Connections of the Mind

by Dowell, Roseanne

  Jeremy paused and looked down the alley before they crossed over.

  Rebecca trembled. This was where it happened. They walked in front of the jewelry store. Dread and fear overpowered her, and she hurried to get past the spot.

  Jeremy’s pace stepped up also. Maybe he realized the reaction she experienced.

  “That was the place, wasn’t it?” she asked for confirmation, though she didn’t need to.

  He nodded. “Come on, I want to show you something.” He hurried her across the street, led her a few blocks away, stopped, and pointed at a building.

  “The Junior High School had been built in 1900. Plans for a new one are underway. It’s almost a shame, but they plan to turn the building into offices, so at least they won’t tear it down.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I hate when they destroy old buildings. All that history and fine architecture gone to waste. They tore down several in downtown Cleveland.”

  “I know what you mean. Not that I have a problem with new buildings. They have their place, but I like the old ones. Come on, I’ll show you the new high school.” As they walked, Jeremy told her how Morrisville played a part during the Civil War.

  “Morrisville was a small town at the time, not that it’s big now, but a lot smaller than it is. Anyway, Union Forces were in quick pursuit of the Confederate Army who stopped here and set fire to an ammunition plant on the outskirts of town. When the Union Forces arrived a couple hours behind, townspeople slowed them down with a festival and a feast. Got half of them drunk if the story is to be believed. It slowed them down, giving the Confederates time to rest and get away. Not sure why they sympathized with the confederacy this far north, but they did.” He related these historical events with the knowledge of one who had studied and learned the town’s history.

  It fascinated her, but she couldn’t hold back a yawn.

  “You’re tired, and I’m boring you. Sorry, but I take every advantage to discuss this old town.”

  “I’m tired is all,” she said and laughed. “The history is fascinating. I love old towns, and this one has so many historical buildings. It must be the cool autumn air wearing me down.”

  “Hey,” someone called from across the street. They turned toward the voice, and she recognized the boy from the Boot Factory.

  “Rebecca, meet Tom Olsen.”

  “We’ve sort of met.” She extended her hand. “He’s the first person I asked for directions on the way into town.”

  “I see you’ve accomplished your goal.” Tom grinned, and his gaze went to her hand that Jeremy held.

  She didn’t like the insinuation, but ignored it, turning instead to Jeremy. “It’s getting late, I should be getting back, and you need your rest.”

  “I just wondered if you had any leads. On who shot you, I mean.” Tom directed the question to Jeremy, turning the tables and ignoring her.

  “No,” Jeremy answered. “No leads; you hear anything you let me know.” Jeremy looked at Rebecca. “Tom is studying law enforcement at Morrisville College.”

  “Really?” Rebecca couldn’t contain her surprise. In a million years, she wouldn’t have guessed that. He struck her more like a fashion photographer. Or someone who worked with beautiful women would have been her guess. She thought she made good character judgments, and something about Tom didn’t sit well with her. Too arrogant, and he had an attitude. But Jeremy seemed to respect him. Guess you couldn’t judge a book by its cover.

  She edged closer to Jeremy as Tom’s gaze shifted to her own and scrutinized her.

  As if Jeremy sensed her discomfort, his arm went around her waist, and she snuggled into him. Finally, they said their goodbyes and moved off.

  “He’s not a bad sort,” Jeremy spoke as they walked. “He does have a way about him though. He thinks all women are supposed to fall at his feet. Must come from being the football hero and having any girl he wanted. I noticed you were uncomfortable with him.” He smiled when she gave him a confused look.

  “You made it pretty obvious.” He tightened his hold around her waist and laughed.

  Heat rose to her face; damn she hated blushing so easily. She hadn’t meant to be so obvious. Yet she liked it here, nestled against Jeremy’s arm. It had been a long time since she’d trusted a man. She’d hardly even dated since Rob broke up with her two years ago. Sure an occasional dinner date here and there, but she never let it go beyond a couple of dates. Yet for some reason, she trusted Jeremy completely.

