They were still lying in the same position when the nurse brought in breakfast for Jennifer. She cleared her throat to try and arouse them from their slumber. Jennifer opened her eyes hoping it was all a bad dream, until she tried to move and felt the dull ache that comes after a beating. She felt her husbands safe arms wrapped around her and didn’t particularly want to move anyway. "Breakfast for you Mrs Hart. The doctor will be here to see you in about 30 minutes." "Thanks." Her husband’s lips kissed the top of her head as the nurse departed. "Morning beautiful," he whispered sleepily. Even the way she knew she was looking now, he knew exactly the right things to say. Jennifer managed to push herself up to look at him. Leaning down she attempted to kiss him with her swollen lips, ignoring the pain. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "For what?" "Just for being you." Jonathan smiled, that infectious smile of his, the one that turned Jennifer’s stomach every time she saw it. "I love you," he said before planting a kiss on her forehead. Carefully removing himself Jonathan got out of the bed to give his wife room. "I don’t want to be accused of hindering your recovery." "You’ll do nothing but help it."
"So, Mrs Hart, how are you today?" Dr Comber shone a light into her pupils checking their reaction.
"Desperate to go home."
Gently pressing the tender flesh on her cheeks, "and how did you sleep?" he continued.
Jennifer let her eyes wander to Jonathan "Good, the bed was very comfortable."
"Good, well the wounds are nice and clean, so I see no problem with you going home." He hesitated, "we expect the results of your test later on today. I’d like you to stay here until we have those."
Jennifer nodded. "Can I have a bath?"
"Yes, we have all the samples we need. Mrs Hart, we do have counsellors here at the hospital if you need to talk to anyone."
Jonathan watched as she again became subdued and the light left her eyes.
"What say I go and run that bath for you?" he said.
"I’ll be back later then. Rest is the best medicine for you now, Mrs Hart. Please don’t do anything too soon. The aches will eventually subside and the bruising will disappear over the next couple of weeks."
As the doctor left Jonathan began running the bath. He turned as Jennifer walked into the room, and began examining her bruises in the mirror.
"Can you get Max to bring over some fresh clothes?"
"Sure honey. Do you want to see him?"
"Might as well. I’m going to have to face people looking like this, might as well get started."
Jonathan approached her. "They’re only skin deep. Come on, if you get in the bath I’ll call Max."
When Jonathan re-entered the bathroom he was pleased to see Jennifer relaxing. Taking the washcloth from the side he soaped it up and gently brushed it across her shoulders progressing down her front. As he got lower, Jennifer stopped him and took the cloth from him.
"I’ll do the rest," she said despondently. Looking up and him she continued, "I’d like to be alone now."
Jonathan nodded and kissed her shoulder as he stood. "Call me when you’re done and I’ll dry you off."
Jennifer watched as he left and closed the door behind him leaving her alone. She looked down into the bath water and her body. Slowly her hand reached to the area between her legs. Had she been invaded? As she washed, her movements became more vigorous as she wanted to eliminate anything that could remain.
Jonathan heard the furious splashes of water from the other side of the door and closed his eyes guessing what was happening. It continued until he heard crying again. He couldn’t take it and burst through the door.
"Don’t Jennifer," he cried. Who was he to tell her what to do? He could only imagine what she was going through. He wanted to reach to her, comfort her, but was afraid of her reaction if he touched her.
"Darling," he cried again, this time in a more steady voice, that seemed to reach through to her.
"I’m sorry, I’m so sorry," Jennifer wept.
Jonathan knelt by the side of the bath, "Jennifer, you have nothing to be sorry for. You’ve done nothing wrong. God, Jennifer it’s not you, you have to believe that." As he went to reach for her, he was relieved when she clung to him.
As Jonathan dried the wet form of his wife, he was careful to avoid any contact that could be deemed too intimate. His touch was soft and gentle as he patted her dry before reaching for a robe and wrapping it around her. Lifting her in his arms he took her back to the bed and laid her on it.
"Just talk to me Jennifer, that’s all I ask. And if you don’t want it to be me then let it be someone else, just don’t bottle anything up, you need to let this out."
She nodded, "I just can’t seem to think about anything else at the moment."
"I know sweetheart."
As he pulled the sheets up to her and kissed her forehead, Jennifer grabbed his hand. He sat on the side of the bed smiling at her. A soft knock at the door disturbed the serene silence.
"That’s probably Max. Are you ready?"
