“Reservations have been made, and the family has wrapped up their travel plans.” I squeezed Adrienne’s hand.
She looked up at me and smiled indulgently. “Everything is going to be fine, love.”
“Is everything going to be fine?” I looked at Dr. Sonjay. “Because…I’m getting a little…oh, stomach not good.”
Dr. Sonjay took me by the arm and made me sit. I was panting like a dog, and she had me put my head between my knees. “Hayden, this is a very common issue with pregnant women.”
“No disrespect, Doc, but I don’t give a rat’s ass. I should be putting her in the hospital, not sitting here staring at my crotch.”
“Oh, Hayden,” Adrienne said with a laugh. “We read about this in our books. Dr. Sonjay is right. It’s not uncommon.”
“Common or not, I don’t have to like it.”
It took a while before my blood pressure returned to normal. My mind raced through all sorts of horrifying scenarios, Adrienne having a heart attack or stroke, the baby coming out with an extra hand. It was awful. What was even more pathetic was I looked like the patient instead of Adrienne. We walked out of the doctor’s office with me leaning on her for support.
“Let’s find Odis and get something to eat,” Adrienne said as she looked around for our escort.
Odis came sprinting from across the street and slowed his stride when he got a look at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Hayden needs to eat.” She patted me on the back. “Let’s walk down to the café on the corner.”
“You heard Dr. Sonjay. You have to stay off your feet.” I looked at Odis. “Will you carry her?”
“Hayden Marie Tate, get a grip.” Adrienne grabbed me by the arm and half dragged me to the café.
“Oh, listen to you, you’re not a mom yet, and you’re whipping out the middle names just like one.”
“I’m gonna start whipping on something, and it’s not going to be your middle name.” Adrienne shook her head at me. “Get control of yourself because at the moment, you’re the cause of my blood pressure issue.”
I squared my shoulders. “All right, I’m calm.” But when we got to the café, I started barking out orders to the other patrons. “Step aside, people, pregnant woman coming through. Get that purse out of the walkway, and you with the water, get over here.”
Adrienne sank into a chair and hid her face behind a hand.
*******
Shelby and her partner, Myra, met us at the bar when we returned. Shelby had already been apprised of the situation by Dr. Sonjay, and of course, had told Iris. Iris was on Adrienne like a cheap suit. She pushed a cup of orange juice into Adrienne’s hand and ushered her into the cart.
I leaned in and kissed her. “I’ll be home soon. We can catch up on all the movies we’ve been wanting to see, and I’ll bet Kristen will be eager to have you back.” Adrienne nodded and Iris took off.
Adrienne had been playing it cool since we left Dr. Sonjay’s office, probably more for my sake. I could tell by her expression that she was as rattled as I was. Though she had been exhausted the last few weeks, I knew she didn’t look forward to lying around, but she’d do whatever she had to to keep our baby healthy.
“Iris told us about what’s been going on with the guest and the guy that’s after her,” Myra said when I rejoined them. “That’s got to be weighing heavily on Adrienne’s mind.”
“She seems to have gotten very attached to Kristen virtually overnight. She’s a sweet kid, and we’re all worried about her.” I looked at Shelby and Myra. “And I’m scared shitless about it all.”
Shelby cuffed me on the arm and nearly knocked me out of my chair. “The baby is fine and so is Adrienne, but you look like shit.”
I did. I’d looked at myself in the mirror that morning and was dismayed to see dark circles under my eyes. Between Adrienne getting up every hour to go to the bathroom and the baby dreams, I wasn’t getting a whole lot of sleep. It impaired my coping mechanisms, and I found myself wanting to hole up somewhere and cry my eyes out.
Myra reached over and put her hand atop mine. “What can I do to help you?”
To my horror, my eyes began to burn and a tear slid down my cheek. A whimpering cry escaped my lips and added to my misery. I put my hands to my face. “I’ve become such a boob.”
“You’re not a boob,” Myra said sweetly. “You’re coping with a lot right now. I’d be exactly the same if I were in your shoes, and so would Shelby.”
