Southern Secrets (The Southern Series Book 2)

by Shelley Stringer

  “Chandler, wake up. Baby, please wake up. You’re dreaming.” Banton shook me. In a daze, I sat up and looked at him.

  “I can smell him, did he hurt you?” he reached over, and flipped the lamp on. “God, I’m sorry, I was sleeping so hard, it took me a minute to realize what was going on.” He rubbed my arms, looking me over.

  There was a knock at the bedroom door. “Mr. Gastaneau, is everything all right in there?”

  “Yes, just had a bad dream. We’re all right,” Banton answered back through the door to Officer Davis.

  “Okay.” His footsteps drifted back down the staircase.

  “Where are you hurt?” he asked, pulling the covers back. My gown was wrapped around my waist, exposing my legs. Red marks covered my calves and thighs, and purplish bruises were beginning to show. He ran his hands slowly up and down my legs as he gazed at my eyes.

  “I’m so sorry; I dropped the ball this time. He’s injured you.” He watched in horror as the tears rolled unchecked down my cheeks. He pulled me over on his lap, and cradled me, rubbing my back. “Shhh. I’m here. I’m so sorry, shhh.” He rocked me back and forth until I quit sobbing.

  “I’m just so tired of this…I thought it had stopped. Why now? Why!” I asked him, pulling away to look at him. He looked exhausted, and I knew any chances of him getting any sleep were slim to none since I’d had another dream. I hated what this was doing to him, and he didn’t need to feel guilty about anything else.

  “Oh, Chandler, you’re bleeding again,” he observed, pulling me over and picking me up to carry me to the bathroom. I glanced back at the bed, and a red stain was visible where I’d been sleeping. He sat me down on the edge of the tub and then went back to my suitcase while I pulled my clothes off. The pad I’d put on was soaked, and there was a large blood clot on it, so large it scared me. “Oh, no,” I choked out. Banton rushed back into the bathroom with new clothes.

  “Shhh, no…Baby, it’s okay. You’re going to be okay,” he assured me, pulling me into his arms. “Let’s get you back to bed,” he urged, helping me clean up, and then dress in the flannel pajamas he’d brought for me.

  “It’s almost five o’clock in the morning, it will be light soon. You can just wear this to the airport.”

  “Banton, I’m so sorry…” I began

  “Shhh, you don’t have anything to be sorry for. Come on; let’s get you back in bed.” He carried me across the bedroom, and I noticed he’d already pulled the sheets from the bed and piled them in the corner. He’d spread a blanket across the bed, and had another one draped on the foot. Placing me gently on the bed, he then tucked me in between the blankets. After he’d washed my clothes out in the sink, he placed them in a sack, and put them in a suitcase. I was humiliated he had to wash the blood from my clothes and take care of me as if I was an invalid.

  “Some honeymoon, huh?” I joked, trying to fight back more tears.

  He sat down on the bed beside me, and pulled me in to his side. “The best. This has been the best three days of my life, despite the attacks. I love every moment I’m with you, and when all this is over, I promise, I’ll take you on the most romantic trip you can dream up. We’ll have to hire a nanny, of course, or bring Everett, but I’m making you a promise. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you safe again, and to get these monsters out of our lives for good.”

  My voice trembled as I spoke. “I hope you get the chance to be a dad, now.” The tears began to roll now.

  “Shhh. Don’t go there. I’m positive, the babies are fine. I just have a feeling.” He looked at his watch, and then looked back at me. “We’ll be back in Baton Rouge in a little over four hours, and Dr. Renault and Dr. Lane will take over. Everything will be fine, you’ll see.” He smiled at me as we watched out the window at the pink and purple forms of the mountains in the haze of the sun’s rising.

  Neither one of us could sleep; we just rested, talking in the soft light of the dawn as we watched out the windows. About an hour and a half later, Banton rose, and changed clothes and then took our bags downstairs to load them in the car. When he returned, I’d walked to the bathroom by myself. He knocked on the door. “Why didn’t you wait for me, I don’t want you on your feet…” he said, pushing the door open. “Is everything all right?”

