Searching for Winslet (Fallport Rescue Operations #5)

Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The last thing Jett wanted to do was spend his lunch break with anyone other than Winslet. Or maybe Chuck.

But he definitely didn’t want to be sitting across a picnic table from Feya.

Especially when she looked like she’d been crying.

Worse when Chuck was glaring from the porch of the main office.

“What’s going on?” he asked in the kindest of tones he could muster, doing his best to hide his frustration.

“I’m real sorry to bother you at work, but when I called, your co-worker mentioned when you’d be on break and I… I…” She swiped at her cheeks. “…well, I needed to ask you something personal.”

“All right.” He raised his soda and took a massive gulp. He never did drama well. He avoided it like the plague. Growing up, his sister had a few friends who were always causing trouble. Feya wasn’t one of them, but she did bring with her a fair share of histrionics. She wasn’t part of the mean girl crowd, but her desire to be popular drove Evelynn nuts.

It wasn’t Evelynn’s thing. She couldn’t have cared less about who liked her and who didn’t. She cared more about what kind of a person someone was than anything else. It’s kind of how they were raised. Actions spoke louder than words.

“I’m real sorry to drop this at your feet,” Feya said. “About six years ago, my husband had an affair.”

Oh fuck. This was not the conversation he wanted to have with anyone. But especially not her. This was not his business, and he’d made a promise to Winslet.

But now he was smack-dab in the middle of a raging river without a life vest and no ability to swim to shore.

“I’m sorry,” he managed.

“It sucked. I had just had our second child.” She pulled out a tissue and dabbed her eyes. “Our kids are with his parents right now.”

As if he needed to know that.

“Anyway. I love Shamus. So, we went to counseling, and I forgave him. He promised me no more digs. That he’d look for a professorship. But his field is so competitive, and we moved like every year, going from one guest lecture to the next.”

Jett took another long slow sip of his beverage. He’d always been a good listener. But this was going to take a lot of energy.

“He was on track for the position he has now, but then a dig came up in Africa and he really wanted to go. He said it would be the last one. It was only three months, and then he had this one semester before he was sure he’d get a professorship. Which he did.” She sniffled. “Deep down I knew he was cheating on me again. I saw the signs. I chose to ignore them. We had kids. A beautiful life together. And then a few months ago, I knew he must have ended it because things went back to the way they were before. Maybe I’m a fool to believe that he’ll never do it again because he’s now in a permanent position. I don’t know. It’s just that I never thought I’d have to come face-to-face with the woman he was cheating on me with.”

Jett sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “What are you talking about?”

“Your girlfriend. I thought you should know, just in case there was some crossover or something. I feel like a jerk for telling you. No one told me. I’m sure people knew. Know. Some of our friends look at me with pity in their eyes. But I love my family. I love Shamus. I don’t want to fail at this.”

For the first time in a long while, Jett had no idea what to say or what to do. He couldn’t break Winslet’s trust. She meant too much to him to do that. But Feya was obviously in a lot of pain.

He glanced over his shoulder. Chuck leaned against the post near the office. “Feya, I’m sorry, but will you excuse me for a moment? I need to check in with that man over there. It will just take a minute.”

“Um, yeah. Sure.”

Jett rose and strolled across the pathway. He jogged up the five steps and pulled out his cell.

“Enjoying your little date?” Chuck asked with a little bit of venom to his words.

“For the record, that’s Shamus’ wife. Talk about a small world, I went to high school with her,” Jett said. “Follow me in the office for a second.”

“Okay.”

With his heart rattling in his chest, Jett tapped Winslet’s contact information. “Come on, pick up the phone, babe.”

“Hey, this is a nice surprise,” Winslet’s voice boomed over the airwaves.

“You’re not going to think that when I tell you who showed up to have lunch with me or what she just informed me of, and I literally don’t have a fucking clue as to what to do. I left her at the picnic table after she dropped the bomb because I don’t know what to say. Oh, and Chuck is with me. You’re on speaker.”

“Oh my. You’ve got your panties in a twist,” Winslet said. “I’ve never heard you shaken before. It’s cute.”

“Actually, it’s not, Winslet.” Chuck peered out the window. “Shamus’ wife is here.”

“Fuck me,” Winslet muttered.

“Yup. And she knows he had an affair. And she knows it was with you. She came here to warn me because no one told her. What do you want me to do? Babe, this is your call. It’s your story to tell.”

“She’s really rattled you,” Winslet said. “I’m truly sorry you’re now in the middle of it but tell her the truth. Especially if she already knows. I just don’t care anymore.”

“Are you sure you want me to do that? I mean, she’s a mess. I don’t think knowing he lied to you will help matters. It might just crush her more.”

“Shamus is being such a dick here at work. He doesn’t care about anything other than getting caught. He’s made that quite clear. Honestly, if she can pull herself together after the fallout, she’ll be better off without him.”

