Out of the Past

Out of the Past

A Callahan Novel

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By

Celya Bowers

ONE

Forty.

Campbell Callahan stood at his office window on the fifth floor of the County Courthouse and sighed.  He was going to be forty.  Where had all the time gone?  He couldn’t really complain about his life, he was the youngest district attorney in the history of Suffolk County, Virginia. His family life was good. More than good, being that his oldest brother, Finn, had recently married and had a baby on the way. In Campbell’s life, the only thing missing was a woman. 

Not just any woman, he thought.  She’d have to be strong-willed to deal with his family.  He didn’t want to think about the amount of women his mother and sisters had sent running and screaming out of his house.  Yep, the next woman was going to have to be strong.

A determined knock interrupted his quiet time.  He knew his secretary had better sense than to disturb him, so it had to be a relative.  Only a hard-headed Callahan would dare. 

Come in, he called, walking back to his leather office chair behind his desk.

The door opened wider and Christian Callahan stepped inside the room and closed the door.  Chris had the glow of a newly married man.  The gold band on his left hand seemed to reflect the April sun.  Hey cousin, Chris said as he sat down in front of him. 

Campbell laughed at his younger relative.  No one would ever guess they were actually related being that Chris was half-African American, and half Irish and Campbell wasn’t.  What can I do for you today?  You know I have a meeting with the mayor this afternoon.  So I don’t have time to chat.  Campbell hoped he’d take the hint. 

Chris nodded.  I know.  I’m actually going to the meeting.  The mayor invited me.   So it must be something big if Callahan Securities is involved. Why don’t we hang after the meeting?  Erica is with her parents today.  Her dad has his chemo treatment.

Since his marriage to his office manager a few months prior, Chris was missing in action at most family-related functions.  Sounds good.

What’s the plan for your birthday?  It’s this weekend, Chris reminded him. 

You’re going? 

Chris stared at him.  Yes, you know I’m not going to miss my favorite cousin turning the big four-o. Plus, there’s the basketball game the next day.  Sean and Brad have been practicing. So we just might take you guys this time.

Campbell laughed.  Birthday celebrations in the Callahan family included a roaring family party and a very intense game of basketball among the male relatives.  Callahan vs. Callahan.  One set of cousins versus the other.  What about Cadence’s husband?  They’re still here, right?

Yeah, they’re not leaving for Dallas until next month.  I’ll ask Chase if he’s interested.  He’s been doing the new daddy thing and seldom leaves the house.  Since Cadence had such a hard pregnancy, I think he’s overcompensating.  I’m sure she could use the break.

The men shared a laugh.  Man, she’s really mellowed out since she had Hannah. The old Cadence would have kicked him out of the house as a gentle hint.

Not anymore.  Man, her pregnancy was so rocky that I think we all changed.  I’m so glad Erica is not as moody as her.

Campbell nodded, the information slowly digesting in his cloudy brain.  Are you serious?  You’ve been married like thirty seconds, he pointed out. 

It’s those Callahan genes.  Yeah, Erica is about twelve weeks.  It was a surprise, a good surprise, but still.  Needless to say, she’s not working at the office anymore. So that’s my other reason for coming by.

You need a new assistant.  Preferably someone with a law background, he reasoned.  Campbell knew a visit from Chris was usually a me visit. 

You are the man.

I’ll see who I can come up with?  Male or female?

I’d rather a dude. I need someone pretty quick.

I’ll see if I can find someone and will let you know at the party, Campbell said.

You bringing a date?

Not since Mom ran off Kylie last year.  He’d made the crucial mistake of bringing a new woman around his family at his parents’ anniversary party.  His mother questioned her over drinks like she was a terrorist and she was stormed out of his childhood home before the meal was served.  I love my mom, but sometimes she can be too much for the average woman.

Same here.  My mom is no different.  Good thing she liked Erica before we started dating.  Chris rose from his seat, and unclipped his cell phone from his belt.  I’m going to check on Erica, then I’ll meet you in the mayor’s office.

Campbell shook his head.  He was happy that his younger cousin had settled down and married.  He wanted a chance at that same kind of happiness.  But was he ready?  Really ready? 

He enjoyed his life as Turners Point’s most eligible bachelor and that came with a certain amount of perks.  Lots of meaningless dates. Women were always asking him to escort them to this event or that just because of his looks.  He inherited his dark hair and blue eyes from his grandparents, coupled that with an athletic body and a good job, most women viewed him as prey. They didn’t want to get to know the real Campbell Callahan.  He wanted a woman who wouldn’t run from his family screaming bloody murder. 

