Read Complicated Matters for Free Online Page B

shirt for Tom and her mom’s favorite cotton gown for Jordan. “They may not be a perfect fit, but they’ll do for tonight.” She placed the clothes in Tom Watkins’ arms. “If you can help Jordan, I’ll look after Tara. There’s clean sheets in the closet.”
     
       *
     
       Once the family settled in, Farrah grabbed a shower and collapsed on the couch. “Why don’t you take one of my brothers’ rooms for the night, Ted? I’ll wait on the rescue squad.”
       “What? And let you be the hero all by yourself?” He shook his head. “No, ma’am. I’m gonna sit right here with you.” Ted smiled and guided her head to his lap. “You really are a hero.” He brushed her hair back from her face.
       “I was just there to catch the baby.” Farrah closed her eyes. “Jordan Watkins did all the work.” 
       He started playing with the straps on her top. “Well, you’re my hero.” 
       She grabbed his hand and held in hers. “Is that all you ever think about?”
       “You’re going to find out exactly what’s on my mind after our guests leave.” He leaned down and kissed her shoulder.
       The animals went crazy when the rescue copter landed in Farrah’s yard.
       She opened the door for the rescue team.
       A man pulled a gurney into the house. “Is someone in need of assistance?” 
       Ted pointed the way. “The family’s in there.” 
       The rescue team stopped when they saw the family huddled together asleep on Farrah’s bed.
       “Mrs. Watkins, we’re here to take you to the hospital.” A member of the team said, as he pulled back the cover. “Congratulations, Mr. Watkins. It’s not every day a man gets to deliver his own daughter.”
       “And today isn’t one of them. The young lady handled everything.” He hugged Farrah. “You take care of yourself, and thanks again.”
      Once everyone was gone, Farrah locked the living room door.
       She turned around and came face-to-face with Ted’s bare chest.
       Before she could say anything, he started kissing her. “I believe we were discussing promises.” 
       It felt as though his hands were touching every part of her body at once. She could feel her dress rising higher and higher. She pulled it back down. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.” She raced back to her room and locked the door. She flung herself on her bed and buried her head under her pillow. If Ted had anything to say, she didn’t want to hear it.
     
       Chapter 7
     
       Taylor lay on his couch getting ready for his favorite sleep aide when the laptop beeped.  He raised the screen.
       “Taylor, where are you?”
       “At what passes for a home in this town. What can I do for you, Commander?”
       “You can get over to the Mathews’ place. Fugitive Daniels, escaped tonight.”
       Adrenaline shot through Taylor like a lightening bolt. “How in the hell did he do that?”
       “He was being transported from the courthouse to the prison when his transport was broadsided. During the commotion he killed two guards and escaped.”
       “I am asking you again, Commander. How did one man in chains overcome three armed guards and escape?”
       “That is still under investigation.”
       Taylor paced back and forth. “That’s unbelievable. Was the third guard at least able to say in which direction Daniels fled?”
      “The third guard isn’t up to answering questions. Your only priority is protecting the Mathews family. Now get your ass over there and don’t alarm them. Phillips out.”
       “Phillips out,” Taylor muttered. He shrugged on his uniform and donned his raincoat.  The rain stung his face as it pelted him. He hated the rain. It reminded him of the night his wife died.
       Barely able to see the black-top road, he turned off the main road onto Old Rocky Ford Road. Flash. Something ran across the road, and then it was gone.
       “What the--” He skidded to a halt. The mixture of wet