Life is But a Dream: A Marlow and Sage Mystery (A Nursery Rhyme Suspense Book 2)

by Lee Strauss

  Zed was bent over his desk when I got there, with a studious expression on his face. He offered a grunt in greeting as his pencil scratched across the page. It reminded me that I had calculus homework. I removed my glasses and rubbed my forehead. Damn headaches. I popped a Tylenol and got to work.

  “I talked to her.”

  My eyes darted to Zed. From what I could tell, he hadn’t lifted his pencil. Equations filled the page.

  “Did you say something?” I asked.

  “I talked to Eliza. Like you said. Yesterday I waved. Today I said hi.”

  I swivelled to face him. “Ah. What did she say?”

  “She said hi.”

  “Sounds like love.”

  Zed’s pencil dropped and he stared back at me with something akin to horror.

  “Just kidding bro,” I said with a chuckle. “Good first steps. You got a plan for the next one?”

  He stroked his beard. “I have a couple ideas.”

  “Like?”

  “I could sit next to her in the lecture room.”

  “Don’t her friends sit next to her?”

  “Sometimes. Not always. I’d just have to grab the seat first.”

  I had images of Zed hip-checking one of Eliza’s friends out of her seat.

  “Then what would you do?”

  Zed’s dark brows arched. “I could ask to borrow her notes.”

  I nodded. “A timeless ruse.”

  I popped earbuds in and listened to indie rock while I worked numbers, breaking for one coffee and one bathroom run. Zed had quit before I did, and he was asleep on his back. I could hear his snoring over my music. I threw a pillow at him, which resulted in a snort and him rolling onto his side. Eventually my stomach protested and I told Zed’s prostrate form I was going to grab a burger.

  “Get me one,” he muttered. “No tomatoes.”

  “You don’t have to tell me that every time. I know you hate tomatoes.”

  His wallet lay on his desk and I swiped a ten.

  I ate mine on the walk back to the dorm, my mind drifting to my earlier conversation with Sage. The whole dream thing was so perplexing. Why was Sage having premonitory dreams? Why were we sometimes sharing dreams?

  And most important of all, was Sage in danger?

  I tossed the bag with Zed’s burger on his bed and his nose immediately started twitching. By the time I was done using the can and brushing my teeth, Zed was fully awake and eating.

  “Thanks, man,” he said.

  “No problem. Your change is on the table.”

  A rap on the door was followed by the immediate entry of Steve and Paul. “I knew I should’ve locked the door,” I muttered.

  “We’re bored,” Steve said. He towered over Paul and rested an elbow on Paul’s shoulder. “Let’s go out.”

  “Out where?” I asked.

  Paul jerked out from under Steve’s weight. “Harvey’s is cool. They have pool tables.”

  “Yeah,” Steve added with a big dopey grin. “Us two against you two. Winner takes all.”

  “All of what?” I asked.

  “All of what we bet.”

  I flapped a palm. “I don’t have any money.”

  “Me neither,” Zed said.

  “Then we bet bathroom cleanup,” Paul said. “If we win, you clean ours. If you win, we clean yours.”

  I eyed Zed and his lips lifted. We could beat these guys in our sleep.

  “Deal,” I said.

  Harvey’s was a dive bar frequented by students because Sir Harvey, as the owner liked to be called, didn’t bother to ID. He knew most had fake IDs anyway. So long as no one got aggressive, he turned a blind eye. Sir Harvey hired a large bouncer called Morgue who stood by the door. He had arms with biceps the size of toasters crossed over a king-sized chest. That, along with his intimidating scowl, incentivized order. The four of us ducked impulsively as we passed him, our faces plastered with the innocence of well-behaved schoolboys, and scurried through clusters of other patrons to the nearest empty pool table.

  Harvey’s had low lighting with dark walls decorated with plaques and banners advertising every kind of beer and spirit. Glasses lined narrow shelves behind the bar and classic rock pumped in from bad speakers. It smelled of hops, sweat and cigar smoke that must waft in from a back room somewhere.

  The green felt covering the heavy wooden pool table was scratched and worn from use. An oblong, low-hanging Tiffany lamp hung over the center.