***

Gurl, you know we need to go out, Juliette Martin said as she typed on the computer in the nurses’ station. 

Dr. Izabella Carter glanced at her friend. Jules had the energy of a five-year-old. Because I don’t go out, she said.  Your husband is letting you out on the streets of Turners Point again?

Yes, next weekend. Daniel’s going out of town for a boring investment conference, so we can have a girls’ night out. So you clear your calendar, cause we’re going out.  You haven’t been out in ages.  It’s time for you get your groove on, Izzy!

Some days Izzy didn’t feel like doing anything, but staying home and doing absolutely nothing.  Her life had been one crazy ride since she completed medical school.  This was her second year of being a physician at Turners Point General Hospital and although she loved her job, she loved her private time more.  But tell that to a pint-size blonde, she mused.

Izzy, we’re going to have a good time.  I promise no male strippers, no naked men, just pure fun.  Jules winked at her. 

I seem to recall that promise when I was a resident here a few years back.  We almost got arrested.

That was one time.  It was a misunderstanding.  Besides, the cop asked you out.

Izzy sat next to Jules, hoping to calm the hurricane that was sure to follow.  Jules, I know if I tell you that I didn’t want to go, you’ll keep at me until I finally give in. Since I have patients to see, let’s just dispense with the stalkery banter.  I agree.

Really! Jules’ big blue eyes widened with appreciation.  We’re going to have so much fun.  Ian and the Boys are playing at the Silver Whistle.  I’ve been dying to see them.

Izzy swallowed all her apprehension at Jules’ statement.  She had no idea who or what Ian and the Boys were.  She’d just have to wait ten days to find out. Sounds fun.

Wear something sexy, Jules ordered.

Oh, where are we going?  Carmen Allen asked as she entered the nurses’ station. Carmen was the day nurse supervisor at the very young age of 33.  She sat next to Jules.  Girls’ night out? 

Yes, Jules said.  Dr. Stay at Home is actually going to join us.  She motioned toward Izzy.  Now if we can get her out of those drab clothes to show off that fantastic body.

Jules!

Oh please.  You work out like a demon since I’ve known you.  You deserve it. Jules reached out and touched Izzy’s hand.  Yes, you’ve had quite a journey.  You look great.  Let some man know it.

Here we go, Izzy said sarcastically. 

Jules waved her hand, dismissing the comment.  You’re gorgeous.  Be proud of what you got.  But you can’t sit at home all the time.  How about we go shopping this Saturday?

Sorry, Izzy said.  Finally fate was on her side.  I have emergency room duty this Saturday.

Drat, Jules mumbled.  How about Sunday?

Sunday works, she agreed.  Izzy knew it was pointless to try to weasel out of shopping.  How about three?  We can meet at my place.

Jules and Carmen both nodded in agreement.  I’ll let Leah know.  She might want to be present at the wondrous occasion.  It’s not often that we get you to go shopping.

Says you.  Izzy rose from her seat.  I have patients to see.

Carmen nodded.  Mr. Phillips has been asking when you were making your rounds. 

You’re too good at your job, Izzy told her friend.  It’s barely ten in the morning and he’s already looking for me.

I think he’s got a thing for you, Jules said.  He wants to put a little cream in your coffee.

Mr. Phillips is about sixty years old!

He’s still a man.  And you look great.  You know how many women spend thousands of dollars trying to get their skin that shade of brown?  You’re beautiful.

Thanks, Jules.  She felt her brown skin blushing.  Izzy worked hard keeping her body in shape, knowing how easily illness and disease can robbed minorities especially of their life.  She worked out an hour every night, and ate clean, the new trend of eating less processed foods.  You always know the right thing to say.

Remember that on Sunday, when we go shopping.

Definitely.  If you hear me scream that means Mr. Phillips has taken off his gown and waving his wrinkled private parts at me again.  She took off for the mature man’s room.

Man, I didn’t think the mayor would ever quit talking, Chris said as he sat across from Campbell.  I mean, I see why he called in extra help due to the upcoming holiday, but I don’t know if I have any guys that will want to play cop, for the Independence Day Festival.

Campbell nodded.  After the three hour meeting with the head of Turners Point, Chris and Campbell headed for their favorite bar, The Acorn, known for good drinks and even better food.  Both men needed to blow off steam. For Chris and his team, the detail would be easy money, maintaining security during the three day festival.  I know, but just think of it as college money for junior.

