Perfect Fit (Serendipity's Finest)

Fourteen



Cara spent the rest of the week working and remembering the amazing sex she’d had with Mike on Monday afternoon. He’d kept her in his arms, picked up her cell off the counter, and waited as she’d called Daniella, got voice mail, and left a message. Next thing she knew, he couldn’t keep his hands off her—and vice versa. He lay over her, skin to skin, and breathed her in. She felt him inhale and groan, his entire body shaking. Then he made love to her.

She knew the difference. He took control as usual, but the reverence in his touch was different; the way he caressed her with his lips, his hands, his mouth—was different. When he entered her, his gaze drinking her in as he thrust deep, he owned her. She knew it even if he never would.

Now, on Friday, her day off, she could barely concentrate, but she’d promised Alexa they’d go dress shopping for Joe and Annie’s upcoming wedding. Cara wasn’t a girly-girl who loved shopping, unlike Alexa, who enjoyed the whole process even if she didn’t get off work much to indulge. They drove to the nearest mall, twenty minutes away, and Cara let Alexa do her thing. She pulled a variety of dresses for each of them, choosing an assortment of colors, lengths, and shapes. Cara wasn’t big on bright colors, so in between her friends’ choices, she tossed in some basic black too.

After what felt like an endless morning, Cara slid into a black, silky, one-shouldered dress that draped in the right places and that she felt very comfortable in.

“Come out and let me see!” Alexa called from the fitting room next door.

Cara walked into the hall in her bare feet and faced Alexa, who glowed in a short dress covered in gold sequins. “That dress looks fabulous on you!” she told her friend.

“I love it too. I think this is the one. As long as we find shoes and a bag today, I’ll be all set.”

Cara groaned. “I thought we were finished after this.” She looked over her shoulder into the mirror for a full-length glance at her image. Yep, she was happy with this one.

“No. Next we accessorize.” Alexa planted her hands on her hips. “What are you wearing?”

“A dress.” She rolled her eyes at the stupid question.

“Going to a funeral?”

“Hey, that’s not nice. This is a cocktail dress and you know it.”

“It’s a basic black dress, and it does nothing special for you.” After that disheartening pronouncement, Alexa walked around Cara in a circle, and nodded once. “Right. Nothing special. Did you try the red one?”

No, Cara had not tried the red one because she’d stand out at the wedding like a sore thumb. “I could have worn that to Vegas. It’s not appropriate for the wedding. It’s at Joe’s Bar!”

“Yet you love me in this?” Alexa waved her hand up and down the glittering number.

“You’re more outgoing.”

“You’re such a chicken. You want to blend into the woodwork? Why? You’ve got a hot body and a hot guy who’ll want to see it. Go change. I want to see the red dress.”

Cara sighed and headed back into the fitting room. There was no arguing with Alexa when she was in this kind of determined mood. “I’ll never find shoes to match,” Cara called out through the slatted door as she struggled to adjust the tightly fitted dress.

“That’s what silver is for. Now get out here and let me see.”

“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re bossy?” Cara muttered, tugging on the hem.

“Only my interns, my staff, my patients, and my friends.”

Cara opened the door and stepped back into the hall.

“Oh my God. Stunning. Turn.” Alexa made a spinning motion with her hands, and Cara dutifully followed directions. “Perfect!”

“Look at my cleavage!”

Alexa grinned. “Exactly! Stunning. Classy yet bold. Let’s go. We have to find shoes.”

Cara sighed and shut the dressing room door. Before changing, she glanced at her reflection in the small mirror. She did love how the dress hugged her curves. She’d just never picked out such a statement color before.

“You only live once,” Alexa called out from her room next door. “Stop overthinking it and change.”

Cara laughed and decided her friend was right. She’d buy the dress and make a statement. They paid for their dresses and took them downstairs to pick out shoes.

“Do you have a date for the wedding?” Cara asked.

Alexa shook her head. “With who? The same people who come through my office doors? Or the ER?”

“And whose fault is that? You work too hard! There are plenty of single, good-looking guys in Serendipity, and you know it.”

