Tennessee Whiskey

Chapter 13-Mary

Chapter 13

Mary

After Evan leaves for work, Mia and I get in the car, and I buckle her into her car seat. “Where to Mary?” Christopher asks. “The Mission please.” I tell him and we head there. Once we pull in, I get Mia out and we head inside. We walk to Kathy’s office and see Mia’s counselor, Susan, there. “Thanks for meeting us here, Susan.” I say. “No problem. Mia, why don’t you play for a minute while I talk to your mom.” Susan says. She looks at me and I nod before she heads over to the toys. “What do I need to know?” she asks. “So, I know we talked about her seeing her father kill her mother. She had a nightmare last night and crawled into bed with us. All she would say is that her daddy hurt her mommy and she still seems a little off still this morning. Not talking as much. Not really smiling like she was.” I tell her and she nods. “Give me an hour.” She tells me and I nod before kissing the top of Mia’s head and leaving the room.

I walk to Lori’s office and knock on the door. “Come in.” she says, and I open the door and slip inside. “Everything okay?” she asks when she looks up from nursing Maggie. “Yeah. Mia had a nightmare, so I kept her home today. She’s with Susan for a session.” I tell her. “I hate that. The nightmares are the worst. And her being so young, she doesn’t know how to process it.” She tells me. “Yeah. I mean, we’re making sure we show her affection, and we reassure her that we’re here and we won’t let anything happen, but she still needs help.” I tell her. “And you and Evan are doing an amazing job with her. She was telling Logan at your wedding that she got a new mommy and daddy and that you were really nice to her.” She tells me and I start laughing a little. “We’re trying.” I tell her and she smiles softly. We talk a little more before the hour is almost up, so I head back to Kathy’s office.

I walk in and see Susan get off the floor and Mia is still playing. Susan walks up to me and says “She’s going to be fine. She might still have a nightmare here and there, but we talked about it, and I asked her what she does when she’s scared, and she says she goes to you and Evan and you make everything better.” She tells me. “Is there anything else we can do to help her?” I ask. “Nothing that you’re not already doing. You guys are doing a great job with her.” She tells me. I shake her hand and walk over to Mia. “You ready to go baby?” I ask. “Where we go?” she asks. “To the art store. We can get you some new colors too if you want.” I tell her. “Yay!” she cheers, and it seems like she’s feeling a little better.

We get out to the car and head to the art store. “When we get here, you stay with Mommy. I have to talk to Mr. Albert about some new things for the mission.” I tell her. “Tay Mommy.” She says and when we pull up at the store, I help her out of the car, and we head inside. I see the same associate that I spoke to before and she smiles as she welcomes me. “Are you here to see Albert?” she asks. “Yes please.” I say and she tells me she will let him know I’m there.

I have Mia by the hand and Christopher is not far behind us. We walk up the aisle next to us and Mia sees the letters and points out the ones for her name. “Do you want to get these for your door?” I ask and she nods her head yes. “Pick out three colors and we can paint them this weekend.” I tell her and she starts picking the colors. She is holding the third color, which is a soft green, and we see the same guy from before, Gabriel. I pick Mia up and hold her closer and Christopher moves closer to us. “Well, aren’t you a pretty little girl.” He says to Mia, and she hides her face in my neck, and I hold her closer. “What’s her name?” he asks. “Excuse us.” I say and we start to head the other way. “I didn’t know you had a daughter.” He says and I don’t answer. “I love kids.” He says and Christopher steps between us. “You should get back to work.” Christopher tells him and he backs away with a grin on his face.

About that time, Albert comes around the corner. “Mary. Hello.” He says before looking and seeing Gabriel walking away. “He isn’t bothering you, is he?” Albert asks. “A little bit.” I say and he tells me he will handle it. We walk back to his office and Mia still has her letters in her hand and Albert smiles. “And who is this pretty lady?” he asks. “Mia.” She answers. “Mia. That’s a pretty name. How old are you, Mia?” he asks, and she holds up three fingers. “Wow. A whole three years old. You’re a big girl. Do you like art like your mom?” he asks, and she nods her head yes. He looks at me and I hand him the new list. “I just need to add these to the list I gave you the other day.” I tell him. “That’s not a problem. What about those?” he asks, motioning towards Mia. “I’ll pay for this up front.” I tell him and he nods. “I’ll add these to your order, and we can get everything delivered in the next couple of days.” He tells me. “That’s perfect. Thank you again Albert.” I tell him as we shake hands, and we head out of the office and head up front.

