My ShadowMy Love

by Sharon Horton

  “Don’t focus on that,” Rick soothed. “No one is getting this baby, not ever. That’s why I’ll be outside that house every night until this is over, so you don’t have to be afraid.”

  “That scares me too, Rick. What if someone sees you and they get you? Steve won’t be there. I guess I’ll have to stay awake too so I can watch after you.”

  “You sleep, let Kevin stay awake.” Rick grinned, then his face turned serious. “It’s funny though. After all that stuff with Luther was over I swore I’d never let you out of my sight. Now look, you’re running off with another man. This whole thing almost makes me wish you weren’t pregnant.” Forcing a smile, he said, “Almost.”

  “Let’s get this over with before I do lose my nerve, okay?” Cassie said quietly and got out of bed.

  * * * * *

  Within the hour Rick and Cassie had what few belongings they would need and were ready to meet the others.

  Cassie slowly took off her wedding ring and handed it to Rick. “I guess you’d better hang on to this for me since I’m not supposed to be married.” She bit her lip.

  Rick took her hand and kissed her ring finger. “I’ll keep it safe for you.”

  “You keep you safe for me,” Cassie said, fighting tears again. She leaned her head against him then looked up.

  Rick kissed her forehead and then her lips. “Cassie, I…”

  “I know,” Cassie stopped him. “And I you.”

  Their sad smiles met each other. Opening the door, Rick led Cassie down the hall hoping like hell that he’d made the right decision in volunteering his sassy damsel to take on a dragon.

  Chapter Ten

  Steve drove while Lori finished her sketches in the van’s passenger seat. Kevin and Elena sat in the back across from Rick and Cassie. Once again conversation was lacking. Kevin was upset that Elena had been allowed to join this group mission. He didn’t distrust Rick or Steve, but the thought of her being involved in this dangerous assignement made him uneasy. But Elena herself seemed quite happy.

  “Well, Kevin,” Rick spoke up, “I guess we have to trust each other to take care of the other’s lady.” He winked at Elena, then looked back at Kevin. “I think you and Cassie better pick out aliases. Cassie, you can use Gabby.”

  The soft jab to Rick’s ribs from Cassie’s elbow indicated she was not amused. The snorting sound from the front of the van indicated that Steve at least had appreciated Rick’s suggestion.

  “I’ve already thought about that, Rick,” Kevin said. “I’ll use the name Joe. Cassie, do you like the name Erica?”

  “Erica?” Cassie raised a brow. “What inspired that?”

  “That was my little sister’s name,” Kevin said softly. “She died when she was six.”

  More silence engulfed the van.

  Cassie finally reached over and squeezed Kevin’s arm. “Erica is a beautiful name. Just call me Erica Richards.” She turned smiling at Rick.

  “Richards?” Rick sneered. “Stick with Jones or something, okay?”

  “That’s my last name,” Kevin said. “Joe Jones and Erica Smith, sound good?”

  “Better,” Rick agreed.

  The conversation ended and the tension returned to the atmosphere as they approached the area where Kevin and Cassie would be dropped off. Exiting the back of the van, Kevin took his and Cassie’s duffel bags leaving Rick and Cassie alone. Steve, Lori and Elena were already outside.

  When Rick’s grip on Cassie’s hand tightened involuntarily, she pulled at his fingers. “You don’t have to hold so tight, my love. I’ll be back before you have time to miss me, I promise.”

  “Then you’ve already broken your promise,” he said softly. Seeing Cassie’s smile fade, Rick held her and closed his eyes. “Stick to Kevin like glue, you hear me?” Cassie’s nod confirmed the request.

  With only one kiss to hold them until they were together again, they walked to join the others who were standing at the edge of the road.

  Rick pulled Kevin aside. “Look Kev, I know I’ve never liked the way you always minded my business when it came to Cassie, but now I want you to watch her like your life depended on it.” His lip turned up slightly. “Because it does.”

  “You don’t have to threaten me, Rick,” Kevin said evenly. “I’ll look after her like she was mine. Just remember you’re looking after my girl.”

  “I remember,” Rick answered. He walked back to Cassie. He looked at her and attempted a smile, but failed. From his pocket he removed a small chain with her ring attached and put it around his neck. When she smiled, this time he was able to return it. I love you, he mouthed.

