Running On Fear

by Linda L Lattimer

  “Meaning what? There has to be a reasonable explanation. Perhaps the other lock broke and Harris had to get a locksmith to change it.” The look in his eyes told her differently, and she turned away from his challenging stare.

  With one more turn of the tiny device the door opened.

  Duncan went inside. “I see your assistant hasn’t arrived yet. Guess he’s not as prompt as you.”

  That did it. Melanie fisted her hands on her hips. “You know, I have had just about enough from you, Agent Duncan McGregor! I’m sorry your wife was having an affair with Spencer or whatever his name is. I’m sorry that he’s been suckering you for the past five years. I had nothing to do with it. As for crying yesterday, I wasn’t feeling sorry for you. I was trying to share in your pain. Evidently something you know nothing about. For being a hot-shot special agent, you sure have a lot to learn about life.” She turned and walked back over to her desk.

  “Oh, and one more thing. Harris doesn’t have to arrive until his first patient. And normally he shows up fifteen minutes prior to any appointment. As for me, I have always been punctual. That’s the way I am. Besides, it is my office. And Harris is not me!” She slung herself into the brown vinyl chair and scanned through some papers.

  Duncan exhaled a troubled breath. He didn’t need some shrink telling him anything, even though she was speaking the truth. He’d never been too keen on any doctor voicing their opinions, either. He sure was seeing a feisty side to her. Crossing to some boxes marked ‘heating pads,’ he thought there were surely a lot of boxes for heating pads. Opening one, he noticed small ice pads. Heat in microwave for one minute then place on swollen joint, the blue writing stamped on the packaging instructed. Melanie must have a lot of patients with swollen joints. Why would a patient seeking advice from a psychologist need these gadgets?

  He pulled one out. Kind of heavy, he thought to himself. Something that heavy would make his joints hurt more. The joint would feel like it had rocks pressing on it. Placing it back, he closed the box and started to leave the room. He was almost to the door when it hit him.

  Hurrying back, he pulled out the heat pad again and sniffed it. “I’ll be! I think Harris is as dumb as he appears.” He reached inside his pocket and pulled out the pocketknife. One little slice was all he needed to confirm his suspicions. “Melanie, could you come here a minute?”

  Now what?

  Harris entered her office before she’d even made it to the storage room. “Melanie, what are you doing here? I thought you were on vacation. Time’s not up for you to return.”

  “Just had to come in to get something from my desk.”

  “There’s a gentleman that followed me inside with a dog. Says he needs to see you. I think he’s blind.”

  “Did you get a name?”

  “No. He just wants to see you.”

  “Send him in.” She knew it was Hargrove, and thought it strange that Harris wouldn’t have asked the blind man for a name.

  A minute later, Harris led Hargrove and the dog into the office. “Miss Bishop?”

  “I’m here. Please come in.”

  “Could this gentleman stay in here with us?”

  “Harris, do you mind?”

  “No, Melanie. I don’t have a patient for another thirty minutes.” He noticed the storage room door open. “Melanie, why is that door opened?”

  “I need to ask you about that, Harris. My master key wouldn’t open the door. Was there a reason?”

  “It should have opened it, Melanie. Let me try it.” He was reaching for her keys when Duncan walked out, holding the ice pack.

  “I do believe the dog will find all the answers in the store room, Hargrove.”

  “What’s going on here?” Harris demanded, his face turning as white as the shirt he wore.

  “Seems you’re stashing drugs inside these nice little heat pads.”

  The dog started sniffing.

  “He sure is,” Hargrove said.

  “You mean, you’re not blind?” Harris said.

  “No, and you’re under arrest.”

  Melanie was shocked. “Harris, how could you? And in my office.”

  “Melanie, this isn’t what you think. These aren’t mine.”

  Duncan grabbed a hold of Harris’ collar. “How dare you supply drugs while working in Melanie’s office! Do you know what kind of impact this could have on her? To her business? You are going down for this.”

  “I didn’t. I swear. It wasn’t me.” Harris swallowed nervously.

