“How is everything going in that department?”
Shelby grinned. “I don’t kiss and tell, but Kyle’s wonderful.
“And?”
“What?”
Al snorted.
“All right already. He makes sure I’m happy and satisfied. And we’ve seemed to come to an understanding about us.”
Al’s eyes twinkled. “That wasn’t so difficult. You would’ve thought I was pulling your back teeth out.” Her stride lessened, she squinted and her brows drew severe lines across her forehead.
Shelby met her steps. “What’s wrong?”
“You know me, right? I mean, you raised Joni and I when our parents were too old to care or too stupid to take birth control measures.”
Shelby sighed. “We’ve had this conversation before. Our parents—”
“That’s not what I’m talking about. You didn’t have a childhood. You made sure we had our homework done, clean clothes, and cooked our meals.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Shelby flicked her wrist.
Alessa suddenly stopped as if to assure herself that her big sister would listen. “I’ve always felt guilty. You chose not to have any children with Tim…Was that choice a result from raising Joni and I?” Alessa’s eyes shimmered with tears.
Chapter Nineteen
Shelby shuddered and remembered the morning she had dropped off Annie, she had given her little sister the big hug, but never had the chance to alleviate Al’s guilt complex. Alessa had blamed herself all these years. Shelby gathered Al in an embrace and bear hugged her. “No honey. Every single decision I made with and without Tim came from my personal preference, me.”
Shelby grasped Alessa’s shoulders, opening the distance between them. “Look at me…”
When Al’s gaze met hers, she wanted to quiet her fears and release her of any undue accountability she harbored. “I love you and that’s why I took care of you and Joni. You remember Tim already had grown children and grandkids. We agreed to keep our family’s size the same. Okay?” She released Alessa.
Her little sister nodded. “I need to talk to you about something else…I’ve been having a dream…the same one over and over again.”
Shelby smirked. “Don’t you think you’re a little old for me to turn on the nightlight?”
“Stop. I’m serious.” Alessa crossed her arms over her chest.
“I’m sorry. Tell me.” Shelby’s hand patted Al’s elbow.
Al’s gaze panned to the guards. She spun, putting her back to them. “She’s a Native American trying to tell me something, but she’s communicating in another language or maybe telepathically to me. I’ve tried talking to her, but we’re not connecting. She’s frustrated that I’m not getting her message. Her look of dread is something I can’t get over.”
Goosebumps rose over Shelby’s flesh. “Are your dreams the same every time or are they at different places with the identical…message?”
“Same everything…I don’t know if this is important…I’m looking into the rising sun…”
Her description didn’t sound like the First Realm. Shelby relaxed a little but remembered Ten-Blue-Sun’s response to Alessa. The wooden doll’s eyes glowed. “How do you know the sun’s not setting?”
“This sounds sappy, but I understand her coming is a dawning…of…a new age or existence…like a new beginning is imminent or something is going to happen…hell, all I know is I’m facing east.”
“Okay, you have a perception that she’s warning you of some sort of future occurrence. Not only are you concerned for her, but she’s distressed for you?”
“Yep, that pretty much sums it up.” Alessa’s unfolded her arms and her palms slapped each thigh.
“You don’t feel threatened by her?”
“No, not even.”
“Don’t give up on her.”
Al shrugged. “She’s not giving me a choice. Her face is forever emblazoned in my memory. The woman is demanding my attention, recognizing we don’t understand each other and at the same time, persuading me not to ignore her. I can’t dismiss her…or her sadness…her tears…Am I losing my mind?”
“I’ve been meaning to share with you what’s been happening.”
When Al blew air out of her mouth, her bangs fluttered. “Why don’t I have a good feeling about this?”
Shelby looped her arm through her sister’s and continued walking. She held onto Al pondering all the implications. Why had the American Indian woman plagued Alessa’s dreams and why couldn’t she communicate to her?
