After leaving Claudia’s bedroom, I stood in the foyer with Michael. Mr. Claypool had left for the night.
“What’s on your mind, Michael?” I asked as we stood in the quiet house. I glanced up the steps that led to the second floor towards Claudia’s bedroom. I could sense her stir. I wanted to be there with her.
John, she called to me.
It was tearing me apart to be so close to her and not be by her side.
I can feel you’re still here. I don’t want to fall asleep without you. I want you near me.
I bit my lips. Her mouth found my thoughts; she kissed me. It felt so real, her rich and full lips against mine, pressing hard. The wetness of her tongue, the scent of her skin, her fingertips touching my cheek and running through the locks of my hair. I took a quick breath, lost in the caress of her gentle fingers stroking my face, then racing wickedly along my neck and down my chest.
She pushed back at my shirt making me blush. She had me pinned down on her bed; she was on top of me. I reached for her, bringing her down on me, and drank of her rich lips. I kissed her like a mad man. God, I couldn’t get enough of her; she made me weak. I was lost in her arms and the softness of her delicate form on top of mine.
Miss Belle you’re being naughty with me, but don’t stop, I encouraged. Mentally, I flipped our positions. It was my turn to pin her under me. She was delighted. An image of her smile appeared in my head.
Your blushing, Mr. Slater.
I’m more than blushing, Miss Belle, I replied.
It was her turn to feel the heat—and something else rising between us.
Now, you’re blushing, I said.
She encouraged me, pressing my body onto hers.
Claudia. I exhaled her name in this fantasy world we’d created. I need you.
Come get me, she taunted. An image of her face as she lay on her bed, looking up, mocked me. Sweat drenched my brow when my fantasy merged with the image. She was doing this.
I came over to her and she reached up to touch my naked chest. She ran her fingertips along each ab.
I pushed back against the image she created, embarrassed, looking at Michael, who was eyeing me. “You okay?”
I blushed and wiped my brow. “Is it hot in here?”
Michael simply said, “Come on; let’s go have a seat in the kitchen. I don’t want to make any noise standing out here.” He walked to the kitchen.
I followed, fanning my body with the collar of my shirt. He grabbed a glass from the cabinet and poured himself a glass of water. “Can I get you something to drink?”
I shook my head, wiping my brow. As he walked to the table, I took a seat in the kitchen nook.
Michael looked exhausted. He was beside himself, unable to comprehend what Claudia was going through. I wanted to tell him so much more, but Claudia had begged me to keep quiet. I didn’t want to frighten Michael any more than he was already.
“You know I told Neil I would protect her. I promised him I would never let anything happen to her. Now, look at me … I don’t know what I’m doing,” he confessed.
“That’s not true. You’re doing all you can, sir. You’re keeping your promise. These are forces we don’t understand. Let’s face it, Claudia is not an ordinary girl. You have your hands full.”
Michael smiled wearily in agreement and regarded me intently. “I’m so glad you understand all this, John. I don’t think I understand it myself, and I’ve seen it and lived it. I’m way over my head, it seems. I was hoping you would be the answer to all this.”
I felt guilty.
“But now, if you leave, I’m not sure what will happen to her. Claudia really likes you. And, well, I hate to deny it, you’ve grown on me, too.”
“I appreciate that, sir …I ’m sorry,” I began.
Michael shook his head.
“I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t know how to tell her,” I said. Did I want to keep the lie going? Michael was pouring out his heart.
He patted my shoulder, a grin on his face. It seemed easy for him to accept; it was having to tell Claudia the truth he couldn’t bear. “Don’t be. I can certainly understand. I can’t expect you, or anyone, to give me the answers I need to help Claudia. Besides, it looks like you have your own hands full with your father. I can see why you live with your uncle.”
I chuckled when he said that.
“I’m sorry … that was rude.”
“No, you’re right,” I said. “He’s never been the same since my mother died.” God, what BS. Why was I saying this to him? Did I honestly want to make Dr. Nicholson sound like a poor widower who was never the same after his poor beloved wife had passed? Cover, I reminded myself, this was our cover.
I sighed and stared at Michael. “Sir.”
Michael looked at me. His eyes were lost, filled with confusion and distress.
“Can I be totally honest with you?” I asked.
The lines on his face eased. “Sure, John. Do you have some ideas on how to help Claudia? I’m all ears.”
“It’s not that, sir.”
He looked curiously at me.
“It’s about what my father said, about me leaving.”