"As I’ll ever be."
Jonathan walked to the door opened it.
"Mrs H," came the gravelly voice as he entered. "How are you?"
Both couldn’t fail to see the shocked expression on his face as he saw Jennifer.
"I," he stammered.
"It’s okay Max. I just went a bit overboard on the make-up front today," said Jennifer trying to lighten the mood.
"Oh Mrs H, I’m so sorry."
"Thanks Max."
"If there’s anything I can do?"
Jennifer just smiled and nodded. She was so lucky to have two fantastic men looking out for her.
Max left the Harts alone after his short visit. He could tell they were both on edge and obviously wanted time alone together. After Max had gone, Jonathan helped Jennifer into the clothes Max had brought. Jennifer automatically looked at her wrist to see the time, before remembering that was another item that had been stolen.
"Do you think it will be long before they have the results?"
"I’m sure they’ll let us have them as soon as they know."
Jennifer sighed and went to sit on the edge of the bed. The wait was killing her, she could do nothing but dwell on the fact. Jonathan sat besides her taking her hand in his and linking fingers. He brought it up to his mouth and brushed his lips over it, trying once again to reassure her everything was going to be all right.
A sharp knock at the door was followed by the entry of Dr Comber. He noted the closeness of the couple sat in front of him as he entered. They both looked up at him questioningly, anguish on both their faces. The linked fingers tightened in anticipation of the news the doctor was going to break.
"Mrs Hart. The results show the only person to have had sexual intercourse with you in the last 72 hours is your husband."
Both visibly exhaled at the news, Jennifer shaking with relief.
"Thank god," she said quietly.
Jonathan released her hand and put his arms around her pulling her towards him, saying a silent prayer.
"You’re free to go home now. Just take it easy. I’ll give you a prescription for painkillers and a note for your own doctor."
Both were lost in their own thoughts as the doctor spoke, relief flooding through their bodies.
As Jonathan helped Jennifer from the car, he noted how frail she still looked. She was a strong woman, but this incident had knocked her for six. Whilst the news that she hadn’t been raped had lifted some of the cloud hanging over her, she was still very apprehensive and withdrawn.
"Home sweet home." Said Jonathan closing the door to the car.
"It’s good to be here. I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight."
"And I thought you enjoyed using me as a pillow last night."
"I did darling, but you have to admit it was a little cramped."
Opening the front door, they were greeted by Freeway wagging his tail wildly.
"Hey boy, did you miss mommy?" said Jennifer bending to pet the dog.
"He sure did," responded Max for the dog. "I’ll get the bags out of the car Mr H."
"Right sweetheart, do you want to rest down here or go upstairs?"
"Here’s fine."
Jonathan settled Jennifer down on the sofa in the living room, then took the bags upstairs. When he returned, Jennifer was staring into the fireplace deep in thought. As he walked up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder, she pulled away and screamed in fright. Jonathan was startled for a moment, then quickly went to the front of her so Jennifer could see it was him.
"Jennifer, Jennifer," he said softly seeing the frightened expression on her face. It took a moment before she focused on him and realised what she’d done.
"I’m sorry," she said quietly, "It’s just.." Jennifer trailed off, feeling unable to explain without looking stupid.
Jonathan sat on the floor next to her. "You thought it was another attack." He asked already knowing her answer. She nodded. "It was my fault. I shouldn’t have crept up on you like that." He reached over to take her right hand. "I’m sorry, I won’t do it again. I didn’t think." Jonathan’s head dropped at the thought he’d frightened his wife. How could he have been so insensitive? Vengeance would be his. He felt her squeeze his hand and looked up at her.
"You didn’t do it on purpose darling. I was just thinking about the attack when you touched me, that’s all."
Jennifer watched as his eyes clouded over, "You shouldn’t have to feel this way though."
"Jonathan. I’m fine." She said trying to reassure him. She wasn’t though. God if she reacted like when her husband just touched her, what was she going to be like around other people. The prospect of stepping outside the security of the surrounding grounds frightened the hell out of her. Suddenly a thought hit her. "My keys." Jonathan felt the hand holding him shaking.
"I thought about that. All locks have been changed and I’ve cancelled all your cards." He reached up and put his hand to her cheek. "It’s okay, you’re safe here. Now what can I get you, a drink, something to eat."
"Just a glass of water thanks."
"Sure."
Jennifer nodded. "Jonathan." She said raising her eyebrows at him. "I’m fine."
