“In a manner of speaking,” he nodded. “I need you to lie on the floor. You’ll spin out, but I’m going to make this go away for you right now. Henry?”
“Yes,” Henry said, stepping forward, “what can I do?”
“You need to learn this so you can do it if you ever need to,” Cam said, helping Jane off the couch.
“Me? Ah, right, I’m certainly happy to try. BPPV? I’ve never heard of it.”
As Jane started to lie down, she let out a cry and grabbed Cam’s arm.
“It’s bad,” she exclaimed. “Cam, it’s really bad.”
“Breathe,” he said calmly, laying her flat on her back. “I promise, in just a few minutes you’re going to feel a whole lot better. Breathe and try to relax.”
“Ooh, Cam, I’m spinning.”
“Breathe,” he repeated, “stop panicking and stare at the ceiling. There, just like that. Good, now I’m going to turn your head to the side and hold it, and you tell me when the spinning stops, okay? Henry, are you paying attention?”
“Yes, yes,” Henry said quickly, crouching down next to her.
“Henry, will you hold my hand?” Jane mewled. “This is freaking me out.”
“Of course,” he said warmly, taking her hand in his and squeezing it gently.
“Jane, are you ready?” Cam asked.
“I suppose.”
As Cam turned her head to the right, she let out a groan, but a few moments passed and with a surprised gasp, she told him the spinning had stopped. Cam turned her head straight, then to the left. After doing the maneuver a few times, the dizziness was gone.
“That was incredible,” she exclaimed as she sat up. “How did you do that?”
“I rebalanced your inner ear, but Jane, it will come back. If you’re by yourself, you can achieve the same results by sitting on the edge of the bed and lying down sideways, breathe through the giddiness, wait till you feel better, sit up, then lie on the other side. You’ll find one side is worse than the other.”
“What causes this?” Henry asked. “As I said, I’ve never heard of it.”
“The cause… well… the cause is crystals breaking off in the ear canal and disrupting the inner ear fluid, but my question is, what’s behind that? Personally, I think there’s some kind of virus involved, a virus that’s yet to be identified. It’s interesting how the attacks lessen over time, but once a person has this condition, they have it for life.”
“So, you don’t know how I got this?” Jane asked. “You know me, I never get sick.”
“No idea,” Cam said, shaking his head. “This first bout could last three, four days, or a week, it’s impossible to say.”
“That’s not good,” she frowned, “not good at all.”
“I assume you’re, uh, busy?”
“Yes, I am.”
“You know the rule.”
“Yes, Cam, I know the rule.”
“If I can help.”
“I’ll let you know.”
“There’s something else that can be very effective,” Cam said thoughtfully, “though this is anecdotal. If you wake up spinning out, you’ll be on your side. First, don’t panic, open your eyes, straighten your head slightly, and dart your eyes back and forth.”
“Dart them back and forth?”
“Yes, and if it works for you, it will give you immediate relief.”
“Cam, you are an excellent doctor,” Henry declared. “I’d love to have your card.”
“I’m retired,” he said solemnly, “but if you’re a friend of Jane’s you’re welcome to get in touch. She knows how to reach me.”
“Thank you. If I fall victim to a mysterious illness I’ll definitely do that.”
“Mysterious or otherwise, no problem,” Cam said, smiling for the first time since he arrived. “Jane, I’m going to give you some pills. They’ll knock you out so you’ll get a good night’s sleep,” then turning back to Henry, he added, “I don’t mean to presume, but can you stay over? There’s a good chance she might need you first thing in the morning. I’d prefer she not be alone.”
“If Jane is comfortable with that,” he nodded. “I can be late into work if necessary, I’m the boss.”
“It would be wise, but I’ll leave the two of you to figure that out, and remember the rule, Jane.”
“You don’t have to remind me again,” she sighed. “I know.”
“Right, then I’m off,” he declared, standing up and helping Jane to her feet. “You take care of yourself, and call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Cam. Wow, this is so bizarre.”
