CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

 

Some time later Teri was awakened by a bright light. A paramedic held her lid open, flashing a small penlight in her eye.

Angel rode in the ambulance with her and she learned later that Arturo followed close behind driving Angel’s rental. Teri was checked out in the emergency room, her knee wound cleaned and stitched closed, and she was released a few hours later.

It was dark when they pulled into the driveway at the Garcia household. Isabel wept when Angel and Arturo brought Teri inside. She went from her husband to her son with tearful reproaches.

“We’re fine, Mom,” Angel assured her.

“Arturo, I was so worried.” She wrung her hands tearfully as she spoke.

“Isabel,” Arturo took her hands in his. “Everyone is fine. We got Teri back and she’s fine.” He gave her hand an encouraging squeeze.

Angel’s sisters and brother gathered around, everyone talking at once.

The scene had a dream-like quality for Teri. She felt detached, as though observing from a distance.

She caught Angel’s attention over the head of the family clustered close to him. She was still a little woozy and she felt nauseated. It occurred to her that she hadn’t eaten a bite all day.

Angel steadied her. “Teri’s tired and I’m putting her to bed. He guided her to the foot of the stairs and then carried her the rest of the way to his room.

Elena and Rosario followed close behind.

“Step outside, big bro,” Elena said. “We’ll take over from here. Mom’s been cooking since noon. You’d better make nice with her or you’ll be disowned.”

Angel smiled at Teri, “I’ll be back.”

Rosario and Elena helped her out of her grimy clothes. The ER doctor had ripped her jeans all the way from hem to mid thigh and she had several stitches in her knee. Rosario brought a basin of warm water and helped Teri wash.

Teri unfastened her bra and the folded piece of paper fell to the floor. Elena picked it up and started to open it but glanced up at Teri. Teri held out her hand and Elena dropped it in her palm. Teri swallowed with difficulty as she closed her fingers over it.

The last remnant of Colin. She held it a moment before placing it on the bedside table. Teri slid her arms into the pajama top Rosario held open.

When Angel returned with a plate piled high with food, Teri was clean, dressed in a pair of borrowed pajamas and tucked into bed. Rosario sat holding her hand and Elena brushed her hair.

“Looks like you’re in good hands,” he said softly.

“I am,” she said. “You’re not the only angel in the Garcia family.”

“The other angels need to leave now,” he said pleasantly.

When they were alone, he sat on the edge of the bed and arranged the tray over her lap. “I told Mom not to give you so much food but she had to do her part.”

“That’s very kind. I’ll eat what I can.” Her hand shook when she reached for the spoon but Angel took the implement from her. He unfolded the napkin and spread it over her breast.

“What kind of soup is this?” she asked.

“Caldo. It has meat and vegetables. Very healthy.” He scooped a spoonful into her mouth.

“Ummm, it’s great. More gruel please.” She opened her mouth and closed her eyes.

Angel leaned in and grazed her lips with a kiss before poking the next bite in.

“I could have lost you today,” he said. “I can’t believe you took such a chance.”

“Do we have to talk about it now? It’s over.”

“I hope you’re right. We’ll talk tomorrow when you’re rested.”

“I can hardly wait.” Not! She opened her mouth for more caldo.

#

Angel fed her as much as she could handle before her fatigue won out. He snugged the quilt around her, feeling thankful that he had been able to rescue her. He carried the tray down to the kitchen, took a beer out of the refrigerator and opened it.

Arturo sat smoking a cigar on the back stairs. He motioned to Angel to join him.

“Hey, Pop.” Angel sighed heavily as he clapped his father on the shoulder and took a seat on the wooden steps.

“It’s been quite a day, hasn’t it, son?”

“Talk about your understatements.” He took a sip of beer and grinned at Arturo. “You handled yourself pretty well out there, you know, for an old guy.”

“I had to back you up, didn’t I?”

They bantered back and forth for a few minutes.

Arturo blew a stream of smoke into the air. “What’s next? Are you going to stick around for a while?”

“Can’t. My Captain is expecting me to climb on a plane tomorrow with Teri in custody.”

“Why, Angel? What has she done?”

