Quick Authors Note: Jane’s Addiction reads best in one sitting. – Megan
Jane’s Addiction
As Jane worked her daily grind of a job in retail keeping herself busy to get through her shift. She had wiped down the fitting rooms, put returns away and swept the already clean floor for the third time and it was only four in the afternoon.
Jane returned the broom and dustpan to the closet, closed the door and caught a glimpse of Connor and Ryan heading straight towards her. She locked eyes with Connor and mouthed ‘no’. Connor stood in front of her, took her arm and calmly said. “Not here, outside.”
“I have to get my bag.” Jane said in an even calm tone. “Fine, we’ll go with you.” The three of them walked through the department store into the staff lounge. Jane kneeled down in front of her locker, closed her eyes and took a deep breath before spinning the combination lock and opening the locker.
One of her co-workers was in the lounge, he gave her a sideways look. “Everything OK Jane?” She took her bag out of the locker and closed it. Making her way over to the concerned co-worker she leaned into him gave him a peck on the cheek and said. “Everythings fine.”
Leaving him blushing and confused she left the building accompanied by Connor and Ryan. Connor stopped next to a silver Ford Mustang GT Fastback and opened the passenger door for Jane. He held the passenger seat forward for her to climb into the backseat. He got into the back with her shutting the door behind him. Ryan sat in the driver’s seat.
The three of them sat in silence for a moment, then Jane said, “Hi Ryan.” “Hi Jane.” He said looking at her in the rearview mirror. “So dead or injured?” Jane said flatly. Connor took a deep breath. “Dead.”
Jane’s chest felt tight as the tears filled her eyes blurring her vision. Connor put his arm around her and she leaned into his chest sobbing. He nodded at Ryan and they drove away from the department store.
After driving down the highway for a while Jane sat up away from Connor and regained her composure a bit. Wiping the tears from her face and clearing her throat. “Can we stop for a few please?” She asked Ryan. He nodded and pulled into the next rest stop.
Connor reached forward, opening the passenger side door and stepping out, he offered Jane a hand as she exited the Mustang. Jane had her bag in her hand as she started to head toward the restrooms.
“Just a second.” Connor said, pointing at Jane’s bag. She sighed and handed it to him, he opened it and removed the derringer pistol and handed the bag back to her. She shrugged and went to the restroom.
Jane stood in front of the sink and looked at her puffy red eyes and messy hair. Splashing some cool water on her face and finding a comb in her bag she made herself presentable. As she applied some lip gloss, memories of Tom flooded her mind.
She had met Tom after they had both been recruited for the agency, a love at first sight storybook romance. They were hot and heavy during training trying to outdo each other on the obstacle course, shooting range and in the interview room. They had been together for almost fifteen years now, this was supposed to be an easy in and out assignment, six weeks tops and then back home to plan for their future together.
Jane wiped the fresh tears from her cheeks and headed back out to the Mustang. Connor and Ryan were both leaning against the car. She stood in front of Connor and he handed her his lit cigarette. She took a deep drag filling her lungs and slowly exhaled. “Are you allowed to tell me how he died?”
Connor looked at her and sighed. Ryan spoke. “You know we can’t tell you that.” Jane shot him a look of distaste. “So where are we going?”
“Right now a motel for the night and then to be debriefed in the morning.” Connor said, opening the passenger door for her to get in.
“Jane, wake up.” Connor said, reaching back and tapping her on the leg. Jane hadn’t realized that she had fallen asleep.
They made their way into room 8 of the Twin Pines Motel. Connor unlocked the door and flipped the light switch which turned on a brass lamp in the far corner. “Quaint.” Jane said as she made her way to the bathroom.
Upon exiting the bathroom she found that Ryan had made himself comfortable on the first bed and Connor was laying on the second one. He gestured towards her to use the other half of the bed. She let out a sigh, put the pillow against the wooden headboard and sat on the bed. “We raided the vending machine if you need something to eat or drink.” Jane glanced over at the pile of chips, candy bars and sodas on the small table. “I’m good.” She said.