  I turned to put my arms around him.

  “Fine. The bleeding seems to be tapering off, for now.” I reassured him as he picked me up and carried me back through the room. When we got to the stairs, Officer Davis met us at the bottom.

  “Your bags are loaded, and I’m going to follow you to the airport,” he said, putting his hat on.

  “Thanks for all your help. We are in your debt,” Banton answered. He carried me out the door and tucked me into the passenger seat. I spotted my camera bag in the floorboard beside my purse, and the tears threatened.

  “What’s wrong?” Banton asked as he got in.

  “I’m just sad. I didn’t even get to take one picture of our honeymoon,” my voice shook. I felt silly crying about something so trivial.

  “I didn’t even think of it. Here.” He grabbed the camera bag, and climbed back out of the car. He walked over in front of the cabin, and snapped a picture of the beautiful place we’d spent our wedding night. Then he turned, and snapped a few of the view from the front porch. Then he walked over, and snapped one of my face, close-up.

  “I don’t even have my make-up on!” I laughed, hiding my face in my hands.

  “But that’s my favorite way to see you, first thing in the morning, hair mussed, in your jammies…” He grinned and snapped another one, before he loaded back into his seat. He handed me the camera and bag and placed a chaste kiss on my forehead before he pulled out of the driveway.

  “You’ve made it almost perfect. I just need one of you…” I snapped a picture of his gorgeous profile as he smiled sideways at me. “Now, if I just had one of us together,” I joked.

  “Wow, you sure are high maintenance this morning!” He slowed the car, and stopped on the side of the road. Taking the camera from me, he set the self-timer, and propped it on the dashboard as he pulled me close to his cheek.

  “Say cheese!” he commanded, just before the camera flashed.

  “There is no way that came out.” I flipped it over, and pushed the button to review the shots. Sure enough, there was a perfect close-up of the two of us, laughing in the moment, just as if a photographer had taken it. I looked up at his smug expression.

  “You’re not the only photographer in the family. Okay, anything else we have to stop for?” he asked in an exasperated voice.

  “Nope, I think that’s everything,” I sang back at him.

  “Don’t need any pinecones, a tree branch, maybe try to catch a squirrel to take home?”

  “Well, if you’re going to be smart, there was the matter of a fur rug,” I smiled at him, my mood lifting by the moment.

  “I’ll call back up here and have them ship me a dozen. I just want to get you safely on the plane!” He took my hand in his and pulled it to his lips.

  Banton had called ahead with instructions to have a bed made on the plane. He loaded our bags, and then came back for me, swinging me up in his arms and then climbing the steps up into the small jet. After he had me tucked in the little bed the flight attendant had made against a window, he sat down beside me and we watched the mountains race by the window as the small jet lifted off the ground.

  Chapter Seven

  The first glimpse I had out the window when our plane touched down in Baton Rouge was of Everett. He smiled and waved as Banton carried me from the plane.

  “Oh, Darlins, it’s good to have you home!” he exclaimed, patting Banton on the shoulder. “Let’s get her to Dr. Renault. I called the doctors just now, and they have everything ready and waiting.” He leaned in to kiss my cheek after Banton had me tucked in the back seat. After they loaded our luggage in the trunk, Banton climbed in beside me as Everett took the driver’s seat.

  “How is Constance?
” I asked.

  “Well, she’s coping, but full of questions. Anxious to talk to you, I might add,” Ev informed us, glancing in the rear view mirror. “I haven’t told her about your condition, she’s had enough to deal with. I just told her to hang tight, I’d have you home in a little while. Mr. Philippe is there with them.”

  “What about John and Brie?” Banton asked.

  “They flew in late last night. They said they would be over this afternoon, he needs to talk to you, and you all are to report to N’awlins this afternoon.”

