Tainted Blood

by S S Bazinet

  “Do you know you’re a godsend?” she asked. “You’re an angel, straight from heaven. And I want to thank you for turning my life around.”

  Arel glanced over his shoulder. He had to be in the wrong house. “I don’t understand.”

  Elise held out his slipper. “Please, give me a chance to tell you what I’ve been thinking. Since this morning, I’ve been going over everything. I went back to when I first saw you. I was in such a bad place. I didn’t trust what my heart was telling me. I wanted to put you in the same category I’d put all the men I dated. But you were generous and very kind in spite of all my bitterness and ugly ways. Now, I want to apologize for the way I behaved.”

  Elise stood up straighter and took a deep breath. “I can finally move on to a new chapter in my life. And I promise you, when I meet the next guy, I’ll think of what you’ve given me, a new perspective. I can’t say I’ll trust the next guy entirely, but at least I won’t be the evil witch that I was with you.” She paused again. “Anyway, there it is, my revelation and apology. Now, I won’t detain you any longer with my tales.” She bent down, scooped up Freddie and went to the door. “Thank you again and congratulations on your engagement. Your fiancé is a lucky woman. I wish you both the best.”

  Arel managed to nod and offer a little wave as he left the house, but he was too dumbfounded to speak. He walked back home in a kind of daze. When he got inside his house, he went straight to his bed. He needed a good nap. Hopefully it would clear his head. He felt like it was spinning in a wobbly orbit after Elise’s complete turn-around.

  In the back of his mind, he was entertaining two words, multiple personality. When he had more clarity, perhaps he’d call Rolphe. They still weren’t that close, but Rolphe was very psychic. He might be able to shed some light on Arel’s perplexing neighbor. Unlike William, who had opinions about everything, Rolphe could be counted on to remain objective, especially when it came to subjects like Arel’s feelings and uncertainties.

  Seventeen

  ROLPHE PUT HIS phone on the coffee table and sat back on the sofa. He tried to collect his thoughts after talking to Arel. Arel’s call had been filled with questions. They were pushy, insistent queries. The man seemed to think that it was Rolphe’s duty to come up with answers. However, none of Rolphe’s thoughts or possible explanations seemed to appease Arel’s agitated state.

  Rolphe tried to relax his shoulders. Arel’s manner had been intense when he related his complaints, and his energy had a disturbing effect. Rolphe had had a nice evening planned. When Myra arrived, he’d looked forward to a leisurely time together. After talking to Arel, the room felt too warm and his body was almost as agitated as Arel sounded.

  Myra came out of the kitchen with her glass of wine. “Is everything alright with Arel? You have that look again.”

  Rolphe hesitated. “I didn’t know what to say to him. Whenever he gets into one of his moods, I always end up feeling like I’ve failed him in some way.”

  “Maybe it’s the other way around. I overheard some of what Arel was saying, and he can be very brusque with you.”

  Rolphe knew she was right. Arel’s manners were often lacking when they spoke. But after what he’d put Arel through in the past, he had no room to complain about ill treatment. “He’s troubled, that’s all. He’s concerned about the woman he was dating before he met Claire.”

  Myra sat down next to him and caressed her wine glass. “Why is he involved with another woman’s business when he has Claire?”

  “I’m not sure. But Arel is very sensitive to other people’s energy.”

  Myra laughed. “Like you. You always seem to know when I’m the least bit upset.”

  “When it comes to Arel’s sensitivity, multiply mine by a hundred. On the other hand, if he gets into a negative space, he can imagine the worst. I think that’s what happened after some interactions with his neighbor. He thinks she’s unbalanced.”

  “I thought he disliked her. Why would he be concerned?”

  “Arel tends to get involved when he’s worried.” Rolphe leaned down and picked up Dantela. The cat had come over to where they sat and started rubbing his leg. The black feline was small for her age, but Rolphe loved her and considered her a very dear friend. As he stroked her back, she kneaded his lap with tiny feet. Her toes were special. They looked like they’d been dipped in white paint. Rolphe let out another sigh as he continued to pet the cat.