Connor sat up next to her, lit a cigarette, took a drag and handed it to her. Jane took a drag and handed it back. “Do you want a real drink?” “Yes, but no I’m good, thanks.” She laid her head against his shoulder. “It just hurts.” Tears slid down her cheeks. “I know, I miss him too.” He took Jane’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“So why’s Ryan here?” She asked in a hushed voice. “Driver, chaperone to make sure we both show up tomorrow.” “Well that’s no fun.”
Connor smirked. “It’s the agency, there is no fun.”
Jane let out a deep sigh turning onto her side to sleep, Connor laid on his back next to her. She reached her arm back. He turned on his side and laid up against her, holding her tightly against him.
“It’s time.” Ryan’s voice shattered the silence, tearing Jane away from dreamland. She let out a mumbled ‘fuck’ and got up. Made her way to the bathroom and pulled herself together.
She took her seat in the back of the Mustang, where Connor joined her. As they pulled up to their destination and exited the Mustang Connor leaned into Jane and said, “I’m here for you. Both of you.” He kissed her cheek and they headed into the building.
Upon entering the building Jane was escorted to an interview room, asked to take a seat and wait. Typical interview room with a table, chairs and two way mirror. Jane sat patiently, thinking about Tom and the last conversation that they had had before he left. The morning the stick turned blue, was the last thing on Jane’s mind, Tom reassured her that upon his return that they would look at finding a more permanent place to be. Maybe a nice community in the heartland somewhere.
Jane’s thoughts were interrupted as the door to the interview room opened and a tall man in a dark suit entered carrying a clipboard. “Hello Jane, my name is Harvey and I will be conducting today’s interview.” Jane acknowledged him and sat up in the uncomfortable steel seat.
He set down the clipboard and unbuttoned his jacket, taking the seat across from her. “OK, let’s see here.” Harvey said as he ran his ballpoint pen down the paper in front of him. Then he put down the pen and leaned back in his chair, looking Jane in the eye.
“You know what, since you are formally of the agency I’m not going to BS you. I have one direct question for you.” Jane smirked, “OK shoot.”
“Do you know anything about a case file called ‘Monroe’?”
“As in Marilyn?” Harvey cleared his throat. “No, as in Louisiana.” Jane gave him a confused look.
“What are you getting at?”
“We think that Tom took a case file that he shouldn’t have, it’s a loose end that we would like to tie up.”
“And you want me to what, find it?”
“In a nutshell, yes Jane, if you could retrieve any sensitive information that Tom may have taken it would be most appreciated.” Harvey said, giving an unnatural grin.
“Fine, but two way street, if I find anything and return it, I get to know how Tom died.” Harvey glanced over at the two way mirror giving a shrug. ‘Click’ the PA system came on.
“We can agree to your request Jane. Thank you for your time. Connor will escort you home and we look forward to hearing from you soon.” Jane got up and left the interview room.
Connor met her in the hallway and they made their way to the elevator. The doors closed and Connor hit the G button. “Well that was…something.” Jane said. “I’m sorry this whole situation is fucked up.” He gave her a sympathetic look.
The elevator dinged and they stepped out into the parking garage. “It’s over here.” Connor said heading towards a black Dodge challenger. He unlocked the passenger door and opened it for Jane. “Figures.” She said getting into the car. Connor let out an exasperated sigh, closed the door and walked around to the driver side.
Connor pulled into the driveway of a small single level ranch style house, and shut off the engine. Jane sat in the passenger seat holding her bag staring at the house. “Are you staying?” She asked.
“Only if you want me to.” Feeling the tears begging to well up in her eyes she cleared her throat and said in a hushed voice. “I do.” She exited the car and made her way to the front door. As she fumbled for her house key Connor got out of the car and opened the trunk taking out a small duffle bag. Jane gave him a look to which he replied. “Be prepared for anything.”
“Isn’t that the Boy Scouts motto.” She said opening the front door. Connor closed the trunk, shrugged his shoulders and followed her into the house.
As Jane showered Connor made some food out of what he could find in the kitchen. Connor made his way down the hallway and tapped on the bathroom door that was slightly open. “Jane?” He pushed the door open and entered the bathroom.
Jane was sitting in the tub with her legs pulled up to her chest sobbing. Connor undressed, stepped into the shower with her and helped her to stand up. Moving her into the warm water. He took a squeeze of shampoo and began running his hands through her hair. Jane closed her eyes and let him help her wash. Wrapped in a bath towel Jane entered the master bedroom, she dried off and found a robe to put on.
