E. G. Parsons - Black Rock:

by A Time For Love

  Roxanne blanched and Collin stood, anger flaring hotly. "That's enough! I want you out of my house. If you can't see for yourself that she's your daughter, I'll send the proof that all I've said is true. I'll also schedule a DNA test or you can schedule your own. Then I'll expect you to come back on your knees and grovel for her forgiveness. Now get out before I throw you out."

  William stood and looked at Collin's furious face and then at Roxanne's pale one. He could see tears shimmering on her lashes and knew she was using a lot of will power to hold them back. He didn't believe for a minute that she was his daughter, regardless of how much she favored his dear mother. But, if by some miracle she was, Rowena would never forgive him for being an ass, even if Roxanne did.

  "Just send the proof, Collin. I'll be waiting for it." He turned and left the room.

  After he'd gone, Collin went to Roxanne and pulled her into his arms. "It's okay, Baby. He'll come around. He's a stubborn man, but fair."

  Roxanne swallowed down her tears of bitter disappointment and along with it, her hopes and dreams of family, of parents and siblings.

  "He's a horrid man, Collin. Papa would never have been so cold and cruel to anyone. I won't see him again, Collin, or the rest of his family." Pushing back she looked at Collin with a glint of determination.

  "Don't ever ask me to. Not ever. Do you understand? I never want to hear of them again."

  Collin wanted to argue, but could tell from the look in her eyes that it would be a big mistake. He only nodded and pulled her tightly against him, offering what little comfort she'd allow.

  William O'Malley was an ass and Collin intended to call Devin as soon as possible and explain things to him. If anyone could get through to Will, it would be Devin and he was sure Devin could win Roxanne over too.

  Nineteen

  The week passed swiftly and Collin had numerous phone calls from William. It seemed he'd finally accepted what Collin had told him about Black Rock and the stone that set so prominently on the land. He'd gone over Collin's documents and done some digging of his own. The one thing he still wouldn't admit to was Roxanne truly being his daughter. He wanted a DNA test and Collin had arranged for them to meet at the hospital and have it done.

  It had been grueling trying to get Roxanne to go for the test. William met them in the waiting room and Roxanne sailed past him as if he weren't there. She had taken her seat and completely ignored the older man. When they returned to the house, Collin tried to talk to her about it and she'd given him a cold look and said one word, 'stop'. He thought it best to drop the subject.

  The police still had no leads regarding Brad or Edie and Collin was sick of living on pins and needles waiting for something to happen. He knew Edie, knew she was a creature of habit and was pretty sure Wellman or Davidson was holding her captive.

  Afraid to leave Roxanne alone for very long after the close call at the cottage, he decided to work with a private investigator. Jake Tillman had a reputation for being the best and Collin was sure with all the information he'd given him on Edie he'd find her.

  * * * * *

  Friday morning Roxanne talked non-stop about bringing Lobo home on Saturday. As they lunched on the patio, Collin took a phone call from Dr. Ellis. Lobo was recovering from a mild infection and the vet thought it best for him to stay another few days for observation.

  Roxanne was disappointed and worried. "Did he say for certain that Lobo would be all right?"

  "He said it had been a very mild infection and that Lobo was doing better than he'd expected and yes, he said he was fine. He just wants to be sure he's completely well before we bring him home."

  "Let's go visit him, Collin."

  "No."

  "But…"

  "No buts, we can't go running around town pretending everything is normal. That lunatic is still out there and still determined to take you back to 1898." When he saw her hurt expression he was sorry for his harsh words.

  "I'm sorry, Roxanne, I shouldn't have snapped at you. I'm disappointed about Lobo too. All this is beginning to wear on my nerves. I want Wellman and Davidson apprehended and Edie safe so we can get on with a normal life."

  "It's okay, Collin, I understand. It does get wearing to always be watching and waiting for something to happen. Maybe it's a good thing Lobo has to stay at the animal hospital. I don't want him getting hurt again."