I am still holding Mia close when we get to the register, and I am watching for Gabriel. I take the things from Mia and the cashier rings them up before I use my card to pay, and we head out. Once we’re in the car, we head home, and Mia falls asleep. Once she’s asleep, Christopher asks “Are you going to tell Evan?” I look at him in the rearview mirror and say, “Tonight when we put Mia to bed.” I tell him. “Let me know what you need from me.” He tells me and I just nod.

We get home and Mia is still sleeping. I put her in her bed and grab the monitor and head to the library. I make myself a cup of tea and sit in the window seat and just stare outside. A little while later, Mia is awake and I am sitting on the couch, with a glass of wine, watching her play. The library door opens and Evan walks in. Mia runs to him like she always does, and he carries her over to the couch before leaning down and kissing me hello. He looks at me for a minute and sees something’s on my mind. Putting Mia down, she runs back to her play area, and he moves to the bar and grabs a beer. Sitting beside me he asks, “Are you okay?” I lay my head on his shoulder, and he kisses the top of my head, and I don’t say anything. “After we put Mia to bed?” he asks, and I nod my head yes.

We have dinner and get Mia her bath and into bed before heading out to the patio with another beer and another glass of wine. “What’s on your mind baby?” He asks. “Mia met with Susan today. She says Mia is doing great and that we’re doing everything we can to help her. She said she just needs time to process the way her little mind does.” I tell him. “That’s great to hear. But that’s not what’s on your mind, is it?” he asks, and I shake my head no. “Do you remember when I went a few days ago to order the art supplies for the mission?” I ask and he nods. “Well, I had a few things to add to the order so after Mia’s session, Christopher drove us there to give my list to Albert. We were waiting for him to come out of his office and one of the guys came up to us while Mia was picking out some paints and started talking to Mia. I picked her up and held her close to me and he was asking her name and telling me that he loves kids. Christopher stepped in and made him leave us alone.” I tell him. “Has he spoken to you before?” he asks. “When I was there a few days ago. He tried to flirt with me and offered to give me a tour of the gallery there and I declined. I told him I was married and he told me that if I were his woman that he wouldn’t let me out of his site.” I tell him and see his jaw clinch.

I get out of my seat and move into his lap, and he wraps his arms around me and nuzzles his nose into my neck. “Christopher stays close and makes sure he doesn’t get too close. I spoke to Albert the other day and he said he would talk to him and would make sure he wasn’t one of the ones delivering to the mission. Apparently, he didn’t get the hint.” I say. “Want me to talk to him?” he asks. “No. After today I can just call in the orders so it’s not like I’ll be back in there and I won’t go in again without you and I never go without Christopher.” I tell him. “Good. If he keeps up, I’ll handle it.” He tells me and I tilt his chin up and kiss him softly. “Are you okay?” he asks. “I am. He just creeped me out and Mia didn’t care for him either.” I tell him and we just sit and digest what I just told him.

After a little while, we head to bedroom, and I get my things and head into the bathroom. I fill up the tub and pour in some scented oils. I strip down and step into the tub as Evan comes into the bathroom. “Want some company?” he asks. “Always.” I say before he starts stripping down and I sit forward as he slips into the tub behind me. His legs slide on each side of me, and I lean back into his embrace. My head against his chest and he kisses my temple. “Are you happy?” He asks. “I am. Are you?” I ask. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy. How long before you’ll be able to have your first class at the mission?” he asks. “The materials will be delivered in a couple of days, and it will take about a week to get everything set up. Then getting everyone registered that wants in and we figure the first class will be in two weeks.” I say. “That’s amazing. Are you going to be okay being in front of everyone?” he asks. “Actually, I thought about that, and Charlie was telling me that the college was telling him that he needs to get some volunteer time in, so he volunteered to teach the classes and I handle everything behind the scenes.” I tell him. “Are you okay with that?” he asks. “I am. He’s amazing and he understands that these women and kids need someone to be patient with them.” I say and he tightens his hold on me, hugging me and we just enjoy being close. After we both turn into prunes, we get out and dry off. We move to the bed and as soon as we get in, he pulls me close, and it doesn’t take long before I’m drifting off to sleep.

