by Ciana Stone
Chapter Fourteen
Etta believed in the sanctity of the doctor-patient privilege and until now had never willingly broken it. But tonight, she couldn’t sleep, and she had to talk to someone. So, she shook Jasper and woke him.
“What’s wrong?” He was fully awake at first touch.
“I need to talk.”
“Okay, baby, snuggle over and let me hold you.”
She did and once she was in his arms, she felt a little better. “What do you need to talk about?”
“Deacon. Well, Deacon and Wiley and their past.”
“Okay.”
“I’m not sure where to start. This goes against the code, JJ. Today, Mathias and Brody took me to meet with someone. A woman Mason knew back when he was a spy. She was his partner once. And his lover.
“Something happened. Something bad. She and a man, a Mossad agent—they were captured. He died. This woman was already fractured because of things that happened to her as a child. Her father and mother split up. Her father was rarely home and when he was, he and the mother did little but fight.
“As the woman tells it, her mother started an affair with her Uncle. The father’s brother. The father came home and found them together and it all went south. Dad left, Uncle left, and mom turned into a drunk who eventually remarried, and the new husband made a habit of raping the daughter.”
“That’s one fucked up story, babe.”
“Yeah, and it gets worse. This girl—she developed an alternate personality, one who was strong and fearless, and that personality took control and ran away. In time she changed her name, went to college and was recruited by the CIA.
“When she was captured, a third personality was born- one who had no memories of the past—not of the original personality or the dominant one who had taken control and become a spy.
“And so, she survived, escaped and then was found and brought home where she underwent a lot of interrogation, including drugs. She escaped the facility and ended up here.”
“Here? As in Cotton Creek?”
“As in on this facility. The mystery woman who runs the obstacle course.”
“Are you serious?”
“I am. She and Brody became involved. And moreover, she became friends with Mathias. JJ, she healed Mathias.”
“What do you mean healed?”
“I mean she took it away. All the guilt and anxiety, the self-loathing. She took it from him, he said. Took it into herself and then banished it.”
“Is that even possible?”
“It must be. I’ve heard about healers like her but have never met one.”
“And today you did?”
“I did. I went to Brody’s house where she’s hiding, and I talked with her. And she asked for my help.”
“What kind of help?”
“To get rid of the extra personalities and to reunite her with her family.”
“How are you supposed to do that? You don’t know them. Do you?”
Etta found it difficult to speak those next few words. “It’s Deacon. She’s Deacon’s daughter.”
JJ was silent for a few minutes. “Holy fuck,” he whispered.
“Yeah, tell me about it.”
“What’re you going to do?”
“Arrange a meeting and hope like hell this doesn’t blow up in my face.”
“Well Deacon is your friend and—oh shit, he and Wiley—this is going to open old wounds, isn’t it?”
“A lot of them. Once they know what happened to her, will they blame one another or take the blame on themselves? No matter what, it is going to cause a lot of pain and maybe turn Deacon and Wiley against each other again. Now, after all this time, they’ve just been able to come back together and let go of the past.”
“It could be bad, Etta. For all of them. And you. What can I do?”
“Just love me.”
“You don’t have to ask for that. You own my heart.”
“And you own mine.”
“Right now, I think the best thing you can do is try to get some sleep. I’m betting you’re going to need it.”
“You too. I love you.”
Etta lay there, listening to JJ breathe and wondering if the new day would bring heartache and pain to people she cared for, and whether she could trust Mason to keep his word and not tell the CIA where to find Trina.
****
Of all the ways to be awakened in the middle of the night, tonight’s waking moment was, undoubtedly, the most awful. One moment Brody was comfortable in bed, content and happy to have Trina snuggled up to his side with her head on his chest.
The next thing he knew she screamed, bounded out of the bed and took off out of the room, arguing angrily. It took him a couple of seconds to realize she was yelling at Sadie, telling her to get back, to stop and go back into the dark.
As he flung aside the covers to rise, she ran into the room, and this time she wasn’t Trina. Sadie threw herself at him, stabbing with the large kitchen knife in her hand. Blocking away her attempt was easy enough, but she was fast and slipped from his grasp.
Sadie rolled off the other side of the bed, poised and watchful as he rose. “Sadie, put the knife down.”
“Fuck you. You’re trying to help her kill me.”
“No, I’m not. I wouldn’t even know how.”
“Liar. I know you both want me dead, but that’s not going to happen. I’m not letting her back out and either you get out of my way and let me leave or I’ll use this knife.”
“I don’t doubt that you will, but I don’t think you want to. At least Trina doesn’t want to, and I know she’s watching. Red, you need to fight, hon. You have to overpower Sadie. I don’t want to hurt her.”
Sadie barked a laugh. “You mean you’re afraid to mar this body because of your precious little Trina.”
“No, I mean I don’t want to hurt you, Sadie. But I will.” Brody could tell that it was no use in arguing. He was going to have to take her down.
