Together in Darkness

by Sloan McBride

  "Possibly."

  He seated himself in the chair across from her. “I'm sure you can understand my skepticism."

  "All too well."

  "So, what can you tell us, Ms. Brody?"

  She clasped her hands in her lap. “I've only psychically connected with him a couple of times, but I sense a lot of rage and hatred in him. It's revenge he seeks."

  "Revenge?"

  "Yes."

  "How can you be so sure?"

  "I can't explain it other than to say I feel a sadness that seems to drive his rage and that in turn fuels his actions. He's very meticulous in his preparation."

  "His preparation? How so?"

  "A certain type.” She worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “The victims all look alike, don't they?"

  Lancaster looked at Jake who confirmed the answer with a nod.

  "It's her he kills. The one who hurt him, but...."

  Anticipation lingered in the room as they waited for the rest of her statement. She concentrated on something unseen by anyone else, then said, “He wants you there every step of the way.” Her comment was directed at Jake.

  Carmichael's eyes never left Allison's face. “Why does he want Jake along?"

  Allison shook her head. “I don't know. At this point, I'd just be guessing but most of what he does is directed and orchestrated to include him."

  Jake stared at her with steely eyes, revealing nothing of his thoughts or feelings. Her voice, smooth like cream, had a melody and rhythm that gave the telling a story-like quality. Dark smudges of exhaustion lay under eyes so pale and large they looked haunted. Could she really be linked with The Surgeon? If she experienced his madness, surely she, too, would go insane. Just another in a long line of reasons to catch The Surgeon before he killed again.

  "Ms. Brody,” Peter continued, “We have discussed the sudden changes in this case and the now unpredictability of The Surgeon's actions. Your name keeps popping up."

  "I assume that's why you called me down here, Agent Carmichael. Why don't you just get to it?"

  Jake admired her spirit and tenacity. That could change rapidly in the next few minutes.

  "It's the concurrence of all involved, and based on the most recent developments, that your life is in danger. We would like to place you under heavy guard."

  "No, thank you."

  Jake stood and walked to the window. Recently fallen leaves blew carelessly around the building. At first, he spoke quietly. “He broke into your house, Allison. Anything could have happened."

  "I sort of knew he was there. I guess on a subconscious level. I dreamed that we were dancing. It's what he wanted."

  "He has taken us to a new dangerous level."

  "But he won't kill me, at least not yet.” She rose in fluid motion from the chair.

  "You don't know that for sure.” Jake pictured rivers of blood and Allison's features sheet white and still in death.

  "I know more than you can possibly imagine.” She gently prodded him with her mind, but found it closed like a steel trap.

  He spun around, intent on making her see reason and flinched at the vulnerability in her eyes. In the light her skin held a luster of freshness and looked smooth and soft. He'd bet his fingers would feel just that if he caressed her cheek. Though Jake wanted to devour her right there in the police station, on the conference table, he wouldn't. Not only because there were other people in the room, but because he had a job to do.

  Unconsciously they had moved closer to each other. Jake stared at Allison, and she at him. Peter Carmichael coughed politely, reminding them they had an audience.

  Allison turned, wrapped her arms around her waist. “While I understand you're just trying to do what you think is best, I have a job where people depend on me, and even a guard can't stop what I see."

  "We'd take precautions,” Margo offered.

  Allison's winsome smile lacked the brightness Jake had seen a time or two. “I'm sure you would.” Her smile faded. “For some reason, I am connected to this killer. He's said some things that lead me to believe we've met before."

  "Met?” Peter said. “You've seen his face?"

  Rubbing her hands up and down her arms, she walked around the table in the middle of the room, careful not to touch anything. “I'm not sure. I've been blocking my abilities for a long time. I attend the charity ball, work at the festival, and a couple of things for the church. I suppose our paths could have crossed at one of those functions."

  Jake knew Allison believed what she said. It took everything he had to not capture her in his arms. He was so engrossed in his thoughts, Jake didn't see the knowing looks that passed between his colleagues. “I don't believe you're linked to him."

