Heartless (12 page)

Parker burst into the
Taboo
game with Sheena in tow.
"Ray!"
Ray turned toward his son with a questioning look. "What's
wrong? Where have you been?"
"Walking in the rain," he lied, and Ray knew it, but said
nothing else about it.
"What's wrong, Parker?"
"Mom's here."
"What?"
"She's outside somewhere. She heard Sheena call me
Parker Reynolds. She's mad. I'm scared, Ray."
At that moment, Ray realized that not all of Parker's abuse
had been from foster parents.

Parker practically screamed, "You're not gonna shoot her,
are you? I don't think she's armed."
No matter what Mia had done, Ray realized that Parker
loved her. She was, after all, his mother. Ray nodded and put
the gun back in its safe place. "I won't shoot her, Parker. Do
you know how she got out here?"
"I have no idea. Her driver's license has been suspended
forever, and we never had a car unless Fritz was around. I can't
believe she found me." Parker rubbed his head just as Ray did
when a migraine was coming on.
"It's all right," assured Ray. "We'll be back. You stay here."
The three police officers combed Larkin and Ray's property
in a downpour. They covered different areas and met back at
the gazebo. They were soaked to the bone.
Baker said, "There's not a trace of her, Ray. Any tracks
have been washed away. Do you think she came for Parker?"
"Yes, I do, and he's obviously terrified of her. I haven't
gotten the whole story yet."
They headed inside.

Back in the house, Parker kept a constant watch out the
window, his hand against his temple. Larkin came up behind
him and rubbed his back in comfort as she asked, "Are you all
right, honey?"

"She's so mad, Larkin. You should've heard the way she
shrieked. Even when she was messed up, I never heard that
kind of yell come from her. She didn't like hearing that I
changed my name."
"Parker, are all the scars from the Byrds?"
He shivered. "You can't see the scars she left on me,

Larkin. You know, the old adage is wrong. Words do hurt.
Bruises heal. Doctors can fix scars, but words last forever."
"Do you want to tell me what she said?"
"She never wanted me. You know I told Ray I sometimes
stole things so she could get a fix."
"Yes."
"That was because she was nicer when she was high.
Otherwise, she was angry all the time. She told me once that
she went to get an abortion, but there were too many pro-life
protesters. When she said that, Fritz slapped her and called her
a bitch. Not long after that is when he left for a long time.
When he wasn't around, Mom was a hundred times worse. She
frequently told me how I was the worst mistake of her life. She
told me how stupid I was. She said I was a faggot." He brushed
unwanted tears from his cheeks. "Sometimes she would tell me
she wished I would die."
He leaned his head against the cool glass of the window
pane. "Sometimes I wanted to die. When she was high, she
would tell me I was her beautiful baby and that she loved me.
"Most of the time I took care of her. I made sure she ate
something and took a bath. Larkin, I had to bathe my mother."
He took a shuddering breath. "Do you know how awkward that
was for me?"
"Baby, I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say or do."
"Don't make me leave. Let me stay here." His voice
trembled. "Don't let her take me away."
"Baby, Ray has custody of you. He loves you, you know.
The only way you'll be leaving this house, this family, is over
our dead bodies."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Parker turned from staring out
the window. "I wish you were my mother."
"But I am. I'm you stepmother, and I love you." Larkin
hugged him. "Now, I'm gonna be your mother." She put his
stringy hair behind his ear. "I see you rubbing your head just
like your father does. Are you getting a migraine?"
"Yeah," he whispered. "And I feel sick."
"Okay. I have an herbal tea I want you to drink, and I want
to start you on some vitamin supplements—riboflavin, omega
oils, nothing to be afraid of. I want to avoid drugs if at all
possible. Ray only uses them now when he’s hit hard. Now, go
upstairs and change clothes. You're soaked. I imagine Sheena
is, too. See if some of my warm-ups will fit her. I’ll brew the
tea for when you come down."
Parker started up the stairs.
His stepmother put a gentle hand on his arm. "And know
this, Parker Reynolds: I don't believe for one minute that you
were walking in the rain."

Larkin headed into her kitchen to make the herbal tea. She
discovered Lawrence Dantzler standing at the back door with
his hand gun at the ready.

"What the devil are you doing?" she demanded.
"My job." The Viking-like man turned toward her. "Ray
only asked his close friends to go in search of this woman, but
we all heard. I have my other three agents at all your home
entrances. Your brother-in-law was nice enough to show us
where to go. We can’t be too careful. Ray thinks this Mia chick
might be a cold-blooded killer."
"He does?"
"That’s all I’m saying to you."
"Fine, but can you holster the weapon? Parker’s coming in
here for some headache relief." She cocked an eyebrow at
Dantzler.
"Sure. I know he’s a scared kid." He placed the gun inside
his jacket. "I’m a quick draw if need be."
"Thanks."
Parker came in as Larkin placed her tea kettle on a burner.
Sheena tagged along in hot pink sweats that belonged to her
hostess.
"Thanks for the dry clothes," Sheena said. "Courtney
picked them out. I’m not a pink person." She grinned ruefully.
"Just return them on some future visit." Larkin scooped a
couple of teaspoons of a mixture into a cup.
"What is it?" Parker asked, pointing.
"Willow, ginger, coriander, feverfew, lime, and
peppermint," Larkin answered as the kettle whistled. She
poured the hot water over the mixture and stirred. "Drink," she
said. "It tastes okay, and it will help the headache."
Parker obeyed.
The group in the kitchen headed to the living room when
they heard the front door open. Larkin took a moment to bolt
the back door. Dantzler gave her a quick affirming nod.