He smiled. "I just worry about you. I can’t help it. You’re everything to me."
She squeezed his hand again, "And you’re everything to me."
Jonathan was pacing through the kitchen after he settled Jennifer in bed for the night. Running his fingers through his hair he poured himself a coffee and sat at the kitchen table. Max watched on in silence. He could see Jonathan was mulling things over in his head. Max sat at the table opposite him.
"She’s going to be alright Mr H. She’s one hellava lady."
Jonathan looked up at Max. "I’ve never seen her like this before. I know she’s trying to hide her fear from me, but I can see right through her. She’s frightened Max."
"She’s never been mugged before." Max saw Jonathan wince at the word.
"I just feel so helpless."
Max reached across the table to Jonathan hand, "Just be there for her when she needs you."
Jonathan straightened himself up taking in a deep breath. "Herschel mentioned the jewellery might have been pawned. Can you put the word out and see what you can find out."
"What are you thinking Mr H?"
"Just do it please Max," Jonathan pleaded. Max had been with Jonathan long enough to know what was going through his head. He wanted to tell him not to do anything stupid, but he also knew the depth of the feeling Jonathan had for Jennifer and knew nothing he said would stop Jonathan. Jonathan would do anything to protect the lady lying upstairs, Max knew that.
Jonathan closed the door silently behind him as he entered the bedroom. He stood watching as Jennifer slept peacefully in their bed. He loved to watch her sleep. Careful to avoid making too much noise, he crept through to the dressing room, putting on his pyjama bottoms before joining Jennifer in bed. He’d just got in and turned the lamp by his side of the bed off when he felt her warm body move closer and her arm reach across to pull his arm around her. She was still breathing heavily and fast asleep. Jonathan smiled to himself as he cuddled closer. She was amazing, even in her sleep she knew when he was around.
Jennifer felt her husbands’ arms around her when the sunshine breaking through the window woke her the following morning. Whilst she was still aching, the feel of her own bed and her husband lying behind her brought some comfort. She pulled his arms around her tighter, feeling safe. Slowly she drifted off to sleep again.
Jonathan felt his arms being pulled further around his wife. He’d been awake for about half an hour before he felt Jennifer awaken. He had no intention of disturbing her though, he just wanted her to have a restful sleep. Knowing she was finding comfort in his embrace helped him as well as her. He heard her breathing deepen once again, and knew she’d gone back to sleep.
It was past 9 in the morning when Jennifer awoke again. Glancing at the clock she noted the time, then also noted Jonathan’s arms were still about her. A smile crept across her face. Slowly she turned around in his embrace to find those twinkling blue eyes and beautiful smile looking back at her. She leaned into him ignoring the pain to softly kiss his lips before pulling back. Jonathan noted the swelling had gone down slightly and the bruising was changing colour. He looked at her intently, then carefully kissed her forehead, followed by any area he could see wasn’t bruised, gently drawing her hair away from her face. He wanted to kiss every bruise as if it could heal her, but didn’t want to cause her any pain.
"You’re late for the office," she said smiling at him.
"I’m not going in today."
"Jonathan," she said in a warning tone. "I’m not an invalid."
"I know. I just want to stay with you today."
"I won’t break you know. You’re not going to be able to stay with me 24 hours a day." There was a pause. "Much as I’d like it." She added grinning. "Besides you can’t neglect the company."
"Hart industries can survive without me."
"But can you survive without them?" Jennifer knew how much she meant to him, but she also realised how important Hart industries was in his life.
Jonathan reluctantly nodded. "You win. Today I’ll stay here. Ah!" he said as Jennifer started to protest, "But tomorrow I’ll go in."
"Good." Jennifer started to move away and get up.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"Just because you’re not working, doesn’t mean I’m not." She watched as his lips pouted at her comment.
"The doctor said to take it easy."
"Jonathan, I have to use the bathroom! That’s where I’m going. If you’re taking the day off to nurse me, then I intend to be pampered." Jonathan laughed glad to see her humour hadn’t been affected by the attack.
"Your wish is my command my lady," he said tugging his forelock.
Jennifer could tell Jonathan was watching her carefully throughout the day. Every so often she’d look in his direction and always his eyes were on her. That wasn’t unusual, he was forever just gazing at her, but this time his eyes told a different story. There was still the love there always was, but there was also more concern than usual. Jonathan tried to keep Jennifer’s spirits up, but he could still feel wariness about her, not towards him, but about any suggestions for getting away for a few days. He left her reading a book to find Max.
