Chapter 10: Mending fences.

 "I am here to see if you are okay," she paused, "but I'm also here because I want you to do something for me."

"Anything," he said looking at the love of his life's mother. 

"I want you to stop seeing my daughter, please," she said, her eyes boring into him. 

 Note: Jamaican patois is used heavily in this chapter. Please see translation in brackets beside the characters' dialogue.

Shane moved stealthily through the sugarcane. He saw his colleagues move quickly ahead, chasing after one of the perpetrators. There were seventeen officers on the ground in total, but Shane also knew that numbers did not always guarantee individual safety as a police officer. 

He looked around him, his eyes carefully scanning the rows of cane plants. He had his gun ready. He chose to breathe in calmly through his nose and breathe out through his mouth. This was to help him keep his heart rate steady and his anxiety as minimal as possible. 

As he moved forward he chose to walk slowly. He was worried about Lissa, but he couldn't allow himself to think of her at that moment. He was confident that his dad would do everything in his power to ensure she and the baby are okay. 

He heard a rustling sound to his left. He stopped immediately, looked and aimed his gun in the direction the sound was coming from. He saw nothing, but decided he would go towards the area. 

There was no sign of Mas Rob. He wondered where the old man had gone to. Body slightly crouched, senses alert, he slowly moved towards the row of sugar cane where he heard the strange sound coming from. He moved through them and was relieved to see a mongoose feasting on a giant rat. He chuckled softly. 

As he was about to turn his body, he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up, his body going tense and his heart skipping a beat. Someone was nearby. It was a strange reflex he developed as a child. He wasn't sure what it was, but it saved his life on many occasions since becoming an officer. He therefore always listened to himself when his body felt this way. 

He turned to his right and moved as quietly as he could, turning his head from left to right looking for any movement among the rows of the sweet cash crop. He continued his breathing technique. It almost felt like everything slowed down around him. He had his gun aimed at a forty-five degree angle until it was necessary for him to use it. He heard a sound to his right. He looked in that direction, stopped and listened. 

Yes, he definitely heard movement. It sounded like footsteps. He breathed a short prayer and moved forward towards the sound. He lifted his gun, clicked off the safety and listened. As he moved through the sugar cane blades he heard more movement, like footsteps speeding up. Shane moved quickly. He was able to catch up with a man wearing a blue jacket and dark brown trousers. 

"Stop! Police!" he shouted.

The men started to run. Shane chased after him. As Shane was about to gain ground on him the man turned, threw himself on his back and began firing. Shane dived into one of the cane rows, rolling away from the bullets. After he settled behind a cane plant he fired shots at the man. One bullet hit the man in the left leg. The man got up and was about to hop away, when Shane shouted, "Move and that will be the last thing you do." 

The man turned and raised his gun. Shane aimed at his injured leg and inflicted another wound. The man fell to his knees screaming in pain. "Dutty police, guh suck yuh mada!" the man screamed in agony. He lifted his weapon to his head and shot himself. Shane flinched in shock. 

"What the f...?!" Shane exclaimed. What the hell was that?

Shane heard footsteps behind him. He rolled away from where he was, dug his heels into the ground and raised himself up in a crouched position. He settled on his haunches and waited. He saw Inspector Simpson and Constables Morrant and Sangster, running towards the scene where the dead man lay. For some reason he decided not to stand up. He watched what they were doing. 

Morrant walked around the body, looking at it. He looked up at Inspector Simpson. "Him dead," Constable Morrant said. Inspector Simpson came forward with Constable Sangster close behind him. Simpson looked at the rows of cane but saw nothing. "Who yuh think kill him?" Sangster asked.

"Well, I guess one of us did it," Inspector Simpson said amused. Constable Morrant chuckled also. Constable Sangster kicked the boots of the deceased criminal and laughed. He removed the safety off his gun and fired two more shots into the dead man. The other men laughed. "Check him pockets," Simpson ordered. Morrant stooped down, took out gloves from his pocket and put them on. 

He pushed his hands in the man's pants' pockets, but found nothing. He turned him over on his chest checking his back pockets but found nothing. He turned him over on his back again. "Check the jacket then nuh?" Sangster said impatiently. Morrant patted the body down but felt nothing. "Nothing," he said. "No ID, no money. Nothing," Constable Morrant said.

Sangster stooped down also and said, "Yuh battyhole yuh!" He also put on his gloves and took out a pen out of his shirt's pocket. He used it to pry the Glock 17 from the dead man's grip. He lifted it to his eye level. He whistled. "Nice piece this enuh!" Shane watched them, shaking his head. They were jerks, but they weren't doing anything criminal. He sat back and waited. He saw Sangster return the gun to the dead man's hand.

Suddenly, there was another volley of gunshots and screams of pain. They ran in the direction of the shots, leaving Shane with his thoughts. He stood up and moved cautiously towards the body. He stood over the man, looking down at him. There were two bullets in the man's chest. Shane hissed his teeth. 

He took out his cellphone and opened the app the JCF used for communications among officers on the ground. "This is Sergeant Shane Crosby. Cross-b1. One perp down. He is dead. I injured him but he took his own life." 

Superintendent Dacres responded, "Read you loud and clear. Two more perps cut down. They fired and Constables Campbell and Walker returned fire. Stay where you are. Will check your location and meet up. Over. Out" 

Shane smiled slightly, Constable Walker must be relieved it was over. He was sure she would ask for a beer when they went back. He would buy her one. After ten minutes Supe Dacres, the Assistant Superintent for the police zone, Inspector Simpson and several other officers emerged from the cane field surrounding him. Supe Dacres approached the body with the Assistant Supe slightly ahead of him. They stopped and looked down at the dead man. 

Supe Dacres turned his head to look at Shane. Shane stepped closer. The Assistant Supe looked at him, then said, "You said you only injured him, but I see two slugs in his chest. That would be enough to kill him?" There was a question lurking there. Shane wouldn't cover for Constable Sangster. 

He cleared his throat and thought carefully about what he would say. "Well, those are not my bullets. If you look at his left leg you will see that one bullet entered his shin and the other his thigh, those are mine. There's also a bullet to the left temple, if you look carefully. I did mention earlier that the perp shot himself. As for the slugs in his chest maybe Officer Sangster can explain that."

"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," Constable Sangster quipped.

Superintendent Dacres stooped down and looked at the bullet wound to the head. "I'm no ballistics expert, but from my years of experience the shape of the wound is quite consistent with what you just said," he said quietly. He stood up and looked at Shane who nodded at him.

"Are you aware of how the chest wounds were inflicted?" the Assistant Superintendent asked Constable Sangster.

Supe Dacres and the Assistant Supe looked over to their right, expecting an answer from Constable Sangster. Sangster cleared his throat then coughed softly. He was about to say something when: "Maybe someone else who was nearby shot him. Didn't you mention that a middle aged man, a friend of your dad's was helping Lissa. Maybe he inflicted the wounds," Inspector Simpson interjected while looking at Sergeant Crosby.

"I see," Supe Dacres said. He looked at Shane. Shane shrugged his shoulders. He would talk to his supervising officer away from prying eyes and ears. However, he had no problem stirring the pot by giving hints. Sergeant Crosby gave Supe Dacres a look, then dropped his eyes down to his hands. He looked up quickly to see if Supe Dacres followed his gaze. He did. Shane looked down again and quickly made a trigger finger and put out his right foot in the direction of Constable Sangster. Dacres nodded and looked down at the body.  The Assistant Supe also astutely picked up on Shane's signals. He cleared his throat then said, "The forensics team is on its way. I'm sure we'll solve this mystery after they've done a thorough examination of the body."

Inspector Simpson looked over at Shane. Shane stared at him. He clenched his fists. Simpson looked at Shane's fists. He realized then that Shane had been somewhere watching what they had done earlier. He lowered his gaze and looked away into the distance.

Within half an hour the forensics team from the division found their location and came to do the examinations. Supe Dacres shook his counterpart's hand and thanked him for his help. The Assistant Supe smiled and told him it was his and his team's pleasure. 

Supe Dacres walked over and tapped Shane on his shoulder. Shane was staring pointedly at the trio of Sangster, Morrant and Simpson. They gave him furtive glances then looked away. When he felt Supe's hand on his shoulder it broke his concentration, he looked behind him. Supe Dacres squeezed his shoulder. 

"IPROB will do their investigation after the forensics team does their job. You will have to give your written report and you may also have to give an oral statement, if anything untoward is discovered. If what you're saying is true, Simpson should know better than allow Sangster to do what he did. Let's go. We can't do anything more here." Shane nodded. He turned to follow his superior, but before he did, he gave Sangster one last look. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at him. Sangster looked back at him and swallowed hard. Shane turned his head, his back straight as he walked away. 