  “I love you,” Cassie answered back, but loud enough for him to hear the words.

  With a sigh, she went to Kevin and, taking his hand, walked down the road toward town. She hadn’t said goodbye to the others and knew not to look back at Rick—he wouldn’t be looking anyway.

  Cassie and Kevin walked in silence until they entered the beginnings of the town. Being near the ocean the soft breeze held a slight scent of sand and salt water. Martin had been right, the one main street was filled with decorative buildings. As an artist, Lori would blend in without anyone noticing her. Even at this early hour there were people drawing pictures.

  The house they were looking for was a large white Victorian with a covered porch that wrapped around both sides of the structure. Their research had revealed that Dr. Emily Greyson established the house for the care and wellbeing of young pregnant women who had no one to turn to. Word of mouth spread, and those in need now often turned up at Greyson House.

  At the front door, Cassie squeezed Kevin’s hand then rang the bell. A teenaged girl answered. She looked immediately at Cassie’s stomach and smiled.

  “Come in,” she said exuberantly. “My name’s Amy. Wait here.”

  Once inside, both Cassie and Kevin were impressed by their surroundings. The entry hall was covered with woodwork. There was a curved staircase to the right and an archway leading to a large room to the left. The carpet was a deep red with black designs running through. Long drapes covered the windows, yet there was enough light shining through to keep the room from being gloomy. The furniture was abundant with chairs and couches throughout. Tables were stacked with magazines and books that Cassie figured were geared toward impending motherhood. A small television stood in the corner next to some stereo equipment.

  “Hello,” a deep voice said. “I’m Dr. Winthrop. How may I help you?”

  Kevin tried his best to look young and scared. He had the scared part just fine. “Hi, she…um…we need help and we were told about this place and maybe you could help us.” He faced the man and put his arm around Cassie. “This is Erica Smith and I’m Joe Jones.”

  “Ah yes, we have a lot of Smiths and Joneses stay here,” Dr. Winthrop said with a smile. “Come in and sit down.” They followed him into his office and sat close to each other in front of his desk. “Now then, I assume you don’t have anyone to help you out financially?”

  Kevin shook his head. “We’re alone. We were on the road for a few weeks until we heard about this place. Can you help us? Please, she’s going have a baby.”

  “Yes, Mr. Jones,” Dr. Winthrop said softly. “I realize that. This place can house about thirty-five people. We used to have to relocate young ladies because we couldn’t provide for them. Nowadays though, we aren’t even half filled to capacity. We currently have twelve single women and two couples. We allow the fathers to stay if come with their partners. You’ll both help out around here. In addition to learning about prenatal care and childbirth, you’ll be both expected to help cook, clean, maintain the house. Whatever might come up and can be reasonably done, you’ll do.”

  “Why aren’t there many people here?” Kevin asked, hoping he just sounded curious and not suspicious.

  “I don’t know, really.” Dr. Winthrop’s answer seemed strained. “Maybe young people are being more careful.”

  Kevin thought there was more to the docto
r’s explanation, but stayed in character. “We’re willing to help with whatever you need here. We need a place to stay until the baby’s born and I can’t pay a doctor.”

  “You don’t pay with money, young man,” Dr. Winthrop assured. “That is why this place was established in the first place. It was the intention of Dr. Greyson that every mother receive good medical care before and after childbirth. And once the baby is born the help continues depending on whether the mother chooses to keep her child or place it up for adoption.”

  “No one’s adopting this baby!” Kevin nearly shouted. “She…we want to keep this baby, don’t even ask about giving it away.”

  Dr. Winthrop raised his hands up in a calming gesture. “I only said if she planned to give the baby up, Mr. Jones. No one is going to take your baby from you.” Kevin and Cassie looked at each other. Dr. Winthrop continued. “There are two other doctors on staff and various volunteers who come and lend moral support to those who need it. I think you’ll find it very comfortable here.”

  “Dr. Winthrop,” Cassie said. “What about freedoms? I mean, can we come and go whenever we want? I love the ocean and would like Joe and me to have a chance to see it.”