  "Your mind is closed to the possibility."

  "Wait,” Margo said. “What do you mean you've been blocking your abilities?"

  Allison faced Peter Carmichael. “There is a predestined course and my path leads to The Surgeon.” Turning so she encompassed the rest of the group she said, “In trying to deny this destiny, I came close to dying.” Her voice softened. “Believe me, I'm not happy about it, but I won't turn from this anymore. I can't allow myself in good conscience to walk away when he will kill again. That's all I can give you. I'm sorry, I need to go.” Hesitating when she opened the door she said, “You know where to find me."

  Lancaster strolled toward Jake. “Well that went well,” he said with a hint of laughter in his voice.

  "It looks like kidnapping is my option,” Jake mumbled.

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  CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

  It was late in the day and the sun rested on a pillow of clouds, slowly descending to allow the moon to take its place in the night sky. Allison came down the darkened stairway and turned toward the front door when someone grabbed her from behind. She tried to scream, but he covered her mouth with his hand before the scream escaped. The killer had managed to get into her house again, even with the officers standing guard.

  "Don't scream. I'm not going to hurt you."

  The caliber of his voice and eerie tone, although familiar, made her quiver. His warm breath caressed her skin and an undercurrent of sexual hunger heated her body. She nodded and he removed his hand from her mouth.

  It felt so good in his arms and she fought to keep from leaning back against his chest. Confused, she held her breath.

  "You are a stubborn, willful woman."

  The man spun her around, holding on to her arms. When she opened her eyes, Jake was standing there.

  Her breath whooshed out and she shoved him with both hands. “Are you crazy? You almost gave me a heart attack."

  "You should be scared as hell and do what we asked. Let us take you into protective custody."

  She roared her frustration and stomped away from him. At just that moment, the doorbell rang.

  "If it's one of the officers,” she threw over her shoulder. “I'm going to have you arrested for trespassing."

  Paul Kincaid stood on her doorstep with his perfect smile in place. “Hello, Paul."

  "Allison, are you okay? You're all flushed and your face is kind of red."

  "I'm fine.” She turned around but Jake was not anywhere in sight.

  Paul latched onto her elbow and maneuvered her into the living room. “I want to check your vitals."

  He sat her down on the couch to take her pulse and pulled the blood pressure cuff out of the small bag he'd brought with him.

  "Your pulse is erratic and your blood pressure is up. I'm not pleased with these readings."

  "You show up out of nowhere, of course I'm upset. That's gonna raise my blood pressure.” The fact that Jake had just scared the shit out of her didn't help either, but she wouldn't tell Paul that.

  "The way you've been popping pills and not sleeping, I think you're headed for a nervous breakdown. I want you in the hospital for observation."

  "No."

  "Allison."

  "Please go."

  "Fine. I
'm calling Nick to discuss my theories with him."

  "You do that."

  "I'll be back tomorrow."

  Allison didn't see him to the door. Her life was much less complicated when there were no other men besides Nick involved. How did everything get so screwed up?

  The day had exhausted Allison. Practice exercises with Yanni, along with the recent encounters with Jake and Paul had zapped her strength. Her body pulsed at just the thought of Jake and the way he held her even in anger. This was wrong on so many levels.

  Allison lingered in the hot shower, willing her muscles, one by one, to release the tension. After what seemed like hours, she shut off the jets and stepped out to dry off.

  Later, she lay in bed embracing the darkness, awaiting Luna and her magical rejuvenating powers. Drifting into sleep, unfamiliar sensations danced on the edge of her consciousness. Misty walks through a moonlit maze of deception unsure of which path to choose. She picked the one on the right and cautiously moved forward. From somewhere within she heard laughter. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder where you are.

  "Who's there?"

  "I think you know, Allison."

  "Where are you?"

  "Come find me." A whisper caressed her ear, sending the same chill over her skin.

