Saving Cassie (Fairfield Corners)

by Remenicky, L. A.

  James looks like he wants to take Logan out back and shoot him. Logan explains, “She had a nightmare last night. Holding her was the only way I could get her back to sleep.” Logan gets up off the bed and walks towards the door. “We’ll talk about this later. I’ll get my hat and get out of your way.” After grabbing his hat off the chair he turns and grins at me, “See you later Darlin’,” he says as he’s walking out the door.

  “I wish he would stop calling me that!” I look at James and see the stormy look on his face. Uh oh, better change the subject quick. “When is Doc gonna let me out of here, James?”

  James shakes his head as if he’s trying to get the image of me bleeding out of his head, “He’s headed this way. Hopefully, it won’t be too long.” He starts pacing, “I’m sorry I went all big brother on you, but I keep seeing you bleeding and looking so small and helpless.” He sits on the edge of the bed and grabs my hand. “We need to talk about what happened. There is definitely something going on and I believe you are in serious danger. I am not going to allow you to stay in that house by yourself. Next time, they may do more than leave a threatening message!”

  “So, what are you suggesting? That I stay with you indefinitely?” I look him in the eye, “I am not going to stay at your house more than a day or two. There isn’t room.”

  “It’s either that, or someone will have to stay at your house with you. I am not going to risk losing you. Do you understand what it felt like when I found out what Matt did to you? You don’t have to worry about him, I want to rip his head off. If he shows his face here in Fairfield Corners he’s going to have to answer to me!”

  “Oh jeez, here we go with the big brother act. When are you going to realize I can take care of myself? That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you about Matt. I’m a big girl and I handled it just fine on my own.”

  James snorts at my last comment. “You’ve got to understand that’s what families do. We worry and we overprotect. You are just going to have to deal with it. We may not be related by blood, but you are my sister in my heart and my best friend. I love you.”

  “God, James,” I sniffle, “quit trying to make me cry. It’ll give me a headache and I’ve had my fill of those for a while.”

  He gives me a big hug, “I’ll always want to protect you. It’s part of who I am, deal with it.”

  “I love you too. You are the only family I have left. But I am not going to stay at your house when I have a perfectly good house of my own.”

  Doc peeks around the door. “You ready to get out of here, Cassie?”

  “Sure am, let’s get this show on the road.” Whew, saved by Doc. I’ve got to figure out some way to convince James to let me stay in my own house.

  Doc looks me in the face, wearing his ‘I’m the doctor and I’m in charge’ face. “Now, I want you to take it easy for the next two days. Let Mel take care of the store; she’s been doing it for the last couple of months. A couple more days isn’t going to hurt anything.”

  “What am I supposed to do with myself for two days?”

  “Doesn’t matter to me as long as you don’t overdo it. You could have a slight concussion so I want you to let me know if you have any double vision or get dizzy or nauseous. No driving for at least two days, Cassie, I mean it!”

  “Oh, all right. I promise.”

  “I’ll go get the paperwork so you can get out of here.”

  “Thanks Doc!”

  He comes over and gives me kiss on the forehead, just like Logan did. Doesn’t affect me in the same way as Logan’s kiss. Hmmm.

  “Do you want me to send in the nurse to help you get changed, Cassie?”

  I scowl. “No, I think I can handle it. I’ll holler if I need any help.”

  “OK then. I’ll be back in about 15 minutes with the paperwork,” he says and walks out the door.

  As soon as Doc is out the door James starts in on me again, “Cassie, there is no way I’m letting you go back to that house alone. You are coming to stay with me and Marie”.

  I cross my arms and dig in my heels, not willing to give in, “No way! I want to go to my own house.”

  “Dammit, Cassie! There is someone out there threatening you. I just want you to be safe.” James starts pacing. I can almost see the wheels turning in his head as he’s trying to find a solution we can both live with. “If you insist on staying in your house, someone has to stay there with you. Preferably a cop!” His eyes light up as he comes up with an idea, “I know; I’ll have Logan stay with you. No wife or girlfriend to get upset about it. It’s the perfect solution!” He turns around and pulls out his phone, muttering to himself that this will work if he makes sure Logan understands that he’s not to touch Cassie.