  Something drew her to him. She knew he sensed her feelings and presence; he just wouldn’t admit it yet. She understood his reluctance. It had overwhelmed her at first, too. She had never heard anything like this before and, like Lester, had even doubted Dr. Clark. She found it difficult to fathom anyone could feel this kind of connection to someone, let alone experience his life.

  Jeremy smiled and nodded at Kelly Anderson, from the newspaper office, as they walked to the motel.

  The boy from the pizza shop almost ran into them carrying a pizza. “Hey,” he mumbled as he rushed past them.

  Jeremy nodded at him. “That’s Lee Derrick. I swear that kid is always in a hurry.”

  Rebecca stepped aside to let him pass. “Yeah, he almost knocked me down at the pizza shop yesterday.”

  “Hey, Alex,” Jeremy said.

  They stopped for a moment to speak with the waiter from the Pizza Shop. Jeremy introduced them. “Alex Collins, Rebecca Brennan.” Alex shook her hand.

  “I met Miss Brennan last night. Nice to see you again.” His smile reached the deep blue of his eyes.

  His formality surprised Rebecca. No one had ever called her Miss Brennan before. She stifled a yawn, while Jeremy chatted with Alex.

  Finally, Jeremy turned toward her. “Guess we better get you settled. Later, Alex.”

  They waved at Ethan on the way to her room. She smiled, liking the friendliness and hospitality of the people in town. Everyone seemed to know each other.

  “I’ll pick you up and take you to your car first thing in the morning, if that’s okay with you.”

  Rebecca had forgotten all about her car. “Thanks, I appreciate it.” Reluctant to leave him, she stood outside the room, wondering if she should invite him in. He turned the key in the lock. Suddenly, the hair on her neck prickled, and a shiver ran through her body. Her knees turned to jelly.

  Chapter Seven

  Rebecca grabbed Jeremy’s arm, pulled back, and knew he sensed it, too.

  He nudged her aside, pushed the door open, and waited for a second, though it felt like hours. Crouching low, he looked inside.

  She peered into the darkened room, gasped at the disarray. Her clothes strewn everywhere, and her suitcase lay opened on the bed.

  Jeremy grabbed her hand and raced to the office. Rebecca ran to keep up with his long strides.

  Ignoring Ethan, Jeremy punched in a number on his cellphone. “Sally, this is Jeremy. I’m at Ethan’s place. Get the chief out here now, along with the fingerprinting crew and photographer.”

  Ethan stared open mouthed.

  Jeremy turned to Ethan, flipped the phone closed, and began questioning him. “Who was in Miss Brennan’s room?”

  Ethan’s mouth dropped open wider. “What? When?” he barely sputtered.

  Jeremy paced the office, walked to the door, and spun around to Ethan. “You didn’t see anyone go into Miss Brennan’s room?”

  Ethan shook his head. Poor man, Rebecca thought. His face drained of color. She thought for a minute he was going to pass out the way Jeremy interrogated him.

  Within minutes, sirens sounded, and the hotel crawled with police carrying equipment, heading toward her room. Jeremy slammed the door behind him as he ran out to meet the chief.

  Rebecca stayed in the office with Ethan while the police went through her room. Not that he said anything. The poor man looked to be in total shock. Although he did mumble to himself while he stared out the window. Rebecca could hardly make out what he said. Something about strangers co
ming to town and disrupting a peaceful existence.

  Jeremy came back an hour later, her suitcase in hand. “You’re coming to my place.” It was a statement, not a question. Rebecca knew arguing wasn’t an option.

  Mrs. Marlin met them at the door, a worried look on her face. Obviously, she had heard the news. “Are you all right, dear?” She sounded sincere, but the look in her eyes showed distrust. Not that Rebecca could blame her. Heck, she’d react the same way if a woman showed up at her door with a bizarre story; she’d probably throw her out. At least they all listened to her. Still, Rebecca didn’t feel comfortable here. Mrs. Marlin threw her a look that almost screamed to leave her son alone.

  “I have tea ready. Jeremy, put Rebecca’s bag in the front bedroom upstairs.” She took Rebecca’s arm and led her into the living room. A silver tea service sat on the table. Mrs. Marlin motioned Rebecca to sit, poured three cups of tea, and handed her one.

