A Masterpiece Unraveled (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 2)

by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Shifting positions, Hunter pulled her to him again.

  "I was always told to hold in my anger by my grandparents. It's something I do naturally, which is why it's rare for me to show my anger. I know I was always a different person with you, but seeing you again, I just didn't want to lose my friend."

  "You wouldn't have lost me. I expected anger. Hell, I didn't even expect you to be there. If you weren't at that swing waiting for me, I would have come to find you and tell you everything. If you would have said you hated me and wanted nothing to do with me, I- well I don't know what I would have done." He rubbed her shoulder gently, then kissed her hair. "Let's not hide anymore, no matter how bad it is or how angry we are. Love isn't always easy, but love is what I always want to be in with you. Cry if you need, yell, scream, smack me. You don't have to hide who you are or what you feel with me. I'll do my best to be open with you too, especially when it comes to what's going on in my head. It's ugly sometimes, but if you want to know something, ask."

  "I think it's a fair deal," Becca replied softly, still resting against him.

  "Tomorrow could be interesting, or whenever they're going to announce that she's dead. The media is going to be all over us again." Hunter sighed.

  It dawned on him as they were getting ready for bed that he'd never asked how she died. Maybe it didn't matter, but Becca said she almost didn't recognize her. And if she was brought here into town, it meant that Carrie had been staying somewhere nearby.

  Staring out the patio window as he was suddenly wide awake, he whispered, "How the hell did she die?"

  *****

  "A body was discovered and identified as fugitive Carrie Wells, who has been in hiding ever since jumping from a private plane she hijacked with a male accomplice a few weeks ago. No comments have been made by Rebecca Lange, the woman on the plane, or Hunter Beckman, the owner of the plane. Police are looking into family history for Carrie, but it has been brought to their attention that the woman has been using multiple aliases the last fifteen years-"

  Becca shut off the TV. Good. Hunter couldn't take any more either.

  "We could always take a drive and get away," Hunter offered.

  "I don't think it'll work. If it's not today, they'll want to question us another day. We can't dodge them forever. Besides, I'm committed to painting today, remember?"

  "Actually, I did forget about that." He moved closer. "Did they say how she died? I was so stunned by the news that I never thought about it until late last night."

  Becca squeezed her eyes shut. "No, they never said."

  "I'm sorry. I don't want to keep making you think of what you saw."

  "It's there in my head anyway, whether we talk about it or not. I woke up several times with the damn image in my head. I made myself sick a few times." She curled her hand in a fist.

  Hunter sank down before her. "I know. I go through the same thing with the crash. It hasn't eased up much in twenty years."

  "I wish I could unsee it, but then again, I needed to. I needed to know I don't have to look over my shoulder any more, wondering when she'll strike. There's a phrase for that, but it's on the tip of my tongue."

  "Catch twenty-two?" he guessed.

  "Yeah, that's it." Becca lowered her gaze. Hunter was about to ask her what she was thinking about when she glanced up again. "How do you deal with the images in your head? It really doesn't ease up? I can't imagine having a repeat of what I saw in my head year after year. It's only been hours for me and I'm already sick of it."

  Without a word, Hunter shot to his feet. He tugged on Becca's hand, then wrapped her in a hug. He hated that she had to have such vicious images of a horrible memory in her head. Secretly, he sometimes felt relieved that she didn't have many memories right after the crash. He couldn't recall if she'd seen anything like he had. He didn't want her to. It wasn't something a twelve year old boy should have had in his mind, let alone an eight year old girl. "I think you see the result of my dealing, or lack thereof. Told you it's not pretty in my head. I didn't want you to ever have to go through something like this. Try changing gears. When you start thinking and seeing her, capture another image in your mind instead. Something worth painting that the world can see and love."

  "I'll try it," she whispered against his neck. Soft breaths made his skin tingle.

  He wasn't an artist like Becca, but he could try, too.

  "I suppose we'd better get ready and get you to your destination. Someone's going to be added to the list of people who knew you before you become famous." Hunter kissed her forehead.

  Becca laughed. "I don't know about famous, but I'm starting to see that you were right."

  Hunter stood back, cupping his hand around his ear. "Say that again?"

  Gently shoving him, her laughter continued. "Oh stop it! I'm just noticing people taking a genuine interest in my art. Other than Rissi and my students, no one ever took much interest in Vermont. Now all of a sudden everyone acts as if I'm the next big thing. It's a strange feeling."

  Hunter grinned. "Get used to it, angel. You have a rare gift. It's high time you let the world know it."

  Pink rose in her cheeks. "I don't think I could ever get used to it, but I love the idea of spreading my passion. I have you to thank for that. Your constant encouragement has always helped." She pointed at him. "By the way, I finally understand your habit of watching me sleep. I meant to tell you the other day when you were on the couch that I haven't seen you that peaceful in a long time. It's an image I'd love to paint, if you don't mind."

  "In a round about way, she admits I'm right again." He cocked his head to the side. "I could get used to this. No, I don't mind. I'd love to see how this one comes out."

