Sidney stared at Harlan with her mouth open. She couldn’t believe he’d been interested in her back then.
“I suppose I had a crush on you as well,” he informed her gently. He tilted his head with a timid look. “Do you think any less of me?”
Sidney stared blankly into his eyes. Her hand returned to his beard. She loved the way it felt against her hand.
“I’m not fifteen anymore,” she whispered and stared at him with anticipation.
He stared back at her, as if uncertain how to respond. His left arm slipped around her waist, and he pulled her close. Harlan hesitated and seemed apprehensive. Sidney gently bit her lower lip and searched his eyes.
“I wouldn’t admit it to anyone, Harlan, but I never stopped loving you,” she said softly.
He stared into her eyes. Sidney’s heart pounded harshly to the silence between them. He placed his right hand on the side of her neck and lowered his mouth to hers. Sidney shut her eyes and felt his lips gently brush past hers. She trembled slightly as he kissed her tenderly. When he drew away, her eyes opened with some disappointment that he had stopped.
Without warning, he pulled her against him, covered her mouth with his, and kissed her passionately and with some aggression. Sidney was caught by surprise. She tensed slightly then slipped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss. She’d longed for this moment since she was fifteen, and her own aggression told as much. Her head began to spin, and her heart raced. She was barely able to keep up with his wild, passionate kisses, although she didn’t back down from the challenge. Sidney pulled her mouth from his and gasped softly. His mouth sought her neck, and she could feel his tongue against her skin. She moaned softly. Her cheeks were now hot and red. When he kissed her throat, she knew she wouldn’t be able to take much more.
Harlan slowly lowered her to the sofa and pulled her beneath him. His hands freely caressed her side and thigh causing her to groan with pleasure as his body pressed against hers. His mouth returned to hers, and she returned his urgent, aggressive kiss. Her head was spinning nearly as fast as the room. She wanted the moment to last, but she feared she’d pass out. She wanted him to make love to her. Sidney finally felt things were as they should have been before her world crashed. His kiss was making her dizzy while his body pressing against hers aroused her sexual desire. She felt his hand caress her hip and buttocks just before everything went dark.
Chapter Forty-two
A faint chirping noise woke Sidney around four in the morning. She looked around the living room in a daze and with some disorientation. Harlan lay face down on the floor between the sofa and the coffee table with a throw pillow under his head. The chirping sound continued with a pause in-between. Sidney attempted to remember what happened last night while holding her pounding head. She was still fully dressed so it couldn’t have been too exciting. She moaned softly and rolled her eyes. The chirping sound was beginning to irritate her.
She scanned the room, unable to turn her head any faster. She thought her head would explode from the sudden movement. Sidney then saw the cellular phone on the coffee table. She reached for the coffee table and picked up the annoyingly chirping phone. It took her a second to figure out how to use the phone, especially in the dim lighting. She’d never used a cellular phone before, and by all accounts never wanted any part of them.
“Hello,” she said softly, almost unable to speak.
“Sidney?” the gruff, male voice whispered.
“Yeah,” she replied with some confusion.
“Listen carefully,” the voice said. “Meet me at the old stone house in ten minutes.”
“Who--?” the line was disconnected.
Sidney lowered the cellular phone and stared at it. It had to be Harlan’s phone, which meant it had to be Lyle on the other end. Sidney disconnected the phone and nudged Harlan below her.
“Harlan,” she said sternly.
He didn’t rouse, so she shook him harshly. He moaned but still didn’t rouse. Sidney moved from the sofa, carefully stepping around Harlan. She ran her fingers through her hair, took Harlan’s car keys, and grabbed the gun from the coffee table. She placed it down the back of her pants. Sidney’s gait was slightly unsteady from being hungover and lack of sleep. She felt as if her blood was rushing through her body at an extraordinary rate. Her heart pounded incredibly fast, possibly from the alcohol still in her system. She hurried into the garage.
