Garden of Sorrow (Book 4 of Psychic Visions, a paranormal romantic suspense)

by Mayer, Dale

  By the time she'd processed the concept of cops going into her apartment, they'd reached Kevin's house.

  "I'll need to make some calls once I get you settled in." He followed her to the front door of his small, cozy house tucked behind an evergreen hedge.

  Alexis barely noticed where they were. She was still reeling at the implications.

  "Alex?" Kevin reached out and snagged her into a close hug. "Hey, it's going to be all right."

  "How can you say that?" Nothing would ever be right again…until this asshole was caught.

  "This is just a precaution," he reminded her. "Maybe I overreacted, but I'm not taking any chances. I saw firsthand what this asshole is capable of. You're not going to be his victim – ever." He squeezed her tight before stepping back. His voice grim, he promised, "I won't let that happen."

  That made for a sobering shift back to reality. "I'm really sorry about Mandy." She watched sorrow deepen the lines of his face.

  "Thanks… So am I. I'm also grateful the bastard didn't get his hands on Kyle. That's why I'm not taking any chances."

  "Fine." She followed him into the hallway and stopped in her tracks. "Oh, wow!"

  His house startled her. Huge floor pots held an overwhelming array of tropical plants in all sizes, textures and every shade of green. Every windowsill was laden with an assortment of cuttings and flowering houseplants. The pièce de résistance was ivy that crawled halfway across the living room ceiling, wandering down to a huge dining room. Waves of welcoming energy surrounded Alexis as she walked through the main floor.

  "They're beautiful," she whispered reverently. Her smile broadened as the warm energy visibly strengthened in response to her appreciation.

  "I thought you might like them. I hadn't realized you could communicate with them quite so effectively." He looked at the plants he'd lavished with so much care. "Unbelievable! They already look happier." He walked into his kitchen, checking out his plants in bemusement.

  "You've done a wonderful job. I'm sure you know that already." Alexis trailed behind him, a little confused by his reaction. "I didn't mean to barge in on your territory. Plants just react whenever I'm around."

  He spun around, surprise lighting his face. "I'm not upset with you. I'm in awe. I've never seen so much raw power in someone so unaware." He walked over to the fridge. "Do you want a beer?"

  "No, thank you. I'm so tired that would finish me."

  "Will you be able to sleep?"

  Alexis could feel the intensity of his gaze, knowing he was gauging her on all levels. "Stop that!"

  "Yup, definitely need sleep. Follow me." He led the way to the set of stairs they'd passed on their way into the kitchen. "Up here are the bedrooms." The top of the stairs opened into a cozy nook and several doors. He pushed open the closest one. "This is the one and only guest room."

  Alexis walked into a simple but comfortable-looking room. She looked around. It seemed generic, almost had a hotel look to it.

  "I don't get many visitors. At least not many who sleep in here."

  She shot him a dry look. How was she to take that comment? But he'd already moved toward a second door. "There's even your own bathroom here. Do you need anything else?"

  You.

  No, she didn't dare. She was not going to be the one who opened that discussion. "I'll be fine, thank you."

  "Great. We'll sort everything out in the morning. For now, you're safe." He walked back to the hallway. "Get a good night's sleep. I'll see you in the morning."

  Then he was gone.

  Alexis gazed at the empty doorway. She really was going to sleep alone tonight. She'd wondered, anticipated and worried over the night to come. Now, she felt inexplicably disappointed.

  Without any nightclothes or toiletries, her evening ritual took mere seconds, allowing her to crawl into bed before her energy fled completely. She remembered to follow Stefan's evening preparations and dropped off into a deep sleep.

  ***

  Downstairs, Kevin reached for a beer. It was going to be a long night. But he had to stay focused. If the bastard knew about Mandy, then locating Kevin's home was an easy next step.

  Alexis hadn't seemed interested in spending the night in his arms, and he'd been looking for any sign of encouragement. But then he hadn't exactly shown any interest either. She'd have to make that next gesture herself.

