Resisting the urge to be near her, he opted to sit on the smaller sofa across from her. Remote in hand, he flipped through the channels. Three-quarters of the way done with his drink, he was watching the sports news when he heard Pam whimper. A quick glance in her direction, a furrowed brow followed by her mouth curling into a painful grimace, and he knew she was slipping into one of her nightmares. “Damn.”
With no idea if waking a person from a nightmare had any repercussions like waking a sleepwalker, he had no intention of letting her fall deeper into the painful darkness he knew her nightmares to be. “Pam.” He nudged her shoulder gently.
“No,” she mumbled.
“Pammy.” He shook her shoulder more forcefully.
“No, not you. Not you.”
It took Jeff a few seconds to realize she was talking to someone in her dreams, not him. “Pam!” This time he pulled gently, tapped her cheek. “Please, Pam, honey. Wake up.”
“No!” she bolted upright, screaming. Her eyes flew open, and she stared at him. The reflection of sheer terror hit him as hard as a clenched fist in the gut.
Afraid to move, unsure if it was him or someone else that she was seeing, Jeff waited. Within seconds the horror in her gaze shifted to a softer sense of sadness, and then her eyes filled with moisture. Throwing herself against him, draping her arms around him, she burst into sobbing tears.
“Shh,” he whispered in her ear. “It’s okay. It’s okay.”
She shook her head in his shoulder and seemed to cry harder. Warm tears penetrated his shirt bathing his cold skin in sorrow. He had no idea what to do; so he held her, let her cry, and waited.
Whether Pam had been crying for twenty minutes or two hours, Jeff didn’t know, but when her sobs finally eased to the occasionally hiccup, he braced himself for what might come.
“I saw him.” Still snuggled in the crook of his shoulder, she hadn’t lifted her head or let go of his arms.
Jeff waited, wondered. The silence seemed to drag on for another twenty minutes or two hours.
“I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it.”
Her last words came out in a long whimper that started the tears flowing again. Not sure what to say, whether to push or wait, Jeff wondered what time it was in Italy or Belgium and if Caleb’s cell phone had international calling.
“If it’s not true, why did I dream it?” Still clinging to him, Pam lifted her head just enough to look into his eyes.
Taking in a deep breath, Jeff prayed for the wisdom not to screw this up. “You’re going to have to tell me what you dreamed.”
“The same as always. Shadows, pools of wine that turn to blood, pressure on my chest, my throat, so I can’t breathe. But this time, all the faces were so clear. Not just Travis but the attacker too. I could see the green of his eyes and the little scar on his right cheek.”
The hairs on the back of Jeff’s neck prickled. Now more than ever he wished he had Caleb here to help. “Do you remember it well enough to talk to the police again?”
She nodded. “Yeah, I do, if what I saw was real.”
“You don’t think it was real?”
“Oh, God, I hope not.” Her head dropped back against his shoulder. “I saw someone else too.” She drew in a ragged breath. “It was Greg.”
This time Jeff pulled back to look at her face. “Greg? Your husband’s business partner?”
She nodded.
“The one who I hear you talking to every so often?”
She nodded again, and this made the wheels of his mind work overtime. Something had always nagged him about the conversations he’d overheard, but he could never quite put his finger on it. Now, if what she dreamed was in fact a reality, and Greg was somehow involved in her husband’s death, the lack of memory and the nightmares were starting to make sense.
“Didn’t the police say he saved you? Is that what you’re remembering?”
She shook her head, tightening the hold on his arms. “I felt the weight, the pressure, lift off. There was mumbling, fuzzy sounds, but I could make out Greg’s voice. He said, ‘You crazy bastard,’ and mumbled something else I couldn’t make out or maybe I passed out because everything was dark and black. Next thing I could understand was something about ‘Kill only the man and not the woman,’ then the other voice said I was a bonus surprise, and he wouldn’t charge extra. I tried to open my eyes, but they felt so heavy. A smacking sound echoed loudly in the garage. I’m guessing Greg must have hit the attacker.”