She then went to the kitchen and sat at the table. “Thanks.” She said eating the food that was on the plate for her. After eating Jane did the dishes and straightened up before joining Connor out on the patio. “Nice night.” He said, handing her his lit cigarette. She took a drag and handed it back to him saying. “Sorry about earlier.” Connor put his arm around her. “Nothing for you to be sorry about.” She took the cigarette back taking another drag.
“How long can you stay?”
“A while.” He said, giving her a smile. “Before I have to deal with Tom’s office and finding whatever he was working on, I have an inappropriate request for you.” Jane said, finishing the cigarette and putting it out.
“Yes.” He said pulling her to him and kissing her deeply. “You didn’t even let me ask.”
“Oh sorry, go ahead ask.” He said, stepping back from her. Jane stood there giving him a look.
“Well now it’s just weird if I ask you to fuck me.” Jane turned and went back into the house.
Connor followed her, closing the patio door behind him. He came up behind her wrapping his arms around her, holding her tightly to him. He whispered sweet seductive words into her ear, Jane closed her eyes enjoying the feeling of his body against hers. Turning her around to face him he pushed her against the wall and kissed her neck as he ran his hands over her body.
Jane took his hand and led him over to the couch, Connor undressed as Jane dropped her robe. He sat on the couch and she straddle his lap sliding his hard cock into her. Letting out a moan she moved her hips back and forth enjoying him.
“Fuck Jane.” He breathed kissing her as he came deep in her. Jane let the feeling of the moment over take her into a high of euphoria.
~ ~ ~ ~
Jane poured a cup of coffee, added a spoonful of sugar and a splash of cream and made her way down the hallway. She stood in front of the closed office door for a second taking a deep breath before opening the door and heading into Tom’s office.
Setting her coffee down on the desk she opened the shades allowing the sun to flood the small room. She glanced over towards the filing cabinet where a sad looking jade plant in a small blue pot was dry as a bone and drooping. Jane took the plant into the kitchen and sat it in the sink letting some water run over it.
Taking a seat at the desk she opened Tom’s laptop and started looking around through his files. She then thumbed through the papers on the desk and then resorted to searching through the filing cabinet.
Not finding anything of interest she got herself some empty file boxes from the closet and started packing up the office. About three hours into this impromptu clean out the doorbell rang.
She opened the door. “Connor.” She said letting him in.
“Jane.” He said sarcastically. She gave him a look.
“Sorry, it’s been a day.” They headed back to the office that was now mostly packed up.
“If there is something here I can’t find it.” She said continuing to fill boxes with files and books. Connor stood behind her wrapping his arms around her, she leaned into his embrace letting out a sigh and closing her eyes. He held her for a moment and then leaned down and kissed her neck. Whispering to her.
“It will be fine. I’ll help you look.” She nodded and they began searching the office.
“Maybe it’s not in the house?” Connor said. Jane thought this over, knowing Tom. If something was important where would he leave it so that she could find it, if anything happened.
“Fuck.” She said leaving the office and making her way out to the back patio. Connor followed her as she opened the patio door and walked in her bare feet across the grass to a small gardening shed that sat to the side of the backyard. Jane opened the door and made her way into the shed.
She glanced around for a second and then moved to grab a metal box from the shelf above the workbench. Connor reached up behind her, taking a hold of the box and placing it on the workbench. Flipping the metal clasp down she opened the box, there was a ratty rag on top of some miscellaneous hand tools and a small manila envelope set against the side of the box.
She lifted it out looking it over before opening it. It contained a flash drive and a small brass key with the number 510 stamped on it. Jane took the flash drive and key back into the house. She plugged the flash drive into her laptop that was on the kitchen table and opened it. The first thing that came up was a note addressed to her from Tom.
My Sweet Jane,
If you found this then things went sideways,
please do whatever you have to with the information on here.
I trust your judgement.
I left you a safety net in the security deposit box.
Know that I am sorry that it went this way and that
I love you, always.
