Only 11:00 a.m. and she was already plagued by mental and physical fatigue when they reached the police precinct for the statements.
“I thought you said it was across the street,” Jake complained, annoyed by the late morning sun beating down on him.
She shrugged. “I wish we could do this together.” She squeezed his hand in hers.
Jake looked into her eyes, struck by the startling realization that since the shooting neither of them mentioned Gina's condition. All everyone cares about is their own necks. Just like with Ray's murder, so unbelievably easy to cast aside. No one gives a shit.
He held the door open for her, determined not to dwell on it. “Don't worry. You'll be fine. I just hope it doesn't take too long we need to get back home. I'm tired of all this shit already.”
The memory of their night together, brought an instant smile to her lips. She welcomed the eruption of passion and affection back in her life. Whatever it took, she would ensure that it didn't fade away again. She inched closer to him, comforted by the heat of his body infusing hers.
“Me too,” she whispered, aware that this was just the beginning of a long, difficult journey. The police precinct brought it all back to her. As Gina's bloody image took possession of her mind, fear choked her.
What will happen to Logan if Gina doesn’t make it? Or if her family finds out I shot her?
LOGAN
Home again. It felt like walking back into a nightmare. The detective made him sign a consent, giving permission for their investigation to continue as needed with full access. The bail had been paid and an arraignment date set. All he needed now was that Micky guy. There had never been any great affection between them, but it couldn’t be worse than trusting a complete stranger. Happy that Kristen came through for him after all, he couldn’t help smiling. First the bail, now the lawyer. It was more than he could say about Nick, whose abandonment didn’t come as a complete surprise, yet pissed him off big time.
As he wandered around the living room, a staggering desperation hit him out of nowhere.
Gina’s in the hospital in a coma, possibly dying, and my life is on the line. His legs trembled, his eyes trailing to the balcony. He couldn't step foot out there, the images of that day would be too vivid. Maybe somehow he could make himself forget what happened if he stayed inside, but if he walked out on that balcony, saw traces of blood, it would all come crashing down.
He felt like crap, sleep-deprived since Sunday. His hair hung limp and greasy around his face. He felt dirty. After a beer, he would take a nice hot shower, get some food. Then he could lay down, try to relax, and call Kristen. His eyes teared. He pictured her face, how distraught and petrified she looked after the shooting. How comforting it felt to kiss her after they'd handcuffed him. He couldn't fight his emotions any longer. He never needed her more than he did at that moment.
KRISTEN/JAKE
They were finally settling down for the evening. The recorded statements were done, and they were free at last. Unsure what that really meant for them, Kristen could only hope it was positive. She sat in the living room with Alex in her arms, burping him after his bottle. Jake was in kitchen, cleaning up after dinner. She gazed at him, her eyes filled with affection. He never avoided helping her; anything he could do, he was right there.
“Did you hear that one babe? I cannot believe such a tiny boy can burp so loud! You are such a silly little man!” She giggled, kissing Alex's nose. He always looked so happy, his dreamy brown eyes smiling.
“Don't say it! I know, he's just like me!” Jake laughed, throwing himself down next to her. He loved watching her with him, especially when she was aglow with happiness, like she was now. “Every time I look at him, it amazes me how he came out of my tiny woman!” He nibbled her neck, his eyes gleaming.
“I'm not that tiny! You fit in just fine, don't you? What are you saying?” she teased, jerking her head out of reach before he could bite her cheek.
“That's true! And we both know how gigantic I am, don't we? That's amazing too!” He flushed with pride, continuing to laugh. “Want me to put him to bed?”
“I'll do it. You're always stealing him from me! You can come with us though.” She smiled, lightly slapping his hand away. “Oh, and its put him down!”
“What? That sounds vicious. I’ll say it my way!” Jake smiled, squeezing her butt before she could pull away.
His phone started beeping. He stopped in his tracks.
“It's Henry. I better take it babe. Think I'll start tomorrow, okay?” He winked at her, grabbing the phone and flopping back on the couch.
As she put Alex in his crib next to their bed, she heard her phone ringing in the living room. Not wanting to interrupt her special moment with him, she tucked him in, kissed him, and let it ring. When she returned to the living room it was ringing again. Jake was deep in conversation with Henry. Not in a rush, she strolled to the phone. Her eyes widened in astonishment. Logan. Frowning, she glanced at Jake, then picked it up.
“Hey, are you home?” she whispered, tiptoeing into the bedroom out of earshot.
“Yeah. The bail was $10,500.”
“I know. But as long as you go to court when you're supposed to, I think you only pay the bail people their percentage.” She paused listening for Jake. Until the case ended, he would have to learn to deal with her talking to Logan. But if she could avoid him being part of the conversation, it would be a lot easier.
“Thank you Krissy. For everything.”
It was unexpected and brought tears to her eyes. “Logan you helped me. I'll do whatever it takes. I'm glad you're out. Are you okay? Did Micky call yet?”
“Whatever it takes? I like that.” He was quiet for a minute, then continued. “Micky didn't call yet. You know, I would be a lot better if you were here. You don't know how much I miss you…” His voice trailed off.
Her heart raced, she closed her eyes, willing the feeling to go away. Then her thoughts flew back to the day of the shooting, making it worse. It must be so hard for him being back in the condo. I’d be freaking out.
She wondered if they cleaned up the blood.
“That’s good.” Choosing her words with care in case Jake approached, she walked deeper into the bedroom.
Why did I tell him that? I can’t lead him on.
“Do you feel bad about her?” It had been bothering her ever since the recorded statement.
“About Gina? I guess. I didn't really think about her until I came home. Then it freaked me out. She should've stayed away from me like I told her, it's her own fault.” After a brief pause, “Kristen, I want to talk about us, not her.”
She froze, speechless. “I don't think that's a good idea. And I can’t talk now.” The hairs on her arms rose, she couldn't risk Jake seeing it or hearing.
“It is a good idea. It's the only idea and we both know it. Don't deny you love me, Krissy. It was all over your face when they arrested me. That's why you called that lawyer, isn't it? You don't want me locked up either.”
“We'll talk tomorrow, okay? I can't do this now...”
“Only if you admit I'm right.”