Once again, she said a silent word of thanks for his steadfast friendship and renewed her hopes for reconciliation between him and Regina. That thought made her smile as she drove home to New Crescent.
The telephone rang as Gillian fumbled with her house key. By the time she grabbed the receiver she was out of breath.
“Gillian? Are you alright?” It was Travis, urgency in his voice.
“Yes I’m fine.”
“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been calling your cell phone for the last three hours.”
She raised her eyebrows at the irritation evident in his voice and said calmly, “I was able to get an appointment at the hospital and had to turn off my phone. I guess I forgot to turn it back on. I’m sorry if I worried you.”
“Good. You’re safe.” The irritation was gone but the tension held.
She was concerned and hesitated a moment before saying, “There’s been another one hasn’t there.”
“I’m afraid so. It’s worse this time, Gilly. He took his time, used some sort of weapon, not just his fists and damn the bastard to hell, enjoyed his work. He beat her so badly she’s in a coma. We don’t know if she’ll pull through.”
“Oh my God.”
“It looks like it happened late last night into this morning. Pray that we get more evidence this time. Are you okay?”
In a small voice she said, “It’s not me we should be concerned about now. I’ve got Hank here. Don’t worry, just go do your job and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”
“I just might take you up on that. I have an idea I want to run by you but that will have to wait. I’m needed here. I’ll see you tonight.” He rang off.
Gillian sunk into a kitchen chair. Hank dropped his majestic head in her lap and she took what solace she could from stroking his fur. Despite what Travis had said, she couldn’t help but feel a certain responsibility for it all. The rapist could very well have been the same man who’d attacked her. If only she could remember something useful; something that could lead Travis in the right direction.
She had been told by the doctors not to try to force her memory. Head injuries are unpredictable and she was advised to let everything come back gradually, if at all. That caution didn’t help the present situation and she started to pace. Hank whined an objection but she ignored him.
To hell with medical advice. It was time to push past whatever mental barrier her brain had devised and force a memory. The pain was the first thing she remembered waking up in the hospital and feeling that awful pain. Refusing to give up, Gillian ignored it. What was she doing before it all went black?
She’d been happy with her design mock-ups for her latest project. The museum curator had been excited by her grasp of the subject matter and that was gratifying. The project was going well. She’d worked like mad, but hard work always felt good. She remembered riding the elevator with Marcus and he’d kindly helped her with her heavy packages. Vaguely, she recalled watching television that night but if asked she couldn’t say what programs. She’d had toast and orange juice the next morning.
“Oh great, some nebulous TV shows and toast, that pretty much cracks the case. Damn it!” Hank barked when he heard her frustrated tone and leaned against her.
Craving fresh air, she grabbed a sweater and opened the door. She and Hank walked to the gazebo on the edge of the cliff and stared at the sea. Did she dare? It was out there, poised just waiting for her to take it. Frustrated that she’d been all but impotent lately, Gillian drew Hank to her side and with a hand on his shoulder prepared to reach out, not to a human mind but to nature itself.
The moon was a huge illuminated ball in the sky. Wind tore through her hair and pressed the sweater close to her body. The crash of the surf obliterated all other sound. She breathed deeply, abandoned all thought and wrapped the sensations around her. A surge of power engulfed her.. She was prepared for it, but its strength almost overwhelmed her and feeling her control slip, she shut it out. It was like sucking away oxygen, so a fire couldn’t breathe. Could it be her abilities were growing? Morphing? Too much, too soon. Something that potent could consume her. She understood one day she’d have to claim that power as her own but for now, without more discipline, she was afraid to let it take her. It had to be kept leashed a little while longer.
Pleased she’d made even the slightest connection and managed to stand her ground, Gillian led the way back to the house. Together they moved into the living room where Gillian tried the relaxation exercises Dr. Devlin gave her. Her efforts were met with limited success though she knew she couldn’t expect much the first time. Finally, stretching out on the couch she relaxed and eventually dozed off to sleep.
The ringing of the phone awakened her. Disoriented, she knew she’d been dreaming, but for the life of her she couldn’t call any details to mind. She picked up the receiver.
It was Marcus. “Ah, it sounds like I woke you.”
“You did, but that’s a good thing. I was trying to meditate and fell asleep instead.”
“Then you must have needed it. Take better care of yourself. You’re still recuperating.” His voice was as deep and soothing as she remembered.
“I’m fine. Did Hilary tell you I stopped by today?”
“Yes, sorry I was tied up. I’m on my way to you now. I should be there before dark.”
She was looking forward to seeing him. “If you remember the way, stop by here first. I want to show you my new home.”
He laughed at her enthusiasm. “I’ll try. See you soon.”
As good as his word, she smiled when Hank’s bark heralded Marcus’ arrival. She looked out the window and saw his sleek Lexis pull into the driveway. Gillian watched as he unfolded his long lean form from the driver’s seat and headed towards her. His smile crinkled the skin at the corners of his eyes in an endearing way making her want to hug him close. She didn’t, of course. Sure, she’d made progress with her gift, but not enough just yet.
