Together in Darkness

by Sloan McBride

  "I think I'll have the western omelet with toast and coffee,” Allison replied.

  A waitress came, delivering waters and took their orders. “What did Linc say, Jake?"

  "Peter is fuming. Caprizzi is having a coronary, and I'm probably on the most wanted list right now.” Jake shrugged.

  "You knew it wouldn't take Peter long to figure it out."

  Allison lifted her eyes and found Quincy looking at her. He winked.

  Jake gulped his coffee, scalding his mouth. It was bad enough that Kincaid was hovering and The Surgeon had become obsessed with Allison, now his own co-worker? He'd like nothing more than to hide her away from every other male.

  "So what now?"

  "We go as planned. I'll take Allison to the safe house and you head back to Gloucester."

  "He won't do what you want, Jake.” Allison touched his arm. “He never does.” She implored him with her eyes. “Take me back."

  "I won't let him hurt you. That's why I've taken you away from there."

  "I could've helped that last girl. I saw her."

  Jake turned in the booth to face her. Quincy stopped fiddling with the origami figure. “What girl?"

  "I started visiting all the places I'd recognized, ones I knew he had been looking at, hoping to find something, anything, that would tell me who would be next. I'd even had a small hope that I could warn them somehow."

  "My God!” Quincy's mouth dropped.

  Jake grabbed Allison's arms, squeezing a little tighter than he should have. “Do you realize he could have caught you? Do you think he saw you at any of these places?"

  "I'm not sure, but a couple of times I got the feeling someone was watching me."

  "He must have seen you visiting the different places."

  "He knows I'm there when we connect, just like I feel him, too."

  "Unbelievable,” Quincy said. “Fucking unbelievable."

  "Yeah,” Jake sighed. “Most people run away and hide when they know a killer is stalking them, but not you. You seek him out."

  "At least when he's focuses on me, I have some control."

  "No, you don't! He's in control. That's what drives him."

  Allison shifted and pushed some hair behind her ear. “He'll hurt someone else."

  "When he does, it won't be because of you. It'll be because of me."

  Quincy had gobbled up his breakfast in record time and even ordered more pancakes. Jake wasn't as enthusiastic, but managed to get some of his eggs down. Allison, he noted, just pushed the food around on her plate, barely eating anything.

  Wiping her mouth and then laying the napkin on the table, she said, “If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I'd like to freshen up."

  Quincy nodded, but Jake didn't move to let her out. Allison glared at him. “Jake."

  Reluctantly, Jake scooted out of the way. Like a hawk, he watched her walk toward the restrooms.

  "So?"

  "So what?” Jake asked.

  "What else did Linc say?"

  "Caprizzi is spitting fire, but he conceded that no one knows more about the case."

  "Good."

  Something kept causing Jake to glance in the direction he'd seen Allison disappear.

  "What's wrong?"

  "I don't know. I just have a feeling."

  Jake got up and hurried toward the restrooms. A heavy-set woman exited the ladies room. “Excuse me ma'am, but was a pretty young woman with long dark hair still in there?"

  "No, no one else in there,” the woman replied.

  "Thank you."

  Jake rushed out the door, running around the building, looking in all directions for some sign of Allison. The parking lot bristled with traffic. A movement caught his eye and he ran toward his SUV.

  He halted suddenly, sending gravel flying through the air. Dark eyes peered around the door. “Hi."

  Her cheery tone about undid him. “What are you doing?"

  "I saw how dreadful I looked so I came out to get a brush and see if you had packed my toothbrush. What did you think I was doing?” The delicate arch of her brow lifted.

  Jake averted his eyes, feeling foolish. He forced his hands deep in his pockets.

  "You thought I was running, didn't you?” Jake's hands fisted in his pockets. He felt like a kid being scolded.

  "Where did you figure I'd go, Jake?"

  "I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry. I just knew you weren't in the building."

  That statement caused her to pause. She tilted her head. “How did you know?” she whispered.

  He seemed a bit shaken. “I don't know how, damn it, I just did."