Waking up the next morning, I slip out of bed and move to Mia’s room and sit on the side of her bed. “Mia. Come on sweet girl. Time to wake up.” I say softly as I gently shake her awake. She opens her eyes and smiles softly. “Morning Mommy.” She says. “Morning baby girl. Let’s get dressed and we’ll head down for breakfast.” I tell her. After getting her dressed, we head downstairs, and Evan is dressed and, in the kitchen, when we walk in. He picks Mia up and kisses her cheek before putting her in her chair at the island. “What’s the plan for today?” He asks. “Taking her to school and then heading to the mission to meet with the girls and Charlie.” I tell him. “I have to head out. I love you.” He says before kissing me and then the top of Mia’s head and heading out the door. “Is he okay?” Jane asks. “Mia, are you done?” I ask and she nods her head yes. “Go grab your bag and shoes for me.” I say and she takes off up the stairs. “What’s going on?” she asks. “Guy at the art supply store was being creepy the last couple of times I was in there and I told him about it last night.” I tell her and she nods her understanding.

I take Mia to school and as soon as I get her out of the car, we walk towards the front doors, and I hand her off to her teacher. It’s a habit to look around when I’m away from our house and the mission and I see someone off to the side, watching. It’s Gabriel. I hurry to the car and as soon as I get to the car, Christopher sees me, pulls me to the car, and starts looking around for threats. “Edge of the building. The guy from the art store.” I tell him. “Get in the car.” He tells me and since he’s the only one with me, he locks the doors and moves towards the edge of the building, keeping me in sight but Gabriel is already gone.

He comes back to the car, unlocks the door, and slips into the driver seat. He makes a call and I hear him on the phone with Rico. “We need a couple of guys to watch Mia’s school. Graceville Elementary…Man named Gabriel, five foot six, approximately one hundred fifty pounds…approached Mrs. Black and her daughter previously…threat level unknown at the moment…left front corner of the school…was gone before I could catch him and didn’t want to leave Mrs. Black unattended…Roger that.” He says before ending the call. “Rico is sending two men to watch the school. We will remain here until they get here. You should call the office and let them know we will have guards outside.” He tells me. I pick up my phone and call the office and speak with the principal. “This is Mrs. Mary Black, Mia Black’s mother. She’s in Mrs. Elliot’s classroom. I just wanted to inform you that we will have security watching the school. If you see a black SUV parked on the property, and they will be patrolling the grounds.” I tell her and she asks, “Anything we should be aware of?” I look at Christopher and he shakes his head. “Just precaution but I wanted to make you aware.” I tell her. “We will keep an eye out. Would you like us to keep Mia in the classroom when you pick her up?” she asks. “That would be great. Thank you.” I tell her before ending the call.

We arrive at the mission and as soon as I get to the conference room, I see the girls there, as well as Charlie and Ashton. As soon as I walk in, Ashton is the first to see me and asks, “What’s wrong?” I shake my head and move to put my bag down and say, “Do you think Rico could look into someone for me?” I ask. “Sure. Name?” he asks. “I only have his first name, but I know where he works.” I tell him. “That’s all I need.” He tells me. “His name is Gabriel, and he works at the art supply store we’re using. The owner knows and spoke to him about flirting with me, but Christopher and I saw him lurking around Mia’s school after I dropped her off.” I tell him and he looks pissed. “Christopher already filled Rico in, and they have security in place at the school and they are going to keep Mia in her classroom until I get there to get her.” I tell him and he nods. “Let me call him and we’ll get the information by the time this meeting is done.” He tells me and moves to make the call. “Does Evan know?” Charlie asks. “He knows about Gabriel, but he doesn’t know about this morning. I’m going to call him now. I just needed a minute to calm down.” I tell him and he nods.

I pull out my phone and call Evan. “Hey baby. Everything okay?” he asks. “Can you come to the mission?” I ask. “Yeah. I’ll have my assistant reschedule everything for me. What’s going on?” He asks. “I’ll explain everything when you get here.” I tell him before we say our love yous and end the call.

Twenty minutes later, Evan walks into the conference room and sees me sitting there with Ashton pulling papers off the printer. He rushes to me and cups my face. “Are you okay? Mia?” he asks. “We are fine, but you should sit down.” I tell him. We all sit, and I say, “Do you remember me telling you about the guy from the art store?” I ask and he nods. “What about him? I didn’t think you were going by there today.” He says. “I didn’t. When we dropped Mia off at school, as I was heading back out to the car, he was lurking at the edge of the building.” I say and he stands up and starts pacing. “Ashton, we need…” he starts, and Ashton stops him. “Christopher already called Rico and there’s security patrolling the outside of the school and they have been notified. They are keeping Mia in the classroom until you guys get there to pick her up. Mary asked me to have Rico get his information and I just got it from the printer.” He says as he hands Evan the papers.