When Ray, Baker, and Chris got back, most of the guests
prepared to leave. Parker stood across the room from Sheena
until Larkin whispered, "Kiss her good night already."

"Her father's here."
"And?"
"He'll kill me."
"No, he won't. Are you gonna do anything besides kiss her?

This isn't the gazebo, Parker."
Parker blushed to the roots of his hair. "Why would you say
that?"
Larkin laughed. "Lindsay liked our gazebo, too."
"Popular spot, huh?" he said with a grin. "Lindsay and
Dupree liked your gazebo?"
"No, Lindsay and three or four other boys she dated before
Dupree told her he was going get some of his old gang buddies
to kill all of them."
"Was he serious?"
"No, but it got Lindsay's attention. Now, go kiss your girl
good night."
Parker approached the Johnsons as they started out the
door. He clasped Sheena's hand and pulled her aside. "I just
wanted to say good night." He put his hands on her shoulders
and leaned in for a good-night kiss, which Sheena gladly gave.
She whispered, "Maybe next time we won't get
interrupted."
"How about tomorrow night? We could go to a movie."
"You sure that’s safe?"
He shrugged. "If nothing else, I can get Ray to drive us.
He’ll make sure we’re okay."
"In that case, yes. Pick me up at six."
"I'll be there."

Raif and his family prepared to leave, as did Audrey and
Walter. All of them told Ray to call if he needed them and they
would see him Saturday. Albert and Dorothy were there until
Sunday.

Parker asked, "Papaw, what happens Saturday?"
"Larkin's annual Christmas tree decorating party. There's
another feast, but just party food, and all the family members
have a special ornament with their name on it. Larkin's is an
angel. Ray has a policeman's badge. Raif has a little house.
Chris has one for a best friend. Dupree's is a microphone.
Lindsay has a magnifying glass because she's such a snoop.
Audrey's is a book because she’s a librarian. Walter has a
nutcracker because he goes to the
Nutcracker Ballet
every year.
All the children have one for their first Christmas. Meemaw
and I have red and green rocking chairs that have our names on
the back and Meemaw and Papaw on the front—I got the green
one because Meemaw is feistier." He chuckled. "Larkin was
pregnant before their first Christmas together. I already saw the
one she bought for you."
"She bought me one?" Parker's eyes danced.
"Of course she did. You're a member of the family now."
"What did she get me?"
"She might not want me to ruin the surprise."
Tugging at his grandfather's arm, he coaxed, "Please,
Papaw?"
"Oh, boy! You're worse than Ray. Act surprised."
"I promise."
"It's a little motorcycle with your name on the seat."
"That's so cool!"
"That's our Larkin. After the tree is all trimmed and the
house is all decked out, we have to sing, 'O, Christmas Tree,'
and she reads the story of the first Christmas tree, although she
can just about recite it after all these years."
"I've never heard that."
"Just wait. You'll have fun."
"Can I bring Sheena?"
"I'm sure you can."
When the last guest left and Albert and Dorothy went to
bed and while Larkin insisted that Christopher and Courtney go
to bed, Ray talked to his son.
"Parker, I want to know what Mia did to you to make you
so afraid of her. I know damned well it's more than the verbal
abuse you told Larkin about. Don't try to protect her, and don't
look shocked that Larkin told me. We don't keep secrets from
each other."
"She's my mother."
"Parker!" Ray jabbed a finger toward the front door. "When
you came in that door, you were terrified. I can't help you if
you aren't honest with me."
There were tears on the teenager’s cheeks. "Do you
remember what I told you about Fritz saying he would take me
away?"
"Yes, but you never called him."
"Yes, I did—over and over. It's like he disappeared without
a trace. I think Mom did something to him. After he left she
told me that anybody who took me from her again would be
sorry. Then, when I got caught shoplifting and was sent to
juvey the first time, when I got out she was so mad, not
because I went to juvey, but because I got caught. She
threatened to kill me if it ever happened again." He opened and
closed his fists a dozen times in rapid succession. "So, I took to
pick-pocketing and panhandling. Then, I did do a couple of B
and E's, and I got caught. I went to juvey again. When I got out
that time, Mom actually held a gun to my head." His breath
came in short gasps. "Then, she got high and was all
apologetic. I was actually glad when the DHS lady took me
away. I went to stay with Miss Maxi that time. She was nice,
but six months later I was back with Mom."
"Why didn't you tell the judge these things?"
"I was too scared. I'm sorry." Parker was crying like a little
baby. "I should never have come here. Now, she's mad at you.
What if she
was
armed tonight? I could have got you killed."
Ray grabbed Parker and pulled him to him. "Shh. You're
safe here. I won't let her hurt you. Don't you dare think about
leaving. I lied to you, too. I got my gun out of the car. So did
Chris and Baker. I didn't want to shoot Mia, but I couldn't take
any chances. I swear, Parker, if anyone were to hurt you, I
would kill him or her. That includes your mother. I love you,
Parker."
Parker wrapped his arms around Ray and held on for dear
life.

