Wicked Bad Boys (41 page)

I
t was
a disruption Kevin had not expected so soon. He stood at the door and turned around to make sure Tara was dressed. He shot her an apologetic look, but she seemed to put on a brave face. Officers Grayson and Jessup stood at the door as he opened it. Doing his best to remain calm, he leaned against the frame and smiled. “How may I help you, Officers?”

“Mr. Crawford,” Officer Grayson started, “We’re going to need to take a look around.”

He stepped into the threshold to walk in, but Kevin stood his ground.

“Is there something I can help you with?”

Officer Grayson looked him in the eye.

“In case you didn’t realize, that wasn’t a question. We’ll check things out and let you know whether we find anything.” Officer Grayson glanced at Officer Jessup and nodded, proceeding to step through the doorway, past Kevin.

“Excuse me, but you can’t just barge in here like this,” Kevin argued.

“Actually, we can,” Officer Jessup informed him. She held up a piece of paper and Kevin stared at it. “Here’s the search warrant, young man. There’s a dangerous predator out on the loose, and we’re going to find him, so you’d best let us get to it.”

Kevin slowly stepped back, allowing them to enter. “I told you at the station, I don’t know anything about where Jake might be.”

“If that’s true, then you have nothing to worry about. Other than the little lie about Jake being with you that night,” Officer Grayson stated.

They walked through the hallway and headed to the living room.

“Ah, Ms. Matthews…” He tipped his hat in her direction and they immediately began opening up drawers and going through personal items.

Kevin walked over to Tara, who was frozen in place.

“Do they really have the right?” she whispered.

“Unfortunately, yes. They have a warrant.” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. They both continued to gawk at the mess the officers were making.

“What’s this?” he heard Officer Jessup ask. He looked in her direction to find she had a pamphlet in her latex-gloved hand. “There are several brochures pointing to the same place…Iron Horse State Park.”

“That’s where we went as kids. Tara and I went there not too long ago.” He hesitated. “Those pamphlets are ours.”

“Hey, Grayson. Didn’t someone get murdered at that park recently?”

“Yeah,” he answered. “That tourist was set on fire.”

Kevin groaned. If they hadn’t made a connection before, they would now. This added to the mounting evidence against Jake, and could implicate Kevin and Tara. Officer Jessup may have noticed his discomfort, because she began to watch him intently.

“Hold on,” she started. “Were you or Jake Crawford at Iron Horse when the murders took place?”

“All I’m willing to say is that those flyers and maps are mine. It’s not going to lead you to my brother.”

“Do you mind if I take a couple with me?”

As if he had a choice. “Whatever,” he mumbled.

She placed a few of them in an evidence bag and continued to paw through some more items.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Tara whispered.

“I’d understand if you prefer to wait outside,” Kevin said, turning to Tara.

She glanced at him and shook her head. “No. I’m not leaving you.”

He forced a smile.

“I think we have this room covered. Let’s go upstairs,” Officer Grayson said.

“I don’t feel comfortable having them upstairs alone,” Kevin admitted, after the officers disappeared up the steps.

They were about to head up after them when he heard the front door open. He turned around found his parents at the door.

“Mom, Dad…what are you doing here?”

“We live here.” His father’s reply was laced with sarcasm.

“Yes, I know, but I didn’t think you were coming home until tomorrow.”

His mother pushed her way in, her eyes wide with trepidation. “Why are the police here?”

He could hear the shakiness in her voice, and paused for a moment. At any second the cops would come downstairs and explain their reasons for being there, but he didn’t want that to happen.

“First off…why are you home a day early?”

“Your brother left me a voice message. It was unusual, because we tried to call him back but we couldn’t reach him,” his dad stated. “And my meetings were already finished, so we decided to head back early to find out what Jake wanted. Why are the cops here?”

His voice was stern, and Kevin didn’t want to prolong it, but he couldn’t believe Jake had called them. He wondered what he’d said to them.

“Mom, Dad, we have a lot to discuss,” Kevin replied.

His update was interrupted by Officer Grayson. “I think we have everything we need.” The officers stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh, hello, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford,” he said, holding out his hand.

Kevin’s parents stared at him.

“I want to know what’s going on and someone better start talking,” his dad replied, his tone masked with irritation.