He checked his phone. There was a text from his dad. Lissa had woken up. The doctors managed to stop her bleeding, and they were able to save the embryos. Shane was relieved. Embryos?! She was having twins! He was excited. 

He wished he could have gone with her but he needed to be with his fellow officers. He prayed and thanked God in his heart. He sped up his steps and caught up with Supe Dacres. "I need a lift to the Sav-la-mar Hospital," he told him. "Lissa had a complication with the pregnancy but the doctors were able to save it."

Supe Dacres slapped Shane on his shoulder and smiled at him. "I'm glad. Sure, we'll all go to see her." Shane smiled at him. He was grateful.

 

****

David sat in the waiting area of the Sav-la-mar Hospital. He had been praying. He prayed that the child would be okay. When the chief resident on the case approached David his face was solemn, but when David stood up to greet him, he cracked a tiny smile. 

He told him they did an ultrasound, and judging from the images they saw, the pregnancy was at twenty-seven (27) days, and based on the development of the placenta and amniotic sacs, Lissa was carrying twins. She had already stopped bleeding when David brought her in, but they gave her an injection of progesterone to help prevent further bleeding.

David recalled as he was driving Lissa to the hospital that she had regained consciousness, and while crying, she prayed to God. He listened to her pleading with God to save her baby or babies. She told God that if He saved the pregnancy she would seek Him more and she would wait for Shane to marry her before they made love again. She asked God to protect Shane and to give her the opportunity to see him again. She also told God that she wanted to know Him more, and she asked Him to take control of the pregnancy and protect it. 

When he arrived with her. He lifted her out of the car, carried her through the hospital doors, and cried out for help. A porter was passing by, saw what was happening and rushed to get Lissa a wheelchair. A nurse asked what was the problem and he told her Lissa seemed like she was having a miscarriage. The nurse shook her head and told him that God would protect the pregnancy and that nothing would happen to the child. David saw it as God's divine providence and watched as Lissa was whisked away to be treated.

Afterwards, while he sat down and pondered all the doctor told him, he thanked God in his heart. Next, he texted his son and told him the good news. Shane had texted back, telling him he was on his way. 

When Shane arrived at the hospital he was still wearing police gear. The hospital's Administrator was called in to give him permission to enter the hospital ward. When he entered the ward he saw his father and gave him a brief hug. "I would say it's a miracle," his dad told him. Shane nodded. He believed that too.

Just then, the doctor entered the waiting area. A nurse had paged him. He looked at the small group of concerned officers and smiled sympathetically at them. "The patient is on mild pain meds, but in and out of consciousness she was calling a specific name. Ms Dixon asked for Shane?" 

Shane stepped forward. "I'm Shane," he said.

The doctor smiled kindly at him. He nodded. "Come with me. She's awake." Shane patted his dad on his shoulder, then followed the doctor. He entered the room and saw Lissa with an IV drip in her left arm. She was wearing a hospital gown. He touched her hair. It had tiny specks of dust in it. When she was better he would help her wash it. 

Lissa opened her eyes and looked up at him. She smiled at him sadly. Shane looked around the room. "Can I sit?" He saw no chair. The doctor left for a minute, looking for a chair. While he was gone, Shane perched on the bed, and touched her face. Tears were streaming down her face. "Shane, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I should have told you earlier," Lissa said crying. "I was bleeding the night before but I thought it was just spotting."

"Baby, it's okay. It's okay," he told her. He was trying to hold back the tears, but seeing her cry was weakening his resolve. The doctor walked in with a plastic chair. He placed it near the bed. Shane thanked him and sat on it. He pulled the chair closer and touched her left hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it. 
"Not your fault honey. It's all the stress you've been under," he told her. He squeezed her hand. "But they're okay. The doctor was able to save them. Baby, you're carrying twins," he smiled at her. He touched her face. "I'm gonna make sure you're okay from now on." The doctor stood quietly behind him. "We're having twins?" she asked surprised.

Shane nodded. Lissa's countenance brightened. "Just like you said," she said. She was happy. She squeezed his hand. Shane leaned over and briefly kissed her lips. He looked up at the doctor. "How soon can she go home?" he asked him. The doctor stepped forward. He smiled at Lissa and said, "After we stabilize her fully she can go home about two days from now. We're just making sure everything is okay." 

"So about Wednesday?" 

"Yes, correct," the doctor replied.

Shane kissed her forehead. The doctor noted the affectionate gesture and smiled. He briefly touched Shane on his shoulder. "Five more minutes," he told him. Shane nodded. "Okay," he replied. 

He stroked her face. "Baby, promise me that from now on, if you feel anything, any discomfort at all. Tell me immediately, okay?" 

Lissa nodded. "I promise," she said. "Shane, I prayed and God heard me."

He stroked her hair. "Mhm?"

"Yeah, I was bleeding when I woke up, but I prayed really hard and asked God to protect the pregnancy." Shane leaned forward and kissed her forehead. He looked into her eyes. "You are the woman I've been looking for all my life," he said. Lissa laughed softly. She became emotional. More tears flowed from her eyes. Shane brushed them away. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I promise. Even if it means we have to be separated from each other for a while." 

Lissa looked like she was about to protest. "No ..." she began before Shane kissed her. Closing his eyes, he deepened their kiss while touching her face. When he moved back he saw her softened gaze. He looked lovingly at her. "I need you to be safe and not stressed out for our babies' sake, and for mine," he said chuckling softly. "I may go deep into the investigation, and I need to know no matter what happens you will be protected." He touched her tummy. "I love you," he said. "And I love our babies. Promise me you will take care of yourself."

Lissa nodded. She looked at the sincere expression in his eyes and felt fear. She wondered what he was going to do. "I promise," she answered. "I could stay at my aunt's in Manchester for awhile, otherwise I have a friend that lives in Gordon Town. She always said she wouldn't mind me visiting her for awhile. She lives alone, but she has four guard dogs."

He touched her hair, brushing it gently. "Okay, once it's out of town," he answered. She nodded. "Okay," she said. 

"But as soon as you can come home I'm taking you to meet my parents. And I promise that this time it will be alright." I'll make sure of it, he thought to himself.

Shane took out his phone. "I'm gonna let your family know what's happening," he told her. Lissa nodded. 

The doctor patted him on the shoulder. "Two more minutes," he told him. Shane looked up at him and nodded. He dialed Jason's number, put the phone to his ear and listened to it ring. He kissed Lissa on the forehead then stepped out of the room. He walked slowly to the waiting area of the ward.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Jason. It's me, Shane," Shane said. "Reaching out to you. Lissa had a mini scare but she's okay."

"What sort of scare?" Jason asked. Shane could hear the noisy sounds of construction going on in Jason's background.

"She almost lost the babies, but she's okay and the babies are okay. She's having twins," Shane could not hide his elation when saying this last part. 

There was a pause then, "Congrats," he heard Jason chuckle softly. "I'm glad she's okay. Where are you guys?"

"We're at the Sav Hospital," Shane told him. 

"Okay. Do you want us to come down there?" 

"Yeah, I do. Matter of fact, take her and hide her away. The person that sent men to attack me over a week ago also found us where we were staying. I need you guys to hide her in the most secret place you can think of."

He heard Jason sigh. "Okay. I know a place, but you may not like it because it's way out of town. Let me get in contact with her parents and get back to you," he said.

"Sure," Shane replied. "As for out of town, the farther the better as far as I'm concerned."

"Okay, cool. See you soon," Jason said before hanging up.

Shane walked back into Lissa's inpatient room, gave her a kiss and told her he had to go, but would be back to check on her tomorrow. Lissa smiled up at him and nodded. "I love you," she said.

"And I love you, my Lissa." He kissed her passionately, stood up then left the room quietly.

As Shane stepped outside, he saw her doctor and asked him for the restroom. He pointed in the direction of the male restroom and Shane thanked him then walked towards it. He opened the door and closed it behind him. 

He stood at a urinal, unzipped his pants, adjusted himself out of his underwear and peed. After he was finished, he shook himself a little, put his member back in his underwear, adjusted his pants and zipped himself up. He could feel his body trembling. He was thinking dark thoughts.

Yes, he would kill for her. Right now he wanted to. He went to the sink and squeezed some soap on his hands, turned on the faucet and wet his hands, lathering them. He looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes looked black and piercing to him. 

