Thou
Shalt Not Kill
His
mind had been wandering a lot lately, but Elliot was quick to place the blame
on work rather that the true source of his difficulties. Having been home just
around two weeks, he had spent more time being a chauffeur to Benjamin than
concentrating on running his company. Not that he would have abandoned his
cousin in any way, Elliot enjoyed having him visit, but most of the time,
Benjamin was visiting elsewhere while he was called to do daily pickups and
drop offs.
For the past several months, Benjamin was trapped under the
responsibility of running the family company, while he was at his leisure to
come and go as he pleased. Elliot knew he deserved this long awaited and well
deserved holiday, and he wouldn’t begrudge him one moment of it. Still,
to admit it bothered him tremendously made him feel traitorous. The friendship
between Benjamin and Stephanie was good and strong and true. He was happy they
got along famously, but preventing the inevitable feelings of jealous was
something he had yet to master.
For the last four days, he had made daily trip from either
his apartment or the office, to the loft to drop Benjamin off. For a woman who
wanted to spend her off days with her parents, she seemed to have ample time to
spend them with his cousin too. Not that the Johnson’s were complaining
about her choice of friends. Elliot knew how Steve felt about Stephanie’s
budding friendship with Benjamin. He encouraged it at all costs and that only
made him feel all the more unwelcome when he would drop by.
He was becoming the third wheel in all this and it was a
feeling he was unaccustomed too and unfamiliar with. Benjamin had always been
the outsider looking in, never the man of attention but rather a spectator
always looking in. This time the roles were reversed. If it had been in regards
to business or other matters, Elliot would have been more than willing to let
his cousin take center stage, but not in this matter. This was an opportunity
he wasn’t going to give in easily at.
Arriving at the loft, he parked quickly and took the
elevator to the fourth floor. Stephanie’s apartment was just beyond the
door and when he poised his hand to knock, there was no mistaking that the
laughter heard just within came from the young woman who had occupied many of
his thoughts these past few months. She answered the door and looked pleased to
see him, warming his heart. “Hey there, about time you showed up.”
Standing aside she let him pass and slid the door closed behind him.
“I did have to encounter the usual afternoon
traffic… otherwise I would have been here much earlier.” He smiled
encouragingly at her as she stood behind the kitchen counter.
“Why didn’t you just take the day off? That way
you could have hung out with us.”
“I could have… but I’ve been gone a great
deal lately and the work has piled up. Best clear all those first before taking
another holiday.” He looked over to the couch and saw his cousin deeply
engrossed over some book or magazine and had yet to notice him. “I take
it you had an enjoyable day… together.”
Stephanie laughed at him and shook her head at his
British-ness, as she called it. “If you mean did we have a good
time… then yes, we did. You missed out, my friend.”
“My… friend.” Elliot softly repeated to
himself. It was amazing how that simple word had to power to render him into
silence. She offered him a glass of ice tea before motioning that he take a
seat on the sofa.
Benjamin sat on the sofa seemingly unaware of his arrival
until his shadow crossed over the top of the coffee table alerting him. His
cousin looked up and stood immediately to welcome him. He was dressed casually
that day, as he and Stephanie had spent most of that morning running errands
for her aunt. Kayla’s baby shower was in two days and Hope had taken the
opportunity of Stephanie’s presence to help in getting things ready.
Benjy had no qualms about running the errands with her. As long as he was in
her company, he seemed very content and happy.
“We’ve had to pick up things for Hope
Brady?” Benjamin signed to him most of his activities that day.
“She’s kept us very busy.”
“I can imagine.” Elliot answered him. “But
you enjoyed yourself…?”
He nodded and smiled then pointed to Stephanie who brought
her own glass over and took a seat at the chair at the foot of the coffee
table. “She’s run out of tourist places to take me too, or at least
that’s what she claimed when she dragged me along on these
errands.”
Stephanie had learned enough sign language to understand a
good portion of what Benjamin was saying and gave him a bemused look. “Oh
don’t try to place the blame on me. He just could say no to my aunt Hope.
He said he could never turn down a beautiful woman in need of help.”
“Well I would have to plead guilty to that too.”
Elliot told her. He seemed to have become a very noticeable third wheel all of
a sudden. She just gave him the barest hint of acknowledgement before bringing
up her mother’s baby shower again. Elliot smiled tightly at the mention
of that party. Such gatherings were for the ladies and it wasn’t a party
he would care to join, that was until he heard Benjamin would spend some time
there, assisting in the preparations.
Elliot knew his cousin wasn’t one to intrude, so he
could only assume he had been invited to attend. It was more disconcerting to
know the men would attend later, to make it a true family gathering. And if it
was for family, then he wouldn’t be welcomed, at least not if Mr. Johnson
had any say.
“It won’t be much longer now… will
it?”