Sidney drove Harlan’s car toward the stone house on the opposite end of Cressman Road. She had a difficult time seeing the road. Her vision was rather poor in the darkness. The private drive was narrow, dark, and frightening. Sidney began to question the voice on the phone. What if it wasn’t Lyle? Was she driving into a trap? She was able to drive straight to the house since the police had taken the chain down when they uncovered Sam’s body in the rubble of the house cellar. She stopped the car just before the porch to the house and looked around the dark area. She wasn’t sure she wanted to leave the security of the car. She saw something move near the well right before the car door opened. She cried out with surprise as Lyle jumped into the passenger seat.
“Drive,” he gasped and slouched in the seat, pinching his eyes shut.
Sidney’s heartbeat quickened after her shock of him jumping into the car. She turned the car around and found it just as difficult driving back to the main road. The path from the house was dark and difficult to see.
“What happened?” she asked with concern and turned her head to look at him.
Lyle removed a bloody handkerchief from under his jacket and cringed slightly. “I wasn’t the only one interested in Sam’s Tavern,” Lyle said lowly.
Sidney gasped when she saw the blood. “You’re hurt!”
“It’s just a scratch,” he said and stiffly sat up with some discomfort. “I called the motel. Where were you guys?”
“At Trisha’s house,” she said and nervously eyed him several times. “Should I take you to the hospital?”
“They ask too many questions,” he remarked. “All I need is a first aid kit.”
“I’m sure Trisha’s mom has one somewhere,” she said. They reached Trisha’s house in less than five minutes. She pulled into the garage to keep Harlan’s car hidden. Sidney closed the garage door and attempted to help Lyle into the house, but he seemed steadier than she was.
She followed him into the downstairs bathroom and helped him with his jacket. Sidney searched the bathroom vanity and found a first aid kit then helped Lyle remove his blood-soaked shirt. She could see the large slice across his side. It was nearly six inches long but didn’t appear too deep. Sidney cringed.
“Fill the sink with cold water,” he announced firmly and opened the kit.
Sidney did as he instructed then watched him clean the cut with some difficulty. She eventually cleaned it for him. He leaned against the sink and told her how to sterilize the site properly. He had her cut the surgical tape into thin strips and place them across the cut to hold it together. They weren’t as effective as stitches, but they seemed to serve their purpose. Lastly, she placed a dressing over the wound and securely taped it.
“Aren’t you going to tell me what happened?” Sidney asked while cleaning up the mess she had made with the gauze wrapping and blood from the washrag.
“There’s not much to tell, really,” he replied simply and looked at his bloody shirt. “I went into the tavern around one o’clock and conducted a search. The place had been closed up, so I took my time. About quarter till three, while I was upstairs, I heard someone else in the tavern downstairs,” he announced. “Naturally, I wanted to see who was poking around down there, so I went to investigate. I got a little too close and surprised the guy. He was a nervous fellow. When he turned around, he slashed me with his knife and ran from the tavern, tripping the alarm. I had to leave in a hurry. The deputy arrived just as I made my exit.” He gingerly touched the dressing over his wound. “I saw someone outside the motel, so I had to go someplace else. I backtrack
ed around the school, and then found my way to the woods on some steep, rocky path.”
“What did the man look like?” Sidney asked with a curious tilt of her head.
“About six-foot. Big guy with dark hair, little beady eyes, and a cleft in his chin,” Lyle stated and sighed. “Probably in his mid to late twenties.”
“Cleft in his chin?” she asked with some concern. “You’ve just described Denny, Billy’s friend. That’s a frightening thought. What would he be doing at Sam’s Tavern? Do you think he was robbing the place or protecting Billy’s interest?”
Lyle appeared to consider the question. “He didn’t have anything to carry stolen goods, not that he couldn’t have taken a pillowcase from upstairs. If he was there to steal, he’s an amateur.” He shook his head while frowning. “He was far too nervous to be a professional. Besides, a smart thief doesn’t carry a weapon. If you’re caught with a weapon, the severity of the crime goes up.”