Tom
Tears welled up in Jane’s eyes as she read the note. Connor stood behind her, putting a hand on her shoulder. She stood up and embraced him, not being able to control the tears. Connor led her over to the couch and they sat down. He held her as she sobbed.
Jane awoke to the smell of food being cooked, finding herself on the couch covered with a throw blanket. “Connor?”
“Yes.”
“What time is it?” She asked, getting up off the couch.
“Ten to seven.”
Jane got up and took a seat at the kitchen table as Connor served dinner.
“Thanks, did you look over the files on the flash drive?”
“I did. Looks like Tom was investigating some very not nice individuals. Background information on a number of people moving narcotics and laundering money. He’d been working on this for a while, it reads that he found himself an in with this particular organization in Monroe, Louisiana.”
“Will you go with me to turn it in to the agency?”
“Of course.” He answered, reaching across the table and giving her hand a squeeze. She smiled.
“What?”
“Can you stay tonight?”
He gave her a devilish look. “Yes.”
~ ~ ~ ~
Connor was ripped from his dreams by what sounded like a scream. He sat up abruptly, listening intently, hearing his name being called from a distance. He got out of bed and made his way down the dark hallway towards the sound.
A light showed from under the bathroom door, he knocked on the door calling out her name. Waited a second then turned the doorknob, it was locked.
“Jane? Please answer me.” He said. His mind raced with the possibilities of what was on the other side of the door.
“Jane, I’m coming in.” Connor announced as he squared up with the door and ran his shoulder into it, the door gave and opened into the bathroom.
It took a second for his eyes to adjust to the bright lights and he took in what he was seeing. Jane was sitting on the floor against the tub with her knees pulled up to her chest, blood streaked down her thighs and pooled on the white tiled floor.
Connor fell to his knees in front of her, looking at her face, her eyes were open but distant.
“I’m sorry.” He said softly, kissing her on the forehead. He got her into the shower and cleaned up, helping her dress and took her to the hospital. Connor explained the circumstances to the hospital staff and Jane was admitted for a miscarriage.
A few days later Connor’s black Dodge challenger pulled up outside of the agency and parked.
“You ready for this?” He asked. Jane nodded and exited the car.
“Nice to see you again Jane.” Harvey said, showing them into an interview room. Jane and Connor sat on one side of the table as Harvey sat on the opposite side and took out a laptop. Jane handed over the flash drive.
Harvey took it, plugged it into the laptop and began clicking around. He sat there reading through Tom’s case notes and then cleared his throat and said.
“Thank you for this. Two way street and all.” He said, reaching into his briefcase and handing her a file. “I’m sorry that it came to this, I liked Tom.” Harvey closed the laptop and left the room.
Jane laid the file out and began to read.
Anonymous call: male body found in trunk of car, two gunshots to the back of the head.
Jane closed the file, stood up and they left the interview room.
On the drive home Jane asked. “Can we go to your house?” Connor nodded and pulled off at the next exit.
~ ~ ~ ~
Connor pulled into the driveway, and parked. “You OK?” He asked Jane.
“I don’t know.” She answered letting out a deep sigh. Connor put his hand over hers giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Well it’s not much but this is home.” He said, gesturing towards the little house. She smiled and said, “Quaint.” They got out of the car and headed inside. Connor gave Jane the two cent tour, living room, kitchen, hallway, bathroom and bedroom.
They sat on the loveseat and Jane put her head on Connor’s shoulder. She took his hand in hers, rubbing her thumb along the inside of his palm. He leaned over and kissed her forehead.
“I know it’s been a lot. I want you to know that I’m here for you.”
“I appreciate that.” She said sitting up and taking a deep breath.
Connor lit a cigarette, took a drag and handed it to Jane. She took it, taking a deep drag and exhaling slowly, handing it back. He took another drag and put it out. “Drink?”
“Yes, please.” Connor got up and headed into the kitchen. He took out a bottle of Jack Daniels and poured two glasses. Coming back to the loveseat he handed her a drink.
After Connor took a seat Jane raised her glass and said. “To Tom.”
“To Tom.” Connor said and they downed their drinks. Connor took Jane’s glass and sat them both on the small side table.
He faced her, reached behind her head, releasing the hair clip that held her long dirty blonde hair back, he sat the clip on the table. She gave her head a gentle shake allowing her hair to fall over her shoulders. He ran his fingers through her hair, put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her towards him.