  But it was too early for her. Damn and double damn. She'd gotten that stupid idea in her head about him using some hidden advantage against her. He snorted. Yeah, right. All he'd had was overwhelming need. Every time he saw the damn woman, he was hungry for what they could have together. His constant state of arousal made it difficult to think clearly around her.

  He'd tested the door to her mind once, but it had been firmly closed against him. For her safety, he needed it open. With her guard up against him like this, he couldn't even talk to her about it.

  Once this was settled, then…

  His watch beeped, reminding him of the time.

  He quickly dialed his office. There'd been no word on Alexis's apartment yet. Kevin sat down for the long evening ahead.

  It left plenty of time to think about Mandy, and what would never be again. Most of all, it left plenty of time to think about the bastard who'd destroyed her son's world. He took a drink of his beer and raised the bottle briefly in homage to Mandy. That this asshole had chosen an ex-girlfriend of Kevin's likely meant the killer was someone who knew Kevin, and possibly someone Kevin knew. Sure, a stranger could have asked around… Mandy's name could have come up in conversation. But in a town this size, it was just as likely that Kevin knew Mandy's killer. He'd seen her last at John's party. His stomach soured. Had someone seen them together?

  Kevin closed his mind to the images that tumbled through his heart. Pain welled up. Kevin brutally slammed the images aside and took a hefty drink. The beer soured on its way down his throat. Kevin wouldn't let anyone else get hurt, especially not Alexis – if he could help it.

  A scream ripped through his house.

  ***

  Alexis, did you enjoy my sweet revenge? I thought you'd like to see what I can do. Shall I show you more?

  No! Alexis stood in the middle of a black tornado. She was lost in time and space. She had no idea how she'd arrived in this hellhole or how to leave it. Horrific images swirled around her. Faces appearing, then disappearing as others took their place. Other victims, other deaths. The force of the furor blinded her to all else.

  No! Stop! No more victims, please. I beg you.

  Her wail of agony ripped through the energy vortex, making her tormentor laugh with joy. They aren't victims. They are my guests. For all of eternity.

  Not all of them. Surely not. He'd only killed Mandy for revenge – hadn't he? Was she now one of his guests?

  Yes, all of them. I've enjoyed this little hobby of mine for decades. Since I was a young man actually. I was never caught. Never even a suspect in all those child murder cases. I took a break in there, but now I'm back…and your turn is coming.

  The images circling her increased, the wails and cries of his victims drowning out her hearing – the crescendo of pain and agony built until she couldn't stand it. Her horrified scream slashed through the house, and woke her up.

  Sobbing for breath, she trembled in shock under the twisted covers. She recognized Kevin's wary approach to the bed. Her teeth were chattering so uncontrollably that she didn't think they'd ever stop.

  Kevin sat down on the edge of the bed, looking her over carefully. "I didn't want to approach you too quickly. That can be dangerous, remember?" A large palm cupped her cheek tenderly.

  Alexis leaned into it, gratefully accepting the comfort. "I'm so cold," she whispered. Her fingertips were a curiosity, bluish-gray in color, probably a perfect match for her lips. The chattering showed no sign of slowing either.

  "Move over," he whispered huskily. "I'm coming in." He pulled back the warm blankets and slid under to lie beside her. Without giving her a chance
to argue, he snuggled her tightly against his chest. "Just concentrate on getting warm."

  He felt so good, and so right.

  She lay still, accepting his comfort, until his body heat finally started to chase the chills away. "He spoke with me. He said my turn was coming," she whispered against his chest.

  Kevin's arm tightened around her.

  "All his victims were screaming and crying out for mercy. A mercy they never found. So many victims over so many years." As the horrible shrieks echoed in her mind, the tears started to fall. Knowing she had to get it all out now, she quickly repeated the conversation. Her voice dropped to a whisper before choking into sobs.

  Kevin let her cry but she couldn't seem to stop them.

  "Shh… Stop now. That's enough. You're going to make yourself sick." His hands stroked her back and shoulders, smoothing down over the t-shirt she'd worn to bed. "Shh, it's okay, honey. Please stop."