  “You’re not slaves here if that’s what you mean, Miss Smith,” Dr. Winthrop answered kindly. “We ask you to pull your weight, yes, but we are also aware that you’re young and will still need time to be alone. The girls here by themselves usually don’t venture out, but those lucky enough to have their boyfriends with them tend to get out a little.”

  “Can we stay then, doctor?” Kevin asked hopefully.

  “If you’re happy with the conditions then you’re more than welcome.”

  After Cassie and Kevin had filled out some simple paperwork about their medical histories, Dr. Winthrop said, “Now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to a room you can use. I assume you’ll want to share a bed?”

  Their eyes widened. With all the planning, it hadn’t occurred to anyone that there wouldn’t be a couch nearby for Kevin to use.

  Mistaking their wide eyes for embarrassment, Dr. Winthrop smiled and motioned for them to follow him up the stairs.

  “Not a word to yours or mine,” Kevin whispered.

  “You got that right.” Cassie almost laughed.

  Dr. Winthrop opened the door allowing Kevin and Cassie to enter the room. Inside, they found one dresser, one small table with two chairs and, most notably, one double bed.

  “Acquaint yourselves with your surroundings. Lunch is at one o’clock,” Dr. Winthrop said. He closed the door, leaving Kevin and Cassie looking at the bed.

  “Step one, we’re in,” Cassie said quietly. “Step two, we’re taking these sleeping arrangements to our graves. Step three, I’m scared.”

  Kevin smiled. “I’m scared too, but I’m not sure if it’s because of what we’re doing here or because if Rick and Elena ever find out there’s only one bed, I’m a dead man.”

  To stifle a laugh, they both put their hands over their mouths. The humor helped ease their fears.

  Lori leaned against the open door of the beach house and stared at the brooding figure near the water. “Well, we’re certainly off to a good start,” she said, exhaling loudly.

  “Forget him, babe,” Steve said with a frustrated sigh. “He’s going do what he’s going to do.”

  “That’s obvious,” Lori snapped. “He’s already skipped lunch and now he doesn’t even want to lie down so he’ll be sharp for watching the house tonight.”

  “So why are you yelling at me? I’m not arguing with you. He’s stubborn, you know that, just like his wife. I’m sure Cassie isn’t giving Kevin an easy time of things either. Stop worrying about Rick, anyway. I’d prefer you tell me you know exactly what you’re doing once you get into town.”

  Lori sat down at the table where Steve and Elena were finishing their lunch. “It’s simple. You take me into town where I park myself in front of all the pretty buildings and draw all the pretty people.” A frown appeared on her face. “I’m sorry, I’m just so mad at him. He’s being Renegade Rick all over again.”

  Again, Steve sighed. “Then go talk to him and stop taking it out on me and Elena.” Lori made a huffing noise and walked out the door. She didn’t see Steve roll his eyes at Elena.

  Quietly walking up behind Rick, Lori observed him writing in the sand with a stick. She saw the letters C-A-S before he became aware of someone with him and scratched them away.

  “What?” he barked. “Don’t start on me, Lori, or I’ll throw you in the ocean.”

  “Then don’t start on yourself,” Lori retorted. “Show me and especially Steve that you’re not going to pull another of your tricks. Cassie’s safe now, Luther’s in jail awaiting trial, there’s no reason to get into one of your moods.”

  She sat down across from him. He looked at her and a small smile came across his face. “The ocean’s going to come up and drench you if you stay there too long.”

  “Then talk fast. Tell me you know what you’re doing is right and you’re not feeling guilty about sending Cassie in there.” Seeing his back tense she added softly, “You did the right thing, Rick, she would have jumped into this with or without your blessing. I like her for that, because it tells me she trusts you.”

  “Trusts me?” Rick asked. “How so?”

  Lori took the stick from him and started drawing lines in the sand. Finally she looked Rick in the eye. “She trusts that you’re out there and won’t let anything happen to her. And she also trusts that you two can not only be together, but can work together without losing the edge that makes each of you who you are. Rick, I don’t think Cassie would have agreed to do this if she didn’t think you were strong enough to deal with it. If you don’t want to believe me or Steve that you can do this, then believe Cassie.”