  Silence hung between them. “How'd you get in the truck?” Allison held up her fingers jangling the keys.

  "My brother is adept at many things. He taught me how to pick pockets."

  Jake crossed his arms. “Of course, I'm not as good at it as he is.” She swirled, opened the door and rummaged around in the bag. Clutching her toothbrush and toothpaste tightly, she gave Jake back his keys and followed him inside.

  She stunned him at every turn. He never knew what to expect next. That wasn't a comfort. It scared the shit out of him.

  They said farewell to Dr. Quincy and climbed into the SUV. “I still think you should take me back."

  "No."

  She sighed dramatically. “What do you think he'll do?"

  Jake glanced at the landscape, but hardly saw it. His thoughts were on the past. “He'll look for you. Then he'll call me, rather pissed that I took you right from under his nose."

  "It's more personal than you let on. Why is that?"

  "It's complicated,” he responded coldly. “I can't offer more than that right now."

  Allison had to find a way to get back. Jake didn't know it, but it was personal for her, too. He had no idea of the bond she really had with the killer. Deciding to break all connection to her abilities so long ago could have played a factor in Alex's dark path. She had to find out.

  * * * *

  They arrived around dinnertime. The sun sank low in the sky and the fluffy clouds offered it a cozy bed to rest in. Secluded and nestled on a hill beneath a tall, shady tree, the house waited.

  Allison looked up at two gables gleaming in the last rays of the sun. She pushed into the front door with her bag and wandered around the first floor. “This is a safe house?"

  "The bedroom is upstairs,” Jake offered when he walked in and saw Allison looking around, the bag dragging along behind her.

  He grabbed the bag and her hand, gently guiding her to the sweeping staircase on the left. There was a matching one down the right side of the room. At the top, Jake opened a set of double doors then moved aside, allowing her to go in first.

  Wide-eyed, Allison couldn't speak. Jake softly chuckled behind her. “It's great in the morning. All the windows help brighten the room, don't you think?"

  The room spread from one end of the house to the other. The entire back wall had floor to ceiling windows and French doors which opened onto a huge balcony. “You'll love it at dusk. The shadows seem to come alive."

  Still amazed that a safe house would have such spacious and beautiful surroundings she said, “You've been here before?"

  "Yeah,” he smiled. “I own the place."

  Her heart stuttered. Oh no.

  "You can put your things in here.” Against the front wall sat a beautiful cherry wood dresser with an elaborate mirror. “There are a few empty drawers. Allison?"

  She jumped in response to hearing her name. “Yes, okay.” He stepped very close.

  "Are you sure you're okay?"

  "I have a lot of things running through my head.” Jake bent toward her, his breath soft on her neck.

  "What things?"

  "You and me, alone in this house."

  Although tempted by the husky tone in Allison's voice, Jake straightened and moved slightly away from her. “Uh, you probably want to freshen up, so I'll go down and make dinner and leave you to it.” She said nothing, just watched him with be
droom eyes, dazed with an emotion he dared not consider.

  Fleeing, he closed the doors. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Even in the foyer, he could still smell the essence of Allison Brody. It was funny. He'd always thought of this house as being large. Now, he wasn't sure it would be big enough.

  Allison wandered around the enormous room. A person couldn't get claustrophobic in here, she mused. A huge four-post bed was positioned cattycorner at the south end, and a chest to match the dresser stood against the wall. The wood floor felt cool, but would most likely warm with the morning sun. A huge, colorful rug adorned the whole middle of the room. The full, plush feel of the rug made her want to sit down and roll around on it. The sheers on the windows were a shimmery powder blue, almost transparent, giving no sign of privacy. Deep in color almost royal, the loveseat to the left invited her to sit and gave a perfect view out the windows or of the big screen television that sat against the opposite wall with the entertainment center.

  She'd done her best to ignore the massive four-post bed which dominated the room. No one could doubt the male influence in the dark, rich colors. “What am I doing here?” Allison drifted again to the windows, her arms wrapped about her waist. “I wish I could make sense of it all."

