Take Back the Night

by Annie Harland Creek

  He followed her through the large foyer, past the elegant lounge room, and into the biggest kitchen he’d ever laid eyes on.

  “Holy crap! The Corels must entertain a lot if they need a kitchen this big.”

  Susie filled the jug with water from the sink, set the pot to brew, and collected two mugs from a cup holder. “No one, besides you, has been here since I arrived. Mind you, that could be because I’m here.”

  “Oh.” How do I respond? None of the scenarios seemed like a good topic to mention. Either they thought that their guests might be tempted to eat her, or she would freak out having extra vampires in the house. Keep your big mouth shut, Palmer.

  “Would you like a cookie with your coffee?” she asked as she poured their drinks.

  Her question confounded him. “They keep food in the house?”

  Susie laughed. It came bubbling from between her lips in a sudden burst of bell-toned notes. The smile lit up her face and he knew it was a memory that would remain etched in his brain. Beautiful.

  “They can eat. They just don’t need to eat. I, on the other hand, do.”

  Terry lowered his chin and scratched the back of his neck. “Sorry, my brain isn’t working this morning.” Especially after witnessing the loveliest smile I’ve ever seen.

  She motioned for him to sit at the kitchen table and carried over a tray with sugar, milk, and a plate of chocolate chip cookies. They looked great, but his stomach still hadn’t settled from his visit to the morgue. Nevertheless, he took one and nibbled the dark chocolate jutting from the edge.

  “You mentioned that you were having a bad morning. What can I do to help?”

  Smile again. Another smile like that would certainly brighten his day. Instead, he hesitated. She’d experienced worse horrors than he’d ever known. His morning didn’t compare to her past. Walk on egg shells.

  “I lost a client today.” Hopefully she won’t ask for details.

  “The case you spoke to David about? The married woman who thought that her husband was cheating?” She took the seat opposite him and kept her hands in her lap.

  Damn. Now what? “Yeah, that’s the one.”

  “What happened? Did she decide to go with another agency?”

  Fuck, fuck, fuck. “Not exactly.”

  Susie took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I may not have Anna’s psychic abilities or Meaghan’s cop intuition, but I do have a good deal of common sense. They told you about me, didn’t they? You’re holding back information because you’re afraid I’ll shatter into a million pieces.”

  Terry’s nose crinkled and his mouth twisted into a half-smile. “Am I really so transparent?”

  “Crystal clear.”

  She flashed him another smile. A brief, beautiful, bewitching smile that almost reached her eyes. Almost.

  “Now. Can we stop dancing around the truth?”

  “Only if you call me Terry.” As if I haven’t asked her a million times already.

  “Okay, Terry. Tell me what happened, and I want the truth this time.”

  He took a sip of his coffee and then a deep breath. What would he do if she lost it?

  “My client was murdered last night.”

  Her hand shot to her mouth and her eyes widened in horror. Idiot. Now look what you’ve done.

  “Do you know who murdered her?”

  “It looks like it was her husband. Actually, I’m sure it was.”

  When her hand dropped back to the table, she seemed calmer. “Oh, that’s good. No, of course it’s not good, I mean … I’m glad it wasn’t…”

  He saved her the pain of naming the creature that he was told had ruined her life. “Nothing supernatural. Just a man.”

  ****

  Just a man? The words sent a shiver down her spine. Just a man? It was ‘just a man’ who lured her to the vampires’ den. Just a man who bartered her like cattle in exchange for everlasting life. She reached for the coffee cup, but her trembling hand knocked over the sugar bowl, spilling the contents everywhere.

  “I’m so clumsy these days.” she told him as she swept the crystals with her hand onto an empty plate.

  He reached out to help. Their fingers met and she jumped at the contact, spilling more sugar on the table.

  “I’ve upset you,” he apologized with a puppy dog expression that caused her further embarrassment. “I shouldn’t have told you about the murder.”

  She turned her head away, hoping it would be easier to explain if she didn’t have to face him. Didn’t lose herself in those emerald-green eyes. “I … I don’t like to be touched.”

  “I’m sorry, Susie. I wasn’t trying to—”

  She turned to face him. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it. I can’t stand even Anna touching me and she’s my best friend. It’s something I’m trying to deal with. That’s why I’ve started group sessions with Doctor Dubois.”

  Terry’s reaction took her by surprise.

  “Fuck!”

  She frowned her disapproval at his curse word. “Excuse me?”

  He shook his head. “Sorry. It just came out.” He palmed his forehead before telling her, “I completely forgot that I saw you at the session.”

  Wow, that’s not insulting at all. She opened her mouth to speak but he interrupted.

  “Allan Whittaker. He’s part of your group.”

  “Allan Whittaker?”

  “You know … the strange guy who didn’t say a word during the session.”

  Susie gasped. “I remember him. He barely moved. I don’t remember him even blinking. He gave me the creeps.”

  “He’s the murderer. He killed his wife and left the body for her kids to find.”

  She shuddered as she pictured the poor children beside the body of their dead mother. “Did they catch him?”

  “No, not yet. Maybe it would be better if you skip group therapy for a while. At least until he’s in custody.”

