by Amy Allen
Closing her eyes again, Lana smiled as she stretched out her other leg and put it across his lap. She dozed off and started dreaming though it felt like she was awake. Not realizing it, she started whimpering and crying as well as moving her legs restlessly like she was trying to get free of something. The crying turned to pleads of no before she screamed.
Joshua wasn’t surprised she’d fallen asleep. Yesterday had been a long day and night and it had been a long and slightly rough morning today. He saw it was only 1:00 p.m. when he looked at his watch. He was glad it hadn’t taken Hank much more than an hour. Hearing Lana whimper and cry startled him. When he felt her legs move he frowned since his hand lightly rested there – he wasn’t even holding her leg down. The “no’s” had him worried; the scream had him pulling over as soon as he was able. Once parked, he released his seatbelt and then hers, getting ahold of her to bring her to him. “Shhh, Ki. It’s ok. You’re safe. Come on baby, wake up. You’re safe.”
When she felt herself being moved, she struggled to get free. But as she heard the words being spoken, she calmed. She knew the voice and it wasn’t the one she feared. Slowly coming out of the nightmare and waking up, she looked up into Joshua’s worried face. She hadn’t realized she’d said no and then screamed out loud, so she asked, “What happened? Why’d you pull off?”
His racing heart was finally starting to calm though his breathing was still fast and slightly shallow. In 460 years, nothing had ever scared him as much as hearing Lana scream in her sleep had scared him now, not even being kidnapped with Brandi. He rested his head against Lana’s briefly, holding her close as his hand ran up and down her back. Lifting his head, he said, “You were having a nightmare, telling someone ‘no’ and then screamed.” He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly to calm his breathing back down. He dropped his head to hers again as he finished calming. He didn’t get why it scared him, he just knew it did. Finding his voice again, he continued with, “Waking you up was the most important thing to me. Couldn’t do that and drive.”
Lana felt the need to curl into him and that scared her. But the nightmare, more like a past memory, had scared her more. “I didn’t know I’d said anything out loud. I haven’t had a nightmare like that in a long time.” She did lean into him and sighed. “I thought they were gone, done. I guess I was wrong.” She sniffed a little and felt herself give a small shudder.
He brought her closer, feeling her head tuck under his chin, continuing to rub her back. He wasn’t thinking about the words he was saying, again, when he said, “It's ok, baby. I’m not surprised you have nightmares. I just wasn’t expecting to hear you scream like you did.” His head rested on top of hers, tucking hers in further. “Shhh. You don’t have to deal with it alone anymore.” Lifting his own head, he lifted her chin and kissed her, happy she responded and that she even sighed into his mouth. As much as she affected him anytime she was near, he was able to keep it under control this time. It was hard keeping it under control, but he was managing. Comfort was what was important, even with the kiss. He could imagine ravaging her lips and letting his hands wander over her, but in the forefront of his mind, he knew that wasn’t what was needed right now. He ended the kiss before he did just what he was imagining. And in the back of his mind, he wondered where that came from.
She could feel the restraint from him and as much as she was enjoying the comfort and the care, part of her wanted what he was holding back. She sighed again and asked, “What’s going on?”
Even though he shook his head, he smiled. He liked that she was just as off balance as he was. “I’m not sure right now, but I am sure we’ll figure it out soon.” He kissed her again, though more lightly this time, only to have his phone ring. This time he sighed, wanting to ignore it. Shifting slightly to grab it out of his pocket, he saw the caller ID touched accept and said, “Hey Rob.”
“Where are you? Everything ok?”
“Yeah. Everything is fine.” Seeing her shake her head, he didn’t question it, saying, “Just needed to make a quick stop first. We’ll be there soon.”
“Sounds good. Starting to think you had an accident or something.”
“Nope. See you in a few.” Hitting end, he grinned at Lana. As he lifted her slightly and put her back in her seat, he said, “Anytime you wake up from one, call me. Doesn’t matter if I’m on duty or not. Call. Okay?”
Putting her seat belt back on, Lana nodded. “Okay.”
Satisfied that she would Joshua put his seat belt back on and started the truck.