Jeff thought of interjecting, making a few comments to paint Greg in a better light. To point out, in order to subdue the attacker, it would only make sense to fight him, but he realized whatever was truth or fiction, Pam probably needed to do this her own way at her own pace.
“There was a shuffling sound. I wondered what was happening. Was he helping Travis? Travis needed help. I had to help. I managed to open my eyes, barely. My lids still felt so heavy. Everything felt so heavy, so numb.” Pulling away from Jeff, eyes closed, she leaned her head against the sofa back. “I saw it. Greg handed the man in black an envelope. ‘Unmarked bills,’ he said. ‘You’ll get the balance, when I’m sure he’s dead.’ That’s when I woke up.”
It all made sense now. If her husband’s best friend had anything to do with the attack, to be betrayed by his best friend, their best friend, was more than she could take. Jeff thought back to when he’d witnessed her nightmares. To the earlier phone calls from the dear friend. Greg had to be the trigger. What her mind couldn’t handle and wouldn’t quite let her forget. Good God, now what?
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“Why are you answering your phone on vacation?”
“I’ve got a better question.” Caleb’s voice sounded raspy from sleep. At least Jeff hoped it was from sleep. “Why are you calling me at…five o’clock in the morning?”
“Sorry, man. I know this is your second honeymoon and all, but I have to say, I’m really glad you didn’t turn off your cell phone.”
Caleb hesitated long enough for Jeff to wonder if he’d fallen back asleep before he muttered, “Using it for an alarm.” The silence carried on for a few more seconds. “Okay, I’m out of the bedroom now. What’s so important you had to call me halfway around the world?”
It didn’t take long for Jeff to recap the events of the evening. Emotionally exhausted, Pam had dozed off on the sofa half an hour ago. Convinced she was sleeping soundly, Jeff had taken a chance and called his old friend. “So what do you think?”
“I think you have one hell of a way of waking a guy up in the morning.”
“Come on, Caleb. I’m floundering here.”
“I know. I’m sorry, really. But dreams are a tricky business. Not everyone agrees on their application or importance. The mind is even more complex. But honestly, I believe your initial assessment has merit. Without talking to Pamela myself, it does seem this dream is likely a breakthrough memory. It would certainly explain why, if she was not sexually assaulted, her mind shut off recall. And if you’re correct that the nightmares followed phone calls from this friend, then it makes sense he’s the trigger.”
“I can’t be sure. But she mentioned while working with her husband’s business partner, she had the nightmares daily. Once she moved home, they eased up. His occasional calls have to be the trigger.”
“Could be.”
“So what do you suggest I do?”
“Call the Dallas police. See if her family, someone, knows the name of the detective in charge of the original investigation. Let the man know that Pam might be able to give them a visual of the attacker, but more importantly, convince him to investigate this Greg person. I don’t work with the police very often, but when I do, money is usually at the root of all the trouble. Have the police thoroughly check this character’s finances at the time of the murder. See if he needed a little help from a big insurance policy. If they’re lawyers, odds are they were smart enough to carry whoppers on each other.”
“Yeah. That’s
what I was thinking.” Jeff peeked into the living room to check if Pam was still sleeping then stepped back into the kitchen. “One thing I don’t get.”
“What?”
“Why now? What made today any different than yesterday?”
“To remember?”
“Yeah.”
“Simple. She’s ready to move on.”
Jeff wondered.
Caleb continued, “What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Are you ready to move on? Have you figured out you can’t save the world?”
“Have you been talking to my mother?”
Caleb laughed. “Don’t have to. I have my own degree.”
“I’m thinking on it still.”
“Well, don’t think too hard. I wouldn’t want your brain to explode.”
“Comedian. Where’d you say you got that PhD? Doctorateonline.com?”
