He sat on the bed and removed his cross trainers. He stood and dropped his shorts and shed his T-shirt. He flung back the covers and dropped face down into bed. The sheets smelled stale though he’d changed them before heading off to Paris.
When had he left? He couldn’t remember. Time meant nothing anyway. His head swam. Hard to believe since he’d drank only one beer.
After sharing two bottles with Delphine, he’d been wide awake. But that had been Montana, and Montana wasn’t Philadelphia.
Delphine.
Delphine.
He could feel her stiff nipples on his tongue, taste her mouth on his lips, feel her hands everywhere.
Dammit. The pain of losing her throbbed in his chest.
She promised a memory and he got it. But at what cost? Had he not given in to temptation, would the outcome be different? Would she have waited for him? Changed her mind and joined Hell Runners?
Only one way to find out. He’d changed her mind once before.
He could do it again.
Chapter Thirty-One
Hand gripping her shoulder hard, Delphine woke with a start. She squeezed her eyes tightly against the bright light and turned her face into the pillow.
“Zane? What is it?”
“Sorry, sweetie. Not Zane.” Though husky, the voice above her sounded distinctly feminine.
Disoriented and panicky, she flipped over. As her wonky vision cleared, the person bent over her came into focus.
Golden-brown hair spewed like a fountain of honey from a ponytail fastened on top of her head. Crystal blue eyes, liquid and full of concern, stared out from a lightly freckled heart-shaped face.
The petite spitfire Zane instructed to stand guard. Like Delphine had the strength or inclination to run off.
“Prudence? Right?” She rubbed her eyes.
“Yep.”
“Sorry. Thought I was in Montana at first.”
“Don’t blame you.” The half-sized sentinel, dressed in straight-legged blue jeans and a V-neck T-shirt, scurried over to the dresser and opened the top drawer. “Been to the Gideon ranch a few times myself. Damn near didn’t get on the plane to come home after the first trip. Want some water? No coffee today.”
“Water’s good,” she said, disappointed not to start out with her daily dose of caffeine and sweet cream. As a guest, she wouldn’t complain. “Didn’t realize it was morning already.” She wriggled into a half-sitting position, her head still swimmy with sleep.
“It’s not. Just after three a.m.”
“What?” That sense of panic returned full force, but her groggy state kept her down. “Why did you wake me?”
“A convergence of good planning and misfortune.” She’d finished rummaging through Delphine’s things and tossed a shirt, jeans, panties, and her new army jacket onto the bed. “Good news first. Both your mom and your grandmom are here. In the hospital downtown. Solange called me as soon as they got settled. That’s where we’re headed.” She pointed to the clothes. “You showered last night, so don’t do it now. Get dressed and stay woozy. It’ll be easier to drop into the deep meditative state needed for the soul tap.”
“Now? In the middle of the night?”
“That’s the misfortunate part, though I say it’s for the better.” She nudged Delphine’s legs aside and sat on the bed. “Savard’s landed in Philadelphia. I suspect he’s been in touch with Vipond and knows the plan. The Paris chancellor didn’t have the cojones or common sense to lie, so the smarmy SOB is on his way here. Everyone’s afraid he’ll track you down and kidnap you with the intention of—well, who the hell knows. I didn’t like the idea of him kidnapping you for forced drugging, but I understood it. Now there’s no point. So what the fuck? Why chase you down? You’ve agreed to help as much as you can until the Swift ordeal is done. Fini.”
“And you think it’s for the better because…”
“Because I get to prove I’m right.” She grinned, devilishly sweet. “From the start, I suggested you sleep at the hospital for the very reason I just gave you. More convenient and easier meditation when drowsy. We need to get this mission off the ground and everyone back where they belong.” She cocked her head to the side. “Isn’t that what you want?”
On autopilot, Delphine nodded, clearly hearing the elusive question that had nagged the back of her mind for two days.
Where did she belong?
“Why did you come home? From Montana?”