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Pulling in the driveway, Joshua shook his head at who he saw. Parking, he got out and went around the truck, opening the door for Lana and helping her out before he opened the back door to let the wolves out. When they were out, they looked at him in question so he just motioned toward the house to them, not surprised they headed to the front door. Seeing Lana’s bag as he was about to close the door, he leaned in and grabbed it. As he handed it to her, he smiled, getting a smile in return. Turning to the group he said, “Hey Eric, hey Kaeo.” Since he didn’t expect to see his sister, he was surprised at her being there. “Andi? Everything okay?”
Brandi watched her brother as he helped Lana out, let the wolves out, not overly surprised the wolves did as he wanted, and finally grabbed Lana’s bag back out and hand it to her. There was something different about him and in how he was with Lana. She decided she needed to talk to him, tell him about true mates and see if he has tried to read her mind or if he has felt what Lana feels at all. “Hey, Josh. Everything’s fine. John left for Oahu this morning since he had to report back to work. Last night Eric asked if I’d stay for the rest of the week. About twenty minutes ago he texted me and asked me to meet him over here. Though he hasn’t said what he needs me for yet.” Having her suspicions, she only grinned at her brothers and shrugged.
Lana was glad he’d remembered her bag. Once he and Brandi were done talking, she turned, stood on her toes and kissed him, smiling again. “Be right back,” she told him, getting a nod. Moving to the front door, she followed the wolves in. Getting down their dishes, she fed the wolves, made sure they had plenty of water and gave them both some pets. “I’ll be back in after a while. Be good.” Heading to her room, she left her bag on the bed and then headed back outside.
Eric smiled at the young woman as Lana stepped up to them. “Hi, Lana. This is my partner, Kaeo. Kaeo, this is Lana. It was her ‘ohana that burned down.” Focusing just on Lana again, he added, “We’re here for the Maui PD side of the investigation.”
“Hi, Eric. Nice to meet you, Kaeo. Good, I’m glad you’re in charge of the investigation, Eric.” Making a quick decision, Lana added, “I want to help with the investigation if possible.”
Eric remembered Rob mentioning Lana was trying to get established as a Criminal Psychologist. He didn’t give Kaeo a chance to say ‘no’ when he asked, “Are you familiar with arson or arsonists?” He knew that Lana had a vested interest because they thought it was the person that liked to go after Lana, from what Rob had told him and John the previous night but Eric didn’t know Lana’s background for arsonists.
Lana couldn’t help but grin. “Just a bit. I have my degree in Criminal Psychology, but I also concentrated on the mental makeup of arsonists. A couple years ago I did my Master’s thesis on the Pa’ia Cane fire here on Maui. I would get whatever information I could get for the paper out from what little the newspaper gave on it for the fire since Rob couldn’t share anything he knew and my professor wouldn’t let me do a field trip from Oahu so I could find out more. Since it was an unscheduled cane fire with an undetermined cause, I wrote up my paper as if it had been found to be arson. I included a description of what the arsonist would look like, as well as his personality.”
Surprise showed on Hank’s face as he stepped up to them and heard Lana’s comment. “You’re that Lana? I’ve read your paper or at least a copy of it and was really surprise
d when I heard it was written by a student. It’s excellent and I’ve used it for reference whenever I’ve needed to since.” He looked at Eric and Kaeo. “She’s really knowledgeable for both arsons and arsonists.”
Eric nodded. “Kaeo and I still need to go over the information Hank gave us for what he found this morning, as well as the test results when those come back. I already know who the witnesses are and who the first responders were.” Looking over at Hank he asked, “It may be in here, but did you find any fingerprints?” Eric didn’t mention he also wanted Brandi to go over the area as well as have her talk to Lana obtain more information on Jeremy.
Hank nodded. “There was a good one on the piece of bottle I found. I took a picture of it and printed an extra copy of it for you and put it in that file I gave you. At this point, there isn’t anything else for me to add to this investigation since I also included copies of the interviews I did this morning while I was out here. I will forward to you copies of the reports of the rest of the test results as soon as they come in, Detective.” With a nod to everyone, he left.
