I See You (Seeing You #2)

by A. P. Hallmark

  "Yes," she answers with a shaky voice.

  "I want us to leave for Whidbey today. Can you be ready within an hour?"

  "Um…"

  "Do you need help? Can Laura or Maddie come to help you?" I ask in order to get her out of there as soon as possible.

  "No. No, I can do it," she says, sounding frightened.

  "I don't mean to scare you, but I'm just in a hurry since she'll be arrested shortly, and I don't want to risk her slipping past the cops in her new disguise. I don't know what she might do next. Probably nothing, but I don't want to take any chances. I’ll explain more in the car, but I would feel much better if I knew you were safe with me, all right?"

  "All right."

  "And don't open that door to anyone but me, do you hear me?"

  "Yes, Matthew. No one but you."

  Chapter 7

  It’s been two days since Christmas and still I haven't called to speak to Joy, even though I told her I would. My inner-dialogue has me pacing the floor, and I quickly sit back down behind my desk only to get back up to pace the room again. When I eventually sit down again, I fondly recall that night.

  After we exchanged gifts and sang Christmas carols, Mom suggested we have pie and coffee for dessert. While she took orders for pumpkin or pecan, I asked for apple.

  "I'll have apple, too," Jessie shouted, his eyes big and bright. I could see a whole pie disappearing before my eyes.

  "Like hell you will," I said, putting an end to his dream of devouring the pie Joy made for me.

  "Oh, Matthew, you can share one pie, can't you? There are three, for God's sake," Mom said, piping in.

  "No," I said adamantly. I snuck a peek at Joy and saw her trying hard to suppress a giggle.

  "Now, Matthew—"

  "No, mom. Joy baked these pies for me, and I'm going to eat them. No," I said point blank. "Jess, if you want apple pie, have Laura make you one. No." I said again, sitting back, folding my arms across my chest, defiantly.

  "Matthew?" Joy began. I knew exactly what she was going to say.

  "No."

  "All right, stingy. Who wants pumpkin and who wants pecan?" Mom took a count, and when she asked Joy what kind she wanted, she had a huge grin on her face.

  "I'll take apple, please." Everyone looked at me to see how I was going to react.

  "I’ll get it," I said, jumping up. "Do you want ice cream?" I yelled from the kitchen.

  Funny thing that when Joy got up to join me in the dining room, everyone got up and followed her. So much for being alone.

  Once it was time for everyone to leave to catch the last ferry of the day, I felt a twinge of loneliness. Joy was leaving, and I had decided to stay on the island. Only God knew when I'd ever see her again, so I pulled her into my office, taking her by the hand.

  "I wanted to thank you for the gift. I love the inscription and the sentimentality behind it." I reached down, and kissed her soft cheek.

  "Oh, me too, Matthew. I really love this bracelet," she said, running her fingertips over the Braille message again.

  I raised her hand to my cheek, bent my head down and kissed her. It started out as a chaste kiss that somehow took on a life of its own and became heated and passionate.

  "Merry Christmas, Joy. I'm glad you came, and thank you for the pies. You know I'll enjoy them," I said placing a kiss on the back of her hand.

  "Well, if your stand-off with Jessie is any indication, I have no doubt," she giggled. I hadn’t heard that sound in so long. I pulled her up against my chest and held her tightly against me.

  "I'll call you soon, all right?" I asked. She nodded against my chest.

  "Promise?"

  "I promise."

  After I escorted her to the front door, I watched as she climbed into Jessie's Range Rover. I chuckled when she gave me a wave, not knowing if I was standing there or not. She just knew I was.

  ~.~

  After having just come from making my morning rounds, I play with the stethoscope that Joy gave me for Christmas. I've read the inscription more times than I can say, and it still haunts me.

  You were my eyes when I couldn't see . . .

  When Krista calls me over the intercom, I nearly jump out of my skin.

  "Yeah?"

  "Dr. Jennifer Adams from the Education and Research Center on line one."

  "Thanks," I reply. Reaching for the receiver, I press the blinking line.

  "Jennifer, I trust you had a nice holiday?"

