“You joke, but once I show you, you’ll understand.”
“Can’t you just tell me?”
“No, I’d rather show you.”
“Now I’m really curious.”
Darcy appeared with their food, set it down, looked at Addison and grimaced.
“Are you two okay? You’re not fighting again, are you? Because I don’t think Gerry could take it.”
“No, Cael was just about to tell me what his strong points are.” Addison leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms over her chest, and stared at Cael.
Darcy rolled her eyes and smiled. “Strong points, ha, I can only imagine. The steak looks good, don’t let it get cold,” she said and strolled away.
Cael glanced up at the bar and noticed Gerry staring at Addison. “What is it with you and Gerry, anyway?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Gerry, he's always staring at you.”
“Are you jealous?”
“No ... no ... not at all.” At least, he didn’t think he was. “It’s just that he seems a bit over-protective of you, more than he should be. I mean, he’s your boss and your aunt’s boyfriend, not your boyfriend ... or am I wrong there? Has there ever been anything between the two of you?” As much as he hadn’t wanted to, he had to ask.
Addison didn’t answer right away, and he felt foolish, regretting having asked at all. Man, she was difficult to read sometimes. Her mind seemed to be in a state of flux and he always had trouble sensing mixed up emotions.
“I know he can be very protective, and yes, sometimes it bothers me. Gerry is Maia’s boyfriend, not mine, nor has he ever been. He has this big brother thing going on, nothing more.” Cael studied her face, accepting her explanation. She trusted Gerry, so he decided to give the guy a break.
Addison took a bite of her steak then washed it down with a sip of wine. Glancing toward the other side of the room, she smiled. “Oh look, my apartment manager is here tonight and he’s actually sitting with a woman. I wonder where he met her. She doesn’t look familiar. I worry about him, you know, he always seems so lonely. Well, now at least I know he doesn’t just sit at home brooding all the time.”
“That’s one of the many things I like about you. You’re always concerned about other people.”
She clutched the locket that hung around her neck. “Yeah, right now I’m concerned about this. Could Eidolon really steal our abilities?”
“It’s possible, yes.”
“It’d be like Satan himself,” Addison murmured.
“Maybe. What bothers me right now, though, is the idea of Eidolon lurking around unnoticed, almost ghostly. Eidolon actually means ‘phantom’ in Greek.”
They lifted their glasses of wine at the same time and sipped.
“How appropriate, but why in the world would any mother name her child that?”
Cael choked out a laugh, almost spitting wine all over the table. “That’s not his real name, silly.”
Her cheeks turned pink as she looked down at her plate and cut into a piece of meat. “Oh, well then, what is it?”
“Edgar Bonar.”
“Hmmm ... not much better than Eidolon.”
“We started calling him Eidolon when he defected from the society and became dangerous. Listen, Addison, we need to stay together—never separate. The chances of any harm coming to you are much greater if you’re alone.” The idea of staying close to her gave Cael a momentary sense of reprieve. Until now, he hadn’t realized how much he hated the thought of her possibly staying at the Sectory while he came back here to fight Eidolon. He was relieved when she refused. Cael took a rather large gulp of his wine, emptying the glass.
“I think I need a refill, how about you?”
“Sure.” She raised two fingers when Darcy looked over, then pointed to the empty wine glasses.
Addison reached out, placing her hand on top of his. “You can’t just hang around here every day while I work. People might start to think you’re a trifle over-protective, don’t you think?”
“Better me than Gerry, and after what happened this morning when I couldn’t find you, I don’t see any other option right now.”
After eating, they hung around the bar for a while to see if any customers, tourists or locals struck Cael as a potential threat.
“So, tell me about Breena.”
“What about her?”
“Well, she’s only nine. When did she start being able to see the future?”
“When she was three. It was quite annoying at first, until she learned to respect people’s privacy. Now she wears gloves a lot of the time.”
“Three? Wow, and you’ve known her how long?”
Cael studied Addison for a moment.
“I know what you’re thinking, and no, Breena is not my child. Although, if I had a little girl, I would love to have one just like her. She has a way of brightening up my day. Her parents were close friends of mine.”
Addison sat back in her chair and took a sip of wine. “Why does she call your mother Grammy Siana?”
“When her parents died, Breena was five and had no other living relatives so my mother took her in. She just started calling her Grammy Siana on her own. It didn’t seem to bother my mom, so she just let her.
“Until I read the note from your father, I believed—we all believed—Stefan and Claire died in a plane crash. But now I can only assume that Eidolon tampered with the plane somehow, making the crash look accidental.”
He reached across the table to Addison’s hand. “Do you want kids? I mean ... someday?”
Her eyes grew huge.
“I suppose. I haven’t given it much thought. I mean, I’ve never really been involved with anyone I’d like to have children with.”
“Ouch.” he pulled his hand back and sat up straight.
“Cael, we just met, not to mention that I have had other pressing issues on my mind.”
“It was just a rhetorical question, Addison, though I’m surprised at the way you seem so indifferent about our involvement.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say I wouldn’t want to have children with you. I’m sure that if I ever ventured down that path with someone, I might consider it ... I think I’d like some water.” She stood to go to the bar.
