Tristan Trilogy- Story 3

CHAPTER 57

The typical 'tour day' had already begun. Interviews, photo shoots and appearances had already been scheduled for Pittsburgh which left Holly, Leighanne and Tristan with little to do. They spent some time catching up and Tristan showed them the tape she had brought of Mallory and Ben. Some of the film contained clips of Kevin's family holding and playing with his children. It was almost a type of video family reunion. Kevin hadn't been able to contain a slightly exasperated sigh as he watched the clip of Jackie and Harold presenting Tristan with a gift. Jackie was leaning towards the camera, shaking a package in Tristan's face. Tristan handed the camera to Harold and he filmed the unwrapping. Kevin shook his head as Tristan held the gifts up to the camera and made the appropriate sounds of appreciation. Jackie and Harold had presented the twins with tiny gold crosses on fine chains. They had given Tristan and Kevin a huge volume entitled 'Christian Parenting in a Secular World'. Tristan was smiling into the camera but the sparkle in her eyes indicated that her smile was more the result of amusement than gratitude. Leighanne laughed her ass off.

"See what I have to put up with?" she groaned pointing toward the television. "Jackie caught me playing solitaire when they were with us at Thanksgiving and for Christmas she gave me a new deck of cards. I thought that was pretty liberal of her until I opened the deck. They were 'Christian Playing Cards'. The aces had pictures of God on them?."

"Where'd they get a picture of God?" Holly cut in. I don't think I've seen a picture of God."

"They were from paintings and stuff - you know." Leighanne continued. "The Kings were Jesus, of course, the Queens were Ruth, Mary, Eve and Deborah and the Jacks were disciples. I forget which ones."

"You've got to be kidding..." Holly frowned.

"No I'm not! The suits were even different - crosses, doves, angels and tablets, and the numbers, two through ten, each had the appropriate commandment printed on them?."

"What about commandment number one?"

"Oh, that one was on the God card - the ace...." Leighanne stared past the two women and spoke softly. "I wanted to throw them away but I can't seem to toss God stuff in the trash..." She shook herself back to reality and grinned. "Let's just say they put a real damper on strip poker."

The last feet of footage were taken by Tristan the day before she left for Toronto. The camera zoomed in on Mason changing his first diaper. Anne stood nearby barking out instructions. It was hard to miss the face Mason made as he unfastened Ben's diaper. His expression was the picture of fear mingled with a good amount of disgust. His fingers flew up to his nose and he pinched his nostrils together.

"How can something so little, stink so bad?" he said to Anne in a voice that now resembled Alvin the chipmunk's. "This kid is rotten!" Mason cleaned Ben up as quickly as possible and then proceeded to dump baby powder over Ben's bottom.

Anne grabbed the powder and tore it out of Mason's hand.

"He's not a biscuit, Mason! That's enough!"

Mason rolled the soiled diaper into a tight little package and held it in front of the camera.

"You should consider selling these to law enforcement officials..." Mason said seriously, eyeing the contaminated package. "SWAT teams all over the country could use these. Toss them into a window where some crazy fool is holding someone hostage - bullets would be unnecessary! That guy would come screaming out of the house or else he would pass out from the fumes. This stuff is worse than mustard gas!"

Then Mason picked Ben up, laid him on his shoulder and patted his bottom. Clouds of baby powder puffed from the fresh diaper with each pat as Mason cooed to Ben in baby talk.

"You just wike your Daddy, aren't you, wittle Benny? You just full of shit..."

Kevin had loved that one.

*****

Tristan could only stay for five days. Holly would be there for a week but then she had a performance and Mason would be on hand to help her. Tristan had to get back to relieve Mason so that he could get back to Florida. She hoped to meet Kevin again in March, maybe with the babies, this time. At the end of April, a new leg would begin and touring would be almost constant throughout the summer. Tristan would be pretty much on her own for most of the year.

UCF had already contacted her about teaching another class in music theory in late March - a concentrated course that would last for three weeks. The timing seemed good to her. The group would be going to Orlando anyway after this leg and she could be there and have the house running when they came. The head of the music department had informed her that his daughter, who attended the university, would love to take on any baby-sitting duties that Tristan might require. Amelia was a twenty-year-old student majoring in early childhood education. Tristan had met her several times and liked the young woman. Amelia had admitted to being a Backstreet fan but she wasn't silly about it.

