Visions Of The Past

by Elizabeth Mahood

  “Elinore?” Beartree said quietly. Ellie stiffened at her formal name.

  “It’s Nora now. How are you Annawon?” Ellie said softly. Beartree narrowed his eyes at her.

  “How does it look like I am? I’m in prison for killing your sister, even though I didn’t do it and there was no evidence.” Beartree stated with anger. Cade watched Ellie take a breath.

  “I’m sorry Annawon. I know you loved my sister. It’s my fault my father found out about you.” Ellie stated. Cade watched Beartree look at her with confusion.

  “What do you mean?” He said in a low voice. Cade watched Ellie take a deep breath.

  “That night she disappeared; I also was taken from my room. When I got back my parents were upset because Allison was gone. I…I told my father that she was probably with you. I was angry because they didn’t even care that I had been missing. All they cared about was Allison.” Ellie said as tears rolled down her cheeks. Cade put an arm around her and he felt her relax. Cade watched emotions play over Beartree’s face. Finally, his face softened.

  “It’s not your fault Nora. Do you think you are the only sibling in your family that was suffering? You might have taken the brunt of the physical abuse, but your sister, she dealt with the emotional and mental abuse. Your father had her under his thumb and she was terrified of him. That’s why we were planning on running away.” Beartree stated. Ellie shook her head.

  “Runaway?” She said quietly.

  “What exactly happened that made the authorities believe that you had killed Allison?” Cade questioned. Beartree took a breath and then shook his head.

  “We had a plan; Allison knew someone at the school that told her they had a way to help her and I disappear. She said we were to meet at a specific location and then we would go to Mexico. No one would suspect a dark skinned native with a blonde down there. Of course, they found DNA in her room and mine. We were intimate.” Beartree stated as he blushed slightly as his eyes darted to Ellie’s and then back to Cade. Ellie leaned forward.

  “Who at the school, did my sister tell you?” Ellie asked. Beartree shook his head.

  “No, I’m sure It wasn’t another student. I think it was a teacher or something.” Beartree stated.

  “Anyone in particular she talked about a lot.” Cade asked. Beartree thought about it.

  “She talked about the librarian and the science teacher. I’m not sure about either of those two or if they are even still around anymore. When I went to the meeting spot, she didn’t show up so I went home. I thought maybe her father had detained her so the deal was always if she didn’t show up, to go home and wait for her to call. I didn’t hear from her and a few days later I was arrested for her disappearance. It was like a terrible nightmare. I was tried and convicted with no evidence and here I sit convicted of a crime I didn’t commit.” Beartree stated with a small hitch in his voice. Cade noticed his eyes were wet and he swallowed quickly to hold back his tears. Ellie reached forward to touch Beartree’s hand.

  “It’s not your fault.” Ellie stated. Suddenly she started to shake, her eyes closed and the next thing Cade knew, she was on the floor.

  ✽✽✽

  Ellie could smell the sap from the trees in the woods, she could feel the cool night air on her face and the wind blew her hair. She heard voices coming from the other side of the bushes and she moved a branch to see who was talking. Ellie saw a young Beartree and her sister in an intimate Embrace. Ellie started to pull back not wanting to interrupt or see her sister but she felt a presence other than herself lurking in the area. She couldn’t see who or where but she could feel it. Suddenly the couple broke apart and took off into the woods. The presence remained and just as Ellie was about to see who it was, she felt herself being pulled away. A voice in the distance was calling her name.

  “Ellie, Ellie baby wake up.” Cade was saying. She heard the sound of a steel door shutting and felt the cold floor against her back. She opened her eyes to see Cade looking down at her with concern and him holding her hand.

  “That’s it. Come back to me honey.” Cade said softly. Ellie took a breath and felt sweat dripping down her face.

  “What…What happened? Where is Beartree?” She said trying to sit up quickly. That had been a mistake. Her head was spinning and she felt like she was about to throw up.

