It happened that one night (closed)

[BeachBum25]

He watched mother and daughter come back from the restroom. Erin was the spitting image of her mother. When they sat down, Jon just looked at Toni. He didn’t say anything. He didn’t smile. He just stared at her for a few minutes.

His eyes wandered over to Erin. Looking at her brought the hint of a smile. Looking back to Toni. “Do you want to do this in front of your daughter? I thought we would wait until she was asleep and talk about it. You are the mother though. If you want to do it now we can.”

When she made it clear that she wanted to talk now, Jon nodded. “How come I didn’t know....... until now?” I know that I am not always around, but you always knew how to get a hold of me. Everyone on the team knew how to get a hold of me. Everyone else contacted me. How do you think I knew you went dark? They contacted me. However, the one person I cared the most about, didn’t get in touch with me to let me know that she was pregnant and then didn’t contact me to let me know I had a beautiful daughter.”

His voice remained calm despite being angry. That is probably why Toni chose to do this now. She knew he would not yell in front of Erin.

 

[AmberLSweet]

Toni didn't answer right away. Instead, she took a sip of her coffee and set it down carefully, away from curious hands, and leaned back in her seat, looking defeated.

Yes, she knew this day would come and she knew Jon was pissed...which he had every right to be...

"I don't know...you're right, maybe we could discuss this later," she looked around and saw a few locals staring their way, "This is not the time nor the place. All I can say right now is that I was wrong for doing what I did by not telling you, I-"

Just then the waitress showed--interrupting them. Without looking at the menu, Toni ordered breakfast for herself and some oatmeal for her daughter.

She didn't even listen to what Jon ordered. He wasn't a big breakfast person so he always ordered the same thing.

 

[BeachBum25]

Jon looked toward Toni's daughter.... his daughter.... their daughter. She was adorable; just like her mother. Then, he looked back at Toni. He was not interested in making a scene. He did not want to have to do anything in front of the little girl that could be traumatic, but he would... if necessary to protect her and her mother.

He listened to Toni order. "Coffee, black." He did not look up at the waitress. He continued to look at Toni. When the waitress moved away, he looked around to see if anyone was watching them more closely than they should. He relaxed when he didn't see any threat.

"I am sorry for being angry, but you have to understand.... I had the right to know. I will drop it... for now. We can't go back and change it. We will need to discuss things going forward, including where we are going to go, and how we are going to support our daughter."

 

[AmberLSweet]

"Fair enough...." she said but could not relax, she hates the uncertainty of things, especially where her daughter was concerned.

"To be truthful, I'm not sure, my family has places here and there. Money is also not an issue... I--"

Just then there food was brought to them and when the waitress left, Toni continued, "I guess we could stay low in New Mexico for a while."

 

[BeachBum25]

"I know that New Mexico is a special place to you. I am fine with laying low there for a while. You know the best places to go. I trust that you will pick a good place to hide your daughter."

He drank his coffee as the two females ate. He looked back and forth between them. He was happy to see that Erin looked like her mother. They were both beautiful.... like mother like daughter.

"We will ditch the car and get something else to make the trip to New Mexico. I know it will help you relax to be in your home state. I have a fake id and some money we will use to buy the new vehicle. That way your deputy boyfriend won't be able to hunt us down." He paused for a minute. "I should have put him down in that alley."

 

[AmberLSweet]

"He's not my boyfriend.." she said, trying to hide the irritation in her voice. "Yes, that would have been a great idea, then we would have had the whole damn state police looking for us."

It bugged her a little to him say that... put him down in the alley. Why did he speak it with such ease? Brushing it off, she stood and picked up her daughter, "Well, let's get going... something about this place is...unsettling." She left him to pay the check as she walked out and toward the car to grab the one bag she had for Erin.

***

It didn't take them long to get their hands on another vehicle after that... soon, they were on the road again and Erin was asleep in her car seat as the drove out of Colorado.

Breaking the silence, Toni knew she was treading on ice here but she needed to know, "What happened to you Jon?"

 

[BeachBum25]

What happened to me? Well, where would you like me to start?" He looked over at her as he drove. Then, he looked over his shoulder at Erin sleeping in the backseat. He took a deep breath. He wasn't sure how much he should tell her... how much she really wanted to know.

"Toni, I am not sure you want what you are asking for. A lot happened that you, and the rest of the team, know nothing about. Most, if not all of you will be upset about the information that I would share with you if I answer your question. I know you will be beyond pissed off."