He could make the first move but saw no need. There were two ways out of the bedroom. The window which was behind her, closed and locked, or the door that was behind him. She’d have to try for the door. There wasn’t time for her to unlock, open the window, and kick the screen out before he had her.
“Get the fuck out of my way.” Her voice was now a feral growl. “Don’t make me hurt you.”
“You hear her, Red? She’s scared. You can take her, Red. Just grab hold and pull her down into the darkness. You’re stronger than Sadie. I know you are. And remember, this is your life and your body, not hers.”
“Shut the fuck up!” Sadie screamed.
He could see her tremble from the tension, like a wire that’s stretched too tight and ready to snap. It wouldn’t take much.
“What’s the matter, Sadie? Scared?” He taunted and prepared to make his move.
“Shut up!”
The moment she opened her mouth is the moment he struck. One step onto the bed and he grabbed a pillow as he launched himself at her. Her eyes widened, and she slashed the air in front of her with the knife.
Brody had anticipated that. That’s why he had the pillow. He used it as a shield, warding off her blow with it in his left hand as he grabbed her wrist with his right. The knife clattered to the floor as he sought to get a firmer grip. Once he had a secure hold on her, he slung her onto the bed, pinned her legs by sitting on them and crammed the pillow over her face.
He knew how to bring someone back from drowning, but not from being suffocated. She abandoned the knife and clawed at his hand, forcing him to fight her. Sadie wasn’t as strong, but she was agile and adept, and he found it a challenge to best her without causing harm.
A decision was required, and he made it fast. Within seconds he had her on the bed with her arms twisted up behind her. Thanks to the way he had her wrists turned, he could hold her thumbs in one hand and lift, which shoved her face down into the pillow.
Added pressure from his hand on the back of her head,
effectively cut off her air. She screamed and bucked but he didn’t ease up. She had to believe he would kill her. Trina had told him that Sadie would always retreat when she thought she was going to die. He hoped that was true.
When her struggles grew weaker, he almost released her. But that could be a trap. He needed her to think she was dying but didn’t want to take a chance on really suffocating her. Fortunately, he knew multiple ways to render a person unconscious.
Five seconds later she was out. He rolled her over, straddling her legs in case it was still Sadie in control when she woke. After a minute had passed, he patted her face.
“Red? Red, honey, you need to wake up.”
She didn’t even blink. Concerned that he’d done more damage than he’d intended, he stretched out to pluck the glass of water from the nightstand. A split second after he tossed it in her face, she coughed, sputtered and opened her eyes.
“Red?”
“I know you have to totally hate having to ask.”
“But it’s you, right?”
“It is.”
He moved off her, and she immediately reached for him. Brody pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. “Are you okay?”
“I am.”
“And Sadie? She’s under control?”
“More than that. She’s weak, very weak. You surprised her, and she almost didn’t have time to relinquish control before we were unconscious. I helped by telling her it was her fault we were going to die.”
“And she believed it?”
“Yes, and now I know how to kill her.”
“How?”
“I’m going to tell you, but I have to do it fast before she wakes up. So, don’t ask questions, okay?”
“Okay let me have it.”
When she finished, he stared at her in amazement. “That’s deceptive as hell, but what if it doesn’t work?”
“It will.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because it will be a shock to me and that will convince her.”
“I don’t know, Red. So many things could go wrong.”
“And one thing could go so right.” She wiggled free of his grasp, so she could turn and face him. “What happened earlier. When we made love. That was my first—I mean—well, you know what I mean. And it was—incredible. I never knew anything could feel that way or that I could want someone the way I want you.”
A flush stained her cheeks, making him realize it was difficult for her. “But I know it’s not a first for you and you’ve had a lot of lovers before me and probably will after me, so I don’t expect you to−"
“Stop.”
The anxious expression that popped onto her face made him regret the intensity of his tone. “I’m sorry, Red. It’s just that you could be wrong.”
“About what?”
“Surprisingly, about me. Yeah, I’ve had a lot of lovers before you, but I’m pretty crazy about you.”
“Oh, Brody, you don’t have to say−"
“You know I’m not that kind of guy.” This time his voice was gentler when he interrupted. “And God knows I never expected to feel this way, but you got to me Red. It’s like you crawled up inside my heart and took up residence and I don’t know that I could get rid of you if I wanted to.
“I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe you’ll get sick of me in a few weeks or a few months. I won’t be here forever. Just until my leave runs out and then I’ll go back with my team. When that happens, you might decide I’m just not worth waiting for.
“But until then, let’s do whatever it takes to see you free of Sadie and Catherine and clear up this mess with the CIA. Then we can spend what time I have left here, together and maybe figure out if we really fit.
“Would that be okay with you?”
“More than okay. It would be perfect.”
“Great. Then do you want to get up and start the day?”
“Maybe in a little while.”
“You need more sleep?”
“No, I need more Brody.”
Brody couldn’t help the rush her words gave him, and he grinned. “Ah Red, you sure know how to sweet talk a guy?”
