At the first glimpse of her back I became completely undone. Her dress was essentially backless and it dipped low, dangerously low. Without thought I reached out and traced the length of her spine with my index finger. “You’re perfect, love.”
“Why did you do that?” demanded Katherine, her tone sounding a bit angry, maybe even hurt. “Do you have any idea how nervous I am?”
“You are without a doubt going to be the most beautiful woman there. You look exquisite. You are exquisite. You have nothing to be nervous about.” I lifted her hand to my lips and kissed her fingertips.
“Really?” Her anger was quickly melting.
“Really. But something is missing.” I picked up the velvet box that was on the entry table, opened it and took out an earring. “Allow me.” I clipped it onto her left lobe.
“What?” she asked spinning around to look in the mirror. “Oh!”
She leaned in to take a closer look. The long, exotic earrings were made of gold and encrusted with tiny seed pearls and bright green stones.
“Hold still, there’s another. There.”
“Please tell me you didn’t buy these for me, Wes. They’re too extravagant.”
Charles had purchased a black velvet wrap to go with the gown. He’d left it hanging over the banister of the staircase. I retrieved it.
“They were my mother’s. My father gave them to her. When they initially met my father was a struggling artist. After his first successful show in Paris he had them made.”
Katherine turned around and I draped the wrap over her shoulders, then placed a soft kiss behind her ear. “Pearls and peridot. The moon and the sun. During the Middle Ages, people wore peridot to gain divine inspiration.”
“She was his.”
“Yes. Can I tempt you with a toast?” I walked into the living room and set to work on the cork.
“I really shouldn’t. Pregnant.”
I turned the label around and showed it to Katherine. “Non-alcoholic. Charles is nothing if not thorough.”
“What shall we toast to?” Katherine raised her glass.
“To taking chances?”
Katherine nodded, touching the side of her glass to mine before taking a sip. “Blech!”
“It’s bloody awful!” I laughed.
“Tastes like bad cider.”
We set our glasses down.
“Ready for our date?” I offered her my arm.
“Date? This is not a date,” she protested, shaking her head just like she had that first night we were out.
“It’s not?”
“No!” she insisted.
I opened the front door.
Katherine gathered the wrap around her shoulders, then smiled up at me. Rain blew into the entryway. It was cold and still pouring outside, but despite that, suddenly I felt warm inside.
“This is much more than a date,” she said. “It’s a very special beginning.”
I popped open the large umbrella Charles had left to shield Katherine and myself, then we ran for the car. Charles was waiting for us and opened the car door as we approached the old 1951 Silver Wraith Rolls-Royce my father had loved so much. As soon as we were safely inside Charles took a seat behind the wheel.
“Wait a moment.” I leaned forward, peering out into the night.
“What is it, sir?”
It was Damien, standing out in the rain across from the house.
“I don’t bloody believe it! Stay here, I’ll be right back.”
“Let me, sir,” suggested Charles, following my gaze.
“No. I’ll take care of it.” I stepped out of the car and popped open the umbrella. Swiftly, I crossed the street, dodging the larger puddles and stepping up to the curb.
“Rough night to be out, mate.” I lifted the umbrella a bit, offering Damien some shelter from the rain. “How’s the nose?”
“Broken.”
He’d yet to make eye contact with me and his voice was empty, devoid of any emotion. I could smell the alcohol on his breath. He wasn’t wearing an overcoat, he had no umbrella and his clothes were soaked through. He seemed oblivious to the cold or the pouring rain for that matter. He just stood there, staring, his eyes haunted, his face etched with pain.
“What are you doing here, Damien?”
“Just needed to know it was real,” he said, slowly turning to look at me. “It’s true, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter what I do. Neither one of us will have her. Not you. Not me.”
“Damien, it seems you’ve been drinking.”
“Of course I’ve been drinking! Wouldn’t you be? First I lose Katherine, and then he shows up. He made me watch it over and over again.”
