Passage (Soul of the Witch Book 1)

by C. Marie Bowen

  “So you see, love, the doctor can wait.” Renata smiled over her shoulder at Jason.

  “I'd like to speak to you privately for a moment, Renata. Doctor, if you would excuse us.”

  “Certainly, sir. I'll wait over here.” Dr. Clemens set his bag near the settee in the parlor and took a seat.

  Jason took Renata’s arm and escorted her around the stairs, past the dining room, and into his office. After he closed the door, he turned to her, not bothering to conceal his anger. “What is this?” he demanded and paced around the desk.

  “Didn't you get my note?” Renata laughed and batted her lashes. “Surely, you understand the need—”

  “What need? Nichole does not require medical care. She's doing fine.”

  “Oh, Jason,” Renata purred. “You are so very wrong. Dr. Clemens is convinced that further study of her condition is—how did he put it? Imperative.”

  “How much did it cost you to have him reach this conclusion?” Jason snapped.

  Renata straightened slowly. Gone was the soft teasing smile. Her eyes were cold chips of black ice as she looked Jason up and down.

  “Understand me, Jason.” Her voice dripped venom. “This is my game now. I will suffer no interference from you. Stay out of my way.”

  “I won't let that doctor near Nicki.”

  “Oh, I think you will.” Renata trailed a delicate hand along the top of the desk, turning partially away from where Jason stood. “I heard that since Amy came back to The Highlands, you two have been getting along quite well.”

  “That's none of your business.”

  “Wouldn’t she just be devastated if she found out about our little affair?” Renata giggled, and then covered her mouth with her hand. She looked over her shoulder at Jason with a pout. “It would just put the flame right out of your rekindled romance.”

  “How thoughtless of me to forget your fee.” Jason opened a drawer. He found some coins and threw them on the desk. Renata didn’t even flinch at the sound.

  “It's not just what happened between us.” She paused and studied Jason for a moment. “Consider your part in Philip Shilo's murder.”

  “That was you. I had no part—”

  “You already know I can prove you did. What about your associates in Boston?”

  “What does that—”

  “Your work for them was hardly legal. Then, you embezzled money from The Highlands. You could be in a lot of trouble, and not just with Amy.”

  “I have not taken The Highlands' money,” Jason enunciated in anger. “On Philip Shilo's recommendation, I diversified The Highlands' holdings.”

  “In whose name are these new investments held?”

  Jason was silent, his jaw clenching.

  “You have been a very naughty boy,” Renata laughed.

  “Those investments are for The Highlands,” Jason explained. “I would never steal from Nichole.”

  “I'm not the one you would need to convince. Nichole seems much more in charge of everything since her accident, don't you agree? I am not sure she would understand your financial strategy. I'm not sure Amy would. I know I have questions.” Laughter bubbled from her lips.

  Jason did not comment. He looked away, anywhere to take his sight away from her. There could be legal consequences should Nichole make a case against him. Old Nichole wouldn't have cared. New Nichole might, and with Renata's urging, they could take him to court. If they made a strong argument, he could face jail time. Of course, all of that paled in comparison to being complicit in Philip’s murder. A murder charge would bring Renata down as well. She would play that card only as a last resort.

  Without moving, or looking away from the window, he asked, “What is your plan?” He turned and met her eyes with a steady, icy glare. “And what do you get out of all of this?”

  “It is very simple, love. I think you will approve.” She swung her full dress around the chair and seated herself across the desk from Jason, motioning him to have a seat.

  “Your precious cousin isn’t going anywhere,” she cooed. “We only want to make that a real possibility to her. That is Dr. Clemens’s part.”

  “So?” Jason replied. His stomach churned as he tried to follow her twisted logic.

  “Don't you see? She will be frightened, with no one to turn to. Merril is gone. You are just her cousin, with no authority when it comes to something like this—”

  “I do have the authority.”

  “She won't know that.” Renata sat back. “She would have no one to turn to except—” Renata let the words trail off and raised an eyebrow.

  “Except?” Jason snapped.

