by Dale Mayer
She could hear her own responses in a tinny, distant sort of way. She studied his actions. He appeared slightly worried about her but nothing untoward.
Up ahead, he walked down the hallway to the men's room.
She waited outside as he went in. That too was normal. She had boundaries she didn't cross. Not unless she was forced to. Going into the men's with her grandfather was one boundary she hoped she wouldn't ever be forced to cross.
Except her grandfather didn't come out of the bathroom.
Shay?
Stefan.
***
Knock, knock…
Damn, Shay, there are none as blind as those that think they have perfect sight.
You, my dear, are as blind as a dead man in this case. And a dead man is what your grandfather is going to be soon.
And you won't know what happened.
I couldn't believe it when I found out that you, with all your millions, just received many more. For what? For nothing.
For that added insult, you will pay yet again.
I just have to make sure you understand that when he and all the others die, it will be because of you.
As a general rule, I don't like to kill little old men. But I will.
I have nothing personal against this dear old man. Now little old women, that's a different story. Bernice deserved what she got. Honest. Your grandfather, however, could live out the rest of his life in peace and quiet, except that he's related to you.
You’re lucky because there was something odd about him today. Something different about his energy. I let him go because I know where to find him again. Still, I made you worry, didn’t I?
Slowly, unable to stop it, everyone related to you is going to disappear – one by one.
I'd prefer that you knew I was doing this, and I need to figure out how to make you really worry. I want you scared. I want you panicked. I want you to know it's you that I'm hunting. Even if you don't understand why at first…
You will by the time I'm done.
How?
Wait and see.
For now, I'll leave your grandfather alone for a little longer. And pick on someone else.
Your grandfather will still get what's coming to him, but then, so will you.
Eventually.
I'm going for maximum pain. And that means I need this to last a little while longer.
Chapter 16
Shay blinked several times and retuned her consciousness to her apartment.
Stefan, I'm here. With her return to the present, all her worries came flying back. She hoped Stefan had found answers that she hadn't.
What did you find out?
He's alive. But he's unconscious.
Shit. How do you know?
I could track him to his position but not to his mind. I can't see his physical location. I can't tell if he's badly hurt, either. In fact, although I can tell he's alive, I can't tell if he's injured. It's like a fog protecting him. A feminine fog.
What? What do you mean a feminine fog?
Stefan's voice, although tired, had an amused ring to it. If I had to guess, I'd say a woman was trying to help him. Or hide him, he added thoughtfully. Not sure that there couldn't have been two women though. The space he is in is public. Lots of energies. Have you seen Bernice hanging around lately? This sounds like something she'd do.
Hide him? Do you think someone has hurt him?
I'm not sure. I couldn't see clearly because of this energy. I couldn't even say that it was Bernice there, just that there was a heavy white energy blanket around him.
Would a blanket like that protect him from other people's view?
Hmmm. Maybe. Stefan's voice was slow, thoughtful. That's possible I suppose. I found him easily enough with your energy markers. You love him and he loves you, and that means there is a strong energy exchange between you. That makes it easier to see markers. What I don't know is why you couldn't see him.
She winced. Please do not let it be her current insecurity on reading energy. If anything happened to Pappy because of that… Then she remembered Bernice's concern words…
I suppose Bernice could be helping – or maybe hindering would be a better way to say it. She said she had to stay here for some reason. Maybe it was because Pappy was in danger? On the other hand, I don't know how much danger he could be in, so she might be helping him out more by keeping the fog there. Damn. I need to find him.
Yes, you do, Stefan said. His life force wasn't terribly strong.
Was he lying down? Sitting? Standing? Could you tell?
Stefan fell silent. He's lying down, on his side, almost curled into a fetal position.
Her thoughts turned even darker. So he could be in any small space, and he might be injured. Did you sense a massive drain in his energy in any way?
No. His energy is holding. He's not been shot or anything that I could tell.
Well that's good news. But not good enough. Any suggestion as to what to do now?
Slip into my energy. Track him back. His voice changed. I have to go.
And just like that Stefan was gone.
Shay didn't waste time thinking through the process, she closed her eyes, picked up Stefan's energy and stood in his warm glow. Damn. There'd been very few times she'd been in here, and each time there'd been a sense of wonder. So much love. So much power.
Move it. Stefan gave her a psychic prod. Now.
If she'd had time she'd have laughed. It's as if he were embarrassed. Then she was in his personal space. Had access to so much private information of a very private man. Good thing she held to a strong code. But she was moving swiftly, following his earlier path to her Pappy. As she didn't have to search like he had, the journey was fast.
