To Love & To Protect (5 page)

Chapter 12

The next morning there was a buzz around the hospital room, a new energy. Donna had come in early and helped her with her bath and changed her bandage. She meet with Trenton, Trujillo, Luke and Ethan while Nicole styled her hair. They let her know what developments had been made in the case and what leads they were following. Ethan let her know that all security issues had been addressed as far the cottage retreat on Blake-Moore Estates.

Jasmine thanked them for the work that they had done and would do in regards to the case. She then informed them that when she left the hospital today, that she would be leaving through the front entrance door, on her own two feet. If there were still supporters outside she would greet a few of them while looking at the memorials of flowers and candles that had been left outside the hospital to honor her. Jasmine continued, by saying that in a week’s time she going back to the University of Emerald Grove and finish what she started. Lastly my charity ball for children battling cancer is scheduled to happen within the next two weeks, and the show must go on.

Ethan saw that she was determined. “Representative Anderson,” Ethan addressed her, “I strongly advise against this course of action.”

“I expected at least one of you to,” Jasmine responded.

Trujillo responded, “With all due respect, if you go through with your plans, it will take us more time to capture the shooter because we will be acting as your personal security detail.”

“I do understand that,” Jasmine responded. Yet there are what 8, 9, maybe even 10 of you here now. There should be enough of you to handle security issues when I have to be in public, as well as pursue leads regarding the case. Trent, I was promised the best of the best. You guys are that, correct?” Jasmine asked.

“We are so good at what we do that it is downright scary to the average person? I think that my team feels that you are taking unnecessary risk. For what, to prove to some low life, that you are still winning?” Trent responded.

Jasmine lowered her eyes because that was part of it. She responded honestly, “I need to reassure the people that voted for me that, in face of tragedy, I will still stand firm. I owe them a debt of gratitude for their support through this trying time. I know that you have footage from that day, and you are not closer to figuring out who the shooter is. So, I will be bait and draw him out,” Jasmine answered. “Lastly, I went to that school to talk to the kids about not giving up and perusing their dreams no matter what. I don’t want to be just the State Representative that was shot at their school. They need to see me get back up and continue to do the work that I was doing. They have to see that speech come to life,” Jasmine said. “I can’t do this without your help,” Jasmine said to the group at large.

Townsend said, “She’s got heart. We can do this,” he finished.

Nicole spoke up, “I don’t mean any harm. The local news stations have taken that picture of Ethan and the girls and it’s basically gone viral. There are news stations working around the clock to figure out your relationship with Representative Jasmine Anderson. It won’t be long before your true identity is revealed. So we make up a story that works with the agenda we are trying to push here. Let Claire run the story of how one of our very own has returned home to help in this time of need. The media already wants there to be an intimate connection between Ethan and Jasmine, because the photo with Ethan and the girls was intimate in nature. Ethan has to go undercover as her lover. It will give him twenty-four hour access to Jasmine, who is the target as well as the girls, and explains why he is there. You will have some down time so you could review the footage and find out what has been missed or purposefully removed.”

Townsend spoke up, “Someone tampering with the video footage would make sense. The person probably has ties to the University, so we need to get an employee roster from them.”

Ethan responded, “That also means that Michelle needs to be in on the footage review, because she can catch any feedback loops that exist. She can also help us figure what kind of equipment was used to scramble all of the cameras within a certain radius.”

Trujillo stepped in, “Michelle is better at the computer tech analysis, but she has been off her game here lately. She is super emotional and her gut has been wrong on more than one occasion.”

“Even more reason to keep her close to me,” Ethan responded. Looking around the group he said, “Oh man, I can’t believe that we are agreeing to this.”

“It’s doable,” Trent advised.

“Alright, let’s do it then,” Ethan said giving in to the plan.

Chapter 13

Over the next few hours, Michael and Donna packaged up all the supplies that would be needed to treat Jasmine over the next couple of weeks. Jasmine had finally agreed to use a wheelchair until she was at the door. Trent, Townsend, and Trujillo secured the perimeter. Nicole and Donna had left a little earlier to get a head start. It was just Jasmine, Ethan, and Michael.