  When his words had no effect, he shifted her and dropped comforting kisses on her cheeks and eyelids. "Please, Alexis, stop."

  She opened her eyes and solemnly gazed up at him. Somehow, she'd ended up stretched out beneath him. The intimacy of the situation struck her.

  He was right where she wanted him.

  Something in her eyes must have shown her thoughts for his gaze warmed in response.

  "Are you feeling better?"

  She didn't trust her voice, choosing to nod instead. He dropped yet another kiss on the corner of her lips. "Are you sure? I could kiss you better here." He dropped a kiss on the other side of her mouth. "Or here." Another kiss landed on her nose. "Or even here." This time, a kiss closed her eyes with his sweet touch. "Anything to make you feel better."

  "You're missing the one place which needs it the most."

  He hesitated, then dropped to angle a soft kiss on her nose. "Are you sure? I don't want any doubts later."

  She smiled warmly. "No doubts in the morning." She'd have to explain her feelings, her confusion…tomorrow. Tonight they needed this. They needed each other.

  "Good." Holding her gaze, he lowered his head and laid a burning, explosive kiss on her lips.

  Oh God, she'd missed him. It was only as her heart melted under his loving touch that she recognized this as a homecoming – something to think about later. Right now, her brain was turning to mush.

  "Is this better?" His lips continued to travel, distracting her from his words as she followed his pathways with intensive interest. Nerve endings were once again alive, igniting sensations, warming her with their heat.

  "Almost."

  "Am I getting closer?" His lips whispered down to the nape of her neck.

  "Definitely."

  "How about here?" He descended further, catching the loose neck of her t-shirt with his teeth and pulling it down to get better access.

  She murmured in anticipation, her body twisting and turning with a will of its own. "Almost…" she whispered achingly. "You're almost there."

  Kevin shifted up onto his knees, letting the bedding fall down his back. Large warm hands slid under her shirt, moving the offending material up to her chin. As he exposed her full breasts, he ducked his head and took one plump nipple deep into his mouth.

  She arched up off the bed in response.

  "That's the spot." He murmured, satisfied, and proceeded to feast on the bounty spread before him.

  Alexis slid quickly under his magical spell, forgetting all else. Only one thing existed for her – him.

  She didn't know when her t-shirt joined the scrambled bedding on the floor, or when his clothing flew haphazardly across to join the rest. She only knew that for those few seconds, she was lost without him. "Shh, I'm here. It's okay, baby." His warm hands took her back under in a sexual haze that had no beginning and no end. It had only him.

  In the dark of night, they burned with a light of their own, which sustained them throughout the long hours until morning.

  CHAPTER 18

  "I'm awake," she murmured, her eyes still closed against the coming morning.

  "The day is upon us, whether you're ready to face it or not."

  "Not, is my choice." But her luscious lips were smiling. She snuggled closer, loath to answer her body's call for the bathroom. "I'm trying to ignore my bladder, already."

  "I know the feeling. Somehow, I don't think that works for long." He hugged her, then loosened his arms and slowly stood, stretching the kinks out of his spine.

  She peeked up at him, only to have her eyes pop open wide. "Are you sure you don't want to come back to bed? It'd be a shame to waste that."

  After last night, not even those words popping out of her mouth of their own volition could embarrass her. Kevin was strikingly beautiful to her at any time. In his early morning aroused state, he was dynamite.

  "I wish. You do realize it is almost nine. Are you supposed to work today?"

  At her nod, he sighed. "Unfortunately, so do I." With those words, he walked into the bathroom and a cold shower.

  Watching his rear walk away did nothing to slow down her heartbeat. But he was right. Today was not a holiday or a weekend and she was now officially very late. Searching for her cell phone in the chaos of her room, she called Scott.

  "'Bout time, you called. Rick's been asking where you were. I told him you'd gone to see the doctor, being still upset over the murders and such. He didn't like that much."

  "Thanks, Scott." She tried to cover her huge yawn, but he heard it.