“She’s a witness and she fled from a crime scene. She has to answer a lot of questions.” Angel tried to sound casual but his stomach clenched up with concern.

“Is she going to be okay?”

He blew out a breath of air. “I think so. All she needs to do is tell her story and she’ll be fine. She hasn’t done anything wrong. She ran away after finding her...a friend dead. She was in fear for her life.”

“I’ll pray for her, son...and for you.”

“Thanks, Pop.”

“You and Teri, what next?” Arturo turned to give Angel a hard stare. “Do you have future plans with her?”

“Only time will tell. She’s amazing, you know?” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I almost lost her, but she was determined to save Sister Clement.”

“Pretty brave act for a skinny little chica.”

Angel snorted. “Her head may be hard but her heart is soft.”

“That’s not a bad combination. Are you going to marry her? Your mother wants grandbabies.”

Angel’s chest constricted. “I’d love to oblige, but there are roadblocks.”

“One wouldn’t guess that to look at the two of you. I’d bet money that she’s deeply in love with you.”

“We’re out of our element here, Pop. When we get back to New York City we’ll see if she feels the same way.”

Arturo sent him an incredulous look. “You think she’s going to stop loving you?”

“Maybe. Here in San Antonio, I’m her rescuer. I’ve protected her.” Angel shrugged his shoulders. “In NYC, I’m an underpaid cop and she’s a very rich and beautiful woman. I’m not kidding myself. She can do a lot better.”

“I doubt that. You’re a good man.” Arturo’s voice grew thick with emotion. “I’m proud of you.”

They sat in comfortable silence while Angel finished his beer, praying that Teri’s feelings ran as deep as his own.

#

The next morning Teri awoke to find herself in Angel’s embrace. This was the best part. She wished the moment would never end, but when Angel opened his eyes and kissed her forehead, she knew what was coming.

“Time to go home,” he said.

She nodded and swung her legs off the side of the bed. The floor felt cool and secure beneath her bare feet, yet she couldn’t find the impetus to stand. She gazed around the room slowly. The time she’d spent here had been brief but memorable. The Angel photographs stared down at her.

“Let’s get a move on, Mia.”

Teri glanced up at him, smiling. “Yes, Sir.”

He flashed her a grin before heading for the bathroom with his shaving kit.

Teri picked up her jeans from beside the bed. They were torn and bloody from her fall and the emergency room doc had shredded them. She wadded them into a ball and stuffed them in the trash can. Her only other choice was a sundress. She slipped it over her head and smoothed it down her hips. She sat on the edge of the bed to search for her sandals. Her eyes lit on the slip of paper Colin had packed with the money.

Teri reached out to tweak the list off the nightstand with two fingers. Unfolding it carefully she searched the rows of numbers. What did they mean? Why had Colin placed this list with the money?

Teri opened the metal tackle box she used to store her paints and brushes. She tucked the folded list under the unopened Thalo Blue. She hadn’t had occasion to use Thalo Blue up until now. Might as well make good use of it.

Angel returned, looking fresh. He dressed and gathered their things. Since Colin’s blue bag was gone, along with most of her clothing, Teri stuffed her few remaining belongings in Angel’s bag.

He loaded the car and they ate breakfast for the last time with the Garcia family.

“I wish you could stay,” Isabel said. “We were just getting to know Teri and we never get to see enough of you, Angel.”

“Christmas,” he said. “I’ll see you at Christmas time.”

“And Teri?” Isabel asked, fixing her with the inquisition stare.

He hesitated a fraction of a second. “Teri can come, too.” He stroked her thigh under the table.

She laced her fingers in his. He drew her hand up to his lips. A flush crept over her cheeks as she felt the weight of his family’s collective gaze upon her.

After breakfast all the Garcias trailed out to see them off. Teri and Angel were hugged and kissed and a few tears were shed. He waved and backed out of the driveway.

“You are so lucky,” she said.

“Yes I am,” he agreed, giving her hand a squeeze.

She smiled and squeezed him back. “I mean your family. You’re fortunate to have so many people who love you.”

Angel’s dark eyes sent a smoldering message. “You know, they love you, too.”

