Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance) (10 page)

When Michelle had called earlier, he’d felt compelled to see to it that Jade wouldn’t overhear. Michelle was proving to be a little too hard to shake. He didn’t want to hurt her, but it was getting harder to make her understand that he just wasn’t interested in her. They were meeting tomorrow for lunch in a public place. He hoped that she’d take it better than he anticipated. She was a nice woman, but not for him.

* * * *

Jade didn’t feel much like eating when she got home. She was jumpy and uncomfortable. Sam’s kiss had shaken her to the soles of her feet. Desire, was that what she was feeling? She’d never known this feeling before. She relived the kiss over and over in her mind, but that just made her even more restless. Her heart throbbed in her chest, and she felt just a little nauseated. Food had no appeal. It was like all her appetites had focused on Sam. This was a hunger unlike any she’d ever known. Is this the kind of feeling that made women do crazy things? She didn’t like it. It complicated things. Jade wanted to keep her life simple, but being around Sam was obviously going to make that impossible.

A man like Sam Daniels was completely out of her league. She shuddered to think how her inexperience must have been evident in her kiss. No wonder he’d put a stop to it. She’d been wildly out of control. Had he wanted, he could have had her right there in the clinic. She’d been easy. Sexually, Jade knew she’d bore Sam in no time, and she couldn’t bear the thought of his gentle rejection. She never wanted Sam, oh God, Sam in particular, to look at her with pity. Jade knew he’d let her down gently, damn him. But the very thought of it made her cringe. He already found her a curiosity. Now she was working closely with him every day. She’d better get a handle on her reaction to him or she’d have to quit. And just how was she going to explain that? It wasn’t like she’d be able to avoid him. He was one of her closest friends here in New Crescent for heaven’s sake. The situation was impossible and proved more than she could handle at the moment.

She plopped down on her comfy couch and turned on the television, praying for a distraction. Rags and Basil curled up beside her. They understood what she was feeling, but could offer her no sage advice.

* * * *

Ernestine Sinclair sat by the window and looked out at the dark night sky. She didn’t want to accept it, but she feared she had no choice. Allan Simpson’s murder could very well have been her fault. She’d had no reason to think she’d made a bad judgment call until she learned of Allan’s fate. But for years there’d been nothing. She’d had no reason to question her decision. To her knowledge, he hadn’t broken a single one of her rules…yet

Age, is that what had clouded her judgment? Hubris? Ernestine feared she’d always suffered from that. Maybe she’d been a Guardian for too long and it was time to let the younger generation take over. Gillian and Reggie were in place. Their power was growing daily, but they were still so new to it. Ernestine had embraced her powers at the tender age of fourteen like most Guardians. She’d had years to hone her skills. Gillian had come from the outside world. She’d had difficulty accepting her abilities and was still learning how best to use them. Reggie was a descendant of Rebecca Goode. She was a member of one of the Old Families, but she too had just recently taken her place as Guardian. Realistically, Ernestine could not leave them to fend for themselves, especially now that this new danger posed such a threat to New Crescent and eventually the outside world.

She’d have to confront him, but would she know if he lied to her? Under normal circumstances, truth was instantly recognizable to her, but his kind was rare. Were they deceitful by nature? Not in her experience. She’d trusted his word in the past. Had she been a fool or was she mistaken? It was her duty to find out even if the answer frightened her.

When Jade arrived at the clinic the next morning, she was unsure what would greet her. Would Sam be provocative again or would he be business like? She’d had very little sleep and awakened with her nerves jumping, still edgy from the night before. If the gripping feeling in her chest didn’t ease, she’d end up having to seek medical attention. How would she explain the feeling to a medical professional? ‘This guy I’ve known forever makes my chest contract. Do they make an ointment for that?’ Her misery was interrupted by the man himself.

He greeted her briskly, business on his mind. “Morning, Jade. We have to get out to Tom Weatherby’s place right away. There’s something wrong with his dog.” As he pulled out supplies from the cupboard he explained what Tom had said when he’d called.