“Yes?”
“I’m not leaving because I want to, sir; you understand that?”
“John, it’s alright. I know you’re a good person. And that there are things you can’t stop from happening. I know you must do things you don’t want to do.”
“Sir, please. May I finish?”
Michael nodded, tucking in his bottom lip.
I just came out and said it. “My father lied to you. I had no idea what he planned.” I rose. I couldn’t believe I was defying Dr. Nicholson, but he had gone far enough. He would never understand what I felt for Claudia. Shit, did that man even love anyone?
I wanted to be with Claudia and I was going to do anything I could to make it happen. Joseph’s plan to kill me was sounding far more inviting. After Claudia’s request to leave Milton, to leave all this behind, I saw no reason not to do that. Just the two of us. I had saved up. We could do this, together.
“I’m not gonna make excuses for him anymore. He thinks everything distracts me. I can’t have anyone in my life, that’s why we move a lot. The minute he sees me happy, he wants to take that happiness away from me.” It wasn’t far from the truth. Dr. Nicholson wanted to take everything away from me, and if he saw me happy, it angered him even more.
I had observed him at the restaurant as he searched through the texts on my phone. I saw the manner in which he calculatingly disconnected her call so she couldn’t reach out.
Was it my lack of attention toward him that made him jealous? If I wasn’t his one hundred percent, he was there to make my life a living hell. Just like he was doing now.
“He doesn’t want anyone to get close to me and I’m tired of it,” I said with a sigh. “I hope that I’m not being so bold in saying this, sir, but I see you as someone I can be truthful with.”
Michael smiled.
I had rewarded him with that statement. And yet, I felt so guilty I wasn’t telling him everything.
“John, I’m happy you’re honest with me. I can’t imagine what you have to deal with every moment of your life with a man like that being your father. That sounds so sad.” He exhaled at length.
“It wasn’t meant to sound sad, sir. He doesn’t deserve anyone’s sympathy, trust me. The way he treated you this evening was unacceptable, and I want to apologize for that. I was embarrassed. I’m happy Claudia wasn’t there to go through what you had to.”
He seemed to agree about that.
“John, I might not know your father as well as you, but I’m sure there is something in him that cares about you enough to want the best for you.”
He wasn’t getting it.
“And I’m sure he’s been through a lot, with your mother’s death and his mother’s as well. I’m sure if you look, you’ll feel the pain in the actions he displays.”
Michael meant well, but he would never see the big picture as long as he didn’t know the entire truth. He was trying to make this man human, and Dr. Nicholson wasn’t. Dr. Nicholson had no empathy … not once had he ever displayed it to another. He was doing everything to take away that which was more important in my life.
“I mean, who wouldn’t want the best for his child?” Michael questioned.
Without trying, I had painted Dr. Nicholson in a better light. He was a grieving widower who just wanted the best for his spoiled son.
“Well, I’m not going anywhere. I’m eighteen and I want to stay,” I voiced proudly.
Michael looked more concerned than relieved at my announcement.
“If he wants to cut me out of the inheritance, that’s fine with me. I am in love. I’m in love with Claudia.”
There was brief silence between us.
“John, you’re young; make sure you’re doing it for all the right reasons.”
I wrinkled my nose at him. Adults were always saying those things, but in Michael’s case, he didn’t know half of what was going on in this picture. It wasn’t the same.
“You have your whole life ahead of you and I don’t want you to lose out on any opportunities. Make sure you talk to Claudia about it before you make any further decisions. I know she wouldn’t want you to make any irrational decisions that will impact your future because of her.”
Michael did not understand. She wanted us to leave and I was ready to pack up my things and take her away with me. As long as Michael was in the dark, he would disagree. He didn’t know that the same man he thought was my father was the same man that would take his adopted daughter and perform hideous experiments on her for his own agenda.
Michael rose and put a hand on my shoulder. “I just want you to think about it before you do anything, son.”
I tucked in my lip. I knew what I wanted.
“Just talk to her before you make any decision that will impact both of you,” Michael said, patting my shoulder.
After our talk, Michael dismissed himself and went to bed. I left. It was a school night after all and it was late. Outside, I looked into the window of Claudia’s bedroom.
Claudia, I called. There was silence. I searched for her; the current was there, but it was silent. Without her, I couldn’t navigate, so there was no way of knowing if she was already asleep. The only way to know if she was okay was to climb up. Without her, I couldn’t see, I couldn’t materialize a mental presence. The ghostly kiss and passion we shared had left me wanting more and I was determined to seek her out.
