by Unknown
He saw his palm shake slightly when he raised it, stroking lightly over her head. She sniffled and held her palm out, making him smile as he dropped his handkerchief into it. He sat beside her, waiting patiently. He’d seen many faces on Chloe since they’d met, but the swollen, tear filled blue eyes would always be his undoing, he realized when she lifted her head.
Simon lifted her arms from her knees, turned her feet to the floor and pulled her over his lap, arms surrounding her warmly, safely. His cheek rested against the top of her head and he just held her for a couple long, quiet minutes.
“I love you, you know,” Simon told her softly. “And we are married. Can’t get rid of me now.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Chloe asked, lifting her head to see the crooked grin and deep brown eyes filled with love and concern.
“It would have messed up a really good honeymoon,” he said simply, relieved when there was a sparkle jump to her eyes and the faint hint of a smile on her lips. “Chloe, if I could have found a way to keep it from you until we die, I would have.”
“It was a really good honeymoon…I think we should have one every year.”
“I will put it on my calendar when I get to work.”
“You are an amazing friend and partner, Simon Oliver,” her mouth touched his softly. “What do we do now?” Chloe asked with another sniff.
“You have Kate and Bella as friends, Chloe.”
“That means there’s a plan,” she answered with a small nod, straightening her shoulders. “Then let’s find out what it is, shall we?” She stood up and held out her palm.
“Cat found us someone she believes can undo it,” Kate said when Chloe entered the office but remained on her feet. “She’s supposed to be here any minute now.”
“I feel like an idiot…and I’m angry,” Chloe paced in long strides when the knock came on the door. “And I want to hit things and cause general mayhem and destruction,” she said with a low growl.
“I don’t generally get that kind of reaction, but okay,” came the glib statement.
All eyes turned to the woman standing in the doorway. Isabel sighed and glanced around the room. She doubted she was what they were expecting. Dressed in faded jeans in need of a thorough washing, a sweater a little too big and belted at the waist and a pair of knee high, square toed biker boots, she was hardly therapist décor. A large backpack hung from one shoulder.
“Isabel Braden,” she announced softly, sparkles of rain on the loose tendrils of dark brown hair that hung in a very long braid down her back.
“Chloe Applegate Oliver,” Chloe said, stepping forward and offering a palm. “You’re Cat’s friend?”
A smile lifted the corner of a pair of full lips. “For a few years now. I’m guessing you want this done. Can we use this office?”
Bella was nodding immediately. “Yes, of course.”
Isabel laid the backpack on the corner of the old desk. “Then you all have to go,” she said quietly, leaning back and waiting.
“But…” Simon began but cut the protest short when Chloe kissed him and pushed him toward the door.
“It’s okay…go, all of you,” Chloe waited, closing the door after them and turning to look at Isabel. “I don’t know what to do.”
Isabel laughed softly. “It’s not complex, honest,” she opened her pack, set out a tape recorder and turned it on, gesturing to the sofa. “Sit back and relax. Close your eyes and just listen to me talk for a bit.”
Chloe did as she suggested. Isabel dropped to her knees in front of her, taking her hands in hers and speaking slowly, softly. Together they walked through Chloe’s memories as if they were watching a television show.
Over the years, Isabel had perfected her technique. Once she had assured herself she wasn’t insane. Her voice remained soft and melodic as she reached out to gently touch Chloe’s thoughts, her feelings and memories.
Bella and Kate paced the hallway. The three males had gone to the lounge, giving up trying to convince them to come along and sit down.
“How long can it take?” Kate growled after forty-five minutes, accepting the bottle of water Dylan held out to her when the men returned.
“I’ve never been hypnotized…how would I know,” Bella returned, her head snapping up when the creak of the doorknob echoed around them.
Chloe stood in the doorway. “I’ve been diffused,” she said quietly.
Simon put a hand beneath her chin, his grin crooked. “I don’t know…you still look pretty explosive to me.” He had his body braced when she launched herself into his arms with a tight hug. Simon swung her around.
Isabel leaned tiredly on the edge of the desk. Exhaustion was showing its edge. She didn’t know how long she had before it would sink in and she would collapse. She raised a hand and waved them inside.
“Chloe said you’re all part of this, so come inside, please. It’s nice to have someone who doesn’t believe in secrets.”
“It’s really gone?” Simon asked when the door was closed.
“Yes. His subliminal plant wasn’t particularly complex,” Isabel said simply. “I gave a tape of the whole deal to Chloe and what she does with it is up to her. I think they used a mild hypnotic drug to help him control her. She has a very strong will and fought him the first time he tried.”
“Then how did you get through?” Sam watched her, wary.
“Because I’m not a hypnotist,” Isabel admitted quietly.
“I never went to sleep,” Chloe told them. “Can you show them? You don’t have to, Isabel. I completely understand.”
Isabel closed her eyes, sending out a general “touch” without intruding into their thoughts. She opened her eyes in time to see them all staring in amazement.
“I guess you’d call it a gift,” Isabel lifted her backpack and straightened up. “No matter…point is, Chloe is okay. I’ve removed the trigger. It’s all on the tape. She remembered all of it very clearly. What will you do next?” She asked, looking at Chloe expectantly, trying to be polite while working to remain upright.
“I think I will borrow one of Sophie’s suits and attend the board meeting next Wednesday,” she declared firmly. “I want to hand the shares over to Dylan, personally and in front of them all.”
“I’m sure it’ll make an interesting meeting,” Simon finally breathed a long sigh of relief. The three couples relaxed now that they found the coincidences that led them to not only each other, but new friends.