“I wonder if it would be wise to question Denny about the murder and Mrs. Randall’s death?” Sidney said aloud but was talking more to herself.
Lyle sighed deeply and examined the dressing on his side. “Considering my reaction from him, I wouldn’t recommend it.” He picked up his shirt and frowned at the blood and the large cut. “Never should’ve worn my good shirt.”
Sidney then snapped out of her daze and offered a tiny smile. “I’ll see what Mary has in her closet. I don’t think she gave all her husband’s clothing away. She had kept a couple of his suits, though I don’t know why.”
“As long as you think she won’t mind,” Lyle announced.
Sidney was surprised how conscientious he was about other people, considering his previous lifestyle.
“I don’t think she’ll mind. Trisha’s mother is very charitable,” Sidney replied.
“Where’s Harlan? Why didn’t he answer his phone?” Lyle asked as they walked from the bathroom. “I told him to keep it on him for a change.”
“He’s sleeping,” she informed him and hid her embarrassment.
“Sleeping? Didn’t he hear the phone?” Lyle asked from just a step behind her.
“He had a little too much to drink,” Sidney reported without looking at him.
Lyle followed her upstairs to Mary Allister’s room. Sidney turned on the bedroom light and approached the closet.
“You look three sheets to the wind yourself,” he remarked simply.
Sidney glared at him then conceded. “I suppose I was drunk as well,” she replied lightly.
Lyle leaned against the wall near the closet with one arm across his chest and his right hand to his chin. A devious smile crossed his face.
“Hmm, bet that was an interesting evening,” he teased.
“Shut up, Lyle,” Sidney growled lowly. “Nothing happened, you pervert.” She sifted through the clothing in the closet.
“No disrespect intended,” he announced while grinning. “I didn’t think his flying across the entire country for a woman was a really good idea. He must’ve had it pretty bad for you.”
Sidney found a white, dress shirt and handed it to him. “He didn’t come out here for me,” she firmly insisted. “He wanted to know the truth about Emily Fisher’s murder, and perhaps clear his own name.”
Lyle slipped into the shirt with some discomfort then snorted a laugh. “Sure he did,” he muttered lowly. “Harlan’s never chased a woman in his life.” He buttoned the shirt without looking at her. “But when he told me he was flying out here because of that goodbye kiss at the airport, I knew he was insane or in love. Maybe a little of both.” He then looked at her.
Sidney was surprised by his comment.
“He’s only been in love once, that he’s actually confessed,” Lyle remarked. “It was with the young woman in the photo in his bedroom.”
Sidney stared at Lyle with surprise as her mouth fell open.
“Did anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?” Harlan said in a drowsy tone while leaning in the bedroom doorway with his arms folded across his chest.
Lyle turned and smiled mockingly at his friend. “It’s a gift,” he announced cheerfully then looked Harlan up and down. “You look like hell.”
“I feel like it too,” Harlan snapped. “What are you doing up so early?”
“Up? I haven’t been to bed yet,” Lyle replied simply. “I’ve been busy bleeding all over this one-horse town and evading the police.” He then turned to Sidney. “Do you think Mrs. Allister would be upset if I occupied her bed for a couple of hours?”
Sidney shook her head. “No, you go right ahead,” she replied. “I’ll tell Harlan all about your evening rendezvous with Denny.”
Chapter Forty-three
Sidney made some coffee and told Harlan everything Lyle said about the incident in Sam’s Tavern, including his run-in with Denny. Harlan leaned back against the kitchen counter while Sidney proceeded to wash the dishes they had dirtied.
“I wonder what he has to do with the whole sorted affair?” Harlan grumbled.
“Do you think we should talk to Denny?” Sidney asked and gave him a curious look.
“Absolutely,” Harlan replied. “Alex can wait, he’s not going anywhere for a while.”