She shook her head, sadly. “I don’t deserve it. I took some chances yesterday.”

“If you’d trusted me, we both could have avoided a lot of unnecessary risk.” Angel shot her a reproachful glance. “I was supposed to protect you.”

“You did.” She smiled at him. “Speaking of protection, thanks for taking care of my sister, Bernie. She told me about the policeman you sent to watch over her.”

“She was a target, too. I couldn’t let anything to happen to her.” He pulled to a stop in front of the convent and turned off the ignition. “Next stop,” he said.

Teri swallowed against the lump in her throat. “Thank you.”

He escorted her inside to say goodbye to the people who had unknowingly given her a haven. Mother Imaculatta gave her a fierce hug and when she pulled away her eyes were teary.

Father Conlyn drew Teri aside. “Sister Clement gave me a package yesterday.” His brows drew together into a rarely seen frown. “Am I to understand this is for a memorial scholarship?”

Teri glanced over at Angel where he stood chatting with Mother Imaculatta. His steady gaze gave her strength. “Yes, Father. Make it in the name of Colin Dowd. He was my friend.” She said goodbye to Father Conlyn.

Angel held out his arm and she tucked herself into his embrace. They walked arm-in-arm down the block to the nun’s apartment.

Connie opened the door and yelled for the other two nuns. They dragged Teri and Angel inside and he stood back as the four women hugged and rocked back and forth. Clem had told the others about Teri’s ruse.

“I never would have guessed you weren’t a real nun,” Connie said.

“Lessons from my sister, I guess.” Teri squeezed her hand. “And having the three of you as role models.”

Clem put her hands on Teri’s shoulders. “I thought I was going to die. I never dreamed I’d survive yesterday. It changes the way one feels about all the little things one takes for granted. Thank you for giving me a chance to do more with my life and to experience it with greater appreciation.”

The two women held each other tearfully. Teri swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m glad we both survived. I’m sure the kidnappers would have finished me off if Angel hadn’t cleaned up my mess.”

Clem beamed at her. “It was truly a miracle.”

#

On the flight, she held his hand but she was withdrawn. He wished he could reach inside her and touch that lonely place she went when she was sad. He kissed her fingertips and she turned to focus on him.

Her brow puckered. “Angel, I’m sorry I made things so difficult for you.”

He expelled a breath. “Teri, this has been the strangest case I can remember. We need to be straight with each other from now on out. No secrets.”

She heaved a sigh. “So, we’re having our talk now?” She searched his face. “I know you think I made another wrong choice, but yesterday, when Clem was taken, you told me we couldn’t do anything. You said Clem would be killed because she had seen the kidnapper faces. I couldn’t let that happen.”

He was torn between admiration and being angry with her for endangering herself. “How did you convince them to let Clem go?”

“I,…um...I traded for her.” She couldn’t quite meet his eyes.

“I was there when they found your underwear in the bag. That was a good trick, but what was it they thought they were getting?”

“Angel,” her voice broke. “I had the money all along. It was in Colin’s bag. They knew I had the money and I used that to get her back.”

He shrugged, trying to appear offhand. “I figured you had it stashed somewhere. Where did it come from?”

She gazed at him earnestly, imploring him with her eyes. “I don’t know, but Colin left it with me and he was killed for it. I didn’t want to reward the men who killed him.”

He absorbed her words, struggling to maintain a calm façade. “What happened to the cash?”

“I gave it to the church.”

A bubble of laughter welled up in his chest. He started laughing and couldn’t stop. A woman across the aisle turned to stare at him.

Teri glanced at him uncertainly. “Angel, I...”

“No, it’s funny,” he insisted. “We have a tape from the elevator in Colin’s office building and I saw you go up and come back down with the blue bag. So here I come looking for you, wondering what’s in the bag. Then, when I find you I see this blue bag and it’s empty. When the three bad guys come after you looking for this money, you toss the bag at them but it’s full of underwear. In the end, you give the money to the church and we still don’t know its source.” He laughed again, wiping tears from his eyes.

“It’s not that funny,” Teri said evenly.

