by Adrianne Lee
He made no move toward her, but she could see he wanted to. “I tried calling, but you weren’t answering your phone. We have to talk.”
Eden was too aware of where they were, of the others in the house. “Does Valerie know you’re in my bedroom?”
He smirked. “She’s not happy about it, but I insited.”
Eden winced, imagining the silent rage she would suffer from Valerie later.
“I figured this was the only way we’d have complete privacy.” David took three steps toward her, then halted abruptly, as if held back by an invisible restraint. “I’ve just come from Kollecki’s office.”
“Oh?” Inexplicably she shivered.
“I found another white rose on my doorstep this morning.”
Eden grasped the back of the chaise, its wine red brocade fabric feeling icy beneath her taut fingers. “I don’t understand. Who is sending them to you? And why?”
“I have a theory as to why I received this one, if you’d like to hear it.”
“Please.” She glanced down. A thread had pulled loose at the seam of the chaise, unraveling as her life seemed to be unraveling.
David ached to rush to her and fold her against him, but it would be madness. Fatal, even. Swallowing over the lump in his throat that he suspected might be his breaking heart, he watched Eden pick at the loose thread. She’d had enough pain the past six weeks to bring down the hardiest soul. She had to be on the edge of coming apart. It made what he had to say so much harder. He kept his voice gentle as he explained his theory of the woman thinking she’d gotten rid of Eden by framing her.
“What did Kollecki say about that?”
David shook his head. “He isn’t taking the roses seriously.”
Eden searched for the truth on David’s face. “He’s going to keep after me, isn’t he?” Of course he was. Why should that surprise her? And yet somehow it did. Desperation and fear tangled inside her. And she’d been thinking the largest concern she faced in the days ahead was public scorn. “You believe Peter died because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time?”
“Yes. The roses confirm for me that Shannon was the real target. I think they were both killed because some woman thought Shannon and I were romantically involved.” David took another step toward her. “That’s why you have to stay as far away from me as possible.”
His words bit her like tiny sharp stones. But hadn’t she been going to say the same thing to him? Then why did it hurt so? She shoved away from the chaise and walked past him to the window. But she dared not look out. She turned and strode back to where he stood beside the four-poster bed. “Do you have any idea who this woman is?”
He thought again of Rose Hatcher. No. She was tucked safely away in Purdy, the state prison for women. “No clue.”
A sob climbed Eden’s throat. “This is awful. We don’t even know who we’re afraid of.”
David moved closer. It was tearing him apart not to hold her. But he knew he wouldn’t be able to walk out of here if he gave in to the potent urge. “Whoever she is, she needs help.”
“David, are you sure you’re not in danger?” Eden jammed her hands against her temples. Her head ached as if it might explode. “So much has happened to me in the past six weeks that I can’t even sort out my feelings about most of it. But the one thing I’m very clear on is that I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I’ll be fine. Ducking the dangers of obsessive disorders is something psychiatrists learn to deal with. Besides, obsessives usually follow a pattern.” His tone was reassuring, but passion burned in his eyes—anger or frustration, perhaps both. “And her pattern seems to be eradicating the women from my life who she thinks are close to me. So it’s damned likely she’ll keep coming after you until she finishes what she started. You have to stay the hell away from me.”
Eden knew she should be afraid. Deathly afraid. But she felt as if her heart were bleeding, pricked by the thorns of the white roses. She asked quietly, “Will this be forever?”
“No!” He closed the gap between them. “Only until she’s caught.”
His familiar, beloved scent reached into Eden, and she nearly took the single step that would bring them together. But she held herself rigid. “What if she’s never caught?”
“She will be. No matter what it takes, I will unmask her.”
The loathing in his voice surprised Eden. It was unlike him to express as much as an unkind thought about someone he considered ill. Her voice broke as she said, “I’ll never forget what we had, David.”
“It’s not over, Eden.” He caressed her cheek with his knuckles. “Just on hold.”