Sidney stared at Harlan a moment longer. His eyes met hers. He held his breath and looked away while running his fingers through his hair.
“I think I should take a quick shower before we go anywhere,” he said and gently exhaled without looking at her.
Harlan straightened and headed across the kitchen. Sidney hurried after him and cut off his path to the downstairs bathroom. Harlan paused and met her gaze with a slight frown.
“Why did you come back to Marilina?” she asked sharply and placed a hand on either side of the bathroom doorframe. She wanted to get this out in the open once and for all.
Harlan rolled his eyes with a soft groan then stared at her. “I thought Lyle made that perfectly obvious,” he remarked then fidgeted while unusually tense.
Sidney gave him a puzzled look. “I can’t believe you really came all this way just because I’d kissed you.”
He raised a dark brow. “Oh, believe it,” he said sharply and stared into her eyes. “Do you remember what I said to you last night?”
“You thought I was older than fifteen.”
“I’m not much of an opportunist, and I’ve never been a womanizer.” He sighed and gently scratched his bearded chin. “I’ve had a tough time getting to know women. After that goodbye in the airport, I knew it was destiny,” he said softly.
Sidney felt her heart skip a beat as she stared helplessly into his eyes.
“I’ve been missing something for a very long time, and I wasn’t about to let you walk out of my life forever.” He drew a deep breath and proudly raised his head. “I came here to state my position in person, but my timing wasn’t very good.”
Sidney snorted a soft laugh and nervously folded her arms across her chest. “No, I suppose it wasn’t. I pulled you into this whole sorted affair.”
“I was glad I came,” he said gently. “I don’t want to imagine what might have happened if I hadn’t shown up when I did.” He then studied her a long moment with a timid expression. “Do you remember what you’d said last night?”
Sidney nodded and felt her cheeks become hot and red. “I meant what I said,” she said softly and searched his eyes for a response.
Harlan looked down with some embarrassment then met her gaze. “I’m not really sure how I should proceed.”
Sidney stared into his eyes and raised a seductive brow. “How would you like to proceed?”
Harlan chuckled lowly in his throat, looked away, and nervously rubbed the back of his neck while hiding his smile. He raised his brows as he met her gaze.
“Like a love-starved bastard,” he replied simply. “But I have that beast under control.”
Sidney stared at him while every thought imaginable passed through her mind. She gently cleared her throat.
“We could discuss it further,” she replied gently, “in the shower.”
Harlan’s eyes remained fixed on her with a shocked look. He shook his head with a timid smile and some embarrassment. “If we take a shower together, there won’t be much left to discuss, love.”
“I know what I’m suggesting,” she replied gently. “You’re the only man I’ve ever wanted, Harlan, and I think I’ve waited long enough.”
Harlan was perfectly still for nearly a minute while Sidney stared at him and felt her heart pound with anticipation of his response. He stepped toward her, pulled her against him, and kissed her passionately. Sidney felt her entire body tense then relax. She returned the aggressive kiss and clung to his neck. He backed her against the doorframe and firmly ran his hand along her buttocks and down her thigh. Sidney’s breathing became harsh as she attempted to keep up with his passionate kisses. She moaned softly. He slowed down as his left hand slipped under her shirt and caressed her bare back while his free hand traveled along the front of her shirt and fumbled with the buttons. They heard the front door open. Harlan pulled away and turned his head while breathing heavily and listened a moment.
“Sidney?” came Mary’s voice from the living room. “Are you here?”
Harlan jumped away from Sidney and nervously raked his fingers through his hair. He let out a low groan and a slight laugh. “I guess a shower is out of the question,” he remarked softly.
Sidney and Harlan approached the living room and saw Mary looking around nervously. She jumped when she saw them then relaxed. Mary looked at them with tired eyes and large, dark circles just beneath them.
“Oh, Sidney,” Mary said softly. “I didn’t expect you to be here. I saw a car parked in the garage, but I didn’t know whose it was.”
The Deadliest Institution Collection Page 90