“Why is the rest of the team dressed like they just walked out of a Men in Black movie, and you are dressed in civilian attire?” Michael asked.

“I am Jasmine’s lover, so even though this is my team, I have to appear that I am not an active part of this assignment. We have learned that as Marines, if we are too close to a situation our guard can be down at the worst possible time. So I am, just going to keep my eye on my lady here,” Ethan said running a hand over her hair.

“Get your hands out of my hair,” Jasmine said.

“Oh, don’t be like that darling,” Ethan teased.

“Oh my God, this is going to be so much fun,” Michael said with a chuckle. “But seriously, don’t play in a black woman’s hair, she will kill you.”

The elevator stopped at the lobby, Michael exited first and Ethan pushed Jasmine to the door, where he secured the wheelchair break and assisted her with standing on her own two feet. They were facing each other, her hand was in his.

He smiled down at her, “Yes, I am going to have some fun at your expense, because this was your idea and we have to make this look very real. Don’t look around, but our picture has been taken at least a dozen times by now. I am going to kiss you and you will have to act like you like it, like we have done this before. Once we cross the threshold, I am going to stay very close to you, while maintaining some space. If you are in too much pain to continue, reach for me and I will get you to the car. Understood?” Ethan asked.

She nodded her head. It’s been a while since I kissed a man so it may not be that good,” Jasmine admitted.

“Doesn’t have to be good just has to look like it was,” Ethan said then continued encouraging, “Something tells me you are going to do just fine.”

Jasmine smiled a half smile before tilting her head back to receive his kiss. He placed his hand behind her neck and ran his fingers along the nap of her neck. Nothing in this world had prepared either of them for this kiss. The first kiss was like a brief meeting of the lips. The second one a little bit longer and the third and final kiss, they completed a mating ritual that was as old as time. Jasmine breathed in deeply and was enveloped in his scent, which was a combination of woods, Mediterranean Sea, fruit, herbs and berries. Ethan broke the kiss slowly.

“Ready,” he asked, his voice slightly more husky than he had been before.

Unable to speak, Jasmine nodded her head in the yes motion.

She reached for his hand then slowly and carefully began to walk out of the sliding double doors. She put a smile on her face, and walked out to where the memorial was. She was humbled immediately, by the outpouring of love from her community. People began to realize who she was and started to walk over. When a bystander asked how she was she responded with, “Blessed beyond measure.”

She walked around a little more; she stopped at a framed picture of her that had been hand stretched. She wanted that for her home and a couple of the candles as well as a teddy bear. Trujillo picked up the items where she had lingered longer, as if reading her mind. She spoke to people and shook hands, took a few pictures for about ten minutes before she reached for Ethan’s hand. She was tired and beginning to hurt a little bit.

Jasmine slid into the black Cadillac and eased her limbs into the car. Ethan adjusted the seat to try to help her get to a comfortable position then buckled her seat belt. Ethan closed the door behind her and walked briskly to the other side. He got into the driver’s seat and radioed in that the princess was on the move. Townsend pulled out of his parking space first, Ethan second and Trujillo third, they weren’t taking any chances.

“Princess, really?” Jasmine said breaking the silence.

“It’s just a code name; I could call you “the package” if you preferred it?” Ethan said with a smile.

“Yeah that’s worse,” Jasmine agreed.

“You will get to meet the other agents assigned to this case today. You are out of the hospital and you will get to be with your girls,” Ethan said keeping the conversation going.

“I know, I am blessed,” Jasmine said. “I will get to spend some time with my sister as well. She has been amazing through this. I don’t think that Antonio has left yet, so I will get to talk with him and just try to make a good memory in the midst
of this storm,” Jasmine said with a smile.

A few moments went by with no conversation.

Jasmine broke the silence by asking, “Can you please let the window down just a little bit?”

Ethan did as she requested.

“Smell that?” Jasmine asked.

“Yes, the Atlantic Ocean,” Ethan replied.

