Biting my lip to hold back the sob of terror that had lodged itself in my throat, I slowly edged my way out of the bedroom. My only thought was to get out of the house. Swallowing my panic the best I could, I pushed myself as close to the wall as possible, losing myself in the darkened shadows as I inched my way, bit by bit down the stairs. I never realised just how loud a beating heart seemed to sound, when one wanted absolute silence. And the sound of blood rushing through my ears matched the nature's fury that was raging outside. I was sure the whole world could hear my breathing, so loud did it seem to me. I made it undetected to the bottom of the stairs. Straining to hear above the noise of the storm outside was all but impossible, but deep in my heart I sensed he was somewhere nearby. Inch by inch I crept closer towards the door. Seeing a shadow move about in the lounge as a bolt of lightening illuminated the room, I tensed and held myself still. Suppressing a whimper, I bit my lip again, and a metallic taste filled my mouth as I realised I had bitten that hard I had drawn blood.
The minutes seemed like eternity, as I watched and waited for another sign of movement. The front door was so close but seemed so far away, so out of reach, that it may as well have been in China. Crouching silently, I inched slowly along the hallway, hiding deeper in the shadows. A creak of the floorboards stilled any progress I was making, as I heard a light step upon the stairs. Sinking deeper into the shadows and taking cover from the hallstand, I watched, as the silent figure made his way upstairs. As he disappeared from sight, rounding the corner, I bolted to the front door. Fumbling at the lock, I was crying as my terrified fingers made a mess of trying to open it. Tears streamed down my face as in my frustration and fright, I battled to open the door. Suddenly the lock freed itself and the door swung open in my hands. With an hysterical gasp I choked back a sob as I raced out into the darkness. Torrential rain fell, drenching me to the core, but that was the least of my worries. I just wanted out of the house and away from this terror I was feeling. It was raining heavy, the huge droplets stung as they hit my skin. Raindrops mixed with my tears of fright as I ran sobbing across the lawn. I ran like the hounds of hell were on my tail, dodging trees and bushes as best I could as I fled to the street below. My lungs were on fire, they burnt and ached as I sucked in more air, trying to fill them with enough oxygen to give me the strength to race to safety. I stumbled and tripped, the bushes and trees whipped at my face, but I felt no pain, I just a needed to get to the road, that meant sanctuary to me. Blinded by my tears, the rain and the wind as it whipped my hair into my face, I collided into something hard. Strong arms suddenly wrapped themselves around me. Terrified I screamed for all I was worth and fought against the arms that held me pinned. I pummelled his chest with my fists ineffectively, till finally in sheer terror my legs collapsed from underneath me. The fright became too much for me and my hysterical sobbing hit fever pitch. But the arms that held me prisoner kept me upright and they stopped me from falling. Soft words were whispered to me and gentle hands soothed as they sort to calm me. I was shaking uncontrollably with terror and the cold, all the while a pair of gentle warm lips placed soft kisses all over my face as he held me close to him. Somehow my terror stricken senses finally realised that it was Kevin who held me and I that was safe. Flinging my arms about his neck, I clung to him like my life depended on it, sobbing against his shoulder. My throat felt raw from where I had screamed, but the relief at being in safe Kevin's arms, meant I hardly felt any pain. 'He is in the house, he is in the house.' I cried over and over again.'
' Hush babe, hush babe. I have you now, you're safe now.' He was as drenched as I was, and I could hear his heart racing through his soaking wet tee shirt. Pulling me closer, he scooped me up into his arms and carried me to his car, where he placed me gently onto the seat. Accepting a blanket from someone behind him, he tucked it around me. A myriad of flashing lights on top of several cars assailed my eyes as I realised Kevin had called the police and they were here en masse. Kevin placed a soft kiss on my cheek. 'I'll be right back baby.'
