Racing down the road, I thought again about my weird dream, and realized it must have been some type of psychic dream. Each mannequin mimicked someone involved in Rohan’s cast of characters within his ill-conceived plan, right down to the playful puppies at the park. And the thing that hit me first – I had recognized the plastic lady in pink was a caricature of the fake Kathy in her pink robe. Putting it all together showed me how unreal the whole situation truly was. I was so damn lucky to have figured out the truth - before it was too late.
I felt quite good about myself after having escaped from Rohan’s disgusting domicile. I wanted to believe he wouldn’t try anything else anytime soon, especially after being thwarted by a woman. But I was sure his deflated ego would never allow him to let it rest. He couldn’t be outdone that way by a mere female and not retaliate. In due time, he’d think things through and probably come up with a new plan. I shivered at the thought, hoping he wasn’t already following me. Seeing nothing in the rear view mirror gave me a temporary sense of relief, but I pressed harder on the gas pedal, not concerned at all with the speed limit.
I pulled into the parking lot of a small café and parked as far from the road as possible. After realizing I was still wearing only my nightgown, the thought of entering a place that was crowded brought me near to tears. I didn’t think I could take any more humiliation. I turned off the car’s motor, pulled out the keys and twisted toward the back seat. Suddenly glad that Rohan was somewhat of a slob, I spotted several jackets and the blanket he had taken from the library earlier. I slipped into a short black jacket, which at least covered the top of my sheer gown, and I pulled out the blanket to wrap around my waist like a long skirt. I looked ridiculous, but at least I was covered.
I ran to the building - no easy task with bare feet on gravel, and edged into the foyer of the café. Huddling in the entryway, I motioned to one of the waitresses. She eyed my outfit and, with a quick raise of her eyebrows, she came directly to me.
“Please miss,” I whispered. “I’m wondering if you have a phone I could use. I can’t pay you, but once my husband comes to collect me, I’m sure he will reward you kindly.”
At first she just stood there speechless as she studied me, looking up and down at my attire: a man’s large black jacket, a blanket for a skirt, and bare feet. I glanced down when I caught her eyeing them; not only were my feet bare, they were dirty and muddy with little bits of grass and leaves sticking out between my toes. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what my face and hair looked like. I had cried on and off, gotten a fat lip from being manhandled, passed out, and spent more time than I’d like to think about, lying unconscious on a filthy sofa with a raging fever.
She hesitated a moment too long - and I lost it. Lucky for her I kept my teeth clenched, for if not, I may very well have let my true self be made known. “Look here, little missy.” I gritted my jaw tightly and leaned closer to her, poking her chest with a finger. “I am in no mood for any judgment from you. I have spent the better part of this past night in fear for my friend’s life; I’ve been kidnapped, held captive by a madman with evil intentions, treated like a filthy dog, and to top it off I may have some rare disease that may or may not be contagious! If you can’t find it in your tiny little heart to find me a phone, then I can’t be held responsible for what I am about to do!” I gave her the most evil eyes I could conjure up, pulled the jacket closer and folded my arms across my chest.
Her eyes flew wide open, and she took a step back saying, “I’ll be right back, ma’am.” Her voice was low, and she motioned with a hand for me to wait right where I was. A few moments later she returned with a cell phone. “Here, this is my personal phone, take it.” Extending her arm the full length of her reach, she dropped it into my open palm, obviously not wanting to touch my dirty and diseased skin. It was almost funny.
I grunted a quick thank-you as I turned away and frantically dialed Emrys’ number. It was amazing that I even remembered it as my half-delirious mind began to recall all the details of the last few hours. It was nearly impossible to press the tiny buttons; my hand shook uncontrollably. When Emrys answered, I started to sob convulsively and was sure he couldn’t understand one word I said. The sound of his voice helped me to calm down bit by bit, and after I explained where I was, he assured me he was already on his way. He continued to talk to me using gentle soothing words while he raced to the café, and behind his encouraging words I heard the loud roar of the motor as he shifted gears. It was a sound I would not soon forget.