“I really don’t want to talk about it, okay?” Alexa asked, sounding like she meant it.

Cara narrowed her gaze. “One of these days I’m going to figure out why you won’t let me in when it comes to talking about romance. You sure don’t mind digging into mine.”

“You deserve to be happy in a relationship, Cara.”

“So do you,” she reminded her friend.

“We don’t always get what we want,” Alexa said softly.

And Cara merely nodded, knowing truer words had never been spoken.

Cara and Mike were on the way to the movies in a multiplex about twenty minutes away from Serendipity. They’d just started out when his cell rang and his mother asked if he’d come over.

“I’m with Cara,” he said into the speakerphone.

“Bring her along!” Ella immediately said, no hesitation.

Cara’s chest tightened. She appreciated how the Marsdens always made her feel welcome and not like an outsider. Sometimes she felt more a part of their family than her own.

“Do you mind?” Mike mouthed to her so his mother wouldn’t hear.

“Of course not.” She smiled to reassure him.

About half an hour later, they were gathered in the family room of his parents’ house with Erin and Sam, waiting for Ella and Simon, who were upstairs.

“Any idea why we’re here?” Mike asked his siblings, who sat around his parents’ family room with them on a Friday night.

Erin shook her head. “They just said they wanted to talk, but not to panic, it wasn’t bad news.” Her brows crinkled in confusion.

“Okay, so we’re all in the dark.”

“At least it smells like we’re getting dessert,” Sam said with a grin.

Erin rolled her eyes. “Can you think about something other than your always empty stomach?”

Personally, Cara agreed with him. The delicious aroma of coffee brewing scented through the house, making her hope there was some kind of cake to go along with it. But she didn’t say anything, merely glanced at Sam, and they both laughed knowingly.

Mike, whose arm was around her shoulder, tightened his hold. Cara tried not to be too pleased by the unnecessary proprietary display. Instead, she focused on Kojak. The little dog had made himself at home in her lap, and she petted the fluffy white head, wishing she were able to get a dog of her own.

“What’s with that look?” Mike asked.

Cara couldn’t help but smile at how well he read her. “Kojak’s cute. I wouldn’t mind a pet, but my shifts are too long. It wouldn’t be fair for an animal to be alone all the time.”

He eyed her with a funny expression on his face, but before she could question him, Ella and Simon walked into the room, their arms linked together. Their show of unity wasn’t just an act. Anyone who’d grown up in Serendipity, who’d been to town events Simon had presided over as chief, who’d attended gatherings with this family, knew that Simon and Ella’s love was steady and real. Illness had only strengthened the bond, and Cara envied them the life they shared—sickness and all, she’d give anything for a love that enduring and real.

“What’s up?” Sam asked, leaning forward in his seat.

Erin stared at her parents, her eyes wide and her expression curious.

Mike feigned relaxation, but Cara felt the stiffness in his arms and knew whatever their pronouncement, it was as important to him as to his siblings.

Whether they were being deliberately dramatic or not, the next few moments of silence dragged on endlessly.

Simon and Ella smiled at one another with love, then turned that gaze on each of their children, causing Cara a moment of discomfort. “I should go and let you all talk,” she said, suddenly feeling like an outsider who didn’t belong.

She started to rise, but Mike held on tight while Simon stepped forward. “Nonsense. If anyone has a right to hear this news along with the family, it’s you.” He smiled warmly at Cara and she drank in his words, relaxing back beside Mike on the sofa.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“My pleasure.” He grinned, and Cara realized Simon looked happier than she’d seen him in a while; though he was still frail as a result of his treatments, there was a definite glint in his eye that she hadn’t noticed the last time she’d been here for dinner.

“Well, stop keeping us in suspense,” Sam said.

“He’s in remission!” Ella said, obviously unable to keep the news in any longer.

The next few minutes were a blur of happy hugs, kisses, and tears of joy as they celebrated the news. Cara gladly participated, knowing the family’s relief as well as her own. Simon was a wonderful man, dedicated not just to the family who adored him but to the town he loved. He’d been police chief of Serendipity for as long as Cara could remember, and before his illness, he’d been a great boss…

Her thoughts trailed off as the reality of the good news set in. Simon’s remission meant he’d be ready to resume the reins at the station again soon. Simon would come back to work, and Mike would step down. He’d be out of a job in Serendipity. Nothing compelling would keep him here, and he’d return to his solitary apartment in Manhattan, his undercover work, and his women. Like Lauren.