  “Whoa, take it easy.” Cade said firmly. “The nurse is going to check you out really quick.” Cade stated. Ellie saw a woman in blue scrubs step forward and kneel down with a blood pressure cuff. She smiled as she wrapped Ellie’s arm in the cuff.

  “Just lay still so I can check your pressure, Then I’ll have you sit up and do it again. It’s called an orthostatic pressure. We don’t want you passing out on the way out.” The nice nurse said. Ellie shook her head.

  “I’m fine. Really it was just….” She stopped talking as she looked at Cade. “Anyway, I’m fine.” Ellie stated trying to get up. Cade pushed her back down.

  “No, you aren’t. One, you stopped breathing and two they won’t let us leave until they sign off that you are ok and that Beartree didn’t do anything to cause this.” Cade stated. Ellie rolled her eyes but complied with the nurse who completed her assessment quickly and was gone. Cade helped her to a seat.

  “What the hell happened Ellie? I know you had a vision, tell me what it was about.” Cade stated holding her hand. Ellie didn’t want to discuss it in the prison.

  “Where is Beartree? I have more questions.” Ellie stated trying to avoid Cade’s question. Cade watched her then took a breath.

  “They took him back to his cell. The interview was over the minute you touched him and then went down. Even if it wasn’t his fault, they had to take him back. Are you going to tell me what happened?” He asked. Ellie stood and headed towards the door then turned to look at him.

  “Not here.” She said. He watched her and then nodded.

  Chapter 10

  My Journal Entry

  November 2016

  I had coffee with my women’s group this morning but now I must admit I am not feeling very well. Something isn’t right but my visions have been off lately. I don’t understand what they mean and I feel as though I’m being blocked by an evil presence. I just feel so tired and think a good nap will do me some good. My granddaughter is doing well in Seattle. Even after the awful incident that she went through, she is tough and can handle anything. I feel her powers growing stronger and stronger. Soon they will be put to the test. I am missing my Harold even more and feel I will be with him sooner than I expected. Until next time.

  Greta

  ✽✽✽

  Ellie sat quietly in the seat next to Cade on the drive back to Badger Falls. He hadn’t said a word once they got back to the car but she could feel questions and worry emanating from him.

  “I suppose you want to talk about the vision?” Ellie stated matter-of-factly. Cade looked at her and then back at the road.

  “When you are ready. I don’t want to push you Ellie.” He stated. Why did he have to be so freaking nice? He was making things so complicated. She took a deep breath.

  “It was my sister and Beartree in the woods somewhere. I’m not sure where, they were in an intimate embrace.” Ellie stated. Cade looked at her and then back at the road.

  “How intimate?” Cade asked with humor. Ellie rolled her eyes at him.

  “Not that intimate. I just mean they were kissing and touching. Someone else was there.” Ellie stated. Cade looked at her questioningly.

  “Who?” He asked.

  “I’m not sure. I couldn’t see them. I only felt their presence. They must have too because they both turned to look that way and then took off running into the woods. The presence stayed and I felt like…I don’t know.” Ellie said looking out the passenger window. Cade was going to think she was a lunatic if she told him what she felt. She felt him take her hand, then she turned to look at him.

  “Tell me.” He said. She sighed.

  “I felt like they knew I
was there. I can’t explain it.” She stated looking away. He pulled on her hand.

  “Hey, look at me.” Cade said softly. She turned to look at him. “I believe you Ellie. I’ve seen what happens to you. Give me some credit.” He smiled at her. God he was beautiful. She wanted to give in to her desires and her feelings and just see where things went but logic kept telling her that she would be going home to Seattle and there was no point in starting a relationship with someone that wouldn’t work out. She turned back to the window and she heard him sigh. She was hurting him and she didn’t know how to stop it. All she could do was remain silent.

  When they pulled up to her house, she got out and went inside without a word. He didn’t ask to come inside and she didn’t turn around to look at him. She felt like jerk but she could see no other way to deal with it. She needed to do her job, get her grandmother’s house fixed, sell it and go home.