I stood in the foyer of the tiny restaurant with my nose up against the windowpane, peering out between the many advertisements, watching for his car. I kept the cell phone pressed tight to my ear, as though allowing even a tiny space would separate us again. I told Emrys as many details of what I had been through as I could remember, and when he asked me if there were any other Ravens involved with my abduction I described Teivel to him. He listened quietly while I went on and on, and every so often I’d ask him, “Where are you now?” And he’d tell me the name of the closest crossroad. I certainly didn’t know any of them by name, but somehow it helped to know he was still moving toward me and the space between us lessened.
At one point the owner of the cell phone came up behind me and very timidly tapped my shoulder, nearly causing me to jump through the plate glass window. I hoped I could get over being so edgy before long. Turning around I saw the uncertain look she had on her face as she held a glass of ice water toward me; the chunks of ice clinked together as her trembling hand wobbled forward. A small tentative smile appeared, but she never spoke.
I nodded and took the glass, “Thanks. I appreciate your kindness.”
Her face softened and she said, “Would you like to come in and sit at a booth, ma’am? There’s hardly a soul around. We have plenty of room. Perhaps you’d like a cup of tea…while you wait for your...husband?”
I imagined she was afraid I’d drain her phone’s battery, or worse yet, leave with it. Emrys spoke into my ear, “Elizabeth, my love. That is a good idea. Go sit. Have a cup of tea. I will be there in a few more minutes.”
“Wait! Don’t hang up!” I cried. My voice sounded pitiful, but the pang of horror I felt when I thought he would sever my only link to him gave me such a jolt, I couldn’t contain myself.
“I will not hang up, Elizabeth. Just go and sit.” His voice was gentle, but demanding.
“Good. Okay.” Looking back at the waitress and spotting her nametag, I said, “Thank you, Julia. A cup of tea would be great.” I followed her to a booth that overlooked the parking lot, and collapsed onto the seat, sliding all the way to the window so I could continue to watch for Emrys. I didn’t want to admit it to myself, but right now my main fear was that Rohan would find me here before Emrys arrived. My whole body went into a full-blown shudder.
“I’ll be there in about ten more minutes. I know exactly where you are.” His words washed over me like a warm soothing balm.
Julia brought me a cup of steaming hot tea, and it warmed my insides tremendously. What I realized then was, now that my bout of being overheated was over, I was chilled through to the bone. Before I even took a second sip she returned to my table with a plate full of warm buttery crumpets and jam. Her sudden kindness made me wish I could take back my horrible comment about her tiny heart. She had more compassion than I had given her credit for, and I thanked her profusely.
“It’s nothing ma’am. If I had known what you’d been through earlier...I’m sorry I was wrong to have judged you.” Her eyes softened as she apologized.
I nodded my head. “It’s a wonder you didn’t call the police when you saw me. I must look a mess.” I smoothed down my hair with my free hand.
“It’s not that bad,” she lied. “I’ve seen much worse. I used to work nights in the east end of London. Eat a few crumpets. You’ll feel better.” She smiled encouragingly, then moved to another table and started clearing it.
“She’s a sweet girl, Emrys. I’m still u
sing her cell-phone, and she’s bringing me tea and crumpets even though she knows I have no money.”
“I shall take care of her when I arrive,” he stated.
I took a bite. I hadn’t even realized how hungry I was until that moment. The deliciously sweet strawberry jam mingled with melted butter dripped down my hand as I took another bite. “Hold on a second.” I had to put the phone down to wipe my sticky hand with the paper napkin. “There.” I said, placing the phone to my ear again.
“I see you in the window. Look outside.” Emrys sounded as relieved as I felt when I saw his car squealing to a stop. I started to get up, but he said, “No, stay there. I will come to you.” And then the telephone went dead.
