Law and Love

Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!

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Chapter Sixteen: We’re all family

Jack arrived at the Smith’s Club feeling extremely tired. He hadn’t slept well on the flight back and the fact that he hadn’t had any sleep the previous night wasn’t helping much. He finally noticed a couple of well-known faces waving at him and he quickly waved back. This was the reason why he usually didn’t come to the club alone. Everyone at the club, from the staff to members, knew him and some of them had the most embarrassing memories about his teenager adventures. He made a mental note never to take Ennis to the Club.

“Good to see you son.” Uncle Daniel was walking in his direction looking as usual. When Jack was younger, Uncle Daniel’s red hair had been a mystery and a secret passion. It was so different, so bright, he had wanted to have red hair too. Now, looking at his uncle’s hair, he couldn’t help but smile, it was still different but he was definitely happier with his black hair.

“Good to see you too, Uncle Daniel.” Jack said hugging the large man. “Have you lost some weight?”

“I’m on a new diet. My doctor scared me to death with a talk about heart diseases and the number of deaths of obese people. A pretty nice lady anyway.” Uncle Daniel raised an eyebrow and they moved in the direction of the café.

“She was right. I’ve told you so myself a thousand times.” Jack said, sitting on one of the small chairs and literally dropping his arms on the table.

“You don’t look so good son. Has something happened?” Uncle Daniel asked sitting in the chair in front of him.

“Not really. I’ve just arrived from France and I didn’t sleep much.”

“France? Was it a business trip?”

“No. Far from it, I went to see the final of the Roland Garros.”

“I see, Paris. Let me guess, in the company of Ennis Del Mar.”

“Dad told you, didn’t he?” Jack asked feeling a bit irritated.

“Yes. He didn’t seem to like the guy much. I can’t have an opinion since I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him in person.”

“You will, at the right time. And Dad should stop interfering in my life. He never acted like this before.”

“You know, it’s because of your dad that I asked you to come here today.” Uncle Daniel said seriously. They were interrupted by the waitress who brought them a complete and delicious breakfast. “Your father has had me worried for quite a long time.”

“What do you mean?” Jack was getting slightly worried.

“I don’t know exactly what’s happening, that’s why I called you. Haven’t you noticed anything strange about him?”

“We haven’t been talking much lately. I’m working on a big case and every time we talk, he has something unpleasant to say about Ennis. He liked him a lot before he knew we were dating, so it doesn’t make any sense. And there were other strange attitudes too.” Jack said, remembering the fact that he didn’t seem to care about Frederic's actions involving his own son. “Sometimes he’s overprotective, other times he acts like he doesn’t care.”

“I’ve noticed some mood swings too and strange behavior. But I’m more worried about the fact that he seems to be tired all the time. Do you have any idea of what’s happening?”

“I don’t know and I’m feeling terrible for not noticing this before.” Jack said shaking his head and closing his eyes to think.

“Son?” Uncle Daniel said putting a hand on his shoulder. “We’re not even sure of what’s happening. It could be anything. I’m thinking it might be some serious problem he doesn’t want to talk about with anyone. Is quite typical of your father.”

“I’ll talk to him this week.”

“No. You need to focus on your work. I’ll talk to him.”

“Thank you Uncle Daniel.” Jack smiled, and tried hard to eat the pancakes on his plate but his mind was now on something else.

“No need for that between us.” After another sausage, Uncle Daniel spoke again. “Maybe we should play only tennis. I want you to go home and a have a nice nap. Don’t think much about it son. You know your father, he likes to keep his secrets and problems all to himself. We’ll find a way to help him whether he wants it or not.”

Jack nodded to his uncle and ate another piece of the pancake.

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Ennis was standing outside Jack’s door facing a bit of a dilemma. Was he supposed to knock on the door or should he use his own new key? Two minutes later and Ennis still was looking at the small modern silver key standing in the palm of his hand. When suddenly an old woman appeared from a door on the end of the hall and Ennis, embarrassed to be seen standing in front of the door, decided to enter using his key.

The apartment was silent, with the exception of the living room, where the low sounds of commercials were coming from the television. Ennis followed the sounds, noticing that Jack wasn’t in any other room. The door wasn’t totally closed, so Ennis could see the light of the television coming out of the living room, changing quickly of intensity and color. Opening the door, Ennis was present with the view he had expected. Lying on the sofa, soundly asleep, was Jack, still holding the remote with his right hand and using his left arm as a pillow.

Ennis took his coat and placed it on the small couch near the sofa, looking at the pictures of American forests. He would never approve such an odd decoration. Jack’s idea for sure, he thought, kneeling near the sofa where Jack was still sleeping.