Tristan hadn't committed to this offer yet but she didn't anticipate any real problem as far as Kevin was concerned - nothing she couldn't handle, anyway. She had enjoyed the camaraderie of the students last year and thought it might be a good diversion for her. It would also help her keep her knowledge and skills, as well as her identity, sharp.

She had been made another offer, as well. This one might prove to be more of a problem but when she considered it logically, she didn't know why. Mason had brought her a tempting offer when he came to Kentucky...very tempting, indeed. Holly would have the month of June off completely and then would be working with the Tampa Symphony for the rest of the summer. There would be no solo performances for her during that time. Several concert producers who had expressed an interest in Tristan Mallory, however, had contacted Mason. She had been off the stage for almost a year. Together with Mason, they had come up with a five-city tour in which Tristan would be the featured artist or would give solo recitals. The venues were prestigious and note worthy. They were also scattered all over the world. Performances would be held at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, La Scala, Teatro Argentina and last, but not least, the Bolshoi. This would be a power tour - appearances would be small in number but big in impact. Tristan was flattered. For the first time in many months she was feeling like a professional again. She would have to make a decision by the end of April so promotions could begin.

As if that weren't enough, BMG had decided to give its classical division a shot in the arm and had also approached Mason with a recording proposal they wanted him to deliver to Tristan. They wanted to do a CD of modern piano pieces and wanted Tristan to participate. It wouldn't be a solo effort. She would record along with two other pianists and they would divide the fifteen tracks between them. She really didn't think that would be a problem, either. She could record the tracks in Orlando. Still, she was hesitant to bring all of this up with Kevin - at least all at one time. She would go slowly.

*****

The couple had five days together and they did a pretty good job of making the most of that short time. They spent most of Kevin's down time alone but there was really very little of that. Wives and girlfriends were kept away from public gatherings, press conferences and guest appearances. Although the 'boys' were grown men, the fact than any of them were engaged, married or serious did nothing to increase the fan base and, therefore, did nothing to increase record sales. The label still held onto its tried and true formula that 'out of sight' would evolve into 'out of mind'. The "Backstreet Women', as Amanda, Holly, Leighanne and Tristan had come to be known, still suffered attacks and ridicule. Amanda and Leighanne were accused of dressing like sluts, spending AJ and Brian's money with abandon while contributing nothing and using BSB influence to further their careers. The more caustic internet posters would respond to the latter accusation with two words: "What careers?"

Holly was catching flack from Nick fans, though not as much as had been expected. She tended to avoid fan encounters but when she found that she was unable to remove herself from a situation, she remained poised, funny, friendly and unpretentious. Even the most die-hard Nick lovers were short on criticism and some even credited her with his newfound confidence and sense of showmanship.

Tristan didn't fare quite as well. The tabloids were finally leaving her and Kevin alone but the internet was another matter. She and Kevin had always tried to be low-key and private which only seemed to increase speculation about their lives. Internet 'discussions' expressed doubts about the actual date of their marriage, insinuating that Kevin had been forced to marry a pregnant Tristan. Some questioned Kevin paternity. These remarks never failed to mention Asa as a possible father, except for one poster - 'LickemeKev' - who thought Mason should be considered as well. Particularly bitter fans even accused Amanda and Tristan of using last year's plane crash as a public relations ploy in order to ingratiate themselves to public opinion.

These accusations were still painful but Tristan had become adept at hiding her sensitivity to the rumors and remarks - at least from Kevin. It was when curiosity about her childhood reared its ugly head that she found it difficult to show any objectivity and would become visibly upset. One 'old family friend' had been quoted as saying that Tristan had 'broken her father's heart'. They failed to mention that Edward Mallory had once broken her collarbone. Of course, that had been an 'accident'.

*****

It was getting late and the group would soon be heading to the venue for dinner and a sound check before the show. Tonight Tristan would take a late flight back to Kentucky. Her flight was scheduled to leave at 10:30 PM and she would have to leave the venue by nine. Carlos had already arranged for her transportation.

Kevin was still in the throes of post-coital numbness when Tristan brought up UCF's request that she teach a class. His eyes flew open and she felt his body stiffen in her arms.

"What kind of commitment are we talking about here?" he asked quietly. He had noted that her phrasing was not in the form of a question. She was not asking for his approval.

"Just a few weeks." Tristan unconsciously matched her vocal tones to his. "The time frame coincides with the time you'll be back in Orlando anyway. This will give me something to do while you do your Backstreet stuff."