I closed Julia’s phone, placed it gently on the table before me, and took a sip of tea. If I had been properly washed, combed, and dressed, this scene would have been the same as any other normal breakfast-eating person in any given café in the country. Instead, the view that would greet Emrys was much different. I was disheveled, dirty, and in disarray. My hair was a knotted mess, my feet were blackened and bare, and I wore a blanket for a skirt. God only knew how disgusting my face was, no doubt streaked with dried tears by now. I cowered in my little corner and hovered over my cup of tea, half-afraid to look up when I heard his footsteps approaching. As he came closer, I smelled his wonderful cologne. I felt the seat cushion move as he slid in beside me and without a word he gathered my mucked up mess of a self into the safety of his strong, warm arms. I dissolved into a heap of liquid breathlessness. My tears of relief flowed like a river at the touch of springtime. Emrys held me in his arms, consoling me, whispering softly into my ear as my sobbing and inarticulate sounds spewed forth.
I kept my face buried deep in the folds of his shirt and I heard Julia whisper something to Emrys. He answered her, “No, please keep the change.” And I never saw or heard her again.
The next thing I knew, I was leaning into the crook of Emrys’ arm as he held me tightly up against himself while driving down the highway. The sun was bright and warm inside the car even though autumn was well upon us. The skies looked clear blue and the countryside was filled with every bright color imaginable.
It felt good to be free. It felt heavenly to be wrapped in Emrys’ protective embrace. And it felt fantastic to visualize the satisfying details of Rohan’s death.
CHAPTER 14
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
The next time I opened my eyes I was lying in my bed, surrounded by my own blankets and quilts. Over on the chair I noticed the discarded blanket I had worn as a skirt - all balled up in a grimy heap, along with the black jacket and my nightgown. The angle of the sunlight filtering through the window told me I had slept most of the day away. I could hear muffled, murmuring voices coming from the living room. The door creaked open slowly, and Emrys stuck his head in.
“You are awake, my love.”
“Who are you talking to out there?” I asked in a whisper.
He didn’t have time to answer; my sister pushed past him, and Fiona followed closely on her heels.
“You’re awake! Finally! We’ve been waiting for hours!” Melinda squealed as she practically bounded to my side. She wrapped her arms around me and smothered me with her sisterly kisses, saying, “Lizzy! How are you feeling? Are you okay? Oh, my God. I am so glad you got away from him. Tell us what happened. Everyone was so freaked out when we awoke to find you missing!” I wondered if she was ever going to take a breath.
She finally calmed herself down; she took my face in her hands and looked lovingly into my eyes, and said, “I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you, sis. I just don’t know...”
She glanced back at Emrys with a displeased frown. “I really think someone should have already taken care of that worthless son-of-a-bitch. What the hell is he going to try next?”
I couldn’t answer even one of Lindy’s questions; Fiona started talking before Melinda even finished her last comment.
“Hi Lizzy.” Fiona said, looking serious. “Gosh, I’m so glad you’re okay. We were all so worried!” She sat on the other side of the bed, and took my hand in hers.
In the doorway behind Emrys I noticed Gavin and Rufus peering into the room. They both smiled and Gavin waved a hand at me, “Glad to see you, Elizabeth. Come, Melinda, let your sister have a few moments to herself. I’m sure she’d appreciate that.”
Lindy ignored him and patted my hand, her face creased with worry. “Lizzy? Are you okay? You’re not saying anything!”
Everyone seemed to be flooding me all at once with comments and questions, and in my disoriented state, I could barely give them a responsive grin.
“We haven’t given her a moment to get a word in edgewise, have we Lizzy?” Fiona said, squeezing my hand.
I gazed past her to the doorway and focused on Emrys. His normally sparkling eyes looked drained and dull. I hadn’t even thought of what he must have gone through while I was missing. But now that I was thinking about it, he gave me a knowing smile and a quick nod.
Rufus leaned into the room and motioned to me, “Welcome home, Elizabeth. Don’t worry, if you do not want to talk about it, we won’t pressure you. Isn’t that right, Fiona?”
