by tani shane
David knelt before his wife, his desperate eyes pleading with her. “Ida, sweetheart, you need to tell them where Mrs.Hart is now. If something happens to her, you will go to jail, my love. Do you understand that? Jail. And there’s nothing I can do about it. You will never get your life back. You will die there, Ida, please just tell them!”
His words seemed to make an impact because she suddenly lost all her bravado and burst into pathetic tears. “She’s with Jake. He’s going to kill her.” She told them where they were likely to be found and Mark and Steven all but raced from the hotel.
“We’ll take my car,” Steven announced and both men jumped in. The four wheel drive squealed burning the tar as he drove recklessly out of the parking lot.
They drove in silence praying they could reach the only woman they loved on time.
***
Left alone with Ida after Mark and Steven left, David stood watching her with mixed emotions. He condemned her desperate actions but he couldn’t stop loving her. And that was all that mattered. He’d get her to see a therapist and she would regain her mental balance with time. As far as this mess was concerned, he hoped with persuasion Steven would not file a case against her. But that would only happen if Jessica Hart were found alive.
Chapter Twenty
There is no escape, Jessica told herself, breaking into cold sweat under the scorching heat. You’re going to die now and Steven will never know you loved him. Her desperation disgusted her. After his treachery, did she really believe it would make a difference to him? He would be free of her more permanently than he expected. With her gone, he would quickly remarry the woman he truly loved.
Tears born more out of self-pity than fear fell from her smoky eyes. What a waste her life had been! She had recently found love and lost it almost immediately. She had finally rediscovered a family in Jeff, Cheryl and the kids but she hadn’t been able to enjoy good times with them. She had salvaged her beloved company but now it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except the man who was standing before her.
Jessica slowly stood up and took a step back, her feet stumbling on the loose rocks at the edge of a gorge. She glanced over her shoulder, gulping nervously as she saw the merciless fall. She looked back at Jake as he advanced towards her. He used both his hands to steady the gun and take aim. Her head shook in horror and she cried out in desperation, “No, Jake! Please don’t!”
He sneered sadistically. “Yes, baby. You’re on your way to become a pile of juicy bones for the vultures. Tell me what do you prefer? Should I shoot you first and then throw you down or would you find it less painful to take the jump yourself?”
She almost gave in before the will to live surfaced. She knew she had to die one day but death was not going to be so merciless. She did not want to be murdered nor did she want the world to think she was a loser who had committed suicide. Her deep eyes held his cold blue ones for a long time. He was not a clever man, she figured out. Maybe, just maybe, she could bait him.
“I can double the price you’re getting to kill me,” she stated smoothly. He stiffened immediately, confusion written clearly on his face. The nail had hit its mark and she drove it in further. “Triple, but that’s my last offer.”
Jake’s grin was evil. “Well, well, well. This might work out in my favor after all. I get money from you and from that Devon bitch for not telling her secret liaison with me.” He began laughing, holding his sides as he shook. “It’s gonna be like lifelong alimony from two exes!”
Jessica’s sucked in deeply. So, she had been right! Ida was behind this! Did that mean Steven knew about it too? Were they in it together just to get rid of her? No! Her heart refused to believe such a terrible possibility. Steven couldn’t betray her, not like this. An image of her husband lying in Ida’s bed flashed before her eyes causing tears to flow down her cheeks.
Jake strode to her to place a rough hold on her upper arm. “Come on, let’s go.” He shoved her ahead of him, his gun aimed behind her. “Stay close to me. No tricks or I won’t spare you. Let me tell you right now, I’m not afraid to die. And if I die, you die with me.”
Jessica gulped nervously. He was serious, she could tell. But she could think of something later. Right now, she had to get down Haleakala. “Ok, but you have to put away the gun. I swear I won’t run away.”
He regarded her quietly for a while then broke into a menacing smile. “Oh, that you won’t my little ATM,” he announced, putting away his gun to replace it with a knife with a glinting edge.
