Rebecca squirmed in her seat. Fortunately, the car slowed and came to a stop, and she didn’t have to comment.
The chief pulled in front of an elegant Queen Anne style house with a wraparound porch and parked. Rebecca caught her breath. The house, an exact replica to the one in her dream, right down to the red roses climbing to the porch roof on trellises—surprised her. Not sure why; isn’t that what she had expected? She had seen the picture on the Internet.
Still, to see it in person overwhelmed her. In a few minutes, she was going to meet Jeremy. Finally, meet the man she was connected to. How would he take it? It surprised her that the chief hadn’t sent her on her way. He probably expected to get quite a laugh out of it when Jeremy kicked her out.
Her stomach tensed as they approached the door. In a few minutes, she’d finally come face to face with the person who occupied her dreams for so many nights. Not to mention the days.
A woman, with short, silvery hair, met them at the door. Her hazel eyes sparkled as she greeted the chief.
“Dan, how are you?” she asked in a gentle voice and hugged him.
“Just fine, Jules.” He kissed her cheek. “How’s our boy?”
Rebecca stood back, looked through the doorway, and gazed around the elegant room. The cherry antique furniture, upholstered in what appeared to be brocade or fine silk, looked as luxurious in real life as it had in her dreams. She recognized so many things in the house.
The foyer, with the rich mahogany staircase leading up to the second floor, took her back to the past. What a wonderful staircase to make a grand entrance, while a beau gazed up anxious to see his date.
Rebecca smiled. What a romantic she’d become all of a sudden. It must be the atmosphere. A picture of her living in Morrisville popped in her mind, so real it almost scared her.
She waited for the chief’s discussion to end and stepped forward for an introduction. From what she gathered through their conversation, Jeremy seemed to be doing fine.
The chief motioned toward her. “This here little lady has got quite a tale to tell. Ms. Brennan, this here’s Julia Marlin, Jeremy’s mother. Jules, this fine little lady is Rebecca Brennan.”
Mrs. Marlin grasped her hand in a firm but friendly manner. “How do you do?” Her voice rang soft in Rebecca’s ears.
“Jeremy is upstairs.” Mrs. Marlin led the way up the circular staircase to Jeremy’s room. Rebecca held her breath all the way up.
Chapter Five
They stopped at the doorway of the room that had appeared in Rebecca’s dreams so many times. The large fireplace stood along one wall. Leaded glass doors covered bookcases on either side, just like in her visions.
The walnut mantel, adorned with the same candles and autumn colored arrangements was the focal point of the room. The bright rusts and gold leaves added beauty to the dark walnut wood. The room had an elegant quality but held a homey atmosphere, just as she knew it would.
She looked to the right, knowing a high Eastlake style bed would be in an alcove. The glow from the fireplace radiated a warm ambience to the room. Jeremy rose from one of the cream-colored, Queen Anne chairs.
He walked toward her. His tall, muscular frame towered over her. With his sandy crew cut, he looked like the All-American boy next door. A man any mother would love her daughter to bring home.
Rebecca had never seen his face in her visions and couldn’t help but stare at him. She studied his dark brown eyes as he greeted her. A flicker of something like recognition registered in his face for just a moment. The warmth from his hand comforted her like an old friend, as he grasped hers and held it. He led her to the chair next to the fireplace. She hated to release his hand and swore something more passed between them just before he let hers go. Something almost sensual.
The chief took a seat on the burgundy-colored sofa next to Mrs. Marlin, and Jeremy sat in the other chair.
“I hear you have an interesting story to tell me.” Jeremy’s low voice calmed her. He leaned back in the high-backed chair.
Rebecca always felt uncomfortable with strangers, but Jeremy’s warm eyes relaxed her. “I’m not sure where to start. It began six months ago. At first, my feelings were about your accomplishments and sometimes contentment. You won an award for bravery or something, a high honor.” She waited for acknowledgement.
He nodded.
“Then it became serious. I sensed danger. Someone wants to harm you. I know you’re thinking I could have found all this information from the local newspapers, and you all know I stopped there yesterday.”
