by J. L. Imhoff
I couldn’t let anyone suffer because of my own stupidity.
Who knows what David’s up to.
Suspicion had filled his face when he saw my skin and eyes. I would feel better when I had the knife back in my possession and knew with absolute certainty there was no risk to my people or my baby.
Maybe I’m being paranoid, but look at what happened last time I doubted my own feelings.
What’s my plan? Think, think.
I paced back and forth in front of the glass wall in my quarters, my eyes darting around the city. Humans would destroy this place given the chance. David would enjoy destroying my new life. With trembling hands, I touched the portal key on my ear. Scared to do this on my own and see David again, I had no other choice.
But if I had a weapon, it might offer some protection. With the beginnings of a plan forming in my head, I left my quarters and sprinted across the city to the weapons training room. At this time of night, I hoped no one would be there.
The place was a ghost town and of course, the doors were unlocked.
They’re so trusting.
I searched the weaponry training room’s closet for something I could use. The little knives I trained with the other day lay on the top shelf in plain sight—I could do this. Now, I had to get them back to my quarters, covertly.
Where do I put them?
With no pockets in my dress, I folded them inside my hands and held them close to my body, as if I were cold. Taking the long way back through the gardens, I slowed my pace, avoiding the chance of running into anyone. My heart fluttered, and my hands shook. Breathing deeply, I maintained focus on my new mirrored bubble.
Back in my quarters, I stared at the section of wall that had turned into a portal the last time I’d left with Roman. I felt wicked, nothing more than a sneaky thief in the night. But this time I wasn’t escaping, I was going back to make right on a mistake.
Oh heck, if I think too long I’ll lose my nerve. I have to go now, before Lily or Roman notices.
Taking a deep breath, I activated the clip.
The same door appeared out of nowhere, and the black velvet tar swirled. This is so cool.
A tiny screen appeared in my visual field with a long line of numbers. It resembled a clear computer screen only I could see. As Lucas predicted, there were no saved destinations. I was forced to rely on the fail-safe; that the portal would take me back to San Francisco.
Be brave.
While I worked up the nerve to walk through, I imagined myself lying in my bed, sleeping. Then visualized walls around my bedroom. Finally, I pictured myself splitting into two people, leaving an imprint of myself in bed. Unsure if it would work or where the idea had come from, I thought it was worth a try.
The worst that could happen is Lily sends Roman after me again, right?
Chapter 23
Wrapping my fists around the daggers, I stepped into the black swirling portal. I arrived in the same hallway Roman took me to, what now seemed like ages ago. Good, it worked. Hooray.
After I spent a few seconds celebrating having accomplished something on my own, I hurried to the bedroom.
Frantically, I changed clothes and put on a heavy layer of makeup. Not wanting to lose the ear clip, I removed it and placed it on the top of the dresser.
Grabbing another purse from the closet, I put the two daggers inside, and slung it over my shoulder. Thank goodness they are well-stocked. A black leather jacket hung in there too, which I slipped on. As I passed the room Roman had changed in, his scent permeated the air. My thoughts drifted to him and I stopped myself. For a split second, I swore I sensed his presence. Focusing again on keeping the mirrored bubble on, I scolded myself for my momentary lapse.
Don’t forget you’re a part of the Connective now. If you think of anyone, they may sense you.
Nervous, I ran down to the kitchen as the final rays of the Pacific sun streamed through the windows. Which cabinet had the cash and key box? I opened several before I found what I was looking for. Shaking, I fumbled and dropped the keys several times. By the time I finally opened the box, my hands trembled so badly I had to stop and take a few breaths. Now, I truly felt criminal. The walls close in on me, mocking my weakness.
No—I can do this.
Breathe deep, count to ten.
I regained my composure, and stuffed a large wad of cash into the purse. I’ll bribe David for the knife. There must be at least a hundred grand here. That’s David’s weakness.
Unsure which keys went with what cars, I simply took a set. It would be easy to figure out which car it went to since they were all newer with keyless entry buttons.
Slipping on a pair of sunglasses, I tucked my hair up into a black ball cap, and re-slung the purse over my shoulder. Feeling the passage of time ticking in my head, I walked out into the expansive garage.
Out of the four cars in the garage, the keys I’d grabbed fit a small black Mercedes SUV. This car will blend in, no problem. New car smell permeated the air and I inhaled, settling my nerves. I pulled out of the garage as the sun was setting. The time difference would give me a few more hours of night.
Briefly, I stopped in the driveway and checked my reflection in the mirror. Do I look recognizable? I turned my head from side to side, then pulled a few long locks of hair down from the cap to cover the receptors down the side of my neck. Although I’d concealed them with makeup, they had texture and stood out from my skin. No one would notice unless they got too close, and I didn’t plan on that.
I rolled the windows down and cranked the radio up, singing along with whatever came on, even if I didn’t know the lyrics. It helped to settle my nerves and build my courage. It was a clear night and the fresh scent of the ocean wafted through the car windows, reminding me of home.
My anxiety turned into an inappropriate giddiness. For a second, I simply enjoyed the moment. Scared and nervous as hell, an adrenaline rush ran through my veins.