  Fine by me. I’m not keen on seeing Beau again anytime soon. But Anna would be disappointed if she didn’t learn to reconnect with people. “I don’t know. I really need those sessions. I doubt that he’d come back. He must know the police are looking for him.”

  “I’d feel better if you stayed away.” He raised his hand, as though he might reach for her, then dropped it back in his lap.

  “It’s not like I enjoy being part of that group, Terry. Anna thinks it will help me if I can talk to someone about my experience. Someone who isn’t a—”

  “Vampire?”

  With a shrug she added, “I can’t live like this anymore. You probably won’t believe it, but I used to be outgoing. Fun, even.”

  His mouth twisted a little at one corner in a half-smile but the green in his eyes brightened to a deeper shade of emerald. “If you like, you can always talk to me.”

  A kaleidoscope of butterflies took flight in her stomach. Fear? Excitement? She wasn’t sure which. “I … I’ll have to think about it,” she told him. “Would that be okay?”

  He rose from his seat. “Sure. Take your time. Whenever you’re ready, I’m here for you.”

  Halfway to the front door, he turned. “I mean it, Susie. I’m here for you. Any time, day or night. I don’t have superpowers, but I’m pretty handy with my fists and I’m a crack shot with a revolver.”

  Lifting his jacket aside, he showed her the handgun he had holstered in his belt before he reached into his top pocket and handed her a business card, keeping his fingers on the furthest edge to avoid touching her. As grateful as she was for his consideration, somehow it caused a pang of disappointment. She was still pondering her reaction as she watched his car travel down the long driveway and out of sight.

  Chapter Six

  You can do this. Susie marched into the kitchen knowing that all four of her hosts were in the room, drinking what she hoped was wine. They looked as though they had all stepped from the page of a fashion magazine. David, the cheekier brother, rocked a white t-shirt and navy-blue jeans. His dark hair matched
his brother’s but she noticed his eyes were a slightly deeper shade of blue. Derrick wore camel-colored chinos and a pale-blue buttoned shirt that matched his wife’s floral cotton dress. Anna’s copper curls had grown longer than when she and Susie had first met, although still not as long as Meaghan’s waist-length, pale-blonde hair which had been tied back in a ponytail, making her look even younger than her years. Her tight jeans hugged her curves, as did her pink off-the-shoulder top. David’s hand rested on Meaghan’s bottom, his fingers splayed to cover most of her butt cheek.

  Mid-conversation, they stopped and turned to face her. She suspected she’d surprised them, considering she rarely found the courage to be in a room with both couples at the same time. Too many vampires. Too many memories.

  Meaghan held out a glass. “Susie. Join us for a glass of merlot.”

  “Thanks.” She accepted the drink with a smile as she tried to control the trembling in her hand. They won’t hurt you. You know that. Relax.

  “I heard you had a visit from Palmer today,” David informed her as, holding his wife’s hand, he led the group into the living room. “I hope he didn’t distress you.”

  Susie closed her eyes and grimaced. Am I really that pathetic? Have I changed that much? “No. He didn’t upset me. He was very pleasant, very considerate.”

  The brothers exchanged knowing looks. What were they saying to each other? She knew they had a telepathic link, a blood connection. She also knew that David was able to connect with Terry through a similar connection. Were they discussing her or Terry Palmer?

  Once in the room, they separated into couples. Meaghan and David curled up on one couch while Anna and Derrick snuggled in the other. Susie plonked herself into one of the single seats and resisted the urge to chew her fingers. Be brave. You’ve got this.

  “I’d like to ask you all for advice, if that’s okay?” She winced when her voice quivered a little as she spoke. “Terry asked me to call him if I need to talk. I think I’d like to try.”

  Anna and Meaghan squealed with delight. The men remained silent, but she thought she caught the hint of a nod from David.

  “You won’t regret it, hon,” Meaghan told her a little too enthusiastically. “He’s a great guy.”

  Susie held up her hands. “Hold your horses. I’m not planning on marrying the man. I’m not even sure when I’ll find the courage to talk to him. I’m only considering the idea.”

  David leaned forward in his seat. “You’ve been through a lot chérie, and you’re making great progress, but…” He reached into his jeans pocket and produced a small blue box tied with white ribbon. “We wanted to give you peace of mind. While we were in Paris, I had a friend make this for you.”

  “You shouldn’t have bought me a present. You’ve all done too much already. I—”

  “It’s not a present … well, sort of.” Meaghan stumbled over the words. “Anna told us that you’re not comfortable with the idea of a blood exchange. Believe me, I can understand that. I didn’t think I’d ever get over my blood phobia.”

  “Fortunately for both of us”—David kissed his wife’s neck—“you did.”

  “Okay…” Susie tried to ignore both the reference to blood and the intimate gesture as she untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. “A watch? Thank you. It’s beautiful, but what does it have to do with a blood exchange?” She dropped the box in her lap. “It doesn’t hold blood, does it?”

  “No. Nothing like that.” Meaghan laughed. “David, you explain.”

  “It’s not just a watch. Do you see the red button on the top?”