At this point, Shelby assumed they were both chosen to fulfill quests although the reasons weren’t altogether clear. The singular subject she refused to divulge was Chris. To not yield to the five-star general’s threats would mean death to family members. She wouldn’t put that kind of strain on her little sister and according to past experience, she couldn’t anyway.
Whether she liked it or not, she had a responsibility eclipsing any she’d ever undertaken. It didn’t take rocket science to figure out Chris would kill her in the end just like he had murdered Tim. For now, she’d share with Al, watch over her safety, while taking the time to listen and learn more from She-Who-Smiles.
Winding their way around the house and up the steps, Al seemed ready to conquer the world. Of course, she had a lot of questions. Both of them had concluded, the woman may be revealing the massacre during her lifetime and now, may possibly be Al’s spirit guide. Al, being Al, likened the circumstances to an exciting adventure and looked forward to making a connection next time around.
Kyle met them at the front door. “We’re having a meeting and I’d like both of you to join us.”
He led them to the living room indicating to pick a seat. Jude and Marcus stood with their arms crossed.
Kyle faced the group. “After meeting with the detectives today, they felt the problems are not directed toward Pressley International. The vendetta appears to be personal and only directed at me. I’ve volunteered for a sting tomorrow afternoon and hopefully the suspects will be captured. Most of the guards will be leaving except for a small contingent of off duty policemen and personal bodyguards. Any questions?” He stared straight at her.
She shook her head. Her belly roiled, scared for Kyle’s life. What was he thinking?
“Good. Now if everyone will pardon me, I need to talk to Shelby privately.” He extended his hand to help her stand.
Kyle led her to their room, closed the door behind him, and he strode across to the window.
She didn’t like the idea of the sheriff putting him in danger. “Isn’t there another way to handle this situation other than you being personally involved in this sting?”
“No. I’m the only one who can stop this. Then I have to deal with whoever found out about Ten-Blue-Sun.” Kyle’s words etched with exhaustion worried her.
“Do you know who these people are?”
His hand swiped through his hair. “Yes…and no I can’t tell you.”
“I see. After you catch the suspects, then what happens?”
“We can all go home.”
Her breath hitched. “I understand.”
When he didn’t respond further, she murmured, “I’m going for a walk.” Either he never heard or refused to acknowledge her comment, so she left.
Without a destination in mind, Shelby found the meandering creek beside the house. When the stream forked, she chose the left one. She focused on Kyle and how tired he seemed and expressed the need for everyone to be able to return home. He had a lot on his mind, the sting, along with the security details which included her and Alessa. But she couldn’t shake the distance Kyle had placed between them.
When she came out of her reverie, she recognized her location. The big boulder bought back the memories of Kyle and Lisa. Was this divine intervention?
She couldn’t shake off the lethargy. Climbing up, she adjusted her supine position, covered her eyes with her arm. With the babbling stream in the background, the warmt
h of the massive rock and a couple of hours of daylight left, she relaxed. Kyle’s last response kept repeating like a skip on an old vinyl record. We can all go back home.
The commotion of men’s voices and radios chirping stormed through her dreams, then the clop of hooves, the smell of horses and leather invaded her nostrils.
A man yelled, “We found her. Ms. Littleton, are you okay?”
His question penetrated her consciousness.
She lowered her arm, pins and needles throbbed from her shoulder to her fingertips, a groan escaped. When she sat up, a dull ache ran down her spine. A bright spotlight shined in her eyes. She squinted then shaded them with her hand and noticed the day had turned to night.
The same man demanded an answer. “Ms. Littleton?”
“Yes, of course, I’m okay. I just fell asleep. What’s going on?”
He keyed the radio and replied, “Ms. Littleton has been found with no apparent injuries.”
He released the button then spoke directly to her, “You were missing and several SAR parties were formed to find you.”
“Oh no, I’m sorry.” She climbed down from her perch.
