| Author's Notes: Here's the next chapter to this fic. I realize its really long and deep, but please do read it and enjoy it. Any comments send to my e-mail. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. ***** ~Earth~ Here, on earth these emerald eyes, Spirit and growth reach to the skies, Forest and Mountain inside of me, Star of the North I call to thee, Spirits Green and Night of my birth, Come to me, For I am Earth. By: SailorPerfect copyright 2002 ***** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Beyond the Emerald Earth Chapter 4 She dreamt of her past that night, a misty dream of blurred images and soft voices, of power and pain that came to her and cut as deeply as a knife. In the dream she felt love and hate, suspicion and desire, all emotions that coursed through her and left her spent and confused. She seemed to be running from something, or running too, she wasn't sure. The endless power, the hunger for more, was a constant ache, a throbbing bruise that demanded her attention even when she struggled to ignore it. And suddenly standing alone on a beach, her arms lifted to the sky above, whips of lightening exploding about her, the wind ripping through her hair and snapping it in the air, she embraced the darkness like a lover, taking it in and allowing it to consume her just as a single bolt of lightening lanced through her from the roaring sky above. She flew up in bed, her hand going to her heart tripping madly inside her chest. There was a light sheen of sweat coating her skin, her pajamas sticking to her slight form as she struggled for breath. The quietness of the room wrapped around her, the silent sounds of the night seeming to press against her window and fight for entrance inside. She squeezed her eyes shut, struggling to remember what had been in the dream. But only emotions came to her, and the lightening that had awakened her. It was the darkness that worried her, an ever-present shadow that was sneaking into her and pressing at the thin line of control she was holding onto. Raye had said she had had trouble controlling the gift. What could she have done in her past to control it? How had she controlled it? Or had she ever been able to control it? The thought sent a violent shudder through her and she wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly cold. She had once been content to take this gift, proud to be able to consume it into her being, but the more the power grew, the more the shadows closed in and pressed heavily upon her chest. And the more the heartache and pain that had occurred in her past life returned, the more the coursing of revenge swept through her heart. She pushed her hair back from her face, tossing the covers aside and standing to pace the dark room. She had been here in Ireland for already two weeks, but the legacy she had once had was coming back to her full force, the memories shoving at her mind and heart for release. But she was terrified to remember. Completely terrified. Serena couldn't tell her what would come. She didn't know what would herself, even with her gift of sight. It seemed that only certain things she could see in the fire, but not what they wanted. Flash's of images of what had once been reflected in her eyes when Lita sat with her, watching her stare intently into the fire, but no answers of what both of them wanted were shown. She didn't know how much longer she could live this way. She knew the story, the basics, of what had happened between her and the man she had once loved, the man who had been her husband and pushed her away. She refused to believe Ken had to do with the tale, but a small part of her knew he was a key element, if not the center of her regaining the rest of her past. What could have happened to them in America? What had she done with all the rage, all the hatred she knew she had carried along with her? The heaviness of her sorrows, of her pains had to have been weighing down on her, but what had she DONE? Had they all lived happily together for the rest of their days? Or had the sadness, the misery, taken over and drawn them to madness? With power and responsibility came the threat of evil, of darkness. And with all of them in such turmoil, had that evil perhaps taken route in their hearts? Weary and exhausted from a restless night, she went back to bed, drawing the covers over her and struggling to shut out the thoughts that whirled inside. But it was a long time until sleep finally took her, dragging her back once again into an oblivion of mysterious dreams. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Raye was humming as she set the table for breakfast the next morning, preparing pancakes and bacon for her guests. She wanted to cook American meals for them, to make them more comfortable in their stay. She knew that each of them was content, but desperate to retain what they knew was within their grasp. Their memories of what had once been. She wished she could tell them more, could help them, but even her own memories were limited. She was lucky the spell had remained after the hundreds of years that had passed, preserving and pouring into her in her new life now. But she had known, even then, that it would. The spell Serena had conjured had been powerful, and steadfast. She stepped back and smiled at the pancakes, pleased with how fluffy and thick they had come out. Mina and Amy she knew ate moderately, but it was Serena and Lita who had the appetites. Even with the amount of food they each consumed, their bodies were still tall and slender, in perfect form. She turned just as Jack came into the kitchen, humming himself and reaching out to pluck a scone from the basket where she kept them." And how's my beautiful wife today?" he bent to kiss her, lingering over it long enough to have him shifting uncomfortably. "I'm fine