Visions Of The Past

by Elizabeth Mahood

  On a whisper. “They key…is…under…the pot.” Megan said as she drifted off. They left the hospital after Cade made arrangements for the local police department to share guard duty with his deputies.

  “We need to go talk with the guard at the morgue. The police are holding him for us to talk to.” Cade stated as they drove out of the hospital parking lot.

  “Are you ok?” Ellie asked him. Cade looked at her and then back to the road.

  “Yeah, I just was thinking how I left the big city to get away from murder and mayhem and here I am dealing with it in my home town. I guess it’s everywhere.” Cade stated. Ellie nodded.

  “I hear what you are saying. Seattle can get pretty hectic. Since I have been working for the FBI, I have seen some pretty terrible things.” Ellie stated, thinking about how much more exciting her life had become. It had also brought Terrance into her life but even that wouldn’t have changed her decision to work for the FBI. They pulled into the morgue where several police cars were parked and the chief of police Brian Darringer was waiting for them.

  “Brian, this is Doctor Nora Ridley with the FBI.” Cade stated, gesturing to Ellie. Ellie shook his hand and it was warm and firm. Snow was falling and it was sticking in the Chief’s salt and pepper hair. He had a twinkle in his eye and smelled like coffee and some kind of cologne.

  “Nice to meet you Doc. Sucks about Megan. She’s a sweet little thing.” Chief Darringer stated. Ellie watched Cade nod.

  “Yeah, so what does the security guard have to say?” Cade asked. They started walking towards the building and Cade pulled Ellie closer to him, realizing that she had started shivering. They had stopped for several items of clothing for her but she had thought she had not needed a winter coat. She was wrong. By the time they got to the doors she was shivering and she made a mental note to make sure to stop and get some winter gear.

  “He has a nice lump on his head. Says he was knocked out and when he came to, he called in the shooting. When we got here, he was putting pressure on the doc’s wound and had a nice gash on the back of his head.” Chief Darringer stated ushering them inside. Ellie saw two EMT’s working on the security guard who looked pale and exhausted. Cade stepped up in front of the security guard.

  “Mr. Edwards. I’m Sheriff Masterson, this is Doctor Nora Ridley. Can you tell us what happened? I know you already talked with the Chief here but we just need to ask you a few more questions.” Cade said pulling out his black book.

  “I don’t know what else I can say Sheriff. Two funeral home guys came in, showed their badges, said doc sent them an email to come get the bodies, I took them down to the morgue and they left.” Mr. Edwards stated not looking at Cade. The EMT’s finished the stitches, handed the security guard a prescription for pain medication, and walked away. Ellie stepped up.

  “Did you watch the men leave the building?” Ellie asked. The guard turned her way and looked her up and down.

  “I don’t like it down there; they were heading out the bay door when I came back up here.” He stated, not looking at her face. Cade stepped in between her and the guard.

  “So, you didn’t see them leave? Do you have video feed of the bay and hallway?” Cade stated. Ellie could feel his body language shift into protection mode. The guard narrowed his eyes.

  “Yes, but…” He stated not looking straight at Cade.

  “But what?” Cade stated stepping forward. The guard pulled back slightly.

  “It was down last night because our IT guy was supposed to come in and upgrade it.” He stated. Cade looked at Ellie and then back to the guard.

  “Mr. Edwards, what time did the video go down?” Ellie asked. Ellie saw the man sigh.

  “It went down at 5am.” The guard stated. Megan had been shot at 7 and according to the log, the men had arrived at 5:00. Coincidence? Ellie didn’t think so and neither did Cade who looked like he was fuming.

  “I’m going to need the name of the IT guy. Tell me about the shooter. Did you hear anything or see anything that would indicate the direction that the shots came from?” Cade asked. Mr. Edwards shook his head.