“Yeah? Prove it.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She giggled as he took her into his arms and then gave a little throaty sound of pleasure as their lips met and for the first time he could ever remember, Brody had no thought at all about anything other than the woman in his arms.
Chapter Fifteen
The last person Brody expected to find at the front door was a very attractive woman who stood on the porch looking ill-at-ease. He’d never formally met her, but he’d seen her around.
“Hello, my name is Savannah James. My husband is Mason James. He runs Sanctuary with Grady Judd.”
“Yes, hello Mrs. James.” Brody pushed open the screen door and stepped to one side as he held it. “Come on in.”
“I’m sorry to intrude so early Mr. Judge, but−"
“No apology necessary and please, call me Brody.”
“Thank you. I’m Savannah.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She smiled at him. “All you SEAL’s are so polite. Is that something they teach you in SEAL school?”
“Yes and no, ma’am. My mother and father taught me, and the SEAL’s just reinforced it. Would you like some coffee? We just put on a pot.”
“We?” She looked around. “Is Sadie—uh, Catherine, here? That’s what I came to talk to you about.”
“She is. She’s getting dressed. Come on in the kitchen.”
He gestured toward the table. “Have a seat. How do you like your coffee?”
“Heavy on the cream and no sugar please.”
“You got it. So, I have to ask, why come to me to talk?”
“Because she needs to know the truth of what happened between Mason and Sadie.”
They both looked toward the door. Brody smiled at Trina as she entered the room. Today her hair was left loose and spilled over her shoulders in shining waves. She wore a pair of old jeans and a soft t-shirt of his tucked into the waistband.
“Coffee?” He asked.
“Yes, please.” She walked over to the table. “I called Etta and she’s on her way. She’s bringing Mason. And Mathias.”
“Mathias Gray Horse? Why?”
“Because he’s my friend—and stands as witness.”
“To what?”
“Me. I’m Trina, by the way.”
“Trina? But I thought you were Sadie. Or Catherine?”
“It’s a bit of a long tale and with your permission I’d prefer to wait for Etta and Mason.”
“Okay. Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Savannah.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“And you.”
Trina smiled. “You’re very polite but I’d be willing to bet you feel you have no reason at all to think of this as nice, or me either.”
“Oh, it’s not like that. I know Mason had other women before we met, and I never expected—well, you know.”
“Yes, I understand.” She smiled up at Brody as he placed mugs of coffee in front of her and Savannah. “Thank you, Brody.”
“You bet.” He fetched his own cup and sat at the table.
“I think Sadie was surprised to discover that Mason is married.” Trina commented. “I hope the two of you are happy.”
“We are.”
“Do you have a family?”
“We do. A son and a daughter.”
“That’s wonderful. It must be lovely to have a family.”
“Yes, it really is.”
“You’re friends with Etta, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“She’s a very nice person. I like her.”
“Oh, she’s the best. And her husband JJ is really nice as well. He’s a SEAL, too.”
“Do you know him?” Trina asked Brody.
“Yeah, JJ’s a stand-up guy. I’m glad he and Doc Whitestone found each other. He was pretty screwed up
when he first met her.”
“Screwed up?” Trina was surprised by that.
“Yeah, PTSD.”
“Oh no. That’s really awful. Did she heal him?”
“Yeah, I guess—for the most part. She taught him how to control it rather than let it control him.”
Trina nodded. She hated seeing people in pain, particularly when their pain was the result of actions they performed in the service of their country, or to protect others. “Mathias had PTSD, too. It was causing him a lot of pain.”
“Did he go see Etta about it?” Savannah asked.
“I don’t know.” Trina suddenly looked toward the door. “I think they’re here.”
A few seconds later someone knocked on the front door. “I’ll get it,” Brody offered.
He wasn’t gone long. When he returned, Etta, Mason and Mathias were with him. As was a handsome dark-haired man, Trina had not seen before.
“Trina, this is my husband, JJ.” Etta made the introduction.
Trina rose to walk to JJ. “It’s an honor, sir. Thank you for your service.”
JJ smiled and took the hand she offered. After a split second a small gasp came from her and she placed her free hand on top of their clasped ones. “You should not be made to suffer for your service. May I please take it from you?”
She saw the way he looked at Etta and turned her gaze to Etta as well. “With your permission.”
“Yes, please.” Etta answered and put her hand on JJ’s arm. “Let her.”
For a few moments there was silence in the room as JJ and Etta looked into each other’s eyes. Then he looked at Trina and nodded.
She smiled and opened herself to absorb whatever pain he carried. Their gazes locked, and she felt the connection like a current that had been turned on. It rushed at her, black and boiling, flashes of fire like liquid, scorching all they touched and releasing horrors no human should be made to bear.
Trina swayed under the onslaught, breathed it all in and when the river of pain was dry within him, spoke her word. “Begone.”
She felt JJ’s relief and Etta’s joy and swayed on her feet, unsteady from the rapid depletion of energy. JJ caught her with both hands and she saw the tears that spilled from his eyes.
“How can I thank you?”