He forced himself to be serious. “A lot of misery could have been avoided if you’d leveled with me in the beginning.”

“I was scared,” she said. “I still haven’t made sense of what happened. Colin was killed because of the money, but I don’t know where it came from or why he left it with me.” She shrugged. “There are so many unanswered questions.”

“I have unanswered questions of my own.” A heaviness settled in his gut, weighing him down with uncertainty.

She seemed to sense his sadness. “Angel, is something wrong?”

He couldn’t explain that he feared losing her; that every second they grew closer to the city, his anxiety increased. “Lots.” He kissed her fingers, forced himself to focus on the moments they had together, knowing they would inevitably come to an end.

“I mean is there something that I don’t know about? You seem a little down.”

“Sorry,” he said. “I’m just anticipating getting back to work.”

She nodded, allowing him to leave his feelings unsaid.

When they arrived at JFK, he called his boss and agreed to bring Teri to the station the next morning. They took a taxi to Teri’s condo and he started to walk up with her, dread gathering like a knot in his gut.

“Get your bag, Angel,” she said.

He stood back, his breath caught in his throught. “I thought you might like to have some privacy.”

She dimpled. “You thought wrong. Pay the driver and bring your bag.”

He hesitated a moment and followed her direction.

Teri turned and greeted the doorman, Seymour, by name. He was effusive in returning her greeting, but eyed Angel suspiciously. Perhaps he recalled Angel questioning him in regards to her disappearance.

They rode in silence to the top floor. She seemed as nervous as he felt.

When Teri tried to put her key in the lock, her hand shook.

Angel grasped how she must be feeling. Silently, he took the key from her and swung the door open.

She leaned against him for a moment, then straightened and stepped inside. She walked to a wall of windows framing a panoramic view of the city.

He came to stand behind her and folded her rigid body in his arms. He pressed a kiss against her neck and felt her tension melt away at his touch.

She emitted a little mew of pleasure and arched against him. She turned to him and lifted her chin. “Thanks for being here with me.” She sighed heavily. “This is my place. I’ve always loved to be here, but it feels empty now.”

“It’s just quiet after all the chaos. We’re here now so it can’t be empty.”

She smiled up at him. “I don’t think I could bear it without you.”

He tried to breathe through the tightness in his chest. “I’ll be with you as long as you want me to be.”

She nodded and pulled away. “Let’s order in. I hate to think of what’s lurking in the fridge after all this time.” She walked around turning on all the lights.

He followed her into the bedroom and steadied her when she visibly recoiled. She gazed, transfixed, at the suitcases piled in her dressing room, untouched since the trip with her dear departed Colin. Angel stroked her bare arm, wondering what she was thinking; wondering if she longed to be in Colin’s arms instead.

“It’s over, Teri,” he said. “You need to turn the page and get on with your life.

She nodded, her hair making a scrunching noise against his shirt. “I know what I need. I need you and I need Bernie. As long as I have the two of you, my life will be okay.”

A rush of hope flooded Angel’s chest. He kissed her forehead. “You’ll have me as long as you want me.”

They ordered Chinese and tossed the cartons in the trash.

Teri ran water in the tub. She called out to Angel and he entered her ultra-lush bath. He felt somewhat bemused by the infinity tub and other lesser gadgets.

He raised his brows when Teri began to unbutton his shirt.

She grinned at him. “I’m not supposed to get my stitches wet so I thought you could help me. That sponge bath Elena gave me last night just didn’t do it for me.”

“Always glad to help.” Angel kicked out of his shoes and dropped his pants.

The water was a perfect temperature. Angel stepped into the tub and helped Teri to ease in on top of him. “Nice.”

She suspended her left leg on the edge of the tub and, leaned back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her. “I think this is more than nice,” she breathed.

He bathed her, using a large sponge and lavender-scented body shampoo. When he lifted her out and wrapped her in a thick towel, he sensed that her earlier tension had dissipated.

They made love tenderly on Teri’s cream colored sheets. He prayed he would never spend another night away from this woman.

“Angel,” she whispered in the darkness. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mia,” he said. I hope you feel the same way in the morning.

#