Who Am I?

by Dooley, Lena Nelson

  ❧

  When Leiann entered her grandfather’s office the next morning, she found Gerome there with him.

  Her grandfather stood. “Jerry, why don’t you take Leiann to town today to see some of the sights she’s been wanting to visit? You can take the new Mercedes.”

  Gerome turned toward her. “What do you think?”

  “I’d enjoy that.”

  While Gerome drove around Boston, Leiann watched the scenery rush past the windows, forming a kaleidoscope of spring colors. All during the journey he kept her amused with tour-guide chatter.

  “Have you ever worked for a tour company?”

  “No.” He looked at her for a moment before returning his attention to the heavy traffic. “I’ve just shown the sights to several friends and family members.”

  “Do you have a large family?” Leiann wanted to know more about this man who had been her hero.

  “I have cousins who live on a cranberry farm not far from Plymouth. Maybe we’ll go there sometime. They’re on my father’s side of the family, and I haven’t had any contact with them since my parents divorced.” A wry grin twisted his mouth. “I haven’t thought much about them in a long time.”

  Leiann mulled over that information. If she had extended family, she’d have had plenty of contact with them.

  Gerome interrupted her thoughts. “Very soon, you’ll catch sight of Plymouth Bay.” He pointed ahead toward the left.

  The historical commentary continued. Leiann found herself immersed in the surroundings and the information. She hadn’t realized Gerome was as interested in history as she was.

  When they reached the parking lot near Plymouth Rock, Leiann felt a little disappointed. She’d wanted to stand on the rock and look out to sea, trying to feel what the Pilgrims must have experienced when they first landed. But the huge stone was canopied by a columned granite portico and surrounded by a security fence to keep people from touching it. She realized the rock needed to be protected or it wouldn’t have lasted this long. Tourists probably would try to take souvenir chips home so they could own a piece of history.

  Her image of a straggly group of weary travelers landing in an unknown land was lost in the grandeur of the portico and the white columned mansion that sat high on a green hill behind the monument. At some time in the past, someone had engraved “1620” into the top of the rock. She pulled out her digital camera and took several shots from different angles.

  “It’s too bad the simplicity of the rock is overshadowed by all the trappings.” Gerome’s words echoed her thoughts.

  Leiann studied his face. Intelligence shone from his eyes as he stared out over the moving water.

  He turned toward her with a spark in his eyes. He reached for the camera. “Let me take a couple of pictures with you in them.”

  He posed her against the portico, then with the mansion in the background. She took back the camera and clicked a shot of him leaning against a column.

  One of the other tourists approached Gerome. “Would you like me to take a picture of you and your wife together?”

  “Sure.” Gerome reached for the camera and handed it to him. Then he put his arm around Leiann.

  She held herself stiff, waiting for him to correct the man. Just as he did at the dealership, Gerome didn’t say a word. Why couldn’t he just be honest?

  Not wanting to cause a scene in front of the other tourists, she held her tongue as she walked closer to the rocks that lined the short beach and stared out over the water.

  “You seem intent.” Gerome stood so close behind her that his breath fluttered her hair, sending a skitter up her spine. Though she was upset that he hadn’t corrected the man, she wasn’t immune to his charm.

  She turned and looked up at him, taking a step back so she could breathe easier. “I guess I expected to be able to see everything the way the Pilgrims did.” She shrugged. “Silly, wasn’t it?”

  “Not at all.” Gerome shoved his hands into the front pockets of his Dockers. “If you want to get closer to the experience of the settlers, we can go to Plimoth Plantation.”

  When she agreed, he took her hand and led her away from the portico toward the entrance to the restored settlement. The calluses on his palm spread warmth up her arm.

  Walking through the reconstructed village and watching reenactments of the everyday life of the first settlers proved interesting. Leiann felt a connection to the early history of her country. She marveled at the ingenious ways the Pilgrims were able to make their own place in a strange land—not unlike how she felt being in Massachusetts, which was so different from Texas.