She could tell from the chief’s face he doubted her story, and Jeremy’s mother didn’t appear convinced. Something about the look on Jeremy’s face showed he doubted her, too, but was willing to listen. This wasn’t going to be easy.
“The night you were shot I woke up screaming.” Rebecca watched his face.
“I felt the hot searing pain in my shoulder. I even felt the sticky blood as it ran down my arm. I was afraid to look at my hand.” She shivered and paused at the memory.
“Really?” Jeremy’s voice, quiet but firm, still held doubt. “If that’s the case, you saved my life.” He put his hand to his shoulder. “If I hadn’t ducked the bullet would have been in my heart.” His tone sounded almost patronizing.
But something flickered in his eyes, as if he remembered something. He wouldn’t admit it, but he felt it, too. She leaned back in the chair. How to convince him?
“I’m not sure I buy your story,” he said. “I mean it does sound a bit farfetched.”
“I know this is difficult to understand. I always thought I was nuts, but I told my friend, Allison about it. She convinced me to see a parapsychologist. I refused until things became serious.” She stole a glance at Mrs. Marlin and the chief. Disbelief and shock showed on their faces. It didn’t surprise her. She didn’t really care. It was Jeremy she had to convince.
“I even let him hypnotize me, so I could find you. I still sense danger around you.” Rebecca held her breath. Would he believe her? This was pointless. “I’m sorry to have bothered you.” She shouldn’t have come. Rebecca stood and started for the doorway. Suddenly, a vision appeared in her mind. Something she had forgotten. “Someone in a dark-hooded sweatshirt ran from the scene.” That bit of information hadn’t been in the paper.
* * * *
“No, wait.” Jeremy leaned back in his chair and studied her. Could this be true? Was this even possible? No one knew about the guy in the hooded sweatshirt. Yet he recalled some of what she was saying. Remembered a shared pride when he received his award. And sometimes when he sat here reading, he sensed a nearness. A being he couldn’t see. The fact that Rebecca was a real beauty didn’t hurt.
He wanted to get to know her better. Discuss this with her in more detail. He’d heard about things like this but wasn’t convinced he believed in it. Still, something about the story, about that night. What made him duck? He had sensed a presence. Could it have been her? He had thought it was his father. Not that he really believed in ghosts, but this was even more mind-boggling. Someone sensing things that involved him, feeling his pain. Was it possible? She sounded sincere. Certainly didn’t appear insane. Still, what she said didn’t really make sense. She pushed her blond hair away from her face. Her blue eyes bore into him. Those had to be the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. Beautiful, almost sapphire blue. For a minute, he thought she was going to leave. “Please sit down.” He stood and walked to the fireplace. He wanted to hear more. Finally she sat down, and he nodded for her to go on.
He saw the disappointment on her face and something else. Sincerity. He knew she wasn’t lying. How he knew, he wasn’t sure, call it a gut feeling. But whatever it was, he’d bet his life on it. There was something more, a flicker of recognition, maybe. She seemed familiar. Like he knew her from somewhere. It was crazy, but he wanted her to continue.
“Someone wants to hurt you, Jeremy. It wasn’t an accident at the jewelry store. Someone set you up.”
; Jeremy paced the room. “I know,” he said.
Rebecca shivered, and he resisted the urge to go to her. She was reliving the night. How he knew that he wasn’t sure, but he saw the terror in her face.
Mrs. Marlin stood up, went to her son, and rubbed his back. “That can’t be true,” she whispered.
Jeremy turned and hugged her. He looked at Rebecca over her shoulder, put his finger to his lips, so she wouldn’t continue.
“I’ll get some refreshments. Will you help me, Dan?” A concerned look wrinkled Mrs. Marlin’s brow. She left the room followed by the chief, and Jeremy came to stand near Rebecca and held out his hand. She took it, and he pulled her to her feet. Something sizzled between them. Something more than the shared visions. Whatever it was, Jeremy felt it right down to his toes. His heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes. He tried to shrug it off.
“You don’t understand,” she said.
