Amanda's Touch [D.A.R.E.ing Women] (Siren Publishing Allure)

by LeeAnn Masters

  “Mandy? Can you hear me? Amanda!” He looked up, panicked, into his father’s face.

  His father must have been reading Amanda, too, for all he could utter was a choked, “Oh. My. God!” Each word ripped from him individually as he responded to what Joshua must have experienced. All Zack could think was that he and his father had been lucky in that they’d only felt it secondhand, or through Amanda, would that be thirdhand? What must Amanda have experienced to have seen it, too?

  Going down on one knee he lifted her, cradling her limp body against his. Directing his family to gather various items, he carried her to one of the guest rooms. Within minutes his father arrived with a cold wet washcloth, smelling salts, and a glass of cold water. For several minutes Zack attempted to wake her by wiping her face and arms down with the cold washcloth and waving the smelling salts under her nose. He called her name in varying volumes, sharply commanding her to open her eyes. He even resorted to tapping her sharply on the wrist and face, trying to bring her around. Nothing was working.

  Finally his father said, “Zack, you’re going to have to bring her out of this using your influence. I think she’s in shock from whatever she witnessed.”

  Zack groaned, knowing he was right, not being able to imagine what she must have seen. Like she needed more nightmarish visions! He should never have allowed her to do this. He shook his head. As if she’d have listened to him anyway. Amanda was going to be very pissed with him for interfering again, but he was so scared for her he saw no choice. He did not want to leave her in this state, and she should have come around by now.

  Placing his hands on her head he pushed mentally, trying again and again to gain admittance to her mind and was very disturbed when he found a solid wall. She was unconscious, damn it! There was no way she should be able to do this! His father watched them both in concern and puzzlement as Zack told him he couldn’t get through Amanda’s defenses.

  “She must have thrown up the wall to block the images, Zack. You told me she was strong-willed, but I would never have believed this if I didn’t see it for myself.”

  Zack covered her up with the quilt because her skin felt icy, and began pacing the width of the room as he worriedly studied Amanda’s near comatose state. For the umpteenth time today he was at a loss and, this time, it was intolerable.

  His mother entered the room with tears still in her eyes, “How is she? Will she be all right? I’m so very sorry. I should never have asked her to do this. If I’d had any idea…” she glanced at Amanda’s pale, limp form and began to sob as John held her close.

  Feeling like he was losing his mind over Amanda, Zack redirected and lost his temper with his mother instead. He threw his hands in the air and stalked over to her. “What the hell did you think she was going to see, Mom? Kittens and puppies? You handed her the Goddamn dog tags Joshua was wearing when he was killed! She was going to see the most recent memories associated with him!”

  His mother cast another quick tear-filled glance at Amanda and with a hitching breath, rushed from the room as John shot a warning look at his son. “Zack! That was uncalled for. Amanda volunteered, after all. How were we supposed to know?”

  Zack gave him a sour look and shrugged angrily. “If the shoe fits… It was a stupid decision on both their parts!” He sighed heavily and began rubbing his temples in a vain attempt to assuage his headache. “I’ll apologize to her after we bring Amanda around. If we can bring Amanda around.”

  In disgust he turned on his dad. “Our family is just pure torment for her. Why the hell did she bother to help us after what you put her through yesterday? This afternoon, it’s Becca encouraging her to risk her life over the Tabotts. This evening, it’s Mom using Amanda’s abilities as a fucking psychic hotline!” His father flinched as he acknowledged the truth of his son’s words.

  “I’m never going to be able to fully develop, let alone sustain, a relationship with her if you all keep trying to sabotage it.” He closed his eyes and continued to rub his temples.

  “Dad, you’re going to have to help me,” he finally said. “If we both work on her surely we can break through?” His father nodded and they both approached the bed, one to each side. “Dad, you work on calming her while I try to find a chink in that damned wall of hers.”

