George, Mary Lou - Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Mary Lou George

  “What time?” She turned to look at Sam. “I was supposed to start my job at Sam’s clinic tomorrow.”

  “I’ll go too. I don’t think it will hurt to have a veterinarian around.” He covered Jade’s hand with his own.

  Gillian smiled. “Nice work, Sam. Jade will be a great help to you at the clinic.”

  Travis acknowledged Sam’s offer with a nod of his head. “Reggie, what about Constance? Can you check with her to see if she feels anything? I don’t know what—”

  She interrupted him, “Of course I will. She’s a ghost, a former Guardian who can travel between worlds. If there’s anything to know from beyond the veil, she’ll know it.” Reggie shrugged, “Whether she’ll tell me is another story. She’s been on a romance high since the wedding. It might be hard to make her focus, but I’ll see what I can do.”

  Travis turned to Gillian next. “You’d tell me if you’d seen or felt something unusual coming from someone in town, wouldn’t you?”

  Breaking the tension, Reggie answered for her friend. She rapped the back of Travis’s hand lightly with her ice cream spoon. “Hey, Travis, your proctologist called. He found your head.” She rolled her eyes and added, “Of course she’d tell you if she felt something unusual in this town.”

  Gillian laughed. “Good one, Reg. I’ll bet you’ve been holding on to that little gem for just the right moment.” They shared a smile, she turned to her fiancé and soberly answered his question. “I’ve got nothing to tell you right now, but that doesn’t mean I won’t pick something up tomorrow or the next day now that I know what to watch for.” She looked around the room and continued, “I’ve been working on the exercises Dr. Smythe recommended, and my ability is getting stronger. I’ll see what I can get tonight.” Politely Gillian explained to Jade, “Dr. Smythe is my specialist. He’s been great working with the women who were raped here last summer.”

  Jade nodded. She’d heard the story. Last summer, Gillian and Travis had worked together to put a stop to a man who’d been preying on the young women of New Crescent. They got their man, but not before he’d left damage in his wake. Gillian was using her particular gift to help his victims to heal.

  Catching a tomato as it slid off his bagel, Sam looked at Jade and dropped mayonnaise on his sleeve. Ignoring it, he said, “I’ll call the coroner and see if there is anything I can do to help him. He’s probably not all that familiar with animal physiology.” He grinned crookedly, “That’s my specialty.”

  Reggie snorted, not her most feminine moment. “Your specialty, huh, I thought that would have been hooking up with beautiful women…oh no, I guess that’s just a hobby…it puts you in the amateur category. Not that there’s anything amateur about you.” She frowned and shook her head, “Sorry, it must be the hormones.”

  Before Sam could respond to Reggie’s apology, Chase spoke up. “Jade, you should communicate with my cat, Pita.”

  Reggie scoffed, “Ha!” She pointed at her husband in triumph. “I knew one day you’d finally acknowledge Pita!”

  Jade laughed at her brother and sister-in-law, happy that despite the dire situation they could still tease each other. “You have a cat? Since when? I never knew you liked cats.”

  Chase looked stricken for a moment. “I don’t know what either of you are going on about. I don’t have a cat. It was a slip of the tongue.”

  Reggie leaned back in her chair and put her hands on her still flat abdomen. “I finally had to give the poor thing a name. Pita stands for Pain In the Ass. He’s bonded with Chase, God knows why. This cat is enormous, even Hank gives him a wide berth.”

  Gillian asked, “But where is he?”

  Reggie nodded to the other end of the table. “You’ll find him on a chair. He’s never far from Chase. They love each other, but they’re in denial.”

  Jade walked to the foot of the table. She was amazed when she laid eyes on the most enormous feline she’d ever seen. He barely fit on the generous chair he’d chosen. The chair arms helped to contain his bulk as he bulged over its seat like too much jelly in a jelly donut.

  “He’s a Maine Coon cat.” Reggie said proudly. “They’re the largest breed of cat.”

  “I believe it,” Jade said, her eyes wide.