“Mr. Crawford, I—”

“They were about to leave. I’ll explain everything, Dad,” Kevin said, interrupting Officer Jessup.

She looked at Kevin and then turned to her partner. Kevin silently hoped they’d allow him the chance to talk to his parents. As they moved toward the door, he sighed with relief. “We will be in touch,” Officer Grayson said.

They walked out of the house, leaving Kevin’s parents looking to him for answers. “Should I leave?” Tara asked. She looked at him. She didn’t have her car there and would need a ride home.

“Actually, I’d like you to stay,” he said.

Tara appeared uncomfortable but slowly nodded. It was time to lay it all out for his parents. He released a breath before turning to them.

“We’re waiting,” his dad began. “Why were the police here?”

Kevin headed to the living room, and everyone followed him. It’d be a long, hard conversation, and they would need to take the news sitting down.

T
ara felt awkward staying there
. This was a private family moment, and although she wanted to be there for Kevin, his parents were another story. She imagined how they would feel, hearing news like this with her in the room.
Why didn’t I insist on leaving?
Kevin looked nervous, fidgeting in his seat like it was the last place he wanted to be. She’d have given anything to take his worries away.

“You said Jake called you,” he began. “What did he say?”

His dad removed a phone from his pocket. “I didn’t talk to him. I was in the middle of a meeting, so he left a message.”

He dialed up some numbers and placed the phone on the coffee table. Jake’s voice came through the phone.

“Uh…Mom…Dad…I just wanted to say hello. I…I love you and hope you both know that. No matter what happens, I need you to know that. Don’t worry about me. N…no one needs to worry about me. Goodbye.”

His speech seemed scattered and broken up at times. Tara looked up to see Kevin was deep in thought. “Did he call from his cellphone?” Kevin asked.

“I don’t think so,” his distraught mother answered. “The number came up as unavailable. He seemed broken and sad. Do you know what that was about?”

She looked tense, and Tara could only imagine what was going through Kevin’s mind.

“Does it have anything to do with the cops?”

Kevin’s dad touched his wife’s hand. “Honey, let Kevin talk.”

Tara didn’t remember them being so affectionate, but it reminded her of how Kevin acted with her. Kevin shifted in his chair, before finally telling them everything. He left nothing out, from the camping trip to their fist fight and news reports that suggested Jake’s involvement in the murders. His mom’s eyes widened and she covered her mouth. Shock played on her facial expressions.

Tara glanced at his dad and saw he didn’t appear as surprised, but he was there to console his wife. His arm was draped around her as she started to sob, repeating, “I just can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it.”

Tara shifted in her seat. She felt so uncomfortable watching the emotional family situation. She glanced at Kevin, and he caught her gaze. His face showed it all. It was tough.

“Mom…Dad…I know that isn’t what you wanted to hear, but Jake probably feels bad for what’s happened. That’s why he called you.”

His dad nodded. “He may never come back home,” he said, disbelief evident in his voice.

“I know, but that might be the best thing,” Kevin replied quietly.

It was difficult admitting that. Tara could tell it was, but he was right. His dad looked up, but didn’t say anything. Apprehension set in with Kevin’s body language.

“I think I’m going to take Tara home.”

“You do that. We can talk later,” his dad replied.

His mom still looked like she’d be sick.

Tara stood up and said her goodbyes.

His dad looked up and a faint smile crossed his lips. “Goodbye, Tara. It was good to see you again.”

She didn’t know if it was sincere, but it didn’t matter. He looked to be in such pain. Kevin reached for her hand, and they grabbed their coats and left. The moment they were outdoors, she saw his chest heave as he sucked in a long breath.

“God, I’m glad that’s over,” he said.

They walked to the loaner car and turned back to the house.

“Well, it isn’t exactly over, but I’m glad they know the truth.”

Tara saw the teardrop at the corner of his eye, which he quickly brushed away.

“It’s still so hard to believe,” she offered.

She placed her hand on his shoulder, wishing she could comfort him.

“I’ll be by your side every step of the way.” She meant every word. He needed that now, more than ever.

“It won’t be easy. I’d completely understand if you bolted.”

She smiled and massaged his neck. “I wouldn’t do that to you. I promise…I’m not going anywhere.”

She pulled him down to meet her lips. He needed to know she was loyal.