  Susie traced her finger around the edge of the watch until she found it. “The one shaped like a heart?”

  David nodded and held out his wrist. “We each have one.”

  “That’s nice … but I still don’t see the connection.”

  Anna piped in. “We were all concerned for you. Although a blood exchange would be the ideal way to stay connected, David suggested the watches. If you depress the red button, we all get a distress call from you. The watch has a locator. Whoever is the closest to you when the alarm goes off will be there almost instantly. Give it a go.”

  Susie depressed the button and instantly, the room began to buzz with the sound of alarms. Anna held out her wrist. “See! It displays your name and location. We can get to you any time, night or … actually, only at night.” She wrinkled her nose at her husband. “That could be a problem.”

  Susie’s eyes widened. “Can any vampires go out during the day?”

  “Not unless they want a really deep tan,” Derrick told her with a snort. “Believe me, it’s not fun.”

  “Then I should be okay,” she decided. Should be being the operative word. She took another look at the watch and gasped. Diamonds? “David! Meaghan! This is really too much! You shouldn’t have gone to so much expense.”

  “Oh, let him have his fun,” Meaghan teased with a shake of her hands. “He loves buying diamonds for beautiful women.”

  “You, my darling,” David cooed to his wife, “are the most precious jewel in my life now.” He drew her into his lap and kissed her so passionately, Susie expected the couch they sat on to combust.

  “Oh, get a room!” Derrick told them as their hands began to explore each other’s bodies.

  Susie put her half-empty glass down onto the coffee table and rose to her feet. “I think that’s my cue to go,” she informed them.

  “Don’t go,” Meaghan protested as she wrestled free of her husband’s grasp. “We’ll behave, I promise.” She slapped David’s hand off her thigh.

  “No, it’s fine. I need to make a call, anyway,” she told them with a wave of her hand. “Good night, all. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Not waiting for a response, she hurried back to her room, praying that she wouldn’t lose the confidence to make that call.

  ****

  “Hello, Mr. … sorry, Terry. This is Susie Lister.”

  After an ever-so-slight hesitation, she heard him answer.

  “Are you all right? Has anything happened?”

  “I’m fine, thank you. Everything here is fine.”

  “Oh, good,” he answered in a breathless voice. “You had me worried for a moment. I figured that if you were calling, it must be pretty important.”

  She sighed. How low had she fallen? Would this man ever believe that she had once been outgoing and vivacious? “No, Terry. It’s all good. I just wanted to … I wondered if … could you use my help?”

  Another hesitation on the end of the line almost made her regret her decision to call. Was she so pathetic? “Look, it’s okay. Sorry to have bothered you—”

  “No, no. Don’t hang up,” he shouted. “I was just a bit shocked by you offer. I was told that—”

  “That I didn’t leave the house?” She could barely hide the sarcasm in her tone.

  “Yeah, sorry. Your offer surprised me. Of course I’d be happy to see you again, and often.”

  Susie felt the cold chill travel down her spine. Maybe this was a mistake? What did he think she was offering? “I don’t know about often, but I had an idea. I’d planned on dropping the group therapy sessions because…” She considered sharing her intuitive feelings about Beau but thought better of it. Terry probably already thought she was crazy. “It doesn’t matter why. I’ve reconsidered. I thought that my being there might help your case. Maybe I will hear something about your killer?”

  “That would be great but … are you sure you’re up to it? I don’t want to put you under any extra stress.”

  “My sessions are during the day and I have a driver,” she told him with a sigh.

  Of course it would be stressful. Just getting up in the morning was stressful, but if there was something, anything she could do to rid the streets of another monster, she would at least try. While she struggled to think of the right words to convince him, he made a suggestion.

  “Look, Susie. I don’t know how you’ll feel about this, and feel free to say no, but, may
be I could take you. We could discuss what information we need about the case on the way there and you could let me know what you find out on the way back.”

  The hand holding the phone began to tremble and soon her whole body shook. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead and she steadied herself against her desk as the strength drained from her legs. Would she be able to sit beside him in a car, their bodies close enough to touch?

  “Susie?”

  “I’m still here,” she told him, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “It’s okay to say no. I’m not offended. We can—”

  “I’ll do it.” The words exploded from her mouth before she could second-guess her decision. Baby steps. “At least I’ll try.”

  “Good, good,” he told her. “When is your next session?”

  “Tomorrow. It starts at eleven AM.”

  “I’ll pick you up at 10:30 AM, if that’s okay. I know it’s only ten minutes away, but we can formulate a plan on the way. Does that suit you?”

  She nodded her answer, then answered, “Uh huh.”

  “Great. I see you at 10:30 sharp. And, Susie?”

  “Yes, Terry?”

  “Thanks.”

  Chapter Seven

  You’ve got this. He told himself on the drive to the mansion. Take it steady. Don’t frighten her away. He’d begun the mantra back at his home, while he showered, dressed, and as he ate breakfast. Her call had thrown him for a loop. No way would he ever have believed this beautiful, fragile woman would offer to, not only assist him on the case, but also allow him to drive her, unescorted to the sessions. This gal was tougher than her guardians gave her credit for.