Lana felt a hand on her lower back and glanced over her shoulder as she listened. She was glad to see Joshua. She was still feeling the effects of the nightmare but she’d managed to keep her concentration on the conversation since she wanted to help. Feeling his hand lightly rub up and down her back, she guessed he noticed the slight shaking she was doing. Closing her eyes for a moment, she took a breath and let it out slowly. Feeling somewhat back in control, she said, “I’d be surprised if that print didn’t belong to Jeremy. But I’m not sure if he’s in the system. Even though it may not be very helpful right now, I can do a sketch of him for you.” Lana hadn’t realized Joshua leaned down until she heard quietly in her ear, “And give them both copies, please.” She gave a small nod so he’d know she’d heard and agreed.
Brandi noticed the small exchange between the two even if Lana hadn’t said anything to Joshua. Brandi glanced at Eric and receiving a quick nod, turned her attention back to Lana. Knowing how it would be if she had ever needed to do a drawing of Jeff, her own tormentor, Brandi asked, “Are you sure?”
Lana nodded. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll get it done now.”
Sydni had been following the conversation between her daughter and Brandi. She had also noticed the exchange between her daughter and Joshua. When Lana left, Sydni started to follow her. Seeing Joshua also start to follow, Sydni only shook her head at him asking him to wait. Once inside, Sydni didn’t see Lana in her bedroom though she wasn’t surprised. Getting to the kitchen, she saw Lana defrosting some chicken in a sink full of warm water. “Thinking of dinner already, baby girl?” When Lana only nodded, not looking at her, Sydni stepped to her and put an arm around her. “It needs time to soak. Come sit with me.” Moving Lana to the couch, Sydni sat with her. “I know you’re going to do a sketch of him so the Maui PD – Eric and his partner - have it. And you can do that shortly, though I am surprised you’re going to.” Sydni smiled softly at her daughter’s sharp look. “You’re not having an easy time right now, are you?”
A tear slipped down Lana’s face as she looked at her mom. “I need to do it, but no, I’m not. I was having a bit of trouble outside, but had calmed down. Once I came inside though, …”
Sydni smiled to herself. Her daughter was in love with Joshua, even if Lana didn’t realize it yet. And, from the way Joshua was acting around Lana, he was in love with her though he probably didn’t know it yet either. “Have you told Joshua about the nightmares or drugs?”
The question took Lana by surprise. “You know?” When Sydni nodded, Lana asked, “Does Dad?”
Sydni shook her head. “No. At least not about the drugs. And Rob doesn’t know about either of them. You also didn’t answer my question, baby girl. Did you tell Joshua?”
From near the kitchen, they heard, “Yeah, she told me.” Joshua moved to join them in the family room. Looking at Sydni as he sat on the other side of Lana, he added, “That’s why we were late getting back. She’d fallen asleep on the way back and had a nightmare. I pulled over to help her wake up and then calm afterward. She’d told me about the rest while we were talking at the beach.”
Sydni nodded. Glad Lana had opened up to Joshua. She was happy her daughter found a man other than Drew, Rob, or Craig to trust in. “Rob said he talked to you. Did you mention the nightmare to him?”
Joshua pulled Lana back against him, not thinking about what he was doing. He shook his head. “No. Ki asked me not to. I take it he hasn’t been around when she’s had one?”
Sydni was taking in everything they both said and did. “No, he hasn’t. And Drew has either been not home or slept through her screams.”
Lana leaned against Joshua without thought. “How do you know about the drugs? And does Dad, Rob, or Craig know?”
Sydni sighed. “He’s been drugging you since the start. I was alone with you in your room that first time in the hospital when the doctor came in. He told me everything that happened to you. I asked him not to tell your dad about the drugs, that I would. Since you were only 9 years old at the time, I decided both he and Rob didn’t need to know that part. Both were already angry enough at what they knew had happened by who we thought was a friend. And, over the years, I’ve just neglected to tell either of them. As for Craig, you’ll have to ask him. If Craig knows, he hasn’t said anything to me.”
