He found himself impressed but not deterred after he completed his scout of the area, not taking him long to find the additional cameras and their blind spots. Anyone with less experience than him would have had difficulties in spotting the hidden cameras. He was coming to appreciate even more the skill level of Leo, although not surprised, after some of his research he had done on him when he found out he was the one helping Elizabeth.
Needing the shield of the night, he sat back against a tree, waiting for the sun to finish it’s downward decent. Leo turned his jacket around, the opposite side black as the night, mimicking the action with the pants., knowing the dark of night would hide him further from anyone that could be watching.
Chapter 25
Elizabeth jumped when she heard something drop below her, her heart loud in her ears as she sat still listening. Then she smiled as she heard Leo hum pleasantly in the kitchen beneath her. Seriously, she thought, could she be more jumpy or paranoid than she was as this moment,? Giddiness quickly replaced the paranoia.
She replaced the book on amnesia back to its original location before she stepped over to the railing, almost skipping in her excitement. Her eyes watched him admiringly as she walked casually along the catwalk, her hand lightly skimming the wood railing, before she paused at the top of the stairs long enough to watch him remove groceries from brown paper bags that sat on the island in the kitchen.
Her feet were light on the wide wood stairs as she glided down them, her smile widening when she saw him look up and smile, his eyes lazily running the length of her body, pausing at the curves hidden only slightly from the oversized clothes, “Hey baby, I love the attire”
Elizabeth giggled as she emphasized the swing of her hips as she sauntered over to him, then her giggle turned into a playful pout as she danced just outside his reach. “Where were you?” she asked as she looked into one of the brown bags.
Leo laughed, the deep sound coursed through her, sending pleasant shock waves through her body. “Well, I never keep much food out here, so, I ran out for some.” He said as he walked over to her, his arms encircling her waist as he kissed her neck.
Elizabeth sidestepped out of his arms as she smiled over at him, her eyes going to the next bag on the counter, as she reached up onto her toes to get a better look. “Good, because I’m...” The words dying on her lips, as she turned to him in question, a frown now marred her face. “Where did you get this stuff?” she asked as she pointed to the bag.
Leo leaned back against the counter opposite of the island. “I stopped by your rental to get some things for you.” He said casually.
“I can see that.” Elizabeth said as she reached in to pull out a couple of the items in the bag. “Why, would you do that?” she asked, her voice dripping in fury.
Leo’s eyebrows raised, his eyes filled with surprise. “Because, I knew you needed some things. Besides, I wanted to let Aurora know you were fine. I remember when I first met you how protective you two were of each others safety.”
The irrational anger rippled through her. “I didn’t ask you to do that.” She said as she tossed the items back into the bag.
“No…you didn’t.” He said hesitantly, his voice full of uncertainty.
“So, why the hell would you go behind my back?” She asked in anger. Knowing she was sounding irrational but unable to help the thoughts or feeling that filled her at the moment.
Anger replaced the surprise in Leo’s face, “I didn’t go behind your back. I knew you were upset and I thought it would save you a trip. I didn’t know you would react like this.”
Elizabeth turned from Leo as she placed her palms on the island, her eyes closed as she took in several deep breaths in an attempt to compose her emotions. She knew she was being irrational, but found herself unable to control the emotional roller coaster the last few days had put her in.
She stepped around the island to sit on one of the high chairs; leaning back she lifted her foot to rest her heel on the edge of the chair, hugging her leg against her chest. Her chin rested against her knee as she looked out to the room, yet not seeing it through her emotions. She needed to calm her irrational thoughts, even though she knew the source of them, she would also see, even through her anger, she was being border line psychotic. But, she was so afraid, that Rita had still been at the rental and what she would have said to him.
She knew she couldn’t avoid the inevitable question any longer; she turned her head to rest her cheek now against her knee as she faced him. “I’m sorry.” She said with sincerity, knowing he was just the unfortunate object in the path of her unresolved anger towards the woman who had claimed to be her mother for all these years. “Was she there?” she asked hesitantly.
“Who?”
“My mother…I mean Rita.” She said in exasperation.
“Yes, she was.” He said in a matter of fact manner. “Although, she didn’t say much of anything. She only asked if you were okay...Aurora was there also, she wants you to call her by the way.”
“I know, I need to do that,” Elizabeth said absently, afraid to ask the next question, but needing to know the answer. “My mother didn’t say anything to you about....”
“About what?”
“About me, about her.” She said in frustration.
“Elizabeth, I thought we were in this together, I can’t help you if you continue to keep things from me.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes as she took in a deep breath wondering how she was going to proceed and how she was going to word what she had discovered the night before, still finding it hard to think of herself.
She blew out her breath, as she turned back to Leo, needing to just end the procrastination of what she needed to say, “She isn’t my mother.” She said quickly, expecting to see a surprised look cross Leo’s face. Instead she saw no change at all in his expression, just understanding.