  Leiann enjoyed watching Gerome talk to the costumed role-players. He asked intelligent questions that helped her understand how hard life had been for the Pilgrims. They watched artisans create authentic-looking period furniture and clothing. At the Nye Barn, Gerome talked at length to the personnel about the rare historical breeds of cattle cultivated there.

  “I didn’t know you were interested in livestock.” Leiann glanced up at him as they walked toward the Wampanoag Homesite to find out more about the history and culture of the original Americans.

  “At one time, I planned to buy a farm when I was ready to settle down.” He smiled at her. “Sounds funny, right?”

  She shook her head. “We all have our dreams.”

  “And what are your dreams, Leiann?” He stopped walking and studied her intently.

  “I’m not sure right now.” She started down the path, and he fell into step with her. She couldn’t even think about her dreams when so much of her life was still unsettled.

  As they left Plimoth Plantation, Gerome held her elbow so they could stay together in the busload of tourists massed around the entrance. The parking lot was a lot more crowded than it had been when they arrived. Leiann liked the feel of his touch.

  “Are you hungry?” Gerome asked as he started the car.

  “It has been awhile since breakfast.”

  His rich laughter filled the car. “Especially since you ate at the crack of dawn.”

  Leiann laughed with him. “I enjoy getting up to watch the sunrise.”

  He took her to a little café near a wharf up the coast. She felt sure this place wasn’t in any tourist brochure. Weathered boards covered the outside, and well-used fishnets hung at odd angles over them. Fresh Seafood was hand painted in bright red near the roofline.

  “This doesn’t look like much, but the food is awesome.” Gerome took her elbow as they wound their way between tables that were crowded too close together.

  Most of the seats were taken, but he found two at the end of one table.

  “We’re not going to sit with strangers, are we?” Leiann held back.

  “If we want to eat here, we’ll have to.” He pulled out one of the chairs for her. “It’s this busy all the time.”

  After they were seated, Leiann looked around. The mixture of customers appeared to be a cross-section of the citizens of the area. A few men in suits were scattered among those dressed casually. The noise level, though not deafening, was a few decibels higher than normal conversation, and the clipped speech sounded far different from the lazier delivery in Texas.

  When the waitress finally reached them, she asked, “What’ll ya have?”

  “What’s the special today?” Gerome didn’t even pick up the typewritten menu the woman placed in front of him.

  She poised a pen over the pad in her hand. “Shrimp Boil. It’s real fresh. Wouldja like that?” She spoke so fast Leiann had a hard time understanding her.

  Gerome glanced at Leiann, who was still trying to figure out the rapid-fire words. When she finally nodded, he ordered for both of them.

  The waitress punctuated her confirmation of the order with a loud pop of her gum.

  The meal was just as delicious as he’d promised. While they ate, they discussed all they’d seen that morning. Leiann enjoyed his company more than ever. He was even more fun to be around than Eric. But he hadn’t said an
ything about his connection with Grandfather. And it still bothered her that he’d let the salesman and the tourist think they were married. Was that a further sign of his deceptive nature?

  ❧

  For the next two days, Leiann’s grandfather sent her on several errands, always accompanied by Gerome. The more time she spent with the man, the more she felt drawn to him. If only she could trust him completely.

  The third day, they went to a place that had flowering plants so she could choose some to add to the gardens. She enjoyed picturing the colorful blossoms in various flower beds.

  On the drive back to the estate, Gerome brought up another subject. “Since you’ve been here, you’ve spent a lot of time with Prudence’s brother.”

  Leiann stared at him. “What’s wrong with that?”

  He kept his eyes on the winding road. “I’m not saying anything is wrong with that. I just wanted to caution you to be careful.”

  “About what?” She crossed her arms.

  “Nothing in particular.” He turned into the circle drive in front of the house. “Just be careful.”