That Jack was the picture of a perfect angel when he’s asleep wasn’t a surprise to Ennis. He had found that out the first night he had woken up next to him. The blue eyes were hidden and the face showed an expression of peace and happiness. Ennis felt his heart melting with unexpected contentment.

It was frightening to think that in less than 4 months, he had fall madly in love with this man. That he could feel so much for someone who could easily break his heart in tiny pieces scared him to death. More amazing to him than anything else was the fact that Jack loved him back just as much. And nothing else mattered, as long as they loved each other.

“Jack, baby.” Ennis whispered in Jack’s ear, caressing his belly.

“Hmm.” It was all that Jack said, rolling away from Ennis’ hand and laying on his stomach.

“Jack. We need to be at Elizabeth’s in half an hour.” All Jack did was snore a little.

“Baby, you need to wake up.” This time, Ennis decided to put his hand on Jack’s ass, squeezing it a bit.

In a flash, Jack jumped off the sofa, looking surprised and scared for a minute. Only when Ennis started laugh hard on the floor did Jack sit back on the sofa.

“Ennis, do you think that’s a way to wake somebody up?” Jack said, a little annoyed.

“Sorry baby. I tried the nice way, believe me.” Ennis said, trying to hug Jack, who was trying to avoid Ennis’s arms. “I didn’t want to scare you. Actually I forgot you thought you were sleeping alone.”

“Imagine my surprise being awakened by some stranger with a hand on my ass.” Jack murmured still sleepy and annoyed.

“Sorry.” Ennis said, holding him close and caressing his hair. Jack finally gave up and rested his head on Ennis's shoulder.

“You scared the hell out of me. And where’s my kiss?” Jack whispered, sounding like a five year old child.

“Anything for my sleeping beauty.” Ennis whispered back, kissing his boyfriend slowly but passionately.

“Now I’m definitely awake.” Jack said when they stopped to breathe, while his hands drew small circles on Ennis’s back.

“I hate to be the one breaking the moment but we really need to go. Are you ready?”

“I need to fix my hair and maybe pick another sweater.”

“Ok. Go on. I’ll wait here for you.”

“I’ll be ready in a second.” Jack gave Ennis a quick kiss and ran in the direction of his bedroom.

Ennis picked up a random magazine from the table in front of the sofa. He had had an excellent day so far. In the morning, he went shopping with Veronica. He was surprised to find out that some feminine help could actually come in handy. Veronica was a modern woman with a remarkable sense of fashion and Ennis didn’t like some of Veronica’s ideas. Wearing something purple or buying pink sneakers were definitely not an option to Ennis Del Mar. Nevertheless, he liked some other ideas about the clothes he usually wore outside the firm and court. The clothes he bought today made him feel confident, but at the same time, relaxed. Just what he had needed.

After a quick lunch alone at the mall, since Veronica went to work at the hospital, Ennis took Neve to the vet. It was only a few blocks away from his apartment and the veterinarian was a nice French man who called all his clients “petit cherie”. Ennis had a few laughs with the nice man and was happy to find out that Neve was growing as was expected, without any complications. He wondered if Jack would like to come with him for the next vet appointment or if it was pathetic to ask him about it.

He was still wondering about it when the sound of the outside door being opened brought him back to reality. He didn’t know who to expect, but the first name that appeared in his mind was Enrique Twist and he couldn’t remember a worst possible scenario. So when he saw a middle aged woman entering through the door he felt relived. She was clearly Mexican and by the way she walked, anyone could see there was something wrong with her right foot. That was when he realized that her right leg was shorter than the left one. Ennis had no doubt it was Matilda, the famous Mexican maid.

“Hi.” She looked at him for a few seconds. “You’re Ennis.” She smiled.

“Yes I am. I believe you’re the famous Matilda.” Ennis put his hand out for a handshake but Matilda moved closer and hugged him.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Jack talks so much about you.”

“I’m sure not everything is true.” Ennis smiled.

“I’m sure that at least a small part is true.”

“Jack is too good to me.” It was then that Jack entered the room.

“I see she had found you.” He smiled and also hugged Matilda. “How are you?”

“Fine. And you dear? The trip was nice?”

“Yes. Fantastic! One of these days you’re coming with us.”

“My dear, you know I’m afraid to fly. No way are you going to convince me otherwise.”

“We’ll see. We’re going to have a snack and probably dinner too at Elizabeth’s house.”

“I'll make something light. If you don’t come for dinner, you can eat it tomorrow at the firm. Maybe some sandwiches.”

“Ok. See you tomorrow. Remind me later that we need to talk about Uncle Daniel. Don’t worry -- it’s not anything serious.”

