Dark Deeds

by Jill S. Behe

  “Bella, stay. Okay, Teal.” He caught her hand.

  Bella whined, body vibrating with excitement.

  Still holding Teal’s hand, Decker knelt to speak to his pet. “Bella, this is Teal. She’s the librarian I told you about. She’s come to spend the day with us.” He looked up. “Teal, this is Bella Mia, my special girl. Let her sniff your hand.”

  Teal lifted her left hand, palm down, towards the dog. Bella sniffed, licked, and nudged her head underneath.

  Decker stood, smiling. “She likes you.”

  “Oh, I like her too. She’s beautiful.” Teal went to her knees, running her hands over the blonde canine. “I’ve brought you a present, Bella. Would you like to see it?”

  Bella barked.

  Decker laughed, hands in his pockets, rocking heel to toe. “One for yes. Two for no. Believe it or not.”

  “Well, aren’t you a smart girl?”

  “I discovered this talent very recently.”

  “How cool is that?” She stood, retrieved the grocery sack from the floor of the truck, and pulled out a stuffed lamb. After first biting off the plastic tag tie, she offered it to Bella.

  The dog looked at Decker.

  “Wow. That’s impressive.”

  He nodded, and Bella took the gift gently from Teal, then raced to the middle of the yard and began tossing the toy and pouncing on it.

  Teal laughed. “That was very special.”

  “She surprises me on a daily basis. Someone trained her extremely well.” Decker took her hand. “And you make me smile. Thank God I finally made a move.” There was a faint chuckle in his head, which he ignored.

  He tugged. “Come on. Let me show you the house.” They walked hand-in-hand to the top step, and he stopped. “You asked about a porch.”

  Teal saw two rocking chairs with a small table between and a large swing. “I did. This is marvelous. What beautiful furniture. Where—”

  “Thanks. My Liz’s influence.”

  “She must have been a gorgeous woman, inside as well as out. I remember her coming into the library. She was always smiling, always had a kind word for everyone.”

  “Well, not always, but she did, a lot. And, she was gorgeous. But then, so are you. I have superior taste in women.”

  Teal laughed.

  Hands on his chest, Decker groaned. “I’m drowning here.”

  Teal turned to stand in front of him, mentally smiling that she had to look up. “Thank you for the compliment. You’re kinda gorgeous too, for a man, inside and out.”

  “I’m gorgeous? Ha!”

  “Hey, you attracted me, and I’m pretty particular. I don’t hang out with just anyone, you know.”

  “I’m glad.” He pulled her close. “Really really glad.”

  Her arms slid around his middle. “I like you an awful lot, Decker. It’s scary how much so soon.”

  “I know what you mean. And I have a theory about that. But, to continue the tour—”

  “Oh!” Teal jerked away as a cold nose touched her arm, and a furry yellow head inched between them.

  Decker laughed. “Not sure if she’s pushing you away, or just wants to be included.”

  “She’s not growling, and her tail’s wagging.”

  “Both good signs.”

  The tour took twenty minutes, and they ended up on the back patio deck. Here too, Teal saw a round wooden table and four chairs, a bench, and a canopied swing, all displaying the same design as the furniture on the front porch. The pattern was unique and beautiful, and the chairs looked comfortable–like they were custom built.

  She wondered….

  “Okay, you’ve seen the whole thing. What’s your favorite part?”

  And the view from the back of the house was almost more spectacular than the front. “Good grief, I have to have a favorite?”

  “So, you don’t?”

  “Every bit of it. I like it all.”

  “That’s good. My favorite spot is the front porch.”

  “Yeah. That’s pretty special, but just overall, the house is magnificent.”

  He took her hands. “Could you live here?”

  She thought about it, considered the pros and cons, mulled it over, and nodded. “I could live here. I’d need a dog, for protection, but yeah.”

  “I like you here.”

  “I really like being here. So far, at least.”

  “Encouraging.”

