Napalm Skies Part 5
Previous: Napalm Skies Part 4
Warning: Cussing. Mentions of SA. Mentions of Violence. Mentions of Death.
Napalm Skies Part 5
The next day after the regulars came in, Thomas walked in. He sat at the table he sat at before, taking a seat where his back was to the wall and everyone else, including Melinda was in front of him. She brought him over his coffee and silverware, laying them out like how he had them before as she chatted with him a bit. He worked on his writing, glancing up now and again to watch Melinda hard at work. He loved how she was able to carry multiple plates that laid out on her arms, flawlessly. When she brought his food to him, Thomas complimented how she’s able to carry everything in a perfect balance without breaking a stride. She just smiled and told him it was from years of carrying sleeping babies and toddlers in her arms. Especially carrying the twins through a minefield of legos while barefoot to their crib without waking them.Â
“Navigating through the chaos of children’s toys while carrying sleeping children without waking them is impressive, Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, as he smiled up at her. “No wonder why you are able to perform so perfectly here, not getting flustered despite how busy it gets. I have no doubt in my mind, you’ll be a brilliant nurse since you are able to master the chaos around you without breaking a sweat.”
Melinda did what she always did when Thomas complimented her. She would blush as she smiled, then excused herself. And he complimented her quite often at the cafe and the diner. Though she hears she’s doing a good job from regulars, co-workers, and her bosses all the time. It was Thomas who went into detail when he complimented her. Showing he was taking notice of everything she was doing that proved she was hardworking and passionate when it came to her work and studies. And because of his compliments, it pushed her to focus on her tasks at hand and fuel her to reach her goals.Â
Not only did he come into the cafe that morning, he came into the diner a few hours before closing. Thomas told her that he found himself going down the rabbit hole again and before he got stuck there for a few days he came to get food. He took the booth that was across from Melinda yet again. They chatted while they waited for his food to be done. And like before, after Thomas was done eating Melinda joined him at his table to study while he wrote. They both did their work in silence until the cook announced it was closing time. She closed out the register while he gathered up their stuff. When Melinda came back from the kitchen, a smile appeared on Thomas’ face. Not just a regular smile, but his satisfied smile when he saw she was wearing his jacket. He offered his arm and she took it, and then he started walking her to her car.
“You know Miss Mercer,” Thomas said as they reached her car. “You are a very beautiful woman.” He moved around so he was in front of her, staring down into her eyes. “Though you are in your work uniform and in my jacket, you somehow look quite elegant.” She blushed as she looked down. “I have a question for you, Miss Mercer.” She looked back up at him. “How does your hair look when it’s down? I’m only asking because you always have your hair in a neat bun for work.”
She started undoing her bun. “It’s actually really long.” Melinda. When she pulled out the last hair band, her hair fell gracefully down her shoulders and back. “See?” She turned around, showing her hair went down a little bit past her ass. “It takes me about an hour to straighten it out.”
“It’s a shame you have to keep such lovely hair in a bun, it’s almost a crime.” Thomas said.
She smiled as she turned back around. “Unforuntly dealing with food I have to keep it nice and neat in a bun.” Melinda said. “It’s also why I straighten it. My curls like to break through all the time, case in point.” She pointed at the strain that was in her face.
He chuckled. “It’s very stubborn isn’t it?” Thomas said, gently brushing her hair behind her ear. “Tell me Miss Mercer, are you a stubborn woman?”
“I can be.” Melinda said.
“Are you too stubborn to,” Thomas said. He glided his hand slowly down from her ear and to her chin, raising her head up higher as he leaned in. “Give me your number?”
“You,” Melinda said, as she took a moment to process what he said. “You want my number?”
“Yes,” Thomas said, giving her a small smile as he nodded his head slightly. “Very much so.” He could see the look of hesitation in her eyes. “Don’t worry though Miss Mercer, I won’t send you anything inappropriately, my mother raised me to be a gentleman after all. I merely wish for your number because despite me walking you to your car, I still worry if you get home safe. So I would like your number to check up on you to make sure you are safe. Especially when I’m unable to walk you to your car. It’s so dark around here and you park quite aways. But if you are uncomfortable give me your number,” he let go of her face as he leaned back. “I understand completely. It’s entirely up to you, if you do or not, Miss Mercer.”
“No,” Melinda said. “I mean yeah. I mean,” she nervously giggled, making him smile. “Okay let me start over,’ he chuckled. “I’m comfortable with giving you my number but,” she smiled. “Don’t laugh at my phone when I take it out.”
“Is your case covered in anime?” Thomas said with a smirk.
