“Yes,” Rita said, a slight catch in her words.
“Have you ever talked to your parents since that day they disowned you?”
“No, I tried right after Elizabeth’s death. Wanting them to know what had happened to their granddaughter, and hoping they had forgiven me... But, I was told they had no daughter.” Rita sighed, as she sat back down. “My only reason for living was my little girl. And now she was gone, she was the one thing that kept me sane. The night I found you, I had planned on taking my life....”
Elizabeth heart jumped in surprise.
“But there you stood, in the middle of the road. Covered in dirt, with a nasty bump on your forehead, your eyes....” Rita looked up, her hands reached for Elizabeth’s as she looked into her eyes, “your eyes are what scared me most. They were empty, when I tried to get your attention you just kept saying ‘the bad man came..., so much blood.’ I was terrified for you so I bundled you up and brought you to my motel room.”
A sob escaped Elizabeth’s lips as she pulled her hands away, her heart breaking, a sight into the black void. “Yes, this is where it starts to get a bit confusing for me. If I was in such bad shape, why didn’t you bring me to a hospital?”
“I had planned on bringing you to the hospital, but....”
“But what? You decided what? That I could become that what you lost.”
“No, no.” Rita’s voice rose in anger, “it didn’t happen like that. I don’t know why I brought you to my motel room instead of the hospital. It was this panicked feeling that I was going to lose you. Maybe at first I did associate you with Elizabeth, knowing that the hospital and doctors couldn’t save my daughter, that they wouldn’t be able to save you either. Or maybe I just wanted someone to care for, to have a purpose.”
“So what put you over the edge? When did you start calling me Elizabeth?”
“It was after that first night. But it wasn’t for you to replace my Elizabeth. It was never about that.”
“Then what?”
“I had gone out...just to pick up some supplies, food, medicine, and water. When I saw this man at the counter in the drugstore. He was asking the clerk for information on a little girl, flashing a picture, I got a glimpse of it and it was you. He had said that the two of you had an argument and that you ran away. I was about to go up to him, to let him know that I knew were you where, but... something stopped me. Call it a gut instinct or your words when I had found you on that dirt road. Anyways, there was something about him I didn’t trust, a sense of danger.”
“What did he look like?”
“He was very good looking; taller, I would say about six foot, with a nice build, a presence that a girl notices, drawn to. His brown hair was cut short, stylish, it framed chiseled features made more exotic by a scar on his cheek.”
“What did his eyes look like?”
“I’m not sure, I never really saw his eyes. I avoided eye contact as I figured out what he wanted.” Rita said as she reached over to take Elizabeth’s chilled hands, “Elizabeth, what is wrong? You’re so pale.”
“What is wrong? I can’t believe you are asking me that. I just found out that you are not my mother, that my whole life has been one big lie. And you are asking me what is wrong.” Elizabeth asked in frustrated confusion. As she stood, her legs were shaky and terrified by all that she had learned, her steps became hesitant. She could feel the room slowly closing in on her, stealing her breath as her desire to run grew stronger by the moment, overpowering her with its intensity. “I have to get out of here, I need to process this. I can’t think.”
Her mother Rita’s description of the man, dead on to the one that has been haunting her. Elizabeth wondered how she could she tell Rita that her instincts were right on. He was dangerous. If she had turned her over to him, she might not have made it through that night. He knew she witnessed her mother’s death, so why was he playing this cat and mouse game with her. She had to think, she had to remember. To save herself and the ones she loved, Elizabeth knew she must discover who he was. She was determined not to be the mouse anymore.
“Elizabeth.” Rita’s voice hesitant as she called out, “I have something.”
Elizabeth paused in her flight, questioning herself if she should turn to find out or just leave. Her body made the decision for her as she turned back around. “What?”
Rita stepped over to her purse her hand pulling out a small vanilla envelope worn from age, her hands shook slightly as she lifted Elizabeth hand so her palm up. Elizabeth watched as her mother, Rita, slide the contents into her palm. A silver sunflower nestled in the middle of a silver chain looked up at her, confused Elizabeth looked up into her mother’s eyes full of fear. “You were wearing that the night I found you.” Tears laced her words.
Elizabeth hesitated, her other hand hovered over the necklace as if it may come to life at any moment, then she finally lifted it to the light her heart caught within her throat when the sunflower glittered as though diamonds were hidden within its depth. The sight evoked a vague memory of it being placed around her neck and the importance of it. Elizabeth looked away, not understanding why her mother would keep it from her. “Why?”
“I was afraid. Once I realized that your memory was gone, I was afraid it would bring it back to you.”
Elizabeth replaced the necklace to her palm as she closed her fingers around it, then she turned away from her mother, kidnapper, she was not quite sure what to call her. A sense of bewilderment filled her as her body became light and removed from herself surprised when she felt the cool doorknob under her palm not remembering the steps she taken. She just knew that she needed to process all the truths that had been laid down at her feet, to process what she had learned.
