Love Never Dies

by Loren Lockner

  “I never knew that,” gasped Julia, peering up at him with red swollen eyes.

  “I’m sure no one wanted you to know; particularly as the police began to put two and two together. Unfortunately, Alletti’s convinced that Seth made you privy to his secrets, which you and I know isn’t the case.”

  Julia wiped her blurry eyes. “He never told me anything about it. I wish he had.”

  “I wish he had as well. While I’m proud he wanted to protect you, his mistake has unfortunately come back to haunt you. And the reason it has is partly because of me.”

  “Why?” she asked simply.

  “When we heard through the grapevine that you might be in danger, Angus O’Leary suggested you go under police protection. Both Lucas and I protested, realizing what you had just gone through. Were we now going to tear you away from all those people who served as your support system? It was hoped that when no disk surfaced, Alletti would assume the truth; that you knew nothing. Therefore, it was instead agreed by the powers that be that you’d be watched.”

  “Watched?” she repeated numbly.

  “Yes, by an undercover detective named Stan Garten who’d been in contact with Seth. He drives a brown Chevy sedan and is a tall man with a bushy moustache.”

  Suddenly Julia gasped. “He’s the man I had removed from the school grounds because I thought he was stalking children.”

  “Yeah, and actually was your own personal bodyguard. That tale certainly made its way around the circuit. Anyway, Stan was at UCLA today watching over the two of us. It’s likely Adam Gable placed some sort of tracking device onto your car the afternoon he pretended to be the uncle of the missing student. Gable clearly wanted you out of Santa Barbara and away from your family and friends so he could ransack your flat after you left and then approach you.”

  “Approach?”

  “Maybe that’s too mild a term,” said Simon.

  “So you just didn’t come down here to tie up Seth’s loose ends at the architectural firm?”

  “I came to watch over you Julia.”

  “Because they failed to protect Seth?”

  Simon’s gray eyes were bleak. “That was only part of it Julia. I felt a responsibility for you. You were like some sort of lifeboat set adrift, alone and needing my help. Shoot Julia, you were practically family! How could I sleep at night knowing you might be in danger? It was bad enough you were so despondent over Seth. For months we worried that maybe you would…”

  “Do what your dad did?”

  “Yes,” he voiced sadly. “That’s before it became clear to everyone you had the strength and courage to go on. You can’t imagine how much I admire you for that.”

  Julia’s hand rose to her breast and rubbed. Seth’s soul had calmed, reassuring her that what Simon had just related was the complete truth. Simon noted the action and turned his head away, swallowing down the horrible lump in his throat.

  Julia noted the muscles in his jaw tensing. “All this must have been horrible for you as well; to lose your brother, knowing he’d been murdered and that this Alletti would stop at nothing to silence your entire family, including me. So what do we do now?”

  Simon reached under his black leather jacket and pulled out the Beretta hidden in his shoulder holster. “The first thing we’re going to do, Julia, is give you a quick lesson on how to use this.” Her dark green eyes widened, but if she felt fear or panic she kept it to herself.

  “I’m ready,” was all she said, and Simon understood Julia would valiantly face whatever happened next. That was the kind of woman she was.

  Two hours later Julia lay sound asleep upon the queen-sized bed dominating the small motel room. Simon rested uncomfortably in a low chair by the window, occasionally flicking the curtains aside to check the parking lot while he observed her sleeping form. Her blonde hair spread over the pillow in glorious disarray, her hand twitching occasionally as she slept soundlessly. She’d cried before falling asleep and Simon wished he could have comforted her, but such a move was highly inappropriate. This was simply a hands-off operation, but that couldn’t stop him from fantasizing about her.

  His stomach gave a telltale growl and Simon rubbed the hungry spot in disgust. This motel wasn’t equipped with any of the modern conveniences like room service, but did have a telephone, and within a couple of minutes he was flipping through the yellow pages searching for a nearby pizza delivery service. Julia awakened as he dialed the number.