  The phone rang once more and as Collin answered, Roxanne carried their dishes to the kitchen sink. She could hear that he was speaking to William O'Malley and wanted no part of it.

  After ringing off, Collin followed her and stood watching as she washed the dishes. "Why don't you just put them in the dishwasher, Sweetie?"

  "I like washing them by hand and there's not that many."

  Collin grabbed a dishtowel out of a drawer and began drying and putting the dishes away. "William got the DNA results back."

  Roxanne remained silent.

  "Of course he now knows that you're his daughter and wants you to come out to Black Rock. He's planning to tell the rest of the family tonight."

  She continued to wash the dishes in silence.

  "Come on, Roxy, don't let William acting like a jackass prevent you from getting to know your mother."

  "Opal was my mother and I knew her. She loved me, cared for me, even though I wasn't really hers. Papa too, he took me as his own, loved and cherished me. He even unselfishly sent me away from him to try and keep me safe."

  "Roxy, I know. I also know that they loved you enough to have wanted you to know your family."

  "Mama and Papa were my family. They're gone now, but in my heart, they will always be my family and I want no part of that cold man or his family. I'm not talking about this anymore."

  Turning away from him, she left the kitchen and went to their bedroom. She loved this room. Done in warm shades of emerald and gold, it was luxurious and welcoming at the same time. Walking across the plush, gold carpet, she pulled a soft, blue robe from the closet.

  Stripping off her sundress, she donned the robe before flopping onto the bed. The emerald, silk spread was cool under her flushed cheek and she allowed the tears to flow. Tracing the gold threads woven through the silk, memories of home and her Mama and Papa filled her mind. They'd been kind and loving people. She'd never love this other family—never love this man who was her father, with his cold gray eyes and harsh way of speaking.

  Collin entered the room and lying on the bed next to her, pulled her into his arms. "I hate seeing you so sad."

  "I miss them, Collin. I miss them so much. This man, my father, needed proof that I was his before he could even be civil to me. Mama and Papa knew for certain that I wasn't theirs, but they loved me unconditionally. I'm sorry, but I want nothing to do with him."

  "I'll tell him and I won't bring it up again. Please don't be so sad, Darlin'. You seemed so happy at that little cottage."

  "It reminded me of your cabin, Collin, where we first made love."

  Collin kissed her forehead before claiming her lips in a kiss that left her breathless. "It reminded me of that time too. That's why I wanted to spend time with you there."

  "Make love to me, Collin."

  "Are you sure, Darlin'?"

  "Yes, please, Collin. I want you."

  He growled low in his throat, untying the belt of her robe and finding the swollen curve her breast.

  She sighed as he rolled the pink bud under his thumb. "I love it when you touch me." She purred near his ear before nibbling at the lobe with her teeth.

  Collin's arousal swelled at her softly whispered words, excitement flooding through him. Rolling onto his back, he pulled her on top of him.

  "I thought you might like to be in control. I'm at your mercy."

  Roxanne's sensuous smile held a hint of feminine power as she slid the robe from her shoulders and threw it to the floor. Arching her back she thrust her full breasts above his face and cupped them in her hands, caressing the swollen mounds while he watched in fascination.
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  Releasing her breasts, she pulled his tee shirt over his head and then undid his pants. Sliding them down over his hips with deliberately slow movements while stopping to tickle his legs with her tongue. Working her way back up, she kissed the tip of his engorged shaft. Smiling with satisfaction when he jerked in reaction.

  Taking him in her warm mouth, she suckled gently. Collin moaned and she released him to blow tiny circles of air on the wet flesh.

  "I can't take much more of that, Darlin'." He groaned, before pulling her up to sit astride his waist.

  Reaching down, she held him steady and slid slowly down until he filled her. Sitting solidly atop him, she began an undulating motion, slow, then fast and back to slow. Collin watched her swaying breasts and the flush that spread over them and into her face. Rising up, he took one perfect rosebud into his mouth and sucked hard. Roxanne moaned and he wanted this moment to last forever.