“Wait, I’ll get it.”
“No, let me. I’m feeling a bit guilty about not working tonight, and I want to thank Maia for filling in for me. Besides, I need to go to the lady’s room.”
Cael sat at the table mulling over her words. She “might consider it”—might—with someone, but she hadn’t said with him.
It bothered him and he hated that it did. He was falling in love with her, had been from the first time he saw her, but he wasn’t so sure the feeling was mutual. He was supposed to be able to sense her feelings. She’d gotten so upset this morning that Gerry had to send her home. Now she was unwilling to admit she would want his children. Why the hell did she bring it up then? Oh, yeah, she didn’t—he did. She had only asked about Breena.
Cael watched Addison’s apartment manager get up and head toward the door, but the woman he was sitting with remained behind. Well, so much for Addison’s good wishes for the guy. Cael caught a whiff of something stale in the air as the door swung open and about six people walked in, making the source of the odor unrecognizable. He studied the group and recognized Lieutenant Whelan as one of them. The cop headed away from the group and took a seat at the bar. When Cael met Whelan earlier, he hadn’t sensed anything sinister about the guy so he ruled him out, but he wondered about the other five people.
Cael studied them for a few minutes. Three men and two girls. He thought he recognized one of the guys, but couldn’t remember where he might have seen him. He had a poorly manicured black growth of beard and wore heavy black motorcycle boots. The way his messy hair stuck up looked as if he’d just ridden a bike without a helmet—hell, maybe he did, but that wasn’t Cael’s concern. Then it dawned on him. Ah, Darcy’s motorcycle
guy, yeah, he looked like the sort of jerk that would cheat on his wife.
***
In the restroom, Addie stood in front of the mirror and stared. What sort of question was that? The conversation she and Cael just had, the unexpected question of whether she wanted to have children with him, caught her completely off guard. She didn’t know what to say to him. Yes, it was something she had thought about, but the whole idea frightened her, especially now, after learning how her mother died. My God, what would happen? A child with Cael, with all the abilities the two of them possessed. It was frightening. If they were to have a child together, it could very well inherit all of the abilities they each had—or would a boy inherit hers and a girl his? God, a person could go crazy thinking about it. What kind of being would they create? No. It was an absurd idea. Thank God for the pill and she’d make sure she didn’t skip any.
She had to admit, she’d been relieved to learn Breena wasn’t Cael’s child, though she honestly wouldn’t have had any problem with it. She truly liked the little girl.
Chapter 29
Addison returned to the table as Jared came up behind her. “Would it be okay if I join you two? There doesn’t seem to be any other open seats in here tonight. It’s been a long day, and I could use a beer and some company.”
“Sure, have a seat.” Cael pushed the extra chair out with his foot.
Addison sat, the frown on her face turning into a forced smile directed at Jared. Cael felt a perverse bubble of confusion and unrepressed fear emanate from her mind and he wondered if it was the idea of children that had her upset. He wanted to talk more about it, but now with Jared here, the topic would have to wait.
“Thanks. Hey, did you guys hear about the third dead woman?”
Cael felt his eyes bulge as he stared at Jared. Addison's eyes were just as wide. “No, when did this happen?”
“They found her this afternoon, close to downtown. They said she died of a drug overdose and had most likely been out partying the night before and didn’t make it home before the drugs killed her.”
“Excuse me.” Cael got up and walked over to Whelan, determined to find out why Chief Thompson hadn’t notified him regarding this new death.
“Hello, there, Lieutenant. Remember me? We met this afternoon, Cael Sheridan, private investigator.”
“Right, I guess you heard about the new casualty.”
“Just heard. I thought Chief Thompson was going to call me if any new developments turned up.”
“Well, considering this incident is completely different from the others, I guess he decided it wasn’t worth bothering you about.”
“When are you two going to admit that these deaths are related? Now we have three dead women in less than a week. What are the odds, man?”
“You have a point there, but there’s nothing to substantiate a relationship between the three. We can’t find anything. As coincidental as it seems, we have nothing to go on. I’m sure the chief wouldn’t mind if you stopped by the station tomorrow; maybe between the three of us we can come up with something.”
“Good, I’ll be there.”
Cael sat down and sipped at his wine. Trying to tear his thoughts away from Eidolon’s newest victim, he listened while Jared talked about Darcy and her obsession with every other man except Jared. Poor bastard. Hell, he felt bad—Jared was hopelessly in love with a woman who didn’t give a rat’s ass whether or not he existed.
Cael glanced at Addison’s watch. It was getting late, and since he couldn’t identify Eidolon any more than he could tell how she really felt about him, he figured it was time to leave.
“Addison, we should go. It’s been a long day.”
“Right. Sorry, Jared, I’d love to stay and talk more, but Cael is right. It has been a long day and I’m exhausted. See you tomorrow.”
As they walked out, Cael noticed Darcy was now sitting with Whelan and thought, too bad for Jared.