  Zed and I were well on our way to whipping Steve and Paul’s butts when I spotted Sage. She walked in with a guy—really tall, fit, and commercially good-looking. The distraction caused me to slip with my cue and I swore when one of Steve and Paul’s balls dropped into a corner pocket.

  Sage and the tall guy sat at a table across the room. My gaze kept drifting in her direction. I hadn’t seen this Sage without her glasses before and I had to look twice. She stared at her drink, her big beautiful brown eyes intense, like the answers to the universe might be found in the condensation beading the outside of her glass. Her guy friend leaned back casually. He wore a T-shirt and his gaze repeatedly settled on his own biceps. I considered the buttoned-up cuffs on my long sleeves and debated briefly if I should roll them up.

  Nah.

  I forced myself to ignore Sage and her big brown eyes, and I focused on the game. No way in hell was I going to be stuck cleaning Steve and Paul’s bathroom.

  I took a shot, landing the red solid in the corner pocket. Zed gave me a high five. I couldn’t resist glancing over at Sage, my ego hoping that she’d seen me make that play somehow. She was still staring into her glass. The guy stretched and let his arm rest on the back of her chair.

  What a cliché move! My chest clenched with disdain and I glared at him. I hated how close he was sitting next to Sage and how suave he looked. He took a swig of beer and leaned in closer to Sage, nearly touching his head to hers.

  “Dude!”

  I snapped to attention at Steve’s voice.

  “Who’s the chick?” he asked.

  “W-what chick?”

  “Duh, the girl you’ve been gawking at for the last half hour.”

  “No one.” I felt my face flush with embarrassment. “Whose turn is it?”

  “Yours.”

  Already? I cut a look to Zed who had a stupid grin on his face. I scowled back at him, then checked out the table, analyzing the changes since my last shot. I silently chastised myself for standing in a trance like that, staring at Sage like a doofus. Thankfully, I was set up for an easy shot.

  I lined up the cue.

  “I don’t want to dance, Tristan.”

  My gaze pulled from the yellow ball to the sound of Sage’s voice.

  “Come on,” the guy she called Tristan said. “It’ll be fun. Like old times.”

  Like old times? Right. This was Tristan, the old boyfriend.

  Snap, snap.

  Zed was snapping his fingers in front of my face. “Focus, bro. Think disgusting toilet bowl, not beautiful, unattainable girl.”

  I bent low, lined up the cue up along my fingers. I visualized the angle I needed to hit the white ball to the yellow to propel the yellow into the side pocket. It was a relatively easy shot. I’d made similar ones a dozen times. Get this one in and we won.

  Just as my cue was about to connect with the lead ball, Sage entered my peripheral vision. Her head was pressed against Tristan’s chest and her eyes were closed.

  The room swam before me as strong emotion swirled through my being. Heat brewed from a deep place and I wanted to breathe fire. Burn that idiot to high heaven.

  “Dude!”

  This time it was Zed’s voice. His gray eyes shot daggers my way. “Did you seriously just miss that shot?”

  I felt sheepish. Letting a girl distract you from an easy shot was belittling. I shook my head. “Sorry. My head’s not in the game.”

  He flashed me another look of disgust as Paul made the winning shot. He and Steve hooted and chest bumped
each other.

  “Who’s the man?” Paul roared.

  “We are!” Steve returned.

  “That doesn’t even make sense,” I said.

  Zed gave me a scathing glare. “I’ll do the sink. You’re doing their toilet.”

  I slunk into a chair in a darkened corner and nursed my beer, my eyes staid on Sage. I knew I was being a pathetic loser, but I couldn’t help it. Every time I tried to focus on something else, another girl for instance, my eyes always sought Sage.

  It was torment.

  The dancers gradually shuffled counter-clockwise around the room, bringing Sage and Tristan closer to where I sat. As far as I could tell, Sage wasn’t even aware I was in the room, a colossal imbalance if there ever was one. My senses were always keenly attuned to her.

  Tristan shook her shoulders. “You really need to snap out of this downer mood.”

  “Lindsey just died today,” Sage said tersely.