  Moving into a sitting position, he pulled her snuggly against him and she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist. When he began rocking them, she went wild with pleasure. In this position he completely filled her and with every rocking motion, his shaft rubbed against the little nubbin between her thighs.

  Tension tightened within, filling her with pleasure such as she'd never known. Collin kissed her passionately, his tongue delving into the moist heat of her mouth, plundering all her secrets. Her nails scratched at his back, searching for something to grasp and hold on to as the storm raged through her.

  Just when she thought she could stand no more, pleasure exploded and raced from her core. It grew more intense and her body jerked and stiffened. She groaned deeply, as spasms wracked her body. The tightening of her muscles around him sped Collin's release and he hoarsely shouted her name before spilling his seed deep within.

  * * * * *

  After breakfast the next morning Collin called Tillman to check if there was any progress and was happy that the PI had a lead that he thought was going to take him to Edie. He was to meet the PI in an hour and decided to take Roxanne with him. She'd been so sad lately, he hoped the outing would cheer her.

  Roxanne sat in the little waiting room, as Collin went in to speak with Tillman. He was only gone about thirty minutes before returning to escort her out into the heat and humidity of the summer day. He helped her into the car, leaving the door open until he started the air conditioning.

  "Did you find out what you wanted to know?" She asked as they left the parking area.

  "Yes, he's located Edie. She's at the Roseville Center for the mentally ill."

  Roxanne shuddered. "Those places are worse than prison."

  "They're not like they were back in the 1800's. They're clean and they take good care of the patients."

  "Truly? I'd like to visit one of those facilities and a hospital."

  Collin smiled. "We'll add them to the list along with department stores, malls and super markets."

  "You're laughing at me again, aren't you?"

  "Absolutely not." Then he ruined it by laughing out loud.

  Roxanne laughed too and then sobered." I hope she's okay, Collin. How do you think she ended up in there?"

  "I don't know, but Tillman is arranging for me to see her right away. I need to see if she's all right and find out what's going on."

  The musical ringing of Collin's cell phone interrupted their conversation. "O'Neal, here. Tillman, did you get me in? Okay, I'll be there in thirty minutes."

  "That was Tillman. He's made the arrangements with Edie's Doctor. I'll take you home and then meet him there."

  Twenty

  After her shower, Roxanne decided to read in the library to get her mind off what might be happening with Edie. Getting comfortable on the big leather sofa, she tried to lose herself in the pages of a steamy romance. But the book held no interest for her tonight. Worry for Collin kept creeping into her mind.

  Hearing a rumble of thunder, she walked over to the window. It had grown dark and the wind was blowing fiercely. Lightning flashed in the distance and the low rumble of thunder came again.

  Pacing, she picked up the cell phone from the desk and prayed for Collin to call and tell her everything was okay. Frowning in disappointment when it remained silent, she set it back on the desk. Going back to the sofa, she tried once more to become engrossed in her book.

  The lights flickered for an instant and sighing, she laid the book down. She couldn't concentrate with Collin out there and not knowing what was going on. The room was suddenly plunged into darkness. That was the problem with modern convenience. When they were gone, they were gone. She bet there wasn't a coal oil lamp anywhere in the house.

  Trying to make her way to the desk where there was a decorative candle, she stumbled over the little table in front of the sofa. "Ouch!" She rubbed her knee where she'd banged it into the table edge. Running her hands along the desktop, she found the candle and lighter. Although it provided only a little light, it made her feel more secure.

  There were other candles throughout the house and making her way from room to room she gathered them all together in the library. Looking around the candle lit room, she took a deep breath of relief. She'd never been afraid of the dark, but was very glad for the soft glow of the candles. She jumped in fright when something thudded against the wall of the house.