“I agree with Winslet,” Chuck said. “I’ve lived in this town my whole life except for college. And I’m sorry to say this, but Winslet’s mother is miserable. That poor lady out there, she’ll just become a shell of a woman if she continues to stay with a man who keeps cheating.”

“Yeah, she did mention he did it six years ago,” Jett mumbled. “Okay. Wish me luck.”

“I’ll see you after work.” The line went dead.

“You going to be okay?” Chuck slapped his back. “Do you need a wingman?”

“No. But Feya out there might need another decent human to lend an ear and maybe a shoulder to cry on.”

“Why do some men have to be such assholes?”

“I have no idea, but someone better keep an eye on me. I might seem like a levelheaded guy, but I won’t be able to keep my fists to myself if I have to be in the same room with that man again.”

Winslet ended up catching a ride home with Emory since her work at the lab had been completed early. There was nothing left to do with the bones. Thank God.

Shamus determined that the bones had been buried somewhere in Virginia, most likely in or around Fallport.

Weston hadn’t called.

But both her sister and her mother had been flipping out over her dad being hauled to the police station. Her mom had been furious. She ranted for over a half hour about what a weasel Weston was and how dare he feel the need to ask questions anywhere but the comforts of home.

Tammy had a different take.

She actually wondered if their father could have done it. That had been an interesting conversation.

She took the glass of wine Jett offered and snuggled into the sofa. “So, how was your day?”

“Fucking peachy.” He set his glass on the table, pulled his shirt over his head, and flopped on the sofa, lifting his legs and setting his bare feet on the ottoman. “I’ve never seen so many tears come from one woman in my whole life. Even Chuck was at a loss.”

“I wonder what she’s going to do.”

“I have no idea,” Jett said. “When she finally stopped crying—which was weird because it was like she turned a valve and the waterworks ended—she stood, smoothed down her pants, thanked us for being honest, and left.”

“You have a history with her, so you have to have some insight.”

“I called my sister and asked her what she thought, and Evelynn said Feya would do one of three things. Quietly pack her bags and leave. Or try to talk him into counseling and work things out.” He leaned forward, lifted his wineglass, and chugged half of it. “Or go ballistic.”

“What does that look like?”

“I don’t have a clue, but whatever it is, it doesn’t sound good. But it’s not our problem either.”

“I’m sorry you were put in that position.”

He turned and lifted her chin with his palm. God, he could be so tender. “You didn’t. Shamus did.”

“I don’t know how you can say that. You’re not the one who dated him.”

“Nope. But he’s the one who lied. To both of you.” He kissed her, soft and tender. “Now, you said there was something you wanted to talk to me about before we dived into the whole should I take this professorship job.”

“It’s actually the head of the department now, but that’s splitting hairs.”

“And you’re changing the subject.”

She twirled her hair with her free hand. “This is going to be weird and awkward.”

“Nothing could be stranger than today.”

“The truth is I want to take the job. What’s stopping me more than anything is I’m honestly worried about the possibility of my father being arrested.”

“You really think he could have done it?”

“The things Weston told me, it’s possible. What we’re lacking is motive. But let’s say the worst thing happens. I have to live in a town where my father is now a cheat and a murderer.”

“You’re being quite logical about this.”

“My boyfriend taught me how.” She laughed. “Haven lived through a ton of shit when she came back. And she survived.”

“I know her story and that had to have sucked for her.”

“It did. But she held her head high and now she’s a freaking cop with an awesome husband and two kids. If she can do it, considering what she went through, so can I.”

Jett traced his finger across her jawline. “You’re a strong woman and the reality is no one can blame you for someone else’s sins.”

“You say that, but people do.”

“True. But people do get past it,” he said. “So, if it’s not your family’s history or your dad stopping you from taking the job, what is?”

“This thing with us happened out of the blue. And it’s happening so fast. I know I said I wouldn’t factor you into my decision and maybe I won’t. But I need to know a few things.”

“I think you know me well enough to know you can ask me anything and I’ll be honest.”

That’s what she was afraid of. “Do you have any desire to move back to Western, New York? You’re so close with your family.”

“I love my parents. And you’ve heard me and my sister talk. I don’t know what I would have done without them after the helicopter crash. But I have lived my entire adult life away from them. I don’t have to live next to them to be close. And sometimes, they can be stifling. Overbearing and bit much. So, the answer to the question is no. Next.”

She chuckled before taking another sip of courage. “Would you ever get married again?”

Both brows shot up.

Shit. Too soon. Too fast.

“I’m not talking about us, per se,” she added.

“But you are.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “As way in the future. And it’s a reasonable question considering you are making a change in your life, and we are a couple.”

“We’ve known each other going on two weeks. That doesn’t make for?—”

He hushed her with his index finger. “I’ve honestly never been opposed to marriage. Only, after Kiki, I was soured to the concept. When Becky came into my life, I was thinking about it again. But you know what happened there. I believe in love. I believe in having a partner. I never thought I would be in a position to do it again. And yet I find myself sitting on this couch with you, biting my tongue, because I might consider begging you to stay.”

