Ever, Sarah (22 page)

I looked at him questioningly, and he jumped back into the story, full steam ahead.

“You would meet me in your office in the morning, then it was twice a day. We fell in love. It wasn’t our intention. Of course I wanted you more than air, but you were hesitant. You were afraid. Always looking over your shoulder.

We met at my apartment as well. You’d tell him you were going shopping, or visiting your friends when the whole time we were… um. It wasn’t long after, when you confided in me and told me you loved me. That was when we began discussing how you would end your engagement. We both agreed it would be best if you left him and moved in with me, where I could protect you.”

My head was spinning. I couldn’t believe that I was ‘plotting’ to leave Brad. I couldn’t believe Brad was so controlling that I actually feared him. But I didn’t remember anything. I just had that familiar feeling that I was afraid of someone.

“I was planning on leaving Brad?”

“Yes. You had packed the day before and instructed me to take your things to my house. You told me your mother wouldn’t understand you leaving a man with Brad Hunter’s wealth and social status.”

I couldn’t believe I actually thought that way about my mother. She was…seemed so caring and wonderful. Surely she would understand if my feelings for Brad had changed and I was fearful of him.

“We decided the best course of action was for you to go to work…here the next day and we would leave in the middle of the afternoon. You would call Brad, when you were at my apartment and tell him that you were no longer in love with him and wanted to end your relationship. I was so excited to be beginning our new life, and so…so were you.”

“Well, what happened?” I was totally engulfed in the story he was telling me. It seemed so unlikely, but at the same time would explain some things…feelings I’d been experiencing of late.

“You never showed up to work the next day. When I called your office, I was informed you were in an accident. I pressed Lena for more details, but she was reluctant. I think she was also afraid of Brad.”

‘She’s on leave…full pay of course.’ But was she, or did something else happen?

“I kept calling back until she finally told me that she’d heard you fell down the stairs and was in the hospital, in a coma. A fucking coma!” His neck muscles tensed into cords and I could see anger replace the warmth in his eyes. “I was so angry. So confused. I felt guilty.”

“Yes, I was hurt. Guilty, why would you feel guilty?”

“I thought maybe he found out about us. Found out that you were planning on leaving him.”

I looked at his vacant stare and felt sick to my stomach.

“I spent several weeks in the hospital how come you...”

“I know. I tried to visit you, but was informed only family members were allowed to see you. That’s when I
knew
Brad had something to do with your being there. He must have had you followed or something and knew of our plans, although I can’t figure out how. You were very careful. He instructed the staff at the hospital that I was not allowed in to see you, or to visit you.”

“I have no memory of you. I have no memory of my life. All I have now are small flashes. Like millisecond visions that would come and go so quickly.”

It was the strangest thing, but I think I actually saw him smile. I could be wrong. I was very confused right now.

“Well, doesn’t that seem a little coincidental? You were meeting me the next day to leave him and the night before you ‘fall’ down the stairs.” The way he said ‘fall’ made my head spin.

“You can’t possibly think I was pushed.” My whole body shuddered. “Brad couldn’t…he’d never.” I had to stop. I felt a coldness creep into my chest and wrap its fingers around my heart.

“Well, nothing was ever proven.” He looked at me again, fire blazing behind his eyes, “There was an investigation. He called the police to cover his ass. I’m sure his money bought him the results he needed.”

“Are you saying Brad bribed a law officer?” I stood, my hand released the vice like grip I had on phone in my pocket. “You really think he pushed me don’t you?”

My stomach churned. I felt sick and I suddenly knew I was about to vomit. I quickly scanned the immediate area for a place that wasn’t so public and with my hand over my mouth ran to the side of the building, on 48h Street, and cowered in a small corner. Giving up all I had this morning and more. My head was pounding, my heart racing. Could this man be telling the truth? Did Brad try to kill me? Could this be happening? Why can’t I remember anything?

I slowly stood to find the ‘man with the story’ standing right behind me. He held his hand out offering me a wad of napkins and I took them wiping my forehead and my mouth. My legs threatened to buckle underneath me and I was trembling from head to foot. I leaned on the building for support and raised my eyes until they locked with his.

“You know my name, and I don’t know…remember yours.”

“Kevin. Kevin O’Shea.”

“Well, Kevin.” The name didn’t ring any bells, but that was one hell of a story. “Is there any way? Umm. Can you prove any of what you are saying to me?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

“I have things… I have
your
things. The suitcase you packed, personal things.”

He waited a moment for that piece of information to sink in.

“If you can meet me here tomorrow, I’ll take you…we’ll go to my home and I’ll show you everything.”

“I don’t know that I could get away without Brad knowing.”

“Seems like nothing’s changed. He still has you afraid to leave the house.”

“I’m not afraid. I just don’t know how to get around.” I was angry at his implication that I was some stupid, weak woman, who was so frightened that I couldn’t function. I just don’t remember. “I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to get into the city.”

“Here. He quickly wrote down a number. This is my number. Put it somewhere safe, where he won’t find it and when he leaves tomorrow, call me and I’ll come get you.” He handed me a business card with a number written on the back.

“How do I know what you say is true? How do I know I could trust you?”

“Sarah, sweetheart. I will prove it to you tomorrow. You have my word as a gentleman.”

“I have to go. I have to think. This is a lot, too much. My head is spinning.” I was still trembling violently, unsure how I was even speaking at this point.

“I understand. Calm down. Try to calm down. Think about it tonight. I’m hopeful something will come to you.”

“I need to go now.” I looked at the cell phone Brad gave me. Two hours had gone by and he would be looking for me soon. “I will think about it.”