She couldn’t wait to show him her house and noticed that he said all the right things as he followed her from room to room. He appeared to have gotten over his disappointment that she’d moved out of his house, but sitting across from him in her living room, there was no doubt in her mind that things had changed for her with regard to Marcus. She no longer wondered whether they’d ever be more than just friends. She had the answer to that question. As handsome and elegant as he was, he wasn’t Travis. If she couldn’t have Travis, she didn’t want anyone else. There were other plans for Marcus. She hadn’t yet brought up the subject of Regina and at this moment she was reluctant to disturb their companionable silence.
“Oh hell.” She thought, and took a deep breath.
“I’ve made friends here, Marcus. Thank you for suggesting this place. It’s magical and I love it. It’s home to me now.”
He looked out at the ocean. “I’m glad for you. You look wonderful. I’m sorry you didn’t like my mother’s house, but it looks like you’re happy here.”
“I am. I’m making you dinner tomorrow night.”
Showing pleasure, he nodded. He could deny her nothing.
“There’s someone I want you to get reacquainted with.” She ventured.
He looked at her warily and waited.
“Regina Stanton.”
His eyes narrowed. “You’ve mentioned her before.”
“Well, she’s coming tomorrow as well. I thought you’d like to renew an old friendship.”
He shook his head at her and smiled, his eyes crinkling, “What are you up to?”
“Nothing. It’s just that Reggie has become a very good friend of mine. You’re a good friend as well. I see nothing wrong with wanting my two good friends to join me for dinner.”
“Next you’ll be trying to reconcile me with Travis Sinclair. I hear he’s the sheriff now.”
“Yes, he is and, no, I will not try to reconcile the two of you…just yet.” Silently, she vowed to grill Travis on what had happened between them.
It was time she knew the whole story.
Chapter 21
She had the nightmare again. This time, upon waking, instead of trying to push the dream away, she did all she could to remember everything that happened in it. Travis held her close as she relived the nightmare in her waking mind.
She’d dreamt she was in her old apartment. This was the first time it had taken place at that location. He was in her home, touching her, forcing himself on her. He told her that she belonged to him. He kept saying “You’re mine, mine.” She struggled to get away from him but he was too strong. She couldn’t pull him off her and was unable to get a look at his face. All she could feel was his weight pressing her into the soft cushions on the couch. He would smother the life out of her.
Next, she was on the beach in New Crescent, walking alone. Pain almost shattered her skull. He was there again. He pulled her hair, brought her up hard against his body and whispered, “You thought you could get away from me, didn’t you? Well you can’t. You’re mine. Never forget that. You’re mine.”
That was it. She could remember no more, except Travis’s gentle touch and her name on his lips as he brought her back to him, to reality. She was trembling so hard she could barely control her hands long enough to take the glass of water he held to her lips. She felt nauseated but this time she didn’t have to run to the bathroom. Travis was there, loaning her his strength. She felt safe again. It was only a nightmare.
“So you didn’t get a look at him?”
“No. He was on top of me or behind me. I know it was him though. He’s like a powder keg, so much under the surface waiting to explode. I can’t shake the feeling that he’s building up to something big. I wish I could offer up a more accurate description.” She shivered again and he pulled the covers more securely around her. “All I can say is he’s tall Travis. Not quite as tall as you, maybe around 6’2”. He’s very strong, but lean, not as broad as you are. At least the guy in my dream is anyway and I’m sure it’s him.” She shrugged. “I guess that doesn’t help much, does it?”
“Honey, every little bit helps put the puzzle together. I hate that you’re going through this. Let me do something to help.”
“You’re doing more than anyone else can do for me, right now. I feel safe with you here. At least this time I didn’t have to make a mad dash to the bathroom and I know how much men love that.” She smiled “I was also able to remember more of the dream. I get more control everyday. I believe you’ve been a real help to me already.”
“I’m glad. Sorry to be so late tonight.”
“You had a good reason. Who was it?” She brushed his hair off his forehead.
“Jessie Trout. She’s a friend of Sandy’s.”
Gillian was getting to know and love the people of New Crescent and if expressed concern and will wishes were anything to go by, the feeling was mutual. The idea that some mad man was hurting them was inconceivable to her and she shuddered.
“ How is she?”
He shook his head sadly. “She’s still unconscious. The bastard is enjoying himself. You’re right, he’s getting more and more violent. We’re trying to narrow down what kind of weapon he used.”
“You said you had an idea you wanted to talk to me about.”
“Yeah.” He rolled on his side and propped his head up with his hand. “You’ve been so helpful to Sandy. Do you think you could visit Marcie? Maybe you can pick something up from her.”
She didn’t hesitate, “Of course I’ll see her and Jessie, too, if they’ll let me. I’m not sure what I can do while she’s in a coma, but I’m willing to try.”
“Good girl. You won’t have to do it alone. I’ll be there and so will Hank.”
She smiled at him, “Just set it up and let me know.”
He shifted in the bed and pulled her close. “Do you think you can go back to sleep now?”
“Maybe,” she said, sounding a little uncertain.
“Here, turn over for me.” He rolled her on her stomach. She glanced over her shoulder at him, a dubious look on her face.