She giggled. “No,” Melinda said as she grabbed her phone out of her bag. “It’s just an old phone.” She pulled out a flip phone and showed it to him. “Old school huh?”
“It is,” Thomas said, smiling. “Why do you have such an old phone if you don’t mind me asking Miss Mercer.”
“I don’t really use my phone to be honest,” Melinda said. “I only use it for work and get occasional text from my friends I got to college with to have a girl’s night. And I don’t have any social media. So there was no point getting an expensive phone when I just use it for calling and texting, you know?”Â
“I see your point, it would be a waste of money.” Thomas said. She nodded her head.“I would have a simple phone myself. But I got this one here,” he pulled out his IPhone. “So whenever I have an idea for whatever I’m working on, I can access my google docs. Not to mention it’s very handy for work when I’m needed.”
“You still work?” Melinda said. “I thought you were retired.
“From the navy, yes,” Thomas said. “But I have never been one to not work, much like you Miss Mercer. So after I got out of the navy I took over for my father for a company that’s been in our family for three generations. I’m a business development manager for places here and all over the states. Sometimes I even go to other countries, like Japan for instance.” He smiled as he saw her face lit up with excitement. “Perhaps whenever I have to go there again, you can accompany me if you like.”
“I,’ Melinda said, getting overwhelmed. “I would love to.” They both smile. “Uh,” she started blushing. “Let me give you my number.” They exchanged numbers and then he helped her into her car.Â
“And Miss Mercer,” Thomas said. “If you like anytime I’m not at the cafe or diner, feel free to message me. It doesn’t matter what time it is, I’ll message you back. Also if there is ever any trouble, rather it’s with your car or a customer please, call me and I’ll come right away.”
She smiled. “Thank you Thomas,” Melinda said. “Have a goodnight.”
“Goodnight Miss Mercer,” Thomas said. “Don’t forget to call me when you get home, I’ll be waiting.”
“I won’t,” Melinda said. “I promise.” Yet again, a smile of satisfaction came across his face.
As Melinda promised, she called Thomas as soon as she got home. He spoke with her for a bit until she was ready to bed, then he told her goodnight and he would see her in the morning. And when morning came, Thomas took his usual spot in the cafe. It seemed like anytime he went to the cafe, he sat at the same table. Just like he took the same booth whenever he went to the diner. Both places, giving him the perfect view of Melinda and what a lovely view it was for him. He would always have a joyful smile on his face when he admired her and gave her compliments. Then a smile of pure satisfaction when she was able to do everything on his table perfectly without having to adjust anything. He loved that she took the time to know how exactly he wanted things to be.
And anytime he wasn’t at the cafe, he would text Melinda to let him know he wasn’t going to be in and he would wish her a good day. Same for the diner, he would let her know if he wasn’t going to be there. In return, she would let him know when she got to work after he told her she wasn’t going to be there so he wouldn’t worry about her. And when she was on break, instead of study or taking a power nap, she was on the phone talking with him. And when he showed up the next day after he wasn’t there, he would bring her a small gift. He would bring her flowers at the cafe and at the diner, her favorite funnel cake as a treat for a hard day’s work. Thomas always seems to brighten her day whenever she sees him, just like it brightens his day to see her. And the regulars started to take notice.
“So,” Davidson said.
“So what?” Melinda said as she worked on a fresh pot of coffee.
“Are you two dating?” Davidson said.
“If me and Thomas are dating?” Melinda said as she started getting nervous.
“Yeah,” Davidson said, nodding his head as he placed food in the window. “Are you two dating?”
“No,” Melinda said in a slightly high tone, making the regulars laugh. “Oh shut up everyone,” she grabbed the plate. “We are just talking, that’s all.” She handed the food to Nathan.
“Just talking?” Davidson said as he put more food up at the window. “Then why have you been wearing his jacket when you come in?”Â
“You’ve been wearing his jacket?” Nathan said and he smiled. “My high school sweetheart used to wear my letterman’s jacket. Even my college sweetheart wore my hoodies.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m his sweetheart,” Melinda said as she went back to get the plates. “It’s been cold these past few days so he gave me his jacket.” She grabbed the food and handed it to another customer. “That’s all.”
“Okay, explain this to me,” Davidson said and Melinda turned to look at him. “Why did he swap out jacket with you?”
“So he could wash it.” Melinda said.
“Or,” Davidson said and he grinned. “So you have a jacket with his refreshing sprayed cologne on it.”
“What?” Melinda said, in a high pitched voice and she started giggling nervously. “That’s crazy.”
“Is it?” Nathan said, smiling. “Because I would always switch out my stuff so they always had my cologne on them. Helped remind them about me and keep the other guys away from them.”
