Haunting Me (A Completed Steamy, Romance)EDITING

Part 16

Joey

"What do you want me to do about it, Jackson?  I have to be here to sign for the sale." I'm talking to my husband on the phone.

"There's a storm brewing in Texas, Josephine.  Do what you must, but get the children home soon. You've got a week, and I'll come there myself." He said.

"Why?"

"Why? This was a CIA hit, and it won't be long until they're looking at me, you're safer in Europe." He said.

"That's your problem. The kids and I are safe with Robby, and Mr. Engle is just on the other side of town.  They are the safest ones for me to be around.  They're looking at you, Jackson, not us."  I said.

"You heard me, Josephine.  Get home as soon as possible, or I'll come there and bring you back myself." He threatened.

"No, you won't, Jackson. You said it yourself, they're going to be looking at you next." I reminded him.

"I've done nothing wrong, and I know nothing of Lattire's information." He defended.

"Your parents are an hour from here, and if you think they won't be looking into your father, you're fooling yourself.  You literally bought me Jackson, you don't think that will come to light? I was twelve when all of you worked that out, so don't act like you're innocent.  My mother's disappearance too?"  I asked.

"I was just a kid too, Josephine."  He said.

"You were seventeen, when you agreed." I said.

"Why are you so hostile? I thought we got past this year's ago. It's different now, and I love you.  Dammit, I'd die for you. We made beautiful children, and built a home together."  He said.

"I might have become numb to that pain, but being home is bringing back old feelings.  It hasn't been a walk in the park for me, like it has for you, Jackson.  Just let me have as much time as I need, and you know Rob has the resources to protect us."  I said.

He sighed.

"I still want to come there and be with you, I miss you."  He said.

"I'll call you in a few days, I have to go now, Jackson."

I hung up on him, and sat down on my bed.  I guess no train derailed on top of his car, or a meteor landed on his head. Why can't one thing go my way? 

My room is still the same as it was before I left, and I'm scared of the ghosts from my past haunting me. Rob says there's nothing for me to fear from the CIA, but that doesn't mean I don't have enemies.  Who knows what the Beaumont's have done, or even Jackson.  Why has he always said no about visiting home?

I went downstairs and saw my sister-in-law Theresa. "You're going to dinner with us tonight, and I won't take no for an answer. Mason and Serenity can watch over the girls."  She said.

"Fine, I guess I have to face the music sometime."  I said.

"Hey, it wasn't your fault.  If your friends knew the truth, they would understand. Even with them not knowing, they will be happy to see you." She said.

"I guess I'll find out if we see anyone." I said.

"Is it really your old friends you're afraid of, or is it him?"  She asked.

I looked at her wondering if it's okay to confide in her. 

"I didn't think he would be in town. Rob said he left home and got married.  I'm just not prepared to see him with another woman.  Actually, I'm not prepared to see him at all."

"Joey, it's been seventeen years, can't you just put those feelings aside?  It's been so long, and you're right, he's moved on.  You're married too, so just keep Jackson in mind." She said.

Like that helps?

"It's different with us, Theresa.  You know my father forced me into Jackson's bed, where he raped me for years, even while I was pregnant with the twins." I reminded her.

"Mom?  What did Dad do?"

I turned quickly, and saw Serenity looking at me with devastation written all over her face.

"Serenity, you weren't supposed to be here."

She took off and ran.  "Come on, Serenity!" I ran after her and caught her arm, then she swung around.

"How could you say such terrible things about my father?  He treats you with nothing but respect!"

I stepped forward, but she stepped back.  "There are things about my life you wouldn't understand." I tried to explain.

"Right, like how you always treat Dad like he's never good enough!"  She yelled at me.

"Serenity, let's just talk."  I said.

She crossed her arms.

"I was an arranged bride for your father since I was twelve. I didn't want to marry him, but you're right, he changed after some time.  He is good to me now, but he wasn't always the man you know.  I had you and your brother, and wasn't much older than you are now.  Please try to understand, my father wasn't a good man." She just stared at me.

"Do you see these scars?  Look at them, Serenity.  My life hasn't always been what it is now."  I said.

I showed her my arms from the night I told Jackson I was pregnant.  He didn't believe the baby was his because I grew so quickly, then I ended up pregnant with twins.

"I've seen them, but you said you got hurt on a horse."  She said.

"I lied, Serenity.  How was I supposed to tell you he did this to me when he found out I was pregnant?  You're still too young to understand."  I said.

"Too young? I'm sixteen, not five."  She yelled at me.

"I was promised, that if I married your father, I'd see my mom again, but it never happened.  Your father has made a lot of changes since you were born, but it's never been a picnic for me. I'm sorry you overheard that, but like I told you before we came, this wouldn't be an easy trip for me.  Someday, I can only hope you'll understand, but for now, all I ask for is some patience." I said.

"Whatever, I won't say another word. I just want to go home to my father."