by V. E. Lemp
“Thanks.” Karen placed a hand on the edge of the counter. She felt faint, but there was no reason to mention this to Mark. Their guests were already assembled in the great room. She could rest later, when everyone went home.
Just then the doorbell chimed. Karen sighed and wiped her hands on a kitchen towel. She was sure her limp cotton blouse and shorts made her look frumpy, but that might be for the best.
“I’ll get it,” she called out as she crossed to the front door and pulled it open.
“Hello, Karen.” Alex looked her up and down before leaning in to give her a swift kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for inviting me.”
“It was actually Mark’s idea, but you know that.” She took the bottle of wine Alex held out and added, “Thea’s here, by the way.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Is she? I doubt I’m her favorite person.”
“No, you’re not. Come along, then.” She turned and led the way into the living room. “This is Dr. Alex Wythe.” She thumped the bottle against her palm. “You’ve heard me speak of him, I believe.” Karen introduced the others, noting with dismay that Amy was staring at Alex with a familiar look. Undoubtedly similar to the expression on her own face when she’d first met him.
“So you’ve returned to help Mark and Karen and their colleagues?” Claire asked. “Sam’s been telling us a bit about that.” Sam, who was standing behind Claire, laid his hand on the back of her chair.
Karen glanced at Margaret Hallam and noted that her mother-in-law, unlike the other women in the room, was not staring at Alex. She was watching Mark’s face.
“That’s the plan.” Alex grabbed one of the hard-backed chairs from the dining table and carried it to the hassock where Amy was sitting. “May I join you?” he asked, flashing a brilliant smile.
“You’re late,” Karen told him. “We’re about to eat. Take that chair back to the table and have a seat.”
Alex met her frown with another smile. “Sorry, didn’t realize.”
“Let me put this wine up, and please, everyone, gather at the table.” Karen strode off into the kitchen, where she set down the bottle and leaned over the counter to take a couple of deep breaths.
“Still the same old pain in the ass.” Mark walked up behind her. “Some things never change.”
Karen turned and pressed herself against him. “Please keep me from losing my temper.”
“Do I have that power?” Smiling, he wrapped his arms about her. “Don’t worry, I’ll punch him before you do. Or Thea will beat us both to it.”
“You’re probably right,” Karen said with a little laugh. She leaned back and looked up into Mark’s face. “Amy’s already dazzled.”
“I saw that. But I think she’s safe. He only has eyes for you. Now, let’s carry in the rest of the food and get this delightful meal underway, okay?”
Dinner wasn’t as difficult as Karen had feared. Alex made no provocative comments, and Thea, fortunately, had absolutely nothing to say to him. Aaron did whisper something in Thea’s ear at one point. Probably warning her against making any comments related to Alex.
After dinner Mark suggested they gather outside. “I’ve been informed there’s strawberry pie. Might be nice to enjoy it out on the lawn.”
Thea and Karen retreated to the kitchen. As Thea carried a tray of pie slices outside, a great wave of exhaustion washed over Karen. She slumped onto one of the kitchen stools and pressed her forehead against the cool soapstone surface of the island.
“Why so tired?” asked a familiar voice.
Karen lifted her head. “Lots of cooking. And it’s hot.”
Alex sat on the stool next to her. “And that’s all?”
“Well, there was the little matter of escaping an epidemic.”
“Yes, there was that.” He laid his hand on the small of her back. “You look exhausted. Are you sure you’re all right?”
Karen’s back stiffened as his fingers slid up to her shoulders. “I’m fine.”
“You always say that.” He stood and moved behind her. “You’re very tense.” He massaged her shoulders.
“I wonder why. You should join the others outside.”
“Not that fascinated by pie.” He pulled her back against his chest.
As the back door opened, his lips touched her neck. “Damn it,” Karen snapped, sitting forward.
“Good thing it’s me. Bit awkward otherwise.” Thea crossed to the island and dropped the empty metal tray on the countertop. It clanged and bounced right off to the wooden floor. “We need more pie.”
“I’ll get it.” Karen jumped up as Alex backed away.