"Any joy?" he questioned.
"Not yet Mr H, but I do have a number of acquaintances on the look out."
"Listen Max, I don’t want Jennifer to know anything about this. She’s got enough on her plate getting over this attack. I don’t want her worrying about anything else."
"Are you sure this is a good idea? I think you should leave this one up to the police."
"This is something I have to deal with myself Max, I need to be sure Jennifer can rid herself of her demons."
"Mr H." Max stopped as Jennifer walked into the room.
"What are you two up to? Sounds like your planning something."
"Nothing sweetheart," said Jonathan walking towards her.
"Has he told you to keep an eye on me Max?"
Max shifted his feet and couldn’t look at Jennifer. He and Jonathan had that conversation earlier in the day.
"Jonathan!" Jennifer was sounding slightly annoyed.
Jonathan moved his hands up to her shoulders as she crossed her arms. "Darling. No matter what you say to me, I’m always going to worry about you. I love you too much not to. You mean everything to me Jennifer and I’m sorry if my asking Max to look out for you offends you, but I only have your best interests at heart." He leaned his forehead against hers. "When I think what could have happened, I feel sick. I want to wrap you in cotton wool and never let you out of my sight again, but I know that’s not the solution, but please humour me at least for the time being."
Jennifer looked into his soulful eyes, full of emotion. She could never deny him anything. She smiled, feeling herself melt for the millionth time when he brought his hands up gently caressing the bruising on her face with the tips of his fingers. She joined his hands with hers.
"Just because it’s you, okay. But just for the time being."
"Deal," he responded. Max watched in awe. He’d known Jennifer would forgive Jonathan without any of that being spoken, she’d forgive him anything when Jonathan gave her one of those looks. Usually he left the room at moments like this knowing it was likely to lead to something more intimate.
As promised Jonathan returned to work the next day. He left Jennifer sleeping soundly, grateful that she at least didn’t appear to be having nightmares about the attack. When he arrived at the office, he unlocked the safe, retrieving the small black book he kept there. There were some business dealings that were kept very confidential and the contacts he had in this book knew how to acquire information that was hard to come by. Opening the book, he knew immediately whom he’d call. Fifteen minutes later he explained the situation and David Thomas was on the case.
"Hart residence," said Max picking up the phone.
"Hi Max, is Jennifer up yet."
"She’s sat here having breakfast. Hold on and I’ll pass you over."
Max handed the phone to Jennifer and got on with writing his shopping list.
"Hi darling. I’m fine." Said Jennifer pre-empting the question she knew Jonathan would ask.
"How did you know it was me?"
"Jonathan, you’re predictable. I’m surprised you managed to last until," she glanced at the clock, "9.30 before you called. I missed my good morning kiss you know."
Jonathan smiled, he usually called around this time anyway, he thought he’d been quite restrained managing to hold on until now. "You had one, you just weren’t awake to appreciate it." His heart swelled when her heard her giggling on the other end of the phone.
"Wake me next time."
"You looked so peaceful asleep there, I didn’t want to disturb you."
Jennifer touched her lips, the swelling was going down, she was looking forward to getting the sensation back in them and being able to once again enjoy one of his good morning kisses.
"What are you going to do with yourself today?" asked Jonathan.
"I have a few things I need to work on. Max is off to get the groceries, but I’ll have Freeway to keep me company."
"Are you not going with Max?" Jonathan noted the silence before she answered.
"No, not today." Jennifer had got used to the visible scars now, so wasn’t worried who saw her, but the invisible scars were still plaguing her. Whilst she didn’t care who saw her, she still wasn’t ready to set foot outside the security of the gates.
"I called Herschel earlier, but no news yet."
"Let’s face it Jonathan, the likelihood of them catching whoever did this is very slim." Jonathan noted the dejected tone in her voice. He knew she was right though, the police had murders to deal with, even with his influence, a mugging would come lower down their pecking order. He also knew he personally would find out who’d done this to his wife, no matter how long it took. Being rich had definite benefits when it came to gaining information.
"I suppose you’re right. I’ve got a meeting to go to now, I’ll give you a call later."
"Jonathan, there’s really no need."
"Humour me sweetheart." He followed his statement, blowing a kiss down the phone at her. "Did you catch it?"
She laughed. "Right on the lips."
"Which ones?" he whispered seductively.