“No, I don’t. But I’d like to hear more. I’d like to discuss this with you further. Alone.” He walked with her toward the window and saw the change in her. Heat seared between them. Damn, he just met her, and he wanted her. Yet he felt like he knew her all his life.
“Why did you come here?”
The question seemed to surprise her. “I thought you understood the danger that motivated me.” She stood beside him. “I had to meet you. I needed to know who shared my mind,” she said.
He resisted the urge to touch her, to run his fingers through her long blond hair, to touch her lips. He looked away, afraid he’d reveal his feelings. He’d never reacted this way to a woman before.
He touched her cheek, caressed it with his thumb, then moved his hand to her hair; stared at her, as if searching for something deep within.
She felt it; he could tell as she looked at him as if she could see into his soul. Not only were their minds connected, he sensed a deep physical attraction between them.
He leaned toward her. Pulling her head close, he brushed his lips across hers, the barest touch. A flicker of passion swept through him.
He continued to gaze at her. “You felt that, too. It’s not a coincidence; we are connected aren’t we?”
Mrs. Marlin and the chief returned, carrying a tray with coffee and small cakes. Mrs. Marlin glanced at Rebecca, a knowing look on her face.
Heat crept into Rebecca’s cheeks. She needed to leave, to adjust to these new feelings, but part of her wanted to stay in the warmth and security near Jeremy’s presence, to delve further into the knowledge they shared. A moment earlier, locked in the pool of his dark eyes, they held no secrets either. They had bared their souls, their dreams and fears. She had turned away, breaking the spell, realizing for the first time what the term ‘soul mates’ meant. If his mother hadn’t come in, she wasn’t sure where it would have led.
“Please sit.” Mrs. Marlin poured coffee.
Rebecca sat in the chair, unsure if Jeremy felt the same as her. He remained at the window. Funny, a moment ago, she knew everything about him, and now she wondered what he was thinking.
As if in answer to her thoughts, he moved toward the table, took the coffee from his mother, and handed it to Rebecca. A smile reached his eyes as he sat across from her.
“How long are you going to be in town?” Mrs. Marlin asked, as she handed the plate with cakes around.
“I, uh, I’m not sure.” Rebecca felt uncomfortable. “I have two weeks vacation, but I’m not sure how long I’ll stay here, though it’s a fascinating town. I’ve always loved the Victorian era, and your town is full of history.” Discomfort caused her to ramble, and she hated it. It made her appear foolish, yet she couldn’t stop herself.
“I see.” Mrs. Marlin sipped her coffee.
“I think I should show Rebecca around our fine town. Since I can’t work, it will give me something to do, help ease the boredom.” Jeremy stood up and winked at Rebecca. “We can start now.” He took her coffee from her and set it on the table, then held out his hand, and pulled her to her feet. Linking her arm through his, he led her out of the room.
“We’ll stop someplace for dinner, so don’t wait on us,” he said over his shoulder.
“You don’t mind walking, do you?” he asked Rebecca.
“No, I love to walk.”
“Good, best way to see the town.” Jeremy turned down York Street and headed into town.
“But my car is at the police station. The chief drove me here.”
“No problem, we’ll pick it up later.”
* * * *
He glanced out the window and watched Jeremy walk by with that blonde. Who the hell was this chick? He'd seen her around a couple of times, asking questions about Jeremy. Rumor had it she had a vision about the night he was shot, and her scream saved his life. Damndest thing he ever heard. Stupid people in this town believed everything they heard. Soon as he accomplished his mission, he was out of here. Narrow-minded bunch of idiots that's what they were. Couldn't see their noses in front of their faces. Too damn busy gossiping. That was their problem. Just like they did about his mother.
Well he'd show them, once he took care of Jeremy, he'd split. Make them wish they never heard the likes of him. But he'd be back. Oh yeah, he'd be back, rich and successful. That'd show them a thing or two. He watched Jeremy with the new chick. Even he was taken in by her. He'd of thought Jeremy had more brains than that, but he shoulda known better. Just like the rest of them. Small town IQ.
