Night Visions

by Ariana Dupre

  "Because I know I'll get it right one of these days."

  "Well, Jared Maxwell may have touched my heart but he's the wrong man for me."

  "Are you so sure, Angie? You've never had your heart touched before, as far as I know."

  "You're right, I've never felt like this about anyone before.” Angie sighed. “Alan, I had an observer dream about Jared."

  "You what? One of those dreams that come true?"

  "Yes. I have very conflicting feelings about him because of the dream. Sometimes he scares me."

  "Angie, tell me everything, right now. We're not leaving this house until you do. How long have you had this dream and how often?"

  "Every night for the past six months."

  "My God! Why didn't you mention this before?"

  "There was no reason to. I realized the man in my dreams was a real person the day before we all met in your office. He came into the store, nearly scaring me to death.” She didn't mention the way Jared stirred other feelings in her too.

  "Did he hurt you?” Alan's concern was obvious in his voice.

  "No. He was shopping. When he turned around, I recognized him as the man in my dream. It was a shock, that's all."

  "I want to know about the dream."

  "No, Alan. I'm not going to worry you with the details. I just wanted you to know how I feel. Jared's not trustworthy.” Angie patted him on the knee. “Don't waste your breath telling me to move out of the Slayton house because I'm staying there. I'm in for the duration, regardless of what happens."

  Alan's eyebrows knitted together, and he reached out as though to dissuade Angie.

  But she said, “Who was it that always taught me to face your fears? You did.” Angie leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “So I'm taking your advice. I'm finishing this job. It's become important to me."

  Alan let out a long sigh. “You're just as frustrating as Martha."

  Angie laughed, “Thank you."

  "Just promise me you'll be careful. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you."

  "I'll be fine."

  "I also know you've never dreamed about yourself before, either."

  "And just how would you know that?"

  "Martha loved to brag about her favorite niece. She always thought of you as her daughter."

  "I always thought of her as my mother.” Angie took his wrinkled hand in both of hers. “And you as my father."

  "You make an old man proud, Angelina."

  "You should have forced Aunt Martha, you know."

  "Forced her to do what?"

  "To marry you."

  Alan laughed dryly. “You can't force someone to marry you. You know that. But I tried everything else I could think of, Angie. Believe me. She was a stubborn woman, your aunt. She said she could never think of me as her husband."

  "She thought of you as her lover, so why not her husband?"

  His eyes widened, “You knew?"

  "Of course I knew. The whole town knew. I think she was afraid of marriage because of what happened with my parents. I know my mother loved my father and he died during my infancy. I think Aunt Martha was afraid that if she married you, she'd lose you the same way."

  "Maybe my being fifteen years older than her had something to do with it. She never really gave me a solid reason."

  "Of course not. The woman had more pride than anyone I've ever known. She would never tell either of us about her fears. I guessed. That's the only reason I can tell you this now.” Angie looked at Alan's tired old face and her heart broke for him. “Can I ask you something, Alan?"

  "Anything."

  "Did she ever tell you how much she loved you?"

  Alan shook his head. “She said she loved me as a friend, that's all it could ever be. I've never loved another woman the way I loved Martha."

  "I know, Alan, and she never loved anyone the way she loved you."

  Alan stared at Angie, his eyelids brimming with tears. “How can you be so sure? I always said I loved her and she'd just kiss me on the cheek."

  "Oh, Alan, you silly man. Didn't you know that's how Aunt Martha said she loved you? She'd do the same thing to me. It was rare for the words ‘I love you’ to cross her lips. They were hard for her to say, regardless of how deeply she felt. But I always knew she loved me when she'd kiss me on the cheek. You should have known it, too."

  He smiled. “I guess I did, really. But it's not the same as hearing it said. It would have been so nice to hear her say it just once before she died."

  A grin tugged at the corners of Angie's mouth. She went to an antique roll top desk, opened the bottom drawer then removed a shoebox.