"Jonathan!" she shrieked at the comment. Max looked over and saw her cheeks blush, even through the bruising. He raised his eyebrows to himself wondering what comment Jonathan had made this time. Jennifer felt a familiar warmth flowing through her body at his words. Even on the end of a telephone he could turn her on. Many a time he’d got her so hot she had to do something about it, and usually he was telling her what he wanted her to do to relieve herself. He liked to do it driving home from the office, so she was ready to pounce on him as soon as he walked through the door. The man was insatiable, having said that, she was a more that willing participant. "You have a one track mind."
"True, but you’re always at the end of that track."
"For which I am eternally gratefully."
Jonathan laughed. "Talk to you soon darling." He blew another kiss before hanging up, smiling to himself as he did so.
Jonathan had heard nothing from David when he left the office on Friday. He had asked David not to call him at home about the matter, but David was well aware of how important this was to Jonathan. Jonathan pulled up in front of the house glad to have a couple of free days to devote totally to his wife.
"Any one home," he called upon entering the front door and seeing no one in the living area. Walking through the to the kitchen he still found no one, but saw the back door open. Strolling outside he saw Jennifer lying on a lounger soaking up the late afternoon sun. He stood gazing for a couple of minutes, her bruising was disappearing and the lips he so loved on his, near enough back to normal. He approached, and stood next to her, a heavy breathing indicating she was fast asleep. Leaning down, he brushed her lips with his, before planting numerous kisses over her face to awaken her. An enormous smile swept across Jennifer’s face as she lazily opened one eye to Jonathan. Without a word, her arms left her sides and were up around his neck pulling his lips to hers in a forceful kiss. As Jennifer’s arms relaxed around his neck, Jonathan pulled back out of the embrace.
"Mmmm, just as I remembered," she said softly.
"I take it you feel your lips have recovered," he said, his grin matching hers.
"Uh huh, and I have a few days to catch up on."
"Oh. Anything I can help with?"
Jennifer just nodded.
"You’d better shift up then." Jennifer moved over on the lounger so Jonathan could lie next to her. In one swift move, his arms were around her pulling her to lie on top of him. Jennifer put her arms back around his neck and brought her lips back to his in a crushing embrace. She’d so missed this. Jonathan’s hand reached up and his fingers ran through her hair, moving his head slightly to a better angle. As the initial crushing subsided and the kiss became more loving, Jonathan felt the tip of his wife’s tongue running out of her mouth along the space between his lips. He opened his mouth further for her exploration. As her tongue grazed along his teeth, he gently pushed his forward to meet it and caress it. He was rewarded with a moan deep from within Jennifer. Their tongues tangoed fighting for domination. Jennifer felt her head being pulled further in as Jonathan reached the dark recesses of the back of her mouth. His kiss was filled with passion, trying to convey to her how much he loved her. His other hand was resting on her taut behind rubbing slowly.
Jennifer’s mind was a whirl, the intensity of the kiss clouding it. She knew this would be one to remember, but the emotions they were both pouring into it overwhelmed her. Slowly she brought herself down from the high she was on. Her husbands’ hands on her were having their usual effect and she could also feel Jonathan’s erection growing under her.
Jonathan eventually broke that first connection, but quickly followed it with another and another, before he worked his kisses to her neck.
"How are you feeling tonight?" he mumbled into her neck.
Jennifer gasped as even his kisses to her neck became more intense. "Fine," she managed to utter. If he wasn’t careful, things were going to get too heated, so Jonathan let up on his nuzzling as Jennifer rested her head on him, his hand continued to caress her though, slipping under her sweater and rubbing her naked back.
Jennifer propped herself up to look at Jonathan. His hand left her hair and came around to touch her lips.
"I hope that wasn’t too much."
"Nope, they’re still in good working order," as if to prove the point, she leaned in and kissed him again.
"Good. Where’s Max?"
"Running some errands. He’ll be back later."
"How do you fancy this husband of yours taking you out to dinner tonight?" Jonathan was still very conscious that she hadn’t left the grounds since he’d brought her home from the hospital. He watched as her eyes lost some of their sparkle and she shook her head.
"Not tonight darling."
"Jennifer, you’re going to have to leave here sometime. It’s just going to get harder the longer you leave it."
"I know," she said putting her head back down on his chest. "I’m just not ready yet."
Jonathan eased the two bodies over so they were on their sides and he could look at his wife.
"Do you want me to call someone to the house for you to talk to?"