  "All will reveal itself in time,” Yanni whispered.

  Allison didn't turn around. “But will it be in time? Something is going to happen."

  "Yes."

  She sighed with a heavy heart. “Someone else is going to die."

  "I know."

  "I need to get out of here."

  "Follow the path.” Yanni disappeared like a vapor.

  Allison knew things would happen even as she knew that she and Jake Austin were an explosive combination, dangerous to her very soul.

  Picking out the few things she needed, Allison ran water in the old style claw foot tub. Steam circled around her when she sank into the hot water, hoping to relax. Warmth seeped into her body inch by inch until her head groggily rolled back. Heavy eyes closed and her mind drifted on waves of crimson and gold. Floating like a feather on a warm summer's day, peace settled over her.

  A sudden flash exploded in her head. Allison jumped, splashing water all over the floor. Her eyes remained closed, her mind trapped, unable to get free. He'd grabbed on with incredible force, drawing her deeper and deeper into his realm. Roses are red, Violets are blue, You may think you're hiding, but I can see you. A cold voice chanting her name sounded like fingernails dragged on a chalkboard. Come to me, Allison. Come to me.

  Desperate, Allison flung her body forward. Her eyes popped open and she clinched the sides of the tub to steady herself. Gradually her breathing returned to normal. She could hardly stand and struggled to get out of the water. Clasping a towel to her breasts, she lowered herself to the floor.

  It took several moments for Allison to regain some composure. She stood, hastily dried and hurried out of the room to get dressed. She needed to call Nick. He was her calming influence. Obviously, Dr. Quincy hadn't grabbed her cell phone when he threw her essentials in a bag. That meant she'd have to find a way to use the phone.

  Did he have a phone?

  Classical music floated through the house, subtly drawing her downstairs. Something smelled delicious. Allison's nose guided her. Standing in the doorway, she watched the efficient way Jake moved through the kitchen. He'd changed into a navy blue shirt, open at the neck. The khaki pants were tailor fit and did much to define what he'd been blessed with. His feet were covered in Argyle socks and he looked refreshed and ready to take on the world. A woman could easily surrender to a man such as this. She actually felt better just watching him and at ease, not so jittery anymore.

  Jake stopped when he saw Allison standing in the doorway assessing him. Heated thoughts made him stiff. She looked fresh and loveable in a pink fluffy sweater that stopped at her belly button. Her jeans were tight, hugging long legs and pink slouch socks peeked out. She looked like cotton candy and good enough to eat. By now, their eyes had met and he wondered how he'd get through this. “Hungry?"

  "Starved. Can I do something to help?"

  "You can make the salad."

  "Okay, point me to it."

  They retired to the dining room where candles and wine waited. Allison concentrated on eating at first. After finishing about half the food on her plate, she looked up to find Jake watching her. A little embarrassed, she wiped her mouth with a napkin. He saluted her with his goblet of wine. She picked up her goblet and returned the salute before drinking. “So, I'm supposed to sit here and do nothing."

  "We wait, Allison. It won't be easy, but we wait."

  "Since Dr. Quincy didn't pack my cell phone, I need to use yours."

  "For what?"

  "I have to call my brother.” She held up her hand before he could argue. “He will be frantic. He knows I've been helping you and if he can't get a hold of me, he will think something awful has happened."

  Jake sighed. “Okay, tomorrow. But Allison, make it a brief call."

  She smiled. “Thanks."

  Jake rose and started clearing the dishes. “Why don't you take the wine in by the fireplace? The fire should still be flickering."

  "Okay.” When Allison walked into the next room, there were oversized pillows tossed on the floor next to a huge comfortable couch. A large fluffy maroon rug lay in front of the hearth. She sat the glasses on what looked to be a handcrafted, Cherry-wood table, and plopped down on the floor, crossing her legs and snuggling against one of the pillows. Jake came in, stoked the fire and added another log.

  "It gets chilly here at night.” He sank lazily down to the floor, positioning his shoulders against the other pillow.

