Together in Darkness

by Sloan McBride

  "Find all the places people can stay in Cape Cod? I'm looking for Paul Kincaid. That's hoping he used his real name."

  Linc coughed. “Small favor?"

  "I'd do it myself, but we're a little busy here.” His sarcasm dripped like wet paint.

  "I'll call you when I have something ... friend."

  "Thanks Linc, I owe you."

  "So what's new?"

  He slammed the phone shut.

  "Where you going?” Lancaster called when he opened the door and saw Jake leaving.

  "I'm going to change so I can go after them."

  Ginny poked her head out and said, “I thought you weren't going."

  Jake grinned. “I lied."

  Laughter rumbled through Lancaster. “Do you want me to come along as referee?"

  "Nah."

  "Special Agent Carmichael wants to see you,” Ginny yelled out before Jake got too far.

  He stopped and watched her grin as she made the sawing motion across her neck. “Tell him I'd already gone and you couldn't catch me."

  Peter stepped into the hallway. “That would be a lie."

  Sighing, Jake headed back into the command post. When he got there, Peter sat casually at his laptop. Only his eyes could be seen over the top. He didn't say a word, but his eyes spoke volumes in Jake's direction.

  Jake looked at Peter. “I won't throttle her.” He hesitated. “Although that does have some appeal."

  Peter focused again on his monitor. Margo made a very unladylike sound. Quincy had just walked in.

  "What did I miss?"

  "Jake's going after the psychic,” Ginny offered.

  "Did we lose her?"

  "No, she bolted."

  "Ah!” was all Quincy said before he went to talk to Peter.

  Lancaster said, “Enjoy the chase."

  Jake laughed for the first time since he'd been there. “She does keep a man guessing."

  "What about Kincaid?"

  Jake grew quiet. What about Kincaid? The thought of them together, his hands on her flawless skin and perfect figure, her kissing him, under him. There were numerous scenarios. His hands balled into fists at his sides. “I won't throttle him either, unless he pushes it."

  "Jake,” Ginny called. “Do you think going after her is really necessary for this case?"

  "Yes. She's our link. We need to keep her close. Stay ready. I'm not sure what The Surgeon will do next but I'm betting, if he doesn't know already, when he finds out that Allison is gone, he won't be pleased. He's too enthralled with the game, and he won't like losing this new piece."

  "You seem to know him all too well."

  "More than I want to, but there's no choice for me."

  * * * *

  The mamba music played on her cell before Allison answered. She liked the music more than the irritating ring. “Hello."

  "Ali?"

  "Nick. Is everything all right?"

  "Yeah. I just wanted to check in."

  "I'm fine,” she said before he even asked.

  "Tell me the truth. Are you still having the severe headaches? I sent some amethyst and rose quartz to the house. Did you get them?"

  "You never cease to amaze me little brother. I did get them and I have them in my pocket as we speak. The headaches are lessening. It certainly doesn't hurt having a brother who's a geologist."

  "Well, you can't beat a good healing stone."

  She smiled. “You still keep up with the old ways?"

  "Some. Of course, I am nowhere near as knowledgeable as Yanni."

  "Who is?” She was quiet for a minute. “How's Lucy?” she asked, even though she and her sister hadn't spoken in years.

  "As stubborn as you, but okay."

  "School is going well for her?"

  "She says it is."

  "That's good."

  "How are things with the investigation? Have you seen anything else?"

  "I don't really want to talk about it right now, Nicky. I'm trying to focus and concentrate for control. Yanni has been helping me with it. If I start talking about the case, I'm liable to start tuning in to him and getting images I don't really want before I'm prepared."

  "Let me come there with you."

  "No. I'll feel better knowing you're close, but not so close that he notices you."

  "Do what you think is best, but Ali, this is more than you're used to handling. It may be too much, too soon."

  "I know, Nick. I'll be careful. Love you."

  "Love you, too."

  "Everything okay?” Paul asked as he got back into the car.

  "It was Nick checking up on me."