***
When Steven saw Jessica walking casually with a man who was probably Jake Wallace, he couldn’t believe his eyes. He had hurried up a steep bend on the volcanic mountain when he saw them not more than twenty odd feet away. The man had his hand behind her back as though gently prodding her to move ahead.
“What in the world is she doing?” he asked more to himself than Mark.
“I don’t believe it,” Mark muttered under his breath, looking thoroughly amazed, “She’s managed to bait him.” He stopped at a junction where the pass was narrow. “He’s probably armed, let’s take it easy.”
“How do we get her away from him?”
“He’ll try to get past us with her. He knows there’s no point shoving her off. When he passes us I’ll take him from there, you get her out of the way. Got it?”
“Got it.”
***
Jake pressed the knife he was carrying into Jessica’s spine making her wince. He forced her to stop with him and stared at Steven and Mark. “Well, what do you know, doll face? Your husband and your lover boy came to look for you!” His arm came around her neck from behind and he pulled her against him as a cover. His other hand carrying the weapon was now pressing deep against the skin of her throat.
Jessica’s eyes widened in surprise when she saw the two most important men in her life together. That Ty had found her did not come as a surprise but Steven’s presence threw her off guard. This meant he wasn’t involved in Ida’s plans!
“Don’t hurt her,” Steven called out cautiously.
Mark’s eyes sought Jessica’s sending relief pouring through her. “Baby girl, you okay?”
Jake’s blade cut her skin, bright blood trickling down from the wound. He grinned his challenge at Mark. “She’s far from okay, lover boy! You thought you had me, didn’t you? You thought you could bash me a couple of times and I was gonna back off?” He laughed mockingly. “You can’t keep her safe, you bastard! If she gets out of this alive, I’ll be there to haunt her every waking moment!”
Mark regarded him, adrenaline racing through his veins. “Then you better wish, she doesn’t Jake ‘cause either way, I’m gonna kill you today!”
The confidence in Jake’s eyes wavered. He saw Mark’s dangerous eyes and saw his own death reflected in them. The bastard was really going to kill him! He drew Jessica closer to him, nearly choking her. His eyes were now wild and desperate. “Back off, we’re going through.” Jake began pushing her ahead, watching the men with guarded eyes. “Keep back or she dies!”
Steven and Mark stepped back a fraction, watching them progress slowly towards them. They both stood apart, making way for them to go through. Jake pressed the knife deeper into Jessica’s neck as a warning and Steven clenched his fists in an attempt to restrain himself. They were now almost abreast and Mark moved swiftly. “Go!”
Jake saw him dive at him and used the blade swiftly. He managed to cut Jessica’s throat before Steven could get her away. In the flurry of actions that took place after that, Mark had his gun out and aimed straight for Jake’s heart.
Steven fell with Jessica in his arms on the hard, dusty surface. Her hands went to her throat and he saw the blood oozing from under them in sheer terror. “Jessica!” He removed his handkerchief and shoved her hands away to press it against the wound. “Mark! We have to get her to a hospital now!” he shouted, watching as she began losing consciousness. “Stay with me, my love, stay with me.”
Jessica’
s vision blurred, drowning her into fathomless blue depths. She reached out to caress his cheek with a bloodied hand, a frail smile touching her lips. She then turned her head ever so slightly. Her hand stretched out towards the one man who had kept his promise to keep her safe. “Ty,” she whispered before losing consciousness.
***
Stay with me, my love, stay with me. The words were a silken whisper that played over and over again in Jessica’s drowsy mind. Steven loved her. He wanted her. They would live happily forever.
Pure sunlight filtered through to fall on her peaceful face. Steven adjusted the blinds so that it didn’t disturb her. She was breathing easily, smiling occasionally as though seeing some pleasant dream. He hoped he was in it. It was a selfish thought but he wanted to be the sole reason for her happiness. He wanted her love in return for his.