Kissing her softly on the lips then more passionately. She parted her lips and slid her tongue into his mouth kissing him deeply. He let out a moan wrapping his arm around her, embracing her tightly. Running her hands over his shoulders and down his back, he kissed down the side of her neck. She let out a moan then moved back from him.
She gave him a look. “I know.” He said, standing up, taking her hand and leading her into the bedroom. He switched on the lamp that sat on the nightstand next to the bed. He turned towards the closet and pulled out a white t-shirt and laid it on the bed.
Standing in front of Jane he took the bottom of her shirt and pulled it over her head, she raised her arms up to assist in the removal. He then kissed her deeply as he relieved her of her bra. “Hidden talent.” She scoffed. He grinned and picked up the t-shirt and slid it over her head.
Kissing her again he unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans and slid them down to her ankles allowing her to step out of them. He then turned down the sheet and comforter on the bed, Jane sat on the edge of the bed, he kneeled down and he slipped off her socks, giving her bare feet a rub. She laid down and he pulled the sheet and comforter over her. He switched off the lamp and leaned down kissing her again. “Aren’t you joining me?” “In a bit.” He said as he left the bedroom.
~ ~ ~ ~
Jane was deep into dreamland when Connor laid down next to her. He gently wrapped his arms around her and she moved closer to him. “Night.” She mumbled, still half asleep.
“Night.” He said kissing the back of her neck.
~ ~ ~ ~
Sometime later…
“Jane!” Connor yelled as he continued to knock on the front door of her house. The curtains were drawn and the front porch light was off, leaving Connor standing in the dim light of the moon knocking on the door. It had been about three weeks since Jane found out about Tom’s death, Connor hadn’t heard from her in over ten days.
Out of frustration he tried the door knob, it was unlocked. He opened the door slowly, the house was dark and warm, a strong smell of cigarettes hit him as he entered the living room. He found a lamp and turned it on, finding the house in disarray, overflowing ashtrays, empty fast food containers and numerous empty cans and bottles littered the floor.
“Jane?” He asked into the darkness as he headed down the hallway to the bedroom. He opened the bedroom door and flipped the overhead light on. Jane moaned from where she was laying naked on the bed, Connor took a seat on the bed next to her and checked her pulse and looked at her eyes. Connor then realized that the shower was running in the bathroom.
“Jane, who’s in the bathroom?” He asked. Jane moaned and turned over away from him mumbling incoherently. He stood up and covered her with a blanket, the shower shut off and Connor waited patiently for whomever was in the bathroom to return to the bedroom.
As the average height, skinny man wearing just a towel around his waist entered the bedroom Connor asked, “And you are?”
Slightly taken aback, the man answered, “Um…Matt.” He took Connor’s tall, cut fit physique in before swallowing hard and saying.
“I’m just leaving.” He grabbed his clothes and left the bedroom.
“Wise decision.” Connor said, returning to attend to Jane.
“Jane you’re not going to like this but it’s for the best.” Connor said as he picked her up and took her into the bathroom. He laid her in the bathtub, closed the drain and started the water. He took a quick stroll through the house turning on the lights and making sure that no one else was present. He locked the front door and checked the patio door before returning to Jane in the bathroom.
When the tub was full enough he shut the water off and began gently washing Jane’s body with a soft washcloth. She moaned and started to come around.
“Connor.” She said in a whisper.
“Yes.” He answered. Her lower lip started to quiver, unable to control the tears.
“I’m…I’m sorry.” She sobbed. He opened the drain and she stood up. He wrapped her in a bath towel and helped her out of the tub. Taking her in his arms and holding her tightly. “I know.” He whispered. He helped dry her off and slip on a pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt.
They made their way to the kitchen where Connor started a pot of coffee and began cleaning up. Jane sat at the counter watching him pick up the trash, turn down the heat and open a few windows. He poured two cups of coffee and set one in front of Jane, she sipped on the hot black coffee. “Thanks.” She said, clearing her throat.
After giving the house a good cleaning and making some food, Connor and Jane were standing out on the patio watching the sunrise. Connor lit a cigarette and asked, “So you want to talk about it?” Jane took the lit cigarette from his fingers, taking a deep drag before handing it back to him.