  "I haven't seen Nick in a long while. How's he doing?"

  "He's all right. He's been visiting with Lucy."

  Paul glanced at her as he pulled out of the gas station lot. “Has she talked to you yet?"

  "No. She still keeps a good distance between us."

  "Hmm."

  "What is that for?"

  "What?"

  "That hmm. Only a psychiatrist can do that and give me the jitters."

  He smiled. “I know a few more enjoyable ways to make you jitter."

  "Stop.” Allison playfully punched him on the shoulder.

  They arrived at a quaint bed and breakfast where Paul had booked two suites with an adjoining door. After a candlelight dinner, they took a coach ride around the village then walked barefoot along the beach. Paul casually picked up Allison's hand and held it. They had dated a little while in college, so Allison didn't fight off the affection. She enjoyed the salty spray and the sound of the water as the waves splashed against the shore. Paul put his arm comfortably around her shoulders and she placed her arm about his waist. Allison laughed as he related humorous stories about college, some of which she remembered.

  "Do you remember when Ricky attempted an experiment in our dorm room? The mixture blew up and his face was yellow for several days. I swear, all hours of the day and night. The guy never slept."

  "Stop,” she begged. “You're making my sides ache."

  "How do you think I felt? There I was trying to pass my courses and keep my grades up. I don't know how I survived with a roommate like him."

  Before too long they arrived back at the stairs and went up to the street. Sliding her shoes on, she gazed at all the stars in the night sky. It was beautiful here. She was glad Paul had suggested she come with him. They continued on to the bed and breakfast where they were staying. Liza, the housekeeper bid them goodnight as they went through the doorway and up the stairs.

  This had been a good day, she thought to herself, as she removed her make-up, brushed her teeth and her hair before bed. A soft amber glow hovered in the quiet suite from the small lamp on the table by the bed. Sighing, she regretted how awkward it felt being here with Paul, when lately all she seemed to take pleasure in was the sight of one tall, dark, and handsome FBI agent.

  In the back of her skull, Allison felt a throbbing. She retrieved her overnight bag from the closet and dug for her pills before drawing a glass of water. On the bedside table sat the small blue velvet pouch that protected her amethyst, fluorite, agate, opal and sugilite stones. She might need them all before the night was done. A soft knock on the adjoining door roused her. When she opened the door, there stood Paul in his pajama pants, freshly washed and smelling of toothpaste.

  "Just wanted to make sure you had everything before I retired for the night.” He moved a little closer.

  Even though he looked incredibly handsome with damp hair and a bare chest, her heart didn't speed up or flutter when she looked at him. “Yes, thanks. I'm good."

  He lifted his hand as if to stroke her cheek, but then let it fall. “Okay, well, goodnight then."

  As he turned away, Allison grabbed his hand and pressed the back of it to her cheek. “Paul, I want to thank you for bringing me here. You were right, I did need a break."

  "I'm glad.” He grasped her hand. “I really do care about you, Allison."

  She knew his words wer
e sincere and gave him what she hoped was a bright, assured smile. “I know.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight."

  Allison closed the door and stood for a moment, resting her forehead against it. In the last few days, she'd had way too many emotions overwhelming her. Between the killer, Jake Austin, Yanni, and Paul Kincaid, it's no wonder she wasn't ready to go out of her mind. Sighing, she climbed in bed, switched off the lamp and rested her head on the pillow. Beds were never as comfortable when you were staying somewhere other than your own home, but she'd manage.

  It was the middle of the night when she woke in a cold sweat, instinctively putting her fingers to her temples. The pounding in her head kept time with the beats of her heart, racing with adrenaline. Shaky, she went into the bathroom, ran cold water on a wash cloth and lay back down.

  The walls had been breached.

  His anger seeped through.