  She smiled, head tilted. “My coffee has worn off. Are you going to feed me breakfast?”

  Another change of subject.

  “I thought we’d take a walk first.”

  “Trying to butter me up?”

  “I don’t think I need to.”

  “You’re right. It’s a bit…nerve wracking?”

  “Nerve wracking? What is?”

  “This feeling I get when you’re in the same room.”

  “Is that a bad thing?”

  “No, maybe that’s not quite the right word for it. It just— Decker, it feels so familiar. Maybe I want it too much.”

  “Can’t want it too much.” He laughed. “Baby, I’d love to walk you up those stairs right now.”

  Her eyes rolled. “I’d go, too. But, please don’t ask. Not yet.”

  “I agree. My little brain is screaming at me, but my big brain is more intelligent. I think.” He nodded. “Let’s take that walk.”

  “With Bella?”

  “Of course. She wouldn’t let us leave the yard unless we took her along.”

  “Then let’s go. How far a walk?”

  “As far as you want. Bella and I have a four mile loop we usually jog around. Would that be too much for your first one?”

  “Jogging? Yes. Walking? Still sounds long, but I’ll give it a try.”

  “Great. Let me get Bella’s leash.”

  At his whistle, Bella came around the side of the house on the run, new toy in her mouth.

  “We’re going for a walk, Bella Mia.” He patted his leg. “Ready?”

  The yellow dog sat and dropped the lamb, as Decker snapped on her leash.

  “Do you really need that out here?”

  “No, but it’s something we’re both used to. It’s a routine. Also a safety feature. She can’t run after rabbits and squirrels, and I don’t have to chase her down.”

  Teal laughed.

  “Actually, I don’t think she’d run off, and if she did, I’m almost certain she’d come back when I called.”

  “From what I saw this morning, I’d say you were spot on.”

  They walked in silence, hand in hand, for several minutes.

  Teal, enjoying the intimacy of spending the day with Decker, was also taking in the dark beauty of the deep forest, the lush undergrowth, and the sounds of the wildlife and birds. “It’s so indescribable. So breathtaking.” She spoke in a whisper. “Awe-inspiring.”

  Decker gave her hand a squeeze. “It is that. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

  “I understand why.” They walked farther, coming to the split in the path. “What a…serene spot.”

  Bella woofed.

  Decker gave the dog’s head a pat, but said nothing. Teal was right, it did feel peaceful. No real lingering vibes—so to speak—from what he’d found.

  They continued around the curve.

  Teal stopped abruptly, shaking her head as though it hurt. She placed a hand on Decker’s chest.

  “Are you in pain?” He waited. “What is it?”

  For a moment, he saw indecision on her face, then it cleared.

  “I’m not sure, exactly, but there are two things bubbling up that I need to get out. And not sure how you’ll react to what I have to say.”

  He pulled her close.

  Bella snugged in against her leg. Now that was interesting.

  “We’re listening.”

  “First, there’s my name. Can’t give you any good reason why I hesitated when you asked, nor why it’s important that I tell you, now. Somehow, here, it seems to be somet
hing you need to know.”

  “Okay.”

  “My mother wanted to name me, Midnight Sky Luna Moonlight. Sounds like the mid-60s hippy stuff, right? Well, my Gran talked her down to Luna Sky. Mom agreed, but then added Teal to the beginning. She said it would match my eyes. So, my whole name is Teal Luna Skye—with an e.”

  “Thank you.” He watched her face. “There’s more to it, yes?”

  “Not really, and not anymore right now.”

  “Okay. What else? You said two things.”

  She let go of his hand, and wrapped her arms around her middle. “This one is harder.

  Chapter 16

  He ran a hand down her arm. “Take your time.”

  A smile. “I really love how patient you are.”

  “Huh. Depends on the circumstances, honey. But, you’re stalling. Again.”

  “Yes.”

  “And you tend to change the subject if you don’t want to answer a question, or get uncomfortable with the conversation.”