  Becca folded her arms over her chest and smirked. "I will no longer admit anything. You're letting it go to your head way too much. We can't have that at all."

  "Oh no. I'm on a roll now. I bet by the end of the day, you'll have admitted it again."

  "Bet? What is it you want to bet?" Brow raised, Becca's interest piqued.

  "Hmm. I wasn't being serious about a bet, but now that you mention it..." Hunter tapped his chin, trying to come up with something quick. "If you admit I'm right again, you have to do something with me on my wish list. And if you don't admit I'm right again today, I have to do something on your wish list."

  Becca chuckled. "Interesting. Okay, you're on. Are we talking about all day as until midnight, or twenty four hours from right now?"

  Hunter held out his hand to shake on it. "Midnight. I'm sure we'll both be asleep by then anyway."

  She shook his hand and then Hunter moved in for another kiss. "Come on, let's go get some painting done."

  *****

  Becca couldn't help it, but her nerves were all over the place. Between dealing with the news and the fact that she was about to go to someone's house and paint a mural they'd paid for got her all jittery. Hunter pulled up in front of the house and she stared at it. The large two story plantation type home intimidated her slightly. Who was this again? So much time had passed and so much happened, she'd forgotten who some of the bidders were.

  She fidgeted with the end of her braid. Keeping her hair back for the job seemed appropriate, but it made it easer for her to tug on the ends. She wanted to ask Hunter if he planned on staying around, but that made her sound silly. She'd been fearful enough lately. Time to start getting back on her feet and drop the paranoid feelings.

  "All right, here we are, famous lady." Hunter pretended to tip a hat.

  Becca couldn't help but laugh.

  "You don't mind if I stay and keep you company, do you? I mean, unless the owner objects, but I don't see why she would. I brought my laptop along and maybe I'll do a little looking around. I need a back up plan for a job if I don't go back to flying."

  She gaped at him. "You'd really give it up?"

  "I don't know. Right now, until I get this ... condition under control, I can't go back to it anyway. Some days, I feel okay with it. Others, I
miss it like crazy. It's a constant limbo." His shoulders raised and fell. Becca noticed the avoidance of the phrase, kind of like how he never said Carrie's name, as he always referred to her as her. She figured it didn't matter, as long as he was still taking care of it, which so far he'd been complying with all the suggestions.

  Hunter without flying seemed unreal, almost as if she'd given up her art. She couldn't fathom the idea, but then again, she wasn't in Hunter's head with his feelings. Hopefully, whatever he chose to do would make him happy. That's what she wanted most.

  "Are you still thinking about selling your plane?"

  "Well I can't do anything with it right now since it's still evidence, but I suspect with Carrie being dead, there's not much they can do anymore unless they plan on charging Isaac. I could always get another plane, Bec. I just don't know if I could get on board that one again and not think about things."

  They climbed out of the car and gathered her supplies.

  She just hoped Hunter found peace soon.

  They stood on the front porch, shaded by trees. Becca rang the doorbell.

  When the door opened, she came face to face with someone she wasn't expecting.

  That person recognized her too.

  "You!" the woman gasped. "What are you doing here?"

  Well, this was dandy. Becca was apparently supposed to paint a mural for the woman she'd practically attacked at the fund raiser event.

  "You're not Mrs. Felix," Hunter stated, taking Becca's hand in his.

  "No, she's my sister and I'm house sitting. You're telling me this woman is the artist? She-" Angry eyes darted back to Becca.

  "I'm so sorry about that night." Becca stammered. "I thought you were someone else."

  "I think I'll inform my sister to reschedule when she's home." With that, the door slammed in their faces, leaving Becca and Hunter speechless.

  "This isn't turning out so well," she muttered, staring back at the house. That night would forever haunt her.

  Hunter stood in an angry stance, but shrugged it off when he turned away. "I guess let's just go. Don't worry about it Bec."

  Easy for him to say.

  Chapter Nineteen

  A week flew by, each day filled with trying to move past everything. Hunter and Becca had to talk to the police a few times about Carrie, both had appointments for follow ups as promised, and tonight was Hunter's second meeting with the support group. There had been no updates from Jed which was very frustrating, but of course it took time.

  The positive side, if you want to call a death positive, Becca wasn't looking over her shoulder any more. Her paranoia faded. They still weren't any closer to the truth, though. Carrie knew something, held a key to their past that neither Hunter nor Becca could remember. Or maybe the woman had been bullshitting the whole time and she was after money or something. Now unless Jed found something out, they'd never know. That still haunted him, especially with the nightmares as of late.

  Past and present kept colliding and he couldn't tell the difference between dreams and reality. Hunter started to get to the point where he could sleep, but there were still times the nightmares came. This wasn't over by a long shot, even with the weight of Carrie's fate off his shoulders.

  After coming home from the Lange Center, Hunter went out on the balcony. Becca was going to start working there a few days a week. They were both excited for the new fine arts position she'd be doing. It hadn't even been his idea either. Dr. Velez brought it up and asked Becca all on her own.