  “Pizza?” he mouthed and she nodded. Julia was also strangely hungry and quietly observed Seth’s brother order two large pizzas; one pepperoni and one vegetarian, and a couple of soft drinks along with a Greek salad. Simon recited the address and room number and hung up the phone before flicking on the TV. Watching him now, Julia had a better understanding of Seth’s hesitancy about getting involved with her initially.

  “Simon,” she asked, willing him to talk to her. “You never told me how you got that white streak in your hair. Was it from the same snow bunny incident?” Her reference to the pink-clad skier caused him to smile.

  “No, I was in a minor automobile accident several months later. Well maybe not so minor. I re-injured my leg and fool that I was, wasn’t wearing my seat belt and flew right through the windshield. I received a nasty gash on top of my crown and low and behold when the hair finally grew out again after the stitches came out the strands were as white as snow. I feel like Leticia from the Adams’ family.

  “I’m sure it is quite appealing to the ladies.”

  “Oh yeah,” said Simon, “they’ve been flocking around me in hoards. Haven’t you noticed how I’ve had to beat them off with a stick?” His tone was light as he gently mocked himself.

  Julia sat up on the bedspread and tucked a couple of pillows behind her. “I think Seth would be very proud of you Simon.”

  His eyes, so like Seth’s, peered back at her. “You think so, eh?”

  “Now you sound Canadian with your ‘eh’s. I have the sense Seth always felt you were a little immature or self-serving. That’s just my impression, since he didn’t speak about you much. But here you are, risking your own life to watch over someone you don’t even know.”

  “I know you,” he said quietly.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Seth wrote me all about you. It wasn’t always what he said; it was what lay between the lines. He used to go on and on about your natural easy style with children, about how quick you were to laugh, and how beautiful your hair was. I’m not surprised he made you his soul mate. Do you still feel it Julia? Do you still feel him inside of you?”

  “What do you mean?” she asked, turning her face away as she plucked at the rust bedspread, suddenly embarrassed.

  “My father used to talk about a burning glow in his chest and said how he always knew when my mother was near. Do you still feel it there?” His silver gaze eyed her chest.

  Julia touched her breast with two fingers and caressed the spot lightly. “Yes,” she admitted. “I do still feel his presence. You know Simon, I used to believe Seth was trapped in some sort of self-imposed limbo as he waited for me to pass on to the hereafter, yet always felt he didn’t want me to die before my time. But, while I lay here thinking about what you told me, I’ve formulated another concept to explain why his presence remains so strong inside of me.”

  “And what is that?” asked Simon hoarsely.

  “He knows I’m in danger and that’s why you felt you were needed here, because Seth sent you. The first time I met you I felt a tremendous jolt in my heart and thought he was warning me about you, but I don’t believe that now.” She paused and gazed at Seth’s twin intently. “I’ve read there’s an intense connection between twins and admit I’ve often felt Paul and I are nearly one even though we are not identical twins or the same sex. During Paul’s wedding, I felt his intense joy. I’ve separated from him somewhat as I’ve gotten older, but know Seth’s death hit him harder than the rest of the family because he could literally feel the pain I wa
s going through. If that’s true for Paul and me, then what about you and Seth, who were identical? You originally came from a single egg that split in your mother’s womb. Could Seth be dictating what you do, or perhaps urging you to look after me?”

  An odd expression passed over Simon’s face as his silver eyes shimmered in the artificial light of the cheap motel lamp. “I’m positive you’re right; I have been propelled and motivated by what Seth wanted. I admit everything I’m doing now is because I know that’s what he would want and I owe it to him. I owe him Julia because he loved you more than life itself.”

  A sharp rap came upon the door, saving her from responding to his intense statement. Simon rose, and peering through the eyehole, opened the door to a red-shirted pizza delivery man with a jaunty striped hat. A minute later two huge cardboard boxes full of savory smelling pizzas, a large salad, and two ice cold drinks were spread upon the round table near the air-conditioning unit.

  “Your gourmet meal awaits, my lady,” Simon bowed, as Julia rose to join him at the small table to devour their feast.