Chris smiled. Already taken care of.  Her parents are so happy that she’s speaking to them again, they’ve gave us some stocks for a wedding present for the baby.

From the family gossip, Campbell knew that Erica had a rocky past with her family.  Only recently had they mended fences, mostly in part to Chris forcing the issue and the truth finally came out.  After much conversation and tears, Erica moved forward, deciding to forgive her parents for their misdeeds. 

That was generous.  Considering both of you have good jobs.

Chris looked over the menu, slowly nodded his head.  Yeah, it was.  Her dad is just overjoyed that she’s pregnant.  He changed his will last month.  Personally, I think it’s penance for what they did to her, but she just wants to forget those years and move forward.

Campbell wanted to ask his cousin what Erica’s parents could have done to her, but knew it wasn’t his place.  Still, he thought, Erica was a Callahan now, so all bets were off.  Okay, I have to ask.

Man, it would take too long to explain.  Let’s just say, her parents had gotten into financial trouble and offered Erica as collateral. When Erica found out what was what, she had to do a lot of soul searching to forgive them.  I’m glad she did, because she needed closure with the whole mess, but I don’t ever want to see her hurt like that again.

Spoken like a true man in love, Campbell thought.  He needed to change the subject before they both starting crying.  So what is Erica doing now that she’s not working?

She’s still helping out at the office on a part time basis.  I’m running it more as appointment only so she doesn’t have to be there all the time.  The doctor said she’s in good health, so it’s all good.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she goes with dad to his Chemo treatment.  She’s usually pretty tired when she gets back home, so I pick up something for her.

Look at you.  Acting like a real husband.  Honestly, I still can’t believe you’ve settled down so fast.

Forget that.  What about the party?

Mom says she has it under control.  Same as always, it’s at the house.  Then Saturday, it’s ass whipping time on the basketball court.  He took a drink of his beer and signaled the waiter for another round of drinks.

You wish.

You know Finn and his wife are flying in tomorrow for my party.  He missed it last year, because, Kayleigh, his wife was sick.  He’s says he’s been practicing.  So it should be a good match up.

Chris closed his menu and laughed.  Man, you do all that trash talk, knowing we’re all going to be hung over.  You tell Finn I’ll be ready too.

The waiter brought two beers to the table and took their order.  Campbell ordered shrimp fettuccine and Chris ordered carbonara, an Italian pasta dish made with bacon, eggs, and parmesan cheese.  Once the waiter had left their table, the men resumed their conversation. 

So what kind of security can you offer us? 

The mayor wants at least three operatives working the crowd.  I was thinking there needs to be one by the ticket counter. Since admission is free, and food coupons are required, that’s the place where the most money is going to be.  That’s going to like a beacon to crooks, especially, if they don’t see any uniforms officers around.

Campbell nodded.  There will still be uniform officers on duty, but your guys will be at the high risk points.  So far no robberies have occurred at the festival and we want to keep it that way.

No pressure, right? Chris laughed.  Following in Cadence’s footsteps is going to be tough.  I know this festival was one of her first jobs as a private investigator.  She made me promise I’d make it top priority.

Well, yeah, there’s that.  When Cadence ran the op, no one realized there was extra security there.  The few incidents that had occurred were handled quickly and quietly.  Campbell knew that was a tall order, but Chris needed to know what he was up against.  Not only was his reputation as the district attorney on the line, but so was Callahan Securities.  One wrong move could be detrimental to both of their careers.

Cadence already told me how important this gig would be to the company.  Good thing I got three months to get ready for the job.

Yeah, Campbell said.  Good thing.

***

After such a nerve wracking day at the hospital, Izzy needed some comfort food.  Not wanting to cook for one, she decided to eat out. As she drove to her favorite restaurant, she’d called her eldest, newly divorced sister to join her at The Acorn for dinner, but Lysette had turned her down. 

Sorry girl, got ex-husband issues this evening.  He bailed on picking up the kids from school today, so now I’m having to deal with a concerned principal.

Izzy winced.  Since Lizzy’s divorce from Paul, it had been one thing after another. He claimed he wanted his wife back, but always fell through. Not picking up the kids and failing to inform his ex-wife was not helping him try to win her back, Izzy thought. Sorry, Lizzy.  Anything I can do?

No, I just arrived at the school and getting ready to go inside.  Mom picked them up for me an hour ago. It’s just that Paul kept whining about not having enough time with them during the week and each time he fails to pick them up.  It makes me look like I can’t handle my business.

"And we both know that’s not true. I probably wouldn’t let