“Yes, and it can be very frightening. I’m glad you weren’t alone.”
“Me too,” she said, shooting Henry a soft smile. “I’ll walk you to the door.”
“Great to meet you, Cam,” Henry said, shaking his hand. “Jane’s very fortunate to have a friend like you.”
“Maybe we’ll see each other again some time,” Cam replied, picking up his bag.
Henry watched them move from the room, then walked across to the bookcase to study the objets d’art. Each of them was exquisite, but when his eyes fell upon a teacup that appeared to be cloisonné work over gold, he was riveted.
“It’s Russian,” Jane said, walking up behind him.
“Unbelievable,” he murmured. “Do you know anything about it?”
“It was made in 1905 by Feodor Ruckert for Fabergé.”
“It must be worth a fortune.”
“A small one, yes, and speaking of tea, I think I’m going to make some. I’m still feeling a bit wobbly, and Cam suggested it would be a good idea. Will you join me?”
“A cup of tea sounds excellent,” he replied, smiling down at her, “and I understand why you don’t bring people here. You’re surrounded by very valuable things.”
“That’s one reason, and I’m sure you’ve already figured out the other.”
“You don’t want your victims to know how to find you, but I don’t know what Cam meant when he reminded you about the rule. What’s that?”
“In my business, the rule is not the show must go on; the rule is if you’re not one hundred percent, the show must not go on.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Everything has to be perfect, no exceptions.”
“And you’re sick.”
“And I’m sick,” she sighed. “Let’s have that cup of tea. I can’t think about it right now.”
“Will you tell me about all this?” he asked, stepping away and raising his arms.
“Possibly, but I’m not in the mood to talk much. I’d rather hear about your life than talk about mine.”
“I can live with that.”
She didn’t know him, she’d taken a big risk inviting him into her home, and he was prepared to wait to hear her story. Jane was an exceptional young woman, and as he followed her down a hallway and into the kitchen, he wondered how her life had started. How did she end up on this path? He wanted to know everything about her.
Chapter Six
Jane could feel the pills beginning to work. Yawning heavily, she slipped into bed and lay down slowly and carefully, fearful the dreaded dizziness would return. She still felt a little nauseous, but the tea had helped, and so had Henry. As her head hit the pillow she held her breath, but nothing happened. The room didn’t suddenly twirl around her, and taking a deep breath, she let herself relax.
“What do you think, Bernie?” she whispered into the dark. “I hope it’s okay that I brought Henry here. I couldn’t be alone, I was so scared, and you know me, I never get scared. I know what you’d say, what’s done is done. I don’t think I have to worry about him though; in fact, I’m sure I don’t. I can feel that he’s a good guy, and you taught me to never doubt my instincts.”
Knowing Henry was sleeping in her old bed made her smile. He’d been so easy to talk to, and she’d enjoyed sharing a cup of tea with him at the kitchen table. She hadn’t learned much about him the night she’d attempted to lift his wallet, so when he’d to
ld her he was a scientist, in spite of feeling weary and drained, she was intrigued. She’d never met a real scientist, and she’d made him promise to tell her more about his work when she was feeling better.
Looking across the room to the marble fireplace mantel, she wished she had the energy to get out of bed and start up a fire. It was gas, and all she’d have to do was turn the key, but the pills were kicking in, and she was simply too tired. She loved the old mantel, but then, she loved everything in the room. It used to be Bernie’s sanctuary, and she’d taken it over the day she’d come home from his funeral. It had made her feel closer to him, and lying on his bed, surrounded by his life had been immensely comforting. Aside from bringing in her clothes and a few personal bits and pieces, she’d left it as it was. Closing her eyes, she yawned heavily and let herself drift away.
“Love you, Bernie,” she mumbled as she started to fall asleep. “I love you and I miss you.”
