Chapter 45

CHAPTER 45

THE LATE brUNCH at the office the next morning featured Virginia’s latest baking experiment: maple blueberry scones. Poe took his first bite. Incredible.

“These are amazing, Virginia!” he called out.

“Enjoy!” came Virginia’s cheery reply from her desk, with her massive dog guarding her workspace.

Poe looked across the table at Holmes. “Virginia said you made a visit to the Lower East Side yesterday.” Holmes brushed a few scone crumbs from his chin.

“St. Michael’s?” asked Marple from the other side of the table.

“No,” said Holmes. “Just buying a watch.” He pulled the expensive antique out of his pocket and laid it on the table. “See?”

Poe leaned forward to examine the timepiece. “Perfect,” he said. “You’ll make a great railroad conductor.” His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He grabbed for it and checked the screen.

Finally! It was Helene.

She hadn’t responded to his phone calls or texts for forty-eight hours—not since they’d parted at the clinic.

The message was terse. BATTERY PK ESPLANADE. 30 MINS.

“It’s Helene,” said Poe. “I have to go.”

Holmes turned in his seat. “Is it about the baby case?”

“No, it’s personal,” said Poe. “Wish me luck.”

“Of course,” said Marple.

“Not me,” said Holmes. “I’m saving my good wishes for Helene.”

Poe hadn’t said a word to his partners about his trip to the clinic, or the fact that he was now an expectant father times two. The only person he wanted to talk to was Helene. Even if he wasn’t exactly sure what to say.

His GTO was parked in the spot that was once the building’s loading bay. He pushed a button to open the garage door, then started the car up and pulled away, heading in the direction of Manhattan. He didn’t know what to expect, or what he wanted. He’d spent the last two days—and nights—thinking about those two tiny heartbeats, and how much they’d terrified him. Could he get over it? Maybe he could. For Helene.

Poe found street parking near the north end of The Battery, where he could see across the Hudson River to New Jersey. He took out his phone as he walked down the broad, tree-lined path and tapped a quick text. I’M HERE.

Two seconds later, he heard Helene’s voice. “So am I.”

Poe whipped around to see her standing three feet behind him.

“You’re tailing me?” he asked.

“Don’t be so suspicious,” she said. “I saw you pull up.”

Poe reached out to hug her. Her arms felt stiff, not welcoming. He couldn’t blame her. He couldn’t blame her if she punched him in the face.

They started walking side by side in the direction of the harbor. “Look, Helene. I’m sorry,” said Poe. “About the other day. I didn’t know what I was in for. I didn’t know what to say. I was overwhelmed—couldn’t handle it.”

“I noticed.”

“Over the years,” Poe continued, “I’ve been shot at, knifed, beaten up, thrown down stairs. But nothing prepares you for a shock like that.”

Grey gave him a tight smile. “It wasn’t a felony, Auguste. It was a sonogram.”

“You’re right. I know. Listen. I’m not sure how we’re going to do this. But I’m willing to try. I just need—”

“Auguste, wait.” Grey stopped in the middle of the pathway and turned to face him. “I came here to tell you something. I’ve made a decision.”

Poe reflexively glanced at Helene’s belly, then reached for her arm. “Are you okay? Is everything…?”

Grey stepped back. “I’m fine,” she said. Her eyes flicked down at the ground, then up again, looking straight at him. “Auguste, I quit the force.”

Poe wrinkled his brow. “The task force?”

“No,” said Grey. “The police department. The whole thing. I turned in my gun and badge. I’m finished.”

Poe found himself stammering. “Wh-why? Why would you—?”

“I’m leaving to have these babies, Auguste. Somewhere far away from here.” She placed one hand on her belly. “I’m thirty-eight. I can’t be on the job and do this job too.”

“Wait!” said Poe. “You can’t just… Hold on! I need more notice than this!”

“No, you don’t,” said Grey. “Because you’re not coming with me.”

She stepped forward and put her hands on Poe’s shoulders. “You said it yourself, Auguste—and you showed it at the clinic. You’re not ready for this. I don’t know what happened in your past, but whatever it is, it’s making it hard for you to handle the future. Even a good future. Work on that. Then maybe we can talk.”

Poe could feel his face flushing with anger. “Dammit, Helene! They’re my kids too!”

“Yes, they are,” said Grey. “But for now, they’re living inside my body, and this is the way it has to be—for all four of us.”

“I can’t let you…”

Grey held up her hand. “Stop, Auguste. Don’t fight it. This is the right thing. The babies and I need you, but first you need to solve the St. Michael’s case. You, Margaret, and Brendan. Those babies need you. Those parents need you. The task force needs you. Even Duff needs you. He just doesn’t know it.”

Poe lowered his head. He suddenly felt exhausted. Drained. Defeated. Even his voice was weak. “When do you leave?” he asked. “Can we at least take a few days to—”

“No,” said Grey. “I’m leaving today.” Poe felt his knees crumple. He backed up to a park bench and sat down, head in his hands. Then he looked up again, his eyes red and brimming.

“I love you, Helene.”

“I know that. I love you too, Auguste.”

He waited a few moments, then started to stand up. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

“No, don’t,” said Grey, pushing him down gently. “It’ll only make it harder for me. Please. Stay here.” She gave him a small pat on the head. “Besides, this way I know you won’t stick a tracker under my fender.”

Poe managed a small smile at the joke. Even though his face felt numb. “Will you let me know what’s going on,” he asked, “with the pregnancy and everything?”

“I’m not leaving the planet Earth, Auguste,” said Grey. “And I’m not doing this to punish you. I just know it’s for the best. And so do you.” She leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his forehead. “We will see each other again. I promise.”

Poe nodded. He felt like there was a rock sitting in the back of his throat. He stared at the pavement as Helene walked away. When he heard the sound of her car starting, he stood up and watched her drive off.

Across the street, beyond the now-empty parking space, Poe spotted a corner bar with a neon bottle in the window.

He headed straight for it.