She exhaled slowly and said, “Not really. A moment of despair, that led to some questionable decisions.” Connor looked at her. “Guess that’s one way to put it.”
Jane scoffed and turned to head back inside, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “Look, you don’t have to go through this alone.” He said, staring into her eyes. She let out a deep sigh, collapsing into his embrace. He held her and then moved away a bit, brushed her hair away from her face and kissed her gently at first and then deeply. She kissed him back.
~ ~ ~ ~
“Hey Jane.” Connor announced himself as he opened the front door.
“Shit!” Jane said jumping up off of the bed and grabbing her robe. She slid the robe on and closed the bedroom door making her way quickly to the front door.
“Connor. You’re back. Already.” She said standing before him. Connor gave her a sideways look.
“You okay there? You’re acting like you got caught with your hand in the cookie jar.” Her cheeks turned red as she tried to figure out a tactful way to say what she needed to. Jane cleared her throat trying to compose herself.
“What the hell is up Jane?” Connor asked, starting to get a little annoyed.
“Maybe we should sit down, do you want a drink?” Jane asked, moving towards the kitchen.
“Spill it Jane.” She stopped and faced him.
“Okay look I am sober. I made a decision with a clear head and understanding of what I am doing.” “Exactly what are you doing?”
“Well she was doing me.” a male voice said emerging from the hallway. Connor looked over the well fit younger looking guy standing in just his jeans.
“I think I’ll take that drink now.”
Connor made his way into the kitchen and pulled a bottle of Jack Daniels from the shelf above the fridge. He grabbed three glasses and set them on the counter, he poured the first two and then looked over at the guy.
“Are you even legal?” The guy scoffed and made his way over to the counter.
“Yes.” He said picking up a glass and downing it. Jane stood with her arms crossed watching this amusing exchange.
“Connor, Austin, Austin, Connor. Introductions over can we move on now?” Jane said, taking a glass and downing it.
“No, side bar outside now.” Connor and Jane stepped out onto the patio. She smiled at Austin as she closed the patio door. Connor lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. “Okay, explain.”
“I love Tom, I miss Tom. Now that he’s gone…I’m…I don’t know. Not sure what to do with myself. We had a plan, we were ready to move forward to have a happily ever after.” Jane’s voice cracked at the end as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Connor moved towards her standing in front of her he ran his hand along her arm and pulled her into him holding her.
“I’m so sorry that you’ve been put in this situation.” He said in a hushed voice.
“There’s something you should know, but I don’t think I’m the one to tell you.” Jane moved away from Connor giving him a confused look.
“That’s cryptic.” He lit a cigarette and handed it to Jane.
“Let me talk to Ryan.” Jane took a deep drag and exhaled slowly giving Connor a look.
“It’s complicated.” He said opening the patio door. Jane put out the cigarette and followed him back into the house.
“So?” Austin asked as they entered the house. Jane gave Connor a devilish look.
“Are you up for a threesome?” She said flatly. Connor scoffed and said, “Go home Austin.” Austin shrugged his shoulders, gave Jane a kiss on the cheek and headed to the bedroom to get his things.
~ ~ ~ ~
Ryan parked his silver Ford Mustang GT Fastback in front of Jane’s house, made his way to the front door and rang the doorbell. Jane answered the door. “Ryan.”
“Jane.” He said stepping into the house.
“Coffee?” Connor asked from the kitchen.
“Sure.” Ryan answered, taking a seat at the kitchen table. Connor brought three mugs and the pot of coffee to the table. Jane took a seat next to Connor at the table and poured the coffee.
“Before we get down to it, why are the two of you so cold shoulder with each other?” Connor asked, taking a sip of his coffee. Jane looked at Ryan.
“Do you want to share? She asked. Ryan cleared his throat.
“Jane and I were part of a training exercise that…um…didn’t go as planned. We lost a teammate. I didn’t handle it well after and found myself with a loaded pistol in a very dark place.” Ryan said, taking a sip of his coffee.
“Jane…um…” His voice cracked. Jane put her hand over his and spoke.
“I talked him off the ledge.” She said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before removing it.