  Amanda fought with Zack. She didn’t want to come around. She didn’t want to think about what she’d seen and felt. She wanted to be left alone, in peace, to deal with the trauma she’d experienced. When she felt the double impact of both men, she redoubled her own efforts. Wanting to stay locked inside her own mind while she dealt the hellish visions. But she couldn’t fight both of them for long, she felt herself first relax against her will, and then as that happened she felt Zack’s touch begin to penetrate through the thick fog she’d thrown up to block everything out. Feeling him attempting to rouse her nervous system she retreated further into her mind, hiding away.

  John removed his hands from Amanda and looked dourly at his son. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have let your mother do this. I had a bad feeling about it, but I was concerned about the wrong woman, apparently.”

  Zack groaned in disgust, though he wasn’t sure who he was most disgusted with. “Dad, this isn’t your fault, or Mom’s. I just lost it on the both of you because I’m so worried. Amanda made up her own mind. I knew it was going to be bad, but I also knew I wouldn’t be able to dissuade her. Once she determines her course, there’s no stopping her. She’s so stubborn. It didn’t help that she’s not feeling up to par, she’s still hurting from her fall and she’s exhausted from running all weekend, too. I should never have had her stay with me last night.” Zack, too, eased up for a minute to breathe and regroup. She was so frigging strong. How the hell could he bring her out of it?

  He looked up at his father’s quickly choked back laugh, only then realizing he had stated their sleeping arrangement out loud. “So, she spent the night with you?” His father tried to ask nonchalantly but failed when his eyes sparkled with humor. “I can count on one hand how many women you’ve invited to your place, and still have fingers left over. You must really love the girl to bring her into your super-secret abode,” he teased, trying to distract his son.

  Zack sat down beside her and stroked her silky hair away from her face, ignoring his father’s comments. He leaned to her ear and murmured to her, “Come on, Amanda, you need to come back to me, babe. You’re scaring me.”

  “Zack, give her some time to herself. Maybe she’s dealing with this in the only way she can right now and we’re pushing her too hard.”

  He gave that some thought and agreed. He was forever trying to get her to do things on his timetable. This time he might just have to wait on hers. This battle of the wills sure wasn’t working.

  “I’m going to stay with her. Why don’t you go see if Mom is okay? Tell her I’m sorry I lashed out at her, and that I’ll apologize later. I shouldn’t have taken this out on her.”

  John nodded and said he would. “I’m sure she understands. I don’t know what we can do to make this up to Amanda. But please know we all like her, and owe her, a lot. We’re not intentionally trying to ruin anything between the two of you. I’m sorry if you think that.” He shut the door quietly behind him as he left.

  Kicking off his shoes Zack crawled under the quilt with Amanda, holding her close to him. He rubbed his hands up and down her arms and over her body, hoping the friction and chafing would warm her up. Her skin was still icy cold and her pulse was fast and thready. He could tell she was, literally, in shock. Pulling his shirt over his head he pulled her against his bare skin in a further attempt to warm her. Instead of intruding and trying to break through her defenses, this time he only calmed her through his touch, lightly sedating and relaxing her as best he could. He could only reach her on the surface. He whispered to her to take all the time she needed and that she wasn’t alone.

  Lightly stroking her hair and face he held her and waited, slipping into a half-doze after a short time. He was s
tartled awake when he heard his name called, though it sounded strange. He hurriedly sat up and looked over Amanda’s shoulder relieved she was finally awake, only to find she wasn’t.

  “Mandy? Babe? You with me?” He lay back down and stretched both arms up, crossing them behind his head as he looked around trying to figure out what he’d heard. Maybe he’d been dreaming? Mandy shivered and he turned back to her, wrapping his arms around her again and curling one leg over her thigh, snugging her up against his chest and groin. He dropped a kiss on her shoulder and closed his eyes.

  “I hate to interrupt your snuggle session with my wife, but I need to talk to you.”

  Zack startled severely this time, shaking the entire bed frame, and his eyes flew open to find David seated on the other side of the bed, next to Amanda, holding her hand.

  “Goddamnmotherfucker! Would you please stop doing that!” Zack continued to curse under his breath as his heart pounded out a rhythm in double-time. He decided it was just a matter of time before David caused him to shit himself. If this kept up he’d need to invest in Depends, forget about the up-and-coming technology corporations.