Once Jasmine had told him that his eyes scared her. While they evoked the most sensuous feelings when he looked at her with desire, there were times when he was angry about a case, or the time she had visited him after his friend's murder, she said his eyes looked black and cold. He had laughed at what she said, but now as he looked at his own reflection, he wondered if she was looking into his soul and saw something dark inside him. He turned off the water after rinsing his hands thoroughly, took out a small hand towel and dried his hands.

He felt his phone vibrating then he heard the ringtone. It was a distinct one he used to know when his brother was calling.  

He answered, "Hello."

"Shane, bro, dad told me. I'm glad she's okay," Shaun said. 

"Mhm, yeah me too," he said smiling. 

"Shane?" Shaun said.

"Hmm?

 "Mom is really worried about you. She also wants to see Lissa,"  

Shane was happy to hear it. "That's good news. Dad called her?"

"Yeah, he told us what happened. Mom wants you guys to have dinner as soon as Lissa gets better," Shaun told him.

Shane's smile broadened. That's what he needed to hear. "The house in Portmore, does it still have tenants?

"Mom and dad's house?" Shaun asked.

"Yeah."

"Yeah, on one half, the smaller side has a family of three persons, but the larger side is still empty," Shaun told his brother. 

"Okay, tell mom and dad that as soon as Lissa can, we'll have dinner there. I don't want anyone finding out where our parents live."

"Right. Understood," Shaun said. "Tell dad, mom is worried about him. She was trying to tell him but he hung up abruptly." 

Shane nodded. He was probably trying to avoid mom's sharp tongue. "Will do," he said feeling amused. Shaun picked up on the tinge of humor in his brother's voice and chuckled. "You know mom," he said. 

"Yeah, I know," Shane said smiling. "I'm surprised she hasn't called yet."

"Dad told her not to, that when you're ready you will call her."

Shane sobered with that revelation. He was subconsciously punishing her for how she handled Lissa the first time they met. He sighed. "I'll call her as we hang up."

"Okay," Shaun replied. "Going now. Let me know what's happening."

"Yeh man. Will do." Shane said. He ended the call. Shane dialed his mother's number and smiled when he heard her voice on the line.

****

Superintendent Dacres called to Constable Campbell. She was just coming up from the cafeteria. She came and stood before him. "Radio dispatch and let them know what's happening," he said. 

She nodded. "On it," she said moving away quickly. Supe Dacres dismissed the officers from the Half Way Tree, Constant Spring and Hunt's Bay police stations, thanking them for wanting to ensure all was well with Ms Dixon. He was now aware more than ever, of her positive impact on the police force, and was glad he recommended that she be hired.

Inspector Simpson stepped forward, but Constables Morrant and Sangster moved with the crowd of officers. "I'm staying," he told Supe. Supe Dacres nodded. 

"In future, keep the exuberance of your subordinates under control, or I will make sure he or they never work as a police officer, or officers again, and I will make sure your career is called into question," he said, his gaze boring into him. Simpson nodded, feeling awkward. "Understood," he said.

Superintendent Dacres nodded. "Good." 

Later in the evening, when they learned that all was well with Lissa and the babies, Supe Dacres along with his team and Inspector Simpson, spoke with Shane and told him they had to go back into Kingston, but were glad all was well with her and the pregnancy. 

Shane thanked them for their loyalty to Lissa and shook Supe Dacres' hand. He begrudgingly shook Simpson's hand as well. He gave Constable Campbell a pat on her shoulder but hugged Constable Walker. He watched them leave then requested to see the hospital's manager. 

Fifteen minutes later the Administrator came out of her office to speak with him. He greeted her and explained the situation, telling her that both he and their patient were from out of town, and he had no where else to stay and he hadn't brought money to stay at any local hotel or Airbnb. He asked if he could just sleep in the hospital's waiting area just for the night. 

Reluctantly, she agreed, but made sure to warn him that they had no means to make his stay with them comfortable. Shane had smiled and told her that discomfort was the least of his worries. She saw his worry and told him she would make sure to personally check on Lissa before she went off duty. He thanked her and she left. 

****

Shane woke up to hearing voices whispering. When he opened his eyes he saw Lissa's mom looking at him. He was a little surprised to see that she had a concerned look on her face. Behind her, Jason and Carli stood close to each other. 

He stretched and sat up, looking at them. He had fallen asleep using his arm for a pillow and stretching across several chairs in the waiting area. His dad however had gone back to the house in Kings Valley. 

Shane stretched again trying to relax his muscles. His back felt stiff and he had a headache. The hospital staff were very gracious to him. A nurse offered to bring him tea just before he slept, which she did, and Shane made sure to thank her for it by giving her a peck on the cheek. That made her day. 

Around 7 o'clock he went to the cafeteria and ate baked chicken and rice peas for dinner and washed it down with soda. He was short on the amount for the meal but the cashier told him that the hospital's admin instructed the staff to provide whatever he needed. He needed to thank her when he saw her again. He also needed to make sure he paid for the food as soon as he could. He looked at the time. It was 10 a.m, Tuesday morning. He sighed. 

Sandra stepped forward and sat beside him on a chair in the room. "How are you feeling?" she asked. Shane looked at her. He smiled tiredly. "My head hurts but otherwise, I'm okay," he answered. Sandra looked at him. He saw sympathy. "You slept here all night?" she asked. Shane nodded. He yawned softly. He breathed on his hand. Yeah, he needed to brush his teeth. He had a spare in his car. Oh right, I don't have my car. He grimaced. 

Sandra sighed. "I am here to see if you are okay," she paused, "but I'm also here because I want you to do something for me."

"Anything," he said looking at the love of his life's mother. 

"I want you to stop seeing my daughter, please," she said, her eyes boring into him. Shane straightened himself and leaned back on a chair. He closed his eyes.

"I love your daughter," he said. He yawned again and stretched. He needed proper rest. He sighed and tried to focus his eyes on Lissa's mom. 

"Maybe you do," Sandra said sadly. "Maybe you really do, but you're going through some mess right now, and it jeopardized my daughter's health. Thank God the babies are okay, but still what's to stop these people who want you dead from coming for her again after this? If she continues to be around you they will harm her too." 

Shane squeezed his eyes shut. "I can't. I can't let her go," he told her, shaking his head. "I will back off for a while so I can clear up this mess and find out who it is wants to hurt me, but I won't let her go. I can only promise that I will give her space for now. Also, they already know about her. Even if I decide to leave her alone they would still go after her." He opened his eyes and looked up at Jason. 

Jason saw his pointed stare, nodded and came forward. He sat before his mother-in-law. He looked over at Shane then focused his gaze on her. "Shane and I were discussing. I know some place where Lissa could go that I can guarantee she'll be safe."

Sandra looked at him her eyebrows raised. "You and he were discussing, eh?" She was indignant. 

"Aunty, please, just listen to what Jason has to say," Carli spoke up. She moved forward to stand before the small group but did not sit.

Sandra stood up. "No! Mi nuh wah hear nothing. Jason you're on his side?!" Her eyes burned into Jason then she focused her laser gaze on Shane, but this time he was prepared for her. 

He stood up and looked at her. He stared into her eyes. He wasn't going to back down. After a few seconds Sandra dropped her gaze. His eyes were perturbing, which made her even angrier. She looked away from him and stared at the wall behind them.

"How dare you? How dare you?" she shouted angrily. "You come into our lives and bring this confusion. She could have been killed!"

"I know," Shane said trying to be calm. He observed that Jason went to stand beside Sandra. Carli still stood near him. "You are a selfish young man! You're just thinking of your own needs. What about Lissa? The best thing for her now is to be away from the toxicity that's following you. You might be a nice young man. but this thing you're wrapped up in could have killed her! Now she's going through this situation, we don't know what the long-term effect will be on her mental health!"

"Lissa is more resilient than you give her credit, and she knows what she wants. Just last night I told her, if I need to separate from her so that she can be safe, I will do just that. She didn't want to hear that," Shane said calmly. "However, I need to solve this case, and the places where I'll go and things I may have to do, she can't be with me to see that. And you're right, as long as she's with me, she's a target. So I will step away, but I am not letting her go."

"You bastard!" Sandra shouted angrily. "You need to get away from my daughter permanently." 

Carli looked around her. She observed that as more people gathered in the waiting area of the ward, they were looking curiously at their group. She touched Jason's arm and gestured to the folks who curiously watched this family drama. 

Jason stepped forward and whispered in Sandra's ear, "Aunty, you need to calm down. Your drawing attention to us here. For Lissa's sake we need to be low-key." Sandra stared at him sharply. Jason backed away from her as if stung. 

Sandra looked around the room and realized what he said was true. She sighed and looked back at Shane. "This isn't over," she whispered coldly. She went to the nurses' station and asked to see Melissa Dixon. A nurse on duty told her to have a seat and wait awhile, the doctor would be with them soon to take them to the room and explain Lissa's condition. Sandra nodded and sat down. She avoided Shane's stare.