“’Cause that isn’t where I’m meant to be or the life I’m supposed to lead. I’ve always known who I am.”
“A Hell Runner?”
“Through and through.”
“And you’re not afraid?”
“Of course I am. Same way veteran actors still gets nervous before going out on stage. But I rely on my faith and years of solid training. Plus I’ve got common sense.”
“You never doubt? Never waiver.”
“My Jesse said something once that stuck with me. Nothing proves the existence of God like stone-cold evidence of evil.”
“Can’t say I agree. No, that’s not right. I think God exists, but he doesn’t care.” She pulled her legs up and tucked them under her. “He lets evil take us.”
“All of us have thought that at some point in our careers, but experience changes our minds.”
“What if you don’t have the experience but need it? Now.”
“I’ll tell you a joke. Well, to me it’s not a joke, it’s a parable. Either way.” She waved her hands and leaned toward Delphine. “There’s a story of a man trapped in a flood whose faith in God is unshakeable. He sits on the roof of his house surrounded by water with the rain pouring down around him. A boat pulls up, and the people offer to take him to safety. He declines and says he’s been praying and knows God will save him. Two more boats arrive,” she held up two fingers, “with offers of help, and he gives them the same line. All the while it rains and the water climbs higher.
“Finally, the water breaches the roof, he falls in and drowns. In Heaven, he meets God, and instead of being glad he’s in Heaven, he complains. He flat out asks why God didn’t save him. Why did God let him drown? God replies, ‘You idiot. I sent you three boats.’ That’s us. That’s Hell Runners.” Prudence balanced on one hand and reached out with the other. With the gentlest of touches, she poked Swift’s pendant into Delphine’s breastbone. “We’re the boats. For other souls and for each other.”
She stood. “Think about it and get dressed.” At the doorway, she turned back. “And while you’re at it, think about the man that gave you that pendant. He’s a Hell Runner through and through too. You’re wearing a piece of his heart.”
»»•««
Not as sleepy as she ought to be, according to Prudence, Delphine followed her fast-walking companion in a slow lope down the hospital corridor. She’d never been in any hospital after hours, and the dim lighting surprised her. For some reason, Delphine thought every light in a hospital should be lit like a beacon twenty-four hours a day. Light represented life and people and safety.
They stopped outside a double door, familiar to Delphine even if she’d never visited this particular hospital.
Psych wing. No entry without being buzzed in.
“Give me a minute,” Prudence said while punching buttons on her cell. Apparently, she’d texted someone on the inside? Mamie?
A buzzer sounded, and the doors automatically began their slow swing inward.
Without waiting for full access, Prudence bullied the doors wider with both hands and scurried inside. Despite her petite and sweet appearance, the woman possessed a determined countenance no man or demon should cross.
Delphine followed, catching up as they passed the glass-enclosed nurse’s station. No one inside. Paid off to disappear, or were the patients neglected? No time to ponder, Prudence kept her moving and filled the silence with her whiskey whispers.
“Zane said to follow the hall on the right all the way to the end.”
“He’s her
e?” A ribbon of joy shot through her and her heart thumped. Until she’d spent the night alone in bed, she’d not realized how much she missed him.
“Of course he’s here.” While she walked, Prudence’s head bobbed, and her eyes darted as if logging in every detail. Her sights cut to Delphine. “He promised to be with you, and Zane Gideon never, ever breaks a promise.” Her sights roamed again, and they turned the corner. “Damn. Why do doctors believe a sterile environment is going to heal minds?”
“A sick mind doesn’t know the difference,” Delphine said. “Doesn’t miss home. Doesn’t—” Her voice shut down. Maybe her heart did too, until it began to hammer.
Zane stood at the very end of the hallway, waiting for them. Waiting for her. Every bit the cowboy she’d met at the Museé Rodin, he’d donned a hat and dressed in comfortable jeans, boots, and a plaid snap-front shirt.
Unconsciously, she brushed her hand over the lump of metal hidden underneath her clothes and thought about what Prudence said.
A piece of his heart.