“Watch what?”
“No matter what I do, the end is always the same! I can’t change it. It’s hopeless. There’s no choice, really. The baby is going to die.”
Damien turned to walk away, but I reached for his arm. “Wait! What baby? What are you talking about?”
“My baby.” A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky casting a momentary glow around us.
I held fast onto Damien’s arm, took a steadying breath and waited for the loud roll of thunder that followed to subside.
He looked suspiciously over his shoulder, then leaned forward and whispered, “Is he still following me? Do you see him?”
“Who?”
“Him!” Damien looked up into the night sky; he was almost frantic. “He’s found me. He said he’d always find me. His face may look human, but he’s not. He’s up there now, taunting us, laughing! Can’t you hear?”
“I don’t hear anything, Damien. Nothing but the rain and the thunder.”
He sounded psychotic. Just as I was about to suggest we step inside he pulled away from me. Suddenly he was calm, collected.
“I need to know you’re going to take care of her, Wes. Can you promise me that? Tell her I’m sorry for everything I’ve done, for being weak. I don’t think I’m gonna make it through this.”
“Damien, are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
“No. I may be a lot of things, but I’m not a coward.”
“Let me call you a taxi,” I offered, escorting him across the street and through the gate surrounding my house. “I’ll call you tomorrow. We’ll talk, okay?”
Damien nodded.
“Go stand under cover.” I pointed to the awning over the doorway. “I’ll call you a taxi. No sense standing out here in the rain.”
Silently he began to walk toward the steps.
“And stay away from the booze. Go back to your hotel and sleep this off.” I pulled the gate closed, then headed back toward the car.
“Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering,” Damien shouted out.
I turned back around. He was standing in the middle of the walkway, focused again on the sky, the rain once more pouring down on him.
He’s not my responsibility, I said to myself. But it felt like he was. He was hurting and I was in part to blame for that. I pushed the feeling aside and climbed back into the car.
“What is it? What’s wrong? Why is he just standing out there in the rain?”
“Why am I completely surrounded by crazy people?” I pulled out my mobile and dialed a local taxi service.
“That’s easy, because you’re a psychiatrist. You’re probably like a magnet for the insane.”
I shot Katherine a sideways glance, then held my hand up while I placed the order for the taxi. When I finished I turned to face her.
“You knew this was going to be hard. He’s devastated that he lost you. And to make matters worse, he’s completely pissed.”
“He’s angry.”
“Probably, but what I meant was that he’s drunk, love. Look, the taxi’s coming. Let’s go, Charles. We’re going to be late.”
“What did Damien say?”
“Nothing really.”
As I watched the raindrops hit the window and slide down, a sense of guilt and betrayal washed over me. I had just out
and out lied.
We drove on in silence. A few seconds passed.
“Raise the screen, Charles.”
The privacy screen ascended.
“He said things, lots of things that didn’t make any sense. But he said something that frightened me.”
“What?”
I found myself avoiding eye contact. I didn’t want to alarm her, but I didn’t want to deceive her either. You can’t build a lasting relationship on a foundation of lies and deception.
“It’s silly, really. It can’t be of any consequence.”
“Wes?”
I interlaced my fingers with hers. “He said that the baby is going to die. His baby.”
“He actually said that? Are you sure?”
“Positive. Are you sure you didn’t say something to him about the baby? Or, maybe you called someone back home who might have said something?”
Katherine suddenly looked exceedingly pale. “I need some air.”
I quickly rolled down each of our windows a tad. The cold night air rushed in. It was both bracing and soothing. Katherine took in several deep breaths, then shook her head.
“No. Not a soul. The only other person who knows is Mom. She wouldn’t say anything, she’s furious with him.” Katherine placed her left hand protectively over her stomach. “This just doesn’t add up. I’ve known Damien for a really long time, Wes. I’ve never thought of him as a violent man. I can’t imagine he’d do anything to hurt the baby.”
