by Joanna Wayne
“Just a minute.” She hurriedly put on her clothes.
“If you’re resting we can come back later.”
Once again, she didn’t recognize the voice.
“I’m not resting and I’d love company. So please don’t go.” Loving company was a bit of exaggeration. What she would love was to visit with someone she could actually remember.
She opened the door to two very attractive women who were somewhere near her age, a rambunctious toddler with mischievous eyes and an adorable baby girl who was trying her best to wiggle from her mother’s arms.
“I’m Alexis,” the shapely blonde announced as she pulled Meghan into a warm hug. “I know you don’t remember me yet, but we hit it off when we met a few months back. And this is Emma.”
“We’ve met, as well,” Emma said. “I’m really sorry to hear about the problems you’re facing. I know this is a bad time for you.”
“Thanks. I’m just taking things one day at a time. It’s all I can do.”
The boy ran to the window and pointed at the pool. “We go swim, Mommy.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie. It’s too cold for swimming today.”
“Not too cold,” he argued. “Go get Daddy.”
“Your daddy is not taking you swimming, either. He’s working.”
The boy stamped his foot once then promptly ran off to check out a colorful paperweight on the corner of a small desk.
“And now you’ve met Tommy,” Alexis said.
“He’s delightful. How old is he?”
“He just turned three, and if he gets any more active, I’m going to have to wear skates to keep up with him.”
“And this is Belle,” Emma said, holding her up for Alexis to get a better look. “She’s nine months old.”
“Hello, Belle. You are a cutie pie.”
Belle babbled and clapped her hands as if she understood the compliment.
“We don’t want to tire you,” Emma said, “but we had to stop in and say hello.”
“And we come bearing welcome gifts,” Alexis added.
“You didn’t need to do that.”
“It’s not much. It’s not easy shopping with Tommy and Belle reaching for everything you pass.”
But Alexis was smiling as she reached into a reusable shopping bag and pulled out a box of chocolates, some mints and a ribbon-bedecked jar of bath oil beads.
“You are so thoughtful. I can’t wait to sink into a relaxing bath.”
“We thought about buying you a paperback,” Emma said, “but we don’t know what you’d read or what kind of novels you like to read.”
“Nor do I,” Meghan said. “How weird is that?”
“I can’t even imagine,” Emma said. “So I thought you might want this.” She handed Meghan an iPad. “That’s not a gift, but you’re welcome to use it as long as you’re here.”
“I will. I used Durk’s while I was in the hospital. I looked him and myself up on Google. I even found a picture of the Lambert house online, but I think it was heavily altered.”
“I bet I know which picture you mean,” Alexis said. “It was in some kind of women’s magazine. Carolina said the photographer was so disappointed when he showed up that he had props brought in. He received the ultimate Lambert insult for that.”
“What would that be?”
“He was not invited to stay for dinner.”
Meghan laughed along with Emma and Alexis.
“It was really lucky Durk had stopped by the hospital to see Sybil the night you were attacked,” Alexis said. “He’s such a terrific guy. All three of the Lambert men are.”
“They take protection to whole new levels,” Emma said. “Belle and I both owe our lives to Damien.”
“Same here. Tague put his life on the line for me,” Alexis said. “And the Lambert men do it as naturally as if they were helping you mount a horse.”
“Durk has been great,” Meghan admitted. “But I won’t be here long, and hopefully I won’t need the kind of protection you did. The doctor just wasn’t keen on releasing me from the hospital while I was still having headaches and occasional dizzy spells. Durk was gracious enough to invite me to the ranch so that I wouldn’t be home alone.”
“How are the headaches?” Emma asked.
“Much better,” she lied. “Especially since you dropped in to cheer me up. And I’m not dizzy at all, at least not at this minute.”
“You’ll get great care while you’re here. The Lambert women are masters of TLC, especially Carolina,” Emma assured her.
“And the Lambert men are all extremely handsome,” Alexis said, adding a little physical dramatics to the statement.
“I can’t remember your husbands,” Meghan said. “But Durk is nice-looking.”
“And you’re blushing talking about him,” Alexis said. “I knew there was something more than just business between you and Durk the first time his name came up in conversation when you were working with Tague and me.”
“Then you know more than I do. Durk is as much a stranger to me at the moment as everyone else in my life.”
“You liked him. That was obvious. But you two were on the outs.”
Meghan would love to hear more, but she didn’t dare pursue the conversation for risk of letting Alexis and Emma know how attracted she was to Durk. “I can’t even think about a romance until my memory returns.”
“Romance doesn’t consider convenience or timelines,” Alexis said. “And it can’t be scripted. It happens when you least expect it, at least it did for Tague and me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
There was another tap on the door. This time it was the nurse.
“I just wanted to check your blood pressure and see if your bandage needs changing. But I can come back when your guests leave.”
“No. We’ve bothered Meghan enough,” Emma said. “The patient is all yours.”
Belle started waving. “Bye-bye. Bye-bye.”
“Bye-bye, Belle.”
Tommy grabbed Belle’s waving hand and put it on his head. She giggled appropriately at his antics.