  “I can’t imagine what’s happening in this town. First Jeremy, now...” She sat with her hands in her lap, pulling and twisting her napkin.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Marlin, I...” Rebecca didn’t know why she apologized, but it seemed the thing to do. “I hope I’m not imposing, I mean...”

  “Please, it’s Julia; don’t be so formal.” Her sudden sincere smile warmed Rebecca. “No need to apologize. It’s not your fault.” She waved her delicate hand. “Of course you’re not imposing.”

  Rebecca relaxed once Jeremy came downstairs and joined them. He bent down, kissed his mother, and sat next to Rebecca.

  “I asked Dan to call if he finds out anything. I can’t imagine why anyone wanted to break into your room.”

  Rebecca yawned and stood up. “I’m sorry. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve had an exhausting day, and the warm tea helped. I’d like to go to bed now.” She wanted to be alone to think and mull over the situation. Too much had happened today.

  Jeremy stood up. “I’ll show you to your room.” He took her hand and led her upstairs. She said goodnight to Julia and caught a meaningful smile before the woman nodded and said goodnight.

  Jeremy opened the door to her room and pulled her to him, looked into her eyes, and lowered his lips to hers.

  Rebecca’s arms came up around him. The taste and feel of his lips, crushing hers sent chills up her spine. The ringing phone brought them back to reality.

  He pulled away, pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and rubbed her cheek with his thumb, sending flames of desire through her.

  “I’ll see you in the morning.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers in a whisper of a kiss before leaving.

  Rebecca stood in the doorway, watching him disappear down the stairs, her finger to her lips, wanting to recapture the feeling of his kiss. She went into her room, pulled down the covers, and thought about Jeremy. Something beside their minds drew her to him. What would become of their relationship when she went home?

  She shrugged, readied herself for bed, and climbed onto the high, old Eastlake style bed. Closing her eyes, she hoped for another peaceful night’s sleep.

  Chapter Eight

  Rebecca tossed and turned, her dreams jumbled. She saw herself sleeping and then awake. She woke with a jerk. Terror overcame her. She froze. Her body shook. Danger lurked nearby. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, sending shivers throughout her body. Her spine tingled. In the dream, Jeremy’s long body lay in his high Victorian bed. He faced away from her, toward a long window covered with blinds. He appeared to be in a restful sleep, but the feeling wouldn’t leave her.

  Someone in dark clothing stood outside a window.

  “Jeremy!” the scream escaped her mouth before she had a chance to think. Her body shook violently.

  Jeremy jerked awake. “Rebecca!” He jumped from his bed and ran down the long hallway. He paused outside her doorway for just a split second. No, that wasn’t it. He ran down the steps. Someone was outside. He rushed to the dining room window, why there, he had no idea. He looked out. Nothing. No one. He checked the lock and went from window to window, checking the rest of the rooms. Someone had been out there; he knew it. Whoever it was wasn’t there now. He went back upstairs and stopped outside Rebecca’s door that stood partly open. Rebecca stood on the other side. Jeremy looked inside; oblivious to the fact he wore nothing but his briefs.

  Pushing his way inside, he looked at her, rubbed his neck, and walked around the room. “What just happened here?”

  Rebecca backed up and stopped near the window. “You don’t understand. Someone was outside. Trying to get in.” She came to stand before him. Her eyes begged him to understand. “Your life is still in danger.”

  He looked at her. She was serious. Were her visions real?

  “I saw it in my dream. I saw you lying in bed, and then I saw him. I couldn’t see his face. He tried to open the dining room window, but it wouldn’t budge. That’s when I screamed your name. I didn’t know I screamed aloud. It was a dream.” She sat on the bed. “A dream just like all the others.” She rubbed her head, trying to still the dull ache.

  “You don’t believe me. You don’t understand.” She stood and took her suitcase from beside the bed, opened the drawer, and threw clothes into it. “Staying here is pointless. I’ll leave as soon as it gets light. If you’ll excuse me now, I’d like to get dressed.” She walked to the door and held it open for him to leave.