  “Then who, Harris?” Melanie asked. “Are you allowing others to come into my office? I can get into trouble for this. I could even lose my license. How could you?”

  Two policemen entered. One cuffed Harris while the other one read him his rights.

  Melanie was still beside herself.

  “We asked the TBI to keep this under their hats, Melanie,” Hargrove said. “No news media or anything. We’ll try our best to keep things quiet for you.”

  “Thanks, Dan.”

  “Anything to help.”

  “I should have noticed it, Dan.” Her glance floated toward Duncan. She was sure he was saying I told you so. She didn’t want to hear it.

  “We need to close up shop for a while until we can clean all this out.” Hargrove walked to the room eyeing all the boxes. It was a huge shipment, that was for sure. “You know, Melanie, some things are hard to diagnose, especially when they’re right under your nose.”

  “I understand.” Melanie wondered if he was referring more to Duncan and Jean than to Harris. “What will you tell the receptionist when she comes in today?”

  “We’ll tell her you requested the office be closed for a month. We’ll see that your patients are referred to someone reliable, until you can come back to work. It’s the only way, Melanie.”

  “Okay, Dan. I’ll have to trust the Bureau, but something tells me that Riley is the one behind this, not Harris.”

  “You’ll never learn, will you Melanie?” This time it was Duncan speaking. “Harris is behind all of this, not Riley. And Dan, I know exactly who you were referring to while ago. I know I should have listened to you.”

  “Look, Duncan. You need to go somewhere and cool down. This isn’t all about you and Jean. This is about Melanie. As for listening to me, I doubt that I’d have listened to you tell me my wife was seeing my best friend under the sheets.”

  Melanie stepped between them. “This is not the time or the place. Have you thought that perhaps this is what Spencer wants? As for Harris, how can you be so sure, Duncan? Weren’t you wrong the first time about Spencer? How do you know he’s still not in on this? You could be wrong again, Duncan.” She caught her last words wishing that she had clamped her mouth shut over that last remark. “Duncan, I never meant—”

  “Nothing more needs to be said. Hargrove, I’m taking Melanie home. She needs to be out of this office and with the children. I sure don’t need my wife and my good friend to continually remind me about my prior mistakes. She no sooner scolds you for doing such things than she turns around and copies you.”

  Melanie noted the icicles in his voice. Yes, it was over. Things would never be the same again. She wondered now if he’d even wanted to have a family. The ache in her stomach was like a slow burning ember. She wanted to cry. Just sit in her chair and cry. Instead she shed silent tears so no one would hear.

  “If you need me, I’ll be staying at the townhouse,” Duncan said.

  Staying at the townhouse. It sounded so dirty the way it passed from his lips. Not ‘at Melanie’s’ or ‘our home,’ just ‘staying at the townhouse’. Over, Melanie. Over before it even really started.

  “Duncan, Melanie’s been through quite an ordeal, too. Not only with Harris, this morning, but she got a slap in the face with that information last night. I think you should think about that.”

  “Thank you, Dan,” Melanie said, again fighting to stop her tears showing. “But I believe that, at this point, none of that matters to Agent
McGregor. After all, this was just an assignment until all this mess was finished. Now that Harris is in jail, perhaps he’ll know where Riley is. Then I can go my way and Agent McGregor can go his.”

  Duncan sent her a cold gaze, but she didn’t care. From now on, she was going to get her way.

  Hargrove nodded.

  Melanie gathered her purse and walked out the door, trying not to brush against Duncan as she went. He wanted to be far away from her? Well, she could do the same.

  “Dad, you’re back.” Matt sounded happy. “I missed you. Did you happen to see the bat tower? It was really neat, wasn’t it?” He ran to Duncan, giving the agent a hug while his small tongue continued flapping with excitement.

  “I sure did.” At least Matt was still glad to see him. Duncan gave Matt a hug. “Andrea, I appreciate you staying here.”

  “Anytime, Duncan. I got a report from Wilson, just before you arrived. The body in Spencer’s grave turned out to be Franklin Morrison, an old man who lived up in the hills. A loner.”