“Dot Net.” Caleb yawned. “Seriously, this is going to be tough on your friend. This could be only the beginning. There could be more memories locked away ready to be brought into the light of day. Let her move at her own pace. Just listen, see what she wants to share, and be with her if she needs you. But the police should be your next step. Murder is a nasty business.”
“Yeah, especially if you’re the only living witness to the crime.”
“We’ve waited all day.” Jake Wharton stood from the table. Enough was enough. He’d held his tongue all through dinner with the family.
Valerie Wharton patted her brother’s arm. “Look, this isn’t the first time we’ve believed the gossip mill. We’ve made fools of ourselves the last two times. If there was any truth in what’s happening, Pammy would have called one of us.”
“Give me a good reason for her not to return any of your…how many phone calls?”
Val hitched a shoulder. “Four.”
“Exactly. I say we go over.”
Bo had kept silent through most of his brother’s ranting. “I agree with Val. Pammy’s a big girl. Besides…” He grinned. “I like Jeff. Always have.”
And that was part of the problem. Jake liked Jeff too. A lot. He couldn’t have picked a nicer guy for his sister, but none of this was going down easy. The gossip, the rumors, all of it was creating bedlam in the family. “I’m worried about her. Is there anything wrong with wanting to take care of my kid sister?”
Bo smiled at his older brother. “I’d be more likely to think something was wrong with you if you didn’t, but there’s a difference between taking care of Pammy and not trusting her. This time we need to wait her out.”
“Besides,” Val cut in. “Ten o’clock at night is no time to pay your sister a visit.”
Jake checked the clock on the wall. They’d been arguing back and forth for nearly an hour since their dad had gone to bed. “Ten’s not too late. If she’s alone, she’ll be waiting to watch Leno.”
“And if she’s not alone?” Bo asked.
There was no time to respond. Jake’s phone rang. “Who the he… Well, my, my.”
“Who is it?” Val asked.
“The devil himself.” Jake punched at the keypad. “It’s about time I heard from one of you.”
“It’s been a crazy day,” Jeff said. “We’ve had a breakthrough.”
“What? How to spread gossip faster than wildfire?”
“Your sister remembered the face of the man who attacked her.”
Jake sat down heavily in the nearest chair. “She did?”
“Yeah. It was a shock. She’s fallen asleep from sheer exhaustion.”
“But she’s okay?”
At those words Bo leaned forward; Valerie jumped from her seat to stand over her brother.
“So far,” Jeff answered. “But I need to know if any of you have the name of the police detective who worked the case?”
“I remember the man’s name as well as my own. Hannigan, Leo Hannigan. I can get you his number.”
“No. His name’s good enough. If Pam’s up to it in the morning, I thought I’d give him a call.”
“You planning on staying with her all night…again?”
“Actually, I’m concerned she might remember more and don’t want her waking up alone. I was thinking of asking Valerie to come stay with her. Do you think it’s too late to call?”
“No. Val’s standing right here.” Jake handed his cell to his youngest sister.
“Jeff, what’s wrong?” Valerie’s tone dripped with worry.
“Nothing. We may have a lead on who killed Travis. It was pretty rough on Pam reliving it all again. She’s sleeping now, but I don’t think she should be left alone tonight.”
“I agree. She shouldn’t be left alone. You go on back to my sister, and I’ll explain to the boys here that Pammy will be in your good hands.”
“No!” Jeff called out loud enough for both Bo and Jake to hear. “I thought you could come stay with her. I mean, under the current circumstances and all.”
“Exactly. Under the current circumstances and all, you might as well stay. It’s not like you can make things any worse. Just do whatever comes naturally.”
Bo covered his mouth to hold back a laugh, and Jake almost choked on his own spit before reaching out to grab the phone back from his sister.
“Listen, Jeff.” Val turned away. “Jake here needs some medical attention. Just remember women can be very needy when under emotional stress, if you know what I mean. I gotta run. I’m trusting you to take care of my sister. Night.” Val hit the disconnect button and handed her brother his phone. “Relax, big brother. If all goes well, you might just get that wedding you’ve been wanting.”