He drove in silence for a while. When he looked back at Toni, she was staring at him, waiting for his answer. "Okay, don't say I didn't warn you. Terrence and I were given one last mission before we all left the mission. It was when we told everyone that we were being sent to train the new team that was being sent into the field. In essence, we were sent to Afghanistan. It was a mission that was totally black. The government denied all knowledge of it and us. When Terrence died in my arms, I had no choice but to bury him in the hills. I consider the mission a failure. The people at the top thought it was a success because we completed the task before Terrence got hit. I could never face anyone in the unit again. I still see Terrence in my arms..... dying."

He paused for a couple of minutes. "Since then, I work for a security company. I am a mercenary. I kill for money. I don't care about the cause I am fighting for. It makes it easy. I can use my skills, but not worry about the people, because they mean nothing to me." After another pause, "I kept tabs on you the best I could, but being out of the country made it difficult. Then you disappeared. It didn't mean I stopped. It just took me a while to get back on your trail. If I didn't see the confrontation between you and the deputy, you would still not know I was onto you."

 

[AmberLSweet]

"So..." Toni said, after a long while of silence after she took in what he had just told her. "You kill for money..." Another long pause of silence, "I'm not mad...nor surprised..."

She was telling him the truth. Hell, she was even surprised she wasn't mad... being a parent taught one to dig up patience from deep within and Toni had plenty of experience in that. Sure, she could yell and get upset but what good would it do. She had to look at it from both sides. She wasn't stupid. Killing for a living paid a lot and well, a person had to have a special mindset to do that and Jon was..well, he was good. Real good.

"I heard about Terrance and when some of us tried to question it, well, we were told to back off. So, I knew something was up and when you didn't show..." she shrugged and looked back out at the road. "I tried to contact you but when you didn't answer my calls and texts, I knew you wanted to be alone and yeah, I could have kept trying but I had things to deal with..." she finished quietly, taking a quick glance back at Erin. "I had a new worry on my mind and in the end, I made the decision to go into blackout myself, all because I had need to protect her."

 

[BeachBum25]

"I never got any calls or texts from you. My phone was confiscated when I returned. I ended up having to get a new one. The only number I knew was yours, but I couldn't face anyone after what happened to Terrence.... especially you."

He looked straight ahead as he drove. His mind was racing. He got onto the Interstate and pointed the car to New Mexico. If he knew one thing about Toni, it was that she would be happy to be in New Mexico.

"I looked for you.... kept track of you. Then, I lost track of you during one mission I was on in Uzbekistan. I was there for 6 months. When I returned, you were gone and there was no trace. It was shortly after the last reunion. I knew about the reunion... just couldn't bring myself to attend. Then, I was off to Uzbekistan and when I got back I couldn't find you."

He stopped for a second. "I tracked you between assignments. Every time I thought I was getting close, I would pick up another mission, and when I returned I would have to retrace my steps. After my last mission, I decided that I was done. I have more than enough money in the bank to last several lifetimes, and I was determined to find you. Almost left for good when I saw the deputy at your place. Was on my way out of town when I saw the confrontation at your work. Now we are off to new Mexico, and we will find a way to protect Erin and you."

 

[AmberLSweet]

She wasn't sure what to say. Yes, she was happy to be back in New Mexico and it felt like a relief once they crossed the border.

Toni had told him about one of her family's ranches in Taos. It was currently kept up by a nice, older couple, who had known her family for what seemed like ages.

Without knowing it, Toni fell asleep for a bit and woke up about an hour later when they stopped for gas. After that, they stopped for a quick dinner at a fast food place which had a little playground where Erin could run off some energy since they would be on the road again soon.

Toni hadn't said anything more to Jon as she was still processing all he had said. Although like him, she was constantly on the look out to make sure they were safe. As far as everyone that was there was concerned, none posed a threat but she knew that could change in no time.

When they got back to the car, Toni offered to drive...actually, she bullied her way into it since she knew Jon wouldn't budge on the matter. "I'm driving because I know where to go from here...besides, you need some rest." She said, as she got behind the driver's seat. If they kept up their speed, they would reach the ranch in less than 3 hours.

 

[BeachBum25]

Jon looked at Toni as she got behind the wheel. He wasn’t happy about it. He did not like not being in control. He knew, however, that arguing with her would be useless. She was almost as thick-headed as he was.

