Part 16 (2/2)
”I come asking forgiveness again, uncle Jarvis.”
”Of Hayden? Surely your visit didn't go that poorly?”
”No, of Cain this time. I'm not forgetting Hayden, but I've done something that hurt Cain more than anyone.”
Jarvis sighed and waved to one of the chairs. If what she said was true, he could do only so much for her. ”Emma, I never asked Cain what made you leave so suddenly, and I'm not asking you now, but you've got to realize what's happened since you've been gone. Cain isn't the same person you knew four years ago, and Hayden, he's completely different. Cain is, and always has been, strong and proud. What you did, or your reaction to something she did, ripped holes in the very essence of who she is.”
”Don't you think I sit up nights thinking about that? That I miss her more than I can stand before I'm a teary mess again?”
He put up a big hand to silence her. ”I didn't say all that because I think you insincere, Emma. You and I will come to an understanding today, or else I'll drive you to the airport myself and wash my hands of you.”
”Just ask and I'll do it.”
”It isn't that simple, la.s.s. My brother and I had the good fortune to find and marry women who loved us with a fierce devotion.” The more pa.s.sionate he got, the more his brogue slipped into his conversation. ”They loved us and were able to turn a blind eye when the situation warranted it, because they knew what loving us meant. What acceptance they had to bring to their commitment of marrying a Casey.”
”You think I'm not capable of that?”
”I've lived this long and enjoyed the fruits of my work too many years by not reading too much into any given situation. To survive, I accept only what's there. And I've seen you running away from your spouse and your son. Add to that not one phone call to check if they're doing well or if they need you. So no, I don't think you're capable of that kind of commitment.”
His honesty stung, but she couldn't come into his house and argue with him over the truth as it had played out so far. ”You have my word, uncle Jarvis. Get me one more chance, and I'll never give you reason to doubt the depth of my commitment. Four years is a long time to learn a lesson, but I belong with Cain, and I'll die by her side.”
”I took a chance on you already, Emma, and it cost me a little of Cain's respect. If I do what you're asking and you renege on your word, I'll lose my place with my niece. If that happens, Cain will be the least of your worries.”
She knelt in front of his chair, put her hands over his, and gazed steadily into his eyes. ”I give you my word as a Casey.”
”I'm sure it is important, uncle Jarvis. I just can't tonight.” As Cain put her shoes on, she paused to listen to him ask again. ”No, it's not a hot date. I'll call you tomorrow, I promise, but tonight I'm meeting someone to go over something important. If I could reschedule it I would, but I'll have to ask your cooperation and flexibility on this one.”
”I have your word you'll make time for me tomorrow?”
”You got it, and thank you for understanding. The way we left things the last time we talked has been bothering me, so I'll look forward to tomorrow.” She hung up and hoped Shelby had been able to get the night off.
Jarvis tapped the receiver against his chin and closed his eyes. Oh boy, she feels bad for screaming at me. Somehow I'm thinking she's going to forget her remorse really fast when I show up bearing gifts of small blondes again. He heard Emma behind him, waiting to hear the verdict. ”Tomorrow will have to be soon enough. She had dinner plans that she couldn't change.”
”I'm not too late, am I?”
”Like I said earlier, Emma, four years is a long time. But if it makes you feel better, Cain hasn't had any encounters I've been able to confirm. With her reputation that's hard to imagine, but I don't think anyone's standing in your way. No one, that is, but yourself.”
The thought of someone else pressing her naked skin to Cain's sent a swift pain through Emma's heart that just as quickly turned to anger. It was irrational to expect Cain to abstain until she came to her senses, but that was what she had done. As for Emma, no one else had remotely come close to engaging her in a long conversation, much less making her share herself in such an intimate way.
The object of Emma's jealousy walked into an office supply store, sure that no one had followed her. What luck for the award-winning Emeril's Restaurant to share a wall with such a mundane business. The aisle with the pens and office paper was just where Cain said it would be, and at the end was a door. Shelby knocked and stepped back a little when Merrick opened it outward.
”Welcome, Agent Daniels.”
She frowned when the woman called her by name. Cain had promised not to share it with anyone.
”I'm the only one here, and I'm the only one aside from Vincent's men who knows your name, ma'am, so don't look so worried. If you're ready, Cain's waiting.”
Cain was seated in a beautiful private room waiting for her. As always she looked incredible in the custom suit she was wearing, and Shelby was glad she had put a lot of thought into choosing her own outfit.
Cain stood up and nodded to Merrick, who went to wait in the office of the business next door.
”Welcome, Shelby. I hope you're hungry and curious.”
”You're just full of surprises, aren't you? If you ever decide to leave your life of crime, you can write a book on interesting tidbits in New Orleans.”
”I would, but I hear a life on the straight and narrow path really doesn't pay,” Cain joked back as she moved forward to kiss the agent h.e.l.lo.
”Isn't it a life of crime doesn't pay?”
”Bite your tongue, Agent Daniels.”
”I'd rather you do that.” She blushed. ”I can't believe I said that. I really do need to stay away from you before you convince me bank robbery might be a good hobby.”
Cain laughed and lowered her head. Since Shelby hadn't hesitated about her method of greeting, Cain lingered a moment longer and enjoyed it. ”Why don't you try a curried shrimp, and I'll pour you a gla.s.s of wine?” Cain pulled Shelby's chair out for her and tried to squelch her libido.
”This is very nice. Thanks for asking me.”
”My pleasure. Maybe after your big promotion you'll be the one to treat me to dinner.”
”And why am I going to be getting a big promotion?” Shelby tapped her gla.s.s against the one Cain held over the center of the table and smiled at her before taking a sip.
In lieu of an answer Cain pa.s.sed her a large file and sat back to enjoy her appetizer.
Twenty minutes later a waiter appeared with the next course, noticeably upset when he found Shelby's plate untouched and papers spread out around her chair.
”Leave it, Julian. I'll cut it up and feed it to her in small pieces so she won't choke while she's reading.”
”Another twenty minutes or so before the soup, Ms. Casey?”
”That sounds about right. Why don't you bring that with a straw?” Cain teased.
Shelby finally looked up, an expression of total shock marring her features. ”I'm sorry for zoning out like that, but there's no way this is true.”
”Why wouldn't it be? Just because I gathered the information, it's bogus because it suits my interests?”
”No, Cain, because of what it implies. This is a serious allegation against someone who up to now has been beyond reproach.”
Cain lifted a shrimp off Shelby's plate and held it up for her to take a bite. ”I'm a Casey, Shelby, which makes me a bad guy in the eyes of the law. What you just finished reading doesn't make him any different from me because of who he works for. I asked you for a favorfor you to do your job. You have the rest of tonight and most of tomorrow to do it. Verify the information and then make your decision. That's all I ask. Forget now that you owe me your life. Your being here tonight has paid your debt. As your friend I'm asking you to do this. If you refuse, I still have options, but I wanted to give you first shot.”
”Can I get some help from some of the other agents?”
”If you trust someone else, then knock yourself out.”
”Cain, would you be terribly offended if I skipped the rest of dinner?”
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