“You’d better get me home,” she suggested, pulling from their kiss. “I’m sure your parents need you, too.”

He mumbled his agreement. The got into the car and headed to her place. He was silent for the entire ride. She could read the pain on his face. It was clear he was worried about his parents, Jake, and probably the police as well. As they neared her house, she felt his hand on her knee, and she cupped her hand over his until he stopped in her driveway.

“Call me later?” she asked as he put the car in park.

He nodded. He reached for his door handle, but she stopped him.

“You don’t have to. You should be getting home.” She leaned over, kissing him on the cheek before stepping out of the car.

“Talk to you tomorrow?” he asked.

“Definitely,” she answered. “Good night, hon.”

She didn’t look back as she ran up to the house. When she got inside, she fell back against the door with a breathless sigh, relieved she’d kept her stress to herself. He needed her to be strong and she couldn’t let him down.

“Tara? Is that you?”

She groaned, closing her eyes. She decided not to tell her mother what was going on, because she would only meddle. She didn’t need her words of wisdom.

“Yes, Mom!” she called out.

“Come to the living room.”

It wasn’t a request. It was an order.

She moved toward the sound, reluctant but obedient. Her mother was sitting on an armchair surrounded by piles of papers on the floor.

“What’s that?” Tara asked.

Her mother looked up. “I’m trying to work on budgeting, but it’s nearly impossible. Did you know since you’ve moved in, we’ve more than doubled the amount of groceries we buy?”

Tara frowned. “I hadn’t really thought about it.”

“Well, it’s true,” she mumbled. “All the utilities have gone up. I’m working extra hours so I can keep things running smoothly, but it’s getting to the point even the extra hours aren’t going to be enough.”

“What can I do to help out?” she asked.

“Well, for starters…you could help out with the bills. You could pay rent…anything would be helpful.”

“I can help a little,” she agreed, “but the petting zoo just closed for the season, Mom, and I’ve been saving up for when I go to Montana next year. Can I help out in any other way?”

“You know,” her mother confessed, “I had been thinking of selling this place and getting something smaller. Like an apartment.”

Tara wasn’t surprised. She could tell her mom was unhappy.

“It’s been really hard, being here without your dad,” she continued.

“I miss him, too, Mom,” Tara said.

She sat on the side of the armchair and held her mom for the first time since she had moved back home. It was probably just as uncomfortable, and no longer a place either of them felt they belonged.

“How about if I pay what I can, and if you’d like, I can help you hunt for an apartment or condo.”

“Like old times, when we’d go window shopping on the Fridays that your dad worked late,” her mom answered, with a hint of a smile.

“Yes, Mom, just like old times.”

“It’s a date!”

It was a relief to see her mom feel better. Tara had not stopped to think about how hard her life must be without Dad. She had Kevin to lean on when her father died, but her mom had no one. Selling the house was probably something she should have done a long time ago. Still, there were at least six months until she and Kevin were going to leave for Montana. Tara would have to figure out some living arrangements.
God, I wish I could just move to Montana right now!
She couldn’t wait that long, and the sooner she and Kevin could return to their original plan, the better.

K
evin walked
into the living room. His parents were sitting in the same spots on the sofa. The television was turned to a news channel, where the anchormen discussed the string of murders. A picture of Jake flashed on the screen with the word
WANTED
above his face, and his mom unraveled. Her sobs turned to full blown weeping, and even his dad couldn’t soothe her.

They had not noticed him there, so he cleared his throat as the television program went to commercial. They looked up and his dad turned the television off.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Kevin said, sitting down on the soft blue armchair.

“That’s all right. We shouldn’t be watching the news anyway,” his dad said. “I know I can speak for your mother and me when I say we’re in shock there’s a manhunt for Jake.”

“You’ve got that right,” his mother muttered in between loud sniffles.

“I’m sorry I had to be the one to tell you.”

Kevin looked between his parents. His mom’s red face and his dad’s sad eyes were something he wasn’t used to seeing. They always seemed so carefree and nothing bothered them.

His dad leaned back against the couch.

“When you left, your mother and I started talking. We know we’ve not been the most vigilant of parents, but we really tried. I guess we didn’t try hard enough.”

“You can’t blame yourself,” Kevin insisted.