  She sat down beside Alan and put the box in his lap. “Aunt Martha told me to give this to you when the time was right. I argued with her, told her that she should give it to you herself because I wouldn't know the right time. She just laughed at me and said I'd know. Well, I guess she was right because I feel like I should give it to you now. Hurry up and open it, because I'm dying to see what's in there as much as you are."

  Alan slowly lifted the lid.

  Inside were a note, videotape, and lots of envelopes. Picking up the note, he handed it to Angie.

  "You have to read it, Alan."

  "Okay.” Hands trembling, he began reading aloud, “To my dear friend, Alan. I never had the guts to tell you exactly how I felt when I was alive, but I know Angelina will give this box to you one day. You deserve to know that I love you, Alan. I've loved you since the day that we met. I was a coward to never say the words to you. Please forgive me. I will always love you, even in death. Your favorite ‘roll in the hay,’ Martha."

  Tears streamed down Alan's cheeks. “You've made an old man very happy, Angie."

  "You don't look very happy,” Angie teased; then, “I love you too, Alan,” she added and hugged the only father she'd ever really known while he wept.

  * * * *

  Darkness had fallen by the time Angie walked into the kitchen at the Slayton homestead. The emotions of the day had drained her. Stopping at the sink, she washed her face; then dried her hands and face with a paper towel.

  Alan should be almost home with the box full of letters. He would certainly stay up late reading them and watching the tape.

  Angie was glad she'd decided to trust Alan with the journal. She'd given him something worth more than the guaranteed success of the Inn. She'd given him her aunt's love.

  And he gave her a lot to think about, too. When he dropped her off at the barn, he'd said, “I hope Jared brings you as much happiness as Martha brought me. Don't let your stubbornness or fear keep you from the man you love the way Martha kept herself from me. It's not that I want to interfere in your life, Angie, I'm just adding my two cents worth."

  All she'd thought about on the walk back to the house were her feelings for Jared. Just his two cents worth indeed. She'd never get to sleep now, not with his words running through her head.

  The high-pitched laugh of a woman broke the silence. What the heck? Angie threw the paper towel in the trash and followed the sound.

  Pasting on her brightest smile as she walked into the living room, she said, “I'm back from my walk, Jared.” But her smile quickly faltered at the scene in front of her. “Oh, sorry. I didn't know you had company."

  Company draped all over him.

  The woman on the couch had her legs thrown over Jared's lap. Her curly blond hair reached to her waist.

  No wonder Jared was grinning like a teenager. Blood red lips and doe eyes would do that to any man.

  "You were gone quite a while,” he said cheerfully to Angie.

  She balled her hands into fists.

  "Angie, let me introduce you to—"

  "Oh, pleased to meet you,” Angie interrupted. “I'm sorry for barging in. I'd better jump in the shower. I'm hot from the walk and all. I'll leave you two alone. Goodnight."

  Jared laughed as Angie ran up the stairs.

  "You know Jared, that was cruel,” the blon
de said.

  "Serves her right. She should have told me where she was going. Besides, Sis, what's wrong with making her a little jealous?"

  Terri smacked Jared on the arm. “A lot. You wouldn't like it if she made you jealous, would you?"

  Jared thought about Eddie's appearance at the house. “Probably not. I'll introduce you tomorrow. You'll like Angie."

  "I think she was shocked to see me laying all over you,” teased Terri.

  "Very funny. Now let me up. I have something for you."

  "A birthday present?” Terri grinned, rubbing her palms together.

  "How'd you know?” Jared grabbed her hands, pulled her up. “Come on, kid."

  Terri followed him into the office. “Let me run upstairs and check on the boys while you get it."

  "Terri, you just put them to bed thirty minutes ago. They're sound asleep."

  "Oh, all right then. Gimme, gimme, gimme, big brother!"

  "You always were impatient,” Jared laughed, handing her a manila envelope.

  "I thought you said you were giving me a birthday present."

  "I am."

  "Well, where's the wrapping paper and bow?” Terri stuck out her bottom lip.