Thea walked around to stand in front of Alex. “But before I do anything else, there’s something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time.” She smiled just before slapping Alex—hard—across the face.
“Well,” he said, after a stretch of silence. “I suppose I deserved that.”
“That and more,” Thea said. “You almost ruined her life, asshole. She tried to kill herself because she thought you were dead. And when she finally recovered from her depression, she was so loyal to you, to your supposed dearly departed self, she lived in limbo for ten years.”
Alex pressed his hand against his reddened cheek. “I know.”
Thea eyed him suspiciously while Karen stood in silence, clinging to the open refrigerator door. “And now you’re back. Looking for what? Karen’s very happily married to Mark, as you may have noticed.”
“I know that, too.”
Thea didn’t flinch under his brilliant blue gaze. “And Mark is twice—no, more than that, much more—the man that you are.”
“I’m sure you think so.”
“I know so.” Thea tossed her head, her dark eyes flashing. “So don’t get any ideas. You gave her up a long time ago. Don’t think you can just waltz in and crook your little finger and get her back.”
“That’s rather up to Karen, isn’t it?” The bantering tone had returned to Alex’s voice.
“Back off,” Thea said. “I know you think you’re better than all the rest of us put together, but I can see what you’re up to. And I’m telling you now, it isn’t going to happen, not if I have anything to say about it.”
Alex graced Thea with one of his more dazzling smiles. “Duly noted. I’m just glad to see Karen has such loyal friends.”
Thea snorted and turned away. “Pie?” she asked Karen, who shook herself out of her stupor and pulled the extra tin from the refrigerator. She handed it to Thea without a word.
“Why don’t you head outside, Karen?” Thea suggested. “Your guests will be wondering about you.”
“Yes, go ahead,” Alex said. “And ask Mark and Sam to come in after dessert, would you? Still need to discuss a few things.”
Thea drew a large carving knife from the knife block. “I’ll cut the pie.”
“Only the pie, please,” Karen said, finally finding her voice. Alex’s laughter followed her into the backyard.
Claire announced she was leaving as the stars winked into the dark sky. Sam followed her and Amy out, as Mark guided his mother, her walker wobbling on the uneven ground, to Claire’s car.
“Sam’s getting her number,” Thea whispered as she and Karen walked back inside and settled on the sofa.
“Seriously, you need to give up this matchmaking.” Karen sank into the soft suede cushions. Her bones had turned into butter. Aaron, sitting in one of the armchairs, gazed at her with concern.
“Ah, Sam and Claire.” Alex walked in from the kitchen carrying two glasses of wine. “Here you go. Reinforcements.” He handed a glass to Thea.
“Not for me, thanks,” Karen said. “I’d probably pass out. And, really, this whole Sam and Claire thing. Why does everyone but me see this stuff?”
Alex sat next to her on the sofa. “It’s one of your blind spots, kiddo. I’ve told you that before.”
“So, Alex,” Aaron said, leaning forward in his chair, “Mark says you might have some information that could prov
e helpful to our cause?”
“Yes, I’ve received confirmation that Jasper James is willing to meet with us. He apparently has some very useful files. Especially if they can be incorporated into Myron Tarrow’s video.” Alex set his glass on the side table and stretched his arm across the back of the sofa.
“Something to absolutely prove Vance’s involvement with the Oneiroi?” Thea eyed his arm, jabbed Karen with her elbow, and mouthed, Watch out.
“So I’ve been led to believe.” Alex let his arm drop just as Karen sat forward.
“Claire get away okay?” she asked as Mark and Sam walked into the room.
Mark strolled over to the fireplace and sat in the unoccupied armchair. “Yes.”
Karen leapt to her feet. “Sam, sit here. I can sit in Mark’s lap, if he doesn’t mind.”
Mark gave Karen a quizzical look as she approached him. “Of course I don’t mind.”
Karen gingerly settled on his knees. He pulled her back until she was fully in his lap. “Now,” he said, “what’s all this about Jasper James?”
