Double Take

Chapter 1

Patrick and Emma came into the house laughing. "That was fun Daddy, even if that mean woman was there."

Patrick smiled at her. "True, but at least we got to see all our friends at Christmas."

Emma's laughter stopped and she got quiet. He bent down and hugged Emma close. "I know you miss your mommy. How about you get ready for bed and I'll see if I can get in touch with her?"

Emma smiled and nodded her head before running up the stairs to her room.

Patrick waited until he heard her bedroom door closed and then made the call. "Yes, everything is back on track." He remembered the kiss he and Sam shared earlier in the evening. "The widow Morgan trusts me completely, she will not be an issue." He heard Emma's footsteps coming down the stairs. "I've got to go – I'll check in with you in a little bit, the usual place."

Emma saw him hanging up the phone. "Was that mommy?"

"No sweetie, they said she couldn't come to the phone." Emma's face dropped and tears filled her eyes. Patrick picked her up and hugged her. "Your mommy loves you so much and I know that she thinks this is best for all of us. She is getting help to be better and be the best mommy she can, we just have to be patient, okay?"

Emma nodded and sighed. She missed her mom and didn't understand what her dad meant when he said things like that. "When she does, will you get married again?"

"No sweetie." He didn't want the girl to get her hopes up.

"Because of Sam?" Emma knew he was spending a lot of time with Sam.

"No, because mommy and I just can't be married anymore. No matter what, I want you to know that your mom and dad love you very much." He gave her one last hug. "Now, it's bedtime. Do you want a story?"

"Not tonight." Emma gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and the headed to the stairs. "Good night Daddy."

"Good night baby girl." Patrick watched her head up the stairs and then sat back down on the couch and watched a movie. After it was over he went upstairs and checked on Emma – she was sound asleep.

He smiled and headed outside, to a shed in the backyard and greeted his partner. "I need to speak to our guest, how soon until I can?"

"We will bring them to the safe house tomorrow and you can meet up with us there at 2?"

Patrick thought about it. "Works for me – I'm sure I can arrange a play date for Emma."

Jerry Jacks stepped out of the shadows. "That child is going to get a complex if you keep sending her to friend's houses all the time."

Patrick shook his head. "Well, it isn't easy being a single father." He walked through the shed, mindlessly moving things around. "I'm actually looking at a couple of boarding schools not far from here. You know, out of sight, out of mind. It will be much easier to get things done without her underfoot all the time."

"You know, I really don't care, just so long as she doesn't interfere with our plans. Any word from Jobbin Robin lately?"

Patrick laughed. "What do you think?"

Jerry laughed along with him. "Of course not. I need to stop in and see our little bird, I'm sure she misses me." Jerry watched for a reaction but none came.

"Do what you want – it doesn't matter to me." He walked over to Jerry and stared him straight in the eyes. "I have no interest in what you and your cronies are doing – I have my own agenda. Do what you want, just so long as you do not interfere with my plans. Are we clear?"

Jerry smiled at him. "Crystal. Until tomorrow then?"

Jerry walked out the door and into the night while Patrick went back to the house. He went inside and went straight to bed. He was exhausted and tomorrow was going to be a long day.