  “You weren’t even friends.”

  “So? Does that mean I can’t be sad?”

  “Fine, be sad.” Tristan pulled away. “Let me know when you’re over it and want to have some fun.”

  Tristan walked away, leaving Sage standing alone on the dance floor. Her mouth dropped open as she watched Tristan introduce himself to a table of girls and pull out an empty chair.

  She crossed her arms and looked away, hurt stamped on her face.

  That was when she finally saw me. Our eyes locked for a second before she turned away and hurried out of the bar.

  14

  

  Sage

  Tristan’s insensitivity was cutting, but the worst of it was knowing that Marlow had been a witness. I didn’t know why I cared about what he thought, but I did.

  I paid the cab driver and made my way through the main entrance of my building, past the curious eyes of a couple girls in the lounge who were gifted with the gossip gene, and nearly sprinted down the hall to my room. I couldn’t wait to end this day.

  I pushed the door open and stuttered to a stop. Nora let out a surprised yelp as Jake gradually lifted his body off of hers. Nora shuffled to a seated position on her bed. They both seemed intent on smoothing out their hair. At least they were still dressed.

  “Sorry,” I said. “I can wait in the lounge.”

  “No,” Nora said, quickly. “We were…”

  Jake gave her a questioning look. I could safely assume he wouldn’t mind if I waited in the lounge.

  “… Getting ready to go out,” Nora finished.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yeah.” She straightened her blouse as I made the three strides to my bed. She watched me carefully. “Are you okay?”

  I felt my eyes well up, but glanced away from her scrutiny. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

  “We’ll let you rest,” Nora said. She gave Jake a meaningful look that said, she’s unstable, we need to leave her alone, then she disappeared into the bathroom.

  I opened a book and pretended to read so as not to appear rude while I was ignoring Jake.

  He took his usual languid position on Nora’s chair. “Bad day?”

  I didn’t glance up. “I’ve had better.”

  “Are you getting enough exercise? Because proper exercise is proven to produce endorphins that improve the mood.”

  I looked up and narrowed my eyes. “How’s rowing?”

  “Great! See, I stay in shape.” He grinned. “I’m always in a good mood.”

  I got that he thought I was moody. Fine.

  “Do you always row with Jamil Pershan?”

  Jake’s face shadowed a little at that question. “Coach made us a team.”

  “And is he as happy as you?” I knew Jamil was anything but a poster boy for endless joy. “Being that he gets all that exercise.”

  “He’s an anomaly,” Jake said. “He’s strong and we make a good rowing team. Not the friendliest guy, but a good athlete.”

  “Do you know him outside of rowing?”

  “What’s with all the questions about Jamil?” Jake cocked his head. “You interested? Want me to set you up?”

  “No!”

  Jake would take my inquiries the wrong way. Nora exited the bathroom with fresh makeup applied, saving me from more forced and uncomfortable conversation with Jake.

  She left with a finger wave. “Sleep well.”

  “Have fun.”

  I let out a long breath as the door closed behind them. Such a relief to be left alone. I closed my eyes and my mind raced through my day. Lindsey’s death. Time spent with Marlow. Tristan.

  My eyes felt scratchy and I remembered that I had my contacts in. I heaved myself out of bed and went through the process of removing them. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I changed into PJs. I was compelled to check my mail, texts and chat forums. Had Tristan tried to apologize?

  There was a ping in the chats. Not Tristan, but Marlow.

  @averagegeek99: Are you okay?

  My disappointment was fleeting. I felt warmed by Marlow’s concern.

  @mathmatters: I’m fine.

  @averagegeek99: Who was the guy?

  Okay. Right to the point.

  @mathmatters: No one.

  @averagegeek99: He didn’t look like no one.

  @mathmatters: He’s an old boyfriend.

  @averagegeek99: A handle he’s wanting to change?

  Was Marlow jealous? I hoped not. I didn’t see him as more than a friend. I tried to recall if I’d unintentionally sent him mixed signals. I didn’t think so.

  @mathmatters: What do you mean?

  @averagegeek99: The guy was making obvious moves. And I didn’t like how he talked to you.