Another gentleman from the search and rescue party led a horse to her. She stared at the mare and shook her head. “I can walk.”
“Not at night, animals.”
“All right.” Shelby placed one foot in the stirrup and swung her other leg over and lagged behind the men. On several occasions, they stopped to let her catch up. Shelby wanted to shout she was a beginner and wasn’t impeding them on purpose. This was when she wished she had Alessa’s fortitude to say what was on her mind. Instead, she gulped and swallowed the words.
The searchers grumbled when they found out she went for a walk and fell asleep. Finally making it to the stables, she dismounted, and apologized to Marcus then thanked them all. Her face burned with the heat of embarrassment. She wanted to get back to the house and hide for the rest of her life.
Grey’s understanding eyes locked onto hers, affirming the First Realm connection. “I’ll take care of your horse.”
“Thanks.”
He slipped the reins from her hands. “Kyle’s waiting for you.”
She found Kyle right outside the door, he gunned the ATV’s engine and he didn’t look happy.
“Get on.” His words escaped between clenched teeth.
Shelby climbed on opting for his anger over the disapproving stares from the crew filing out of the stables.
Kyle braked and came to a complete stop in front of the house. She hiked her leg over the back and stood.
“Shelby, you promised me never to leave un-chaperoned.” His gaze panned to the right then back to meet hers. “No, you didn’t, did you.”
No, she hadn’t. “I told you I was going for a walk. I found the boulder where we had lunch and stopped to rest. I fell asleep. I apologized and thanked Marcus and the men in the search parties. After the security meeting, a bodyguard seemed ridiculous.”
He grunted, and his wistful expression said it all. “I can’t live like this. I’ll be in later to talk.” He revved the four-by-four, changed gears and took off.
Kyle was a force to be reckoned with. His love was as strong as the granite boulder she’d slept on earlier. Right now, she didn’t have the strength to face his fury and disappointment. Odd, how life changed from one minute to the next. She inhaled a fortifying breath. She was a peacekeeper and refused to stick around for his wrath.
She pivoted and strode toward the house, opened the front door and bounded up the steps two at a time. Shelby found Alessa in her bedroom. “I’m leaving.”
“What’s up?”
“I’ll be ready in fifteen.” Shelby pushed off the threshold.
“Shelby, what happened?”
“Nothing.”
Alessa sidled next to her sister. “Kyle was beside himself, I’ve never seen a man go crazy with worry before. I figured you’d be in each other’s arms.”
Shelby leaned her head and shoulder against the doorjamb. “No… just the opposite. Let me know when you’re ready.”
Alessa embraced her. “Okay.”
Shelby marched to her room, packed her two bags and wrote Kyle a note.
Downstairs, Shelby told the two men assigned to her and Alessa they were leaving while giving them a signed release of liability. They didn’t like it but in the end agreed to let them go.
Chapter Twenty
Kyle stalked through the front door. He waited at the team leader’s desk as one of the guards recited all the updates and the other produced a ledger. He initialed the printout then patiently waited for them to complete their job. He already knew most of the long narrative. Tired and exhausted, he needed to find Shelby and talk to her.
“The last item I have—Shelby Littleton, Alessa Staley, and Annie, the dog, have departed and won’t be returning.”
Kyle grimaced. “Thanks.”
Each step up the staircase sent a dark foreboding streaking down his spine and landed in his chest. Once in the bedroom they had shared, his heart pounded. The room contained nothing of her belongings. The breeze from an open window caught a piece of paper propped on the dresser and sent it fluttering to the floor. He crossed the space, picked it up and opened the halved sheet.
Tell everyone thank you. With your earlier assurance that it’s safe, Alessa and I are going home. I’ve signed a release of liability for your records.
I’ll let you know what decision I make about the doll and if the detectives have any more questions, they know where to find me.
I wish you well.
