Dakota (Ch 25)

Gravel crunched beneath the tires. She couldn't take the anticipation. She hated the suspense. She wanted to be at the door, in the house. She needed to be there for him. She needed to tell him. She stared past the glass as the trees went by. It would be a few weeks before the leaves returned. She saw only brown and gray. She wished for green. The current state of the woods reminded her of her grim situation. She was in danger. Her family was in danger. She was afraid. Why wasn't he going faster? It was taking forever. She could run faster than this. She wanted to run. The idea of physical exertion eased her nerves. Running would make it better. She would feel better, calmer. Her mind was tired. Her body should be too.

"Go! God dammit Kahle! Hit the gas!"

"We're fine Janie. We'll be there soon. Try to stay calm."

"I'm trying, alright, I am. But I'm afraid for my brother. I don't want anything to happen to him, so just drive!"

"You need to stay calm. You need to be calm when we tell him."

"We? No, I'm telling him. This is my mess. I'm going to be the one talking. You need to just keep your eyes and ears open and keep us safe!"

"That's what I plan to do."

"Good!"

"Take some deep breaths."

He directed the car onto the dirt lane that led to the Samuels' house. A cloud formed behind the car. He readjusted his fingers on the wheel. He gripped tighter. He was trying to keep his nerves suppressed. For Janie's sake. He couldn't let her see his concern. He was tense. He wasn't sure what his next move was. How could he really protect them? He couldn't be with them 24/7. They were going to be alone at some point. They couldn't leave. It was best for them to stay here. It was best for them if they didn't try to run. De Amantillo would come. Or he would send someone. He just had to be prepared for that moment. He had avoided Holt's calls. He was sure there was going to be a lengthy argument. He wasn't looking forward to it. But he needed to talk to Holt now. They needed to work together from here. It had to be a team. He should have thought about that sooner. Holt could be persuaded. He could have approached the situation differently. But it was too late now. He just needed to keep going forward. He couldn't let himself think about what had already happened. He couldn't live in the past and the mistakes. That's how people get killed. He needed to focus on the case in front of him. Janie and Jake Samuels were in jeopardy. He needed to ensure they were safe. He needed to ensure that Pablo de Amantillo was behind bars. He needed to get justice for Jason Samuels and Robert Murphy IV. It was up to him now. His action or inaction would decide the outcome. It was in his hands.

He slowed to a stop at the edge of the front walk. The cloud of dust caught them and surrounded the car. Janie rushed to escape her seat. He caught her arm.

"Janie. You need to be calm. Take it slow. Deep breaths. Let's do this."

His voice was forceful. She was going to talk but he wanted to control this situation. He wanted to temper her mood. She needed to approach this the right way. She closed her eyes and lowered her head, inhaling deeply. She pursed her lips and let out a long slow breath. She rolled her neck, feeling it crack. She wiggled her fingers and then stepped out of the car. He followed her lead. She turned and looked across the top of the car. He was watching her. Their eyes met. Blink. They were ready.

/ / /

She held the phone to her ear. It was difficult to understand the voice on the other end.

"Yes. Yes. Like I said. She was sent home today."

She glanced out the window.

"That's what they told me. Mmhmm. Yes."

She wound the cord around her index finger.

"Sir, I don't have all the details...Yes...the last time I saw her? I don't understand."

She needed to end the call. She had things to do. She didn't like where this conversation was headed.

"I already explained that to you. I don't know what else you expect me to say. I think we're done here, sir."

She bit her bottom lip.

"No. No. I need to go."

She quickly placed the receiver back on the wall. She knew better.

/ / /

Kahle and Janie reached the door. They were hesitant to knock. There were two cars in the driveway already. Neither were familiar, both had South Dakota tags. But one had a rental emblem. Kahle didn't like that. It was a bad vibe. He was cautious. He knocked lightly. He heard voices within. He knocked firmly. The voices halted. He waited. The door opened.

"Janie!"

The awkward assembly in my living room was growing, but I was so happy to see her back home. I had been waiting for this day.

"Hi Jake."

She seemed less enthusiastic. Had her struggle already began? Was she a different person apart from drugs and alcohol?

"Are you OK, Janie?"

She moved to the sofa and sat. Rebekah and Karen stood silent. Kahle remained in the frame of the open door.

"I'm fine, but we need to sit down. I need to talk to you."

"You sure? You look a little pale. Do you want a glass of water?"

I headed toward the kitchen. The other three figures remained motionless. I paid them no attention.

"Who are these people Jake? Why are they here? Kahle and I need to talk to you--privately."

Rebekah descended the final two steps and stopped next to Karen. Karen immediately seemed uneasy.

"Oh, sorry Kahle, I completely ignored you. Just glad to have my sister home. Thanks for bringing her. What's this about? Jason? Is there news?"

My mind seemed to recharge. I refocused my attention. The case. The murder. Could there be news?

"Yes, Jake. But can we clear the peanut gallery over here. This is serious. We need to talk, now."

Concern began to well up in me. I didn't like the way he emphasized the word 'now'. It was eery. Whatever they knew, it was urgent. I turned to the two women that at this moment had forgotten about the fight between each other and had focused all their attention on what they had in common--their love for me.

"Karen...I'm sorry to do this. But can we get together some other time. This is important. This is about Jason. I have to deal with that. He is first priority. I'm very sorry. I promise. We'll go out soon."

"It's fine Jake, I understand. There's a lot going on here right now. I'll be fine. We just need to talk about it. Call me later."

She leaned in and kissed my cheek, then embraced me in a warm hug. It comforted me. The urgency of the pending news trumped the surprise of Rebekah's announcement. I was glad for that. Over her shoulder, Rebekah glared at me. I released and led her to the door. Then, turning to Rebekah, I weighed my words.

"I know you're not happy...I know this isn't what you wanted or what you want to hear. But right now, I need to be a brother. I need to deal with this. I'm sorry. I am."

She stared at her feet as if they were out of place.

"Look at me. I'm sorry. We will get the situation with you and me figured out. OK? We will. But right now, can you please go?"

I put it as gently as I knew how. I spoke softly. I didn't want this to be difficult. I knew she still loved me. I hoped she would respect me. I hoped she wouldn't make a scene.

"Sure Jake. If that's what you want right now."

I could see the tears forming again. Only this time, it wasn't hysterics. These were genuine tears. I was hurt. I didn't want to see her like this. But I couldn't let myself get caught up in this right now.

"I'll go. It's alright. I'm a big girl. I can manage."

Kahle and Janie were quiet and still on the sofa, but I could sense their impatience building.

"Thank you."

I raised her chin with my left hand and hugged her.

"You know how to reach me. Call when you get to the hotel."

"I will."

I followed her to the car and placed her luggage in the trunk.

"I still love you Jacob Samuels. I'll love you til the end of time. I'm sorry if that's not what you want. But I will."

Her sentiment was appreciated. I loved her too. What was I thinking? Was I losing my mind? I didn't have time to think about it. I had to get back inside.

"Rebekah, you will always hold a special place in my heart. I have to go. Please understand. Be careful and call me then."

"Bye."

Her voice had such a melancholy and hopeful tone. I wanted to console her. I didn't know what was going on inside of me. I didn't recognize my own emotions. I was losing myself.

"Goodbye."