'Kevin.' I whimpered and made to grab hold of him, not wanting him to leave me and he squatted down on his haunches beside me. 'I want to talk to the police officer babe, I promise I won't be far away, then I'll be straight back ok?' He kissed me again, and I watched him stride purposely through the rain to the officer in charge. After a few quick words, the officer shouted and waved some instructions to the other officers, who quickly organised themselves and spread out to search the house and surrounding gardens. They looked like swarming black ants in their wet weather gear as they moved stealthily towards the house. Closing my eyes, I sighed and let myself relax against the seat. I felt every muscle I owned, as the aches and pains made their presence felt now the fright was wearing off. I sensed Kevin near me, I opened my eyes and he was there, squatting beside me. He was drenched to the skin, his long black hair plastered to the sides of his chiselled face, of which the rain ran down in rivulets, but his eyes were, worried, tender and full of concern. He gently stroked a finger along my cheek, I reached and grabbed hold of his hand holding it there. 'You're dripping.' I croaked out inanely, it was the first thing that popped into my head, I also realised my throat hurt because of my screaming. I tried to smile but it was a miserable effort. Then my body shook with tremors, as the cold, shock, and relief at being safe all came together with a big crash. 'Come on baby, let me get you warm'. Kevin reached across me and dragged his leather jacket out of the back seat. 'Better still climb in the back Jax, and I can wrap you up better there. I did as I was told, clambering over stiffly, leaving a trail of water behind me. He jumped in beside me dragging the blanket from the front seat over me. He gently wrapped his jacket about my shoulders, then wrapping an arm about my shoulders, he pulled me in close.
'I'm dripppping water alll ovver your carrr.' I said through chattering teeth.
I felt his chest heave as he sighed. 'God babe, don't worry about the car. Jesus Jax you had me so scared. I was frantic when I got your message. I rang the police straight away and got them to meet me here. I swear I broke every law getting here, I'm gonna have a hundred tickets.' He half smiled at me, his soft bantering tone brought an answering half smile out of me. 'But the police wouldn't let me come inside, and I was so worried about you. Then I thought I saw you bolt out of the front door and took off towards you. I just wanted to get to you, to make sure you were safe. Jesus, look at your face it's scratched to pieces Jax.' His fingers softly touched the cuts and he shook his head worriedly, but all the while he was talking to me, he was rubbing my arms and hands, trying to put some warmth back into them. His softly spoken manner soothed me. Letting my hands go, again pulled me close and he rested his head against mine, his lips brushed against my damp hair offering comfort.
'He was inside the house Kevin, I saw him walk upstairs, I was already in the hallway then. As soon as he was out of sight I bolted out of the front door.' I was still shaking, but it was easing slightly. 'I think he's been inside the house before, because he knew things about it, about us. I was so scared Kevin'
'God, babe I…' he started but he was interrupted by an officer appearing at the side of the car. 'Excuse me sir, we searched the house and gardens and he's no where to be found. If you'd like to take your wife inside out of the rain and let her get changed into some dry clothes, we can ask her some questions.'
'Was there any sign of him at all.' Kevin asked before I could say anything. He still had me held tight within his arms.
'Yeah he'd been there alright, but you take your wife inside get her warm, then we'll talk ok sir? And try not to touch or disturb anything if possible, we'll be fingerprinting the place top to bottom. We don't know how much good it'll do, but sometimes they slip up. Now ma'am, you get yourself inside and warmed up ok'
'Thanks officer, come on Jax let's get you inside babe.' He gently helped me out of the car, making sure his jacket was still wrapped about my shoulders, and with an arm about my waist we made our way back into the house.
It was alight from top to bottom, every light in the house was switched on, and what seemed like hundreds of police, but I knew there wasn't, swarmed about the place. The officer in charge directed us upstairs. 'If you can get changed as quickly as possible, then come back to the kitchen, we'd appreciate that thanks Sir. And Ma'am, are you ok, I hope you don't mind going over tonight's events with us.'