After half hour had passed Dr. Wesley Gordon exited the elevator and walked towards them. He nodded his acknowledgement to Shane and came and stood before the family. He looked at Sandra and smiled. "Good morning," he said, "my name is Dr. Wesley Gordon, I am the resident assigned to monitor your daughter's condition. You are her mother, correct?" 

Sandra smiled slightly and nodded. "Yes," she said trying to be calm, "I am her mother. Sandra Dixon. Her dad should be arriving within the next hour. His name is Marcus Dixon, KC." With eyebrows raised he smiled at her then turned his attention to Shane. "She had a mild fever last night but it broke this morning. We are monitoring her carefully. We did an ultrasound. The embryos are doing fine."

Shane was alarmed by the information about Lissa having a fever but was also relieved she was okay. "Can you tell us what caused the fever?" Carli asked. The doctor looked at her and smiled. 

She was cute as a button. He looked at all the members of the family before him. They were all gorgeous people but this little one was extremely ravishing. He wondered how old she was. 

He looked and observed the body language of the tall young man standing beside her. He noted that the young man's wedding band and the ring on her finger were a matching set. He sighed. He was a man in his thirties but he had no problem dating someone much younger. Unfortunately, this young beauty was apparently spoken for. He focused his gaze on the mother.

"We're not sure. It could be the stress her body is under where the pregnancy is concerned. It could also be that she encountered a pathogen out in the Westmoreland landscape. The gentleman who brought her in explained that she was in the bushes with a friend of his trying to evade persons who wanted to hurt her, and the exertion may have brought on the bleeding," Dr. Gordon said.

Shane nodded. "The gentleman is my dad," he told him. Speaking of being in the bushes, he wondered if Mas Rob was okay. When his dad came to see him later he needed to find out if he heard from him. 

"Can we see her?" Sandra asked getting impatient.

"Yes, of course," Dr. Gordon said smiling at her. "Come with me please." 

They all stood up and followed him to where Lissa lay. As they entered, they saw her talking to another woman. She was sitting on the young lady's bed consoling her. When she saw her mom, her cousin, Jason and Shane, she smiled at them. She stood up to give her mother a hug. "You okay?" Sandra asked. Lissa released her mother from the hug and smiled happily at her. "Yes I am fine. God is good. I have a miracle growing inside me." Sandra nodded. 

Lissa moved forward and gave Jason a brief hug, then hugged and squeezed Carli. When she looked up at the love of her life, she saw the affection in his eyes. He seemed proud of her. He moved past everyone before him, stood in front of her and touched her cheek. He bent his head and kissed her. Lissa wished they were alone. He was kissing her like he had more intentions than just to greet her. 

"Eh hem!" 

Lissa moved her head away and blushed.  She heard chuckling. It was her father's voice. She looked up and saw her dad watching them with an amused look on his face. He was standing by the doorway. He stepped into the room and put his arms around his wife's waist. "I take it you're feeling better?" he said smiling at his daughter. Lissa nodded shyly. "Yep, feeling much better."

She looked at the young woman she was talking to earlier and touched her arm reassuringly. "Guys, this is Kimone we've just been talking," she said. Her eyes went directly to Shane's. He smiled at her and began rubbing her back. He loved her.  Even though she was going through her own hard situation, she found the strength to comfort others. She was amazing. He kissed her forehead. He couldn't wait to be alone with her. 

Kimone smiled at everybody. "Hello," she said, "Lissa has been cheering me up. I-I lost my baby," she sighed, "Lissa, I am very happy everything worked out for you. I wish you a healthy rest of pregnancy and safe delivery." 

Lissa was touched by what her new friend said. She squeezed her hand. "Thank you," she said. "Will the child's father be coming to see you soon?"

"He's actually abroad but his mom should be here to see me soon. He should be able to come down to see me next week," Kimone said smiling at her. Lissa patted her shoulder. "Everything will be okay, and if you need to talk, I'm here," Lissa told her. "Matter of fact, take my phone number. Anybody has pen and paper?" She looked at her family. Jason had a pen in his pants' pocket. Marcus had a small receipt from a supermarket. She took the items from them and wrote down her phone number and gave it Kimone. Kimone smiled at her and said thanks. Shane looked at the doctor who was watching everything with a smile. Shane nodded at him. He came forward. "Ms Dixon, you need to go lay down. Granted, you are a strong, young woman but your babies are still fragile," Dr Gordon said. 

Lissa chuckled. "Okay." She looked at Kimone. Kimone nodded. "I'm fine, go lay down," she said.

Lissa walked carefully over to her bed and lay down slowly. She looked uncomfortable. Dr. Gordon came forward and used his fingers to gently probe her tummy. He moved his hands lower to examine her pelvis.

"Does that hurt?" he asked

"Only on the left side," she said, grimacing.

Dr Gordon grunted. "Could be an ovarian cyst," he spoke softly. He pressed into the area a little harder and Lissa yelped in pain. He nodded. Quite possible, he thought. He looked at the family's worried faces. "I'm going to order an ultrasound, that should give us more definitive info." He looked again at Lissa. "In the mean time, off your feet, please." He patted her shoulder. Lissa nodded. Her eyes filled with sincerity. 

The doctor looked at the family, smiled at them and walked to the door. He turned and watched with admiration as they all gathered around his patient. He was a little jealous. He wondered what it would be like to be a part of a family like that. He faced the doorway and walked out of the room.

Sandra came forward, hugged and kissed her daughter then went to stand beside Marcus. Marcus smiled at Lissa, he came forward and kissed her forehead. Jason gave Lissa a brotherly hug then waited for Carli to hug her cousin. 

They stood around her bed laughing and chatting. Shane looked at everyone. He would prove he was worthy of all of their respect. He saw Sandra look over at him with a disapproving stare. He smiled at her briefly and nodded. She shook her head and looked at her daughter. She looked back at him, smiled slightly and refocused her gaze on her child. Shane came around the left side of the bed and kissed Lissa's forehead. "Honey, I have to leave. I need to find out what's happened to Mas Rob," he told her.

Lissa nodded. She was concerned for his safety as well. "He was fighting with one of the men. I heard a gun shot," she said feeling fearful. He touched her hair. "I'll see if I can find him. I love you." He kissed her lips briefly, smiled at the family and stepped away from the group. He looked back at them. He saw Carli stare at him with a curious look on her face. 

Carli read a sadness in his eyes. He nodded at her and walked away. For some reason she felt that may be the last time she saw him. She smiled at her cousin but had an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.

****

Shane went back to his home district, Kings Valley, and met his dad at the house. David told him he had seen no sign of his friend, but he hoped Shane would have better luck in finding him. He needed to get back into town because the church business was being neglected and his wife, Shane's mother, was getting impatient. David eventually told her some of what transpired but decided to not divulge that he and Lissa were being shot at while they were in his car.

After hugging his dad briefly and thanking him again for helping Lissa, he walked him to his car parked right out front and watched as he drove off. Shane went into the house. He used his key to open the closet and remove his shotgun. 

The house was not broken into by the criminals. He was glad for that. He secured the weapon in its case, then looked around the house to see if there was anything Lissa had left behind when she was hurriedly packing their things. 

Supe Dacres had texted him to inform him that the Assistant Superintendent of the zone had their bags in his possession at the police station. He need only to go there, identify himself and an officer would release them to him. He decided to sleep over that night and go for it the next day.

 When he rose up in the morning he stretched his limbs, did 100 pull-ups on a low branch of the ackee tree in his yard and 200 pushups. He had neglected his exercise routine over the past weeks, but he had to get back to it for his health's sake. After he did his reps, he prayed. 

He apologized to God for neglecting seeking His face through The Word and told Him he would restart that night. He sighed and took a shower. There was a pound of fish in the fridge. His dad ate the chicken that was left over. He placed the frozen meat in a plastic bag and called his dad asking him if he could give him directions to Mas Rob's house. He could probably offer it to his family as a token to say thanks for all he did to protect Lissa.

Using Shane's current location, David texted him directions via GPS to Mas Rob's house. Shane walked towards the house slowly, trying to think of what he would say. When he entered Mas Rob's yard he heard a dog barking before he saw it. The canine rushed out from under the cellar, baring its teeth and barking loudly. For some reason dogs always liked him, he wasn't sure why, but he knew they were his favorite animal. 

He moved cautiously towards the mutt and spoke calmly to it. The dog growled menacingly while Shane tried his best to stay calm. He was only about two feet away from the dog, which seemed like a mixed breed. 

