Circumstances Unraveled

by Jean Kelso

  I wake to the soft talking in the room. Off to the side are Belle, Gabe, and Jack. Talking with them is the doctor. I hear him explaining my injuries, the same as he explained to me. But then he starts talking about my scans. Wait, I want to know about those. I growl and they turn towards me.

  “Oh, you are awake. That’s great.” Dr. Horsley says as he walks to me.

  Everyone follows. Jack returns to his chair and Belle and Gabe stand at the end of the bed.

  “I was just about to tell your friends about your recent scans. I know you’ll have questions.” He looks around the room for something and shakes his head. “We’ll have to get something for you to write on. I apologize for not thinking of that before now.” He frowns. “For now, if you don’t mind, you can just listen and when we get the supplies, you can ask all the questions you need.” He raises his eyebrows and I nod to show I agree. “It looks like your amnesia is related to a possible concussion, so it should be short term. Your memory should come back soon, but don’t rush it.” He looks to me with a smile. “With amnesia, returning memories can be traumatizing, so make sure you keep your friends close. A support system is good for you right now. As for the rest of your injuries, your ribs will take time to heal. We can unwire your jaw in a few weeks as long as no further damage is done. Your blood work came back clean which is good. So, let’s take one day at a time, shall we?” He shakes Jack’s hand and Gabe’s and nods to Belle before he leaves.

  I half-listen to what the doctor said. My dream’s still playing over in my mind. That’s twice now that the name Sydney has come to my consciousness. But now a full name. Sydney Jane Waters. That must be my name, not Mel. If so, who are these people talking about?

  “That’s great news—right, Gabe? Mel will get her memories back soon.” Belle asks Gabe and looks to me. “We just have to be patient. Then she can tell us who did this to her.” Belle turns and hugs Gabe.

  Until her jaw is unwired, we need a way to communicate with her. My poor woman must be frustrated not being able to talk. “I’m going down to the gift shop to get a note pad and pen for her so she can talk with us.” I smile at Mel. “I’ll be right back.”

  As I head to the elevator I think back to what the doctor said. Her memory will come back. Thank Christ for that. I can’t lose her. I want all of this woman, body, soul, and mind. I only get one chance at this. At love, that’s all I’ll allow myself and I want it with Mel. The doors open for the elevator and I enter. Reading the list, I find which floor the gift shop is on and hit floor one and wait.

  Exiting on the first floor, I follow the signs to the shop. Along the way I notice a Timmie’s and stop to grab coffee for everyone. I’m sure Belle and Gabe are just as exhausted as I am and a little pick-me-up can’t hurt.

  With a tray of coffee in hand, I head to the gift shop and find what I’m looking for—a simple note pad and a small package of pens—and pay. The less time I spend away from Mel, the better. Plus, I want to ask Belle about the supposed other men from her rape case, so I can look into them.

  Back at the room, Mel’s asleep again. The pain meds are doing a good job. Gabe and Belle sit in the corner again, so I head over to them. I hand them their hot beverages and sit on the window ledge, setting the note pad and pens beside me. I turn to Belle and start my line of questioning. “Belle, can I ask you some things about the past?” I know it’s a touchy subject, but if it’s something that can help things now, I think we need to know.

  She bites her bottom lip before she nods. “Sure.”

  “The men who hurt you in college, are they all out of prison?”

  Belle looks to Gabe. I note the hurt in her eyes. “Yes, they were released before Mike was, I think.” She starts to nibble on her lip again, a nervous habit I believe Gabe’s mentioned before.

  I look at our sleeping girl and shake my head. Could it be them? Can a man be that cruel? I answer myself instantly—yes, they can. “Can you tell me their names?”

  I notice Belle tense up. Gabe must too because he wraps his arms around her. She swallows deep. “Riley… Riley Daniels and Matt Boomer, no Booker. Yeah, that’s it. They were Mike’s frat brothers.”

  “Booker and Daniels. Got it. Thanks. I’m going to look into them and see if they’re in the area.” I shift on the ledge and sip on my coffee. “Did you two want to head home and get some rest? I’ll stick around here for a while.” I ask.

