Boji Stones

by Sandra Cox

“No but I wish I did.” She gave him the look from sultry-lidded eyes. “Would you snap on her seat belt please?”

  As he fumbled with the seat belt, Bella opened the door and got into the car.

  He shut the door then leaned forward. “Do you think we could…”

  The engine roared to life. “Thanks so much.” She gave him an airy wave and pushed down on the pedal, swerving to avoid a man and pregnant woman.

  “Watch out!” Maureen croaked wishing she could either straighten or crunch down in the seat and close her eyes instead of bobbling around like a rag doll. She concentrated on feeling the amethyst’s soothing power. Better.

  “I’ve never heard so many whoppers in my life,” she croaked. I’m coming back, at least my voice is.

  “I like to call it creative thinking, Red, or should I say Redagedy Ann?” Bella laughed. “Now close your eyes and sleep and let that amulet do its job. We’ll have you home before you know it.”

  * * * * *

  Victor paced the confines of his cell, his gaze feverish as he studied the bars. He mumbled to himself ignoring the guards. “It’s all right. Even the great Napoleon was confined on Elba. But unlike Napoleon I will escape. And when I do the world will quake at my fury.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Maureen nodded and dropped her head against the soft black leather seat. Soothed by its fragrance and texture, shed let her mind drift beneath the jarring noises of car motors and horns to concentrate on the lulling sound of Celtic music playing on the radio.

  Moments or perhaps hours later, she felt herself being lifted out of the car and heard Hank’s voice harsh with anxiety. “What the hell happened to her? You were supposed to take care of her.”

  “Believe you me, I did,” Bella said with an uncharacteristic snap in her voice.

  Too tired to surface, Maureen drowsed against Hank’s shoulder as he carried her into the house, aware only of the click of his boots on the old wooden stairs and the sharp staccato tap of Bella’s stilettos as she followed them.

  She heard the rustle of bedclothes then felt herself get lowered to the bed. With a sigh of pure joy she snuggled in, inhaling the clean laundered scent of her pillow. Someone pulled a sheet over her then she felt Hank’s whiskered chin against her skin as he placed a kiss on her forehead. Bella squeezed her hand. The doors closed and she was left in blessed quiet to sink unimpeded into the comforting arms of Morpheus.

  * * * * *

  A light breeze blew in Maureen’s bedroom window carrying the scent of sunshine, the rosebush beneath her window and horses. She stretched like a cat. I’m starving. She rolled over, opened her eyes and felt her lips tip upward. Jack sat sprawled in her old upholstered forest-green chair. A maroon throw with horses galloping across it pillowing his head. His long legs were stretched out in front of him, deep shadows lined his closed eyes and dark stubble peppered his chin and cheeks giving him a rakish look, like that of a sleeping pirate.

  Maureen felt an unfamiliar tug at her heart and clasped her chest to steady her breathing.

  A sparrow landed on the old oak outside her window and began to trill, its voice sweet and true. It’s echoing my heart. Dawn has brought a beautiful new day and everything is all right. Jack is back. And even though I thought the worst of him, I’ve atoned. With a little help from my friends, I saved him.

  As if he felt her heart pouring out to him, Jack opened his eyes. Their gazes locked. A slow smile spread across his features softening the hard planes and angles, melting his brown eyes to chocolate.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  He pulled in his legs and leaned forward in the chair. He gave a soft puzzled laugh. “For what? Not only did you save Pegasus, you saved my life as well.”

  She placed her hand on her amulet. “For ever doubting you. And I did.”

  He got out of the chair. Two steps brought him to the bed. Leaning down, his raven hair falling over his shoulders he clasped her hand. “My darling girl, you would have been a fool not to. And if there’s one thing you aren’t, it’s a fool.”

  He pushed a long strand of hair that threatened to fall in her eyes back from her forehead then held it in his fingers and ran his thumb back and forth across it as if savoring its texture. He took a deep breath then lowered his gaze to hers. “I’m an orphan.”