He stood before it and put his hand out slightly. The dog sniffed the air, barked then made soft whiny noises. It stopped barking and slowly began wagging its tail. Shane smiled. He moved closer cautiously and patted the dog's head. Just then, the front door swung open and a young woman stepped out on the wooden porch looking at him skeptically. 

"My dog doesn't like anyone but me. He doesn't even like my granddad," she said. "Who are you?" she asked. Shane playfully scratched behind the dog's right ear, then patted its head again. It looked like a he. "Male?" Shane asked looking at her, motioning his head towards the dog. 

The young woman nodded, "Yes," she said, "his name is Calibur as in Excalibur but we just call him Calibur." She came forward and stepped down on the top step, looking at him curiously. "Who are you sir?" she asked. Shane moved forward, holding the bag with the fish in his hand. He stopped at the foot of the steps. Her eyes showed that she was wary of him. He smiled kindly at her.

"My name is Sergeant Shane Crosby. I'm a police officer," he said. "I'm looking for Mas Rob or Robbie. My dad is a good friend of his. My dad's name is David Crosby, but I believe your dad calls him Croz or Mas Croz." 

The young woman nodded her head in understanding. "My name is Dahlia, pleased to meet you," she said. "Your dad came by a day ago and explained that my grandpa helped his daughter-in-law out of a bind. He left money." She squinted her eyes at him, sizing him up. "Come inside," she said turning her back to enter the house.

As Shane entered the house he tried to adjust his eyes to the dark living room. Dahlia switched the lights on in the front room and also opened the windows. She turned to him and smiled shyly. "My grand dad is not here he's gone to 'bush'. There is a particular herb he takes when he is sick and he also goes to this stream to lay in it. It is said the water from the stream has healing benefits. He has been gone for two days now. He got shot but it was just a graze, thank God. No metal was in his body."

Shane was very relieved to hear that. "Does he have his cellphone with him so I can call him?" he asked.

Dahlia shook her head 'no'.

Can you take me to where he is?" Shane queried. "No," she said, "Not even I know where it is. The location is secret, passed down to the males of the family only, since it was first discovered by our great great great grandfather who was an escaped slave at that time. When my little brother turns thirteen then my grandfather will show him where it is."

Shane nodded. He understood about these traditions. His dad told him about a few of their own: traditions like burying a child's umbilical cord at the root of a young ackee tree as a way to pass on the resilience and strength of the tree to the child. It was believed as the tree grew each year in strength and vitality, so the child would grow the same way. 

His dad, David, and his brother, uncle Samuel, were the last generation to have that done for them. When Shane's dad became a Christian at the age of twelve, he vowed that when he became a man and had his own children, he would not continue the practice. He was also able to convince uncle Samuel to do the same. There was only one tradition the family still continued. They gave gifts to the less fortunate on Boxing Day, December 26, each year. That was started by Shane's grandfather, who was a local pastor in the Kings Valley community at the time.

He handed the bag with the fish to Dahlia. "This is a pound of snapper. Nothing is wrong with it. It's quite fresh but I will be going into Kingston today. The distance from here to my home, by the time I get there, it will be spoiled." Dahlia nodded. 

He also removed $50,000 from his wallet and handed it to her. He managed to get access to an ATM in Frome before heading into the community. "Please as soon as your granddad gets home give this to him and tell him it's for any expense he would need for medical care, if he decides to visit a doctor or hospital, and tell him to please call me the minute he gets back home." 

Shane took a pen and piece of paper from his pockets and wrote his cell number on it and handed it to her. She looked at it and smiled at him. "Okay, I will make sure he gets this money, and as soon as he comes back I will make sure he calls you," she said her smile widening. Shane nodded, smiling at her. He stepped out of Mas Rob's home and walked back to his family's house. 

He was preparing to leave by 3 o'clock that afternoon. Firstly, though he did some cleaning: sweeping and mopping the floor, cleaning the fridge and kitchen countertops, and wiping down the stove. He emptied the kitchen bin, washed it out and put it outside to dry until he was ready to leave. He put away the toiletries: the soaps, shampoos and conditioners, toilet paper and disposable hand towels in the bathroom cupboards and locked them. 

He checked the medicine cabinet and found pills in a small prescription bottle. He took it up and read the label. Next, he took out his cellphone turned on the data and looked up the name on the label. 

Alprazolam 0.25 mg is an antidepressant but could also be used to aid in sleep. He examined the bottle closely. It was a fresh looking bottle: the label wasn't worn or brown in color but looked fairly new. He saw Lissa's name on the label and sighed, thinking of her. He pulled off the bottle's lid and emptied its contents in the palm of his right hand. 

He counted the pills. The label said thirty pills, one taken each day until finished. He counted nine (9). The date issued was a little over a month ago. Lissa was twenty-seven days pregnant. He deduced that the moment she found out she was pregnant, she stopped taking them. 

He wondered about her current state of mind. The last time they spoke she was sad. He understood her emotions, he missed her too. How he missed her! He was concerned for her and their offspring. He prayed she could stay strong for him. Just a little bit longer honey, then I'll come see you. He prayed in his heart that God would hold her together for him until he got to her. 

He returned the pills to the bottle and closed it. He put the bottle in his pocket. He needed to ask Dr Bromfield a few questions about these pills and their side effects. 

At 2:30 p.m, Shane began putting more things away: the mops and broom, a large washing basin and other necessary home items. He also brought the small trash bin back into the kitchen. Shane retrieved his shotgun in its case and placed it in a large knapsack he bought that morning. He closed and locked all the windows and doors. 

Opening the front door, he looked into the now dark living room, and thought of the laughter he shared with Lissa several days before. He felt anger rise inside his chest. Mr Z ruined their time together. He needed to find this man quickly. He and Lissa would not have a normal life together without him exposing this criminal and bringing him to justice. 

Shane locked the front door and walked to the nearest taxi stand. First, he would retrieve his and Lissa's bags with their clothes, stored at the Frome Police Station, then head back to Kingston.

****

Two weeks later ... 

Just as the doctor said, Lissa was released on a Wednesday, twelve days ago. Her parents came and picked her up and brought her home. She was happy to be home. 

Carli and Jason were at the house waiting for them. Carli cooked dinner with Jason's assistance. But before they did, Jason pulled her into the guest room for a quickie that turned into something longer. 

When they finished, Carli rushed to shower then hurriedly started preparing dinner, while Jason washed the sheets they made love on by hand. He noticed that recently Carli was more moist than usual and would sometimes wet the sheets. 

He didn't mind, but he wondered if it had something to do with his love making skills, or that her body was going through a hormonal change. Either way, he was enjoying the experience. It made being inside her much more pleasurable for him. Carli noticed the change too, but said she was enjoying it and felt good otherwise.

After putting out the sheets to dry, he freshly spread the bed with new linen, then went to bathe. Afterwards, he went downstairs to help her prepare dinner. They also stayed over that night but decided to just cuddle and go to sleep.

As soon as Lissa settled in her room she called Shane to tell him she was home, but his phone rang without an answer. When she called back an hour later it was turned off. Lissa was puzzled by this but figured he was on duty. Shane had visited her two days before they released her from the hospital and told her he had to go back to his family's house in his district to secure it, so the next time she saw him would be back at her parent's house. She hoped he was okay.

He called her the next day but didn't come to see her. Lissa felt insecure and asked if there was something she had done to upset him, but he reassured her that he loved her just the same, maybe even more for the way she was handling the situation. He told her he missed her and that keeping away from her was just temporary. 

While she was back at her parents' house, Carli and Jason would stop by to see her on their way from work. She was grateful for their loyalty to her, but she missed Shane. Her heart ached for him and her body craved his touch. 

She was granted a month's leave but went in to counsel special cases such as Moy Moy, Winsome, and the young police officer suffering from PTSD, Constable Blair. She met them all one day per week for two hours each. It was her idea to continue her counselling sessions with them. She wanted to fulfill her obligations as much as possible, plus it gave her something to occupy her mind. She missed him. It was twelve days but it felt like a full month without his touch. 

Surprisingly, she received a call from Shane's brother. Shaun called to say he was glad she was okay and that he was checking up on her. She was glad for his kind gesture and told him she was thankful. But when she asked about Shane he went silent then said he was sure his brother was doing fine, and that she shouldn't worry. But, she couldn't help it. She asked how he got her number and he told her that Shane gave it to him.

The last time he called, Shane told her he loved her and when he saw her again he had something very special to give to her. It was Sunday. She missed his warm embrace. She wanted his hands to caress her, his fingers to play with her sensitive areas; his lips to tease her and his deep voice to seduce her. She longed to feel his hard body pressed up on hers, making her dazed and weak for him.