I feel so free.
When I got to David’s house, he wasn’t home. He’s probably at work. I might as well re-check the house.
As I approached and searched the planters, I remembered Roman was the last one to have the spare key. Damn.
Doesn’t matter, I’ll head to the hospital.
I made it to Stanford with no problems and pulled into the parking lot at the hospital, easily finding David’s car.
So far, so good.
In the hospital, I headed to the cardiology wing. With my head down and sunglasses on tight, I turned up the collar of my leather jacket.
While passing the nurses’ station, I heard, “Excuse me, can I help you?”
Startled, I turned, “Yes, can you tell me if Dr. David Sohon is still in surgery?”
“Let me check,” said the young nurse with long blonde hair. “He got out of surgery about ten minutes ago. Can I page him for you?”
“No, no, I’ll just try him on his cell again.” I snuck down the hallway toward David’s office, slowing my pace, afraid the next person rounding the corner would be him. My heart hammered in my chest, betraying my seemingly calm outward demeanor. Panic rose into my throat. The sterile smell of the hospital mixed with the scent of death and decay causing me to gag. Calm down. I can do this.
Slowly, I strode by his door and tried to look in through the frosted glass bordering the door. The lights were off. Search his office. Nonchalantly, I turned around further down the hall and returned to his door. It’s the only place I can think of where he would hide Roman’s knife outside the house.
The knob was cold as I closed my hand around it and turned, opening the door. Thank goodness, he left it unlocked. Inside, I leaned back against the door and let my breath out.
Now what?
Familiarity brought an onslaught of memories. I helped him decorate this office during his first week here. In fact, I’d bought him the motivational poster. Now, it screamed at me, reflecting back my naivety. Time I’d wasted on someone who didn’t return my devotion.
At his desk, I pulled open and searched all the drawers. The bottom drawer on the left was locked and I kicked it in frustration. Of course.
The sound of voices at the door sent a surge of panic through my body. I looked around, but there was nowhere to hide.
Crap, what do I do?
As the door opened, I froze. David stood silhouetted before flipping on the lights. When he saw me, for a moment, he looked startled, but quickly recovered his composure as his face darkened and his mouth slowly turned into a crooked smile. He closed and locked the door behind him.
“Well, well,” he said, walking over to me. “I’ve been expecting you.”
Expecting me? What? My eyes darted to the door and back to him. “What do you mean?” My pulse skyrocketed.
“You left something behind last time you were at my place and I’ve seen your gorilla boyfriend following me. It must be valuable to him,” he said, calm and in control. “I figured you’d be back to retrieve it.” David sat on the desk and attempted to grab my hand and pull me to him as I backed up against the window. I easily twisted my arm out of his grasp.
“Where is it?” I asked, suspicious of his change in behavior.
“It’s good to see you, Anna.” Ignoring my question, he reached out again and grabbed ahold of my arm, digging his finger into a sensitive spot near my elbow.
In pain, I rotated it again, trying to free myself, but now unable to do so. With a death grip on my arm, he managed to pull me into him. “You have good timing, I just finished my shift. I was going to go out and grab some dinner—why don’t you join me?”
Yielding to his anger-driven strength, I squirmed and then spat, “You’ve got to be kidding. No way in hell will I ever go anywhere with you.” I barely controlled the rage welling up inside of me. Again, this far away from the Connective, I lost the link to the group euphoria.
“You should be nicer if you want your knife back,” he taunted, the arrogance in his voice infuriating me.
“Give it to me and I’ll go.”
“Go where? Where are you living these days?”
“It’s none of your business.” Finally able to free my arm from his grip, I started to snake around the desk, when he grabbed me around the waist and pulled me back. “Let me go David.” I pushed at him, keeping my voice low. “Or I’ll scream.” The feel of his hands sent me reeling back into all the bad memories. Part of me became paralyzed at his touch. Maybe the knife wasn’t worth it.
No, I have to get it back. I can do this.
David’s eyes slid to the door. “I won’t hurt you, I’ve missed you.” Too tender for the David I’d grown to know. Always charming in the beginning of our relationship, I knew his dark side too well now to fall for the charade.
Unexpectedly, he grabbed my face and kissed me hard.
I pulled back intending to slap him when he grabbed my hand midair.
“Come on, go get dinner with me, and we’ll talk. Then I’ll take you to your knife, if you want it that bad. Be a good girl, cooperate, and you will get what you want.” A malevolent glint in his eyes belied his pretty words.
“You swear?” A cold shiver crept up my spine. What other choice do I have? Maybe he’ll give it back to me, then this will all be over with, and I can move on with a clean slate.
How many times have I fallen for his manipulation in the past?
What other choice do I have if I want to get the knife back?
“Of course, honey,” he said. “It’s only a silly little knife. I believe you really came back for me.”
Not in a million years, honey.
Play along and maybe this will go better.
“Okay, let’s go talk,” I muttered, swallowing my emotions, my rage. Play his game, but know he is up to something.
Do not ever trust him.
I can do this—I’m a pro at his game now.
