by Lyn Horner
Char caught her breath, wrapped in that beautiful emotion. Oh, how she wished for such love in her life. Might she have found it with Tristan or was their romance never destined to be more than a passing fling? Heartsick because she would never know, she drew her hand from Lara’s.
Conn saved her from spilling more tears when he rushed into the room. “Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but Marilee is asking for Char. She’s got a bathroom problem.”
“Oh dear!” Char shot to her feet. “Excuse me, please, I need to take care of her.” Not waiting for a response, she dashed to the playroom and found Marilee crying. “What is it, sweetie?” She knew the answer when she saw a wet spot in the girl’s lap and the growing puddle under her chair. Her catheter tube must have pulled loose.
“My dress!” she howled.
“Don’t cry, baby, we’ll take care of it.” Crooning nonsense to her, Char grabbed several thick towels from a corner cupboard, kept there for such emergencies. She slipped an arm around Marilee, feeling her distress, and lifted her high enough to stuff two towels under her to absorb the urine from her skirt and the gel foam cushion she sat on. Tossing more towels on the floor, she left scrubbing it for later and hastened the still crying child upstairs on the elevator.
By the time she got Marilee cleaned up, her catheter tube back in place, and fresh clothes on her, the poor thing was exhausted from crying. Char tucked her into bed and sat next to her, singing softly to her until she fell asleep. As quietly as possible, Char removed the wheelchair cushion, put it to soak in the bathtub and replaced it with a spare. By then she felt like she needed a nap herself, but Lara and Conn waited downstairs.
Rejoining them in the living room, she apologized for taking so long. “Now you can see why she needs constant, professional care,” she said, flopping into the chair Conn had dragged over yesterday, since he’d taken her spot on the couch next to Lara.
“She’s obviously a handful,” he said, watching her dab at her damp forehead with a sleeve of her serviceable cotton top – pink to please Marilee. “Which brings us back to the question of who will stay with her when, not if, you leave with us.” He cocked a dark eyebrow. “Have you thought of someone qualified to take care of her?”
Frowning, Char raked back her hair. “There’s a relief nurse I call on when I need a short time off. You met her the other day. But she’s semi retired and as you said, Marilee is a handful to care for. I’m afraid Sally isn’t up to the task long-term.”
“Isn’t there an agency you could call?” Lara asked.
Char nodded. “Yes, I found Sally through an agency, but it might take days to find a qualified person I’d trust and who Marilee would be happy with. To be honest, we’d face the same problem even if Johanna returned home today because she isn’t willing or capable of taking care of her daughter. I couldn’t in good conscience leave Marilee alone with her.”
Conn shook his head and crossed his arms, scowling furiously. “I’d like to get my hands on that woman and shake some sense into her. She’s a selfish bitch for refusing to come home and see to her child’s welfare!” He sighed. “Excuse my French.”
Char smiled genuinely for the first time that day. “I’ve called her the same thing out of Marilee’s hearing several times.”
He gave a humorless laugh. “Glad you agree but that doesn’t solve our dilemma.” He frowned in thought then asked, “Can we take the girl with us?”
“No way!” Char exclaimed, shocked he had even thought of such a thing. “She requires special equipment, a carefully monitored diet and medications. She also needs to see her doctors regularly. If we were to cart her off somewhere, she might fall ill. She could even die.”
“Okay, okay, I get the point,” he said gruffly.
Lara patted his hand. “It was a good thought, love, even if impractical.”
He flashed a crooked grin, caught her hand and kissed it. Seeing and feeling the love between them, Char fully understood why Conn was so anxious to remove Lara from danger as soon as possible. She made a decision.
Throwing back her shoulders, she said, “Listen you two, I want you to leave. Go back to wherever you’re safe. I’ll stay here until Johanna gets back and we find a new caregiver for Marilee. Then I’ll disappear to parts unknown.”
“No, absolutely not,” Lara declared. “We can’t abandon you. If the Hellhounds show up, they’ll capture you. I don’t want to think about what they would do to make you turn over your scroll. And you can’t just disappear. All of the Guardians must stand together if we’re to defeat the evil that threatens us.”