  "I did, thank you. Robert and I went to Paris and just got back yesterday. Christmas in Paris is a must, Matthew."

  "I've heard it's beautiful this time of the year," I reply quickly, wanting to get at the crux of her call. "So, what do you have for me?"

  "We had our meeting with Dr. Lawrence this morning. He admitted to having a tryst with your Emma Ford, he—"

  "Wait right there, Jennifer. First, and foremost, she is not MY Emma Ford, so please never refer to her in that capacity again. Please," I say adamantly.

  "Oh, right, so sorry. I knew that," she giggles. "Anyway, he admitted to sleeping with her on several occasions over the course of three weeks. He said it started shortly after we returned from Seattle. While he was having cocktails with a few colleagues, Emma approached him and after a few dates, which all ended in bed, she then began to question him about what he did at the Center. It all segued to his trip to Washington. Emma told him she was from the Seattle area and asked if he'd ever been before. Of course, he said he had, and when she mentioned The Davis Institute, he said that he was there to meet you and to tour the hospital. That started the ball rolling."

  "Damn, she's smooth. I can see how he wouldn't be on guard or alarmed by her questions. Even so, how did she find out about Joy being my choice for the procedure?" I ask.

  "She told him she knew you intimately, and that you two were engaged in college and had remained very close friends over the years," she answers. "She asked him what he thought about the hospital and his opinion of your procedure," she pauses to giggle. "I have to tell you Matthew, all of these questions were being asked under the influence of … um … fellatio. According to Dr. Lawrence, she could have asked him to rob Tiffany's, and he would have agreed to do it.

  "She asked why the delegation was in Seattle to begin with. He admitted to telling her that you were in the pre-approval process, and that we were there to learn about the procedure. After he told her that you had a patient to perform the surgery on, she acted surprised and began a new line of questioning. She asked him about the prospective patient, and he let it slip out as he was … um … climaxing … that it was your girlfriend."

  "Fuck," I say involuntarily.

  “That was a lot of conversation going on there in such an intimate setting, but who am I to say anything. Anyway, according to Dr. Lawrence, he hasn't seen her since that night. She simply disappeared after getting all the information she needed."

  "What happens now?" I ask.

  "Dr. Lawrence is going up for administrative review that will question his conduct. You need to write the Center a formal letter concerning this matter, Matthew. You are affected by this directly—"

  "You have no idea. I don't know if my personal relationship with Joy is repairable at this point. It's even less probable that she will want the surgery now, even if I do get the opportunity to explain it to her. The approval process may have come to a standstill. I can't say that I have to start all over, but it certainly has set me back a few steps, that's for sure. I hoped to have the procedure done by the end of January, but now I have to select another patient and begin the research portion of it all over. I don't have to tell you how rigorous that is." Sitting back in my chair, I lay my head against the headrest, closing my eyes at the anguish of starting over.

  "Thanks for the information, Jennifer. I'll get the letter drafted and off to you as soon as possible. When is his review?"

  "January twenty-fourth. If we need you to be present, would you be able to attend?" she asks.

&n
bsp; "I'll check my schedule, but if I can, yes, I'll be there. It would help if you let me know as soon as possible if you need me. My calendar fills up quickly," I reply, looking at my online calendar, which has appointments already, but I can easily move them.

  "I’ll let you know as soon as possible, and don't forget the letter. Matthew, the Center apologizes for Dr. Lawrence's indiscretion. It will be handled appropriately."

  "I know it will. Thank you for letting me know. Have a good New Year's," I say, standing, ready to end the call.

  "You as well. I'll talk to you soon."

  After hanging up the phone, I stand behind my desk and look out the window in contemplation. Although I feel for Lawrence being lured into Emma’s trap, I still hope that they deal with it all appropriately. With that in mind, I sit at my computer to draft the requested letter to the Center. After saving it to a file, I send it to Krista with instructions on the handling of the letter.

  Satisfied that task is complete, I pick up my desk phone and buzz Jessie.

  "Hey, Jess, feel like a coffee?"

  "Sure, meet me at the elevator?" By the time I stop at Krista's desk to tell her I'm leaving, he's already waiting.