  Myra put her glass on the coffee table and slipped her arm around Rolphe’s. “From what you told me, Claire and Arel were together constantly after they met. Now, Arel is back in Chicago wanting to see her again. I bet this Elise woman is a distraction for him.”

  Rolphe turned his attention to the beautiful woman who sat next to him. “Even if you were away, I wouldn’t think about another woman.”

  “That’s where you and Arel are different, thank goodness.”

  Rolphe noticed how Myra’s eyes lit up when she glanced at him. “Carey once told me to try to concentrate on my life instead of worrying about either Arel or William. Maybe he’s right.”

  Myra caressed Rolphe’s cheek. “Yes, perhaps it’s time to think about you and me,” she said in a teasing voice.

  Rolphe smiled, gathered up Dantela and got to his feet. “It’s also time for Dantella to try out her new bed.”

  Myra returned a curious glance as Rolphe carried the cat over to a recently, purchased wicker basket. “My darling, do you know how many beds your Dantela has? I’ve never seen so many for just one kitty.”

  “She didn’t need another one, but I couldn’t resist it when I saw it at the pet shop,” Rolphe said as he placed Dantela on a thick, fluffy cushion. He smiled at Myra as he returned to where she was sitting. He reached out for her hand. “I can’t resist thinking about you either.”

  “Good, I’m very happy to hear that,” Myra said.

  Rolphe noted her sparkling, brown eyes. They were reminders of how lucky he was to have such a wonderful woman in his life. As for Arel, Rolphe had to trust that his friend would figure out things for himself. But it wasn’t an easy task. It was hard to put aside his concerns. He often thought about Arel like a son.

  * * * * *

  William sat on the new, downstairs sofa, drumming his fingers on the padded arm. He glanced at Annabel. She sat on the other end of the couch, knitting. “Look at us, Annabel. We’re like a couple of old people, frittering away our lives.”

  Annabel put her knitting down. “William, you know I want to support whatever you want to do.”

  He gave her a forlorn smile. “I know. I realize now that I was blaming you for my boredom when all the time it’s been my problem.”

  “But you had lots of interests before. You collected artwork. You traveled.” Annabel’s face lit up. “Maybe we could plan a trip to a place you haven’t seen before.”

  William settled deeper into the confines of the sofa. “Fine, if you want, make the arrangements.”

  “What’s wrong? You’ve always had so many questions about life and new adventures. You wanted to delve into unknown mysteries.”

  William closed his eyes. “I’m ruined, Annabel. All of Arel’s carrying on, his astral travel and his alternate worlds, have ruined my life.”

  Annabel laughed. “You’re too magnificent to be ruined. Just look at that painting Rolphe did of you. You’re still that person.”

  “What good is any of it if I don’t have a place for that magnificence? I’m like one of those knights who come home after all the wars are over. They have nothing to do but sit in front of a fire and get old.”

  Annabel frowned. “Maybe you’d like to create your own world.”

  “No, Arel’s done that. In the end, there was nothing left but problems.”

  “You could be creative, like Rolphe. His artwork is amazing.”

  “Please, my mind is a wasteland. I have no desire to paint or sculpt or write a book.”

  “You love nature. What about photography? You could travel
to exotic places and—”

  “Sorry, I know you’re trying to help, but there’s nothing I want to do.” William let out a heavy sigh. “Nothing.”

  Annabel got up and stood in front of him. “What about us, William? You’re still interested in us, aren’t you?”

  He reached out for her hand. “I want to be interested. You’re everything I could want in a woman, in a wife, but it’s like all feeling has left my body.” He let her hand go. “Can’t you understand what I’m saying? I’m an empty shell, and I don’t know how to change that fact.”

  Annabel went back to her seat and picked up her knitting. “Have you heard from Arel?”

  William straightened his shoulders. “Let’s not get into all of that.”

  “All of what?”