But it was over. She knew it. Her stomach clenched, and her knees wobbled.
The bedroom door banged open. David and Eden started as if they’d been caught in bed instead of standing beside it. Valerie stood there, glaring at them. “Forgive my intrusion on your tender reunion.”
Eden stepped around David, glad to have someone to vent her bottled-up frustrations on. “How dare you barge in here without knocking!”
Valerie looked affronted and hurt. “You’re so ungrateful, Eden. I thought you’d want to know immediately. Beth’s pager just went off. The hospital has a donor.”
Chapter Six
Eden’s pulse leapt, her anger at Valerie’s intrusion fleeing on the wings of this wonderful news. “Is Ariel getting Beth ready to leave?”
“No.” Valerie was suddenly flustered. “She doesn’t even know about it yet. She had some errands that needed tending to, so I told her you and I would watch over Beth while she was out. I suppose we could leave her a note.”
Valerie sounded as if she intended on going to the hospital; Eden wasn’t certain she could deal with her in light of the suspicions she harbored. But how did she tell her without making an issue of it?
As if he sensed her dilemma, David said, “It isn’t necessary for you to come to the hospital, Valerie. We won’t know for a while whether or not there will even be any surgery.”
It was amazing, Eden mused, how he kept being there for her. Then again, she supposed it shouldn’t surprise her. His thoughtfulness had caused her to take her first good look at him six months ago, and was now only one of his many qualities she adored. But dwelling on her feelings for David would only break her heart.
Returning her attention to the situation, she realized Valerie was not convinced. Eden took a firmer stand. “I’ll call you as soon as we know one way or the other.”
Valerie’s lips pinched, and her eyes glistened with anger. She opened her mouth, presumably to object, but Beth appeared in the doorway. “Eden, can you get my suitcase? Stupid thing feels like it weighs a ton.”
Beth’s complexion had a greenish gray cast, and her eyes held a mixture of relief and apprehension. Eden patted her arm reassuringly. “Of course. I’ll meet you in the garage.”
Eden brushed past Valerie and left the room. As she started down the hall, she heard Beth say, “You’re coming with me, aren’t you, Dr. Coulter?”
Despite his insistence that they avoid one another at all costs, Eden knew David would not abandon any patient in need. But as glad as she was at the prospect of not facing this alone, a part of her feared the killer would see them together and make wrong assumptions.
By the time she joined Beth and David in the kitchen, she felt her nerves fraying. Valerie hovered in a corner, resentment stark in her deep-set eyes. Was she only angry at being excluded? Or was she the woman they both feared? The thought swept over Eden like a chilly breeze. Val’s love for her brother had been like that of an overly possessive mother. Did she love David in a different, yet similarly possessive way?
If I’m right, Eden realized, the killer is here in this room with us, already watching, already making wrong assumptions, perhaps already plotting my demise.
She set Beth’s suitcase on the floor and pulled her key ring from her purse. It slipped from her trembling hand, falling to the floor with a jarring jangle.
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br /> At the same moment, David and she scrambled after the keys, their hands reaching out, their fingers colliding and their gazes meeting and holding. The warmth of his touch stirred a deep hunger in Eden.
“Hey, you two, can we get a move on?” Beth groused.
The blunt reminder that they were not alone heated Eden’s cheeks. She straightened, leaving the keys to David. He said, “I’ll drive.”
“Thank you” She gave him a grateful smile, then she grimaced and hugged Beth around the shoulders. “I’m so excited for you, I’ve got the heebie-jeebies.”
“I know what you mean.” Beth’s laugh held no strength and quickly died as Eden steered her to the garage.
Eden wished she could drive away from this house that held only unhappiness and fear for her now and never return. But she didn’t want Beth sensing this negative mood.
She forced gaiety into her voice, spouting small talk to occupy Beth’s mind, to stave off her own concerns that started with her sister’s well-being and ended with a murderer.