  Becca followed him outside. "You know how you lost that bet last week and I haven't called in my wish list want yet?"

  Hunter waited for her to sit next to him on the glider before wrapping his arm around her. "Yeah. You have something?"

  She nodded. "I sure do. My wish is for you to find yourself something to enjoy again. Something that will give you that feeling of being free. If it's not flying, there's got to be something else."

  He sat up, very attentive all of a sudden. "That's seriously your wish list request?" Of all things she could ask for, she wanted something for him? He didn't know why this surprised him so much, but it did.

  "I'm going to be honest." She covered his hand with her own. "You look lost. You wander around the house when we're home like you don't know what to do. I don't think you're used to this, since as a pilot you were on the go a lot. I know a lot of it has to do with the situation we've dealt with for the past month, but it's time. You've been so focused on keeping both of us afloat from our demons and making sure I'm okay, but what about you? What do you want to do now, Hunter?"

  They'd had discussions similar to this before, but now that Becca made this her wish list want, he had to really think hard about it. What did he want? He never imagined flying wouldn't appeal to him one day. It had always made him feel free. That was his accomplishment, to overcome the past, and now he wasn't sure where he stood.

  "Is it bad that I don't know?" He sighed. "I have been flying since I was seventeen. Part of me is okay giving it up, but the other is clueless as to what's next."

  "Maybe once you're able to resume flying, take a spin. See how it makes you feel. If the feeling is still there, even slightly, don't give it up."

  He responded with a slow nod, processing her words. "You know what, that's a good idea. I shouldn't be so rash right now when I'm still so conflicted."

  "In the meantime, maybe you'll discover a new hobby."

  "How about we go inside and I discover a morning under the covers with the most amazing woman ever? Your support means the world to me, Bec. I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel."

  She stood and held out a hand, her smile warm and inviting. "I've missed this, Hunter."

  As he climbed to his feet, he pulled her toward him. "I've missed us. I don't ever want to go through that again, but it goes to show you and I can make it through the rough ride and still come out ahead." Hunter kissed the corner of her lips. The heat between then brewed. "You're beautiful, Bec. Watching you grow from the little girl I saved to the amazing woman you are today has been inspiring. I don't ever want to know how it feels to be without you, not when I've been lucky enough to be with you like this. One day, I'll get it all right and give you everything you deserve."

  Her eyelashes were wet with tears. "You've given me so much. Don't you know that?"

  It didn't always feel like it lately, but he didn't say it out loud. Time to go forward and stay positive. Hunter hoisted Becca up and she squealed as she wrapped her legs and arms around him. He carried her inside as he kissed along her neck. He shivered in anticipation.

  Becca's eyes blazed with love and somehow, at that moment, he knew they'd be all right.

  *****

  "Hmm. You know, we could always forget working and just spend every morning like this." Hunter curled up next to Becca, sliding his hand over her bare stomach. He loved the feel of her. He'd fallen in love with her this summer, or rather he'd given in to what he'd secretly and unknowingly felt for years. For the second time in a few weeks, he got to experience that feeling again. For a while, when things were tough, he wasn't sure how they would end up, but this morning he knew their love only grew stronger.

  She laughed, and he realized he could never get enough of her. He loved her laugh and the way she lit up when she got excited about something. He loved the way she covered her mouth when she said something out of anger or surprise. Even if she didn't like saying it, her reaction afterwards was just too cute. He definitely loved her determination and the way she pushed through every obstacle. And he got to call this woman his every day from now on, as long as he kept up with keeping the past at bay.

  "Somehow I don't see that working out forever." Becca's eyes danced with amusement. "But some days, that is the perfect plan."

  "Had to try." He kissed the tip of her nose, then leaned up on an elbow to look at her. "So when do I get a glimpse at your sleeping Hunter portrait?"

  The corner of her lips turned up. "You need to know,
living with an artist isn't always easy. And you don't get sneak peeks unless it's complete, at least with certain ones anyway."

  "No sneak peeks? Hey! What happened to perks?" He pretended to be sad. Hunter knew Becca's artistic quirks, she'd always been like that, but this piece he anticipated even more.

  "Perks? No one ever said a thing about those," she teased, reaching for his hand. Their fingers twined, sending tingles all down his arms. Becca's smile was contagiously sweet.

  He tried again, giving her his best pout. "Aw, come on. As the inspiration of one of your paintings, I feel I should see the progress."

  She shook her head. "Nope, you can't play that with me. Besides, I'm not near done. I've been spending most of the time on Sienna's mural to finally finish it, not to mention all the other painting fulfillments I've completed. Do you think that one woman will reschedule?"

  "Probably. I haven't heard anything, but I wouldn't worry too much."

  "I still can't believe I did that," Becca muttered.

  "Hey. You know how you always tell me not to beat myself up for things I did? I'm going to turn around and use those lines back to you now. Stop it, angel. You made a mistake. You were caught up in a moment of fear and acted on it. No one was hurt. Let go, okay?"

  Before she could respond, his phone rang. Hunter debated letting it go to voice mail, but at the last second answered.