She turned her head in his direction. They apparently had a moment of unspoken understanding, and she nodded. Her red curls bounced, and she said, “Oh, right. He’s right, Lizzy. We’re all just so glad you’re okay. Safe and sound at home with everyone who loves you. Right, Melinda?”
Lindy swung her head in Fiona’s direction sending her long silky hair over her shoulder, which only reminded me of how hideous I must look to everyone gawking at me and all speaking at the same time. “Right! Of course we love her. We love you, Lizzy. I love you, sis. I’m sorry we’ve all bombarded you at once. I suppose we should let you get a shower and wake up a little. Maybe you’ll want to talk about it later.” With a tender hand, she brushed my hair back away from my face, and then touched my neck with a puzzled frown.
I now knew what Dorothy must have felt like after returning from Oz, waking up to a room full of concerned and chatty family and friends. Gathering my wits, I swallowed hard, licked my dry lips, glanced from one worried face to another, and said, “I’m glad you’re all here. Thank you, I...it’s good to know you all care. I could really use some time to freshen up though.”
I gave Melinda an imploring glance and added, “Lindy, please don’t blame Emrys for what happened. It was my own fault. I left our quarters on my own. He was sound asleep.”
“Oh, I’m not blaming him.” She turned her head and said, “Emrys, you know I’m not blaming you, right? I just think that as Regent you ought to do something a little more permanent than just banning Rohan from the property. I mean, we need to get a lynch mob organized or something and quit being so passive, that’s all.” She shook her head.
Gavin took a step into the room, “Melinda, please remember what we discussed.” He looked serious and almost alarmed.
I quickly turned my attention to Emrys. Through his obvious exhaustion he still remained reserved and regal, unflinching and unruffled as always, in public. But I could see that his jaw line was tight, his mouth a thin line. He nodded in Gavin’s direction, and said, “No worries. I agree with Melinda one hundred percent. Something must be done and soon. Though it has not been a subject open for discussion in the past, there appears to be some major rules that need to be amended.”
Melinda’s face softened and she nodded in agreement. “Exactly.”
It occurred to me that no one made mention of the murders that had taken place, and a small shiver went through me, and I pulled the covers up tighter.
Fiona stood and said, “Come on, Melinda. Let’s go wait in the living room.” She came around the other side of the bed and took Lindy by the elbow, coaxing her to go. “Lizzy needs a few minutes. Let’s give her a break.”
Lindy smiled at me, and allowed Fiona to steer her over to Gavin. He put his arm around her waist and gave her a
one-armed hug as they left. Fiona grinned back at me over her shoulder and said, “You can thank me later!”
After the four of them were gone, Emrys stepped into the room, slid the door shut and came to my side. “How are you feeling, my lovely one?”
I shook my head and covered my face with my hands, “You’ve got to be kidding me. I must look ghastly.” I ran my fingers over my neck feeling the deep lines where the collar had dug in, leaving an indentation. I lifted up the covers and peeked underneath, saying, “These sheets need washing today. I can’t believe you put me to bed without a shower.” I wiggled my toes, feeling the grit; my feet were still covered in mud from running barefoot, and God only knew what creepy crawlies were on my skin from Rohan’s filthy house. It made me cringe to think about it, and I threw off the covers and headed straight for the bathroom. Halfway there, my legs turned to mush; Emrys caught me just before I crumpled to the floor.
“Alright, love, I have you.” He led me to the nearest chair, which happened to be the one with the filthy blanket. I began to shiver uncontrollably and, without thinking, I grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around myself. It still reeked of smoke from the fireplace, which immediately brought back every horrifying memory of the prior night.
Emrys knelt in front of me, gently rocking me in his arms. “You have been through a lot, Elizabeth, and you have not eaten, nor have you had anything to drink. You need nourishment before you can expect to regain your strength.”
“I had a few sips of Ambrosia.”
“Not enough to sustain you,” he said, standing back up. He went to the bed and retrieved a large glass that had been placed on my nightstand.
How did I miss that?
I reached for the glass with a shaky hand. It wasn’t extreme, but enough to notice.
The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set Page 47