Ray made sure all the doors and windows to his home were
locked. Then, he escorted his nearly-grown son to bed. He sat
beside him until Parker's breathing became slow and even.

After Parker finally fell asleep, Ray came downstairs and
called the station to arrange around-the-clock surveillance on
his own house. A patrol car was outside within half an hour.

The next morning, nobody got up early. At nearly noon,
Larkin and Ray dragged into the kitchen and had coffee
together. A little later, all three children wandered in. Larkin
made toasted ham and cheese sandwiches with fresh fruit and
chips just in time for Meemaw and Papaw as they shambled in
last. Larkin slipped a couple of vitamin’s into Parker’s hand.
"Every day from now on," she said. "And a healthy diet."

With a nod, Parker swallowed the B vitamin and an omega
3 capsule with a large glass of orange juice.
Later in the day, Parker approached Ray. "Ray, I have a
date with Sheena tonight."
Ray scowled. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Please? You said I could use one of the cars."
"That's not the point. I'm worried about your mother."
"We're going to the movies. You could drive us, but we'll
be in a public place, and I have my phone. I'll call you if there's
any sign of trouble. Remember, Sheena has a black belt. She'll
take care of me." He widened his eyes.
Ray paced back and forth a couple of times. He stopped
and held up a finger. "You can go
if
you call me when you get
there and then when you leave. Don't go parking tonight."
"What?"
"Don't go somewhere to make out. It's too dangerous right
now."
"Will it be all right to go to her house after the movie?"
"If you call me when you get there and when you get ready
to leave. I'm not trying to keep tabs on you. I'm trying to keep
you safe."
"I know. Ray, did you know that Sheena is my first
girlfriend ever?"
"I thought
maybe
considering your history. She's a sweet
girl."
"You don't have a problem with us making out?"
Laughing Ray said, "Parker, I'm not that old. I was a
teenager once. I'm gonna tell you the same thing Papaw told
me. Don't be stupid. Keep it covered one way or another. I
hope you wait to have sex, but if you don't, please, be careful."
Parker blushed. "What's wrong?" asked Ray. "You never
had the birds-and-bees talk before?"
"No, sir. Not really."
"You do know the facts of life, don't you?"
"Yes, but I didn't learn them from anyone who cared."
"Well, I care. Is there anything you'd like to ask me?"
"No, Ray. I know how babies are made." He fidgeted. He
was deeply embarrassed by the topic of conversation. An ugly
thought flitted across his mind.
Apparently you didn't listen to
Papaw's advice when you made me.
"Do you know how diseases are caught?" Ray asked.
Parker focused his attention on his father.
"How about how hearts are broken?"
"Don't you know that I'm heartless, Ray? That's what Mom
used to say."
"It's a lie!"
"Thanks."
"Come with me."
"Where?"
"To pick out your car."
In the garage where Ray had his 1967 fully restored black
Mustang Shelby GT convertible, the vintage 1956 silver Ford
Thunderbird, along with several other cars in various stages of
restoration, such as a white 1970 Dodge Charger, a 1978 gold
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, a blood-red 1963 Corvette
Stingray, and a black 1986 Ferrari Testarossa, Ray walked to
his toolbox. Then, he put his hand in Parker's. "Here."
Parker exclaimed, "What the?"
"Shh." He waved a frantic hand. "Keep your voice down.
Just in case. Put 'em in your wallet. And, please, don't tell
Larkin. She would skin me."
Parker laughed. Once again he tried to picture Larkin in an
act of actual violence. He sobered as he remembered
Christopher had told him Larkin had shot and killed Latrice
Descartes. "It's our secret," he promised. He furrowed his
brow. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Did you use condoms with my mom?"
"Well, shit," muttered Ray. "Make me look like a
hypocrite, why don't you?"
"That's what I thought."
"Learn from my mistakes."
"Your mistake?"
"Damn, it, Parker. I don't mean that you're a mistake."
"Really? You don't regret making me?"
"No, I regret not knowing about you. I wish I could go back
and make your life better."
Parker was quiet for a long moment. He nodded. "Okay.
Can I use the T-bird?"
"You know it."
♥♥♥