“Well the party’s on Saturday…”
Stephanie replied but Elliot shook his head and clarified himself
“I was referring to your new brother.”
“Oh yeah! Sorry! Don’t know what I was thinking
there. Mom’s still got a little over four months, but it will fly
by… for me anyway. Papa’s so excited about everything and
he’s already got a harmonica for him.”
“I remember he tried to teach me...” Benjy
added. “… But it was a lost cause… still he tried.”
Stephanie frowned a little before responding.
“I’m kind of sad he never got a chance to teach me… not that
I wanted to learn how to play… but it’s something we could have
shared… you know?”
“So I take it it’s to be a large family
celebration… with the men in attendance too?” Somehow, phrasing it
that way made Elliot think he may have been fishing for an invitation. Stephanie
did seem to think so as she laughed a little at the notion.
“Well, Papa and Uncle Bo said they’ll show up
for the cake… which means that all the other stuff will already be over
and done with by then.”
Looking perplexed, Elliot eyed her curiously. Not that he
was familiar at all with what occurred during baby showers, but he didn’t
want to admit, he really was unaware of what she was talking off. “Other
stuff? I don’t understand.”
“You know, opening the presents… playing shower
games?”
“You play games? Like cards?”
“No silly… shower games… like trying not
to say the word baby at all… or looking at jars of baby food and trying
to guess what’s inside with the labels removed… stuff like
that.”
Benjamin looked at him too and shrugged his shoulders at the
idea. Elliot couldn’t imagine how enjoyable that would be, so he would
have to take her word for it. “That’s supposed to be fun…
guessing the substance in food jars?”
“Well, yeah it is and if you guess correctly,
you’ll win a prize.”
“Such as?”
“Little things like makeup bags, or candles, picture
frames…”
“ I see… well that sound quite…
interesting. I’m certain the ladies will enjoy themselves then.”
The idea of not being invited seemed all the more pleasant now and Elliot
wasn’t too upset anymore of missing out on any of it.
“It’s not all fun and games you know.”
“Obviously.”
She gave him a smug look at his teasing and chuckled.
“Okay, it does seem silly, but it can be fun too. It’s really more
of a chance for the family to help my mom celebrate. She wasn’t sure she
could even have any more children, so this was a small miracle for her and my
father.”
“Well for what I’ve seen… Dr. Johnson
seems to be in excellent health and very well looked after by your family,
especially your father.” A man would have to be blind not to see how
solicitous Steve had been in looking after his wife. Elliot had seen firsthand
how careful and thorough the man was in seeing to his wife’s needs.
“I don’t think my mom has lifted a finger since
my dad found out. He’s just the best father and husband around.”
Benjy smiled hugely at her and quickly signed back. “You’ll
get no argument from me.”
Elliot was slower to respond, but even he would agree, the
man loved his family beyond reason. He sat there contemplating further how he
would ever get into the man’s good graces when Stephanie mentioned their
dinner plans. Having picked up some cooking skills while in Paris, she was now
able to prepare many tasty meals, though nothing too spectacular yet. She had
stocked up yesterday, hoping for a chance to show off some new recipes.
“Look, it’s getting close to dinner and
I’ve already told Ben I’ll cook tonight… so… are you
staying?” She said it so matter of fact and a part of him wished that she
had offered a more pleasing invitation. That borderline roughness was something
she inherited from her father no less, but Elliot wasn’t about to use
that as an excuse not to accept. It wasn’t going to be the dinner he was
hoping for with the three of them there, but at least he was there, so why not
stay.
“Well since you asked so nicely… how could I
refuse.” He grinned at her before sitting himself back in the couch more
comfortably.
“Good… and maybe you’ll help clean up
afterwards. I can always use help in… washing the dishes?”
His eyes opened wide and Elliot looked back the unpleasant
thought running through his head. “Surely… you jest?”
Ben saw the grimace that appeared on his cousin’s face
and he laughed silently at him. It wasn’t often that he had seen his
cousin rattled, but just a few minutes with Stephanie Johnson and the
man’s legendary composure had already wavered. Ben couldn’t helped
himself, he just laughed again as Elliot scowled at him earning another round
of chuckles from the two of them.
**********
It was Steve’s job to get Kayla out of the house that
morning so Hope and her entourage of helpers could fix the place up. He brought
her the pier of all places for some quiet time alone. It made perfect sense
since once their son was born, any and all free minutes would be allocated in
taking care of the little dude. Not that either one would mind, but it would
still put a halt or damper of quiet moments for a while.
With his arms around his wife and Steve stood behind her as
they gazed out into the harbor, enjoying the view of the boats that pulled in
and out of dock. The weather had been very pleasant the past few days, though
it had yet to grow uncomfortable with the first day of summer already a week
old.
“This is nice… isn’t it Sweetness?”
