It just had to be.
The hospital was a blur. There were sounds, movements and people around her, but Becca felt only partly aware of them. She clung to Hunter's hand for dear life, scanning the crowds as if she were looking for a specific face.
Hunter squeezed her hand. She squeezed back.
They approached a help desk and Hunter told the woman behind it who they were there to see and that the man had specifically requested them. After a few minutes, she directed them to a room.
Acid churned in Becca's stomach. As they entered the elevator, she wondered what she was about to learn.
A doctor met them right in front of his door. "He's not fully with it, but he's been insistent. There's a guard at the door because of the circumstances, so if he manages to try anything, someone is right outside. Just don't agitate him. He's still a patient first."
Hunter nodded. "I get it. We're just looking for answers and hoping he'll deliver on them."
The doctor's brows raised and his caramel colored eyes were warm. "Just a half hour or so, if even that, okay?"
"Fair enough. Thank you." Hunter faced Becca. "Ready for this?"
She nodded. "I need these answers. I'm more than ready."
"Then let's hope he's willing to give us what we need."
Sucking in air, Becca entered the room first. She half expected to see the woman at his side, but that was silly. She was in hiding, wanted for questioning. Why would she be here? Trying to rationalize a fear wasn't helping.
Sorrowful blue eyes met hers. The man was sitting up in bed. They weren't sure he'd survive, but here he was. Becca stood feet away from him, but her gaze never left his face.
She jumped when Hunter rested his hand on her shoulder.
"What is it you wanted?" Hunter asked coldly.
"I- I guess I wanted to apologize and explain." Regret filled the man's voice.
"That would be a good idea." Hunter didn't hide his anger.
"Your plane, I-"
"My plane is the least of my concerns!" Hunter raised his voice. Then he must have remembered what the doctor said, because he spoke quietly the next time. "What I really want to know is who you are, who that woman was, and what your agenda with Becca and I was."
"Right." The man let out a deep, agonizing sigh. "Want to sit?"
Hunter led Becca to a set of chairs and they each lowered themselves into one.
If only her voice worked. She had so many questions.
"I don't think I ever knew her real name. She changed identities a few times since we met. I met her as Brittney Rovers. She's been an angry, messed up girl for a long time. Wasn't until about eight years ago that she let me in on some of her past. Look, I'm ashamed of the shit I've done-"
"I don't want any of your 'I'm sorry'. I just want answers. If you were in on the plan to kill us or scare us, then I want to know why."
Hunter said exactly what Becca felt, but she still wished the words came from her own lips.
"I don't have many answers, but I do have something you can have." The man pointed to a drawer. "Her journal. Kinda messed up, but it might have a little insight."
"How do you have it and the cops don't?"
Becca reached toward the drawer, opening it tentatively and pulling out the item. With shaky fingers, she opened it. As much as she needed to know, it still felt strange reading someone's personal thoughts. She shoved that thought away quickly.
"I had it in my pocket. I found it the night before we ... did what we did." He couldn't even say it. "I know she knows something about your families, but she never let me in on that much. I didn't even know what her plans were completely until that day. Had I known before.."
"She knows what about our families?" Hunter asked, bewildered.
"I told you man, I don't know! I think it has to do more with her than you." He pointed at Becca.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Isaac."
"And you don't know where this ... Brittney is?"
"No. She knew I didn't want to hurt anyone, and threatened me the night I tried to bow out. She's got shit on me I didn't want brought to light. I didn't have a choice." Isaac coughed, covering his chest with his hand.
Becca looked up from the journal. What did the woman know about her family? What she'd said hadn't made sense at the time.
"You always have a choice," Hunter snapped.
"Anyway, she doesn't go by Brittney now. She goes by Carrie, but I bet she's had that changed quick, if she made it after that jump. She really is crazy. I don't know if she was like that before that plane accident, but she frickin' scares me."
Becca recognized genuine fear in Isaac's eyes.