Standing, Lana nodded. “I’m going to ask him. Joshua brought up a good point on why Craig may know.” She headed into the kitchen and pulled the now defrosted chicken out of the sink, not finishing what she had been saying. Putting the chicken to the side, she pulled out a bowl and measuring cup from a lower cabinet. From the fridge, she grabbed Soy Sauce. She felt a hand run down her back before she heard from right behind her, “Need help?” Turning, she gave a bit of a smile. Not really paying attention to how she was saying it, she said “hå’å”.
Joshua started laughing, leaning down to kiss her, before he said, “I’ll take that as ‘yes’ in Chamorro. In which case, what do you need me to do?”
The kiss and his laughter broke the tension Lana was feeling. She also suddenly realized how she’d said yes and smiled a more natural smile. “Yeah, that’s what I said, or at least one of the ways of saying ‘yes’. Could you grab some spices for me from the cabinet over the stove, please?” When he opened the cabinet she mentioned, he glanced over at her. She told him which ones she needed from there and then asked him to grab brown sugar down from the cabinet next to the one he’d just been in. She giggled as he got the brown sugar down. “I think when Dad had Jack build this house, he forgot that Mom and I would be the ones using the kitchen so they didn’t need to put most everything up so high that the shortest person, me, couldn’t reach without some kind of help.”
Joshua laughed as he put everything she’d asked for on the counter next to her bowl. Seeing her put the Soy Sauce and some water in the bowl, and then adding the rest in, he asked, “What are you making?”
Giggling some again she teased, “dinner.” When he sighed at her with a grin, she said, “Shoyu chicken. About the only Hawaiian dish I cook.” Lana started laughing when she heard her mom say, loudly, “YAY!!” as she went down the hall to answer the front door.
“Why start it this early?” He wondered as he leaned against the counter. Watching her start whisking everything in the bowl, he added, “From what you have there, it sounds and smells good.”
“At the moment I’m just doing the marinade so the chicken can soak for at least an hour.” Stopping for the moment, she turned to him, stood on her toes and kissed him. Smiling and returning to her mixing, she added, “Hope you plan to stay for dinner.” She could tell his attention was suddenly on something else when he only nodded then looked toward the larger entryway right by the kitchen and great room. Turning to grab the chicken, Lana sighed when she saw her mom and Brandi. “I’m sorry, Brandi. I haven’t gotten the sketch done for them yet. Let me finish this and then I’ll
get it done.”
Brandi had the feeling Lana had been putting off doing the sketch as long as she could, and she really couldn’t blame her. Watching Joshua put spices away as Lana put chicken in a bowl of what she guessed to be marinade, Brandi stood there and smiled. “As soon as you’re done is fine.” Thinking she knew what Lana was making, she then asked, “Shoyu chicken?”
Lana was just putting plastic wrap over the top of the bowl at Brandi’s question. Smiling at the woman, she said, “Yeah. Have you made it?” Seeing Brandi nod, Lana added, “You, Eric, your triplets, and your friend Jim are welcome to join us. There’ll be enough.” She had started to mention Brandi’s husband John but then remembered Brandi said he’d had to go back to Oahu. Lana smiled when she saw Joshua grab the bowl for her. “Fridge, please,” was all she said, seeing him nod.
The four of them moved to the couch and Lana grabbed her pad out of her bag. Going to a blank page, she quickly did up a rough sketch of Jeremy. Before she had the chance to do anything, Joshua leaned over her shoulder and pulled both copies off, handing them to Brandi, making sure the carbon was out from between them.
“Two copies?” Brandi wondered. She thought she knew why, but not wanting to actually read Lana’s mind to find out.
Lana nodded. “I always do two copies of everything. Usually, it’s so I have a backup copy if I need it. Though in this case, not only do I not need the extra copy, I also told Joshua I’d give both copies to you.”
“Are you sure?” Brandi asked.
All Lana could do was nod before Joshua chuckled. Drawing Lana against him, he said, “She’s sure.” He suddenly gave a grunt, as if he’d been hit with something. Looking at Lana, he grinned and added, “Brat.”
Lana gave what she hoped was an innocent smile. “Oh, I’m sorry. My elbow must have slipped.”
Joshua chuckled again. “Yeah, sure, baby. I believe that.” It hadn’t hurt, just took him by surprise and he didn’t believe the innocent smile she was trying to have. He knew she was teasing him.