  “Zack, I’m worried about her. Can’t you do something to bring her around? It’s been almost an hour.” David stared down at her in worrying bleeding off of him in cold waves.

  “Christ, David! Don’t you think I’ve tried? I used smelling salts, and a cold water rinse. I even tried to gain her attention with a light slap to her wrist and cheeks. She’s totally non-responsive. My father and I both tried to get through her mental defenses and she just hid deeper. She needs some time and doesn’t want us pulling her out until she’s ready. Whatever she saw was bad, and that’s an extreme understatement. What I felt was horrific. I’m not sure I want to even imagine what she saw.”

  Zack hugged her to him and kissed her head. “I’m just sorry I let my mother convince to her to read my brother’s tags. I should have known better. I should have argued and fought the both of them.” He felt entirely guilt-ridden and it showed in his now subdued voice.

  David shook his head. “There is no arguing with Amanda when she makes up her mind. If you had tried to control or stop her she’d have only gotten angry and done it anyway,” he stated as a matter of fact.

  “Zack, I know what she saw. I’ve been shadowing her all day because she’s been so stressed out. She didn’t call for me but she’s been so overwhelmed that I couldn’t help but notice. I’ve just been hanging in the background. Let me tell you. You and your family have her tied in knots. You all have to ease up on her,” David sternly lectured.

  Zack grimaced. “I know. I told my parents the same thing, and I’ve told Becca to lay off, too. I’m worried about her involvement with the Tabotts and I don’t want her to play super-sleuth and get caught up in something too big for her to handle. I’m afraid she’s going to get herself killed. Honestly, David, I sometimes wonder if she’s really moved beyond her attempts at joining you, and I’ve told her as much.”

  “I’ll keep an eye out on my end for the Tabotts and let you know if Amanda isn’t coming clean with you about any possible danger. But I can tell you right now, you can’t forbid her involvement. She’ll just go underground with it.” David caressed her face. “Sweets, wake up, honey. I need to talk to you.” He groaned at Amanda’s lack of response.

  “What did she see, David? Will you tell me?” Zack begged. “Did she see my brother, see what happened to him? I have to admit we’re all wondering if what we heard from the military is the truth.”

  David’s expression became the epitome of misery. “She didn’t see just your brother’s past. She saw every person who was killed as a result of the attack. She saw and felt the whole thing, from everyone’s perspective.”

  Zack squeezed his eyes closed as tears stung them “Oh dear Lord! She didn’t!” he whispered.

  David nodded and his voice grew more somber. “That’s not the worst part though. That part is still to come, that’s why she doesn’t want to come around. The worst part is that Joshua brought each and every spirit who hasn’t crossed over from that attack back with him. They are all tied to him in some intangible way. They all appeared before her. There are three men from his unit, and several Afghan families including parents and children, and even a terrorist who died in the attack.” David’s voice grew harsh as he criticized Joshua’s unintended mass visitation.

  Zack was struck speechless as he struggled to process what David was telling him. He swallowed hard. He’d be hiding too, if he were her. “But, David, as long as she doesn’t touch it again she should be okay, right? I just won’t let her hold the tags again. I won’t let her touch anything of Josh’s. I swear I won’t.”

  David only whispered, “It won’t matter. What’s been done can’t be undone. Her abilities have been growing since the accident. You already know she’s moved beyond seeing only the past and now sees the present and future as well. She’s continuing to develop abilities as a medium, so she’ll continue to see the dead. I wouldn’t be surprised if she only has to touch someone or something once or twice to read or see them thereafter without. What happened to her today was extraordinary.”

  Leaning down he kissed her forehead. “The only thing that kept her growing abilities relatively in check, until now, was her depression, anxiety, and illness. Now that she’s healed physically and is beginning to heal mentally and emotionally her abilities will only become stronger. She’s going to need you more than ever just to help maintain her sanity. That’s why I want her with you. You’re the only one equipped with the skills to help her, Zack. You’re the only other one who loves her enough to be able to reach her.”