Her stomach was still unsettled, but she noticed her gaiety wasn’t all put on. Hope, she realized, was giving her a buoyant feeling. Hope, and David’s presence and support. She helped Beth into the front passenger seat, then slid onto the bench seat behind David.
The moment the garage door began opening, they heard it—a swelling buzz of noise like a swarm of bees gearing up for attack. The reporters and camera people converged over the concrete driveway without heed that the van was rolling toward them. David honked the horn and kept backing out of the garage. Shouted questions reached inside the van, but the trespassers seemed to get the message that he was not going to stop.
Just as they pulled onto the street, a camera flashed. Beth emitted a startled cry. “Must they do that?”
“It’s their job,” Eden said, sounding more forgiving than she felt. She hated censorship in any form, but this kind of intrusion on a private family matter was plain bad manners—media insolence at its worst.
She glanced back at the house. The reporters were leaping into their cars and trucks. Her chest squeezed with impotent rage at their audacity. Beth didn’t need this stress. Neither did she. Her gaze met David’s in the rearview mirror, and she saw that he was aware of the media’s intention of pursuing them.
Neither mentioned it to Beth, but Eden felt the van accelerate a notch and knew if it were at all possible, David would try to lose the unwanted company. That warm, fuzzy sensation tripped through her again, and Eden knew she must curtail it permanently; even if no one was bent on killing her, she was still the main suspect in a double murder, and David could not afford personally or professionally to be linked romantically with her. She would spare him that at all costs.
They left the housing development well ahead of the press cars and news trucks and, with a few trick turns, managed to reach I-90 without any sign of followers. Again her gaze met David’s in the rearview mirror, and he winked at her. Immediately her body reacted, tingling sensuously in every intimate recess.
Damn the unfairness of life. She settled into the seat, unable to keep from staring at his wonderfully shaped head, from stealing glimpses of his incredible moss green eyes in the mirror.
“I really hate being a baby, Dr. Coulter,” Beth said. “But I am scared.”
“That’s normal, Beth. But you’ll be fine. In fact, soon you’ll feel like a whole new you.”
Beth was quiet a moment, as if contemplating the possibility that her life could ever take on any semblance of its old vitality. But Eden knew she’d dreamed of this constantly since they’d learned her kidneys were diseased.
Would any of their lives ever be normal again?
The old helplessness attacked Eden. She’d gladly have relinquished a kidney for Beth, but after initial testing, Beth had become sensitized to Eden’s blood, rendering her ineligible as a donor.
Beth intruded on Eden’s dismal musings, her voice laced with an optimistic lilt that hadn’t been there for entirely too long. “Do you realize I might even be able to return to your class next winter?”
So much had occurred in the past year, Eden had all but forgotten how much Beth had enjoyed David’s psych classes. She leaned forward and patted her on the shoulder. “God willing, sweetie, you’ll be able to pick up all your classes.”
“Here, here,” David cheered.
For the third time, Eden’s gaze met his in the mirror. She forced herself to look away. The early-evening traffic was light on the floating bridge, and the lowering sun reflected on the waters of Lake Washington like long, glittering Fourth of July sparklers as they drove toward Seattle and the university district.
They arrived unaccosted at the University of Washington Medical Center’s Emergency entrance. Inside, few patients occupied the waiting area, and those who did cast the newest arrivals cursory glances, then lost interest. Still, Eden braced herself, knowing one person’s recognizing her could change that.
The nurse at the admittance desk was round and jolly, her straw-colored hair pulled to the top of her head like a clown’s cap. She greeted Beth as if she were expected and began recording check-in information. Only once did Eden suffer an uncomfortable moment, when the nurse glanced sideways at her as if trying to place where she knew her from. Beth noticed and frowned.
“Well, Ms. Montgomery, that’s all I need from you” Setting the chart aside, the plump nurse lumbered out of her chair. “Soon as we get you in a hospital gown, this dog and pony show can begin.”
Beth gripped Eden’s hand.
