by Ciana Stone
“My pleasure.”
“You frightened her on the obstacle course. I’m sorry she hit you.”
“She?” A seed of unease appeared.
“Catherine, the one who ran the course today. She took the run from Sadie who took it from me.”
“That’s as clear as mud. Who is Sadie and why did she do that?”
“She’s the fighter. The spy lady. And it’s her fault so she must help Catherine protect me. They both try.”
“Do they? What do they protect you from?”
“Everything, I guess. Sometimes I wish they didn’t. They don’t know, you see. I mean they don’t know all of it. Sadie only knows the bad parts, the secrets. She’s the one who makes Catherine forget, and it makes Catherine confused and sad. It’s why we ran away.”
“Did you want to run away?” She was making no sense at all, but if he kept her talking maybe he could figure out what her story was.
“Yes. I’m the one who made them come here. They just don’t know it.”
“Oh? How did you do that?”
“It’s very hard. I have to keep whispering to Sadie that this is where she can finally put it all to rest. And I must make Catherine believe that all the answers are here. That the fog that clouds her mind will be lifted here.”
She spoke as if the three were separate people and yet the same. It wasn’t at all clear but he wasn’t giving up. “And you? What’s your name?”
“I’m Katrina Rose—Trina, but I like it when you call me Red.”
“Then that’s what I’ll call you. Why do you want to be here Red?”
“I thought it was because I wanted to find my father, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe, what I really wanted was to find you.”
“Me? Why?”
“Because you don’t need to be fixed.”
“Say what?”
“There’s nothing wrong inside you. When I touch people, I can tell if they’re sick or hurt or angry. If they’re broken. You’re not. You’re strong and good and you like to laugh, and you see good in people…And you’re a very good kisser.”
“Well, thank you. Those are all nice compliments.”
“Oh, they’re not compliments at all. It’s just the truth.”
“Well, here’s a truth for you. You’re beautiful and obviously kind and a very good kisser yourself.”
“Thank you, Brody. I like you. Very much.”
“And I like you, Red.”
“But you think I’m a child.” She pushed away and sat. “I see that now. You’re wrong. I was—once, a long time ago. But we all grow up, don’t we? I’m just not as damaged as the others. They shielded me from all that.”
“Why would they do that?”
“Because I’m real and they’re not. They just came to life to make sure I survived.”
It suddenly clicked. She wasn’t talking about two other people but two other personalities inside her. That didn’t just surprise him, it troubled him as well.
“That’s pretty incredible.”
“Incredible things happen when people are pushed to the end of their limits, Brody. Some don’t survive. Other’s find a way. Like me.”
“Then why not let the others go if you no longer need them?”
“Oh, but I do.”
“Why?”
“Because he knows I’m here and he’ll alert the others and they’ll come for me.”
“He who?”
“Mason James.”
Brody felt the shock literally sizzle through him like a current. “You know Mason James?”
“Not me. Sadie. She was with him for a while. She lied to him and it got her, and another man caught by some very bad people. The man died so she could live, but it almost ended her. It almost ended all of us.”
“Hold on. I thought you said you were the real one.”
“I did.”
“Then why was it Sadie that knew Mason and not you?”
“Because she came to protect me long before she met him and she does everything she can to keep me out of her life.”
“You’re a little complicated, Red. You know that, right?”
“Yes.” She smiled and as much as he knew it was wrong, that smile lit something inside him.
“I’m going to have to leave here, Brody. They’ll come for us and I don’t want to go back to that place. I can’t survive more of their questions and drugs and shocks and imprisonment. I just can’t.”
“Where will you go?”
“I don’t know.”
“Do Sadie and Catherine know how to survive on their own?”
“Sadie does. That’s why I had to let her be in charge.”
For the first time in his adult life, Brody made a decision based solely on emotion. “She doesn’t have to be in charge, Red. Not if I’m with you.”
“Why would you come with me? This isn’t your problem.”
“Maybe because you’re such a good kisser.”
There it was, that smile that made something swell inside him. “Oh, Brody, you must think I’m terribly simple and I actually kind of like it, but I know the truth. You feel something for me. Just like I feel something for you.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I am. Like I said, maybe I’m not here for the reason I thought at all. Maybe it was you I was looking for all along.”
“Then it looks like you’ve found me, Red. Now, where is it you want to go and when?”
“Not far. I like it here. I just don’t want to be found. And I still have things to accomplish here.”
“Are you going to tell me what those things are?”
“In time. See, I still have to work around Sadie and Catherine. They don’t want me to control everything. But I’m getting stronger so soon I will.”
“And until then?”
“Until then I’ll trust you, Brody, to help Sadie and Catherine and know that everything you do for them, is really for me.”
“I honest to God don’t know that I’m equipped for this, Red.”
“Sure, you are. You’re a hero. My hero. Just help me find some place safe.”
“I will, Red. I promise.”
She smiled and leaned over to kiss him softly and he wondered if he was setting her up for disappointment. How was he going to hide a woman who had three personalities and only one of whom trusted him?