“Oh my god this is ridiculous," Melinda said and she looked out the window, seeing Thomas was on his way in. “Now, no more of this because he’s about to come in here.”
The door opened up and he stepped in. “Good morning Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, smiling.
“Good morning, Thomas.” Melinda said, smiling.
“Good morning, Thomas,” The regulars said in a teasing voice.
“Shut up,” Melinda said, through her teeth and they all started laughing. “I’m sorry about them Thomas. Go ahead and take a seat, and I’ll bring your coffee out to you right now.”Â
He took his usual seat and she came over with his coffee. “Are they teasing you about me like the cook at the diner has been?” Thomas said with a smirk on his face.
“Yeah, they all want to know if we’re dating since I’ve been wearing your jacket.” Melinda said. “Would you like your usual?”
“Yes please,” Thomas said. “And what did you tell them, Miss Mercer?” He smiled. “Because I’m dying to know what we are.”
“I,” Melinda said. The door opened and the bells jingled, which she was grateful for. She turned to greet the customer when she saw it was Frank, coming in later than his usual. He didn’t say his usual greeting as he went up to the counter and took a seat, with his head. “Thomas,” she turned to him. “Would you excuse me, I think something is upsetting Frank.”
“Of course Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, nodding his head. “You go on right ahead.”
“Thanks,” Melinda said. She went back to the counter and got Frank a coffee, then set it in front of him. “Frank, is everything okay?” He shook his head. “What’s wrong?”
He let out a heavy sigh as he grabbed his coffee. “I had a bad night, a really bad night.” Frank said as he stared into his coffee. “The cops called me to tow away a car from a crime scene.”
“A crime scene?” Melinda said and the others looked over.
“Yeah,” Frank said, as he took a drink of his coffee. “It was torched and I… I saw them removing the two bodies from it.” He shook his head. “They were completely burnt to a crisp. It was brutal, I threw up because of the smell. I couldn’t even close my eyes to get some sleep, I just kept seeing the bodies.”
“Who was it?” Nathan said. “Did they tell you?”
“They said the car belonged to councilman Travis Smith Sr,” Frank said. Melinda and Thomas’ eyes shifted to each other. “They said they wouldn’t know for sure if it was him and his wife until they ran a couple of tests. But no one has seen or heard from them since they left dinner at Lorenzo's around 8 o'clock last night.”
“Hey look,” Nathan said. They all looked at him as he pointed at the TV hanging in the corner that was playing the news. “They’re talking about. Hun turn it louder for us.” Melinda put the coffee down and turned the TV louder as Davidson came around to watch with the others.
“At 2 this morning 9-1-1 received a phone call regarding a vehicle on fire. The fire department and law enforcement arrived minutes later on the scene. After the fire was put out, they discovered two human remains inside. One was lying in the back seat and had indications of being sexually assaulted was identified as Martha Smith. Wife of former councilman Travis Smith Sr who was in the driver seat, gagged and bound. As law enforcement began their investigation to find who was responsible for this heinous act they had discovered evidence of a cover-up dealing with their son Travis Smith Jr. Who many were led to believe had moved to Australia where the Smith family was originally from over 20 years ago. But that was not the case. There was multiple contacts, NDA’s signed by 25 under age girls that Smith Jr had inappropriate sexual relations with. One of Smith Jr’s victims who he tortured and murdered 13 years later after she signed her NDA was identified as Alexa Morgan,” A picture of a young woman that looked like Melinda popped up on the left corner screen. There was gasps as the regulars and Davidson looked at Melinda and back to the TV. “Morgan was said to have given birth to Smith Jr’s child. After the child was born Morgan placed them in the care of Evelyn Mercer.” Evelyn's picture appeared next to Alexa’s. “Who you all remember was said to have been murdered during a home invasion by Max Fargo. But investigators uncover that it was actually Smith Jr that committed the murder in the attempt to abduct his child, who would have been a pre-teen at the time. Upon this discovery investigators have placed several retired officers who were involved with the coverup of Ms Mercer's murder under arrest. They also found an NDA said to be signed by Smith Jr’s child forcing them to state that it was Max Fargo, not Smith Jr that committed the murder. Investigators are now looking into the whereabouts of Smith Jr’s child, along with his victims to see if any of them had involvement in this crime. If any of you know anything please contact your local law enforcement. Thank you.”
