Darque Wants (5 page)

“Where did you disappear to?” Mateo greeted her as soon as she got to the door.

“I just had to get Brodi out for a little. Dinner was great, right?” Amber tucked her hair behind her ear and then rubbed her shoulders as the night air started to descend on the Bay area.

“Are you cold?” Mateo looked at Amber and she smiled.

“I’m okay. I’ll probably be getting home soon, anyway. But it was really nice to meet you.” She felt a little tipsy from the wine, and she wondered if Mateo was as attracted to her as she was to him. He moved closer to her and then gently reached for her hand.

“Why don’t you let me walk you home?” He looked thoughtfully at her and then waited, hopeful that she would say yes.

Amber’s mind raced. What if he wanted to come inside? She had left a kitchen full of dishes in the sink since yesterday. What if he tried to kiss her? What if she said something dumb and he decided that he didn’t like her anymore? She tried to calm her thoughts and then took a deep breath.

“Sure.” She finally squeezed out her response and then walked back inside to say goodbye to Bethany and Tommy.

“Is he walking you home?” Bethany questioned Amber under her breath.

“Yep.” Amber smiled and then picked up her purse. She gave Bethany a hug and then waved goodbye to Tommy. Then she headed toward the door and let herself outside. Just as she was preparing to step down onto the driveway, Bethany hurried behind her. Mateo was still on the porch.

“Hey, if you start feeling upset about any of the visions again, just call me. I’ll come over. I just heard on the radio that Ginger is looking into all of the photography workshop participants as potential suspects. We’ll have to talk more about it tomorrow.” She nodded her head and then went back inside. Amber took a deep breath and then waited for Mateo to come down the steps.

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“Yes. Everything is fine.” Amber smiled and then started to walk slowly away from the house. The sun had settled beyond the valley and she gazed off in the distance.  She looked over at Mateo and wondered if she should reach for his hand. But he beat her to the punch.  

Without saying a word, Mateo placed her hand in his and they walked together along the dimly lit street. They walked slowly, absorbing the warm California air. “So where did you grow up?” Mateo asked.

“In the great wide world of Oklahoma.” Amber nodded her head and then laughed. “I actually really miss it there, believe it or not. I don’t think I’d necessarily want to live there again, but it is definitely one of those special places to me.” She tilted her head in thought and then looked up at Mateo. “What about you? Where did you grow up?”

“Washington D.C. I miss it all the time.” He chuckled and then looked at Amber. “It’s one of those places that you feel happy to get out of, but at the same time, miss every second that you’re away. What brought you to California?” Mateo didn’t know that he was opening up a potentially large can of worms, but Amber didn’t mind. She took one hard look at his face and something in her softened.  She wanted to let this man into her life, wanted to let the chips fall where they may. As the moon crept out from behind the tress, Amber Flint knew her life was about to change.

“I’m a visionary and a healer. And I know that Christopher Burton killed Jeffrey Holiday because I had a vision that showed me.” Amber couldn’t believe what she just blurted out of her mouth. She stood back and wondered what Mateo would say, and if he would think she was crazy.

His jaw dropped, but instead of saying anything he just looked at her. Then he narrowed his eyes and took her by the hand.

“Maybe we should go have a drink before walking you home.” He smiled and then chuckled. “I think that statement is worthy of a round. What do you say?”

“I couldn’t have come up with a better idea, myself.” Amber let out a sigh of relief. She felt like a weight had been lifted. She had no idea where she was going with her knowledge, but she knew that she was headed in the right direction.

Amber’s Curse, Amber’s Gift
Book 2

Angela Lansing

Copyright © 2016

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This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

DISCLAIMER

Please don’t be stupid and kill yourself. This book is a work of FICTION. Do not try any new sexual practice that you find in this book. It is fiction and not to be confused with reality. Neither the author nor the publisher or its associates assume any responsibility for any loss, injury, death or legal consequences resulting from acting on the contents in this book. Every character in this book is over 18 years of age. The author’s opinions are not to be construed as the opinions of the publisher. The material in this book is for entertainment purposes ONLY.  Enjoy.