Nuzzling her neck, Kayla sighed contently against him. She had thought of
asking him about going off for a drive that morning, seeing how they both
managed a day off at the same time. But a new case at the PI office needed to
be taken care of and Steve promised Bo that he would at least swing by and do a
little work on it.
“Maybe later this afternoon, we can go for that drive.
That sounds like a better plan… then we could find a place by the lake to
eat.”
“Sounds pretty romantic.”
Puffing out his chest a little, he squeezed her tighter as
she let out a delighted squeal. “Well… I’m a romantic
guy.”
“Don’t I know it… Mr. Johnson. Of course
we will have company on our outing.” She mentioned then rubbed her hands
over the very noticeable bump at her belly. “I don’t know if
he’ll appreciate the finer points of romance just yet.”
Placing his hands above hers, he continued making circle
there as her hands fell to her sides and she just watched him, loving the glow
of happiness of his face and the sparkle that lit up his eye. Lifting one hand,
she cupped his cheek as he turned and kissed her palm before bending down to
place a soft kiss on her lips.
“This is one dude that I wouldn’t mind tagging
along… isn’t that right?” The immediate kick made his smile
stretch from nearly ear to ear as his son always responded to his
father’s voice.
He pressed his palm at the same place again and pressed down
slight as the kick came at him a second time. For a long moment Steve just
looked into his wife’s eyes, drinking in the sight of her as she smiled
back at him. Words never seemed to be necessary during those moments, as he
knew what she was feeling.
Kayla could sense the peace that just floated around him,
the feel on utter contentment that took forever to return. Her husband was
finally more comfortable in his own skin and it showed. Now with the
approaching mark fatherhood at his heels, he was even more the person she
remembered him to be. Whatever deep down feelings he had about family that were
buried by his training, had resurfaced. Steve Johnson was more than ready to be
a father again. His eagerness to embrace a life he would have shunned just a
year ago only showed to him how far along he had come.
In the quietness of the mid-morning, as the lapping water
struck noisily at the wood planks, Kayla stood just within her husband’s
embrace as his soft gentle caresses put their baby back asleep within the
warmth and security of his mother’s belly. Steve gazed lovingly back at
her, his heart nearly leaping to his throat each time he realized how lucky he
was to have his life back. Maybe one day it wouldn’t be so overwhelming
and he wouldn’t find himself awestruck each time he looked into
Kayla’s eyes. Maybe one day.
It dawned on him that she might have suspected something
since he quickly suggested the drive back home to rest, but Kayla never caught
on until they were at the front door of their home with a houseful of females
all waiting just beyond. Steve had no intentions of staying longer than
necessary, which probably would be just within a five minute time frame. He had
done his part and kept his Sweetness busy so the Brady woman could work their
voodoo on his home. He suspected Bo may also have been roped into helping
somewhat and with the two of them together, it shouldn’t be too hard to
convince the females their presence was better elsewhere.
As he opened the door and stepped aside to let Kayla enter,
the loud chorus of cheers burst out at them as the multitude of females
descended upon his wife. From her co-workers and friends to near every female
relative they both had, his house was over flowing with them.
“Surprise!”
Looking above their heads, he was able to spy Bo and Benjy
in the background as the wave of females pulled his wife in and left him,
unattended at the doorway. Quickly walking past the mass crowd, he received a
welcoming hug from both his brother-in-law and Benjy while the women had all but
forgotten they were there.
“Man… how did you survive being here all this
time?” Steve shuddered at the thought and gave Bo a desperate look before
eyeing the distance from where they stood to the front door. So far they were
being ignored as Kayla greeted each and every guest, giving them all thank you
hugs as the three men watched from afar
Bo laughed at him and slapped his back while holding his
daughter in his arms. “We hid in Stephanie’s old room. She took
pity on us and let us watch the game up there.”
She turned at the sight of the one eyed man and smiled her
toothless green at him. Extending his arms towards her, she left herself be
carried and cooed by him for a few minutes until her mother came by and took
her away. The one eyed man had tried to shoo her mother away as he threw her in
the air and she rewarded him with a hearty laugh. He followed her laugh with
one of his own and pulled her back towards him placing another kiss on her
cheek. He felt like her daddy did with his scratchy beard and Ciara found she
liked him more and more each time they met.
Hope smirked at Steve as he tossed her daughter up in the
air again and tried to run off with her. She wouldn’t have put it passed
him to try and run off with a younger beautiful girl, but Ciara was due for a
feeding. “I always knew I’d catch you with another woman one of
these days.” Hope told him, winking. “But this precious one is
hungry, so you’ll have to give her back and give all your kisses to your
wife.”
