The Heart's Shrapnel (16 page)

“Yeah, I know. But I have to do something.”

“Okay. Oh, hey. Leonard called just shortly before you got here.”

That was fast.

“Said your phone kept going to voicemail. He needs you to call him asap.”

“Thanks, man.”

“No problem. I’m going to get some lunch. Want me to grab you something?”

“No, I’ll probably be a while. You go ahead.”

He shrugs. “Okay. Suit yourself.”

“And Ryan,” I say before he gets too far, “Thanks.”

He stares at me, confused, but nods and leaves. I’m sure he’s wondering what I’m thanking him for, but he doesn’t ask, and I couldn’t be more relieved. It’s obvious he cared a lot for my brother.

Leaning to the side, I retrieve my phone from my pocket. The screen doesn’t light up and so I press the power button to start it again. I must have turned it off before speaking with Mayfield.

“Leonard, what’s up?”

“Well, look who decided to return my call,” he says.

“I turned my phone off and forgot to turn it back on once I left. What’s going on?”

He sighs into the phone. “The boss wants you to go home—”

“The hell with that! I told you, I’m staying.”

“It’s just for a few days. We have reason to believe your brother’s death was leaked to the media.”

“God—shit! I pinch the bridge of my nose. He couldn’t have delivered any worse news right now. “Well, it can’t be Mayfield flapping his lips. He’d only incriminate himself further. And as much as I hate to admit it, he isn’t that stupid.”

“Maybe someone else did. Boss brought it to my attention that someone in our department leaked it to the news.”

I can’t believe this. With the different departments we have on this case, it could be anyone who blabbed. I hope the hell they get fired. They just ruined my cover.

“Shit! I can’t let my parents find out over a damn phone call, and worse yet, the news.”

“That’s what I’m telling you, man. Go home. Take care of business. You can always pick up where you left off when you get back, if you feel you must.”

“If I’m leaving, there’s something I need to do first.”

“Like what? You need to get out of there and back home fast if you want to be the one to break the news to your parents. We already have reporters sniffing around, but your brother’s body is somewhere safe and secure.”

I almost forgot, but I’m not sure how I could. Maybe I was so focused on finding his killer that I neglected him. It’s no excuse. I have to see his body.

“Make arrangements for his body to be flown here.”

I hear Leonard scoff on the line. “Fly his body to Afghanistan? Are you out of your damn mind?”

“I told you there is something I need to take care of. Actually, make that two things I need to do.”

“Christ. Okay, so visiting your brother’s body is one. What’s the other one, Wes? Somehow I know I won’t like it.”

“I’m bringing Jane with me.”

Jane

I hate that last night’s events affected me this much. I must have read Phillip wrong. Since the beginning, he seemed so reluctant but still had a desire. And, what’s even worse is that I’m not sure who that woman was who begged him to make love to her. I’ve never been so brazen.

He did more than check in with base when he left. I couldn’t say for sure though until this morning when I saw his swollen knuckles. I have a gut feeling he paid Kevin a visit.

The whole day I’ve just been running on autopilot. Only a few weeks left, and hopefully, I’ll get to go home.

Wanting to busy myself, I change all the bed linens, restock the shelves with medical supplies, and put in some quality time with my patients. The air-conditioning has been on the fritz all day and we’re all miserable . . . especially the staff.

Wiping my brow, I head to the back to wash my hands when there’s a knock.

“Yes?” I grab a towel to dry my hands and turn around. Phillip stands before me in his civvies, consisting of blue jeans and a white T-shirt that set off his tan nicely.

“You don’t have a door to knock on, so the side of a cabinet will have to do.” He smiles, flashing his perfectly straight teeth.

As much as I love looking at him, I’m confused why he’s here. He just dropped me off this morning.

“Hi. Everything okay?” I ask as I toss the towel in the dirty clothes basket and open the cabinet for some gloves.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he says, “I’m being sent home.”

My body stills.
He’s being sent home?

“You are?” I ask while trying to sound unaffected by his announcement. I shouldn’t care. I have a job to do. Yet, I can’t deny the ache.

“Yes. I was just told. It’s urgent that I leave soon.”

Closing my eyes, a tear falls down my cheek. I quickly wipe it away. They always do this—men. With Kevin, I came to live in fear of him telling me he was being deployed. Then, after a while, it was fear he was being sent home. And, Phillip? I don’t want him to go. Will I ever see him again?

