She smiled and sighed. “I guess I should be thankful for that. It’s just there is so much at stake.”
“I know, but that’s why it makes sense to take the time to do it right. Have patience.”
She looked at him skeptically and said, “I’ll try.”
In the remaining days before Aunt Ernestine’s big bash, Gillian did her level best to follow her doctor’s orders. Of Travis she saw very little, but he talked to her every day and kept her informed of his progress. In the meantime, the town itself came back to life. News of Roger Paitken’s arrest had spread like wild fire. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. There was a feeling of celebration in the air. Smiles returned to grizzled New England faces and laughter and friendly voices of greeting were heard once again. . The birthday party was much anticipated
The big day dawned pink and promising. At the Sinclair estate, preparations had started at the crack of dawn. People were bustling around, doing what they were supposed to be doing. Ruth Sinclair orchestrated it all, while wearing a white terry bathrobe and slippers. When Gillian arrived to help, she was amazed at what had been accomplished already. The grounds were adorned with garlands of flowers in every color. A huge white tent provided shade for table upon table; when the time came each would hold mounds of New England’s finest recipes. Workmen were busy hanging masses of little white lights over a newly constructed dance floor.
“Well, what do you think? It’s coming together nicely.” Ruth Sinclair put an arm around her.
“It sure is. I feel a little unnecessary.”
“Nice try, I’m leaving you in charge while I throw on some clothes. Bill’s hiding in his study. If you need anything, go ahead and disturb him, he’s just watching television.”
As Ruth walked towards the house, Gillian’s cell phone rang. It was Travis.
“Where are you?” He sounded concerned.
“I’m at your parents’ place helping to get things ready. Where are you?”
He sighed. “I’m at your house. I was hoping to talk to you in person.”
“That sounds ominous, bad news?”
“Not really. I’m just going to be a little late for the party. I have to make a trip to the city to go over your case file with the investigating detective. We might find something that implicates Paitken in your attack. There are some cracks in Roger’s story and I want to talk to his boss as well.”
“Well, I’ll be here until you can join me.” As she ended the call she spied an animated Reggie talking with the D.J. She was dressed ready to lend a hand, in worn jeans and a torn t-shirt. She was magnificent. Gillian headed towards her.
“Midnight? You stop at midnight?” The D.J. was a good six inches shorter than Reggie and, even without her heels, she towered over him. “What kind of D.J. leaves at midnight?”
Gillian laughed as he caved with a mumble and promised to stay as late as the party lasted. Reggie slapped him on the back and said, “Good man.” The poor fellow winced and stumbled away with a longing backward glance.
“Now Reggie, don’t bully the music man. I’m hoping to dance tonight and I don’t want a disgruntled D.J.”
Regina laughed and hugged her. “Don’t worry, he’s hot for me. I have a devastating effect on the young and short ones. They find me endlessly fascinating. Maybe it’s because my spectacular breasts are right at eye level.” She struck a provocative pose and someone whistled.
Gillian laughed.
“I come here ready to work, so tell me what to do.” Reggie said
“Well, since you have established a rapport with the D.J., why don’t you help with the sound set up?”
Reggie rubbed her hands together, “Oh goody, an opportunity to channel my inner audio-visual nerd. Check.”
“Thanks for the warning. I’m going to see the caterers.”
Everything in the kitchen was going smoothly, but Gillian was worried that they may have made a mistake ordering the liquor. Taking Ruth’s advice, she made her way to Bill’s study to seek out the bar expert.
The heavy oak door was closed and she could hear the muffled sounds of the television. She didn’t get the chance to knock when it hit her like an electric shock. The mundane sound of Bill Sinclair’s television muted by the thick door gave her the answer she’d been searching for.
Shaken, Gillian leaned on the door and sank to the floor, her heart pounding. Her mind was teaming with images as pieces of the puzzle clicked into their rightful places. At first it was overwhelming and she couldn’t take it in but recent experience had taught her what to do. Closing her eyes and taking deep, breaths, she disciplined her thoughts. Slowly, she forced it into focus.