Char closed her eyes, seeking the right words. “Lara, I’m grateful for your concern and I’ll do my best to fulfill my oath to guard the scroll I possess.” She leaned forward, hands pressed together in a prayerful manner. “But don’t you see I also have a duty to protect my patient? I have no choice but to stay.”
“Conn, say something,” Lara snapped, plainly frustrated. “Make her understand she has to come with us.”
He eyed Char and scratched his beard-stubbled chin. “You ladies sure know how to corral a man into a tight corner,” he said in an exaggerated southern drawl. “I don’t want to leave you unprotected, Miss Charlotte, but I don’t have a choice either. I’ve got to take Lara away from here before the Hounds come sniffin’ around.”
“Connor O’Shea, you’re not taking me anywhere!” Lara shrilled, slapping his arm. “I’m not leaving without Charlotte.”
He raised his hand to ward off further blows. “Now, darlin’, just calm down and listen to reason. We’re not going to –”
The doorbell rang, cutting him off and making Char jump. “I’ll get it,” Conn said, shooting to his feet. “You two stay put.” He pulled a gun from one boot and strode into the hall.
Shocked by the gun but tired of being ordered around, Char rose and, ignoring Lara’s cry of protest, she followed Conn just in time to see him open the front door. She gasped when she saw Tristan standing there, framed by the doorway. Wearing a startled expression, he stared at Conn and the gun in his hand.
“Tristan, what are you doing here?” Char cried, drawing his gaze to her.
His mouth thinned and his sandy brows dropped into a vee over his nose. Stepping over the threshold, he glared at Conn, who lowered his gun and shifted to the side, waiting and watching. Then Tristan turned his furious gaze on her.
“I stupidly worried about you, wondering why you were brushing me off all of a sudden. Now I see why. It’s because of him, isn’t it.” He jerked his head toward Conn.
Char gaped at him. “No! How could you think such a thing after … ?” She caught herself before blurting out after I gave myself to you.
Thanks be to Danu, Lara limped into the hall at that moment. She crossed to Conn’s side, cane tapping. He circled his arm around her shoulders and she wound her arm around his waist. Watching them, Tristan’s mouth dropped open. Faced with his obvious mistake, he squeezed his eyes shut, ducked his head and muttered something under his breath. Then he sighed and offered his hand to Conn.
“I apologize, man, for what I was thinking. The green-eyed monster dug his claws into me.”
Conn shook his hand and chuckled. “He’d rake me over too, if I thought my darlin’ had eyes for another guy.” He grinned down at Lara and she hugged him tighter.
Tristan turned and approached Char, who ground her teeth and glowered at him, enraged by his intolerable accusation. She was tempted to slap him. Perhaps sensing this, he halted a safe distance away, regret written on his face.
“Angel, I’m sorry for jumping to such a rotten conclusion. I should have known better. You’re too kind and honest to ever do what I accused you of. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?” The pleading note in his voice and in his hazel eyes softened her anger.
“I forgive you, Tristan.” Narrowing her eyes, she added, “But I’d still like to slap you.”
Releasing a bark of laughter, he stepped close and spread his arms wide.
“Go ahead, honey. I deserve it.”
“Tempting but I’ll pass, for now.” Picking up his feelings of relief and genuine remorse, she allowed her lips to twitch.
He framed her face with chilled hands. “Thank you,” he whispered. Bending to gently kiss her, he sent familiar tingles racing along her nerve endings that caused her fingers to curl into the fabric of his jacket. Then he straightened, cupping her shoulders.
“Now, for the love of God, tell me why you said you can’t see me anymore when I called this morning.”
Not knowing what to say, Char darted a dismayed glance at Lara, who continued to lean on Conn, both of them observing her and Tristan. Lara studied them for a moment then sighed and disengaged herself from Conn. Crossing to Char’s side, she patted her arm and addressed Tristan
“We’d better sit down. We have some things to tell you.” Taking for granted all of them would follow, she returned to the living room. Once they were seated, women on the couch and men on side chairs, Lara introduced herself and Conn to Tristan, saying they were friends and loosely related to Char. True in a convoluted way.