  "Geez!” Jared jerked the envelope from her hand, drew a bow on the outside and handed it back. “Okay?"

  "Okay.” Terri smiled while she opened the tiny metal clasp, and pulled out several sheets of paper stapled together.

  "Damn you, Jared!” she blurted after looking them over quickly. “I'm not taking your charity, even if you are filthy rich."

  "Happy Birthday!” Jared went to hug his sister but she pushed him away.

  Tears welled in her eyes. “You lied about missing us. You just got me here to give me a farm that you know I can't accept."

  "I didn't lie about missing you and the kids.” Jared sat down in his office chair. “And it's not charity. It's a gift. Why can't you accept a gift?"

  "You just expect me to move to this place, without any regards to my family?"

  "I am your family, Terri."

  The brimming tears spilled over and began falling silently down Terri's cheeks. Jared knew it had been hard on her raising the boys alone. Now he was offering her a chance to get out of Richmond and start over.

  Jared took her hand, gave it a squeeze. “Happy Birthday, Sis."

  Terri wiped her eyes with the back of her free hand. “Happy Birthday? Happy Birthday? I'll show you Happy Birthday, you big, lying jerk!"

  Throwing the papers on the desk, Terri jumped on Jared, almost flipping the chair over. She straddled him, wrapped her hands around his neck, pretending to choke him.

  Jared laughed so hard his eyes watered.

  He'd won.

  Playing along with her game, he sputtered, coughed, and gagged.

  "Oh, sorry.” Angie's voice came from the doorway. “I needed a file, but I'll get it later. I thought you two were in the living room. Sorry."

  Surprised, Terri loosened her grip on Jared's neck then realized Angie couldn't see she was strangling her brother and tightened it again. “Angie, wait,” Terri called.

  Too late.

  Terri released Jared's neck and poked her index finger into his chest. “You've got some ‘splaining to do."

  "About the farm? Listen, Terri, I wanted to have you and the kids closer to me. I've missed you. I mean that. You know you've wanted to move here ever since I did. Now you can. Besides, it has stables and a horse and two ponies."

  "Stables? You mean you already bought the horses too? Oh geez!” She shook her head and looked her brother over. “Ah, Jared, I just can't turn that down. You shouldn't have done it. You know you shouldn't. But—thanks!” And she gave him a big hug then kissed his cheek. “I'm not the one who needs the explanation though, it's Angie. She really has the wrong idea."

  "Tomorrow."

  "You're going to let her think I'm your date until tomorrow?"

  "Um-hum.” He grinned.

  "You are so bad, Jared Maxwell,” she said, climbing off him. “You should be ashamed of yourself."

  * * * *

  Angie didn't fall asleep until two in the morning, and then the nightmare had woken her up repeatedly.

  She knew it was because of the note she'd found on her pillow.

  She turned the torn paper over in the morning light, and looked at it from all angles. If she told Jared about it now, he'd be furious. He'd want to know why she hadn't told him last night, when she found it.

  What could she say? That she kept quiet because, when she came downstairs to show it to him, she'd found some woman was straddling him?

  Or that she thought maybe he'd put it there himself?

  No way! He was never going to know that her heart had ripped open when she saw another woman in his arms. Or that she was still wary of him, even though it was a different kind of fear. Now she was more worried that he saved her in the dream and being involved with her might get him killed. That guilt and loss would be unbearable.

  She unfolded the crinkled brown paper and, with trembling hands, read the note again.

  * * * *

  Chapter 11

  Angie, Angie, Angie. Before long you will only wish for this world. I swear on your life that soon, very soon, you will die by my hand for what you did to me. But first I'll take what you denied me. How does it feel to know I've been in your room?

  Folding the note, Angie slipped it into her dresser drawer; then looked at her reflection in the mirror.

  She was plagued with huge black circles under her eyes.

  I look like I've taken a couple of punches. That's what I get for staying up half the night, crying.

  Maybe she could sneak by Jared, grab a cup of coffee, and hide in her room until the furniture arrived.