  Zack looked at David in disbelief. “That’s a world of pressure there. Thanks so much,” he responded both a wee bit sarcastically and fearfully. “You’re assuming, too, that she’s going to let me help her. Just to clarify, you were married to her right? This woman right here? The extremely stubborn and independent one? The one who listens to no one but herself?” Zack asked him sardonically with lifted brows.

  “There’s no need to be snide,” David admonished. “I didn’t say it would be easy. I said that you’re the only who can help her. You’ll have to figure out how to do that.” Both men stared at each other and then looked at Amanda, acknowledging that it would challenge at the least, and darned near impossible at the most.

  “Zack, we have to bring her out of this. Maybe if we both try? I’m going to try to shock her awake. If you can break through just a tiny bit I might be able to reach her. I don’t know why but I’m thinking the longer this goes on the less likely she’ll be to want to deal with the reality of it.”

  “You can do that?” Zack questioned in surprise. “Will it hurt her? I don’t know if that’s such a great idea, David. She’s already got so many health problems.”

  David nodded. “I hate to hurt her but I think it might be the only way to bring her around. Also, it will take a great deal of energy, so I won’t be able to hang out here long in this form. I’ll need to explain to her quickly and then go. If I can’t stay long enough, let her know that I’m going to do my best to help your brother and the other spirits with him and that I’ll be back to help her with them all.”

  “Are you ready?” David moved to place his hands on Amanda’s shoulders.

  Zack hesitated. “I’m not so sure this is a great idea, seriously, you might throw her into a cardiac arrhythmia.” David waved his concerns away and told him to get to it.

  “Let me know when you’re in, even just a tiny break in her defenses is all I need. I hope.” David looked like he was steeling himself for battle.

  Zack breathed out a long sigh of uncertainty, thinking this was probably a really, really, bad idea. Then he placed his hands on her head, again looking at David in doubt.

  “Just do it, Zack. Even if I do cause a problem I’m sure you can handle it.”

  That vote of confidence did absolutely nothing to ease Zack’s mind.

  Eve
r so slowly and gently he began to invade Amanda’s mind, thinking maybe a sneak attack might be best. Pulling double duty, he tried to relax her into submission while seeking a way through the wall she’d erected. She was still fighting him, hiding from him. He pulled out and told David that it was still a no go.

  David sat there with a puzzled look on his face for a minute and finally said, “Let’s do the reverse. I’ll shock her and you go in and bring her out. While I’m distracting her, you can sneak in. Do you think that will work?”

  Zack shrugged. He had no fucking idea, and still wasn’t happy that David wouldn’t leave her well enough alone to come to grips with it by herself. But then, Dave did know her better than he did.

  “Okay, take your hands off of her for now. I’m not sure I won’t end up shocking you if you’re touching her.”

  Zack got even more worried and then stated the obvious. “Um, David, if I’m not touching her I can’t see or hear you, remember?”

  “Damn it!” David cursed. “Then I’ll just have to try to keep it on Amanda and not spread it to you. Just to warn you, I’ve never tried to do this before and have no idea of how much control I’ll have. Can you deal with a jolt?” he asked.

  “It doesn’t look like I’ve got a choice here, does it?” Zack muttered miserably. Moving his hands to her head again he nodded at David to proceed and held his breath.

  “Here goes nothing,” answered David in anything but an encouraging manner.

  Placing both hands on Amanda’s upper chest above her breasts and over her collarbones he sent a shockwave with his energy. Zack could see it actually ripple off of him in a strange orange-yellow color. That ripple extended further and further, eventually covering all of Amanda. Then he saw it become a hotter color, almost like a flame dancing across her skin, the cooler yellow warmth morphing into a darker, hotter indigo heat.

  Zack braced himself for a high-voltage shock, just in case, locking his jaws together but all he felt was a low-energy buzz coming off of Amanda. Amanda, however, must have gotten hit with a much higher frequency. Her back arched off the bed and every muscle locked as David blasted her. Zack briefly wished he’d placed something between her teeth so she wouldn’t bite her tongue. Too late now.