***
Lieutenant Whelan sat sipping a coke at the bar and Darcy's stomach did somersaults in anticipation of her upcoming date with him. It was so exciting, dating a cop. She was always excited whenever she went out with someone new, but this man had intrigued her far more than anyone else had since ... well, okay she had to admit it—Jared. He was being so annoying lately. Yes, there was love there once, a year ago. It was his fault; after all, he was the one who cheated and shattered her heart. She’d wanted to marry Jared, have kids with him, grow old with him, but she couldn’t forgive him—she had her pride.
Darcy sat next to Duane, but her eyes were on Jared at the next table, brooding like a brokenhearted dove. She tried to ignore him as she sat and listened to Duane tell her where he planned to take her for dinner Monday.
“There’s a little restaurant about seven miles north called Barney’s. It’s similar to this but without the great view. I thought it would be nice to go somewhere you didn’t work ... if that’s okay with you,” Duane said.
Darcy sat, staring at Jared.
“Darcy?” Duane tapped her on the shoulder.
“Huh ...?” she said, completely bewildered.
“Is that okay with you?”
“What?”
“Barney's.”
“Oh sure, I’ve been there, it’s nice.”
“Okay, I’ll pick you up at seven. We have reservations for seven-thirty.”
“Great, are you off duty yet? I’ll get you a beer.” She stood.
“No, I have the late shift tonight, which I should get back to. See you Monday night.”
When Duane left, Darcy walked over to Jared. She supposed it was time they tried to have a civilized conversation.
“Do you mind if I sit for a minute?”
“Sure.” He scrambled up and pulled out a chair for her. Jared seemed nervous. She had always loved that about him; somehow, it made her feel special, as though he felt it necessary to try harder to please her. In fact, Jared was actually the best lover by far she’d ever had. Of course, she actually hadn’t really had sex with any man other than Jared. But even thinking about men who seemed like they might be good lovers, she was sure Jared would win out over all of them, not that she would admit that to anyone—not even Addie. She wanted Jared to think she was having the time of her life, and the more men he thought she was sleeping with, the better.
“Look, I know this bothers you, about me going out with other guys, but you need to move on.”
Jared sipped his beer and looked her square in the eyes.
“I can’t, I still love you as much today as I did a year ago, hell, twenty years ago. I’ve always loved you and I always will. You need to get back at me for cheating on you. I get it. You go ahead, go out with other guys. When you finally get it out of your system, I’ll be here.”
Darcy sighed. If things could only be that simple. She left Jared to brood over his beer, wishing things had turned out differently for them.
***
After the usual routine of leaving the truck at the apartment, Cael and Addison returned to the rental house. He transported them directly to the bedroom, where he looked Addison up and down. The conversation about children would have to wait.
“As much as I love looking at you in this tight short skirt, I’ll need to remove it now, so I can find out exactly what Breena almost saw today.”
He unbuttoned her blouse and saw the new lace bra she had purchased. “Nice ... very nice, and very sexy.”
“You saw this earlier.”
“Only saw the panties, I didn’t notice this. I was busy.”
He cupped her breast and kissed her just above the lace of her bra. Then he took her mouth with his as her lips parted with acceptance. He wanted to take it very slowly.
He unfastened her skirt and it slipped down to the floor. Then he tugged at her panties and she pushed his hand away.
“Hold on, pal.” She stood there in just her bra, panties, and high heels.
“Have you seen yourself? You can’t ask me to wait, baby, that’s
just too cruel.”
“Well, if you want to see what Breena nearly saw, you’ll need to let me take the lead.” She tugged his belt loose, unbuttoned his pants, and pushed them to the floor. Before removing the rest of her clothes, Addison knelt down and he let her take him on a heated erotic journey.
His body was on fire, his head was spinning, and his breathing heavy as he fought back the explosive urge to let go. She raised her head, grazing her tongue along his tip, glancing at him before taking him in again and he was unable to fight it anymore as his orgasm burst from him.
He scooped her up, placed her on the bed and straddled her. Covering her mouth with his, he fiddled with her bra as it snapped against the back of his hand.
“Ouch!” he said, lifting his head. “These things are lethal, why do you wear them?”
“To drive you crazy.” She laughed.
“I’m crazy enough about you, I don’t see the need.”
“Are you trying to say I have small breasts?”
“No, of course not, especially considering where your knee is.”
With a wicked curve to her lips, she jerked her knee up a bit.
“Watch it, or you’ll ruin the rest of the evening’s activities.” Then he took her breast in his mouth, released it. “They are perfect.”
After finally getting those panties down, his exploring fingers found her already wet and inviting. He covered her mouth once again, savoring her, then moved lower to place soft kisses against her neck as he plunged himself into her.
She let out a soft moan and whispered with heated breath. “I thought you would need to wait a few minutes.”
“No, it’s one of the perks of my abilities.”
“Mmmm ... I love your abilities.”
***
Cael's feet tingled against the cold sand as he ran along the edge of the water, Addison splashing him as she ran alongside laughing as he splashed her back. Suddenly something came out of the water and grabbed her, dragging her out to sea as she screamed for him. He awoke with a jolt and reached for her, but she wasn’t there.
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