 She asked him when she would see him. He told her soon then changed the subject. She told him that she ached for him inside her. She heard him groan and say he missed her secret valley. She laughed and asked him where he came up with that description, to which he replied, "When I'm inside you I feel like I'm in a secret valley and all I think about is you. Your sweetness is warm and soft, hidden between your beautiful thighs where only I can have access. It's always wet for me and a fertile place where life grows. You're my safe place Lissa." She felt her heart melt. She was turned on and feeling whimsical at the same time. She tried not to cry. 

When he was about to come off the phone he blew kisses at her and made her promise she would take care of herself and not worry about him. She promised but in her heart she knew she was lying about not worrying. Now as she lay in her bed, she squeezed her pillow tight and cried a little. 

Carli and Jason said they were coming over. She washed her face and tried to compose herself to greet them. When they arrived she thanked them, but told them she didn't feel like having company over. Besides, she was okay. But Jason told her, he and Carli wanted to make sure she was okay for themselves.

Jason was adamant that she should shower and get dressed. They were taking her out to dinner, nothing fancy but just to get her out of the house. She was reluctant, but Carli dragged her into the bathroom and threatened to bathe her if she refused to cooperate. Lissa laughed then agreed to get ready. 

They went to a Jamaican home-style restaurant that served local dishes. It was a very clean but small dining space. Jason and Carli discovered it on one of their gastronomic adventures trying different restaurants. Carli loved the place and especially enjoyed the food. 

Jason loved the food as well but did the experience because he wanted Carli to think of the kind of restaurant she wanted to have in the future. She was appreciative and made sure he felt special that night.

As they sat down, a young woman greeted them and asked them what they would have to eat. Carli told Lissa before arriving that it was a local cuisine restaurant, but they did a very good Italian baked chicken and vegetable rice so she ordered that for her meal. Carli told the young woman she wanted jerk chicken pasta while Jason told her he wanted fried fish, festival and bammy. For beverages, Lissa asked for orange juice, Carli ordered a fruit punch beverage, while Jason ordered a melon flavored Red Stripe beer. 

They laughed and chatted, and poked fun at each other a little while they waited for the food to come. Carli described the condo they stayed at for heir honeymoon. Lissa teased them about how they started off: Carli being the shy virgin while Jason professed being celibate, she however told them she was glad everything worked out well for them. 

They spent the rest of the evening sharing childhood memories. Jason did not have a lot of beautiful ones, but the little he could share he did with as much humor as he could muster, but he enjoyed listening to Lissa talk about the pranks Brandon did to her. They were hilarious. Fortunately, Brandon had grown out of that phase.

When they dropped her off later that night she hugged them both and thanked them for the evening out. She also looked at Jason and said, "I'm so glad I was wrong about you." She hugged him and gave him a brief peck on the cheek. Then she hugged and squeezed Carli, and told her she was proud of the young woman she was becoming.

****

One month later ...

She hadn't heard from him in over two weeks. She was scared.

She called Shaun and asked if he heard from Shane but he told him no. And it wasn't a lie. He too was calling Shane's cellphone and wasn't getting through. She told him she needed to speak with the family. He agreed. 

One cool Sunday evening, after getting directions from her, Shaun came to her house and picked her up. Her parents wanted to be introduced to him, but Lissa told them maybe when he dropped her home, if there was time, he would come inside and greet them. They agreed. 

After half hour of driving they were in front of the first home the Crosby's owned in the corporate area. It was a two bedroom house they converted into six bedrooms. The house was parted off into two units to accommodate renting to two families. Unfortunately they were not yet able secure the larger half of the house as rental property. The smaller part was however rented and the Crosby's were relieved that they got along with the tenants.

Shaun opened the front door and allowed Lissa to enter the house first, then he closed the door behind him. It was 4:30 in the evening. His wife, Kerry was in the kitchen while his parents were sitting in the living room space talking quietly. They too were worried about their first born. 

Shaun led her into the living room and upon seeing her, David Crosby stood up, followed by his wife. Belinda walked towards Lissa and gave her a hug. Lissa felt awkward but hugged her back. David, reading Lissa's body language, smiled reassuringly at her. He came forward and gently squeezed her shoulder. 

After releasing her from her embrace, Belinda clasped her hands in Lissa's and pulled her towards a light blueish-grey sofa. Lissa sat down, slightly perplexed by her behaviour. Belinda looked at her. "I know the last time we met I was very ... um, ..."

"Disrespectful," David volunteered on his wife's behalf. Belinda looked around at her husband and smiled apologetically, then nodded. She turned to Lissa again. "Yes, he is right. I was very disrespectful, but I am very sorry. I didn't know you and behaved uncouth. I accused you of things I know nothing about. 

"I will admit it's because Shane said you were already pregnant. But my son has always done things his way," Belinda sighed. She squeezed Lissa's hand. "How are you feeling?" she asked.

Lissa smiled, feeling better. "I'm actually feeling better. I'm in touch with the doctor who treated me in Westmoreland. He has a private practice here in Kingston with his dad and sister. His dad is Dr. Richard Sinclair Gordon. I haven't gone to them yet, but he has called to check on me."

"Will you go to be treated by them?" David asked. He knew of Dr Richard Gordon. 

Lissa nodded. "Yes. My first appointment will be next week Monday. Dr Wesley is Internal Medicine but his dad and sister are the OB GYNs. I am scheduled to see his sister, Dr Vanessa Gordon."

Belinda nodded. "Okay," she said. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

Lissa laughed softly. "When am I not hungry?!" she exclaimed."Especially these days." Belinda eyes lit up. Good, she thought. She was glad she was wrong about her. Because of the dress Lissa wore the first time she saw her, she observed a slim waist and flawless skin. Somehow she perceived Lissa as a 'stush', high maintenance personality. She was probably very wrong about her first impressions of her.

After fifteen minutes, Kerry and Shaun called them into the dining area for a hot, savory meal. Lissa was blown away by Kerry's curry shrimp and basmati rice dish. She told her openly that she loved the food and she was a little jealous of her culinary skills. Kerry laughed and told her whenever they both had the time, she would share a few of her secrets, passed down to her by her mother and grandmother. 

While they were eating Lissa thanked them for agreeing to meet with her. She told them she was worried about Shane:

"I haven't heard from him for the past two weeks, and I haven't seen him in about a month. I'm really worried," she said. 

David sighed. "I am too. He has not called me either." He looked at his wife. She shook her head. "If I heard from him I would tell you honey, you know that," she said, touching his hand that rested on the table. He squeezed and kissed it. Then used the other hand to proceed with eating his meal. 

He chewed thoughtfully, then said, "The last time I heard from him was about ten days ago. He said he spoke to Mas Rob's granddaughter. She told him Mas Rob had a graze on his shoulder from being shot at by one of those men who were after you guys." He looked at Lissa directly. "He also told me he gave money towards the treatment for Mas Rob. I am indebted to that man till the day I draw my last breath." 

Lissa nodded her understanding. She was relieved to hear Mas Rob was okay, considering the circumstances. "Did Shane mention any plans that he had?" she asked. David shook his head. "He only said I and his mother should not worry. He was working on the case to uncover who Mr Z was, and him being distant was for our protection. He did however ask that I reach out to you. I was about to call you tomorrow when Shaun told me you wanted to speak with us," he replied.

"When was this?" Lissa asked. 

"About ten days ago. I am sorry I hadn't reached out to you immediately, but I also had to ..." He looked over at his wife. "I had to .."

"It's my fault," Belinda admitted interrupting her husband. "I was being stubborn, but after praying and seeking God's direction, I decided I needed to put my pride aside and get to know you. I am truly sorry Melissa. I pray you will forgive me." She looked at Lissa, her eyes wide.

Lissa sighed. "With all due respect, you don't even know me. Maybe if I hadn't had an issue with my ex-boyfriend, Shane and I wouldn't have gotten together. I knew about his past and was very skeptical about being with him, but he won me over. 

"He showed me a kindness I never expected because of his known reputation as a player.  Shane showed me a side of himself I have fallen in love with. I was hurting, and he comforted me. Maybe what we did was wrong, but I have grown to love your son very much. All I am asking for is a chance to love him without hindrance, and hopefully if not now, one day you can accept me into your family."

David smiled. Belle has certainly met her match, he mused. He smiled appreciatively at Lissa. He put his arm around his wife. Belinda looked up at him and smiled ruefully. Lissa's words stung a little, but she had to admit, she probably deserved it. She was impressed with how this young woman spoke her mind. She could see them developing a very strong bond, if she allowed it, and she would, she was growing in her admiration of her. Ironically, Lissa reminded her of herself when she was younger.