“Oh, by the way,” Meghan asked, “what’s the dress code for dinner?”
“There’s never an official dress code unless it’s a party. We’ll definitely be wearing jeans tonight. Damien’s grilling steaks and Tague is doing his famous campfire potatoes,” Emma explained. “They’re both so excited about having Durk home that it will likely turn into one of those male bonding nights. But the food will be great. It always is.”
“See you at dinner,” Alexis added as she closed the door behind them.
The nurse introduced herself as she fit the blood pressure cuff around Meghan’s arm.
“Aren’t the Lamberts just the nicest family?” she asked. “They’re not snooty at all.”
“Not at all,” Meghan agreed.
Durk Lambert had been blessed with solid roots and good genes. He’d likely make a great husband and father one day.
Meghan was far less sure of her qualifications for a wife and mother. The amnesia had made her a stranger to herself. But Durk had known her as a lover. He’d obviously not been impressed.
And yet he’d welcomed her right back into his life. He was a hard man to figure. She suspected he’d be even harder to forget.
* * *
MEGHAN KICKED OUT of her shoes and pulled her feet into the chair with her while she checked out every Google reference to herself that she could find. There were hundreds. Apparently she’d gotten around, working cases from the East Coast to the West Coast.
She’d gained a bit of notoriety in New York last year when one of the cases she’d investigated solved the murders of two coeds from different schools who’d disappeared from the same jogging trail exactly one month apart. She’d cornered their killer herself and almost gotten killed in the process.
She’d been quoted as saying that, in hindsight, it was not a smart move. No kidding.
Had she made a similar mistake this t
ime? Had it cost Ben Conroe his life? If so, she’d have to live with his blood on her hands for the rest of her life. But she wouldn’t stop until the killer was apprehended.
She turned off the digital tablet. She’d learned enough about herself for one afternoon. It was almost six. She should go down and see if there was something she could do to help with dinner. Hopefully, Carolina had written off her rudeness as a side effect of the concussion.
Meghan had just slipped into a pair of comfortable boots when she heard footsteps and a firm tap on the door.
“Come in.”
Durk stepped inside. “Good. You’re awake.”
“What’s up?”
He held out his cell phone. “You have a call.”
If someone was calling her on his phone, it was likely Detective Smart or Dr. Levy.
She put it to her ear. “Hello.”
“Meghan. How are you?”
The voice burst inside Meghan’s head like a balloon, releasing shiny slivers of colored jewels that fluttered through her mind.
She struggled for breath. “Lucy?”
“Yes. And you recognized my voice.”
“I did. Oh, my God, Lucy.” Tears wet her eyes and emotion clogged her throat. “I’m so glad you called.”
“Me, too. Durk didn’t think you even remembered me.”
“I don’t. I mean, I didn’t. But now I do. It’s like someone raised a blind and let the sunshine back into my mind. Do I sound crazy?”
“Not at all. You sound great. I’ve been so worried about you.”
“I was attacked in my condo.”
“I know. Durk told me everything. He’s been great at keeping Johnny and me up to date on everything.”
“Who’s Johnny?”
“Johnny—my husband. We were married three years ago. You were my maid of honor.”
“Oh, gee. I’m picturing you as twelve years old. But you can’t be. You’re my age.”
“I’m two years older than you, but who’s counting?”
“I remember when you thought being the oldest was a badge of honor.”
“It meant I got to drive and date sooner.”
“I don’t remember you driving a car. But I remember that year we both got new bikes and you dented yours the first day and then tried to bribe me to trade with you.”
“That was a very long time ago. Do you remember being in my wedding?”
Meghan tried to picture Lucy in a wedding dress. The image wouldn’t jell. The Lucy bobbing around in her thoughts had a ponytail and skinned knees.
Apprehension swelled again. “I can’t remember your wedding, Lucy.”
“Don’t worry. You will soon. What do you remember?”
“Us as kids. And Mother. I remember Mother.”
“That’s great.”
“Not all of it is great. I’m picturing Mother the day she told us Daddy was killed in the war. I remember how she cried and couldn’t stop. I remember it like it was yesterday.”
And now Meghan was crying. She sniffled and reached for a tissue from the box on her bedside table.
“Your nose is going to light up like Rudolph’s if you don’t stop crying, Meghan.”
“I know. But the tears are partly out of happiness. I actually remember things from my past.”
“Durk said that your neurologist had told you that you had temporary retrograde amnesia.
“I know, but it’s a frightening feeling to wake up and have no memory of who you are or where you are or how you got there. And there’s no specific timeline of ‘temporary.’”
“I know. I was afraid for you. I wanted to catch the first plane to Dallas, but I’m pregnant.”
“You’re pregnant? Did I know that?”
“You did. I’m eight months pregnant. You’re going to have a niece.”
“Then I’m flying up to see you—wherever you live.”
“Connecticut. Are you still having headaches?”
“The headaches come and go, but they’re not nearly as painful and annoying as they were. I still get dizzy at times. I’m a little light-headed now, but I think that could be from pure relief and the excitement of talking to you.”