* * *
Down the hall, Henry was wide awake. He was filled with curiosity. He wanted to take a wander around the house, study the objects in the bookcase, and see what other precious treasures the home held, but he’d decided to stay put. Even though he knew the pills would send Jane into a deep sleep, and he’d be able to move through the house without fear of being disturbed, he didn’t feel comfortable about it. She had trusted him enough to bring him into her home, and it was obvious she didn’t trust easily. How could she, given what she did for a living? He wanted to build on that trust, and when she chose to give him a tour, he wanted his reactions to be genuine; he wanted her to know he’d not invaded her privacy.
But he was restless.
If he was home he’d be doing research on his computer, or reading one of the many books on his list. Sitting on the edge of the bed having nothing to consume his busy brain was an unfamiliar and slightly irritating.
“I should have asked Cam for one of those pills,” he muttered as his eyes scanned his surroundings. “Maybe a bath? When was the last time I took a long bath? Heavens, I can’t even remember.”
Rising to his feet, he started across to the bathroom, but passing an ornate desk set against the wall, he paused. He had no desire to rifle through it, but there was a pad of paper and a pen sitting on the leather inlay. He could work the old-fashioned way. Picking it up, he headed back to the bed, quickly stripped off, settled in under the covers, and let his mind take flight. He loved losing himself in the calculations, and as he did, the events of the evening fell into the recesses of his mind. It was just him, the paper, the pen, and the questions and answers. He had no idea how much time had passed when he felt his eyes grow heavy. He hadn’t been conscious of the pad and pen slipping from his fingers, and when the dream began, he was somewhere between waking and sleeping.
The vision slowly materialized. He was in his bedroom, and Jane was standing before him dressed in a shimmering black satin corset and elbow-length black gloves. Fine stockings were attached to garters hanging from the bottom of the seductive lingerie, and he could see her beautiful light brown, triangular bush. Her long blond hair was swept up at the sides and tied at the top of her head, and her red lipstick made her lips look lusciously kissable. As he approached, she dropped her eyes and murmured, how may I please you, Sir?
Henry didn’t know if he’d been woken by a sharp sound, or if the lucid dream had jolted him awake, but his eyes were suddenly open, and his hand was holding his very erect member. Softly groaning, he pushed back the bedcovers, not caring that it was cold, and rubbing fervently, he closed his eyes and sent himself back into the vision.
Have you been a good girl?
Mostly.
What does that mean?
It means mostly.
It means a spanking. Did you try to steal a wallet?
No.
What then?
Must I?
You know the answer to that.
I sort of borrowed a very nice trinket from Treadwell’s Jewelry Store.
What do you mean, borrowed?
I just wanted to see if I could do it. They have a new security system. I put it back.
Rest your hands on the edge of the bed, young lady.
The image bolted him forward, and she was abruptly in position, her gorgeously round backside and upper thighs framed by a frill of black lace that skirted the hem of the corset above, the wide black band of her stockings below, and the garters on either side. Resting his hand on her cheeks, he smoothed it over her pale skin, slapped it down, then paused to watch his pink handprint bloom to life. He heard a gasp, and smacked her other cheek. She gasped again, and he slipped his fingers between her legs, delving into her soaked seam. Dropping her head into his fluffy comforter, she wriggled her bottom as if asking for more, so he delivered, spanking soundly, moving his flattened palm across the fullness of her cheeks. She let out a squeal, then looking at him over her shoulder, she muttered, “Thank you, Sir.”
His cock suddenly exploded over his hand, shocking him out of the salacious mirage. As it spasmed he couldn’t control his heavy groans, and when the orgasm finally passed he let out a grateful sigh. At least Jane wouldn’t have heard him. He had no doubt the sleeping medication would have knocked her out. Catching his breath, he switched on the small lamp sitting on the nightstand, slipped off the bed, and staggered into the bathroom.
He couldn’t recall the last time he’d had such a decadent dream, and the picture of Jane bent across his bed with her perfect posterior positioned for punishment was still fresh in his mind. Cleaning himself up, he shivered as he scurried back to the bed and pulled the covers up to his chin. As the warmth of the blankets began to take away the chill, he let out a long yawn and stared up at the ceiling. The tantalizing dream and resulting climax had been a bizarre and unexpected turn of events, but then, the entire evening had been a bizarre and unexpected turn of events. Shifting to his side, he could feel the residual tingling through his limbs.