"A doctor?"
"Not necessarily, a counsellor maybe."
Jennifer shook her head as Jonathan could see her eyes begin to fill. He hated the thought something he’d said could make her cry, but he so wanted her to be able to walk out of the house without any fears. "Okay sweetheart," he said pulling her towards him, "just let me know if you do."
Jonathan was lying in bed reading his book when Jennifer came though from the dressing room wearing his pyjama top and nothing else. She walked purposefully over to him and removed the book from his hands before crawling over him, ensuring just enough of her body was exposed, and getting in to bed beside him. Jonathan watched, enjoying the view. She sidled up to him so he could feel the heat radiating from her body.
"You remember our earlier telephone conversation when you blew me a kiss."
"Uh huh."
"And you asked me which lips you’d kissed."
"Uh huh," Jonathan could feel his body’s reactions to her words.
"Well," she said seductively, "I think you gave the ones on my face a good workout earlier on this evening" Jennifer watched as Jonathan swallowed at her teasing. "How would you like to practise your technique on my other ones?" Jonathan groaned, oh how he loved it when she was like this. Trying to rein in his passion and stop himself from throwing her back on the bed he took a couple of deep breaths. Jennifer watched amused at what she could do to him with just a few words.
"Are you sure you’re ready?" He reached out and touched her face. They hadn’t made love since the morning of the attack, the bruising was fading, but she still had a couple of fingers strapped together on her left hand. He hoped she didn’t have any deep-rooted fear about being touched by anyone. Jennifer smiled at his concern and nodded.
"I want you to touch me," she said as if reading his mind. She took his fingers from her face and put them on the buttons of the top she was wearing. "Make love to me." She tried not to sound as if she was pleading at that last remark. She’d been held by Jonathan every night, since she’d been home, but now she felt she needed him in her to make her complete again. Only now, had the aching subsided enough for her to ask. She wanted him to drive into her, take her, claim her as his once more. Jonathan thought he heard a hint of desperation in her voice, was that because he hadn’t touched her intimately since the attack, not because he didn’t want to, he just didn’t want to hurt her. He wanted this too, to reclaim her body, her soul, everything about her. His fingers fumbled initially trying to gain access to her, then a calm came over both of them. This was to be taken slowly, a joining of hearts and souls as well as bodies. As Jonathan eased the top off her shoulders the bruising on her upper torso was still clearly visible, he leaned in and kissed each bruise, before making his way to her hardening nipples.
As they made love Jennifer pulled him into her trying to make him reach a new depth. Her fingernails dug into his back as her moment came and she cried with pleasure. Jonathan held her as she climaxed, relieved in some ways. In the back of his mind he still wondered if she would fully be able to let go. In some respects it was him that held back, he didn’t want to hurt her. His thrusting was more gentle than she appeared to want, he just felt after what she’d been through he didn’t want to be too rough. Jennifer felt it too, she knew he was only concerned for her though. It was something they would both get over in time – together.
Jonathan stood at the living room window watching his wife playing on the lawn with Freeway. It was early Sunday evening and despite trying, he had been unable to persuade his wife to leave the grounds over the weekend. Max came and stood beside him.
"Mr H," he said quietly, bringing Jonathan out of his thoughts.
"Hmm." Jonathan looked around at Max.
Max hesitated. He loved them both like his children and it was tearing him up to see Jennifer withdrawn like this. One of his acquaintances had found the pawn shop holding Jennifer’s watch and he knew he had to pass the information on, he was just so unsure of what Jonathan would do with it. He saw how distressed he was about Jennifer and was afraid of the vengeance Jonathan would extract on whoever had done this to her.
"What is it Max?"
"I have some information."
Jonathan was at full attention now. "What have you found out."
"Mrs H’s watch is in a pawn shop on 403rd street called ‘Cash Is Us’."
"Do you know who sold it?"
"No, Mr H, just that it’s there."
Max could see the thoughts ticking over in Jonathan’s head.
"Mr H, don’t do anything stupid. You have someone out there," he said nodding in Jennifer’s direction, "who loves you more than life itself, and I know you feel the same about her. She doesn’t want to loose you and neither do I."
Jonathan nodded. He knew he should hand the information over to the police, but this one he had to deal with on his own. "I’ll be careful Max, but this is just something I have to do and alone." Max nodded in understanding.
"Hey," called Jennifer as Jonathan headed towards the kitchen door after eating breakfast. Jonathan turned at the voice. "Don’t I get a goodbye kiss."
