When Jake parks in front of the skanky bar for us to get Margrit’s car, he frowns looking at the windshield of her car. “A ticket? Who the hell gave you a ticket at this time of night and here of all places?”
He stops the car and walks over to Margrit’s gray jalopy. Snatching the pink slip from the windshield, he rolls his eyes. “I’ll take care of this.”
When I help her into her side of the car, I pause for a moment. “Think we should go in for a nightcap, Margrit?”
The horror in her eyes is quickly replaced by a smile when she sees me smirk. “You! Just drive me home, will you? I’m tired.”
I round the front of the car and see Leah roll down the window, waving to stop me. “Hey! Don’t leave town before I get a chance to say goodbye.”
Stepping over, I lean into the window, “This could be goodbye, right here, right now. But maybe more a ‘so long for now’ or ‘see ya later.’ We’ll see each other again. There’s that destiny thing going on, you know.”
Her hand bunches in my T-shirt, and she tugs me closer. “Even so, I want to see you again before you go. I’ll be at Margrit’s first thing in the morning, for a proper goodbye.”
I grin but manage to hold the smart-ass retort to myself. We’re not even married, not even a couple, and I’m getting henpecked. It’s adorable. Before I even know it, I lean in and kiss the tip of her nose. “Lookin’ forward to it, Leah.”
Jake turns and glares at us. “All right. Enough with the kissy-face stuff. I got to get home at some point tonight. Claire and the girls are due back anytime.”
I can take the hint. I ease back and then join Margrit in the car. As we drive from the town I have to ask, “Did you know that Leah and I will someday be together? You’re able to sense things better than me but still...”
She nods. “Yes, when I first saw you two together I could see the connection. You both are old souls who’ve shared other lifetimes. Both of your auras became richer when you were together, even if yours was clouded by that demon.”
“So when will this happen?” Funny. I’m looking forward to it, being with Leah. Even funnier that it isn’t the sex drive taking charge with this feeling. Okay! But not just the sex drive, all right?
“I can’t tell you that. I mean I could but I’m not going to. You both must walk your own path and grow before you’re ready for that.”
I chuckle. “Not even a hint? C’mon! I helped shoot this demon to hell, it’s the least you can do! And look what I went through when it was inside me! You’re not being fair, Margrit.” Part of me is teasing and part is deadly serious.
“Let’s just say, I’ll be around to dance at your wedding.”
And that was all she’d say, ending with a mysterious smile.
THIRTY
TRUE TO HER WORD, Leah pulls into the driveway at just after eight this morning. Considering all we’d been through the night before I was relieved that it wasn’t at the crack of dawn. I stand on the veranda sipping a coffee, watching her come up the walkway. Her hair is loose, flowing over her shoulders while the sun’s rays paint threads of gold through it.
She smiles up at me, and I can see that she’s even taken time to put lipstick on and darken her eyelashes. She totally doesn’t need makeup, but I am flattered that she’s taken the trouble to impress me even more.
In the bright light of the day, her gray eyes are flecked with blue when she looks up at me. “Good morning! How did you sleep?”
“Great! Margrit’s sofa isn’t the most comfortable but after the nights I spent with that demon hovering... I don’t want to talk about that, though.” A snippet of her walking along the shore, looking at me in that dream I’d had flits in my head. “You want to walk with me to the lake?”
“Sure. I’ll just say hi to Margrit and we’ll go.” With that she goes into the house, and the sounds of her voice and Margrit’s drift out. In another moment she is back.
I set the mug of coffee down and then take her hand walking down the steps. Even though the image of her mother chewing her out about missing church, traipsing out to see that old gypsy, flashes in my head from the brief touch, I don’t comment on it. If her mother knew what Leah had been through the night before… the woman would have a stroke.
“So, you’re going back to Buffalo? I mean after you finish with the detectives?” She watches her step as we cross the yard but glances up at me when she finishes speaking.
I don’t need to be a mind reader to know that she is going to miss me. Not from the look in her eyes. “Yeah. When I left home almost a year ago, it wasn’t on the best of terms. I need to settle things with my parents and my older brother. Not to mention that I miss my little sister Amy like crazy. You’d like her.” I stop and take a breath. “No. You’re going to love her!”
She smiles, and taking my hand, resumes walking. “I’m looking forward to meeting all of your family.” Immediately her face colors a pretty pink. I can feel the sudden shyness flood through her, recalling my words the night before—that we are destined to be together, married at some future point in time. “I mean in time, you know. Not right away.”
I stop dead in my tracks and pull her around to face me. “Leah. I really want to get to know you. I mean I already know lots of things about you, things that I pick up from just the touch of your hand. I guess what would be more accurate, is that I want to experience you.”
When her eyes went wide and she pulled back, I added quickly, “Do stuff together. Be surprised, enchanted, laugh, and even get angry with you.” When she falls into step beside me, it feels so normal and right.
“What are you going to do with your life, Adam? You said you worked with some private detective. Are you going to do that again?”