  “From what I can tell, he’s caught up in more drama.”

  Annabel’s busy fingers stilled. “Is he having problems with Claire?”

  “No, he’s all worked up about his ex-girlfriend, Elise.”

  “So he called you?”

  “I think he called Rolphe first, but he didn’t get any resolution. I guess he thought I could help.”

  “So what’s going on?”

  “Arel decided to let Elise know how he felt about the poor treatment he got when they dated.”

  “Maybe that’s a step forward. It might help him to get in touch with deeper feelings. We both think he’s in denial with Claire.”

  “He never got a chance to tell the blasted woman anything. She switched gears and started being nice. She even apologized for her bad-mannered behavior.”

  “People can have a change of heart. As an angel, I’ve witnessed it many times.”

  “Arel sees it differently. He thinks she’s mentally unbalanced.”

  Annabel laughed. “Arel amazes me. He has Michael’s blood, plus Carey and Michael are always there to help him, yet he still seems very distrusting in situations like this.”

  “I don’t know. What if he’s right? He says that Elise changed in the space of a few hours. That seems a bit strange.”

  “So how is he handling the situation?”

  “He’s going to see if he can join Elise’s book group. Carey and Michael have been offering advice for weeks. It might be the perfect place for Arel to observe Elise.”

  “How is that going to help?”

  “I think it’s an interesting idea. When I considered myself a scientific type, observation was a critical part of every process.”

  “Yes, but I’ve been reading articles in your science magazines. Some researchers believe that the observer can affect the outcome of an experiment.”

  William glanced up and smiled. “Really, you’ve been reading my magazines? It’s refreshing to know you’re interested in science.”

  “Of course I am. In fact, I’ve been thinking about learning more about my abilities. I sometimes wonder about what powers I possess as a human being.”

  “Would you be interested in exploring that idea a little more?”

  “Do you think you could come up with some experiments?”

  William sat forward in his seat. “Why not? I’m not doing anything useful with my life.”

  “Remember that time we challenged each other with the marigold experiment.”

  “You cheated. You still had your wings.”

  “Well, I don’t have them anymore. So maybe we can try another challenge.”

  “Please, Annabel, I wouldn’t want to take advantage of you.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I might not have my wings, but I’m very aware of the potential power every human possesses. I might surprise you.”

  William stood up and stretched. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you if your human potential falls flat.”

  Eighteen

  ELISE SAT AT HER her desk waiting for a question to surface. Arel and Michael sat on the couch opposite. Carey couldn’t make it to the meeting, and Arel had volunteered to take his place. “It’s strange, but I can’t think of anything to ask either of you.”

  “Perhaps you don’t need our input anymore,” Michael said.

  Arel gave Michael a sidelong glance. “Great, as soon as I join this little group, I find out I’m not needed.”

  Elise smiled. “It’s great having you here, Arel. If you have anything you want to ask about writing or my novel, I’m all ears.”

  “Since I’m a newcomer, would you give me a brief synopsis of what you’ve covered so far?”

  Elise’s smile deepened when she looked at Michael. “Your friends came in when I was stuck in the middle of the story. I guess you could say that my heroine was stuck. Now, she’s over a lot of her problems and is falling in love with the male character, Mason. With Michael and Carey’s help, the story is close to a successful conclusion.”

  Arel’s brows narrowed as he began to pick up some crumbs off the sofa cushion. “Great, I’m happy it all worked out.’”

  Elise got up and walked over to where he was sitting. “Freddie’s dog biscuit,” she explained. “I’m trying to get him to eat them in his bed, but he prefers the sofa.”

  Arel dusted off pieces of biscuit into Elise’s out-stretched hand. “I suppose he’ll learn more manners as he gets older.”

  “I hope so,” Elise laughed. She went back to her desk and deposited the crumbs in the trash can next to it. When she turned back to Arel, she tried to keep the tone of her voice cheerful. “But getting back to the business of romance, I want to congratulate you again on your recent engagement.”