Chapter Six
“Thank you,” Rebecca said as they walked toward town. “Why such tension?”
“It’s my mother,” he answered. “You’ll have to excuse her, but ever since my father died, she doesn’t trust strangers. She didn’t used to be like this, and…” He grinned. “I think she noticed the attraction between us.”
So, he had felt the attraction. She hadn’t imagined it. Her step seemed a little lighter as they toured Morrisville. Jeremy, an excellent guide, pointed out interesting places, giving her a brief history. They visited the old hotel.
“Built it in 1829,” Jeremy said. “The original building had been a two-story brick structure, and the basement housed a tavern.
“In 1870, someone added the third story and later the porch. President Garfield spoke from that very same porch during his presidential campaign in 1880.” Jeremy sounded proud as he pointed at the old building.
“I’d love to see the inside. Is that possible?”
“We can go in the lobby, but the rest is personal apartments for the elderly.”
“Well, at least they’re making good use of it.”
“Hungry?” Jeremy asked.
“Actually, I am.”
“Good. I know this great place to eat. It’s just up the street. Are you sure you don’t mind all this walking?”
Rebecca laughed. “No, really. I love walking. It’s my favorite pastime.”
Jeremy took her to a neighborhood restaurant, the Coffee Pot, for lunch. The décor in the small establishment fascinated her. Metal coffee pot sculptures hung on the walls above every booth. Coffee pots were everywhere, cut out on the back of the wrought iron chairs, the cream pitchers and even the salt and pepper shakers were miniature pots, and the menus were cut in the same shape. Shelves around the walls held various coffee pots in every shape and color, from cast-iron to glass, ceramic and other various metals. Most of them looked antique. Someone had a unique idea. They even brought the bill in a small coffeepot.
Waiters and patrons all eyed her. Rebecca almost laughed at their curiosity. They waved and said hello to Jeremy. Everyone seemed to like and respect him. He introduced her to their waitress.
“Vanessa Johnson is David and Sarah Morris’s great-great-granddaughter.”
The pretty teenager blushed as Jeremy made the introductions.
“Vanessa goes to the local college, but she should be going to an art institute.” He tweaked Sarah’s freckled nose.
Vanessa lowered her eyes and ran her fingers through her curly red hair, looking self-
conscious at the compliment. She took their order and hurried away.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass her,” Jeremy said, “but she does have a talent, and it’s going to be wasted if she doesn’t use it. Problem is her parents don’t see it and don’t encourage her.”
They ate in a comfortable silence, interrupted by a few curious onlookers bold enough to speak to Jeremy, which, of course, called for an introduction. Rebecca felt like she was on display.
“It’s not like they don’t see strangers,” Jeremy said after one such intrusion. “I think everyone is just curious about the pretty blonde who has captivated one of Morrisville’s finest.”
Heat crept into her cheeks. Captivated? It was more than that, but he didn’t know it yet. Rebecca already knew; not only was Jeremy her mind connection, they were meant for each other.
Lunch over, they continued with their tour, stopping at a log house. Rebecca recognized it from the Internet site. “They say it was David Morris’s first home.” Jeremy seemed to delight in sharing the town’s history.
Rebecca recognized many buildings from her dreams. They walked through the town while he pointed out special places of interest. Everything looked so familiar; it was as if she lived here.
“There’s the Music House, built in 1877.” He pointed.
The magnificent building appeared in many of her dreams. She looked at it for a long time before moving on. She wondered what it would have been like to live back then.
“Can you imagine what it must have been like in the 1800s? I mean think about it; look at all we take for granted,” Jeremy said.
Rebecca swore he read her mind. “It’s hard to imagine not having electricity, water, gas, or even mail.” She stopped and looked up at the Music House again. “Let alone the Internet or email. Now we have text messages and eBook readers. Not to mention what would we do without cellphones?” She enjoyed the history and the way Jeremy related it to her with pride. He obviously loved the town and all it held for him, and yet, the nagging danger wouldn’t leave her. Her hair stood on end as they crossed an alleyway.
Connections of the Mind Page 3