*****

It wasn’t every day that Amber had the opportunity to spend time with someone that she was romantically interested in, so she tried to relish the moment.  In the past, she had only seemed to attract men that were too needy for her tastes.  They all wanted her to take care of them, to heal them, essentially, and Amber was weary of trying to fix broken lives as part of her role in the relationship.  She valued her life as a healer and as a visionary, but she wanted to create a relationship where both of these were respected as gifts, and not crutches, for whatever man she happened to be with at the time.  Amber sensed that with Mateo, she might have found her match. 

The shocking death of Jeffrey Holiday still had a hold on the Berkeley community.  It wasn’t often that a close-knit member of the town was murdered, so his death had come as a surprise.  Amber knew that Jeffrey was a prominent photographer, and that he often led workshops on the weekends.  When she started receiving visions that related to scenes from his death, it was both a surprise and a calling.  She knew that she could help. 

Mateo looked at Amber with a glint of curiosity in his eye.  “I’m really curious as to why you are so sure that Christopher is responsible for Jeffrey Holiday’s death.”  He walked slowly and looked intently at Amber, waiting for her reply.  She held Brodi’s leash loosely in her hand as they walked.

“I have a gift, Mateo.”  Amber said it as if that should explain everything.  Mateo’s expression remained unchanged. 

“What kind of gift?”  He looked at her and then looked up at the sky.  “The stars are popping out.  I used to go to a planetarium every week with my dad when he was still alive.  These California skies remind me of that.”  Amber smiled and wondered if Mateo’s father was as handsome as he was.

“I’m a healer.  I work with essential oils and crystals to give people energy readings, to help them find out what kind of blockages that are experiencing in their lives, and to help put them on the right path to bettering their health.”  She smiled when she explained her work.  It had been awhile since anyone had asked her about what she did for work.  Most people knew that she ran the dance studio, but fewer people were aware of her other talents.

“So, you’re being a healer…”  Mateo paused and tried to think of how he wanted to phrase his words.  “Does that all tie into your knowing that Christopher Burton is guilty?”  Mateo furrowed his brow and looked at Amber.  He exercised caution in his speech, much like he exercised caution in his romantic life. 

“Well, it’s all connected.”  Amber laughed lightly and looked up at the stars.  “But the visions are something that I can’t control, whereas the healing work is something that I actually study and advertise as part of my business.  Ever since Jeffrey’s murder, I’ve been receiving visions that show me specific scenes from the moments that led to his death.”  She wanted to hold Mateo’s hand, but fought the urge to touch him, still old-fashioned in her belief that a man should always make the first move.

“Do you get visions a lot?”  Mateo was genuinely interested in trying to understand who Amber was, and what made her gift so unique.  He was also innocently unaware of the stresses that her gift created in her life, and had no inkling as to what sort of physical reserves they drained from her.  She smiled at his blissful ignorance.

“I’ve gotten quite a few since this whole thing with Jeffrey Holiday started.  But usually, I’ll go through a long period of time where I don’t receive any.  I like it when it’s…quiet.”  She sighed and then tucked her hair behind her ear.  Mateo looked at her and then stopped walking.

“You don’t mind if I hold your hand, do you?”  He looked at her with a soft and open expression.  Amber smiled and got embarrassed.  Then she shrugged.

“Sure.”  She took his hand in hers and they strolled along on the sidewalk, both of them enjoying the conversation and the company.  Mateo was still intrigued and wanted to know more. 

“Have you been getting visions for a long time?”  He had never known anyone who had spiritual powers or unique healing abilities.  To him, hearing Amber’s stories made him realize that he was lucky to meet someone with such unconventional characteristics.

“Ever since I was little.  In fact, some of those older visions are still as vivid in my mind today as they were twenty years ago.”  Amber nodded her head softly, reminiscing about her mother’s humble attempts to maintain her only daughter’s normalcy.

“It must have been challenging as a little kid to have such…power.”  Mateo looked at Amber and decided that he was in the company of someone whose strengths were unlike any person he’d met before.  It made him feel significant, and he gave her hand a squeeze.

