10

 

Teddy tugged another tissue from the box. Her tears flowed faster than she could wipe them. The saltiness crawled down her throat when she licked her lips.

“I can’t stop falling apart.” She rose and ambled over to the window overlooking the two oak trees entwined into one another. The taller tree appeared to gently hold the smaller. An image of her in Sloan’s arms flashed into her mind. Tears fell faster.

Evelyn leaned forward. “It can be months after the surgery before women start having the breakdown. It takes time to get over it. At the beginning you’re caught up with the operation and getting well. The emotional stuff comes later. It’s your body’s way of coping. What you’re going through is normal.” Evelyn rose from the other side of her oak desk. Her legs were thin like her long fingers that constantly brushed wisps of hair from her tanned face.

“Only I get the added thrill of having someone who dumped me years ago walk back into my life. The worst part is he looks better now than he did then.” Teddy backhanded a tear from her cheek. “And I don’t.”

“You’re still beautiful. And this guy coming back is just another obstacle you’ll have to overcome.” Evelyn’s gentle voice soothed. “You’ve been through a terrible time lately. You witnessed a traumatic event. Mix that with a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and now this lost love. He’s just an added burden. You’re stronger than you realize, Teddy. One day you’ll see that for yourself. Anyone who survives cancer can make it through anything.” Evelyn walked up behind her and draped an arm around Teddy’s shoulder. “And one day you’ll meet a man who’ll love you deeply, and this will only be a painful memory.”

“Who would want a disfigured woman? When I told Sloan, the look on his face was one of pity. I hated it.”

“Sloan’s the old boyfriend?”

Teddy nodded, grateful for the thick, soft tissue. “He didn’t say much, and it only took a few moments for him to rush out.”

“It probably wasn’t that dramatic. It just felt like it because of your emotional state.” Evelyn turned Teddy by her shoulders so they faced each other. “However, if he did rush out on you, then he’s obviously not much of a man.”

Both women jumped at a knock.

Carrie, the assistant, stuck her head in. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but there’s a policeman here who says he needs to bring Teddy downtown.”

Evelyn patted Teddy on her shoulder. “I’ll take care of it. You stay right here.”

She left Teddy staring at the oaks, overhearing due to the partially opened door.

“Officer, my name is Evelyn Stillwell. How may I help you?”

“I believe Teddy Federline is here.” Teddy’s stomach jumped at the recognition of Sloan’s voice.

“Yes. She’s in the middle of an appointment.”

“I need to take her downtown.”

“We should be done shortly. If you’d like to wait, you’re more than welcome to.”

Evelyn returned and walked to her side.

“I guess I’d better see what he wants,” Teddy said.

“He can wait.” Evelyn closed the door behind her. “I need to make certain you’re all right. That’s more important than some cop in my outer area.”

“It’s not just some cop. It’s him. The person who at one time swore he’d be there for me. The man I prayed I’d never have to see again.” Who she thought she was still in love with. Teddy decided to keep those words to herself. She could only imagine how crazy they would sound to her psychiatrist.

 

****

 

Sloan crossed one ankle over his knee. The duct on the ceiling spewed cool air upon him. Thankfully, the green sofa allowed him to relax while he waited. His eyes wandered to the documents hanging on the wall. Several were from breast cancer organizations.

He glimpsed his watch. Marge would chew his backside for not dragging Teddy out of the appointment. It was a stroke of genius when Sloan decided to call Claire. She’s the one who suggested looking at Evelyn Stillwell’s office.

He could only imagine how the state attorney would react if she found out Teddy was at a shrink’s. To her it might jeopardize her case. To Sloan, it made more sense than attending some church for help.

The last time he’d been in church was at an Easter service his friend Bruce had been required to attend. Sloan happened to have spent the night before with the family. Most of Bruce’s family members hollered “Amen” throughout the preacher’s message. What a bunch of hypocrites. He knew for a fact they’d spent the better part of the weekend drunk. They only went to church on Easter and Christmas to please their grandmother.

The weirdest part came when the minister talked about how if someone was a believer they would see their family again in Heaven. Bruce didn’t act like a believer. He’d been right there when Sloan stole those keys. If he recalled, stealing was a sin. Sloan let out a humph.

“Excuse me?” The assistant raised her attention from her computer. “Did you say something?”