The ache in her chest hurt so badly she couldn’t breathe, making her wonder if this was what a heart attack felt like. While the family talked, Cara picked up Kojak again, finding comfort in the dog’s soft fur, and she buried her face in his fluffy body. If she were going to survive Mike’s leaving, maybe she’d have to get a dog after all.

What kind of person was she that she’d turn a wonderful celebration of life into a memorial? She ought to be ashamed, Cara thought. She swallowed the pain in her throat and promised that she’d pull herself together. As long as she was in this house, she’d smile and be happy. She’d save the wallowing for when she was alone.

A status that was coming soon enough.

“Hey,” Mike said, sitting back down beside her, concerned by the pained, fragile look on her face. “You okay?” First Cara had tried to bolt before his parents’ news, and now she’d all but withdrawn into herself.

She nodded, her eyes watery. “It’s such great news. Overwhelming, actually.”

“Unexpected, too. I had no idea he was going for a scan or anything.”

“I’m sure they didn’t want to either worry you unnecessarily or get your hopes up just in case things were status quo.”

He nodded, grasping her free hand that wasn’t holding the dog. “I’m glad you’re here to share the celebration.” He grinned at her, beyond thrilled that his father had beaten the damned disease.

She smiled back. Oddly, it didn’t reach her eyes.

He wanted to pull her out and find out exactly what was wrong, but Ella announced coffee and cake, Sam whooped in happiness, and he knew they couldn’t escape yet.

“I can always count on my youngest boy and his stomach,” his mother said, laughing.

“Even I’m hungry for some of your mom’s chocolate cake,” Simon announced.

Mike slid his hand into Cara’s. She scooted the dog off her lap and they headed for the kitchen, but he had the distinct sense something was off. He just had no time to ask what was going on in her head. Over dessert, the celebration continued with family jokes and fun toasts to Simon, despite that fact that the only drinks on the table were coffee cups.

Sam cleared his throat and looked at Simon. “Here’s to your shoving my big brother out of your office and reclaiming your rightful place as chief.”

No sooner had Sam raised his glass than Mike realized exactly what was bothering Cara. He was startled that he hadn’t thought of it sooner, but his father’s good health news had overshadowed everything else. Suddenly his own stomach cramped as he understood the source of her worry.

He reached beneath the table and squeezed her hand. She didn’t squeeze back. And considering that he didn’t know what the hell to say—or do—he didn’t blame her.

When the doorbell rang, Mike was relieved because it took the pressure off. Pressure he was starting to feel in his chest, and he wasn’t certain whether it was because he could finally think about leaving Serendipity or because he suddenly didn’t want to go.

“I’ve got it,” Simon said, and since this was probably the first time in ages he’d been excited to have company, everyone let him do the honors of answering the door.

“So, Erin, how was—”

“What the hell are you doing here?” Simon’s voice carried into the dining room, interrupting whatever his mother was about to say and scaring even Mike.

“I haven’t heard that tone since I borrowed the car when I was fifteen,” Mike muttered, rising from his seat.

Everyone scrambled to see what had Simon so upset, Mike heading out first.

“You aren’t welcome here,” Simon said, and Mike’s gut twisted into a painful knot as his gut told him exactly who the unexpected visitor was.

Sure enough, Rex stood in the doorway, his gaze running over Simon. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

“Rex!” Ella said, her dismay at seeing him as obvious as Simon’s.

“Hey, beautiful! You look even younger in person than you did online.”

Cara sidled up beside Mike and slipped her hand into his, silently offering her support, but Mike had a feeling it was Ella who was going to need it.

“You’ve seen her online?” Simon asked, his suddenly wary gaze shooting between his wife and his former best friend.

Mike drew a steadying breath. “How about we do this inside?” He didn’t need the neighbors witnessing this spectacle.