  I look at him in disbelief. “What?! No way!” I sputter.

  “Yes way, otherwise you are coming to my house.”

  I groan. “Oh, all right. I guess I can put up with it for a couple of days.” I grab my clothes and make my way to the bathroom to change. I grumble at James as I’m walking past him, “Doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.” I get to the bathroom and turn around and look at James, “Just tell him to quit calling me Darlin’. There’s no way I’m going to fall for his southern boy charm!”

  Chapter 20

  As Logan drives back to Fairfield Corners, he can’t get the picture of Cassie bleeding out of his head. Just remembering her laying there makes it feel like his heart is in his throat. How did she worm her way into my life so fast? I’m going to have to think of something special for our first date.

  He checks his phone when it rings, pulling into a gas station when he sees who it is. “Hey. I’m fine.” He listens for a few minutes and replies, “Yes, I’m sure it’s her.” He drums his fingers on the steering wheel and smiles, “I need a favor…”

  Chapter 21

  We get back to my house and James makes me wait in the car with the doors locked. I’m tired of being treated like I’m five. Oh well, if it makes James happy I can put up with it for a while. I am so tired I almost fall asleep in the car, so much has happened over the last two days. Finally, James walks out of the house and towards the car. I sway slightly after standing up too fast.

  James grabs me to keep me from falling. “Hey, slow down. You don’t want to end up face down in the middle of the driveway, do you? Lean on me and take it nice and slow.”

  “I’m not an invalid, I’m just tired,” I say as I try to get James to let go. “So, is the house maniac free?” I ask with a smile.

  James looks at me like he wants to lock me in a cell and throw away the key. “Cassie, this situation is serious; would you please treat it that way!”

  I yawn as we make our way into the house. “What a grouch! You know cracking jokes is my way of dealing with things when life starts getting too real.”

  James walks me in the house and leads me to the couch. I sink down and try to keep my eyes open.

  “Hold on, I’ll get you a blanket and pillow,” James says and goes upstairs.

  That’s the last thing I remember for about three hours. I wake up to the sound of dishes rattling and my favorite Adam Bricklin CD is playing. James must still be here. I sit up slowly. Good, the headache is much better and I feel more normal. I didn’t get much sleep in the hospital with the nurses waking me up every hour and then the nightmare. I get up and fold the blanket and straighten up the couch. I walk towards the kitchen as “Lovin’ You is All I Wanna Do” starts to play. I hear singing from the kitchen. Now I know it’s not James; he can’t carry a tune in a bucket. Whoever this is has a great voice. I peek around the doorjamb and see Logan standing at the sink with his back to me belting out this rock song. What?

  I clear my throat to get his attention. He turns around looking like the kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. It’s really cute, not that I would admit it. He’s not getting off that easy.

  “I see you found my CD collection. I would have pegged you as a country music person, like Johnny Cash or Jason
Aldean. Aren’t you just full of surprises, Mr. Deputy.”

  “Hope I didn’t wake you. I thought I’d get dinner in the oven and clean things up in here. And, for the record, I do like country music but my first love is rock and roll. I actually sang in a band back when I used to do the bar scene.”

  “Wow, and you cook too! You’ll make some lucky lady a great wife someday.”

  He laughs and I decide he needs to laugh more. Much better than the grim look I am used to. That’s when I notice a very large dog crate sitting next to the back door.

  “And what may I ask is that for?” I demand, secretly smiling to myself. “It looks big enough for a small horse.”

  “Well, if I’m going to be stuck here with you for the next few days I thought it would be easier if I brought Princess with me. Besides, she’s a great watchdog and will let us know if anyone is around. Let me bring her in to meet you.”

  I smirk to myself, this manly man deputy named his dog Princess? Really?