“It was challenging then, and it still is now.”  Amber shook her head and then looked at Mateo.  “Sometimes it can get pretty lonely.” 

Mateo stopped walking, still holding on to Amber’s hand.  “You know, if you ever feel like you need a shoulder to lean on, I’m here.”  Amber could tell that he really meant what he said, that he wasn’t just trying to be polite. 

“Thanks.”  She looked in Mateo’s warm eyes and smiled.  “To be honest, the only person who I confide in about all of this is Bethany.  I’ve always been really selective about who I share with.  But in a case like this, where the police are involved, it’s a little different.”  Mateo nodded, beginning to fully understand what it must be like to walk in her shoes.

Mateo fell silent for a few moments.  Amber could sense that he was deep in thought, but didn’t want to interrupt his train of thought.  Her house was coming up and as much as she was enjoying their walk, she was also looking forward to settling in for the night.  “You know, I was just thinking…”  Mateo piped up.  “If Christopher really is responsible for Jeffrey’s death, then that sure puts me in an awkward position.”  He shook his head, seemingly befuddled by the possibility.  Amber nodded her head in understanding.

“I can completely understand your feeling that way.  I mean, it is a very strange coincidence, since he is my business partner, and I can’t quite wrap my head around it yet.”  Mateo looked deep in thought again.  Amber noticed that his serious expression made him look more mature, less boyish.  “But regardless of his being guilty or not, if there’s anything I can do to help, will you let me know?” 

Amber nodded.  She already felt a growing connection between the two, and she wondered if by giving him more access into her life she would be setting herself up for heartache, or laying the foundation for something truly special.  “Thanks.  I appreciate it, Mateo.”  She liked the way that his name rolled effortlessly off her tongue.

“Well, should I try to help you in any specific kind of way?  As much as I’d prefer to remain neutral in this situation, I have a feeling that might not be an option.”  Mateo slid his hand sin his pockets and then looked affectionately at Amber.  “I mean, if I can help piece together an unsolved mystery, then by all means I’d like to have at it.”  He chuckled and then Amber looked at the yellow house with the black shutters.  She lived in the third house on the street..

“I think I might need to sit down for a second.”  Amber reached for Mateo’s arm and lightly held it as they made their way to the bench in front of her house.  A few neighborhood kids rode their bikes noisily up the street, but neither Amber nor Mateo seemed to notice. 

“Are you okay, Amber?”  Mateo guided her to the bench and then sat down beside her.  Brodi sat at her heels.    “Here, rest your head.”  He leaned closely to her so that she could rest her head on his shoulder.  Amber was quiet, and Mateo followed her lead in remaining silent.

She remained still, and then rubbed her forehead.  “I might be here for a little while.”  She whispered to Mateo and then the vision erupted in her mind, with no subtle beginning.  She immediately saw Christopher Burton and Jeffrey Holiday inside a dingy warehouse.  They were arguing back and forth, and for the first time in years, she could decipher the dialogue in the vision. 

“I’m telling you- there’s a map inside my studio, in the third drawer of the apothecary cabinet that’s in the corner.  Mateo keeps a bunch of hardware in it, but in the third drawer from the left, top row, there’s a map, folded up into the size of a square.”  Christopher gave Jeffrey specific directions while Jeffrey stood with his hands on his hips, shaking his head.  “I want you to go down to Big Sur and get it.” 

“No way.”  Jeffrey continues to shake his head and his face reddens with anger. “There’s no way I’m going down to that studio to root around in someone else’s stuff.  In fact…”  Just as Jeffrey is about to speak again, Christopher throws a punch square in Jeffrey’s face.  He gets an immediate nose-bleed and wipes off his face with the sleeve of his shirt, then storms out of the warehouse, slamming the doors behind him.

Amber felt a warm, firm hand on her shoulder.  She slowly opened her eyes and saw Mateo’s face, then clutched his hand and took a deep breath.  Mateo looked concerned.  “Are you okay?  You had your eyes closed for a good fifteen minutes.”  Mateo rubbed Amber’s shoulder and she loosened up a little. 