  Once inside, she showered in a trickle of warm water, put plastic over the windows that had not been replaced yet, got a fire going and settled in with a cup of tea and bowl of ramen. She started reading her grandmothers journals once again. Her eyes became drowsy and the next thing she knew a loud crashing sound brought her out of a deep sleep and then another. Just as she was about to stand, something went flying passed her head and crashed against the wall behind her. She ducked behind the couch in case there was more flying objects. She heard tires squeal and a vehicle or maybe two, drive away. She sat behind the couch shaking. When she was sure that the intruders were gone, she crawled out from behind the couch to see several bricks had been tossed threw the windows. She tipped one over with the toe of her foot and was shocked at what it said. “Go Home Bitch or die!!” What the hell. She grabbed her phone and dialed Cade’s number. No answer. He was probably upset with her but she needed him. She dialed his parent’s number and his father answered on the first ring.

  “Hi Mr. Masterson. It’s Elinore Ridely. Have you seen Cade?” She asked quietly. He didn’t say anything at first but then cleared his throat.

  “Yeah, he’s here. You know where he is, come on out.” James said. Ellie got in her rental and drove through town and then down highway 70 to county road M. She pulled into the driveway of Ellen and James Masterson. Ellie knocked on the door and James let her in.

  “Look I just need to talk to him. I don’t want to hurt him but I need to explain some things.” Ellie stated. James regarded her for a moment.

  “He has never stopped thinking about you Ms. Ridley.” James stated.

  “Nora, please sir.” Ellie stated. James chuckled.

  “Then don’t call me sir. James please.” James stated. “Go on out. You know how to get out there.” James stated. Ellie nodded and headed out the back of the house towards the woods. The deer blind loomed in the air at the edge of the woods and a small bit of fear ripped through her thinking about that night so long ago running through those woods getting away from her kidnappers. Cade had saved her life that night. They had been connected ever since and it was time for her to just face it and tell him why she was afraid of being intimate. It didn’t have anything to do with where she lived or her job. It was fear.

  She stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked up. She heard music playing softly from a radio and she put her foot on the bottom rung of the steps. Suddenly, a face appeared in the square hole above her.

  “Ellie?” Cade said curiously. Ellie nodded. “What the hell are you doing here?” He said leaning down to offer her his hand. She made it to the top and took his hand, allowing him to pull her up inside. It hadn’t changed one bit since the last time she had been in the deer blind except there was a small cot up against the wall and the blinds were pulled down over the windows. A soft light glowed from a lantern and the music had been coming from a small radio sitting on a rickety old table in the corner.

  “I could ask you the same thing? It’s not deer season so why are you out here?” Ellie asked. Cade watched her move around the blind. Finally, he took a seat on the bed and continued to clean the gun that he had been working on before she interrupted him. She took a breath. It was time to tell him.

  “6 years ago, I was dating a guy out in Seattle. He was actually a colleague of mine and things were going pretty well. He was charming and sophisticated and we had a lot in common with our psychology degree. The FBI asked me to help them with a case. Massage therapists were turning up raped and left for dead in their homes. I started profiling and the closer I got to the suspect the more volatile the relationship started to become.” Ellie stopped to look at Cade who was watching her with a look of suspicion on his face. He knew what she was going to say. He was a cop. She had to continue or she wouldn’t be able to finish.

  “I found the evidence I needed and relayed it to the FBI. It was him. Terrance Allan Jones was guilty of sexual assault and battery with intent to harm of 5 massage therapists. I made a mistake. I confronted him about it without back up and he about killed me. If the FBI hadn’t found me at my house with him still hurting me, I would have been killed.” Ellie stated shakily. She felt tears dripping down her cheeks and then a warmth enveloped her. Cade was on his feet and had her in his arms. She melted into him and let him just hold her. Finally, she pulled back to look into his beautiful amber eyes.