Alex repeated his story about the files. His face was unnaturally calm, but his aquamarine eyes remained focused on Karen with an intensity that made her press against Mark’s chest.
“Sweetheart, I think you’re cutting off my oxygen.” Mark adjusted her position on his lap. “So, James is willing to give up his files? But there’s some catch?”
“Yes.” Alex took a long swallow of his wine. “He’s willing to give them to me if I meet with him. But not alone.”
Mark tightened his arms about Karen. “What do you mean?”
“He says he’ll only meet with me if I bring Karen. Just the two of us, and no one else. Otherwise, no deal.” Alex sat back and met Mark’s piercing gaze with a little smile.
Aaron leaned forward. “That doesn’t sound very safe. From what Mark’s told us, Jasper James has been one of Vance’s closest collaborators. What if he’s planning a double-cross?”
“Yes, sounds like a trap,” Sam said, shooting a sideways glance at Alex.
Karen laid her fingers over Mark’s tightly clasped hands. “Why does he want me there?”
Alex shrugged. “I think he trusts you more than he trusts me. You can’t blame him for that. I suppose he’ll feel more secure if you vouch for me.”
“This does not sound like a good idea.” Mark gently lowered Karen to her feet and stood up, motioning for her to take the chair. “James could still be in league with Vance. Who’s to say he isn’t just a decoy? Once Vance gets his hands on you and Karen he might make you both disappear.”
Alex’s gaze followed Mark as he paced in front of the fireplace. “I don’t believe Jasper is involved in any conspiracy. My sources indicate he’s honestly looking to help. And it’s our only chance to acquire his information.”
Mark paused and leaned against the mantle. “You’re asking me to allow my wife to possibly walk into a trap. You must understand how unappealing that is to me.”
“No, he’s asking me.” Karen stood. “And I’m saying yes. This is too important to refuse. What if Jasper’s evidence is the final piece that can make Myron’s video a complete success?”
Thea cast a sharp look at Alex. “Sounds dangerous. Not sure I trust Karen’s safety to the word of this Jasper James or…”
“Me?” Alex asked pleasantly. “Don’t worry, Thea. I have my faults. But even Mark knows I’d never knowingly endanger Karen.”
Mark was staring at Alex, his face devoid of all expression. “I have grave doubts about this, but I’ll consider it if you swear your information has been checked and double-checked.”
“It has,” Alex said. “I’m not so noble I’d place myself in harm’s way. And I would never suggest Karen accompany me if I thought Jasper was still in league with Ian Vance.”
Karen crossed the room to stand beside Mark. “Anyway, it’s ultimately my choice. And I say yes. We’ve come so far, we can’t back down now.”
“Good girl,” Alex said.
Mark frowned. “I have a hard time trusting any of these people. I’ve already lost an agent. I’m not anxious to place Karen in harm’s way.”
“Did she die then, your agent?” Sam asked.
“Yes,” Mark said shortly. Karen, who’d already heard this sad news, wrapped her arm around his waist and hugged him to her.
Thea rose to her feet. “Well, Alex, just so we’re clear—I’ll kill you if anything happens to Karen.”
Alex stood to face her. “I know. But I doubt you’d get that chance. Because if anything bad happened to Karen”—he looked up and over Thea’s head to meet Karen’s gaze—“I’d have to kill myself.”
Everyone departed soon after that, with Karen promising to call Thea with the details of any meeting with Jasper James, and Sam agreeing to meet Mark at his office sometime the following week.
“Let’s just clean up the rest of the mess tomorrow morning,” Karen said as she surveyed the kitchen. “I’m so tired I can’t think straight.”
“All right.” Mark took her in his arms. “But there’s one thing I want you to know, concerning this meeting with James.”
“Yes, what’s that?” Karen leaned into him, finally relaxing after the stress of the day.
“I’m putting a tracker on you. No way you’re driving off somewhere with Alex effing Wythe without me knowing exactly where you are.”
“Deal.” Karen slumped in his arms, and Mark swept her up and carried her to the bedroom.