'I'm ok thank you, I just want to get some dry clothes on and have the biggest cup of tea I can find to warm up with, I'll be down as quick as I can.' I gave him a weak smile as shivered, I still felt chilled to the bone.
' Oh and you might want to get some antiseptic on those cuts as well ma'am.' He offered me a sympathetic smile. 'We'll wait through here ok.'
I hesitated at the door of my bedroom, and found Kevin watching me with a concerned look on his face, giving him a tremulous smile I walked in and took a look around, every thing looked the same, but there on the bed was a single red rose. I pulled a disgusted face at it.
'Would you like me to get rid of that?' Kevin asked softly, he laid a light hand on my shoulder. I turned around and found myself wrapped up tight as he held me close, gently stroking my hair.
'No the detective said not to touch anything didn't he?' I said muffled against his damp chest. 'God Kev, you're as wet as I am, you're going to catch such a cold, lets get changed. I left his comforting arms and walked through to the ensuite, grabbing a couple of thick towels I threw one at him, I opened a draw and pulled out a pair of track pants and an old sweat shirt. Then I found some old clothes of Kevin's in the wardrobe.
'Can we get changed in your room? I don't know if I'm ready to even sleep in this room, knowing he's been in here.'
'Sure.' I followed him across the hall to his room. We had set things up so it looked like we shared a bedroom. But in fact he slept in the second bedroom, most of his clothes were in my wardrobe, but he had a few things in here handy if he needed them, I sat on the bed and dried my hair while he rummaged about. Quickly I pulled off my dripping pjs and pulled on my dry clothes and I scrambled up onto his bed to wait for him to finish. Kevin had his back turned tactfully seeing to himself, he dressed as quick as I did, but I was watching him, and I gave a little embarrassed smile as he turned around and caught me. He raised his eyebrows at me. 'Nice butt.' I smiled trying to lighten the mood. He flashed me that quick grin of his, it crinkled his face up as he said. 'I'm not saying anything on the grounds that it might incriminate me, now I think we should both move our butts to the kitchen hey? Get this over and done with. Maybe you should ring Ken and let him know what's going on. It's like past midnight now and by the time we've finished here, I don't think you're going make that early start are you.'
I rested my chin on my knees. 'No I guess not, I'll get to the set late. I don't want to hold up production.' Kevin sat on the bed beside me, gentle fingers traced my facial scratches. 'These might though, unless you've a good make up artist.'
'Well, we'll see what Ken says. Come on Richardson, let's get this over and done with.' He stood and held his hand, yanking me up off the bed.
'Kevin.' I said uncertainly. I knew now that I did love him. I knew it from the moment I realised it was Kevin's arms that held me safe, a calm haven from the storm. I knew it with a certainty, that the sun would follow darkness and day would follow night. But I wasn't about to tell him so but I needed to thank him. 'Thank you for being there for me tonight, I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been.'
His deep green eyes were serious, intent and his voice soft as he said. ' God Jax, no thanks please. You're safe now. All that matters now is you're safe and we get this sorted out.'
We walked into the kitchen and Kevin pulled out a chair and I sat down, he dragged out the chair next to me and grabbed hold of my hand, giving me a reassuring smile before looking across to the detective facing us.
'Mrs Richardson, I'm Detective Sargent Steven Malroney. You can call me Steve if you like, I've a feeling we'll be on first names terms before this is ever resolved.'
He was tall fair haired, had eyes of the most stunning blue and was of a wiry build, and possessed a good humoured easy going face that instantly inspired trust.
With a sinking feeling in my stomach that he was right I shook his hand.
' Hi Steve, please call me Jac, this as you know is my husband Kevin. So shoot away, what would you like to know?'
He pulled out a chair and sat. Consulting his notebook he frowned. 'These phone calls have been going on for a while now, haven't they?'
At my nod he continued. 'And even though you've changed numbers numerous times, he still can get access.'
'Ah huh.' I sighed. 'And it seems so easy for him to get access as well.'