“When I walked out my door tonight, I didn’t expect to be anywhere but alone in my own bed,” he mumbled. “Unbelievable.”
But he wasn’t complaining. Though he felt sorry for Jane, it had been an extraordinary evening, and he couldn’t wait to see where it might lead.
By nature, Henry was an early riser, and though he’d slept past the time he usually opened his eyes, when he climbed out of bed and opened his door, he found the house was quiet. Jane wasn’t yet up. Moving into the bathroom, he took a shower and dressed, called his office and left a message that he’d be late, then headed into the kitchen and put the kettle on. The antique wooden tea caddy was sitting on the counter, and he set to work emptying the porcelain teapot and filling it with hot water from the tap to heat it up. The jug had just boiled when he heard a noise, and turning around he saw Jane standing in the doorway. She was dressed, but she didn’t look very happy.
“Hey, is the dizzy thing back?”
“It is,” she replied. “I woke up with it. Just my left side though.”
“Do you need me to turn your head while you lie on the floor?”
“If you don’t mind. It worked last night.”
“That’s why I’m here. Cam thought it would be back this morning.”
“It’s the worst feeling,” she mumbled as they moved into the living room. “I wish I knew how I got the dratted thing.”
“Unfortunately you’ll probably never will, and in the scheme of things, the how is irrelevant,” he declared. “You have it, now all you can do is deal with it. At least you were able to get help from your friend right away.”
“This is true,” she sighed. “I can’t imagine what it must be like for people who can’t get to a doctor right away. Okay, hold my arm, I’m going to get down.”
“Sit on the floor, then I’ll get behind you, hold your head and lower you back.”
“Thanks, Henry. I’m so glad you’re here.”
As he took hold of her and began to lower her down, Jane began darting her eyes around in the hope it would he
lp, and though she did feel giddy, the dizziness didn’t overwhelm her the way it had when she’d woken up. His hands felt strong and confident, and as he moved her head from side to side, she could feel the vertigo lessen each time, then it finally stopped altogether.
“Better?” he asked, helping her sit up.
“So much better,” she sighed. “Thank you. It’s such an odd thing. I’m definitely going to research it on the Internet today.”
They were inches apart, and looking into her soft, brown eyes, Henry could see her gratitude, but he could also see something else, and he could feel it as well. There was a pull between them, a compelling attraction, as though a magnet was drawing them together. It was as if he had no control over what was about to happen, and he couldn’t break away even if he’d wanted to, which he didn’t, not for all the answers to all the calculations in the world. He could feel his pulse ticking up and his heart beginning to pound. Her mouth was almost touching his, he could feel her breath, and heat was firing through his body. Suddenly his hand was curled into her hair, his lips were on hers, softly gliding, moving and feeling. His eyes were closed, but he didn’t remember closing them, and as his arms moved around her, pulling her into his body, he heard her softly moan.
“Henry,” she mumbled when they broke finally apart, “my gosh, Henry.”
Jane was dizzy, but not from her illness. Her head was swimming. His kiss had launched a thousand butterflies in the pit of her stomach, and she’d never wanted it to end. His lips had been tender, but demanding, soft, but devouring, she had felt the warm wetness flow between her legs, and when he’d taken her into his arms, her entire being had melted into him. It was a first. Never had she released herself to a man with such complete abandon, and she clung to him, strangely scared of the deep emotion sweeping through her heart, but thrilled to be feeling it.
“That was…” he mumbled, letting his voice trail off, the right words not materializing.
“Indescribable,” she whispered.
“Yes, indescribable.”
They sat just as they were, Jane nestled against him, her head against his chest, and his arms enveloping her. The ticking of the carriage clock seemed to fill the room, and finally he let out a long sigh.
Reforming Jane Page 5