  Renata huffed in aggravation and rolled her eyes. “Kevin, you idiot! Who do you think? She will have to marry Kevin to stay here and be safe.”

  Jason's startled laughter filled the room, taking Renata off guard.

  “You think Nichole would agree to marry Kevin after what he's done?” Jason laughed again. “She will never do it. Never. She hates him.”

  “Oh, she will. I shall prove it.” Renata smiled.

  “You do that,” Jason replied. “It appears my hands are tied. But if Nichole refuses to marry Kevin, no matter what the consequences are to me, she will not be taken from The Highlands.”

  “Think about it, love.” Renata purred and leaned over the desk, exposing a good portion of her full breasts to his view. “If she does refuse and is forced to leave, then the ranch and all The Highlands holdings would be yours. Don't tell me that would not please you.”

  Jason looked from her breasts to her eyes. “If Nicki does agree to marry Kevin, what do you get?”

  An evil smile spread across Renata's face, and she threw back her head and laughed. “I get everything.”

  * * *

  The clock on the parlor mantel chimed the hour of ten when a door opened at the top of the stairs.

  Jason stole a quick glance at Renata, who conversed in a quiet voice with Dr. Clemens.

  Their conversation stopped, and Renata stood, arranging her skirt. She smiled at Jason. “Showtime, love. Let's see a smile.”

  Jason's eyes blazed. His fists clenched at his side as he stood. I never understood the desire to murder until now. “I should mention that Nichole isn't very happy with you.”

  Before Renata could reply, Amy and Nichole were descending the stairs. Amy stopped abruptly at the sight of Renata. Nichole, a step behind Amy, looked up in confusion.

  “Christ,” Nichole stated.

  “You must be Renata. What a surprise,” Amy managed, as she stepped down and into the room. “And, you have brought a guest. How nice.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Amy. Good morning, Nichole.” Renata's eyes moved from Amy's shuttered face to Nichole's angry one. “May I present Dr. Anthony Clemens, an acquaintance of mine from Santa Fe. I wrote to him about Nichole's injury and was surprised when he replied in person. He was in Denver and was interested in meeting with you. Dr. Clemens specializes in your particular type of injury. Tony, this is Amy, Jason's wife, and Nichole Harris, whom we discussed.”

  “Ladies,” Dr. Clemens greeted both women with a smile. “A pleasure to meet you both.”

  * * *

  Nichole Harris

  Nichole eyed the doctor with suspicion. He was an innocent enough looking man, balding, with a short-cropped beard and dark brown eyes hidden behind wire-frame glasses. However, since he stood next to Renata, she didn't trust him.

  Amy continued over to the doctor and extended her hand. “So nice to meet you, Dr. Clemens. Would you like some refreshments? There is more room for all of us in the dining room if you would follow me.”

  Amy continued into the dining area, but no one followed, their eyes were on Nichole still hesitating on the stairs. One step at a time, Nichole descended, her eyes locked with Renata's.

  “You have some nerve, coming here.”

  “I have more than nerve, darling.” Renata smiled with glee. “Look, I've brought you a present. Dr. Clemens is a speciali
st. He's here to help.”

  “Help whom?”

  Renata's smile widened in delight.

  The doctor reached out and took Nichole's hand.

  “I'm very pleased to meet you, Miss Harris. Renata spoke to me about your injury and memory loss. I'm something of an authority in this field. I've studied many cases such as yours. I would dearly love to speak with you and evaluate your condition.”

  Nichole looked from Dr. Clemens to Jason, who shrugged and nodded as if to say, what could it hurt?

  “Let's move into the larger area.” Jason took Nichole by the elbow and deftly maneuvered her away from Renata and into the dining area.

  “I'm afraid I can't stay for refreshments. I have a train to catch in Denver. I need to be in Kansas City by Monday to meet with a colleague of mine.” Dr. Clemens apologized to Amy and then turned to Nichole. “Is there someplace we may speak privately?”

  “I'm not sure that’s a good idea.” Nichole looked from Jason’s hand on her arm to her cousin’s face.