  My stomach sank. I knew this was coming, but I’d just blocked it out of my mind. As if he read my thoughts, Banton squeezed me closer as I closed my eyes. “I’m sure it’s just a meeting, don’t jump to conclusions,” he whispered in my ear.

  “It had better be, we’re still officially on our honeymoon!” I reminded him emphatically.

  We arrived at Dr. Lane’s a few minutes later. Dr. Lane and Dr. Renault met us at the back entrance to the clinic as Banton carried me in, with Everett close on his heels.

  “Let’s get her in exam room one. I’ll get my nurse. Banton, you and Everett can wait in there,” Dr. Lane motioned to his office next door.

  After a thorough examination and another sonogram, Dr. Lane called Banton back into the room with me.

  “How is she, Doc? Are the babies all right?” he asked, before they even had the door closed.

  “The babies seem fine for now. We still have heartbeats and movement.”

  Banton sighed, and relaxed in the chair beside the bed as he reached over to hold my hand.

  “What about the bleeding?” He asked softly, glancing back at me.

  “The tear is worse. We are putting her back on bed rest for now. There may not be anything we can do, it might not matter. Let’s check back in a week or so, and call us if there is any change. There is also a medicine we want to start her on, and we’re hoping with a lot of rest the tear will heal, or at least not worsen. Just take it easy.”

  “How are your dreams, Chandler?” Dr. Renault asked.

  “They’d stopped, until last night. Then I had a vivid one…” I trailed off.

  “I’m assuming the Tariq was able to hurt you, judging from the fresh bruises you’ve sustained.”

  “Yes,” I pulled the covers back, and revealed the fresh bruises on my thighs.

  “I’m also going to prescribe something mild, just to help you relax, and sleep.” Dr. Lane began writing on a script.

  “So the idea is to just drug her so she can’t think, and maybe he won’t hurt her?” Banton asked cynically, his voice rising with his anger level.

  “Sweetheart, calm down,” I urged softly as he turned back to me.

  “No, I won’t. I can’t believe you don’t have any better answers for us!” Banton finally exploded.

  “Son, I have to be honest with you. This is new to us. Dr. Renault is working on it, but you will have to be patient.” Dr. Lane stood, and walked over to put his hand on Banton’s shoulder.

  “Be patient while he continues to attack her in her sleep, and maybe injure her further?” He continued, glaring back and forth at Dr. Lane and Dr. Renault.

  “It’s the best we can do for now. I suggest you alternate and let Everett stay with her some, so you can get some sleep. I’m going to take a trip, and try to talk to some people who might be able to help us. I’ll call the both of you at the end of the week,” Dr. Renault stated, an apologetic tone to his voice.

  “Can I go home?” I asked.

  “Sure. Just take it easy for a day or two, and call us if you need us. I’ll check on you in a couple of days.” Dr. Lane answered.

  Banton helped me up from the bed and then into my clothes. Everett met us in the hallway and followed us as Banton carried me out of the clinic to Everett’s car.

  “That didn’t sound as if it went well,” Everett commented as we swung back into traffic.

  “Nope. I’m not waiting for them, I’m going to look for my own answers,” Banton replied, watching out the car windows at the passing cars. Lost in his own thoughts, he was oblivious to my faulty emotions. Tears threatened at the thought that I was once again a prisoner, not able to help anyone else, dependent on those around me. And it was evident to me our honeymoon was definitely over.

  Everett watched me silently in the rear-view mirror. After several seconds, he cleared his throat loudly, catching Banton’s attention. He nodded over his shoulder to me.

  “Chandler, what’s wrong?” Banton asked as he turned to me.

  “Oh, nothing. I’m just frustrated,” I answered. I wiped my eyes. “I’m sick of being an invalid, of just lying in bed while everyone else works around me. I feel so useless!” I exclaimed he rubbed my arm.

  “I know, but it’s for the babies, Chandler. I know you want to be busy, to be doing things. And you will. I’ve already formed a plan. I want you to get on your laptop, and do some research. You might be more successful than the rest of us finding out how to fight this Tariq and the dream problem.”