The room fell silent, the sounds from the TV and the fridge were just white noise in the background. Melinda’s heart started pounding and her breathing got heavy as she felt eyes on her. She slowly turned around, seeing Davidson and the regulars all staring at her. None of them were saying a word, just staring at her. Eyes filled with disbelief, pity, and horror. Melinda was no longer the sweet hardworking girl they all knew since she was a little girl. She was now a child mothered by a rape victim and fathered by rapist and murderer. And worse of all, she was now a suspect in her grandparent’s murder.
All of a sudden, all at once everyone found their voice again. They regulars started mumbling to each other. While Nathan, Davidson, and Frank all began to question Melinda simultaneously. Her heart was in her throat, causing her to have trouble breathing as once her steady hands were now shaking. Panic and fear started to set in. She stood there completely frozen, waiting for her flight and fight response to kick in but it never did. Now her breathing wasn’t just heavy, it was rapid. Her chest was tightening as her whole body started to shake. This was an all too familiar feeling for her. She felt the same way when Mama Evelyn lay dying in her arms. The sheer terror of helplessness and hopelessness.Â
Her body started going limp and she started falling over. But before she could even come close to hitting the ground, she found herself in a pair of strong arms. She looked up with tears forming in her eyes to see Thomas looking down at her. His eyes weren’t like the others. His eyes were filled with worry and concern, and the need to protect. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her and placed her against his body. One arm around her waist to hold her up and his other hand was covering her ear as he placed her head against his chest. Right over his heart. He shielded her from their gazes and voices. He slowly started swaying them as she closed her eyes, getting lost to the sound of his steady heartbeat and his cologne.Â
He leaned his head down and lowered his voice so only she could hear. “It’s alright Melinda, I’m here. I’m here.” Thomas said. “Just listen to my voice and only my voice. No one else is here, it’s just me and you, me and you.” She wrapped her arms around him, grounding herself to him. “Feel the way I’m breathing? It’s steady and calm because I have you and you're safe with me. So just breathe with me. Just breathe with me.” She focused on the way his chest slowly rose and fell back down. As she did, her breathing slowly became steady as her body began to come down. “That’s it sweetheart, just keep breathing with me. I got you. I got you.”Â
Soon the sounds of the cafe and the voices fell silent once more. Her breathing became steady and her heartbeat returned to normal. Though Melinda’s body finally relaxed, Thomas refused to let her go. He continued to sway her, keeping her in a peaceful state and away from the others. He wasn’t going to allow them to bombard Melinda with insensitive and arrogant questions of what happened that day. Or allow her to fall apart because of all this, not on his watch. But despite him blocking their view of her, he could feel them burning a hole through his back with their eyes. He knew he had to get her out of there and far away from everyone, and he knew the spot to take her.
“Let’s get you out of here and somewhere safe,” Thomas whispered. They moved as one towards the counter where her stuff was at. He grabbed his jacket and wrapped it around her, then he grabbed her bag for her. “Come along now sweetheart, I’ll look after you.” He put his arm around her shoulders, keeping her close to him as she kept her eyes to the ground. His eyes shifted to Davidson with a cold gaze. “She’s clocking out for the rest of the day, don’t contact her.” Davidson knew it wasn’t a statement, it was a warning.Â
Thomas' eyes went to the door as they headed out the door. He took her straight to his jeep and helped her in. He adjusted her seat for her, putting it all the way back and leaning it back so she could lay down. When he got in, he didn’t say a word as he drove. Thomas had one hand on the wheel and the other held her hand in his. As for Melinda, she curled up into a ball in her seat with her eyes closed as she breathed in his cologne coming off the jacket. The more she breathed in the smell the more it got strong until it filled up the inside of the jeep. Melinda opened up her eyes as they came to a stop and she sat up seeing they were at the beach, near the tide pools she once played at.
She looked over at him, giving him a small smile. “You remembered.” Melinda said.
“I remember everything you say Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, she started blushing. “I’ll get your door for you.” He got out and went over to her side, opening her door. “Let’s get these off of you first so you don’t have to worry about getting them dirty or wet.” She reached down to take them off, but he moved her hands out of the way. “Allow me Miss Mercer.”
Melinda couldn’t help but smile as he worked on the laces of her work shoes. She never had anyone cater to her the way Thomas did. He was a good man and the perfect gentleman. She watched him remove her shoes and placed them on the floor of the jeep, nice and neat. Then he took a hold of the cuff of one of her socks and slowly dragged it down as he ran his finger tips against her skin. Melinda closed her eyes and shivered at his light touch. Thomas grinned to himself when he saw goosebumps formed on her smooth skin. So he mimicked his motion with her other sock, causing her to shiver again and goosebumps to form. He put her socks together, folding them up and placing them beside her shoes.Â
As he did, he was looking at her feet. Not because he had a foot fetish, he wasn’t the type. But he admired that she was well kept. Though she told him she had never been to a salon when he suggested one so she wouldn’t stress about straightening her hair herself. She told him that she preferred to take care of it herself just like she does with her nails. The way she took care of her hands and feet, looked like she went to a spa all the time. I loved it when a woman took care of her appearance and took pride in it. Then his eyes started traveling up her smooth legs. He bit his lip, fighting the urge to kiss her ankle and leave a trail of kisses up her leg until he made it to her sweet spot.