Your friend,
S
He grabbed his cell phone and tapped the speed dial. Voice mail. His jaws clenched as Shelby’s articulate inflections offered instructions. He ended the call and jammed the mobile in his pocket and heaved a sigh.
His chest tightened…he blew it again. His temper and worry for her safety consumed their relationship. Why didn’t she listen to him? He knew first-hand what families went through, the hell of losing a loved one by maniacs. Was Shelby unaware of the danger that surrounded his life or did she refused to accept it? Either way, didn’t bode well.
He still remembered the rage at feeling powerless to help his mom. He was exhausted from trying to protect Shelby, the Pressley fortune and Ten-Blue-Sun from the crazy idiots of the world. With her in Texas, how the hell was he to guard her?
The sound of solitude ringing in his ears lent to despair and gut-wrenching honesty. How had his life fallen apart so quickly? His anger. It was time for him to be truthful. When he had asked Shelby to let him take care of her, she had changed the subject. He’d meant to redirect the conversation. Damn.
His displeasure dissipated into regret after rereading her letter. Maybe they should take a break, but he wanted more.
Almost as if she were there, nestled in his arms, he could feel her warm body cradled in his, fitting perfectly. The fruity scent of her hair curling to his nose while his lips sought the soft skin behind her ear, to taste the sweet nectar of her mound, creating a desire to take her, possess her, until he drove her past the edge, entering into another world they created together.
But he loved other things about her. Even though her fears of the First Realm loomed, leaving Ten-Blue-Sun with him meant she trusted him. Undoubtedly, she understood the enormity of the quest and opted for his help and support.
She had accepted the possible consequences of the interviews with the detectives. When she was mad, she’d plowed into him undaunted, giving her two cents worth and wouldn’t allow him to coddle her.
He loved her resilience. She’d stood up to the bodyguards at the airport and Chris’ medical practices. Not knowing if she would face his consternation, she’d told his ass to go pound sand when he overstepped her comfort level.
Tonight, he’d lost his temper, and she’d written a note thanking everyone, signed a release of liability, and chose to be friends with him. Now that was perseverance.
; For now, he’d give her a break. He’d come up with a new game plan to include Shelby in his life. If she didn’t want him, he’d walk away and never bother her again.
The next morning, the detectives called and the sting was postponed. The suspects were moving across the state and were being followed. A new strategy would unfold depending on where the perpetrators settled. For now, his life was on hold. Marcus and the crew evacuated Pogonip, and issued a thumbs-up for Garrett to fly him and Jude to New York for scheduled business meetings.
****
The meeting ended in the early evening and Garrett met Jude and him for dinner. Waiting for the maître d’ to seat them, Lisa sauntered over.
“Mind if I join you guys?”
“Of course, wouldn’t have it any other way.” Kyle kissed one cheek, then the other. Garrett and Jude greeted her the same way.
Lisa reminisced about their childhood together, the parties her parents held. Hell, she even had Garrett laughing with nostalgia.
Kyle forked the last bite of grilled trout. “Do you remember at the clam bake when Lisa lost her bathing suit top in the ocean after she dove under a wave?” Then he popped the morsel in his mouth, grinning and waiting for everyone’s reactions.
Garrett nodded. “I remember. She stayed in the water till, who was it finally got her a towel?”
Kyle grunted. “Not me, I wanted to see how long she could stay there. Revenge for when you stole my trunks when I went skinny dipping earlier that summer.”
Jude’s eyes widen. “I forgot about that. Sarah rescued her, when she realized why she had been in water for so long.”
“Mom saved me. I was a wrinkled prune and cold…I nearly froze my…Not one of you lifted a finger to help me and I’ve never forgiven you guys for it either.”
Jude wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin and placed it beside his empty plate. “We were young and foolish, will you forgive us?”
Lisa smiled. “I don’t know. You three were not very nice to me when I needed your help. But I could never stay mad for very long. Of course, I will.”
Walking Into Her Heart (A First Realm Novel) Page 21