“Did you hear that little angel, your mama’s
taking you away from me. But don’t worry… I’ve got enough
kisses for you and your aunt Kayla. I never run out of them.” Placing
another smattering of kisses at her cheek, Steve finally handed Hope her
daughter as she went upstairs to use Stephanie’s room to feed her.
Benjy had watched, highly amused at Steve’s action and
reminded of how he had been with him as a boy. In all the years he lived with
his grandfather, Benjy never forgot the man who had taken him in and made him a
part of his family without question or hesitation. Seeing how he was with his
own daughter and this baby made him think how lucky his own child would be. The
man was just a natural father.
“So Benjy… you got roped into helping out here
too? Must have been Stephanie’s doing.”
Nodding with him, Benjy brought up all the errands Hope had
sent them on the last two days.
Bo chuckled and warned him about how sneaky these women
were. “You got suckered in.” Bo said as Steve signed for him.
“You’re only saying that cause you’re
wife’s out of ear shot.”
“Yeah… well… I see she got you to help her
too.”
“She just asked that I keep Kayla away for a couple of
hours. I wouldn’t call that a sacrifice, being with my wife.”
“Figures you’d get the good part of the
workload. While the rest of us were fixing up here, you were probably making out
with my sister in the park.”
“No actually we were spending some quiet time at the
pier, but thanks for the suggestion. I may do that next time.”
Shaking his head at him, Bo pulled out his keys and pointed
to the door while they were still invisible to the females. “Now’s
our chance. No one would even notice we were gone… so let’s high
tail out of here and go to the office. Maybe we could get some work
done.”
“Sounds like a plan, Bro.”
Benjy seemed interested at the mention of the PI office and
signed that he would like to come along. He had yet to see their establishment
so a visit there was long overdue for him already.
“Do you mind if I tag along?” He asked them.
“Heck no dude!” Steve signed back quickly.
“I figure you were trying to find a reason to escape to. Come on. Let me
just kiss Kayla good bye and we can get out of here.”
Pushing his way through, Steve finally reached his wife and
gave her a quick kiss before the waves parted again and he found his way out.
Stephanie got to him just as he was to leave giving him a quick hug.
“Nice work Papa. Mom never suspecting a thing did she?”
“Oh come on, baby. You’re talking to man who
pulled off the surprise wedding of the decade. What’s one baby shower in
comparison.”
Chuckling at him, she eyed the three men noticing they were
all on their way out the door. “You all look like you’re
leaving.”
“Baby, we just need to be elsewhere for the next
couple of hours.”
“But you promised to be here for cake.”
“And we will be… but that’s later. Right
now your uncle and I want to show Benjy our office. Seems he’s interested
in your papa’s sideline. Isn’t that right?” Benjy readily
agreed, though he was sorry to leave Stephanie’s side.
“Okay… but just promise to be back by 3 pm at
the latest.”
“We will now go and have a good time with your mama
doing those… shower things you women like doing. Come on men. Time we
left the building.”
**********
Though they had technically been operational for just a few
weeks, they already picked up a good number of cases to keep them pretty busy.
One new case in particular was both interesting and dangerous, just the way
they liked it. It hadn’t seemed too difficult at first, as Bo and Steve
dug deeper, it seemed to point at some possible smuggling occurring in and
around the cemeteries, and that called for a closer inspection at the earliest
opportunity. As to what the contraband was, were still unknown but the fact
that it lead to suspicious dealing was enough to warrant their attention.
Normally under the police radar, this one fell into their
lap since it appeared to be causing financial problems for some local
businessman. If his competition was acting illegally, this was one way he could
rid himself of the problem. Benjy eagerly offered any help, though his aid
would be more financial Bo thought. But he surprised them by offering to his
contacts in and out of the country should the need arise. It was something
worthwhile to have in their back pocket, since Benjy’s circle of business
acquaintances far exceeded theirs.
“Elliot could also help you.” He offered knowing
his cousin would only be too eager to help out Steve Johnson. But just hearing
the man’s name and Steve developed an instant headache.
“Thanks for your help Benjy…you never know I just
might take you up on that.”
“And Elliot’s?”
Forcing a grin back, Steve just patted him on the back
before answering. “I’d rather wait until he told me himself…
don’t want to depend on too many people right now.”
Benjy wasn’t letting up too quickly though since he
could sense the uneasiness between the two. “He knows people here in
Salem… and he knows his way around the business circles.”
“I’m sure he does, but… we need this to be
more low key.”
“You can trust... him.” He emphasized the point
strongly though Steve was still reluctant on that whole matter. Bo had watched
their exchange and felt for his friend. He himself had not trusted Elliot
Lansing from the day he came to town, but other than a generally feeling of
dislike towards the man, there really was nothing he could hold against him
personally.