Almost an entire day had passed since the attack. She had lost a lot of blood and despite all efforts and medications, she remained in coma. The doctors were non-committal and all Steven could do was to watch her helplessly and will her to come back to him.
He leaned towards her and touched her forehead to his, silent tears falling from his eyes onto her cheeks. “Jessica, sweetheart, please come back to me. Please honey, I can’t live without you.”
As though she could hear the words, a shiver passed through her vulnerable form and she stirred delicately before sinking back into stillness.
The door opened to let in Niki. Her heart broke at the sight and she placed a hand on his shoulder. “She’ll be back, Steve. She’s strong and she has your love.”
Steven shook his head, deep sobs shaking him. In all these years as an adult, a man of the world, he had never cried. But today, he couldn’t help himself. He loved Jessica to the point of madness and seeing her pale, fragile state was something he just couldn’t bear.
The door suddenly swung open and Jeff barged in, his grey eyes, red and wild with worry. He took in his sister’s inert form and was instantly at her side taking her hand in his and kissing it. He laid one arm around Steven, reassuring him with unspoken words.
***
Jessica remained comatose even five days after the attack. On Steven’s insistence she was flown to Beverly Hills to receive the best medical care possible. The doctors couldn’t explain her state. She had no head injury but the coma was likely because of the extreme emotional trauma she had faced. The only medication they prescribed was lots of love and prayers.
Mark stared at her inert form, shadows of worry underlining his sad eyes. He had finally killed Jake and freed her from his vicious hold. He had no idea where the pictures that Jake had used to blackmail Jessica were but as long as Jake was dead, it really didn’t matter anymore.
Guilt ate him inside. Jessica was still battling her demons locked with her. If only he had got to her in time! If only he had kept her safe!
“You okay?” Jeff’s voice brought him out of his reverie. He managed a slight nod. “Mark,” Jeff began then paused as though unsure what to say, “I know you love her but…”
Mark turned to face his one-time employer, his eyes unreadable. “Jeff, just let’s not go there, okay? She means the world to me but I’m not a fool.” He glanced at her before once more regarding Jeff Cantrell. “Call me when she wakes up.”
Striding out of the room, he almost bumped into Steven in the corridor outside. For a while they just stared at each other, the animosity clear on both their faces. It was Steven who spoke first, his features softening.
“Thanks,” he offered, “For everything.”
Mark glared back at him, his brown eyes livid. “I didn’t do it for you!” He made to brush past him but Steven caught his arm and he turned in surprise shrugging off his grip. “What the hell do you want?”
“Jessica,” Steven stated simply, “I want Jessica.”
“You already have her; she’s your wife.”
Steven shook his head almost in despair. “That may be so but I messed up real bad with her. I wasn’t there for her when she really needed me.”
Mark shoved his hands in his jeans pocket, looking away. “Yea, that’s right. You weren’t!” His raging eyes glared at Steven once again, a tight muscle working in his jaw. “Why the hell weren’t you? She trusted you and you just left her?”
“It wasn’t like that,” Steven replied, dragging his fingers through his hair. “I can’t explain it all to you. I’m just grateful you were there for her all these years.”
The two men stared at each other, caught up in their own personal battles raging within. Finally Mark broke the silence. “I’m glad too. It will serve you to know that I love Jessica more than life itself and if you ever hurt her, I’m coming after you.”
To hear Mark’s open declaration of love for his wife hit Steven in the gut. Jessica knew Mark loved her and yet she chose to be with him rather than with Mark. Did they still have a chance?
Mark brushed past him and was gone, leaving him standing with his hopes running high.
***
Almost six and a half days after the attack, Jessica stirred ever so slightly and her eyes fluttered open. Through her dazed eyes, she focused on the dimly lit room, trying to gather her whereabouts. She moved her fingers and stilled when they touched familiar, soft hair.
“Ste..ven,” she whispered. His head immediately snapped up to stare at her wildly.