  "How's it going, bro?" he says as soon as I'm in earshot.

  "Good. I had a lengthy conversation with Jennifer Adams from the Research Center this morning. She filled me in with what happened with Emma and Lawrence. I'll tell you over coffee."

  "Is it bad?" Jessie asks. I can see the concern on his face.

  "It's as we suspected, if that helps," I answer.

  Turning the corner, I see Joy sitting at her regular table with Laura and she must have sensed me because her head turns to my direction as soon as I walk in. Of course, Jessie goes straight to their table to greet them by giving Laura a kiss more appropriate for the bedroom rather than a public venue, but that's Jessie and Laura. They don't hide their affection from each other or anyone.

  Seeing the angst on Joy's face, I approach her to say hello by placing my hand on her shoulder.

  "Good morning, Joy," I say quietly, and then remove my hand.

  "Good morning, Matthew," she replies. "It's good to see you here again. It's been a while."

  "Yes … um … I guess I don't come here as much as I used to," I reply, feeling somewhat awkward at the direction the conversation is going. It feels too generic and cold, like a conversation strangers meeting for the first time would have.

  She must feel as uncomfortable as I do because she uncomfortably shifts in her seat. Feeling something cold on my hand, I look down and see Conrad sitting back on his haunches, looking up at me with his tongue hanging out, panting, wanting my attention. I stoop down to give him some love.

  "How'ya doin', buddy?" I say to him, digging my fingers into his soft coat. He scoots closer to me, literally giving me a hug. He loves me, and I miss him.

  "I know, buddy. I miss you too," I say quietly, hugging him.

  "He does miss you, Matthew," she says.

  I stand, not knowing what else to say. "I guess I'll see you around then. Jess, I'll go get our coffees. Meet you over there?" I ask, smiling at Laura.

  "Hey, Laura," I say, bending down to kiss her cheek. She looks from me to Joy, then back at me and returns my smile. I give Joy's arm a gestured touch, "Take care, Joy."

  My heart nearly breaks when I see tears pooling in her eyes, "Yeah, you too, Matthew."

  "What's up with that, Matthew?" Jessie demands as I wait in line to order.

  "What?" I reply, sounding as if I have no clue.

  "Take care, Joy?" he mocks looking like he just sucked a sour lemon.

  "What am I supposed to say, Jessie? Am I supposed to have a talk with her here in this café? Am I supposed to pull her into my arms like I want to when we haven't resolved anything other than her forgiving me? I don't know what I'm doing, Jess. I don't know if I'm supposed to love her or leave her," I say, looking back at her table.

  We take our coffee to the table across the room, so we can talk without them overhearing, even though it doesn’t stop Jessie making goo-goo eyes at Laura. I quickly steal a chance to look at their table only to see Laura bending over, whispering to Joy. It's clear that she's upset and I can tell they’re talking about me, because Laura keeps peeking over at our table.

  "Why don't you take her to Whidbey Island as originally planned?" Jessie suggests.

  "Trust me, I've thought about it. I suppose I could go all cave man on her and drag her by her hair."

  "If that's what it takes," he jokes. "You are a smooth talker, Matthew. You can talk her into going with you. Even so, you two need to get it done. It's time."

  "I’ll think about it," I reply, warming my hands on my coffee cup.

  "So, tell me about your call with Jennifer."

  "Well, it's as I suspected. She slept with him to weasel information out of him. He told her everything." I go on to tell him everything that Jennifer and I discussed. “I’ve already written the letter and Krista is sending it to her today.”

  "I also have an appointment with Timothy the week after New Year's. He’s out of the country this week or I’d see him sooner. I told him what's going on, and he said that he could take care of it for us, so we won't need to seek outside counsel," I explain, looking over at Joy.

  "That's good news. Do you want me to go to this meeting with you?"

  "I think you should," I answer, sneaking another peek at her. Laura’s holding her hand now, and Joy's head is bowed. Clearly, she's upset and Laura’s angry eyes are on me. We start having a non-verbal conversation.

  I give her the 'what's wrong?' look. She nods her head in Joy's direction, which makes me look at her. Joy is now using a napkin to wipe away the tears. I can't stand to see her cry, so I get up, telling Jessie that I‘ll be back.