'So Jac, what happened tonight, can you remember everything, any little detail, it doesn't matter how small, it maybe of some help.'
'Ok, Steve, can I ring someone first. I'm supposed to be on the set in four hours, I've got to let them know I won't be. Then I'll be here all night if I have to, ok?'
'Sure thing ok,' he leaned back as he watched me make the call.
I picked up the phone, and called Ken. He was still awake, luckily. He was horrified at what I told him, and tried to make me not front up tomorrow. I told him I'd be there sometime, not early, but I'd be there, after some quick chat and questioning from Ken, I said goodnight. Hanging up the phone I caught a quizzical look from Kevin. 'It's cool, don't worry about it. It's sorted.'
Shaking his head, he shoved out my chair with his foot. 'Sorted, You English.' He grinned.
I smiled at him companionably and sat down on the chair, resting my elbows on the table I said 'Ok Steve, I'm all yours.'
What followed was an intensive question and answer session as Steve dug deep for every little twist and turn. Two hours and numerous cups of coffee and tea later, we were all exhausted. At some point during the night, the forensic guys had stuck their heads around the door, and pronounced their work finished without reward. Steve casually waved them home with ' Thought so fellas, see you later today.' Before turning back to Kevin and I.
He delved and dug a bit more till he sighed. 'Ok look, I don't like the look of this. I think he's got a lot of technological help here, and he seems to be quite skilled. I mean he can access your phones, cell and other wise with frightening ease. He seems to know his way around. And he knows your home inside out. I'm going to bring some experts in on this. I think they need to go over this house and see if there is any hi tech gear installed. I'm leaving a squad car here on surveillance. This guy worries me. He worries me big time, I don't want to scare you both more than necessary on this, but look don't take any unnecessary risks Jac please, and that goes for you as well Kevin. I'm also going to try and get a profile on him made up ok? Look it's late, and you're both tired and exhausted and it's been a long night. Try and get some sleep ok?' he smiled. I think Kevin and I both found Steve comfortable to deal with, he was calm, competent, and capable. And when a few minutes later the house was ours and we were left alone in silence, Kevin looked at me. 'Well.'
'Well.' I licked my lip nervously, chewing on where I'd bitten it earlier. Kevin reached out and stopped me, pressing a gentle finger softly against the cut. 'That'll be sore if you keep biting it Jax. I really think you need to go to bed now. You know get some sleep, some rest, you look exhausted.'
'I know, I know, but.' I just didn't want to sleep alone in that room.
' Do you want to bunk in with me?' he asked as he brushed a hand along my cheek, stirring all sorts of emotions in my tired body.
'Can I please. Kevin I don't want to sleep in there alone. You don't mind.' I licked my lip again, and again his finger stilled its movement.
'As if I'd mind. Come on, up you get, I don't snore, fidget about, or fart.' He said with a tired smile.
I laughed tiredly. 'Kevin you're a guy, you do all those things, and well I bet.'
He laughed and stifled a yawn. 'Come on to bed with you, it's past three am and if I'm tired you much be shattered.'
A few minutes later he pulled back the quilt and tucked me in. 'Ok there?' I nodded.
He climbed in beside me, and rolled over on his elbow, even in the dim light his eyes glittered as he looked down dropping a light kiss on my nose. 'Night Jax, I'm here ok, just a heartbeat away.'
'Kevin, can you hold me please.' I was still unsure if I'd be able to sleep, even though I was exhausted, would the events of the night play on my mind?
For his answer he wrapped his arm tight about me, pulling us close together, so we fit together like spoons. All I wanted was to feel safe, and I knew with Kevin, I could find that. 'Get some sleep now babe.' He whispered against my ear. Sighing I closed my eyes and willed sleep to come. Kevin had drifted off, the even rise and fall of his chest against my back told me he was asleep. My eyes got heavier and heavier as the rhythm of Kevin's breathing lulled me into a deep exhausted slumber and for a while maybe I could find some peace.