  "Jake?" Allison continued on the trail she'd chosen. It wound right, then left, then right again, but still no end in sight. Roses are red, violets are blue if I win the game my prize is you.

  Not Jake. "You won't get me this way." Her voice raised but she didn't scream. It wouldn't do for her to reveal how much he scared her.

  * * * *

  Jake had run back to his car when Kincaid showed up at Allison's house. He sped toward town.

  "You're going to what?"

  "Kidnap her, Linc. Are you listening?"

  "Yes, I'm listening. I just wasn't sure I heard you right. Are you insane? That's it. You've gone over the edge. Oh Lord, I knew this was coming. I should have...."

  "Are you done?"

  "Sorry."

  "How's the atmosphere there?"

  "Carmichael is keeping Caprizzi updated, which has calmed him down a little, but I wouldn't be looking for special consideration when you get back."

  "No, I won't,” Jake replied, his tone reflecting the graveness of his situation.

  "Where are you gonna take her?"

  "A safe house. I'll contact you later."

  It was late when Jake and Zachariah Quincy sat in a booth at Cameron's Restaurant. “We can be done and I'll be on my way before Peter even knows, Zach."

  "You've lost your mind,” Quincy said. He stirred his coffee and reached across the table to grab the sugar.

  "He's broken into her house, bugged it, and been close enough to touch her. I won't let anything happen to her."

  "I don't like it, Jake. Going behind Peter's back is not good."

  The waitress brought the bill and carried away the dishes.

  "It's the only way. She's won't allow us to protect her. It's as if she wants him to be able to get to her, but that makes no sense. Peter did say both of us should disappear."

  "And for good reason, but I'm not sure kidnapping is what he had in mind."

  Jake frowned. “I'm open to options."

  Quincy massaged his temples then mumbled, “Everything tells me not to let you do this. But, damn it, I know you'll do it anyway. I won't let you do it alone. A voice of reason is definitely needed here."

  A grim smile grazed Jake's face. “I figured you'd say that.” Jake slapped Quincy on the shoulder companionably. “I need to go make some arrangements. See ya later."

  Quincy laughed. “I wouldn't miss this for the world. I'm sure I'll be telling this story again and again."

  * * * *

  In the dark, Jake's mind played over recent events, and her. Even now, her fragrance lingered as if she'd just brushed past him. “Damn. What are you doing to me? This won't be good for either of us.” Her strength and conviction were commendable and he respected her position. Matter of fact, he could think of numerous positions he'd like to have her in, beneath him, straddling him. He longed to see what deep color her eyes turned with passion simmering in them. Jake's lips itched to taste her until she cried out in pleasure.

  He shifted to his side. His mind reeled, conjuring every reason why Allison Brody was a bad idea. All sensible, sane thinking went out the window, want and desire took over. “Control is the key to being able to handle this."

  Finally, he shut his eyes to clear his mind. Slow steady breaths, calm, regulated. Seconds passed, then minutes before his body and mind were in a peaceful state, but it didn't last long. He had work to do.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

  The sun had not yet crested the horizon when Jake and Quincy entered the Brody house. Making no sound, the two crept up the stairwell to the second floor and Allison's bedroom.

  Quincy's job was to grab enough of Allison's clothes for at least one week, and Jake's was to handle Allison. Handling Allison had pleasant aspects but no doubt, this wouldn't be one of those times. Jake, as quietly as possible, pushed the door open all the way and sneaked inside. He stood for a moment looking at Allison, thinking how radiantly she glowed in the moonlight and longing to run the back of his hand along her jaw. Sleeping Beauty.

  When Quincy gave him a thumbs up, Jake took hold of the blankets and threw them over Allison's head, while tossing her over his shoulder. They moved quickly, back the way they'd come, waving at the surveillance team who'd already been given instructions.

  Working together, they managed to get back to the four-wheel drive vehicle without incident. While Quincy drove away, Jake sat in the backseat unwrapping Allison from the bundle of blankets.