  “Our IT guy is a local, Jeff England. He does most of the business in town.” He reached in the drawer and pulled out a business card with Jeff’s name on it. “I was surprised to see the Doc so early in the morning. I thought I was in trouble because she had asked us not to eat at the desk but she didn’t even say anything. I was going to call the cops for her but I felt something hit my head and I was out. Next thing I know, I’m waking up slumped over the desk and doc was on the ground. I called 911, found a towel behind the desk and went to put pressure on her wound. Look, I like the doc. I know it looks bad for me but I swear I didn’t do anything to put her at risk. If I had seen where the shot came from, I would have hunted them down myself.” The guard said with conviction. It was the first time since they had entered the Medical Examiner’s office that Ellie had seen the guard show any feelings.

  “Is there anything you can tell us about the two men who came here to pick up the bodies?” Cade asked. The guard nodded towards the police chief.

  “I already told him. Don’t you two talk to each other?” Mr. Edwards stated with a weary look in his eyes. “I been up all night and been here most of the day. I’m supposed to work tonight and need some sleep.” He said rubbing his eyes. Ellie put a hand on his shoulder.

  “We know this has been a long day for you sir, but anything you can think of would be very helpful, you want to catch the person who shot Dr. Martin don’t you?” Ellie stated, trying to play to the guard’s sensitivity. He nodded.

  “Yes ma’am.” He said smiling at her. He looked her up and down again and Ellie pulled her hand away quickly and stepped back. “They were both wearing black suits, white shirts and black ties. Both of the jackets had the funeral homes name on it. One was tall, a pretty big guy and the other was short and skinny. I’ve never seen any of them before but I just figured the funeral home had hired new guys. They had id’s and that was enough for me.” He stated rubbing his chin.

  “One guy, he had a scar over his left eye, I remember because it was red and puffy.” The guard said. Cade wrote it in his book. They thanked the guard and Cade handed him his card.

  “If you think of anything else, please call me directly. I would advise you to not leave town for a while sir in case we have more questions.” Cade stated, taking Ellie’s hand and leading her away from the guard towards the exit. Once back in the car, Ellie watched Cade blow out in frustration.

  “I don’t think Megan was the target. I think they went there for the bodies and didn’t expect her to be there. A lazy, sleepy guard and no video feed would have been perfect if she hadn’t shown up to ruin their plans. We need to check out the IT guy and the funeral home. My guess is though, those bodies have already been disposed of and we won’t find a trace of them.” Cade said as he started the car and headed towards Megan’s apartment. The snow continued to fall and Ellie wondered if the storm was going to impeded their investigation.

  “Cade, can we stop for some winter gear on the way home? I guess I forgot how cold it gets here. I don’t miss this at all. I need my beach and warm weather.” She said shivering. He smiled at her.

  “There are certain advantages to being snowed in you know.” Cade stated, winking at her. She felt heat pool between her legs and she giggled.

  “Yes, yes there are.” Ellie stated. Cade pulled up into an apartment complex and Ellie followed him to apartment 3C. Ellie felt Cade shove her up against the wall and put a finger to his mouth, then point at the door. She looked towards the door and noticed it was cracked open and the door jamb had been broken. Cade pulled his service weapon and whispered in here ear.

  “Stay here. I mean it. Don’t move from this spot.” He said not breaking eye contact with her. She nodded and he kissed her softly. He moved in through the open door and Ellie stood with her heart beating out of her chest waiting for him to return. A few moments later, his head popped out from
the door.

  “It’s clear, a huge mess, but clear.” Cade stated. Ellie followed him inside and found Megan’s apartment in disarray much like her hotel room had been without the lovely writing on the wall. It was a quaint little place with sci-fi posters everywhere but no family photos. Ellie wondered what her story was and decided she was going to befriend the quirky doctor. She watched Cade head down the hallway and she continued to look around Megan’s apartment. She heard Cade approaching from behind and then a crack. The next thing she knew, she was on the ground and Cade was on top of her.

  “Cade what the…” She tried to say but Cade put a hand over her mouth.

  “Keep your head down.” He stated, not looking at her but towards the window which she now could see had a hole and cracks around it. She had been shot at.

  Chapter 21

  Cade had about lost his life when he walked back into the living room with the thumb drive and heard the ping and glass breaking in the living room. He didn’t think but dove straight for Ellie who was standing perfectly still in the middle of the room. He could feel her shaking beneath him and fear snaked through him thinking about the fact that someone wanted Ellie dead. Cade looked down at her.

