Troubled Waters (The Lake Trilogy, Book 2) (21 page)

“Are you mad at me?” I ask Furtick softly.

“Not entirely,” he answers curtly.

“Why not?” I thought for sure he would be.

“Because despite how asinine this idea is, I agree with you. Marcus isn’t a computer I can hack into, and he’s too unstable to respond to my other tactics. The only way we’re going to really know what’s going on is to get it directly from him,” he says, concentrating his eyes on the road. I smile just a little knowing that Furtick and I think the same way.

“But you are a little bit angry with me,” I say. I want to give him the opportunity to be honest with me. I’m hoping our past conversation gives him the confidence to be honest with me now.

“Yes,” he replies with the same curtness.

“Why?” I sound like a four-year-old.

Furtick is silent and unresponsive for a moment before his face softens and he answers. “Because I care about what happens to you, Layla. Marcus is unpredictable and I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you, especially on my watch.”

“Thank you, Wes.” I say nothing else knowing Furtick doesn’t like to get emotional. He’s let out enough already and I don’t want to make him uncomfortable by eliciting anything more. I know that he associates his protection of me to his own daughter. That’s not easy for him and I’m having pangs of regret that I’ve just done that to him, as well as Luke and Claire when they find out about this.

I have a pretty breezy morning in class as this is my light day, which is great since I haven’t been able to concentrate on anything but my meeting with Marcus. I’ve got English
201 and Sociology of the Family. My final for both classes is already done since all I had to do was write a topical paper for each. Finals are technically next week but my instructors allowed us to turn in our finals today if they were done. This is going to give me two days off next week and an early start to Christmas break. And while I’m flying high on that knowledge, I’m brought back to my own reality as I begin the walk across the quad to the coffee shop. I wonder how long Marcus has been there. I wonder if Finn has tried to kick him out.
I should have warned Finn.

Before I reach the coffee shop I get a call from Furtick. He’s never called before so I answer it immediately. “Hi,” I say tentatively. I’m a bit nervous as to what he’s going to say. Will he tell me to abort the mission, or give me some quick self-defense tips?

“I just wanted to check in with you before you walked into God knows what,” he says. It’s Wes, not Furtick. I appreciate the strong Furtick we have most of the time, but I am always pleased when I get even the smallest glimpse of Wes, my compassionate, loving bonus uncle.

“Oh…well…I’m good. I’m nervous, but I’m good. Where will you be?” I’m most nervous about not knowing where my protector will be hiding. He’s such a good shadow, but today I need to know where to look to find him.

“I’m already in the coffee shop, watching Marcus.” Furtick speaks softly. I don’t know why since the coffee shop usually is usually buzzing with noise.

“So he’s there,” I say. “How does he seem?”

“Like an over-confident sociopath.” Furtick’s delivery is quick and I’m not sure if it’s meant to be sardonic or if he’s serious.

“Ok, well…um…I’m approaching now. Wish me luck,” I stutter.

“You don’t need luck. You’ve got me.” Furtick’s confidence in his ability to protect me makes me well up with emotion. I remember days with Gram where I wished someone would come swooping in and shield me from her sharp words and cold passiveness.

“I know.” I smile and hope that Furtick can see me through a window, seeing how his presence makes me feel. I hope that he can experience some redemption knowing that I appreciate all that he’s doing for me.

With that we both hang up and I walk, slowing up the last few steps, and into the shop. Finn immediately calls out to me and I step up to the counter. Finn darts his eyes to his left to alert me to Marcus’ presence. I nod, but just slightly so as not to irritate anything in Marcus. I don’t want him to know or even think that I’ve discussed him with anyone. There are a dozen different scenarios that could play out if he did. Finn makes my chai tea latte, which is especially great since it’s pretty chilly outside, and I’ll have something to do with my hands while I sit with Marcus.

