“No way I’m staying down here by myself.” I say as I’m following him up the stairs.
“Dammit, I don’t have time to argue. Stay behind me!”
We get to the bathroom and see steam rolling out the door. Sounds like the sink and the shower are both running full blast. Logan walks into the bathroom stopping suddenly, causing me to run into the back of him as he exclaims, “what the hell?”
Written on the bathroom mirror is the message: He is getting stronger. Protect Cassie.
“That looks like my Gram’s handwriting. Could she still be here and trying to warn us? This is nuts!”
I have my phone in my hand so I take a picture of the writing. We are both staring at the mirror trying to make sense of what is happening when more writing appears in the mirror: Pearl ring is in the fireplace behind loose brick.
I run out the door without saying a word. I run down the stairs with Logan close on my heels, “Slow down Cassie. The fireplace isn’t going anywhere and you just got out of the hospital yesterday!”
I ignore him and rush over to the fireplace. I’d completely forgotten about the loose brick until I saw it written on the mirror. I used to play spy and that was where I would leave “important documents” to keep them from the bad guys. I pull out the brick and there is something in there wrapped in a piece of flannel. I pull it out and discover my Gram’s pearl ring. All the strength goes out of my legs and I sit heavily on the hearth.
Logan drops on one knee in front of me and grabs my hand with a worried look in his eyes, “You OK, Darlin’?”
“I wondered where this was. It was her favorite piece of jewelry and she wore it every day. I was afraid it had been lost on the day she was killed.” I have to wipe away tears, so glad that I have this small thing that was so important to her.
“That must have been very special to your Gram for you to react this way. I wonder why she hid it here?”
“Let me tell you about this ring. Back when she was newly married to my grandfather, he was in the Navy and stationed in San Francisco. One day, they were walking along the wharf and found a small cart selling oysters. The sign said something about buy an oyster, find a pearl for your girl! They didn’t have much money but my grandfather insisted. Anyway, he bought an oyster and found a pearl. After a couple of months of saving he had it mounted in this setting. It’s not worth much money, but it was very important to my Gram. It was only about two years after that that my grandfather was killed so she didn’t have much to remember him by other than this ring and some photos. I don’t remember her ever taking it off.”
I call James and ask him to come down to the house. He rushes in about five minutes later.
“What’s up Reggie? Is anything wrong Logan?”
“Just a question for you,” I start, “about the day Gram died. Was she wearing her pearl ring? You know, the one she never took off?”
“Yes, she was. It’s in her personal effects. It should still be down at the sheriff’s office in the evidence locker. I was going to release her effects to you tomorrow. Why are you asking about that ring?”
I hold out the ring. “Where did you get that?” James asks.
I explain about the message written in the steam up in the bathroom. I pull out my phone and show him the picture I took.
“No way! Not possible!” James sputters. “Let’s go down to my office right now and see what’s what.”
When we get to the sheriff’s office James unlocks the evidence locker and pulls out a paper bag sealed with evidence tape. He pulls off the tape, muttering to himself, “I know that ring was in here, how did it get in Cassie’s house?” He pulls everything out of the bag and says, “well, her watch and her wedding ring are here, but no pearl ring. It’s on the evidence list.” He’s checking the list and going through everything he pulled out of the bag. He looks at me in disbelief, “this makes no sense whatsoever.”
Suddenly, we all smell perfume. The guys both look at me and I say, “It’s not me, I didn’t use any perfume today.” I sniff and get a big smile on my face. “It smells like Gram. I think she is trying to tell us something.” The blinds on James’ office window go up and down on their own. “See, she’s here.” I sit in a chair as I am overcome with happiness, “I love you Gram and I miss you so much.” I feel the lightest touch on my hair, and a soothing touch on the stitches on my forehead. “James, I can feel her!”
