Finders Keepers

She knew she would remember later; that the events of the day would came back to her with time. For now all she could think of was the cold grip of fear as she and Remy searched the grounds for Carl when he hadn’t returned by lunch. They’d eventually found him at the far edges of the property, unconscious but breathing.

At least this time she hadn’t had to witness his falling apart.

From the moment they found him until they reached the hospital, it was one scary blur. Remy had remained cool under pressure; she had that to be thankful for. As for herself, she’d crumbled on the inside. Clinical detachment wasn’t going to come so easily this time.

She’d run every test she could think of and they all came back negative. Thoughts of a new tumor terrified her, but she couldn’t find one. Nothing could be found—Carl was healthy as a horse. There wasn’t any reason why he shouldn’t be awake and with her in the park at this very moment. Instead he was hooked to a multitude of machines and looking so very frail in his hospital bed.

"How’s he doing?"

Jules dragged herself away from him to talk with the newly arrived Paulina.

"He’s fine, but he’s still out. Have you been able to contact Rachel?"

"Not yet. She doesn’t carry a phone or a beeper, but I left a message with the hotel’s frontdesk."

"Good. Have you seen Remy?"

"After crying into my shoulder she decided she’d rather stay with the twins." Paulina stood at the edge of the bed. "I don’t understand why this happened."

"I’m not sure I do either. For now, it may simply be a matter of waiting until he’s ready to return."

"Huh?" Paulina sniffed as tears came to her eyes.

"I haven’t pieced it all together myself so I’m not going to let fly with any theories just yet. I just hope he comes back in one piece." She knew her words made little sense to Paulina. She wasn’t sure she understood them herself.

"You look tired Jules. Would you like to step out to the cafeteria with me for some coffee?"

"Hmm? Ah, no thanks. But you could bring some back if you don’t mind."

Paulina nodded and left. At last they were alone. Jules picked up his hand and held it to her lips.

"The last time this happened I found the tumor. This time there’s nothing wrong, but you don’t know that, do you? You must let go Carl. See, I can call you that now. I have been for a while, but you never notice. Jacob is in the past. I still love him, but he’s gone."

The familiar sounds of the machines filled the room as Jules traveled back in time. "I wish you could remember the night I told you I loved you. We were walking along the beach holding hands and I was wearing your favorite blue dress. You gave me that ridiculous necklace, remember. I told you I loved you and the next day you collapsed in my arms." Jules let the tears fall. "A man with no memory sent by the heavens to love me. I knew it was too good to be true. At least when you washed up on my shore God chose the right person."

Jules let her head fall to his chest as sobs wracked her body.

LATER

The ringing of the phone under her hand woke Jules from a light doze. "Seagrave," she barked.

"Jules?"

"Rachel." Jules couldn’t miss the way Rachel’s voice wavered. "I’m glad you called. What time is it?"

"Nearly seven. I’ve just returned from a dinner, is anything wrong? Why did you leave this number?"

"You need to come back to Bay City as soon as you can. It’s Carl."

Silence. "Let me speak with him."

"You can’t Rachel. He needs you."

"I’m on my way."

As soon as Jules replaced it, the phone rang again.

"Seagrave. What do you mean he’s gone? He supposed to be unconscious. No, no don’t call security. I can find him."

Slamming the phone down, Jules took a moment to think. Carl had simply gotten up and walked out of BCUH. Amazing, simply amazing. How was she going to find him?

*)(*)(*

In the end she trusted her instincts and followed him to the Cory mansion knowing he might need her, doubting he wanted to see her. Jules supposed it truly didn’t matter, as long as he was all right.

She found him in some sort of studio on the Cory grounds. He stood with his back to the door, hands caressing a tiny sculpture. It was nearly dawn, but he obviously showed no sign of slowing down.

"Carl?"

His shoulders tensed at the sound of her voice.

"You scared me out of my wits. The entire hospital must think I’m a madwoman." Her next words died on her lips as he turned and their eyes met. Those were not the eyes of the man she knew so well.

"Carl?" He continued to stare at her as though seeing her for the first time. "Jacob?"

At mention of the name she’d given him recognition flared in his eyes. She watched as an array of emotions flickered across his face. The last was pain. Not of the physical variety, but of deep emotional hurt.

"You remember," she said.

"I do."

"How much?"

"Everything," he replied. "Every evil, crooked deal. Every death. Every life I ruined with my ambition and greed." The anger in his voice frightened her. "All things are known to me now."

Jules licked her dry lips. "And the time before…"

"Yes," he cut her off sharply. "Every minute detail."

"She never needs to know."

"If I didn’t tell her, how could I live with myself? I’ve already destroyed most of the people I love. I refuse to sacrifice Rachel."

She began to move toward him. "Please, don’t come any closer."

"Carl." She wanted to touch him, offer him the comfort she always kept ready for him.

"It’s better this way." He turned away. "Please understand Jules."

That was it. Nothing would ever be the same.

*(*)*to be continued…the final installment is coming next