  He opens the back door and Princess comes into the house. She is a beautiful brindle English Mastiff. She immediately heads right for me, sits, and lifts her paw for a shake. “Is this a dog? She’s huge! I’m not going to have a house left by the time I get rid of you.” This is too much fun. I’ve been wanting a dog, a big dog, for years but it just wouldn’t have worked out when I lived in New York. I need to start checking out breeders around here. I just love big old sloppy dogs.

  “She’s not going to tear up your house, she’s very well trained. I trained her myself.”

  “That sure sets my mind at ease,” I reply, turning so he can’t see me trying to keep a straight face.

  “I will make sure she is in her crate whenever I’m not here. She will still be a good watchdog.”

  “I suppose having a watchdog is good idea right now. She can stay,” I say as if it’s a big concession on my part. “Just make sure she doesn’t ruin my furniture.”

  “Yes ma’am. If you’re hungry, I believe dinner should be ready. It’s just a meatloaf but it should be good.”

  “Actually, I’m starving, but I hate to tell you I’m a vegetarian,” I say, trying not to laugh at the expression on his face. “I’m kidding! Man, you sure are gullible for a deputy. Maybe I need to start calling you Barney.”

  “Ha ha, very funny! Just for that no dessert for you.”

  “Oh, you big baby! What’s a little teasing between friends?” I watch his face to see how he reacts to that statement, hoping he believes it.

  “Oh, so now we’re friends. When did that happen?”

  “Probably the second time you picked me up off the floor. Thanks for that by the way.” I turn around so he can’t see my face. I’m afraid he’ll see how vulnerable I feel right now. “Now let’s get to that dinner, I’m starved.”

  We both dig in to the meatloaf. Wow, he’s a pretty good cook. We discuss mundane things like the weather and the prospect of a stoplight at the corner of Main Street and Elm Street. I learn he was an only child and he grew up in a small town in Georgia, moving to Atlanta in his 20’s. He decided he was tired of the rat race and applied for the job of deputy here in Fairfield Corners two months ago. I tell him about my parents being murdered and coming to live here with my Gram when I was six. I also tell him about Gram’s journal that I found a couple of days ago. He has lots of questions about it that I can’t answer. Being so young, I don’t remember anything about that night but I distinctly remember the next day when I arrived to live here with my Gram. Funny how our minds work. I must have blocked it out. I tell him that James knows about the journal and is going to look into this cult but he got sidetracked with all my current problems.

  “So, Darlin’, where do you want to go on our date on this weekend? We could go to into Fort Wayne, there are a lot of restaurants and movie theaters there. How about dinner and a movie?”

  “You’re gonna hold me to this date thing? Ok, dinner and a movie, but it has to be a comedy and nothing fancy for dinner. Remember, I’m only going out with you to get you off my back. And quit calling me Darlin’!”

  Princess walks over towards me and lays her head on my lap. I act like this is a big surprise, “Wow, she must like me. She’s not gonna bite me is she?”

  “No way, she is highly trained. She will only bite on command. I trained her as a police dog and I sometimes take her with me on patrol.”

  I nod, not wanting him to know how impressed I am, “Well, thanks for dinner.” I yawn, and head back to the couch. “I think I’ll watch some TV and then go up to bed. You can sleep in the guest room; it’s the one across from my room.”

  I watch TV for about a half hour and decide I need to go to bed. “Well, I’ve had enough excitement to last me for a while. I’m going to go up to bed. I’ll put clean sheets on the bed in the guest room for you.”

  “OK. I think I’m going to stay up and do some work on my laptop. You do have internet don’t you?”

  I smirk, “Oh yes, we even have wifi. Gram liked to be able to surf the net and be on Facebook, so she got the wireless router. The WEP key is in the middle drawer of the desk.”

  “Great. Good night, Darlin’. Sleep tight. Are you sure you don’t want me closer than the guest room?”

  “No, that’s actually too close to suit me. Good night Logan.”