“No.” He again looked down at his watch. It’d been twenty minutes since he first arrived. “Do you know how much longer it’ll be?”

“I’m afraid not. Dr. Stillwell spends as much time as she feels is necessary with her patients. That’s what makes her so popular.”

Sloan chose not to give his opinion on the overtime fee she received. The door finally opened, and Teddy walked out. He rose to greet her. Her hair pinned up on each side with a barrette gave softness to her tear-stained face. The pink in her shirt added to the blush on her cheeks. The pain in her expression shouted out how badly she needed to be here. How much of that pain was due to him?

“I’m sorry it took so long.” Teddy’s voice came out low and coarse. “What’s up?”

“Another witness has been killed. We left a message on your voice mail for you to be downtown at nine this morning.” Sloan pushed a hand through his hair. “You really should leave your phone on.” He sucked down his irritation. That would be the last thing she needed right now.

“I forgot to turn it on. But you and Marge need to understand I have other things I consider important also. I’ll be there to testify but I won’t let some crazy fool dictate my actions.” Teddy strutted out. “I assume Ms. Grappling would still like to see me?”

“Oh yeah. And her mood’s not very good.” Sloan walked to the passenger side of his vehicle parked next to Teddy’s. “But I believe you can take her.” He shot her a grin, hoping to dilute some of the tension.

“I’ll meet you downtown.” Teddy pressed the button to unlock her car.

“I don’t think so. If something happens to you before you get there, Marge will have my head.”

“I don’t particularly want to leave my car here.”

“That’s fine.” Sloan held his hand out and with a smile said, “I’ll drive.”

“I’m perfectly capable of driving myself.” Teddy tried to shove past him.

“You probably are but I’ve never driven such a nice ride and being a guy, you know how we like our toys. And from what I hear, a Genesis has nice engine power.”

Teddy rolled her eyes. “What about your car?”

“Someone can bring me back for it later.”

“Fine.” She thrust the keys into his palm and walked to the passenger side.

Sloan slid into the hot automobile and adjusted the seat. The air stifled, making it hard to breath. His palms burned upon the steering wheel. He pushed the A/C to high and rolled down the window. Sweat dribbled down his forehead and he wasn’t sure if it came from the heat or the proximity of the woman beside him.

No dirt or debris lay on the vehicle’s mat and it smelled of cherry fragrance. The 375 horsepower engine gave him a sense of power his small Honda didn’t offer. He parked an elbow on the center console, the air from outside blowing his hair. The chill from his passenger did little to dissuade him from enjoying the drive.

Once he got Teddy to their destination, and she discovered the true reason for the meeting, the cloud hanging over her would become even darker.

 

****

 

Teddy eyes drooped both from lack of sleep and the sun beating down on the car. If the heat outside was any indication, it was going to be a hot summer. The weather had gone from cold to hot. Usually they had at least a month of spring weather.

Buildings along Riverside flew by. She tried to enjoy the ride. Not an easy thing to do with the cologne of the driver migrating into her. The back of her eyes burned with tears, surprised she had any left to flow.

When they walked through Marge’s office door, the attorney practically accosted Teddy. “Ms. Federline, I expect you to have your phone on and with you at all times. It’s imperative if we need to reach you, that we can.”

“I’m sorry. I had a meeting, and it couldn’t be disturbed.” Teddy chose not to say where she’d been. It hadn’t bypassed her that Sloan didn’t mention it either.

“I don’t know how much Detective Michaels told you, but there’s been another death. We’re paring up witnesses in safe houses for protection. Ms. Gardner insisted that you and she be together. If that’s your wish, it can be arranged.” Marge continued to stand, her jaw jutting out. “I know you’ll probably want to argue, but it’s for your own safety and that of Ms. Gardner’s.”

“No arguments here.” Like a school girl being scolded by the principal, Teddy feared arguing would only make things worse. If being agreeable got her away from the icy stare of this woman, she’d consent to just about anything.

“Two officers will be assigned to watch you during the day. At night there will be a set outside and an officer inside for added security.” Marge leaned a hip on her desk.

“I’ll be the one inside at night.”

Sloan’s words caught Teddy off guard. She opened her mouth to object, but nothing came out. Why couldn’t she speak? Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth.

“Good, that’s settled. I want to reiterate how important it is that no one knows where you are. It can be quite dangerous for you and your friend.” Marge uncrossed her arms. “You’ll be moved every couple of weeks to ensure your safety.”