Surprised by his lack of surprise, she frowned as she dropped her leg; her body leaning forward onto the island top. Then, understanding filled her as she realized that he knew, he somehow knew this information already. It was the only explanation for his lack of reaction, his lack of questions from the night before. He knew this desperate secret, that she has just discovered, the anger rose in her again as she settled back on the chair. Her hands shook, knowing he had lied to her also, “You knew. Didn’t you? You knew she wasn’t my mother.” The last remark more of a statement than a question.
“Yes.”
“For how long have you known this?”
“A few days, I came across some information about a young girl, with your name, dying around the same time you said you lost your memory. I felt like it was too much of a coincidence not to be significant, but, I didn’t have a picture of your mother to confirm it. When you called me the other night, I was going to mention it then.... But you seemed like you didn’t want to talk about anything too serious. So, I had figured it could wait ‘til morning. Although, when morning came, I simply forgot. It wasn’t a conscious choice, it just happened. When I did remember, you were in the shower. At the same time I saw a picture of you and your mother. I knew then.”
Elizabeth felt betrayed as she turned away from Leo, this man she had fallen for and had against her better judgment had trusted. A mixture of sadness and anger twisted her heart in a vice as she spoke quietly, “And you felt the need...for what reason? To hide this from me also.” Surprise made her jump when she felt Leo’s hands on her shoulders; she shrugged them away in hurt, a lump large and painful in her throat, “Don’t touch me.”
“Elizabeth...” He began, before she cut him off.
“And don’t you dare call me baby, you lying piece of shit,” Elizabeth spat out in anger as she jumped down from the chair to face him. “What else have you kept from me?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing, nothing.” A harsh laugh escaped her lips, “and I’m suppos
e to believe this, why?” She asked as she raised her eyebrows in a sarcastic gesture. “Because…you, have been so forthright with all that you have learned.” The statement laced with sarcasm.
“Elizabeth, please just listen to me for a minute. Let me explain.”
“Oh, don’t worry I really want to hear this,” Elizabeth said as she walked into the great room, falling back into the soft leather chair, her legs crossed in defiance as she folds her arms across her chest in a defensive manner. “But, I believe I’m going to have to get more comfortable for this line of bull.”
Leo ran a hand through his hair in an uncomfortable manner as he followed her into the great room, sitting on the edge of the couch. A look of frustration and uncertainty on his face, “I had always planned on telling you, Elizabeth.”
“Yeah, yeah. You already mentioned that. You just forgot to mention when.” She said, unable to hide the sarcasm once more from her voice.
“Will you please let me finish?” Leo asked in desperation.
Elizabeth sat back, as she mockingly turned a figurative key over her lips.
“I didn’t want to mention it to you when I saw the picture, because I wasn’t sure if you were ready for that shock. I wanted to talk to my psychiatrist friend, Sara, first. To find out the best way to tell you.” Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose in disbelief as Leo continued. “Then when you told me you wanted to be put under hypnosis, I thought that would be better for you to find out with a professional to help you understand all the ramifications of it.”
“Well, doesn’t that sound all neat and tidy,” Elizabeth said in anger.
Leo’s response cut off with a knock at the door, his head dropped forward as he sighed.
“And who the hell could that possibly be?” Elizabeth asked, as she looked towards the door.
“It’s Sara. She called me just before I got back and told me that her afternoon appointment cancelled. So… she had some unexpected time on her hand…she’s here to return my favor. But, if you’re not ready I can always tell her we can do it later.” He said with an apologetic raised hand.
“Oh, don’t you dare send her away. I am sick and tired of everyone around me knowing more about my life than I do.” Elizabeth said, her steps angry as walked back into the kitchen, her hand snatched the bag with her clothes and other items he had obtained from Aurora and Rita. She spoke over her shoulder as she walked back up the stairs, “Tell her I’ll be right down.” Then she paused half way up, turning, “Our little conversation is far from finished.”
Chapter 26
Elizabeth splashed cold water on her face, pissed that Leo had failed to tell her about Rita and wondering what else he had failed or forgot to tell her in his search of her past. She gritted her teeth in frustration as she leaned against the cool porcelain sink, her emotions somersaulting between sadness, anger and betrayal.
What had given him the right to withhold this information from her? She didn’t hire him to make these decisions, she hired him to find information and tell her what he found. Just because their relationship had taken on another level did not give him the right to analyze her mental status or even to hold back the information he had obtained. Damn him, she thought as she pushed back from the sink.
She looked back up into the mirror, her face pale; her blue eyes reflecting wisdom she didn’t feel, along with the hurt she felt from what she had found so far, and anger with all that had been held back from her for too long. She attempted to shake off the barrage of emotions to focus on what needed to be done as she put all her energy into the act of getting dressed and putting on her make-up. When she felt like she was put back together as best she could, under the circumstances, she stepped away from the mirror, tentatively ready to take charge back of her life.
Elizabeth paused at the top of the stairs, her eyes closed as she felt a rush of fear starting to rise up through her throat. ‘No, no, no’ she told herself as she fought the urge, taking in several deep breaths to calm her anxiety back down while hearing Leo’s deep tones underly the murmur of voices in the distance. ‘What am I doing?’ she thought, as she fought the urge to turn around and avoid what she needed to face.
