by Dawn Kirby
He shot me a bone chilling glance and grabbed Deana by the elbow, dragging her around the side of the restaurant. I heard two car doors slam shut and an engine turn over. Tires squealed as he sped out of the parking lot, totally unseen by us.
“One of these days he’s gonna push that thing too far,” Drew said. She shook her head and took a drag off her dwindling cigarette. “It’s barely holding together as it is.”
“What do you mean? It sounds fine to me.”
“The motor sounds good, but the rest is liable to fall apart at any minute. I’m all for old cars, but geez,” she said, shaking her head. “Did you hear him say anything else before they drove off?”
“No, but he was so hot we could have roasted marshmallows on him.”
“We’ll have to try that next time,” she smiled. “Love the new name by the way.”
We both looked at each other and then started laughing again. Tears rolled down our faces. The laughter was nothing more than a release of nervous energy, but it felt great. By the time we calmed down we were both holdings our ribs.
“You did better than I would have,” she said, catching her breath. “I would have said flowers or rocks. Something lame like that.”
“It might be a good idea to lay off the cigarettes for awhile. That’s a nasty cough you’ve got,” I said. I smiled sweetly and patted her on shoulder. “I thought you were gonna choke to death.”
“Yeah, I could tell you were really concerned. That slap on the back was totally sincere. I might even have a few bruises to prove it.” She was trying to look hurt, but the huge smile on her face ruined it.
“My best friend was gasping for air,” I said innocently. “What would you have done?”
“Slapped harder.” She started laughing all over again. “Maybe you should come over to my house until Mia gets home.”
“Thanks, but if they are following me, I really don’t want them to know where you live,” I said. “Especially since I still don’t know what’s going on.”
“Well, babe, the offer’s open if you need it. I’ve got to go make sure I have an apartment left,” she said with a sigh. “Rufus goes nuts if I’m gone too long. Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“Consider the deadbolt locked,” I assured her. Until this mess was over, it would stay that way.
She gave me a hug before she left and hurried off to her car. When I knew she was safely inside, I headed towards mine. This time there were no strange sensations making me feel uneasy. I heard all the right noises and smelled all the right smells. It could still turn out to be a good night, right?
Halfway to the car my cell phone rang. I hit the answer button and held the phone to my ear.
“Leah, are you gonna be home soon?” Mom asked quickly. “Hello to you, too,” I said sarcastically. “I’m on my way home now. What’s up?”
“David’s coming by later. Would you mind letting him in?”
“Sure. Are y’all going out again?” I asked, hoping I sounded as normal as possible.
“No baby, we need to talk to you about a few things,” she explained. “Promise me when we do, you’ll keep an open mind. We’ll never get through this if you don’t.”
“I promise. Mom, what is this all about?” It was a long shot, but I hoped she’d give me something.
“You know what it’s about, Leah,” she said patiently. “Listen. We’ll talk later. I’ve gotta go, a car just pulled in. I love you, sweetie.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
I stuffed my phone back into my pocket and headed to my car. My stomach lurched into my throat when I noticed a neatly folded note clipped under my wiper blade. This couldn’t possibly be good. I scanned the parking lot looking for some sign of life. Maybe whoever put it here was still lurking in the shadows somewhere, waiting. My ears strained to hear even the smallest of sounds. Nothing. I plucked the note off my windshield and hurried into my car.
As soon as I was inside and the doors locked, I opened up the thick piece of paper. Whoever wrote it had beautiful handwriting. It looked like a type of ancient calligraphy. The beautifully written message scared me more than JD’s temper ever could.
“Dearest,
“I have only recently learned of the extraordinary circumstances which led to your birth. There is very little doubt others will soon find out. Rest assured, I will have you first.”
Several minutes passed before I could think straight. My heart pounded. Every single part of my body quaked. It was the first time in my life I’ve ever felt real danger. JD was mean. Whoever wrote this was more.
I never thought words written on a piece of paper could be so effective. I was used to seeing and smelling people. That’s what I relied on. Against words, all my senses were useless. This short, seemingly harmless note held more danger in it than any haze or smell ever has.
Before I could completely regain my bearings my phone rang again.
“Hello?” I said, barely recognizing my own voice.
“Good evening, dearest,” a cold unfamiliar voice said politely. “I hope I have found you well?”
New chills ran up and down my spine. His deep voice made my blood run cold. I wanted to hang up the phone, but couldn’t. It wasn’t curiosity keeping on the phone. I didn’t care what the man had to say. It was the paralyzing fear I felt the second he opened his mouth.
“I’m fine, thank you,” I said dryly.
“May I assume you have received my letter?” His voice stayed cool and polite, as if he were conducting a business transaction.
“You may,” I answered.
“Very good,” he said pleased. “Dearest, I must ask you, what is your given name?”
Again with the name! I decided it would be best to stick with the one I’d given Deana. If the two compared notes at least their information would be consistent.
“Leah Stone,” I answered.
“Please do not lie to me. I fear you will only make things far more difficult for yourself,” he warned. “I know who you are. Perhaps I should remind you?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” I told him.