  "You might want to get an extra blanket out of the closet."

  "If it gets too cold, I will. Thanks."

  A stilled silence, lasting only seconds, spaced itself between them. “So tell me about your brother."

  "Nick?"

  "Yeah. Are you close?"

  "Very.” Her face automatically brightened. “We were typical siblings, always aggravating each other."

  "I know what you mean. I have brothers and sisters myself.” A brief, sincere look graced Jake's face with a genuine smile.

  "That's nice. You should do it more often."

  "Do what?” Jake asked as he grabbed the wineglasses and handed her one.

  "Smile.” They stared at each other until Jake looked away.

  "So, you were telling me about Nick."

  "I'm the oldest, but you wouldn't think that if you spoke to Nick. He took care of me more than I ever took care of him.” Allison sipped her wine. Jake listened, absorbing every word. His forearms lay atop his bent knees. He looked anything but casual.

  "At thirteen, I began having strange dreams, things that would come true, and I could sense when things were going to happen. As if puberty wasn't bad enough."

  "Nick took care of you."

  She nodded. “Besides my dad, Nick was my champion."

  "It must've been hard. You were so young."

  "I never really felt young. The wealth of generations lay dormant inside me until then."

  Intrigued, he said, “Wealth of generations?"

  Allison stared at the burgundy liquid in her glass. “It's complicated."

  "And your parents?"

  Her breath caught in her throat and tears wet her lashes. “Killed in a car accident when I was nineteen.” Jake started to move toward her, but Allison shook her head. “It's okay. I've lived with it a long time."

  "Did you have a vision?” Jake shifted his position and put his glass down on the table.

  Allison inhaled deeply. “I slept over at Kat's house the night it happened. I called. They were on their way out for an awards dinner. I asked my mother not to go because I had a bad feeling. She didn't stop to listen, or she didn't want to hear it.” Allison shuddered.

  "Why?"

  "Why what?"

  "Why didn't she want to hear it?"

  Allison's chuckle
was far from humorous. “Let's just say my mother didn't believe in mumbo jumbo.” Jake arched a brow. “My gifts come from my father's gypsy blood. She never believed it. After a while, I quit talking about my visions."

  She took a deep breath. “My father and Nick were my pillars of strength. Even Kat tried to make me laugh, but I knew it would be better if I said nothing."

  Jake understood all too well the need to keep things inside. Silence surrounded them again.

  "It's late.” Jake helped Allison to her feet. “You can go on up to bed. I'll sleep down here."

  Allison stared at his face. His jaw tightened and his eyes hardened, the price of holding onto his emotions.

  * * * *

  It had been hours since she'd come upstairs. The room was pitch-black even with all the windows, but Allison didn't close her eyes, afraid she'd feel the evil again.

  Dr. Quincy had been calculating when he collected her clothes. He threw in an old football jersey of her brother's and a long white sheer lace nightgown. Luckily, he also included a robe. Tonight, she had on the football jersey and some slippers she found in Jake's closet which she couldn't imagine him wearing.

  Shivers raced across her skin and again a sense of dread gripped her. Instinct propelled her to put on her robe and go downstairs. She found a phone in the kitchen and called Nick.

  "Where the hell are you? I've left messages. I was about ready to go to the police station and demand some answers."

  "I'm all right, calm down,” she whispered.

  "Why are you whispering?"

  "It's a long story, one you won't like.

  "What's going on?"

  "I've been working on controlling my abilities. Yanni has been invaluable. Still, if I relax for even a moment.... “She remembered what happened in the bathtub. “He sneaks into my head."

  "You're right, I don't like it."

  "I know, but I think I'm getting close."

  "You think? Christ, Ali, who knows what this nut-job will do? You need to stop."

  "I'm all right and well protected.” She glanced toward the door that led to the cozy room where Jake slept. “Trust me."

  Nick sighed. “Always. But God, Ali, be careful. I'd rather be there with you."

  "I know. I'll call if anything happens."