She reached out, grabbed and squeezed Lissa's hand. "I am sorry I offended you. I misjudged you, I was angry with my son and I projected my frustrations on you, but if you can forgive me, I would like us to start over. What do you say?" Lissa nodded. 

"I would like that. And you can call me Lissa, if you may," Lissa answered smiling slightly. Belinda's smile brightened. "Okay, I will," she said.

Shaun and Kerry were quietly eating while this exchange was happening. Now Shaun spoke up, "I think we should invite Lissa to the family home. What do you say mom?"

Belinda smiled at her son then nodded. "Yes," she said, "that is a good idea." She released Lissa's hand. David rubbed his wife's back. She leaned her head on his shoulder and he kissed her brow.

Lissa watched their interaction and remembered what Shane said about wanting affection in his relationship with her. No doubt he had seen it displayed between his parents. She thought of her own parents and smiled. Yes, she wanted that too, very much. She wished she knew where her sweetheart was.

In the evening when Shaun dropped her off, she invited him inside and he briefly met with her family. Observing his soft spoken behaviour, Sandra wished he was the one dating her daughter. She was disappointed to hear he was already married. Marcus shared a glass of Scotch with him then all of them walked him to his car. Lissa gave him a hug and they watched as he drove away. 

"If Shane was like his brother I would have no objections about you dating him," Sandra said.

Lissa sighed. "Yes, Shaun is quite nice. I'm sure he's perfect for Kerry, his wife. Shane is perfect for me," she answered, then walked back to the house. Sandra was about to say something as a retort to her daughter's retreating back, when Marcus said, "Leave it." She sighed and looked up at him. He kissed her brow and walked with her back to the house.

****

At night he slept in a small, cramped apartment, but in the day time he visited past informants asking them if they knew anything about Mr. Z. Shane applied and got his thirty-day vacation leave, but he wasn't resting. He was in inner-city communities where he heard Mr Z frequented or had acquaintances and was asking a lot of questions. 

He visited nightclubs where he heard Mr Z made business deals, but so far no one would talk. The contentious thing was, Mr Z could be any man passing him on the street, and he wouldn't know. Sergeant Reynolds' informant refused to talk to him and made it clear his sister who was allegedly working for Mr Z in one of his 'clean establishments' would not speak to him either.

Shane picked up the phone and called Red Man. He was getting frustrated. He hoped his friend could help him. When he called he heard the sound of women cursing, and also the frantic cries of a young child. He couldn't help but listen to the women's angry conversation:

"Weh yah guh wid yuh jacket?? That a nuh mi man pickney! (Where are you going with your *'jacket'?? That is not my man's baby!)"

"How yuh mean? Weh yuh know bout weh me and Red Man have? You might be the baby mother but me is the mistress. When he tells you that he's gone to look about his daughter's wholesale or his car wash and bar business he has to stop at my house first!" 

"You're lying!"

"Why would I lie? My girl go and ask him. Ask yuh man why him did take so long fi come home last week Tuesday night. He said he was at his cousin's round robin, right? Well ask him. At my house he was chilling!" 

"Hey gyal yuh too lie!"

Shane heard glass bottles breaking on what sounded to be the ground.

Clink! Clink! Clink! Spush!

"Hey gyal weh yah duh (Hey girl, what are you doing)?! Yuh nuh see mi have mi baby inna mi hand?" (Don't you see I have my baby in my hand?). Your man's son! Is that how you want to behave?  Alright, you're throwing bottles I can throw bottles too. Somebody, please hold my baby for me. Yeah, hold him good!"

"Hey gyal! Hold that!"

Clink! Clink! Spush! 

Shane grimaced. It sounded serious.

"Eugene, you good?" he asked his friend.

"Yeh man, I'm good. Is this gyal a come to mi yard making up a bag of noise. Claim seh di child that she carry come here is mine and mi fi mind (mind means take care of, provide for) it!" Red Man aka Eugene replied sounding disgruntled. "Suh she and mi baby mother out deh ah fight." Red Man hissed his teeth. Shane was a little concerned. 

Clink! Splat! Spush! 

It sounded like another bottle was smashed against a wall. That one sounded like it had liquid in it. Shane shook his head. He heard more bottles breaking, then a string of expletives. He then heard Red Man shout, "Bobbie, guh see wah gwaan out deh fi mi (Bobbie go and see what's happening)! This blood cl@#t gyal ah crosses (This Jamaican expletive girl is a trouble/trouble maker)!"

Shane heard a male voice say, "Yeh man."

"Him a guh mind mi pickney (he's going to provide for my child). Mi nuh want yuh man (I don't want your man)! But look at you fighting over man weh ah cheat on yuh (But look at you fighting over a man that is cheating on you). Yah one real yamhead gyal (You are a really stupid girl)!" Shane heard the disgruntled woman say.

"Jealous yuh jealous over me and my man relationship (You're jealous over the relationship my man and I have)! Gweh (Go away)! Nobody nuh want yuh (Nobody wants you)! No man don't want you (No man wants you)! How sad!" Shane guessed that was Red Man's woman giving that stinging reply.

Clink! Clink! Spush!

"Hey gyal yuh shudda mek the bottle ketch mi baby! Yuh wudda see what will happen to yuh! Yuh think because yuh pregnant I will be sorry fi yuh, afta yuh hit mi baby (Hey girl you should have made the bottle hit my baby! You would have seen what would happen to you! Do you think because you're pregnant I will be sorry for you, after you hit my baby)?!"  Red Man's possible baby mother shouted.

Shane realized more bottles were being thrown. "That sounds serious man," he said more to himself than to Red Man. "Hold on deh," Red Man said. Shane heard the phone being put down on a hard surface. 

"Hey, ugly gyal Rushell, weh yuh want (Hey, ugly girl Rushell what do you want)?! Weh yah do down here (What are you doing down here)? I tell you that it's not my baby! Di baby head back long like a train (The back of the baby's head is as long as a train). Look at my head back, it small an' round (Look at the back of my head, it's small and round). Mi nuh know what is wrong with yuh (I don't know what is wrong with you)?!  Gwaan guh find yuh chile baby father (Go and find your child's baby father)!" Red Man shouted in frustration.

"You are the baby father Eugene. You are the father!" the woman screamed angrily.

"No! Hell no! Him dark skinned. Yuh see my skin color (Do you see my skin color)? Look how mi cool and brown skin (Look at how nice and brown skinned I am)? Rushell is better yuh gwaan and don't embarrass yuhself (Rushell, it's better you leave and don't embarrass yourself)! Anyway, I don't have time to argue with you! I am on a very important call."

Shane heard footsteps coming closer.  

Red Man picked up the phone again.  "Hello," he said.

"Yeh man, I'm here," Shane answered.

"My baby father, not yours!"

"Oh please! Is could all jacket yuh give him. Fi mi baby is his real son (Oh please! You could have given him a child that is not his)! My baby is his real son!"

"Oye! Oye! Woman yuh nuh hear di boss seh yuh fi guh yuh yard and stop mek up noise (Hello! Hello! Woman didn't you hear the boss say you need to go home and stop this noise)?!" Bobbie intervened.

More expletives. Clink! Clink! Spush! 

Shane flinched. He couldn't help himself. He needed to know at this point. "Did you sleep with that girl?" he asked.

He heard Red Man hiss his teeth. "Well?" Shane asked. 

"Weh yah ask mi seh? Mi is a man, di girl did look good at the time when mi first meet her. Of course mi sleep with her (What are you asking me? I'm a man, the girl looked good at the time when I first met her. Of course I slept with her)!"

He sounded almost indignant that Shane asked that question. Shane chuckled then asked, "So if you slept with her, how can you be so sure the child isn't yours? Is it a boy or girl?"

"It's a boy," Red Man answered.

"I thought you were partial to boys?" Shane asked amused.

"No enuh (No, you know). Mi (mi in some context can mean I) have two daughters and they are blessings to me. But of course, mi glad fi a bwoy pickney, although dem give trouble fi (fi can mean for or to depending on context) raise (But of course, I will be happy for a boy child, although they are trouble to raise). Shane as far as me (me sometimes replaces I/ I am) concerned it's five pickney (children) me have, mi (mi means my in this context) daughter Ebony and mi (mi means my here) son Craig from mi first woman, then Tina from one next baby mother weh (weh can mean where, what or that depending on context) live at Waterhouse. Tristan mi likkle (little) yute (youth) dat (that) turned ten years old in March, and the baby in my woman belly," Red Man said adamantly.

"Who is Tristan's mother?" Shane asked.