  Belle glances at Gabe and he brushes her hair out of her face. “We should go rest. You look exhausted, babe. We can come back later.” Gabe says.

  “Okay, a nap in a bed does sound good.” She stands and turns to me. “You stay by her side, Jack. Don’t let anything happen to her.” Belle tells me with warning, but also with worry etched on her face.

  I move to sit in the chair beside the bed and set my coffee down. “I won’t let anything or anyone get to her. I swear, Belle.” I smile to her.

  I sit here and stare at my woman. She doesn’t know it yet, but yes. She’s my woman. Her swollen, black and blue face makes me angry, but also makes my heart hurt. It hurts for Mel and all she went through. I can’t imagine it. I’ve yet to see under the blankets. The doctor mentioned cracked ribs and lots of bruising, but to what extent? Suddenly, a thought comes to mind.

  Rape.

  Was she raped?

  The doctor didn’t mention anything about sexual assault. My heart begins to race. I want to check. I want to throw the blankets off and assess her thighs. I want to check for damage. But I can’t, that’s crossing a line. A line I legally can’t cross for many reasons. I clench my eyes shut and pray to God that Mel didn’t suffer such abuse. What I see of her now is enough. If she was raped, I don’t know how I’ll be able to control my anger.

  I pull my cell out of my pocket and search my contacts. I have a guy who can help me out and get things moving. I find his name and press dial.

  “Dex? Jack here. On a case and need a work up done.”

  “Jack, my man, how are you?” My old acquaintance asks.

  “Not good, Dex. Not good. My woman. She’s been hurt. I need answers. Can you help me out?” I blow out a breath and pray he won’t let me down.

  “Your woman, eh? Sure. Where? The works?” He asks me if I need the full rape kit, and a DNA kit brought in. The works is what we used to call it back when we worked together.

  “Yeah, man. If you can.”

  “Where you at?”

  I glance over at Mel to make sure she’s still sleeping and when I see she is, I keep talking. “I’m in Toronto man. Text me when you’re in the area and I’ll text you the details.”

  “Sounds good, Jack. I’ll see you soon.” Dex hangs up before I do.

  I just sit there with my phone to my ear for moment. I’m going to get answers. I’ve never taken care of a woman before, but I’ll do everything in my power to do right by this one.

  I must’ve fallen asleep again. Those drugs are strong. I hear voices surrounding me, so I open my eyes and see new people in my room. Two females wearing scrubs, but their name tags say CSIS on them. One big stalky guy is also in the room. He’s talking to Jack.

  Jack.

  I’m glad he’s still around. I don’t think I can tolerate so many strangers at once. The male’s tag also says CSIS. What does the CSIS want with me?

  I bang on the rail to get Jack’s attention and wave my arm around to the new company in the room. I shrug my shoulders and shake my head to try to convey my question. I’m learning not to use my mouth, because every time I try it hurts.

  Jack stops talking to the man and looks to me. He must notice my distress and walks over to me. “Hey. Sorry if we woke you.” He begins to point to the new people and explains who they are. “This is special agent Darrell Blake. I asked him to help out with your case. Since I want to be by your side helping you, but I want to find the bastards who did this to you, Darrell’s stepping in to be my right hand.” He smiles and points to the two women who are watching me with what looks like sympath
y. Even though I don’t want their pity, I just return a blank stare. “These ladies are, Tosh and Jane. They’re medical staff from the bureau here to help do some tests in hopes that we get some unanswered questions answered. The tests are sensitive in nature and I don’t want to alarm you. I’ll be here with you if you would like. But, we need to test to see if you were raped. To see if any DNA has been left behind.” He reaches for my hand, but stops midway, looking for permission I assume. I feel this pull come from him. It’s different and strange. I can’t help but reach for him and take hold of his hand. I try to smile, but it doesn’t turn out perfectly and it hurts. “Would it be alright if we do these tests?” He asks. Looking into his dark brown, hypnotizing eyes, how can I refuse? I nod.