  “Don’t move. Can you breathe?” He asked her. She nodded and he saw fear in her eyes. He had his service weapon pulled and as he rolled off of Ellie, he heard a car squeal it’s tires and race away. He crouched and headed towards the large window and peeked up over the window seal. At least if they were going to shoot at someone, it would be him and not Ellie.

  “Cade.” Ellie whispered in fear. He turned and place his finger on his lips, then turned back towards the window. He didn’t see anyone but did he want to take that chance with Ellie? He crawled back to her.

  “We need to get out of here. If they wanted to kill us, they would have already come in here by now but I’m not taking any chances.” Cade said taking Ellie’s hand. “Can you make it to my car?” Cade asked. Ellie nodded.

  “Did you get the thumb drive?” Ellie asked. Cade nodded at her.

  “In my pocket, when I say duck you duck, if I say run you run, are we clear?” Cade said. He didn’t want her trying to help or worry about him. He needed her to be safe. “If I go down, you get in my car and drive straight to the sheriff’s department. Are we clear?” Cade said, looking deep into Ellie’s eyes. He could see by the look in her eyes that she was worried about him and she had a little bit of a stubborn side to her. “Ellie, I mean it, no hero stuff.” Cade said with conviction. Ellie smirked at him.

  “Yes sheriff.” She said, eyes twinkling. He kissed her softly, then turned around and headed for the door. He could feel her at his heals and as soon as he yelled run, she was right behind him heading to the car. Once inside, he let out a breath he hadn’t even realized he was holding. He picked up his car radio.

  “Dispatch this is the Sheriff.” He said and then waited for a response.

  “This is dispatch go ahead sheriff.” Said Jeanette the night time dispatcher.

  “I need a unit at 605 South Bear drive Apt. 3C. There was a break in and I was just shot at. Tell the deputies to use caution and if they find the bullet, I want it sent straight to ballistics.” Cade stated to the dispatch officer.

  “Roger Sheriff, dispatching units. You ok?” Jeanette asked. Cade looked to Ellie who looked incredibly tired. It was getting dark and they had been on the road all day. It was time to take her home, take a nice long bubble bath and relax. His property was well protected with the top of the line security. No one would get to Ellie there.

  “Yeah, we are fine. Sheriff out.” Cade said, putting his radio back in place.

  “Cade?” Ellie said as they drove.

  “Yeah?” Cade replied.

  “I think someone is trying to kill me.” Ellie said, almost on a whisper. He felt the same thing but he hadn’t wanted to say it out loud. At first, he thought maybe someone was just trying to scare her but now, they had been shot at and the medical examiner nearly killed for whatever was on that thumb drive.

  “I know honey, but you know I won’t let that happen.” He said taking her hand. He felt her pulse quicken from his touch. They pulled into his driveway and once inside he took her in his arms. She melted into him and he could feel her relax. He kissed the top of her head and then pulled back.

  “What do you say to a nice dinner, we relax in a warm bubble bath and try not to think about all the bad stuff that happened today. Tomorrow I’d like to take you into town, go out to my parents for dinner, have a normal day.” Cade said. He watched wariness cross her face.

  “That sounds amazing Cade but is it safe to be out and about when someone is clearly trying to shoot me?” Ellie said shakily. Cade smiled at her.

  “I have two reasons, one I’d like to spend some time with you and I always go to my parents on Sunday, and two, if people see us together, it might get around to whoever is doing this that you have the protection of the sheriff and you are my woman.” Cade stated. He didn’t want to stake a claim on her like some damn caveman but he loved her and he was damn well going to protect her. She smiled at him.

  “Your woman huh? Do I have anything to say about that?” Ellie asked. She didn’t seem offended, more curious. Cade caressed her cheek softly.

  “Of course, you always have a say. I’m not some controlling asshole you know.” Cade said, feeling slightly offended that she would even think that of him. She leaned up and kissed him softly.