“I understand,” Teddy said. “But I still need to go to work. I have patients who need me. And I’m not going to let this guy interfere with that.” Teddy drew in a deep breath waiting for the reprisal.

“Fair enough. But someone will take you there, and you will not leave unless an officer is with you. That includes your friend.”

“Linda and I work at the same place so that should make it easier.”

“I prefer you each ride separately. It’ll make it safer and keep you both from being prime targets.”

Teddy swallowed down hard at the thought.

After a few more rules, Ms. Grappling finished with her. Tightness filled Teddy’s chest. How would she get through these next couple of months under the same roof with Sloan Michaels?

 

****

 

Teddy ransacked her purse, looking for something, anything to keep her from glancing at the man beside her. He’d driven her to work and insisted on picking her up. He had yet to get his own car. They were on their way back to the condominium so she could pack before heading to the safe house. His cologne now mixed with his sweat, making the car smell masculine.

Once parked, he skipped around the car and held the door for her. “I’ll be back in a few moments. Grab a couple of items right now. We can always come back for anything you might have missed.”

Teddy’s stomach knotted. She jumped when Sloan touched her shoulder, his fingers warm through her blouse.

“Are you all right?”

“I’m not used to having my life in jeopardy.” Her voice was tart even to her.

Teddy raced up the steps. Once inside, she flipped on the overhead light before bolting the lock. She watched out the curtain for Sloan to drive off. A sense of relief poured over her, thankful she’d have a few moments reprieve before he returned.

“God, you really have a funny sense of humor,” she said to the ceiling.

She gathered clothes in a suitcase along with a few toiletries. The electricity snapped off and blackness engulfed her. A chill raced through her body. The sky darkened more than normal due to an impending thunderstorm. The only light came from the glow of a neighbor’s outside balcony.

The hair on her arms stood at attention. She knew from the light at the neighbors, her section of the condo was the only one affected by the loss of electricity. She listened hard in the dark silence. The familiar squeak of the fourth step of the staircase announced the arrival of some uninvited being. Every one of the stranger’s next steps echoed in her ears.

“Ms. Federline. I’ve come for you. You can’t wait to get everyone excited.”

Her heart pounded at the sound of his voice. Each of the stranger’s movements reverberated in her being. A circular light bounced on the floor outside the bedroom. She moved back toward the walk-in closet.

“You shouldn’t meddle in other people’s business. Continually encouraging the others.” His fake high-pitched tone sent goose bumps over her. “I have a feeling once I take care of you and your friend, the others will back down.”

She slid into the closet and pulled out her phone. Her pulse raced. Maybe Sloan hadn’t gotten too far. Sweat caused the cell phone to be slick in her hands.

“If you come out now, I promise not to hurt you.” The gun that reflected in the light told her he was lying.

“Hello,” Sloan said over the phone. “Hello, Teddy?”

The man spun toward the closet. The mask he wore held only holes for his eyes. Teddy screamed. Her phone hit the floor.

She tossed clothes from above her onto him. The intruder fell to the ground. She rushed to pass. A hand grabbed her ankle, hurtling her to the floor. Another scream released.

The back of his hand landed hard upon her cheek. He raised himself to strike again. However, she caught him in the nose with her palm. She jabbed her knee into him, not sure where. He let out a series of obscenities and moved to one side allowing her to roll away. Teddy scampered into the dark hallway.

She burnt her knees on the carpeted stairs. On the lower level, she rose to her feet and crept beneath the steps. The breath she’d been holding finally released. It was too dark to tell his location. He could be in front of her, and she wouldn’t even know it. The light from the man’s flashlight danced on the wall opposite her hiding spot. A bead of perspiration burned her eyes causing her vision to blur. Footsteps trudged on the floor above her head.

Anxiety hit her. The cubby hole tightened. Her claustrophobia kicked in. If she remained, she’d end up cowering in a corner and be easy to find. Edging out, she continued to listen for the stranger.

The front door held two dead bolts, so she advanced toward the kitchen. The balcony would be better. One quick lock to contend with. She plotted her course while she slid against the wall. Sweat hung in the air. The only noise was the pounding footsteps. He stopped. The light circulated around the room. His dark silhouette stood in the center of the staircase.

He let out a low growl and said, “I’m really going to enjoy hurting you, a lot.”