I glanced at Shelby, who was looking at Myra, her expression clearly conveyed, “The hell I would. Hayden is a boob.”
I couldn’t stop myself, though. I started sniffling and rattling off all sorts of personal information. “During the first trimester, Adrienne was an animal. I used to sneak away during the day and nap in a hammock on the beach. We were having drunk monkey sex nearly every night. I think I got dehydrated once, and now I’m in sex camel mode. Adrienne’s got it all stored up in her hump, and I’m in the celibate desert.”
Myra looked intrigued, and Shelby looked as though she wanted to be anywhere but there.
“And now, Kristen is drawing pictures of dead women, and the guy who did it is on the island. Adrienne’s blood pressure is too high, and she’s gotta lay low, and I really, really want a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of bourbon!”
“I can give you something for anxiety and—”
“No, Shelby. I appreciate it, but no.” I blew my nose on a napkin. “I feel better now that I’ve had an explosion. I can’t have anything dulling my senses right now. I have to be sharp.”
Myra squeezed my shoulder. “Remember how you used to tear up banana trees when you quit smoking?” She smiled when I nodded. “I’ll bet they’re all grown back in by now. You could vent that way.”
I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. “A banana tree ass whipping would be good right now. There’s a patch of sturdy ones growing in the woods not far from the house. Maybe I’ll maim a few on the way home.”
Shelby rolled her eyes and shrugged. “What’s wrong with a few deep breathing exercises? Why must you tear up a tree?”
“Oh, hush, Shelby,” Myra said. “They grow like weeds. There’s nothing wrong with pruning a few.”
I was about to explain how the trunks were mushy, perfect for pounding and kicking, when BJ walked up. “Hayden, did you check into the kite boarding like I asked?”
Audrey stood just behind her, threatening me with her gaze.
“BJ, I explained that though there are kite boarders on the island, no one rents them. The winds around the island are strong, and unless you know what you’re doing, you can be whipped into something or dragged—”
“Let me tell you something, lady,” BJ said with a hand on her hip. “We paid good money to come here. I expect good service. I’ve laid low many a concierge and resort manager for less.”
I breathed in deeply and spoke calmly. “Nowhere in our brochure or Web site do we offer kite boarding. I’ll gladly arrange any of the other activities that we offer, but as far as the boarding goes, you’re out of luck.” I smiled and hoped for BJ’s safety that she didn’t press her point because I was envisioning her as a banana tree.
Audrey ushered an indignant BJ away from our table. I looked at Myra and Shelby. “Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a banana tree out there with BJ’s name on it.”
Chapter Ten
“I want food!” the baby said, looking up at me from the crib.
“How’re you talking? You’re not supposed to do that for a while.”
The baby sneered, revealing toothless gums. “I want food.” She pointed at my chest with a stubby finger.
I looked down bewildered. “Oh, no, there’s no dairy farm here, little missy. You’ve got the wrong momma. How ’bout a hamburger, a juicy steak?”
The baby shouted angrily, “You’re not my momma.”
I woke myself saying, “But I am your momma.” Adrienne’s side of the bed was empty, and sunlight streamed through t
he blinds. I got up mad and mumbling back at the dream baby. “I am your momma. I helped festoon that room of yours, personally picked out half the stuffed animals.” I went into the bathroom and turned on the water for my shower. “And if you think you’re gonna talk to me that way, you’ve got another thing coming, shorty.” I froze as I recalled my mother saying the same thing to me minus the shorty. “Oh, dear God, the baby isn’t even here, and I’m quoting my mother.”
*******
I stood in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee as I watched Adrienne and Kristen eat breakfast on the deck. For Adrienne—for both of them actually—it had to be extremely gratifying to talk to someone who could relate to their unique abilities. It went beyond that, though, and I wasn’t sure if either of them realized it. Outside of their gifts, they had a lot in common and not just the simple things like shared interests. They reasoned and reacted to things similarly, almost like twins.