“Oh, I hope it’s nothing serious.”

He doesn’t say anything. His head is bowed as he looks at the ground.

Of course, it’s serious. Isn’t it always when they are sent home? Especially at a time like this.

“I’m sorry, Phillip. Is there anything I can do?”

“Actually, yes.” He walks up and places both hands on either side of my arms. “I know I’m treating you like a yo-yo, but I’m asking you to come with me.”

My mouth drops in shock. What exactly is he asking?

“I . . . um . . . I know it’s sudden—”

“And doesn’t make sense,” I finish.

He smiles again, but there’s a sadness in his eyes that won’t go away. It’s been there from the moment I laid eyes on him.

“You got me there,” he mutters while removing his hands and taking a step back.

“Look, Phillip. You still haven’t told me what’s going on. And I understand that I am technically nobody to you, and when it comes to the army, there are things you can’t say. But, if you expect me to leave with you—a man I barely know—you’ll have to give me a reason to trust you. I mean, you’re asking me to go home with you to wherever that is.”

“You’re right. I guess I haven’t given you much reason to trust me. But some things I can’t tell you.”

“Fine,” I say. “At least tell me why you are going home? Usually, it has to do with a loved one, or an injury, or—”

“Family.”

I blink, astonished he’s finally told me something real, genuine. “I’m sorry.”

“I can’t tell you anything right now because there are others I need to tell first.”

Others?
“Your mom and dad?”

“Yes.”

“You have family in the army?” Why haven’t I heard about them? Neither Phillip nor any of this friends mentioned Phillip’s family. And, why would he not mention them?

“It’s complicated. But Jane,”—he moves close again—“we have to leave soon. Please come. It’s just for a few days. You’ll be back in no time. I’ve already spoken with HQ. You’re approved to leave. Technically you’re a volunteer. They can’t keep you here.”

My first instinct is to say no. How can he expect me to pack up and leave? On the other hand, I’ll get to know more about him and his family. I’m curious.

“What about Kevin?” I ask, wanting to make sure he understands my leaving comes with its own set of problems.

His voice lowers. “That’s exactly why I need you to come with me. After what you told me last night,” he pauses; his jaw muscles pulse, “I can’t risk that happening again.”

“Why?” I bait him.

Tell me why you care so much, Phillip. I need to know.

His head jerks back and he looks at me with wide eyes.

“It’s my job. I’ve told you before I look out for everyone.” He abruptly turns around. “I’ll be back in around twenty minutes. You’ll need to sign some paperwork,” he says in a clipped tone as he walks out.

Who would’ve thought I’d be in this confusing mess? I have no idea what I’m getting into, but I want to find out.

***

Ogden, Utah. That’s where we are going. After arriving in Salt Lake City, we rented a car and are now driving forty minutes to get there. It couldn’t be farther from Maryland where I live. I can’t deny that a part of me was hoping he lived in my town or at least the same state so I could see my parents. Doesn’t matter, though. I plan to see them in a few weeks. And anyway, Phillip needs me.

“Are you hungry?” Phillip asks as he turns on the AC.

“Hungry and tired. It seems like I’ve done nothing but travel since I’ve been here.” The moment I say the words I pray I can take them back. It’s not his fault I came and Kevin showed up. The last thing I want is to make him feel guilty when he has some bad news to deliver to his family. “I’m sorry. Forget I said anything.”

He looks out the window briefly before focusing on the road. “I promise to have everything handled soon.”

“Phillip, you don’t—”

“Jane, please, just leave it,” he warns.

Not wanting to argue, I recline my seat and close my eyes.

***

“Jane,” Phillip whispers. “We’re here.” He gently nudges my shoulder.

I must have fallen asleep. Stretching out the kinks in my back and neck, I reposition the back of my seat and reach into the back seat for my overnight bag. I’m sure I’m a mess.

Phillip walks around the car and opens my door. Stepping out, I smile as he offers to take my bag.

“So chivalrous,” I comment.

“My mom could be watching.” He winks as we walk up the steps to a beautiful two-story colonial home. It’s light brick with two pillars at the entryway. The yard is immaculate with colorful flowers, and I wonder if his mom or dad does the landscaping.