"You don't have enough to do taking care of two babies?"

Kevin's inflection was a little more sarcastic than he had intended it to be but Tristan has surprised him. His question was met with silence and he tried to backtrack a little. He didn't want her to feel smothered.

"When did the university contact you about this? I take it that you've had time to think it over and that this is something you want to do."

Tristan shifted away from him, climbed out of bed and slipped on a robe. He didn't really sound angry but she knew that he wasn't thrilled, either and she felt herself getting a bit defensive.

"I was approached about a week ago. I have to let them know something when I get back to Kentucky so they can arrange scheduling."

"You've already accepted the offer then?" Kevin asked. He was watching her carefully as she began to pace.

"No..."

"Why not?"

"I wanted to talk to you first."

"Are you asking my permission?"

"No!" Tristan stopped and leveled her eyes at him. "I just wanted to see how you felt about it, that's all!"

"What about Ben and Mallory?"

"Lester Harris' daughter has offered to watch the children while I'm at school. She's a twenty-year-old Childhood Ed. major. I've met her several times. I like her and I know her family."

"And who is Lester Harris?"

"He teaches composition at UCF. Composition and Musical Arrangement. He's chair of the department."

Kevin nodded and sighed as he raised himself into an upright position on the bed. Tristan was, even to the untrained eye, taking a strong defensive posture. Her arms were crossed tightly across her chest, her right foot was doing a solo tap-dance on the carpet, her jaw was clenched and her eyes wandered as she waited for him to speak.

"Sounds like you already have everything arranged."

Kevin's simple statement stuck Tristan as a convoluted accusation and she found her voice rising to the upper octaves, despite her efforts to remain cool and collected. Kevin's brows shot up as she began her tirade.

"Nothing is arranged!" she shouted. "I'm just trying to consider everything! This offer is a compliment, you know! They already have students lined up for this class and they're just waiting for my go-ahead. Ben and Mallory are my first priority! You know that!"

Tristan had begun pacing again and now her shoulders and arms provided visual punctuation marks, accenting her contentions as if she were a defense attorney. Something about Tristan's unexpected scene amused Kevin. Tristan had expected a fight and had obviously gone to some pains planning her reasons to oppose any possible objections.

"Tris..."

"And besides, Kevin - I miss my music a little! I want to stay sharp, if I can. I really think I can handle this! I'm not an idiot!"

"Tris..."

"It's only for a few hours a day and just for a few weeks! You'll be working a lot anyway. I checked your schedule and..."

"TRISTAN!"

She skidded to a stop and jerked her head towards him as she heard him shout her name. Her arms re-crossed her chest as she frowned. Tristan looked like a little blond firecracker ready to explode and it was all Kevin could do not to burst out laughing. He tried to remain serious.

"Do it, baby. I think it would be good for you. Don't you think I've noticed how you've been neglecting the piano?"

Tristan's brows furrowed suspiciously. This was too easy.

"Really??"

"Yeah, baby. Go for it."

Tristan squealed in delight before throwing herself on the bed and covering Kevin's face with kisses. After enjoying a few moments of her spontaneous affection, Kevin grabbed her by the shoulders and lifted her away from him. He looked quite sober as he made his final inquiry.

"You know that I'll be at home sometimes while you're at the university?"

"Yes?"

"This twenty year-old who's going to watch the babies..."

"Amelia?"

"Amelia...Is she pretty?"

"She's kind of pretty..." Tristan replied, narrowing her eyes.

"Hmmmm..." Kevin grinned teasingly, deliberately trying to provoke Tristan just a little bit.

Tristan refused to be baited. "She'll be there to take care of the babies, sweetheart. I'll take care of you!" She chose that moment to give Kevin a demonstration of her care-taking talents - a quickie before they had to leave for the venue. The feel of Kevin's hands in her hair, the sounds of his sharp breaths and moans, the rhythm of his hips moving against her as she knelt between his legs... The memories of these physical pleasures would have to feed her fantasies for a while.

*****

Backstreet was halfway through 'Get Another Boyfriend' when Tristan left. She waited until Kevin had stepped to the opposite end of the stage before she slipped out of her seat and made her way out of the venue. Nick caught her eye and gave her a quick wave and a smile as she passed. When Kevin returned to his spot near the VIP seating area, she was gone. Again.