  Jason gestured with his free hand. “You can chat in the office.”

  “Excellent. After you, young lady.”

  Eyes narrowed at Jason, Nichole walked past Dr. Clemens and into the office.

  Dr. Clemens followed, with Renata close behind. At the door, the doctor turned and smiled. “Excuse us. We will only be a few moments.” He closed the door soundly with a click in Renata's face.

  Chapter 30

  Kevin Shilo

  Kevin's mount snorted with impatience, tired of standing in the hot sun. Kevin tightened the reins. He had waited for almost an hour on the rise behind The Highlands’ main house. Anytime now, Renata would signal, and he would make his appearance.

  Just in time to rescue my beautiful and terrified bride-to-be.

  He had checked in with Lloyd at the stable and learned Jimmy Leigh was over at the branding site. He told Lloyd he’d come by to discuss the upcoming drive with Jim, but it could wait. Lloyd showed him the puppies, and they spoke about Blackie Jones, and then Kevin said he would look for Jones's tracks up on the rise behind the house. Now, he waited.

  He chuckled to himself and caught his breath at the pain in his side. Merril had cracked his ribs, blackened his eye, and bruised his jaw. Two of his teeth were loose, and he had spat blood for almost two hours from biting his tongue—but what was to come would be worth it.

  That lying whore.

  His stomach rolled at the memory of her bare limbs wrapped around Merril. He hated her and his brother, but he couldn't get her naked body out of his mind. Merril had ruined everything, including the purity of his future bride.

  Now, it's my turn.

  He shook his head and exhaled through his mouth to clear his thoughts. The second part of Renata's plan would go as smoothly as the first. He smiled to himself when he saw Renata wave a scarf from the kitchen door and then disappear back inside. He shook the reins and urged his mount forward.

  * * *

  Nichole Harris

  Nichole and Dr. Clemens took seats in the office guest chairs.

  “You must allow me to apologize for intruding into your home this way, Miss Harris. I don't make it a habit of arriving unannounced.” His smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

  Nichole nodded with irritation. “That's fine, Dr. Clemens. Let's get this over with.”

  “Please, call me Tony. I hate to stand on formality, especially in my profession, where it is important for my patients to feel comfortable.”

  “I’m quite comfortable with Doc Johnson.”

  His eyes narrowed at her honesty. “Well then, shall we proceed?” He pulled a writing pad and pencil from his case. “How are you feeling, Miss Harris? Any headaches, dizziness, or vomiting?”

  “I have an occasional headache.” She couldn't see what he wrote on his pad.

  Clemens looked up from his notes. “I've spoken with Kevin Shilo and Renata. Both are perplexed by your behavior since the accident.”

  Nichole’s face heated with ire.

  Dr. Clemens's sharp eyes took in her unintended reaction and made another note.

  Regardless of Dr. Clemens's diagnosis, she was confident it would not be close to what she had begun to suspect. No one, except herself, Amy and an old Indian shaman could even begin to fathom the truth. She knew he waited for a response, but since he hadn't asked her a question, she only stared at him.

  Dr. Clemens looked from her face and back to his pad. “Are you aware of your personality changes?”

  “No. I don't know what you're talking about.” Her tone was dismissive and cold. “My memories are returning, just as my doctor predicted.”

  “Doctor Johnson is not a specialist in the field of mental illness, and I am. What memories have returned?” He held his pencil ready to notate and his gaze flicked to hers.

  “You consider memory loss a mental illness?”

  “Of course. Now, which memories have returned?”

  “Christmas in Boston with my cousin, and several that include Merril Shilo. Personal things that I find to be none of your business.”

  “Ah, yes, Kevin’s troubled younger brother. Interesting.” Dr. Clemens made additional notes.

  “We're done here.” Nichole began to rise from her seat.

  He held out his hand and urged her to remain seated. “Please, if I may. Before you dismiss me, I have some information you should hear about cases like yours.” He finished making notes and folded them away in his bag along with his pencil. “From what I have learned about your injury, several things disturb me. I believe further evaluation and care is warranted.”