She could smell the fresh scent of clean laundry as he shifted the basket under one arm and used the other to lean against her door jam. His face was just inches from hers. He invaded her space and she reacted by reflex.
Awkwardly, she pulled away hitting her head sharply on the door. Gillian laughed nervously. “Sorry, I’m a little distracted right now, my head’s in design world. I have an important deadline.” She rubbed the back of her head.
“Well, I’ve never been to ‘design world’ but at the moment it looks like your head is right here, colliding with your door.” He moved closer to her and touched the bump already starting to emerge.
He stepped closer still. With nowhere else to go, she grabbed the knob on her apartment door and turned it. The door swung wide. She stumbled back into the apartment hoping he’d be too embarrassed to push her any further.
No such luck, instead, he followed her inside and locked the door behind him. He reached a hand out to her. “Let me see that. I am a doctor, remember?”
She shook her head. “That’s okay, it’s just a little bump. I don’t need you.”
Marcus’s face changed abruptly, his intent was clear and Gillian felt fear. She moved towards the phone but never made it. In an instant, he had her pinned to the couch. He was heavy and from the look on his face it was obvious he took pleasure from the panic she was unable to hide.
He trapped both her wrists above her head with one hand. Her struggles only brought her into closer contact with him and he smiled with ugly pleasure.
“There now, Gillian, I’ve got you. You’re mine, all mine. Mm, you feel even better than I thought you would.” He leaned down to nuzzle her neck and she forced her body to go limp in his grasp. Marcus’s hold on her wrists relaxed just long enough for Gillian to pull free. Before he could trap her hands again, she grabbed a heavy candlestick on the end table and swung with all her might, making sharp contact with the side of his head. She pushed him off her and stood over his stunned body with the candlestick held high.
“Now get out of here. I’m calling the police.”
He looked up at her calmly and did the most unusual thing. His eyes crinkled at the corners and he smiled so naturally, so calmly. “Forgive me Gillian. I guess I misunderstood the signals. It won’t happen again.” He rose from the couch and walked from her apartment.
She immediately locked the door behind him. Her heart pounded in her ears and her head ached. The walls of her apartment started to close in on her. A place that was once her haven had become hostile. When she heard her neighbors in the hallway, she rushed out to them, hoping there was safety in numbers.
Startled, Mr. Tomasi said, “Whoa there, kiddo, what’s your hurry?”
In shock, not knowing what to say, she blurted out. “I didn’t want to miss the elevator. I’ll ride down with you.” She needed to get as far away from Marcus as possible and felt safe with the Tomasis. As the elevator descended, she silently went over the scene in her apartment. Had she overreacted to Marcus’s behavior? He’d seemed so normal when he left her. She looked down at the reddening skin on her wrists and had her answer. She knew she’d reacted just as she should have.
The door Gillian had slumped against opened and she fell into Bill Sinclair’s study, snapping out of her reverie. He laughed as he helped her to stand up. Gi
llian ignored what he was saying. Interrupting him, she said. “Call Travis.”
Chapter 27
Travis was frustrated. The only thing he’d learned from the detective who’d investigated Gillian’s attack was that, in addition to the head injury, her wrists showed signs of restraint. It was obviously more than an attempted robbery His trip was wasted. Roger’s boss had supported his story and provided an alibi for the night of Sandy’s rape. He still had nothing on Paitken except suspicion.
Molly’s Famous Barbeque was quiet for a change as Travis spread out suspects’ photos and pages of notes on the case. Stopping to grab a meal wasn’t really his choice, but rather, a necessity. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d eaten and his stomach made that fact known to him. At his request, the hostess had seated him at a large booth in the back of the restaurant. At least he could still work the case while eating, so the time wasn’t completely wasted.
He was served by Pansy who was as cheerful as usual. When she brought his lunch, Travis said a silent word of thanks to his loud and demanding stomach. The food smelled great. As Pansy bent toward the table, he shoved some of his papers aside.