  If she didn’t know better, she’d think Gerome was jealous of her time with Eric, but there was no reason to be. She was just friends with both men.

  If Gerome really was Herman’s stepson, Leiann wondered why her grandfather hadn’t told her there was a connection between them.

  She was tired of waiting for him to offer the information. Tomorrow she would ask her grandfather and get it all out in the open.

  Ten

  Once again, Gerome sat under the elm trees in the dark of night. The day had been wonderful. . .and terrible. Leiann was fun, open, vulnerable. And far too beautiful.

  Was she using her looks to get what she wanted? Did Eric truly find her attractive—or was he using her?

  Gerome had to find out for sure what Smith and his sister were up to. All the information he’d received from Greg pointed only to them, but he needed irrefutable proof. Maybe it was time to break into the office files and do a search.

  But not tonight. He was too keyed up after the day he’d spent with Leiann. Actually, he’d spent four wonderful days with her, compliments of his stepfather. The Old Man must trust him to keep throwing them together.

  Seeing her reaction to driving by the site of the wreck brought out all kinds of protective feelings in Gerome. Watching her at the car dealership intensified them. Then following her around, carrying packages for her while she shopped in a mall made him feel almost domesticated. When they spent the day picking out flowers for him to plant in the gardens, he began to wonder if Herman had some ulterior motive.

  Lord, I’m watching out for her as both You and Herman asked me to, but I need to put aside these personal feelings I’m having. I need to concentrate on what brought me here. Help me, Lord. I need You more than I did when I came. Show me what I need to know. Give me discernment into what’s going on to harm my stepfather. Thank You, Lord.

  The restlessness that had kept him from falling asleep fell away. He yawned and stretched. Time to get some shut-eye before the sun came up.

  ❧

  Leiann had a hard time going to sleep. The last few days had been full of excitement. Buying a new luxury car was over the top. But right up there was her awareness of Gerome. Strong. Good-looking. Tender.

  Imagining running her fingers through the thick waves of his hair sent heat coursing through her. Add to that the way his muscles rippled and stretched his T-shirts. His brooding brown eyes added a mysterious look that called to something inside her.

  She’d never felt like this with any man. When they were away from her grandfather’s estate, Gerome seemed almost carefree. They’d had a lot of fun, even though he fussed about carrying all those packages at the mall. Their conversations had been interesting. He shared her love of history. They even liked the same kinds of food.

  But while he gently probed about her past, he didn’t reveal anything about his. That fact bothered her. Why couldn’t he be open with her? What did he have to hide? Was he Grandfather’s stepson or not? If so, why was he living out behind the big house? Tomorrow would reveal the secret. . .if it existed.

  After her third trip into the bathroom to get a drink of water, she finally fell into a fitful sleep. Dreams flitted through her mind. Snatches of reality morphed into crazy and weird situations.

  Something woke her before the sun rose. She lay still and listened, gripping her hands into fists. After a moment, she heard the soft sound of breathing. It moved closer. Someone was in her room.

  Her scream pierced the air a moment before a pillow covered her face, cutting off the sound. She fought, bucking and rolling, trying to scratch her assailant. She finally jerked free and lunged toward the lamp on the other side of the bed. When the light came on, she saw a man slip through the partially opened French doors to the balcony.

  The door to the hallway burst open, and Prudence hurried into the room. “What’s the matter?”

  Leiann pointed toward the balcony. Her grandfather’s assistant rushed to the parted draperies. After closing the door and locking it, she turned back. “What happened?”

  “Someone was in my room.” Leiann clutched her arms across her chest. She couldn’t stop shaking. “He tried to smother me.”

  Prudence sat on the edge of her bed. For the first time, the woman softened toward her. “Did you see who it was?”

  “No.” Leiann closed her eyes and replayed what had happened in her mind. “He wore a ski mask. I didn’t see his eyes. It was too dark.”

  “Are you sure it was a man?”