Elizabeth’s cleared her tightened throat, her voice soft as she talked over her shoulder, unable to look around. “I need space. I need to think. I can’t think straight here.” Pausing, a desire to reassure her mother overcame her as she said, “Don’t do anything crazy, I do love you. I just wish you would have trusted me with all of this earlier. I don’t know if I can forgive you for hiding it from me for so long.”
Chapter 21
Elizabeth stood outside the door of the suite, her emotions swinging violently like a torture pendulum. Ranging from anger and outrage, to betrayal, pain, and sorrow, slicing her heart with each swing of the emotional blade.
Then the sounds of Rita’s sobs broke through the barrier, guilt slicing through. Elizabeth opened her hand to look once more at the charm that rested there, wishing she could remember the woman who gave it to her. All she knew was that it had been her real mother, she sensed this without being told. Not wanting to loose it again, she opened the delicate clasp as she placed it around her neck. The sunflower nestled itself into the hollow of her throat, a sense of comfort wrapped around her by its mere presence as it quickly warmed to her body. A vague memory telling her the necklace was important nagged at her in the back of her thoughts.
Elizabeth turned back to the door, her hands and cheek placed against the firm oak, her tears caught in her throat as she listened to the sobs just beyond the door. She wanted to return to her mother’s side and beg her to tell her it was all a dream, that the past was not as she was told, not what she remembered, the past was naught but a dream that ripped at her soul. She was, in fact, her mother’s daughter not another.
Life could not be this cruel, this malicious. A cool breeze brushed against her neck, Elizabeth swished it away as a voice beckoned for her to face the past, bring an end to her restless soul. Fear gripped Elizabeth as she came to the understanding that she must face this danger that took her mother’s life and almost hers. She must find the significance of the Weeping Willow before this man that stalked her did. The implication was not lost on her, that the knowledge of what was in her subconscious was important enough for him to leave her alone, to sit and watch her next move. This, she instinctiv
ely knew. The gypsy was correct , her life would never be the same. The past has caught her and will not let go.
After several more minutes of self-doubt Elizabeth pushed away from the door, her tears obscuring her vision as she stumbled forward to confront that which couldn’t be avoided.
The elevator dropped floor by floor, the numbers flashing the descent as Elizabeth watched transfixed, hypnotized, to the numbers blurred by the tears, her mind numbed by the days’ events.
A chill ran through Elizabeth when the doors slid open to the lobby, an irrational thought that she should have grabbed a sweater on her way out filled her thoughts. A sad chuckle escaped her lips at the thought; her steps light as she stepped past the threshold of the elevator.and without realizing the crash of emotions made her body crumple while strong arms caught her just before her descent. The murmur of voices was the first thing Elizabeth heard when the fog lifted. She slowly opened her eyes to the confusion of several strange faces looking down at her, talking among each other as though she was an odd curiosity.
The memory returned in a flash, bringing with it a wave of emotions as she quickly jerked up her head and swooned with the motion. Strong arms caught her once more, as she looked up into Leo’s concerned eyes. “Elizabeth, don’t move so suddenly, you’ll only pass out again.”
Elizabeth turned, burrowing her face into his arms, happy to feel his strong arms support her, her tension subsiding.
“Elizabeth what happened? I went to the library. But, they told me you rushed out of there.” Leo asked, his voice full of concern.
Elizabeth shook her head negatively, not wanting to talk about it here among the crowd of curious strangers. “Not now.” Elizabeth said softly. “Can you get me out of here…to someplace private, besides this place?”
Leo nodded his head in agreement as he helped her stand back up.
Elizabeth found herself impressed with the silver jaguar, mildly surprised by the luxury vehicle and absently wondering how much it had set Leo back. The buttery soft leather seat warmed quickly to her body and while her hand brushed its silkiness, she commented. “Nice set of wheels. How come I didn’t know earlier you did this well with your investigative work?” She asked jokingly.
“People pay well for information they feel they need to know.”
“And you benefit.”
“Someone has too,” Leo said with a chuckle, turning the key. The car purred to life.
“And why not you,” Elizabeth said absently as she looked down at her hands, as they twisted in nervousness. Remembering her mother’s, or should she say... oh, what the hell, mother, doing the same gesture earlier. Elizabeth chuckled sadly at the nervous habit she obviously had picked up from her. “Leo, can I use your phone?”
“Sure. May I ask who you are calling?”
“Aurora,” Elizabeth said as she quickly punched in the number, the phone rang only a few times before Aurora’s voice came over the line. Elizabeth was surprised at the quick charge of emotion that ran through her at the sound of her voice.
Surprised even more that she had any tears left at all too shed, she felt the warm liquid fill her eyes. Elizabeth took in a calming breath to suppress the tears as she briefly told Aurora about her mother being in town and the emotional interaction they had. She told her that she was unable to get into the details, but would tell her later when her emotions were not so close to the surface and ready to smother her in the overwhelming weight of them. She then asked if she could just check in on her mother, that she was worried about her and didn’t want her to be alone, knowing Aurora would understand. She let her know that she would be with Leo and needed time to process some information she had found. Aurora agreed to the request, trusting her.
The conversation wore her out as she disconnected the call. Laying her head back against the headrest, her eyes watched the country side fly past her window.