  Looking out the window, she could hear the howling wind and the pouring rain. The storm was becoming violent and she wished Collin would come home. There was a crash and the sound of breaking glass from the kitchen. She let out a little squeal and then mentally shook herself. The wind had probably just blown open the patio doors. She needed to calm down and stop being so jumpy.

  She made her way into the kitchen carrying one of the candles. The doors leading out to the patio were standing open and the rain slashed across the tile floor. Pushing the door against the wind she managed to get it closed and locked. One of the panes of glass was broken and it crunched under her slippers.

  "Hello, Wife."

  * * * * *

  Collin met Tillman at the Center and hurried up to him. "Were you able to find out anything else?"

  "Miss Burkes signed herself in, claiming to be having hallucinations."

  "You don't believe it?"

  "No, I think something else is going on. Maybe you can get to the truth."

  "Okay let's go talk to her." They turned and went to the door.

  Dr. Sherman met them in the lobby and Tillman sat to wait while the doctor escorted Collin to Edie's room.

  When he entered the room Edie glanced up from the magazine she was reading. A look of panic spread across her features.

  "Collin? How did you find me?"

  Collin sat across from her and took her hand in his. "Edie, what happened?" He asked gently.

  Edie snatched her hand away and glared at him. "I don't know what you're talking about."

  "How did you hook up with Wellman, Edie? Tell me, damn it!"

  "You don't know about my little habit, do you Collin?"

  "Habit?"

  "Cocaine, Darling. It's rather expensive and when Davidson approached me with an offer that would make me a very wealthy woman…well, how could I refuse?"

  "Davidson paid you to betray me? We were friends Edie. How could you do that?"

  "Sorry, Darling. I always valued our friendship, but we're talking about a lot of money. I need things, Collin."

  "I paid you extremely well."

  "Yes, you were quite generous, but I needed more, much more. I have bills and the bill collectors weren't happy with me."

  "You owe your dealer money?"

  "Lots of money, Collin. I believe there was mention of broken bones."

  "You could have come to me for help, Edie, I would have given you more money and helped you get into a rehab program."

  "I don't need help, Darling. I need money and lots of it."

  Collin looked into her eyes and felt sick. "You do need help Edie and although I doubt I'll ever trust you again, I'll see that
you get that help."

  Edie's hard look crumpled. "Why? After what I did, I thought you'd turn me over to the cops."

  "I did. They have your name and description, but neither I nor Roxanne will be pressing charges."

  Edie swiped at the moisture under her eyes. "I don't get it."

  "For Pete's sake, Edie. We've been friends since school. I want to help you. How did you find Roxanne at the cabin?"

  "That was hard." She laughed without humor. "You were pretty damn careful, Collin. I tried to follow you, but you were too smart for that and I didn't want you to see me. So I went through all the files in the office and found the little receipt where you paid for the rental on the cottage. Very clever, I must have bypassed that damn slip of paper a dozen times before it dawned on me that we'd never had a case with anyone by that name."

  "You need to tell me where Wellman is."

  "Probably having a reunion with his charming and very generous bride. I didn't know the code for the alarm, but I told Brad how to cut the power off. I'm sorry, Collin. They promised no one would be hurt. He just wants his wife back. I'm so sorry."

  Collin was already headed for the door and he turned back. "I'll see you get the help you need, but if anything happens to Roxanne, I'll never be able to look at you again."

  * * * * *

  Dropping the candle, Roxanne whirled around to face the man who was nothing more than a shadow on the other side of the room.

  "Brad." The name was barely a whisper of sound leaving her lips.

  "Better pick up that candle before it burns the house down."

  She bent and with trembling hands reached to pick up the candle. In the dim light she could see the pistol glinting in his hand.

  "Wh…what do you want?"

  "We have unfinished business, my dear. Lets go back in there where we can see better." He motioned towards the library with the gun.

  Once in the light, Roxanne could see him clearly. He was dressed in jeans and a tee shirt. The rain had plastered his hair to his head and there was a large white bandage on his right forearm. Brad noticed her gaze and held the arm up.