“Let me grab a few things, close up my office, and we can leave,” he said, turning to open a small wooden locker made to blend with the wall. David arrogantly undressed and stood there naked, as if we were still a couple who changed in front of each other all the time.
I averted my eyes.
He watched me keenly as he changed, apparently wanting to see my reaction, to see if I snuck a glance. It would only inflate his ego if I did.
What I wanted was for him to be scared of me. Damn it, he should be scared, I can hurt him now. I’m stronger, aren’t I? I was, physically, but now my emotions were growing weak.
He turned off his computer and grabbed his suit coat. Taking my hand, he led me out of the door and locked it behind us.
As we walked out, passing the nurse’s station, he kissed the back of my hand as he waved to the nurses sitting behind the counter.
Putting on a show, David?
When we were past them, he gripped my arm by the same tender spot on the elbow, digging his fingers in so hard it hurt, and led me to his car.
“Will you ease up? That hurts.” I tried to wiggle out of his grip. “I’ll follow you in my car to wherever it is you want to go.”
“No, I’ll drive,” he insisted.
I have a bad feeling about this. The same old feeling of being out of control grabbed me around my heart and squeezed. Hating it, my hands started shaking as I felt myself falling into an old pattern of compliance.
How can he still do this to me?
David opened the passenger door and I slid into the front seat of his silver BMW. I put the purse in my lap and touched the outline of the daggers through the leather. I’ll use them if I have to.
I can do this. Take back control.
“Where are we going to eat?” I plastered a fake smile across my face.
“Someplace special,” he said coldly, as he started the car and pulled out of the parking lot, remaining stoic as he drove down Highway 101 in the direction of Mountain View. Exiting the highway, he headed toward a suburb.
“Are there restaurants this way? It looks residential,” I said, warning lights flashing in my mind.
“I thought we’d stop by the house and I can change,” he informed me with no expression on his face.
“What house?”
Remaining silent, he drove with his lips tight and his eyes vacant.
Oh, now I get it, that was all for show. His colleagues had been there, so he wouldn’t want anyone to see me. They all think I’m dead. Man, he’s smooth, and with my sunglasses on and hat pulled tight, no one would’ve recognized me unless I’d caused a scene.
How can I be so stupid?
Darn it girl, when will you ever learn?
David pulled into a circular driveway, leading up to a large house. Whoever lived here was rich because this house was enormous.
“Who lives here?”
“I do.”
“Since when?”
“I closed on it and took possession a few days ago. The movers will be here with the rest of my stuff from the rental tomorrow.”
“How can you afford this? You only started at the hospital and the debt we had… there’s no way,” I responded, feeling confused and angry.
Life after my death seemed lavishly good.
David remained silent, indicating he was not going to elaborate as he parked in front of the house. “Let’s get this over with.” He unlocked the front door and we walked inside.
As I looked around, a wave of anger so intense, I could barely control it, washed over me. This house was my once upon a time dream house, straight out of the magazines I used to pine over, complete with the most magnificent furniture I had ever seen.
A large pool glimmered in the moonlight through glass French doors, opening out onto a patio. I choked back emotions so intense my throat seemed swollen and tight. My dream house. Now it’s his, built on my death.
“Who do you live here with?” I fumed.
“No one.” He walked through, turning on lights.
“Why did you bring me here?” To my dream house? Cruel bastard.
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��To talk,” he said, a venomous bite to his words.
“You’re lying,” I choked back tears. “How could you have afforded this place? I want to know. I know what our financial situation was, it wasn’t this!” I waved my arm around the house.
“Don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answer to,” he warned, pouring himself a drink. “Would you care for a beverage?”
“No, I want the knife and then I’ll go,” I retorted, needing to get out of here and back to Poseidia.
“No,” he snarled.
“No? What do you mean ‘no’?”
“I can’t afford to allow you to leave and take the chance someone will see you alive. It would be bad for my reputation,” he sneered as he walked over to the French doors leading to the patio, tugging on them, making sure they were locked.
My breathing became shallow and fast. “No one will see me. I’ll take the knife and go. You won’t have to worry about me again.” My knees shook and my mouth went dry. I hugged my purse close to my body, fingering the daggers.
“I don’t worry. You should see the upstairs, I had it furnished and decorated—it’s nice.” He approached me with two drinks in his hands.
Enraged, I retreated from him. “No, I’ve seen enough. I need to go. People know where I am, and they will come looking for me soon.” My voice shook.
“Now, come on, Anna. It’s beautiful, exactly your dream house.” He handed me a drink—two fingers of whiskey, neat.
I took it from him, and threw it in his face.
“You’re going to regret that.” Seething, he closed the distance between us with a final step.
The liquor on his breath gagged me as I went for the daggers in my purse. David yanked the purse from me, and threw it across the room before I had a chance to react. Dammit.
“What I want to know is how you’re here? How did you survive the accident?”
“It was no accident and you know it,” I spat back at him.
“That’s not the way I remember it. I saw you jump after you threatened to take your own life. That’s what the police believe.” David seized my arms, his fingers tearing into my flesh. “You’re dead and you have to stay dead. You’ll ruin everything.”