He climbed into the passenger seat and looked out the side window as she drove. His mind raced. He had a daughter and now he had to focus on how to protect her. Another thing he knew about Toni was that she would object to any help he offered. It was the way she was.... always wanted to do things on her own.

Exhaustion finally caught up with him and he fell asleep. It had been over 48 hours since he had any sleep. That wasn’t all that unusual for him. While on missions, he would often go days without sleep. When he finally crashed, he slept soundly.

 

[AmberLSweet]

The drive to their destination was uneventful. It gave Toni a lot of time to think as they rode in silence--seeing as how both father and daughter slept most of the way...

It was almost like she had never left and knew exactly how to get to the ranch. It was nearing evening time and dinner would need to be soon. At their last stop, she had contacted the caretakers of the ranch to let them know she was coming and to prepare things for their arrival.

Of course, when they finally did arrive, Erin had a room set up for herself, complete with fresh bed linen and a room full of toys. Although she wasn't too sure of the sleeping arrangements between Jon and herself, Toni had them fix up separate rooms.

After dinner, Erin played until she was exhausted and Toni put her to bed.

The house was a 6 bedroom home, complete with horse stables and such...just a basic ranch. Nothing really for profit, mostly for show. It was set literally in the middle of a 20 acre property so they were basically safe. But she was sure that wasn't going to ease Jon's mind. He seemed on guard since they had met up. She had taken a shower and then dressed in some clothes she had gotten before they arrived at the ranch.

Finding Jon in his room, Toni stood in the doorway and looked at him. "You've been quiet..." She said, not really sure how to start a conversation with him. "Are you OK? Did you need something else?"

 

[BeachBum25]

Jon awoke at the last stop. He let Erin and Toni go into eat; he stayed outside. He wasn't hungry. He felt like he was on a mission and he didn't often eat when he was. This mission was to protect his daughter and her mother.

Once they were at the ranch, he made himself scarce. He walked around the property, not all 20 acres, but he knew where any problem areas were. After that, he went inside and into the room that Toni told him was his to use. He sat on the bed and tried to think all of this through. A million questions ran through his head.

He looked up as he heard Toni in the doorway. Because of where his mind had been, he didn't respond to her question, he simply blurted out, "Did you tell anyone you were from New Mexico? Does anybody know that you like the southwest?"

He knew he was abrupt. "Sorry, it is just where my head was. I am worried about you. I am worried about Erin. You know how I get when I am in protective mode." He stood up and looked at her. "No, I don't need anything. I am going to take a shower, if that is okay. Tomorrow, I will go out and buy some things that I need.... like a change of clothes or two."

 

[AmberLSweet]

OK, so maybe they were all tired and her response to him was just as abrupted as his was to her, "Yes Jon, I told all my friends at the beauty palor...oh and the country club--"

She cut herself off and sighed, "No, not that I recall. As it was since leaving the military, I didn't make many many personal friends. I had personal shit to deal with... things that only you seemed to understand."

Yeah, they had told each other everything--nothing was held back and to say that was a mistake, then they had made it. But they knew what each was dealing with and knew that no one else could understand what they were feeling or had gone through.

"Wait...Jon.." she moved in front of him to block him from the bathroom connected to his room, "Look... you don't need to be in protective mode, OK? We're safe here. We've been OK all this time--we don't need protection from anyone or anything." She looked up at him and knew the point was moot but still, she had to try. He didn't need to be their protector.

 

[BeachBum25]

He looked down at her. Damn, she was as beautiful as ever. He stared into her eyes for a moment. "Toni, I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself. I know that you don't need me for that. Maybe I need it. Maybe I need to protect the only two things in the world that I care about."

Jon paused again. "I have always cared about you. You know that. You might try to deny it, but you know it is true. Now there is Erin. She is my daughter..... our daughter, and I don't even know her. That is my fault... I own that."

After another pause. "I am going to protect you, whether you want me to or not. You can throw me out of here, but I will make sure that you are safe and that our daughter is safe. I know it drives you crazy when I get like this, but it is me."

He stepped closer to her. Jon placed a hand behind her head and ran his fingers through her hair. "Nobody will touch our daughter Toni." He kissed her on the tip of her nose, and then stepped around her to go into the bathroom and step into the shower.

 

[AmberLSweet]

So, OK, he needed this. That was fine with her. Hell, just having him back in her life was good enough but she wanted to talk to him more and right now, if she tried to push it, he would just back away more--become more defensive.