  Arel’s demeanor changed immediately, going from careful and discerning to wistful. “Thank you. Claire is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” His face reddened when he looked up at Elise. “I mean . . . she—”

  Elise cut in, trying her best to keep her voice steady. “I understand what you mean. Unlike me, she’s probably very nice.”

  Arel sucked in a breath. “You’re nice too . . . now.”

  Elise sat down at her desk, straightening the desk blotter and some mail. Twinges of her old feelings for Arel were worming their way back, but she knew better than entertain more fantasies. She looked up with a weak smile. “You helped me more than you can know, Arel. Claire is a fortunate woman to have you.” She turned to her other guest. “You helped too, Michael. The two of you were perfect examples of how wonderful men can be. Someday, perhaps you both will be congratulating me when I find my match.”

  Michael smiled. “That day may come sooner than you think.”

  Elise felt her cheeks flush and went back to stacking some papers. “Anyway, before you go, Arel, I’d like to ask you a few questions. Since I’m a romance writer, I’d like to get your take on what makes the perfect woman.”

  Michael looked at Arel. “That’s a good question, don’t you think?”

  Arel leaned back on the couch and sighed dreamily. “The perfect woman is . . . I mean, she’s—” He sat up and blinked a couple of times. “I’m sorry, but it’s hard to describe the feeling.”

  Elise agreed. “Being a writer, I understand your problem.”

  Arel stood up and straightened his shoulders. “I’ll think about the question and get back to you.”

  Michael stood up too. “Don’t try too hard, Arel. Sometimes it’s best to let the answer come in on its own.”

  “Michael’s right,” Elise said. “My best writing is inspired. I’ll be taking a walk or washing the dishes and the ideas flow in unannounced.” She got up and started for the front door. “Anyway, thanks for everything.”

  “But I didn’t do anything,” Arel complained as he trailed behind her.

  Elise paused and turned to face him. Deep in the best part of herself, she knew that she needed to give Arel her blessing. He was a good man with a good heart. “I’m happy for you, Arel.” Without thinking, she reached up and kissed his cheek. “You deserve a perfect woman.”

  Arel stepped back and issued a quick, “Thank you.”

  Elise felt embarrassed by her impromptu expression of
affection. But it felt good to do something nice for a change.

  * * * * *

  After Arel came back from the meeting with Elise, he knew that he needed to stay focused on his current projects. The furnace was now in tip-top condition, and people were scheduled to come and add insulation to the attic. He’d also accomplished an unrelated task earlier that week. He’d had the closet in the lower level bedroom enlarged. It was now a walk-in closet. When Claire moved in, there would be room for her things.

  He grabbed his notepad. He’d decided to definitely replace several windows in the house, and he needed to call some contractors for estimates. He wandered over to the side window in the living room, the one that gave him access to his neighbor’s house. It didn’t make any sense, but he often found himself standing in front of it and thinking about the one person he wanted to forget.

  He turned away quickly and looked at Michael. As usual, the angel was reading a book on gardening.

  “How can I help you,” Michael asked.

  “I can’t figure out what’s going on with Elise. I attended the book discussion to find out more about her sudden transformation, but I’m more confused than ever. She’s still being too nice, and I don’t know why.”

  “Elise is great,” Carey said as he walked into the room carrying a plate of cookies. “She’s always buying goodies at this wonderful bakery she found.”

  Arel frowned and pointed to the sofa. “Please take a seat, Carey. Maybe you can help too.”

  Carey bit off half of a large oatmeal cookie, chewed a little and waved his plate in Arel’s direction. “How did your meeting go? Did you help Elise with her book?”

  Arel watched a small spray of cookie crumbs scatter, but he held his tongue. He was practicing tolerance since he’d been with Claire. “It seems that Elise doesn’t need any more help. But that’s not the point. She’s too nice.”

  Carey leaned in and smiled at Michael. “We made a good team when it came to getting her over the rough spots.”

  Michael smiled back. “Yes, but Elise was eager to make some changes once she realized that she had options.”