  “At least I can do that,” I sighed as I glanced back out the car window.

  “And you’re never useless.” He studied my face, and then continued. “I love you more than life itself. Coming home to you every evening is my reason for living.” He cupped my chin, and pulled me in for a kiss. He always knew the perfect thing to say.

  Everett pulled into the driveway, and Banton pulled me from the car as Constance and Philippe bounded down the stairs on the front porch.

  “Chandler! I’m sorry you had to cut the honeymoon short, but I’m so glad you’re back!” She ran to us, and kissed my cheek, and then walked beside Banton as he carried me into the house. Philippe touched my cheek as we passed, and then joined Everett as he unloaded our luggage.

  Placing me on the sofa in the living room, Banton turned back toward the hallway. “Ev, Mr. Philippe and I will bring the bags in, and then we’ll get you settled,” he called over his shoulder, leaving out the front door. Beau came bounding down the hallway and pounced on the sofa beside me. I promptly kissed his soft nose, and then shooed him off the sofa before Banton caught him.

  “Why is Banton carrying you around again? Has something happened?” Constance asked, pulling me in close to her side on the sofa. I leaned my head over on her shoulder.

  “Same old thing. I get injured, start bleeding, and get put on bed rest,” I sighed.

  “How did you get injured?” she asked as she raised an eyebrow at me.

  “We had another fight with some Orcos at the cabin yesterday. One of them flew at me and landed on top of me. I started having pains and bleeding last night,” I replied as I held her hand. “So, what about you? How are you dealing?” I turned to look at her face.

  “I’m great. I’m a little bruised, but Ty’s concern more than makes up for being sore.”

  “So you two are serious?” I asked, but I already knew the answer.

  “Oh, yeah. I can’t believe it. He is so…so perfect for me. He tells me what he thinks, puts me in my place. He’s the only person I’ve ever met who can boss me, and I don’t mind it one bit. He loves to have fun as much as I do, and he’s always one step ahead of me. But what I think I love most about him is how serious he is about his job; how he is with the other SEALs –they are a brotherhood. I admire the quality; it’s a special kind of loyalty.” She had a reverence in her voice I’d never heard before.

  “That’s great. I get it, believe me.” I assured her. “But now you know what you’re getting yourself into. Not only can they be gone on a mission at a moment’s notice, or be gone for months at a time, there is the Orcos …” I trailed off.

  “Too late to worry now. I’m hooked. It’s all a part of him, and I love him, so I’ll deal,” she said, determined.

  “You seem resigned and calm about this whole situation. So where is lover boy?”

  “He’s gone with Ben, Colin and Sam to work out. All of a sudden, it’s all he wants to do.” She seemed a bit pouty.


  “That will pass. He has this excess energy just dying to get out after being bitten. Has he been all right, I mean, with the anger management?” I asked her.

  “He’s battling. I can tell he’s holding back. He doesn’t know me well enough yet to understand I’m not afraid, and I’m not going anywhere. I can handle it! He’s afraid to even touch me, and it’s driving me crazy!”

  “I know… it’s hard. You have to be patient with him.” Then I whispered as Banton came back into the room, “He’s afraid he’ll hurt you when you’re intimate.” I searched her eyes for her reaction.

  “That’s ridiculous. I’m not a china doll, Chandler. And it’s not as if we haven’t…” she didn’t finish her sentence, but she raised an eyebrow.

  Banton’s super sharp hearing must have kicked in as he came back across the room. “He’s afraid of losing control, Constance,” he answered her softly. “He’s afraid, since he’s so much stronger now, he’ll accidently hurt you. And he could, believe me. That is one of the reasons he is working out so hard now, to flex his muscles, test his strength. He has to get control before he’s with you again.” He sat down beside me on the couch, pulling me into his side as he grinned at her. “He’ll get control; he won’t be able to keep you at arm’s length. There’s just something about you LaBlance girls…” He smiled lopsidedly at me as he used my line I used about the Navy SEALs.