Steve sat down at his chair and looked up at the young man
he would have at one point called son. Trying to shake the feeling he was
attempting to get him on the Elliot bandwagon, he still refused the siren call
and just shook his head, slightly frustrated at his attempt. Since Stephanie
came to visit, he had heard enough from his daughter of the man’s good
points. Her praises were never ending though she was equally as generous in her
comments about Benjy.
I only she would already decide between the two and choose
the better man, maybe Steve wouldn’t feel so pressured. But so far,
Stephanie remained secretive about whom she was leaning towards. All he could
see was she liked both and saw them both with neither one in any kind of
noticeable lead. Changing tactics, he tried instead to re-focus on what they
came there for and gave the younger man a quick tour of their offices.
The back offices were shared equally by them and of late it
had worked out. So far, only two at the most were there at one time, so no one
felt cramped. But sooner or later they would need to expand. It wouldn’t
be too difficult to extend to another room, but that was something still in the
future. At that moment, there are content as things were. Benjy walked to the
windows and took in the view of the harbor and smiled accordingly. He turned to
sign to Steve how the view alone made this a very good location.
“You can see the entire harbor from here.” He
signed excitedly. “”It’s always a plus when you have
something to look at… something pleasurable when work gets
overwhelming.”
Steve and Bo both smiled and joined him as they scanned the
boats just docking below. “It’s one of the reasons we took this
place.” Bo said watching Steve sign for him. “Of course having my parent’s
pub just over there…” He pointed to the restaurant over to the
left, just by the fishing boats. “… Was the kicker. At least I know
where to have lunch on the days I’m here.”
As Benjy looked down to where Bo pointed, another set of
eyes had pinpointed the office window where all three men stood. He had been
watching for over a week and had set up his camera and telescope to focus just
on their window and none other. For the first few days it was just the single
observer, taking down all the happenings in the new office. From his vantage
point, he could easily see who was in house and who wasn’t. Arriving
early and leaving when the darkness could shield his identity, he remained
quiet and unobtrusive, barely making himself stick out should he been seen on
the docks at any one time.
Only lately was he joined by a second individual and their
plans made more apparent. It was simple and straightforward for now. They were
to watch and wait until something showed to them that it was time to approach.
They weren’t working solo but were taking orders from a third or possibly
fourth partner yet to be seen. With the two of them there, one could remain
behind as the other would trail after Steve Johnson as he would come and go. So
far they had been patient, but that could not be kept up forever.
For a few hours they kept up the silent surveillance and
could just see the activity within. It was a monotonous and patient
undertaking, but only success would be there goal. There were no options for
failure. The activity was minimal that afternoon, as only Johnson, one partner
and a guest were in. The man narrowed his eyes as he recognized the new individual.
It had been a while since he saw him last, but the young man had not changed
much. He was easily identified even from this distance.
At least three hours would pass before the lights dimmed
again and the rooms darkened. Both watchers saw the three men exit the building
minutes later and drove off in their vehicle. A single call was placed as one
stayed by the window watching the car leave the pier parking lot.
Hidden within the shadows of the dark room, he spoke swiftly
into his cell then awaited his orders. “They just left now.”
“Was Johnson alone?”
“No. Brady and DiMera are with him.”
“DiMera? How very interesting… so they are still
on good terms.”
“It would seem so.”
“That may work to our advantage. Were you able to
install the devices yet?”
“No… we have not had the opportunity. They both
have been home the past couple of days… but it shouldn’t be
long.”
“Get them up as soon as possible. The sooner we know,
the sooner we can get back what’s ours.”
“Of course. Do we trail him now?”
“Yes, one of you proceed and… I expect a report
at midnight.”
“Understood.”
Ending the call, he went to the closet and changed into the
dark shirt and jeans hanging there. It would make him look less inconspicuous
but there was still the difference in his appearance that would signal him out
to a less than casual observer. Returning to the window, he looked out and saw
the sun was still bright and it would be a good five hours before it would be
dark.
Letting out a sigh he turned to his companion and smiled
grimly.
“Stay here while I see what Johnson is up to
tonight.”
“How much longer must we wait?’
“Just long enough to know who we will need
to…talk too.”
“I never liked talking much.” He told him and
flexed his muscles.
“He does.” The man indicated as he placed one of
the binoculars in his pocket. “He was always very persuasive.”
“Well I have other ways of being…
persuasive.” He smiled then, but it was not a smile a normal person would
find pleasing or encouraging.
“Best you hold that feeling in. You can’t get
much information from a dead body.”
Taking the car keys, he exited the room and got into the car
parked just behind their building. He headed in the same direction that Steve
went just minutes earlier and didn’t stop until he was down the street
from the man’s house. No one really noticed him right off as he was
dressed casually, but as he turned into the group of trees from the home two
doors down, someone at least should have taken note of the strangeness of his
actions. The house he chose as his camouflage was correctly empty, its owners
away for a few weeks’ vacation abroad.
