Souls Estranged (The Souls Trilogy Book 2)

by Anne B. Cole

  He checked the clock on the wall, two-thirty in the afternoon. Pop would return this evening after his shift. Ruby had gone home and wouldn’t be back until his release.

  “Hours with nothing to do,” he grumbled. The paper he had tucked neatly in his sling drew his attention.

  “Ruby claims she never wrote a note. Says I haven’t had any other visitors and must have hallucinated it.” He drew the note out of his sling. “This is not a hallucination.” He scanned the riddle even though he had already committed it to memory.

  Beep.

  Sam nearly jumped out of his own skin at the chirp of his phone. Grabbing it, he read a text notice from Gretta. In his haste, he fumbled and dropped the phone. Pain seared through his shoulder when he stretched to pick it up. Before the throbbing ceased, he opened the text.

  ‘You must hate me. This is my fault. STOP contacting me.’

  Sam clutched the phone in his hand as emotional pain coursed through him. “How can I convince you it isn’t your fault? I can never stop looking for you, protecting you. Damn it, Gretta! I just got you back and now you’re gone.” Worried she would do something drastic, he typed a short text.

  ‘Okay, but I will continue to help Roxana.’

  Within seconds of sending the text, another arrived. Clearly she had cell service.

  ‘Nothing stupid, Sam.’

  His heart rocketed in his chest as he read the three words.

  ‘Nothing stupid,’ he texted, knowing there would be no more contact.

  Sam eased back into his pillow, remembering how they had promised each other to do ‘nothing stupid’ before their souls entwined into Lorenzo and Anya’s for the final time. His shoulder throbbed as his mind raced to imagine where Gretta could be.

  “I know you’re not at a camp. You’re alone somewhere where you think you won’t bring bad luck on anyone.” Images of her sleeping in alleys or abandoned buildings terrified him. “You’re not safe, Gretta. Please come home.”

  He dozed.

  Muggers, rapists, even pirates attacked Gretta in his dreams. He killed every one and approached the enemy he hated the most. The man who killed his friend, Peter. The man who stabbed Lorenzo in the shoulder. The man who attacked Anya. Kadir Haty.

  Sam woke. The sheets had tangled around his legs and his entire body dripped of sweat. Standing at the foot of his bed, Kadir Haty taunted him silently. Anya’s call for help rang in his ears. He spun to find her, to protect her. The dagger appeared in his hand. In his hatred for the man, Sam buried it into Kadir over and over.

  “Sam, Sam?”

  He came to his senses, realizing he had been dreaming. A physician’s assistant held him firmly by his good arm.

  “I’m not sure which is worse, your dream or waking to me.” The hold on his arm lessened as the doctor pointed to a tray of instruments. “Time to flush your incision. I’m giving you some meds to make this tolerable.”

  He injected a syringe into the tube leading into Sam’s arm. Sam felt all of his muscles relax as the drug took effect.

  An apparition of James Longworthy hovered near the door. The physician’s assistant removed the bandage from his shoulder. Sam repositioned his arm as requested without pain.

  Unnoticed by the doctor, James approached Sam’s side.

  Sam attempted to speak to James through his mind, willing him to communicate. A large hand touched Sam’s wounded shoulder. Instead of an icy chill, soothing warmth penetrated his skin. James’ steady voice finally rang inside his head.

  ‘Until sacrifice is made, the wrath of a triad of gods will seek thee. Become one, a union is the only safety.’ He leaned closer to Sam before he disappeared.

  Where James had touched his shoulder, a fire burned clear through to the bone. A groan escaped Sam’s lips. The physician worked quickly, and another dose of medication slipped Sam into euphoria.

  An incredibly beautiful woman, dressed in a flowing white gown, appeared beside him. She caressed his cheek with a silky, soft hand. Sam nuzzled against her fingers, breathing in a sweet scent of flowers, crisp apples, and rain.

  She wasn’t Gretta, but it didn’t matter. He moaned passionately, pressing deeper into her touch. The woman appeared to be older, mid-twenties perhaps, and exceptionally lovely.

  Sam adored her, silently vowing his complete existence to this woman. He would kill for her. He would die for her.

  The woman laughed, an eloquence laced with power and confidence.

  For a moment he thought of Gretta, who didn’t even approach the striking beauty of the goddess before him. He knew he loved Gretta, not this woman, even though he could not deny the intense attraction.

  “Is the boy giving you trouble?” a deep voice snickered from the corner of the room, causing the floor, bed, and Sam’s entire body to shake.

  Sam couldn’t tear his gaze from the woman, despite being desperate to know to whom the voice belonged.

  The woman’s eyes narrowed.

  “The ring, Sam. You must return my ring,” her voice sang in his head.

  “Okay,” he heard himself respond without hesitation.

  A second male voice laughed. This one didn’t sound as intimidating as the first.

  The woman’s soft touch changed into a reproachful grip on his chin. Her golden hair glistened, and her sea green eyes scrutinized him with apparent distaste.