  "Laura, can I trade places for a minute?" I ask, nodding for her to go to Jessie.

  "Sure.” Sitting in the abandoned seat, I take Joy's hand in mine and she sighs at my touch.

  "What's going on, Joy?" I ask. She wipes her eyes, shaking her head as if she is telling me nothing is wrong, when clearly there is.

  "Don't do that. You’ve been crying since I arrived. Are you upset to see me? Should I leave?"

  "No!" she answers quickly. "I mean, no, you don't need to leave."

  "Then what is it?" I press.

  "I … I thought that you wanted to talk to me. I thought at Christmas you said that we would talk, but I haven't heard from you and …"

  "And you were wondering why?" She nods profusely. I can’t help but grin at how cute she is. "So you want to have a talk then?" She nods again. I smile at her and look over at Laura and Jessie who are watching us intently. When they see me smile, they smile too.

  "Okay, I have a plan." Her head jerks up, and she listens. "How about we use the New Year's weekend on Whidbey Island, like I had originally planned? You can have your own room, so you feel more comfortable. You can even bring Conrad to protect you." She belts out a loud giggle.

  "What?" I ask with a smile.

  "Like he'd ever hurt you. He's more likely to lick you to death. I can see the headlines now. 'Doctor dies a horrible death by licking'," I laugh out loud at that. Taking her hand in both of mine, she tightens her hold on them.

  "I could think of worse ways to go, Joy," I say in a sultry voice. If she could only see herself blush.

  "I like your idea, Matthew. I think we should talk … about everything. I don't see how we can move forward until we have."

  "I agree. I don't want to see you upset anymore, but we will walk out of that house with this resolved, one way or another, all right?"

  "All right," she answers. I become puzzled when her sadness returns after the laughter was just there.

  "When do you want to leave? I have the house, for as long as I want it. I’ll have Rebecca shop for us. How many days do you think we will be there?"

  "Um, why don't we leave on Saturday?" she suggests.

  "All right," I answer. "Sounds g
ood."

  "Matthew? Laura and Lillian said you were trying to get over me," she says quietly, gently pulling her hand from mine then placing it in her lap. I can tell she's going into defense mode. "Have you fallen out of love with me yet?" she asks, sounding desperate.

  "No,” I confess. “I tried, but I can't." She sighs in relief.

  "What a mess. We have a lot to talk about, don't we?"

  "Yes, we do. By the time we leave Whidbey, I don't want any questions unanswered."

  "Okay. So, Saturday?" she asks.

  "I'd leave today if it meant I could be with you, but I can wait until Saturday." Taking her hand in mine again, "Listen," I continue, looking over at Jessie, "I need to get back to the office. Can I call you later to let you know what time and all that?"

  "Yes. I would love to hear from you."

  "Okay, I'll call you later then," I say, getting up from my seat. She tightly holds onto my hand as I stand. Supporting myself by placing my free hand on the back of her chair, I bend down and whisper into her ear.

  "May I kiss you?" I can’t help the rush of satisfaction when she blushes and nods. Grazing my nose along hers, our lips barely touch. I'm amazed at how swiftly my body reacts to her. She raises her mouth higher, so we both have better access and when our lips press together again, they part in unison. However, when I taste her sweet tongue, it’s my undoing. Weaving my fingers into her soft hair, the fire between us is unmistakable. Hearing her whimper alerts me to our surroundings and I know I need to stop. Giving her a few light kisses on her cheek, I regrettably back away. Unable to leave her table, I bend down once more.

  "I miss that, Joy," I whisper breathlessly into her mouth. "I miss you … period." When I stand to leave, she kisses the back of my hand.

  "Please call me tonight, Matthew."

  "I will. I promise," I say, kissing the top of her head before turning to go back to my table. As I get closer, Laura stands in front of me.

  "So," she says sarcastically, “I guess I don’t need to ask how that went.”

  If I didn’t know any better, I may have blushed.

  "We’re going to Whidbey this weekend to get this worked out, one way or another," I answer. "You ready, Jess?"