Chapter 24

Jessie changed into her nightgown and slipped into bed, listening to Katie’s snoring. Yes. Jessie smiled. She was snoring. Jessie could hear Matt moving around out in the living area. He was talking on the phone, probably to Dylan again. It had been a night to remember. She would never have guessed that Matt was such a romantic. Everything had been perfect. The flight, the dinner, and the kissing, it was all magical. He was her prince. She sighed, a smile curving her lips.

In the middle of the night, Jessie awakened to fear licking at her senses. The darkness settled over her like a heavy weight. She sat up in bed, her heart beating frantically. He was near. Breathing became work. She could feel him trying to get inside her thoughts and take them captive; strong, pulling her into his web; choking the life out of her. She fought, singing the song in her mind. When she grew weary, and her eyes closed, the shadows began to dance, and the voices mockingly sang you will die, you will die. Jessie got up and sat on the floor. I will not let you in. I will live, I will live, she repeatedly whispered until his power was broken and the night gave way to the gray light of dawn. Strange. She should still feel fear, but it wasn’t there. Why?

If Irwin was the stalker, then he was in Palm Springs and near enough for her to know it. Matt needed to know. She opened the door.

Matt jumped up. “What is it?”

“It happened again—that strange ritual or curse.” She walked over to where Matt was sitting, pulling on his shirt. “I know the stalker is near. It felt different this time.”

“How was it different?”

“The last time it was more about fear, but this time was about threatening my life. He’s going to try to kill me.” She sat down beside him.

“Are you sure?” He pulled her close to him.

“Yes, I know it, but I’m not afraid. I don’t know why. It’s going to be okay. I know I’ll survive this, too.”

“I guess we need a plan.” He smiled at her.

“I may as well get dressed.” She stood up. “I’m wide awake and I need to make a phone call.” She walked into the room and sat on the floor not wanting to wake Katie. It was later in the East. Jessie was sure Reba would be up as soon as she touched the numbers on her phone.

“Jessie, finally. I’ve been waiting for you to call. I was worried. Your vacation is not a vacation at all, is it, dear?”

“No. I need to ask you some questions.” She explained to Reba all about what was happening to her. “Your words about me being the gatekeeper came back to me both times and helped through each attack.”

“It sounds like someone has gotten involved with the dark occult and is trying to get at you with fear and threats. It’s hard, I know, but what you’re doing is right. It must be infuriating to him, to find someone stronger than he is.”

“Could he be manipulating people this way?”

“Yes, of course. You mean Mallory, I suppose?” Her sigh came through the phone.

“Not just Mallory, there are others. But, mostly Mallory because he is the most vulnerable. It makes me livid to think of someone doing this to another person.” Jessie stood and began to pace. “Can you tell me why I believe it’s all going to be okay? Am I too casual about the seriousness of the situation?”

“You are at peace, Jessie, because you have handled everything he has thrown at you and beat him at his own game. You’re going to be okay. The others involved are in for a bumpy ride. I do have one warning; there is more to this than what you see on the surface. What comes to an end in the next few days will rise again in the future.”

“That doesn’t sound too inviting.”

“All you need to remember is, at this moment, it will be okay. As you know, Jessie dear, that’s the only assurance that any of us has.”

“I know you’re right. There are many unknown variables. I think I should be more worried than I am.”

“Worry doesn’t do anything. It takes away your ability to respond quickly and accurately. You have no need for it. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

“I will and thanks.”

“You’re welcome, dear girl. You’ll be back here before you know it, your store will open, and another chapter in your life will begin. What a great novel your life would make, Jessie girl. You’re living an adventure.”

“You always make sense out of it all, Reba. Why is that?” She pushed her hair out of her face.

“I have faith in something greater than me, even if I’m a little strange in my approach. I love you, and can’t wait to see you at your store’s grand opening. Call me, and let me know how it all turns out. I’ll be waiting, dear.”

“I will. See you soon.” Jessie ended the call, feeling better after hearing Reba’s take on it. She stepped into her favorite jeans and pulled a comfy tee over her head. She pulled her curls into a ponytail, hoping to calm them a little. Gliding lip-gloss onto her lips, she pinched her cheeks and was ready to plan. Boy, she hoped there was coffee.

****

He couldn’t take his eyes off her when she walked in the room. “Did you make your call?” He took his glasses out of his pocket and put them on. “How is it you can look so good in the morning after the night you had?”

“I hope there’s coffee.” She followed him into the small kitchen area.

He had ordered room service while she was talking on the phone. He filled her cup, and she grabbed a muffin. “So what’s the verdict?”

“It’s going to be okay, don’t ask me how I know, I just know it will all work out.” Jessie sat down in the chair across from him.

“Mallory is unstable at best, but in my gut I don’t think he’ll hurt you.” Matt grabbed his pen and scribbled a note on a napkin.

“Probably not intentionally, but he’s vulnerable. Someone could manipulate him to try to hurt me. I’m not sure if he’s strong enough to fight it.”

“Oh hell, that means he can’t be ruled out.” Matt took a swig of his coffee. His expression was grim. “I forgot to tell you last night that Frank is coming by today, and we’re going to take Radar out to where we found Mallory’s car. Frank seems to think it’s possible for the dog to pick up Mallory’s direction from there. Do you want to come along?”

“You bet I do. Radar can do it. He’s done it before. What time are we leaving?” Jessie took a bite of her muffin.