“Promise me you’ll call.”

“I can’t promise. I’m so confused.”  I was teetering on the verge of hysteria and he saw it. “You need to give me time…and space.”

“Okay. Please calm down. We don’t want Brad to become suspicious.” He squeezed my hand and leaned in close. So close his lips grazed my ear. “I love you Sarah. I love you so much, and I thank God that you’re alive. I will protect you. I promise to take care of you. No one will ever hurt you again.”

“Goodbye.” I whispered and walked quickly towards the entrance to the building.

What can go wrong indeed?

Chapter Seventeen

When I finally stepped off the elevator and walked into Brad’s office suite I was both mentally and physically exhausted. I was met by a barrage of people who rushed to greet me, all strangers. They knew exactly who I was and I didn’t recognize a soul. I was still reeling from the story I’d just been told by Kevin. My stomach was still a bit queasy and I’m sure I looked green. 

I was led into Brad’s office by his assistant Charlene, a very pretty blonde, about my age. Brad was on a phone call, but immediately looked up and smiled. He raised one finger indicating he’d be off the phone shortly and I looked to Charlene for direction. She smiled and pointed to the sitting area.

I quietly thanked her and made my way over to the couch.

“…I expect that and more…make sure you keep me up. I need this project completed on schedule…You understand me?” He hung up the phone and walked over to where I was sitting.

“Did you have a nice time?” He smiled and I tried hard to see the monster behind the eyes. Either he was very good at concealing that part of himself, or he knew I was unable to remember
that
Brad. Or it may just be I’m totally crazy and I just met someone crazier than myself. Too many ‘whys’ were floating around inside my head. Why would Brad hurt me? Why don’t I remember anything? Was Kevin telling the truth?

In any case, the room was spinning and I was still incredibly nauseous.

“Um, I don’t know that nice is the right word.”

“Oh?” He seemed concerned and sat next to me. “I’ve missed you” He took my hand in his and brought it to his lips. “Sarah. Why are you trembling?”

I pulled my hand back and clasped them both together resting them on my lap.

“I just think it was too much, too soon.”

“Are you feeling alright?” The concern in his voice was evident, or was he just really good at faking it.

“Would it be okay if we skipped lunch, I’m really not feeling well. I’m tired.”

“Of course.” He stood and walked over to his desk. He pressed a button.

“Yes Mr. Hunter?” Charlene’s voice came through the speaker clearly; she sounded totally professional.

“Have Jay bring the car out front.”

“Of course, right away.”

He walked into the room behind his desk and came out with a cup filled with water.

“Here, drink this.”

I took the glass and drank it down quickly, the coolness of the water made me feel a little better.

“Thank you.”

“I’m sorry. It was selfish of me to ask you to come today. I was afraid it might be too much for you, but I just like having you near me.” He pulled me to him and I stiffened. I felt his body tense and I knew our newly formed dynamic had changed forever. Everything was different.

Could it be possible he did this to me? Was he hell bent on controlling me to the extent that he would try to kill me if I tried to leave him? I had no way of knowing if any of this was true. I would have to rely on my instincts. I just prayed the instincts I had were sharp enough.

The ride home was quiet. I leaned my head against the back seat and closed my eyes, effectively ending any conversation about my day, which by anyone’s definition was horrific. I wasn’t feigning the throbbing headache, I was now suffering. I did, however, feel emotionally spent and physically exhausted.

When we arrived back at the house, I told Brad I needed to lie down for a while. He handed me two pills and a glass of water.

“Drink up. Doctor’s orders.”

I took the pills and swallowed them. Realizing after I’d taken them, it was too late to protest. I would have to get through whatever mind-altering effects they may cause. Or was I just being overly paranoid now? I hated that I had no way of knowing for sure, but from here going forward, I had to be more vigilant. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry in the future.

“I’ll see you later then?” I asked, trying to gauge his mood.

“Of course, get some rest. I’m sorry if it were too much today. I had hoped that you would remember something. Although, I have to admit, I like spending time with you the way we used to. I miss traveling with you. So the trip today was, in part, somewhat my fault.”

He made it sound so sincere. And if you thought about it, why would he want me to remember…especially if he was responsible. STOP SARAH, STOP.

I’m beginning to despise the word why.

“I’m the one who insisted…after.” I was struck with the thought that I was frightened to the extent that I insisted on going with Brad into Manhattan. I’m the one who had a dream so violent that I physically struck back. I scratched the evil person in my dream, and now Brad’s face is scratched. “I didn’t want to be left home alone.” I said without emotion.

“If I were smart, and thought about your welfare, I would have insisted you stay home.”

“I guess my body is just not ready to be so physically active.”

“Go lay down, rest. I’ll let you know when supper is ready.”

“Thank you.” I turned and walked out of the kitchen and slowly made my way up the stairs.

My brain was scrambling, trying to put the pieces of this puzzle together in the hopes of getting a glimpse of the bigger picture. I always hated puzzles, but at least with a puzzle there was a picture on the box to follow, a pattern, colors…something.

Here…me…there was nothing. I had no reference to draw from. All I had was a string of strange flashes, nanoseconds of time telling me I remembered a sound, a taste, a word.

I wasn’t even sure they were my memories, or I was just so hopeful that I was finding my way back I read it all wrong.

The weird feeling of someone waiting behind the door, lurking, the horrible dream of falling, the man’s face scratched;
Brad’s face scratched
. When I walked into the bedroom, I locked the door behind me. Feeling a little comforted knowing no one can enter without me knowing. I walked over to the bed and flopped down. I don’t think it took two minutes to fall deep asleep.