  Sam should have been scared to death, but instead of turning away, he stared at her exquisite face and grinned.

  She seemed startled for a split second before a dazzling smile graced her lips. She traced his jaw with one fingertip and stepped away.

  Sam reached for her, but missed her flowing white gown by inches. From the corner, deep laughter ripped another tremor through the room.

  Hands held him down, keeping him from touching her, following her, and obeying any command uttered from her crimson lips. Unable to break free, Sam beckoned the woman with his thoughts of devotion, loyalty, and lust.

  The woman paused, glaring in the direction of the two men who continued to titter. Her lips curved into a wicked smile.

  “Sacrifice must be made,” the deep male voice declared.

  “You may return from where others may never escape,” the second male encouraged.

  “Who are you?” Sam demanded, thinking these might be the three gods who James had upset.

  “The ring, Sam. I want my ring.” Her lovely voice turned harsh.

  “Sam.”

  A voice, sounding so far away he thought he must be dead, repeatedly called to him. The woman no longer stood at his side and the men disappeared.

  A rough, leathery hand grazed his elbow. Sam jerked away. Wanting the woman’s silky touch, he pressed deeper into the recess of his pillow and beckoned her to return.

  Reluctantly he opened his eyes and scowled at his father. He scanned the room for the beautiful woman.

  “Where?”

  Pop snorted, “The nurse left a minute ago. She’ll be back with another dinner later.”

  Curiosity and lust filled him. “What was her name?”

  Pop’s eyebrow rose. “Sam, I thought you liked Gretta?”

  Sam deflated.

  “She left town to work at a camp for the summer. I don’t think—it probably wouldn’t have worked out between us.” His words, empty of emotion, didn’t sound convincing.

  “Too bad, I liked her,” Pop replied.

  “She needs time to sort through her father’s death,” Sam added, watching his father’s face turn grim.

  “She needs—”

  Before Pop could finish, Ruby burst through the door and bustled to Sam’s side. She ritualistically took his pulse, felt his forehead, and checked his incision even though she wasn’t his nurse.

  “A nic
e young man, named Drew, called your phone earlier. I hope you don’t mind I answered. I thought Gretta could be calling.” She paused when Sam frowned. “Anyway, he wants you to return his call.” She handed him the phone before settling in a chair.

  Sam clutched the phone, not even slightly concerned about how or why Ruby had possession of it.

  Drew.

  A burning streak of jealousy flowed through him. Sam found the number and called. It went straight to voicemail.

  “Sam Daggett, returning your call. If you have any information on where Gretta is, call me immediately.” He pressed the button, ending the message.

  Tense silence surrounded them.

  “Phone tag?” Ruby asked.

  Sam nodded as he checked his texts and recent calls. Nothing from Gretta. He saw Ruby glance sideways at Pop.

  “I’m sure the girl is keeping busy,” she said. “You know it helps keep the mind off problems when you’re busy.”

  “She remembers,” Sam mused.

  “Remembers being with you?” Ruby inquired.

  Sam nodded gravely.

  Pop’s interest sparked. “Being with you?” he reiterated with an accusing edge.

  “Being trapped under the tree. When we slept together, we didn’t do anything except sleep.” He glared at his father. The elderly nurse shook her head with disapproval. “Ruby, what did she say to you before she left?”

  “I already went over this with you. I can’t recall anything Gretta said out of the ordinary. We were both out of our minds with worry.” She folded her hands and began twiddling her thumbs.

  He hadn’t noticed this habit before. It reminded him of Katarina. He opened his cell phone when the room fell silent.

  “She’s gone through quite a bit this past week. She’ll call you when she’s ready,” Ruby encouraged.

  “I’m responsible for her father’s death,” Sam muttered.

  “Sam.” His father’s voice boomed as Ruby uttered gentle reprimands. The pair of them tutted possible explanations that Sam refused to hear.

  Sam never felt Mr. Dobb’s death was completely his fault, but the lie would make Gretta's sudden departure easier for others to believe. He couldn’t look either adult in the eye as they continued to reassure him.

  “I don’t blame her. I’d feel the same way. Please, I want to be alone.” Sam studied Ruby. She no longer twiddled her thumbs.

  “Gretta’s gonna be just fine, you both will.” Ruby locked gazes with Pop and they left the room.

  What seemed like hours later, his phone beeped with a text from Drew.

  ‘Claire’s mom took a turn for the worse. At the nursing home now. I can’t reach Gretta, can you?’

  Sam quickly text back. ‘She won’t return my calls or texts.’ Before he could push send, the phone rang. He recognized the number.

  “Sam Daggett.”

  “Drew Stone.” He paused briefly. “I apologize for the delay in returning your call. I didn’t know you were hospitalized. Have you talked to Gretta?”

  “No.” The admission hurt.

  “Do you know what camp she is at?” Drew asked calmly.

  “No.” Sam snapped, infuriated he didn’t know either.