“Funny you should ask that. It was actually the first job I ever had that I liked. And my gifts, sensing things about people and objects comes in mighty handy. I might do that. But first I want to finish high school. Who knows, I may even join the police force.” The idea that had been niggling at the back of my brain took shape in that moment.
“That could be cool.”
We emerge from the forest and I gaze at the water a few moments, inhaling the fresh air and the warmth of the sun. I turn to her. “What about you? What are you going to do with your life? I mean aside from marrying me, which in itself would be awesome?”
She slaps my arm playfully. “Is that a proposal? Aren’t you supposed to get down on your knees?”
When I smile, she continues, “I’m going to go to college and either become a teacher or go into social work. I’ll figure out which once I’m there. In another year.”
“As long as college isn’t in Europe or halfway across the country, I’m fine with that. Say that you’re going to stay in New York. Please.” But I already know she is thinking of Syracuse University. Still, it would be nice to hear it.
“It matters to you? Does that mean you’ll come and visit me?” She shifts from side to side, her smile tentative looking up and meeting my gaze.
Damn, but she’s pretty! “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away! I meant it when I said I want to do stuff together.”
That is just the answer she wants to hear. It isn’t just her feet skipping along the pebbled beach, her heart is doing a light cartwheel. And in that moment, watching her, totally at one with the water, the earth and the sky is exactly like my dream. Except for the dark shadow that had clouded me, making her frightened, is gone now.
Now, it’s just us... and it’s perfect.
***
An hour later, walking back through the forest, we’re both silent. This taste of a relationship forming will soon be hijacked for a time, replaced with the harsh reality of a police interrogation. Jake is hopeful, but still, what if I say the wrong thing? My mouth has gotten me into trouble enough in the past, that it’s a real concern now.
The Watertown police car is parked in Margrit’s driveway and two detectives, their butts propped up against the hood of the car wait. This is it.
Leah squeezes my hand and murmurs that it will all work out.
The two men in plain clothes walk toward us. The older, shorter one speaks first, “Adam Rafferty? I’m Detective Cooke, and this is Detective Spearman. We’re here to—”
But I don’t hear the rest of it when I see Mike’s caddy pull into the driveway behind the police car. He’s a far cry from the cavalry, but it still makes my heart leap in my chest. At least it’s a friend, someone who was once a cop who’ll give me some moral support.
I straighten and pause letting the detectives continue coming over to speak to me. “Yes. I’m Adam Rafferty. Sorry I kept you waiting.” When the second car door slams I look past them and see the guy from my first case! The lawyer, Mr. Wilson, is coming along with Mike!
Oh my God! Mike’s brought the lawyer we had investigated in Watertown! Now that’s the cavalry!
The lawyer calls out as he walks over. “I’m Mr. Rafferty’s attorney, Anthony Wilson. You won’t mind if I sit in when you question him.”
It’s not a request but rather a statement. Mike grins and walks over to shake Margrit’s hand. She’s come down from the veranda, watching all of this silently. “I’m Mike Drogan, Adam’s friend.”
She takes his hand, but at this distance I can’t hear her reply.
The lawyer takes charge immediately. “Adam will ride with us. We can follow you back to Watertown, or if you’d prefer, we’ll meet at the local police station for the questioning.”
“No. We’d prefer going back to home turf. Just follow us. Let’s get this show underway. We’ve waited more than a few days to question your client.” Detective Cooke taps his taller partner and starts going back to his vehicle.
“Hey! Can I have a minute to say goodbye to Mrs. Kovacs? And my girlfriend?” It’s out before I even know it.
I watch Mike step over and chat with the two detectives as Leah and I go over to Margrit. She’s actually got tears in her eyes when she looks up at me, her voice hitching. “You take care, Adam. But don’t be a stranger.”
I hug her and feel her fragility. She’s like a little bird in my arms. Hard to believe the power she had last night fighting the demon. “Margrit. I don’t know how to thank you for all the help you gave me.”
“Just be safe. That’s a good start.” She eases back and looks up into my eyes, “You never did finish painting my house, you know. When this mess is over, come back for a few days. It’d be nice to see you and just be. No demon to fight. Just a good visit to catch up.”
I grin and nod my head not trusting myself to speak; the tears are just behind my eyes and my throat is tight.
Leah steps in when Margrit releases me. She actually hugs me tight and then slips a piece of paper into my hand. “It’s my phone number and email addy. I want to know how this goes down. Promise me you’ll call.”
I kiss her forehead and then give her a tight hug, deeply inhaling the clean, sweet scent of her skin and her hair. “I will.” And she surprises me with a kiss on the lips. A tender touch of her lips on mine.
“Okay, Adam. We’d better hit the road now.” Mike shakes Margrit’s hand again and then Leah’s. “Nice meeting you both. I’m glad Adam had you to turn to.”
When we get in Mike’s car and are driving behind the police, Mike catches my eye from the rearview mirror beside him. “So... what’s with the girl? She’s a little out of your league, Adam. Punchin’ above your weight again, I see.”
I shake my head but smile. If he only knew, he’d just met my future wife.
THIRTY ONE
Three months later...