Meghan looked up. Durk was not around. He’d slipped away without her noticing. She owed him big-time for making her take this call.
“What’s your most recent memory?” Lucy asked.
Meghan let her head fall back to the pillow as she tried to remember her life as an adult. She hit a brick wall. “I seem to be lost in a time warp. I don’t remember high school or college. Dr. Levy warned me that I might recover memories in bits and pieces.”
“And apparently you are.”
“I can live with that, now that I realize the memories are just trapped in a fog. I have a sister again, one I actually remember. How long has it been since I told you that I love you?”
“Too long. I miss you and love you, too, sweetie. I wish I could be there with you, but you seem to be making it fine without me. Being taken care of by Durk Lambert. Living the life of the rich and famous. You, sister, have it made.”
“So it would seem.”
“Tell me again why you two broke up.”
“You’ll have to wait for the sequel for that information. Return of the Memories Part Two.”
“I can’t wait. Can I call you every day now that you’re speaking to me again?”
“Please do. You’ll have to call me on Durk’s phone, though. Mine is no longer in service. Nor is my computer, not that I remember any of my passwords. And my car is gone. All thanks to a madman who is still on the loose.”
“You have your life, Meghan. That’s what really counts.”
“But my assistant doesn’t. I guess Durk told you that.”
“He told Johnny, and Johnny finally told me everything, at least I think he has. He’s as protective as your Durk.”
“Durk doesn’t belong to me, but he is protective. I’m still not sure why.”
“He’s crazy about you.”
“Sure. I bet that’s why we broke up.” She’d talked enough about Durk. “Did I happen to tell you anything about the case I was working on before the attack?”
“No. You never tell me about your cases. I wouldn’t let you if you wanted to. I worry about you enough as it is.”
“You’re sure I didn’t mention any names or places?”
“Meghan, please promise me you’re not getting involved in Ben’s murder investigation.”
But Meghan wouldn’t make a promise she couldn’t keep. “I have to go now. I’m having dinner with the Lamberts. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Stay safe, Meghan. For once, don’t make this your personal vendetta. Let the cops do their job. All you need to do is get better and stay safe.”
“I have every intention of doing both of those. Talk later. Love you.”
Meghan broke the connection and walked to the bathroom to douse her eyes with cold water. She was standing at the sink when the vertigo hit again. She held on to the basin for support until she was steady enough to stagger back to the bed.
* * *
CAROLINA STOOD AT the counter, peeling the skin from the fresh-dug yams her cantankerous neighbor R. J. Dalton had dropped off that afternoon. She hadn’t planned on baking tonight, but the phone call she’d just received from Mary Nell Conroe was troubling. And nothing calmed Carolina the way baking did.
Durk walked into the kitchen, poured himself a cup of coffee and joined her at the counter. “Need some help?”
“Sure.” She handed him the peeler she’d been using and grabbed another one from the drawer.
“Candied sweet potatoes less than a week before Thanksgiving? Aren’t you afraid that will take away from the big day?”
“It would. I’m making pies with these.”
“Sweet potato pies. My favorite.”
“You say that about every pie I make.”
“And I’m always telling the truth.”
“I hope Meghan likes t
hem.”
“If she doesn’t, I’ll eat her share. But you shouldn’t count on her for dinner or dessert.”
“Why not? She’s not still upset that I hired a nurse, is she?”
“Don’t fault her for that, Mother. She’s under a lot of stress.”
“I realize that. Is she feeling okay now?”
“I just went in to check on her and get my phone back and she was sound asleep. She didn’t get much sleep in the hospital last night so I’m not going to wake her. But the good news is that she talked to her sister and she recognized Lucy’s voice.”
“Oh, my. That is good news.”
“But don’t question her about it,” Durk cautioned. “She’s trying to come to grips with a lot of things right now, and I don’t know how much she remembers.”
“I won’t question her about anything.”
“That’s probably the best policy for now.”
Carolina reached around Durk for another potato. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but Mary Nell Conroe called me this afternoon.”
“And I haven’t had a chance to tell you how much I appreciate your help in getting rid of her yesterday.”
“I was glad to help. She needed someone to talk to.”
“Why did she call today?”
“To tell me that Ben’s funeral will be on Tuesday. She thought I might know how to get in touch with Meghan in case she wanted to attend.”
“I hope that means she’s no longer blaming Meghan for Ben’s death.”
“All I know is that she seemed to want Meghan at the funeral.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“Shouldn’t you let Meghan decide that? He was her friend and a coworker.”
“I don’t know if she even remembers him yet. Just because she recognized Lucy’s voice doesn’t mean the amnesia has evaporated.”
“She’ll eventually remember him. When she does, she might need the degree of closure a funeral offers.”
“What she needs is for the police to make an arrest.”
“That could take months.”
“Or years. Or never. I don’t plan to let that happen.”
“Stay out of crime solving, Durk. You have enough on your plate without trying to do the DPD’s work for them.”
“You didn’t tell that to Damien or Tague when they put their lives on the line for Emma and Alexis.”