James sits in his chair, looking dumbfounded, “I swear I just heard a whisper in my ear. It said, “’Lighten up James, open your mind to the possibilities.’ Do you know how many times she said that to me when we were growing up?” He shakes his head as if he’s trying to make sense of what is happening. “You know how I was, having lists and schedules for everything. She was always trying to get me to loosen up. I guess she still is.” He looks around the room, “I miss you too, Gram.”
“Ms. Jackson, I’m Logan and I am trying to keep Cassie safe. Who is getting stronger?” Logan asks.
Suddenly, James’ computer screen lights up. There are two words on the screen: Reverend Jake. I look at James and Logan. “I’m confused. Isn’t he the one who killed my parents? He died two years ago. It can’t be him.”
The computer screen starts to flash. The words on the screen have changed: He is not human, he is evil.
My head is spinning, this is way more than I bargained for. What does she mean, he’s not human? How can Logan and James protect me from something that isn’t human? Two days ago, I had a normal life and a business to run. Today, I have my dead Gram sending me messages and warning me about a dead guy who is evil and is not human. I think I need a vacation!
Chapter 25
I am sitting on the couch in shock. I still can’t believe this is happening. Logan comes over and sits next to me, “How are you holding up? I can tell you I am having a hard time believing all this is real. How do I protect you from a ghost?”
I kick off my shoes. “Sorry about the picnic. Maybe we can do it tomorrow? We need to figure out what to do. Maybe I can find some information on this Reverend Jake guy online.” I get up and go over to my laptop and turn it on.
“I’ve got a file on him. I put it in the desk, I hope you don’t mind.” He says as he moves to get it out of the drawer.
I look up and see Princess running past me with one of my shoes in her mouth. “Princess, come back here with that! Logan, stop her!” I start running after her. Logan goes the other way through the dining room. I turn the corner and run right into Logan. He reaches out and grabs my arms to keep me from falling. I look into his eyes and I am lost. “Highly trained? Yeah, right!” He grins at me and bends down and presses his lips to mine and gently nips at my bottom lip. I feel it all the way to my toes! I open my mouth to gasp and he deepens the kiss, using his tongue. My knees get weak, and I moan his name. He lifts his head and looks into my eyes, “are you sure about this Cassie?”
I start unbuttoning his shirt, “God yes!” and I pull his shirt off his shoulders. Finally, I can get my hands on his chest. Nicely muscled with just a sprinkling of hair, very manly! I run my hands up and down his chest, loving how my touch makes his nipples tighten into nubs. God, I can’t wait and start to unbutton his pants and I realize my shirt is gone and my jeans are around my ankles. I step out of my jeans and put my legs around his waist, pressing my sex against his. I can feel the beat of his heart, beating out of control in synch with mine. Suddenly I am up against the wall and there is nothing between our two bodies. He looks into my eyes and it feels like he can see all the way into my soul!
“Last chance to back out, Darlin’, fair warning.”
“If you don’t take me now, I think I’m going to explode… please,” I whimper.
He plunges into me and I shatter, “Oh! My! God!” I match him thrust for thrust, and feel him find his release seconds later. He leans up against me, his chest heaving. I can feel his pulse galloping in tandem with mine.
“Are you OK?” he asks, “I really wanted to
make it to a bed, any bed. Hell, the couch would have worked. I normally don’t treat ladies like this.”
“Can I just say, wow! I wouldn’t change a thing.” I realize we are in the dining room with its huge windows, “you can put me down now, Logan.”
“No way, I like having you in my arms!”
He does move us to the couch, where he lays me down and drinks in the sight of me all naked and flushed from our lovemaking. He bends down and lays another one of his kisses on me.
“I can’t think when you do that, stop it!” I start to come back to myself and realize what we have just done. “Don’t think this changes anything, it was a momentary lapse in judgment on my part. Can you get me my clothes please?”
“Sure Darlin’, but you won’t be able to resist me for long,” he says as he picks up our clothes.
By now, I am starting to turn red with embarrassment. I have never done this before, not this soon. My god, we haven’t even had a date yet! I grab my clothes and head for the stairs.