  She opened her mouth to say she didn’t know but he placed a finger over her lips.

  “The only person in this world who held my heart was my daughter. And it felt like it was ripped out still beating when she died.” He closed his eyes and leaned down to touch his forehead to hers for a brief moment then straightened. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  She nodded, tears pooling in her eyes. “How can I not understand that your daughter met the world to you?”

  He smiled his face filled with tenderness. “Yes, she meant the world to me. Always will. But when you healed me, you healed more than just my body. You healed my heart as well. There have been other women.”

  “Big surprise there.”

  He continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “And I’m sure there’ve been other men.”

  “I trust you are referring to me?” She gave him a mischievous smile, knowing it sparkled in her eyes.

  “Count on it.”

  “Well then of course.” Let’s see. There was Tommy who initiated her in the act of sex when they were both seventeen. There’d been one or two in college and one or two since then but no one had given her any reason to actively seek it out.“So we’re both experienced so what?”

  He gave a sigh of exasperation and ran his fingers restlessly through his hair.

  She watched in fascination as it fell back against his shoulders. Who would have thought long hair would be so sexy on a man.

  “How can such an intelligent woman be so obtuse?”

  “I beg your pardon?” Her eyes narrowed as she pursed her lips and lowered her brow.

  “Shut up, Maureen.” He leaned over her. “I’m probably doing this all wrong but I’m going to try one more time. I’ve made love to plenty of women but I’ve never been in love.”

  “What about your daughter’s mom?” The question burst out before she could stop it.

  He hitched his shoulders. “She was a one-night stand. When she found out she was pregnant she stuck around long enough to have my daughter then went merrily on her way. I’ve never heard from her since.” He gave her a crooked smile. “Do I have to spell it out for you, smart girl? You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. As far as I’m concerned you hung the moon.”

  Her lips parted, as she stared at him in wonder but before she could respond his lips swooped down and claimed hers. Is it the amulet or his kiss, she wondered dizzily as jagged streaks of lightning flickered in her brain and thunder sounded in her ears. She clung to him as if he were a lifeline on a storming sea whose waves were crashing against the shore.

  “Marnie, honey, you’re better.“ No not thunder, the door slamming.

  Jack drew back reluctantly. He stood up but left his hand resting on her shoulder.

  The grim expression on Hank’s face went a long way toward clearing her clouded mind and focusing her eyes, which had a tendency to blur. He stood in the doorway holding an old-fashioned wooden breakfast tray. The scent of fresh hot coffee, scrambled eggs and toast drifted toward her making her realize that she felt ravenous.

  She smiled and held out her hand. “Thank you, Hank.”

  He walked to the bed, his worn down leather boots clicking against the hard wood floor. Jack helped her sit up and lean back against the bed. Hank settled the tray on her lap then straightened and looked Jack in the eye. “I’ll talk to you later, North Carolina.”

  Jack dipped his chin. “Looking forward to it.”

  “You shouldn’t be.”

  Alarm trickled just beneath the calm of the amulet.

  As if reading her thoughts, Jack gave a reassuring squeeze to her shoulder. “It’s okay, honey. Hank just wants to
make sure my intentions are honorable.”

  Maureen blinked. “Intentions? Who’s talking intentions here?” Between the two of them they had pretty effectively killed the mood.

  Jack gave her a wink that rekindled the fire in her belly. That and the way he looked in his soft faded jeans as he strolled to the door. Maureen shut her mouth to keep from drooling.

  Hand on the doorframe he stopped and turned toward Hank. “I’ll be waiting downstairs.”

  Hank jerked his chin in a clipped nod, his lips set in a tight line.

  As soon as the door closed behind Jack, Hank turned to Maureen. “Marnie honey, what the hell are you doing?”

  She looked him dead in the eye. “Thinking really seriously of getting laid.”

  He groaned and rubbed his palm across his forehead. “Don’t tell me that.”

  “Hank, I’m a big girl now. I’m twenty-seven. I lost my virginity a long time ago.”

  “Let a man have his illusions.” He dropped down in the chair beside the bed.