“You’ve got five minutes,” Simon muttered, and stepped aside so Rex could enter.

Mike felt his brother’s and sister’s gazes darting from Rex to Mike, as if looking for the similarities, and Mike’s skin crawled in fear that they’d find some.

“Could we get some privacy for this meeting?” Rex had the balls to ask of Simon.

“No. This is my home,” Simon said, his voice clear and strong. “My wife and my children. My son,” he said, his gaze falling pointedly to Mike. “You’re interrupting a family dinner, so we’d appreciate it if you had your say and then were gone.”

Rex’s face flushed. “I heard you had cancer. I wanted to come see that you were okay.” He shifted on his feet, obviously surprised he hadn’t been welcomed with open arms.

There was a narcissistic bent to Rex that Mike hadn’t been aware of before now. He’d honestly thought Simon and Ella would be happy to see him after all these years.

“You heard about me how?” Simon asked.

Mike’s heart pounded in his chest. Both he and his mother had avoided telling Simon anything about being in contact with Rex. They’d agreed to wait until Simon didn’t have so much to worry about, until the cancer was gone. But Rex’s timing took that choice away from them.

Ella placed a hand on Simon’s arm. “He reached out on Facebook a few weeks ago,” she said.

“Then I went to Vegas to run down a lead on that cold case I’d been asking you about,” Mike added, refusing to let his mother take sole responsibility. “I mentioned not wanting to burden you because you had too much going on.”

“So when Rex asked me what was up with you, Simon, I told him,” Ella said. “Mike and I decided we’d tell you everything once we knew you were healthy. I had no idea Rex would just show up here after all these years.” She scowled at the man who, though he was Mike’s father, had intruded on them all.

“But apparently we ran out of time,” Mike said, shooting Rex a disgusted glare.

“You’ve been in touch with him,” Simon’s gaze dulled as he looked at his wife. “And you went to meet him.” He turned that disappointment on Mike.

And he didn’t like the sick feeling in his gut caused by hurting the man he considered his father.

“Simon—”

“Don’t worry, Ella. We’ll talk later.” To Mike’s relief, he didn’t sound angry at his wife. “And son, so will we.” He turned an understanding gaze on Mike.

That was Simon. Angry for an instant, calm and understanding for a lifetime. More than anything, Mike wanted to be like him.

“As for you.” Simon jerked toward Rex. “What makes you think we want you here after all this time? My wife says she didn’t expect you. Mike, did you invite him?” he asked, his tone completely neutral.

If Mike said he had, Simon would have accepted it. God, Mike admired the man even more—and he hadn’t thought such a thing was possible.

“No.” Mike folded his arms across his chest. “I didn’t. I asked him a few questions, then made it clear I wanted nothing to do with him.”

“Guess those are the only people in the room who get a vote where you’re concerned, and they stated their choice. I appreciate that you made the long trip, but there’s nothing here for you anymore. That was your choice almost thirty years ago.”

Rex shook his head in denial. The complete shock on his face told Mike he’d really expected to be welcomed. “I came because you have cancer. Because we go way back. And because we have history.”

“Well, the cancer’s gone, and now so are you.” Simon headed for the door.

“I wouldn’t be so quick to throw me out,” Rex spat suddenly, his voice low and not nearly as nice or accommodating. “Your so-called son is looking into the money in the evidence locker. What are you going to do when he finds out what you did?” His words sounded like the threat they were meant to be.

All eyes looked to Simon.

“I’ll talk to my family. I’ll take my punishment. But they won’t hear anything from you.” This time Simon did head for the door and opened it. “Your welcome here ended the day you left town.”

Rex stiffened, his big body reverberating with anger. “As I recall, you sent me packing.”

Mike whipped his head around. “What?” He glanced at his mother.

Tears shimmered in her eyes, but she didn’t have the shell-shocked look Mike had expected. Clearly more was going on here, and only the second generation was in the dark.

“Dad?” Sam stepped forward, but Simon held out a hand. “I’ll explain everything.” He gestured with a broad sweep. “After he leaves.”

“You’ll be sorry. You had thirty years of peace. Do you really want to stir the pot now?”