“Could just be the liquor talking.” I waited a moment. I didn’t want to press, but I had to know. “Charles said he slapped you last night. Sometimes, people act uncharacteristically when they’re under stress.”
“He’s a commercial pilot, Wes. Before that he flew fighter jets for the Marine Corps, F-18’s. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Damien drunk. He’s steady and dependable. Well, except for the cheating. He’s one of those guys who thrives on pressure.”
I looked at her and carefully chose my next words. “Has he ever hit you or threatened you before?”
“No. Never.”
“Has he ever hurt anyone that you know of?”
Katherine shook her head. “Not that I can think of. Do you really think he knows about the baby and that he might try to hurt it, or me?”
“I don’t know what to think at this point. I know one thing, though. After he’s had a chance to sober up, I’m gonna ask him some questions. Meanwhile, I don’t want you to be alone. He knows where we live. Promise me you won’t be stubborn about this?”
“I won’t be stubborn about this,” promised Katherine. “But you live there, Wes. I’m just a guest.”
Charles rapped on the window and it made me jump. I hadn’t even realized the car had stopped. I certainly hadn’t heard Charles get out. I swallowed down any retort and instead reached for the handle of the car and pushed the door open.
I’m just a guest.
The words rang in my ear. Hadn’t I told her I wasn’t running away? I reached into the car for Katherine’s hand and helped her out. Charles escorted the two of us to the large porte cochere before turning back to pull the car off to the side drive.
We walked to the door, Katherine’s hand resting comfortably on my upper arm. As we approached the entry, I could hear the music and laughter from within. There were other couples filtering in at the same time, announcing their names to the doormen. “Atherton,” I said.
“Ah, yes. Dr. Wesley Atherton and guest,” confirmed the doorman.
“Actually, this is Miss Katherine Lawson, the woman in my life.” I lifted her hand to my lips, kissed her fingertips then escorted her through the front door.
“Do you think I’m ridiculous?”
“No, I think you’re wonderful. Let’s make it an early night. I want to take you home and show you something really important.” I lifted two glasses of champagne from a tray as it went by and handed one to Katherine. “We’ll find some sparkling water to fill it. Promise.”
“What is this really important thing you’re going to show me?” She stepped closer to me, searching my eyes.
I leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I’m gonna show you just how much you mean to me, Miss Lawson.”
“Wes! There you are. Did you get my message?”
I pulled out my mobile and checked the display.
“I left it on your office voicemail.”
“Oh, no. I haven’t checked my voicemail. Bernie! Let me introduce you. Bernard Friedman, this is Miss Katherine Lawson. We’re on a holiday of sorts this weekend.” I wrapped my arm around Katherine’s waist. “I’m only answering emergency calls.”
“The board met last night, Wes. You’ve been nominated for Medical Director. Once more, it seemed pretty clear that if you’re willing to accept, the job is yours. Congratulations!”
“What?” I was gobsmacked.
“Congratulations?” Reese walked up with a nervous Laura in tow. It was clear Reese had had more than her share to drink; she’d probably started even before the party. The dress she’d chosen was daring, even for her, a deep red with a plunging neckline that showed off her ample breasts, and a slit on either side that flashed plenty of leg. She reached out and placed her hand on my forearm. “So, you’re already sharing the news, huh? Most couples wait a few months, to make sure the sprog’s really gonna stick. But, you’ve never been patient, have you, Wes?”
Katherine blushed. Suddenly all eyes were on her.
“Cat got your tongue?” asked Reese, reaching for the lapel of my jacket.
Katherine grasped her wrist. “That’s a lovely ring you have.” She lowered Reese’s hand and studied it closer.
Reese tossed her hair back over her shoulder and swallowed down the last of her martini. “It was a present,” she said, haughtily, “from Wes.”
“We were actually congratulating Wes on his Medical Director nomination,” said Bernie.