  Jack leans over me and kisses the top of my head. A warm feeling comes over me and I know I’m blushing, although he probably can’t tell with all the bruising. Not that I can remember, but I don’t think I’ve blushed from a simple kiss on the head before. I like it. I hope he does it again—and soon.

  I haven’t looked at a clock in a while, but it feels like a few hours have passed. The medical staff from the CSIS took samples from under my nails, picked blood and fibers from my hair, did a few swabs in and around my private areas, and took several photos. It exhausted me, but I’m glad it’s over. I hope that Jack and his associate get the answers they are looking for.

  It’s only Jack and me here now. He sets a note pad and some pens in my lap.

  “I got you these so we can communicate. You know, so you can answer questions or ask me things. That is, if you want.” He raises his eyebrows and grins. “I want to cause as little pain as possible for you, so I thought this was the easiest way.”

  I see the pack of pens is already open and reach for them to take one out. Taking them both, I start to write.

  Thank you, Jack.

  “You’re welcome, beautiful girl.” He responds and I attempt to smile again.

  There’s something about this man, a connection of sorts. I feel comfortable with him. I don’t understand why, but I’m not going to stop the feelings that are building in such a short time.

  Will it take long to get results? I write and look to him.

  “We’re putting a rush on them, so it should only take a few days. After that, hopefully we will catch the people responsible for doing this to you.”

  I nod and look back down at my lap and write again. So, we wait. Just like I wait and see if I remember who I am.

  Jack looks down just as I look up and our eyes meet. His eyes shine bright and I can’t help but feel like he’s looking into my soul. He glances to the note pad and reads. “Right.” He answers. “Hopefully you get your memory back soon. I really want you to remember me.” His eyes return to mine and my heart skips a beat.

  The monitor beeps suddenly and stops. We both ignore it and just stare at each other.

  Does he feel it, too?

  Belle and Gabe interrupt us. Looking fresh, both with smiles on their faces, they come in carrying flowers and a teddy bear that says get well.

  I huff out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding while being held hypnotized in Jack’s eyes and turn my attention to my guests. I smile at them and start to write something. Hi. Welcome back.

  Belle turns just in time to see me lift the note and smiles. “Thanks. I hope you’re feeling a little better.”

  Gabe smiles at me and walks over to Jack. “Why don’t you take a few hours and go get something to eat and freshened up. Let us take a shift. We got this for a bit.” He tells him as he puts a hand on Jacks shoulder and raises his eye brows.

  Jack puts his hand on top of Gabe’s and nods. “I think I will. Food and coffee sound good. I want to grab my laptop too, so it works out good that you’re back.” Jack steps over to me and leans down to kiss the top of my head. Heat rushes through me and I close my eyes. “I won’t be long. Will you be okay?” He asks me. I look to Belle who watches me with a smile, holding a teddy bear, and then to Gabe who now holds Belle’s hand in a reassuring way. Finally I face Jack and nod. With that, Jack turns and heads out of the room. I look back at my company and wait to see what they have for me.

  As soon as I’m in my truck, I pull out my cell. “Dex, it’s me again, Jack. I just wanted to thank you for the help today.”

  “Your woman looked pretty rough, man. I’m glad I’m able to help.” Dex tells me.

  “For sure she does. I want to kill whoever did this to her. How long for results, man?” I ask as I stick my keys in the ignition and start my truck.

  “I put a rush on everything like we discussed—so twenty-four to thirty-six hours tops. I wish we could get instant answers, man, but science isn’t that quick.”

  Boy, do I wish science was that quick, but I know it doesn’t work that way. Crimes would be solved so much faster if it did. “No, that’s great, Dex. Thanks. I’ll talk with you soon. Later, man.”

  “Hang tight, Jack. Bye.”

  I pull out of the hospital parking lot and go in search of food. I need to fill this empty feeling that resides in me and need to fuel my body and mind, so I’m strong enough to handle anything that comes our way while Mel’s on the mend.