I climbed the side of the tree. It wasn’t hard for someone with my skill to spring up and grab a large branch. I pulled myself onto it and over to her window. It was still open.
Claudia was lying on her bed; she appeared peaceful, laying on her side. Her hip and side moved up and down slowly.
“Claudia,” I whispered softly.
She didn’t move.
My body lying beside her would surely wake her up. I grinned.
My phone rang and I nearly lost my balance reaching down to silence it. I switched the ringer off and was about to put it back into my pocket when it buzzed again.
It was a text from Joseph. Pick up. We must talk.
I quickly texted back: I’m busy.
Joseph’s text: Busy my ass. This is important.
Me: Not now, Joseph.
Joseph: Get off the oak tree, John, and come down, now!
I scrunched up my nose and looked down the street. I spotted his Mercedes SUV parked along a side street. Shit!
I glanced back into Claudia’s bedroom, longing to be by her. She stirred, then raised her head, catching sight of me.
Our eyes met. John, her mind said.
I looked back toward the street. Joseph was standing outside his car.
John. I heard her again before jumping off the tree and landing on the grass and walking towards Joseph. From behind, I could sense her. John, don’t go, please! John? Her hand touched me; her lips brushed the side of my face. I held back.
Joseph’s eyes met mine; he looked upset. I didn’t want her to worry. I’m sorry, Claudia.
“We have to go, champ, now,” he said sternly.
I didn't know what else to say. Joseph climbed into his Mercedes. He lowered the window.
“What’s so fucking important?” I growled as sweat dripped down my brow.
“You know what, hot shot.” He narrowed his eyes.
“Dr. Nicholson,” I guessed correctly. “Yeah, I know.”
I’m sorry Claudia, I have to go. It’s—
John?
I’ll explain later—
John, is it—
Yes. I grabbed the watch and shut Claudia’s voice out of my head. It hurt too much. There was more news and I could see it in Joseph’s eyes.
“I know you like that girl, John, but right now we have a job to do and she can’t come between that. Or—"
“Or what?” I snarled.
Joseph glared at me. “You’re gonna get her killed. You understand that?”
It wasn’t what he said that got me; it was the way he said it. “What do you mean? What happened? What did you discuss? And don’t play innocent, Joseph. You weren’t very forthcoming with me about your plans to report me to Dr. Nicholson. Don’t think I’ve forgotten or forgiven that. I thought we had each other’s backs?”
“Yeah well, I thought the same about you, John. I do what I do for you … and only you. Don’t forget that. You still have a lot to learn, kid. Spending time with Miss Belle is fucking up your game as a hunter. Remember that?” he snarled in return.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“What do you think? Get into your car and meet me back at the rental.”
I caught him looking toward Claudia’s window.
“You want to protect her, you need to start listening to me. If you love her, you’ll do what I ask of you.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“It means you got Dr. Nicholson’s attention in the wrong way.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked, leaning toward the open window.
“We’ll talk about it at the rental. This is not the place.”
His car pulled away from the curb. Once he was in the middle of the street, he stopped. When I moved towards my car and jumped in, he sped off.
Reluctantly, I followed, glancing at Claudia’s window and catching sight of her figure looking out.
“Claudia, I’m sorry,” I said, knowing she couldn’t hear me at such a distance. I could only hope she felt me.
I sped off and arrived at the rental quickly, but Joseph was already there when I came in through the garage entrance.
He was seated at the kitchen island on one of the stools that decorated the place. I looked out over the back deck; the pool looked refreshing and I wondered why I had never thought of inviting Claudia to my place.
“Even now, you can’t get her out of your head.”
I glanced at him as he peeled a Granny Smith apple.
“You told him I was distracted … not cool.”
“I didn’t have to. You made a great spectacle of yourself all on your own. Really, John? Pulling out your phone and chatting while at dinner with the b-o-s-s! Are you an idiot? You think that was a smart thing to do? You think he wouldn’t notice? What has she done to you? To your head?”
“I was playing the arrogant teenager to the tee, like he wants. And watch your mouth. Don’t you dare say anything bad about her. She’s different.”
“Yeah, of that I’m aware and afraid. How is she affecting you? This connection is gonna get the attention of the boss. In fact, it already has … partially.”
My brow creased; just what did that mean?