  After tossing and turning for a couple of hours I hear Logan head to the guest room. Wish I had a lock on my bedroom door, don’t know who I trust less, him or me. I wait another half hour and then I sneak down to the kitchen. Princess is sitting in her crate as if she’s waiting for me. I let her out and we head up to my bedroom. It’s a good thing I have a queen size bed, this dog is huge! She is a great snuggler and she quickly goes to sleep and starts snoring. I love it! Doesn’t take me long to drift off.

  Chapter 22

  Logan hears me bring Princess upstairs. He grins and feels that Cassie is safer with Princess in her bed. He rolls over and goes to sleep.

  Chapter 23

  Are you scared yet, Cassie? The message was only the beginning. I can be anywhere at any time, you’ll never stop me. Your death will be my salvation and the beginning of a new life for me.

  Your deputy can’t help you, no one can stop me from accomplishing my goal. I will not be stopped by anyone or anything. Be prepared, I am coming soon…

  Chapter 24

  I wake up to the sun shining into the bedroom. Princess is gone. Damn, busted! I’ll have to own up to liking big dogs. Oh well.

  I smell coffee and bacon wafting up from the kitchen. I’m going to end up getting fat if this keeps up. I brush my teeth and run a comb through my hair and I head downstairs. Logan is standing at the stove turning bacon. He turns his head and looks at me and says, “I take it that was all an act last night? I found Princess in your bed this morning. You are so busted!” he chuckles.

  “Ok, so I like big dogs. We had Great Danes when I was growing up. There’s nothing like a big old sloppy dog.” I say, blushing. I’m usually better at not getting caught. “I’ve been checking out breeders online since Gram died. I thought a dog would be great company in this big house.”

  “Sounds like a good idea. I know a couple of reputable breeders; I’ll get you their numbers. They both currently have puppies available.”

  I walk into the living room to get my phone. I notice the files lying on the coffee table and I open the top one. I am drawn to the picture in the front of the folder. There is something about this man that strikes a chord in my memory but I don’t know what it is. I’ll have to think about it, I’m sure it will come to me.

  “Did you get lost out there?” Logan asks.

  “No, just looking for my phone,” I reply. I don’t want him to know I’m snooping. “Found it!”

  I walk back into the kitchen and he gives me the names and numbers.

  “Well, Cassie, what is on the agenda for today? Doc said you are not to go to work for at least two days. It looks like it’s going to be a nice, warm day. How about a p
icnic?”

  “Do you take all the girls you protect on picnics? I’m sure I’ll be safe here by myself, you can go about your business. I promise to stay here and rest today.”

  “Not going to happen. I’m under orders to protect you, and I take those orders seriously. James just wants to keep you safe. He would have my head if I left you here alone.”

  I roll my eyes at him and smile. “He’s just a little overprotective. I guess if I have to put up with you all day, a picnic would be nice.”

  “Great, I’ll call the diner and have them put together a picnic lunch. Any place in particular that you want to go?”

  This deputy is growing on me. I guess it won’t be such a hardship to have him protecting me for a few days.

  “I know the perfect place on the river.” I think about the meadow and how beautiful it is there. “It’s about a ten minute hike from the trailhead in the state park south of town.”

  “Sounds good. The diner will have our food ready in about fifteen minutes. Can you be ready to go in ten minutes?”

  “Sure,” I say as I’m rushing up the stairs. I need to find my tennis shoes. Crap, which box were they in? Oh yeah, I think I already unpacked that box. I go to the closet and sure enough, there they are. Great, now I have time to do something with my hair.

  Seven minutes later I come back down the stairs to find Logan sitting on the porch looking perplexed. “Cassie, did you move my keys? I swear I left them on the hook next to the door.”

  “At least it’s not just me losing things. I thought I was losing my mind. I found mine in the freezer yesterday morning.” As I turn to walk to the kitchen to check the freezer I hear the faucet turn on in the bathroom upstairs off of Gram’s room. I turn to look and Logan is still standing on the porch. “Uh, Logan, someone just turned on the water upstairs.”

  Logan looks at me with his ‘cop face’ – eyes glaring and jaw set. I can tell he means business. “You stay down here and call James.” Logan says, as I follow him up the stairs.