  “Say something?” Ellie said. Cade shook his head.

  “I want to kill him. Where is he now?” Cade asked. Ellie pulled out of his arms and wrapped her own arms around herself.

  “He was paroled. It’s why I came here essentially. I did get my grandmother’s cabin in her will and I do need to fix it and sell it but I left because I’m afraid. He’s got a restraining order but you know as well as I do that those usually don’t work on people like Terrance Jones. If he wants to get to me, he will.” Ellie said quietly. Cade reached out and pulled her back into his arms.

  “I won’t let that happen. Stay here. I can protect you.” Cade stated with conviction. She smiled at the seriousness on his face.

  “You don’t understand, it’s not just the fact that he is out. I…I have a hard time being…intimate after…” She wasn’t sure she wanted to tell him everything else. He closed his eyes and then opened them looking at her with understanding.

  “He sexually assaulted you didn’t he.” Cade said with a growl. She nodded.

  “Yes, I was in the hospital for weeks. Internal bleeding, broken ribs and nose, and more.” Ellie stated. She didn’t have to say the more part because she knew that Cade understood.

  “Ellie, I don’t know what is going on with us, but I would never do anything to hurt you. You know that.” He said sliding a finger down her cheek and then rubbing his thumb along her bottom lip. She closed her eyes and leaned into him. He made her feel things that had been closed off for years. She craved his touch and his presence.

  “I, I want you Cade. I just don’t know how.” Ellie said softly. When she looked into his eyes, they were full of desire and passion. He slid a hand behind her neck and pulled her forward setting his lips on hers lightly. He moved his lips on hers over and over and when she opened her mouth to take a breath, he took advantage and she felt his tongue slid into her mouth. Their passion ignited and he pushed her back up against the wall of the deer blind. His hands were all over her body and eventually landed on her bottom pulling her forward against him. Cade moved his lips to her neck and shock waves went through her body between her legs. He moved up to her ear and she felt his warm breath.

  “Ellie, I want you too but I don’t want to hurt you.” Cade whispered. Ellie didn’t want him to stop.

  “Cade, please. Show me how it can be. I want it with you, only you.” Ellie said. She didn’t recognize her own voice. He had her in his arms once again and was turning her around backing her towards the small bed in the blind. Their lips crushed together and their tongues intertwined over and over leaving them both breathless.

  “I want to take you to my house. I don’t want to do this for the first time here.” Cade stated trying to pull
her hand towards the exit of the deer blind. Ellie stopped him.

  “No, here. Now. I want it to be here where you saved me.” She said shakily. He watched her for a moment then moved her back and down onto the bed. His lips were mere inches from hers.

  “If you need to stop, tell me. I don’t want to hurt you.” Cade stated. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his lips down to hers. Before their lips met, she whispered.

  “Show me what it can be like Cade. Only you.”

  Chapter 11

  Cade had been brooding up in the deer blind. He knew he was pushing Ellie but something else was going on with her besides this case. The deer blind had always been his thinking spot even as a kid and now as an adult he hadn’t been there for some time. His parents had been surprised when he had shown up and not said a word but went straight out to the blind. Now here he was, with Ellie writhing underneath him and begging him to show her how to be intimate. His heart about ripped out of his chest when she had told him about Terrance Jones attacking her and she hadn’t needed to go into explicit details about her attack for Cade to know what she had gone through. That kind of attack wasn’t just physical, it was mental and sometimes people didn’t recover from that kind of trauma.

  “Cade.” She moaned desperately. He pulled back and realized that what Ellie needed wasn’t a quick tumble but gentleness and tenderness. She needed him to show her what it was like to be intimate again, to trust someone and not be hurt. He kissed her neck and slowly removed her shirt revealing her silky smooth slightly tan skin. He left kisses along her collarbone, down her breast bone and to the mounds of her beautiful round breasts. Her breaths came quickly and her hands were moving through his hair pulling him closer. She was bucking under him which was driving him crazy.