“That’s kind of sweet but dances around the answer.”

“If all the stars aligned, yeah, I’d do it again.”

Her heart damn near jumped out of her mouth and landed in his lap.

“Any more questions for me?”

“One,” she whispered. “What about children?”

He downed the rest of his wine. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this because after Kiki walked out on our marriage, I swore I’d never entertain that thought. I certainly didn’t think about it with Becky.” He set his glass down while she held her breath. Palming her face, he stared into her eyes as if he were looking into her soul. “When I was younger, all I wanted was a family. I used to dream of having a couple of kids to bounce on my knees. Part of that dream died when Kiki divorced me. I think part of me thought I wouldn’t be a good dad because I wasn’t a good husband.”

“Stop that. I might have only been dating you a ridiculously short period of time, but all you’ve ever done is show me kindness. Okay, so maybe you could show a little more emotion sometimes, but you do when it counts.”

He dropped his forehead to hers. “You’ve brought me full circle. You’ve made me think about things I haven’t in years. It’s crazy. Insane, even. I’ve never felt so alive before, and trust me, the moment they took me off a ventilator and I took my first breaths on my own, that felt like I was fucking alive.”

“I can only imagine.”

“My point is, I can’t promise you anything. Actually, I won’t promise something that I can’t guarantee. But all these things that you’re asking me are things I’ve thought about. But I wasn’t going to bring them up because I didn’t want to pressure you. I didn’t want to make this about me. It’s your career. Your life. I will support you no matter what because I?—”

Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Whoever that is has horrible timing.” He kissed her forehead and jumped to his feet while the pounding on his door continued. “Jesus. I’m coming.” He gripped the door handle and pulled it back.

“You motherfucking asshole.”

Winslet knew that voice.

She leaped to her feet.

The sound of knuckles connecting with Jett’s cheek rattled her teeth.

Jett stumbled backward, slamming into her body. He twisted, but there was nothing he could do to prevent them both from falling to the floor with a thud.

“You think you’re a big man? You think just because you knew my wife a long time ago you had the right?” Shamus towered over Jett. His eyes were filled with rage.

Winslet gasped. Fear filled her belly like sour milk. She’d never seen him so angry and out of control.

“And you.” He stuck his finger in her face. “So much for not being a vindictive bitch.” He grabbed her by the shoulders. “Feya left me because of you.”

“Get your fucking hands off her.” Jett was on his feet in seconds.

Before she even knew what happened, he slammed Shamus against the wall. He actually lifted Shamus’ body off the floor. Jett held him there with his forearm against his chest. Shamus’ feet dangled an inch from her welcome mat.

“You can throw sucker punches at me all day long. I don’t give a fuck. But don’t you ever lay your hands on a woman.” Jett took a step back, letting Shamus fall to the floor.

He nearly toppled over.

Jett wiped his bloody lip.

“Get the fuck out of my home before I physically remove you.” Jett opened the door. “You are not welcome here and don’t contact me or my girl again. If you do, you’ll regret it.”

“Are you threatening me?”

Jett took a step forward.

Shamus took one toward the door.

“I’m not the kind of man you want to fuck with.” Jett cocked his head. “Just ask your hopefully soon-to-be ex-wife what I did when one of her friend’s exes got handsy with her and you’ll understand why.” He gave Shamus a shove and slammed the door. He leaned against the structure, closed his eyes, and let out a long breath. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Winslet raced to his side, palming his face. She couldn’t imagine what Jett was apologizing for. Yeah, he was a little aggressive, but fuck, Shamus came in hot. Real hot. The situation was volatile, and she was scared. Her hands were still freaking shaking. “The jerk hit you. In your apartment. All you did was confirm what his wife thought. You didn’t do anything wrong but defend both of us.”

“I’m glad you see it that way.” He blinked open his eyes. “You haven’t seen this side of me. I do have a temper. Especially when it comes to that kind of shit. I can take a fist sandwich. I’ll walk away from chest pounding and pissing contests. But I struggle with men who either strike a woman or put their paws on them when they don’t want them to. It’s a hot button for me.”

“Are you the kind of man who will stop what you’re doing when you see an injustice wherever you are?”

He nodded.

“Chuck’s that way too. One of the many reasons I like that man so much.” She wrapped her arms around Jett and held on for dear life. “Did something happen to make you like that? Because for Chuck, there’s a story.”

“No story, really. I just have a little sister who’s pretty as hell. A few times guys would whistle at her and say gross stuff and I’d tell them to back off. But nothing ever happened.”

“Your sister’s lucky to have you.”

“I’m the lucky one.” He tipped her chin. “I’m also pretty lucky that you’re in my life. Now, don’t we have a list of pros and cons to make?”

“Can you still be impartial?”

“Nope.”

She laughed. “At least you’re honest.”