She’d been too hard on him.
Because life had been too hard on her.
“Hey.” His low voice incited a flash of emotion she’d tried to ignore since boarding the plane. “This isn’t what I had in mind, but—”
“I know. Prudence said it was all her idea. She’s willing to take the blame.”
“Credit,” her petite keeper corrected. “I’m taking the credit. I’d go with you if it would do any good. I can burn demons with holy water sweat, but not in the metaphysical sense. I gotta be whole. Where’s Jess?” she asked Zane.
“I told him to head on home. You should go too. You haven’t been back from Paris more than a few hours either. Get some sleep. If by any chance we need your help to talk with Niall, we’ll give you a call.”
“Perfect, Big Sky.” She punched his arm. “Take care of my girl.”
“Don’t worry.” His gaze drifted over Prudence’s head and caught her staring at him. Her heart tripped when his deep blues latched onto hers. “I always will.”
»»•««
Savard took his charge card from the registration clerk. “I need a wake-up call at nine a.m., not a minute later.”
“Yes, sir.” The young man with the shaved head and unkempt goatee pounded the keyboard. Though he smelled of expensive cologne and possessed a movie star bone structure, the boy’s oversized suit jacket drooped off his shoulders. Probably couldn’t afford one that fit and wore this one only when guests checked in, a rarity at this time of night, even in mid-town Philadelphia.
“For breakfast, I want egg whites, fresh cut tomatoes, dry toast, and a pot of coffee. Have room service deliver it by nine twenty sharp.”
The boy pounded faster and frowned.
“Also, arrange for a car service to pick me up at nine forty-five. Do you have all of that?”
The handsome youth mumbled.
“I beg your pardon. Do I need to repeat?”
He looked up and met Savard’s gaze with cool green eyes. Unnatural with his caramel complexion, but striking. Colored contacts. The vanity of youth. Or looking to attain something he wasn’t born to own on the strength of his good looks.
“No. I got it.” He slapped a card on the marble counter. “Your keycard, sir.” He pointed to the brass elevator Savard passed on his way in, as if he’d not seen it. “Fifth floor. Enjoy your stay.”
Enjoy? He might, if all went as planned. Savard turned on his heel and dragged his wheeled bag over the polished floor. The elevator door opened as soon as he depressed the button. He boarded the art deco knockoff and used a digital keypad to indicate his floor number.
As the car slid up the shaft, he relaxed back against the mirrored wall and considered how foolish the Americans behaved. How they prolonged the inevitable by indulging in self-serving pride.
But that should play to his advantage. By now, the cowboy would be weary of coddling the oracle. Of protecting her without getting any cooperation in return.
Her mother had been stubborn too. Stubborn and weak and easily seduced. No doubt the cowboy had been successful getting her into his bed. Like mother like daughter. Unworthy of the bloodline they’d inherited.
No matter. He’d brought the serum. Soon enough he’d take control, and then he’d not only locate Swift—he’d assume control of the Philadelphia office.
»»•««
Frozen on the threshold of the doorway, Delphine stared at her mother lying in the hospital bed. Eyes closed, she wore a pretty white nightgown with lace trim, and her long black hair fanned out over the thin pillow. Still beautiful despite needing some weight on her and some color in her cheeks. Borderline gothic, she appeared more laid out than asleep. A thought that stabbed deep into Delphine’s heart.
Movement from her peripheral caught her attention. Mamie sat quietly in a chair, hair perfectly coiffed and decked out in full Mamie attire—bright blue suit, bright pink lipstick, dull black orthopedic shoes. She greeted Delphine with a smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes.
“Don’t look so troubled, child. She’s sedated.”
Delphine blew out a mountain of emotion on an exhale. “Somehow I thought she’d be awake. Would say hello at least.”
Mamie waved her in. “Say hello during that thing you’re going to do. She’ll be more receptive there.” She wobbled her head in that non-committal way some people have and lifted one plucked eyebrow. “We hope, anyway.”