“Are you going to join me in the water?” Melinda said, snapping Thomas out of his naughty state of mind as he looked up at her. “I can help you take off your boots if you are. I don’t mind.”
“It’s quite alright Miss Mercer,” Thomas said, with a smile. “I’ll remove them myself, thank you for the offer though.”
She nodded her head and he started working on taking off his boots with another grin on his face. Melinda started taking off her hair, letting it all flow down. Then she unbuttoned her work blouse and removed it, leaving on her black spaghetti strap tank top. She started folding it when Thomas placed his boots and socks by her shoes. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see exactly how well endowed her breasts were. He licked his lips thinking how truly bliss Melinda was. He offered his hand and he helped her out of the jeep. She placed her blouse on the seat and he closed up the door. That’s when she noticed he didn’t have his jeans rolled up.Â
“You're going to get sand on your pants Thomas,” Melinda said. “Let me roll them up for you.” She knelt down and started rolling them up. And like many times before, the smile of satisfaction crossed Thomas' face. “There.” She stood back up as she smiled at him.
“Thank you Miss Mercer, I forgot about that.” Thomas said. He offers his arm again. “Shall we?” She looped her arm with his and they walked through the sand and over to the tide pools. “This place is truly beautiful. But I have to say,” he looked over at her and smiled. “Not as beautiful as you.” She smiles as she blushes. “Miss Mercer before I forget something else again, I do need to make one important phone call. Is it alright if I step away for a few minutes?”
“Sure,” Melinda said, nodding her head.
“Thank you,” Thomas said. “Let’s get you settled in first. Where would you like to sit?” She motioned to a spot and he walked her over to it, and she took a seat. “I’ll be right over here,” he pointed to a spot that was just a few feet away. “If you need me.”Â
She nodded her head and he stepped away to make a call while she turned her attention to the ocean for a bit. Then she looked over at Thomas, seeing his back to her as he was on the phone. Though she couldn’t hear what he was saying due to the waves clashing against the rocks, she knew it was something important, something serious. He was standing straight like he normally does, but he was talking with his hand. Moving it around as he spoke. The way he did, she could tell he wasn’t talking to a friend, he was giving someone orders.Â
Melinda had to admit, she found that sexy about him. She loved it when he took charge with a firm tone but yet with a gentle touch. She thought back to how he not only comforted her but how he spoke to her boss. Telling him to back off without actually saying it. Granted Davidson has always been kind and sweet, but his and the other questions were uncalled for. Melinda was grateful that Thomas was there. His presence commanded authority without even saying a word. He put them all in their places just to hold her. She started to blush as remembered how he sounded when he called her sweetheart. It was sweet and gentle, and somehow made her feel not only safe, but seen. Her cheeks started getting redder as her body temperature rose up when she thought about it more. Then she felt it, a tingle. Melinda quickly turned her attention back to the water as she put her feet in it. She hoped the cold calming water would cool her off and bring her back to earth.Â
“I’m really sorry about that Miss Mercer,” Thomas said and she looked up as he came up to her. “Are you alright? You look a bit flush.” She nodded and she quickly looked back down. He looked at her neck, seeing her pulse was fast. He smirked as he sat down a couple rocks away from her. He bent his knees towards his chest and rested his arms on them as he looked out into the ocean. “I hope I got the right spot. I just looked up only for tide pools in the area.”
“Actually it is,” Melinda said and she looked back up at him. “Why were you searching for tide pools?”
“After you opened up to me about everything, I thought it would be nice to bring you out here, to help ground you.” Thomas said. “Being in the navy taught me it’s always good to have a place that was untainted to go to. A place where you feel safe enough to let down your guard and find your center. So I went online to find tide pools to take you to whenever you needed it.” He turned to her and smiled. “Because I wanted, I needed, you to have a safe place to go to when the world around you got overbearing. You feel safe here don’t you Miss Mercer?”
“I do,” Melinda said, giving him a small smile. “Thank you Thomas.”
“Think nothing of it, Miss Mercer,” Thomas said and he smiled. “I got you.”
Napalm Skies Part 6 coming soon
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