  Reggie was a little defensive. “Pita’s an over achiever. He’s the largest of the largest breed of cat. I’m thinking of getting a bumper sticker.”

  Jade had to admire the creature. He was beautiful, and if first impressions counted for anything, great intelligence lurked behind his blue eyes.

  She looked over at the others and said apologetically, “Cats aren’t very communicative. They generally keep their own counsel except with the one person to whom they’ve bonded. Poor things, imagine their frustration. They usually try to communicate with their familiar, but humans aren’t able to understand, so the highly intelligent cat gets irritated and gives up trying. But if there’s something rotten in New Crescent, I’m sure they’ll step up.”

  Jade sat on the floor by Pita’s chair.

  Reggie whispered to Chase, “Have you seen her do this before?”

  He nodded and kissed her quickly. “Do you regret not going on a honeymoon now?”

  Shaking her blond head she said, “Are you kidding, Poindexter? I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

  Pita wasn’t very forthcoming, but Jade explained, “I’m a stranger to him. When he gets to know me better he’ll open up, I hope.” She looked over at the dogs. Reggie’s dog Prudence, Pru to her nearest and dearest, had joined Hank, Maggie and Rags. Jade said, “The cat just confirmed what the dogs have told me already. There’s something wrong, and it’s dangerous for this town. Oh and by the way, you’re right Reggie, Pita’s in denial too.”

  * * * *

  After they left McCann House, Sam followed her back to Chase’s bungalow. Jade was staying in the house that Chase had lived in before he’d bought McCann House for Reggie. Sam insisted on coming in to check and make sure everything was safe. Jade smiled at him. Inside the modest home, he looked like he belonged, but he’d always looked like he belonged.

  “Do you want anything?” she asked.

  Sam winced. “Don’t get me started.”

  She looked confused, but before she could ask him what he meant he spotted her cat and asked her his name.

  She smiled. “His name is Basil.”

  He laughed. “After?”

  “A friend of mine in high school. We lost touch, but I still think the world of him.”

  “Did you love him?”

  “Very much, but just as a friend.” She saw no reason to be coy.

  Sam raised his eyebrows at her and put the cat in his lap. “Have you ever been in love, Jade?”

  She thought for a second then grinned. “Yes. I was very much in love with you for years.”

  “Not counting that.” He looked cross and Jade wondered for a second

  how she’d annoyed him, but the expression disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. Jade figured she’d imagined it or at the very least misinterpreted it.

  “No, I can’t say that I’ve ever been in love.” She sat down across from him. “I won’t ever fall in love, Sam.”

  Obviously surprised at her declaration he asked, “What the hell makes you say that?”

  In a very matter of fact voice she explained. “I don’t think it’s for me.” His reaction to her words made her laugh. “Oh, don’t worry, Sam, you aren’t the only guy I’ve kissed. In fact, I’ve even had sex a couple of times.”

  Muttering a soft gasp, Sam shifted Basil as the cat dug his claws in his thighs. “And you didn’t like it?”

  She thought for a moment then answered as honestly as she could, “It was okay. I just don’t see the big deal. It’s awkward at best.

  He laughed. “Maybe you just weren’t with the right guy?”

  She was skeptical. “Ha! Are you offering?”

  He was obviously at a loss for words. She put him out of his misery. “I’m joking, Sam.
Don’t worry.” He snapped out of it and smiled at her.

  She laughed. “You should have seen the expression on your face. Reggie would say you looked like a rodent in the headlights.”

  His laughter joined hers, complementing it. “What would you say I looked like?”

  “I’d never say you look like a rodent. You’re much too outgoing for that. I’ve always found rodents painfully shy.” She looked absolutely serious.

  He laughed. “This is so surreal. I’m amazed at what you can do. When did you know?”