  Something had enraged him and his psychic ability surged enough to break through her blockers. Placing the cool rag over her eyes, Allison rested against the fluffed up pillows. She hated to admit it, but Yanni could be right. She'd need to strengthen her abilities to keep him from invading her defenses. Cursing under her breath, Allison rolled over. Another rhyme played like a broken record in her head. Hickory, Dickory, Dock.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Morning came and Allison woke to humming. She rose and grabbed her robe just as Paul knocked on the adjoining door. Standing there with a towel around his middle and still dripping from a shower, he said, “I ordered us breakfast from room service."

  About that time, someone knocked on her door. The young lady who served the food told Allison that a message had been delivered for her. Immediately, Allison worried.

  Paul tipped and thanked the young woman while Allison turned her attention to the envelope. The script was on beautiful flowered stationary with writing she had seen before. Each letter evenly written, the penmanship almost perfect. A coldness settled over her. Icy dots of sweat broke out on her body. She squeezed her eyes shut, praying that she was mistaken.

  Hickory, dickory, dock, Allison looked at the clock, the clock struck one, nowhere to run, hickory, dickory, dock.

  Her expression paled.

  "Allison, what's wrong?” Paul asked in his doctor's voice.

  Someone began pounding on Paul's door. Allison crushed the note and moved to the window while Paul pulled on a robe, hastily tying it. The racket continued until Paul threw open the door.

  "Where is she?” Jake demanded pushing his way into Paul's room. It took all his control not to think about the state of undress Kincaid was in or the fact that Allison only wore a thin robe.

  "What are you doing here, Austin?"

  Jake ignored Paul's question and focused his attention at Allison's silk covered back. “What the hell were you thinking? No, wait, you weren't thinking!"

  Paul grabbed Jake's arm and whirled him around. “Who the hell do you think you are barging in here?"

  Jake pivoted to stare at Allison's back again. “Protection does no good if you skip town, Ms. Brody."

  "Stop!” Allison screamed, her grip tightening on the paper. So much for control.

  Immediately, both men were at her side. She handed the crumpled paper to Jake. “I've had enough.” Allison shoved by both men. “I'd like to go home. Please excuse me.” She slammed the bathroom door.

  * * * *

  "Austin, I want to know what you're going to do about this?” Paul fumed. “He followed us to Cape Cod for Christ's sake. Why would he do that? Is she in danger?” He waited barely a minute. “Is she?"

  Jake answered in a frigid tone which belied the volcanic eruption going on in his stomach. “Kincaid, I've had Ms. Brody watched around the clock since I realized there might be a link to the UNSUB. That is,” he leveled a stare at Allison, “until the two of you left town. I won't even go into questioning what kind of psychiatrist takes his beautiful patient to Cape Cod for a weekend."

  "That's none of your damn business.” Paul glared at Allison. “Were you aware of this?"

  "Yes,” she answered.

  "For crying out loud.” Paul stormed over to her. “Why didn't you say something? I wouldn't have taken you away had I known how serious this matter had become. That explains a lot about your recent behavior.” Paul turned back to Jake and Bill Lancaster. “So what do we do now?"

  "We will do everything possible,” Jake advised.

  "What more can I do? I have concerns for Allison's welfare. Her state of mind has been disturbed of late."

  Allison gripped the sides of the table watching them discuss her as if she wasn't in the room. Picking up a ‘Don't Worry, Be Happy’ coffee mug, she hurled it across the interrogation room where it hit the wall just beside the huddle of men.

  The shattered pieces had the three men scurrying out of the way. Lancaster's hand went immediately to his gun holster.

  "I'm glad that got your attention.” Allison stalked toward them. “I'll have you know I've been taking care of myself longer than you might think.” She glared at Jake. “And you,” she rounded on Paul, “cozying up to me and spewing nonsense about friendship, and then you go telling him I'm psychotic.” She threw her arms up in the air. “I don't think we'll be having another dinner anytime soon."

  "I said no such thing, Allison.” Paul moved toward her and whispered. “Deny that you've been popping more of those pills than you should because of the headaches."

  Jake feigned an innocent look when Allison threw her tirade at Kincaid. He fought to keep the corners of his mouth from lifting. The outrage in her tone was akin to an irate citizen at a political rally.