  When she at last broke free from the confines of the unwelcome ruse, Allison growled loudly while adjusting her gown. Her dark hair tousled, cheeks flushed, and lips moist, Jake thought she'd never looked more beautiful. The fiery eyes, however, warned of an unpleasant tongue thrashing. “Allison,” he began, but before he could get another word out, she slapped him hard across the face.

  "Ow, that had to hurt.” Quincy commented, doing everything he could to keep from laughing.

  When Allison sneered at him, he focused his attention back on the road.

  "Do you want to explain what the hell you're doing?"

  "I was trying to explain when you slapped me.” Jake answered through clenched teeth, still rubbing his cheek.

  "What were you thinking?"

  "I made a judgment call, to keep you safe."

  "You're not my keeper."

  "Don't remind me,” Jake growled. “You can make this easy or difficult. Your choice. I'd prefer easy."

  "Me, too,” Quincy chimed in, which resulted in two pairs of furious eyes turning on him with heated glares.

  "Where are you taking me?"

  "I'll keep the location to myself for the time being."

  Allison curled herself against the door, pulling the blanket close, and keeping as much distance between them as possible. Jake considered whether he'd made the right decision. Why was he so attracted to her?

  Dawn broke and Allison sat up, staring out the window. She hadn't spoken for more than an hour.

  "Are you hungry?” he asked.

  "Yes,” Allison answered roughly.

  "Zach, the restaurant should be about two miles up the road. We can get some food before you shove off."

  Quincy nodded.

  "I can't go into a restaurant,” Allison voiced. “I'm still in my nightgown."

  Jake warmed a little at her desperation, gently brushing his hand across her shoulder moving a strand of her silky hair. “Don't worry, we brought clothes for you. You can change before we go in."

  A slight dimple formed when the corner of her mouth curved up. Those deep brown eyes looked on him, not with malice, but with awareness. Still early, there were no traffic sounds only the steady murmur of the road. A nice chang
e from the fast paced, hectic life they'd both been living.

  "Hey, is this going to be a sit-down meal?” Quincy asked.

  "Uh ... yeah, why not?"

  "Stellar. I'm starved."

  They arrived at Lucille's Diner where Jake had left his SUV the day before. He handed Allison the bag that her clothes were in and then held the blankets up so she could change. She fussed with her hair a little, slid on her shoes, and took a deep breath.

  Her heart hammered as she walked next to Jake toward the restaurant. A strong need had her reaching for his hand and linking fingers. A gaze of emerald fire and raw hunger turned on her. He squeezed her fingers and brought them to the lips that were generally a thin line when he was around her. When they touched her skin, she held back a moan.

  They were lead to a table and Jake excused himself to go call Linc. Allison leaned back, her hands folded neatly in her lap, watching Zachariah Quincy, who kept himself busy positioning silverware, the menu, doing just about anything to keep from looking at her.

  "I'm not going to bite your head off Agent Quincy. I know this was his idea. It's the way his mind works."

  Quincy grinned deviously. “I did help plan some of it."

  "That's because you're his friend and you wouldn't let him do it alone. And he would have."

  "I know. He cares about you, a lot. He doesn't want you hurt. He can't let that happen."

  "He wants to catch the killer. It has nothing to do with me."

  "You're wrong.” His eyes were earnest, but his tone was soft. “It's much more.” He played with a napkin, making it into an animal figure. “I never thought I'd see the day.” Quincy looked at Allison, sincerity plain on his features. “He's in love with you."

  The L-word. That's one she'd been avoiding.

  "I can see it in his eyes every time he looks at you. Believe it, Ms. Brody."

  Jake scowled as he slid into the booth next to Allison. Zach and Allison were smiling at each other and she fingered a small napkin animal. Jake imagined those fingers caressing him, and with furrowed brows, he stared a warning at Quincy.

  Quincy grabbed the menu. “So what shall we have, something heavy and greasy or something light?"