  “What are you suggesting?”

  The doctor leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and smiled. “What I have in mind for you would be what I call intensive therapy.” He smiled again at Nichole's hard stare. “My facility in Kansas City offers sedation therapy. You would have a private room, and we have an excellent nursing staff.”

  “Sedation? Are you kidding me?”

  He leaned back in his chair. “It's an effective treatment for mental illness. Many of my patients go on to lead happy, productive lives.”

  “My life is already happy and productive. Now, if you'll excuse me.”

  “Miss Harris ... Nichole. I'm sorry to say this, but this is not your decision. I feel psychiatric treatment will be beneficial for you, imperative in fact, with regards to your serious ailment.”

  “What ailment is that?” Nichole sneered and struggled to contain her anger.

  How dare he?

  “Your malady is one of acute nervous reaction, brought on by the concussion to your head last week. From what you and others have told me, it would seem you are bordering on nervous hysteria, dementia, and melancholia. That is to say—”

  “Don't bother with explanations.” Nichole rose from her seat, hands clenched at her sides. “I see what's happening here. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a happy and productive life to get back to. Goodbye, Dr. Clemens.”

  The doctor stood. “Don't be too quick to prepare for your festivities, Miss Harris.” His smile had changed from friendly and professional to angry and offended. “Based on my diagnosis, you will instead instruct your maid to pack your bags. You will accompany me to Denver, where I intend to catch the train to Kansas City.”

  Nichole stared at him in shocked silence. When she found her voice, she spoke in a harsh but audible whisper. “No. Fucking. Way.”

  Dr. Clemens’s eyes widened. “I beg your pardon?”

  “You can, but it won't do you any good.” She leaned in and glared into his eyes. “I said no. I'm not going anywhere with you. I don't need your treatment or your advice. Now, I suggest you leave before I call my cousin and have you thrown out.”

  “Perhaps it would be a good idea to include Mr. Harris at this point.” He gave her a confident smile and resumed his seat. “Not that I need his approval to remand you to my facility, but he should be informed of my decision.”

  With a huff of frustrati
on, Nichole stalked to the office door. As she flung it open, she was surprised to find Kevin and Renata talking at the far end of the dining room. She stepped to Jason who sat at the table, sipping tea.

  He eyed her warily as she approached, and the look in his eyes made her heart drop.

  He expected this.

  “Can I see you for a minute? Alone?” she hissed at his head.

  Jason turned to her with surprise. “Now?”

  “Yes. Right now.”

  “Mr. Harris,” Dr. Clemens’s voice reached across the dining room. “A word, if you please.”

  “Jason, we need to talk now.” Concern tinged with panic edged up her spine. She’d been set up, that much was clear.

  Is Jason involved with this?

  “It will only take a moment.” The doctor had followed her from the office and was upon them. Nichole turned to face him, but he ignored her and addressed Jason.

  “I've just had a very disturbing visit with your young cousin. I'm afraid to say her disorder is much worse than any of you realized. It was a wise decision on Miss Renata's part to have consulted me.”

  Jason swallowed and looked into his tea. His face was drawn and gray. “Go on, doctor,” Jason whispered.

  “It appears Miss Harris has developed an acute mania and melancholia, brought on, no doubt, by the injury to her head. The shock of these last few days has been a tremendous setback. I believe she must be treated immediately to forestall permanent dementia.”

  Dr. Clemens glanced briefly at Nichole, and a shiver of panic ran up her spine. With horror, she heard Jason ask the crucial question in a casual voice.

  “What is it you recommend, doctor?”

  “He wants me to leave with him for Denver right now, and then travel to his facility in Kansas City.” Nichole gripped Jason's shoulder, but he wouldn't look at her. “I told him absolutely not. I’m not leaving with this ... this quack of Renata's.”

  Jason rose and turned to face Nichole. He put a hand on each of her shoulders. His eyes were serious and apologetic. “Nicki, this man is a doctor, a specialist in this type of injury. If he says it would be best for you to go with him and be in his care for a while, I think we should consider it.”