  Her eyes narrowed. It was a tell of hers, but most people didn’t pick up on it. “Figured me out.” She was really liking this guy. He saw who she was, and still wanted to be with her.

  “Sorry. Old work habit.”

  On a bracing breath, she began, “This is where you found her.” It wasn’t a question. She was absolutely certain.

  Only slightly surprised, he nodded.

  She spread out her arms and turned in a circle. “This is such a peaceful spot, but there is a small disturbance in the calm. The forest is trying to restore the restfulness, and still give respect to the spirits who fell here.” Teeth pulling on her bottom lip, she waited.

  Was it possible? “Huh. You, too?”

  Her jaw dropped. “Too?”

  “You’re not the only one with secrets. Can you…discern, anything else?”

  “I can’t always…discern anything, but I didn’t try. I didn’t want to bring back bad memories for you.”

  “I didn’t know her.”

  “You knew the first one.” She paused. “Intimately.”

  The jolt rocked him so hard, he had to take a step back. It took a minute to regroup. “Damn, I thought she was wrong. Hoped she was.”

  “Who?”

  He blew out a breath. “Guess it’s confession time all around. I was going to ease you into it.”

  She nodded. “Not sure how I’d react?”

  “That, too.”

  “I wasn’t going to bring it up, but when we got here I couldn’t keep it in.”

  “If I interpret this right, Liz was killed here, but wasn’t found here. So you’re saying….”

  Teal nodded.

  “Double damn. And this other woman? Was she deliberately left here, or did we find her too early?”

  “That I can’t answer. I only know there were two, years apart. And I can only assume it was your wife, unless another woman was killed here too.”

  “There’ve only been two women that I’m aware of. I could ask Levi.”

  “I’m sure I’d have remembered another woman mentioned in the news. It would have been before you moved here.”

  “I’ve never felt anything from this spot.”

  She touched his arm, then let hers drop. “You did. You just didn’t recognize what it was.”

  Decker, hands on hips, walked in a circle. “It was my grief, covering it. Right?”

  “Yes. Does Levi know about your…extra special tendencies?”

  “No.”

  “Is his gut instinct anything more than that?”

  He looked over, wondering. “I’ve never questioned it, but now I’m curious.”

  “You’re going to have to tell him about this. I take it your kids don’t know, either.”

  “Heaven forbid. They already think/thought we were nuts for living out here.”

  “Do either of them take after you, or Liz?”

  “No. Liz? How—? Do you read minds?”

  Teal shook her head, chewing on her bottom lip.

  He reached out. “Don’t do that.”

  She took a step back. “Do what?”

  “Chew on your lip. Aw, honey. Don’t pull away. Please?” He hesitated, and then he knew. “Ah. I understand. That’s why he left.”

  A nod. “The biggest reason. And I’m the one who left.”

  He moved again, and was relieved when she didn’t back up this time. “Sweetheart, I’m not about to let you go—unless you want me to. I’m in awe of your abilities.”

  His arms closed around her, and she leaned her forehead against his chest. “I don’t like using it.”

  His finger under her chin raised her head, and he saw the anguish. “He exploited your talent.”

  “Tried to.”

  He tightened his hold, and kissed her forehead. “I’d be just as reluctant to reveal that side. I’d never do that to you. No one else will know what you can do, not from me, and not unless you tell them.”

  “The cat has ripped its way out of the plastic. But I so want to believe you.”

  He kissed her mouth. “My word of honor.”

  “Same goes from my side.” She poked his belly. “No one will know unless you tell them.”

  “We need to have some deep conversations.”

  “I suppose so.”

  “Is yours inherited?”

  “Yes, from mom, and Gran. Yours?”

  “No. Liz’s was, and like you, she didn’t like to use it much. I didn’t find out about it until mine…showed up.”

  “Showed up?”

  “I got shot in the head while on a mission. Stupid. I wasn’t paying attention. I was in a coma for three months. When I woke up, I could sense things. That’s when Liz told me about what she could do.”