now. Jack, stop, they'll be coming soon for their breakfast." She pushed at him, smiling when he followed her to the refrigerator." Make yourself useful then and take me out some glasses." "I'd much rather play with you." He nuzzled at her neck, sliding his hands expertly down her sides. "Enough of that. Jack, I cannot believe you're wanting more after last night. Now will you-," she turned on him, meaning to be stern, but was caught swiftly in his arms and kissed hungrily, his larger body pushing hers back into the open refrigerator. The passion rose like a storm and she was quickly swirled into it, loosing herself in his deepening kiss, her hands lifting to spear through his thick, blonde hair. When he pulled back and began to kiss her throat, she moaned, opening her eyes slowly and meeting Lita and Serena's wicked grins. Color swept over her and she shoved at Jack's shoulders, hissing at him when he didn't budge." Jack! We have company!" She could feel his smile against her neck, jumping when one of his hands gripped her bottom and squeezed before he released her." All right, I can take a hint." He turned back and gave Lita and Serena pointed glares." And you two, couldn't turn back and walk right back out, could you?" he bit into the scone he had taken, leaning on the counter as Raye bustled about. "My, what a nice thing to wake up too." Serena was pleased with the obvious love between the couple. "And it would have been nicer if I'd been able to finish what I started." Jack checked his watch, swore softly." I've got to be going then, I'm running late already. I'll be home later darling." He went to Raye and kissed her, stroking a hand down her dark hair." Miss me, will you?" She smiled." Every moment your away." She promised before he left through the back door. Lita and Serena sat at the kitchen table, both already biting into scones as Raye prepared scrambled eggs." How long have you and Jack been married?" Serena asked her. Raye stirred at the eggs, smiling in memory." Six years now. But we've been with one another for ten." "Wow. You were young when you first started out, weren't you?" Serena studied Lita, who sat eating her scone in a kind of haze. "I was sixteen and Jack twenty two. My Da, he didn't approve to well of my seeing a man as old as Jack. But oh, how I had longed for him from the moment I first took a notice to boys." "Sounds to me like you noticed a man before any boys." Serena pointed out. Raye laughed." Oh aye, I did. But I did see others before Jack asked me. But when he did, it was over for me, and happily enough." "Would you mind if I asked a personal question?" Serena nudged at Lita, who merely stared at her. "Not at all." "Why haven't you and Jack had any children?" They watched her pause in scrambling the eggs, stand at the stove and lower her head. It was a moment before she spoke, and when she did her voice was soft, pained." We've tried. For years now....but something's wrong with me. The doctors say I'm young and need time, but I'm....I'm losing hope." Lita snapped out of her trance like state, turning to study the immense pain that was etched into the planes of Raye's pale face." Give me your hand Raye." Raye frowned, switching off the stove before going to her and giving her her hand. Serena watched with some curiosity as Lita took it, holding it lightly as she stared up at the darker woman. Raye could feel heat gather, a kind of sizzling at their touch, but her hand remained cool and safe in Lita's grip. Lita smile bloomed quickly, surprising her and the other women." You'll have one soon. Keep that hope." Serena grinned, watching as Raye's mouth dropped open in shock." Well, well. Just keep Jack busy then." "But....but I don't understand. The doctors....they said-" "Never mind what those idiot doctors said. Just give it time." Lita patted her hand gently, then went back to eating her scone. Raye sat heavily in the chair next to Serena's, pressing a hand to her flat stomach." Jack and I had given up hope. Tis a dream come true, this is. What will it be, you think?" She turned to Lita, her eyes bright with happiness. Lita held up a finger." I couldn't see that, I could only feel it. Don't ask me to explain, I don't understand it too well myself." The statement brought back the restless night she'd had, and she once again lapsed into silence. "Some things should remain a mystery." Serena reminded Raye, who huffed out a frustrated breath. "Your right, of course. But the waiting will be a pain to me." She stood and went back to the cabinets, opening them and taking out plates." I've made you all pancakes, bacon and sausage, and eggs. With orange juice as well." "Sounds great. Want me to help you?" Raye waved her off." Your my guests and I'll be seeing to your needs. Now sit and finish your scone." Serena obeyed, glancing over when Amy walked in, looking fresh and crisp in a white blouse and dark slacks." Morning Amy." "Good morning. How is everyone?" She didn't wait for an answer as she took the seat next to Lita's." I know I'm very happy and excited. I think its going to be a wonderful day." Lita cocked a brow at her." What has you so peppy this morning?" Not at all undaunted by the dry tone, Amy smiled brilliantly at her." The shop is coming along very well." "Another couple of weeks and it should open." Serena nodded, polishing off her scone, delighted when Raye placed a plate heaped with steaming food before her. She pounced on it with the enthusiasm of a starving woman. "It'll be something new for our town and welcomed as well." Raye paused when Mina walked in, looking miserably tired, lines of fatigue edging eyes as bright as the sky." Mina, are you feeling well?" She took a seat next to Serena's, rubbing at her eyes." I didn't get that much sleep." Immediately concerned, Raye went to her and placed her