“Tom’s dog is a German Shepherd mix. He’s pretty big. This morning Gridlock, that’s the dog, won’t let Tom get near him, snarls whenever he’s approached. The cause is anyone’s guess at the moment. Weatherby takes painstakingly good care of Gridlock. This case is right up your alley.”

In his truck on the way, Jade asked Sam to explain to her what supplies he’d pulled together for this visit and why. She explained to him that she hoped to one day get to a point where she could stock his medical bag herself. They’d save time that way. While Sam talked to the client, he could indicate to her what they’d need in the way of supplies with a simple hand gesture. Sam liked her suggestion, and together they worked out a system to try out.

The Weatherby house was in town so the drive took about fifteen minutes. Finally, Sam pulled into the driveway of an attractive, well kept, Cape Cod style house. He knocked once and opened the door. Tom appeared in the hallway. Jade had seen him at the wedding, but they hadn’t met. Sam made the hasty introductions.

The niceties taken care of, Tom said, “This way. Gridlock’s in the spare room. He won’t let me near him and growls when I try to get close. He whimpers the rest of the time. There’s something really wrong.” Tom was an attractive man. Sam had told Jade that he was the principal at the New Crescent middle school. Right now, while worried about his dog, he looked frantic. His blond hair was still wet from his shower and was full and curly. He was the typical boy next door. Jade figured the town gossips could dine out on him weekly.

Sam opened the spare room door and was greeted with snarls and growls. He turned to look at Jade. She approached the room.

Tom interrupted them. “You’re not going to let her get near Gridlock, are you? He’s almost twice her size. He could eat her alive. What are you thinking, man?”

Jade walked toward Tom and stopped directly in front of him. With rare confidence, she looked up and smiled straight into his eyes. “It’s okay. I know what I’m doing. You should see me work with horses and they’re four times bigger than me.”

He looked unsure and glanced Sam’s way. Sam offered reassurance, “Trust us, Tom. I’d never let Jade do this if I wasn’t absolutely certain she was safe. Now step back and let her do her work.”

Jade stood in the doorway. Sam hadn’t lied when he’d said that Gridlock was a large dog. She slid to the floor and met the dog’s eyes steadily. He was in agony and was terrified by what was happening to him. In her own very unique way, Jade explained to him that she and Sam were there to help him. Gridlock was not a vicious dog by nature. His growling and snarling was just his way of indicating to Tom that his touch would cause agony. He needed help. Finally trusting Jade, the big dog lay down on his side and waited.

After a moment, Jade looked over her shoulder at Sam and Tom. “Gridlock has learned the painful truth that porcupines are not toys. He’s got it pretty bad. He’s hurting and doesn’t want anyone within ten feet of him, but it’s okay now, Sam, he understands what you’re here to do. He doesn’t like it, but knows he has no choice.”

Astonished, Tom said, “How did you—?”

Sam interrupted. “It’s a long story man…” He walked to the panting dog and knelt beside him, gently examining poor Gridlock. After a few moments, he said, “We’re going to have to take him back to the clinic. I’d like to put him under general anesthetic to take out the quills. It’ll be easier on him.”

Tom nodded. “Do whatever you have to.” He looked at Jade hopefully. “Can I touch him?”

She smiled and nodded. “Yeah. He understands. In fact, he’d appreciate your touch right about now, but stay away from his head or chest. That’ll make him nervous.” When Tom moved close to his dog, Jade put a hand on his arm. “He’s going to be okay. Sam’s just given him a mild sedative. He’s conscious, but without pain at the moment. ”

He was so grateful that after they’d got Gridlock settled comfortably in Sam’s truck, he hugged Jade. She hugged him back.

Sam cleared his throat interrupting the moment. “Tom, you can come to the clinic this afternoon if you want, but I’d like to keep Gridlock over night, okay?”

“Thank you. Thank you so much.”

* * * *

On the way back to the clinic, Jade said, “He’s a nice man. He certainly loves his dog. I like that.”

Sam didn’t turn to look at her. “He’s a widower.”

Jade frowned at him, “What’s that got to do with anything?”