Jasmine smiled. Right now it was indeed the small things that were causing her heart to dance inside her chest. She also knew they were close to Blake-Moore Estates. Blake-Moore Estates was located on 120 acres of ocean front property. Eleanor and Jacob Blake-Moore are self-made business owners. They purchased land and other properties in their twenties, and developed the properties and rented them or sold them at a profit while working full time jobs to take care of their family. Jasmine always admired them because they weren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouths, but they worked hard so that they could put one in their children’s mouth. Another quality that she respected about the couple was that they never forgot their humble beginnings and helped within the community often.

It wasn’t long before, they were turning off the main road, into the private road that lead to the main house. Jasmine leaned forward as they got closer to the main gate, and a genuine smile touched her lips. Both her miracle and her blessing were on the steps with the all of her friends and family with them.

Ethan looked away, a man could get lost in that smile. In the last two days all he had seen on her face was worry and pain. It was nice, to be able to help her smile again.

They were allowed entrance through the security gates. He pulled into a slow halt in front of the steps were the girls were standing and jumping up and down with excitement. Jacob Blake-Moore opened Jasmine’s door and assisted her out of the car. Jasmine held out her good arm to receive hugs from everyone. There was laughter and well wishes in abundance. After a few minutes, Eleanor made her way to the front.

“Baby we are so glad that you are home, we know that you aren’t completely out of the woods yet, but we are filled with joy for your safety. So, Ethan is going to get you settled in the house that you all will be residing in. Donna is going to come check your bandages and help you with anything and everything that you need. We are going to give you a few minutes with your girls, and then let you get some rest,” Eleanor finished.

“Doctor’s orders,” Michael spoke from somewhere within the crowd. There was more laughter amongst the group.

“You know that boy could have been a comedian, if practicing medicine doesn’t work out for him,” Eleanor said, good naturedly. “We all will have dinner, on the second floor of the main house with a view of the beach later if you are feeling up to it,” Eleanor finished.

“You guys didn’t have to go through all this trouble for me,” Jasmine said getting a little teary eyed. “But, I am so glad you did,” she said smiling through the tears. “I love you all from the very bottom of my heart,” Jasmine said placing her good hand over her heart for emphasis.

She received a chorus of, “We love you too.”

Chapter 14

Ethan liked all the togetherness and family love. He never had that. His parents were killed in a motorcycle accident. He had been raised in a series of foster care homes and group homes, so all of this was foreign to him. He knew that Trenton’s parents were well off, but this was unreal, he thought as he looked around the estate.

Ethan opened the door, of the driver side and settled back into the car. The twins climbed into the backseat. Michael held the passenger door open and helped Jasmine in. He told her that he and Donna would be around in a little while to check on her, and then closed the door. Luke pulled away from the curb, Ethan followed then Trujillo did the same.

Ethan opened the front door to the villa that they would be occupying. He carried all of Jasmine’s belongs into the villa.

Jasmine was happy and in a good place, but she could see the shadows in Ethan’s eyes. She didn’t know whether to comment or what. So she just stayed silent.

Eleanor had the place cleaned and aired out. There were fresh flowers on the table. The cabinets and the refrigerator were stocked. Jasmine was filling fatigued, but she wanted to spend some time with her girls.

Ethan watched as Jasmine sat down and her girls sat on either side of her. She reintroduced him to the girls. She talked to them about their day. She asked them what the best part of their day was and what was the worst part of their day. Both girls agreed that the best part of their day was their mother coming home. The worst part of their day was home schooling. They both missed their classmates and after school activities. Jasmine reminded them that it was a temporary situation. They just had to endure it for a little while and count their blessings along the way.

“Have you enjoyed playing with Dennis?” Jasmine asked. Before they could answer, Jasmine continued with, “Haven’t you had fun playing with Lindsay and just being here on the Blake-Moore Estates?” Jasmine finished.

“It hasn’t been all bad,” Alyson said.

Amber nodded her head in agreement. “Mommy, are you getting better?” Amber asked.

“Yes, I am baby,” Jasmine said as she lowered her head and kissed her forehead.

“It still hurts though doesn’t it?” Alyson asked curiously.

“It doesn’t hurt all the time, but yes, sometimes it hurts. We have to focus on the positive girls, it’s healing. I will probably start physical therapy this week,” Jasmine said reassuringly.

“Do you want me to kiss it and make it all better?” Amber asked so sweet and innocently.