I jumped when the phone rang. Iris sounded agitated. “Hayden, come to the bar right now, alone.” Before I could ask what the deal was, she hung up, an irritating habit that grated my frail nerves.
“Iris needs me at the bar for something.” I kissed Adrienne. “I’ll be back soon.” Before I knew what I was doing, I’d kissed Kristen on the top of the head when I passed her. I looked back at Adrienne bewildered, but she was smiling in that way that said, “you make me love you.”
The first person I noticed when I walked into the bar was Iris. Her eyes were big as saucers. “Oh, Hayden, dere’s…she…” Iris crossed herself and stepped out of my way, giving me a full view of a woman sitting at one of our tables. My jaw sagged. “She asked to speak to the owner. She’s looking for Kristen,” Iris said excitedly.
I found it difficult to approach the table where she sat sipping a glass of water. My knees felt rubbery as my eyes tried to convince my brain of what I was seeing—Adrienne, a much older version, but Adrienne nonetheless.
“May…I help you?” I leaned on a chair for support.
She scanned my face for a moment before she spoke, and when I heard her voice, it sounded so much like Adrienne’s, I was forced to sit. “My niece called me from this inn a few days ago.” She nodded toward Iris, who pretended to be doing something at the bar. “The lady told me that she’s no longer here.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Hayden, you and I know this isn’t true.”
“Wh-who is your niece?”
I watched as a single eyebrow rose. “Her name is Kristen Waverly, and I’m Elaine Vaughn, her aunt.”
I gnawed the inside of my cheek unsure of how to proceed. The resemblance to Adrienne made me immediately want to trust her, but I wasn’t ready to admit we were hiding Kristen and why. “Ms. Waverly did stay here, but she’s no longer a guest at the inn,” I said, choosing my words carefully.
Elaine laughed lightly then, and I fought the urge to gasp at the familiar lilt of it. “She may not be staying at the inn proper, but she is here.” Her expression changed in an instant. “And she’s in trouble.”
“Did she tell you that?” I feigned concern, but she saw easily through my ruse.
“I’d like to see my niece right now, or I’ll turn this place upside down until I find her.”
“Iris, is Colie available?” I asked loudly.
Iris spun around at my question. “I’ll call him now.”
I looked back at Elaine. “Would you excuse me for a minute?”
I found Iris in the kitchen, and when she finished with the phone, I called the house. Kristen answered. “What is your aunt’s name?” I asked without preamble.
“Elaine Vaughn.”
“How long has it been since you’ve seen her?” I asked, trying to keep irritation and anxiety out of my voice.
Kristen was silent for a moment. “Maybe my freshman year in high school. She and my mom…they weren’t close, but we talk every now and then. Why?”
I looked at Iris. “How long before Colie gets here?”
“He said ten minutes.”
I put the phone back up to my ear. “Is Adrienne taking her morning nap?”
“Yes,” Kristen said with a tone of bewilderment.
“Meet me at the cottage you originally stayed at in ten minutes, and come alone.” I employed Iris’s habit and hung up before she could ask more.
“What if one of the guests sees her?” Iris asked. “Nearly all of dem are at the beach today.”
“Would you go and make sure that doesn’t happen?”
Iris nodded and started to walk away before turning on one heel. “Dat woman…I thought she was Adrienne for a second. Do you think…”
I shook my head. “I can’t go there. I can’t let that thought take root in my mind. I’ve been singing about doughnuts in my head since the minute I saw her. Thank God Adrienne is asleep.”
I walked back into the bar as casually as I could. “Can I get you something besides water? Coffee, maybe?”
“No, thank you.” Elaine watched me closely as I sat back down.
“Colie is a policeman. I’ve asked him to join us.”
Elaine’s eyes widened for a moment, then she tilted her head to the side. “Does he have my niece?”
“I have your niece, but when she confirms that you are indeed who you say you are, I’d like him present.”
“Who is she hiding from and why?”
“She’ll explain that when she meets you. How did you know my name?”
That single brow rose again. “I’ll tell you when I see my niece.”