Hunter fired question after question.
"Were you two on the island?"
"Yes."
"Did you send the letters and mess with our boat?"
Another confirmation."
"The plane and animal on my porch?" Hunter's voice raised again.
Isaac shifted his gaze and nodded. "I've already told this stuff to the cops, but I wanted you guys to know, too. I hope that journal gives you something. Coulda given it to the cops, but maybe you'll get some use."
He really didn't know much about Brittney/Carrie's plan. Becca could tell that right away. He'd been along for the ride. Maybe he was in love with her. Maybe she paid him. Regardless, she wasn't going to get all the answers she wanted.
"What, you'll get cut a deal if you help find her whereabouts and go back to your old screwed up life?" Hunter curled a fist.
Becca's hand shot out and covered his. He met her stare briefly. His hard, angry eyes softened.
"That was on the table, but it's not why I'm doing this." Isaac closed his eyes. Machines beeped.
That was their cue to go. Becca closed the journal and motioned for Hunter to follow her.
Without a word, they left the room. Becca slipped the journal in her purse and hoped that it would shed some light.
"Damn it, Bec. I'm sorry. I thought there'd be more we'd find out."
"There's no way you could have known how little he knew. You've got to stop apologizing for everything," she signed, looking around her again. Paranoia crept in and she wanted to get out here.
"I'm-" He stopped and let out a better laugh. "I almost did it again."
They left the hospital with only a few questions answered. They knew the who, but not the why.
Where was the woman hiding? Would she strike again?
Chapter Thirty One
A week later
“I want to thank every one of you for coming out here and spending the evening with us. It's been a long few weeks. I almost didn't make it here tonight, but a very special person convinced me that life goes on.“ Hunter fidgeted with his necktie. He'd done these speeches many times before, but this one was personal. Deep. Eye opening. He was going to pour out his soul in front of strangers, co-founders, and friends.
The thunderous applause filled the room.
He really shouldn't be here tonight, but Becca had insisted. She wanted him to focus on the future and keep up with everything. She had a point, but he still worried. A lot.
“I have a very wonderful treat for you tonight. You all know the name of the fund. The Rebecca Lange Fund. What many of you don't know is how the name and story came about. I'm a pretty quiet kind of person. I don't share many details about myself. Even those that have known me for a long time still have a hard time cracking me open for a peek.” There were a few laughs. Hunter met Becca's eyes. She stood in the crowd in the most beautiful blue dress, her hair swept up in a bun. She raised her hand in a wave and nodded in encouragement.
As supportive as she tried to be, Hunter knew she wasn't comfortable here. That was his Becca. Strong, stubborn, trying to keep the facade, but he knew better.
Hunter cleared his throat. He'd had plenty of water, but it hadn't been enough. He was and wasn't ready for this speech. “When I was twelve, I was a survivor from a plane crash. I lost my entir
e family. I found another survivor, and spent five days on an island with her until we were found. I had to do a lot of things during those days that I never imagined having to do in a lifetime. I had an eight year old little girl with severe injuries to help take care of. We formed a bond that still lives on today.”
Hunter stared at the faces and watched a few wipe tears away. Many had their eyes glued on him, anticipating his next move.
“Many of you have asked why I named this the Rebecca Lange Fund. It's because Rebecca Lange is the survivor I saved. Becca suffered serious injuries from that plane crash. For years, she couldn't even talk. She spent the first five years after that accident in a wheelchair. She suffered pretty severe brain trauma.”
Hunter clasped his hands together and shifted the weight from his right foot to his left. “Let me tell you, that didn't stop this young woman from living. Despite guardians that held her back and doctors that claimed she didn't have a fighting chance, Becca flourished. She pushed herself to walk again. She leads a very normal life. She still has long-lasting problems that flare up here and there, but she's one of the most remarkable women I know. Just don't tell her she's a miracle, because she'll kick your butt. Becca worked hard to get to where she is. No miracles about it.”