*****
Less than twenty-four hours later, life supplied the answer Brody sought. He, Grady and Deacon were standing at the end of the obstacle course, watching a new batch of recruits start their run.
At first, they talked about the recruits, then Grady changed the subject. “Either of you know anyone in the market for a little place on the water? I was talking to Chief Greene in town and he mentioned that Nellie Mae Baker has a small house left to her by her husband on the south end of Clear Springs Lake, and she wants to either rent or sell it. I told him I’d ask around.”
“How small is small and how much is the rent?” Brody asked.
“Just two bedrooms, a kitchen-den combo, one bathroom and a big porch that looks out at the water. Tom said she was asking eight-fifty a month, and that includes utilities. Well, everything but Internet and for that you’d have to do like everyone else and get a dish.”
“I might be interested.”
Both men looked at him in surprise, but it was Deacon who spoke. “I thought you were just here while you’re on leave?”
“I am, but I was thinking that it’d be nice to have a place to come home to when I have down time and at least here I have friends.”
“Don’t you still have family?” Grady asked.
“I do. Mom and Dad are still going strong and moved to Canada to be closer to the grandkids—my two sisters’ kids.”
“And you don’t want to live close to your family?”
Brody shrugged. “I can go see them whenever I want, and I seem to be a better son when I’m not so close. Besides, it feels like I’m stepping all over my sisters’ toes whe
n I’m there. They’re all thick as thieves but get their feathers ruffled a bit by my presence.”
“Why do you think that is?”
“’Cause I’m Mom’s favorite.” Brody grinned.
“Mama’s boy.” Deacon nodded. “Might have guessed.”
“Bite me.” Brody retorted then quickly added. “Sorry, I meant, bite me, Sir. And it all evens out because my sisters and my Dad are like peas in a pod.”
Grady chuckled. “Well, if you’re serious, I can get Ms. Baker’s number for you. Or better yet, get it from Mica. She and Mrs. Baker are friends.”
“I’ll do that. Thanks.” Brody turned his attention to the recruits. “Say, who’s that old guy out there with them?”
“Wiley.” Deacon answered.
“Wiley who?”
“Johns.”
Brody cut Deacon a quick look. “Any relation, sir?”
“My brother. He’s retired. Sort of. And likes a challenge, so I said he could run the course with the kids.”
“Kids?” Grady asked.
“Some of them are young enough to be mine. Present company excluded.”
Brody snorted at the exchange as he watched Deacon’s brother. “Well, he doesn’t seem to have a problem running the course.”
“He’s holding his own,” Deacon agreed.
“Who’s holding his own?” A male voice had everyone looking behind them.
“Deacon’s brother.” Brody answered as Mathias stepped up beside them, then added. “Dude, you make me feel like a shrimp.”
Mathias smiled. “You are.”
“Yeah, thanks, bro. Feeling the love.” Brody retorted good-naturedly.
“Anytime. So, why’s Wiley running the course?” Mathias asked.
“You know him?” Brody asked before anyone could answer.
“Yeah, we’ve met. Stand-up guy. Good with engines, too.”
“Yeah?” Grady couldn’t help but feel a tingle of interest. He loved engines, well to be specific, loved making them run better, faster and cleaner. Particularly faster.
“Yep.” Mathias nodded, then looked at Deacon. “Mica said to tell you she was going to be in the shop over at my place this morning.”
“Thanks.”
“Hey, would you mind if I went over and saw her?” Brody asked, and added quickly, “Just to get Mrs. Baker’s phone number from her. I hear Mrs. Baker has a house she might want to sell or rent.”
“Sure. I left a jet ski on shore near the Sanctuary dock. Take it if you want.”
“Cool. Thanks. I’ll see you later.”
“You remember you have a training class this afternoon.” Deacon commented.
“Yes, sir. I’ll be there.”
Deacon turned his head and watched Brody leave. “Anyone find that odd besides me?”
“What?” Grady asked
“Brody wanting to rent or buy a house. He’s the least tied down person I’ve ever known.”
Grady shrugged. “We all reach a point in life when we’re ready to settle down, let the young men lead the charge so to speak.”
“Have a home,” Mathias added quietly. “Someone to share it with.”
“You think that sounds like Brody Judge?” Deacon asked.
“Depends,” Mathias answered. “Remember, Brody isn’t green. He’s what? Forty-something?”
“Forty-five, I think.” Grady replied. “But what does it depend on?”
“On whether he’s falling for Catherine.”
“The woman who runs the course?” Grady asked.
“She’s a lot more than that,” Mathias said. “But yes.”
“Brody fall for someone?” Grady chuckled. “Man, that’ll be the day.”
“That’s what everyone said about you not so long ago.” Mathias pointed out and then looked at Deacon. “You too. And look at the two of you now.”
With that he turned away.
Deacon and Grady watched him go then looked at one another. “He has a point.” Grady said and grinned. “But I swear, it’ll be the day when Brody Judge sets down roots.”
“Amen to that,” Deacon agreed. “But wouldn’t that be something?”
