. Once they were out of the way, he lifted her onto the table and took possession of everything that she had to offer. There wasn’t anything gentle about their love making. All of the anger and the hurt as well as all of their desires were forged together in their wild abandon. They had come to the crossroads and had walked through it together.

* * *

Where did you disappear to yesterday afternoon?” Nash asked.

“After Harvey got back to the surveillance van, Inger called. Apparently, Inger’s mother and her sister had a fight and Ulla showed up at our house ready to move back in.”

Nash chuckled. “I’ll bet you loved that.”

“I should have known it wouldn’t last. At least the house is almost finished so we have some privacy.”

“Well look at it this way, bubba. Maybe Ulla and Inger can spend their time decorating the house and stay out of your hair.”

“More like pulling my hair out at all of the money their spending to decorate,” he corrected him.

He chuckled again. “You said that Inger was looking for a project and this is the perfect thing. You’ve already got Tiny so Inger can do her shopping while she’s there and then decorate while at home.” He glanced over at Joe as they headed toward the SIU and could tell that his partner was not buying it. “When Inger’s happy, that’s the perfect solution to all of your problems, bubba.”

“How do you figure?” he asked with suspicion.

“Think about it. When Inger’s happy, Inger likes to make Joe happy.”

He was easily able to follow that line of thinking and smiled. “Good point,” he returned. Maybe I should see about sending her some flowers. Ulla too. What the heck. Might as well butter the toast on both sides.”

Nash looked over at him, then back at traffic. “Bubba, I don’t even want to know what that means.”

“How about a little news for you, then,” he returned. “I had a chat with Harvey yesterday,” Joe said as he looked over at Nash from the passenger seat. “You’re right man,” he said with a shake of his head. “He’s pretty hurt.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” Nash returned sarcastically. It stung every time he thought of Harvey.

“Okay. How about this. Samuel Chon was the one that told Harvey about you and Rachel.”

“Ouch,” he returned in sympathy.

“It gets worse,” Joe prepared him. “He had pictures.”

“What?”

He nodded. “Harv said that he even recognized the bar you were at.”

“Damn. No wonder he’s hurting.” He shook his head.

“Yeah, hearing about the two of you was bad enough. Having Rachel’s kid show him pictures was like a slap in the face.”

“That’s why he did it bubba,” Nash said with certainty. “He probably picked that little trick up from his grandfather. Shame is a powerful weapon in the Asian community.” He considered his options at that point. “Why don’t we pay a little visit to Samuel Chon.”

“Congratulate him on his newly acquired wealth?” he suggested.

“That too,” Nash returned, then stepped on the gas.

* * *

Joe walked out onto the patio at Samuel Chon’s estate with one of his people in a wrist lock. “That will teach you to try to pretend like you’re a judo expert.” He forced the man down on his knee. “Try actually learning a few moves,” he instructed.

Nash walked out behind Joe and headed straight for Samuel who seemed rather amused by the show of force. Nash pulled out a chair and sat down at the patio table where his host was having breakfast. “Morning Samuel.”

“Nash Bridges,” Samuel said with a smile. He hadn’t anticipated meeting the police captain, but he was happy to meet the man that helped to send Harvey Leek packing.

“Are you enjoying your visit to our fair city?” he asked cordially.

“I’ve always loved San Francisco,” he returned pleasantly. “It’s like coming to another planet here.”

“Yeah, but you seem partial to using old world tricks,” Nash said cryptically.

Samuel smiled as he tossed his napkin onto the table. He knew that Nash was referring to the ease in which he broke up Rachel and Harvey. “Sometimes the old tricks are the best.”

“Only when you’re dealing with a man with honor,” he asserted. “Like Harvey Leek.”

He acted as if the name was new to him. “Leeks?” He shook his head. “Never cared for the stuff myself. Too salty.”

Nash leveled a steady gaze at Samuel, unwavering even when two security men ran out onto the patio drawing their weapons. He watched Samuel wave them off as if he was bored with the drama. “I’m not going to play around with you, Samuel,” he said with authority. “I find your kind of games tedious and not particularly creative. While Harvey may feel some restraint in dealing with you because of Rachel, I don’t have that problem. I’ll lock you up for jaywalking if I take a notion to.”

Samuel chuckled. “You can’t seriously expect me to believe that care one bit about my mother’s relationships. One of your employees?” he said, then looked at him with understanding. “Unless you’re wanting Rachel for yourself,” he said suspiciously.

“Let me put this to you another way,” Nash said, leaning forward to keep Samuel’s staff from overhearing. “Stop messing with the lives of my people or a certain Taiwanese official will be getting a phone call from me about an illegal shipment of electronics that’s seriously going to cut into his take of his smuggling operation.” Samuel’s smug expression was replaced with one of surprise. “My reach goes a lot further than this city bubba.” He used the Taiwanese word for “understand”, then stood from the table. “I probably should tell you to get out of town, but out of respect to Rachel, I won’t. She has spent half her life looking for you. Don’t make her regret that.”

Nash slipped his sunglasses back on before looking at Samuel again. “You’re lucky that Harvey’s a gentleman and he has decided not to tell Rachel that you were the one to cause all of this. He’s more concerned with hurting her than getting back at you.” He gave Samuel a hard look. “But I’m not that much of a gentleman. Leave my people alone or our next meeting won’t be quite so pleasant.”

* * *