‘No, you can do this.’ She told herself as she attempted to calm herself, not wanting them to see her obvious fear. ‘Oh, whom is she kidding’, she thought. ‘The woman is a psychiatrist. Of course she will be able to see my fear, it is her job to read people’.
Elizabeth stepped down onto the wood stairs; her hand skimmed the smooth wood railing. The stairs were warm on the sole’s of her feet from the sun shining through the skylight over them. Getting her first glimpse of Sara, whose hair was a dark silky blonde that cascaded down her back like a silent river, she also noticed that Leo stood when he saw Elizabeth at the foot of the stairs; a small smile lifting the corner of his mouth as his eyes reflected warm concern.
Sara turned also, Elizabeth shocked for a moment at her stunning beauty. Thin, well-groomed eyebrows arched over a pair of blue-grey eyes. A large sloped Italian nose posed just above full red lips, which were curved into a delicate smile. Her movements slow and unhurried, as she also stood to face Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled as she stepped forward; a sense of calm temporarily replacing her initial fear of meeting her. “I’m sorry you had to wait so long,” She said as she extended out a hand to introduce herself.
Sara’s voice was soft, with a hint of a southern accent underlining her words. “Well, it is a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth.” She said, her hand soft, the grip firm, “I’m Sara Mancini and Leo did not do you justice. You are gorgeous. I see why Leo is so taken with you.” She said with a wink.
Leo laughed, “Elizabeth, don’t let her fool you. I did do you justice.”
Elizabeth gave a small smile at their friendly banter, obvious that they knew each other quite well. This should have calmed her even more but instead she felt her nervousness return as she indicated with her arm for them to sit.
Elizabeth settled down on the couch next to Leo, her anger temporarily forgotten as she used his nearness to calm her shredded nerves. Leo’s hand settled on her leg, squeezing it and the action gave her a sense of reassurance. Laying her hand on his, Elizabeth laughed self-consciously as she wondered how this was all supposed to work. “So how long have you been practicing psychiatry?” She finally asked, to break the awkward silence.
“A little over fifteen years now.” Sara replied, the answer surprising Elizabeth at how youthful and ageless Sara appeared. Sara smiled, “I’m often mistaken as much younger than my age.”
Elizabeth felt self-conscious; unconsciously she lifted Leo’s hand off of her thigh to rest it between her hands. “Do you like it?”
Sara’s eyes twinkled, “Like what? Being mistaken for much younger or my job?”
Elizabeth laughed; the remark loosened the tension she felt. “Your job.”
Sara’s eyes sparkled in understanding, as she leaned forward, intensity in her look, “Yes, I do. Very much.” Then she looked over at Leo “Would you mind getting us some tea? I would like to have a few minutes alone with Elizabeth.” Her eyes turned back to look at Elizabeth, “If that is alright with you, that is?”
“No, that is fine.”
Elizabeth watched Leo walk back into the kitchen, his lines graceful and strong.
Elizabeth turned back to see Sara watching her, a small understanding smile playing across her face, “He is quite taken with you. I’m afraid there will be a lot of disappointed ladies.”
“Why is that?”
“Because, he is most definitely off the market.”
Elizabeth laughed, her face grew warm “Well I don’t know about that. I think he feels responsible for me since I hired him.”
A small smile curved Sara’s red lips, warmth emanating from her eyes as she looked past Elizabeth, “I’ve known Leo for quite a few years. And I’ve never seen him lik
e this.” Laughing as she indicated to the kitchen, “You have him all a fluster.”
Puzzled, Elizabeth looked over to the kitchen where Leo was pouring water into a teapot.
Looking back at Sara, “But I thought you two had only met a few months ago, when he did a job for you.”
“Well, yes he did do a job for me a few months ago. But, I met Leo when I first moved to New Orleans and started my own practice ten years ago.” She said with a laugh, “And green around the gills.” She finished with a playful wink.
“I’m sorry,” Elizabeth said as she sat back further on the couch. “It’s not really that important, I’m just a bit surprised is all. I was under the impression that he had only met you when he did the job for you.” She shrugged her shoulders as she asked in a casual manner, one that she didn’t feel, “So...what has Leo told you about my situation?”
Sara sat back her long legs crossing as her eyes became intense. “He just skimmed over the bases. Mentioning that you lost your memory when you were young and haven’t fully regained them yet.”
“Did he mention about the man I’ve been seeing?” She asked as she shifted uncomfortably.
“Yes. He has,” Sara said in a matter of fact manner. “But with very little details, I was hoping you could elaborate.”
“I can try,” Elizabeth said as she took in a deep breath. “But, it’s complicated.”
“Just start from the beginning. Sometimes it helps if you look back at when something started.”
“Okay. Well, I guess it started the first day Aurora and I arrived in New Orleans. I had just woken up from a dream, or should I say nightmare, and he was watching me from a boat dock off the shore, through a telescope.”
Secrets of the Weeping Willow Page 19