CHAPTER 58

Mason had insisted on picking Tristan up from the airport. She had told him not to bother but he had balked and by the time her flight landed in Orlando, she was glad that he hadn't listened to her. Three hours in airports and planes with four-month-old twins had just about done her in, despite the fact that they had flown first class. Mason still had a key to Kevin's house and had let himself in, making sure that the nursery was ready before doing some grocery and 'baby supply' shopping. It wasn't the first time that Tristan wondered what she would ever do without him.

"I want to meet this babysitter..."

Tristan couldn't help but notice that Mason's tone was a little abrupt and edged with misgivings.

"Okay..."

"Since Kevin isn't here," he continued, "I think I should check her out."

Tristan rolled her eyes. Mason was in territorial mode. He was probably insulted because his new acquired 'infant expertise' hadn't been sought before Tristan made her hiring decision.

"I thought I'd stay until Kevin comes." he added.

It wasn't exactly a request.

"And until Jack comes?" Tristan smirked, batting her eyes.

Mason blushed, stammered a little and then went upstairs. He had never really discussed his feelings for Jack with anyone and wasn't about to begin now. Their relationship was complicated enough but compounded by the fact that he, Tristan, Kevin and Jack were all connected to each other. If he and Tristan were at odds, it would affect Kevin and Jack. If he and Jack had a disagreement, it would affect Kevin and Tristan. If Jack and Kevin fought, he and Tristan would receive the fall out. If Kevin and Tristan had a falling out, it could create problems between Jack and himself. Mason had to try to be objective and neutral but even he knew that he was doomed to failure. Neutrality wasn't his strong suit.

Actually, it was nice having Mason around. He cooked, puttered and took Tristan and the babies shopping. He was delighted to have a whole new shopping category to delve into and spent as much time stores and shops that sold baby clothes as he did in designer salons. He hadn't spent that much time shopping for Holly since she seemed to prefer picking out her own things. Tristan gave him carte blanche and he made the most of her generosity. One of the first things he had done in Orlando was unpack everyone's bags and make mental notes of what could stay and what had to go. He was surprised when Tristan had told him which of their things Kevin had picked out. Apparently, Kevin had managed to find time to shop a little, even while touring. Mason noted that Kevin's purchases had all been placed in the 'stay' pile. As a result, Mason felt his competitive streak widen and shopping for Tristan and the twins soon became an obsession. By the time this leg of the tour was over, Tristan and the babies would be redressed from the inside out. Mason was determined to leave his little mark.

Amanda joined them twice on these shopping expeditions. It was a good 'catch-up' time and Tristan enjoyed listening to Amanda and Mason argue over style versus taste. She also enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by friends, fulfilled as a mother and desired as a musician. Tristan tried to keep tabs on Kevin and the concerts via the internet but she found little satisfaction there. Reports of him going out on the town or looking tired and out of sync during performances did nothing but upset her and cause her to worry. Kevin had pleaded with her to 'ignore that shit on the web' and had insisted that he was fine and that the tour was going very well. She wanted to believe Kevin. He had seemed okay when she had seen him in mid March even though his body language sometimes seemed a little exaggerated and his general demeanor either anxious or largely lethargic. She tried to blame these changes on the stress of attempting a world tour in conjunction with being a new father but noted that, even during filmed public appearances, something was slightly off. Sometimes he seemed a little unfocused. During one television interview, Nick rambled on for some time without Kevin interrupting or correcting him. Even Nick had glanced at him curiously from time to time, no doubt wondering why Kevin was not controlling the conversation.

*****

Mason, once again, insisted on 'airport duty' when the tour was over but his motives were not entirely unselfish. Kevin and Jack were flying in together. Nick was going directly to Tampa, Howie to New York, AJ to Vegas and Brian to Atlanta. They would be flying in on a Friday afternoon and would continue with promotional work the following Monday. Tristan had started her classes that Wednesday but would be home when Kevin arrived. Her class ended at 3:00 - Kevin and Jack were due to land at 2:50. She had already made it home before Mason practically kicked Kevin out at the curb.

God, it felt good to be back in familiar surroundings! Kevin had let himself in and stood quietly in the foyer absorbing the sights, sounds and smells of his Florida home. The smell of garlic cut with the faint scent of furniture polish, sheets of music piled on top of the piano, Tristan singing in the kitchen... Tristan...singing... Oh, dear...