“It doesn’t help when you’re telling him I’m distracted, either, Joseph.”
“I didn’t have to. You’re not listening to me, John. You did that on your own. By pulling out your phone and texting your girlfriend on a dinner meeting. The fact that Michael had no idea had nothing to do with why we were there. You know how Dr. Nicholson likes to perform his checks.”
Joseph was right. It was kind of sloppy on my part.
“Just tell me when,” I said angrily, standing at the other end of the island. I knew what was coming. My palms were sweaty. I was ready to engage in a fight. My adrenaline was pumping. I switched the watch slightly so Claudia wouldn’t feel my rage. If she could feel me at dinner, I was sure she could feel my agony now if I allowed it.
“I got him to agree to letting you attend the prom and graduation.”
“Well, that was really nice of you.”
“John, I’m looking out for you. I thought it would be nice if you could still go with this young lady. She did save my life. I think I owe her something.”
“Yeah, sounds like guilt to me.” I laughed at that.
Joseph gave me a frown.
“So, then what? Be honest. What happens next? I’m not just getting a lengthy lecture from the good doctor, am I?”
“I’m always honest with you, John. It’s in my blood as a guardian.”
“So?” I pressed.
“He wants you back in training, back in confinement. You’ll get the adrenaline dose and—”
I moved away, running a hand over the top of my head. “I’m not going back there … I’m not getting that damn shot again. No!” I shouted as I returned to the island. “No! I don’t want to forget her. I won’t. I’m not doing it.” I swore as I began to pace.
“John, listen to me.”
I turned, stared, and snarled, “You don’t know what it’s like.”
“Yeah, I do,” he said patiently.
“No, you don’t. You think you do, but you don’t. It’s empty. I’m this thing with no feelings. I don’t want to be that again. I have so much with her and I don’t want to lose that. Claudia gave me something I never knew was out there. I’m not losing it. That injection is going to make me his puppet again and I don’t want it. I’ll be in hibernation for a month. His prisoner. Then, I’ll wake up to nothing again. I don’t want to forget her. I love her too much.”
I dropped heavily onto a stool. I thought of the coldness I had felt at the beginning. “It’s cold. The first time I awoke, it seemed so normal because I didn’t have anything to compare it with. Until Claudia. Our connection is growing, and I’m getting stronger. She’s making me stronger. Together, we’re complete. I feel more than I have ever felt. I’m not doing that shit again, ever! I’m not giving up what I feel for her, and what she’s given me.”
“I had him agree to two weeks.”
Did he really think it made a difference how long? He just didn’t get it. “Two weeks? No, he’s a liar. You know it, Joseph.” I leaned forward, narrowing my gaze.
“John, calm down.”
“I’m not going back. I’m done. I’m not going into that confinement.” I felt my eyes dancing like they did with Claudia, but this felt different.
Joseph gave me a peculiar look. “John, take a breath,” he said softly. “Easy, now.”
My veins were on fire. I felt my eyes burning; the rage in me was pouring from every pore in my body. My heart was hitting the top of my head. I looked down at my hands; my fingernails had dug into the granite of the island, and I had felt nothing, but the damage was visible on the surface of the counter.
“Easy, now,” Joseph continued to soothe me.
I took a deep breath. Little by little, the feeling faded and I felt more like my former self.
“You okay now, champ?”
I moved back, removing my hands from the granite.
Joseph’s eyes dropped and he glared, speechless, as he ran a finger over the surface.
“I’m not going back,” I said sternly. “And not you, or Dr. Nicholson, can make me!”
Joseph chewed his bottom lip before saying, “We’ll talk about it.”
“There’s nothing more to talk about, Joseph. I’m done.”
“There’s still my option.”
I glared at him, not sure what he meant. “What are you talking about? What option?”
“Your death, champ.” Joseph said sadly. “Trust me, John, I want the best for you.” He patted my shoulder.
“I’m not going back in confinement,” I repeated.
Joseph nodded.
I wanted to trust him, because he was my friend and, like Claudia had once clarified, we were family. But now, I had Claudia and that’s all I needed.
“We’ll talk about it, but Miss Belle needs to be here, too,” he stated matter-of-factly. “Actually, I think I have a better idea, but you have to trust me, John.”
“What?” I pressed.
“I can’t say any more.”
I stared over at him quizzically.
“I said you have to trust me. You’re not going back into confinement, I promise.”
I exhaled loudly as I stared back. “Okay, Joseph. I trust you.”