breakfast before her, stroking a hand over her sleek blonde hair." Tell me what's troubling you now." Lita turned curious eyes on her, watching the struggle on Mina's face before she scraped back from the table." I need some air." She walked to the back door and outside, brushing Lita slightly as she went. It flashed into her, an image of what was in Mina's mind and what worried and confused her. She struggled with herself for a moment, debating whether or not to follow and open her own troubles to the other woman. Compassion won in the end, her expression sorrowful as she stood and gazed longingly at the food Raye had just set down before her and Amy." I'll see if she's ok." turning, she strode outside. The cold hit her like a fist, the icy wind riding over her cheeks and bringing a small hint of color to the paleness in her face. Burrowing inside the jacket she had put on that morning, she glanced around, noting the sun was high up in the sky, shining brilliantly and chasing the last chill the morning had left. But the wind that felt like a thousand needles of ice was still sweeping through the hills, causing her to shiver inside her jacket. Lita pushed back at her hair when it blew into her eyes, trudging around the house and to the garden, where she found Mina pacing through, muttering under her breath and frowning deeply. The anger and distress was there in her movements, but also the confusion with the first real memory and insight she had received. She had never realized how difficult it would be to take a first step in this direction. She hadn't wanted to tell any of the others about her dreams, dreams that plagued and annoyed, and let them see this weakness. But she knew that sooner or later she would be forced to reveal what was occurring in her mind because even she knew she would have to one day face it. Taking a deep breath, she walked the distance between them, stopping at the gates that led into the garden, watching Mina pace." Your going to wear out the ground if you keep it up." Mina whirled to face her, her long hair swinging into her face." I'm thinking. I'm...."unable to find words, she fell silent. Lita sighed heavily, kicking up dirt at her feet." Why couldn't you sleep?" "I just.....I couldn't." Mina's voice was tight, strained." Tossing and turning a lot. You know how it goes." "That all?" Mina was quiet, then quickly nodded." Just a bad night. I think I'll take a quick walk." she turned to go. Lita let out a sound of frustration, calling to her," So you think he's hot huh?" She froze, turning slowly to face Lita, her eyes wide." How did you know?" Lita shrugged." You brushed me and I felt it." she cocked her head, smiled." He gave you a restless night, didn't he?" When Mina didn't answer, Lita rolled her eyes and began to pace in the garden herself." If you can't trust me, us, how the hell are we supposed to help you? We form a circle, whether any of us likes it or not, and we have to learn to accept one another or else we won't be able to help each other when our times come." She stopped, a fierce scowl crossing her features." Well? Did he or didn't he?" Mina shook her head, but reluctantly walked back to her." I wasn't sure how to feel about it. I've never dreamt of him, of anything like that before. He was..."she paused, remembering the gorgeous man who had whispered words of love to her, foolish words in a language she had known in another life." I don't know what to feel. Happiness, misery. But why should seeing someone I don't remember make me sad?" Lita lifted a slim brow." You don't remember him? Bullshit." "All right, so he struck a memory or two, but nothing clear." She jammed her hands into her coat pockets." I asked Amy if she's...remembered anything, but she said no. Not one vision, not one thing." When she looked up the fear was there, and the anger Lita knew all too well." Why should I be remembering and you guys not?" Lita held up a hand." Slow down. Who says I'm not remembering?" Mina stared at her." You mean you....you've remembered?" "Bits and pieces. Its coming faster, and a lot harder then I had expected." She ran a hand through her hair, pacing to the far end of the garden." I don't know....I don't know if I'll be able to handle remembering. To be straight forward, I don't WANT to remember. I'd be happier if this whole thing blew over." She stopped and gazed out at the hillsides, as green and clear as gems." But its not that easy. It won't be, for any of us." "What have you remembered?" Mina whispered, curious to know. Lita was quiet a moment." My husband....my son. I had a family, but I lost them." She shut her eyes tight, the pain as fresh and real as it had been hundreds of years before." And something else. Something dark and evil that followed me to America, and has followed me here now." Worried, she went forward, gripped Lita's arm." What? What is it?" "I don't even understand it myself." when she looked at Mina her eyes were hard, sharp enough to cut glass." The more time I spend with Ken, the stronger it becomes. And I know its coming for me, very soon." "But why? Why is it coming for you?" "Because its always wanted me." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He knew she'd be at the pub. She always went with Raye during lunch hour, when they had a full house and several people looking for a good meal and a cold drink came in. Raye spent this time waitressing, Amy across the street in her shop that was rapidly transforming, Mina behind the bar helping Connor, and Serena most usually flirted for a bit with the men before leaving with her camera in tow to take pictures of the countryside. But it was Lita he came looking for everyday, Lita whom he admired for a bit as she sat in the corner alone, her lab top before her, typing furiously and ignoring the large amount of noise about her. With the mass of people and voices that the bar occupied, he figured she could most likely type when bombs were exploding over her head. Her concentration with her work was fascinating, and admirable. And also left him vaguely aroused with the thought that she could perhaps concentrate this hard on sex. He had his hopes, his own dreams where she was concerned. He had frightened her the week before when they had stood in the living room of his home, speaking of love at first sight when the desire she'd provoked in him was still swimming through his head. He could still remember how she'd paled, and how she'd quickly switched from soft and yielding to angry and in denial. But she was a passionate woman and conquering her heart would be no easy task. He wondered how exactly she would react if he told her the moment he had fallen in love with her. When they had stood on the hillside overlooking Ballintuber Abbey, pastures of green and mountains of white behind her back, the cold air blowing her wild hair about her face and her eyes piercing straight into his heart. He remembered the quick thrill, the lazy loop in his chest, and then the sharp twist as it had fallen neatly at her feet. But since he knew she wouldn't welcome words of love from him, he thought through and decided he would need some sort of plan to win her. Persistence was a key element, as well as keeping her guessing what he was about. The surprise would keep her on her toes, and intrigued as well. So when he pushed into the pub a little after noon, he wasn't the least bit surprised to find all four women doing exactly what he'd known. He stood in the doorway for a moment, watching as Raye flirted with her husband, who always made it a point to come to the pub to watch and admire his wife serve lunch. Mina was at the taps, filling orders and blushing furiously when Connor complimented her on the beauty that came so naturally to her. Serena had her silvery head bent closely to Declan's, who was obviously enraptured with the striking woman already as they sat together at the bar. And then there was Lita, in the corner with her lab top, her Guinness set on the table next to her, half empty. She was wearing a black clinging turtleneck with snug jeans and boots, her wild hair left untamed to billow softly about her shoulders and tumble down her back. Her dark brows were slashed into a frown, her eyes as dark as emeralds and seeming to gleam in the soft glow of the pub lights, her lips firmed together in her deep concentration. She shouldn't have appealed to him, with her steaming hot looks and her blunt, harsh manner. He most usually went for cool, lovely blonde's, who had been brought up surrounded by luxury and wealth. It wasn't that he preferred rich women, but with the parties he attended, that's what was usually there. Even Serena struck him as more his type then Lita did. But it was Lita he dreamt of in the night, and Lita he longed for through the day. It was her name that was first in his mind when he woke, and hers when he drifted into sleep. It was her beautifully sharp features he couldn't resist and he found himself falling for more by each day. He didn't see Serena approach him until she stood before him, her smoky eyes following his own gaze." Hey Ken. How's it going?" He snapped back, grinned." Going good. You look stunning, as always." Her own smile was demure and just a little inviting, if he read correctly." Thanks. Its always good to hear a compliment from a gorgeous man." She reached up and began to toy with one of the buttons on his jacket." Wanna buy me a drink?" He knew when a woman was hitting on him. The realization made him nervous, and he took a discreet step back even as she leaned into him." Ah, actually I was heading over to have a word with Lita." She angled herself into him, running her hand suggestively along his arm." She can wait. My, aren't we strong?" He swallowed hard, struggling to figure out a way to tell her gently that he wasn't interested, when a sharply angry female spoke behind them." What the hells going on here?" He looked up and into Lita's fiercely angry eyes, her hands planted firmly on her hips. The anger made him want to groan, but the steely jealousy in her voice had a grin twitching at the corner of his lips. But when he looked down at Serena she was smiling, winking at him in conspiracy. Serena turned that smile on Lita." Ken was just about to buy me a drink." Lita's suspicious gaze moved over Serena before latching onto him." Is that true?" "Ahhh...."he wasn't sure how to react and took silence as a better option. "Unless of course you want him to buy YOU a drink." Serena cocked a light brow in challenge. If her vision hadn't been so coated with green, Lita would have seen the smug glimmer in Serena's eyes. But since it was she glared at her and pushed past her, taking Ken's hand in a death grip." He was going to before you came over here and threw yourself at him." "I wouldn't throw myself at him if you'd pay a little more attention to him." Serena sniped back, tossing her long, silvery hair over her shoulder." I'm going to go take more pictures. If she doesn't treat you right Ken, you could always buy me that drink." With one more wink to him, she swung through the pub doors and into the cold. It had dawned on him what it was Serena did during their little fight. She wasn't actually hitting on him, as he and Lita had thought, but trying to get a reaction out of her. Lita tended to not pay much attention to him, which left him struggling to make her actually look at him. He didn't think it was because she didn't WANT to look at him, but because she held herself purposely back, not allowing herself to grow close to him. He needed to find out why to be able to gauge her real reactions toward him. But just now he would have to mind his