Jasmine and Ethan both chuckled. “No not right now, baby, but thank you,” Jasmine replied.

“Mommy go ahead and take a nap,” Alyson said.

“I will but, Donna is coming over to change my bandages,” Jasmine responded.

As if on cue, Donna knocked on the door and came in with her medical bag.

Jasmine greeted her warmly and then said, “Look at you looking all refreshed.”

“Oh I know,” Donna responded. “The estate is so nice, and the ocean waves. Even the smell of the air is different. The bed is so comfortable and the coverings are so soft. I slept like a baby. It has felt like a mini vacation. Everyone is so nice and Dennis is having a ball,” Donna finished.

“Eleanor always likes to have the best of everything and she’s a gracious hostess. To be so well off they are such a down to earth group of people,” Jasmine replied. “Except for Jonathan, he seems so stiff. Yet he softens up around Lindsay,” Donna added.

“Jonathan is very serious, but every once in a while he lets his guard down,” Jasmine said.

“I will believe that when I see it,” Donna said as she helped Jasmine from her sitting position on the chair.

“Umm, I know you aren’t a babysitter, but can you keep an eye on the girls while my bandages get changed?” Jasmine asked Ethan.

“Sure, Carina and Marisol are on the way back over here and I will just leave you all in their care,” he replied.

“Okay, thanks for everything;” Jasmine said really looking at him. She couldn’t read him.

He nodded his head as a response.

Once in the room, Jasmine removed her clothes with little help from Donna. Donna checked her bandages.

“You are healing nicely. I am going to leave the bandages off for a while so that the wounds can get some air. I will come in before dinner with everyone and help you get re-bandaged and dressed. Tomorrow, if Michael agrees you can start some physical therapy on your arm,” Donna finished.

“Awesome,” Jasmine said.

“Now get some rest so that you can be refreshed for later. I am going to see if the girls want to come with me while you rest, if that is okay?” Donna said.

“Sure, just make sure that their security detail stays with them please,” Jasmine said.  She walked over to dresser and removed a little white T-shirt and put it on over her undies. She got into the bed and settled under the sheets and fall into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile Ethan was pacing along the living room of the house that the team had set up as base. Trujillo watched him walk around like a caged animal. Trujillo looked around to make sure that they could talk without anyone hearing them.

“What’s up man?” Trujillo asked.

Ethan kept pacing for a little while before replying that he was fine and was just trying to stay focused.

“Are the Same old demons haunting you brother?” Trujillo asked knowingly.

Ethan stopped pacing for a moment, “I am grown and I know it’s crazy to long for something that has never been within reach. I wouldn’t know what to do with it if I had it,” Ethan finished with a sigh.

“Being here, let’s you see how the other half lives huh?” Trujillo asked.

“Yes,” Ethan said, “And all of all of a sudden I am out of my league again. Do you know how much of a joke it is to most people for me to be dating a State Representative of the great state of South Carolina? I don’t fit in. Never have and never will,” Ethan said with a hint of frustration.

“Man I know you had it rough growing up,” Trujillo responded, “But look what it has made you. You are a highly decorated United States Marine. You are part of a unit that is a family. You have money were you could lay down some roots if you want too. You really see people; you are incredible at reading people. Don’t let all these material things, the relationships that these people have with one another make you forget who we are?” Trujillo responded.

“I got to get over my childhood at some point?” Ethan said.

“Yeah you do,” Trujillo said slapping his friend on the back.

“Did you know that Trent has a son man?” Ethan asked.

“I do now,” Trujillo said. “I found out when you guys did.”

“He would have known about his son earlier if I had made healthy connections with people. Because I had no one, Trent missed out on the first three years of his son’s life,” Ethan responded.

“Man we all have our stuff. Stop burdening yourself down with everyone else’s junk. We all have been home from Afghanistan for two years. He made choices to push his very loving family away from him. He has demons of his own that he is battling. They have nothing to do with you,” Trujillo advised. “Shake this mess off brother before you become so compromised that you can’t continue to take point on this case,” Trujillo said. “Remember, it’s all pretend,” Trujillo finished.

“I am going for a run, and then I will shower and change for dinner,” Ethan responded.