The shower was dwindling down as several of the guests had
begun to depart. Bo and Benjy were delegated to clean up duty while Steve
surveyed the piles of presents which occupied a good portion of the living
floor. They had arrived late for cake and were greeted by Hope’s icy look
as they tried to sneak back in un-noticed.
Stephanie carried Ciara on her lap, singing her a sweet
lullaby. Sensing the song, Benjy stayed nearby, his attention and interest
transfixed on her as she sang to her cousin. He couldn’t help the smile
that formed on his face or the look of genuine caring that followed. The months
away had been harder than he expected and the short visits he made were not
enough each time he was in her company. But now things could change, he thought
to himself, as he continued to watch her and see how much Ciara was enjoying
her performance.
Steve was pulled by his wife to see the presents and could
only look in mock horror at the deluge of gifts given. He couldn’t see
how his little dude would have needed half the things given, but if Kayla said
it was important, he would take her word on it. When she showed him all the
blue oneses and two-piece ensembles he had to laugh knowing everyone was just
as certain the baby would be a boy. She felt him kick then and quickly placed
Steve’s hand over the spot. Kayla loved watching the look on his face
whenever he felt their child move inside her. The delight and joy that would
show on his face always made her catch her breath.
Steve reached into his pocket and pulled out his harp,
playing a simple melody as Stephanie carried Ciara over to listen as well. He
kept his hand on Kayla’s belly while he played and the kicking slowed
down. For a long moment, their child seemed to have quieted down, perhaps
fallen asleep from his papa’s lullaby. But just as Steve was to pull his
hand away, he felt something press up against his palm and stay there for a
good minute. He opened his eye in surprise as he faced his wife.
“He’s pressing up against my side.” She
told him, her face in a half smile.
“Does it hurt?”
“No… it doesn’t hurts... but it
feels… strange.” She thought hard for a minute, trying to explain
what it felt like to her. “It’s like… it’s as though he’s
placing his hand against yours.”
Steve returned her confused expression and added his own.
“You know…I think you’re right. That is what it feels like.
”
Stephanie was close enough to hear but stayed silent as her
papa kept his hand where it was. It was Ciara who waved her chubby hands in the
air and looked at where all eyes were for the moment. She extended her hand
downward as if pointing to Kayla’s belly and made hand movements as
though she was waving. Kayla gasped as Ciara waved several times then stuck her
hand in her mouth. The three Johnson’s look to the baby happy chewing at
her fist and back at Kayla’s stomach as the pressure against her side
eased off.
“Okay… now that was weird!” Stephanie told
them as she lifted Ciara higher in her embrace.
“No, baby.” He papa said as he smiled down at
his wife. “Your baby brother just wants us to know he can hear us. Right
Sweetness?”
“Yes.” Her voice was a whisper, but they heard
her loud and clear. “Yes… you’re right.”
**********
It was later that night that he spied them through as he sat
on the roof. He had taken out his binoculars and looked across the distance.
From where he was, he could only see and nothing else, until they could install
the listening devices, no one could make a move towards any of them. The others
were getting restless, but he could wait a little longer. It wouldn’t be
long before they would get the information they needed and then they could make
their move. As he looked again, he eyed the attractive blonde and could
understand Johnson’s eagerness to return home here. It was a small
suburban town, not something he would have preferred, but the man was always
different. His family afforded them a leverage to use against him should he
prove to be difficult.
*********
Stephanie had gone to the pub and decided to order dinner
there instead of cooking that evening. She was pretty exhausted from the party
and had planned to just go home for a quiet evening. Benjy had intended to join
her but a rush of emails from Brymera sent him scurrying to borrow
Elliot’s office so he could work during his holiday. He had already
apologized and hoped he would finish in time to join for her for dinner, but so
far his plans were still unstable. Regardless, Stephanie still ordered two
servings of chowder and sat down in one of the booths when Elliot showed up and
walked directly up to her.
“I expected to find you here.” He told her as
she looked curiously back at him.
“Why… were you looking for me?”
He didn’t answer her directly but mentioned the party
she had been too. “I assumed you would prefer to purchase dinner instead
of cooking, considering you would be tired.”
“That’s a good guess.”
“Well I would say… more of a logical
conclusion… and Benjamin mentioned you would be here.” He smiled
then, and it made him seem more approachable.
“I was just ordering some chowder but it won’t
be ready for another twenty minutes.”
“It’s quiet a lovely evening, perhaps we can
talk a walk around the pier while you wait.”
She hadn’t expected the suggestion, but eagerly agreed.
Telling Lisa she would be back shortly, she led the way out the door as Elliot
followed closely at her heals. They got to the small landing as Stephanie took
at seat on one of the wood planks while Elliot remained standing. The moon was
full yet, but it emitted enough moonlight as to cast a soft glow around her. He
seemed entranced by her and stared unabashedly as she looked confused at him.