We haven’t even made it to the front door when it swings open to a woman in her early sixties, smiling from ear to ear. She clasps her hands together in front as she looks over her shoulder briefly and yells for someone named Paul.

Must be her husband. I wish Phillip would have told me their names ahead of time.

“Hi, Mom,” Phillip says as he embraces his mom. They hold each other for a long time, and it’s amazing to witness Phillip in this setting—at home with his family where I’m assuming he grew up.

An older man with salt-and-pepper hair comes up behind them. He’s quite handsome for his age with tanned skin and an easy smile. He looks so much like Phillip. Tall like him, too, minus a few inches.

“Son,” he greets him while Phillip’s mom turns to me.

“You must be Jane. Our son has told us you’d be joining. It’s so exciting to see him with someone since his last relationship,” she says while extending her arms to hug me as well.

His last relationship? Excited to see him with someone? Does she think we’re together? Did Phillip tell her that? And why aren’t they sad? Don’t they know Phillip is here to bring bad news? I’m not sure what that bad news is, but I figured he’d at least warn them.

“Oh, um, I’m glad to be here,” I mutter. I’m so nervous I could faint.

“Come in. You must be exhausted,” his dad says while ushering the both of us inside.

“Jane, this is my mother, Mona, and my father, Paul.”

I say my hello’s again.

Phillip says, “I’m going to bring in the rest of our things. Be back in a minute.”

“Baby, you should have called. Your father and I would have loved to come and pick the two of you up.”

“I know. But, Jane and I were fine with it,” he says.

Mona turns to me and grins.

As he goes to get our things, I clasp my hands together in front of me, feeling extremely out of place and unsure of my role, or if I have a role. Paul follows Phillip to the car, and Mona stays with me and smiles.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” she says. “It’s about time he let go of the anger with his ex-fiancé and found someone he could love again.”

What? An ex-fiancé?

“Oh, here he comes with your things. One second while I get the door,” she says, leaving me to stand in the middle of the room and wonder what the heck is going on.

While I stand here, I take a moment to look around. It’s a big place. Clean with a family-feel to it. Pictures of Phillip are on the walls. There’s even one with two small babies side by side. Phillip has twin brothers? Maybe his father is a twin? Interesting.

I don’t see any other siblings, though, so the family he told me about may be an uncle or cousin.

“Darling, please take these things upstairs to your room. I hope you both find it satisfactory.” She turns to me and smiles. “It has an en suite bath.”

Is she saying . . . ?

“Thanks, Mom.” Phillip jumps in while shooting me a look. “It’s just up here, Jane.”

Not sure what to do or say, I follow him up, the steps lightly creaking beneath my feet. The house may be in decent shape, but it is an older home. It’s filled with lots of charm with its soft yellow walls and white trim. The floors are all cherry wood adding to the warmth.

After we walk down a long hallway, we stop in front of a door.

“After you,” he says while opening the door.

I step inside.

He shuts the door and walks around me to put our things on a king-sized bed. My nerves come out again, but I push them aside and look around.

The room has its very own stone fireplace that’s accented beautifully with modern décor. The walls taupe.

To my right are beautiful French doors made from the same cherry wood as the floor.
Must be the master bath.

“That’s the bathroom,” Phillip answers my thoughts. “If you need to, you can freshen up before dinner. Mother should be calling us soon. From the time I can remember, it’s always been six on the dot. So that leaves you”—he glances at his watch—“seventeen minutes and three seconds.”

I stare in disbelief. Is he really acting as if this isn’t anything, or is he aware but doesn’t want to acknowledge it?

“Phillip, your mom has us in the same roo—”

“I requested that,” he cuts me off. When I remain silent, he continues, “You’ll have to forgive me. Just because we’re not in Germany or Afghanistan anymore, doesn’t mean I left my position behind. I still don’t want you out of my sight.”

“It must be exhausting being you,” I say in a hushed voice.

He tosses his duffel bag on the bed before sitting down next to it. He looks up as if waiting for me to continue.

“Kevin is back in Afghanistan. He can’t get me here,” I remind him.

He remains silent as he continues to study my face.

I wish I knew what he is thinking.

“I’ll see you downstairs at six. I’ll use the bath across the hall.” He grabs his duffle again and walks out the door.