Intrigue & Passion-12
by: Susan
Jerry rubbed his aching neck and sighed. He had given Brenda the serum he had invented to combat illegal substances that could be inserted into the bloodstream, now all they had to do was wait. He heard voices and laughter coming from the kitchen and stopped when he rounded the corner.
His mom and dad were sitting at the kitchen table with Jax. A little girl who was the splitting image of Brenda sat on his lap grinning up at him. They looked so comfortable together that it was hard to believe the WSB had prevented Jax from meeting his daughter until now.
"So, "
Jane continued her story.
"your father found those monsters under his bed when he was about 5, or was it 6 John? "
"6. "
"Well, in the middle of the night his father and I heard such a ruckus coming from his room. When we got there Jax was poking a baseball bat under the bed. "
"Really? "
Callie's wide blue-green eyes were adoringly glued on her father's face.
"Yup, "
John took over the story.
"He was telling the monsters that he had just purchased the corporation they worked for, and if they wanted to keep working they were going to get a few things straightened out. So, instead of frightening Jax, they became quite good friends. You can't imagine how troublesome a group of monsters and a little boy can be. "
"I can. "
When Jerry spoke all eyes turned towards him. Callie was looking from him to Jax in confusion. Jane got up and gave Jerry a fierce hug.
"Glad you're safe son. Sit down. When was the last time you ate? "
"I don't remember. "
"Well, let's see what I can whip up. "
Jax looked at his brother with concern. Jerry's forehead was creased with worry lines, his face was pale, and he hadn't shaved in a couple of days. He looked exhausted. Callie hopped off Jax's lap and walked over to where Jerry was slouching in a chair across the table. She tugged on his jeans and he looked down at her.
"Did you find my mommy? "
Brenda was lost in a wonderful world of memories, and dreams. She rested her head against Jax's shoulder and sighed. They were in California again, sitting on the beach looking out at the ocean. Callie was splashing through the waves.
"She's beautiful. "
"Just like her mother. "
"Jax, " she turned to face him. "I'm so sorry…"
He put his finger on her lips and smiled. His eyes darkening with passion.
"We lost so much Brenda, let's not dwell on it though. I love you, with everything that I am, I love you. God, "
Jax took a shuddering breath as she leaned closer to him.
"I couldn't live without you Brenda, I don't know how I ever thought I could. "
Brenda softly touched her lips to Jax's and savored the taste and feel of them. The salt from the ocean made her smile into his mouth. Deepening the kiss Jax pulled Brenda on top of him and caressed her shoulder. A frightened scream had her tearing away from Jax and when she looked up Darius was holding Callie.
"NOOOOOO!!!! "
Gladys jumped when Brenda screamed. An instant later her eyes were open wide and wild.
"Mrs. Jacks, what's wrong? "
Ignoring the woman at the edge of her bed Brenda her clothing at puled on the sweat pants. They were too big, but the would do. Pulling on her sneakers she ignored the howling wind and blowing snow outside and headed out into the storm. She had to find Callie, she couldn't let Darius hurt her daughter.
"Mrs. Jacks no, there's a blizzard out there. "
Brenda turned around and smiled at the nurse.
"I've survived one before, I'll survive this one. "
Callie hopped on Jerry's lap and studied him carefully.
"You look just like my daddy. "
"No, "
Jerry smiled, she was adorable.
"Yes. "
"I'm better looking. "
"Are you my uncle? "
"Yup. "
"Did my daddy really make his monsters scare you instead of him? "
"Yup, but I got him back. "
The phone rang and Jax picked it up. Jerry watched Callie's gaze turn to her father and saw the love on her little face. She was so much like her mother.
"How? "
"I sent my goblins after his monsters. "
Jane laughed.
"It was a horrible war my dear. Not worth a retelling. Now, I think it's time to get you back to bed. "
"Okay. "
Callie kissed Jerry's cheek then walked over to Jax who had just hung up the phone. He reached down and she jumped into his arms.
"Goodnight daddy. "
"Night luv. Now, "
Jax smiled and handed Callie to his mother, while motioning for Jerry and his dad to stay in the room.
"I explained to the monsters who you were so they should be quite nice to you now okay. "
She nodded and laughed as she and Jane headed up the stairs. John looked at Jax.
"Problem son? "
"Brenda left Jerry's lab. "
"What?! "
Jerry stood up.
"Gladys said she woke up screaming and then flew out of the building before she could stop her. "
Brenda huddled against the blinding snow and shivered. Damn sweatshirts weren't warm at all. She saw light ahead and headed for them. If Darius had Callie she was going to get her back. Even if she had to kill him to do it.
When she reached the house she saw three familiar figures putting on ski parkas and grabbing search equipment. Turning the door knob, she met three pairs of blue-green eyes filled with worry. Exhaustion finally overwhelmed her and she stumbled towards Callie's father. Relief flooding her. He would help her get Callie back from Darius, he would, after she explained everything to him.
"Jax. "
She fell into his arms and he caught her.
"Callie…Darius has Callie. "