  “I have to go out,” Simon said a full twenty minutes later after wiping his mouth on a paper napkin. Julia felt a cold wave wash over her as icy prickles of fear stiffened her back.

  “Why?” she asked simply.

  “I have to find out what happened to Stan Garten and since I can’t seem to get hold of Mandy or Angus, I need to use an alternate method of contacting them. I don’t want to use the hotel phone or my cell in case we’re being traced. I’m also almost out of money after paying for the motel room with cash and buying your expensive and sophisticated dinner.”

  “I might be able to remedy that,” stated Julia, glad to be able to help with something. She rose from the uncomfortable chair provided by the motel and rummaged through her handbag before finally pulling out her kidskin wallet. She peered inside the bill compartment.

  “I went to the ATM yesterday and have about a hundred and eighty dollars remaining. Will that help?”

  Simon watched her warmly, his too-long hair sexy and inviting, and she suddenly felt uncomfortable under his silver gaze.

  “You keep that for an emergency. I’ll come back and get it if I need it.”

  “But can’t they trace ATMs?”

  Simon leaned forward and tapped her lips gently with his finger. “Don’t you worry about that,” he said. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out the Beretta. “I’m leaving this here with you just in case.”

  “No!” Julia denied, suddenly worried about what might happen if he ran into Adam Gable and didn’t have a weapon. “You keep it.”

  “No, you’re defenseless here without the gun.”

  “That’s just what you think!” Julia bent over the tan handbag again. “Ah ha! My mother gave me it a couple of years ago and I’m certain it still works.” Julia pulled out a small gray can of mace and squinted as she read the directions. “Hmm, just point and shoot the spray into the assailant’s face. I can do that!”

  Simon’s lip twitched under the thin disfiguring scar as he battled a smile at her valiant declaration. “Alright, but I must admit I’d feel more comfortable if I left the gun with you.”

  Julia eyed the blue-black gleam of the revolver upon his outstretched palm and shook her head. “I’ll take my chances with screaming and mace,” she answered, and Simon knew her mind was made up.

  “I should return within thirty minutes. If not, I’ll phone you on my cell. You’re not to leave this hotel or call anyone. Is that clear?”

  “You sound just like a second grade teacher,” retorted Julia mildly. “Don’t worry Mr. Hayes, I’ll behave myself.”

  “Good girl.” Simon suddenly felt an uncontrollable impulse to kiss her gently on the forehead so he backed away.

  “Take care of yourself,” she whispered.

  “You’re not to worry Julia, I’ll be back before you know it my…,” his voiced trailed off as he thrust the Beretta violently back into the shoulder holster hidden underneath his leather jacket and marched out the door. Within moments, the roar of the Pajero’s engine throbbed, only to diminish rapidly as the 4x4 drove away.

  Julia perched on the edge of the bed for a long time, staring sightlessly at the pizza boxes and remains of their dinner strewn over the low table where they’d shared their last meal. Her heart tugged and glowed, forcing her to reach up and rub the agitated spot. An inspired thought suddenly struck her. What if Simon also shared a portion of Seth’s soul? She’d been so involved in her own personal grief that Julia had never really delved into the true relationship between Simon and Seth. They’d been identical twins and must have been close. Hadn’t Simon mentioned how their similar tastes had gotten him into trouble and hadn’t both studied to be architects? They’d grown up in the same house, witnessing their parents’ true and undying affection, and it must have shattered Simon as much as Seth to have his father kill himself.

  True, they’d had their problems, as Simon was quick to point out, but certainly there must have been a deep emotional bond between the two. Simon seemed so different from Seth, more carefree and quick with the jokes and one-liners, while Seth had been so serious and almost remote. Nevertheless, they were identical twins, as their shared love of hot sauce and women clearly indicated. A strange fluttering fear hovered at the outer edge of her mind and Julia suddenly gasped. She was attracted to Simon and that simple realization immediately filled her with guilt.

