Page 16 of Coveting Catherine

Catherine and Melody laughed while they made cookies in the kitchen. She continued attending his therapy appointments and attended group sessions. She bought a book for Melody explaining PTSD to explain why her daddy sometimes needed quiet time. Catherine proactively reminded him to take meds and even made his dinner on the nights she worked.

He wasn't a fool; he knew she did it for self-preservation, for her daughter, and, lastly, Leo.

“Lucky son of a bitch,” Ash muttered as he admitted to himself. He wanted what he stole from Leo but would never get from Catherine. She stayed only because he threatened Leo. “She stays out of fear for him. Fuck.”

He thought of why he chose a military career. He smiled and played the parts he needed to make the SEAL teams only because he refused to let Olaf and Leo beat him. It never occurred to him they weren't even aware they played a part in his game.

The phone in his hand rang. An unknown number popped up.

“Hello?” Ash continued to search the area.

“Mr. Mitchel, I'm happy you found your family. I'm out three million dollars. Need I remind you that my patience with you has grown thin? I fear you’re sadly mistaken if you think because those men rescued you, your obligation to me ended. I expect payment.” The smooth accented voice of Rahimi came over the phone.

Ash swallowed before shifting the phone from one ear to the other. “Listen, I'll get you the money. I need a little more time. I got one million I can transfer tomorrow?—”

“My men are instructed to grab you and your beautiful family if the full payment is not made. Your lovely wife can help repay your debt and there’s always someone looking for a child.” The phone clicked, indicating Rahimi disconnected the call.

Ash knew exactly what type of people wanted a sweet, innocent child, like Melody. He visibly shook in disgust. Ash watched as Catherine leaned over the counter and tweaked Melody's nose, making the cute girl giggle as she held up a cookie-cutter-shaped dog.

Ash paced the floor.

He turned and walked into the bedroom. Ash sat on the floor and hung his head in his hands as it began to pound. He pulled out his computer and transferred the funds from James Stanton. The money he finagled from the mafia head after he overheard Chase discussing Kassie’s real name with Leo. It didn’t cover all his debt, but he hoped it placated Rahimi until he figured out a new plan. He needed money to get free of Rahimi. A pit formed in his stomach at the thought of returning to Rahimi’s camps. If Rahimi captured Catherine or Melody, it would be even worse for them. He heard the screams of the women transported to the camp from neighboring villages. Ash held his hands to his ears to silence the screams, the pleas for help, and the sounds of the guns when the men finished with them.

The door creaked open as Catherine peered into the room. “Ash? Do you need anything?” Her soft voice soothed the torment in his head.

“I'm fine. Why don't I grab us a pizza for dinner? You and Melody made dessert. It's the least I can do,” he steadied his voice.

He noticed the pause as she waited for the insults he usually threw in her direction. When he didn't respond, Catherine replied, “Sure, Melody will be thrilled,” he heard the insecurity in her voice as she closed the door.

Ash scrubbed his face with his hands. The heavy weight Ash carried started to lift as he pulled the phone from his pocket. Dialing Leo, he knew the team had the ability to protect him. The call went straight to voicemail. Ash expected it.

When Leo charged into the room where the rebels chained him to the corner, Ash saw the surprise flash across his face before it firmed, and Leo went to work on getting the chains off Ash. He never hesitated in his decision to save him. Ash wondered if Leo learned about all his manipulations before he burst in that room and discovered Ash, if he would've left him to die.

The nights they returned home from missions, the team ended up at Sharkey's, and he observed Leo turn one woman after another down. Eventually, he settled his tab and went home to his lonely apartment, while Ash stayed until closing before going home to his wife and child.

The day he married Catherine, she almost ruined his plans to tear Leo down by demanding to go home. He threatened her, and in his desperation he turned violent.

Ash brought Catherine to the apartment, and it struck him she was innocent. She and the baby didn't belong in his agenda against his leader. He left and met with one of the foster kids he grew up with. Keri worked as a nursing assistant in the OB's office he instructed Catherine to use. Keri gave him the pills to give to Catherine. She assured him they didn’t pose any harm to Catherine or the baby. They would make her sleep. He used them only when necessary. Ash grunted at the thought. Threatening Catherine with Leo and later, Melody usually worked.

The three and a half years barely living in Rahimi's camp, he wondered how Catherine took the news of his death. At first, she tried hard to make their marriage work. She worked, kept the house clean, and handled the baby even after a twelve-hour shift. Melody became her pride and joy. Maybe that's what stung him the most. He never remained first in anyone's life. Someone else always slid in at the last second, ruining his chances of ever feeling loved.

Ash sauntered into the living room. His mind churned on ways to come up with more money.

“Ash,” Catherine quietly said his name to keep from triggering him.

“Hmmm?” he mumbled.

“I asked if you minded picking up milk when you got the food.” Her green eyes focused on something above his head. She avoided meeting his eyes or giving him a reason to lose it.

“Yeah. Ummm, Catherine, sit down for a minute.” He gestured toward the couch.

Catherine sat stiffly on the edge of the cushion. Her hands clenched, and her eyes moved about the room.

“What did you do with my life insurance money?” Ash asked.

“I paid for a memorial for you and put the rest in a college fund for Melody.”

Ash swiped at his jaw, “What about the money from the house?”

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