“Relax, Gillian. I’m just going to massage some of the tension out. Mother of God, woman, behave yourself and don’t go giving me any ideas.” He kissed her gently between the shoulder blades and proceeded to soothe the tension from her body, inch by inch.
She was asleep in less than ten minutes. Travis smiled with sweet satisfaction. Ignoring his own arousal, he held her close, watching over her while she slept.
Despite Travis’s help the night before, Gillian wasn’t quite able to shake a persistent uneasy feeling all the next day. She wasn’t afraid of meeting with Marcie and Jessie as Travis had suggested. She believed they would benefit from her help and wanted to do everything she could. No, this unease was different. Like there was something she should have picked up on and didn’t and it was important. She’d missed something and no matter how hard she tried to remember, whatever it was, remained elusive. She did her best to suppress the feeling and enjoy her day with Marcus. He was his gentle, attentive self. If he noticed anything amiss he didn’t mention it.
Hank, attuned to her every mood must have picked up on her state of mind because he stayed even closer to her than usual. The tension cast a shadow over what should have been a perfect day.
Marcus went back to his place to change for dinner while Gillian prepared the meal. The ringing phone startled her and she dropped a tomato on the floor.
“Damn,” she said, with the phone cradled between her shoulder and her ear.
“Not the best way in the world to answer the telephone, Gilly.” It was Travis.
“The sound of the phone scared me and a tomato made a break for it.. How’s your day going?”
“Not bad, considering. I’ve managed to weed out some suspects and I can’t help but feel we’re narrowing in on him. Do you remember the guy who harassed you and Reggie in the diner that day?”
“Yeah. Roger I think his name was.”
“Roger Paitken, a nasty piece of work with a police record and physical description that matches our guy.”
He doesn’t have solid alibis for the times in question. Also, I found out today that Paitken worked on the construction crew that built your condo and is currently building the one next to yours.”
“There’s the connection! So you think it’s him then?”
“Let’s just say that he’s a definite possibility. Do you remember ever seeing Roger before that day in the diner? Did he look familiar to you in any way?”
“I don’t think so, but there’s nothing that says I ever met my attacker. It could be him…what with my memory…I…I’m just not the person to ask, I guess. Pathetic.”
“Well, I’ve got someone bringing him in for questioning right now. I may be late again getting to your place tonight, but I’ll be there.”
Travis’s phone call should have eased her mind a little but it didn’t. It seemed they had a solid suspect but she still had an uneasy feeling she couldn’t shake. By the time dinner preparations were complete, she was so agitated she briefly considered calling off her dinner with Marcus and Reggie. She had no business matchmaking. Was it wise to interfere with their lives? She heard Reggie’s Land Rover pull up outside her home. Too late to worry about that now. She took a deep breath and did her best to relax. After all, she was spending an evening with two of her favorite people.
Regina hugged Gillian briefly in greeting. She pulled back from the embrace and looked at her friend. “What’s up? Are you okay?”
Gillian forced a smile. “I’m fine, other than reeling over the news about poor Jessie. It’s silly really, I’ve forgotten something significant and it’s nagging at me. I’ve just been brooding, that’s all. Do you want a drink?” And she busied herself with her hostess duties.
Once Reggie had a glass of white wine in her hand, Gillian told her about Travis’s update on Paitken. Regina didn’t seem too surprised. “It makes sense. Roger has always been walking a fine line where women are concerned and
come to think of it, I’ve seen him get aggressive with Sandy before.”
“Let’s hope it’s all over now.” Gillian touched her glass to Reggie’s in a toast, “Here’s to catching the bad guy.”
“And no more of this evil eye thing. The people of this town are making me nervous. They’re giving each other the hairy eyeball. Folks just ain’t used to dealing with violence here in peaceful old New Crescent. We don’t hold still for that kind of thing, don’t you know.” She dropped the affected twang and struck her forehead with the heel of her hand. “Oh, I almost forgot. I got you some flowers…I left them in the car. I’ll just be a sec.” Reggie put her wine glass down, moved toward the door and collided with Marcus, who was on his way in.
This wasn’t the way Gillian had pictured their first contact after so many years and she hoped it wasn’t a bad sign. Marcus was quick to react. He put his arms around Reggie and steadied her. She put her hands against his chest and looked up into his brown eyes. From where Gillian was standing, they looked good together. He was about an inch taller than her and her shoes. They didn’t say anything for a moment. They stood looking at each other and Gillian waited with anticipation.
Marcus’s voice was soft and he smiled in that disarming way he had. “Easy there Regina. I didn’t dare hope for this kind of reception.”
His light-hearted comment managed to ease the tension a little and Reggie responded in kind.
Gillian’s mood had lifted a little. Perhaps the evening wouldn’t be a total flop after all.
The conversation was easy as Marcus talked about his practice and city living. As for the uncomfortable feeling that had been haunting Gillian all day, she pushed that to the back of her mind and concentrated on enjoying the evening. Reggie seemed more and more relaxed in Marcus’s presence and Gillian’s hopes soared as the evening wore on.
When it came time to leave, Reggie hugged Gillian enthusiastically and whispered in her ear, “Thanks Gillian. This was a good thing.”
Trouble [New Crescent 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 16