He moved and pointed at the painting they'd chosen. “This is one of Becca's paintings. She uses art to express herself. She has this amazing ability to memorize a scene perfectly and capture her own version of it on the canvas. For those of you who always ask about her work and wanted one, tonight you have a chance. This is up for auction to help the fund.”
When the cheers began, Hunter nodded at Becca with an “I told you so” kind of smile. He laughed softly when her cheeks turned red.
“For years, Becca and I traveled to one of the nearby islands where everything happened. Even after a four year separation, we still have this bond that sometimes bends, but has never broken. I'm thankful for the chance to know her. The plane crash took a lot from me, but I've learned a lot since then, too. This year, I realized how much I love Rebecca. I've always admired her and thought the world of her. I invited Becca home with me this summer, and even though we've had a very rocky few weeks, she's stayed by my side, her love never wavering. I couldn't be more proud and excited to introduce to you the inspiration behind a fund that has helped so many with TBI. Please give a warm welcome to the woman I love so much, Rebecca Lange.”
Hunter had never heard applause as loud as he did just now. He watched as Becca walked toward him, wearing a smile and carrying his heart. Her eyes misted over with tears. He moved to the edge of the stage and held a hand out to her, helping her up. Cheers and whistling rang out as she took her place by his side. Hunter kissed her cheek and reached to hold her hand. Before turning back to the crowd, he mouthed an “I love you” to her.
“As you can see, Becca grew up to be a beautiful young woman.” He gestured to her with a smile. “It goes to show that no matter what obstacles life throws at you, if you have the determination to overcome it, it's possible. Becca is passionate about many things, art included. I bug her all the time for a new masterpiece to hang on my wall. I've told her for years she should be selling in a gallery. Don't you agree?”
The cheers began again. Hunter stole a glance at Becca. She couldn't stop smiling. The overhead lights shone on her, especially the tears sliding down her cheeks.
“She teaches art to kids with various disabilities. She pours her heart and soul into everything she does. This is what the fund is all about, helping those who have suffered with TBI to lead a normal life as best they can. It was only fitting that I named it after a woman who has done just that. Bec, thank you for being a wonderful inspiration.” As he hugged her, the crowd went wild again.
“One last thing before I shut up and we resume the music and fun. This summer changed things between Becca and I. We realized some deep feelings for each other that we've never explored until this year. I'm in love with her, and for some strange reason, she loves me back. I'm not complaining, so that doesn't mean you young single men can line up at her door. I'm keeping her for as long as she'll have me. You may have seen the news the last week. I don't want to get into many details because it's hard to talk about and we're still not even sure of many details, but Becca and I went through a nightmarish experience last week. We escaped unscathed other than some emotional scars. It just proves how strong she is. While I kept suggesting we change the date for the fundraiser, Becca pushed me to keep things as they are. So go ahead, blame her if you're wishing I'd shut up right about now.” As laughter lightened up the mood, Becca smirked. “Not only has Becca given me a painting to put up for auction, she's also donated some of her time to paint murals for anyone that's interested. Bid high guys, because she's going to be world famous one day. You'll want to have something that says you knew her back when. Just don't think about stealing her away from me. Thank you, Becca, for giving so much of yourself to the world and for being someone I can always count on. I'm going to end this speech now. If you all don't mind, I think I'm going to kiss my girlfriend to mark the occasion. Thank you all again!”
With the crowd cheering him on, Hunter wrapped Becca in his arms and kissed her passionately. He held his arm out to guide her off stage. “Thank you for everything."
She waited until they were on the dance floor to let go of his arm and sign. Another week, and she still hadn't found her voice. This was the longest period of non-talking she'd had in a while. They still hadn't found the woman who claimed to be a third survivor. How the hell did she not only survive jumping, but get away too?
It left him unsettled.