  Not that it was any of his business. I shot for diplomacy.

  @mathmatters: He was just tired of my moodiness. Who isn’t?

  @averagegeek99: I’m not. You’re going through stuff. You’re allowed to feel emotion.

  @mathmatters: He doesn’t know about it.

  Well, he knew about Lindsey.

  @mathmatters: Most of it.

  @averagegeek99: I see.

  @mathmatters: What do you see?

  @averagegeek99: You can do better than him.

  @mathmatters: You don’t even know him. And who I date isn’t your business.

  He didn’t respond right away and I felt bad for being so harsh.

  @mathmatters: I appreciate your concern. We were just hanging out. We’re not a couple.

  Still no response. I was afraid I’d hurt his feelings.

  @mathmatters: Mars?

  @averagegeek99: You’re right. It’s not my business. Anyway, I gotta go.

  @mathmatters: Me too.

  @averagegeek99: Are you going to be all right? Is Nora with you?

  @mathmatters: She’s out with Jake. I’ll be fine.

  @averagegeek99: Let’s talk tomorrow.

  @mathmatters: Why?

  @averagegeek99: Because we’re friends.

  He was right. We were friends, and I needed a friend now in a big way.

  @mathmatters: Okay. Good night.

  I closed my laptop and shut off my light. I was exhausted but sleep wouldn’t come. My legs twitched and my shoulders ached. I needed help to relax or I knew I’d lie awake all night. I turned on the light and stared at the gel pills that lay on my night table beside a glass of water. I took one.

  I’m walking along the canal. It’s dusk and I’m blanketed with a shadowy mist. I hear the soft gurgle of flowing water. My skin is hot and my throat is scorched. I stop at the edge of the canal, bend down to reach the water, but it flows by just out of reach. I stretch and strain, forcing myself to go lower, stretch farther, but the more I reach the shallower the flow gets.

  I’m so hot and thirsty, nothing is more important to me than to reach the water. I topple, losing my balance and plunge in. The water is cold and I flail my limbs until my face breaks the surface. I stretch my legs and point my toes searching for the bottom, but it’s too deep. The water turns from
calm to angry and I’m suddenly pulled along by a strong current. Waves wash over my head, stinging my eyes and filling my mouth. I gag and gasp, and try to swim toward shore, but it’s like I don’t know how. My body sinks and my fear turns to terror. I’m going to die.

  I spot a boat in the distance. A rowboat with one occupant. I call for help but no sound escapes my lips. I despair that I won’t be spotted, but then the person turns.

  I’m seen, but the person doesn’t reach for the oars. Doesn’t make a move to help.

  I sink and my lungs burn. The last thing I see before plunging into darkness are the rower’s strange yellow eyes.

  15

  

  Marlow

  I woke to pounding on my door. I could sense by the amount of light breaching the room from the window that dawn had barely broken. Zed groaned and tossed a pillow at me. “It’s for you.”

  I groaned back. “How do you know?” It was probably Steve or Paul. Probably out partying all night and had locked themselves out of their room again.

  “Coming!” I called out. I didn’t bother dressing. Two seconds later I wished I had. Wearing only my boxers, I stood in front of Sage. She didn’t seem to notice. Her face was twisted in a near panic.

  “Sage? What’s wrong?”

  “I dreamed I drowned! Every time I’ve had a drowning dream, the person actually drowned in real life! Marlow, I’m next!”

  Her eyes were wide and bloodshot. Tears streaked down her high cheekbones. She removed her glasses to dab at her face with a tissue. She looked so fragile and vulnerable; I impulsively pulled her into a hug.

  That was when I remembered I didn’t have a shirt or pants on.

  Sage didn’t seem to notice, and though she didn’t embrace me back, she didn’t pull away either.

  “You’re not next, Sage,” I said softly. “It was just a dream.”

  She tilted her head up and stared earnestly at me. “The other dreams were just dreams too, until…”

  “Shh. We’ll figure this out. We’ll figure it out.”

  Zed grunted. “Can you love birds take it elsewhere.”

  Sage jerked away like she’d forgotten Zed lived here too. “I’m sorry.”