“I see.” Connor said.
“Onto why we are here today. Are you sure about this?” Ryan asked Connor. Connor nodded.
“She deserves to know.”
“Okay, Jane the agency lied to you about Tom.”
Jane heard the words but asked, “What?” Connor took her hand in his and held it, as Ryan continued speaking.
“Severely injured, not dead.”
Jane’s chest felt tight, her breath caught in her throat, she stood up and started pacing around the kitchen. Connor stood up and moved towards her, taking her in his arms as she sobbed. Mumbling ‘Why, how, and where is he?’
He walked her into the living room and took a seat on the couch with her. Ryan got up and joined them on the couch. He spoke in a clear calm tone. “He’s in a private hospital room being attended to by the best doctors and nurses. He was found alive after being integrated and tortured. The agency is trying to cover their own ass ‘cause some low level intern fucked up and blew his cover.”
Jane pulled herself together a bit wanting to understand what she was hearing.
“Who knows?”
“Only me and Connor. Tom made us promise to keep you safe. Till he is able to explain it to you himself.”
“Can I see him?” She asked.
“Yes, but he’s still recovering. Seriously they did a number on him, you need to prepare yourself. He is recovering but it’s slow going.” Ryan said.
~ ~ ~ ~
Jane walked down the stark white hospital corridor, she stopped in front of door 231 took a deep breath, held it for a beat and exhaled slowly. She opened the door and entered the room. Her eyes immediately landed on Tom, laying on the hospital bed his head raised at a slight angle, he looked so peaceful.
Jane moved towards the bed taking in his injuries, his face was still bruised and there were a number of healing cuts and scrapes along his neck and arms. She stood staring at him feeling like she was in a dream, afraid that at any moment she would wake.
She brushed her fingertips along the back of his hand, he stirred. “Tom.” She said in a whisper. He swallowed and said, “Jane.”
Hearing him say her name sent a shiver through her body, and brought tears to her eyes. She squeezed his hand. He opened his eyes and gazed at her. Not needing to say anything, she knew the words, he wanted to say: ‘how sorry he was, how much he loved her.’ She leaned over him and kissed him gently on the lips. “I know.” She said, moving back from the bed and taking a seat in the chair. Tom closed his eyes and drifted off back to sleep. Jane sat still watching him breath.
“Jane.” Connor said, waking her. “The doctors want to talk to you about Tom.” She nodded and stood up, pulling herself together. She followed Connor and Ryan to the hospital’s administrative office.
~ ~ ~ ~
Jane banged on Connor’s front door, as the rain drenched her skin. “Connor!” She yelled, her voice cracking. The porch light came on and the door opened. “What the fuck Jane.” Jane pushed past him, letting herself in. Connor closed the front door and switched on the lamp next to the couch, he went to the hall closet and grabbed her a towel. “Here, you look like a drowned rat.” She grinned and took the towel. Jane began drying herself off with the towel. “So what brings you to my door at this ungodly hour?” “Well I figured that it was better to come be with you than take another unsavory stranger home with me.” Connor scoffed and went into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Jane began to shiver as her clothes were completely soaked through. Connor took Jane by the arm and led her into the bathroom. He started the shower and was leaving when she wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly to her. “Please stay.” Connor let out a sigh and turned to face her, he leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. He pulled her shirt off, undid her bra and then slid her jeans down so that she could step out of them. Jane then removed her panties and stepped into the warm shower. Connor striped and joined her. He stood behind her running his hands along her body. He wrapped his arms around her and held her to him as the warm water washed over them. Connor let out a deep sigh. “What am I going to do with you?” “Just be with me.” She answered.
~ ~ ~ ~
Connor sat a plate of food and a cup of hot coffee in front of Jane. “Thanks.” She said, as she started to eat the scrambled eggs and toast. “So what do you want Jane?” He asked, taking a sip of his coffee. Jane put her fork down. “Well as grateful as I am that Tom’s alive, you and I both know that he’s not coming home for a while. If at all. And unless you have other arrangements, I would like to stay here with you.” She picked up her fork and continued eating.