“I’m okay.  Thanks.  I’m just a little shook up.”  Amber ran her hands through her hair and then took a deep breath.  She stood up and Mateo held her by the arm since she appeared a little wobbly. 

“Why don’t we walk you inside?”  Mateo wanted to make sure that she could sit down and fully relax, so he guided her to the front door and Amber fished in her purse for her keys.  She unlocked the door, and then they both walked inside.  Standing in the foyer, Amber produced a nervous smile and looked at the staircase that led to her second floor bedroom. 

“My bedroom is just at the top of the steps.”  Amber pushed out a weak smile, and Mateo locked her arm under his.  They ascended the flight of stairs and then stood outside the door.  “Whew.”  Amber rubbed her brow, still dizzy and disoriented from the vision. Then she unlocked the door and motioned for Mateo to enter.

“Here.  Sit down.”  Mateo looked around for the first comfortable piece of furniture that he could spot in the unfamiliar home.  He saw her couch and lead her to it,  where she kicked off her shoes and plopped down, resting her head on a pillow.  “That’s better, right?”  He smiled and sat next to her, hoping that she was okay.

“Yes.  This is perfect.  Thanks, Mateo.  This is normal, by the way.  I get very dizzy and disoriented, but it passes.  When I had visions as a child, my mom used to have me sit on our couch and she’d bring me a glass of lemonade.  I actually try to remember to keep lemonade in the fridge as sort of a comfort drink for instances like this.”  She laughed to herself and then settled deeper into the couch.  “I’ll be completely fine in about five minutes.”  She closed her eyes and Mateo held her hand.

“Do you have lemonade in the fridge now?  I can get you a glass.”  He stood up and without waiting for her response, walked into her kitchen and opened the fridge.  A tall, glass pitcher of lemonade faced him.  He looked in the first cabinet he saw for a glass, and then poured her a drink from the pitcher.  As he walked back to the couch, he took time to notice her décor, her photos, and her plants.  She had a beautiful home, and even though it was small, it was nevertheless unique and beautiful in many ways.

“Mateo, you are very thoughtful.  Thanks.”  Amber smiled and graciously accepted the drink.  Then she sat forward, looking a little more coherent, and feeling much more grounded.  “You know, the visions I’ve been getting with this Jeffrey case…”  She paused and took another sip of her drink.  “They’re a lot more intense than some of the others I’ve had over the years.  It’s as if the energy is so compelling that the visions need me to speak for them. 

Mateo nodded, not exactly sure what she meant, but willing to try and understand where she was coming from.  “Maybe, since it was a murder, there are a lot of bad emotions surrounding all of it.”  He felt kind of silly after he made such an obvious statement, but Amber respected his attempt at contributing his thoughts.

“I think that sometimes, that is part of the reason, and other times, I think that this gift I have is just completely unpredictable.  It’s part of the reason that I became so interested in the healing arts.  I wanted to find a way to keep my physical essence in balance, because having too many visions at once could leave me excessively drained, and without much appetite.  After my first crystal healing workshop, I knew that I was meant to pursue that kind of work.  It just spoke to me, you know?”  She looked hopefully at Mateo and he smiled.

“It sounds like you had a good connection to your inner guide.  I find that admirable.  Most people just go through life never paying much attention to intuition.  You sound like the complete opposite.”  Mateo smiled and then looked around.  “You know, I saw that picture of you on the horse.  The one in the kitchen?  It brought back some good memories for me.  I used to ride a lot when I was a kid.  We lived on a farm and my mom was an equestrian.”  He nodded his head and reminisced. 

“Well maybe the two of us could go on a ride someday together.”  Amber batted her lashes and smiled.  “There’s a really great stable down the road from me, and they have amazing trails that lead right out form their barn.  That picture was taken on a ride that I took with Bethany a few years ago.”  Amber smiled fondly at the memory.

“Let’s do it.  It can be our fist date.”  Mateo moved closer to Amber and put his hand on her leg.  Then he gave it a little squeeze and she blushed.  It was so out of the ordinary for her to have someone in her apartment, especially a man that she was romantically interested in.  She wanted to savor the moment, and she hoped that Mateo felt the same way.