“Jessica!” He breathed, touching her pale cheek in a warm caress. He pressed the button to summon the hospital staff and took her frail hand in his to kiss it lightly. “How are you feeling?”
Her gray eyes stared at him uncertainly. “Where..are we?”
“Sshh, don’t speak, darling.” He rose to stand aside as a nurse arrived and immediately summoned the floor doctor.
They examined Jessica close to half an hour before declaring her stable. By then Jeff arrived to rush to her side. He kissed her cheek, smiling at her tenderly. “Quite a fright you gave me there, angel.”
She gave him a weak smile and reached out to hold his hand. She saw Steven hovering in the background. A thousand questions ran through her mind. Somehow she had no idea where she was or why. The only feeling she was very sure was her uncertainty about Steven. It was almost as if she didn’t trust him anymore. But why?
She sought comfort in Jeff’s warmth, snuggling closer to him. “Can someone tell me what happened?”
Jeff’s eyes darkened a little and he glanced at Steven in surprise. When he looked back at her, she was waiting for the answer. “Don’t you remember, angel?”
Her eyes dulled with confusion as she frowned. “I remember I was…I was..at the villa then..then…” Her voice trailed off and she paused uncertainly. When she strained further, a dull headache began to form behind her closed eyes. “I don’t remember…” Her voice trailed away as random images started appearing behind her eyes causing the headache to worsen. Steven, Steven, Steven; a soft voice whispered, then she heard the wild laugh of a woman; Ida!
Jessica’s eyes flew open settling uncertainly on Steven. She began shaking uncontrollably and Jeff leaned over her in alarm. “Jessi! Jessi!”
Steven rushed to her side, his handsome features drawn in concern. He caught her cold hand but she tugged it away. He frowned slightly, his eyes searching hers in confusion. “Jessica?”
She stared at him, drawing a shaky breath. “I..saw you,” she whispered, “You were in her bed.”
Surprised navy eyes stared back at her. “Jess, honey, it was a trick she played to mislead you.”
Her head shook miserably, her entire body shaking as she heaved with sobs she was too proud to cry out. The unfortunate scene played out in her mind, refusing it to allow her to process any further thought. Jeff stared at her in alarm, placing both his hands on her shoulders to control her jitters. “Jessi, it’s true! Ida played an evil game to keep you two apart.”
Her head shook on its own as she refused to see the truth. Her sobs finally broke through and tears streamed down her face. Her head
continued to shake miserably. Steven didn’t love her! “Where’s Ty?” she demanded suddenly, “I want Ty! I want him here with me!”
Jeff took her in his arms, rocking her gently. He tried to soothe her by stroking her hair. He threw an anxious glance at Steven who looked grim and worried. Jeff drew back to cup her face in his hands and peered in her distraught eyes. “Angel, Steve cares a lot for you, he…”
“Please ask Ty to be here, Jeff, please!” She stared at Steven with accusation in her eyes. “Steven left me for her!”
Steven stepped towards her but stopped when she held her hand out to keep him away. “Jessica you’re being ridiculous! I had to indulge her for Senator Devon’s sake!”
“You could have told me your plans!” She threw back in anger. Her stormy eyes glared him accusingly. “I thought I meant something to you.”
He moved to her side to catch one of her hands and bring it to his lips. “You are my world Jessica!”
“Then why didn’t you tell me?” She almost shouted in anguish. Jeff made to leave the room but she caught his hand. “Take me home Jeff, I want to go home.”
Jeff looked at his friend helplessly. It was evident the incidents back at the island had traumatized Jessica and she would require professional help to get over the dark memories. He questioned Steven silently who nodded his approval while regarding his wife with worried eyes.
Wife! Right now she was definitely acting like his wife by giving him the third degree about Ida. He desperately tried to reason with her one last time. “Jessica, baby, there was nothing going on between Ida and me. Senator Devon specifically asked me to help him…”