“Ok my dear. Goodbye Ennis. It was a pleasure. Next time we need to talk more.”

“I would be delighted.”

“We need to go. Bye Matilda.” Jack said, hugging her again.

“Bye Mrs…” Ennis stopped he couldn’t remember the surname,

“No Mrs. for you. It’s also Matilda.” And she hugged him again.

When they were on the elevator Jack leaned against Ennis. He was still sleepy and his body didn’t want to move.

“I’m hungry.” Jack said sounding like a five year old again.

“Did you know that you sound like a demanding child when you’re sleepy or annoyed?”

“I know and I also know you find it cute.”

“You think you have me in the palm of your hand, don’t you baby?” Ennis put his arm around Jack’s waist and kissed his forehead.

When they entered Ennis’s car and Jack still hadn’t said a word, Ennis began to feel that there was something bothering Jack. Not only was he sleepy and hungry, there was also something else.

“What it is?” Ennis asked when the uncommon silence began to concern him.

“It’s my father, Ennis.” Jack finally said and Ennis felt his heart skip a beat. He was even afraid to ask more about it.

“What it is about him?” Ennis finally asked, afraid to hear the answer.

“My uncle and I had a talk about him and it got me worried. But don’t worry it’s only weird possibilities. Family concerns, you know…”

“I want you to talk to me if you feel like you need it. I’m here for you.” Ennis stated, understanding the meaning behind Jack’s words. He didn’t like Enrique Twist but he was, after all, Jack’s father.

“I know honey. I’ll remember it.”

“Good.”

“Talking about family. Ennis, did I ever tell you about my best friend?”

“The reporter one?”

“You mean photographer?”

“Yes, in the National Geographic magazine, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, he’s thinking about coming to New York for a visit.”

“Sounds great. I’m quite eager to meet him. He sounds pretty cool.”

“He’s the closet thing I have to a brother. He didn’t tell me the reason for the visit but I have a feeling he’s going to marry or something.”

“Why? Is he bringing someone?”

“No, he didn’t mention anything about it. I guess I just have a feeling.”

“I understand. You would love to see him settled and happy. But being a photographer for a magazine like National Geographic surely didn’t help at all.”

“You’re right. That and being heterosexual.” Ennis laughed hard at the way Jack had said it. It was almost as if not being gay was the worst fault his best friend could possibly have.

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When they arrived at Elizabeth’s house, Jack was sound asleep. Ennis and Jack had talked some more about Robert, Jack’s best friend, but after a while, Jack had stopped answering Ennis’s questions and soon the blond man found out that his boyfriend had fallen asleep. Head against the glass window and his hands resting in his lap, making, what Ennis thought was an adorable snore. Ennis wondered how much longer it would take until it becomes annoying.

“Jack we’ve arrived. Wake up baby.” Ennis caressed Jack’s neck with his right hand and this time the small movement was enough to wake up Jack.

“Hmm. Are we there yet?”

“Yes. We’re there. Come on, they must be waiting for us inside.”

Jack stretched his arm muscles and stood out of the car. He looked around and found Ennis taking a box out of the luggage rack.

“What’s that?” he asked looking at the box while he and Ennis move to the door.

“It’s a present for Sophie. But it wasn’t really my idea. I went shopping with Veronica this morning and we were talking about Sophie and she told me we should bring her a present.”

“She was right. I wonder why I haven’t thought about it myself.”

“You were too tired and this is our present, so no worries.”

“What did you buy?” Jack asked feeling curious.

“I bought her a toy that makes animals sounds, actually it's a little farm.”

“Sounds nice but then I have absolutely no idea what’s an appropriate gift for a six month old baby.”

“The lady from the shop told me it was suitable. Don’t worry.” Ennis winked at Jack and he knew he had thought about everything.

Ennis gave Jack the present and knocked at the door. Jack would never understand why Ennis would always avoid using bells. It was a detail of Ennis behaviour that Jack couldn’t help but notice. A few seconds later, Monique stood in front of them, opening the door with the elegance of a royal family member.

“Good afternoon gentlemen. May I take your overcoats?” Ennis couldn’t help but stare a little at the woman before taking his coat off. There was something about Monique that made him feel uncomfortable. Maybe it was because she closely resembled the headmaster of his elementary school.

“Thank you. Jack? Would you be so kind as to lead Ennis to the living room? Elizabeth is already waiting for both of you. If you'll excuse me, I have a dinner to supervise.” She said, leaving the wall with their overcoats.

“She makes me nervous.” Ennis confessed when the woman was gone.