It was late and she was tired of travelling so finally being able to sleep in bed would be a welcome luxury she intended to take full advantage of tonight.

thinking about what he said, asking if she had told anyone she was from New Mexico... no, she never had. At least she hadn't remember telling anyone. When working, she kept her personal life to herself--never let anyone get close. Never making any close friends.

Before she knew it, it was morning--early morning and for a moment, Toni forgot where she was at. She forced herself to wake up fully and look at the time. It was 5AM. Quickly she dressed in a pair of jeans and a tshirt. Like Jon, she would have to get more stuff soon for both herself and Erin.

In the kitchen, she sat at the counter and sipped her coffee as she thought about the future. How long could they stay here? She'd have to have a permanent home for Erin soon. All this running around wasn't good for her and well, she never really thought about it all before. Then there was Jon. How long would he stay before wanting to leave again? He had said once he didn't think he could ever stay in one place for too long. What about her? Well, it was no longer about her now, that was for sure.

 

[BeachBum25]

Jon got out of the shower, and wrapped a towel around him. He went back to his room and, realizing he had nothing to wear, slipped into bed naked. Not that it was something new for him, but sleeping naked when he had a young daughter around gave him pause.

When he woke up it was still dark. He sat on the edge of the bed, and, realizing he had nothing else, put back on the same clothes he had been wearing for days. Yep, a trip to the story would have to happen early today. After dressing, he walked out into the darkness of the house.

Not wanting to wake anyone, he slipped outside and sat on the front porch. He looked around. This time, however, he looked around and enjoyed what he saw. He did not look at it from a protection standpoint. As the sun started to come up, he started to understand a little of why Toni liked it so much here.

When Jon heard Toni inside, he quietly went back in so as not to startle her. "Good morning Toni." He smiled at her as she stood at the kitchen counter. "I have don a lot of thinking this morning. I will do my best to not be in protector mode. I will just spend time with you and our daughter. When you think I have been here too long, boot me out. I will stay close by though, because I want to be a part of Erin's life."

 

[AmberLSweet]

"Well, good..." she set her coffee down and gave him a genuine smile, "I'm glad to hear that." And she was, but secretly, she knew he wasn't going to change instantly. He would always have the need and want to protect her and now their daughter.

"And I would never kick you out, you should know that." She said, picking her cup back up and taking a last sip. "As far as being here, we're safe."

"So, about today, we can go into town together and get some things and leave Erin here with the Cruz's, because I know she's tired of the car, I'm sure."

 

[BeachBum25]

Jon looked at Toni. He had just met his daughter, yet, he was already overly protective of her. "Are you sure that she will be okay? Yes, I know I said that I would not be overly protective, but.... Toni, I just met her, and she is beautiful, and..."

He stopped. This would be the first step in proving to Toni that he could change. "Okay. Let's go into town. I need some things." He smiled at Toni as he finished his coffee. It would be a challenge, but he had overcome greater challenges before.

They drove into town in silence. Once again, Toni drove. It was for the best, because he didn't know his way around. She was able to find them a parking spot and he followed her into a store. Unconsciously, his eyes drifted to her ass as he walked in behind her. It was the first time he had thought of her in that way.

 

[AmberLSweet]

"She'll be fine," she told him.

When they got outside and started to drive away, Toni mentally went over what was in town. There would be a couple of private shops and a few other retailers, but it would be another hour before a few would open.

"I was thinking that we'll probably need a different car just because this one has Colorado plates."

Once they got into town, they found a store that was open early and she seprated from him to let him get some things for himself while she did the same in order to get some things for Erin and also for herself.

After they put everything in the car, she looked at him, "Did you want to grab something to eat?"

 

[BeachBum25]

He walked around and picked up some things that he needed; jeans, some t-shirts, a couple of sweatshirts, a couple pairs of sweatpants a pair of sneakers and a pair of work boots. The clerk looked at him funny as he was checking out and asked if he was planning on being around for a while. "Just passing through. Needed to get some things for the rest of my trip."

"Before we get something to eat, we need to get a new set of wheels. I probably shouldn't come into this store again. The clerk was wondering if I was going to be around for a while." He headed out toward the car and put his bags in the back.

"Ok, where do we get a new car. I have enough cash to get us a decent one without attracting too much attention to use. Don't want to be flashing too much cash... it makes people curious." He got into the driver's seat. "Where to?"