While he believed in his words, it was easier said than done. Deep down, he also blamed himself for his brother’s actions. He blamed himself for being an alibi when he didn’t know any better.

“This isn’t anyone’s fault. Jake is sick. The doctors said he has schizophrenia, and things can happen. It’s no one’s fault.”

“We lost so much time with Jake, and now we might never get that back. We don’t want to do the same with you,” his mother said.

Kevin didn’t know what to say. He wanted to make things right in their relationship, but it amazed him that his parents were finally admitting something was amiss.

“I’d like that,” he replied, perking up.

“Great!” His dad smiled. It had been a while since Kevin saw that sign of emotion in him. “So, how’ve your classes been going?” he asked.

Kevin settled back in his chair, prepared to answer anything. “Really well. I’m finally getting a good grasp on this Zoology course.”

“That’s good to know,” his mother chimed in. “We couldn’t help but notice things seem to be different between you and Tara. We haven’t been around to talk about it, but there’s definitely something different.”

Kevin looked at his mom. It seemed odd to discuss his relationship with them, but he didn’t want to lose the connection they were building. It was an effort he had not seen in years.

“Actually, things couldn’t be better. We were in denial for years about how we really feel for each other. And now…it’s all changed. I’m happy about that.”

“I can tell,” his dad replied. A small smile brought up the corners of his lips. “You both seem happy and we’re happy for you.”

It was like a cloud moved out from over their house that night. They were talking, listening, and being so open. When he noticed the time, it was midnight, and as tired as he was, he didn’t want to stop. As they had just come from out of town, they needed their rest. Kevin stood up first.

“I’m glad we could have this talk, Mom, Dad,” he said.

His parents both hugged him tight. He stood there in shock for a moment, his body tense because he couldn’t remember the last time his parents had held him. Soon, he relaxed into the embrace.

“We love you, son,” his dad said.

“I love you both so much,” Kevin replied, feeling choked up. When his mom pulled back, he saw her tears. Watching her cry made his chest ache; he hated to see her in pain.

“Goodnight,” he said, quickly making his getaway before he broke down completely.

He hurried up the steps and went into his bedroom to phone Tara. As it rang, he hoped she wouldn’t already be asleep.

“H…hello?” she answered.

He paused before saying anything. He heard her sniffling, and cringed at the sound. “Tara…what’s wrong?”

“I’m fine,” she whimpered. “Just thinking about us… and Montana.”

If Kevin felt bad to see his mom cry, he felt ten times worse knowing Tara was hurting. It was as if a vice had clamped over his chest, just knowing she was in pain. And he knew it had to be about everything that had happened with Jake.

“Please don’t cry, Tara,” he pleaded.

She said nothing, but he could hear her breath catching as she whimpered softly. He hated being the cause of Tara’s anguish.

“I feel horrible you’re crying…and I was thinking. Maybe…maybe I should take a step back and let you get on with your life. It’s too much to ask for you to stand by me, when my brother has done unspeakable things.”

“Kevin…stop,” she blurted out. “I’m not crying because of Jake. I talked with my mom and she’s selling the house. We had a really good talk, but she’s been hurting since dad died, and the place reminds her of him every day. She’s going to find a smaller place, and I’m going to move out.”

“Moving out?” he questioned. “When? Where?”

Tara’s heavy sigh echoed through the phone.

“Whenever I can find a place. I don’t know where, and the reason is…I should have never moved back in here. She isn’t the same since Dad died, and I knew it from the start. She needs a fresh start. It’ll be simpler if I move to my own place.”

Even though she sounded certain, she still sobbed. “Is there anything I can do?” he asked.

“Help me go apartment hunting. I can’t have a long lease, because we won’t be here for much longer.”

“I’ll do what I can,” he promised.

“Thank you.” She sounded relieved. “So, how’d tonight go with your parents?”

He swallowed hard. He chose to keep the update to a minimum. Tara had enough on her plate.

“It went fine. It will be a big adjustment, but in the end they’ll get through it…we’ll get through it,” he corrected himself.

“I’m glad to hear that. We’d better get some sleep. I’m exhausted and I’m sure you are, too.”

He hadn’t given it much thought, but he was.

“Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow after I get the car back from the shop. If you’re up for it, we can go out and look at apartments.”