As Tristan reciprocated, stating his name and relating a very abbreviated version of his relationship with Char. His warmth enveloped her and she basked in his presence for what could be the last time.
Having removed his jacket, he sat relaxed with one ankle crossed over the other knee, black jeans hugging his hard thighs and a burgundy pullover outlining his muscular chest. The color brought out red highlights in his sandy brown hair, making her want to run her fingers through those glowing strands. Oh, how she was going to miss him!
With the introductions over, Lara got right to the point. “Charlotte may be in danger here. Conn and I have come to take her somewhere safe.”
Tristan’s eyebrow shot up. “What do you mean she’s in danger?” He pinned Char with a penetrating stare that made her glance away.
“There are some bad people after Char and myself,” Lara explained. “We possess things they want to steal. It’s imperative that we get away before they track us down.”
“Does this have something to do with the death Char mentioned?” Tristan asked, shrewdly studying the other couple.
Lara glanced sharply at Char. “You told him?”
“I-I only said there was a death in your family,” she stammered, rubbing her arms.
“I see.” Lara pursed her lips. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Yes, Tristan, my uncle died a few months ago. He was murdered by those who seek to capture Charlotte, myself and others.”
“Good lord!” Tristan turned to Char. “And you think I will just walk away when your life is at risk?”
She shook her head, eyes filling with tears. “No, I knew you wouldn’t, but I don’t want you hurt. I had to make you stay away. Why didn’t you?” The tears overflowed. Covering her face, she fought to hold back the flood but to no avail. The next thing she knew, Tristan was kneeling at her feet, gathering her in his strong arms.
“Oh, angel, how do you think I’d feel if I lost you after just finding you? I lost one woman I loved. I can’t lose you too.”
She buried her face against his shoulder, sobbing harder. He held her, stroking her hair and whispering reassurances in her ear. After several moments, she managed to pull herself together. “I’m turning into a watering pot,” she said, drying her eyes on her sleeve once again. Giving Tristan a tremulous smile, she scooted over on the couch so he could sit beside her and keep his arm around her.
Lara cleared her throat. “Tristan, I can see you care for Charlotte a great deal, just as she obviously cares for you. However, I apologize for being blunt, but I must ask if you intend to stay with her permanently.”
Char sat bolt upright, shaking her head. “No! You can’t ask him to make such a pledge. We’ve known each other barely two weeks.”
Lara’s gold eyes drilled into her. “I have no choice and neither do you. We must know where he stands before anything more is said.”
“If given a chance, I honestly believe our relationship will be a lasting one,” Tristan asserted, bringing Char’s attention back to him. “But I’d like to know why it’s so important for you both to have my answer right now.”
Arching her dark brows, Lara said, “I’ll let Charlotte explain, if she wishes.”
Char bit her lip and nodded reluctantly, hating to put Tristan in such an uncomfortable position. He exuded such tenderness toward her that she thought it might be love, and heaven knows she felt the same way about him. But was that enough? Sharing the burden she carried, the danger she now faced was a different matter. Was he prepared to risk his career, possibly his life to be with her? That seemed like too much to ask of him.
Meeting his watchful gaze, she smiled woodenly. “There are secrets I can only share with my chosen mate. I-I’m not sure either of us are ready for that kind of commitment. Are you?”
Taking her hand in his, he let her feel the mix of deep caring and fear of losing her swirling through his head. “For two years, since Jennifer died, I haven’t wanted to be near another woman … until I met you. We have something special, angel. I think it could be love. The question is, do you?”
Staring at their entwined hands, she stammered, “I … I don’t know. I’ve never felt love, except for my mother’s and Marilee’s. How am I supposed to –”
The doorbell chimed yet again, startling all of them. Both men rose. Conn raised his hand, stopping Tristan. “I’ll get it. You stay with the women. If there’s trouble, get them out of here. Bending, he again pulled the gun from his boot and strode into the hall. Char heard the door open followed by a woman’s scream, no doubt at the sight of Conn’s gun.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he apologized.