“More receptive.” Delphine didn’t need lengthy explanations to imagine the fight her mother put up. Stubborn, even when she’d been happy, there’d have been no avoiding administering sedatives. But Delphine couldn’t help feeling villainous. “Like Savard wanted to do to me.”
“Entirely different.” Zane appeared beside her. He clasped her fingers with one hand and placed his other hand on the foot of the hospital bed, a symbolic bridge of what they had planned. “You’re going to rescue your mother. Savard wanted to use you. And for God knows how long.”
Mamie flashed her brilliant smile, a smear of lipstick on her front teeth. “Once she’s free, Gabrielle will be thrilled to see you. By this time tomorrow, you’ll be free too.” Her grandmother exchanged a glance with Zane. “Mr. Gideon promised, and he always keeps his promises.”
“Funny.” She chanced a glance his direction. “I’ve heard that before.” His sincere stare melted her resolve to keep her distance, and she moved closer to him, wishing they had time for coffee and a long talk.
“Then it must be true.” Mamie got to her feet, easier than she’d seen her rise in weeks. “If you don’t mind, I’m taking a stroll.” She winked at Zane without shame. “When I return, I expect everything to be right as rain.”
“That’s the plan, ma’am.” Zane removed his hat and stepped out of the way.
“It’s a good plan. And I’ll leave you to it.” She disappeared into the shadowed hallway, taking Delphine’s sense of security with her.
Alone with Zane and her zombie-fied mom, her nerves kicked in.
He must have felt the bolt of a shiver as it coursed down her back. Still holding her hand, he wrapped his other arm around her shoulders. “You’re going to be okay.”
“I’m not worried about me.” She tilted her head to search his face, for what she didn’t know. “How on earth am I going to penetrate her consciousness? For years, she’s shut me out. Now I have to reach into her brain?” She shook her head and stepped away from him, hugging her body with her arms. “I can’t imagine—”
“Imagine is exactly what you need to do. Or rather, believe.” He tilted his head to the side and studied her from where he stood. “I did it to you, inciting the dream rake. All because I believed you needed…wanted me with you.”
“But she doesn’t want me.”
He crossed to her and took both her hands in his. The gaze projected by his big blues seemed to caress as much as see. “The mouth can say one thing, while the heart feels another.”
Unsure if his
words contained double meaning, she averted her gaze. She couldn’t think about that now. Couldn’t think about their relationship. Her mom was priority number one.
Her gaze drifted over the sterile room. What a cold and miserable place for a family reunion. Bottles of water lined the dresser sitting under a single, barred window. No closet. No fake wood tables. No pictures on the wall. No color to break up all that dingy decor.
Prudence was right. This was the wrong atmosphere for mental healing.
Two reclining chairs, or what passed for one in hospitals, sat on the far side of her mother’s bed.
“Guess we’re supposed to sit there?” Dumb question, but what else could she say? She inhaled and started toward the spot where’d she disappear into her mother’s thoughts.
Zane snagged her by the upper arm, gently yet firmly. “Before we get started, I need to clear the air.”
“You don’t need to—”
“I do.”
“No. You don’t.” She pulled the pendant free of her collar and held it up. “You’re a Hell Runner. Heart and soul. Today I am too.” She tugged at her collar and dropped the pendant back into place, letting it fall between her breasts. “That’s all we need to know right now.”
“Delphine.” He beseeched her with more than the tone of his voice. Those eyes, the color of the Montana sky and the lake at his front door, exuded emotion she couldn’t read and didn’t dare.
“It’s all I can handle right now.” She couldn’t bear to hear anything that contradicted what Prudence told her. As far as Delphine was concerned, she held a piece of his heart next to hers. If it turned out to be untrue, she’d never be able to deal with the soul tap. “We’ll talk later. I promise. And I don’t break my promises either.”
He bit his bottom lip, clearly not happy with her statement. At last he nodded agreement. “Fine. We’ll do it your way.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Dream Breakers, Oath Takers Page 25