“Enjoy your meal, is there anything…” Brows drawn together in query, she pointed to one of the photos on the table. “I know that guy. He came in the day I got accepted to Brown University. I’ll never forget that day. Boy, was I walking on air.”
His hunger forgotten, Travis grabbed the photo she’d indicated and said, “This guy?” She nodded, and he continued, “Can you tell me what day it was? What time? How long was he here?”
Pansy looked at him quizzically and said, “Why? Did he do something?”
“My name is Travis Sinclair and I’m the sheriff of New Crescent.
When Pansy was finished answering every question Travis threw at her, he thanked her and gathered up his papers. Throwing bills on the table and grabbing a buttered roll, he rushed out of the restaurant and into his truck. He broke all speed limits on his way back the way he’d come. City traffic slowed him down and by the time he’d parked his truck in the hospital parking lot, his patience was spent.
She was on the phone when he walked into the office. As soon as she hung up, he said, “You lied in your statement to the police. Do you have any idea of the trouble you’re in lady?”
Marcus’s secretary Hilary looked startled. It didn’t take long for Travis to get to the truth. The woman had been covering for her boss all along. Marcus hadn’t been seeing patients lately. Hilary confessed she had turned on the television in his office and when anyone came looking for him, she’d told them he was with a patient. In a small voice, she admitted she’d lied about Dr. Marcus Stevens’ whereabouts from the beginning. He’d told her he needed her help and ever faithful she didn’t let him down.
As soon as Travis walked out of the hospital, he turned his cell phone back on. Before he had a chance to call out, it rang.
“Son, Gillian needs to talk to you.” Travis recognized his father’s voice and waited for Gillian to speak.
“Travis, I remember. It was Marcus. He attacked me, but I don’t have any proof. Right now, it’s just my word against his.”
“We have more than that. I’ve broken his alibi open. His secretary has been lying for him, for I don’t know how long.”
“Oh my God, Travis that’s it! The thing that’s been nagging at me. When I went to see him that day, I heard voices in his office but I also heard music. Marcus would never put music on when he saw a patient. It didn’t sound real. I didn’t know what until I heard your father’s television through his study door. I knew there was something wrong that day, I just couldn’t place it.”
“Yeah, she admitted it was the television. That’s how she covered for him. Where’s Reggie?”
Surprise registered on Gillian’s face as she turned to Bill and asked him if he knew where Reggie had gone. It had been a while since she’d heard her voice over the sound system happily saying, “Check, check, check.” She could see Pru outside but Reggie was nowhere in sight.
“Travis? She’s just gone home to change for the party. I’ll call and let her know about Marcus.”
“Good, I’ll call the office and start the search. Be careful Gillian, don’t go anywhere alone.”
“I won’t, I’ve got Hank and your Dad. Oh, and Chase has just arrived. I’m well looked after. Just get here.”
“I’m on my way.”
Gillian punched out Reggie’s cell phone number and got no answer. She dialed her home number and this time she left a message.
“Reggie, it’s Gillian. When you get this message, call me on my cell. Make sure your doors are locked. If you see Marcus Stevens, stay away from him, he’s dangerous. I remember everything and I’m sure he’s the one who attacked me and raped the others. Reggie, be careful.”
From the hallway just inside her door, Reggie could see the light on her phone flashing. Not bothering to lock the door behind her, she pressed the message light and heard Gillian’s concerned voice “Reggie, it’s Gillian. When you get this message…”
She heard a noise and turned to see Marcus locking the door behind him.
“Hello, Regina.”
“Marcus, what are you doing here?” She looked at him in confusion.
Gillian’s recorded message continued. “…If you see Marcus Stevens stay away from him, he’s dangerous…”
His handsome face twisted in a humorless smile. His eyes looked hard, dead. He licked his lips. Regina shuddered in revulsion. She didn’t find him quite so handsome in that moment.
“Yes, Regina, be careful.”