  That's exactly what I'll do.

  Downstairs, she went into the office and dialed Trevor's number. Voicemail. Pressing the button that would take her to the operator, she asked the dispatcher to get him to come right over. Satisfied that she could resolve this note without Jared's knowledge, she went to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee.

  Waiting for the water to drip through the machine, she leaned against the counter and stared out the window. Who wants me dead? The man from the fire ... his voice ... it was vaguely familiar. I wish I could place it.

  The gurgling of the coffee maker interrupted her thoughts. Ah, good, the brew is ready.

  She was taking a cup from the shelf when she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. Her back stiffened.

  "So how did you sleep?” Jared asked, playfully tugging the back of her hair.

  Angie let her breath out in a little rush, then filled her cup. “Fine,” she said. Adding milk and sugar, she stirred the liquid. “And you?"

  "Like a baby."

  "I'm sure you did.” Keeping her back to Jared so he couldn't see her eyes, she added, “I'm going to start work. I'll see you later.” She picked up her coffee cup and headed for the office.

  Jared followed her. “Cat got your tongue this morning?"

  "No, I'm just tired, that's all.” She started sorting through the file drawers.

  "That's all, nothing else?” Jared pressed.

  "Nope, nothing else.” Angie closed the file drawers and headed for the door but Jared blocked her way.

  "Excuse me,” she said. “I need to go around you."

  "Why aren't you looking at me?” Jared took her coffee cup away from her and sat it on the filing cabinet.

  "Hey, give that back,” she said, her head still tucked down.

  "Not until you look at me.” Jared lifted her chin, but she stubbornly kept her eyes closed.

  "Look at me, Angie. Please?"

  She raised her lids, staring defiantly into his eyes.

  "What the hell? Who did this to you?"

  "It's not what you think. When I don't sleep, I get dark circles under my eyes. That's all. My skin is so fair they look much worse than they really are. Now, if you've finished inspecting me, can I pl
ease get to work?"

  "Why didn't you sleep well?"

  "You wouldn't understand."

  "But I would,” said Terri.

  Startled, Angie turned to see the blonde standing in the hallway, holding a coffee mug. What was she still doing here? “How could you possibly understand?"

  "Did jealousy keep you awake?” Jared prodded eagerly.

  The nerve of that man. “Don't be ridiculous,” she said haughtily. “Jealous of what? Look, if the two of you will excuse me, I really need to get to work."

  "Jared, that's enough already,” said the blonde. “Angie, let me introduce myself. I'm Terri Logan, Jared's half sister. And if you'll look through that window, you'll see two small boys trying to climb the tree. They're my twin sons, Kevin and Devin. Their father gave them rhyming names."

  "Oh,” she said, glaring angrily at Jason. He tried to make me jealous on purpose. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Logan."

  "Please, you're making me feel old. Call me Terri, okay? I'm only twenty-six, like you, and that means we're both four years younger than old man Jared."

  Angie smiled, but said quickly, “How do you know how old I am?"

  "I didn't tell her,” laughed Jared, his palms up. “And who are you calling an old man, Sis?"

  Terri grinned then picked up Angie's coffee cup. “I'll explain in a minute. Where are you working today?” she said to her.

  "My room, until the materials get here around noon.” Angie reached for the mug in Terri's hand, but she started up the steps with it.

  "Jared, will you keep an eye on the boys for me?” Terri called, still climbing. “I'll be down later."

  "Sure,” he answered, walking to the front door.

  As Jared went outside, Angie began following Terri up the stairs.

  What's she up to? Angie wondered. Does she have something to hide, too?

  * * * *

  "After you, madam.” Terri stood by the door, waiting for Angie.

  Angie scrutinized the blonde in front of her, then turned the knob and pushed open the heavy oak door to her room. She laid the files she had brought with her on top of her chest of drawers; then went and sat on the edge of the bed.

  Terri sat Angie's coffee on the nightstand. Approaching the window, she sipped from her mug. “You know, it's really nice here."