“He’ll be here at nine. Who knows what we’ll run into if we find the place; you know how the safety protocol works.” His jaw clenched. “Are you sure you remember your training?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yep, I’ll do it by the book with the gun, badge, and everything.” She licked her lip to get the muffin crumb she could feel.

He was staring at her as he handed her a napkin. “Is there anything else I need to know?”

“Not that I can think of at the moment. Thanks.” She wiped her mouth and stood up.

“Sure.” He poured himself another cup of coffee.

She walked around to where he was sitting and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “Thanks for a great evening. I liked learning a little more about you. Knowing your brothers, I can imagine how your family was. You are something, Matt Parker, so full of surprises.” She ruffled his hair. I’ll be ready in a few.” She walked out of the room.

He watched her until she disappeared into the bedroom. Matt was glad she wasn’t worried because he was doing enough for both of them. When he had talked to Dylan last night, he’d found out a few more details. They were getting close to figuring out how their past was catching up with them. Soon they would find out how it tied into the whole mess with Irwin and Mallory. Irwin was involved, no doubt about it. Dylan felt they were getting closer to identifying them. Maxwell was tracking down what he could for him on the Hunter. A hired gun didn’t come cheap.

Tony had told him this morning about an attack on the police officer on duty outside of Adriana’s empty room last night. It verified what he had thought would happen. One of them had taken the bait, but he had slipped through their fingers. Probably Mallory. He was still roaming around out there. Jessie was right; manipulating Mallory was always a possibility. At least the officer was going to be okay.

“Good morning, Matt.” Sadie walked into the room. “You look like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders this morning.”

“Morning, Sadie.” He glanced up at her. “I’m okay.”

“Nope, that’s a worried look.” She sat down across from him. “No sense in denying it, I know a worried look when I see it.”

“Well, maybe just a little.” He smiled at her.

“Your job doesn’t give you much rest does it? I admire your dedication, but everybody needs a little break. You know what I think?”

“No, what?” He watched her sit down.

“My granddaughter is good for you. At least she makes you think of something else once in a while.”

“You’ve got that right.” He picked up the coffee carafe. “Would you like some?” He poured her a cup when she nodded.

“Was Jessie surprised last night?”

“She was. It was a great evening.” He smiled at the memory of her kiss then took an enormous bite of the muffin he had grabbed.

“That’s not enough for you to eat. You should have a full meal.” Sadie scolded him.

“I’m okay. Did you know that your granddaughter had a visit again last night?”

Sadie frowned. “Good or bad?”

“It was like the night you described to me when you asked me to come out here.”

“Oh my, the dear girl. How is she?”

“Remarkably well. To tell you the truth I don’t know how she deals with it.”

“Ever since she was little, Jessie has taken on tough challenges. She’s quiet and sweet, so most folks don’t see her tenacity. As the old saying goes, ‘still waters run deep.’ It’s certainly true in her case. Whatever she set her mind to do, growing up, she somehow found a way to do it. Even to stand up to the pressure of her father. The downside to that is she can be stubborn. Watch out when she starts to lift that chin of hers.” Sadie laughed. “You’re in for a major battle. Still I couldn’t be prouder of my granddaughter. Watching her grow into a strong woman has been a source of joy for me.”

“She’s something, all right.” Matt smiled down at her. “She moved to Blue Cove, and straight into my heart.”

“I’m glad you’ve come to appreciate her because you’re just the sort of man she needs. You bring out the best in her. Plus you can handle her stubbornness.”

“I don’t know about that.” He grinned and then became serious. “I wish I could do more to protect her and keep all this from happening.”

“You would be taking away her chance to breathe, grow, and to soar in life.” She sipped her coffee. “It’s not like she needs you to solve her problems, but rather to be there to catch her if she falls. Let her fly. You can do your best to protect her and still let her fly.”

“Sadie, you’re something, you know? How’d you get to be so smart?”

“I’ve lived a long time.” Her eyes twinkled.

“A lot of people live long, and they’re never smart.”

“They don’t live; they survive. There’s a difference, and my husband was my greatest supporter.”

“I suppose you’re right. There are a lot of people just barely holding on out there.”

“You’re not a survivor, Matt. You grab hold of life and go after it. In that way, you’re both a lot alike. You’re a brooder; you think about something, you go at it from every angle. She’s a planner and does the same thing. You both vie for control; you do it through vocal strength and leadership. She does it quietly but does it nonetheless. I have to admit I’ve had fun watching the two of you.” She grinned at him. “It is endless hours of entertainment for me. I trust you with her heart and with her life, because she does.”

“Thanks, Sadie.” And he meant it.

“What’s on your agenda today?”

“Another dog track. We’re looking for the place where Mallory held Adriana.”

“Don’t forget the street fair tonight. Tell that man with the dog to come to dinner with us tonight. I’ll pay for it. What’s his name again?”

“Frank Wagner and you can invite him yourself—he should be here any minute. I want him to meet you.” He smiled and touched Sadie’s hand. “Your granddaughter has told him a lot about you. He’ll want to meet you, I know.” Matt stood up. “I need to get ready, but I’ll bring him to meet you when he gets here.”

Matt went out to wait for Frank’s arrival. Hell, he wished there was no street fair or anything that put Jessie out there. Henderson wanted her to be the bait. They had argued over it, of course, and Henderson had pulled rank. The agent wanted to be the one to talk to her about it, and would this morning. So far, he’d kept his mouth shut. He was on record that it was a bad idea. She’d do it, of course. Matt knew that much. He ran his hand through his hair. At least it would go by the book, and she’d have to wear a vest. Not that it made him worry any less.