“I still don’t understand why you won’t go to the academy in Sanborn. You could live at home and save money—”
“It’s his decision, Helen! Let him alone. He’ll go to whatever police academy he wants.” Dad interrupts my mother but places his hand on hers to soften the rebuke.
I look across the breakfast table at them and smile. “I understand, Mom. Yeah, you’re right, it would make sense to go to the academy nearby but this one’s not that far away.”
My brother snorts as he reaches for another piece of toast. “I’m sure the fact that Leah’s going to be in Syracuse, an hour away, has nothing to do with your decision, right?” His voice lowers, and he gives me a jab in the arm. “I seriously don’t know how you snagged her. Is she blind or something?”
Amy leans closer to him, snickering. “Jealous much, Seth?”
He knows she’s kidding, but he blurts it out anyway. “Jealous? More like totally floored is all. Oh man—” He shakes his head looking at me. “She’s sooo hot! And funny! And smart!” He leans in and jabs me with an elbow. “She gotta sister?”
“Nope. Just a brother.”
His face falls. “Damn.” It brightens again. “Cousins?”
Mom waves her hand at them to dismiss the bantering. “So you’re going to check in at the academy after your visit with this... Margrit? I wish you’d stay here for a few more days. You’ve got a week until classes start.”
It’s hard to believe that they’re actually going to miss me! A lot has happened since I’ve come back home. I look over at her. “Mom, I’ll call you when I get there—both at Margrit’s and then when I get to the school.”
She sighs and then finishes the last of her coffee. She’s worried. Even Seth hasn’t left the nest yet, going to a college in Buffalo. She knows that this time when I leave, I’m not ever going to live with them again. But that’s life. Birds leave the nest at some point, especially after a trial run that changed the course of my life.
Dad gets up and gives her a refill, shooting a smile at me. “I’m going to miss you at the store. These past few months have been profitable with you getting us set up with online ordering.” He grins. “I still think you should have bought the Ford Fusion rather than that Japanese piece of junk, though.”
This is his way of lightening the mood which is threatening to become maudlin—a joke between us. “That Japanese junk is more my style, Dad. I’ll beat your car at the gas pumps, and I’m going to need that break, now that I’m back in school.”
Amy fixes me with a grin. “So when can I visit you? Maybe I can go with you when you go to see Leah in Syracuse. That could be fun.”
Seth’s gaze flits to me and he smiles, continuing with his breakfast. Yeah, visit your girlfriend with a tagalong sister.
But it’s Amy, and it would be fun. Leah and I are taking things slow. Having Amy there on a weekend visit would guarantee that. The funny thing is that raging hormones aside I want everything to be perfect for both of us before we make that step.
“Sure.” I look over at my mother who now has a new worry—Amy traveling by bus four hours away. “As long as Mom and Dad are cool with it, I am too.”
I pick up my plate and take it to the dishwasher. When I turn, they all look at me. Dad with something I’d never thought I’d see in his eyes—pride in me! Mom just looks worried, as usual. Even Seth seems a little sad to see me going.
Amy gets up and comes over to put her arms around my waist. She’s barely holding it together. I rub her hair and then kiss the top of her head. “I’ll be back for Thanksgiving. And I’m not going to miss seeing you open my gift this Christmas. Promise.”
My parents and Seth rise when they see me glance at the doorway. My bag is packed and waiting for me at the front door.
Seth’s voice is light following my parents and I from the room. “So... you’ll be a cop, soon. Does this mean no more traffic or speeding tickets for us?”
Dad answers, “He’s not God, Seth. Besides which, you shouldn’t be speeding.”
I pause, and there’s a lump in my throat when I give each of them a hug, ending with Amy. When I step out that door, I’m on my own—again. Except this time, I’m going with the family’s blessing.
***
Three hours later, I pull into the town that’s hauntingly familiar—Watertown. There’s no way I’d be on my way to start a career in the police force if not for Mike
. I park the car in front of the building where his office is. Even though it’s Saturday, we had agreed to meet there. I suspect he’s got an ulterior motive, though, something to do with one of his cases. No doubt he wants to get some input from his resident psychic on a missing person or dog.
I’m barely in the building when Chauncy comes lumbering out of Mike’s office, his jowls loose with a long drool falling to the floor. He lets out a bark and then he’s nosing my palm, looking for a pet or some kind of treat. He’s looking more and more like Mike as time passes, even getting fatter.
“Chauncy!”
The voice that calls to him surprises me. Hilda? And then she rounds the corner, but her face glows when she spies me standing there. “Adam!”
I’m folded into her chest while her hands rub my back. “Hilda? What are you doing—”
“Adam!” Now Mike comes up to me, waiting to shake my hand while Hilda finishes the hug.
“Hey, Mike.” My gaze flits over to Hilda when Mike’s hand and mine shake. It comes to me in a flash, how he contacted her when he was looking for me, their subsequent phone calls, coffee dates and... I close my mind to anything more. I really don’t want that detailed a picture of Mike’s love life.
Haunted By The Succubus Page 18