“I’ve noticed.” Jack whispered as they arrived at the living room, where Elizabeth was seated on the big sofa with Sophie on her lap. They exchanged their “hellos” and it wasn’t long until Jack had Sophie on his lap and Ennis stood closely watching the baby.

Sophie looked like her mother. The small amount of hair in her head was black and her green eyes were only slightly darker than Mary’s. She was a lovely baby that would laugh at every single one of Jack’s diversions and would open her big eyes to the deep voice of Ennis.

“Where’s Mary? I thought she would be here.” Jack said cradling Sophie.

“She was here a few minutes after you arrived. One of her important clients called her saying he needed a favor. She went to her office.” They all knew what a detective’s favor was. Classified information about a very sensitive issue was in order.

“Elizabeth, you’re very lucky. Sophie is an adorable baby. I hope you’ll let me babysit her.”

“I have thought of no one else, except Monique and a few of Mary’s friends.”

“I knew it would be a long list.”

“About that Jack, I have something to ask you.” Elizabeth smiled. “Do you want to be my best man?”

“Oh God, are you serious?” Jack stared at her in wide-eyed amazement and Ennis used the moment to pull Sophie to his lap.

“Of course.” Elizabeth said, opening her arms for the upcoming hug.

“Thank you Beth. It’s an honour.” Jack said hugging her and trying hard not to cry.

At that precise moment Mary Bingley entered the living room. Her hair was a bit wet because of the rain that had just started to fall and her face showed an amused smile.

“Ie leave you for half an hour and you’re already taking advantage on defenseless gay men. What am I going to do with you?” Mary said, throwing her trench coat on the closer chair.

“I’m not defenseless!” Jack said struggling to regain some dignity.

“Next to Eliza you sure are.” She said sitting on a chair next to Ennis. She looked at Ennis and whispered a polite hello.

“I guess someone forgot how many times she's lost against the “defenseless” Jack.”

“Jack you should know I’m not good at girl games. Came on? Tennis and golf?” Mary laughed.

“You call tennis a girl game? What is a male game then?”

“Rugby, soccer, basketball, baseball and list goes on and on.”

“Those are all collective games!”

“Are they always like this?” Ennis asked to Elizabeth who as watching everything with a smile.

“Exactly as I remembered it.”

“I’m very sorry to interrupt your little dispute but we have a present to give, don’t we Jack?”

“Yes we do.” Jack picked the box from the floor where it was lying at the left of Elizabeth. “Hope Sophie will like it.”

Mary took Sophie from Ennis's lap and sat the baby next to Elizabeth and the big present. Elizabeth took of the paper and the box with the picture of the little farm began visible.

“Oh God, another noisy toy. I swear I’m going mental with them.” Mary said passing a hand through her hair.

“Mary!” Elizabeth glared at her fiancé annoyed with the remark. Ennis laughed. He was beginning to like Mary’s personality. She was frank and honest. In Ennis's opinion, those were two of the best qualities anyone could have. On the other side, Jack was furious with the comment of the present Ennis had so carefully picked.

“I’m sorry guys, it’s just everyone got the same idea. She’s six months old and at this age sounds and colours are important, I understand. I’m just tired of hearing the damn sounds all the time.” Mary said trying to make emends, more for Elizabeth’s sake then anything else.

“It’s ok. We understand. Come on Elizabeth, we’re friends, there’s no need for Mary not to be completely honest. Next time we’ll think about something silent.” Ennis said smiling, but Jack was still glaring at Mary.

“You’re right, Ennis. And you Jack should know that Mary didn’t mean any offense.”

“Of course not.” Mary said picking Sophie. “And to prove that we’re going to play with it right now. Do you want to play my love?” The baby made a happy noise and Mary smiled. She placed both, the baby and the toy, next to each other on the floor. “And Jack is going to show how fun it is!” She said smirking at him.

Jack quickly sat on the floor showing the baby how to make the small animals produced the different sounds. Sophie watched him for almost two minutes. After that she started to punch all the animals at the same time and after five minutes of nosy playing Jack was already tired of the exasperating sounds. In the exact moment that Jack rolled his eyes completely annoyed, Mary looked at him and he could see the expression “I told you so” all over her face.

God how annoying the woman can be, he thought. And the laugh of Elizabeth and Ennis filled the room.


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On the next chapter: We’re back to the Thurston’s case. An old time colleague of Ennis brings new revelations to the case and also gives us another glance of Ennis' past. Helen comes out with a surprise of her own to Ennis. Jack finally discovers Enrique’s menaces to his boyfriend. But what it is the reason for this strange behaviour? I guarantee you, the revelations are only beginning!