"Sorry sweetheart," he said as he walked back over to her. "My mind was else where."
She reached for his hand as he put it on the table. "It has been since last night. Anything you want to talk about?"
"No, just work." he said leaning down to her. "Don’t you worry about me, you just concentrate on yourself."
"But I do worry about you," she answered looking into the blue pools looking back at her. He brought his lips down to hers until he could feel her sweet breath mingling with his.
"I know and that’s just one of the many things I love about you." Before she could respond his lips caught hers in a kiss that made her forget what the hell they’d just been talking about. As he pulled away "that’s to make up for forgetting. Will it last you a few hours." Jennifer eyes glazed.
"Can I persuade you to stay," she said seductively.
Jonathan laughed. "Much as I’d love to, I have some things to deal with this morning. I’ll call you later." He gave her another long kiss before leaving her in her own world. Damn that shower she was about to take was going to have to be cold.
Jennifer sat drinking a coffee in the living room. Glancing up at the clock she noticed it was 10, strange, Jonathan hadn’t rung yet. She picked up the phone and pressed the speed dial to his office.
"Hart Industries."
"Hi Deanne, it’s Jennifer. Can I speak to Jonathan please?"
"Mrs Hart, how are you? I was so shocked to hear the news."
"I’m on the mend thanks Deanne, and could you thank everyone for the cards and flowers."
"Sure Mrs Hart. I’m afraid Mr Hart isn’t in yet."
"He’s not."
"No, he called on his way in, saying her had to take care of some personal business first." Jennifer’s brow furrowed, personal business, what was he up to.
"Okay, thanks Deanne, I’ll try him on his cell."
Using the speed dial for Jonathan’s cell phone, Jennifer faired no better. She left a message at the tone and asked Jonathan to call her back. When he hadn’t returned her call by 11 she was beginning to wonder what he was up to. She got up from the sofa and made her way to the kitchen.
"Max, have you any idea where Jonathan went this morning?"
Max continued doing his chores, not looking up, knowing Jennifer would be able to read his mind if he looked at her.
"Isn’t he at the office."
"No, and I can’t get hold of him."
"I’m sure he’s fine Mrs H." Jennifer heard the note of concern in Maxs voice, and walked over to him.
"Max," she said putting her hand on his shoulder, making him turn around to look at her, "has Jonathan said something to you?"
Max looked at Jennifer, concern for Jonathan was etched over her face and he knew despite what Jonathan had said, he couldn’t lie to her. He slowly nodded.
"What is it? What’s he up to?"
"He’s trying to find who did that to you," said Max hinting at her bruising.
"How?"
"He had me use some of my buddies."
"And did they find anything?"
Max nodded again, "The pawn shop holding your watch."
"And that’s where Jonathan has gone." Max again nodded. "And then what?"
Max shrugged his shoulders. Though nothing had been said, it didn’t need to be, Max knew exactly what Jonathan’s intentions were. "He didn’t say Mrs H," he responded quietly.
In an instant Jennifer knew, "Oh god," she said. "He’s going to find out who pawned the watch," she gulped, "and then he’s going to find them." Jennifer knew without a doubt, that he would be determined about this. She also knew if Jonathan got hold of whoever did this to her, their lives wouldn’t be worth living. She’d seen the anger in his eyes and knew he wanted revenge. She closed her eyes trying to think, but the thought of Jonathan either exacting revenge or being hurt kept clouding her thoughts. "We have to go after him."
"Mrs H. Mr H knows what he’s doing." Even Max wasn’t convinced by his own words.
Jennifer looked directly at Max. "Does he? You know how much he loves me. If he gets his hands on whoever did this to me, I don’t know if he’d be able to stop himself. I think anger would override any other thoughts." Jennifer felt tears prick at her eyes, but wiped them away. "Max please." In his heart of hearts Max knew she was right.
"Okay Mrs H. I’ll go and find him."
"No," said Jennifer firmly, "WE’LL go and find him."
Max looked at her knowing she hadn’t been off the grounds of the house in nearly a week. He also saw the determination in her eyes and heard it in her voice. The thought that Jonathan could be in danger was the one thing that was getting her to leave. He had to admire that in her. As for Jennifer it didn’t even occur to her that she was going to face the world again. The man she loved could do something irreparable and that was all she could think about. Grabbing her purse Jennifer made her way to the door closely followed by Max.