“I'm glad I could help. I love the mural painting idea. I can't wait to see who bids and what they'll want.” She put her hands back around him when she was finished.
The live singer launched into a cover tune.
Hunter swayed slowly with her across the dance floor as other couples watched them with curiosity. “Know what I want?” he said with a grin.
She cocked her head to the side, shooting him a curious look.
“I want a continuation of the masterpiece of our love. Your painting is beautiful, but the real masterpiece is remarkable. Let's make it new and improved. I make a promise right here, right now, to be a better man.”
Becca smiled and leaned up to kiss him. “That's a deal I can gladly seal with a kiss.”
She was doing better, but still held back.
“I'm going to go to the restroom real quick.”
He wondered if she was going to sneak away and read more of that journal she'd been obsessed with. So far, it hadn't mentioned much about her family, but it was a sick and twisted thought path. Hunter guessed Becca had already read through it once, but kept looking for any clues. Not that he blamed her.
“Okay. Hurry back.” He blew a kiss at her, hoping she didn't catch how much he still worried about her. As Becca weaved through the crowd, he noticed how she kept turning her head, looking every which way. She was still looking for Brittney, thinking she'd show up and come back to finish what she'd started.
*****
Becca locked herself in the stall and heaved a sigh. This wasn't working. Being strong was one thing, but holding in the fear was another. Everywhere she looked, she saw the woman's face and when she'd blink, she realized how wrong she'd been. She was tired, nervous and a wreck.
She shouldn't have come tonight, but if she hoped Hunter would resume normal activities, Becca had to at least make the attempt herself.
Not easy.
Becca leaned against the stall and closed her eyes, attempting to catch her breath. She'd have to make this quick and get back to Hunter, but she needed a breather.
I can't keep this up. I'm going to break.
The bathroom door opened, signaling someone coming in. Becca heard a voice and froze.
That sounded so much like her. Like Brittney/Carrie.
“I know. It's perfect, isn't it?” Fear ran over Becca's skin like hot
coals. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and she wiped them away.
It's not her, it's not her!
She had to know for sure. Becca wasn't about to hide out.
Get a hold of yourself, Rebecca! No way would she be here!
Her voice of reason lost. She pulled open the door and it slammed against the wall with a loud bang, startling the woman. She had her head bent low, cradling a phone to her ear. Becca grabbed her arm and tried to turn her around.
“What the- Hey, I gotta go. Some psycho is trying to ... I don't even know what.” The woman used her free arm to put her phone down and faced Becca. “What the hell is wrong with you? What are you doing?”
Mouth ajar, Becca realized her mistake. The woman looked nothing like her. She only had the voice. And she'd just accosted her in the bathroom. Oh good grief. She couldn't even apologize. Not verbally, anyway.
“Aren't you going to say something? Hello? What's your problem?”
Flooded with tears, Becca blinked, backed away and sank to the floor. Her heart thudded against her chest.
She'd make a mistake. A big one. The woman wasn't Brittney/Carrie, and Becca looked like the crazy one.
What did I just do? I'm losing it.
“Ugh!” the woman snapped, pivoting and shooting out of the bathroom.
A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door.
“Becca? It's me. Come out, or I'm coming in!” Hunter said from the other side.
Clutching her purse to her chest, she tried to get to her feet. Apparently she wasn't fast enough, because Hunter burst through the door. One look at her face and he flew to her side, his arms wrapping around her. “Angel, that wasn't her. Shh. Come here.” Hunter grabbed a paper towel and dabbed her eyes. “You're safe with me, Becca. I won't let her hurt you again. You and I- I think we should both talk to someone, okay? You can't go around doing that, baby. I know you're scared, but we've got to take care of this.”
Becca nodded, knowing he was right about one thing and wrong about another.
She wasn't safe with him. She wasn't safe anywhere. Not until she stopped seeing Brittney everywhere and she was caught would she begin to know she was safe.
A Masterpiece Of Our Love (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 1) Page 30