“Oh.” Reese looked at Katherine with an expression of feigned innocence. “I guess I’ve made a bit of a slip-up, haven’t I?”
“Well, you’ve got all sorts of things to celebrate tonight!” said Bernie. “No sense in pretending we didn’t hear, is there?”
“No, I suppose there isn’t,” said Katherine.
“Mind if I steal her for a dance, Wes? I promise to return her safe and sound.”
“Just don’t let any other blokes cut in. Her next dance is spoken for.”
“I think I’ll take you up on that cup of coffee you suggested earlier, Laura. I believe you’re right. I’ve had a few too many martinis,” admitted Reese.
Laura set her own glass down on a nearby table. “I’m sure I can find you one. One cup of coffee coming right up.”
As soon as she was gone Reese relieved me of Katherine’s glass of champagne and quickly drained it. “Take me out to the garden.” Reese stepped closer to me and snaked her hand around my waist.
“That’s not going to happen.”
I spied Jennifer weaving her way through the crowd toward us. I was surprised to see her there.
“Jennifer?”
“You’re looking devastatingly handsome tonight, Dr. Atherton.”
She turned her attention to Reese. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Jennifer Carlton.”
“Jennifer this is Dr. Wallace.”
“What a lovely dress!” Jennifer leaned close to Reese. “You’ve just got a little…” She discreetly swiped her knuckle across the underside of her nose.
It was only then that I noticed the minute trace of white powder at the edge of Reese’s left nostril.
“You really should be more careful,” Jennifer added in a hushed whisper.
Reese glanced at me, then wiped at her nose.
“If you’ll excuse me. I must borrow the good doctor for a minute or two.” Jennifer hooked her arm through mine and led me over toward the bar. “Let’s get a drink, shall we? You’re going to need it.”
Chapter Thirteen
“I’m surprised
to see you here tonight. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. I came with Will. He recently revamped the security for the entire grounds. I’ve managed to lose track of him, but that’s not important, it’s you I came to see.”
“How did you know I was going to be here?”
“Elisabeth told me. She’s been trying to reach you.”
“Elisabeth Cramer?” I asked scanning the room for my old school chum.
“She didn’t tell me her last name. I don’t think she’s here. At least I haven’t seen her.”
“About your height, glasses, short, dark hair?”
“No. That’s not right.”
I frowned. “Well, what did she look like?”
“My height and build, yes, but this one has long, auburn hair. Sometimes she’s quite clear and then there are other times when she—”
“Seems a bit confused?” I finished. “Does she want to see me as a patient?”
“What? No. Not confused, transparent or is it translucent? Anyways, sometimes you can see through her. You know who she is. She used to live in your house. It was a long time ago. But you dreamt of her, painted her that summer when you were fifteen. Well, not actually her, she was long dead, but flattered nonetheless.”
Jennifer signaled the barman. “One scotch and a club soda, please.”
I stepped back and accepted the scotch. On the surface she appeared completely intact. Her hair was impeccably coiffed, a beautiful array of Victorian-like curls piled high on her head. She wore a lovely white chiffon gown. It was strapless, fitted through the bodice, and then fanned out into a long, flowing skirt. Her makeup was subtle. Her eyes clear and focused. Her speech, steady.
“Dr. Wallace, she meant something to you once. I’m sorry that it has to be this way.”
“What way?”
“She’s in a lot of pain. She’s lonely. She’s not going to find happiness in this life. Don’t be sad, there’s nothing you can do to save her. If not this, now, then it’s going to happen next week. Car crash. At least this way it will count for something. It’ll distract him for a bit. Give us time to think, plan.”
“Plan?”
“She’s doing cocaine again by the way,” she said as she turned her head slowly and narrowed her eyes. “And she’s flirting with Stanley!” hissed Jennifer. “I must go rescue him. Remember what I said, it’s important.”
The Sacrifice: Forbidden, Book 1 Page 10