Mike had had enough. “Sounds to me like you’re the one stirring the pot.” He stormed over to Rex, grabbed his arm, and escorted him outside.

“I’m your father,” Rex said.

“Simon’s my father.”

“But my blood is running through your veins.”

Mike tried like hell not to let his panic at that thought show. Instead he held on to the support of the four people back inside who cared about him.

Five if he counted Cara.

Mike spun and reentered the house, slamming the door shut behind him. In the family room, his brother and sister were peppering Simon with questions, shouting over each other in their need to be heard.

“Hold up and wait for Mike. I don’t want to have to repeat myself.”

Mike eyed Simon with pride, admiration, and love, seeing him in a new light.

The man had staked his claim as Mike’s father—in front of a man who claimed biological rights, no less—and he’d done it at his own personal expense.

Simon had raised him. He’d gone to every sporting event, academic function, and graduation Mike ever had. And he’d never once acted as if Mike meant any less to him than his own children. Despite this, Mike had always felt less important, less worthy than the others—thanks to insecurities instilled by the mere knowledge that his real father had abandoned him. In Mike’s mind, he’d figured deep down Simon felt the same way.

He’d been dead wrong. And he was ashamed for giving Simon so little credit. Whatever had gone down all those years ago, Mike didn’t give a damn. He’d protect Simon with everything he had.

He stepped up to his father and pulled him into a quick hug before joining Cara, who sat quietly in an oversized chair.

“Are you okay?” she asked softly.

He nodded. For the first time, he really was.

“I should go and let Simon talk to you all alone,” she whispered.

He snaked his arm around her waist, anchoring her in place. “It’s your case too, and these are the answers we’ve been looking for.” Besides, he wanted her here for the rest of the reveal.

“Tell them, Simon,” Ella said, her voice strong.

Mike suddenly realized that his mother knew everything. All along, she’d had the answers they were looking for. Of course she did. Ella and Simon were a tight unit, and they hadn’t gotten that way by keeping secrets. Damn, but he’d underestimated her too.

Simon stood at the head of the room, facing his kids. “The rumors you all heard were true. The Winkler place rented out rooms by the hour. They had girls that were imported from Manhattan for the use of whatever locals were willing to pay. And the Winkler boys, as they were known, only took cash. That cash came from both prostitution and drugs, since the boys worked for a syndicate that operated out of Manhattan.”

Mike glanced at Sam. They sat in silence, waiting for the rest.

“Plenty of people wanted the brothel shut down, myself included, but there were too many men in high positions involved.”

“Like Judge Baine,” Mike said, understanding how high and deep this small-town scandal went.

Simon nodded. “Like Marshall. And old Mayor Ferber. Of course, periodically, people would make a ruckus and mothers would petition and the place would go dark for a while, only to open up again when things quieted down.”

“How was Rex involved?” Mike asked.

Simon gave Mike an understanding nod. “As I found out later, he was on the take. With the old police chief involved, Rex became the rookie who was sent out on call every time a complaint came in. He made sure evidence got buried, things stayed quiet, and he was paid well for his trouble. Same as Judge Baine.”

“What happened to mess it all up?” Sam leaned forward in his seat.

“What always happens. Stupid shit trips people up. The feds were on to the syndicate in New York. They had marked money in play to find out what businesses they were using to launder drug money. The feds had a highly placed guy in the cartel by that point, and he made sure the marked bills made it into circulation in each business. Including the Winklers. Then one day, there were picketers at the motel. Things got ugly and the cops were called in—except Rex was out on a routine call and he couldn’t get over there first to hide or ignore evidence. I found more cash than a motel should have and it was all marked.”

Mike listened as all the pieces fell into place.

“Everyone must’ve known it was only a matter of time before the cops tied the Winkler place to the drug guys in the city.” Simon shoved his hands into the front pockets of his sweats. “Before that could happen, Judge Baine let the guy out on bail.”

“Then?” Erin asked, as interested as the rest of them.