“Do I get a say in that?” a familiar male voice said emerging from the hallway. Jane stared holding her fork mid bite. “Ryan.” She addressed him taking her bite of eggs. And letting out a deep sigh. Ryan took the seat next to her and Connor sat a cup of coffee down in front of him. Jane glanced at Connor and he shrugged. “Are you actually surprised?” Ryan asked, taking a sip of his coffee. Jane finished her eggs and toast and said, “Not really.”
“Hey, you know what would be fun?” Jane asked. “No! Not going to happen.” Connor answered. Jane frowned, making an exaggerated pouty face. “‘Cause you don’t want to share me, or him?” She asked. Connor shook his head. “I’m not answering that.” He stood up and cleared the dishes from the table. Ryan leaned over and whispered something in Jane’s ear. Jane grinned, got up, grabbed a cigarette from the pack on the counter, lit it and made her way over to the front door opening it a crack. The rain had let up and the sunrise was a deep pink on the horizon.
Jane laid down on the couch covering up with a blanket and drifted off. She felt a hand brush her hair away from her face as a gentle kiss was felt on her forehead. She let out a slight moan and asked ‘yes.’ without opening her eyes. Sweet nothings were whispered into her ear as she became aware of someone running their hands along her body, leaving a trail of soft kisses down her neck. Caressing her breasts and muttering seductive words in her ear.
Jane let out a deep sigh as she heard something in the distance. A faint ringing sound that steadily grew louder. “Fuck.” She said out loud realizing that she had been dreaming. She sat up and fumbled for her phone that was ringing at full volume on the coffee table. ‘Yes… I see… Thank you, I will.’ She sat the phone down, got up off of the couch, walked down the hallway, she paused at the closed bedroom door. Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly she put her hand on the door knob and opened the door. She walked over to the side of the bed and knelt down in front of Connor who was asleep. She whispered, “Tom died.” Connor stirred, moved over a bit and held the sheet up for her. Jane crawled into bed laying next to Connor who wrapped his arms around her kissing her softly on the cheek. “I’m sorry.” He whispered.
~ ~ ~ ~
Jane sat up sliding her legs over the side of the bed. She let out a deep sigh, stood up and made her way into the bathroom. She stood in front of the sink and turned the water on. She splashed some warm water on her face and looked at herself in the mirror. The dark circles under her eyes accented by the red tinge in her eyes, she ran her finger through her stringy hair.
“You really need to get it together.” She said to herself. Jane went back into the bedroom where Connor and Ryan were sleeping. She pulled the oversized t-shirt she had been wearing off and stood naked at the foot of the bed.
One more hit… She thought to herself as she crawled onto the bed, putting herself in between the two men. Laying on her side facing Ryan she began by kissing him gently on the lips. Ryan opened his eyes taking in the situation and kissed her back, allowing his hands to run along her naked body.
After exchanging some deep passionate kisses she smiled at Ryan and turned over to face Connor. She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed him on the cheek. He let out a moan and opened his eyes. He glanced over at Ryan who was pushed up against Jane’s back.
“You have a way don’t you?” He said before kissing her deeply. Jane was in pure ecstasy feeling their bodies against hers. Allowing them to slide into her and make her cum, the three of them moving together as one. Enjoying each other thoroughly till passing out from exhaustion.
Jane awoke many hours later in an empty bed. She got up, took a shower, combed her hair and got dressed. She made her way into the kitchen where Connor and Ryan were sitting. She took a quick sip of Connor’s coffee, kissed him on the cheek, then smiled at Ryan and kissed him on the cheek and left.
Jane returned to her home, it felt cold and empty now that Tom was really gone. She went through all the things taking her time to clean out and pack up the life she and Tom had made for themselves. Moving herself into a small studio apartment for the time being.
On the morning of Tom’s funeral Jane put her hair up in a simple French twist, dressed in a pair of black slacks, button down black silk shirt and black coat. Ryan opened the passenger door to his silver Ford Mustang GT Fastback for Jane. She got in and said hello to Connor who was sitting in the back. Ryan got in and drove out to Riverside Cemetery where Tom was being laid to rest. Jane stood between Connor and Ryan as the funeral commenced. Connor slid his hand into Jane’s and gave it a gentle squeeze, he then went to remove it from hers and she interlaced her fingers with his holding it tightly. He glanced at her and smiled.
The End
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