Jeff stared at the dead connection. Maybe he should just call his mother to come over.
“You’re still here.” Eyes foggy from sleep, Pam stood in the kitchen doorway.
The first thing to come to mind was to wrap his arms around her and do as Val had said, what comes naturally. Staying put seemed to be the safer response. “Did I wake you?”
“Not really.” Pam wiped the sleep from her eyes, then stretched like a lazy cat who’d had her fill of cream. “I can’t believe I slept so long.”
“It’s been a long day. You needed the break.”
She plopped in the seat across from him. “So what do we do now?”
“Calling the detective in charge of Travis’ case would be the first move. Tell him what you remember. See if they have a mug shot, or whatever they call it, that resembles this guy. Then…” He reached over the table and took her hand in his. “Just in case there’s any truth to your last dream, you have to tell the police we suspect Greg may be more involved. Knew the attacker, his plan.”
She sprang from the table. “I can’t.”
He didn’t dare go to her. The last few days had his control frayed to a single thread and ready to snap. He needed to keep his distance. “Pam.”
“Don’t.” She squeezed her eyes closed and wrapped her arms around herself. “It has to mean something else. It just has to. He couldn’t have known. Not Greg.”
“Okay.” He eased back his chair and pushed to his feet. “I spoke with Caleb.”
“I thought he was going to be gone for two weeks.”
“He is. Wherever they are, it’s seven hours ahead of us, and his phone works.”
Frustration bloomed in her expression. “You didn’t?”
“Well. We’ve been friends a long time and sleep is overrated. Besides, this is important.”
She nodded, letting her arms fall by her side. “What did he say?”
“The mind’s a tricky thing.” He folded his hand around hers and led the way back to the living room. “He’s not placing any bets on what this new revelation means, but he’s not discarding it’s an actual memory.”
Pam sank heavily onto the sofa beside him. “Caleb said that?”
“He thinks the police should take a look at Greg’s finances at the time of the…incident.” Somehow the word murder simply wouldn’t roll off his tongue.
Her face pinched with regret and sadness set deep in her eyes. “All right. But if this is just some Freudian-Jungian psychobabble, and Greg turns out to be completely innocent, I’m going to hate myself for even considering otherwise.”
“Agreed. But you will live easier having no room for doubts of his innocence.”
“Yes. Yes I suppose I will. Thank you.” Already perched on the edge of the sofa, only inches away from him, Pam easily leaned over to give Jeff a quick kiss on the cheek. A kiss that lingered a fraction longer than it probably should have.
She held her gaze steady with his. He wasn’t sure if she was talking herself into something or out of something, but before he could make up his own mind, her lips found his.
Soft, delicate, she tasted of coffee, cinnamon, and sweet Pam. Whatever control he’d hoped to hang on to slipped away at the feel of her arms snaking around his neck, her fingers swirling through his hair. Heat poured through his veins like freshly spewed lava.
All reason and common sense seemed to tumble out of his brain. If any words were left, he couldn’t find them. He could only feel how much he wanted this woman now licking and kissing the edges of his lips and working a slow, tingling path along his chin and across his jaw, the tip of her tantalizing tongue teasing the edge of his ear, dipping. “Oh, God.”
Jeff grabbed her shoulders in each hand. He had to put something between them, even if only an inch of air. “You have no idea what you’re doing to me.”
A smile warmed her face. “I think I do.”
“Pam.” He didn’t move, didn’t let go of her. Drawing in a deep breath, he gathered what was left of his wits, waited for his heart to steady, his pulse to slow. With Pam pressed so closely against him, he could feel the rapid beat of her heart. A dunking in the Siberian Sea wouldn’t cool his hyperready libido. “Pam,” he repeated, his scrambled senses unable to find words.
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