What else was keeping him and Charlie here?
The banging of the metal door woke him. Ryan rubbed his eyes, seeking out the figure standing in the backlit doorway.
‘Come with me.’
Still half-asleep, Ryan followed the cop through the quiet corridor, his sneakers half-slipping off his feet as he walked. The cop pressed a code into the keypad next to the door, then led him into the foyer, and over to the desk. Laid out on the counter were his wallet and cell, shoelaces and watch. The desk sergeant gave him some forms to sign.
‘Am I being released?’ he asked.
‘On bail. Somebody got up nice and early and spoke to the judge. He’s set bail and you’re free to go for now.’
‘It’s been paid?’ Ryan frowned.
‘Yes, by that lady over there.’ The desk sergeant inclined his head at a space behind Ryan’s shoulder.
A lady? His heart started to hammer against his chest. Slowly he turned, each movement of his body stiff and full of effort. He’d spent the night thinking about her, wondering if she was thinking of him. And here she was, waiting for him, bailing him out, letting him know exactly whose side she was on.
A second later, his hopes went tumbling down to the ground. The lady in question stood up, lifting a hand in a halfwave. Her face was serious, but kind.
‘Ryan.’ That old familiar voice. It wrapped him like a blanket and it pierced him like a knife. He wasn’t sure which hurt the most.
‘Mom? You bailed me out?’
‘I got a phone call last night to tell me you were in jail. I called Frank to find out how I could help. Seems he needed the judge to set bail, so I dialled in a few favours.’
It was amazing how the world turned around money. Though it was benefiting him right then, he couldn’t help but think how unfair it was.
‘Thank you.’
She shook her head. ‘Don’t thank me. It’s what a mother should do for her child. I should have stood up for you when you were younger, and I regret that I didn’t. I’m just trying to make amends.’
He wasn’t sure what to say right then. A lifetime of thoughts swirled around his head, but not one of them translated into words. A mixture of being woken up in the middle of the night, and not having to deal with his mother for all these years.
What time was it anyway? He glanced at his watch; it was almost seven-thirty in the morning. He grabbed his phone – there was enough battery for him to check his messages.
One from Charlie, who was having a good time.
Nothing from Juliet.
He held the door open for his mother, then followed her outside. The early morning air held a hint of frozen fog. He could see his breath clouding out every time he exhaled. ‘Does my father know you’re here?’ he asked her.
She shook her head. ‘I figured it’s none of his business. I paid your bail with my own money.’ She licked her lips. In spite of the early hour, she was still wearing a full face of make-up. Appearances still came first. ‘I wanted you to know … ’ For the first time her voice faltered. ‘I wanted you to know I’m sorry.’
Ryan stared at her, frowning. ‘For what?’
‘For everything that happened. The way I treated you.’ She shook her head. ‘I’m old, Ryan, and I’m not going to change things now. Your father and I, we have an understanding. Things aren’t like they used to be. He leaves me alone.’
Ryan had no idea why she was telling him this.
‘Your son is beautiful,’ she continued, her voice still thin. ‘And one of the consequences of the choices I made is that I’ll never be a grandmother to him.’ The faintest of smiles crossed her lips. ‘But at least I can bring his father back home to him. That’s one thing I can do.’
Ryan stared at her for a moment. She really did look old. What had happened to that beautiful woman he’d tried – and failed – to protect?
She’d scorned his help. And she’d ended up this way.
Christ, he needed to speak to Juliet. She was the only thing that could make him feel better right then. He lifted his phone again, glancing at the screen. ‘Do you mind if I make a quick call?’
‘Go ahead. And after that we’ll get some breakfast and I’ll take you home. I imagine you’re desperate for some sleep.’