words because the not so subtle fury in her eyes was a sure sign that one word could set her off." So lets go get you that drink." He spoke cheerfully, striding forward and tugging her along behind him. Mina grinned at him when they walked up, the dimples in her cheeks winking charmingly." Hey Ken. What can I get for you?" She hadn't missed the little scene and silently applauded Serena in what she had done. "Just a Guinness...."he turned to Lita, noted she was struggling with her temper." And you, darling?" "Don't you darling me baboon. A shot of vodka, right here." She slapped her hand on the counter, yanking her hand away from him. Mina's brows raised." Sure." she turned to get a bottle and glass. Ken stroked a hand through Lita's hair, amused when she jerked away." Now are you going to treat me like this all day?" "I don't plan to be around you all day, so no." she snatched up the glass when Mina placed it before her, knocking it back in one gulp." Another." She set the glass down with a loud snap. "Lita, I can't help it if Serena wanted me to buy her a drink." When Mina put another vodka before her, he reached out and laid his hand over hers, keeping her from taking it. The sudden and instant heat was there, as well as the longing and desire that was building like a storm inside of him. "Its you I want. You know that." She wasn't used to such rage coursing through her, had never thought she would become so angry in just one instant when she had seen him and Serena together. It was slowly coming to her that she was acting like an unreasonably jealous bitch, but even than she couldn't help herself. She lifted her gaze to his, emerald clashing with gold." Take your hand off of me Ken." He didn't, not for a moment, both of them studying the other. He would have to get around this defense, but this wasn't the way." Were taking a walk when you finish that." He removed his hand. She merely downed the drink." Get me another Mina." She could feel the alcohol hitting her already. She hadn't eaten since early that morning and the effects of the alcohol were quickly taking effect. When Mina lifted the bottle to pour her another, he shot her one frigid look." That's enough. Were going for a walk." And gripping her by the arm, he turned and began dragging her from the pub. "Get your hands off me bastard!" everyone had stopped what they were doing to watch, curiosity peaked." Let me go!" Normally he was a man with several degrees of patience, but Lita was pushing the limit. He could feel his own rage boiling closely to the surface, making him a bit rough as he yanked her along with him. Just as they reached the door Raye planted herself in their path, hands on hips." Now Ken, be calm and let her go. She won't be too happy when you've taken her from here." He lifted his fury to her and Raye took a cautious step back." Get out of my way Raye." Swallowing visibly, she stepped aside, watching as he took Lita, shouting and thrashing, from the pub. He hauled her to his car, pushing her back against the side and trapping her there." Are you done with your tantrum?" Her eyes flared even more." Tantrum? I'll show you a tantrum you bastard!" "No you won't." He shook her sharply, but with enough force to have her mouth dropping open." Damn it Lita, you push me too far." "Ken-" "Shut up." The icy tone alerted her and she finally saw the banked fury in his eyes, his body coiled, as if preparing for an attack." I'm tired of you forever acting like a bitch. So its going to stop and right now." "Listen you son of a-" Because he could easily see himself strangling her, he instead crushed her lips beneath his to shut her up, taking her roughly and with the hunger of a dying man. Sensations swamped him at once, lust and love tangling together to make him become more demanding in his assault. One hand came up to fist in her hair, the other cupping her breast through the thick material of her turtleneck, his lips parting and forcing hers to follow. The taste was addicting, her taste. He didn't think he could ever get enough of her, his tongue dueling with hers in a mad war of desire and heat. She was vibrating against him, her hands fisted in his hair, her body arching as a moan for more was torn from deep within. Above them the darkening clouds that had moved over the land seemed to settle, to tremble, before a small drizzle of rain began to fall. Beneath them the earth groaned, shifted, and the rain above quickly turned into torrents that soaked them in seconds. Lightening smashed down to the earth, thunder following closely on its heels to rumble and roar in the black skies. But they felt nothing, heard nothing. The rain that pelted them went unnoticed, the only reason they knew in the struggle for more. His lips finally left hers to travel over her face, to her throat, ravenous in his pursuit. He was a man who had been denied for too long, a man broken free from his tether and desperate for what only she could provide. Breathing hard, struggling to come back to himself, he realized they were both soaked, the rain quickly turning into sleets of ice. Opening his car, he pushed her inside, going around and climbing in, slamming the door shut against the cold weather. For a time only their harsh, labored breaths could be heard, the thunder meaning nothing to them. He shut his eyes and calmed his racing heart, shocked with the ferocious hunger that had been unleashed from him. If not for the storm, he would have taken her against his car, in public, not even thinking twice for their surroundings. The idea appalled and worried him. Where was the control he had instilled into himself over the years? But even he knew everything, from the beginning, had been different with Lita. He turned to study her, admiring the beauty of her profile, the slope of her neck." Christ Jesus Lita, how