  Rick thought for a moment, then took the stick away from Lori. Slowly he wrote one word in the sand—Thanks. Without speaking, he stood up, pulled Lori to her feet and together walked back to the little beach house.

  Steve opened the door as they approached and handed Rick a sandwich. “Eat this or I swear I’ll shove it down your throat, Rick. I don’t want Lori thinking of anything but staying alert. She doesn’t need to be worrying about you when she needs to keep her own skin safe.”

  Rick smirked, but obediently took a bite of the sandwich. While still chewing he pointed at Lori. “Repea’ your plan, ‘ori,” he said, swallowing. “And call Steve off me.”

  Lori ignored Rick’s comment about Steve. “Well, unless you’ve changed plans on me again, renegade man, Steve takes me to town where I watch the house while drawing pictures. Hopefully no one thinks twice about me and I get clear views of some of the folk.” She grinned slyly. “I may even get a look at Cassie with her new boyfriend.” Rick’s eyebrows shot up, but he said nothing. “Oh, sorry, Elena,” Lori said as she and Steve laughed softly. “And of course, you, Rick, will stay here and be a good little boy and take your nap so you can play Peeping Tom later.” With a dramatic fall on the couch, Lori sighed. “Do you think I’m smart enough to handle this?”

  “Yes, I think you can handle it and yes I think you’re smart,” Rick remarked, then added, “A smart ass.”

  “What do I do?” Elena asked quietly. “I don’t really have to baby-sit Rick, do I?”

  They looked at her, startled. Cassie wanted Elena along and Lori had agreed, but no one actually had any idea as to what she would do.

  Rick glared at Lori before moving to kneel in front of Elena. “This is why I didn’t want you to come along, honey. I have no idea what we might need you for here.”

  Elena smiled nervously and looked down at her hands folded in her lap. “Do you want me to go back?”

  “No!” Lori said suddenly. “I have an idea how you can help, Elena. In a few days, once I’ve been seen drawing the buildings and such, I’ll begin drawing people. I’ll start with Elena as a model, then when the townsfolk see what I’m doing, they won’t think anything of it when I ha
ve another model sitting in front of me.” Lori smiled at Rick. “I’ll pick a young mother from the house. A random one with just a streak of sass on her brow?”

  Rick stood and a smile slowly appeared. “That would give you a chance to talk to her without drawing suspicion. I like it. Good thinking, Lori.”

  “I don’t think it’ll work,” Steve protested. “I’ve never seen that wife of yours sit still long enough to tie her shoes, let alone have her portrait drawn.”

  Rick fought it, but the laugh found its way out of his mouth anyway. Steve was being halfway serious and Rick knew it, but the thought of what he’d said amused him. “Maybe Lori could draw Kevin instead. Then Cassie can stand behind her and tell her what she’s doing wrong.”

  Rick looked at Steve and they both broke into laughter. Lori and Elena smiled, but didn’t find as much humor as the men obviously did.

  “Let’s go, then,” Steve said to Lori. He was no longer smiling.

  “Take a nap, Ricky.” Lori smiled and kissed his cheek. “Elena, read him a bedtime story.” She followed Steve out the door toward the steps leading up the cliff.

  Rick closed the door behind them and turned to Elena. “You going be all right while I’m napping?” he asked, smiling.

  Elena smiled back. “Yes, I’ll walk on the beach for a while, is that all right?”

  His brow knotted, but Rick answered positively. “Just for a little while and if you see anyone up along the edge of the cliff, walk slowly but directly back inside. I don’t want you to panic and give someone reason to think anything’s wrong. And Steve will be back soon so don’t worry.” Elena nodded and walked toward the door. Rick stopped her. “Wake me in three hours.”

  “Three hours? But that’s not long enough to—”

  “Three hours,” Rick reiterated.

  Elena, too, had learned over the years that sometimes it was best not to argue with Rick. She opened the door and walked out.

  Rick watched her walk toward the water then he turned around and went into the bedroom to lie down. Closing his eyes he tried to relax, but the gnawing feeling in his gut wouldn’t allow sleep just yet. Lori would keep watch on the house from the outside and Kevin would watch from the inside, but Rick knew he wouldn’t feel Cassie was safe until he could be there watching from all sides.