  “What is it with these loners?”

  “At least he had no family. They didn’t have to mourn.”

  “I know, Andrea, but these other idiots are harming people.”

  Andrea patted his back. “I know. Look, you look like you could use some rest. I’d advise you to go upstairs, get in that bed and sleep. Melanie will be fine down here with the kids.”

  “I suppose I should.”

  “How’d it go at the office?”

  “Drugs were being transported in these little ice packs that you stick in a microwave to heat. Can you believe that? Harris has been arrested. Claims he wasn’t behind any of it.”

  “Don’t they all?” Andrea eyed Melanie standing in the room near the children. “Guess Melanie’s taking it pretty hard, him being her assistant and all.”

  “Yeah. I mean as soon as I saw those boxes of heating pads, I wondered why a shrink would need them.”

  “I can imagine. The lengths some criminals will go to.”

  “Again, Andrea, thanks for everything.”

  “You go up and get some rest.”

  “I will.”

  Melanie locked the door after Andrea left. “Kids, I don’t care who rings that bell, you do not open it.”

  “Promise this time,” Tiffany said. She gave Duncan a hug. “I think Miss Andrea is correct. You’ve been so absorbed with this case, Dad, that you’ve failed to find any time for sleeping. Not to mention keeping you active by taking us on all those rides at Disneyworld.” She laughed.

  “Yes, you and Matt certainly did at that.”

  “But we had fun, Dad.”

  “We sure did.”

  “And I’d do it all over again, if I could have a dad like you. But I would change one thing. I’d make sure Mom was still around to see how happy I was. Do you think she can see, Dad?” Matt asked joining in the conversation.

  “I believe she can.” Duncan thought of the inheritance Griffin Dunbar had left his children. At least the man had thought enough of them to think of their future, even if not to acknowledge them. He wished he could find the man and at least thank him for that much.

  “I only wish my real dad could see how happy we are,” Tiffany said. “I mean, he was responsible for giving us life, too. Do you think one day we’ll see him again?”

  Duncan kissed her cheek. “Honey, I don’t know. I keep trying to locate him, but still can’t find anything.”

  “Guess he’s a hermit. Can’t find a hermit,” Matt said, pulling out his Gameboy and turning it on.

  “Guess not.” Duncan said, exchanging glances with Melanie.

  Melanie stretched her arms. “I’m going to make us some lunch. If you hear anything, you let me know.”

  “We will,” Tiffany said. “Do you need any help?”

  “No, honey, I need to be alone right now.”

  “Duncan, Andrea’s right. Why don’t you go lie down? After I prepare lunch, the children and I will take it upstairs to their room. That way we’ll all be together if we hear anything.”

  “I think I’ll take a hot shower first. It’ll help me rest better. Melanie, they’re still guarding the house. The Bureau is making sure you and the children are protected.”

  “I know. Go on upstairs. I’ll bring you a sandwich, too. I’ll feel better upstairs near the home office. I’ve got some letters to take care of, anyway.”

  Duncan nodded and climbed the steps.

  Melanie strolled into the kitchen. The alarm was on. Others were watching her house like a hawk. So why did she feel afraid? Because you’ve lost Duncan. A man that you gave your heart to. You shouldn’t have done that, Melanie. What kind of doctor are you to throw your feelings at a man that way?

  She’d started taking the food out of the refrigerator when the tears came. Why had she given herself to Duncan McGregor? Why? Once you were in love, it was hard to erase it, really hard.

  Duncan stood under the shower, allowing the water to run down his face and chest. Why had he been so harsh with Melanie? This wasn’t her fault. Jean wasn’t her problem. He should never have spoken so roughly to her. You always hurt the one you love the most. And he did love Melanie. He knew, deep down, that he loved her even more than he’d loved Jean. He thought he never could love anyone that much, but he did.

  Moments later he was dry, and slipping on a fresh pair of slacks and pullover.