  “I’ve always loved animals. You know that, but I didn’t realize what I could do until after I’d left New Crescent. There was a donkey at the stables where we lived. My dad was hired as a trainer. This donkey was the sweetest thing, always happy. He loved people and acted more like a dog than any donkey I’d ever seen. He was a companion to a very successful Standard Bred race horse name Tammara. One day when I arrived at the barn he wasn’t there to greet me as usual. He was hiding in the stall trembling and shying away from everything and everyone.” Her eyes teared up as she remembered. “I spent weeks trying to get him to come near me again. One day when I was soothing and coaxing him with a treat, he just came out with it so loudly that it almost knocked me off my feet. I understood immediately.” She shook her head sadly. “My father was a cruel man given to fits of rage. He’d hit the poor little fellow over the head with a pail.”

  Anger filled Sam’s eyes. “What a monster. Why?”

  Jade shrugged. “Because the little donkey got in his way I guess. He gave him quite a wallop too. I took a look at the wound when he let me get near enough. But after that, we became the best of friends. You see, I knew what it was like being different from all the rest; in the way all the time, unwanted. I tell you that donkey opened a whole new world for me. I touched a part of my mind I didn’t know existed. I started to communicate with all the animals and was able to keep my father from hurting them usually.”

  “What happened to the donkey? And Tammara?” Sam asked, his eyes filled with sympathy.

  “I named him Erick. My father got fired for drinking as usual, and we had to leave.” Her tender heart had broken that day. Every day since she’d wondered about the donkey and Tammara. To Sam she said, “If I knew where they were, I’d move heaven and earth to have them with me. All I know is that Tammara isn’t on the circuit anymore. I hope she’s happily retired somewhere and Erick is with her.”

  Sam smiled at her with understanding. “I don’t blame you, Jinx. So do I. Race horses aren’t always treated well. Former race horses, well I just don’t want to go there, and donkeys, well some people don’t see much use for them other than as beasts of burden. Not such a good life.”

  Jade wiped the tears from her eyes and attempted a brave smile. She feared it just turned out a twisted grimace, pathetic and self conscious. “You must think I’m a terrible cry baby. All I’ve done today is bawl.”

  He shook his head, admiration in his voice. “I think you’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.”

  She was touched by what he said and in a low voice replied, “That just might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

  He laughed and stood up. “Well you’ve been away from home too long then for sure. It’s getting late. I should let you get to bed.”

  She nodded. “Thanks for taking such good care of me.”

  He walked to the door. “Get used to it. I’ll pick you up tomorrow, and we’ll go to the Simpson farm together. Now get some sleep. You’ve had a big day.”

  After he left, Jade thought about how great it was to be back home with her brothers. Travis was as good as a brother to her and so was Sam. She froze. No, wait! That thought didn’t sit well with her. She couldn’t think of Sam as a brother, that was wrong. She just couldn’t. Nothing about Sam had ever given her the creeps, just the opposite in fact, but when she thought of him as a brother, she shuddered with revulsion. It felt creepy indeed. Jade knew she’d never think of Sam as a brother again and without bothering to examine why, went off to bed.

  Chapter 7

  When Sam appeared at her door the next morning, she was ready. When he put his hand on her back to escort her out the door he froze. “What the hell is this?” He touched the long thick braid she’d hurriedly crafted earlier. “Your hair is still wet.”

  Jade looked puzzled, “So?”

  “It’s cold outside. You can’t step out with wet hair. We’re going to be spending a good chunk of time outside today. You’ll freeze. Come on.” Gently, he grabbed her by the braid and led her into the bathroom. It wasn’t easy, walking backwards, trusting that he knew where he was going, but Jade had no choice. He showed no inclination to let her go. He positioned her in front of the mirror and stood behind her.

  Jade looked at their reflection in the mirror. She wore an exasperated expression. Sam looked bemused as he unbraided her hair. When he was finished, he ran his hands through the thick strands and made a satisfied sound.

  “Now, Jinx, don’t even try to pretend you don’t have a blow dryer. Reggie’s hair is about an inch long but she has two. It’s like every female has a reservation when they’re born and once they come of age they are gifted with the ceremonial dryer and they’re never without one again until the day they die.” He proceeded to look around Jade’s bathroom. She didn’t say a word. He searched the room with such efficiency she knew he’d find it sooner of later.