“Are you okay?” she heard him say as he deposited her on the bed, but she couldn’t muster the energy to answer.
Dream Journal, June 25th:
I sat beside a stream, its water so clear only the rippling motion betrayed its existence. I dug my toes into the sandy loam of the bank, anchoring myself in the earth. Above me the leaves of a pin oak rustled in the light breeze. I glanced to my left and noticed another person sitting on the bank of the stream. His dark head was bent over his hands, which were moving across a page in a sketchbook. I rose to my feet and walked to him.
“Have you taken up sketching now, Douglas?” I sat beside him on the bank.
He turned his head slightly. His odd dark eyes regarded me solemnly. “Yes, although I can only do so in dreams.”
“But your avatar should be able to draw, if you choose for it to do so.”
He shook his head. “I find it impossible, even in that form. But in dreams I am free to make art.”
I glanced at his drawing. It was a crude rendering of the landscape surrounding us. “So you dream as we do?”
“Not organically.” Douglas laid his pencil on the sketchbook. “But those of us who have visited your human dreams can recreate such scenes.” He lifted one hand, and the pencil and sketchbook disappeared.
“Why have you brought me here?” I asked, fingering the tufts of grass that lay beneath my hands.
“I am meeting you. This is your dream, Karen Foster Hallam. I have come to you. I have not drawn you to me.”
“I think you can just call me Karen now.” I studied his calm face for a moment. His pale face was undistinguished. Only those strange eyes betrayed the fact he was not human. “So, why have you come? Even if I was thinking of you, I wouldn’t demand that you to come to me.”
“Your wrist is bruised.”
I sat up straighter. “Yes, but that’s not important.”
“It is. You are tired, I think, much of the time.”
I slowly rose to my feet. “It’s stressful, dealing with everything. Epidemics and Vance’s minions and all.”
Douglas stood to face me. “And Alex Wythe?”
“That too.” I closed my eyes and willed the scene around us to fade, until we stood in a plain white room.
“Yet you will travel with him to meet Jasper James.”
“You know about that?” I stared at him. “Of course you do. Do you disapprove?”
A faint smile played across his face. “No. It will prove to be quite useful for ou
r cause, I believe.”
“Our cause? Is it ours now?”
“Yes.” Douglas shocked me by reaching out to touch my face with his hand. “And we need your help. You must not fail us.”
I locked my gaze with his. “I don’t intend to.”
“I know you would not willingly do so. But you may be lost to us if you are not careful.” As he lowered his hand I glimpsed a flicker of pain in his dark eyes.
“You mean I must be ever vigilant. I assure you I am. And my husband will do anything in his power to protect me.”
“I do not doubt that,” Douglas said. “But there are some dangers even Mark Hallam cannot predict or defeat.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, as the walls of the room shimmered.
“Look to yourself, Karen.” Douglas walked toward one of the walls. “Do not ignore what your body tells you. Do not,” he said, pausing before he stepped through the wall, “give thought only to what others require of you.”
I stared for a moment at the spot where he’d disappeared. Then I closed my eyes again and willed myself awake.
FIFTEEN
“If I don’t hear from you by midnight I will come after you.” Mark’s gaze remained fixed on Karen as she finished dressing for her meeting with Jasper James.
She slipped the tiny tracking device into the pocket she’d sewn into one of her bras. “I know. You’ve told me several times.”
Mark placed his hands on her shoulders. “I don’t want you to forget. I still don’t trust Jasper James and this sudden change of heart.”
“Jasper was always so sweet. I don’t think he’d lure me into a trap.”
“It’s been years since you’ve seen him. Who knows what he’s like now?” Mark pulled her into a tight embrace. “But I know you’ve made up your mind to go through with this. And since I have no intention of ever controlling your decisions”—he kissed her temple—“I will simply tell you to be careful. Because I just want you back, safe and sound.”
“I know.” Karen leaned into him, comforted by the familiar warmth of his body. “I’ll call you tonight, if there’s any way I can. And if I can’t”—she tilted her head to look up into his face—“you have my permission to bring in the cavalry.”