  “I think so. . .yes. . .I’m sure it was.” She opened her eyes and stared at the woman. A sudden realization dawned on her.

  Prudence scooted closer. “Do you remember anything else?”

  Should she trust this woman? She hadn’t felt comfortable with her until tonight. But she had to tell someone.

  “He wore old jeans and a red T-shirt.”

  “Like that Mays man had on today?” Surprise colored Prudence’s tone.

  Something inside Leiann quaked. “Yes. Just like Gerome’s.”

  Prudence patted Leiann’s arm. “Don’t worry. I’ll get the lock changed on your bedroom door and the French doors and give you the only key.”

  Tears streamed down Leiann’s face.

  The other woman stood. “We needn’t tell Herman about this. He’s worried enough. We don’t want to cause him any more distress. His heart, you know.”

  Leiann stared at her. “What’s wrong with his heart?”

  Prudence looked genuinely worried. “He had a couple of cardiac episodes before you came here. But he’s been better with you around. We want to keep it that way, don’t we?”

  “Of course.” Leiann clasped her hands in a tight grip.

  Prudence stared at the draperies, then turned back to Leiann. “I’ll have Eric take you to the Cape Cod house right away. You’ll be out of danger there.”

  “Shouldn’t we call the police?”

  She crossed the room. “I’ll call the sheriff’s department first thing in the morning. They can take your statement there.”

  Leiann rubbed her forehead, unable to think about anything but the feeling of helplessness with the pillow over her face.

  “You probably won’t have to stay there long. The sheriff should be able to apprehend Mays quickly.”

  Leiann nodded slowly.

  “I’ll go get Eric.” Prudence exited, quietly closing the door.

  Leiann picked up her cell phone and speed-dialed Arlene. With the time difference, maybe her friend was still awake.

  “Hello.” Arlene sounded sleepy.

  “I wish you were here.” Leiann tried to keep the panic from her voice.

  “What’s wrong?” Now Arlene was more alert.

  “Someone tried to smother me.” Her voice broke.

  “Who would want to smother you?” Arlene’s hysterical voice screamed through the phone. “Do you want me to come up th
ere?”

  “No.” Leiann held the phone to her ear with one hand while she gathered things and stuffed them into a tote bag with the other. “I’m going to the Cape Cod house. The Styleses should be able to protect me.”

  “How are you going to get there?”

  “Eric will drive me.”

  Arlene paused. “What about Gerome? I thought you were spending a lot of time with him.”

  Leiann took a deep breath. “He may be the person who tried to smother me.”

  When a quiet knock sounded on the door, Leiann told Arlene good-bye. She accompanied Prudence downstairs and out the front door. Eric waited in the Jeep. They drove into the dark night.

  Eleven

  The Jeep was a lot more crowded than the sedan. Leiann felt cramped and too close to Eric. Even though he had her best interests in mind, she didn’t want to be near any man right now. He turned on a radio station with music that grated on her nerves. He drove carefully, but faster on the winding drive than she would have. When they neared the site of her wreck, she clenched her fists and closed her eyes.

  “Are you all right?” His voice sounded as if he cared.

  Leiann glanced at him, but his eyes were on the road. “I’m fine.”

  At the end of the drive, he headed the vehicle toward Boston.

  “This isn’t the way we went last time.”

  He smiled. “Herman likes to take the long way. I don’t.”

  When they reached I-95, Eric went under the highway and hooked a left. Leiann had always had a good sense of direction, and she knew they were going in the opposite direction from Cape Cod.

  After they merged onto the freeway, she studied Eric.

  “Do you like what you see?” He grinned at her, then looked back toward the road.

  “I’m just wondering why we’re not going the right direction.”

  He laughed. “You’re smarter than I thought.” He shot a quick glance at her. “The Cape Cod story was a cover to keep Mays from knowing where we’re going. I’m just trying to protect you.”

  Leiann didn’t like the fact that Eric had lied to her. She wondered if he had told Prudence where he was really taking her.