  “I would love to have dinner with your parents, just don’t expect there to be a warm welcome in town for me. I wasn’t very popular you know.” She said with a raised eyebrow. Cade started backing her towards the bedroom. He was getting to know her flirtatious behavior and her body language had changed to desire and heat.

  “I know but I don’t really care and you will be on my arm so let anyone try to say something about you. They will have to deal with me.” Cade said. Ellie giggled as he started stripping her of her clothes.

  “What are you going to do sheriff, arrest anyone who offends me?” Ellie said shivering with excitement.

  “If I have to, now where are my hand cuffs.” He said. She turned and ran into the bedroom with a screech.

  A few hours later, Cade and Ellie sat in a warm bubble bath in the large jetted soaker tub in the master bathroom. He massaged her feet as she lay her head back on the back of the tub. Steam rose from the bubbles and candles were lit all around the outside of the tub. Cade watched her relax and he thought about how much different his life was without her in it. He would come home, heat up a frozen dinner, watch some ESPN or hunting shows and go to bed. He rarely had company and the only people he really associated with was his parents. This was the first time he had used the bathtub since he had bought the house.

  “What?” He heard her say. He hadn’t realized she had opened her eyes and was staring back. He smiled.

  “You.” He said. He watched her slid her foot back below the bubbles and move towards him seductively. She straddled him and lay on his chest with her arms crossed staring at him.

  “What about me?” She said. He felt himself go hard instantly and he could just barely see her bottom sticking out through the water and bubbles.

  “I just realized how boring my life was before you came back. You are amazing.” He said, leaning in to take her mouth. Their kiss intensified and he felt her slide forward then down on his hard erection. She leaned her head back, closed her eyes and let out a long sigh.

  “Cade.” She whispered. Her small moans and cries echoing in the bathroom turned him on. She started to move faster as the water sloshed over the side. Cade moved his hands to her slick bottom and helped her as she moved up and down on him. Her breasts were rising and falling in front of him and he couldn’t help himself. He moved one hand from her hip and brought one hard nipple into his mouth.

  “Oh God Cade, yes!!” She cried, riding faster and faster, throwing her head back and forth. He wasn’t going to last. Finally, he felt her cli
nch and he thrust up into her several time before releasing himself deep inside. They were both panting with Ellie still straddling him and Cade still deep inside her. She finally looked up at him and when she did, she spoke the words he had wanted to hear since he was 16.

  “I love you Cade.” She said. Cade knew she meant it because Ellie didn’t do anything unless she was absolutely sure. He smiled at her.

  “You love me?” Cade said, feeling himself start to stir in her again. She nodded.

  “Yes, I have my whole life. I wanted to say it the other day when you did but I was afraid. I’m still afraid. I don’t know how we are going to do this.” She said with doubt in her eyes. He understood what she meant but he wanted to enjoy the moment and not think about the future.

  “I don’t know. Can we just enjoying our time together and not stress about what’s next?” Cade said. He watched emotions play over her face and he wasn’t sure if she was going to agree with him. Finally, she kissed him softly, then her sweet tongue slipped between his lips and he was lost. He finally pulled back.

  “I take that as a yes?” He said with a chuckle. She nodded and as he lifted her out of the tub and took her to bed, he decided that no matter what happened in the future, he was going to enjoy every bit of Ellie Ridley that he possibly could.

  Chapter 22

  Ellie sat next to Cade in his SUV on the way to town. Last night, she honestly hadn’t planned to tell Cade she loved him but when they had been sitting in the tub and she opened her eyes and he had been staring at her so sweetly, in her heart she knew she loved him and there was no point going on anymore without telling him. Then, he rocked her world most of the night, falling asleep just as the light was coming in through the curtains. They were both exhausted but it felt amazing. They had made love again in the shower and had barely made it out the door. She never knew that love could be so wonderful. She had never really felt it. After being shot at, Ellie had decided that she was done being afraid of a relationship with him, and she would figure out what she would do down the road. She just wanted to enjoy him and not worry. The thought that someone else now was trying to kill her should have made her scared to death but with Cade, she felt like she had an extra shield.