"This baby mother, here. This one, who is the last one. Britney is her name. Mi nuh want nuh more (I don't want anymore)," Red Man said. 

"But what if this little boy is yours?" Shane pressed. "Did you use protection?" 

"Yes, mi use mi rubbers! Di gyal just mix up. She nuh wah see me and mi woman live good," Red Man declared.

"Wait ... she lives in the same place as you guys?" Shane asked stunned.

"Yeah, just up the road," Red Man answered.

More expletives in the background. Shane shook his head. His friend was playing a dangerous game.

Boom! Crack! 

What was that? Shane wondered, feeling alarmed. It sounded like a 9mm pistol. The situation was escalating.

"Is Bobbie packing heat?" Shane asked. He was ready to come up there and arrest all of them for disturbing the peace and disruptive conduct. And if he found an illegal weapon, he would personally hold Red Man responsible, not just Bobbie.

"Eh?"

"Yuh hear weh mi ask yuh," Shane replied tersely. 

"Mi nuh hear nothing except my woman and this mad gyal outside at my gate arguing," Red Man said.

"Look, you better go and sort out that, or I will come up there and arrest all of you!" Shane said feeling annoyed.

"Alright, gimme a minute. Don't hang up, y'ere?" Red Man said.

"Okay," Shane responded.

He heard Red Man shouting, spewing expletives, and then silence. After a minute had passed Red Man came back on the line. He cleared his throat. 

"I'm back," he said.

"What did you do?" Shane asked.

"Mi give her fifteen grand ($15,000 JMD) and tell her fi gwaan home," Red Man replied.

"You need to do better sir," Shane scolded 

"Look, don't bother acting like you're innocent. I've heard things about you too," Red Man charged. 

Shane chuckled. So it's like that eh? he thought. Arite. 

"Yeah, I did a bag of foolishness when I was younger. I'm so glad God protected me in all of that. I tried to be careful but anything could have happened. But now I'm in a different phase of my life and to be honest I am much happier. I'm with a beautiful girl and she's carrying my kids."

"Really?! Right now? Yuh get someone pregnant?" Red Man sounded surprised.

'Yeah. The circumstances aren't ideal. So before you go off bashing me because I'm a Christian and got someone pregnant, I'll be putting a ring on her finger very soon. I am not perfect. What I'm trying to say is, I know you love your current baby mother, you mention her alot and you're always with her. Just be faithful to her nuh man."

Red Man cleared his throat. "Well, mi glad yuh own conscience is working so mi nah fi seh nothing," he said chuckling. "I was actually going to congratulate you on the offspring. Suh yuh love this girl?"

"Yeh I do," Shane answered. "I'm marrying her very soon. I already bought a ring."

"Okay, good for you. Happy fi yuh bredda." 

Shane noted the sarcasm in his friend's voice and laughed. "Is what?" he asked amused.

"Well, yuh still young, Yuh could wait till yah forty to marry, nuh suh?" Red Man queried.

Shane smiled and shook his head. "Eugene, I just turned thirty-five a few weeks ago. I'm not far from forty. Also, if I continue the relationship and refuse to marry her I would be piling on more sin on top of sin. I'm still a Christian, though I bucked my toe ..."

"Is suh yuh call it," Red Man interrupted chuckling. 

Shane grinned. He adjusted the phone to his ear. "Yes, I still am. I'm not justifying my bad behavior, my friend. I'm weak, but because I am weak all the more reason to do the right thing. And I love her. I want her to feel secure."

"And you're sure she loves you. Yuh know how dem woman yah stay?"

"How do you know your baby mother loves you?" Shane countered.

Red Man laughed. "She cook fi me and she tek good care of me otherwise, and I know her reputation. She was a good girl before mi deal with her."

Shane smiled then said, "Yeah, but feelings can change; people change. How yuh know she a guh still love you two or four years from now?"

"Mi can ask you that same question about your girl," Red Man quipped.

Shane chuckled then said, "I want her to love me and I know she does because of how she treats me, but even if I am delusional and she does not love me, it doesn't change the fact that I love her and we'll now have children to care for. I am obligated to love her. So even if she doesn't love me, it is my duty to love her, especially since she'll be the mother of my kids."

"Kids? Nuh di first time yuh get her pregnant?" Red Man asked puzzled.

"Yeah, but she's carrying twins," Shane replied. He smiled when he heard Red Man exclaim on the phone line.

"Happy fi yuh bredda!" Red Man sounded happy for him. He was grateful. "Suh yuh finances up?" his friend asked.

Shane chuckled. "I wasn't expecting children now, but yes, I have a solid support system," he answered.

"Good fi hear man. Suh mi a guh be uncle Eugene," Red Man said laughing. Shane knew Eugene was joking, but why not. "Yeh sure, I have no problem with that, as long as you keep out of trouble. Make sure you tell Bobbie to hand in that 9mm. He can give it to me if he wants. One less illegal firearm on the road secures everyone, including him."

Red Man sobered. "Mi a behave miself man. Shane heard his friend sigh. "Alright, I will talk to him. Mi give thanks for you all those years back. You and Constable Bailey, but you especially. Give thanks for everything you did for me and my family those times."

Shane was happy to hear it. "Well, I am glad I helped, but now take my unsolicited advice, stick to one woman from now on. It's the best thing," Shane said chuckling. 

He remembered his own past. He had two women fighting over him once. It was an embarrassing experience. He was glad he was past those days. Eugene said he was done with the wild life. Shane was relieved to hear that. He offered to help him pay for a paternity test to find out the truth about the baby boy. Red Man agreed and told him thanks.

Afterwards, Eugene told him that he had gotten a surprise call from his nephew, Devon, a few days ago. His nephew told him that he was under police custody in a lock up. He couldn't tell him where but he was okay. 

The police officers monitoring him made sure he was properly fed and they treated him well. He told him to tell Shane thank you. Shane was surprised to hear that, but Eugene told him that Devon divulged that where he was, he felt safe, and he was thankful for that. 

He also told his uncle that there was a police girl he liked and for her he was trying to cooperate with the police. Shane wondered if Devon was referring to Sergeant Jasmine Lewis. If that was the case, Devon would be about ten years younger than his ex. He didn't bother to press Eugene for more details on that. He was more concerned about Mr. Z. 

Eugene said he heard very little about the nefarious character, except that he owned a boutique uptown. His friend told him the name of the place. Shane made note of it and thanked him. But Eugene made sure to caution him that it was only hearsay and he wasn't sure if the info he got was true. Shane still thanked him and told him every lead had to be explored. His friend told him congrats again on the little ones and they ended their call.

****

He wanted to call her. His body ached for her touch. His loins longed to experience her warm, soft, snug depths again. He dreamt about her, and when he woke up he was hard. He took a cold shower, but in the end he had to 'help' himself. 

He missed her smile and beautiful eyes. He wanted to hear her voice and listen to her laugh. She was on his mind daily. Almost every waking hour she consumed his thoughts, and at night he dreamed of her. He also missed her cooking for him. 

She claimed she was an okay cook, but there was something about the way she prepared her meals that made him feel loved. She cooked the food well: the flavors were always delicious. But it was how she presented the food that made him happy. She would share his food in a fancy plate and give him the juiciest piece of meat. She would also adorn his plate with nicely garnished veggies. Once she pared the tomatoes into the shape of roses. 

She listened to him. She showed him respect and wanted to understand him. She had a great sense of humor and was very caring. Now that she was carrying his children, he was elated.  

He missed her soft, beautiful body. He missed caressing her delicate, glowing skin. Her scent was intoxicating, even when she was sweaty she smelt good to him. 

He loved her dearly and craved her sexually. He loved the way she made love to him: the enthusiasm with which she called his name; the way she touched his body; the way she eagerly went down on him without him having to ask; how her body responded when he was inside her. But it was also the way she yielded completely to his sexual advances. 

In her yielding to him, it unlocked something inside him that wanted to protect her, to shut out the outside world. And it would just be him and her together. Him listening to her cries of love and feeling like there was nothing else that mattered but them in that moment, hearts racing, bodies joined in an erotic dance. He never felt this way about anyone before her. He wasn't sure what all of that meant, but he knew he would keep her safe with his last breath.

Just a few more days then he would call. He had a ring to give her: an engagement ring. He just needed to follow this lead and then he would take her away to the secret place Jason mentioned, and get engaged to her. 

He lay back on the narrow bed in his small apartment and dialed Constable Campbell's number. He needed a favor. 

_____________________________

*Jacket - In the Jamaican culture a 'jacket' is a child that a woman passes on to a man, making him believe he or she is his offspring, but unfortunately that child is not his.

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