She started to back away but he grabbed her arm in a crushing grip and pressed her against him. His mouth a fraction from hers, he smiled. “No, Regina mine. You don’t want to go anywhere. You’re here with me, where you’re supposed to be. At last, I’m going to make you mine, all mine.”
* * * *
Gillian watched as irritation crossed Chase’s face. “Damn it, Reggie always forgets to charge her phone. I’m not waiting around here; I’m going to her place. I’ll have to wait forever while she gets ready, but I’ll bring her back for the party.”
“Do you mind if Hank and I go with you? I’m sure I can help speed things up so you won’t have to wait for long. I need to do something or I’ll go crazy.”
“Be my guest.” Chase said graciously. As they approached Chase’s truck, Sam pulled up. They filled him in on the latest news.
Sam said, “I’ll wait here for Travis. If he arrives before you get back, Gillian, it won’t be pretty, so don’t be long.”
She nodded. Relieved to be doing something other than waiting, she hurried along beside Chase, taking two steps to every one of his strides. Hank followed close behind.
The drive to Reggie’s place was quick, thanks to Chase’s smooth handling of the truck. They both breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Reggie’s Land Rover parked safely out front.
With a steady hand, Chase helped Gillian out of the truck. He took her elbow as they climbed the stairs to Reggie’s door. He knocked twice. They heard the lock unbolt and waited for her to open up. When nothing happened, Chase sighed and turned the door handle.
She was standing about four feet away from them, frozen, a look of fear on her face.
Chase moved to her immediately. Hank growled low in his throat. Marcus, ready for them, pounced. With deadly force, he smashed Chase’s skull with the butt of his gun. Regina screamed and fell to her knees beside Chase’s bleeding body while Hank launched himself at Marcus. He fired. The big dog went down like a dead weight. With a cry, Gillian ran to Hank and cradled his head in her lap. He whimpered and his legs twitched as he made an effort to get up for her, ever the protector. It was no use. She could feel his consciousness slipping away and desperately willed him to stay with her.
Regina was crying, “Chase, Chase can you hear me?” Marcus pointed the gun at Chase’s chest and Reggie moved in front of him, shielding Chase from the weapon.<
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“He’s out Marcus. There’s no need to shoot him, too. He’s no threat to you like this, is he? You have the two of us, Gillian and me.” Her voice barely trembled as she coaxed, “Don’t shoot and I’ll go with you quietly.” She looked at the motionless dog, bleeding on the floor. “You don’t have much time. The neighbors probably heard the gunshot.”
Marcus eyed Reggie suspiciously. Gillian was sobbing, one hand stroking Hank’s head, the other trying to stop the bleeding with her skirt. The courageous dog was barely breathing, his eyes were staring blankly and she feared he was lost to her. In desperation, she opened her mind and gave him everything she had.
She was as weak as a pup when Marcus pulled her away. His hand bruised the skin of her upper arm but she didn’t feel it through the mental shock that bombarded her. It almost drove her back to her knees. In that split second, she touched Marcus’s twisted mind unguarded for the first time. She knew what he had planned for them and it staggered her.
He dragged the two women out to Reggie’s car and ordered her to take the wheel. He sat in the backseat beside Gillian with the gun pressed to her heart. The smell of his cologne made her gag and it struck her this was the fragrance that plagued poor Jessie Trout in the darkness.
Smoothly, as if they were out for a pleasant drive in the country, Marcus gave Regina directions. The route was unfamiliar to Gillian and she wondered if Reggie knew where they were going.
“I have a special place just for us.” Marcus said, stroking Gillian’s hair. “Since you rejected my mother’s house, I decided that isolation might be more suited for us. My mother’s family was once pretty important in these parts. You see, the Toaze family is one of the old ones…at least as powerful as the Sinclairs. ” His lip curled when he said Travis’s family name. “All the property came to me when she died. I’ve been living just twenty miles away since you moved to town Gillian. I’ve been watching. Surprise!”
Trouble [New Crescent 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 20