Part 495
Nick and Becca watched as Howie, his arms wrapped around Sarah’s waist from behind and still nuzzling her neck, guided her to their room closing the door behind them. They heard Sarah’s giggles first and knew that Howie was kissing her as they suddenly stopped.
Nick commented innocently, "Howie certainly knows how do deal with Sarah when she gets mad." He expected some sort of retort from Becca, but instead all he got was silence. "Bec?"
Becca was lost in her thoughts, a very somber look on her face.
"Becca?" Nick leaned forward, trying to make eye contact, but Becca turned her head away. "Sweetheart, what’s the matter?"
"I don’t get it, Nick." Before he could even ask, she started in on him. "I don’t understand how each and every one of you can be so blasé about that … that … fat prick showing up here."
"Because-"
"You HEARD the things he said about Howie, and about Sarah, Nick. None of you cares at all, and it’s just not right."
"Becca, we’ve learned how to deal with Lou over the years."
"By being polite to him? By allowing him to bad mouth your wives and spread vicious, hurtful things about you all?"
"No, baby, by not letting him see that he gets to us." Nick reached for her, but she was already on her feet, pacing back and forth in front of the picture window.
"The man is a certifiable lunatic, Nick, and he’s going to print everything about Sarah! Damn it, she doesn’t need this right now. With everything she’s been through-"
"Becca, calm down."
"No, I won’t! SOMEONE has to be on her side, and it’s obviously not going to be you!"
"Becca, where’s all this coming from, baby?"
"Don’t ‘baby’ me, Nickolas Carter. He may have all of you afraid of him, but he’s not going to bully me."
"Now just hold on-"
"No, Nick. I’m tired of being meek and silent. I’m not going to let him get away with this."
Nick ran his hands though his hair in aggravation. He had to say something, but he had no idea what. He didn’t need to wonder for much longer.
"That fat bastard has never been held accountable for what he did to you for all those years and it’s high time someone made him pay."
"Becca. What the HELL are you talking about?"
"Damn it Nick, the man is a pedophile!"
"What?!"
"I know all about that sick relationship he had with all of you. My God, Nick-"
Nick laughed. This was insane and getting worse by the minute. "Becca, that’s just not true!" His laughter died when he finally realized that she was completely serious. "Becca, that’s a very serious allegation and there’s nothing to back it up."
Becca stood perfectly still, her arms wrapped around herself, shivering with repressed rage. "I never said he touched you, Nick, or any of you. But look what he DID do. He pulled you away from everything you’d ever known and loved, your homes and your families, and proceeded to mold you and shape you into his perfect little boy band. He bought your clothes, he bought your food, and he probably paid for your women, too. Others have gone to jail for offering candy to children, Nick but what about Lou? He gets away with it for years because his bribery and treats are higher priced? More respectable?"
"Bec, it wasn’t like that," Nick whispered, reaching out a hand and hoping she’d take it.
Becca looked down at Nick’s outstretched hand and in her mind’s eye she saw Lou, holding her hand as he introduced himself. Her stomach rolled and her face blanched, and as Nick’s fingers touched hers, she felt her lunch begin its ascent in her throat. As she raced for the bathroom with only seconds to spare, Garrett began to cry.
Nick was faced with the ultimate dilemma- his wife or his son? Garrett’s cries won out, and as he listened to Becca’s painful retching he tried his best to calm his fussy son. He had Garrett’s dry sleeper halfway on his squirming little body, when Becca emerged from the bathroom, pale, but seemingly all right. "Becca?"
"I’m all right," she whispered. "I need to get out of here for a while," she said grabbing her coat. "Take care of the baby, please. I’ll be back later."
Before Nick could argue with her or offer to come along for company, she was out the door and down the hall to the elevator. He caught sight of Billy coming out of what was going to be Kevin’s room, and called him over. "Billy, catch up with her," Nick asked, after explaining some of what had transpired.
"Want me to bring her back?"
"No, and keep your distance unless there’s a problem. I think she just needs to get away for awhile."
"You got it, boss. You’re okay?"
"Yeah, Billy, I’m ok. Just go find her." He watched the big man head for the elevator, jiggled his son on his shoulder and went back inside to wait.