I want you." Her eyes met his and he saw the same raw desire he felt reflected back." I've never wanted anyone like this before." She whispered it, the surprise in her tone pleasing him. "I'm not sure how I feel about that." He reached out and laced his fingers through hers, bringing her hand up to place a soft kiss on her knuckles, his eyes never leaving hers." Have dinner with me tonight." She rolled her eyes." Where? There aren't exactly dozens of restaurants here." He chuckled." Leave that to me." She eyed him, than slowly nodded." Sure, why the hell not? I have a feeling you'll harass me anyway if I don't agree." "You know me so well already." He took a moment to study her, his eyes turning to a dark, molten gold." I guess that walks out of the question now." She laughed, a deep, throaty sound that had his insides tightening with lust." Maybe we should go inside and finish our drinks." "It sounds like a great idea. I like watching you. Your not beautiful Lita," he said it as an observation, reaching out and brushing her hair back, fingering it, "Your more than beautiful. Exotic, enticing, a temptation I can't deny. Wild and mysterious too." Because he knew he was becoming a little too intense for her, he cleared his throat." Lets go finish that drink." They ran back to the pub, entering and sighing with gratitude when the warmth hit them. They were both freezing, beginning to shake with the cold, teeth chattering, when Raye came to them and took over. "Its glad I am that you two resolved your differences without killing the other." "She was captivated with my charm." He was rubbing Lita's arms briskly, eyeing the fire against the wall, crackling and welcoming to them." Lets go sit you by the fire darling." "That's a fine idea Ken, but lets go get you two out of your clothes first." Raye took Lita by the arm and signaled Jack forward." Jack, Ken's needing a change of clothes. Could you accommodate him while I'm helping Lita?" "I'll watch the lad." Jack admired her as she took Lita to the kitchen and through the doors, disappearing inside." Come on than, lets get you into something." "Jack, I need a favor." Ken followed him outside, ducking against the onslaught of rain, and down the street to the three story hotel. Jack took out an umbrella and covered them against most of it until they were safely inside. Ken silently admired the warmth, the welcome, and also quiet luxury the inn exuded. A small woman sat at the front desk, glasses perched on her nose, as she read a book before her, the ticking of the grandfather clock the only sound in the front entrance. "Interesting reading there, Mary?" Jack walked forward to the desk, smiling at the young girl when she greeted him with a grin. "Very much so Jack." She snapped the book shut." And here I thought you'd be staying at the pub to watch your wife a bit longer." Jack's answering laugh was quick and warm." I'm only here for a change of clothes. Than its back to watching my wife." He walked behind the desk and into an adjoining room, leaving Ken to stand alone outside." Oh aye, I almost forgot. Ken, Mary. Mary, Ken." Mary looked at him, and he watched as her eyes bugged before she quickly lowered them, her hands fumbling to take off her glasses." Hello there. I'm sorry I didn't take a notice to you before but."she bit her lip, obviously flustered. Flattered, he gave her a charming smile and had her blinking." I'm not a very noticeable man. Its easily understood why you didn't." "Oh no! That's not true one bit! You're a very-" "What was that favor you were wanting to ask me Ken?" Jack called out from inside, saving Mary just in time from making a fool of herself. "I want to make Lita dinner, but I can't cook. Can you recommend someone to help me?" Ken felt a bit guilty when Mary's face fell. "Does she know you're cooking it or is she believing your taking her to dinner?" Jack emerged with a fresh change of clothes, handing them to Ken and motioning for him to follow him to the restrooms. "She thinks I'm taking her to dinner, but my plan is for us to eat at my place. I want privacy and even a restaurant can be intrusive." "A good plan, that. Women love romantic dinners." Jack led him to a door next to the stairs, opening it and stepping back." Here now, change out of those wet clothes. As for the food..Raye's an excellent cook, though she refused the job of cooking for the pub when her father begged her to take it. We'll have a word with her when we've gotten back." "Thanks. Raye's mature enough to handle the entire thing without getting all female and fluttery." Ken spoke through the closed door and didn't see Jack roll his eyes in answer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "A dinner? A romantic dinner? Oh Ken, what a lovely idea! What woman could resist such a man?" Raye framed his face between her hands, leaning up to give him a quick kiss." Its lucky Lita is to have you." "Watch it." Jack watched the little scene as he leaned against the counter in the back of the kitchen of the pub, arms crossed over his chest." You know I'm a jealous man." Raye merely waved his teasing off." Its rare to find a man who has romance in his heart." She didn't miss Jack's raised brow." Oh you've plenty of it Jack, now hush. Lita will be taken with you, I'm thinking." Ken gave her a faint smile, his eyes looking over her head to glare at Jack." Mature, huh?" Jack shouted with laughter." The idea was yours and had no doing by me." "Now you're to keep her occupied for the day if this plans to work. I'll cook what I'm thinking and-" she turned to pin her husband with a single look." And Jack will prepare your home. Candles Jack, lots of them, with music, the c.d.'s I have in our collection at home, and don't forget to set the table." She released Ken to take out the pad and pen in her apron pocket, quickly