  I drive around until I find a steak house. Some protein is just what I need. I pull in and park. I check the time and see I’ve been gone for twenty minutes already. Damn, time flies fast when you don’t really want it to. I hop out of my truck and head in to grab some food.

  The hostess seats me in a corner booth and hands me a menu. A waitress is by my side immediately, so I order a beer on tap and she walks away. I don’t need to look at the menu. I already know what I want. I’m a meat and tater kind of guy and that’s just what I’m ordering.

  The waitress is back with my beer and I take a moment to take her in. She’s tall with red curly hair. She has curves that go on forever, just what I used to go for in a woman, but not anymore. I hear a voice talking and I realize it’s her.

  “Have you decided?” The redhead asks while holding a note pad and pencil.

  I nod and smile. “Yes, I have. I would like a T-bone, medium rare with a baked potato and whatever vegetable you have on today. Thanks.” I tell her.

  She’s quick to scribble it down and nods. “I’ll be back when it’s ready, sir.” She grins and saunters off.

  Nope, not anymore. I chuckle to myself. Those days are over. I found the woman I want. I want Mel. I want my firecracker. She’s hot and sassy—and hopefully soon I’ll find out if she is sweet or spicy.

  My mind starts to trail off to back at the hospital. My little endearment. My kiss on the head. I tried to stop myself, but I couldn’t. I had to touch her with my lips. I had to feel her with my hand. The sizzling feeling I felt was shocking. I needed more. I swear when I kissed her, I felt heat radiate between us. Now I don’t figure she had a fever, so either Mel was blushing something fierce, or I’m just damn crazy.

  And the second time I did it (you know I’m just a sucker) I had to see if it would happen again. Plus, there’s this invisible voice calling to me, daring me, so how could I not? And you know what? That heat was there again. I felt it. I felt something that is for damn sure. Mel may not remember me, but I damn well know there’s a connection there between us and I’m not letting it go.

  I think back to when I saw her at the coffee shop, her beautiful, black hair hanging loose down her back as she sat at a table all on her own. I wanted to sit with her, chat with her, get to know more about her, but I was afraid my chance was gone.

  The red-headed waitress shocks me from my daydream and sets my meal in front of me. A bottle of hot sauce and extra napkins are also set on the table. “Enjoy your meal.” She tells me with a knowing smile and a telling wink before she meanders off.

  I ignore her flirty ways and unwrap my utensils. The deep smoky smell coming from my plate is making my mouth water. There’s nothing better than a good chunk of steak. What am I saying? A damn fine woman is better, but I don’t have that right no
w, so the meat will be my guilty pleasure.

  I take another deep sniff and slice off a hunk. Shoving the meat in my mouth I cut off another piece and start cutting up my beautifully baked potato with all the fixings.

  The atmosphere gets louder and the restaurant begins to get busy. I finish my last bite and sit back. With my beer in hand I take in the scenery, noting families and many couples. My gaze stops at a young couple sitting just a few tables from me. They must be waiting for their dinner. Their arms are resting on the table with their hands holding each other. I see their mouths moving—so they’re talking—but it’s their look. The way they look at each other. They love each other, I can see it. I can’t help but smile.

  I want that.

  Love.

  I want to feel that, share it and do everything that comes with it. If I close my eyes I can picture Mel and I like that, sharing our time together, holding hands, being intimate.

  I shake my head and see my waitress approach. She’s smiling, of course. “All finished?” She licks her lips and blinks several times, batting her long lashes, probably trying to get my attention. Something she could get from any man, but not me.

  “Sure am. Can I have my bill, please?” I ask her politely and reach in my pocket for my wallet. I notice her pout as she sees I’m not falling for her little act.

  She sets the little piece of paper on my table, grabs my plate, and starts to walk away. I can hear little mumbles as she walks and I have to chuckle. The poor girl’s trying too hard and going for the wrong man. But of course, I’m not saying anything.

  I stand up, grab my bill and head to the front to pay.

  The kids at school are all pointing, staring at me and laughing. Shame warms my skin. I hold my math books close and head to class.