“A few weeks later, one of the drug couriers from Manhattan was pulled over for speeding in Serendipity. The cops found a load of drugs in the car and money he was transporting back to the city. The bills were marked just like the ones found at the Winkler bust,” Simon went on. “The feds were notified about the drugs and the additional marked money. But around the same time, they’d taken key syndicate members around Manhattan. Nobody needed the little fish who’d been arrested in Serendipity, and the case went cold.”

“Which helped make it all go away quietly, letting everyone here in town off the hook.” Sam let out a low whistle.

Simon nodded. “With the cartel finished in Manhattan, the source of the girls and drugs dried up here in Serendipity—and wherever else they were running illegal brothels. The Winkler place became town lore, and that was that.”

Mike cleared his throat. “What about the cash in the evidence room? The money replaced with older bills?” He tensed, sensing this was where Rex and Simon’s involvement came in.

Cara placed a hand on his back, and he was never more grateful for the support than at this moment. Hell, whatever came, he felt stronger facing it with her by his side.

“Rex had a gambling habit too.” Simon ran a hand through his thinning hair. “He stole the money from the evidence room. I didn’t catch him in the act, but I figured it out and he didn’t deny it when I confronted him.” He paced the length of the small room. “Of course, he expected me to keep it quiet.”

Mike and his siblings remained silent, waiting for him to tell the story his way.

“By then, your mother was pregnant with you and Rex was panicked in every way you can imagine. He couldn’t deal, he wasn’t making your mother any promises, and I saw only one solution for everyone involved.”

Ella, who had been sitting on the couch, rose and stood by Simon’s side. “We were all good friends. I was dating Rex and I thought I loved him, but what I loved was the illusion of the man. By the time I found out I was pregnant, the bloom was off that rose already,” she said, letting out a painful laugh.

Mike’s throat swelled, and he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

“I was pregnant and scared, but make no mistake, Michael, I wanted you.” Moisture glistened in her eyes, and with the way her gaze held on to his, he couldn’t not believe her.

His chest pounded and his heart hurt, but he knew with everything in him that his mother told the truth.

“And I’d always loved Ella,” Simon said to his rapt audience. “If Rex had done right by her, I’d have kept silent. But he didn’t, and she deserved so much more than that son of a bitch was giving her, which was nothing but grief.”

Ella patted his back, urging him to continue.

“I had an old pocket watch that belonged to my grandfather and some other jewelry my mother had given me to put away for any woman I ended up marrying, and—”

“He pawned it all.” Ella picked up the story. “To help me and fix things, he sold family heirlooms.” Her voice caught on her words.

“I took the cash and went to Rex with a deal. Either he left town, in which case I would replace the money he stole, or he could stay, and I’d turn him in for evidence tampering, stealing, and whatever else the D.A. wanted to come up with.”

“What did Rex say?” Erin asked.

“He ran like the coward he was,” Ella said. “Then Simon asked me to marry him. He said he’d always loved me and he promised he wanted to raise the baby like his own. That’s when I learned that real love was more than something you said in the heat of the moment. Love is real and enduring.” She squeezed Simon’s hand before lifting herself onto her toes so she could kiss his cheek. “And he’s proven that love to me every day since.”

Simon kissed his wife before turning to face his children. “Questions?” he barked at them, so like the Simon Mike remembered rather than the frail man of late.

“Not at the moment,” Erin said, obviously stunned.

“Statements?” Simon asked.

Sam shook his head.

“Concerns?” Simon’s gaze locked on Mike.

He swallowed hard. “If I’ve got them, I need time to think them through. I’m a little numb,” he muttered.

Simon nodded. “Understood. Come to me if you want to talk.”

“Or to me,” his mother added, and Mike knew she meant if he wanted to discuss her relationship with Rex Bransom.

“Right now, I’m taking your mother upstairs and I’m going to find out why she thought she couldn’t tell me she’d heard from Rex,” Simon said in a tone that brooked no argument. “And I’m not taking because you had cancer for an answer.”

Sam snickered, and even Mike had to laugh. Somehow, things had gone from deadly serious to back to normal in the blink of an eye.

And Mike hadn’t been kidding. He needed time to process the entire evening before he could begin to make sense—of anything that had happened tonight.