“We will do this again Darlin’, you can bet on it.” he declares. “Next time will be even better.”
I run up the stairs to Logan’s laughter, “Not in this lifetime, Mr. Deputy. And don’t call me Darlin’!”
Chapter 26
I turn away from the sight of Cassie and Logan. Good, this will distract them from me. It gives me time to gather my strength before the night. Oh the night of my salvation, the night that Cassie needs to die. The years in limbo have been long, and lonely. Do you know I’m coming for you, Cassie? Kiss your deputy goodbye; you will be leaving him and your entire life soon. Time is ticking away.
Chapter 27
Three days later and I still am not allowed to stay in my own house by myself. James needs to stop thinking of me as being 12 years old. There have been no incidents the last three days and I am feeling antsy to get out of this house. Logan isn’t any better, lurking around and popping up when I least expect it. At least I have been able to deny the temptation to allow him into my bed again. I still can’t believe what happened that day; I’m not that easy. It was six months before Matt and I did anything beyond kissing, although his kisses didn’t affect me the way Logan’s do. To be perfectly honest, all Logan has to do is look at me in that way he has, as if he’s the cat and I’m the canary. It’s been hell, trying to avoid him in this house. I always thought this house was huge but it feels very small when there is one large deputy living here along with one huge dog. I love having Princess here, I have to admit Logan has done a wonderful job training her. Other than the drooling, she is perfect. I have been researching breeders around the area and I am hoping to have a puppy of my own soon.
Logan has been needling me about our date for the last three days, but he won’t tell me where we are going. It will be some honky-tonk and dancing, good thing I love a good honky-tonk, although I would like something more romantic for a first and only date. I hope he realizes that once this situation is resolved, I’m going to go back to my own life. I don’t want or need romance.
Don called from New York yesterday. No leads on the Matt’s location. It’s got both James and Logan on edge, which in turn is driving me right up the wall! I’m not even allowed to go to my own bookstore. Mel says they got all the graffiti cleaned up and things are back to normal. I have been doing what I can on my computer, trying to set-up some book signings and book clubs. The store does a good business but there is always room for improvement. I did give my part-time clerk, Peggy, more hours - she is Mel’s cousin and between the two of them all the hours are covered. Hopefully, I can talk these two overgrown kids who think I need protecting into letting me live my life again soon.
This morning Logan decided it was time that the lawn was mowed. I was glued to the window for an hour, gotta admit, he is one sexy deputy. That’s why it’s been so hard to resist him. I made a vow and I am going to stick to it, no more complications or men in my life. I’ve had my fill of that. James and Logan are both going to have to realize that I can make my own happiness, don’t need them for that.
Logan is in the shower and I am putting on my makeup. I wonder where we are going tonight? At least the weather is holding, I have decided to wear my favorite sundress and sandals. Hopefully, I won’t be over or under-dressed. He is so annoying, not telling me where we are going. I’m just happy to be getting out of the house; the last three days have been hell.
After finishing my makeup and dressing, making sure I am wearing Gram’s ring, I make my way downstairs to wait for Logan. He comes downstairs about five minutes after I do, looking very handsome in dark jeans and a button down shirt. Good, looks like I won’t be underdressed at least.
“So, are you going to give me a hint? Where are we going tonight?”
“Not yet, Darlin’, you’ll find out soon enough,” he replies with a grin. “Excited to be going out with me tonight?”
“Just excited to be getting out of the house. You won’t even let me go to the grocery store down the street. Feels like I’ve been in prison for the last three days!”
“Now Darlin’, surely it hasn’t been that bad. I’ve brought you everything you’ve asked for.”
“Everything except my freedom.” I look at him with my anger at being cooped up for the last three days in my eyes. “James is so going to regret this.”
“Don’t be too hard on him, Darlin’, he’s only doing it to protect you.”
“I know, I’ve just been going stir crazy. Let’s get this date started so I can get out of this house for a while.”