jotting notes down." I'll bring the wine, but you have to make sure to set everything. Jack! Don't be making those faces when you think I'm not looking or I won't let you touch me tonight!" Ken roared with laughter when Jack immediately stopped, already beginning to beg his wife to have a little more pity on him. "I think you guys can take it from here. Thanks a lot, I'll owe you both." "Its no problem Ken. Jack, here's the list. Make sure you.." Ken left the kitchen, swinging through the doors and back out into the pub, chuckling under his breath at the misery that had been written clearly across Jack's face. He appreciated their help greatly, and was more relieved then they would ever know. He didn't know the first thing about cooking and was indebted to Raye for her help. He saw Lita speaking with Mina, Mina keeping her company as she type into her story once again. He hadn't asked her what this new horror novel was about, but decided that they would cover any areas that were in question that night. He approached the table, taking the chair next to Lita's and leaning over to give her a quick kiss before she could evade it." And what were you two ladies talking about?" Mina waited for Lita to respond, and when she didn't she smiled at him and spoke lightly." Girl talk. Sorry Ken, you'll just have to wander." The truth was that they had been speaking of the dreams they were having and what could be coming. Or least Mina had been talking and theorizing on it. Lita had merely sat and listened, not commenting. He grunted under his breath, shaking his head." I should have known. One of the major puzzles we men always try to solve." "And one you guys will never know." Mina could see Ken's eyes lingering over Lita and knew it was time for her to leave them." I'll go help Connor, looks like it might be getting busy." When she'd left Lita glanced up at him." You scared her away." "And here I thought it was the one sided conversation you two had been having." When she grinned, he reached out and took her hand, running his thumb along her soft skin." Tell me about yourself Lita." She wanted to snatch her hand away, but pride warred with the challenge in his eyes." What's to tell? I write murder and mayhem and make money for it. I'm twenty six, single, and rich." He studied her, and she grew restless under his stare." What?" "I knew all of that already. What I meant was tell me about your childhood, the years that molded you into the woman you are today." His thumb feathered back across the inside of her wrist and he felt the skitter of her pulse, pleased by her reaction to him. "You're a nosy man." "And persistent. Tell me." "Fine." She reached for her Guinness, drinking deeply from a throat gone dry." Just remember that you asked for it. My mom was a waitress, my dad a construction worker. We got by pretty well, lived in the suburbs all my childhood. I went to school nearby and got pretty good grades." She slid him a look, tickled by the mild curiosity in his eyes." Did I forget to mention my Dad was an alcoholic and beat my mother regularly? I don't remember having a day go by from the moment I was three that he didn't take a strap or his fists to her." She shrugged, but the casual manner in which she spoke cost her." My mom..she was weak. She loved my dad, and was also terrified of him. I think if it hadn't been for me she would have just given up and killed herself." When she fell silent Ken squeezed her hand, bringing it up to his lips." You love her." The anger she had buried so many years before was coming back, bubbling at the surface and threatening to spill over." Loved her Ken. She died from a massive beating my father gave her when I was eleven. Her body just..it gave out." The pity that was stirred in him came quickly, but he knew she wouldn't welcome it." And your father?" He felt her hand clench tightly around his." I stayed with him until I was fifteen, than ran away. I lived on the streets for a while, trafficking drugs and making some quick cash by stealing. I used to hot wire cars, break into houses, apartments, whatever interested me. I became a professional at what I did. I roamed the streets of Chicago for a while, then hopped a train and went up to New York. I could make cash pretty quick, but I could lose it just as fast too. The winters there were worse then Chicago's, and a couple of times I thought I would die from how cold my bones would go." Her eyes shadowed over with the memories, with the pain that had accompanied that part of her life." I remember I had just turned nineteen and had celebrated my birthday by shooting up. The high you get doesn't last forever, something I learned all too well, and I was running low on cash." She didn't realize she was holding onto his hand firmly, as if he was her anchor." It was snowing that day, cold as hell. I swear I couldn't feel my hands or my feet, and I was pretty surly because I was itching for a quick hit. Anyway, I was loitering around the bank when I scoped out this chick, looked about mid twenties, tall and slim, not skinny, but slim. She was wearing heels and a gown that looked like it had cost more then what I made in a month. I followed her for about a mile, until she turned into a dark alley, where I jumped her." The smile that came was soft in memory." Turns out the woman I thought was just some airhead knockout turned out to be a cop. She had me flat on my back in less then ten seconds." "She changed my life Ken. Instead of taking me downtown like she could have, she took me home with her and forced a bath and meal on me. The whole time I was looking around for something to take with me when I took off, but she just kept talking, telling me stories about her job and people she knew. She made me dinner, let me stay, and before I knew it I was living with her and