  She wrenched her arm from Paul's grasp. “I will continue conducting myself as I see fit. If I get some lead that will help in your investigation, I will let you know. Now, if you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I'm going home.” Allison left without looking back.

  "Whoa!” Lancaster exhaled. “You think she could take Tyson in three rounds?"

  Paul stared in disbelief. “Well. I guess I'll be on my way, too."

  Jake was the only one who didn't comment. He fiddled with one of the papers on the table.

  "You have anything to say?” Lancaster asked with wry amusement.

  "No!"

  Detective Lancaster escorted Paul Kincaid out of the room, but teamed up with Jake a short time later. They left the police station and were immediately approached by Rory White.

  Lancaster mumbled a soft expletive. “Look White, I'm not going to make any comments about an ongoing investigation."

  "But..."

  "You have the general information. That'll have to do."

  With that, Lancaster pushed by the reporter, leaving him sputtering.

  Jake, impressed by the scene, chuckled. “A seasoned veteran."

  Lancaster grunted.

  * * * *

  Still outraged when she got home, Allison grumbled while she unpacked. “Imagine, talking about me without even a glance. Men! They're all jerks."

  "It has been so for centuries."

  Allison hadn't stopped what she was doing, having sensed when Yanni materialized. That skill was improving. “Oh, great. So you're saying not to look forward to any change in the male behavior any time soon."

  Yanni inclined her head. “It is best to concentrate your efforts on things you can actually change."

  "You can't fix stupid.” Allison opened her walk-in closet to hang some things. “Paul, my friend, jumped right on the bandwagon, agreeing that I need to take time off. What can I do?” She mimicked Paul Kincaid's voice. “And Austin takes the cake. Suddenly, he's worried about me? I don't think so. He needs me to help him catch his killer."

  "Is that what you really think, little one?"

  Allison all but threw her unused clothes back in the drawer. “No one is going to stop me from doing what I feel is right. No one! I make that choice."

  The phone rang. Waves of anger still
flowed as Allison picked up. “What?"

  "You shouldn't slam doors so hard.” His voice was quiet, calm and almost soothing.

  "Who is this?” she asked, even though she knew it was him. Her skin began to crawl and she fidgeted.

  "I think you know, Allison."

  "You're using the phone now? How trite.” She knew she probably shouldn't be flippant, but she'd already had a hell of a day.

  "Just another form of communication. Certainly not as intimate, but effective nonetheless."

  "What do you want?"

  "You. I thought that became obvious of late."

  She hesitated as fear gripped her throat and she was unable to speak.

  "No words for me? Pity. They will come."

  She knew Yanni paid careful attention as she returned the receiver to its cradle. “He caught me off guard calling like that."

  "That is what he intended.” Yanni stepped in front of Allison. “He wants to control you. You will not recover.” With a poof, Yanni vanished.

  Allison examined her reflection in the mirror. “Okay, Allison, you got what you wanted. He's concentrating on you. Now what?” Every instinct said to run far, run fast, but she wouldn't go.

  She couldn't.

  Heading for the kitchen, she decided some hot cocoa and a warm bubble bath would help her nerves.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

  Allison came downstairs, still reverberating with shock when the phone rang again. “Hello."

  "Well, I guess that answers the question.” The cheeriness in Kat's voice brought a brief reprieve to Allison's foul mood.

  "What question?"

  "Why you came home early?"

  "It's a long story,” Allison replied solemnly. “How did you know I was home anyway?"

  "I was heading over to the store and saw you fly out of the police station. If I had to guess, I'd say this all has something to do with that hunk of man who works for the government."

  "I'd rather not talk about it right now, Kat."

  "Okay,” Kat said undaunted. “We do need to discuss the Penny Sale at Our Lady of Good Voyage though. That's coming up very soon."

  "Ugh! Why do I let you talk me into these things?” She pinched the bridge of her nose and took some calming breaths. “I promise we'll do lunch next week. Then, we can go over all that."