“He liked you. He’s going to ask to see you again.” His tone was matter of fact, emotionless.

Jade ignored his tone and concentrated on his words. “How do you know that?”

Still he didn’t look at her when he shrugged. “I know the signs.”

She leaned back in her seat and considered what he’d said. Tom seemed like a good guy. Would she say yes if he did in fact, ask to see her again? Why the hell not? He might be just the distraction she needed.

The rest of their morning was spent working on Gridlock. Sam had a qualified veterinary assistant, but he asked Jade to stay with them as well. He was reluctant to put the dog too far under. General anesthetic could be dangerous, and he wanted Jade there just in case. When they were done, he asked her to sit with the dog, take his pulse and his temperature and make sure he regained consciousness.

“I’m sorry Jade. I have a lunch appointment and I’m late. If Gridlock is fine, feel free to take lunch whenever you want. Call me on my cell if you need me.” He began to walk away then turned back. “Oh and call me if you want me to bring you back something for lunch.”

* * * *

Gridlock came through the surgery just fine. She called Tom and left a message on his voice mail. She knew he’d be worried. Hanging up the phone, Jade’s stomach finally reminded her that she hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday. Relieved that her appetite was restored, Jade walked to her car with a light step. It was cold outside. It still hadn’t snowed, but today she could feel it in the air. The thought of snow brought with it images of Christmas. She’d enjoyed being with Chase and Reggie for Thanksgiving, but for Jade, nothing compared to Christmas. It thrilled her to be home in New Crescent for Christmas. Main Street had already been decked out with colored lights, and every shop had a festive display in the front window. She decided to make a dent in her Christmas shopping that evening if she wasn’t too exhausted after work. Maybe Reggie or Gillian would like to come with her. Shopping with a friend always helped her to figure out what they’d like as a gift. She smiled happily. This was going to be a wonderful Christmas. Jade was finally home. Her dreams had come true.

She was still smiling when she pulled up outside the diner. She looked forward to enjoying her lunch at the counter, surrounded by the friendly people of New Crescent, many she had only hazy memories of, but she’d managed to get reacquainted with some since she’d returned. It had been too long. She’d never felt uncomfortable dining alone in this diner. It was like home, a close friend’s kitchen. Jade nodded to the waitress as the door closed behind her. She looked over the spattering of diners and froze.

Michelle smiled and waved to her. Sam sat across from her. He looked over his shoulder and frowned. He didn’t look happy to see Jade, and she lost her appetite again. Michelle gestured to her to join them. Sam merely turned around. Unable to avoid it, Jade walked toward their table.

“Hi, Jade, it’s so nice to see you again. Congratulations on the new job.” She stroked Sam’s hand as it rested on the table next to his coffee cup. He took a drink. “I’m hoping that now you’re helping out, Sam will have more time for us.” She sent him a hot look, and Jade felt uncomfortable. She refused to look at Sam. He didn’t look happy to see her and that smarted. Jade directed her conversation at the friendly and immaculately dressed Michelle.

“It’s nice to see you too, Michelle. So far, I really like the job and if my presence can help free up some of Sam’s time then I’m happy to be there.” Jade stuffed her hands into the front pockets of her jeans and resisted the impulse to compare her attire to Michelle’s far more sophisticated outfit. In simple jeans and a Fight Against Poverty sweat shirt, there was no question Jade would come out the loser in that competition.

“Would you care to join us?” Michelle asked, completely at ease.

Jade shook her head. The idea of interrupting their intimate conversation made her feel ill. She smiled at the beautiful woman. “No, thanks. I’m just picking up something quick. I have errands to run before I go back to work. Sam? Gridlock came out of the anesthetic just fine.” She smiled and started to walk away saying, “It was nice to see you again Michelle. I’ll see you later.” Jade wasn’t hungry any more, but she could hardly walk out of the diner without ordering something, so she leaned on the counter and asked for curly fries and a ginger ale. She hoped the ginger ale might help to settle her stomach, but she knew there was no way she’d be able to eat the fries.