“I’d like that. Goodnight, Kevin.”

“Goodnight, Tara.”

He stared at his phone after the call disconnected. There could be some benefits to Tara having her own place. Setting the phone down, he found some pajamas and prepared for bed. This had been a long day. Before he fell asleep, his mind wandered to his parents. It had taken a tragedy to unite them, and he hoped that, together, they could find a way to get Jake the professional help he needed.

T
he next day
, Tara sat on the front steps waiting for Kevin. He was supposed to pick her up at noon, and it was only eleven-thirty, but she needed to be outside. There was a chill in the air and she loved it. The fresh air was invigorating, and it gave her some time to think about everything.

She realized she had been selfish when it came to her mom. Tara was all she had, and it never really dawned on her that her mother might have needed her after her dad passed. She was glad they were able to find a connection to each other again, even if it meant she needed to get her own place in a hurry. That was part of growing up and taking responsibility. As she began to think about Kevin, she saw his car turning onto her street.

When he picked her up, he seemed quiet and reserved. He didn’t explain what they were going to do, but he said he had some surprises for her. She would’ve been happy just being with him, so his extra efforts were a nice bonus.

“Where are we going?” she asked, as he zigzagged his way through town.

“You’ll see,” he replied. A smile danced on his lips, and she was relieved he had relaxed somewhat after last night. She watched the scenery as it passed by, and soon, they turned into the parking lot of the petting zoo. There were no other cars around.

“Remember this place?” he asked, glancing at her.

She nodded. “Kev, we were just here yesterday. Why are we back at the petting zoo? I’m sure even Marge isn’t around.”

“Lucky for you, that’s exactly why we’re here.” He laughed. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

They walked up to the entrance and Kevin unlocked the door.

“Where did you get keys to the petting zoo?” she asked.

“Marge,” he answered proudly. “I told her I needed a quiet place where you could help me ace my Zoology course, and she was excited to help. She said we can use the break room whenever we want, except Mondays. She does her paperwork then.”

“Well, this is good news!” Tara exclaimed. “We’ll have a regular study spot for at least a few months.”

“Right up until they re-open in April. And you know what’s nice about the break room?”

“Tell me.”

“Free coffee, to begin with. And that sofa in the corner is actually a sofa bed,” he bragged, raising an eyebrow. “We’re going to have the most fun study breaks.”

“I bet we are,” she agreed.

“Hey. Wait here, okay? I’ve got to get a few things from the car.”

Kevin was only gone for a minute, and when he returned, he had a picnic basket in his hand.

“Courtesy of my mom,” he announced. “She made us lunch. Nice, huh?”

“Definitely.”

Tara followed him into the staff room and they sat down to eat. She sat at her favorite spot. It was one of the lunch tables near the window that looked out on a small park adjacent to the building. She enjoyed it because the window could open and let in the fresh, cool air, and she swore she could smell the pines in the wooded area of the park. Her eyes widened as he unloaded each item—chili, turkey sandwiches, and a thermos of hot chocolate.

He looked up at her smiled. “Are you surprised?”

“Pleasantly,” she said.

“This is just the beginning of surprises for today,” he said as they ate. “We have an appointment at six o’clock this evening. So, we’ll have plenty of time to do whatever we choose before then. I’ve a few things up my sleeve.”

It was a welcome reprieve from the upheaval of the past weeks, but in the back of her mind, she reminded herself she had one main priority to take care of.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked.

“Reading my mind, huh?” she asked with an edgy laugh.

“I can tell there’s something on your mind and I’ve a pretty good idea what it is,” he replied, taking a drink of his hot chocolate.

She absentmindedly studied her bowl of chili. The steam continued to filter through the air.

“You made all these plans, when I’m supposed to be out hunting for an apartment.”

“There’ll be plenty of time for that. Don’t you worry.”

She didn’t admit it, but she was worried. The day was supposed to consist of looking for apartments, not having picnics and whatever else he had planned.

“How’s the food?” he asked.

“Everything’s great,” she conceded.

“That’s what I’m talking about.”

Kevin ate until there was nothing left, and went to the sofa to stretch out.

“Want to join me?” he asked.

“Sure,” she answered.

“You don’t sound too excited.”

“I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

“I’ll take care of that.”