  How could that be? Julia had loved Seth unreservedly and wholeheartedly, so how could she even look at his brother? Was it because he was identical in appearance to his brother even though the streak and scar gave him a much more roguish appearance? Or, was it because deep down inside Julia recognized Simon possessed the same undeniable dignity and integrity that had propelled Seth through his life? Seth had been the man of her dreams… so where did that place his highly attractive, but wilder twin? A treacherous desire stole into her heart, making her abruptly jump off the bed and begin cleaning up the cardboard boxes upon the table in a frenzied manner, her voice chanting frantically into the air.

  “I’m sorry Seth, I’m sorry! It’s just the anxiety and uncertainty of the moment. I’m really not attracted to your brother. I’m not!” Yet, in her heart, Julia knew she was as lost as that girl Marcie had been, and sinking down upon the bed burst into a traitorous flood of tears.

  Adam Gable was livid. He cruised the streets of West Hollywood aimlessly searching for the elusive bronze Pajero, furious with himself for losing them in such a simple maneuver.

  He quickly got on the line and dialed one of Alletti’s cohorts in Los Angeles County. Adam reeled off the Pajero’s license plate number and relayed to Joe Alletti’s underling that Simon must be found. The opportunity had arisen to kill two birds with one stone and Adam felt exhilaration course through his entire body even though he wasn’t exactly certain of the location of his prey. It was only a matter of time before they’d turn up and he was content to sit and wait until he heard from Alletti’s men again.

  He pulled into a sunny diner and ordered a big chiliburger smothered in onions, along with a strong cup of coffee. Adam chuckled as he waited for his burger and lit an unfiltered cigarette, wondering how long before Stan Garten’s cohorts realized the police officer was locked in the trunk of his own car, unhurt but certainly humiliated. And my, oh my, that woman had looked mighty fine in peach and Adam grinned once again to himself. Overall, it had been a very good day.

  Simon, using two of the false ATM cards issued to him by Angus O’Leary, withdrew $500 on one and an additional $400 on the other. He needed the cash to secure another car, realizing it was just a matter of time before the Pajero was traced. Simon sauntered into an Internet café and paid for thirty minutes. Within twenty he’d sent off four e-mails; one to his cousin Lucas warning him to be on guard and not to trust his own safety to the police, and the others to Mandy, Angus O’Leary, and a contact he had within the Los Angeles Police Department. Hopefully, she would be
able to locate Stan. Using a payphone just outside the café he rang up Paul Morris and was relieved to hear the recorded spiel of Paul’s answering machine instead of a live voice. It was so much easier to lie to a machine.

  “It seems that your sister, with the permission of her principal, has decided to remain in the area for a couple extra days. If you don’t mind, I’m going to hang around as well and make sure she behaves herself.” He kept it as light and airy as possible and signed off.

  Simon then moved into a busy, but trendy clothing store and made a few purchases using a credit card stating the name Jeff Collins. He quickly acquired numerous packages and a canvas sports bag. Simon hoped he’d estimated Julia’s size correctly since she’d lost so much weight. Seventy minutes after leaving the motor lodge, he once again opened the creaky door to the room. Julia was stretched out the queen-sized bed watching a Bette Midler movie. She leaped up, relief plastered across her face.

  “I was getting so worried,” she cried, as he crossed the room and dropped his packages onto the bed before embracing her.

  “I told you I’d return as soon as I could. I’m sorry I didn’t call but felt it was safer not to use the cell phone. I’ve become sort of a Santa Claus. Would you like to see what I’ve bought?”

  “Sure, but why is your hand so muddy?”

  Simon grinned mischievously. “I had to do a little work on the Pajero. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “What do you mean?” she queried softly.

  He walked into the bathroom and thrust his hands under a stream of warm water, energetically applying a liberal dose of the soap and rapidly scrubbing as the mud swirled down the drain.

  “I didn’t want anyone to decipher our license plates and since they’re watering the flower bed next to the car I thought it might be good time to take a little mud and obscure some of the letters. Since I was having such a good time I thought I’d add a little mud along the runners and on the windshield as well. The 4x4 appears as if we’ve been off-roading somewhere.”

  Julia smiled. Simon definitely took care of the small details. “So what’s in the packages?” she asked girlishly, her hands itching to open the parcels.