“D-does Charlotte Dixon live here?” a familiar voice fearfully asked.
Emitting a strangled shriek, Char jumped to her feet and ran into the hall. “Mama! What are you doing here?” she cried, wondering how many more surprises this day held in store.
CHAPTER NINE
“Charlotte! Thank the Great Mother!” Shouldering past Conn, her mother dashed over to Char and enveloped her in a tight embrace. She exuded a mix of relief and fear along with the familiar vanilla scent that clung to her clothes and permed, graying auburn hair. “I’ve been worried sick. The trip from North Carolina took so long, I was afraid they’d find you before I got here.”
Bewildered, Char drew back to see her mother’s wild eyes and the deep worry lines creasing her fiftyish, still pretty face. “Who are you talking about, Mama? What’s happened?” Before she got an answer, Lara limped into the hall followed by Tristan, who appeared as confused as Char felt.
Her mother gasped and released her. “You’re Malcolm’s niece!” she blurted, staring in shock at Lara’s scarred face.
“Yes, and you are Charlotte’s mother, I gather,” Lara said with a smile.
Mama nodded. “I’m Penelope Dixon, and I remember you from your … .” She caught herself, glancing at Tristan and over her shoulder at Conn, who’d just closed the door. Plainly wondering who they were and if it was safe to speak openly in front of them, she tugged off her knit gloves and stuffed them in the pockets of her long camel-colored coat. “Umm, from when your uncle introduced you to me and … other friends,” she said, obviously meaning Lara’s initiation as Malcolm’s apprentice. “But you probably don’t recognize me.”
“No, I’m afraid not, but it’s a pleasure to meet you now.”
“May I ask what you’re doing here? Is your uncle with you?”
Lara blinked and shook her head. “No, I-I’m here with Conn, my mate.” She smiled at him as he crossed the hall to place a hand on her shoulder. “For the same reason as you, Penelope, to make sure Charlotte is safe.” She drew a breath. “And I’m sad to say Uncle Malcolm died some months ago.”
“Danu save us!” Mama cried, pressing a hand over her heart. “I had no idea. I’m very sorry, dear. That means you are …” Catchi
ng herself once again, she said, “You must be so lost without him. How did he pass?”
“His death was very sudden and, yes, it did leave me lost and afraid until I met Conn.” Looking up and exchanging another smile with him, Lara said, “But you must be tired after your trip, Penelope. From North Carolina, wasn’t it?”
“That’s right, and it was long and rather tiring traveling the back roads by bus. But I thought it would be safer than taking an airplane, more discreet I mean.”
“I’m sure it was. How about if we sit down and I’ll fill you in on all that’s happened, and you can tell us who you think might be coming for Charlotte. Alright?” Lara gestured at the living room behind her.
Unbuttoning her coat, Mama nodded. “My back could use a rest after the way that man drove.” She gasped. “The cab! I told the driver to wait.” She swung around ready to rush to the door, but Tristan stepped hastily past Lara and Conn, into her path.
“I’ll take care of it, ma’am,” he said with a smile.
“Uh, thank you, young man, but who are you?”
“Tristan, ma’am. I’m –”
“He’s a good friend of mine, Mama,” Char interrupted, face heating beneath his sly grin as she came to stand beside him. “I-I’m sorry for not introducing the two of you.”
“That’s alright, dear. I didn’t give you the chance, bursting in the way I did.” Her mother peered at them closely as she removed her coat and handed it to Char, revealing her slightly plump figure clad in a pale blue sweater and gray slacks. “Well then, I accept your offer to deal with the cabbie, Tristan. I paid him for the trip out here but he may want more for waiting.” She started to dig in her handbag but Tristan was already out the door.
“He seems nice, Char,” Mama observed with a twinkle in her eyes, a lighter blue than Char’s.
“Yes, he is. He’s a cousin of Marilee’s, the girl I take care of. He’s been very kind to both of us.” Brow furrowed in thought, she crossed her arms and stared at the door through which he’d gone. “He makes me feel like a normal woman, something I never expected,” she said softly, wondering if she still dared hope for a future with him.