  "Did you have another bad night then?"

  Alexis smiled at the concern in his voice. How to excuse her night without letting everything slip?

  "I had a few bad moments. I'll explain when I get there in half an hour or so."

  After ringing off, she made a beeline for the second bathroom and her solo shower.

  When she finally raced down to the kitchen, dressed in yesterday's clothes, and ready for work, she was grateful to accept a travel mug full of rich coffee.

  "Oh, thank God. You're a lifesaver."

  "Do you want me to drive you to your car or directly to work?"

  She checked her watch. Her half hour was past gone. "Straight to work, thanks." Maybe she'd be lucky, and could slip in unnoticed. If there were guardian angels, she hoped one was watching out for her and would keep Kevin's presence undetected.

  If such angels existed, they were on their lunch break when she arrived at work.

  Several of the men were standing around drinking coffee when they arrived, including Scott.

  "Good morning, Detective." Respectful greetings flew in his direction. No one said anything to her.

  "Thanks for the ride, Kevin." Alexis exited his car casually, studiously refusing to look at the men. She rolled her eyes at Kevin, sparking his huge grin.

  She headed for the garden on the farthest corner of her area, knowing Scott would be on her heels. She wanted to separate him from his cronies. Shyness had definitely taken over.

  Whatever. She could only hope he'd let it slide.

  Yeah, as if.

  "Good morning. So you had a bad night, did you?" Scott's gruff voice half teased.

  "Yes, you could say that." She looked over at him casually, catching the curious look on his face. She smiled. "And yes," she drawled slowly, "Kevin made the night much better."

  "Well now." Scott rubbed his hands together gleefully. "It's about time."

  Alexis couldn't help it. She broke out laughing. He'd been pushing her in this direction for a long time. He should be happy. "And you're right. It was time."

  His booming laugh reached across the gardens. "Good for you." His face closed down with a sudden worry. Alexis watched in amusement.

  "You won't jump into this too quickly, will you? You're a little off balance, vulnerable even, right now. I wouldn't want anyone to be taking advantage." Scott latched onto this new concern and wouldn't let go.

  Alexis walked closer to reassure her gentle giant of a friend. "I am taking it easy. I know things haven't exactly been normal
. As far as the Sight goes, well, the detective has several abilities of his own. Actually," she added with a resigned look, "he's far more skilled than I."

  "That might be good. He could help you." Scott spoke cautiously as if wording his thoughts carefully. "He wouldn't be having any special power over you, now would he?" He narrowed his eyes in concern.

  "No," she answered slowly. "Though there's no doubt that when you can go into each other's minds, there's an element of helplessness or vulnerability involved." She shrugged. "What do I know about relationships and what men will do to get into a woman's bed?" She looked at Scott teasingly. "That's your specialty, isn't it?"

  Scott's eyes narrowed even further as a detached inward look washed over his face.

  Alexis got a little alarmed. "Hey, I'm teasing, Scott. I didn't mean to imply anything." She stretched out to rub his shoulder reassuringly.

  "No, but I do know what men might do, being one meself." He snagged her into a big bear hug. "And now I'm more than a little concerned about what a man with extra senses and insider knowledge might do."

  "Nothing. He'd do nothing. Don't worry."

  "Sure," Scott brushed it off, but the look in his eyes left her with lingering doubt.

  "Don't you do anything stupid, do you hear me?" Alexis asked.

  "Me?" he asked, too innocently.

  Not feeling reassured by his tone of voice, Alexis dropped the pleading for now. "Shall we get some work done? I have to do something to justify my pay."

  "Especially because Rick was here earlier."

  "Shit." Alexis tucked her hair behind her head, more than a little bothered at being found lacking at work once again. "What did he say?"

  "He wants to see us in his office at the end of the day."

  ***

  That statement lingered heavily on Alexis's mind. By the time, she actually completed her day's work it was later than normal.

  "Alex? Are you ready for your meeting with Rick? I was asked to attend too."

  "Sure, why not. If I'm going to get chewed out, it might as well be now."