In The Shadows

Chapter 19

Five Years Later

Billie walks out onto the porch of her beautiful mountain top home, leaning against one of the posts, she looks out across the yard remembering happier times. She learned long ago her life can change in a blink of an eye, it can bring you someone to love, or it can take that person away and leave you heartbroken, feeling unable to function properly. That's how Billie feels now, sometimes she wonders if it's worth the risk to fall in love if fate is just going to take that person from you. It doesn't matter if that person is a friend or not.

Harry looks around the livingroom, not seeing his wife he glances out the window, with a sigh he slips out the front door, walks up behind her, wrapping his arms around her eight month swollen belly, kissing her neck, then cheek.
"You okay?" He whispers.

Billie nods. "Just thinking." She says as she leans back against Harry. "I don't understand why anyone would want to do what they did to Lexi, she was so sweet and kind. And for her to be murdered and found the way she was, I just don't get it."

"I don't either." Harry says as he rubs circles on her stomach, loving the way she looks carrying his child. "Hopefully the clues we found when we did the autopsy will help the cops find who did this. Bill, just promise me you'll be careful when going out alone. It would kill me to lose you." Harry whispers into her neck.

"I promise. I can't believe Lexi was pregnant, the other girls and I saw her every Wednesday for lunch, she never said a word." Billie sighs. "We didn't even know she was dating anyone."

Louis leans against the other post as Danaka sits on the top step. "That might be a huge clue in this case." He says. "Her keeping her lover a secret could be what got her killed." Louis adds looking down at his wife. He and Danaka got married two years after Harry and Billie did, he's now the town's sheriff she runs the flower shop next to Billie's law office which is across the street from Harry and Robin's medical office.

"You have any leads yet?" Harry asks.

"Working on a few." Louis says. "The fetus' DNA you got me helped a lot." He says keeping most of the information to himself for now, if he told Harry and Billie what he's found out so far it'd distroy them emotionally, because if the person he thinks did this, actually did, it could ruin several lives and friendships. God he hopes he's wrong.

Harry pats Louis on the shoulder. "Well, you won't arrest someone unless you're pretty sure you have the right guy." Harry says. "We trust you to do the right thing or we wouldn't have voted for you to take over that position." Harry smiles then. "Jr. is active, is he hungry again?" He asks.

Billie chuckles. "I don't know if he is but mommy sure is. What are you feeding us daddy?" She asks as she turns to look up at her gorgeous husband.

"How about tacos?" Harry asks, he looks over at Louis and Danaka. "You two staying?"

"For your tacos? Hell yeah." Danaka laughs. "When don't we."

Harry chuckles. "Ok, mommy go put your feet up." He says, kissing the top of her head as they walk back inside. "I'll have you fed in no time." He says as he and Louis walk toward the kitchen.

As soon as Harry and Louis walk out of the room Billie turns to Danaka. "Okay talk." She whispers. "What's wrong? And don't tell me nothing, I've known you to long not to be able to tell when something is bothering you."

Danaka shakes her head. "It's Lou, this case is really getting to him. I understand, I really do, but all we do is fight. Billie, he's drinking more than usual, comes home later than he used to and he's drunk." Danaka whispers, wiping away a tear. "The other night his clothes reeked of another woman's perfume." She cries, not realizing Harry heard what she's saying.

Harry turns and walks back into the kitchen, he's so pissed at what he just heard he's almost seeing red. He never thought his friend could, or would do something like this to someone he loves. When he reaches the spot where Louis is standing, Harry spins she him around, grabs the front of his shirt and slams against the wall.
"You bastard." Harry snaps. "Are you cheating on Dana? Because from what I just heard she thinks you are." Harry yells.

"I guess she's in there crying on Billie's shoulder about my staying out late at night, drinking to much, smelling of other women when I get home." Louis snaps as he tries to push Harry away.

"Answer the fucking question, Lou." Harry yells. "Hell, I've known you all my life, this isn't you. You've always hated cheaters because of what your dad did to your mom."

"Yes. Are you fucking happy? I got drunk a few nights ago and fucked Tamera in the bars bathroom, hell I haven't been getting any at home, a man has to do something to get some relief." Louis yells.

Hearing a gasp in the doorway, both guys spin and see a very pissed off Billie and a heartbroken, crying Danaka standing there. Billie wraps her arms around her friend.
"I want you to pack your bags and get out of my house." Danaka stutters out. "Oh, and the reason you haven't been getting any at home is because I'm pregnant and you've been staying out so late, I'm to fucking tired." She says with no emotions.

"Come on Dana, you can stay here tonight." Billie says as she leads her friend away.

Harry looks down at Louis. "I don't know you anymore. Get out of my sight."

"Oh come on. Don't stand there and tell me you haven't thought about fucking Tamera also, not as often as that bitch has thrown herself at you." Louis snaps.

Harry spins and drills Louis with a look he's never seen before. "Actually Louis, I can tell you exactly that. I would never cheat on my wife, I love her to much. She is my life, if I were to lose her it would kill me." He says as he walks away. "Now get out." Harry throws over his shoulder as he jogs up the stairs to check on his wife and Danaka.