She landed on a bench in a downtown square. Pappy's car parked in front of her and Pappy curled up on his side beside her, as if homeless and asleep. Her heart broke. He looked so lost. But also healthy and alive.
Confused and more than a little worried, she gave him a quick once over but his energy flowed, his vitals, although weaker than she'd like, were solid. He wasn't hurt. Relief washed through her.
***
There you are, Bernice complained. Do you know how long I've been sitting here watching over him? Trying to hide him. You know what could happen to him out here like this? What took you so long?
Shay stared at Bernice's ghost in disbelief. She'd been hiding him? Since when?
As if anticipating her question, Bernice volunteered. I could feel something was wrong. When I thought about him, I found myself transported here. With him lying like this. Is he going to be okay?
Shay grinned. He's going to be fine. At least she hoped so. She couldn't be happier that Pappy had Bernice for his guardian angel. You don't know how he got here, do you? Shay asked.
Bernice's energy shimmered. No.
Figures. Shay studied the area, and realized she could just see the street signs at the intersection through Bernice's 'cloak.' Damn who'd have thought she ever be able to do that?
The sign read: Thurlow and Rasford.
Perfect. She sent that message back to Stefan, asking him to tell Ronin.
Done, came the whispered acknowledgement.
Knowing that help was coming, Shay studied Bernice. The police are on their way, Bernice. I need you to drop your protective cloak and let him be found.
But what if someone else finds him first? The older woman fretted. What is going on Shay? I don't like this.
Neither do I. But you have to leave him alone so he can get help. Inspiration struck. Bernice, head to the hospital so you'll be there waiting for him when he comes in.
Just then a cop car approached slowly.
Bernice shimmered in place for a moment, then she slowly disappeared.
The cop car came to a stop.
Thank heavens. Sure that Pappy was going to get the help he needed, Shay let go. And found herself sucked at sonic speed through the ethers on Stefan's golden energy highway until she was
dumped back into her body on her chair.
She groaned as her physical body struggled to adjust and her consciousness took a little longer to recover in the physical confines of reality.
The phone rang as she struggled to reorient herself to the new reality.
She picked up the phone. Ronin. With her voice, slow and groggy, she answered, "Hello."
"We found your grandfather. Thanks to you and Stefan."
"Oh that's wonderful," she cried. "Where is he?"
"He was found on city bench just like you said and close to his parked vehicle. He seemed disoriented and confused but in good health. He was able to talk fine, but he couldn't explain how he got where he was or what he was doing there. He's on his way to the hospital."
"Thank you so much." Shay's heart wrenched at the thought of her grandfather all alone and hurting.
"I'm hoping you have a set of keys and can move it his car?"
"I have spares. I'll take care of it." She'd have to call a cab, though that was minor. After effusive thanks, she rang off and called Gerard. His line was busy.
Not wanting to waste time, she called the cab company, grabbed her purse along with Pappy's spare keys, and headed out.
The cab dropped her off at the car. No tickets. Thank heavens for something. She hopped in, was grateful when it started, and drove the car to the hospital. Outside in the lot, she tried to call Gerard one more time. Still nothing. Roman was next.
"Shay?" his growl filled the line, sending shivers down her spine. She so had to deal with that attraction soon. "Do you have any news?"
Quickly she filled him in.
"I'll bring Grandfather."
He wouldn't listen to her assurances that she'd call after speaking with Pappy's doctor, and knowing how close the two old men were, she didn't bother arguing any further. Closing the phone, she strode inside toward the receptionist. Her grandfather was in a cubicle off the emergency room, leaning back on the white bed, staring at the ceiling. Bernice sat quietly at his side as a warm loving energy stroking Pappy's arm. Shay gave her a beaming smile as she entered.
"Oh Pappy!" She ran the last few steps and hugged him. Lying in bed, he seemed so frail and old. She couldn't think about losing him right now.
"Shay, I'm fine." He patted her back. "There, there."
She pulled back to stare down at him mistily. "Are you? What happened to you? I've spent all day searching for you." She tried to keep her voice down and in control, but failed on both accounts. Realizing she was attracting attention and disturbing others in potentially worse situations, she calmed down enough to perch on the side of his bed.
She sniffled back tears. "Are you feeling okay?" She studied his skin color. He looked fine. Maybe tired, but his color was strong. She looked deeper. His energy ran smoothly, the pulsation normal, vibrant.
Did nothing make sense anymore?
He looked embarrassed at her questions. "I don't know," he admitted. "It's like the afternoon is a blank. Just didn't happen."