  A long silence followed on Drew’s end, interrupted by a muffled female voice. Sam could hear Drew responding, but didn’t understand what was being said or whom he talked to.

  “Can we meet when you’re released?” Drew’s voice sounded edgy, but not angry.

  “I’ll be home tomorrow.”

  “Perfect. I’m taking Emily and Bobby to see their grandmother. Is it all right if I drop by around noon?”

  Sam gave directions to his house before ending the call. Hopefully Drew would visit without Emily. He’d rather not deal with another awkward encounter.

  Throughout the night, Sam researched camps in Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky. A feeling of hopelessness took over as his extensive list of possibilities grew.

  Chapter 16

  Coffee and Cake

  Sam

  “The doctor signed my release ten minutes ago. Let’s get out of here.” Sam refused the offered wheelchair and walked with Ruby to her car. A smile tugged at his mouth as he sat in the red Oldsmobile. “Where do you think I should look first?”

  “Did you lose something?” Ruby glanced at him and fired up the engine.

  “I’m talking about Gretta. No one seems to know where she is.” He watched her shift through the gears. The thrum of the muscle car soothed his anxiety.

  “Gretta needs time to grieve on her own. She’ll be fine. You’re the one I’m worried about.” Her fierce tone left Sam speechless.

  He listened as she changed the subject and prattled on about the scatterbrained nurses she pulled rotation with. Katarina’s presence would not have put up with Ruby’s idle chatter. Her spirit clearly wasn’t entwined within his nurse.

  She cut the engine in his driveway.

  “The key is under the mat,” Sam announced.

  “No burglar would look there,” she muttered sarcastically and unlocked the front door. He saw her slide the key in her bosom pocket.

  “Park yourself on the couch and I’ll get you something to eat.” Ruby continued to the kitchen.

  He knew not to argue and picked up a fleece blanket from the end of the couch. Holding it to his face, he breathed in its scent. A musty closet smell met his nose.

  She’s gone.

  Sinking on the cushions, he let his mind wander to possible destinations. In attempting to put himself in her shoes, he knew he would have done exactly what she did.

  “Leave and not tell a soul where.” Saying it out loud hurt. “I promised to keep her safe and will do anything to find and protect her.”

  The beautiful woman he dreamed of at the hospital entered his thoughts. He realized he would do anything for her, too. A smile formed as he imagined her again. Yet he didn’t feel guilty about his attraction to the woman since she was only a dream, albeit an incredibly hot dream.

  “Sam?” Ruby’s voice shattered his vision, bringing him back to reality. “Coffee’s ready.”

  He followed the aroma of fresh brewed hazelnut into the kitchen.

  “Salad and sandwiches are in the fridge and a roast with potatoes and carrots is in the crock pot for dinner. My shift starts at noon. Will you be all right by yourself until your father gets home?”

  Sam lifted the lid off the crock pot, peeking inside.

  “Aren’t you coming back? There’s plenty here.” A sudden sadness hit him.

  Ruby smiled, waving her hand. “I’ve seen the two of you eat. Besides, I’m paying a visit to Claire to make sure no one is worried about Gretta.” She paused as if she had said the wrong words.

  “What?” Sam touched her elbow. “If you find out where she is, who she’s staying with, or anything—anything at all, let me know.”

  Ruby pulled him into a hug and squeezed so hard his shoulder hurt.

  His cell phone vibrated against in his pocket. Ruby broke away and puttered in the kitchen. He awkwardly dug the cell out of his jeans with his good hand. A text from Drew flashed.

  ‘Can I come over early? Emily’s with her grandmother, family only.’

  Sam typed a response as Ruby pulled a coffee cake out of the oven. The cinnamon-blueberry scent made his mouth water.

  “Let that cool before digging in.” She packed her orange paisley tote bag. “Call me if you need me.” She scurried out the door, on her way to work.

  Drew arrived twenty minutes later. After introductions, Sam offered coffee and cake. An eerie quiet fell between the two men as they ate. Jealousy mounted within him.

  “I’ve been meaning to thank you for saving Gretta’s life,�
� Drew broke the silence. “She’s like a little sister to me, nothing more, I swear.”

  Sam pushed his plate to the center of the table and rested his head on one hand.

  I’m acting like a fool. Drew drove here because he cares about Gretta. Thank God someone is worried.

  “Have you heard where she is? Does Emily or Claire have any idea? How about Bobby?” Sam’s desperation surfaced.

  “Nothing. No one knows anything. Emily called her cell and texted her several times Saturday. No response. Everyone in the family is reacting to Mr. Dobb’s death as expected, everyone except for Gretta. Emily’s very emotional. Bobby’s just the opposite. Both of them are doing better. Claire’s a mess. Anyone in her situation would be. But Gretta acted so distant at the funeral. She left without telling anyone anything about this camp she’s at.” He raked a hand through his short blonde hair. “Her head injury may be worse than we thought.” Drew took a sip of coffee as his brows furrowed in a frown.