  Jeremy looked down at her. He had felt her fear. He heard the scream but only in his dream. It woke him up. Woke him and made him go downstairs to look. How did he know to run downstairs? He went right to the side window in the dining room. It hadn’t occurred to him to look anyplace else. How did she know that? “I sensed it. I heard your scream in my dream. Somehow I knew someone was at the window. I don’t understand this. Any of it.”

  Maybe there was something to what she said. How often had he felt like he shared things with someone? He always thought it was his father. Wishful thinking was what he put it down to. All his accomplishments, his goals. How he used to wish his father was there to share them with him. But it wasn’t his father. He ran his hands through his hair, rubbed his neck. It was her. She was the one he’d shared his secrets with. The one who shared his contentment, sitting in front of the fire reading. Damn. How could this be?

  Walking around the room his thoughts were jumbled. All this time, all those shared memories, her, not his father. She saved his life and now, tonight. He shook his head. There had to be more to this. He’d never heard anything so farfetched in his life. “This is mind-boggling to say the least. I don’t mind telling you if I hadn’t experienced it, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

  Jeremy stopped in front of her, took her hand. Heat sizzled between them. What the hell was going on here? “Look, you can’t leave. I need to learn more about this.” He stood in the doorway. “Please, go back to bed. We’ll talk more about this tomorrow.”

  Rebecca stood there, looking at him.

  “Not an easy pill to swallow. It wasn’t for me either.” She raised her hand and touched his cheek. “I know it’s hard to understand.”

  “I don’t get it.”

  “I didn’t either. Honestly, I still don’t understand it completely. I just know it’s true.”

  He took her hand and brought it to his lips. She looked so damn sexy standing there in her oversized T-shirt. Sexy and very desirable. He pulled her to him and kissed her. She smelled delicious. She tasted delicious. A small moan escaped her throat. He closed the door with his foot.

  Rebecca’s heart pounded in her chest. Her knees went weak, and if Jeremy hadn’t been holding her up, she knew she’d collapse right there on the floor. And she didn’t really care.

  Jeremy walked her backward, and the edge of the bed hit her knees. His hands slid over her breast and her T-shirt came up around her legs as he eased her down. Hot, sizzling heat tore through her body. She wanted him like she’d never wanted another man. She skimmed her hands over his bare chest and gently scraped her nails
across him.

  His hand slipped under her shirt and caressed her. Suddenly, she stopped and pushed him up. Something didn’t feel right. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but they had to stop. She couldn’t do this. Not now. Oh, she wanted him. Wanted him desperately.

  Someone coughed. Oh God, Mrs. Marlin. What were they doing here? In her house. Part of her didn’t want to pull away, but her logical mind took over.

  Jeremy sat up and looked at her. His eyes narrowed. She knew he was thinking she was a tease.

  “What?” he finally asked.

  “I’m sorry I can’t. Not here.” Rebecca slid off the bed. “God, Jeremy, this is your mother’s house. She’s right down the hall.” She crossed her arms over her chest and walked to the door. What if Mrs. Marlin had come in and caught them? She’d never be able to face her again. As it was, she wasn’t sure if she could face her at breakfast. “You better leave.”

  Jeremy got off the bed. Damn, he completely forgot about his mother. Hell, he’d completely forgot where he was. All he thought about was how much he wanted Rebecca. He rubbed his chin.

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. I don’t know what came over me.” Like hell he didn’t. He knew exactly what came over him. Rebecca and that sexy T-shirt. He walked toward her. “Well, I sort of know.” He smiled and ran his finger along her cheek.

  “I can’t stay here, Jeremy. Not after this. Is there another motel in town? I don’t want to leave Morrisville yet…you’re still in danger, but I have to put some distance between us. A lot of distance. If this is going to happen again, I certainly don’t want it to happen under your mother’s roof.”

  Hell, neither did he. He couldn’t believe it almost happened now.

  She put her hand on his shoulder. “Next time, we might not stop.”

  He held his breath and looked at her. Next time, he knew he wouldn’t stop. He traced the line of her lips with his finger then leaned down and kissed her, a tender, sweet kiss. Rebecca trembled. It excited him almost as much as their more passionate one.