"Do you remember calling me?" At his nod, she continued, "I came right to the lawyer's office, but you weren't there." Hot tears welled up again. Willing herself to calm down before she burst into tears and upset them both, she repeated helplessly, "I spent all afternoon trying to find you."
"I guess I went outside for a walk to clear my head, apparently drove off, and ended up at City Park. At least that's where the police officer found me sitting. My car was in front of me, but I was sort of napping on the bench – I guess."
"Napping?" she said cautiously, hating that he'd blanked out like that. Could he have been drugged? She'd have to wait to hear back from the doctors on his condition. "You might have been really tired if you didn't have your regular nap. Which I know you didn't have at home, because I went there and checked."
He brightened. "Did you? Well as much as I'm sorry for causing you unnecessary worry, it's nice to know you went to such lengths."
She smiled down at him. "Oh you are, are you? Well don't do it again, please. It's too hard on my heart."
"Bosh. You're a young'un. Your heart is just fine."
"And what about mine, Charles?" Gerard's shaky but surprisingly loud voice cut through the chatter.
Pappy smiled. "You didn't need to make the trip. I'm just fine."
"If you were so fine," Gerard replied testily, "then you'd know how you ended up on that damn park bench. Can't let you out of my sight without you getting into trouble. I even saved you a seat at the zoo of a will reading." Gerard shook his head. "You really missed something. Too bad Bernice couldn't have seen that chaos."
"She'd have loved it." Pappy laughed. "Nothing Bernice liked better than a good scrap. I suppose she left little bones to most people, a couple of meaty bones to a few, and a hind quarter or so to those she cared about, huh?
Gerard grinned. "Exactly. Then she threw the whole carcass at Shay here, along with the responsibility to do right."
Pappy winced. "Typical Bernice. She didn't mention anything to you before her death, Shay?"
A snort escaped her. "So not. I'd have told her what to do with her money."
Pappy grinned. "That's why she didn't. If she'd let you know ahead of time, she'd be leaving the door open to you trying to get out of the inheritance."
"Damn right I would have," Shay muttered.
"Not many people would turn down a fortune." Roman's deep voice interrupted them.
She turned to see him standing at the end of the bed. When had he arrived? And damn, he looked good. She blinked and forced her gaze back to Pappy. Unfortunately, Pappy had caught her look and winked at her. Heat washed up her neck, again. She glared at him. She was so not going there with him.
Speaking of such things… "Pappy, the receptionist at the law firm said you were meeting a special lady for lunch. Who was it?"
His face went blank.
Her heart ached. This couldn't be much fun for him. She smiled down at him. "I figured it was me."
"We tried to convince her, Roman and I, that you were entitled to your flings just like any man," Gerard said a little enviously. "I hope you had a dashing afternoon."
Pappy laughed. "Damn, I hope so. Too bad I don't remember a blasted thing."
Gerard grinned. He leaned forward and whispered, "You might have to check your supply of the little blue pills to see how successful you were."
Shay rolled her eyes and caught Roman's big grin and barely hid her own smile. Men were men, no matter what age they were. And if this conversation put a smile on her grandfather's face, then she was all for it.
***
Monday evening…
Due to the lateness of the hour, and the fact that the tests hadn't all come back, Pappy was admitted to the hospital overnight. He started to show signs of exhaustion so Shay waited for him to fall asleep. Bernice disappeared hours ago.
She was pondering the unusual amount of time she'd spent at hospitals lately when a nurse came in and nudged her arm.
Startled, she followed the nurse's movement to see Pappy was sound asleep.
"He should sleep through the night. Go and rest yourself. You look like you've had a tough day."
Standing up, Shay nodded. "I think I will. It has been tough. Tough and long."
"Go. You can't look after him if you aren't strong and healthy yourself."
With a last glance at her grandfather, Shay walked out of the hospital into the cool evening air. She had totally lost track of time. It wasn't just evening, it was pitch black outside, the dark of night. She pulled out her cell phone and realized it was past midnight. No wonder she was tired.
The thought of driving home didn't appeal, but the lure of her own bed was enough to push her forward. The streets were empty.
Her apartment was cool and dark. Not that she cared at this point – she just wanted her bed. She dumped her purse on the couch and kicked her shoes off at the front door. Walking to her bedroom, she started undressing, intent on becoming horizontal as fast as she could.
She only made it three steps inside her room when she felt it.
Something.
Off.
And damn scary. Blackness like she'd never seen before surged up in front of her. She stepped backwards. Then she turned and ran for the door.
But not fast enough.
She collapsed on the living room floor. Out cold.