Evan looks over everything and says “Call Logan. Let’s handle this.” Evan says and I look up at him. Kissing me softly he says “Christopher will take you to get Mia when you’re done here. I don’t know how late I’ll be.” He tells me. “Be careful.” I tell him. “I love you.” He says. “I love you.” I tell him and he heads towards the door. When Ashton goes to walk by, I grab his wrist. “I got him.” He says. I nod before he kisses Izzy, and they walk out the door. “Are you good to do this today?” Charlie asks. “I need the distraction.” I tell him and we get started.

After the meeting, I work on a few other things in my office before heading out to the car. Christopher is waiting and says “Evan told me to make sure you and Mia got home safe. I will be staying at the house with you, and we will have a crew patrolling the house discreetly, so we don’t scare Mia.” He tells me. “Thank you, Christopher. I appreciate everything you do for me and my family.” I tell him. “It’s my pleasure.” He tells me before helping me into the car.

Once we get to the school, Christopher helps me out of the car and walks inside with me, nodding to the security guards to let them know he’s got it from there. We walk inside and head to Mia’s classroom. As soon as we walk in the door, we see Mia sitting at her desk and her teacher is kneeling down talking to her. I knock on the door frame, and she looks up at me and looks sad. I walk over and kneel next to her, and I ask, “What’s wrong Baby?” I ask. “I was bad?” she asks. “No baby. You weren’t bad.” I tell her. “Teacher said I stay here.” She says. “I asked her to keep you here so I could pick you up. Mommy wanted to see your classroom.” I tell her. “You did?” she asks. “I did.” I tell her. “Want to show me your pictures, Mia?” Christopher asks. She jumps up and pulls him to her drawings on the wall. “Everything okay?” the teacher asks. “We think so. Had a little scare this morning and wanted to take extra precautions until we know more.” I tell her. “Are we in danger?” she asks. “No. Honestly, I had someone not wanting to take no for an answer and I thought I saw him here this morning, so we just wanted to make sure things were okay.” I tell her. “Okay. We will keep doing pickup like this until you say different.” She tells me and I nod my thanks.

Once we collect Mia, we head towards the car. Once we get in, and both of us are buckled in, we head home. We walk in the front door and Jane meets us in the living room. “Grandma!” Mia exclaims as she runs to Jane. “Hey Jellybean.” Jane says and Mia hugs her tight. “Hey Jane.” I say. “Hey sweetheart.” She says but the look on her face says she’s confused. “Mia, let’s get a snack.” Christopher says before picking Mia up and carrying her into the kitchen while I talk to Jane. “What’s going on?” she asks. “Do you remember me telling you about the guy from the art store?” I ask and she nods. “When we took Mia to school this morning, he was lurking around the side of the school. I don’t even know how he knew where she goes.” I say. “Oh my God.” She whispers. “Christopher called for extra security at the school and the teacher kept her in the classroom until I got there to get her and there’s security outside.” I tell her. “Does Evan know?” she asks. “I called him to come to the mission and he left with Ashton. They were meeting Logan.” I tell her and about that time, Mia comes running into the living room. “Mommy! Cissofer got me cookies.” She says. “I see that. Did you say thank you?” I ask her. She looks at Christopher and says “Fank you.” With her mouth full of cookies and we all smile.

That evening, I get Mia fed, bathed, and put into bed. “Where’s Daddy?” she asks. “Daddy had to work late. He will be here in the morning.” I tell her. She holds her stuffed animal closer and as she drifts off to sleep, she says “Love you Mommy.” I kiss the top of her head and slip out of the room after turning her nightlight on.

I slip into the library and start to draw. It’s what I do when I’m stressed out. I am drawing another picture of my happy place because it relaxes me. I am in my own little world when Evan walks in. I look up and see him standing there. I toss my sketch pad and pencil down and rush to him. He wraps his arms around me and holds me close. I look up at him and he says, “We can’t find him.” I pull away and take his hand before pulling him to the couch. I push him to sit down, and I move to straddle him. We’ve had many talks, sitting just like this. I cup his face and he says “We’ve looked everywhere. Albert fired him but he gave us his address but he wasn’t there. Looks like he hasn’t been there in a few days.” He tells me. “What are we going to do?” I ask. “You’re still going to have Christopher with you, and we will still have security at the school until we find him.” He tells me. “Okay.” I tell him. I hope they find him soon.