As I turn around from the counter I spot Furtick, and I’m at ease. I have to scold myself when I smile internally at his admittance of being ready to kill Marcus if he tries to hurt me. I take a deep breath as I look to my left and locate Marcus.

He smiles at me and I feel sad. There’s so much light in him that I can’t believe he’s letting this darkness consume him. I remember how he could make studying trigonometry kind of fun just by using a silly voice when he read the problems. I can still see that guy and I want so desperately to pull him out.

“Layla, it’s good to see you. You look lovely today,” Marcus says, standing as I reach the table. He seems so
him
in this moment. His eyes are kind and his expression is soft.

“Thank you, Marcus.” I sit down across from him. I put my backpack next to me on the chair and my drink on the table.

“As I said last night, I was pleasantly surprised to hear from you. I had assumed that you were not going to make me wait the whole three days, but I see you’re still wearing that,” he says pointing to my ring. And just like that, his kind eyes are replaced with disgust.

I ignore his comment and get right to my objective. “How
are
you, Marcus?” I ask.

“What do you mean?” he says, tilting his head, genuinely perplexed at my question.

“Well, I thought about some of the things you said to me the other day and I thought that maybe we could talk about them,” I say, not exactly sure where I’ll start, but hoping to open up our dialogue with him knowing that I care about his well-being.

“Walk with me.” This isn’t a question. Marcus stands, takes my books, and waits for me to join him.

“It’s cold outside. I really want to stay here,” I rebut.

“Walk with me,” he says throwing my backpack over his shoulder. His tone is stronger now and I can see I will not be given another opportunity to refuse him.

This is not part of the plan. I suppose we’ll be ok as long as we stay in the quad. It’s teaming with people and Furtick will be able to follow us without being obvious.
But what if we leave the quad?
No, no…that’s not going to happen. I’ll just keep us strolling in the quad. After thinking this through I stand and take my drink. As I follow Marcus to the door I give Furtick a quick look and he nods in recognition.

As we begin to walk, Marcus takes my free hand in his. It’s not an unfamiliar feeling as he did this any time we were in public together during our façade of a relationship. It reminds me of a time when Marcus’ heart hadn’t been infiltrated by the demon known as Gregory Meyer. I didn’t mind it then, but now my skin crawls at even the idea of being close to him. I’m not worried as we walk, though. I’m sure that’s because I know Wesley Furtick isn’t too far behind.

“What did you want to talk about, Layla?” he asks, finally breaking the silence.

“
Well, you gave me a lot of information when we talked. I guess the first thing I wanted to know is how you
really
feel about me. You told me that we were going to be together, but I never heard you tell me how you felt.” I’m hoping I can appeal to his heart. If I can reach in there, perhaps I can bring out the old Marcus.

“Isn’t it obvious?” He stops and turns our bodies to face each other, not letting go of my hand. He’s standing close and I’m barely able to squeak out a syllable.

“No.” I feel a surge of nervousness run through my body so much that the electric pulses even make my teeth hurt.

“I’m in love with you, Layla. I started falling for you that first day when we sat in the coffee shop. A bit poetic that we would meet in a coffee shop today, don’t you think?” His eyes are soft again and his words sincere.
He’s in there. The real Marcus is in there.

We begin to walk after a beat and I collect my thoughts and try to plan what to say next.

“Marcus, I’m concerned about you,” I say.

“What is there to be concerned about? I’m better now than I ever have been.” He is matter-of-fact in his delivery. Confident.

“Well, you say that you love me, but you’re trying to coerce me into a relationship with you. I don’t think that’s very loving.” I’m choosing my words as carefully as I can.

“I’m not coercing you, Layla. I’m reminding you of what you were afraid to admit because you felt you were tied to Will. I know you felt the same way about me – I could feel it when we were together. I can feel it now. I’m sure it was a confusing time: wanting to be with Will because he could give you any
thing
, but wanting me because of how you know I made you feel.”

“And what is it exactly that I was afraid to admit, Marcus?” My stomach is doing flips and I think I might throw up.