“Will it be all right if I come, too?” Eden asked.
“It’s fine with me.” The nurse looked at Beth.
Beth pulled Eden aside and spoke in a lowered voice. “You know a slew of doctors will be in to see me. Are you sure you’re up to facing them?”
Less than an hour ago, she’d have said a resounding no. But at this crucial moment, she realized it mattered very little what other people thought of her. “I’d face a tribe of starving cannibals for you.”
“I appreciate that, Eden, but they’re just running a bunch more tests. I can handle that on my own.”
David stepped between them. “Eden, why don’t you let me buy you a latte? I know I could use a jolt of caffeine.”
“Yes, go,” Beth said. “Then I won’t worry about you.”
That Beth should have to worry about anyone but herself at this time settled the matter. “Sure, sweetie. But if you change your mind, I’ll be right out here.” She gestured toward the waiting area, which was gaining new occupants with each passing minute.
Beth noticed the growing crowd, too, and frowned. “Just meet me upstairs later, okay?”
“Count on it.” Eden kissed her sister’s cheek, then spun around and fell into step with David. “Why do I suddenly feel like she’s the older sister?”
“The loss of her physical strength has reduced her to a child in many ways this past year, but underneath she’s the same, extremely mature twenty-three-year-old.” David wanted to fold Eden’s hand into his, but they didn’t have the corridor to themselves and Beth’s emergency hadn’t changed the danger of their being seen together. Even this was risky. Still, they couldn’t very well sneak around the hospital without looking absurd and guilty.
The fragrant aroma of espresso wafted through the third-floor entrance area. David approached the espresso bar while Eden selected a table in a secluded corner of the solarium, sat and plopped her purse on the floor. She watched David as he ordered lattes, and noticed two women walk past him and glance back. It struck her anew what a handsome man he was. Headtumingly so. The great thing was, he didn’t seem to know it.
From out of nowhere, a shiver climbed her spine, an eerie, indefinable creepiness as if someone’s gaze were drilling her back. Her neck prickled. She jerked her head up and glanced around, but the few couples huddled at neighboring tables seemed lost in conversation, and those people who were alone were either reading or enjoying the view out the garden su
n windows.
No one was looking at her.
Paranoid. Stressed. Anxious for Beth. Any one or all three could explain the weird feeling. No one was watching her. She had to relax. She propped her elbows on the table and twined her fingers together. The sensation skittered over her again. Damn. Paranoid or not, she couldn’t stay here.
As David started toward her, she crossed to him and accepted one of the lattes. “Is there someplace more private we could enjoy this?”
“Why?”
“Oh, nothing.”
He studied her. “No, something. What?”
She shrugged. “I just felt as if someone was watching me. Silly, huh?”
“Maybe not.” He scanned the area behind her and up and down the wide hallway. “I don’t see anyone I recognize.”
“It’s probably my discomfort at being in public.”
“Then let’s go to my office. It will be a while before Beth is taken upstairs, and I should check my mail and phone messages.”
THEY’D BEEN in his office ten minutes when the outer door opened.
“Probably housekeeping.” David left Eden sitting beside his desk and went to investigate. “Lynzy. What are you doing here so late?”
Lynzy gave him a big grin. She wore a short black skirt and a midriff top. Her long brown hair swung loose around her shoulders. “I forgot my sunglasses.” She retrieved them from her desk, then seemed to notice the open office door. “I didn’t interrupt a session, did I?”
“No.”
Recognizing the voice, Eden rose and walked toward them.
“Mrs. Prescott.” There was no hesitancy in Lynzy’s grin. “I heard on the radio that you’d been released. Congratulations”
“Thank you.” Eden breathed a little easier.
Lynzy waved the hand holding the sunglasses in a gesture of dismissal. “I never believed all those horrid stories about you. Person’s innocent till proven otherwise, I say. But if I were you, I’d be out celebrating, not here.” Her dark eyebrows dipped low in a frown. “You aren’t sick or anything?”