  “You were shot? In the head?” She reached up to run her fingers over his scalp. “Good Lord, Decker.” She felt a slight pucker just beyond his right temple. “I’m relieved that you’re still here, recovered and healthy. I’m so glad you had someone around who understood what was happening when your gift manifested.”

  “Yeah, I guess. Still scares the crap out of me. And—” He stopped, wondering if he should tell her the rest.

  “And?”

  Still he hesitated.

  “Your choice.” She shrugged. “If you don’t want to tell me, don’t. I won’t be offended.”

  “No. Just hurt.”

  “Not even that. So, are we going to walk? Or talk? I can do both.”

  “Do we need to spend any more time at this place?”

  Teal’s head tilted, eyes closed. A few seconds later her eyes popped open, and she looked angry. “Not…today.”

  “Shit.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Can you—? Never mind.”

  “No. Not when, or who, or how, but soon.”

  “We could set up some of those infrared cameras. The kind hunters use to track big game.”

  “It might help. But Decker, you really need to talk to Levi about this.”

  He held out his hand.

  She grabbed hold, and they walked farther into the forest.

  Half a mile later, Decker couldn’t stand the silence any longer. “I dreamt about that woman’s murder. Sort of. I had the same dream four times, before I found the body. I didn’t know the when, or the who. And then I found her. I didn’t recognize the place as the one in the dream, though. Not until later.”

  She hugged his arm. “Oh, Decker.”

  “Not done.”

  “Sorry.”

  “Shh.” He tucked her into his side, and continued walking. “I had— It wasn’t a dream, but I was asleep, I think. Liz…visited me.”

  Teal stopped, and faced him. Fascinated. “Recently?”

  “Last night. God, she was so real in a corporeal sort of way. I felt her touch, kind of. Heard her voice. Saw her, saw through her, had a conversation with her. Creeped. Me. Out. I’ve never had that happen before.”

  “Which part?”

  “Any of it, but mostly h
aving a conversation with a ghost.”

  “I would imagine so. I’ve never had a…visit before.”

  “She pretty much said that the same one who killed our first two victims was also her killer.”

  “You’d assumed it was bad guys from your past.” At his nod, she said, “She couldn’t tell you anything more?”

  “Only that when I figured it out, it would be hard to handle. Well, shit. How did she word it? ‘It will be hard, when it all plays out, but so very necessary.’ Or something like that.”

  Hmm. Teal felt the tension, and felt the need to lighten it, as much as she could, and not make it feel as though she was dismissing anything. “We’re not making much progress on this walk, are we?”

  “Not on the walk, no. But, in other areas, great strides.”

  “Can we just walk a while? We both have some things to think about. This path through the woods seems very conducive to provoking thought. Might take away some of the cobwebs for both of us.”

  “An excellent idea.”

  The dog bumped against Teal, nudging her forward.

  “Yes, Bella. We’re going.”

  They finished the four mile loop with Bella happily trotting beside them.

  When they got back to the house, Teal collapsed in a rocker on the porch, and removed her shoes.

  Rubbing her feet, she moaned. “If we’re going to be doing this on a regular basis, I’ll need to go shopping. These were not the right shoes to wear on a trek like that.”

  “Blisters?”

  “No. My feet just hurt.”

  “It’s about time for lunch. Sandwiches and salad okay?”

  “Sounds great. Do you need any help?”

  “Nope. I’ve got this. Just sit and rest your feet. Would you like something to drink?”

  “Water would be great. Thanks.”

  “Coming right up. I’ll bring Bella a bowl of water too. She can keep you company.”

  Teal focused on the pooch currently at her feet. “How about it, girl? Shall we just relax, and let the man wait on us?”

  Bella, tail swishing on the wooden planks, barked.

  While Decker fetched the drinks, Teal enjoyed the feel of the chair as much as the magnificent view. “It’s so beautiful here. You’re a lucky girl, Bella, getting to spend all your time out here.”