Kevin stepped to the entrance of the kitchen and watched her as she entertained his son and daughter. They flailed their little arms and grinned at their mother, thoroughly engrossed by her performance of 'The Itsy Bitsy Spider'. In their little hearts, their mother was no less talented than Streisand.

"You gonna take that on the road?"

Tristan spun around and only hesitated for a moment before she started running. Within seconds she was airborne - her arms were around his neck and her legs were wrapped around his hips. Kevin stumbled backwards, laughing, as Tristan planted welcoming kisses on the side of his face.

"Damn, girl! No one's ever going to accuse you of being coy!"

Kevin's admonishment was completely insincere. He loved her rather overt demonstrations of affection, especially since he was convinced that they were reserved for him alone. As he looked over her shoulder, his eyes fell to his babies as he hugged Tristan to his chest. Mallory was excited and slapped her hands against her legs as she kicked and cooed. Ben, however, had stuck his thumb in his mouth and was eyeing Kevin seriously. Kevin slid Tristan out of his arms and stepped over to the infant seats.

"What's the matter with Ben? Is he sick?" Kevin reached out and stroked Ben's cheek with his fingers. "He looks like he's constipated or something..."

Tristan burst out laughing. Constipated - what a perfect description... "Believe me, Kevin, that's not his problem! He's just serious - like his Daddy. I think he's checking you out."

For a moment Kevin looked pained Constipated... and Tristan was struck by the resemblance.

"Shit... he doesn't know who I am... I've been away too long."

She would never say it, but Kevin was probably right to some degree. Ben and Mallory were four months old now and had spent less than half of their lives with their father. She had made a point of showing them his picture everyday but she couldn't give them the sound of his voice or tell them how he smelled.

"No sweetie... Ben's just serious, that's all. Why don't you get reacquainted for a few minutes while I run upstairs?"

Tristan picked up Kevin's carry-on and headed to their bedroom, smiling as she heard Kevin launching into baby talk. Mallory was already delighted with his attention and, thankfully, before she reached the bedroom door, he had managed to elicit a squeal from Ben, as well.

*****

Tristan unzipped Kevin's bag and started pulling out the contents. She might as well unpack a little for him while she was up here and give him some time alone with his children. Ticket receipts and itineraries went on the dresser as did his wallet and keys and a small zippered bag. The clean underwear and socks went back into his drawer. The panties went back into her drawer next to the camisole. The video camera was put away and his book was put on the bedside table. Lollipop wrappers went into the trash.

Tristan reached into the side pocket and felt around, making sure she had gotten everything. That's when she found the two pill bottles. She was startled by Kevin's shout from the hallway.

"I'm going to put these two down - they're both yawning! Do they need anything to eat?"

"N-no!" Tristan yelled back, distracted. "They just had a bottle. I'll feed them in a couple of hours..."

She was sitting on the edge of the bed when Kevin came into the room, the bottles clasped firmly, one in each hand. He was relieved and happy at the final outcome of his personal reunion with his children. It felt so good to be home. His healthy babies were safe down the hall and his beautiful wife waited in their room. Touring was temporarily set aside as were photo shoots and PR work. Kevin had already begun to unwind. Unfortunately, his relaxation was to be short-lived.

"I think they're asleep already..." he whispered as he shut the door behind him.

Tristan gave him a weak smile. Her mood seemed to have changed dramatically. She only nodded to him in response.

"Something wrong, Tris? You look a little pale?"

She closed her eyes for a moment and then looked directly at him. She sounded serious and scared.

"You tell me, Kevin. Is something wrong? Are you alright?"

She pulled her hands out from behind her hips and displayed the two bottles. One contained the blue and black Librium capsules and the other held pale yellow Percodan tablets.

Shit! Goddamn it... His eyes darted to the floor where he spotted his empty carry on. Kevin felt unexpectedly cornered and his first reaction was to turn the tables and lash out. He put his hands in his pockets and answered coolly.

"So... you going through my stuff now, Tristan?"

"Wh-what?" she blinked. His charge had surprised her and caught her off guard. "I usually put your things away, Kevin.." she countered. "Were you hiding these from me?"

"I'm a big boy, Tris. I can put my own stuff away!"

"I want to know what this is, Kevin. Its prescribed medication. Tell me what's wrong! I have a right..." Her words were catching in her throat.

"I have rights, too!" Kevin hissed. "You don't give up all your rights to privacy because you're married!"