Stephanie felt a little strange with him just the. She couldn’t quite
place the feeling, but it wasn’t so much uncomfortable as it was
invigorating.
She had come to accept the fact that she liked Elliot. She
liked him very much, but that in itself also caused her distress. Her
papa’s disapproval of him always caused her some grievance and he made no
secret of his dislike and disapproval of the man. Kayla had been more
encouraging, though not enough that Stephanie felt easy. She was certain he
felt her father’s animosity, but he never acted upon it. In fact, he did
just the opposite, the more distant and disagreeable her father was, the more
friendly and open Elliot became, but the end results were the same. Her papa
was riled up and Elliot just remained on his bad side.
Since he was choosing to remain silent, which was unusual
for him, Stephanie started up the conversation. “You know I really
enjoyed visiting your home. Abby had a great time there too.”
“Well you have an open invitation to visit at your
leisure.”
“That’s nice of you… but I doubt
I’ll have a lot of free time soon.”
“Oh yes… I had forgotten that the summer could
get quite hectic. Still, you won’t always be working.”
“ I know… but I’m not sure I’ll be
able to get away much anyway.”
If I remember correctly the month of July slows down and
things usually don’t pick up again until August.”
“It’s still the same… that hasn’t
changed.”
He eyed her carefully and saw the change on her face.
“Is it just me or are you having a change of heart about racing. You
don’t seem that enthusiastic.”
“I’m just… my timing’s been off
lately, well more than lately so I’m just frustrated with myself.”
“Perhaps I can offer some pointers?”
“No… thanks anyway… but I plan to get some
practice runs tomorrow at the track. Maybe what I need is just to
practice.”
“That seems a good solution. I can still offer some
help?”
“Maybe next time.”
The silence descended rather quickly as Stephanie suddenly
felt a little uneasy again and found herself under heavy scrutiny. Elliot was
falling into the habit of just looking at her and not saying much and she
started to wonder what was going on with him. The last time that uncomfortable
silence grew between them as the day Ben arrived at the estate. She had been
happy to see him, but she was also aware of the look Elliot gave her when she
embraced Ben and remained in his arms.
So far neither one had brought up the kiss they shared in
his tree house. It happened all of a sudden and caught her completely off
guard. She had wanted him to say something first, but he remained silent. A
part of her wanted someone to confide in and she almost told Abby when her cousin
showed up the next day. But a part of her wanted to keep that special moment
private so she said nothing. So far it wasn’t brought up again and
Stephanie wondered if Elliot would ever talk about it.
He seemed to be just content looking at her as the moonlight
set her long tresses aglow that night. Elliot had thought about her all day,
knowing she would be with her family was he was elsewhere. Though he would
admit it out right, he had been somewhat jealous in knowing Benjamin would
spend a good portion of the day with her, but he wasn’t with her now.
Benjamin had borrowed his office and was might still be working.
Stephanie’s dinner plans could end up differently if luck was on his
shoulder that night.
But the quick footsteps that were heard dashed all his hopes
as Benjy appeared running towards them his face flushed but smiling.
“Hi! I went to the pub first and Lisa told me you had
come down here.”
Stephanie got to her feet and smiled back before answering.
“The chowder wasn’t ready yet, so we went for a quick walk.”
Elliot took a few steps forward so his cousin could see him more
clearly. “I take it you’ve finished your work?”
Nodding at him, he signed his thanks at letting him use his
office. Stephanie glanced only once at Elliot and tough she caught a hint of a
frown on his face, but when he turned to her, his expression was just the same.
It must have been her imagination she thought. “I guess the chowder must
be ready now. We’d better get back.”
Benjy reached to take her hand but she looked back at Elliot
instead. “Would you like to join us for dinner. It won’t be a
problem to order another serving.”
“Thank you… but I have other plans.” He
informed them, smiling.
“Oh. Well, maybe I’ll see you tomorrow. I might
be at the track most of the morning.”
“Perhaps… we’ll see. You’d better
hurry along then. Goodnight Benjamin. Will you be able to get home all
right.”
“Yes. Stephanie will drop me off. Are you
sure about dinner?” He asked as well, but Elliot told them both to go
ahead. As they walked up the stairs, he saw Stephanie look back at him one more
time before they disappeared into the darkness. He turned and walked closer to
the pier’s edge and could hear the waved softly hitting against the wood
planks. Even with the bright moonlight, he
couldn’t see at all but could only listen as the water danced and moved
continuously.
**********
Kayla yawned and stretched on their
bed as Steve came up behind her and embraced her from behind. She had taken to
sleeping on her side the past few nights, putting as little pressure possible
on her lower back. Steve didn’t seem to mind at all. It afforded him more
chances to snuggle against her back. He had draped one arm across her waist and
settled it on her belly as her softly while places a few kisses at her ear and
neck.