“You’re in love with me, Layla. I know you feel like you’re betraying some promise by saying it, so I won’t make you…not yet. I’m sure somewhere in your mind you think it’s too soon, but it’s not. It’s not because I know you didn’t
really
love Will.”
He’s delusional. He really believes that I’m in love with him.

“And so because I’m in love with you, and you’re in love with me, that makes me your possession?” I’m going back to his text, trying to understand someone who is losing his mind.

“Yes. Wouldn’t your aunt and uncle say the same about each other?” Marcus’ delivery is unnerving. He’s looking at me like I’m crazy for not understanding what he sees as basic truth.

“I suppose,” I say nervously. I don’t want to encourage him, but his statement isn’t completely off base. I would say wholeheartedly that I belong to Will, but that’s because I truly am in love with Will. “You haven’t told me what happens in three, well, two days now.”

“Well…I wanted it to be a surprise, but since you asked…we’re going away together,” he says smiling bigger than I’ve ever seen him smile. He’s almost giddy.

“What? Where?” I’m officially freaking out on the inside now.

“It’s a bed and breakfast in the mountains, not far from Davidson actually. It’s beautiful and you’re going to love it.” He’s so pleased with himself, like he’s just hit a homerun in the game of romance. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. I barely want to be here with him right now, let alone go anywhere with him!

“Shouldn’t you have asked me about that first, Marcus?” My nervousness is coming through in my voice now. Marcus can tell I’m uneasy and he’s become offended.

“I was being romantic.” His demeanor has turned agitated. I’ve definitely not said the right thing and he’s starting to squeeze my hand. “You know, you could show a little appreciation. Will never did anything like that for you. He couldn’t because you two couldn’t even be in public together. But I can. I can because I can give you everything that Will did and more.” He’s snowballing and I’m getting scared. I don’t know where Furtick is and I don’t know how to signal him.

“It’s a very romantic gesture, Marcus. I just don’t think my uncle and aunt are going to be ok with letting me go,” I say, trying to provide a reasonable excuse while brightening my tone. I’m certainly not going to get into the lack of physical relationship Will and I had. I’m confident he’d read it as I was saving myself for him.

“You’re a grown woman, Layla. You don’t need their permission.” Marcus’ pace begins to quicken and I’m doing my best to keep up. Clearly Furtick can see that I’m trailing behind a bit and in need of his intervention.
Will he take the shot?

“Where are we going, Marcus?” We’re heading toward the corridor that leads to the north parking lot.
Where is Furtick?
The quad is teaming with people – too many for him to take the shot.

“Perhaps a preview of what’s to come will help,” he answers curtly with a smile.

“That sounds lovely, but doesn’t tell me where we’re going right now,” I say in between catching my breath. He’s walking fast now, but my legs are moving closer to a run.

“Well, when I got your text I knew you weren’t going to make me wait, so I’ve got something special planned for us today.” We stop when we reach his car. Not the crappy hatch back he had in Davidson. A black Prius, just like Will’s. He presses my back against the passenger side back door and leans in closely. I can feel his breath on my face and my lip quivers as nerves take over completely. “You’re going to love my new place.”

Before I know it Marcus is putting me into the passenger seat of his car. “Seat belt,” he says in a soft directive. When I don’t respond quickly enough he pulls the seat belt out and I take it from him. He’s still agitated by my comments. Only when I’m fully buckled does he close the door.
Get out, Layla! Now, while he’s circling the car!
I scream to myself. But I don’t move. Even if I did scamper from the car, he’s just going to chase me. I can make this harder or easier. The easier, compliant way will hopefully yield me some answers and in turn help Marcus.

Sorry, Furtick
, I think. I’m sure he’s cursing me to high heaven right now. I wonder where he is but remember that Cline put a tracker on Marcus’ car so I feel a bit of comfort in knowing that I won’t be completely MIA. And as I recall, Cline also bugged the car so I know I should get Marcus talking.