working at the precinct." Her eyes were filled with love when she looked up at him, startling him." I worked the front desk, but it was something. I learned more in those years then I ever had. Ken she completely changed my life. I wasn't going anywhere, had even started using the drugs I dealt, when she found me." "I guess working with drug dealers, watching murderer's arrested, and seeing the lower form of men at that police station got me started on my way to writing murder. I'd always had a pretty good imagination and it kicked in at that point." Her mind misted over with memory, with times that had begun the change in her life." I was twenty and going to college. I started writing one day, typed like a maniac for days, until I was done. When it was finished I couldn't believe it had come out of me, that something that incredible and deep had come from ME. Jess read it too, but she didn't act shocked, didn't even blink. Although she did over some of the gory aspects in the story, she loved it." The pub could have disappeared for all the attention either of them paid it. More people had come in as time passed, families and friends sitting together to laugh and drink over a hot meal. But for them, time had ceased and stood still in the connection that arced and sizzled between them. She was quiet as the image of Jess's incredibly beautiful face came to her, of the grin that had spread and widened once she was done." I named it `Dangerous Liaisons' and it became my first published book." He had read it some time after it hit bookstands, and the depth and mystery that had wrapped around him and drew him in had shocked him." And Jess? What happened to her Lita?" A shutter came down over her face and her eyes shadowed." She died. One year after I published my first book she was killed in the line of duty. Stopping a drug store robbery at 2:46 am. She...she was only twenty eight." She shut her eyes and turned away, the pain as sharp as a knife." She changed my life, only to leave me alone again." "But she made you strong Lita, and she shaped you into the woman you are today." Overcome with tenderness, he brushed his lips over her cheek, cupping her chin in his hand and forcing her eyes back on his." And I bet that wherever she is, she's damn proud of you right now." Her smile was hesitant, her eyes damp with unshed tears." You think so?" "I know it." He studied her, angling his head when she sniffled." Now I wonder about something. Did you tell me all this to make me reconsider you?" Something flickered through her eyes, quick as a snake, but he saw it clearly. In the next moment she was composed, the tears dried." I told you because you asked. Remember?" He nodded slowly." So I did. But it's not going to make me turn my back on you Lita. Nothing will." He spoke with finality and she swallowed the fear that rose in her throat. If he hadn't been frightened by this, how could she ever manage to push him away? "That's your choice." She made sure her voice was cool, and disinterested." I hope your curiosity is satisfied now." "Not by a long shot, at least where you're concerned." He was intrigued by her eyes, by the glittering green that reminded him of the rolling hills just outside. And by the secrets he saw in them." I wonder what it is you're trying to keep from me Lita." She merely cocked a brow and took a sip from her Guinness, tapping her fingers on the table." I don't know what you're talking about." "I think you do." But because he could tell she wasn't about to tell him, he let it slide. For now." So what's the name of this latest murder mystery you're working on?" Her eyes drifted over her lab top screen." `Betrayals.' Can you guess what its about?" He frowned at the almost accusing tone her voice had taken on." Its always a pleasant, if not gory surprise of what's in your stories Lita. I have every book you've written in the past six years." She tried not to care, but was secretly pleased by his confession." It still shocks me to see my books on the New York Best Sellers list. They've made three into movies and are working on another one right now." She shook her head." I never would have guessed I'd be here ten years ago." "Life is full of shocking, if not delightful surprises." His eyes drifted over her shoulder to watch Raye approach them, a tray with two Guinness' in tow. "I've come to bring you more drinks." She placed them on the table and took their empty glasses." Are you having a pleasant time than?" Ken nodded." Just getting to know each other a little better." "That's a fine thing to do, a very fine thing." Raye winked at him, and mouthed the preparations for their dinner had been made." I'll leave you two to discuss what you will. Lita, you should shut down your lab top if you're not to be using it." With a secret grin to him, she turned and sauntered away. Lita eyed her, than turned her sharp gaze on him." Why do I feel as if there's something going on here?" He gave her an innocent smile." I don't know what you could be talking about." After leaving a few bills on the table, he rose and took her hand." Come on. Time for that dinner I promised you." Her suspicion grew as she followed Raye's advice and shut down the lab top, quickly putting it away in her backpack." Now? Neither of us have even gotten ready." "You look beautiful. Come on." Gripping her hand tightly in his, he pulled her through the crowded pub and outside into the night. The stars swam like beacons of light overhead, the night breeze icy and brutally cold, causing shivers of cold to race like spiders legs along their backs. But his hand was warm on hers, and strong. And watching his back as he led her to his car, she hoped she wasn't making the mistake of her life. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Stay tuned for Chapter 5 ~sailorperfect@yahoo.com |