“It would indeed. Not that we’re likely to live long enough to see it. This is Brody we’re talking about.”
Deacon nodded but didn’t comment. Mathias’ words rang in his mind. Not so long ago people said the same about him. Now look how his life had changed.
Chapter Nine
Trina heard a car and ran to the door. Aside from the woman who rented her this house, no one else knew she was there so who could be coming here?
Could this be Sadie’s doing? Had she met someone and kept that knowledge from her? Trina hoped not. She and Sadie kept things from Catherine at times, but they had to. If they were ever caught, it would be Catherine’s job to make sure no secrets were revealed.
So, who was this visitor?
A most unusual, yet beautiful woman got out of a car. Her hair was white. Not platinum blonde or gray, but white. White and shining like you’d imagine an angel’s hair to be.
She saw Trina and smiled. “Hi. Are you Ms. Mermet?” She started toward the house
Trina sensed no danger. “Yes.”
“I’m Etta Whitestone. Mathias mentioned to me that you’d moved in and I wanted to come and welcome you to the area.”
“Thank you.” Trina decided the best course of action was to be Catherine. She looked down at the hand Etta extended and then back at her face.
“Please. Let me prove I have no ill-will toward you.”
That shocked Trina. The sincerity she perceived in Etta’s voice prompted her to accept the handshake. And that did exactly what Etta promised. Trina knew, without doubt, that Etta meant her no harm.
She was, however, concerned and curious.
“Come in.” Trina invited.
“Can I offer you something?” She asked once they were inside. “Coffee or tea?”
“Are you having something?”
“Yes, tea I think.”
“Then tea would be wonderful.”
“All right, come.” Trina led the way into the kitchen and gestured toward the small table. “Please have a seat.”
She busied herself readying the kettle. “You have questions.” She said as she filled the kettle with water.
“What makes you think that?” Etta asked.
“Just a feeling.” She knew it would take a few minutes for the water in the kettle to come to a boil, so she took a seat across the table from Etta.
“I wouldn’t ask anyone to share a truth if I weren’t willing to share as well.”
“Oh? And what truth have you come here to share with me, Miss Whitestone?”
“Etta, please.”
“As you wish. And, your truth?”
“Okay, the truth is, I think you and I have something in common.”
“And what might that be?”
“I’m an Empath.”
“An Empath.”
“Yes. Do you know what that is?”
“I do. Empaths feel the emotions of others.”
“Yes. Mathias believes you might be empathic as well.”
Trina tried to push back against the panic suddenly rising inside her. She didn’t know why, but she very much wanted to escape Etta Whitestone’s company. What Etta said scared her, made her want to flee.
That made no sense at all. Why should she fear Etta? She hadn’t sensed any malice in the woman.
“I—I think he was mistaken.” Unable to sit still, she rose and walked to the stove even though it was not yet time for the kettle to whistle.
“No, I don’t think so.”
Trina kept her back to Etta. Panic continued to grow. Her heart rate was increasing, and she felt her skin growing damp. Inside her mind, something gnawed. That was the only way she could describe it. Something gnawed, scraping at her mind, stripping away her courage and threatening her control. She had to make it stop or she would scream.
�
��Excuse me.” She fled to the bathroom, turned on the water in the sink and splashed cold water on her face. Stop. Stop. Stop. She stared at herself in the mirror as she mentally chanted. It didn’t seem to have any affect because the panic was worsening.
Please. She closed her eyes and held tight to the edge of the small sink. Please. Make it stop.
An answer arrived to her fervent prayer. It’s okay now, Trina. Just go to sleep. It will be fine. That confident voice eased her distress and lured her body to relax. She had time to think that she hoped she didn’t fall and hit her head, right before consciousness slipped away.
Etta got up to remove the kettle from the burner. The moment she lifted it, the whistle ceased. Catherine had been gone for several minutes. She was unsure how to proceed. Should she check to make sure the woman was all right, or just sit and wait.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” Catherine’s return surprised her in more ways than one.
Aside from the fact that Etta had not heard Catherine enter the room, everything about her was different. Her expression was suspicious, and she carried herself differently, as if she had suddenly gotten stronger.
“Oh, it’s no bother.” Etta tamped down her own emotions and quickly added. “I took the kettle off since it whistled.”
“Then I’ll prepare the tea.”
“Thanks.” Etta sat and watched. Yes, something was definitely different.
“So how did you and Mathias meet?” she asked at the same moment Catherine stiffened and turned.
“Someone’s here.”
She hurried from the room and Etta followed. When Catherine opened the front door, Etta felt the anger that rolled off her. She hurried to the door and looked over Catherine’s shoulder at the car parked beside hers. The door was opening, but she didn’t need to wait for the driver to emerge. She knew who it was.
“What are you doing here?” Catherine asked in an unfriendly tone.
“I was supposed to meet Etta here, but was running late.” Mason replied as he walked to the house.
“You were bringing him to my house?” Catherine turned to direct the question to Etta and this time the tone was more than unfriendly. It was downright hostile.
“You know him?”
“Don’t play games. What do you want?”