Logan takes my hand and leads me out the door. Oh sweet freedom! Too bad it’s a date with Dudley Do Right. I think that’s going to be my new name for him. A girl’s gotta have some fun. He leads me to his Jeep and opens the passenger side door for me and waits for me to get settled and buckled in, safety first with Dudley. He closes the car door and makes his way to the driver’s side of the car. After he gets in and starts the car he looks at me and says, “Ready to get started, Darlin’?”
I nod yes and he pulls out of the driveway and heads toward the interstate. At least it’s not dinner at the diner, that’s in the other direction.
“Sit back and relax, we’ve got a 30 minute drive. Enjoy the ride.”
We must be headed to Fort Wayne, nothing much else north of town that isn’t two hours away. He turns on the radio, finding the local country music station and they’re playing “God Gave Me You”. Great, hope it doesn’t give him any ideas.
We ride in silence until we reach the outskirts of Fort Wayne. “So Darlin’, are you hungry? I thought we would start with dinner. I hope you like Thai food, I know this great place on the north side of town.”
I briefly consider lying, but decide against it, “Sounds good to me, I love Thai food.”
“Thought so, plus I asked James. Didn’t want to take you out to a restaurant you were going to hate. We should be there in a couple minutes.” We pull off of the interstate and pull up to a strip mall. Seriously, a restaurant in a strip mall? I’m not holding out much hope that it’s going to be any good.
We walk in and are seated in the far corner. Dudley obviously subscribes to that old law of west, don’t have your back to the door. Oh well, he is trying to keep me safe from some maniac.
“Wow, everything sounds really good. Don’t know how I’m going to decide what to have.”
“Let me order for you, Darlin’. You do like it hot, don’t you?”
“Oh yeah, the hotter the better,” I reply with a gleam in my eye, “I like things with some heat.”
Logan looks into my eyes, and grins that lopsided, country-boy grin that makes me weak in the knees. Good thing I’m sitting down. “Oh, don’t worry. Things are going to get hot!”
I mentally fan myself and quickly change the subject, “So, Logan, why did you decide to move to a little town like Fairfield Corners? Didn’t you come here from Atlanta?”
He hesitates, trying to find the words to let me know the reason without tel
ling me everything, “Yes, I did. I guess I was just tired of the rat race. I went through a bad breakup and decided on a change of scenery.” He stops when the waitress brings our drinks, continuing as she walks away.
“I was seeing the commander’s daughter and things didn’t end well. It made things very awkward at the station.” He looks away, as if he doesn’t want me to see into his eyes. “I heard from a friend about the job up here, and applied. The rest is history.” He takes my hand, rubbing his thumb over the back of it. “I didn’t know that I would be busier up here than down in Atlanta. It seems there has been a crime wave here lately, starting with your Gram getting killed. I am sorry I never got to meet her; from what James has told me, she was truly a great lady.”
I pull my hand out of his and put it in my lap, “Yes, she was. That is the hardest part about living in that house. I keep expecting to look out and see her puttering around in her flowerbed or coming up the sidewalk after working at the bookstore. I miss her so much. She was both Mom and Dad to me since my parents were killed.” I dab at my eyes with my napkin, hoping that the tears don’t fall. “Do you really think everything that’s happening could be related to my parents’ murder all those years ago?”
“A lot of what I believed has been challenged the last few days. Finding that message from your Gram written on the bathroom mirror threw me for a loop, especially when we found the ring right where the message said it would be.” He chuckles at the memory of James reaction. “I thought James was going to come unglued when he realized the ring was no longer in the evidence locker. He’s still trying to figure out how that happened. He obviously doesn’t believe in the paranormal. I’ve always thought it was real but had never had an experience before the other day.” Logan grabs my hand and holds it as he looks into my eyes. “How are you handling it? You haven’t talked about it much.”
Saving Cassie (Fairfield Corners) Page 8