“Then, Miss Phillips, we are on the same page,” he said. Dread filled me to the core. “I know who your father is. I know you live in Mia’s home. Work in her store. You also hold a degree in business. And if my source is correct, you hold one in accounting also. Tell me, dearest, how much did your parents pay for your car?” He began to chuckle, knowing with my silence, he had the truth. “I see I now have your attention.”
“What do you want with me?”
“I simply want you,” he replied.
“Why?”
“Because, my dear, thanks to your father you are one of a kind.”
“My father? How—”
“Do you not know who the man is?” he asked, sounding genuinely surprised.
“How could I? He was killed before I was born,” I said incredulously. He hit a nerve I never knew was there. I could talk to Mom and Drew about him, but not this man. “Your source should have told you that, too.”
“Forgive me, dearest. I was under the impression that you knew why your life is in such a precarious state.” Surprisingly his apology sounded sincere. “I will allow you one more night to learn the truth. You will arrive home safely tonight, but I cannot predict what will happen after that.”
A response from me wasn’t necessary. He hung up. I checked the caller ID hoping for a name, but it showed a blocked call. The man knew my name but hadn’t given me his. He knew so much more than my name. He knew who I was and where to find me.
I drove home as fast as I could. If he was allowing me to get home safely tonight, I was going to get there in a hurry. Once there, I locked up my car and ran for the door. Inside the house, I made sure every door and window was locked tightly. All the shades were drawn so no one could see inside the house. Even with the kitchen light on, I didn’t feel any safer.
Chapter Five
A knock at the front door jolted me awake. I was so s
tartled I nearly fell off the couch. I untangled my legs from the blanket and listened for a heartbeat, but was met with silence. The knock came again. Still, I couldn’t hear anything. I felt stupid when I looked at the clock. It was a little before eleven. It had to be David.
I opened the door and was greeted with a warm smile and the pleasant scent of sandalwood. Instead of the fancy attire of the previous night, David wore a worn pair of jeans and an old green t-shirt. I smiled and stepped aside so he could come in, but he didn’t make a move.
“Mia is expecting me, may I come in?”
“Sure, but only this once,” I kidded. “Want some of coffee?”
“Only if you’re having some, too,” he said pleasantly. “Don’t go through any trouble for me.”
“Trust me, it’s no trouble.” I needed a cup just to stay awake. Turns out fear can be very exhausting. “Feeling better?” I asked noticing his face had a bit more color in it than before.
“Excuse me?” he said, cocking his head to the side. He pushed the door shut and engaged the deadbolt.
“Your cold? After what you said about being sick last night and as pale as you were, I just assumed.”
“Oh yes,” he said. “I’m feeling much better.”
While I started the coffee, David wandered into the living room. He stood there silently, looking at the pictures on the wall. Mom had made it a point to carry a camera no matter what the occasion. From birth to graduation, every moment of my life, important or not was hanging on that wall.
“I have missed so much,” he whispered.
His words stunned me, but the loneliness I heard in his voice made me want to cry. Had he avoided living any kind of life all these years? Was he simply content to spend one night a year with my mother?
“David? Does Mom know?”
He came back to the kitchen and sat down. I turned around to face him. Hopefully my question hadn’t crossed a line. It had honestly just slipped out.
“That I love her?” he asked. I nodded, grateful that he didn’t seem upset. “Yes. She knows. She’s always known.”
“Then why aren’t you with her? She may not admit it, but I know she loves you too. I can see it.” I sighed when I saw the same patient smile on his face as the one I usually see on my mother’s. “Is it me? Does she think I can’t deal with it?”
“No, Leah, it’s not you. But it’s not that simple either,” he said. His sandalwood scent vanished. “I wish like hell it was.”
“Is it my dad?” I asked. I had been told they were close friends for years before he disappeared.
“In part,” he answered, curtly nodding his head. “But like I said before, it’s complicated.”
“Explain it to me then,” I pushed. Patience at this point was running thin.
“I will,” he said, looking past me and out window. “Just not right now. This is something you need to hear from both of us.”
“Never mind. I got the same excuse from Mom,” I said trying to keep the irritation out of my voice. “You know, tag teaming me isn’t gonna make whatever y’all have to say any easier.” I pulled out two cups and poured us both a cup of coffee. “How do you take it?”
“Black,” he told me. “What about you?”
I slid his cup across the table and sat down across from him. “Definitely black.”
Without thinking, I took a big drink right there in front of him. It felt so good I leaned my head back a little, savoring the heat as it worked its way down my throat.
“I hope you don’t do that in front of your mother,” David said, cocking up on eyebrow.
“Please don’t say anything. She’ll flip out,” I pleaded. It was too late to pretend it burned my throat. He’d already seen the heat didn’t bother me. “I really don’t think she’d be okay with this one.”
He winked at me. “You’d be surprised,” he said, smiling playfully. Then he took a big drink of his own. “But your secret is safe with me.”
“Oh. It doesn’t hurt your throat either, does it?”