I drummed my fingers on the table not knowing what to say. She stared back at me. “Where are you from?”
“Georgia.”
“Directly north of Florida.” Adrienne lived in Florida all her life, and I found it interesting that Elaine lived so close.
Elaine looked at me oddly. “Yes,” she said as though I were an idiot. She looked past me at Colie when he walked in.
I stood. “Colie, this is Elaine Vaughn. She claims to be Kristen’s aunt.” His expression looked much like Iris’s when he noticed Elaine. He looked back at me with wide eyes. “I called Kristen, and she confirmed that her aunt’s name is Elaine Vaughn, but I wanted you to be present for the reunion. Kristen is with Iris at one of the cottages.”
Colie smiled disarmingly. “May I see some identification, please?” Elaine narrowed her eyes as she reached into her purse and produced a wallet. She opened it and pulled out her driver’s license, which she handed him along with her passport. Colie looked at them for a moment and nodded. “Hayden, lead the way.”
None of us said a word as we walked back to the cottage. Colie was in the lead, and I followed Elaine, sizing her up. She wasn’t as tall as Adrienne. Her starched teal blouse was tucked into a pair of crisp white capri pants. Her sandals and belt matched the blouse. The entire outfit was color coordinated, a habit that Adrienne shared.
When we arrived at the cottage, Colie paused and asked me to go in first, putting Elaine between the two of us. Kristen looked at me expectantly, then smiled when I stepped out of the way and Elaine stepped into the room. The hug they exchanged was awkward, distant as if done more out of obligation than genuine happiness to be reunited. “What are you doing here?” Kristen asked as she released her.
“I have a lot to explain, but for now, I can tell you that my intuition is a bit more acute than the average person. I know there’s something going on, and I needed to see you.”
“So do you read minds, or do you discern things by drawing like Kristen does?” I asked pointedly, drawing Elaine’s attention. “We’re intimately acquainted with those types of gifts here. At least the people present in this room are.”
Elaine looked annoyed for a second, then slightly relieved. “I hear things.” She looked back at Kristen. “I should’ve told you long ago, but my sister wouldn’t allow it.”
“So you’re like Adrienne then?” Kristen said. Elaine looked at her oddly, and my heart seized. “She’s Hayden’s partner. She has the same ability.”
“How much do you know about Kristen’s situation?” Colie asked, changing the subject.
I sank down in a chair next to Iris. It was too much of a coincidence that Elaine and Adrienne looked and sounded so much alike. That they had the same ability confirmed my suspicions.
Elaine sat on the corner of the bed. “I know she’s hiding from someone, someone dangerous. That’s why I’m here.”
Colie and Kristen took turns bringing Elaine up to speed. When they had finished, she looked as shaken as I did, but for different reasons, I supposed. I had no idea how accurate her gift was. Adrienne’s seemed to be intermittent. She’d never been able to completely harness her ability. When our lives were on an even keel and there weren’t many distractions, she could focus and often catch the thoughts of those around her. She could also pick up bits and pieces of our guests’ inner thoughts, sometimes before they even got to the island.
“Where are you staying, Ms. Vaughn?” Colie asked.
“At a place called The Cove.” She looked stunned when we all gasped.
“That’s where Alvin Stinslin is staying,” Colie said. “We’ll need to relocate you.”
“She could stay here,” Kristen said. “Right here in this cottage since I’m saying at your place.”
I wanted to slap her over backward. Kristen could draw a killer, and she figured out Adrienne’s gift, but she failed to see the big picture sitting right in front of her. I looked over at Iris not knowing what to say. She stared back at me just as blankly. “There’s a complication…I’m not sure how to handle it just yet.” Iris and Colie exchanged knowing glances, but Kristen looked at me doe-eyed. I lost my patience.
I pointed to Elaine. “Look at her closely, Kristen. Who does she remind you of?”
Kristen scrunched up her face and looked between us for a moment.
“How does she not get it?” I clenched my fists. “Look at her! She looks just like Adrienne. They have the same damn gift!”
Gloria's Legacy Page 8