  Her heart went out to him. She smiled at what she saw, a big man whose face while not handsome had character and strength. Whose hands had never had a manicure but were strong calloused and capable. And whose heart was as wide as the ocean. “I love you, Uncle Hank.”

  He leaned forward and squeezed her hand then let it go. Hank McHenry wasn’t a man given to showing emotion.

  “And I love you like the daughter I never had,” he said, his voice gruff, his eyes suspiciously damp.

  She gave him a long searching look. “Am I your daughter, Hank?”

  He jerked upright. “Where the hell did that come from?”

  “I’ve known for a long time you were in love with Mamma.”

  He ran his fingers restlessly through his hair causing silvered copper tufts to stand on end. “You always were a smart little thing. Thank God your dad was a bit slower. Or maybe he knew and trusted me anyway. Yes I loved your mamma. She could lighten a room just be being in it. But your Daddy was my best friend and I would have never done anything to destroy the faith he placed in me. Your Mamma and Dad loved each other very much. Neither one of them ever looked at anyone else. You are your Daddy’s girl.”

  She tipped her head, studying him. “Why did you stay, Hank? It must have been painful for you.”

  He shrugged and shook his head, raising his eyebrows. “They needed me.”

  The simple statement went right to her heart. “You’re a very special man, Hank McHenry and deserve a very special woman. And speaking of special women, where’s Bella?”

  Hank shifted in his chair. “She went back home.”

  Something about his sheepish expression alerted her. “You two have a fight? She saved me you know, Hank. She was magnificent. I could have never done it without her.”

  He shifted in his chair. “When she calms down, I’ll apologize.”

  Her eyes widened. The unflappable Bella angry?

  “But enough about me. What’s going on with you and North Carolina?” His expression grew intent, his eyes darkened, troubled. “We still don’t know what he’s after.”

  “Did Bella tell you what happened?”

  He leaned back in his chair. “She mentioned something about poisoning. But if an hombre is clever and North Carolina is, it might have been worth a couple of days in the hospital to gain your confidence.”

  She shook her head in a sharp gesture. “Oh no, Hank, if you’d seen him.” She heaved a sigh from deep in her belly. “I can’t tell you how guilty I feel for doubting him.”

  “What’d I tell you?”

  She shook her head again. “No, Hank. He was dying, trapped in a body that had turned to a mass of degenerative muscle tissue. It was the most ghastly thing I’d ever seen. And I was there when Victor came back to gloat.” Just thinking about it made her shudder.

  “Maybe he came back to heal him,” Hank said, stubbornly sticking to his guns.

  Maureen’s eyes narrowed, remembering. “No. No one would risk that kind of hell. The pain was unbearable. I’ve never been through anything like that in my life.”

  He leaned forward, concerned. “Are you okay, Marnie girl?”

  She smiled. “I’m fine.”

  He heaved a sigh, pushed out of the chair and took a couple of turns around the room. “Part of me was relieved when Victor got the amulet. I hate this. I hate that you go through this again and again. You shouldn’t have to Marnie. Each time it takes so much out of you.”

  “And each time it rejuvenates me.”

  He shoved his hands deep in his pockets. “At what cost? How much pain can a body take?”

  She splayed her fingers, palm up in a gesture of acceptance. “It’s my destiny, Hank. Think of the good that I do. The gift I am given. I can relieve pain and beat back death.” She could hear the fervor of her voice and felt her eyes glow. “I am the luckiest person in the world.”

  He rocked on his heels smiling. “You’re a wise woman.” His lips tipping down, he added, “In most regards. I’m going to just go have that little chat with North Carolina.” He started toward the door.

  “Hank.”

  He turned, his hand on the door jamb.

  “There’s something between us, Hank, something that causes skyrockets and fireworks when we are together.”

  “I don’t care if you hear a brass band and every day is the fourth of July. I’m not going to let him hurt you.” He walked out of the door and closed it quietly behind him.

  Maureen grabbed her fork like a weapon and stabbed at her cold eggs. “Men.”