“Nope, not at all. The heat feels good.” His playful smile faded. “It’s nice to have a reminder.”
“Of what?” I asked.
“That I’m still alive,” he said dryly. David got up to refill his cup and poured a little more in mine before replacing the carafe. After looking out the window a second time, he leaned against the counter and narrowed his eyes at me. “Mia said you were approached after we left last night. You’re sure you don’t know them?”
“Until last night I’ve never laid eyes on them before,” I told him. “But I’ve seen more of them today than I care to.”
“I was afraid you might. The man’s name is JD correct?” When I nodded, he continued. “Have you heard the woman’s name yet?”
“It’s Deana.”
“What is JD like?”
“Other than a hot head, you mean?” He nodded. “He’s dangerous. Honestly, he scares me. It’s weird though. As much as he wanted to do something to me tonight, he couldn’t.”
“What makes you say that?” He glanced out the window again and then back at me.
I pulled the note out of my purse and handed it to him. “This was left on my car after we ran into them at Chili’s earlier.”
“We?”
“Drew and I. The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that he put it there.”
As he read the note his eyes began to light up ominously. He knew danger when he saw it. Instead of fear like me, he was angry. His eyes were full of bright green embers by the time he finished reading it.
“Have there been anymore?” he asked.
“Not notes, but after I got that a man called. I’m not sure how he got my number, but he already knows who I am. That’s not all. He knows where we live. The man even knew Mom had given me that car. And then,” I hesitated. After a deep breath I finished, “Then he asked about my dad.”
The light in his eyes instantly went out. He fell heavily back into his chair. The scent of sandalwood came and went so many times I couldn’t be sure which emotion he felt the strongest. For what felt like an eternity he just sat there, his head in his trembling hands, hurting.
“What did you say?”
“The truth,” I answered. And then everything came together.
David’s love for my mom was as pure as it was obvious. Mom’s feelings for him were the same, but she was determined to keep them hidden from me. She said her heart belonged to one man and one man only. I was sure I met that man last night. Hadn’t I seen the proof when the white haze appeared around her?
Then there was this secret. Last night they’d talked as if they’ve been waiting for something terrible to happen for years. The two of them were able to sit back and discuss the situation without ever giving away a single detail that could help me piece this mystery together.
Looking at him now, I could see some physical resemblances. He had green eyes; though his were darker. We shared the same dark brown hair color. I wondered if, when his cold was completely gone, we would share the same rich olive complexion. Something deep down inside me said we would. My dad was here. He was alive. And he was sitting right in front of me.
“I told him that I’ve never met you.” His head snapped up. Tears were already rolling down his face. “You are my dad, aren’t you?”
“Yes I am,” he answered. He reached for my hand and held it gently against his wet face. I froze. “Leah, I am so sorry that I couldn’t be here with you and your mother. Please, please forgive me. It was the only way we knew we could protect you.”
I didn’t know if I should throw something at him or hug him. For now crying was all I could do. I could tell he was sincere by looking in his eyes, my eyes. After listening to them with each other last night I knew whatever was keeping them a part had to be bad. Granted I didn’t know he was my dad then, but I knew they loved each other, and their only concern was my safety. My birth was what drove them apart.
“It was because of me, wasn’t
it?” I whispered, looking down at my lap. Everything I’ve overheard and been told said as much. “I’m the reason you couldn’t stay with her.”
He bolted out of his chair and was on his knees in front of me before the chair could hit the floor. It took a minute for me to realize he was holding me. When I felt his cold arms around me, I broke down. My dad was really here and he was holding me.
“Leah, I never want to hear you say that again,” he said gently. His deep, soothing voice rumbled in his chest. “You and your mother have been the only light in my life for the last twenty-three years.”
“Then why?” I cried. I started to ask more, but nothing else would come out.
“Darlin’, I can’t answer that without Mia. For now, all you need to know is that this was done to keep you safe.”
“All I need to know?” I asked, pushing off his chest. Tears rolled down my down cheeks. Hurt and anger raged through me. He opened his mouth to speak, but I couldn’t take being told to wait again. “This problem, whatever it is, only just happened. What about every other day of my life? Did you not think I’d need you? That I might want to know you?”
“Of course I did,” he said. He put his hand on mine. I yanked it away and stood up. His head dropped. I knew he was hurting, but dammit I was too. “It’s just—”
“Just what? You guys keep telling me I need to wait. Neither one can tell me what’s going on without the other.” I wiped the tears from face and turned away from him. “Just tell me why I wasn’t important enough.”
“Leah,” he whispered. I felt his hand on my shoulder. As much as I wanted to turn around and look at him I couldn’t. Not without an answer. “Darlin’ you have always been the most important thing in my life. You still are. If anything ever happened to you I’m not sure I could go on living.” I rested my head on his hand and let the tears fall. “I know you’re hurt. I know none of this makes sense right now.”
“You missed everything,” I wailed. David turned me around and hugged my body to his. Despite myself I buried my face in his chest. It felt good to be in my father’s arms. “It’s not fair. I should have had this—you—all my life.”