He immediately regretted his harshness. Tristan's cheeks had turned a bright pink and her eyes were becoming watery. He had to turn this back around. He didn't want her hurt and upset - he just hadn't expected this. She would get all upset about nothing. Kevin glanced to the dresser, relieved when he spotted the zippered pouch. He might be able to offer an explanation for the depressants. The contents of the pouch would be harder to explain. Tristan would never understand. Sometimes he could hardly understand it himself. Kevin took a deep breath and knelt down beside the bed. He was apologetic and gentle. There had been times when he had committed the sin of omission where Tristan was concerned and times when half-truths had been used to spare her feelings or give her a sense of security. Now Kevin set his foot upon a more sinister path. He was about to tell her a deliberate untruth - an out and out, premeditated lie - the first one of their marriage... the first black lie of their relationship. It sickened him that it came so easily.

"I'm sorry, baby..." he whispered, lifting her face up to meet his. "I really am. I just didn't want you to find those before I had a chance to tell you. It's nothing, really. Please don't worry."

"What's wrong? Why are you taking these?" Tristan gurgled, trying to hold back her tears. Her discovery had alarmed her but Kevin's defensiveness had frightened her badly.

"Shhh..." Kevin still whispered as he held her close, trying to calm her. He pried the bottle of Librium from her fingers and sat back on his haunches, holding it up in front of her face and offering a thin smile. Here goes... "You know my back hurts sometimes. Dr. Didgeman gave me these to help with that. Librium is just a muscle relaxant, that's all. I take them when my neck and shoulders get knotted up. I mean, damn - I hardly ever take them. I keep them with me 'just in case' - you know. Look. He prescribed these last summer. Sixty pills. There must still be thirty-five or forty in the bottle."

The prescription had actually been refilled several times. Kevin just dumped new pills into the old bottle. He didn't like to think he could be so devious but he held the evidence in his hand.

"You got these last summer?" Tristan asked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I honestly didn't think that much about it, Tris. This isn't an uncommon prescription."

"But aren't they habit forming? Isn't Librium a tranquilizer?"

"Oh, Tris..." Kevin chuckled. "I don't think twenty pills over almost nine months constitutes a 'habit', do you? Besides, this isn't a tranquilizer in the way you're thinking. I only use it to help relax my muscles. They work like a hot soak when you're nowhere near a tub..."

"Are you sure?"

"Come on, Tristan? Don't you believe me? Call Dr. Didgeman if it'll make you feel better..."

"What about these?" Tristan held up the bottle of Percodan. "What are these for and who is Dr. Vasquez?"

Kevin sighed and then his explanation began to flow.

"I slipped and fell during a soundcheck. I'm alright, but I pulled a ligament in my neck and it hurt for awhile."

"Where was this? Is this a pain pill? Why do you have so many? Do you still hurt? Why do you still have these?" Her eyes had grown wide with concern.

"Take it easy, Tris!"

Kevin tried to continue his gentle tones despite her interrogation. The Percodan might be more difficult to explain - especially since Dr. Vasquez was in Mexico and the painkillers had been ordered and paid for with a credit card.

"I don't know why there were so many pills. I think it was a mistake at the pharmacy..."

"They could get in big trouble for screwing up a prescription, Kevin. Painkillers are addictive!"

"I know, darlin', I know..." Kevin said soothingly. "But as you can see, I didn't have to use too many of them."

"Are you using them now?"

"No."

"Then why didn't you throw them away?"

Kevin's mind raced. Her questions were never-ending and he began to feel as if he were on trial - like a fifteen-year-old who had been caught smoking.

"Because you never know when you or someone else might need something strong before they can get to a doctor. I know people who keep these around if they have extra's. One of the dancers had an abscessed tooth two weeks ago and she used a couple of them. The sound engineer, Dale, said that his wife had some left over from a prescription she'd gotten after surgery. He broke his arm a couple of months later and said that they kept him sane until they got him to the emergency room."

The stories seemed to placate Tristan but they caused a great emotional conflict for Kevin. Her innocence and trust had made his job easy but it had also created a dull pain in his heart. He hugged her once more, halfway convincing himself that what he had told her had not been a total fabrication. Then he stood, walked over to his dresser and began putting his things away with deliberate nonchalance. Tristan didn't see him slip the pouch into his underwear drawer. He had managed to explain away the Percodan and Librium. His luck might not hold with the three rolled joints, ten tablets of speed and quarter ounce of coke.

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