“You feel all scratchy.”
She told him then giggled.
“Do I? Guess I should trim a
little tomorrow. Feeling sleepy yet, Sweetness? It’s been a long
day.”
“A little…though I
really shouldn’t be. All I did was eat and open presents.”
“And played hostess to a house
full of women. You need to take it easier now and be as stress free as
possible.”
“I’m doing that.”
She reminded him then placed her head more comfortable on his arm. She was
quiet a moment, seemingly lost in thought when she spoke up again. “You
know… we never did get to go on that drive… and have the romantic
dinner at the lake.”
“Hmmm? What about
tomorrow?”
“Don’t you have to go in
to do some more work?”
“I actually got a lot done
today and Bo can handle things. Anyway, I did promise… so tomorrow…
I’m all yours.”
“Tomorrow? I was hoping for
some of you now.” Kayla looked over her shoulder at him and gave one of
her sultry looks, then grinned delightedly when she saw the change of
expression on her husband’s face.
“I don’t want to tire
you out baby?”
“It’ll help me sleep
better.” She teased him and saw him grin in return.
Pulling at her shoulder, he eased
her gently to her back and leaned over. He bent his head and gave her several
soft kisses before taking her lips fully. She cupped his face with her hands to
hold him steady as the kiss deepened between them. Steve lowered his hands to
her waist and softly caressed her there while she touched her tongue to his and
tentatively pulled at his bottom lip.
Pushing his tongue in to taste her,
Kayla moved restless beneath him, feeling the strong desire fill her quickly
and sharply. As he left her lips, he moved to place more kisses along her cheek
then down to the soft skin at her neck and shoulders. She lost her fingers,
shifting them widely in his hair sending soft moans to pass her lips. When he
returned to face her, giving another searing kiss, he moved her back on her
side as he settled himself at her back. Lifting the hem of her nightgown, he
placed it high on her hips and traveled his hand down to the junction between
her legs. Dipping one finger in, he was instantly surrounded by her heat and
the moisture.
Steve could already feel his wife
tightening herself around him, clenching her muscles letting him know she was
ready. Moving his hand from her, he moved quickly and lowered his pajama
bottoms freeing himself, then lifting her outer leg up, he guided himself
inside slowly and deeply. Kayla let of a soft moan, as she pressed herself
against him and he began to move. He kept his strokes measured and slow,
wanting the pleasure to build gradually. Kayla held onto the hand just at her
hip while the other, grabbed at the sheets, crumpling them within her grasp. It
took a short while before she caught his rhythm and moved with him as the
pressure built and multiplied inside.
She could feel his hard chest at her
back as he placed his head on her shoulder, the heat from his breath warming
her cheeks. He would kiss and nibble at her skin sending sparks shooting
through her the pathway to her release grew more and more visible. Steve had
gripped her hand then laced his fingers through hers as the change in her
breath became more pronounced and uneven. His own breath had already grown
labored and he could feel the pounding of his heart at his ears as he moved a
little quicker.
“Sweetness… baby…
love you… I love…”
His soft murmuring filled her ears
and warmed her belly as Kayla felt her control begin to loosen. Pushing herself
back at his strokes, she felt the flames of her desire rise higher, until she
teetered just at the edge waiting for her husband to join her. Pushing himself
more deeply, Steve filled her to such depths that her release came forth in one
massive wave. Crying out, Kayla fitted herself tightly against him as he pushed
himself in one more time and joined her, his own yell torn from his mouth.
They stayed tightly embraced, Steve
crushing Kayla to him as her muscled clenched and tightened around him, feeling
as though she was drawing more of him inside her. Her breathing was rapid and
wild as his own heart stood ready to leap from his chest. A beaded line of
perspiration lingered on their skin and slowly tricked pooling just into the
hairline. Kayla moaned softly as she felt Steve begin to leave her and she
sagged against him. Her strength was slow to return, but taking his hand, she
lifted it up to her chest and held it by her heart.
Leaning slightly on one shoulder, he
pulled at his bottoms to cover himself and settled himself back behind her. Her
lower half was still exposed but the sheets covered them both still. It took
another long minute to hear the soft even rhythm of her breathing as his own
had return nearly to normal as well. Kayla had her eyes closed already, but she
still held his hand with a firm grip and kept it pressed against her. He placed
a flurry of kisses at her shoulder before closing his eye and waited for sleep
to claim him
“Steve?” Her soft voice
pulled him back swiftly and he snapped his eye wide open.
“Yes, Sweetness?”
“It’s wonderful to fall
asleep with your love surrounding me.”
Smiling behind her, his kissed her shoulder
again and closed his eye a second time. “You’ll always have that,
Sweetness… every night.”