"Good lord! Is that..."
Papa Danny comes from the kitchen with a big smile.
"I hope you don't mind I bring a plus one with me."
"Of course not! He's so big!"
"Papa this is Jackson, but he only attends if you call him Jax."
"Hello Jax, my boy. I'm so glad to meet you, my son."
"Omg Candice! He's so adorable, look at these cheeks."
Bonnie has an, even more, bigger smile while she hugs both of us.
"You have your auntie eyes, baby boy. Blue like your great-grandma."
Seeing my grandfather with his great-grandson makes my heart melt. Papa Danny is so happy, this is the best thing that happened to me. I'm glad I could make them meet at last for once.
"Come on honey, you must be hungry."
"Yes, we are."
"The food is almost ready."
"Ok, I'll just make a phone call."
I grab my bag looking for my phone but instead, I see Amanda's phone buzzing with a new message.
**Looks like you have a new toy, you have exquisite taste. Entertainment like this is very expensive.**
The message has a picture attached.
(Omg this is from today! Someone was watching us!)
*Lucas, it's me, Candice. I got another message.*
*I just got it, let me check...*
Lucas is silent for a moment, then he speaks again.
*The bastard was stalking you.*
*I'm scared.*
*Where are you now?*
*I'm out of the town with my grandfather*
*Good, you're probably safe there.*
*What do you think they want?*
*Sounds like blackmail. Listen, Candice, I promise I'll protect you. Stay with your grandfather, I'll take care of this*
*Ok. But I'll have to get back at night.*
*Then I'll have to work fast.*
*Thank you, Lucas.*
*Take care, Candice.*
"Candie, the dinner is ready!"
"Hey.. . what happened dear? You look flushed."
Bonnie looks concerned, I try my best to sound natural.
"I think I got a bit sick from the trip, I was not used to road trips anymore."
"Sure. How're the things with your sister?"
"Well... Amanda is still Amanda."
"I think I know what you mean. Come one let's go, I'm afraid to let those too alone for too long in the kitchen."
"I'm not sure who worries me more."
We walk together to the kitchen, laughing. Surprisingly Jax and Papa are still safe and happy in the kitchen.
"I missed you, baby girl."
"Me too, Papa. This boy is keeping me busy."
"I bet, he's very smart."
"He is, I think he'll be talking soon."
"You're so great with him, Candice."
"We're trying, he's a sweet boy. Is not a hard job."
Here having dinner with my nephew, my grandfather, and Bonnie makes me wish we could be this kind of family all the time, but I know it'll not last.
"Are you sure you can't stay more?"
"I wish I could, but I need to take this boy home."
"Ok baby, you two take care. I hope to see you both again soon."
"Me too papa."
"Drive safe, Candie."
"Thank you for taking care of him, Bonnie, I know Papa is not the easier."
"I can hear you both..."
Papa speaks while he cleans the table, Bonnie smile. I'm happy they look closer.
I set Jax on his place and we drive back home. Visiting my grandfather and Bonnie made me feel better, but I still have to deal with the new messages I got.
Jax is already asleep when we get at home, I put him in his crib.
I'm really tired too, It was a long day.
I look for Jackson, I find him in his office.
He looks worried and tired when he noticed me at the door he smiled at me. I can see he's making an effort to fix his face. I wonder what could be worrying him, I hope he's not involved with the crimes Lucas is investigating.
"Didn't see you coming."
"I just got back, I thought would be nice to take some time off with baby Jax."
"Is he sleeping already?"
"Yes, you should be too."
"Yes, we should."
He closes the distance between us and holds me against his body.
"Are you ok?"
I ask trying to make him open up to me.
"I am now..."
I know Jackson is just avoiding answering.
"Something happened?"
"Just work, but you don't need to worry about it."
I cup his face with my hands and inspect.
"You can tell me, I told you we'd fix this together."
Jackson closes his eyes enjoying the touch.
"I know, but not tonight. Let's put this other baby to sleep."
I need to think for a moment before realizing he's talking about my tummy. I nod and we head to the bedroom together.
Soon we're both sleeping, next morning I get a call from Lucas when we're still in bed.
"Who could be calling you so soon?"
I stretch my body and get away from the bed, I can't risk letting him hear the talk.
"Don't worry, sleep a little more, must be something about the fundraising."
Jax snuggles back to the bed and closes his eyes again. I walk to the bathroom where is far enough to keep the talk away from him.
"Hey, Good morning.*
"Good morning, Candice. I have updates for you.*
*Lucas, Tell me.*
*The person sending messages it's probably not a professional, must be something Amanda knows.*
*You know who is the person?*
*No, but I think we can find soon if you agree with my plan.*
*What plan?*
*Do you trust me, Candice?*
*I don't know, I think so.*
I get back from the bathroom, I'm scared but I agreed Lucas, we'll follow his plan to find who is sending messages to Amanda.
"Jax..."
"Yes..."
"No need to get up, I'll be out for a few hours, ok?
"Why? Where are you going?
I need to fix some things for the fundraising."
"Mandie, you should rest."
"I know, I'll not make anything too hard. I'll be back soon."
Jackson stands his hand to me, I don't want to raise any suspicion. I take his hand and he holds me for a kiss.
I meet Lucas in Amanda's apartment.
"So, tell me what's the plan."
"We'll meet with the person, if they want money they will come for sure."
"I don't know Lucas, you think it's safe?"
"I'll be with you all the time, I won't let anyone hurt you."
"Ok..."
"How much we'll have to wait?"
"Not much, I hope. But relax, you will be fine."
"What do you do when you're not Amanda?"
"I work in a restaurant, I spend a lot of time with my grandfather... I don't know what else to say."
"To me, you seem to be a lot more than that. You are here when you could just keep with your life not worrying about anything."
Lucas holds my hand for a while, it's comfortable. I trust him.
"What about you? How do you end up hunting bad people?"
"Kind of family business."
"Oh! I see..."
"But I'm not always hunting bad people, sometimes I spend time with beautiful ladies."
"Very subtle, detective."
Lucas smiled at me and the doorbell rings.
"Stay in the bedroom, let me check if it's safe first."
"Lucas..."
I call after him.
"Yes?"
"Be careful."
Lucas winks at me and walks away. I hear the door open, I can't just wait here. I sneak to the bedroom door trying to take a glance.
I can't believe what I'm seeing, has been a long time but I'd never forgotten that face.
I try to find my sunglasses in my bag, thankfully the lights inside the apartment are a bit low.
"It was you sending the messages?"
My voice is shaking, of all people, this is the one who could recognize me.
"After so much time you're not even giving your mom a hug?"