“Where are we going?” She asked, realizing she had never asked Leo where he was bringing her.
“My place.” He said as his hand squeezed her upper thigh. “It is only another ten minutes and we should be there”
Elizabeth nodded at the comment, her hand rested on his, her head turned back to watch the country side fly past, strangely trusting him, this man who sat next to her.
Her mind was wandering as the last few hours played over and over again in her mind. It even started to play games with her as she thought of different ways she could have reacted and different things she could have said. All the lies and deceptions overwhelming, Elizabeth felt a desperate need to forget, for even a night.
Elizabeth attempted to force the images away from her mind, her thoughts wandering to the man that sat next to her and how he made her feel. She looked away from the passing scenery to watch Leo instead, amazed how close she had become to him in such a short period of time and the attraction she felt for him. The distraction from what she had just learned helped but didn’t totally erase the last few hours from her head.
Leo looked over, catching her watching him, and her heart did a quick flip as a tingling filled her stomach with anticipation. She was surprised by her body’s physical attraction to him, even with all that had happened to her.
“You okay?” He asked with genuine concern, his hand on her thigh squeezing once more.
Elizabeth nodded; strangely content driving through the countryside with this incredible man next to her.
Knowing that her mother would be fine with Aurora’s help, she felt as though she could do just that-forget for a night. She smiled over at him as her hand reached over the console to rest her own hand on his thigh, a muscle jumped beneath her fingers her smile widening in understanding, his hand leaving her thigh to intertwine with hers as he lifted it up to his lips to kiss her fingers his eyes never leaving the road. “It will be all right baby.” He said reassuringly.
“I know,” Elizabeth said as she let her mind relax. Her eyes continued to watch him, the view much better than what was outside the window. “Did you get a hold of your doctor friend?” She asked absently.
“I did.” He said with a smile, “but we can always talk about that later.”
“No…it’s fine.” She said with a small smile. “You can tell me now.”
Leo nodded as he set her hand back down. “She was a little hesitant with the whole idea. She felt it may do you more damage with no previous professional help to bring back your memory more slowly, conventionally.”
“Did you tell her my circumstance? That it could be a matter of life or death?” Elizabeth asked as she sat up straighter her heart sinking with the information, that she may not help.
“Elizabeth, did something else happen today to make you this anxious?” Leo asked in with obvious concern
“Yes.”
“What?”
“I don’t want to get into it right now,” Elizabeth said, pulling away. “I need you to talk to your friend again… I need this.” She said, desperation filled her, “You have too explain to her that I wouldn’t do anything, like report her to what ever committee she reports to, or anything crazy like that. I will even sign a contract if need be.”
Leo stopped the car, turning his body so he faced Elizabeth, “Elizabeth stop. You didn’t give me a chance to finish. She has agreed. She owes me for a job I did for her a few months back. But we have to keep it on the down low.”
“That’s fine. I can do that I just know this will be the answer.” Elizabeth said as she leaned over to kiss Leo enthusiastically, “Thank you, thank you.”
Then her eyes were drawn beyond the car window to a large log home, with a wrap around porch, “Leo, this place is gorgeous. Is this your place?”
“Yes,” He said as he reached behind the seat, grabbing a bag, before getting out of the car.
Elizabeth followed as she looked around at old mature trees that dotted the property and the vast expansion
of land with no other home in sight. She leaned against the car as she folded her arms across her chest. Leo looked over with an eyebrow raised in question.
Elizabeth laughed at the expressions as she stated. “This is your tax break?”
Leo nodded his head in agreement with a smile on his face as she walked over. “Darling, I love your little tax break. You do have style.” She said as she reached over to give him a quick peck on the lips.
Leo laughed, “Why thank you…But, I’m starting to feel like a piece of real estate. I didn’t know I could turn you on so quickly, otherwise I would have brought you here sooner.”
Elizabeth laughed as she leaned into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck, just before she pulled his head down to her lips. “Oh, but such a nice piece of real estate can always turn a girl on. And yours is one of the best on the market, I would say.”
“Are you trying to distract me from the issues?”
“I’m trying to distract myself from the issues. And I can’t think of a better way of doing it than with you.” She deepened the kiss further when Leo pulled her tighter into his arms as his lips slant across hers. Elizabeth felt warmth run through her veins like a slow flowing river on a hot summer day. In his arms, the day’s events evaporated for a brief moment.
Chapter 22
Elizabeth stretched lazily, working out slowly the wonderful ache throughout her body. The night was still dark outside with a light coming from the other room. She wrapped the sheet around herself as she walked softly over to where the light was illuminated. She paused when she saw Leo half dressed, standing at a desk; his back turned to her, his voice a murmur as he talked quietly on a phone.
Elizabeth smiled as she stepped closer, than her smile faded as she heard his words, “She is remembering more...she hasn’t told me yet.” Elizabeth frowned at the comment; instinctively she held still, her hand that had planned on embracing him dropping to her side. She turned away from him, the remark disturbing her as paranoia and doubt overcame her delicious feeling of contentment just a moment earlier.
Secrets of the Weeping Willow Page 17