  * * * * *

  Victor paced the confines of his cell. He’d studied the guards carefully. The older woman with the graying hair worked the night shift and would be an easy mark.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Maureen wasn’t sure whether it was the amulet or that sizzling kiss but she felt great. She set aside her cold breakfast, dressed quickly and went to the barn. The horses nickered and stamped as she walked by. Stopping in front of Pegasus’ stall, she lifted the latch and walked in.

  The stallion butted his head against her chest making her laugh. Stroking his forehead with one hand, she pulled a carrot out of her pocket with the other. “You are smart aren’t you?”

  With delicate movements, he munched on the carrot, his velvet mouth tickling the palm of her hand.

  “You are quite the gentleman.” As if in agreement, he threw his head up and down.

  “You charmer you,” she grinned. When he finished the carrot, she ran her hands up and down his long silky length. “Let’s see how you are doing.”

  She grimaced as her hands encountered the shrunken tumor on his chest. “No better, no worse, that’s a relief.” Her palm flat against the tumor, she felt the hard knot soften and pushed its way into her hand. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. “Not so bad.” Laying her head against the horse’s shoulder, she whispered, “Just think of me as your chemotherapy. Another couple of times and it should be gone completely.”

  He stood like a rock as if knowing she was healing him.

  She dropped her hand and continued to lean against Pegasus. She’d absorbed as much of the malignancy as she dared for one day. “It may be selfish,” she told the horse, “but it’s easier on me to do it in small bites than to be laid up in bed for another few days.”

  Stepping back she tipped her head and touched the amulet with her right hand. Like touching a release button, renewal streamed through her. “Better.” Pushing her hair out of her face she wrapped it into a ponytail.

  Tossing back her head she looked up and saw Jack standing in the aisle watching her, a small smile tilting the corner of his lips. She clutched her heart. “You startled me.” She leaned forward, narrowing her eyes. A tinge of purple colored the right side of Jack’s jaw. Just below the amulet she felt a hot wave of anger surge through her. She took a deep breath and touched the amethyst stone and banked down her fury. She lifted her chin and cleared her throat. “Did Hank hit you?” />
  Jack grinned like a little boy caught with his hands in the cookie jar. “Let’s just say we came to an understanding.”

  “You fought Hank?” Her voice rose as indignant disbelief tried to fight through the calm of the amethyst.

  “He took some convincing.”

  Her eyebrows rose to her hairline, her expression incredulous. “What is this, the Wild West?”

  “Shameful isn’t it?” He shrugged and didn’t look one bit repentant.

  She pursed her lips, radiating disapproval. “I expect this sort of thing from Hank but you’re an educator.”

  He shuffled his feet and stuck his hands in his pockets. “You’re right. It was childish.” But he still wore a satisfied smile.

  She crossed her arms. “I can’t believe he didn’t beat the tar out of you.”

  His shoulders straightened, his chin jerked up. “The man is fifty. He’s nearly twenty years my senior.” Outrage fairly radiated from him.

  She bit back a smile. “Yes but Hank’s a former green beret and you’re a, a…”

  “Educator?” he supplied.

  “Author.”

  “I grew up on a reservation, raised by an elderly aunt. I’m half-white and was scrawny for my age. Like any society there’s a pecking order. I learned to defend myself.”

  “Hm,” was all she said, refusing to let him know how much his story touched her. “So now I suppose everything is right and tight with you and Hank?”

  He nodded.

  She shook her head. “Testosterone,” she muttered.

  “Pretty much,” he agreed.

  She closed her eyes and touched her amulet. Calmer, she inquired, “Did you two macho males talk or just wail on each other.”

  “First we wailed then we talked.” He grinned.

  It was her undoing. The way his eyes lit and beckoned you to enjoy the moment with him turned her heart over.

  He took a step, leaned over the stall and pushed her hair behind her ears. “I think Pegasus has become as attached to you as he was to Anna. Can’t say I blame him.”

  “Your daughter?”