  “Good ole Spencer, my best friend.” He raked a comb through his wet hair. “Yeah, here you were, working against me five years ago, and you’re working against me now. What, the Bureau didn’t pay you enough money? You had to go into selling drugs for a profit? What an idiot I was five years ago to try and clear you. And now I’m up against you again. Well, don’t expect me to try to clear you this time.”

  He pulled the gun from his holster, checking it. First Riley, now Spencer. For all he knew they were in cahoots with each other. Of course, he was sure Spencer’s lifestyle wasn’t like Griffin’s or Riley’s. “How could it be? You were sleeping with my wife.” Hate filled his words as he took a pillow and tossed it across the room.

  Melanie entered carrying a tray of food. The pillow missed her by inches. “Sorry. I was bringing you a sandwich. I’m not a drinker, but I occasionally keep a beer in the refrigerator for my hair. I thought you might want one with your meal.”

  “Your hair drinks, huh?”

  “I use beer for washing and rinsing it at times.”

  “I know.”

  Melanie sat the tray on the dresser. “It’s just a cold cut sandwich and chips. The kids are in the other room, eating and watching some movie. I’ll come back later for the tray.”

  “Melanie, wait. Got a minute?”

  Oh great. Here it comes, another debate with him. “Sure.” She sat on the edge of the bed.

  Duncan noticed her red eyes. “Have you had a chance to eat?”

  “Yeah. I ate while I was preparing everyone else’s. I always do that.”

  “Look, I don’t know where all this is going to lead, but things may get worse before they get better. You understand?”

  Melanie nodded, crossing her hands and placing them in her lap.

  “Jean was my whole life, Melanie. When she told me there was someone else, I didn’t want to believe her. I didn’t even want to know the man’s name. We’d discussed divorce, but I never wanted it to go that far. I still loved her. I loved her enough to let her go if this other guy really made her happy, but there was no way I’d allow her to take Johnny with her. I told her that. I hoped she’d change her mind. We never wanted the Bureau to know about our affairs. Spencer and Hargrove were the only two I actually spoke to.”

  “Then Spencer deceiving you really hit hard?”

  “Yes.”

  “Duncan, I never meant I felt sorry for you in any way. My tears were for so many things last night.”

  “And now?”

  “Again, so many things.”

  “I should have never been so sharp with yo
u. I made mistakes before I met you. They lie with Jean and my first marriage, not with you, Melanie. And now this vendetta with Spencer. He must want me badly to have faked his death. He’s probably been in with Brewton all this time.”

  “Would he have been the one to help Riley hurt Allison?”

  “I don’t know if he’d go that far. I’ve never known Spencer to be rough with any woman. He always loved women. Of course, I never expected him to be a crooked agent, either.” Duncan slammed his fist on the dresser.

  Melanie flinched.

  “If I hadn’t defended that piece of garbage five years ago, he’d be behind bars now. And to know he was there when the scum rigged my car.” He thought of the day the brakes had been cut on Allison’s vehicle. “I should have noted that, when our brakes were slit. Not to mention that phone call. I knew it had to come from within the Bureau. I just never imagined it would be someone that had faked his death.”

  Melanie took a breath. “Why don’t you try to eat and drink that cold beer before it gets flat? You should rest.”

  Duncan picked up the sandwich and took a bite.

  “You’ve been working overtime, Duncan. I’ll check on you later.”

  He took hold of her arm as she got up to leave. “I meant what I said. I never should have been that sharp.”

  “We’ve all been under a lot of strain lately. Get some rest.”

  “Okay.” He removed his hand, then glanced at her lovely face. He wanted to kiss her, but he didn’t know if she’d push him away. He’d wait. They both needed time apart. And he did need some rest. He watched as she walked out of the room before he picked up the beer and drained every drop of it in one long swallow.

  It was all Melanie could do to leave Duncan alone in the room. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and feel his strength surrounding her once more. She still loved him, even though it was apparent he didn’t really care for her. His problems might still lie with Jean, but it was obvious that he’d loved Jean more than he’d ever be able to love her. Her relationship with Duncan would never be like the one he’d had with Jean. That kind of love only came once in lifetime.

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