  “Ah ha! Pay dirt!” He plugged the dryer in and went to work on her hair.

  Above the noise it made, she hollered, “Not every woman has one you know. You’re just being sexist.”

  He shrugged. “I can live with that.”

  Irritated now, she tried to take the dryer from his hands, but it was a waste of time. He didn’t budge.

  “I can dry my own hair, Fabio.” But she couldn’t help shivering with pleasure as he gently tended to her hair.

  Ignoring her claim, he rolled his eyes and said loudly, “You’ve been hanging around Reggie too much. She’s a bad influence.”

  Jade stood in front of the mirror rehearsing mutinous looks, as Sam dried her heavy hair. He was by no means an expert, but he got the job done. For once around her he showed no signs of clumsiness.

  When he was finished he handed her a brush. “Okay, now you can braid it. I don’t know how.”

  She looked at him with a frown. “What, no head massage?”

  He looked positively carnivorous when he replied, “Honey, I think massages should start at the toes, take untold, but delicious detours along the way, and finish at the tip of a woman’s head. We’d be here all day.”

  Braid forgotten, Jade met his dark eyes in the mirror. Did she imagine that fleeting glimmer of desire? It was gone so quickly, Jade figured she’d dreamt it. Wishful thinking? She pushed the thought aside.

  “Hey, I’m your employee now. That might just qualify as sexual harassment.” Fingers flying, she efficiently fastened the end of her hair with an elastic band.

  Sam grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her towards the door. “Travis is going to kill us if we don’t hurry up. He’s the law around here, remember? We’re supposed to fear him.”

  Inside the cab of his truck, Sam said, “Oh and by the way. Don’t make jokes about sexual harassment. I have opinions on that.”

  She turned her knees towards his and tried to look at his face while he drove. He didn’t take his eyes off the road. “We’ve got some time before we get to the Simpson farm. Come on, lay some opinions on me.” Jade was up for a challenge.

  “If you insist.” He didn’t take his eyes off the road. He took a deep breath and started. “I think sexual harassment is rife in our society on almost every level. Somewhere along the line, we got it wrong. The stats are staggering, but I think it’s even worse than that. I believe there isn’t a woman in the world who hasn’t been subjected to and/or been forced to handle some sort of sexual harassment. It just depends on how you define the term.”

  J
ade looked surprised. “This coming from an infamous womanizer.”

  He turned his head quickly, nailing her with his eyes, and Jade wanted to apologize for what she’d said and the flippant way she’d said it.

  “Yes. I’ve been called a womanizer, but I’ve never taken a woman to my bed without making absolutely certain that she truly wanted to be there and she enjoyed her time spent there. I’ve tried very hard to avoid hurting anyone. The women in my life know exactly where they stand.”

  For a second Jade wanted to tell him that she didn’t know where she stood, but she dismissed the impulse. Silently, she admitted that she was the one confused, not Sam. And if she was going to work with him every day, then she’d better get a hold of herself.

  She was saved a response, as they pulled up to the Simpson Farm.

  There was police tape around a large section near the barn, and Travis stood in the middle of the area looking at the ground. His face was set and grim.

  Sam helped Jade out of the truck, and they walked towards Travis.

  He greeted them grimly. “Morning, guys.”

  Jade gave him a hug, and she could tell he resisted the urge to pick her up. Now wasn’t the time. Impressed by his self control, she patted him on the chest.

  “Thanks for doing this, Jade.” Travis nodded to the barn. “There are three cats, cattle, some chickens in the barn. The dog’s up at the house with Iris. You can see him after you’re done here. Do your stuff.” He put out an arm.

  “Do you want me to come with you?” Sam asked.

  Jade shook her head. “No. They’ll communicate better if I’m the only one.

  * * * *

  As usual, Jade had no idea how long she’d spent with the animals. Travis and Sam were still standing just outside the barn when she reappeared. They looked up, concern on their faces as she approached them.

  Sam put an arm around her. “You okay?”